Electrochromic Window Power Network Layout for Scalable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing networks of electrochromic windows in buildings is challenging due to power delivery limitations, cabling complexity, and the need for specialized labor, making it difficult to add additional windows and increasing installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution network design using class 1 or class 2 circuits, with upstream and downstream components, including trunk lines, drop lines, and remote power panels, reduces cabling and installation complexity, allowing for flexible and efficient power delivery to multiple electrochromic windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power distribution methods are used for electrochromic windows, then power delivery is achieved, but cabling complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution network is segmented into class 1 and class 2 circuits, with upstream components providing power to downstream components through hierarchical levels. This segmentation allows complex power delivery requirements to be broken into manageable segments, reducing overall cabling complexity while maintaining reliable power distribution to multiple electrochromic windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate power distribution components (such as power distribution units and control panels) that act as mediators between the main power source and individual electrochromic windows. These intermediaries consolidate power distribution paths, reducing the need for direct cabling from the main source to each window, thereby simplifying the overall cabling architecture.
2Ease of operation
If traditional installation methods are used for electrochromic window networks, then windows can be installed, but installation time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution network is designed with pre-configured upstream and downstream components that can be installed and tested independently before final window installation. Control panels and power distribution units are prepared in advance with appropriate circuit configurations, allowing for faster integration when electrochromic windows are installed, thereby reducing overall installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic power distribution capabilities where the system can adapt power delivery based on real-time requirements of connected electrochromic windows. This dynamic approach allows for flexible installation sequences and enables incremental addition of windows without requiring complete system reconfiguration, significantly reducing installation time and labor requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional electrochromic windows are added to the network, then window coverage increases, but installation costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution network is designed with universal upstream and downstream components that can serve multiple electrochromic windows through standardized interfaces and configurations. Class 1 and class 2 circuits are designed to support multiple loads, allowing additional windows to be integrated into existing network segments without requiring dedicated infrastructure for each window, thereby maintaining installation simplicity while expanding coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where smaller power distribution units are nested within larger network segments. This allows additional electrochromic windows to be added by nesting them into existing circuit segments or by adding new nested segments, rather than requiring complete system redesign. The nested architecture maintains manageable complexity while enabling scalable network expansion.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and maintaining a power distribution network of optically switchable windows of a site, the system comprising a control panel monitor configured to cause: determining a control panel voltage and current at a terminal of a control panel; sense circuitry configured to cause: determining a first window controller voltage and current for a first window controller of a plurality of window controllers; and one or more controllers configured to cause: generating voltage network data based on a combination of the control panel voltage and current and the first window controller voltage and current, and determining an error condition in the power distribution network based on the voltage network data.