Electrochromic Device Self-Commissioning via Electrical Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and commissioning of electrochromic devices are costly and time-consuming due to the use of expensive identification tags, which provide generic operating information that does not account for unique characteristics of individual devices, leading to inefficiencies in tinting and operation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a logic device to determine the exact operating conditions of electrochromic devices by applying a voltage and measuring the resulting current, allowing for individual adjustment and operation based on unique characteristics, such as ionic resistance and capacitance, without the need for identification tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If identification tags are used to provide operating information for electrochromic devices, then device identification and basic commissioning are enabled, but commissioning time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic device automatically determines its own operating conditions by measuring electrical characteristics (ionic resistance, capacitance) through integrated electrodes and control circuitry, eliminating the need for external identification tags and manual commissioning procedures. The device self-configures by comparing measured values against stored reference data to identify its location and operational parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical identification tag system with an electrical measurement system. Instead of using physical tags that require manual reading and data entry, the system uses electrical measurements (applying voltages and measuring currents) to automatically determine device operating conditions and identify the device, substituting a faster electronic process for a slower manual process.
2Ease of operation
If generic operating information from identification tags is used, then device operation is enabled, but tint fidelity and uniformity deteriorate due to lack of individual device characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining specific operating conditions for each individual electrochromic device based on its unique electrical characteristics. Instead of using generic operating parameters for all devices, the system measures ionic resistance and capacitance values specific to each device's location and construction, then uses these localized measurements to optimize tinting performance for that specific device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (voltage, current, timing) based on measured electrical characteristics of each device. By measuring ionic resistance and capacitance, the system dynamically adjusts operating parameters to achieve optimal tint fidelity and uniformity for each specific device configuration, rather than using fixed generic parameters.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual device characteristics are measured and used for operation, then tint fidelity and uniformity improve, but device complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry serves multiple functions: it applies test voltages to measure electrical characteristics, controls the electrochromic switching layers, manages power consumption, and stores reference data for device identification. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating measurement and control operations into a single integrated circuit rather than requiring separate dedicated measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the electrochromic device's own electrodes and ion-conductive layer as intermediaries for measurement. The same conductive elements that control the electrochromic function also serve as measurement probes, eliminating the need for separate measurement electrodes or external measurement equipment. The control circuitry communicates with the device through standard electrical connections already present in the system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces commissioning time and improves tint fidelity and uniformity by accurately determining and adjusting to the specific operating conditions of each device, achieving faster and more precise tint state changes.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromic devices are frequently used to provide selective variable shading
Implementation Method 2
determining an exact operating condition of the electrochromic device from the received current
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an electrochromic device comprising: coupling a logic device to the electrochromic device; applying a voltage to the electrochromic device; receiving a current from the electrochromic device in response to the provided voltage; and with the logic device, determining an exact operating condition of the electrochromic device from the received current. A method of operating a plurality of electrochromic devices comprising: adjusting a frequency of voltage applied to the plurality of electrochromic devices, wherein each of the plurality of electrochromic devices is adjusted by a different frequency; measuring a duration of time required to change tint states of each of the electrochromic devices; and identifying a location of each of the plurality of electrochromic devices in response to the measured duration of time required to change the tint states of each of the electrochromic device.