Electrochromic Panel Tint Coordination Using Device Transfer Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic panels of different sizes, chemistry, or age respond differently to identical driving conditions, leading to inconsistent tint levels and rates of change, making it challenging to coordinate tint or transmissivity across multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A control system that utilizes transfer functions specific to each electrochromic device to coordinate tint levels and rates of change, ensuring uniformity across multiple devices by adjusting the drive parameters based on individual device characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple electrochromic devices are driven with identical control signals, then the control system is simple, but the tint levels and rates of change differ across devices due to variations in size, chemistry, and age
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by developing and applying unique transfer functions for each electrochromic device. These transfer functions characterize the specific relationship between drive current and tint level for each device, accounting for variations in size, chemistry, and age. The control system uses these customized parameters to achieve consistent tint levels across all devices without requiring complex hardware modifications.
2Manufacturing precision
If transfer functions are developed for each electrochromic device to coordinate tint levels, then tint level consistency is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating mathematical models (transfer functions) that represent each device's behavior. Instead of physically modifying each device or using complex control hardware, the system creates software copies of the device characteristics through these transfer functions. This allows the control system to predict and coordinate tint levels across multiple devices using computational models rather than physical adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling tint for a plurality of electrochromic devices, performed by a control system, is provided. The method includes receiving a request to change tint level of a plurality of electrochromic devices, and consulting transfer functions for tint level relative to drive for each of the plurality of electrochromic devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrochromic devices has a transfer function differing from at least one other of the plurality of electrochromic devices. The method includes driving each of the plurality of electrochromic devices in accordance with the transfer functions, so as to coordinate tint level or rate of change of tint level across the plurality of electrochromic devices.