Electrochromic Window Commissioning via Signal-Based Controller Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices, particularly electrochromic windows, have not realized their full commercial potential due to various challenges and have not been effectively integrated into smart building management systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and control system for determining associations between optically switchable windows and their associated window controllers in a network, involving perturbation of windows to generate signals, signal propagation, and identification through memory chips, bus bars, and antennas to establish associations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrochromic windows are integrated into building management systems, then energy-saving capabilities and control efficiency are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of integration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing commissioning procedures before the electrochromic window system is fully deployed. During commissioning, unique identifiers are assigned to windows and controllers, communication pathways are established, and associations are determined through signal propagation tests. This preliminary setup ensures that when the system is later integrated into building management, all necessary connections and identifications are already in place, reducing integration complexity while maximizing energy-saving capabilities.
2Reliability
If unique identification and association between windows and controllers is established, then control precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and commissioning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the window and controller systems to automatically determine their associations through a commissioning process. Unique identifiers are embedded in memory chips within both windows and controllers. During commissioning, signals are propagated through the system and detected, allowing the system to automatically map which controllers belong to which windows based on signal propagation patterns. This self-organizing approach eliminates the need for manual configuration while ensuring reliable associations, and the complexity is contained within the commissioning phase rather than ongoing operation.
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
Enables efficient integration of electrochromic windows into building management systems, facilitating their use as energy-saving devices by accurately associating windows with their controllers, enhancing control and energy management capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
causing a pressure change in one or more component of the optically switchable window, causing vibrations in one or more component of the optically switchable window
Implementation Method 2
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in an optical property when placed in a different electronic state, typically by being subjected to a voltage change
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments herein relate to methods, controllers, and control systems for commissioning a network of electrochromic windows. Such commissioning methods can involve perturbing a window (e.g., externally or internally), thereby causing the window to generate or receive a signal. This signal can be converted to an electrical signal, if needed. The signal is then propagated from the window that is perturbed, through its associated window controller, and onto an upstream portion of the control system for the network. The association between the window that is perturbed and its associated window controller can then be determined based on, e.g., which window is perturbed and which window controller propagates the signal. Many types of perturbations and signals can be used.