Electrochromic Window Controller UPS Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
During power outages, optically switchable windows, such as electrochromic windows, lose their tint due to current leakage, leading to comfort issues as they cannot maintain their optical state without power, and backup systems like UPSs can quickly deplete energy if they continue to operate normally.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a window controller system that integrates feedback from uninterruptable power supplies (UPSs) to make tint decisions, reducing power usage by determining new tinting instructions based on available power, and using reduced power operations to extend the life of energy resources, ensuring comfort and safety for occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the EC windows continue to run under normal operation during a power outage, then the windows can maintain their tinting function, but the UPS energy store is quickly depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing power to only certain critical EC windows during a power outage rather than all windows. The system identifies and prioritizes windows in zones where occupants are present or where tinting is most critical for comfort or safety, thereby reducing overall power consumption from the UPS while maintaining essential functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality by differentiating between critical and non-critical windows based on zone occupancy and environmental conditions. Power is selectively applied to windows in occupied zones or those facing direct sunlight, while windows in unoccupied zones are allowed to float or clear, optimizing the balance between comfort and energy conservation.
2Loss of energy
If the window controller loses power during a power outage, then the system saves energy, but the occupants lose the ability to control their EC windows for comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically monitoring zone occupancy and environmental conditions to make intelligent decisions about which windows to power during outages. The controller autonomously determines which windows require power based on sensor data without requiring manual input from occupants, thereby conserving energy while maintaining comfort in occupied zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from occupancy sensors and environmental sensors to dynamically adjust window power states during outages. The controller continuously monitors zone conditions and adjusts tinting decisions based on real-time data, ensuring that windows in occupied or critical zones receive power while minimizing overall energy consumption.
3Loss of energy
If the EC windows float and lose tint during a power outage, then the system conserves energy, but solar radiation and heat penetrate the rooms causing uncomfortable temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by maintaining the tinted state of EC windows in occupied zones before and during power outages. By keeping these windows tinted through selective power supply from the UPS, the system prevents solar heat gain before it occurs, thereby maintaining comfortable temperatures without requiring additional cooling energy during the outage.
4Loss of energy
If the EC windows slowly lose their tint during a cold sunny power outage, then the system conserves energy, but the tinted windows block solar radiation preventing heat harvesting
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by adaptively adjusting window tinting decisions based on real-time environmental conditions and zone occupancy. During cold sunny outages, the controller dynamically determines whether to maintain or clear windows based on whether the zone is occupied and whether heat harvesting or solar blocking is more beneficial, optimizing the balance between energy conservation and thermal comfort.
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
The system effectively manages optically switchable windows during power interruptions by conserving energy, maintaining comfort and safety for occupants by optimizing tinting decisions based on available power, thereby extending the life of energy resources and reducing the strain on backup systems.
Implementation Method 1
In an EC window, for example, voltage/current must be applied to the transparent conductive sheets sandwiching an optically active layer to change the EC window from a bleached state to a tinted state.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments are directed to control methods, window controllers, and uninterruptible power supplies for determining tinting instructions for optically switchable windows to reduce power usage at a site during a reduced power event. In some cases, reduced power operations are initiated by a window controller upon receipt of a trigger signal from an uninterruptible power supply sent when it detects a power loss. In some cases, tinting instructions are based on the remaining charge left on the uninterruptible power supply. In some cases, reduced power operations are delayed for a period of time.