Electrochromic Window Group Control for Dynamic Tenancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems (BMS) do not effectively manage electrochromic windows, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency due to differing user preferences and the lack of a category for controlling tinting or transmissivity settings, especially in multitenant buildings where changes in tenancy require time-consuming permission processes.
Innovation Solution
A control system that couples smart windows with electrochromic devices to remote devices, allowing for configurable smart window groups and user groups, enabling dynamic management of transmissivity based on user permissions and remote device directions, using a distributed device network with a multiway associative database for user authentication and privilege management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional building management system is used to control electrochromic windows, then system simplicity is maintained, but user convenience and adaptability to different tenancy preferences deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control authority by creating multiple user groups (building owner, facility manager, tenants) with different permission levels. Each user group can control specific smart windows or groups of windows according to their role, eliminating the need for centralized permission requests while maintaining system security through hierarchical authentication.
2Productivity
If centralized permission control is implemented for electrochromic window settings, then system security is improved, but operational efficiency and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and authorization actions during user login, assigning appropriate control permissions before actual window operation. User groups are pre-configured with specific access rights to different window groups, enabling immediate control without real-time permission requests while maintaining security through pre-validated authentication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic windows are integrated into existing building management systems, then system compatibility is maintained, but functionality and adaptability to dynamic tenancy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements a universal user group management framework that can accommodate multiple user types (building owners, facility managers, individual tenants) and various control scenarios (single window, window groups, floor-level control). This multi-functional architecture enables the system to adapt to different tenancy configurations and control requirements without requiring separate integration solutions for each scenario.
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 and dynamic control of electrochromic windows, supporting changes in tenancy by allowing individual and group user permissions, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing user convenience while maintaining building energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of smart windows each having one or more electrochromic devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling smart windows with dynamic tenancy, performed by a control system is provided. The method includes coupling a control system having a plurality of smart windows each having one or more electrochromic devices, to a plurality of remote devices, and managing, in the control system, configurable smart window groups each having in membership one or more of the plurality of smart windows. The method includes managing, in the control system, configurable user groups each having in membership one or more of a plurality of users in association with the smart window groups, and controlling transmissivity of the electrochromic devices of the plurality of smart windows in accordance with the configurable smart window groups, the configurable user groups and the plurality of remote devices.