Electrochromic Window Control Architecture for Dynamic Tinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling optically-switchable devices, such as electrochromic windows, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and optimizing lighting conditions while integrating with building systems, lacking advanced intelligent control systems for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A networked control system comprising a master controller, network controllers, and window controllers that communicate through various protocols to manage voltage and current profiles for electrochromic devices, integrating with sensors and building management systems to optimize tint states and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a networked control system with multiple controllers is implemented, then control precision and energy efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent controllers: a master controller that coordinates overall system operation and individual window controllers that manage specific electrochromic windows. This segmentation allows distributed intelligence where each controller handles local control decisions, improving overall control precision while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical control dimension with multiple levels (master controller, network controllers, window controllers) rather than a single flat control layer. This multi-dimensional control structure enables precise coordination across the entire building envelope system while distributing computational complexity across different hierarchical levels.
2Loss of energy
If dynamic tint state adjustment is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors environmental conditions (light levels, temperature, occupancy) and adjusts tint states dynamically based on real-time feedback. This closed-loop control optimizes energy efficiency by responding to actual building conditions while the distributed controller architecture manages the complexity of real-time adjustments across multiple windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static tint states to dynamic, continuously adjustable tint levels. Each electrochromic window can independently vary its optical properties in response to changing environmental conditions, maximizing energy efficiency through adaptive control rather than fixed positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integration with building management systems is enhanced, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to interface with multiple building management functions including lighting control, HVAC coordination, security systems, and occupancy sensing. This multi-functionality allows a single controller architecture to serve diverse building operations, enhancing versatility while the modular design prevents complexity from becoming unmanageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The master controller acts as an intermediary layer between the window control network and broader building management systems. This intermediary handles protocol translation, data aggregation, and coordination between different subsystems, enabling versatile integration while isolating the complexity of multiple system interfaces from individual window controllers.
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 enables precise control of optically-switchable devices, reducing power consumption and improving energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting tint states based on environmental conditions and user preferences, enhancing the integration with building management systems.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in one or more optical properties when stimulated to a different electronic state
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to optically-switchable devices, and more particularly, to systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling optically-switchable devices. In some implementations, the apparatus includes an interface for communicating with window controllers, and the apparatus includes one or more processors. A processor can be configured to cause status information received from a window controller to be processed. The status information can indicate at least a tint status of one or more optically-switchable devices controlled by the window controller. In response to receiving the status information, one or more tint commands can be sent via the interface to the window controller.