Electrochromic Window Controllers Integrated Into the IGU
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochromic window systems face issues with complex wiring, installation delays, mismatched controllers, high costs, and inefficiencies due to remotely located controllers, which require long and varying wire lengths, and lack of easy access to IGU information.
Innovation Solution
Localized, onboard window controllers are integrated into the insulated glass unit (IGU) prior to installation, eliminating the need for complex wiring and allowing for in-situ calibration, reducing installation complexity and costs, and enabling efficient control and feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If controllers are located remotely from the IGU, then control functionality is provided, but wire length increases and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is integrated directly into the IGU assembly, merging the control device with the glass unit it controls. This eliminates separate controller housings and reduces wiring requirements by placing the controller in close proximity to the EC device, thereby reducing wiring complexity while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The IGU itself serves as an intermediary structure that houses the controller, eliminating the need for long external wiring runs. By using the IGU as the mounting medium and physical connection point, the system reduces wiring complexity while maintaining control functionality.
2Ease of operation
If controllers are located remotely from the IGU, then control functionality is provided, but wire length varies and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-integrated into the IGU assembly during manufacturing, before installation at the building site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field wiring and controller mounting, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring the controller is properly positioned for optimal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the controller and IGU into a single pre-assembled unit, the system eliminates variable wire length issues and reduces installation time to simple mounting operations, while maintaining full control functionality.
3Ease of operation
If controllers are located remotely from the IGU, then control functionality is provided, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Integrating the controller into the IGU allows for combined manufacturing processes, reducing the number of separate components that need to be produced, shipped, and installed. This merger reduces material costs, manufacturing overhead, and installation labor costs, making the overall system more cost-effective while maintaining control functionality.
4Ease of operation
If wiring is extended to remote controllers, then control functionality is provided, but wiring losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is extracted from remote locations and repositioned directly within the IGU assembly, eliminating long wiring runs. This extraction from remote positioning removes the source of wiring losses while preserving the controller's ability to provide full control functionality to the EC device.
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
This approach simplifies installation, reduces costs, minimizes wiring losses, and enhances control efficiency by integrating controllers within the IGU, ensuring precise matching and easy access to IGU information, thus improving the overall performance and usability of electrochromic windows.
Implementation Method 1
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. One well known electrochromic material is tungsten oxide (WO 3 ). Tungsten oxide is a cathodic electrochromic material in which a coloration transition, transparent to blue, occurs by electrochemical reduction.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2A
Figure 2B~3
AI summary
Electrochromic (EC) windows (305) with associated EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, between the panes of the IGU including an EC pane. The window controllers are configured to communicate with a remote controller via a power line.