Electrochromic Window Commissioning Using Wireless Location Pairing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrochromic windows and devices face challenges in commissioning, including incorrect installation, mispairing of network addresses with physical locations, and malfunctions, which hinder their effective operation and energy-saving potential.

Innovation Solution

A method for commissioning electrochromic windows involves identifying networked devices, determining their locations, and pairing them with unique IDs through a remote device interface, using graphical user interfaces and wireless electromagnetic signals for accurate location determination, enabling automatic or user-assisted commissioning processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual commissioning methods are used for electrochromic windows, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation errors and mispairing of network addresses with physical locations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing accuracyVSAvoidcommissioning process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-commissioning by autonomously discovering networked devices, determining their physical locations through wireless signals, and pairing them with network addresses without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach eliminates human error in the pairing process while maintaining system flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The commissioning process is performed automatically during or immediately after installation, determining device locations and pairing them with network addresses before the system goes into operational use. This preliminary automatic commissioning ensures correct pairing from the outset, preventing misconfiguration issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If automatic commissioning is implemented, then commissioning time is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommissioning timeVSAvoidcommissioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical commissioning processes with an automated electronic system that uses wireless electromagnetic signal analysis to determine device locations and automatically pairs them with network addresses. This substitution dramatically reduces commissioning time from manual procedures to automated rapid discovery and pairing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a master controller as an intermediary that coordinates the automatic commissioning process, managing device discovery, location determination, and pairing operations. This centralized intermediary simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling automated commissioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If network address pairing is not verified, then commissioning process is simpler, but operational reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow control reliabilityVSAvoidcommissioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic verification of network address pairing by testing the functionality of paired devices and comparing determined physical locations with expected locations. This feedback mechanism ensures pairing accuracy and identifies misconfigurations, thereby improving operational reliability without significantly complicating the commissioning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 ensures accurate association of network addresses with physical locations, facilitating proper operation of electrochromic windows, reducing installation errors, and enhancing energy management systems by ensuring correct tint state control and energy efficiency.

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. The optical property is typically one or more of color, transmittance, absorbance, and reflectance.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

The determined location of each networked device is determined via analysis of wireless electromagnetic signals received or broadcast from the networked device.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless electromagnetic signal analysis:

Data Source

PatentUS12105394B2Commissioning window networks

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 VIEW OPERATING CORP

AI summary

Methods are described for the commissioning of optically switchable window networks. During commissioning, network addresses are paired with the locations of installed devices for components on a window network. Commissioning may also involve steps of testing and validating the network devices. By correctly pairing the location of a device with its network address, a window network is configured to function such that controls sent over the network reach their targeted device(s) which in turn respond accordingly. The methods described herein may reduce frustrations that result from mispairing and installation issues that are common to conventional commissioning practices. Commissioning may involve recording a response to a manually or automatically initiated trigger. Commissioning methods described herein may rely on user input, or be automatic, not requiring user input.