Electrochromic Window Network Commissioning for Accurate Device Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic windows and associated network devices face challenges in commissioning, including incorrect installation, mispairing of network addresses with physical locations, and malfunctions, which hinder efficient operation and energy-saving potential.
Innovation Solution
A method for commissioning electrochromic windows involves identifying networked devices, receiving user input to check functionality, determining device malfunctions, and automatically pairing device IDs with physical locations using wireless electromagnetic signals, enabling automated commissioning without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual commissioning methods are used for electrochromic windows, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The commissioning system performs automatic device discovery, identification, and pairing operations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-configures by automatically detecting window devices on the network, retrieving their identifiers, and pairing them with corresponding location data, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining high speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical commissioning processes with an automated electronic system. Instead of manually configuring each device through physical inspection and manual entry, the system uses electronic communication over the network to automatically discover, identify, and pair devices with their locations, substituting human labor with automated digital processes.
2Loss of time
If automated commissioning is implemented, then commissioning time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The commissioning system performs multiple functions through a single integrated process: it discovers devices on the network, retrieves their identifiers, determines their locations, and pairs them automatically. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual operations into one automated sequence, reducing time without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a commissioning server or control device as an intermediary that manages the automated commissioning process. This intermediary coordinates device discovery, information retrieval, and pairing operations, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling automation by centralizing control logic in a dedicated component.
3Measurement precision
If device identification and pairing is automated, then pairing accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs device discovery and identification during the initial commissioning phase before full operational use begins. By completing these energy-intensive detection and communication operations upfront, the system establishes accurate device-location pairings that prevent future errors and re-commissioning, thereby justifying the initial energy investment through long-term operational efficiency.
Data Source
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.