Electrochromic Window Network for Building Light and Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic windows have not realized their full commercial potential in building designs and construction due to limited integration and control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A building façade platform incorporating a network of electrochromic windows, window controllers, power distribution, and communication networks to control light and heat entry, and provide wireless power transmission, with optional integration into a building management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electrochromic windows are integrated into building designs, then energy-saving potential is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated window system: electrochromic glass panels that simultaneously provide optical switching for energy savings, embedded antennas for wireless communication, and integrated power reception capabilities. This merging reduces the need for separate control systems and infrastructure, thereby addressing the complexity issue while maintaining energy-saving benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic windows are designed to perform multiple functions: controlling light transmission for energy efficiency, receiving wireless power transmissions, and communicating with building management systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing energy-saving potential
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless power transmission is added to the building façade platform, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The window controller is designed to handle multiple communication protocols and power reception functions within a single integrated unit. The system merges wireless power reception, data communication, and window control functions into one controller, reducing the need for separate dedicated hardware for each function and thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility
3Ease of operation
If integration with building management system is implemented, then control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements bidirectional communication between the window controllers and the building management system. Sensors within the windows provide feedback on environmental conditions and window state to the BMS, which then sends control commands back to adjust window properties. This feedback loop enables automated control based on actual conditions, improving ease of operation while the standardized communication protocols help manage system complexity
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
Enhances the functionality of electrochromic windows by enabling advanced control of light and heat, integrating with building systems, and providing power and data transmission, thus maximizing their energy-saving potential.
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.
Implementation Method 2
the power distribution network receives power from one or more photovoltaic cells which are on components connected to the network of windows
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transmitting power and data in a building, the apparatus including at least one controller configured to operatively couple to a building network, and use, or direct usage of, the building network, and at least one display communicatively coupled to the building network and disposed on and/or registered with an insulated glass unit (IGU). The building network includes (i) a communication network comprising a cable, and (ii) a power distribution system comprising a plurality of power transmission paths connecting one or more power sources, the cable configured to transmit electrical power and communication. The communication network includes one or more communications interfaces to one or more processors and/or one or more other communications network.