Electrochromic Window Network for Integrated Light, Heat, and Power 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
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic windows are integrated into building designs, then light and heat control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrochromic windows with multiple building systems including power distribution networks, communication networks, and building management systems into a single integrated façade platform. This merging approach allows the window system to simultaneously provide light control, heat control, power delivery, and data communication functions, resolving the contradiction by consolidating multiple functions into one unified system rather than adding separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic window system is designed to perform multiple functions beyond just light and heat control. It serves as a power distribution interface, a communication node, a sensor array, and a building management interface all simultaneously. This multi-functionality approach allows a single system to address multiple building needs, improving adaptability while managing complexity through functional consolidation.
2Loss of energy
If building management system integration is added, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The building management system integration includes sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions such as light levels, temperature, and occupancy. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust the electrochromic window tinting and control building systems, optimizing energy efficiency. The feedback loop enables the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions, improving energy performance while the automation reduces the need for complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated building management system enables the electrochromic windows to automatically adjust their properties based on environmental sensors and building occupancy data without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates light transmission and heat gain to optimize energy efficiency, and can even harvest energy from the windows themselves to power adjacent building systems, further improving energy efficiency while managing complexity through automation.
3Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wired power transmission mechanisms with wireless power transmission technology integrated into the electrochromic window system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical electrical connections to devices within the building, allowing power to be transmitted through the window structure itself. The wireless approach improves ease of operation by enabling cordless devices and simpler installations, while the integration into the existing window framework manages the added 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, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and building management.
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
Implementation Method 3
one or more wireless power transmitters... deliver wireless power transmissions
Data Source
AI summary
A tintable window is described having a tintable coating, e.g., an electrochromic device coating, for regulating light transmitted through the window. In some embodiments, the window has a transparent display in the window's viewable region. Transparent displays may be substantially transparent when not in use, or when the window is viewed in a direction facing away from the transparent display. Windows may have sensors for receiving user commands and/or for monitoring environmental conditions. Transparent displays can display graphical user interfaces to, e.g., control window functions. Windows, as described herein, offer an alternative display to conventional projectors, TVs, and monitors. Windows may also be configured to receive, transmit, or block wireless communications from passing through the window. A window control system may share computational resources between controllers (e.g., at different windows). In some cases, the computational resources of the window control system are utilized by other building systems and devices.