Electrochromic Window Power Management via Energy Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution networks for electrochromic windows face challenges in efficiently managing power supply and demand, leading to over-taxing of the network and the need for costly infrastructure, as they are typically designed for peak load conditions that rarely occur, and lack flexibility for expansion or power conservation.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution network that includes energy wells and a network controller to manage power supply and demand by transferring power between the energy wells and the power supply, allowing for peak power delivery while minimizing infrastructure costs and enabling flexible expansion, using class 2 power supplies and supercapacitors or rechargeable batteries to store energy and adjust transition parameters for reduced power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power distribution network is designed for peak load conditions, then the network can provide sufficient power during high demand, but the infrastructure costs increase and the network operates at lower efficiency during normal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing energy in advance in energy wells (local energy storage units) during periods of low demand. This pre-stored energy is then available to meet peak load conditions without requiring the power supply to be continuously sized for peak demand, thus improving reliability while maintaining energy efficiency during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the power distribution network by introducing energy storage capacity at distributed locations. This allows the system to dynamically adjust power delivery based on real-time conditions, enabling the network to operate efficiently under normal conditions while reliably meeting peak demands through coordinated discharge from energy wells.
2Power
If the power supply capacity is increased to meet peak demand, then sufficient power is available during high demand periods, but the capital costs and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery function by distributing multiple energy wells throughout the network at strategic locations. Instead of requiring a single large-capacity power supply, the system divides power storage and delivery into multiple smaller units that collectively meet peak demand, reducing the complexity and capital cost of any single infrastructure component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces energy wells as intermediary components between the power supply and the electrochromic windows. These intermediaries store and release energy as needed, allowing the main power supply to operate at lower capacity while still meeting peak demands, thus reducing infrastructure complexity and capital costs.
3Productivity
If the network is designed to handle maximum power demand, then all windows can transition simultaneously, but the operating costs and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging energy wells during periods of low or zero window transition demand. This allows the network to support simultaneous window transitions when needed without continuously operating at maximum power capacity, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing overall energy consumption and operating costs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If local energy storage units are added to the network, then power delivery flexibility and reliability improve, but the device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing energy wells that serve multiple functions: they store energy for peak demand, provide local power during outages, enable flexible window transition scheduling, and can be individually controlled to support different operational scenarios. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering versatile power management capabilities.
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
The network can operate at lower peak input power, reduce capital and operating costs, and accommodate additional windows without upgrading the power network, while maintaining reliable performance and energy efficiency during power emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
the energy well may include a supercapacitor
Implementation Method 2
Local energy storage units such as energy wells may be provided to accomplish this feature
Implementation Method 3
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
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments herein relate to networks of electrochromic windows. The networks may be configured in particular ways to minimize the likelihood that the windows on the network draw more power than can be provided. The network may include particular hardware components that provide additional power to windows as needed. The network may also be configured to adjust how the windows therein transition to prevent overloading the network. The techniques described herein can be used to design networks of electrochromic windows that are undersized when considering the amount of power that would be needed to simultaneously transition all the windows on the network using normal transition parameters, while still allowing simultaneous transitions to occur.