Electrochromic Window Controllers for Dynamic Tint and Power Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically-switchable windows face challenges in efficient power management and intelligent control systems to optimize lighting conditions while reducing energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A networked system of controllers, including a master controller, network controllers, and window controllers, is employed to manage and control the optical states of electrochromic windows, integrating sensor data for intelligent tinting adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a networked system of controllers is employed to manage and control the optical states of electrochromic windows, then intelligent control and optimized lighting conditions are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent controller modules (master controller, network controllers, and window controllers) that can function autonomously yet cooperatively. Each controller manages specific aspects of the electrochromic window system, allowing distributed intelligence while maintaining overall system coordination through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The controllers are designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving as both control units and communication nodes within the network. Each controller can independently manage optical state transitions, process sensor data, and communicate with other controllers, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components and reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced automation.
2Loss of energy
If dynamic control of tint states is implemented to optimize lighting conditions, then energy consumption is reduced, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensor networks that continuously monitor environmental conditions (light intensity, temperature, occupancy) and feed this data back to the controllers. The controllers process this feedback information and dynamically adjust the electrochromic window tint states to optimize energy efficiency, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically responds to changing conditions without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static, pre-programmed tint schedules to dynamic, real-time adjustment of window optical properties. The controllers continuously modify the electrochromic material states based on current environmental conditions and energy efficiency targets, enabling adaptive optimization of energy consumption while maintaining occupant comfort and productivity.
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 system enables efficient power management and optimized lighting conditions by dynamically controlling the tint states of electrochromic windows, reducing energy consumption and enhancing system integration.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in one or more optical properties when stimulated to a different electronic state. The color, tint, transmittance, absorbance, or reflectance of electrochromic windows can be changed by inducing a change in the electrochromic material, for example, by applying a voltage across the electrochromic material.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to optically-switchable devices, and more particularly, to systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling optically-switchable devices. In some implementations, an apparatus for controlling one or more optically-switchable devices includes a processing unit, a voltage regulator and a polarity switch. The processing unit can generate: a command voltage signal based on a target optical state of an optically-switchable device, and a polarity control signal. The voltage regulator can receive power at a first voltage and increase or decrease a magnitude of the first voltage based on the command voltage signal to provide a DC voltage signal at a regulated voltage. A polarity switch can receive the DC voltage signal at the regulated voltage to maintain or reverse a polarity of the DC voltage signal based on the polarity control signal. The polarity switch can output the DC voltage signal at the regulated voltage and at the polarity based on the polarity control signal to power the optically-switchable device. In some other implementations, the apparatus includes a processing unit, an energy storage device, and first and second voltage regulators.