Electrochromic Window Control Apps for Adaptive Tint Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for electrochromic devices lack versatility and functionality, failing to account for unique device features and user preferences, limiting their commercial potential.
Innovation Solution
Software applications that allow users to control and monitor optically switchable devices, such as electrochromic windows, through a network controller with remote device interfaces, user authentication, adaptive control, and rule-based systems, enabling direct control of optical states and integration with building management systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing control systems are used for electrochromic devices, then basic control functionality is provided, but versatility and user preference accommodation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions including direct user control, rule-based automatic control, adaptive learning, and integration with building management systems. This multi-functionality allows a single system to accommodate diverse user preferences and operational modes without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static predefined control to dynamic adaptive control that learns user preferences over time. The system continuously monitors user interactions and automatically adjusts control parameters, enabling the system to evolve and adapt to changing user needs while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If manual control interfaces are provided for each device, then direct user control is enabled, but system-wide coordination and energy optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-level feedback mechanisms where device status and environmental conditions are continuously monitored and fed back to both users and the central controller. This feedback enables users to make informed manual control decisions while simultaneously allowing the system to automatically optimize energy consumption based on real-time conditions and learned user preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
A smart intermediary controller is introduced between manual user interfaces and the actual electrochromic devices. This intermediary processes user commands, coordinates with other devices system-wide, and implements energy optimization algorithms, thereby enabling both direct user control and system-wide coordination without conflict.
3Device complexity
If simple control logic is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to account for unique device features and environmental conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple control modes and rules that account for various environmental conditions and device features. These pre-configured protocols enable the system to handle complex scenarios without requiring complex real-time decision logic, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system manages complexity by changing operational parameters rather than structural complexity. It adjusts control parameters such as tint level, timing, and priority based on environmental conditions and user preferences, allowing the system to adapt to diverse scenarios through parameter variation rather than through complex control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Software applications are used for controlling the optical state of one or more optically switchable windows or other optical products installed in a structure such as building. The applications permit users to send and/or receive data and/or commands for controlling the switchable optical products. In some embodiments, the applications provide an interface with a window network controller, which directly or indirectly controls windows in a structure. Relevant processing involving the application may include user authentication, commissioning, adaptive control, and decisions on whether to permit an action or change requested by a user. In some embodiments, the application allows users to directly control the tint state of one or more tintable windows. In some embodiments, the application allows users to change a rule or property associated with controlling a switchable optical product.