Electrochromic Window Control Profiles for Low-Power Tinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically-switchable window systems lack efficient intelligent control systems and algorithms to optimize power consumption and system integration while providing desirable lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A networked control system comprising a master controller, network controllers, and window controllers that use voltage control profiles and communication protocols to drive optical transitions in electrochromic windows, optimizing tint states based on sensor data and user inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If intelligent control systems and algorithms are implemented to optimize power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent components: a controller that generates control signals, a sensor that detects optical properties, and an electrochromic device that responds to control signals. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining intelligent control capabilities for power consumption optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the sensor continuously monitors the optical properties of the electrochromic device and provides this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust control signals and optimize power consumption dynamically, achieving energy efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated control algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If voltage control profiles are used to drive optical transitions, then control precision over lighting conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls the electrochromic device by changing voltage parameters according to predefined control profiles. The controller applies specific voltage magnitudes and durations to achieve desired optical transitions with high precision. This parameter-based control approach provides accurate lighting control without requiring complex mechanical or structural modifications to the device.
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 achieves reduced power consumption, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced control over lighting conditions in buildings by intelligently managing the optical states of optically-switchable windows.
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
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, the apparatus includes an interface for communicating with window controllers, and the apparatus includes one or more processors. A processor can be configured to cause status information received from a window controller to be processed. The status information can indicate at least a tint status of one or more optically-switchable devices controlled by the window controller. In response to receiving the status information, one or more tint commands can be sent via the interface to the window controller.