Electrochromic Window Control Architecture for Precise Tinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling optically-switchable windows, such as electrochromic windows, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and optimizing lighting conditions while integrating with building systems, particularly in achieving seamless control over tinting transitions and maintaining desired optical states.
Innovation Solution
A networked control system comprising a master controller, network controllers, and window controllers that communicate through standardized protocols like BACnet, enabling coordinated control of multiple optically-switchable devices to adjust voltages and currents for precise tinting transitions and maintenance of desired optical states, integrating with building management systems for energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a networked control system with multiple controllers is implemented to enable coordinated control of optically-switchable devices, then control precision and energy efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: a master controller that coordinates overall system operation and multiple window controllers that manage individual optically-switchable devices. This segmentation allows each controller to operate independently within its scope, improving control precision for each device while distributing system complexity across multiple manageable components rather than concentrating it in a single complex unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the control architecture, organizing controllers in levels (master controller at the top, window controllers at lower levels). This dimensional organization allows the system to manage complexity vertically through clear authority relationships and communication protocols, while maintaining precise control horizontally across multiple devices. The hierarchical structure transforms a potentially flat, complex network into an organized multi-level system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized communication protocols like BACnet are used to integrate with building management systems, then adaptability and system integration are improved, but communication overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The master controller serves as an intermediary between the window controllers and external building management systems. It translates standardized protocols like BACnet into efficient internal commands, and converts local control decisions into standardized communication formats when external integration is needed. This intermediary role allows the system to maintain high-speed local communication while still providing standardized interfaces for building system integration, minimizing communication overhead for routine operations.
3Loss of energy
If coordinated control of multiple optically-switchable devices is implemented to optimize lighting conditions, then energy efficiency is improved, but control algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback mechanisms where window controllers report device status and performance data to the master controller, which then adjusts control strategies to optimize energy efficiency. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from actual performance, adapt to changing conditions, and refine control algorithms over time without requiring excessively complex predetermined control logic. The feedback-driven approach distributes computational complexity across the network rather than concentrating it in a single control algorithm.
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 effectively reduces power consumption, optimizes lighting conditions, and enhances energy efficiency by enabling precise control over optically-switchable windows, ensuring optimal tinting transitions and maintaining desired optical states within building environments.
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.