Electrochromic Window Control During UPS Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
During power outages, optically switchable windows, such as electrochromic windows, lose their tint due to current leakage, leading to comfort issues as they cannot maintain optical changes without power, and backup power supplies are quickly depleted when used under normal operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a window controller system that integrates feedback from uninterruptable power supplies (UPS) to make tint decisions, reducing power usage by determining new tinting instructions based on available power, and using intelligent power outage mode to extend the life of energy resources while maintaining occupant comfort and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optically switchable windows are operated continuously during power outages to maintain tint state, then occupant comfort is maintained, but UPS energy depletes quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous operation to periodic monitoring and adaptive control. The window controller checks UPS charge status at predetermined intervals and adjusts window tinting operations accordingly, switching between different operational modes (maintain tint, allow drift, clear windows) based on available energy levels rather than running continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts window control strategies based on real-time UPS charge status. As energy depletes, the system adapts its behavior - initially maintaining tint state, then allowing gradual drift, and finally clearing windows when energy is critically low, optimizing the balance between comfort and energy conservation
2Ease of operation
If window controllers continue normal operation during power outages, then tint control is maintained, but energy resources are depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback from the UPS regarding charge status. The window controller receives real-time information about available energy and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust its control strategy, transitioning from fixed normal operation to adaptive operation that responds to changing energy conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by monitoring UPS charge status and predicting energy depletion. Before complete power failure occurs, the system proactively adjusts window control strategies to extend UPS battery life, rather than waiting for power loss to occur
3Stability of the object's composition
If UPS power is used to run EC windows continuously, then windows maintain their optical state, but backup power is depleted quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters based on UPS charge status. It transitions the window optical state from actively maintained (stable tint) to allowed drift (gradual change) to cleared state (transparent), optimizing the duration of backup power while managing optical state stability according to available energy
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 manages optically switchable windows during power interruptions, conserving energy and maintaining comfort by adjusting tint levels based on UPS feedback, ensuring the longest possible duration of comfort and safety with limited power resources.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromic (EC) windows and other optically switchable windows typically need power to induce and maintain an optical change. In an EC window, for example, voltage/current must be applied to the transparent conductive sheets sandwiching an optically active layer to change the EC window from a bleached state to a tinted state.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments are directed to control methods, window controllers, and uninterruptible power supplies for determining tinting instructions for optically switchable windows to reduce power usage at a site during a reduced power event. In some cases, reduced power operations are initiated by a window controller upon receipt of a trigger signal from an uninterruptible power supply sent when it detects a power loss. In some cases, tinting instructions are based on the remaining charge left on the uninterruptible power supply. In some cases, reduced power operations are delayed for a period of time.