Infrared Cloud Detector Sky Temperature Delta
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting cloud cover, especially at times with low visible light intensity such as early morning and evening, are inaccurate due to reliance on visible light photosensors, leading to false cloudy conditions and inappropriate control decisions in systems like electrochromic windows.
Innovation Solution
Infrared cloud detector systems that use an infrared sensor to measure sky temperature and an ambient temperature sensor to determine cloud conditions, employing a delta calculation to differentiate between clear and cloudy skies, with optional visible light photosensor input based on time of day to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If visible light photosensors are used to detect cloud cover, then the system can detect cloud conditions during daytime, but the detection accuracy deteriorates during early morning and evening when visible light intensity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrared sensor as an intermediary measurement tool that detects thermal radiation from clouds rather than relying on visible light. This mediator enables accurate cloud detection during low-light conditions (early morning and evening) by measuring temperature differences between cloudy and clear sky conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If conventional visible light-based cloud detection methods are used, then the system structure remains simple, but false cloudy condition detections occur leading to inappropriate control decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of visible light photosensors with a thermal radiation detection system using infrared sensors. This substitution fundamentally changes the detection mechanism from light intensity measurement to thermal radiation measurement, eliminating false detections caused by low visible light conditions while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If infrared sensors are added to the cloud detection system, then detection accuracy during low light conditions improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the cloud detection system to perform multiple functions: the infrared sensor detects cloud conditions during all times (day and night), while the visible light photosensor supplements detection during daytime clear conditions. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain high accuracy across all lighting conditions while optimizing the use of each sensor type, justifying the increased device complexity through enhanced universal performance.
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
Accurately detects cloud cover conditions independent of visible light levels, reducing false positives and enabling precise control of tintable windows, improving occupant comfort and energy management.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared sensor configured to measure sky temperature based on infrared radiation received within its field-of-view
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to infrared cloud detector systems and methods for detecting cloud cover conditions. The infrared cloud detector system comprises an infrared sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and logic. The infrared sensor is configured to measure sky temperature based on infrared radiation received within its field-of-view. The ambient temperature sensor is configured to measure an ambient temperature. And the logic is configured to determine a cloud condition based on a difference between the measured sky temperature and the measured ambient temperature.