Infrared Cloud Detector for Tintable Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting cloud cover rely on expensive imaging devices that use visible light measurements, which are ineffective during low light conditions such as early morning and evening, leading to inaccurate cloud condition determinations and inappropriate control decisions for tintable windows.
Innovation Solution
An infrared cloud detector system that uses an infrared sensor to measure sky temperature and an ambient temperature sensor to determine cloud conditions, with logic to calculate a delta value and apply correction factors, allowing for accurate cloud detection independent of visible light levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visible light measurements are used for cloud detection, then measurement precision is improved under normal lighting conditions, but reliability deteriorates during low light conditions such as early morning and evening
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the detection parameter from visible light intensity to infrared radiation temperature. By measuring the thermal radiation emitted by clouds in the infrared spectrum, the system achieves reliable cloud detection independent of ambient visible light conditions, resolving the reliability issue during low light periods while maintaining measurement precision through temperature-based detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical measurement system (visible light sensors) with a thermal measurement system (infrared sensors). This substitution enables the detection mechanism to function effectively in low light conditions by detecting thermal radiation rather than relying on visible light reflection, thereby improving both reliability and precision across all lighting conditions
2Measurement precision
If expensive imaging devices are used for cloud detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential detection function from complex imaging devices by using simple infrared temperature sensors. Instead of employing expensive cameras or imaging systems, the patent isolates the core requirement of cloud detection and achieves it through straightforward thermal radiation measurement, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex imaging devices with inexpensive infrared temperature sensors. These simpler, lower-cost sensors provide sufficient measurement precision for cloud detection without the need for expensive equipment, effectively substituting high-cost components with affordable alternatives that meet the detection requirements
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 provides accurate cloud cover detection during low light conditions, preventing false cloudy determinations and enabling effective control of tintable windows, improving their operation and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared sensor to measure sky temperature
Implementation Method 2
an ambient temperature sensor to determine cloud conditions, with logic to calculate a delta value
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling tintable windows based on cloud detection.