Integrated EC Window Controller for Low-Loss Multistate Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrochromic window controllers are not integrated into the window assembly, leading to issues with varying wire lengths, increased installation complexity, and higher costs due to remote location and mismatched controller-window pairings, which hinder the commercial adoption of electrochromic devices.

Innovation Solution

Localized or 'onboard' window controllers are integrated into the window assembly or frame, eliminating the need for external wiring and allowing for wireless communication and power transmission, enabling independent control of multiple electrochromic panes and storing relevant information within the controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional remote controllers are used for EC windows, then controller-window matching flexibility is improved, but wire length variation and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller-window matching flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is integrated directly into the window assembly, merging previously separate components (controller and window) into a single unit. This eliminates the need for external wiring and remote mounting, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining the ability to match controllers with specific windows during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If remote controllers are positioned away from EC windows, then viewable area obstruction is reduced, but wiring losses and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewable areaVSAvoidwiring losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is positioned in the third dimension - embedded within the window assembly's depth rather than being placed remotely in the same plane. This allows the controller to be physically close to the EC panes for minimal wiring while being arranged (on the edge or between panes) to not obstruct the viewable area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If multiple EC panes are controlled by a single remote controller, then system cost is reduced, but control precision and independence decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of controllersVSAvoidcontrol precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented by integrating individual controllers with each window assembly, allowing each controller to independently manage its associated EC panes. This segmentation enables precise control for each window while the modular design allows multiple windows to be controlled by separate, identical controller units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If controllers are integrated into IGU prior to installation, then installation time and complexity are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The controller integration is performed as a preliminary action during window manufacturing rather than during field installation. This allows the controller to be pre-positioned and connected to EC panes in the controlled manufacturing environment, simplifying field installation while the manufacturing process absorbs the additional integration steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution simplifies installation, reduces costs, minimizes wiring losses, and enhances control efficiency by integrating the controller within the window assembly, ensuring consistent and efficient operation of electrochromic windows.

Implementation Method 1

a power converter configured to convert a low voltage to the power requirements of the at least one EC pane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Energy Conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a communication circuit for receiving and sending commands to and from a remote controller (for example via a communication bus and/or a wireless transmitter)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Transmission:

Implementation Method 3

Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in an optical property when placed in a different electronic state, typically by being subjected to a voltage change

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS11681197B2Onboard controller for multistate windows

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 VIEW OPERATING CORP

AI summary

Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations.