Multi-Zone Tintable Window Control for Glare and Energy Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic windows have not realized their full commercial potential due to various issues, and existing control systems often tint entire windows uniformly, neglecting occupant comfort and energy efficiency considerations.
Innovation Solution
Multi-zone tintable windows with independently controllable tinting zones, controlled by a window controller and voltage regulators, allow for selective tinting based on occupancy, glare, and energy management, using resistive zones and bus bars to apply potential to each zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If entire windows are tinted uniformly, then energy efficiency is improved, but occupant comfort deteriorates due to glare and loss of natural light
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into multiple independently controllable zones (e.g., upper, middle, lower zones or driver zone, passenger zone, rear zone) that can be tinted to different degrees. This segmentation allows the system to tint only specific zones that require glare reduction while keeping other zones clear to maintain natural light and occupant comfort, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and glare control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the window are assigned different tinting properties based on local requirements. For example, zones facing direct sunlight are tinted to reduce glare, while zones not exposed to sunlight remain clear to maximize natural light transmission. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve energy efficiency where needed without compromising overall occupant comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multi-zone control systems are implemented, then occupant comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions for different zones are merged into a single integrated control system that can manage all zones simultaneously. The system combines glare detection, tinting control, and energy management functions into one unified architecture, reducing the overall complexity compared to having separate independent control systems for each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting glare conditions, determining optimal tinting levels, controlling multiple zones independently, and optimizing energy efficiency. This multi-functional universal controller simplifies the system architecture compared to having specialized controllers for each function.
3Illumination intensity
If selective zone tinting is applied, then natural light transmission is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to increased light transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the tinting level of each zone based on real-time conditions such as sunlight intensity, occupancy detection, and glare levels. Zones that require natural light transmission are kept clearer, while zones exposed to direct sunlight are tinted to reduce heat gain and energy consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both natural light transmission and energy efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor environmental conditions (sunlight intensity, temperature, occupancy) and adjust the tinting of each zone accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the system maintains optimal balance between natural light transmission and energy efficiency by automatically tinting zones when energy savings are needed and clearing zones when natural light is prioritized.
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
Enhances occupant comfort by reducing glare and thermal comfort while optimizing energy use, allowing for granular control of light transmission and minimizing blue tint perception.
Implementation Method 1
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.
Implementation Method 2
tinting zones are established in the monolithic device coating. For example, a set of bus bars may be configured to apply potential across each of the separate tinting zones of the monolithic electrochromic device to tinting zones selectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Window controllers and methods for controlling tinting and other functions of tinting zones of multi-zone tintable windows and multiple tinting zones of a group of tintable windows.