Onboard Electrochromic Window Control for Wire-Length-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochromic window controllers are remotely located, leading to issues with varying wire lengths, increased installation complexity and costs, and potential mismatches between controllers and windows, which hinder the commercial adoption of electrochromic devices.
Innovation Solution
Localized or 'onboard' window controllers integrated into the window assembly, featuring a power converter, communication circuit, microcontroller, and driver circuit, which can control multiple electrochromic panes and communicate wirelessly, eliminating the need for long wiring and allowing for in-situ installation and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional remote controllers are used for EC windows, then control functionality is provided, but wire length varies and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is merged with the window assembly itself, integrating the control electronics directly into the window structure. This eliminates the need for separate remote controllers and varying wire lengths, as the controller becomes an inherent part of the window unit, simplifying installation while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized interface is introduced between the power source and multiple window controllers, acting as an intermediary that accommodates varying wire lengths without affecting performance. This mediator component absorbs the variability in wire length, allowing flexible installation while maintaining consistent electrical connections.
2Ease of operation
If conventional remote controllers are used for EC windows, then control functionality is provided, but mismatches between controllers and windows occur
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the controller directly into the window assembly, the controller and window become a matched pair from manufacturing. This eliminates the possibility of mismatches that occur when separate controllers are installed in the field, as the controller is designed and calibrated specifically for its associated window.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is pre-integrated and pre-calibrated with the window assembly during manufacturing, before installation. This preliminary action ensures proper matching and configuration, eliminating the need for field calibration and preventing mismatch errors that would otherwise require troubleshooting and adjustment.
3Device complexity
If localized onboard controllers are integrated into window assemblies, then installation complexity is reduced, but controller size and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into modular components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the window unit. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts while enabling easy integration into the final window assembly, reducing both manufacturing difficulty and installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal controller design is developed that can be adapted to multiple window configurations and sizes. This multi-functional controller platform reduces integration requirements by providing a standardized solution that works across different window types, simplifying both manufacturing and installation processes.
Data Source
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.