PWM Window Controller for Electrochromic Voltage Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in effectively controlling and integrating optically-switchable devices, such as electrochromic windows, into building systems for efficient energy management and aesthetic purposes, particularly in organizing and delivering power to these devices.
Innovation Solution
A window controller system that includes a command-voltage generator and a pulse-width-modulated-signal generator to drive optically-switchable devices, with a network controller to manage multiple window controllers, allowing for integration with building management systems and other systems for holistic energy control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electrochromic windows are integrated into building systems for energy management, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller system is segmented into modular components: a command-voltage generator for generating control signals, a pulse-width-modulated-signal generator for signal processing, and optional network controller for system management. This modular architecture allows the system to achieve sophisticated energy management functionality while maintaining manageable complexity through independent, specialized modules that can be configured and controlled separately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple window controllers are managed by a network controller, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller provides universal management capability that can control multiple window controllers across different locations and configurations. The system architecture is designed to accommodate various integration scenarios including standalone operation, centralized control, and hybrid modes, allowing the same basic controller design to adapt to diverse building management requirements without requiring completely different system architectures.
3Manufacturing precision
If pulse-width-modulated signals are used to drive optically-switchable devices, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller employs pulse-width modulation (PWM) technology that uses periodic switching signals to precisely control the voltage applied to electrochromic devices. By varying the duty cycle of periodic pulses rather than using continuously variable voltage, the system achieves precise control over device state transitions while using simple digital switching components rather than complex analog voltage regulation circuitry.
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
Enables efficient control of optically-switchable devices for energy efficiency and aesthetic purposes, integrating with building management systems to optimize energy use and reduce operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in one or more optical properties when stimulated to a different electronic state. For example, the electrochromic material can be stimulated by an applied voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a window controller that includes a command-voltage generator that generates a command voltage signal, and a pulse-width-modulated-signal generator that generates a pulse-width-modulated signal based on the command voltage signal. The pulse-width-modulated signal drives an optically-switchable device. The pulse-width-modulated signal comprises a first power component having a first duty cycle and a second power component having a second duty cycle. The first component delivers a first pulse during each active portion of the first duty cycle, and the second component delivers a second pulse during each active portion of the second duty cycle. The first pulses are applied to a first conductive layer and the second pulses are applied to a second conductive layer. The relative durations of the active portions and the relative durations of the first and second pulses are adjusted to result in a change in an effective DC voltage applied across the optically-switchable device.