Self-Contained EC IGU Controllers With Wireless Mesh Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic windows face challenges with complex wiring and installation requirements, limiting their commercial adoption due to the need for hard wiring and remote controllers, which increases costs and installation complexities.
Innovation Solution
The development of localized, onboard controllers integrated into electrochromic insulated glass units (IGUs) that eliminate the need for complex wiring, featuring wireless power capabilities, self-meshing networks, and auto-configuration, allowing for easy installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If EC windows are hard wired into a building with remote controllers, then the windows can be controlled to change optical properties, but the wiring complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is merged with the EC window assembly to form an integrated unit. The controller housing is attached to the exterior surface of the window, and the controller circuit board is positioned within the window assembly, eliminating the need for separate remote controllers and complex wiring runs through the building structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller circuit board serves as an intermediary component positioned within the window assembly, receiving control signals and translating them into electrical signals that drive the electrochromic device, thereby simplifying the overall control architecture.
2Ease of operation
If EC windows use remote controllers with varying wire lengths, then control functionality is achieved, but installation problems and cost increases occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular components: a controller housing attached to the window exterior, a controller circuit board positioned within the window assembly, and direct electrical connections to the electrochromic device. This modular segmentation eliminates the need for varying wire lengths and simplifies installation.
3Ease of operation
If controllers are mounted outside the IGU, then accessibility is improved, but the controller is exposed to environmental factors and requires additional sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The controller circuit board is nested within the window assembly structure, utilizing the existing sealed interior space of the IGU. This nesting approach provides environmental protection while maintaining controller functionality and accessibility through the window's interior surface.
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 the installation and operation of electrochromic windows by reducing the need for hard wiring, minimizing installation complexities, and enabling wireless communication and power distribution, thereby enhancing their energy-saving potential and commercial viability.
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.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2A
Figure 2B~2C
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. Also described are self-meshing networks for electrochromic windows.