Smart Glass Power Allocation Using PoE and Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high installation costs of smart glass systems due to the need for extensive wiring for power supply, which requires skilled electricians and limits the efficient deployment of smart glass units for reducing heat transfer and visible light transmission.
Innovation Solution
A power allocation system that utilizes Power over Ethernet (PoE) to supply power to smart glass units through a data communication cable, incorporating a controller to manage power distribution from a power storage device and allocate power based on charge levels, current tinting levels, and directed tinting levels, allowing for efficient power management and reduced wiring needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wiring methods are used to supply power to smart glass units, then reliable power supply is achieved, but installation cost increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data communication and power transmission into a single Ethernet cable infrastructure. The PoE injector integrates power supply functionality into the existing network infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate power wiring while maintaining reliable power delivery to smart glass units through the same cable that carries data signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet cable is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both data communication signals and electrical power simultaneously. The PoE system allows the existing network infrastructure to serve dual purposes: data transmission and power delivery, thereby reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional wiring methods are used to supply power to smart glass units, then reliable power supply is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power transmission and data communication into a single cable system. The PoE injector combines power supply circuitry with the existing Ethernet infrastructure, reducing the number of separate components and connections needed while ensuring reliable power delivery through the unified cable assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The PoE system enables the existing network infrastructure to serve itself by delivering power through the same cable that carries data. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional power wiring infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable power supply.
3Ease of manufacture
If Power over Ethernet is used to supply power to smart glass units, then installation cost decreases and ease of installation improves, but power allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the charge level of the power storage device and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust power allocation decisions. By continuously assessing battery status, current tinting levels, and directed tinting levels, the controller optimizes power distribution between PoE input and battery storage, managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The power allocation system dynamically adjusts the split between PoE power input and battery charging/discharging based on real-time conditions. The controller modifies power distribution strategies according to varying charge levels, tinting requirements, and power availability, transforming a static wiring problem into a dynamic optimization challenge that can be managed through software control.
4Ease of operation
If Power over Ethernet is used to supply power to smart glass units, then ease of installation improves, but the number of smart glass units per controller decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage device预先 stores energy during periods when power demand is low or PoE power is abundant, preparing advance power reserves that enable the controller to support more smart glass units. By pre-charging batteries, the system accumulates energy capacity that compensates for the lower instantaneous PoE power delivery, allowing higher unit counts per controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid power system ensures continuous useful action by seamlessly switching between PoE power input and battery storage/discharging. The controller maintains uninterrupted power delivery to multiple smart glass units by coordinating between the two power sources, ensuring that battery storage extends the effective power capacity beyond what PoE alone could provide to a single unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for power allocation includes a smart glass unit, a data communication cable for transmitting both power and data, a power storage device, and a controller. The controller determines a level of charge of the power storage device, identifies a current tinting level of the smart glass unit, and identifies a directed tinting level for the smart glass unit. The controller also allocates power from at least one of the power communication line or the power storage device and to the smart glass unit to control a level of tint of the smart glass unit based on the level of charge of the power storage device, the current tinting level, and the directed tinting level.