Smart Glazing Voltage Control for Temperature-Linear Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glazing units with electrically controllable optical properties exhibit temperature-dependent switching behavior that deviates significantly from a straight line, making reproducible switching difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the functional element, using an inverse function as a temperature-dependent linearization function to adjust the electrical voltage applied to the planar electrodes, thereby linearizing the switching behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties is used in a glazing unit, then the optical properties can be controlled electrically, but the switching behavior becomes temperature-dependent and deviates significantly from a straight line, making reproducible switching difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using an inverse function to transform the temperature-dependent voltage-transparency relationship into a linear control relationship. The control unit calculates the required voltage based on the inverse function of the characteristic curve, which compensates for temperature effects and restores predictable, reproducible switching behavior across different operating conditions.
2Reliability
If the switching behavior is linearized using an inverse function, then reproducible switching is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to temperature sensing and calculation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the temperature of the functional element with a temperature sensor and using this information to dynamically adjust the applied voltage through the inverse function calculation. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate compensation for temperature variations while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture.
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
Improves the reproducibility of switching behavior by accounting for temperature variations, ensuring precise control of optical properties such as transparency.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor is used in order to determine a temperature of the functional element
Implementation Method 2
The optical properties, in particular the transmission of visible light, of the active layer can be changed by a voltage applied to the planar electrodes
Implementation Method 3
Another example is suspended particle device (SPD) functional elements or polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) functional elements
Data Source
AI summary
A method for electrical control of a functional element incorporated in a glazing unit and having electrically controllable optical properties. The glazing unit includes a composite pane having an outer pane and an inner pane which are connected to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer, a functional element is arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane and has an active layer having electrically controllable optical properties between a first planar electrode and a second planar electrode, the optical properties are controlled by a control unit connected to at least two transparent planar electrodes of the functional element, and an electrical voltage is applied between the planar electrodes by the control unit. An inverse function is used to determine a magnitude of the electrical voltage, and also as a temperature-dependent linearization function and a temperature of the functional element or composite pane is detected by a temperature sensor.