Smart Glazing Voltage Control for Temperature-Stable Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glazing units with electrically controllable optical properties exhibit a temperature-dependent nonlinear switching behavior, making reproducible switching difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses an inverse function to linearize the nonlinear coherence between electrical voltage and transparency, compensating for temperature effects by determining the functional element's temperature and adjusting the control signal accordingly, potentially eliminating the need for a temperature sensor and reducing circuit complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a functional element with electrically controllable optical properties is embedded in a glazing unit, then the transmission of visible light can be controlled by applying voltage, but the switching behavior becomes temperature-dependent and deviates from a straight line, making reproducible switching difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a temperature-dependent linearization function that adjusts the control voltage based on temperature. The control unit determines the temperature of the functional element and calculates a corrected voltage value using a stored linearization function, thereby compensating for temperature effects and achieving reproducible switching behavior across different temperature conditions.
2Reliability
If a temperature sensor is used to compensate for temperature effects, then reproducible switching can be achieved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using the functional element itself to generate temperature information through its electrical impedance. The control unit determines the impedance of the functional element and derives temperature information from it, eliminating the need for a separate temperature sensor. This approach maintains reliable temperature compensation while reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional element serves multiple functions: it controls optical transmission and simultaneously provides temperature information through its impedance characteristics. By utilizing the impedance measurement for both control and temperature sensing purposes, the patent eliminates the need for a dedicated temperature sensor, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable temperature compensation.
3Device complexity
If the nonlinear characteristic curve is used directly, then the device structure remains simple, but the switching behavior is difficult to control precisely at different temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing a temperature-dependent linearization function in the control unit during manufacturing. This function is calculated in advance based on the known nonlinear characteristic of the functional element. During operation, the control unit simply retrieves and applies this pre-calculated linearization function, achieving precise switching control without requiring complex real-time calculations or additional hardware.
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
The method improves the switching behavior of glazing units by achieving a nearly linear characteristic curve, enhancing precision and reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
electrochromic functional elements known, for example, from US 20120026573 A1 and WO 2012007334 A1
Implementation Method 2
polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) functional elements known, for example, from EP 0876608 B1 and WO 2011033313 A1
Implementation Method 3
A method that uses an inverse function as a temperature-dependent linearization function to determine the electrical voltage required for precise switching, accounting for the temperature of the functional element or composite pane, and optionally determining impedance to adjust the control signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a glazing unit having electrically controllable optical properties, wherein 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, wherein the control unit is connected to at least two transparent planar electrodes of the functional element, an electrical voltage is applied between the planar electrodes by the control unit, and an inverse function is used to determine a magnitude of the electrical voltage.