Smart Window Control Integration for Coordinated Building Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically tintable windows, such as electrochromic windows, require sophisticated control and monitoring systems as they become more widely deployed, necessitating improved techniques for managing interacting building systems.
Innovation Solution
A window control system communicates with other systems like HVAC, lighting, and security systems through APIs, allowing data exchange and control between them, including window controllers that manage transitions of optically switchable windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If window control systems are integrated with multiple building systems (HVAC, lighting, security), then system coordination and energy efficiency improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an API gateway as an intermediary component that mediates communications between the window control system and other building systems (HVAC, lighting, security). This gateway handles protocol translation, authentication, and data routing, allowing multiple systems to interact without direct point-to-point connections, thereby improving coordination while containing complexity at the gateway layer
Solution Approach 2:
The window control system is designed with universal communication capabilities through standardized APIs that enable it to interact with multiple different types of building systems using common protocols. This multi-functionality allows a single control platform to manage diverse systems, improving overall system coordination without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each system type
2Reliability
If sophisticated control and monitoring systems are deployed for smart windows, then window performance and energy efficiency improve, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates multiple feedback mechanisms including sensors that monitor window conditions (transmission state, temperature, humidity) and building environment parameters (occupancy, sunlight intensity, indoor climate). This feedback enables automatic adjustment of window properties and coordinated control with HVAC and lighting systems, improving window performance and energy efficiency through closed-loop control while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized feedback protocols
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple systems interact with smart windows, then building automation capability improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control functionality for multiple building systems into a unified user interface that presents integrated controls for windows, HVAC, lighting, and security systems. This consolidation allows users to manage all systems through a single interface rather than multiple separate systems, improving building automation capability while maintaining ease of operation through unified access points and coordinated control logic
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 coordinated control and monitoring of multiple building systems, enhancing user comfort and energy efficiency by optimizing window tinting based on sensor data and system interactions.
Implementation Method 1
A window control system is configured to control the optical state of one or more optically switchable windows
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are platforms for communicating among one or more otherwise independent systems involved in controlling functions of buildings or other sites having switchable optical devices deployed therein. Such independent systems include a window control system and one or more other independent systems such as systems that control residential home products (e.g., thermostats, smoke alarms, etc.), HVAC systems, security systems, lighting control systems, and the like. Together the systems control and/or monitor multiple features and/or products, including switchable windows and other infrastructure of a site, which may be a commercial, residential, or public site.