Smart Window Control via Building Model and Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochromic devices in buildings and automotive rearview mirrors lack advanced control systems that can adaptively manage optical transmissivity based on comprehensive data from sensors and network information, limiting their functionality beyond basic settings.
Innovation Solution
A smart window system with a distributed device network control architecture that integrates sensors, intelligent window controllers, and a network-connected command and communication device to generate a building model, allowing for adaptive control of electrochromic windows based on sensor data and network information, enabling advanced features like auto-tint, energy efficiency, and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If basic control systems with simple sensors and user inputs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent components: electrochromic windows with integrated sensors, window controllers, a command and communication device, and a distributed device network. Each component operates semi-independently, allowing the system to scale and adapt without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The command and communication device serves multiple functions: receiving sensor data, processing network information, generating building models, determining window placements, and controlling electrochromic windows. This multi-functional approach increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Loss of energy
If comprehensive sensor data and network information are processed, then control precision and energy efficiency are improved, but information processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-generates building models and determines window placements in advance based on sensor data and network information. This preliminary processing allows for optimized control decisions to be made quickly when actual control actions are needed, reducing real-time processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each window controller autonomously processes local sensor data and makes control decisions based on the building model, without requiring constant centralized processing. This distributed intelligence reduces overall system processing time and computational load.
3Ease of operation
If real-time adaptive control is implemented, then user comfort and energy efficiency are enhanced, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sensor data from electrochromic windows and network information, compares actual performance against the building model, and automatically adjusts window transmissivity in real-time. This closed-loop feedback provides adaptive control that enhances user comfort without requiring direct user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The command and communication device acts as an intermediary between sensors, network sources, and window controllers. It processes information and translates it into control commands, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling sophisticated adaptive control functionality.
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 system provides adaptive and interactive control of electrochromic windows, enhancing energy efficiency, user comfort, and operational flexibility by dynamically adjusting transmissivity based on real-time data from sensors and network inputs, overcoming the limitations of basic control systems.
Implementation Method 1
electrochromic devices, in which optical transmissivity is electrically controlled
Data Source
AI summary
A smart window system is provided. The system includes a plurality of smart windows, each having at least one electrochromic window and a plurality of sensors. The system includes a control system coupling the plurality of smart windows and the plurality of sensors. The control system is configured to couple to a network, and configured to generate a building model that includes information regarding the plurality of smart windows and is based on information from the plurality of sensors and information from the network.