Switchable Window Control Hierarchy for Complex Building Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing and controlling large installations of electrically tintable windows, such as electrochromic windows, lack sophisticated control and monitoring capabilities, necessitating improved techniques for interacting building systems and managing complex installations.
Innovation Solution
A building system comprising a network of windows with switchable optical devices, featuring end window controllers, intermediate controllers, and a master controller, which distributes control and responds to user input, sensor data, and learns from user interactions to optimize tint levels and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed control system with multiple controllers is implemented, then the control capability and monitoring sophistication are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent controllers (master controller, intermediate controllers, and end window controllers) that can operate autonomously or cooperatively. Each controller manages specific windows or zones, allowing the system to scale and adapt to different installation sizes while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the control system, with master controllers at the top level, intermediate controllers at the middle level, and end window controllers at the bottom level. This multi-level hierarchy allows complex control functions to be distributed across different layers, improving adaptability while organizing complexity in a structured manner.
2Loss of energy
If sophisticated control and monitoring systems are added to manage large installations, then the energy efficiency and user comfort are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controllers are equipped with learning capabilities that automatically observe user manual adjustments and environmental conditions to autonomously optimize window tinting schedules. This self-learning feature reduces the need for complex manual programming while maintaining high energy efficiency, as the system adapts automatically to user preferences and changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions (light levels, temperature) and user interactions, feeding this information back to the controllers. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustments that improve energy efficiency without requiring users to manually program complex schedules, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
3Loss of energy
If the system learns from user interactions to optimize performance, then the energy conservation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controllers automatically learn from user manual adjustments and environmental patterns without requiring external programming or complex configuration. This self-learning capability enables the system to optimize energy conservation autonomously, improving performance while avoiding the complexity of manual system programming and configuration.
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 enables efficient control and monitoring of multiple windows, adapts to user preferences and environmental conditions, and learns to conserve energy, enhancing the management of complex installations and improving user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
Electrically tintable windows such as electrochromic 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.