Tintable Window Predictive Control for Glare and Daylight Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic windows have not realized their full commercial potential due to various issues, and there is a need for improved control methods that account for occupant comfort and energy efficiency in tintable windows.
Innovation Solution
Implement predictive control logic for tintable windows that considers occupant comfort and energy conservation by determining optimal tint levels based on factors like direct sunlight penetration, predicted irradiance, and local energy codes, using sensors and networked controllers to adjust tint levels accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electrochromic windows are used to control light transmission, then energy efficiency is improved, but occupant comfort may deteriorate due to glare and insufficient natural lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs predictive calculations of sun position and sunlight penetration depth in advance to determine optimal tint levels before glare or discomfort occurs. The controller proactively adjusts the electrochromic window tint based on predicted solar conditions rather than reacting to actual glare, preventing harmful effects before they impact occupant comfort while maintaining energy efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the window tint is darkened to reduce glare, then occupant comfort is improved, but natural lighting and energy conservation may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the specific penetration depth of sunlight into the room and determines the precise tint level needed to block glare at the window while maintaining adequate natural lighting in the interior space. By targeting the specific harmful sunlight path rather than uniformly darkening the entire window, the system locally addresses glare reduction while preserving overall natural lighting and energy conservation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If predictive control logic is implemented to account for occupant comfort, then comfort levels are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system autonomously performs predictive calculations of sun position, penetration depth, and optimal tint levels without requiring manual input or complex user interaction. The system self-regulates the electrochromic window based on environmental sensors and pre-programmed algorithms, automatically adjusting tint to maintain occupant comfort while minimizing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
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
Enhances occupant comfort by reducing glare and controlling natural lighting while optimizing energy consumption, ensuring compliance with energy-saving standards.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in an optical property when placed in a different electronic state, typically by being subjected to a voltage change.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling tint of a tintable window to account for occupant comfort in a room of a building. The tintable window is between the interior and exterior of the building. The method predicts a tint level for the tintable window at a future time based on a penetration depth of direct sunlight through the tintable window into the room at the future time and space type in the room. The method also provides instructions over a network to transition tint of the tintable window to the tint level.