Electrochromic Window Network Commissioning for Accurate Device Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic windows face challenges during commissioning, including incorrect installation and mispairing of network addresses with physical locations, leading to operational malfunctions and inefficiencies in controlling tint states.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for commissioning electrochromic windows that involves identifying networked devices, receiving user input to check functionality, determining device IDs, and pairing physical locations with network addresses using graphical user interfaces and wireless electromagnetic signal analysis to ensure accurate network communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual commissioning methods are used for electrochromic windows, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation errors and mispairing of network addresses with physical locations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual commissioning procedures with automated optical field-based identification. Sensors detect optical fields emitted by window controllers to automatically determine physical locations and pair them with network addresses, eliminating manual errors while maintaining simplicity through wireless communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The commissioning system performs self-identification of window locations through optical field detection. The sensors automatically scan for window controller signals, determine physical positions, and complete pairing without requiring installer intervention, enabling the system to commission itself autonomously.
2Productivity
If automated commissioning is implemented, then commissioning speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual commissioning procedures with automated optical field detection and wireless communication. The system automatically identifies window locations, determines physical positions, and pairs network addresses without manual intervention, achieving rapid commissioning through sensor-based automation rather than complex software configurations.
3Reliability
If network address mispairing occurs, then operational efficiency decreases, but commissioning time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary pairing of network addresses with physical locations during the commissioning phase using optical field detection. By correctly associating each window controller with its physical location before operational use, the system prevents mispairing issues that would otherwise require time-consuming debugging and reconfiguration during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The commissioning system uses feedback from optical field sensors to verify correct pairing of network addresses with physical locations. The sensors detect window controller signals and confirm proper association, providing immediate feedback that ensures operational reliability from the outset and eliminates future debugging requirements.
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
Facilitates proper functioning of electrochromic windows by ensuring correct association of network addresses with physical locations, reducing installation errors and enhancing the efficiency of tint state control.
Implementation Method 1
a window controller in the network is identified by transmitting an identification signal from the window controller through an optical field
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are described for the commissioning of optically switchable window networks. During commissioning, network addresses are paired with the locations of installed devices for components on a window network. Commissioning may also involve steps of testing and validating the network devices. By correctly pairing the location of a device with its network address, a window network is configured to function such that controls sent over the network reach their targeted device(s) which in turn respond accordingly. The methods described herein may reduce frustrations that result from mispairing and installation issues that are common to conventional commissioning practices. Commissioning may involve recording a response to a manually or automatically initiated trigger. Commissioning methods described herein may rely on user input, or be automatic, not requiring user input.