Motorized Window Treatment Control for Non-Linear Façade Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized window treatments struggle to automatically control sunlight penetration on non-linear façades while minimizing occupant distractions and maintaining aesthetic alignment, as they often require frequent adjustments and can detract from the building's appearance due to differing façade angles.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that includes a system controller capable of calculating optimal positions for motorized window treatments along non-linear façades with distinct angles, adjusting their positions to prevent excessive sunlight penetration, and synchronizing movements to minimize distractions and maintain alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If motorized window treatments are automatically controlled to prevent sun glare, then sunlight penetration is limited, but frequent movements cause occupant distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of optimal window treatment positions at the beginning of each day based on forecasted sun positions. By pre-determining the control schedule before the day begins, the system minimizes the number of movements during occupied hours, thus preventing sun glare while reducing occupant distractions from frequent adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system operates periodically by adjusting window treatments at predetermined intervals based on calculated sun positions rather than continuously responding to real-time conditions. This periodic control approach limits movements to essential times only, effectively managing sun glare while minimizing disruptions to occupants.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If motorized window treatments are controlled along non-linear façades with different angles, then sunlight penetration is prevented, but aesthetic alignment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by calculating and controlling each window treatment individually according to its specific façade angle and local sun exposure conditions. Rather than applying a uniform control approach, the system tailors the control strategy to each local position on the non-linear façade, preventing sunlight penetration effectively while maintaining aesthetic alignment through position synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates the optimal positions for all window treatments along the non-linear façade at the beginning of each day, taking into account the different façade angles. By determining all positions in advance, the system ensures that window treatments can be synchronized to move to aesthetically aligned positions while still preventing sunlight penetration at each specific location.
3Shape
If window treatments are adjusted frequently to maintain alignment, then aesthetic appearance is preserved, but occupant distractions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of optimal positions and determines the complete control schedule at the beginning of each day. By pre-planning all necessary adjustments, the system identifies and executes only the essential movements needed to maintain alignment, thereby preserving aesthetic appearance while minimizing the frequency of adjustments that would distract occupants.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system automatically controls the amount of daylight entering a building through at least one window of a non-linear façade of the building. The load control system comprises at least two motorized window treatments located along the non-linear façade, and a system controller. The controller is configured to calculate an optimal position for the motorized window treatments at each of a plurality of different times during a subsequent time interval using at least two distinct façade angles of the non-linear façade, such that a sunlight penetration distance will not exceed a maximum distance during the time interval. The controller is configured to use the optimal positions to determine a controlled position to which both of the motorized window treatments will be controlled during the time interval and to automatically adjust each of the motorized window treatments to the controlled position at the beginning of the time interval.