Patent Grant
11826986
This disclosure relates to structures that include an electrically controllable optically active material and, more particularly, to drivers for controlling the electrically controllable optically active material.
Windows, doors, partitions, and other structures having controllable light modulation have been gaining popularity in the marketplace. These structures are commonly referred to as “smart” structures or “privacy” structures for their ability to transform from a transparent state in which a user can see through the structure to a private state in which viewing is inhibited through the structure. For example, smart windows are being used in high-end automobiles and homes and smart partitions are being used as walls in office spaces to provide controlled privacy and visual darkening.
A variety of different technologies can be used to provide controlled optical transmission for a smart structure. For example, electrochromic technologies, photochromic technologies, thermochromic technologies, suspended particle technologies, and liquid crystal technologies are all being used in different smart structure applications to provide controllable privacy. The technologies generally use an energy source, such as electricity, to transform from a transparent state to a privacy state or vice versa.
In practice, an electrical driver may be used to control or “drive” the optically active material. The driver may apply or cease applying electrical energy to the optically active material to transition between a transparent state and privacy state, or vice versa. In addition, the driver may apply an electrical signal to the optically active material once transitioned in a particular state to help maintain that state. For example, the driver may apply an electrical signal of alternating polarity to the optically active material to transition the optically active material between states and/or maintain the optically active material in a transitioned stated.
In some cases, one or more changing characteristics in a structure including an electrically controllable optically active material render a previously-suitable electrical drive signal for controlling the optical state of the structure less suitable for the new characteristics of the structure. For example, changing electrical and/or chemical characteristics of the structure can change the optical response of the structure to a given electrical drive signal. This can lead to undesirable and/or unexpected optical properties of the electrically controllable optically active material in response to the drive signal. Additionally or alternatively, such changes can lead to operating inefficiencies, such as electrical inefficiency due to the electrical drive signal no longer being suitable for the characteristics of the structure.
In general, this disclosure is directed to privacy structures incorporating an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controllable privacy. The privacy structures can be implemented in the form of a window, door, skylight, interior partition, or yet other structure where controllable visible transmittance is desired. In any case, the privacy structure may be fabricated from multiple panes of transparent material that include an electrically controllable medium between the panes. Each pane of transparent material can carry an electrode layer, which may be implemented as a layer of electrically conductive and optically transparent material deposited over the pane. The optically active material may be controlled, for example via an electrical driver communicatively coupled to the electrode layers, e.g., by controlling the application and/or removal of electrical energy to the optically active material. For example, the driver can control application and/or removal of electrical energy from the optically active material, thereby causing the optically active material to transition from a scattering state in which visibility through the structure is inhibited to a transparent state in which visibility through the structure is comparatively clear.
The electrical driver, which may also be referred to as a controller, may be designed to receive power from a power source, such as a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery and/or wall or mains power source. The electrical driver can condition the electricity received from the power source, e.g., by changing the frequency, amplitude, waveform, and/or other characteristic of the electricity received from the power source. The electrical driver can deliver the conditioned electrical signal to electrodes that are electrically coupled to the optically active material. In addition, in response to a user input or other control information, the electrical driver may change the conditioned electrical signal delivered to the electrodes and/or cease delivering electricity to the electrodes. Accordingly, the electrical driver can control the electrical signal delivered to the optically active material, thereby controlling the material to maintain a specific optical state or to transition from one state (e.g., a transparent state or scattering state) to another state.
Some aspects of the instant disclosure are directed toward systems and methods for or otherwise capable of assessing and adapting to changing characteristics of an electrically controllable optical privacy glazing structure. Some aspects of the instant disclosure involve measuring an electrical characteristic of a privacy glazing structure indicative of a health of the privacy glazing structure at a first time and measuring the electrical characteristic of the privacy glazing structure indicative of the health of the privacy glazing structure at a second time later than the first time.
A detected change in the electrical characteristic can indicate a change in the health of a privacy glazing structure. In some embodiments, at least one parameter of an electrical drive signal provided to the privacy glazing structure can be adjusted to compensate for the change in the health of the privacy glazing structure. In some examples, adjusting a parameter of the electrical drive signal includes increasing a voltage, decreasing a frequency, pulsing a voltage, or combinations thereof.
In some examples, a leakage current value associated with a privacy glazing structure can be determined, and adjusting at least one parameter of the drive signal is performed if the determined leakage current satisfies a predetermined condition.
Additionally or alternatively, the electrical characteristic of the privacy glazing structure indicative of the health of the privacy glazing structure can be measured at a plurality of additional times later than the second time and the measured characteristic at each of the plurality of times can be compared to the electrical characteristic measured at the first time. In some such examples, if, at any of the plurality of times, the electrical characteristic differs from the electrical characteristic at the first time by more than a threshold amount, at least one parameter of the electrical drive signal can be adjusted.
In some examples, observing changes in one or more electrical characteristics of a privacy glazing structure can indicate changing health conditions of the privacy glazing structure, such as changing chemical or electrical properties (e.g., due to damage or degradation). In some such embodiments, updating the electrical drive signal in response to detected changes can help maintain appropriate electrical drive signals or changing structure characteristics.
In general, the present disclosure is directed to electrical control systems, devices, and method for controlling optical structures having controllable light modulation. For example, an optical structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. An electrical controller, or driver, may be electrically coupled to optically active material through electrode layers bounding the optically active material. The electrical driver may receive power from a power source and condition the electricity received from the power source, e.g., by changing the frequency, amplitude, waveform, and/or other characteristic of the electricity received from the power source. The electrical driver can deliver the conditioned electrical signal to the electrodes. In addition, in response to a user input or other control information, the electrical driver may change the conditioned electrical signal delivered to the electrodes and/or cease delivering electricity to the electrodes. Accordingly, the electrical driver can control the electrical signal delivered to the optically active material, thereby controlling the material to maintain a specific optical state or to transition from one state (e.g., a transparent state or scattering state) to another state.
Example electrical driver configurations and electrical control features are described in greater detail with
Privacy glazing structure 12 can utilize any suitable privacy materials for the layer of optically active material 18. Further, although optically active material 18 is generally illustrated and described as being a single layer of material, it should be appreciated that a structure in accordance with the disclosure can have one or more layers of optically active material with the same or varying thicknesses. In general, optically active material 18 is configured to provide controllable and reversible optical obscuring and lightening. Optically active material 18 can be an electronically controllable optically active material that changes direct visible transmittance in response to changes in electrical energy applied to the material.
In one example, optically active material 18 is formed of an electrochromic material that changes opacity and, hence, light transmission properties, in response to voltage changes applied to the material. Typical examples of electrochromic materials are WO3 and MoO3, which are usually colorless when applied to a substrate in thin layers. An electrochromic layer may change its optical properties by oxidation or reduction processes. For example, in the case of tungsten oxide, protons can move in the electrochromic layer in response to changing voltage, reducing the tungsten oxide to blue tungsten bronze. The intensity of coloration is varied by the magnitude of charge applied to the layer.
In another example, optically active material 18 is formed of a liquid crystal material. Different types of liquid crystal materials that can be used as optically active material 18 include polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) materials and polymer stabilized cholesteric texture (PSCT) materials. Polymer dispersed liquid crystals usually involve phase separation of nematic liquid crystal from a homogeneous liquid crystal containing an amount of polymer, sandwiched between electrode layers 20 and 22. When the electric field is off, the liquid crystals may be randomly scattered. This scatters light entering the liquid crystal and diffuses the transmitted light through the material. When a certain voltage is applied between the two electrode layers, the liquid crystals may homeotropically align and the liquid crystals increase in optical transparency, allowing light to transmit through the crystals.
In the case of polymer stabilized cholesteric texture (PSCT) materials, the material can either be a normal mode polymer stabilized cholesteric texture material or a reverse mode polymer stabilized cholesteric texture material. In a normal polymer stabilized cholesteric texture material, light is scattered when there is no electrical field applied to the material. If an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal, it turns to the homeotropic state, causing the liquid crystals to reorient themselves parallel in the direction of the electric field. This causes the liquid crystals to increase in optical transparency and allows light to transmit through the liquid crystal layer. In a reverse mode polymer stabilized cholesteric texture material, the liquid crystals are transparent in the absence of an electric field (e.g., zero electric field) but opaque and scattering upon application of an electric field.
In one example in which the layer of optically active material 18 is implemented using liquid crystals, the optically active material includes liquid crystals and a dichroic dye to provide a guest-host liquid crystal mode of operation. When so configured, the dichroic dye can function as a guest compound within the liquid crystal host. The dichroic dye can be selected so the orientation of the dye molecules follows the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. In some examples, when an electric field is applied to the optically active material 18, there is little to no absorption in the short axis of the dye molecule, and when the electric field is removed from the optically active material, the dye molecules absorb in the long axis. As a result, the dichroic dye molecules can absorb light when the optically active material is transitioned to a scattering state. When so configured, the optically active material may absorb light impinging upon the material to prevent an observer on one side of privacy glazing structure 12 from clearly observing activity occurring on the opposite side of the structure.
When optically active material 18 is implemented using liquid crystals, the optically active material may include liquid crystal molecules within a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix may or may not be cured, resulting in a solid or liquid medium of polymer surrounding liquid crystal molecules. In addition, in some examples, the optically active material 18 may contain spacer beads (e.g., micro-spheres), for example having an average diameter ranging from 3 micrometers to 40 micrometers, to maintain separation between the first pane of transparent material 14 and the second pane of transparent material 16.
In another example in which the layer of optically active material 18 is implemented using a liquid crystal material, the liquid crystal material turns hazy when transitioned to the privacy state. Such a material may scatter light impinging upon the material to prevent an observer on one side of privacy glazing structure 12 from clearly observing activity occurring on the opposite side of the structure. Such a material may significantly reduce regular visible transmittance through the material (which may also be referred to as direct visible transmittance) while only minimally reducing total visible transmittance when in the privacy state, as compared to when in the light transmitting state. When using these materials, the amount of scattered visible light transmitting through the material may increase in the privacy state as compared to the light transmitting state, compensating for the reduced regular visible transmittance through the material. Regular or direct visible transmittance may be considered the transmitted visible light that is not scattered or redirected through optically active material 18.
Another type of material that can be used as the layer of optically active material 18 is a suspended particle material. Suspended particle materials are typically dark or opaque in a non-activated state but become transparent when a voltage is applied. Other types of electrically controllable optically active materials can be utilized as optically active material 18, and the disclosure is not limited in this respect.
Independent of the specific type of material(s) used for the layer of optically active material 18, the material can change from a light transmissive state in which privacy glazing structure 12 is intended to be transparent to a privacy state in which visibility through the insulating glazing unit is intended to be blocked. Optically active material 18 may exhibit progressively decreasing direct visible transmittance when transitioning from a maximum light transmissive state to a maximum privacy state. Similarly, optically active material 18 may exhibit progressively increasing direct visible transmittance when transitioning from a maximum privacy state to a maximum transmissive state. The speed at which optically active material 18 transitions from a generally transparent transmission state to a generally opaque privacy state may be dictated by a variety of factors, including the specific type of material selected for optically active material 18, the temperature of the material, the electrical voltage applied to the material, and the like.
To electrically control optically active material 18, privacy glazing structure 12 in the example of
Each electrode layer 20, 22 may be an electrically conductive coating that is a transparent conductive oxide (“TCO”) coating, such as aluminum-doped zinc oxide and/or tin-doped indium oxide. The transparent conductive oxide coatings can be electrically connected to a power source through notch structures as described in greater detail below. In some examples, the transparent conductive coatings forming electrode layers 20, 22 define wall surfaces of a cavity between first pane of transparent material 14 and second pane of transparent material 16 which optically active material 18 contacts. In other examples, one or more other coatings may overlay the first and/or second electrode layers 20, 22, such as a dielectric overcoat (e.g., silicon oxynitride). In either case, first pane of transparent material 14 and second pane of transparent material 16, as well as any coatings on inner faces 24A, 26A of the panes can form a cavity or chamber containing optically active material 18.
The panes of transparent material forming privacy glazing structure 12, including first pane 14 and second pane 16, and be formed of any suitable material. Each pane of transparent material may be formed from the same material, or at least one of the panes of transparent material may be formed of a material different than at least one other of the panes of transparent material. In some examples, at least one (and optionally all) the panes of privacy glazing structure 12 are formed of glass. In other examples, at least one (and optionally all) the privacy glazing structure 12 are formed of plastic such as, e.g., a fluorocarbon plastic, polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester. When glass is used, the glass may be aluminum borosilicate glass, sodium-lime (e.g., sodium-lime-silicate) glass, or another type of glass. In addition, the glass may be clear or the glass may be colored, depending on the application. Although the glass can be manufactured using different techniques, in some examples the glass is manufactured on a float bath line in which molten glass is deposited on a bath of molten tin to shape and solidify the glass. Such an example glass may be referred to as float glass.
In some examples, first pane 14 and/or second pane 16 may be formed from multiple different types of materials. For example, the substrates may be formed of a laminated glass, which may include two panes of glass bonded together with a polymer such as polyvinyl butyral. Additional details on privacy glazing substrate arrangements that can be used in the present disclosure can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/958,724, titled “HIGH PERFORMANCE PRIVACY GLAZING STRUCTURES” and filed Apr. 20, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Privacy glazing structure 12 can be used in any desired application, including in a door, a window, a wall (e.g., wall partition), a skylight in a residential or commercial building, or in other applications. To help facilitate installation of privacy glazing structure 12, the structure may include a frame 30 surrounding the exterior perimeter of the structure. In different examples, frame 30 may be fabricated from wood, metal, or a plastic material such a vinyl. Frame 30 may defines a channel 32 that receives and holds the external perimeter edge of structure 12.
In the example of
As shown in the illustrated example of
Spacer 56 can be any structure that holds opposed substrates in a spaced apart relationship over the service life of multi-pane privacy glazing structure 50 and seals between-pane space 54 between the opposed panes of material, e.g., so as to inhibit or eliminate gas exchange between the between-pane space and an environment surrounding the unit. One example of a spacer that can be used as spacer 56 is a tubular spacer positioned between first pane of transparent material 14 and third pane of transparent material 52. The tubular spacer may define a hollow lumen or tube which, in some examples, is filled with desiccant. The tubular spacer may have a first side surface adhered (by a first bead of sealant) to the outer surface 24B of first pane of transparent material 14 and a second side surface adhered (by a second bead of sealant) to third pane of transparent material 52. A top surface of the tubular spacer can exposed to between-pane space 54 and, in some examples, includes openings that allow gas within the between-pane space to communicate with desiccating material inside of the spacer. Such a spacer can be fabricated from aluminum, stainless steel, a thermoplastic, or any other suitable material.
Another example of a spacer that can be used as spacer 56 is a spacer formed from a corrugated metal reinforcing sheet surrounded by a sealant composition. The corrugated metal reinforcing sheet may be a rigid structural component that holds first pane of transparent material 14 apart from third pane of transparent material 52. In yet another example, spacer 56 may be formed from a foam material surrounded on all sides except a side facing a between-pane space with a metal foil. As another example, spacer 56 may be a thermoplastic spacer (TPS) spacer formed by positioning a primary sealant (e.g., adhesive) between first pane of transparent material 14 and third pane of transparent material 52 followed, optionally, by a secondary sealant applied around the perimeter defined between the substrates and the primary sealant. Spacer 56 can have other configurations, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.
Depending on application, first patent of transparent material 14, second pane of transparent material 16, and/or third pane of transparent material 52 (when included) may be coated with one or more functional coatings to modify the performance of privacy structure. Example functional coatings include, but are not limited to, low-emissivity coatings, solar control coatings, and photocatalytic coatings. In general, a low-emissivity coating is a coating that is designed to allow near infrared and visible light to pass through a pane while substantially preventing medium infrared and far infrared radiation from passing through the panes. A low-emissivity coating may include one or more layers of infrared-reflection film interposed between two or more layers of transparent dielectric film. The infrared-reflection film may include a conductive metal like silver, gold, or copper. A photocatalytic coating, by contrast, may be a coating that includes a photocatalyst, such as titanium dioxide. In use, the photocatalyst may exhibit photoactivity that can help self-clean, or provide less maintenance for, the panes.
The electrode layers 20, 22 of privacy glazing structure 12, whether implemented alone or in the form of multiple-pane structure with a between-pane space, can be electrically connected to a driver. The driver can provide power and/or control signals to control optically active material 18. In some configurations, wiring is used establish electrical connection between the driver and each respective electrode layer. A first wire can provide electrical communication between the driver and the first electrode layer 20 and a second wire can provide electrical communication between a driver and the second electrode layer 22. In general, the term wiring refers to any flexible electrical conductor, such as a thread of metal optionally covered with an insulative coating, a flexible printed circuit, a bus bar, or other electrical connector facilitating electrical connection to the electrode layers.
In operation, the driver 60 can apply a voltage difference between electrode layers 20 and 22, resulting in an electric field across optically active material 18. The optical properties of the optically active material 18 can be adjusted by applying a voltage across the layer. In some embodiments, the effect of the voltage on the optically active material 18 is independent on the polarity of the applied voltage. For example, in some examples in which optically active material 18 comprises liquid crystals that align with an electric field between electrode layers 20 and 22, the optical result of the crystal alignment is independent of the polarity of the electric field. For instance, liquid crystals may align with an electric field in a first polarity, and may rotate approximately 180° in the event the polarity if reversed. However, the optical state of the liquid crystals (e.g., the opacity) in either orientation may be approximately the same.
In some embodiments, optical active material 18 behaves electrically similar to a dielectric between the first electrode layer 20 and the second electrode layer 22. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first electrode layer 20, the optically active material 18, and the second electrode layer 22 together behave similar to a capacitor driven by driver 60. In various examples, the privacy glazing structure 12 can exhibit additional or alternative electrical properties, such as resistance and inductance, for example, due to the structure itself and/or other features, such as due to the contact between the driver and the electrode layers 20, 22 (e.g., contact resistance). Thus, in various embodiments, the privacy glazing structure 12 electrically coupled to driver 60 may behave similarly to a capacitor, an RC circuit, and RLC circuit, or the like.
As shown in the example of
In some examples, if a particular optical state (e.g., a transparent state) is to be maintained, switching between polarities that each correspond to that optical state (e.g., between +VA and −VA) can prevent damage to the optically active material. For example, in some cases, a static or direct current voltage applied to an optically active material can result in ion plating within the structure, causing optical defects in the structure. To avoid this optical deterioration, a driver for an optically active material (e.g., in an electrically dynamic window such as a privacy structure) can be configured to continuously switch between applied polarities of an applied voltage (e.g. VA) in order to maintain the desired optical state.
One technique for applying a voltage of opposite polarities to a load (e.g., an optically active material) is via a switching network, such as an H-bridge configuration, such as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/669,005, entitled ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE PRIVACY GLAZING STRUCTURE WITH ENERGY RECAPTURING DRIVER, filed May 9, 2018, which is assigned to the assignee of the instant application and is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
In the example of
The driver 200 of
The driver 200 further includes a second energy storage element SE2 coupled to the first side 235 of the load 240 and being coupled between the third switching mechanism SW3 and the first switching mechanism SW1. Similarly, the driver includes a third energy storage element SE3 coupled to the second side 245 of the load 240 and being coupled between the fourth switching mechanism SW4 and the second switching mechanism SW2.
In various embodiments, energy storage elements can be electrical energy storage elements, such as inductive storage elements, capacitive storage elements, one or more batteries, or the like. In some examples, storage elements SE1, SE2, and SE3 are the same. In other examples, at least one of SE1, SE2, and SE3 is different from the others. In some embodiments, SE1 comprises a capacitive energy storage element and SE2 and SE3 comprise inductive energy storage elements. In some such embodiments, SE2 and SE3 comprise matched inductive energy storage elements.
The driver 200 in
In some examples, the controller 260 is configured to control the switching mechanisms in order to provide a voltage (e.g., from power source 210) to load 240, such as an optically active material in an electrically dynamic window. Further, in some embodiments, the controller 260 can be configured to control the switching mechanisms in order to periodically change the polarity of the voltage applied to the load 240. In some such examples, operation of the switching network can be performed so that at least some of the energy discharged from the load (e.g., when changing polarities) can be recovered and stored in one or more energy storage elements SE1, SE2, SE3. Such recovered and stored energy can be used, for example, to perform subsequent charging operations.
As described, in some embodiments, driver 200 further includes additional components for selectively preventing current flow to various portions of the driver. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment of
Other possible driver configurations are possible, for example, omitting one or more of the above-referenced features, such as one or more energy storage elements, switches, or the like. For instance, in various examples, a driver can be configured output an AC electrical drive signal without requiring switching elements.
In some examples, electrical drive signals provided from the driver 300 to each privacy glazing structure are limited for safety reasons, for example, to comply with one or more safety standards. For instance, in some embodiments, electrical drive signals are power limited to satisfy one or more electrical safety standards, such as NEC Class 2. Providing drive signals that satisfy one or more such safety standards can enable safe installation by a wide range of people, for example, by enabling installation without requiring licensed electricians.
In the illustrated example, each of the privacy glazing structures 310, 320, 330 has one or more corresponding temperature sensors, 312, 322, and 332, respectively, that can provide temperature information regarding the corresponding privacy glazing structure. Temperature information can include, for example, contact temperature information (e.g., surface temperature) or non-contact temperature information (e.g., air temperature). In some examples, such temperature sensors 312, 322, 332 can provide such temperature information to driver 300.
However, in some cases, different privacy glazing structures have different electrical properties, for example, due to different sizes, different materials, and the like. As a result, different structures may require different drive signals to operate effectively and/or efficiently. For instance, in some embodiments, a drive signal that works well for a given privacy glazing structure may result in poor optical performance in a different privacy glazing structure due to differences between the structures.
In some examples, a driver can receive identification information from a privacy glazing structure, for example, from a memory storage component on the structure including identification information readable by the driver. In some such examples, the driver can be configured to read such identification information and establish an electrical drive signal (e.g., from a lookup table stored in a memory) for driving the identified structure. However, while providing a first order estimate on an appropriate drive signal for a given structure, in some cases, variations between similar structures (e.g., due to manufacturing variability, environmental factors, aging characteristics, for example, due to UV degradation, etc.) can result in different electrical characteristics between such similar structures. Thus, even two privacy glazing structures of the same make/model may have different characteristics that can lead to inconsistencies between such structures when driven with the same electrical drive signal.
In some embodiments, a driver can be configured to characterize one or more properties of a privacy glazing structure in communication therewith in order to determine one or more drive signal parameters suitable for driving the privacy glazing structure. For example, in some embodiments, a driver is configured to apply an electrical sensing pulse to a privacy glazing structure and analyze the response of the privacy glazing structure to the electrical sensing pulse. The driver can be configured to characterize the privacy glazing structure based on the analyzed response to the electrical sensing pulse. In some embodiments, the driver can be configured to characterize one or more parameters of the privacy glazing structure based on the analyzed response, such as one or more electrical parameters.
The method of
In some examples, characterizing one or more electrical parameters comprises determining a resistance value (e.g., an equivalent series resistance), a capacitance value, and/or an inductance value associated with the privacy glazing structure. In some such examples, the driver can be configured to generate a representative circuit including the one or more electrical parameters, such as an RC circuit or an RLC circuit. In some embodiments, loading one or more drive parameters (706) can be performed based on such determined one or more electrical parameters, for example, based on one or more lookup tables and/or equations.
In some embodiments, loading one or more drive parameters (706) comprises establishing a drive signal. Additionally or alternatively, if a drive signal is currently in place, loading one or more drive parameters can include adjusting one or more drive parameters of the existing drive signal. In various examples, adjusting one or more parameters can include loading a new value for the one or more parameters, or can include a relative adjustment, such as increasing or decreasing a value associated with the one or more parameters with respect to an existing electrical drive signal.
Once the one or more parameters associated with the determined one or more electrical characteristics are loaded, the driver can be configured to apply an electrical drive signal that includes the loaded drive parameter(s) to the privacy structure (708).
In some examples, the process of
In some embodiments, the process shown in
One category of privacy glazing structure shown in
Another category of structure in the example of
Another category of structure according to the example of
A fourth category of structure according to the example of
While shown as two bins for two categories, it will be appreciated that any number of parameters may be analyzed, and may be distinguishable by any number of bins. For instance, in general, a group of N parameters (in
In some examples, methods similar to that shown in
In some embodiments, the updated electrical drive signal can be determined based on the determined electrical characteristics at time to, similar to loading one or more drive parameters based on the determined characteristics as described with respect to
With respect to
In some embodiments, change in each of the one or more parameters over time can be compared to a corresponding threshold. In some examples, if any one characteristic differs from its previous value by a corresponding threshold amount, the change in characteristic(s) is considered to be greater than the threshold amount, and an updated electrical drive signal is established. In other examples, the amount of change in each of the one or more characteristics must be greater than a corresponding threshold amount in order for the change to be considered greater than a threshold and to update an electrical drive signal. In various embodiments, different combinations of electrical characteristics (e.g., a subset of a plurality of determined characteristics) can be analyzed to determine whether or not the change in the characteristics is greater than a threshold amount.
In some embodiments, loading/updating one or more drive parameters (912) can be based on additional tracked/measured data 914. Tracked/measured data 914 can include information such as the age of the privacy glazing structure, the temperature of the privacy glazing structure, or the like. In some examples, the driver can be configured to adjust one or more drive parameters based on such data.
For instance, in an exemplary embodiment, in the event that the change(s) in one or more electrical characteristics between times tn-1 and tn is/are greater than a threshold amount, the driver can be configured to acquire temperature information (e.g., structure and/or environment temperature information) and update the one or more drive parameters based on the temperature information. Temperature information can be received, for example, from a contact (e.g., thermocouple) or non-contact (e.g., infrared) temperature measurement device that outputs temperature information representative of the structure itself. Additionally or alternatively, temperature information can be received from an ambient temperature sensor. In some examples, one or more temperature sensors can be associated with each of one or more privacy glazing structures in a privacy system. For example with respect to
In addition or alternatively to temperature information, if the change(s) in one or more electrical characteristics between times tn-1 and tn is/are greater than a threshold amount, the driver can be configured to determine the age of the privacy glazing structure and update one or more drive parameters based upon the age of the structure. In some examples, a driver can be configured to flag a structure as aging, for example, when the structure has been in operation for a predetermined amount of time and/or when the electrical characteristics are representative of an aging structure. Age and/or temperature can be used in addition or alternatively to the determined electrical characteristics when determining an updated electrical drive signal.
As described with respect to
In various embodiments, different electrical sensing pulses can be used to determine such characteristics. For instance, in various examples, an electrical sensing pulse can include a DC sense pulse, a low frequency drive signal (e.g., a signal having similar characteristics, such as amplitude or waveform, of a drive signal but having lower frequency), or an operational drive signal (e.g., a currently-implemented drive signal). In some embodiments, a user may select which type of electrical sensing pulse to use when characterizing a privacy glazing structure.
In some cases, a DC sense pulse can provide the most accurate characterization, since the DC signal can be applied over several RC time constants of the structure. In some embodiments, the DC pulse is applied to a structure for at least five time constants, but can also be applied for longer amounts of time, such as for at least 10 time constants, at least 100 time constants, at least 1000 time constants, or other values. While the exact value of an RC time constant may not be known a priori, in some examples, a privacy glazing structure can have an expected range of time constants (e.g., associated with different structure sizes, types, etc.) that can be used to determine, for example, a minimum DC pulse length to increase the likelihood that the DC sense pulse lasts at least a minimum number of time constants. A potential drawback to a DC sense pulse is that during the pulse, the visual aesthetics of the privacy glazing structure may degrade. However, this type of electrical sensing pulse can be used during, for example, an installation procedure or when the structure is not in use, a temporary decline in the aesthetic appearance of the structure may be acceptable.
In some examples, an operational drive signal can be used as an electrical sensing pulse, such as one of the drive signals shown in
In some cases, a low frequency drive signal can provide a balance between the DC sense pulse and the operation drive signal as a sense pulse. For example, in some embodiments, reducing the frequency of the drive signal provides added time for characterizing the response of the privacy glazing structure to the signal while not impacting the aesthetics of the privacy glazing structure as severely as a longer DC sense pulse. In some examples, a low frequency drive signal has a frequency range between approximately 5 and 45 Hz. In some cases, the low frequency drive signal still reduces the aesthetics of the privacy glazing structure, and so may be suitable for applying at night when it is unlikely that the privacy glazing structure will be viewed with temporarily reduced aesthetics.
In various embodiments, a user may manually initiate a privacy glazing structure characterization process in which one or more electrical sensing pulses is applied to the privacy glazing structure determining one or more electrical characteristics of the structure, for example, to determine or update an electrical drive signal. In some such examples, a user may select from a plurality of available electrical sensing pulse types, such as those described elsewhere herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, a driver can be configured to automatically perform a characterization process, for example, according to a predetermined schedule (e.g., once per hour, once per day, once per week, etc.). In some such examples, a driver can be configured to perform different characterization processes according to when the process is carried out. For instance, upon initial installation, a driver can apply a DC sense pulse to initially characterize the structure and establish an electrical drive signal.
After installation, the driver can be configured to periodically apply an electrical sensing pulse to characterize the structure, for example, to determine if one or more characteristics of the structure have changed and/or if an electrical drive signal should be updated, such as described with respect to
In some examples, different update schedules may be implemented according to the processing capabilities of the system components used for performing the analysis. For instance, in some embodiments, on-board processing components may have limited processing ability, and may perform such analysis less frequently than a cloud-based processing system with greater processing resources.
In some examples, periodic characterization of a privacy glazing structure over time can be used to track structure operation and aging characteristics or to adjust the electrical drive signal to accommodate for changing characteristics, for example, as described with respect to
Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the driver can be configured to periodically characterize aspects of the privacy glazing structure at a different rate throughout the life cycle of the structure. For example, in some cases, the driver characterizes the structure more frequently shortly after installation while the driver learns the behavior and/or typical characteristics of the structure, for example, environmental impacts (e.g., temperature, sunlight, etc.) on structure behavior.
In some examples, the driver can be configured to detect or predict an environmental change (e.g., a temperature change, a change in ambient light, etc.), and can characterize the structure within a short time span (e.g., within minutes or hours) to isolate impacts of certain factors. For example, a driver can be configured to characterize a structure when the sun is blocked by a cloud and then again once the sun is no longer blocked in order to isolate the impact of daylight on the structure characteristics. The driver can be configured to detect such changes, for example, via one or more sensors and/or via data analysis (e.g., via internet access to weather data).
Similarly, in an example implementation, a driver can be configured to detect and/or predict an earthquake (e.g., via internet connectivity to an earthquake notification system and/or one or more accelerometers or other sensors). The driver can be configured to characterize the structure after a detected earthquake to assess for damage or changing operating characteristics. If the driver receives information (e.g., from a notification system) that an earthquake is imminent, the driver can characterize the structure prior to the occurrence of the earthquake and again after the earthquake to specifically detect changes in structure characteristics due to the earthquake.
In some embodiments, the driver can be configured to recognize patterns in electrical characteristics of the privacy glazing structure over time and/or correlate electrical characteristics of the privacy glazing structure with other data, such as ambient or structure temperature data. In some such examples, the driver can be configured to adjust/update one or more drive parameters for an electrical drive signals according to the statistical analysis and recognized patterns and/or correlations. For example, the driver may be configured to automatically switch between summer and winter electrical drive signals based on a recognized change in structure behavior over time. Additionally or alternatively, the driver can be configured to adjust one or more drive parameters based on received data, such as temperature data, based on an observed correlation between temperature data and structure characteristics.
Electrical events, such a detected arcing event within the structure, a power surge, a power outage, a lightning strike, or other events can trigger the driver to perform a characterization in order to detect changes and/or damage to the structure.
In some examples, various electrical drive signal parameters can be adjusted based on tracked and/or measured data, such as aging data and/or temperature data. In some embodiments, such parameters can include voltage (e.g., RMS voltage and/or a peak voltage), frequency, and/or a rise time/slew rate. In various examples, loading/updating one or more drive parameters (e.g., step 912 in
Alternatively or in addition to factors such as aging and temperature/seasonal changes in the operation of a privacy glazing structure, other factors, such as a structure health metric, can be analyzed. In some embodiments, a health metric includes a measure of a leakage current through the structure. Leakage current can result from a plurality of issues, such as breakdown in a structure material, such as optically active material 18, a poor or breakdown coating, or other volatile portion of a structure. Leakage current can be measured in a variety of ways. In an exemplary embodiment, a leakage current value can be determined based on analysis of a current flowing through the privacy glazing structure during a particular time.
In some embodiments, one or more metrics associated with the current signal can be measured during a time when a structure is known to be in good working condition, such as upon installation of the structure. Such metrics can include, for example, a time derivative or integral of the measured current at or over a predetermined portion of the drive signal (e.g., during a positive voltage pulse, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, a difference in an equilibrium current during positive and negative portions of the square wave (shown as Δ1 and Δ2 in
One or more current response metrics can be recorded over time in order to determine one or more leakage current values associated with the structure.
Next, the method includes again measuring a value associated with the current response signal at a time tn (1202), which, in a first instance after time to, may be denoted t1 (n=1). For instance, in some examples, the first measurement after the initial measurement at time t0 is performed at time t1. The method includes determining a leakage current at time to based on determined values associated with the current signal at times t0 and tn (1204). For instance, in some examples, determining the leakage current comprises determining the difference in the measured value at time tn vs. time t0 in order to determine the change caused by any leakage current that has developed since the measurement of the value for the healthy structure at time t0. In various examples, such determination can be performed locally, for example via the driver, or can be done via cloud-based computing.
The method of
However, in some examples, if the leakage current does satisfy the predetermined condition, the method can include the step of loading and/or updating one or more drive parameters to establish an updated electrical drive signal (1210). For instance, in some examples, excess leakage current can degrade the optical performance of a privacy glazing structure, but can be compensated for via adjustments to the electrical drive signal.
Example adjustments to an electrical drive signal based on excess leakage current can include increasing a voltage (1212), decreasing a frequency (1214), and/or pulsing a voltage (1216). In some examples, increasing a voltage (e.g., the value of VA in
With respect to voltage pulsing, in some examples, a drive signal includes one or more floating steps, in which the optically active material is disconnected from power and ground. For instance, with respect to
In various embodiments, the index n can be incremented, and steps in the process of
In some embodiments, determining if the leakage current satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., step 1206) can include determining if a single leakage current value satisfies a condition, such as a determined leakage current exceeding a threshold leakage current value or falling within a predetermined range of leakage current values. Additionally or alternatively, determining if the leakage current satisfies a predetermined condition can include determining if a trend of leakage current vs. time and/or time index satisfies a predetermined condition, such as if the derivative of the leakage current over time exceeds a predetermined threshold.
In some embodiments, one or more actions can be taken in response to the leakage current satisfying a predetermined condition, such as shown in steps 1212, 1214, and 1216. In some instances, different such actions or combinations thereof can be performed in response to different leakage current conditions, such as a leakage current value falling into different predetermined ranges and/or a leakage current trend over time satisfying one or more predetermined conditions. In some embodiments, leakage current compensation can be initiated and/or modified by a user in the event that the privacy glazing structure has optically degraded.
In some examples, non-linearities in the current response with respect to an applied voltage can be attributed to ion behavior in the privacy glazing structure. In some such examples, such non-linear responses can be analyzed to determine various parameters, such as various sizes and/or densities of ions moving in the structure and the response of such ions to the applied electric field in the structure. In some embodiments, such information can be used to determine details regarding the optically active material and how such material is breaking down during operation causing optical degradation of the privacy glazing structure. In some embodiments, data of leakage current over time can be used to determine one or more leakage current sources, such as bad coatings, ion generation, and/or other factors.
Various such calculations and/or determinations can be performed locally, for instance, via the driver, and/or can be performed in an external environment, such as via cloud-based computing.
As described with respect to
As described elsewhere herein, in some examples, the electrical drive signal comprises a square wave or an approximately square wave (e.g., a square wave having a slew rate, a trapezoidal wave, a square wave shape having a slow zero-crossover, etc.) signal. For instance, the exemplary voltage vs. time drive signals shown in
In some embodiments, the driver is configured to stagger the electrical drive signals applied to one or more privacy glazing structures to reduce the peak current/power draw associated with the current response to the applied electrical drive signals. Put differently, staggering the electrical drive signals can be done so that the peak current drawn by each of the privacy glazing structures driven by the driver occurs at different times. In some embodiments, staggering a second electrical drive signal with respect to a first electrical drive signal comprises delaying the application of the second electrical drive signal with respect to the application of the first electrical drive signal when the first and second electrical drive signals are in phase with one another. In some examples, staggering a second electrical drive signal with respect to a first electrical drive signal comprises applying the first and second electrical drive signals substantially simultaneously while phase-shifting the second electrical drive signal relative to the first electrical drive signal. In still further embodiments, staggering a second electrical drive signal with respect to a first electrical drive signal comprises phase shifting the second electrical drive signal with respect to the first electrical drive signal and temporally delaying the application of the second electrical drive signal with respect to the application of the first electrical drive signal. Thus, in various embodiments, staggering electrical drive signals can include phase-shifting a signal, temporally delaying the application of a signal, or combinations thereof.
The method of
In some examples, each of the plurality of electrical drive signals for the corresponding plurality of privacy glazing structures is staggered with respect to the other signals so that no two signals are applied simultaneously. In other examples, the driver may determine that two or more electrical drive signals can be applied simultaneously without resulting in an undesirable current spike (e.g., resulting in a total current draw, such as a peak current draw, exceeding a predetermined threshold). In some such examples, the driver can be configured to provide such electrical drive signals simultaneously while potentially staggering other electrical drive signals.
The method of
In some embodiments, the driver can be configured to adjust one or more electrical drive signals in order to better stagger such signals. For instance, as represented by the broken lines in
As shown in
In some examples, the amount of stagger between each of the plurality of electrical drive signals is within one period of the electrical drive signal. For example, if the system in
In some embodiments, once a plurality of drive signals are determined, the driver can determine which electrical drive signals, when applied simultaneously, cause one or more parameters (e.g., current spike values) to exceed a predetermined threshold. Similarly, the driver can determine which electrical drive signals, when combined, do not cause the one or more parameters to exceed the predetermined threshold(s). The driver can determine which electrical drive signals can be applied simultaneously and stagger the application of electrical drive signals or groups of electrical drive signals such that the one or more parameters do not exceed the predetermined threshold(s) when each electrical drive signal or group of electrical drive signals are applied.
In an example embodiment, a driver is connected to power five privacy glazing structures, three of which represent a maximum load that can be driven by the driver. The remaining two privacy glazing structures are considered small, and can be driven simultaneously without any electrical parameters exceeding a predetermined threshold. The driver can be configured to provide electrical drive signals to the two smaller loads simultaneously and in phase with one another, while staggering delivery of each of the remaining three electrical drive signals to the remaining structures.
While shown in
Drivers can be configured to carry out processes as described herein in a variety of ways. In some examples, a system driver can include one or more components configured to process information, such as electrical signals and/or other received sensor information, and perform one or more corresponding actions in response thereto. Such components can include, for example, one or more processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microcontrollers, microprocessors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other appropriate components capable of receiving and output data and/or signals according to a predefined relationship. In some examples, the driver can include or otherwise be in communication with one or more memory components, such as one or more non-transitory computer readable media programmed with instructions for causing one or more such components to carry out such processes. Additionally or alternatively, the driver can communicate with additional devices, such as external computer systems and/or networks to facilitate information processing, such as cloud-based computing.
Various non-limiting examples have been described herein. Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that these and others fall within the scope of the appended claims.
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/861,388, filed Apr. 29, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/840,038, filed Apr. 29, 2019. The entire contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 16861388 | Apr 2020 | US |
| Child | 17739443 | US |
