CN112236576A - Method and system for controlling tintable windows with cloud detection - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and systems for controlling tintable windows based on cloud detection.

Description

Method and system for controlling tintable windows with cloud detection

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The application claims priority and benefit of U.S. provisional application 62/646,260 entitled "METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING properties WINDOWS WITH closed DETECTION" and filed 3, 21, 2018; this application is also a partial continuation of international PCT application PCT/US17/55631 (assigned the united states) filed on 6/10/2017 and entitled "INFRARED CLOUD DETECTOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS", which claims the benefits and priority of U.S. provisional application 62/453,407 filed on 2/2017 and entitled "INFRARED CLOUD DETECTOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS"; international PCT application PCT/US17/55631 is a continuation-in-part application entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" and filed on 6/10/2016 (designating the united states), international PCT application PCT/US16/55709 (designating the united states), which is a continuation-in-part application entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" and filed on 6/10/2015, U.S. patent application 14/998,019; international PCT application PCT/US17/55631 is also a partial continuation of US application 15/287,646 entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" and filed on 6/10/2016, which is a partial continuation of US patent application 14/998,019 entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" and filed on 6/10/2015; each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposes.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the provision of sensing elements for detecting cloud conditions, and in particular to an infrared cloud detector system and method for detecting cloud conditions thereof.

Background

Detecting clouds can be an important part of deciding to put equipment into operation at, for example, a robotic astronomical stage, as astronomers may want to detect clouds that may interfere with their observations. Conventional methods of mapping the sky to detect clouds rely on expensive imaging devices, which typically rely on measurements of visible light.

Disclosure of Invention

Certain aspects relate to a controller for controlling tint of one or more tintable windows in a zone of a building. The controller includes a computer-readable medium having control logic configured to determine the level of tint for a zone of the one or more tintable windows based on cloud conditions based on one or both of light sensor readings and infrared sensor readings. The controller also includes a processor in communication with the computer readable medium and in communication with a local window controller of the tintable window. The processor is configured to determine cloud conditions based on one or both of the light sensor readings and the infrared sensor readings, calculate hue levels of the zones of the one or more tintable windows from the determined cloud conditions, and send hue instructions over the network to the local window controller to convert the hues of the zones of the tintable windows to the calculated hue levels. In certain aspects, the tone level is determined based on cloud conditions that may occur in the future.

Certain aspects relate to a method of controlling the tint of zones of one or more tintable windows of a building. The method includes determining a cloud condition based on one or both of light sensor readings and infrared sensor readings, calculating hue levels of one or more zones of the tintable window from the determined cloud condition, and transmitting hue instructions over the network to the local window controller to convert hues of the zones of the tintable window to the calculated hue levels. Certain aspects relate to methods and systems for controlling the tint level of a tintable window by cloud detection. In some aspects, the level of hue is calculated based on cloud conditions that may occur in the future.

Certain aspects relate to an infrared cloud detector system. In some aspects, an infrared cloud detector system includes: an infrared sensor configured to measure sky temperature based on infrared radiation received within its field of view; an ambient temperature sensor configured to measure an ambient temperature; and logic configured to determine a cloud condition based on a difference between the measured sky temperature and the measured ambient temperature.

In some aspects, an infrared cloud detector system includes: an infrared sensor configured to measure sky temperature based on infrared radiation received within its field of view; an ambient temperature sensor configured to measure an ambient temperature; a light sensor configured to measure an intensity of visible light; and logic configured to determine a cloud condition. The logic is configured to determine a cloud condition based on a difference between the measured sky temperature and the measured ambient temperature if a time of day is between a first time before sunrise and a second time after sunrise or between a third time before sunset and sunset. If the time of day is between a second time after sunrise and a third time before sunset, the logic is configured to determine a cloud condition based on the measured intensity of visible light from the light sensor.

Certain aspects relate to infrared cloud detector methods. In some aspects, an infrared cloud detector method comprises: receiving a sky temperature reading from an infrared sensor and an ambient temperature reading from an ambient temperature sensor; calculating a difference between the sky temperature reading and the ambient temperature reading; and determining a cloud condition based on the calculated difference between the sky temperature reading and the ambient temperature reading.

In some aspects, an infrared cloud detector method comprises: receiving a sky temperature reading from an infrared sensor, an ambient temperature reading from an ambient temperature sensor, and an intensity from a light sensor; and determining whether the time of day is: (i) between a first time before sunset and a second time after sunrise or between a third time before sunset and sunset; (ii) between a second time after sunrise and a third time before sunset; (iii) after (i) and before (iii); or (iv) after (iii) and before (i). If the time of day is (i), (iii), or (iv), a cloud condition is determined based on a difference between the measured sky temperature and the measured ambient temperature. If the time of day is (iii), a cloud condition is determined based on the intensity readings received from the light sensors. These and other features and embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a side view of an infrared cloud detector system according to some implementations.

Fig. 2A shows a graph of two temperature readings obtained over time by an infrared sensor of an infrared cloud detector according to this implementation.

Fig. 2B shows a graph of two ambient temperature readings over time obtained by the ambient temperature sensor of the infrared cloud detector discussed with respect to fig. 2A.

Fig. 2C shows two graphs of the calculated delta between the temperature reading obtained by the infrared sensor and the ambient temperature reading obtained by the ambient temperature sensor of the infrared cloud detector discussed with respect to fig. 2A and 2B.

Fig. 3 depicts a schematic (side view) of an infrared cloud detector system including an infrared cloud detector and a light sensor according to an implementation.

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of a diagram of an infrared cloud detector system including an infrared cloud detector in the form of a multisensor, according to an implementation.

Fig. 4B illustrates another perspective view of the infrared cloud detector system illustrated in fig. 4A including an infrared cloud detector in the form of a multisensor.

Fig. 4C illustrates a perspective view of some of the internal components of the multi-sensor device of the infrared cloud detector system illustrated in fig. 4A and 4B.

Fig. 5A is a graph with plots of intensity readings taken over time by a visible light photosensor.

Fig. 5B is a graph having a plot of the difference between temperature readings taken over time by an infrared sensor and temperature readings taken over time by an ambient temperature sensor.

Fig. 6A is a graph with plots of intensity readings taken over time by a visible light photosensor.

Fig. 6B is a graph having a plot of the difference between temperature readings taken by an infrared sensor over time and temperature readings taken by an ambient temperature sensor over time.

Fig. 7A is a graph with plots of intensity readings taken over time by a visible light photosensor.

Fig. 7B is a graph having a plot of the difference between temperature readings taken over time by an infrared sensor and temperature readings taken over time by an ambient temperature sensor.

Fig. 8 shows a flow diagram describing a method of determining a cloud cover condition using temperature readings from an infrared sensor and an ambient temperature sensor, according to an implementation.

Fig. 9 shows a flow chart describing a method of determining a cloud cover condition using readings from an infrared sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and a light sensor of an infrared cloud detector system, according to an implementation.

Fig. 10 depicts a schematic cross section of an electrochromic device.

Fig. 11A depicts a schematic cross section of an electrochromic device in a bleached state (or transitioning to a bleached state).

Fig. 11B depicts a schematic cross-section of the electrochromic device shown in fig. 11A but in (or transitioning to) a colored state.

Fig. 12 depicts a simplified block diagram of components of a window controller according to an embodiment.

Fig. 13 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a BMS according to an embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of components of a system for controlling the functionality of one or more tintable windows of a building, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 15A illustrates a penetration depth of direct sunlight into a room through an electrochromic window between an exterior and an interior of a building including the room, according to an implementation.

Fig. 15B shows direct sunlight and radiation entering a room through an electrochromic window under clear sky conditions according to an implementation.

Fig. 15C illustrates radiated light from the sky when it may be blocked or reflected by objects such as clouds and other buildings, according to an implementation.

Fig. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating general control logic for a method for controlling one or more electrochromic windows in a building, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a particular implementation of one of the blocks from FIG. 16, according to an implementation.

FIG. 18 depicts a flowchart of a particular implementation of control logic that illustrates the operation shown in FIG. 16, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram describing a particular implementation of control logic for the operation shown in FIG. 18 in accordance with an implementation.

Fig. 20A illustrates a penetration depth of direct sunlight into a room through an electrochromic window between an exterior and an interior of a building including the room, according to an implementation.

Fig. 20B shows direct sunlight and radiation entering a room through an electrochromic window under clear sky conditions according to an implementation.

Fig. 20C illustrates radiated light from the sky when it may be blocked or reflected by objects such as clouds and other buildings, according to an implementation.

FIG. 20D illustrates infrared radiation from the sky, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 21 includes a flow diagram depicting general control logic for a method for controlling one or more electrochromic windows in a building, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 22 includes a flowchart of logic for one implementation in accordance with blocks of the flowchart shown in FIG. 21.

Fig. 23 includes a flow chart depicting control logic of module D' for determining filtered infrared sensor values, in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 24 includes a flow diagram depicting control logic for making shading decisions based on infrared sensor and/or light sensor data, which data depends on whether in the morning area, in the daytime area, in the evening area, or at night, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 25 is an example of an occupancy look-up table in accordance with certain aspects.

FIG. 26 includes a flow diagram depicting control logic for determining a level of tint from module D during a daytime zone at a current time, according to certain aspects.

FIG. 27 includes a flow diagram depicting control logic for determining a level of tint from module D during an evening region at a current time, in accordance with certain aspects.

FIG. 28 includes a flow diagram depicting control logic for determining a level of tint from module C1 and/or module D during a daytime zone at a current time, according to certain aspects.

Fig. 29 shows a graph of filtered infrared sensor values in millidegrees over a 24 hour period versus time, in accordance with an implementation.

Fig. 30 includes a flow diagram depicting control logic of module C1 for determining tint levels of one or more electrochromic windows in a building, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 31 includes a flow chart depicting control logic of module C1' for determining filtered light sensor values, in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 32A shows a perspective view of a diagram of an infrared cloud detector system with a multi-sensor device, according to an implementation.

Fig. 32B illustrates another perspective view of the multi-sensor apparatus shown in fig. 32A.

Fig. 33A illustrates a perspective view of components of the multi-sensor device shown in fig. 32A, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 33B illustrates another perspective view of the components of the multi-sensor apparatus shown in FIG. 32A.

Detailed description of the invention

I. Introduction to the design reside in

At certain times of the day, the intensity of visible light is at a low level, for example in the morning around sunrise and in the evening before sunset. Light sensors calibrated to measure the intensity of visible light (referred to herein as "visible light sensors" or generally "light sensors") do not detect direct sunlight, and their intensity measurements may not be effective in determining cloud conditions at these times of the day. In certain aspects, the cloud condition is determined as one of: 1) a "clear" condition when the sky is clear and cloudless or nearly cloudless; 2) a "partially cloudy" condition; and 3) a "cloudy" or "cloudy" condition when the sky is cloudy. That is, visible light sensors pointed skyward at these times will measure low intensity values during "sunny," partially cloudy, "and" cloudy "conditions. Thus, intensity measurements made only by the visible light sensor may not accurately distinguish between different cloud conditions at these times. If only the intensity measurements from the visible light sensor are used to determine a "cloudy" condition (e.g., when the measured intensity level falls below a certain minimum), then an erroneous "cloudy" condition may be detected during the evening just before sunset. Similarly, visible light sensor measurements are ineffective in distinguishing "cloudy" conditions from "clear" conditions just prior to sunrise without direct sunlight. At any of these time periods, the light sensor measurements may be used to detect an erroneous "cloudy" condition. A controller that relies on an erroneous "cloudy" determination from such light sensor readings may therefore implement inappropriate control decisions based on the erroneous "cloudy" determination. For example, if the light sensor readings determine a false "cloudy" condition just prior to sunrise, a window controller controlling the level of tint in an eastward optically switchable window (e.g., an electrochromic window) may improperly clear the window, allowing direct glare from the incipient sun to shine into the room. Furthermore, a controller making decisions based primarily on current readings from the visible light sensor does not take into account historical intensity levels in geographical areas that may be subject to possible current/future cloudiness conditions, e.g., to issue control commands in anticipation of conditions that may occur. For example, there may be historically low light levels in the morning as the cloudlets pass through the geographic area. In this case, temporarily blocking sunlight to a small cloud of light sensors will result in the same determination of a "cloudy" condition as when a large storm rolls into the area. In this case, the passage of the cloudiness may cause the controller to switch the tintable window and may lock the optically switchable window to an inappropriately low tint level until the window can transition to a higher (darker) tint level.

Infrared (IR) cloud detector system

Both the cloud and the water vapor absorb and re-emit radiation in discrete bands across the Infrared (IR) spectrum. The cloud is generally warmer (has a higher temperature) than the clear sky, since the cloud absorbs and re-emits IR radiation and the clear sky transmits IR radiation. In other words, the presence of clouds typically produces an enhanced IR signal (which corresponds to an approximate blackbody spectrum at about ground temperature) over the signal from a clear sky. The effect of atmospheric humidity is also small, which may also produce enhanced IR signals, especially in low altitude areas. Based on these differences, the device measuring IR radiation can effectively detect cloud conditions.

Various implementations relate to an infrared cloud detector and method for detecting cloud cover or other cloud conditions based on infrared readings. Infrared cloud detectors typically include at least one Infrared (IR) sensor and at least one ambient temperature sensor used in conjunction to obtain temperature readings of the sky that may be used to detect a cloud condition. In general, the amount of infrared radiation emitted by the medium/object and then measured by the IR sensor varies depending on the temperature of the medium/object, the surface and other physical characteristics of the medium/object, the field of view of the infrared sensor, and the distance between the medium/object and the infrared sensor. The IR sensor converts IR radiation received within its field of view into a voltage/current and converts the voltage/current into a corresponding temperature reading (e.g., a digital temperature reading) of the medium/object within its field of view. For example, an IR sensor pointed (oriented) to face the sky outputs temperature readings of regions of the sky within its field of view. The IR sensor may be oriented in a particular direction (e.g., azimuth and elevation angles) to preferentially capture IR radiation in a geographic area of the sky within its field of view centered about that direction. An ambient temperature sensor measures the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the sensor. Typically, the ambient temperature sensor is positioned to measure the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the infrared cloud detector. The infrared cloud detector also has a processor that determines a difference between temperature readings obtained by the IR sensor and the ambient temperature sensor and uses the difference to detect an amount of cloud cover in an area of the sky within a field of view of the IR sensor.

In general, the temperature readings obtained by ambient temperature sensors tend to fluctuate with changes in weather conditions by a magnitude less than the fluctuation of the sky temperature readings obtained by infrared radiation sensorsAnd (4) degree. For example, in a fast moving weather pattern, during "intermittent overcast" conditions, the sky temperature readings obtained by infrared radiation sensors tend to fluctuate at a high frequency. Some implementations of an infrared cloud detector have determining an infrared sensor sky temperature reading (T) according to equation 1_Sky) And ambient temperature reading (T)_{Environment(s)}) Logic of difference delta (delta) therebetween to help normalize infrared sensor temperature readings (T)_Sky) Any fluctuation of (a). In one example, the logic determines a "cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is determined to be above an upper threshold (e.g., about 0 millidegrees celsius), a "clear" condition if delta (Δ) is determined to be below a lower threshold (e.g., about-5 millidegrees celsius), and an "intermittent cloudy" state if delta (Δ) is between the upper and lower thresholds. In another example, the logic determines a "cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is above a single threshold and determines a "not sunny" condition if delta (Δ) is below the threshold. In one aspect, the logic may apply one or more correction factors to delta (Δ) before determining whether it is above or below a threshold. Some examples of correction factors that may be used in an implementation include humidity, sun angle/solar height, and field altitude. For example, a correction factor may be applied based on the height and density of the detected clouds. Lower altitude clouds and/or higher density clouds are more closely correlated with ambient temperature readings than are infrared sensor readings. The higher altitude cloud and/or the lower density cloud correlates well with the infrared sensor readings and then with the ambient temperature readings. In this example, a correction factor may be applied that weights higher ambient temperature readings for lower altitude clouds and/or higher density clouds, or weights infrared sensor readings for higher altitude clouds, and/or may use a lower density cloud. In another example, a correction factor may be applied based on humidity and/or sun position to more accurately describe the cloud cover and/or remove any outliers. Technical advantages of using delta (Δ) to determine cloud conditions are illustrated with reference to fig. 2A-2C below.

Since temperature readings are generally independent of the presence of direct sunlight, temperature readings may be used to detect the cloud conditions more accurately in some cases than visible light sensors may detect when the sunlight intensity is low (e.g., early in the morning just before and after sunrise, early in the evening before sunset). At these times, the visible light sensor may potentially detect a false "cloudy" condition. According to these implementations, infrared cloud detectors may be used to detect clouds and their accuracy of detection is independent of whether the sun is present or whether there is otherwise a low light intensity level, e.g. just before sunrise or sunset. In these implementations, a relatively low temperature generally indicates a likelihood of a "sunny" condition, and a relatively high temperature reading generally indicates a likelihood of a "cloudy" condition (i.e., cloud cover).

In various implementations, the IR sensor of the infrared cloud detector is calibrated to measure radiant flux of long wave infrared radiation within a particular range. A processor of the IR sensor or a separate processor may be used to infer temperature readings from these measurements. In one aspect, the IR sensor is calibrated to detect infrared radiation in a wavelength range between about 8 μm and about 14 μm. In another aspect, the IR sensor is calibrated to detect infrared radiation having a wavelength greater than about 5 μm. In another aspect, the IR sensor is calibrated to detect infrared radiation in a wavelength range between about 9.5 μm and about 11.5 μm. In another aspect, the IR sensor is calibrated to detect infrared radiation in a wavelength range between about 10.5 μm to 12.5 μm. In another aspect, the IR sensor is calibrated to detect infrared radiation in a wavelength range between about 6.6 μm to 20 μm. Some examples of the types of IR sensors that may be used include infrared thermometers (e.g., thermopiles), infrared radiometers, infrared atmospheric radiometers, infrared pyrometers, and the like. An example of a commercially available IR sensor is Melexis MLX90614 manufactured by Melexis of detroit, michigan. Another commercially available embodiment of an IR sensor is the TS305-11C55 temperature sensor manufactured by TE connectivity, Inc. of Switzerland. Another commercially available example of an IR sensor is the SI-111 infrared radiometer manufactured by Apogee temperature sensor manufactured by TE connection of Switzerland, Inc.

In various implementations, the infrared cloud detector has an IR sensor positioned and oriented such that its field of view may receive infrared radiation from a particular region of the sky of interest. In one implementation, the IR sensor may be located on the roof of a building and oriented with its sensing surface facing vertically upward or at a small angle to the vertical, such that its field of view is an area of sky above or at some distance from the building.

In certain implementations, the infrared cloud detector has a protective housing and the infrared sensor is located within the housing. The housing may have a cover with one or more holes or thinned areas that allow/limit the transmission of infrared radiation to the infrared sensor. In some cases, the cover may be made of a plastic such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, and/or a thermoplastic such as nylon or other polyamides, polyesters, or other thermoplastics, among other suitable materials. In one embodiment, the material is a weather resistant plastic. In other cases, the cover may be formed of a metal material such as aluminum, cobalt, or titanium, or a semi-metal material such as aluminum. In some implementations, the cover may be sloped or convex to prevent the accumulation of water. Depending on the type of material used to form the cover, the cover may be 3D printed, injection molded, or formed via another suitable process.

In some implementations, the cover includes one or more holes or thinned regions to increase transmission of incident radiation or other signals to the detector within the housing (reduce blocking). For example, the cover may include one or more holes or thinned areas proximate to the infrared sensor in the housing to allow for improved transmission of incident infrared radiation to the infrared sensor. The holes or thinned areas may also improve the transmission of other signals (e.g., GPS signals) to other detection devices within the housing. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the cover may be formed of a light diffusing material. In some implementations, the cap may be connected to the housing via an adhesive, or to some mechanical coupling mechanism, for example, by using a screw and thread approach or via a pressure washer or other crimp fitting.

The field of view of the sensing surface of the infrared sensor is defined by its material composition and its structure. In some cases, the field of view of the infrared sensor may be narrowed by an obstacle. Some examples of barriers include building structures such as overhanging or rooftop structures, barriers near a building such as trees, or other buildings, and the like. As another example, if the infrared sensor is located within the housing, structures within the housing may reduce the field of view.

In one aspect, a single IR sensor has a vertical unconstrained field of view that deviates from vertical by about 50 degrees to about 130 degrees ± 40 degrees. In one aspect, the IR sensor has a field of view in the range of 50 degrees and 100 degrees. In another aspect, the IR sensor has a field of view in the range of 50 degrees and 80 degrees. In another aspect, the IR sensor has a field of view of about 88 degrees. In another aspect, the IR sensor has a field of view of about 70 degrees. In another aspect, the IR sensor has a field of view of about 44 degrees. The field of view of an IR sensor is typically defined as a cone-shaped volume. IR sensors typically have a wider field of view than visible light sensors and are therefore able to receive radiation from a larger area of the sky. Since IR sensors can read readings of a large area in the sky, IR sensors are more useful in determining proximity conditions (e.g., an upcoming storm cloud) than visible light sensors, which will be more limited to detecting current conditions in the immediate vicinity of the light sensor that affect within its smaller field of view. In one aspect, a five sensor blocked IR sensor arrangement of mounted sensors (e.g., in a multi-sensor configuration) has four angularly mounted IR sensors, each sensor constrained by a field of view of 20-70 degrees or 110 degrees and 160 degrees, and one upwardly facing infrared sensor constrained by a field of view of 70-110 degrees.

Certain IR sensors tend to measure sky temperature more effectively when direct sunlight does not strike the sensing surface. In certain implementations, the infrared cloud detector has a structure that blocks direct sunlight from the sensing surface of the IR sensor, or has a structure that diffuses direct sunlight before it strikes the sensing surface of the IR sensor (e.g., a housing of opaque plastic). In one implementation, the IR sensor may be obscured by an overhanging structure of the building or an infrared cloud detector. In another implementation, the IR sensor may be located within a protective housing having a diffusing material between the sensing surface of the IR sensor and the sky to diffuse any direct sunlight from reaching the sensing surface of the IR sensor and also to provide protection from potentially harmful elements such as dirt, animals, etc. Additionally or alternatively, some implementations only use IR sensor readings obtained before sunrise or after sunset to avoid the possibility of direct sunlight striking the IR sensor. In these implementations, light sensor readings or other sensor readings may be used to detect a cloudiness condition between sunrise and sunset.

In various implementations of the infrared cloud detector, there is an ambient temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the air surrounding the ambient temperature sensor. Typically, an ambient temperature sensor is positioned in contact with the outdoor environment (e.g., located outside of a building) to obtain a temperature reading of the sky. The ambient temperature sensor may be, for example, a thermistor, thermocouple, resistance thermometer, thermocouple, silicon bandgap temperature sensor, or the like. An example of a commercially available ambient temperature sensor is a Pt100 thermometer probe manufactured by Omega. Certain implementations include an ambient temperature sensor positioned to avoid direct sunlight from striking its sensing surface. For example, the ambient temperature sensor may be located under an overhang or mounted under a structure that shields the ambient temperature sensor from direct sunlight.

Although many implementations of the infrared cloud detector described herein include one IR sensor and one ambient temperature sensor, it should be understood that other implementations may include more than one IR sensor and/or more than one ambient temperature sensor. For example, in one implementation, an infrared cloud detector includes two or more IR sensors for redundancy and/or to point the IR sensors to different areas of the sky. Additionally or alternatively, the infrared cloud detector may have two or more ambient temperature sensors for redundancy in another implementation. An embodiment of a system for detecting CLOUDs using two IR sensors directed at different areas of the sky can be found in international application PCT/US15/53041 entitled "sun DETECTION OR CLOUD DETECTION WITH variation DISTANCE SENSING", filed on 29/9/2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Various implementations of infrared cloud detectors have a basic function of detecting cloud cover conditions. In some cases, the infrared cloud detector may detect "cloudy" conditions and "sunny" conditions. Additionally, some implementations may further differentiate "cloudy" conditions as gradual transitions. For example, one implementation may distinguish a "cloudy" condition as "cloudy" or "intermittent cloud". In another embodiment, an implementation may designate different levels (e.g., 1-10) of cloudy days as being given a "cloudy" condition. In another example, embodiments may predict future cloud conditions, i.e., the likelihood of a cloud condition occurring at a future time. Additionally or alternatively, some implementations may also detect other weather conditions.

In various implementations, an infrared cloud detector includes a sensor configured to obtain a sky temperature reading T_SkyAnd is configured to obtain an ambient temperature reading T_{Environment(s)}The ambient temperature sensor of (1). The infrared cloud detector also includes one or more processors containing program instructions that are executable to perform various functions of the infrared cloud detector. The processor executes the program instructions to determine the temperature difference delta (Δ) between the temperature readings as provided by equation 1. The processor also executes program instructions to determine a cloud cover condition based on delta (Δ). As described above, in some cases, using ambient temperature readings may help to normalize for any rapid fluctuations in the temperature readings of the IR sensor.

Delta (Delta) is the sky temperature reading (T) of an infrared sensor_Sky) Ambient temperature reading (T)_{Environment(s)}) (formula 1)

In one implementation, a processor executes program instructions to compare delta (Δ) to an upper threshold and a lower threshold and determine a cloud condition. If delta (Δ) is above the upper threshold, a "clear" condition is determined. If delta (Δ) is below the lower threshold, a "cloudy" condition is determined. If delta (Δ) is below the upper threshold and above the lower threshold (i.e., between the thresholds), a "intermittent" cloud cover condition is determined. Additionally or alternatively, when delta (Δ) is between thresholds, additional factors may be used to determine the cloud cover condition. This implementation works well in the morning and evening of the dusk of dawn hours to accurately determine a "cloudy" condition or a "sunny" condition. Between sunrise and sunset, additional factors may be used to determine the cloud cover condition, for example, by using visible light sensor values. Some embodiments of other factors include: altitude, wind speed/direction and solar altitude/sun angle.

A. Infrared (IR) sensor cloud detection system

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a side view of a system having an infrared cloud detector 100 according to some implementations. The infrared cloud detector 100 has a housing 101, the housing 101 having a cover 102, the cover 102 having a hole or thinned portion 104 at a first surface 106 of the housing 101. The housing 101 also has a second surface 108 opposite the first surface 106. The infrared cloud detector 100 further includes: an IR sensor 110, said IR sensor 110 configured to obtain a temperature reading T based on infrared radiation received within its conical field of view 114 _Sky(ii) a An ambient temperature sensor 130, the ambient temperature sensor 130 for obtaining an ambient temperature reading T_{Environment(s)}(ii) a And a processor 140, the processor 140 in communication (wired or wirelessly) with the IR sensor 110 and the ambient temperature sensor 130. In one aspect, the IR sensor is one of an infrared thermometer (e.g., thermopile), an infrared radiometer, an atmospheric radiometer, and an infrared pyrometer. In one aspect, the ambient temperature sensor is one of a thermistor, a thermometer, and a thermocouple.

In fig. 1, the IR sensor 110 is located behind the hole or thinned portion 104 and within the outer shell of the housing 101. The aperture or thinned portion 104 enables the IR sensor 110 to measure infrared radiation that is transmitted through the aperture or thinned portion 104 and received at its sensing surface. The IR sensor 110 includes an imaginary axis 112, the imaginary axis 112 being orthogonal to the sensing surface of the IR sensor 110 and passing through the center of the IR sensor 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the IR sensor 110 is oriented such that its axis 112 is in a vertical orientation and the sensing surface faces upward. In other embodiments, the IR sensor 110 may be directed such that the sensing surface faces another orientation to direct the IR sensor to a particular area, such as the sky. The IR sensor 110 has a tapered field of view 114 through the aperture or thinned portion 104 to the exterior of the housing 102. In this embodiment, the portion of the cover 102 surrounding the aperture or thinned portion 104 is made of a material that blocks infrared radiation, and the perimeter of the aperture or thinned portion 104 defines the field of view 114. The view 114 of the field of view has an angle α and is centered about the axis 112. In fig. 1, the ambient temperature sensor 130 is positioned and secured to the second surface 108 of the housing 102 away from the edge to avoid direct sunlight from striking the ambient temperature sensor 130 when the infrared cloud detector 100 is in this orientation. Although not shown, infrared cloud detector 100 also includes one or more structures that hold infrared sensor 110 and other components in place within housing 101.

Infrared cloud detector 100 also includes logic to calculate an infrared sensor sky temperature reading (T) at each read time_Sky) And ambient temperature reading (T)_{Environment(s)}) And determining a cloud condition based on the calculated delta (Δ). During operation, the IR sensor 110 obtains a sky temperature reading T based on infrared radiation received from a region of the sky within its field of view 114_SkyAnd the ambient temperature sensor 130 obtains an ambient temperature reading T of the ambient air surrounding the infrared cloud detector 100_{Environment(s)}. The processor 140 receives the signal from the IR sensor 110 with a temperature reading T_SkyAnd receives a signal having an ambient temperature reading T from the ambient temperature sensor 130_{Environment(s)}Of the signal of (1). Processor 140 executes instructions stored in a memory (not shown) that uses this logic to calculate a temperature reading (T) of the infrared sensor at a particular time_Sky) And ambient temperature reading (T)_{Environment(s)}) Delta (Δ) in between to determine the cloud cover condition. For example, processor 140 may execute instructions if delta (Δ) at that timeAbove an upper threshold, the instructions determine a "cloudy" condition, if delta (Δ) is below a lower threshold, the instructions determine a "sunny" condition, and if delta (Δ) is determined to be between the upper and lower thresholds, the instructions determine a "cloudy intermittent" state. The processor 140 may also execute instructions stored in the memory to perform other operations of the methods described herein.

Although a single infrared sensor 110 is illustrated in fig. 1, in another implementation, two or more infrared sensors may be used for redundancy in the event of one failure and/or obstruction by, for example, bird droppings or other environmental matter. In one implementation, two or more infrared sensors are used to face different orientations to capture IR radiation from different fields of view and/or at different distances from the building/structure. If two or more IR sensors are located within the housing of the infrared cloud detector 100, the IR sensors are typically offset from each other by a sufficient distance to reduce the likelihood that a shield will affect all of the IR sensors. For example, the IR sensors may be separated by at least about one inch or at least about two inches.

B. Comparison of infrared sensor temperature readings, ambient temperature readings, and delta values during a day on sunny days and afternoon clouds

As described above, the sky temperature readings obtained by the ambient temperature sensor tend to fluctuate with a smaller amplitude than the sky temperature readings obtained by the infrared radiation sensor. Some implementations of an infrared cloud detector have determining an infrared sensor temperature reading (T) according to equation 1_Sky ) And ambient temperature reading (T)_{Environment(s)}) Logic of difference delta (delta) therebetween to help normalize infrared sensor temperature readings (T)_Sky) Any fluctuation of (a). In contrast, fig. 2A-2C include temperature readings T obtained by an infrared sensor of an infrared cloud detector according to an implementation_IRTemperature reading T obtained by an ambient temperature sensor of an infrared cloud detector_SkyAnd a plot of an example of delta (Δ) between these readings. Each graph includes two curves: curves of readings taken on a sunny day and readings taken on a day with a afternoon cloudA plot of numbers. The infrared cloud detector used in this embodiment includes similar components to those described with respect to the infrared cloud detector 100 shown in fig. 1. In this case, the infrared cloud detector is located on the roof of the building with the infrared sensor facing vertically upwards. The infrared sensor is calibrated to measure infrared radiation in a wavelength range from about 8 μm to about 14 μm. To avoid direct sunlight striking the infrared sensor, the infrared sensor is located behind a cover formed of a light diffusing material, such as a plastic, such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, and/or a thermoplastic such as nylon or other polyamides, polyesters or other thermoplastics, and other suitable materials. In this example, the infrared cloud detector also has logic that is operable to calculate a sky temperature reading T obtained by the IR sensor _SkyAnd an ambient temperature reading T obtained by an ambient temperature sensor of the infrared cloud detector_{Environment(s)}The difference between them delta (Δ). The logic may also be configured to determine a "cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is equal to or above an upper threshold, a "sunny" condition if delta (Δ) is equal to or below a lower threshold, and a "intermittently cloudy" state if delta (Δ) is between the upper and lower thresholds.

FIG. 2A illustrates temperature readings T obtained over time by an infrared sensor of an infrared cloud detector according to this implementation_SkyA graph of two curves. Each of the two curves has a temperature reading T taken by an infrared sensor over a period of a day_Sky. A first curve 110 is a temperature reading T obtained by an infrared sensor during a first day with a cloud in the afternoon_Sky. The second curve 112 has temperature readings T taken by the infrared sensor during the second day when the entire day is clear_Sky. As shown, the temperature readings T of the first curve 110 obtained during the afternoon of the first day of the cloudy afternoon_SkyThe higher the temperature reading of the second curve 112, which is generally obtained during the second day of sunny weather throughout the day _SkyAnd higher.

FIG. 2B shows a schematic diagram ofFIG. 2A discusses ambient temperature readings T taken over time by an ambient temperature sensor of an infrared cloud detector_{Environment(s)}A graph of two curves. Each of the two curves has a temperature reading T taken by an ambient temperature sensor over a period of a day_{Environment(s)}. To avoid direct sunlight from striking the ambient temperature sensor, it is protected from direct sunlight. The first curve 220 has temperature readings taken by the ambient temperature sensor during the second day of the full sunny day. The second curve 222 has temperature readings taken by the infrared sensor during the second day when the entire day is clear. As shown, the ambient temperature reading T of the first curve 220 obtained during the first day with the afternoon cloud_{Environment(s)}At a level below the temperature reading T of the second curve 222 taken on the second day of sunny weather all day_{Environment(s)}The level of (c).

FIG. 2C illustrates the sky temperature reading T with data obtained by an IR sensor discussed with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B_SkyAnd an ambient temperature reading T obtained by an ambient temperature sensor of the infrared cloud detector_{Environment(s)}A plot of two curves of calculated delta (Δ) in between. Each of the two curves has a delta (Δ) calculated over a period of one day. The first curve 230 is the calculated delta (Δ) of readings taken during the first day with the afternoon cloud. The second curve 232 is the calculated delta (Δ) obtained during the second day of sunny all day. The graph also includes an upper threshold and a lower threshold.

In fig. 2C, the value of delta (Δ) of the second curve 232 during the time interval from just before sunrise to just after sunrise and during the time interval from just sunset to just before sunset is lower than the lower threshold. Using the calculated delta (Δ) values shown in the curve in fig. 2C, the logic of the infrared cloud detector will determine a "sunny" condition during this time interval. Moreover, since the value of delta (Δ) of second curve 232 is below the lower threshold at most other times of the day, the logic of the infrared cloud detector will also determine a "sunny" condition at other times.

In fig. 2C, the value of delta (Δ) of the first curve 230 is above the upper threshold for most of the afternoon, and the infrared cloud detector will determine a "cloudy" condition during the afternoon. The value of delta (Δ) of the first curve 230 is below the lower threshold during the time interval just before sunrise until just after sunrise and during the time interval from just before sunset until sunset. Based on these calculated delta (Δ) values, the logic of the infrared cloud detector will determine a "sunny" condition during the time interval. The value of delta (Δ) of the first curve 230 is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold during a brief period in the transition between the early afternoon and the late afternoon. Based on these calculated delta (Δ) values, the logic of the infrared cloud detector will determine an "intermittent cloudy" state.

C. Infrared cloud detector system with optical sensor

In certain implementations, the infrared cloud detector system also includes a visible light photosensor (e.g., a photodiode) for measuring the intensity of visible radiation during operation. These systems typically include at least one infrared sensor, at least one ambient temperature sensor, at least one visible light sensor, and logic for determining a cloud status based on readings obtained by one or more of the infrared sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the visible light sensor. In some cases, the infrared sensor is calibrated to measure wavelengths in the 8-14 μm spectrum. In some cases, the light sensor is calibrated to detect the intensity of visible light (e.g., between about 390nm and about 700 nm) in the photopic range. The light sensor may be located in/on the same housing as the infrared sensor and the ambient temperature sensor, or may be separately located. In some cases, such as when the confidence level of the infrared sensor is high and/or the confidence level of the light sensor is low, the logic is based on the temperature reading T of the infrared sensor_SkyReading T from ambient temperature _{Environment(s)}The calculated delta (Δ) value in between determines the cloud cover condition. When the confidence level of the infrared sensor is low and/or the confidence level of the light sensor is high, the logic determines a cloud status based on the light sensor readings.

In various implementations, an infrared cloud detector systemLogic for using time of day, day of year, temperature reading T from the infrared sensor_SkyAmbient temperature reading T from ambient temperature sensor_{Environment(s)}And light intensity readings from the light sensor, oscillation frequency of visible light intensity readings from the light sensor, and temperature readings T from the infrared sensor_SkyAs an input, determines the cloud cover condition. In some cases, the logic determines the oscillation frequency from the visible light intensity reading and/or from the temperature reading T_SkyThe oscillation frequency of (2). The logic determines whether the time of day is within one of four time periods: (i) a period of time shortly before sunrise until shortly after sunrise; (ii) (ii) daytime is defined as (i) after and (iii) before; (iii) the period of time shortly before sunset (dusk) until sunset; or (iv) nighttime is defined as after (iii) and before (i). In one case, the sunrise time may be determined from the measurement of a visible wavelength light sensor. For example, time period (i) may end at the point where the visible light wavelength photosensor begins to measure direct sunlight, i.e., where the intensity reading of the visible light photosensor is equal to or above the minimum intensity value. Additionally or alternatively, the time period (iii) may be determined to end at a point where the intensity reading from the visible wavelength light sensor is at or below the minimum intensity value. In another example, sunrise and/or sunset times may be calculated based on a solar calculator used on a day of the year, and time periods (i) and (iii) may be calculated by defined time periods (e.g., 45 minutes) before and after the calculated sunrise/sunset times. If the time of day is within the (i) or (iii) time period, the confidence level of the light sensor reading tends to be low and the infrared sensor reading tends to be high. In this case, the logic determines the cloud cover condition based on the calculated delta (Δ) with or without a correction factor. For example, the logic may determine a "cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is above an upper threshold, a "clear" condition if delta (Δ) is below a lower threshold, and an "intermittent cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is between the upper and lower thresholds. As another As an example, the logic may determine a "cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is above a single threshold and may determine a "sunny" condition if delta (Δ) is below the threshold. If the time of day is during (ii) the day, the confidence level of the light sensor reading is at a high level and the confidence level of the infrared sensor reading tends to be low. In this case, the logic may use the light sensor readings to determine the cloud condition as long as the calculated difference between the infrared readings and the light sensor readings remains at or below an acceptable value. For example, the logic may determine a "sunny" condition if the light sensor reading is above a certain intensity level, and may determine a "cloudy" condition if the light sensor reading is at or below the intensity level. If the calculated difference between the infrared reading and the light sensor reading increases above an acceptable value, the confidence of the infrared reading increases, and the logic determines a cloud cover condition based on the delta (Δ) as described above. Alternatively or additionally, if it is determined that the light sensor reading oscillates at a frequency greater than the first defined level, the confidence level of the infrared reading is increased, and the logic determines the cloud cover condition based on delta (Δ). If the infrared readings are determined to oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level, a confidence level of the light sensor readings is increased, and logic determines a cloud status based on the light sensor readings. If the time of day is during (iv) the night, the logic may determine the cloud cover condition based on delta (Δ) as described above. Other embodiments of logic usable by infrared cloud detector systems are described herein, including the various logic described with reference to fig. 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, and 30, and 31.

Fig. 3 depicts a schematic (side view) of an infrared cloud detector system 300 including an infrared cloud detector 310 and an external visible light photosensor 320 according to an implementation. Infrared cloud detector 310 includes a housing 312, an infrared sensor 314 within the enclosure of housing 312, and an ambient temperature sensor 316 also within the enclosure of housing 312. Infrared sensor 314 is configured to obtain a temperature reading T based on infrared radiation received from an area of the sky within its conical field of view 315_Sky. Environment(s)Temperature sensor 316 is configured to obtain an ambient temperature reading T of ambient air surrounding infrared cloud detector 310_{Environment(s)}. In one aspect, infrared sensor 314 is one of an infrared thermometer (e.g., a thermopile), an infrared radiometer, an atmospheric radiometer, and an infrared pyrometer. In one aspect, the ambient temperature sensor is one of a thermistor, a thermometer, and a thermocouple. Infrared cloud detector 310 is shown positioned on the roof of a building having a room 330 with a tintable window 332 (e.g., an electrochromic window having at least one electrochromic device), and external visible light sensor 320 is positioned on an exterior surface of the building. Tintable window 332 is located between the exterior and interior of a building that includes room 330. Fig. 5 also shows a table 334 in the room 330. Although in this embodiment light sensor 320 is located separately from infrared cloud detector 310, in other implementations light sensor 320 is located in the housing of the housing or outside of housing 312.

Infrared sensor 314 includes an imaginary axis that is perpendicular to the sensing surface of infrared sensor 314 and passes through its center. Infrared cloud detector 310 is supported by a wedge-shaped structure that orients infrared cloud detector 310 with its axis pointing at an oblique angle β from horizontal. In other implementations, other components may be used to support infrared cloud detector 310. The infrared sensor 314 is directed such that the sensing surface faces the sky and may receive infrared radiation from regions of the sky within its field of view 315. The ambient temperature sensor 130 is located within the outer shell of the housing 312 away from the edges and is shielded by the overhanging portion of the housing 312 from direct sunlight striking the sensing surface of the ambient temperature sensor 130. Although not shown, infrared cloud detector 310 also includes one or more structures that retain its components within housing 312.

In fig. 3, infrared cloud detector system 300 also includes a controller 340 having a processor that can execute instructions stored in a memory (not shown) to use the logic of infrared cloud detector system 300. Controller 340 communicates (wirelessly or by wire) with infrared sensor 314 and ambient temperature sensor 316 to receive signals having temperature readings. The controller 340 is also in communication (wirelessly or wired) with the light sensor 320 to receive a signal having a visible light intensity reading.

In some implementations, the power/communication lines may extend from a building or another structure to the infrared cloud detector 310. In one implementation, infrared cloud detector 310 includes a network interface that may couple infrared cloud detector 310 to a suitable cable. The infrared cloud detector 310 may communicate data to the controller 340 or another controller of the building (e.g., a network controller and/or a master controller) via a network interface. In some other implementations, the infrared cloud detector 310 may additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface capable of wireless communication with one or more external controllers.

In some implementations, the infrared cloud detector 310 or other embodiments of the infrared cloud detector may also include a battery within or coupled with its housing to power the sensors and electronic components therein. The battery may provide such power instead of or in addition to power from a power source (e.g., from a building power source). In one implementation, the infrared cloud detector further comprises at least one photovoltaic cell, for example on an outer surface of the housing. The at least one photovoltaic cell may provide power in place of or in addition to power provided by any other power source.

Infrared cloud detector system 300 also includes logic for using time of day, day of year, temperature reading T from infrared sensor 314_SkyAmbient temperature reading T from ambient temperature sensor 316_{Environment(s)}And the visible light intensity reading from light sensor 320, the frequency of oscillation of the visible light intensity reading from light sensor 320, and the temperature reading T from infrared sensor 314_SkyAs an input, determines the cloud cover condition. During operation, infrared sensor 314 obtains temperature readings T based on infrared radiation received from regions of the sky within its field of view 315_SkyAmbient temperature sensingThe ambient temperature reading T of the ambient air surrounding the infrared cloud detector 310 is obtained by the unit 316_{Environment(s)}And the light sensor 320 obtains an intensity reading of the visible light received at its sensing surface. The processor of controller 340 receives a signal having a temperature reading T from infrared sensor 314_SkyWith an ambient temperature reading T from an ambient temperature sensor 316_{Environment(s)}And a signal having an intensity reading from the light sensor 320. The processor executes instructions stored in the memory to determine a cloud cover condition based on various inputs using logic. An example of such logic is described above and also with reference to fig. 9. In one implementation, the controller 340 is also in communication with one or more building components and is configured to control one or more building components. For example, the controller 340 may be in communication with the tintable window 332 and configured to control the tint level of the tintable window 332. In this implementation, the infrared cloud detector system 300 also includes logic to determine control decisions for one or more building components, such as the tintable window 332, based on the determined cloud cover conditions. An embodiment of logic for determining a control decision based on the determined cloud cover condition is described in more detail with reference to fig. 10.

While a single infrared sensor 314, ambient temperature sensor 316, and visible light sensor 320 are illustrated in fig. 3, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not so limited, and additional components may be used in another implementation. For example, multiple components may be used for redundancy for a failure and/or a situation that is blocked or otherwise prevented from functioning. In another example, two or more components may be used at different locations or in different orientations to capture different information. In one implementation, two or more infrared sensors are used to face different orientations to capture infrared radiation from different fields of view and/or different distances from the building/structure. In the case of multiple sensors, an average or mean of the values from the multiple sensors may be used to determine the cloud status. If two or more IR sensors are located within the housing of the infrared cloud detector, the IR sensors are typically offset from each other by a sufficient distance to reduce the likelihood that the obstruction will affect all of the IR sensors. For example, the IR sensors may be separated by at least about one inch or at least about two inches. Other examples of infrared cloud detector systems in the form of multi-sensor devices are described in section D below.

D. Multi-sensor device

According to various aspects, an infrared cloud detector system includes a thermal sensor for measuring thermal radiation from the sky and ambient temperature of the environment. The thermal sensor readings are output in degrees (e.g., milli-degrees celsius, degrees fahrenheit, degrees kelvin, etc.). Some examples of types of thermal sensors that may be implemented include those for measuring sky temperature (T)_Sky) For measuring the ambient temperature (T)_{Environment(s)}) And including an onboard sensor for measuring the sky temperature (T)_Sky) And for measuring the environment (T)_{Environment(s)}) The ambient temperature sensor of (1) or (b). In embodiments using an infrared sensor arrangement with an onboard infrared sensor and an onboard ambient temperature sensor, the arrangement may output a sky temperature (T)_Sky) Ambient temperature (T)_{Environment(s)}) And T_SkyAnd T_{Environment(s)}A reading of one or more of the differences Δ.

According to certain aspects, the ambient temperature may be implemented as a thermocouple, thermistor, or the like. The ambient temperature sensor may be part of the infrared sensor or may be a separate sensor.

In certain embodiments, an infrared cloud detector system includes an infrared cloud detector having one or more infrared sensors and one or more visible light sensors within a multi-sensor device format having a plurality of other optional sensors (e.g., ambient temperature sensors) and electrical components within or on its housing. Details of different examples of MULTI-SENSOR devices are described in U.S. patent application 15/287,646 entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" filed on 6/10/2016 and U.S. patent application 14/998,019 entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" filed on 6/10/2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The multi-sensor devices of these implementations are configured to be located in an environment external to a building in order to expose the sensors to the external environment, for example on a roof of the building. In some of these embodiments, the power/communication lines extend from the building to the multi-sensor device. In one such case, the multi-sensor device includes a network interface that can couple the multi-sensor device to a suitable cable. The multi-sensor device may communicate sensor data and other information to one or more external controllers, such as a local controller, a network controller, and/or a master controller of a building, via a network interface. In other implementations, the multi-sensor device may additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface capable of wireless communication with one or more external controllers. In some implementations, the multi-sensor device can also include a battery within or coupled with its housing to power the sensors and electronic components within. The battery may provide such power instead of or in addition to power from a power source (e.g., from a building power source). In some implementations, the multi-sensor device further includes at least one photovoltaic cell, for example, on a surface of its housing. The photovoltaic cell may provide power to the multi-sensor device instead of or in addition to power from another power source.

Examples A

Fig. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate perspective views of schematic diagrams of an infrared cloud detector system 400 including an infrared cloud detector in the form of a multi-sensor device 401 according to one such implementation. Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate that the multi-sensor device 401 includes a housing 410 coupled to a mast 420. Mast 420 may serve as a mounting assembly including a first end for coupling to base 414 of housing 410 and a second end for mounting to a building. In one embodiment, base 414 is fixedly attached or otherwise coupled to or connected with a first end of mast 420 via mechanical threads or via a compression rubber washer. Mast 420 may also include a second end, which may include a mounting or attachment mechanism for mounting or attaching mast 420 to a roof top of a building (e.g., the roof of a building having room 330 shown in fig. 3), such as a surface of the roof, a wall on the roof, or another structure on the roof. The housing includes a cover 411, which is depicted as being formed of a light diffusing material. The cover 411 also includes a thinned portion 412. In other examples, the cover 411 may be opaque or transparent.

Fig. 4B also shows that the multi-sensor device 401 includes an ambient temperature sensor 420 located on the bottom outer surface of the base 414. The ambient temperature sensor 420 is configured to measure an ambient temperature of the external environment during operation. For example, when infrared cloud detector system 400 is positioned in an outdoor environment with its upper surface facing upward, ambient temperature sensor 420 is positioned on the bottom surface to help shield it from direct solar radiation. The temperature sensor 420 may be, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance thermometer, a silicon bandgap temperature sensor, and the like.

Fig. 4C illustrates a perspective view of some of the internal components of the multi-sensor device 401 of the infrared cloud detector system 400 shown in fig. 4A and 4B. As shown, infrared cloud detector system 400 also includes a visible light sensor 440, redundant first and second infrared sensor devices 452, 454. The first infrared sensor device 452 and the second infrared sensor device 454 are located at an upper portion of the multi-sensor device 401 and behind the cover 411 (shown in fig. 4A and 4B) formed of a light diffusing material.

As shown in fig. 4C, first infrared sensor device 452 has a first orientation axis 453 that is perpendicular to its sensing surface. Second infrared sensor device 454 has a second orientation axis 455 that is perpendicular to its sensing surface. In the illustrated example, first infrared sensor device 452 and second infrared sensor device 454 are positioned such that their orientation axes 453, 455 face outward from a top portion of housing 410 (shown in fig. 4A and 4B) so as to enable temperature readings to be obtained during operation, the temperature readings being based on infrared radiation captured from above multi-sensor device 401. First infrared sensor device 452 and second infrared sensor The devices 454 are separated by at least about one inch. In one aspect, each infrared sensor apparatus 452, 454 has a sensor for measuring sky temperature (T)_Sky) The infrared sensor of (1). In another aspect, each infrared sensor apparatus 452, 454 has a sensor for detecting thermal radiation to measure sky temperature (T)_Sky) And on-board for measuring ambient temperature (T)_{Environment(s)}) Both ambient temperature sensors.

During operation, first infrared sensor device 452 and second infrared sensor device 454 detect infrared radiation that radiates from any object or medium within their field of view to measure the sky temperature (T)_Sky). The field of view is based on the physical and material properties of first infrared sensor 452 and second infrared sensor 454. Some embodiments of infrared sensors have a field of view ranging from about 50 degrees to about 80 degrees based solely on their physical and material properties. In one particular example, the infrared sensor has a field of view of about 70.

The light sensor 440 has an orientation axis 442 perpendicular to its sensing surface. The light sensor 440 is located behind the thinned portion 412 of the housing 410 as shown in fig. 4A. The thinned portion 412 allows the photosensor 440 to receive visible radiation through the thinned portion 412. During operation, the light sensor 440 measures the intensity of visible light received through the thinned portion 412.

The infrared cloud detector system 400 also includes logic for making a determination based on sensor data collected by the multi-sensor device 401. In this case, the multi-sensor device 401 and/or one or more external controllers (not shown) include a memory and one or more processors that can execute instructions stored in the memory (not shown) to use the logic of the infrared cloud detector system 400. One or more external controllers are in communication with multi-sensor device 401 (e.g., via wireless or wired communication) to receive signals having sensor readings or filtered sensor values taken by infrared sensors 452, 454, ambient temperature sensor 420 and light sensor 440. In some implementations, the power/communication lines may extend from a building or another structure to the infrared cloud detector system 400. In one implementation, the infrared cloud detector system 400 includes a network interface that may be coupled to a suitable cable. The infrared cloud detector system 400 may transmit data to one or more external controllers of the building through a network interface. In some other implementations, the infrared cloud detector system 400 can additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface capable of wireless communication with one or more external controllers. In some implementations, the infrared cloud detector system 400 can also include a battery within or coupled with the housing to power the sensors and the electronic components therein. The battery may provide such power instead of or in addition to power from a power source (e.g., from a building power source). In some implementations, the infrared cloud detector system 400 also includes at least one photovoltaic cell, for example, on a surface of the housing.

According to one aspect, infrared cloud detector system 400 includes logic for using a time of day, a day of year, a temperature reading T from one or both of infrared sensor devices 452, 454_SkyAmbient temperature reading T from ambient temperature sensor 420_{Environment(s)}And the visible light intensity reading from the light sensor 440, the oscillation frequency of the visible light intensity reading from the light sensor 440, and the temperature reading T from the infrared sensor devices 452, 454_SkyAs an input, determines the cloud cover condition. Examples of such logic are described herein, for example, with respect to fig. 8-10.

According to another aspect, the infrared cloud detector system 400 includes various logic, such as certain of the logic described with reference to fig. 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, and 31. In one embodiment, for example, the multi-sensor device 401 and/or one or more external controllers include logic for: 1) based on temperature readings T from one or both of the infrared sensor devices 452, 454_SkyAnd an ambient temperature reading T from an ambient temperature sensor 420_{Environment(s)}Determining a filtered infrared sensor value; and/or 2) The filtered light sensor value is determined based on the light intensity reading from the light sensor 440. An example of logic for determining filtered infrared sensor values is module D' described with reference to flowchart 2300 shown in fig. 23. According to certain implementations, the control logic may determine the filtered infrared sensor value based on one or more sky sensors, one or more environmental sensors, or both the sky and environmental sensors. An example of logic for determining filtered light sensor values is block C1' described with reference to flowchart 3100 shown in fig. 31.

In one case, the multi-sensor device 401 may execute instructions stored in memory for determining and communicating filtered sensor values to an external controller over a communication network. An example of an infrared cloud detector system 400 is shown in fig. 14, which includes a multi-sensor device that can communicate sensor readings and/or filtered values to an external controller over a communication network 1410. Control logic implemented by an external controller may make shading decisions to determine a tint level and execute tint instructions to transform the tint of one or more tintable windows in a building. Such control logic is described with reference to blocks a1, B, C1, and D shown in fig. 22, 24-28, and 30.

Examples B

Fig. 32A and 32B show perspective views of schematic diagrams of an infrared cloud detector system 3200 according to various embodiments, including an infrared cloud detector in the form of a multi-sensor device 3201 and one or more external controllers (not shown) in communication with the multi-sensor device 3201 via a communication network (not shown). Fig. 33A and 33B show perspective views of an illustration of internal components of a multi-sensor device 3301, according to one aspect. In one embodiment, multi-sensor device 3201 of fig. 32A and 32B may perform the components of multi-sensor device 3301 shown in fig. 33A and 33B.

In fig. 32A and 32B, the multi-sensor device 3201 includes a housing 3210 coupled to a mast 3220. Mast 3220 may be used as a mounting assembly including a first end for coupling to base 3214 of housing 3210 and a second end for mounting to a building. In one embodiment, base 3214 is fixedly attached or otherwise coupled to or connected with a first end of mast 3220 via mechanical threads or via a compression rubber washer. Mast 3220 may also include a second end, which may include a mounting or attachment mechanism for mounting or attaching mast 3220 to a roof top of a building (e.g., a roof of a building having room 3230 shown in fig. 3), such as a surface of the roof, a wall on the roof, or another structure on the roof. The housing includes a cover 3211 formed of a light diffusing material. The cover 3211 also includes a thinned portion 3212.

As shown in fig. 32B, the multi-sensor device 3201 further includes a first ambient temperature sensor 3222 located on a bottom exterior surface of the base 3214. The first ambient temperature sensor 3222 is configured to measure the ambient temperature of the external environment during operation. First ambient temperature sensor 3222 is located on the bottom surface to help shield it from direct solar radiation, for example, when infrared cloud detector system 3200 is located in an outdoor environment with the top surface facing upward. The first ambient temperature sensor 3222 may be, for example, a thermistor, thermocouple, resistance thermometer, silicon bandgap temperature sensor, or the like.

Fig. 33A, 33B, and 33C show perspective views of illustrations of internal components of a multi-sensor apparatus 3301 according to an aspect. The multi-sensor apparatus 3301 generally includes a housing 3302 (shown portion) having a cover formed of a light diffusing material that includes at least one thinned portion. The multi-sensor apparatus 3301 also includes a diffuser 3304. As shown, in some embodiments, the housing 3302 and the diffuser 3304 are rotationally symmetric about an imaginary axis 3342 that passes through the center of the multi-sensor apparatus 3301.

The multi-sensor device 3301 also includes a first infrared sensor device 3372 and a second infrared sensor device 3374 located on the upper portion of the multi-sensor device 3301 and located behind the cover formed of light diffusing material. Each of the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374 comprises a sensor for measuring the temperature (T) of the sky _Sky) And for measuring ambient temperature (T)_{Environment(s)}) On-board ringAn ambient temperature sensor. First infrared sensor device 3372 is positioned to face outward from the upper surface of multisensor device 3201 in a direction along imaginary axis 3373. Second infrared sensor device 3374 is positioned to face outward from the upper surface of multi-sensor device 3201 in a direction along imaginary axis 3375. The multi-sensor device 3301 can also include an optional third infrared sensor device 3360 located at an upper portion of the multi-sensor device 3301 and behind the cover formed from the light diffusing material. The third infrared sensor device 3360 is a stand-alone infrared sensor or includes an onboard infrared sensor and an onboard ambient temperature sensor. Optional third infrared sensor device 3360 is positioned to face outward from the upper surface of multi-sensor device 3201 in a direction along imaginary axis 3361. In the illustrated example, the first infrared sensor device 3372 and the second infrared sensor device 3374 are positioned such that their axes 3373, 3375 face outward from a top portion of a housing (such as the housings shown in fig. 4A and 4B) so as to enable temperature readings to be obtained during operation that are based on infrared radiation captured from above the multi-sensor device 3301. In one aspect, first infrared sensor device 3372 is separated from second infrared sensor device 3374 by at least about one inch.

Optionally, the multi-sensor apparatus 3301 may also include a separate ambient temperature sensor (not shown) located on the bottom exterior surface of the housing so that it is shielded from direct sunlight. A separate ambient temperature sensor (e.g., thermistor, thermocouple, resistance thermometer, silicon bandgap temperature sensor) is configured to measure the ambient temperature of the external environment during operation.

Returning to fig. 33A and 33B, the multi-sensor device 3301 includes a plurality of visible light photosensors 3342 positioned behind a cover formed of a light diffusing material. While twelve (12) visible light sensors 3342 are shown, it should be understood that a different number may be implemented. The plurality of visible light photosensors 3342 are annularly disposed along a ring (e.g., the ring can have a center coincident with axis 3342 and can define a plane perpendicular to axis 3342). In this embodiment, the visible light sensors 3342 may be more specifically positioned equidistant along the circumference of the ring. Each visible light photosensor 3342 has a photosensitive region 3343. The multi-sensor device 3301 also optionally includes an additional upward-facing visible light sensor 3340 located on an upper portion of the multi-sensor device 3301. The optional visible light photosensor 3340 has an axis that is oriented parallel to, and in some cases along and concentric with, axis 3342. The visible light photosensor 3340 has a photosensitive region 3343.

In some implementations, the viewing angle of each visible light photosensor 3342, 3340 is in the range of about 30 degrees to about 120 degrees. For example, in one particular application, the viewing angle is about 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the distribution of incident light detectable by each visible light photosensor 3342, 3340 approximates a gaussian (or "normal") distribution. Assuming that the light detected by each visible light photosensor 3342, 3340 is associated with a gaussian distribution, half of the power detected by each photosensor (the (-3dB point) is found to be within the cone of view defined by the viewing angle.

The diffuser 3304 is located at the periphery of the ring of visible light photosensors 3342 to diffuse light incident on the device before the light is sensed by the photosensors 3342. For example, the diffuser 3304 may effectively act as a light integrator that more evenly spreads or distributes incident light. Such a configuration reduces the likelihood that any one of the visible light photosensors 3342 will receive the full intensity of an accurate reflection or glare (e.g., from an automobile windshield, metal surface, or mirror). The diffuser 3342 may also increase detection of light incident at oblique angles. Fig. 33A illustrates a schematic view of an example diffuser 3304 that can be used in the multi-sensor apparatus 3301 of fig. 33A, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the diffuser 3304 is a single unitary structure having an annular shape. For example, the diffuser 3304 may have a hollow cylindrical shape with an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a thickness defined by the inner and outer diameters. In some embodiments, the diffuser 3304 has a height that encompasses the field of view of each visible light photosensor 3342 (the field of view is defined by the viewing angle and the distance or spacing between the outer surface of the photosensitive region of the visible light photosensor 3342 and the inner surface of the diffuser 3304).

During operation, the infrared sensors of first infrared sensor device 3372 and second infrared sensor device 3374 detect infrared radiation that radiates from any object or medium within their field of view to measure sky temperature (T)_Sky). The field of view is based on the physical and material properties of the infrared sensor. Some embodiments of infrared sensors have a field of view ranging from about 50 degrees to about 80 degrees based solely on their physical and material properties. In one particular example, the infrared sensor has a field of view of about 70. During operation, the ambient temperature sensors of the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374 measure ambient temperature (T;)_{Environment(s)}). Although a multisensor 3301 is shown with redundant infrared sensors, it should be understood that the multisensor includes one or more infrared sensors. During operation, the plurality of visible light photosensors 3342 and the upward facing photosensor 3340 located behind the cover formed of light diffusing material measure the intensity of the received visible light.

Returning to fig. 32A and 32B, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 also includes logic for making a determination based on sensor data of readings taken by the sensors of the multi-sensor device. In this case, the multi-sensor device and/or one or more external controllers (not shown) include a memory and one or more processors that can execute instructions stored in the memory (not shown) to use the logic of the infrared cloud detector system 3200. The one or more external controllers communicate (wirelessly or wired) with the multi-sensor device to receive signals having sensor readings or filtered sensor values obtained by infrared sensors (e.g., infrared sensors of the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374 and/or infrared sensor 3360), ambient temperature sensors (e.g., ambient temperature sensors of the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374 or optional stand-alone temperature sensor 3222 located on the bottom exterior surface of the housing so that it is shielded from direct solar radiation), and visible light sensors (e.g., light sensor 3342 or upward facing light sensor 3340). In some implementations, the power/communication lines may extend from a building or another structure to the infrared cloud detector system 3200. In one implementation, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 includes a network interface that can be coupled to a suitable cable. The infrared cloud detector system 3200 may transmit data to one or more external controllers of the building through a network interface. In some other implementations, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 may additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface capable of wirelessly communicating with one or more external controllers. In some implementations, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 can also include a battery within or coupled with the housing to power the sensors and the electronic components therein. The battery may provide such power instead of or in addition to power from a power source (e.g., from a building power source). In some implementations, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 also includes at least one photovoltaic cell, for example, on a surface of the housing.

According to an aspect, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 further comprises logic to determine a cloud volume condition using as inputs: time of day, day of year, sky temperature readings T from one or more of the infrared sensors (e.g., infrared sensors of first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374 and/or infrared sensor 3360)_SkyAmbient temperature readings T from one or more ambient temperature sensors (e.g., ambient temperature sensors of the first and second infrared sensor arrangements 3372, 3374 or optional stand-alone temperature sensor 3222 located on the bottom exterior surface of the housing so as to be shielded from direct solar radiation)_{Environment(s)}And visible light intensity readings from one or more light sensors (e.g., light sensor 3342 or upward facing light sensor 3340), and temperature readings T from an infrared sensor_SkyThe oscillation frequency of (2). Examples of such logic are described herein, for example, with respect to fig. 8-10.

According to another aspect, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 also includes the various logic described with reference to fig. 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, and 30, and 31. In one embodiment, for example, the multi-sensor devices 3301 and The one or more external controllers include logic to: 1) based on temperature readings T from one or more of the infrared sensors (e.g., infrared sensors of the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374 and/or infrared sensor 3360)_SkyAnd ambient temperature readings T from one or more ambient temperature sensors (e.g., ambient temperature sensors of the first and second infrared sensor arrangements 3372, 3374 or an optional separate temperature sensor 3222 located on the bottom exterior surface of the housing so as to be shielded from direct solar radiation)_{Environment(s)}Determining a filtered infrared sensor value; and/or 2) determine filtered light sensor values based on light intensity readings from one or more light sensors (e.g., light sensor 3342 or upward facing light sensor 3340). An example of logic for determining filtered infrared sensor values is module D' described with reference to flowchart 2300 shown in fig. 23. An example of logic for determining filtered infrared sensor values is block C1' described with reference to flowchart 3100 shown in fig. 31. In one case, the multi-sensor device 401 may execute instructions stored in memory for determining and communicating filtered sensor values to an external controller over a communication network. An example of an infrared cloud detector system is shown in fig. 14, which includes a multi-sensor device that can communicate sensor readings and/or filtered values to an external controller over a communication network 1410. Control logic implemented by an external controller may make shading decisions to determine a tint level and execute tint instructions to transform the tint of one or more tintable windows in a building. Such control logic is described with reference to blocks a1, B, C1, and D shown in fig. 22, 24-28, and 30.

E. Comparing intensity readings of light sensors to delta values under different cloud conditions

As described above, the infrared sensor may be more accurate than the visible light sensor when detecting a "clear" condition early in the morning and evening. However, direct sunlight and other conditions can cause some noise that causes the infrared sensor readings to oscillate. If the frequency and/or amplitude of these oscillations is low, infrared sensor readings may be used to provide high confidence in the cloud conditionsAnd (5) degree evaluation. Also, certain conditions (e.g., fast moving clouds) may cause oscillations in the light sensor readings. If the oscillation frequency is low, the light sensor readings can be used to make a high confidence assessment of the cloud conditions during the day. In some implementations, the logic may determine whether the oscillations of the infrared sensor readings have a high frequency and/or whether the oscillations of the light sensor readings have a high frequency. If it is determined that the oscillation of the infrared sensor reading has a high frequency, the logic uses the light sensor reading to determine the cloud status. If it is determined that the oscillation of the light sensor reading has a high frequency, the logic uses the difference between the infrared sensor reading and the ambient temperature sensor reading to determine the cloud status. To illustrate the technical advantages of this logic of selecting the type of sensor reading to use in accordance with oscillation, fig. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B include graphs of plots of intensity readings I obtained by a visible light photosensor for temperature readings T obtained by an infrared sensor at different cloud conditions _SkyWith temperature readings T obtained by ambient temperature sensors_{Environment(s)}The difference delta (Δ) therebetween is compared. The visible light sensor, the infrared sensor, and the ambient temperature sensor are similar to those described with respect to the components of the infrared cloud detector 310 shown in fig. 3. Each curve has readings taken over a period of one day.

One advantage of implementing an infrared sensor in a multi-sensor device is that the oscillation amplitude will typically be lower compared to a light sensor due to the typically larger field of view, light diffuser, and consistent response of the infrared sensor to heat during the day-thus the infrared sensor-based evaluation can be done with higher confidence.

Fig. 5A-5B include graphs of readings taken during a day, both sunny and sunny throughout the day, except for passage through the cloud in the middle of the day. Fig. 5A is a graph of a curve with a curve 510 of intensity readings I taken over time by a visible light photosensor. FIG. 5B is a graph having temperature readings T taken over time by an infrared sensor_SkyWith temperature readings T taken over time by ambient temperature sensors_{Environment(s)}Difference delt betweena (Δ) curve 520. As shown in curve 510 of fig. 5A, the intensity reading I obtained by the visible light photosensor is high for most of the day and falls off as the high frequency (short period) oscillates as the cloud passes through at noon of the day. Curve 520 of fig. 5A shows that the value of delta (Δ) does not increase above the lower threshold throughout the day, which represents a high confidence "sunny" condition.

Fig. 6A-6B include graphs of plots of readings taken during the day with a frequently passing cloud in the morning until afternoon and two slowly moving clouds passing later in the afternoon. Fig. 6A is a graph of a curve 610 with intensity readings I taken over time by a visible light photosensor. FIG. 6B is a graph having temperature readings T taken by an infrared sensor over time_SkyWith temperature readings T taken over time by ambient temperature sensors_{Environment(s)}A plot of curve 640 for the difference delta (Δ) therebetween. As shown in the curve 610 of fig. 6A, the intensity reading I obtained by the visible light photosensor has a high frequency portion 620 during the time period in the morning until afternoon when clouds frequently pass. When two slow moving clouds pass, the curve 610 has a low frequency portion 630 later in the afternoon. Curve 640 in fig. 6B shows that the value of delta (Δ) has a high frequency during the time period that clouds frequently pass in the morning until afternoon, and remains between the upper and lower thresholds indicating intermittent cloudy. The delta (Δ) value at late afternoon has a low frequency oscillation with a value between the upper and lower thresholds and also below the lower threshold for transitioning between the "intermittent cloudy" state and the "sunny" condition. In this case, the infrared sensor value represents a high-confidence "intermittent cloudy" state from morning to afternoon, and the light sensor value represents a high-confidence "intermittent cloudy" state later in the afternoon.

Fig. 7A-7B include graphs of plots of readings taken over time during a day that is cloudy except for short times during the noon of the day. FIG. 7A is a plot 710 with intensity readings I taken over time by a visible light photosensorGraph is shown. FIG. 7B is a graph having temperature readings T taken by an infrared sensor over time_SkyWith temperature readings T obtained by ambient temperature sensors_{Environment(s)}A plot of the curve 720 for the difference delta (Δ) between. As shown by curve 710 of fig. 7A, the intensity reading I obtained by the visible light photosensor is low for most of the day and increases with high frequency (short period) oscillations when the sky is briefly clear during the midday of the day. Curve 720 of fig. 7A shows that the value of delta (Δ) is not below the upper threshold throughout the day, which represents a high confidence "cloudy" condition.

In some implementations, the infrared cloud detector system uses readings from an infrared sensor that measures wavelengths in the infrared range, such as wavelengths between 8-14 microns, to estimate the difference Δ between the ambient temperature and the temperature readings of the measuring infrared sensor. In some cases, one or more correction factors are applied to the calculated difference Δ. The difference Δ provides a relative sky temperature value that may be used to classify the cloud cover condition. For example, the cloudiness condition may be determined in one of three situations, a "sunny", "cloudy", and "cloudy". When using the infrared cloud detector system, the determined cloud cover condition is independent of whether the sun is present or whether it is before sunrise/sunset.

An infrared cloud detector system according to certain implementations may have one or more technical advantages. For example, in early morning and evening conditions, the infrared sensor may determine whether it is a cloudy or sunny day, regardless of the visible light intensity level. When the light sensor is not active when the sun is not rising, the determination of such cloudiness conditions during these times may provide additional background to determine the tint state (also referred to herein as "tint level") of the tintable window. As another example, an infrared sensor may be used to detect general cloud cover conditions within its field of view. This information may be used in conjunction with the light sensor readings to determine whether a "sunny" condition or a "cloudy" condition determined by the light sensor may persist. For example, if the light sensor detects a sharp rise in intensity level (which tends to indicate a "sunny" condition), but the infrared sensor indicates a "cloudy" condition, it is expected that the "sunny" condition will not persist.

Conversely, if the infrared sensor shows a "sunny" condition and the light sensor reading indicates that it is in a "sunny" condition, then the "sunny" condition may persist. As another example, where the tintable window needs to be in a steady state at sunrise, the transition needs to begin at X times (e.g., transition time) before sunrise. During this time, the light sensor is not active because the illumination is minimal. The IR sensor may determine the cloud cover condition before sunrise to inform the control logic whether to start the tinting process (in clear sky) or to keep the tintable window bright in an expected "cloudy" condition at sunrise.

Example of a method to determine cloud cover conditions using infrared and ambient temperature readings

Fig. 8-10 show flow diagrams describing methods of determining a cloud condition using readings from at least one infrared sensor and one ambient temperature sensor, according to various embodiments. In fig. 9-10, readings from at least one light sensor may also be used to determine the cloud conditions under certain conditions. In some cases, the infrared sensor used to obtain the temperature readings is calibrated to detect infrared radiation in the spectrum of about 8 μm to 14 μm and/or has a field of view of about 72 degrees. In some cases, the photosensor used to obtain the photosensor reading is calibrated to detect the intensity of visible light within a photopic range (e.g., between about 390nm and about 700 nm), which is typically referred to under lighting conditions (e.g., at a luminance level of about 10 cd/m)²To about 108cd/m²In between) light that is visible to the normal human eye. While the methods are described with respect to readings from a single infrared sensor, a single ambient temperature sensor, and/or a single light sensor, it should be understood that values from multiple sensors of a type may be used, e.g., multiple sensors oriented in different directions may be used. If multiple sensors are used, the method may use a single value based on a particular orientation of the sensor (e.g., a functional sensor), or obtain values from multiple functional sensors Average, mean, or other statistically relevant value of the readings. In other cases, there may be redundant sensors and the infrared cloud detector may have logic to use values from the functional sensors. For example, by evaluating which sensors are operating and/or which sensors are not functioning based on comparing readings from various sensors.

A. Method I

Fig. 8 shows a flow chart 800 describing a method of determining a cloud cover condition using temperature readings from an infrared sensor and an ambient temperature sensor according to an implementation. The infrared sensor and the ambient temperature sensor of the infrared cloud detector system typically take readings (at sample times) periodically. The processor executes instructions stored in the memory to perform the operations of the method. In one implementation, the infrared cloud detector system has components similar to those described with respect to the system having the infrared cloud detector 100 described with respect to fig. 1. In another implementation, the infrared cloud detector system has components similar to those described with respect to the system having infrared cloud detector 310 in fig. 3.

In fig. 8, the method begins at operation 801. At operation 810, a sky temperature reading T is received at a processor with a sky temperature reading obtained by an infrared sensor _SkyAnd a temperature reading T obtained by an ambient temperature sensor_{Environment(s)}Of the signal of (1). Signals from the infrared sensor and/or the ambient temperature sensor are received wirelessly and/or via a wired electrical connection. The infrared sensor obtains a temperature reading from infrared radiation received within its field of view. The infrared sensors are typically oriented toward an area of the sky of interest, such as an area above a building. The ambient temperature sensor is configured to be exposed to an external environment to measure an ambient temperature.

At operation 820, the processor calculates a temperature reading T obtained by the infrared sensor_SkyWith the temperature reading T obtained by the ambient temperature sensor at the sampling time_{Environment(s)}The difference between delta (Δ). Optionally (represented by the dashed line), a correction factor is applied to the calculated delta (Δ) (operation 830). Can be applied toSome examples of correction factors used include humidity, sun angle/solar altitude angle, and site altitude.

At operation 840, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (Δ) value is below a lower threshold (e.g., -5 millidegrees celsius, -2 millidegrees celsius, etc.). If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) value is below the lower threshold, the cloudiness condition is determined to be a "clear" condition (operation 850). During operation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 810.

If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) is above the lower threshold, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (Δ) is above an upper threshold (e.g., 0 millidegrees Celsius, 2 millidegrees Celsius, etc.) at operation 860. If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) is above the upper threshold at operation 860, the processor determines the cloudiness condition as a "cloudy" condition (operation 870). During operation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 810.

If it is determined that the delta (Δ) calculated at operation 860 is below the upper threshold, the processor determines the cloudiness condition as "intermittent cloudy" or another intermediate state (operation 880). During operation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 810.

B. Method II

Fig. 9 shows a flow diagram 900 describing the logic of a method of determining a cloud cover condition using readings from an infrared sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and a light sensor of an infrared cloud detector system according to an implementation. Infrared sensors, ambient temperature sensors, and light sensors typically obtain readings periodically (at sample time). The infrared cloud detector system also includes a processor that can execute instructions stored in the memory to perform the logical operations of the method. In one implementation, the infrared sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the light sensor are similar to the components of the infrared cloud detector system 300 described with respect to fig. 3. In another implementation, the infrared sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the light sensor are similar to the components of the infrared cloud detector system 400 described with respect to fig. 4A-4C.

In fig. 9, the logic of the method begins at operation 901. At operation 910, one or more signals having temperature readings T obtained by an infrared sensor at particular sampling times are received at a processor_SkyFrom temperature readings T obtained at the sampling time by an ambient temperature sensor_{Environment(s)}And the intensity readings taken by the light sensor at the sampling time. Signals from the infrared sensor, ambient temperature sensor, and light sensor are received wirelessly and/or via a wired electrical connection. The infrared sensor obtains a temperature reading from infrared radiation received within its field of view. The infrared sensors are typically oriented toward an area of the sky of interest, such as an area above a building. The ambient temperature sensor is configured to be exposed to an external environment to measure an ambient temperature. The sensing surface of the light sensor is also typically directed towards the region of the sky of interest, and direct sunlight is blocked or diffused without illuminating the sensing surface.

At operation 920, the logic determines whether the time of day is during one of the following time periods: (i) a period beginning shortly before sunrise (e.g., beginning at a first time 45 minutes before sunrise, 30 minutes before sunrise, 20 minutes before sunrise, or other suitable period before sunrise) until slightly after sunrise (e.g., beginning at a second time 45 minutes after sunrise, 30 minutes after sunrise, 20 minutes after sunrise, or other suitable period) and (iii) a period beginning shortly before sunset (dusk) (e.g., beginning at a third time 45 minutes before sunset, 30 minutes before sunset, 20 minutes before sunset, or other suitable period before sunset) until sunset. In one case, the sunrise time may be determined from the measurement of a visible wavelength light sensor. For example, time period (i) may end at the point where the visible light wavelength photosensor begins to measure direct sunlight, i.e., where the intensity reading of the visible light photosensor is equal to or above the minimum intensity value. Additionally or alternatively, the time period (iii) may be determined to end at a point where the intensity reading from the visible wavelength light sensor is at or below the minimum intensity value. In another embodiment, sunrise and/or sunset times may be calculated using a solar calculator, and the day of the year and time periods (i) and (iii) may be calculated by a defined time period (e.g., 45 minutes) before and after the calculated sunrise/sunset time.

In certain embodiments, the logic determines whether the current time is in one of time periods (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) based on the calculated solar altitude. The logic currently determines the solar altitude using one of various common codes. If the logic determines that the calculated solar altitude is less than 0, the logic determines that the time is in the nighttime period (iv). The logic may determine that if it is determined that the calculated solar altitude is greater than 0 and less than a first solar altitude threshold associated with a time immediately after sunrise (e.g., 10 minutes after sunrise, 20 minutes after sunrise, 45 minutes after sunrise, etc.), then that time is in a time period (i) between immediately before and immediately after sunrise. In one example, the first solar altitude threshold is 5 degrees on the horizon. In another example, the first solar altitude threshold is 10 degrees on the horizon. The logic may determine that the time is in the time period (iii) between immediately before and after sunset if it is determined that the calculated solar altitude is less than 180 degrees and greater than a second threshold associated with the time immediately before sunset (e.g., 10 minutes after sunset, 20 minutes after sunset, 45 minutes after sunset, etc.). In one example, the second solar height threshold is 175 degrees or 5 degrees from the horizon. In another example, the second solar height threshold is 170 degrees or 10 degrees from the horizon. The logic may determine that if the logic determines that the calculated solar altitude is greater than the first solar altitude threshold and less than the second solar altitude threshold, then the time is in time period (ii) between time periods (i) and (iii).

If it is determined at operation 920 that the time of day is during any of time periods (i) or (iii), logic is executed to calculate a temperature reading T obtained by the infrared sensor_SkyWith the temperature reading T obtained by the ambient temperature sensor at the sampling time (operation 930)_{Environment(s)}The difference between delta (Δ). Optionally (represented by the dashed line), a correction factor is applied to the calculated delta (Δ) (operation 930). Some examples of correction factors that may be applied include humidity, sun/sun altitude, and fieldAltitude.

In one embodiment, the logic also determines whether the infrared reading oscillates at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 920. If the processor determines that the time of day is within time period (i) or (iii) and the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 920, the processor applies operation 990 to determine a cloud condition using the light sensor readings. For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. If the system is still running, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

At operation 934, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (Δ) value is below a lower threshold (e.g., -5 millidegrees celsius, -2 millidegrees celsius, etc.). If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) value is below the lower threshold, then the cloudiness condition is determined to be a "sunny" condition (operation 936). During operation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) is above the lower threshold, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (Δ) is above an upper threshold (e.g., 0 millidegrees Celsius, 2 millidegrees Celsius, etc.) at operation 940. If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) is above the upper threshold at operation 940, the processor determines the cloudiness condition as a "cloudy" condition (operation 942). If still in operation, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

If it is determined that the delta (Δ) calculated at operation 940 is below the upper threshold, the processor determines the cloudiness condition as "intermittent cloudy" or another intermediate state (operation 950). If the system is still running, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

If it is determined at operation 920 that the time of day is not during either of time periods (i) or (iii), the processor determines whether the time of day is during time period (ii), which is after time period (i) and time period (ii) (iii) The previous day (operation 960). If the processor determines at operation 960 that the time of day is during the day of time period (ii), the processor calculates a temperature reading T obtained by the infrared sensor_SkyAnd the intensity reading obtained by the light sensor (operation 970). At operation 980, the processor determines whether the calculated difference is within acceptable limits. If the processor determines that the calculated difference is greater than the acceptable limit at operation 980, the processor applies operation 930 to calculate a delta (Δ) and uses the calculated delta (Δ) to determine the cloud cover condition as discussed above.

In one embodiment, the processor also determines whether the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 960. If the processor determines that the time of day is within the time period (ii) and the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 960, the processor applies operation 990 to determine a cloud condition using the light sensor readings. For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. If the system is still running, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

If the processor determines at operation 980 that the calculated difference is within acceptable limits, the light sensor readings are used to determine a cloudiness condition (operation 990). For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. If the system is still running, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

In one embodiment, the processor also determines at operation 970 whether the light sensor reading oscillates at a frequency greater than a first defined level and whether the infrared reading oscillates at a frequency greater than a second defined level. If the processor determines at operation 980 that the calculated difference is within acceptable limits and the processor determines that the light sensor reading oscillates at a frequency greater than a first defined level, the processor applies operation 930 to calculate delta (Δ) and uses the calculated delta (Δ) for determining the cloud status as described above. If the processor determines at operation 980 that the calculated difference is not within acceptable limits and the processor determines that the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level, the processor applies operation 990 to determine cloud conditions using the light sensor readings. For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. If the system is still running, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

In another embodiment, instead of or in addition to operations 970, 980, and 990, the processor executes instructions to implement logic that runs both a daytime infrared sensor algorithm and a daytime light sensor algorithm to independently determine cloudy/sunny/intermediate conditions, each based on its own signal threshold and corresponding tone level. The control logic then applies the darker of the two tint levels independently determined by the daytime light sensor algorithm and the daytime infrared sensor algorithm. One example of similar control logic is described with respect to operations 2820, 2830, 2832, and 2840 described in fig. 28.

Returning to fig. 9, if the processor determines at operation 960 that the time of day is in the night time period (iv) after time period (iii) and before time period (i), the processor calculates Δ at operation 930 and determines the cloud cover condition as described above using the calculated delta (Δ).

Methods and systems for controlling tintable windows using infrared sensor and/or light sensor readings

In energy efficient buildings, the control logic for setting the level of its building systems may take into account the cloud cover in its decision. For example, in a building having optically switchable windows (also referred to herein as "tintable windows"), the control logic may consider the cloud cover when setting the optical state of the optically switchable windows (e.g., the tint state of the electrochromic windows). The conventional systems purporting to provide such functionality typically employ expensive sensing devices to map the entire sky and track the motion of the clouds. This mapping technique can be thwarted by being unable to register clouds until there is enough visible light to see them. Thus, the building system may not need to be adjusted until the time the cloud is registered.

In various implementations described herein, sensor data from an infrared cloud detector system (e.g., the system of fig. 1, the system 300 of fig. 3, the system 400 of fig. 4A-4C, or other infrared cloud detector systems described herein) can be used to set a level of a building system. As an example, this section describes control logic that determines a cloudiness condition using readings including infrared measurements taken by sensors in an infrared cloud detector system, and sets a tint level in one or more optically switchable windows (e.g., electrochromic windows) of a building based on the determined cloudiness condition. Although the control logic described in this section is described with reference to controlling tint states in electrochromic windows, it should be understood that the logic may be used to control other types of optically switchable windows and other architectural systems. The ELECTROCHROMIC window has one or more ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES, such as described in U.S. patent No. 8,764,950 entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES" issued 7/1/2014 and U.S. patent application No. 13/462,725 entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES" filed 5/2/2012, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety (assigned U.S. patent No. 9,261,751).

A. Electrochromic device/window

Fig. 10 schematically depicts a cross-section of an electrochromic device 1000. Electrochromic device 1000 includes a substrate 1002, a first Conductive Layer (CL)1004, an electrochromic layer (EC)1006, an ion conductive layer (IC)1008, a counter electrode layer (CE)1010, and a second Conductive Layer (CL) 1014. In one implementation, the electrochromic layer (EC)1006 and the counter electrode layer (CE)1010 comprising tungsten oxide comprise nickel-tungsten oxide. The layers 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, and 1014 are collectively referred to as an electrochromic stack 1020. A voltage source 1016 operable to apply a potential across the electrochromic stack 1020 affects a transition of the electrochromic device, e.g., a transition between a bleached state (e.g., as described in fig. 11A) and a colored state (e.g., as described in fig. 11B). The order of the layers may be reversed relative to the substrate 1002.

In some cases, electrochromic devices having different layers may be fabricated as all solid state devices and/or all inorganic devices. Examples of such Devices and methods of making them are described in more detail in U.S. patent application No. 12/645,111 entitled "Fabrication of Low-defect electrochemical Devices" (issued as U.S. patent 9,664,974) filed on 12/22/2009 and U.S. patent application No. 12/645,159 entitled "electrochemical Devices" and filed on 12/22/2009 (issued as U.S. patent 8,432,603 on 30/4/2013), both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, it should be understood that any one or more layers in the stack may contain some amount of organic material. The same is true for liquids that may be present in small amounts in one or more layers. It is also understood that the solid material may be deposited or otherwise formed by processes employing liquid components, such as certain processes employing sol-gel or chemical vapor deposition. Further, it should be understood that reference to a transition between a bleached state and a colored state is non-limiting and suggests only one example of many of the electrochromic transitions that may be implemented. Unless otherwise indicated herein (including the foregoing discussion), whenever reference is made to a bleached-pigmented transition, the corresponding device or process includes other optical state transitions, such as non-reflective to reflective, transparent to opaque, and the like. Furthermore, the term "bleached" refers to an optically neutral state, such as colorless, transparent, or translucent. Still further, unless otherwise specified herein, the "color" of the electrochromic transition is not limited to any particular wavelength or range of wavelengths. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the selection of appropriate electrochromic and counter electrode materials determines the relevant optical transitions.

In some implementations, the electrochromic device is configured to reversibly cycle between a bleached state and a colored state. In some cases, when the electrochromic device is in a bleached state, a potential is applied to the electrochromic stack 1020 such that the available ions in the stack are primarily located in the counter electrode 1010. When the potential on the electrochromic stack is reversed, ions are transported across the ion conducting layer 1008 to the electrochromic material 1006 and cause the material to transition to a colored state. In a similar manner, the electrochromic devices of certain implementations described herein are configured to reversibly cycle between different tint levels (e.g., a bleached state, a darkest state, and an intermediate level between the bleached state and the darkest state).

Referring again to fig. 10, the voltage source 1016 is configured to operate with input from the sensor. The voltage source 1016 interfaces with a device controller (not shown in this figure) as described herein. In addition, the voltage source 1016 may interface with an energy management system that controls the electrochromic device according to various criteria such as time of year, time of day, and measured environmental conditions. Such an energy management system in combination with a large area electrochromic device can significantly reduce energy consumption of a building having electrochromic windows.

Any material having suitable optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties may be used as substrate 1002 or other substrate of the electrochromic stack described herein. Examples of suitable substrates include, for example, glass, plastic, and mirror materials. Suitable glasses include clear or tinted soda lime glass, including soda lime float glass. The glass may be tempered or untempered. In many cases, the substrate is a glass pane sized for residential window applications. The dimensions of such glass panes can vary widely depending on the specific needs of the dwelling. In other cases, the substrate is architectural glass. Architectural glass is commonly used in commercial buildings, but may also be used in residential buildings, and typically, but not necessarily, separates the indoor environment from the outdoor environment. In certain embodiments, the architectural glass is at least 20 inches by 20 inches, and may be larger, for example up to about 80 inches by 120 inches. Architectural glass is typically at least about 2mm thick, and typically between about 3mm and about 6mm thick. Of course, electrochromic devices may be scaled relative to smaller or larger substrates than architectural glass. Further, the electrochromic device may be disposed on any size and shape of mirror.

On top of the illustrated substrate 1002 is a conductive layer 1004. In certain implementations, one or both of conductive layers 1004 and 1014 are inorganic and/or solid. Conductive layers 1004 and 1014 can be made of many different materials, including conductive oxides, thin metal coatings, conductive metal nitrides, and composite conductors. Typically, conductive layers 1004 and 1014 are transparent at least in the wavelength range in which the electrochromic layer exhibits electrochromism. The transparent conductive oxide comprises a metal oxide and a metal oxide doped with one or more metals. Examples of such metal oxides and doped metal oxides include indium oxide, indium tin oxide, doped indium oxide, tin oxide, doped tin oxide, zinc aluminum oxide, doped zinc oxide, ruthenium oxide, doped ruthenium oxide, and the like. Since oxides are commonly used for these layers, they are sometimes referred to as "transparent conductive oxide" (TCO) layers. Substantially transparent thin metal coatings, and combinations of TCOs and metal coatings may also be used.

The function of the conductive layers is to spread the potential provided by the voltage source 1016 across the surface of the electrochromic stack 1020 to the interior regions of the stack with a relatively small ohmic potential drop. The potential is transferred to the conductive layer through an electrical connection with the conductive layer. In some aspects, at least one bus bar in contact with conductive layer 1004 and at least one bus bar in contact with conductive layer 1014 provides an electrical connection between voltage source 1016 and conductive layers 1004 and 1014. Conductive layers 1004 and 1014 can also be connected to voltage source 1016 by other conventional methods.

Overlying the illustrated conductive layer 1004 is an electrochromic layer 1006. In some aspects, the electrochromic layer 1006 is inorganic and/or solid. The electrochromic layer may comprise any one or more of a number of different electrochromic materials, including metal oxides. Some examples of suitable metal oxides include tungsten oxide (WO)₃) Molybdenum oxide (MoO)₃) Niobium oxide (Nb)₂O₅) Titanium oxide (TiO)₂) Copper oxide (CuO), iridium oxide (Ir)₂O₃) Chromium oxide (Cr)₂O₃) Manganese oxide (Mn)₂O₃) Vanadium oxide (V)₂O₅) Nickel oxide (Ni)₂O₃) Cobalt oxide (Co)₂O₃) And the like. During operation, the electrochromic layer 1006 transfers ions to the counter electrode layer 1010 and receives ions from the counter electrode layer 1010 to cause a reversible optical transition. Typically, the coloration (or any change in optical properties-e.g., absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance) of an electrochromic material is caused by reversible ion insertion (e.g., intercalation) into the material and corresponding charge-balanced electron injection. Typically, a portion of the ions responsible for the optical transition are irreversibly bound in the electrochromic material. Some or all of the irreversibly bound ions are used to compensate for "blind charges" in the material. In most electrochromic materials, suitable ions include lithium ions (Li +) and hydrogen ions (H +) (i.e., protons). However, in some cases, other ions will be suitable. In various embodiments, lithium ions are used to create the electrochromic phenomenon. Lithium ion intercalating tungsten oxide (WO) _3-y(0<y is less than or equal to 0.3)) to change the tungsten oxide from transparent (bleached state) to blue (colored state).

Referring again to fig. 10, in electrochromic stack 1020, ion conducting layer 1008 is sandwiched between electrochromic layer 1006 and counter electrode layer 1010. In some embodiments, the counter electrode layer 1010 is inorganic and/or solid. The counter electrode layer may comprise one or more of a variety of different materials that serve as ion reservoirs when the electrochromic device is in a bleached state. During an electrochromic transition initiated by, for example, application of an appropriate potential, the counter electrode layer transfers some or all of the ions it holds to the electrochromic layer, changing the electrochromic layer to a colored state. Meanwhile, in the case of NiWO, the counter electrode layer is colored with loss of ions. In some embodiments, for use in conjunction with WO₃Suitable materials for the complementary counter electrode include nickel oxide (NiO), nickel tungsten oxide (NiWO), nickel vanadium oxide, nickel chromium oxide, nickel aluminum oxide, nickel manganese oxide, nickel magnesium oxide, chromium oxide (Cr)₂O₃) Manganese oxide (MnO)₂) And prussian blue. When charge is removed from the counter electrode 1010 made of nickel tungsten oxide (i.e., ions are transported from the counter electrode 1010)To the electrochromic layer 1006), the counter electrode layer 1010 will transition from a transparent state to a colored state.

In the illustrated electrochromic device 1100, an ion conductive layer 1008 is present between the electrochromic layer 1006 and the counter electrode layer 1010. The ionically conductive layer 1008 serves as a medium through which ions (in the form of an electrolyte) are transported as the electrochromic device transitions between the bleached state and the colored state. Preferably, the ionically conductive layer 1008 has a high conductivity for the relevant ions of the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer, but a sufficiently low electronic conductivity such that negligible electron transfer occurs during normal operation. Thin ion-conducting layers with high ion conductivity allow fast ion conduction and thus fast switching for achieving high performance electrochromic devices. In certain aspects, the ionically conductive layer 1008 is inorganic and/or solid.

Examples of suitable materials for the ion-conducting layer (i.e., for electrochromic devices with different IC layers) include silicates, silicon oxides, tungsten oxides, tantalum oxides, niobium oxides, and borates. These materials may be doped with different dopants, including lithium. The lithium doped silica comprises lithium silicon-aluminum-oxide. In some embodiments, the ion conducting layer comprises a silicate-based structure. In some embodiments, silicon-aluminum-oxide (SiAlO) is used for the ion conductive layer 1008.

In certain implementations, electrochromic device 1000 may include one or more additional layers (not shown), such as one or more passive layers. Passive layers for improving certain optical properties may be included in electrochromic device 1000. Passive layers for providing moisture or scratch resistance may also be included in the electrochromic device 1000. For example, the conductive layer may be treated with an antireflective or protective oxide or nitride layer. Other passive layers may be used to hermetically seal the electrochromic device 300.

Fig. 11A is a schematic cross-section of an electrochromic device in a bleached state (or transitioning to a bleached state). According to the illustrated embodiment, the electrochromic device 1100 includes a tungsten oxide electrochromic layer (EC)1106 and a nickel-tungsten oxide counter electrode layer (CE) 1110. Electrochromic device 1100 also includes substrate 1102, Conductive Layer (CL)11011, ion conductive layer (IC)1108, and Conductive Layer (CL) 1114. Layers 1104, 1106, 1108, 1010, and 1114 are collectively referred to as an electrochromic stack 1120. The power supply 1116 is configured to apply a voltage potential and/or current to the electrochromic stack 1120 through suitable electrical connections (e.g., bus bars) to the conductive layers 1104 and 1114. In one aspect, the voltage source is configured to apply a potential of about a few volts in order to drive a transition of the device from one optical state to another. The polarity of the potential as shown in fig. 11A is such that ions (lithium ions in this embodiment) are present primarily in the nickel-tungsten oxide counter electrode layer 1110 (as indicated by the dashed arrows).

Fig. 11B is a schematic cross-section of the electrochromic device 1100 shown in fig. 11A but in (or transitioning to) a colored state. In fig. 11B, the polarity of the voltage source 1116 is reversed, making the electrochromic layer 1106 more negative to accept additional lithium ions for transition to the colored state. As indicated by the dashed arrows, lithium ions are transported across the ionically conductive layer 1108 to the tungsten oxide electrochromic layer 1106. The tungsten oxide electrochromic layer 1106 is shown in a colored state or transitioning to a colored state. The nickel-tungsten oxide counter electrode 1110 is also shown in a colored state or transitioning to a colored state. As explained, nickel-tungsten oxide gradually becomes more opaque as it gives up (deintercalates) lithium ions. In this example, there is a synergistic effect in that the transition to the colored state of both layers 1106 and 1110 helps to reduce the amount of light transmitted through the electrochromic stack and the substrate.

In certain implementations, an electrochromic device may include an Electrochromic (EC) electrode layer and a Counter Electrode (CE) layer separated by an ion-conducting (IC) layer having high conductivity to ions and high resistance to electrons. As is conventionally understood, the ion-conducting layer thus prevents a short circuit between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer. The ion-conducting layer allows the electrochromic electrode and the counter electrode to hold a charge, thereby maintaining their bleached or colored state. In electrochromic devices having different layers, the components form a stack comprising an ion conducting layer sandwiched between an electrochromic electrode layer and a counter electrode layer. The boundaries between these three stacked assemblies are defined by abrupt changes in composition and/or microstructure. Thus, these devices have three distinct layers with two abrupt interfaces.

According to certain implementations, the counter electrode and the electrochromic electrode are formed in close proximity to each other, sometimes in direct contact, without separately depositing the ion-conducting layer. In some implementations, electrochromic devices having an interface region rather than a different IC layer are used. These Devices and methods of making them are described in U.S. patent No. 8,300,298, U.S. patent No. 8,582,193, U.S. patent No. 8,764,950, U.S. patent No. 8,764,951, each entitled "Electrochromic Devices," and each incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In certain implementations, the electrochromic device may be integrated into an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) of the electrochromic window, or may be in a single-pane electrochromic window. For example, an electrochromic window may have an IGU that includes a first electrochromic lite and a second lite. The IGU also includes a spacer separating the first electrochromic lite and the second lite. The second lite in the IGU may be a non-electrochromic lite or otherwise. For example, the second lite can have an electrochromic device and/or one or more coatings thereon, such as a low E coating or the like. Any of the panes can be laminated glass. Between the spacer and the first TCO layer of the electrochromic lite is a primary sealing material. The primary sealing material is also located between the spacer and the second glazing pane. Around the periphery of the spacer is a secondary seal. These seals help to keep moisture out of the interior space of the IGU. They also serve to prevent argon or other gases directed into the interior space of the IGU from escaping. The IGU also includes a bus bar for connection to a window controller. In some implementations, one or both of the bus bars are internal to the completed IGU, however in one implementation, one bus bar is external to the seal of the IGU and one bus bar is internal to the IGU. In the former embodiment, the area is used to form a seal with one face of the spacer used to form the IGU. Thus, wires or other connections to the bus bars extend between the spacer and the glass. Since many spacers are made of conductive metal (e.g., stainless steel), it is desirable to take measures to avoid short circuits due to electrical communication between the bus bars and the connectors and the metal spacers.

B. Window controller

The window controller is used to control the tint state (also referred to herein as the "tint level") of one or more electrochromic devices in an electrochromic window or a zone of one or more electrochromic windows. In some embodiments, the window controller is capable of transitioning the electrochromic window between two tint states, a decolored state and a colored state. In other embodiments, the controller may additionally transition the electrochromic window (e.g., a window having a single electrochromic device) between colored states including: a bleached state, one or more intermediate hue levels, and a colored state. In some embodiments, the window controller is capable of transitioning the electrochromic window between four or more tint states. In some other embodiments, the window controller is capable of transitioning an electrochromic window containing an electrochromic device between any number of tint levels between a bleached state and a colored state. Some electrochromic windows allow for intermediate tint levels by using two (more than two) electrochromic louvers in a single IGU, where each electrochromic louver is a dual state louver.

In some embodiments, an electrochromic window may include an electrochromic device on one pane of an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) and another electrochromic device on another pane thereof. If the window controller is able to transition each electrochromic device between two states (bleached and colored), the IGU is able to achieve four different states (tint levels): a colored state in which both electrochromic devices are colored, a first intermediate state in which one electrochromic device is colored, a second intermediate state in which the other electrochromic device is colored, and a bleached state in which both electrochromic devices are bleached. An example of a MULTI-PANE ELECTROCHROMIC window such as an IGU is further described in U.S. patent No. 8,270,059, by Robin Friedman et al, entitled "MULTI-PANE ELECTROCHROMIC window," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, a window controller may be implemented to transition an electrochromic window having an electrochromic device capable of transitioning between two or more tint levels. For example, the window controller may be capable of transitioning the electrochromic window to a bleached state, one or more intermediate levels, and a colored state. In some other examples, the window controller is capable of transitioning an electrochromic window including an electrochromic device between any number of tint levels between a bleached state and a colored state. Examples of METHODS and controllers FOR converting an electrochromic window to one or more intermediate tone levels are also described IN international PCT application PCT/US17/35290 entitled "CONTROL METHODS FOR integrated WINDOWS IMPLEMENTING INTERMEDIATE TINT STATES", filed on 31.5.2017, U.S. patent No. 8,254,013, entitled "CONTROLLING TRANSITIONS IN OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES," by the inventors of dish Mehtani et al, and incorporated herein by reference IN its entirety.

In some embodiments, the window controller may power one or more electrochromic devices in the electrochromic window. Typically, this functionality of the window controller is enhanced by one or more other functions described in more detail below. The window controllers described herein are not limited to window controllers having functionality to power electrochromic devices associated therewith for control purposes. That is, the power supply for the electrochromic window may be separate from the window controller, where the controller has its own power supply and applies power from the window power supply to the window. However, it is convenient to include a power supply with a window controller and configure the controller to power the window directly, as it eliminates the need for separate wiring to power the electrochromic window.

In some cases, the window controller is a stand-alone controller configured to control the functionality of a single window or a plurality of electrochromic windows without integrating the window controller into a building control network or a Building Management System (BMS). However, the window controller may be integrated into a building control network or BMS, as further described in this section.

Fig. 12 depicts a block diagram of components of a window controller 1250 and components of a window controller system according to implementations discussed herein. Fig. 12 is a simplified block diagram of a window controller 1250, and more details regarding window controllers may be found in: us patent applications 13/449,248 and 13/449,251, both Stephen Brown inventors, both entitled "CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE window-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS" and both filed 4/17/2012; and us patent application 13/449,235 (entitled us patent 8,705,162) entitled "CONTROLLING the switching of OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES" (control TRANSITIONS IN OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES), the inventors of which are Stephen Brown et al and filed on day 4/17 2012; all of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In fig. 12, the illustrated components of window controller 1250 include a microprocessor 1255 or other processor, a pulse width modulator 1260(PWM), a signal conditioning module 1265, and a computer readable medium (e.g., memory) 1270 having a configuration file 1275. The window controller 1250 is in electronic communication (wired or wirelessly) with one or more electrochromic devices 1200 in the electrochromic window over a network 1280 to send control instructions to the one or more electrochromic devices 1200. In some embodiments, the window controller 1250 may be a local window controller that communicates with the master window controller over a network (wired or wireless). In other examples, the window controller omits the signal conditioning module.

In some examples discussed herein, a building has one or more electrochromic windows between the exterior and interior of the building and one or more sensors (e.g., light sensors, infrared sensors, ambient temperature sensors, etc.) located outside the building and/or inside one or more rooms having electrochromic windows. Outputs from one or more sensors may be received as inputs (e.g., via a communication network) to the signal conditioning module 1265 of the window controller 1250. In some cases, as further described in this section, outputs from one or more sensors may be received as inputs to a Building Management System (BMS). Although the sensors of the depicted embodiment are shown to be located on the roof, the sensors may additionally or alternatively be located in other locations, such as vertical exterior walls of a building, inside a room, or on external other surfaces. In some examples, a multi-sensor device having multiple sensors is located in or near a house. In some of these instances, two or more sensors of the multi-sensor device may operate to measure the same or nearly the same data (e.g., two infrared sensors directed to the same general area of the sky), which may provide redundancy in the event of a failure or reading error of one of the sensors.

External sensors of a building, such as a light sensor of a multi-sensor device on a roof, may be used to detect radiated light incident on the light sensor that is reflected to the sensor from a light source, e.g., the sun, or from a surface, particles in the atmosphere, clouds, etc. Each light sensor may generate a signal in the form of a current that is produced by the photoelectric effect and that is a function of the light incident on the light sensor. In some cases, the light sensor is based on the number in watts/m²Or other similar unit of irradiance detecting the radiated light. In other cases, the light sensor detects light in the visible wavelength range in footcandles or similar units. In many cases, there is a linear relationship between these values of irradiance and visible light.

Because the angle at which sunlight strikes the earth is changing, the value of irradiance from sunlight during sunny conditions can be predicted based on the time of day and the time of year. The external light sensor may detect actual radiated light in real time, accounting for reflected and blocked light due to buildings or other structures, weather changes (e.g., clouds), and so forth. For example, on cloudy days, sunlight may be obscured by clouds and the radiated light detected by external sensors will be lower than on cloudy days (sunny days).

In the morning and evening, the sunlight level is low and the corresponding readings taken by the external light sensor are low, which may also be considered consistent with readings taken during cloudy days of the day. Thus, if considered in isolation, the external light sensor readings taken in the morning and evening may falsely indicate a cloudy condition. Furthermore, any obstruction of a building or hill/mountain may also result in a false positive indication on cloudy days, based only on the readings of the external light sensors. In addition, the use of external light sensor values alone just prior to sunrise can result in false positives of cloudy day conditions, which can result in switching the electrochromic window to a transparent state at sunrise, allowing a glare condition in a room with a transparent window.

In certain embodiments, readings taken by at least two infrared sensors may be used to determine the time just before sunrise and the cloud conditions in the morning and evening. These infrared sensors can operate independently of the sun level, allowing the tint control logic to determine cloud conditions prior to sunrise and determine and maintain the proper tint state of the morning and evening electrochromic windows while the sun is falling. Additionally, at least two infrared sensors may be used to detect cloud conditions even when the sensors are shaded or otherwise shielded from direct sunlight.

In some aspects, a single device (sometimes referred to herein as an "infrared sensor device," "infrared cloud detector," or "multi-sensor device") includes both an infrared sensor for detecting thermal radiation and an onboard ambient temperature sensor. An infrared sensor is typically positioned to point skyward to measure sky temperature (T)_Sky). An onboard ambient temperature sensor is typically positioned to measure the ambient temperature (T) at the device_{Environment(s)}). Additionally or alternatively, an infrared sensor device outputs a temperature reading of a difference delta (Δ) between the sky temperature reading and the ambient temperature reading. Infrared sensor device temperature reading (T)_Sky、T_{Environment(s)}And/or Δ) are typically in degrees, e.g., millidegrees celsius or millidegrees fahrenheit.

According to certain aspects, there may be multiple sensors associated with a single electrochromic window of a building or multiple electrochromic window sensors of a building, such as zones of an electrochromic window. For example, the plurality of sensors may be in the form of a multi-sensor device having at least two infrared sensors, an ambient temperature sensor (e.g., a portion of an infrared sensor), and a plurality of light sensors. The multi-sensor device may be located, for example, on a roof of a building having one or more electrochromic windows. In one embodiment, the outputs from the redundant sensors are compared to one another to determine, for example, whether one of the sensors is obscured by an object, such as a bird landing on a roof on a multi-sensor device. In some cases, it may be desirable to use relatively few sensors in a building, as having multiple sensors may be expensive and/or some sensors may be unreliable. In certain embodiments, a single sensor or relatively few sensors (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5) may be used to determine the current level of radiant light from sunlight impinging on a building or perhaps a side of a building. The clouds may pass in front of the sun or the construction vehicle may be parked in front of the sun. These events will cause deviations from the amount of radiation from the sun that would be calculated to normally shine on buildings during clear sky conditions.

In examples with a photosensor, the photosensor may be, for example, a Charge Coupled Device (CCD), a photodiode, a photoresistor, or a photovoltaic cell. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that future developments in photosensor and other sensor technologies will also work because they measure light intensity and provide an electrical output indicative of light level.

In some embodiments, the output from the sensors may be input to the signal conditioning module 1265. The input may be in the form of a voltage signal to the signal conditioning module 1265. The signal conditioning module 1265 passes the output signal to the microprocessor 1255 or other processor. The microprocessor 1255 or other processor determines the tint level of the electrochromic window based on information from the configuration file 1275 and based on an output or override value (override value) from the signal conditioning module 1265. Microprocessor 1255 then sends instructions to PWM 1260 to apply a voltage and/or current to electrochromic device 1200 of one or more electrochromic windows of the building via network 1280 to switch the electrochromic windows to the desired tint level.

In one aspect, the signal conditioning module 1265 is part of a multi-sensor device (e.g., a rooftop multi-sensor device) that receives output from one or more sensors of the multi-sensor device. In this case, the signal conditioning module 1265 transmits the output signal to the microprocessor 1255 or other processor of the window controller 1250 via a wired or wireless network. Microprocessor 1255 or other processor determines the tint level of the electrochromic window and sends instructions to PWM 1260 to apply voltage and/or current to electrochromic device 1200 of one or more electrochromic windows of a building via network 1280 to switch the electrochromic window to the desired tint level.

In some embodiments, the microprocessor 1260 can instruct the PWM 1260 to apply voltage and/or current to the electrochromic window to transition the window to any of four or more different tint levels. In one case, the electrochromic window can be converted to at least eight different tint levels, which are described as: 0 (brightest), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 (darkest). The tint level may correspond linearly to a visual transmittance value and a solar thermal gain coefficient (SHGC) value of light transmitted through the electrochromic window. For example, using the eight tone levels described above, the brightest tone level 0 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.80, tone level 5 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.70, tone level 10 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.60, tone level 15 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.50, tone level 20 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.40, tone level 25 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.30, tone level 30 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.20, and tone level 35 (darkest) may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.10.

The window controller 1250, or a master controller in communication with the window controller 1250, may use any one or more control logic components to determine a desired level of tint based on signals from sensors and/or other inputs. Window controller 1250 may instruct PWM 1260 to apply voltages and/or currents to electrochromic devices 1200 in one or more electrochromic windows to convert them to a desired tint level.

C. Building Management System (BMS)

The window controllers described herein are also suitable for integration with a Building Management System (BMS). BMS are computer-based control systems installed in buildings to monitor and control the mechanical and electrical equipment of the building, such as ventilation, lighting, electrical systems, elevators, fire protection systems, and security systems. The BMS consists of hardware containing interconnections to one or more computers through communication channels and associated software for maintaining conditions in the building in accordance with preferences set by occupants and/or building managers. For example, the BMS may be implemented using a local area network such as ethernet. The software may be based on, for example, internet protocols and/or open standards. One example is software from Tridium corporation (riemerh, virginia). One communication protocol commonly used with BMS is BACnet (building automation and control network).

BMS are most common in larger buildings and are typically used at least to control the environment within the building. For example, BMS can control temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and humidity within buildings. Generally, there are many mechanical devices controlled by the BMS, such as heaters, air conditioners, blowers, vents, and the like. The BMS may turn on and off these various devices under defined conditions in order to control the building environment. A core function of a typical modern BMS is to maintain a comfortable environment for the occupants of a building while minimizing heating and cooling costs/requirements. Modern BMS are therefore not only used for monitoring and control, but also for optimizing synergies between the various systems, for example, to save energy and reduce building operating costs.

In some embodiments, a window controller is integrated with the BMS, wherein the window controller is configured to control one or more electrochromic or other tintable windows. In one embodiment, the one or more electrochromic windows comprise at least one all-solid and inorganic electrochromic device, but may comprise more than one electrochromic device, for example where each pane or pane of the IGU is tintable. In one embodiment, the one or more electrochromic windows comprise only all solid state and inorganic electrochromic devices. In one embodiment, the Electrochromic window is a multi-state Electrochromic window as described in U.S. patent application serial No. 12/851,514 entitled "multi-pane Electrochromic window" (now U.S. patent No. 8,705,162), filed on 5.8.2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Fig. 13 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of BMS 1300 that manages multiple systems of a building 1301, including security systems, heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC), lighting of the building, power systems, elevators, fire protection systems, and the like. The security system may include magnetic card channels, turnstiles, electromagnetic-driven door locks, surveillance cameras, burglar alarms, metal detectors, and the like. The fire protection system may include a fire alarm and a fire suppression system including a water pipe control. The lighting system may include interior lighting, exterior lighting, emergency warning lights, emergency exit signs, and emergency floor exit lighting. The power system may include a primary power source, a backup generator, and an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) grid.

And, the BMS 1300 manages the main window controller 1302. In this example, the master window controller 3102 is depicted as a distributed network of window controllers including a master network controller 1303, intermediate network controllers 1305a and 1305b, and a terminal or leaf controller 1310. The terminal or leaf controller 1310 may be similar to the window controller 1250 described with respect to fig. 12. In one example, the master network controller 1303 may be near BMS 1300, and each floor of the building 1301 may have one or more intermediate network controllers 1305a and 1305b, while each window of the building has its own terminal or leaf controller 1310. In this example, each terminal or leaf controller 1310 controls a particular electrochromic window of the building 1301.

Each of the terminals or leaf-end controllers 1310 may be in a separate location from the electrochromic window it controls, or may be integrated into the electrochromic window. For simplicity, only ten electrochromic windows of building 1301 are depicted as being controlled by primary window controller 1302. In a typical setup, there may be a large number of electrochromic windows in the building controlled by the main window controller 1302. In these embodiments, the master window controller 1302 need not be a distributed network of window controllers. For example, a master window controller 1302 that is a single terminal controller that controls the functionality of a single electrochromic window also falls within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein, as described above.

One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a BMS that includes a multi-sensor device (e.g., multi-sensor device 401 shown in fig. 4A-4C) or other form of infrared cloud detector system. By incorporating feedback from the infrared cloud detector system, the BMS can provide, for example, enhanced: 1) environmental control, 2) energy savings, 3) safety, 4) flexibility in control options, 5) improved reliability and service life due to less reliance and less maintenance of other systems, 6) information availability and diagnostics, and 7) efficient use of personnel and higher productivity, as well as various combinations of these. In some embodiments, the BMS may not be present or the BMS may be present but may not communicate with the master network controller or communicate with the master network controller at a high level. In certain embodiments, maintenance of the BMS does not disrupt control of the electrochromic window.

In some cases, the system of BMS 1300 may operate according to a daily, monthly, quarterly, or yearly schedule. For example, lighting control systems, window control systems, HVAC and security systems may operate based on a 24 hour schedule that takes into account when people are in the building during the work day. At night, the building may enter an energy saving mode, and during the day, the system may operate in a manner that minimizes the building's energy consumption while providing occupant comfort. As another example, the system may shut down or enter a power saving mode during the vacation.

The schedule information may be combined with the geographic information. The geographical information may include the latitude and longitude of the building. The geographical information may also contain information about the direction each side of the building is facing. Using this information, different rooms on different sides of the building can be controlled in different ways. For example, for a room of a building facing east in winter, the window controller may indicate that the window has no color tone in the morning so that the room is warmed up due to sunlight shining in the room, and the lighting control panel may indicate that the lights are dimmed due to lighting from the sunlight. The westernward window may be controlled by the occupants of the room in the morning because the tint of the west-side window may have no effect on energy savings. However, the operational modes of the eastern and western windows may be switched at night (e.g., when the sun is on, the western window is uncolored to allow sunlight in for heating and lighting).

Furthermore, the temperature inside the building may be influenced by external light and/or external temperature. For example, on cold weather and with the building heated by the heating system, the rooms closer to the doors and/or windows will lose heat faster than the interior zone of the building and be cooler than the interior zone.

For embodiments with external sensors, the building may contain external sensors on the roof of the building. Alternatively, the building may contain external sensors associated with each external window or external sensors on each side of the building. External sensors on each side of the building may track the irradiance of one side of the building as the sun changes position throughout the day.

One example of a building, such as building 1301 in fig. 13, includes a building network or BMS, tintable windows for the exterior windows of the building (i.e., windows that separate the interior of the building from the exterior of the building), and a number of different sensors. Light from the exterior windows of a building typically has an effect on the interior lighting in the building about 20 feet or about 30 feet from the window. That is, space in the building that is more than about 20 feet or about 30 feet from the exterior window receives little light from the exterior window. Such spaces remote from the exterior windows in the building are primarily illuminated by the interior lighting system of the building.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of components of a system 1400 for controlling functionality (e.g., transitioning to different tint levels) of one or more tintable windows of a building (e.g., building 1301 shown in fig. 13), according to an embodiment. System 1400 may be one of the systems managed by a BMS (e.g., BMS 1300 shown in fig. 13) or may operate independently of the BMS.

The system 1400 includes a master window controller 1402 that can send control signals to one or more tintable windows to control their functions. The system 1400 also includes a network 1410 in electronic communication with the master window controller 1402. The control logic and instructions for controlling the functionality of the tintable windows, and/or sensor data may be transmitted to the master window controller 1402 over the network 1410. The network 1410 may be a wired or wireless network (e.g., a cloud network). In one embodiment, the network 1410 may communicate with the BMS to allow the BMS to send instructions for controlling the one or more tintable windows to the one or more tintable windows in the building through the network 1410.

The system 1400 also includes an EC device 400 (not shown) in each of one or more tintable windows and an optional wall switch 1490, both of which are in electronic communication with the master window controller 1402. In this illustrated example, the master window controller 1402 may send control signals to one or more EC devices 1401 to control the tint level of a tintable window having one or more EC devices 400. Each wall switch 1490 is also in communication with one or more EC devices 1401 and the master window controller 1402. An end user (e.g., an occupant of a room having tintable windows) may use the wall switch 1490 to control the tint level and other functions of the tintable window with the associated EC device 1401.

In fig. 14, the master window controller 1402 is depicted as a distributed network of window controllers including a master network controller 1403, a plurality of intermediate network controllers 1405 in communication with the master network controller 1403, and a plurality of end or leaf window controllers 1410. Each multiple terminal or leaf-end window controller 1410 communicates with a single intermediate network controller 1405. Although the master window controller 1402 is shown as a distributed network of window controllers, in other embodiments, the master window controller 1402 may be a single window controller that controls the functionality of a single tintable window. The components of the system 1400 shown in fig. 14 may be similar in some respects to the components described with reference to fig. 13. For example, the master network controller 1403 may be similar to the master network controller 1303 and the intermediate network controller 1405 may be similar to the intermediate network controller 1305. Each of the window controllers in the distributed network of fig. 14 includes a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) and a computer-readable medium in electrical communication with the processor.

In fig. 14, each leaf or end window controller 1410 communicates with one or more EC devices 1401 of a single tintable window to control the tint level of the tintable window in the building. In the case of an IGU, a leaf or end window controller 1410 may communicate with EC devices 1401 on multiple sheets of the IGU to control the tint level of the IGU. In other embodiments, each leaf or end window controller 1410 may communicate with multiple tintable windows (e.g., a band of tintable windows). The tip or end window controller 1410 may be integrated into the tintable window or may be separate from the tintable window it controls. The leaf and terminal window controller 1410 in fig. 14 may be similar to the terminal or leaf controller 1410 in fig. 13 and/or may also be similar to the window controller 1250 described with respect to fig. 12.

Each wall switch 1490 is operable by an end user (e.g., an occupant of a room) to control the tint level and other functions of the tintable window in communication with the wall switch 1490. An end user may operate the wall switch 1490 to communicate control signals to the EC device 400 in the associated tintable window. In some cases, these signals from the wall switch 1490 may override the signals from the master window controller 1402. In other cases (e.g., high demand cases), the control signal from the master window controller 1402 may override the control signal from the wall switch 1490. Each wall switch 1490 is also in communication with the leaf or end window controller 1410 to send information (e.g., time, date, desired tint, etc.) back to the main window controller 1402 about the control signals sent from the wall switch 1490, e.g., to be stored in memory. In some cases, the wall switch 1490 may be manually operated. In other cases, the wall switch 1490 may be wirelessly controlled by the end user using a remote device (e.g., a cellular phone, a tablet computer, etc.) that sends wireless communications with control signals, for example, using Infrared (IR) and/or Radio Frequency (RF) signals. In these cases, the wall switch 1490 may include a wireless protocol chip, such as bluetooth, EnOcean, WiFi, Zigbee, and the like. Although the wall switches 1490 depicted in fig. 14 are positioned on one or more walls, other embodiments of the system 1400 may have switches positioned elsewhere in the room.

The system 1400 also includes a multi-sensor device 1412 in electronic communication with the one or more controllers via a communication network 1410 to communicate sensor readings and/or filtered sensor values to the one or more controllers.

D. Logic for controlling electrochromic devices/windows

In some implementations, a controller (e.g., a local terminal or leaf window controller, a master or intermediate network controller, a master window controller, etc.) includes intelligent control logic for calculating, determining, selecting, or otherwise generating a tint state for one or more optically switchable windows (e.g., electrochromic windows) of a building. The control logic may be operable to determine a cloud cover condition based on sensor data from an infrared cloud detector system at the building and to use the determined cloud cover condition to determine a tint state of the optically switchable window. Such control logic may be used to implement methods of determining and controlling a desired level of tint for one or more electrochromic or other tintable windows to account for occupant comfort, energy conservation, and other considerations. In some cases, the control logic uses one or more logic modules.

For example, fig. 15A-15C depict a common input to each of the three logic modules A, B and C of the exemplary control logic, according to some embodiments. Other examples of modules A, B and C are described in International patent application PCT/US16/41344 entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS" filed on 7.7.2016 and International patent application PCT/US15/29675 entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS" filed on 5.5.5.2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other examples of logic modules are described in international patent application PCT/US17 PCT/US17/66198 entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR changeable WINDOWS", filed on 13.12.2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another example of exemplary control logic comprising four (4) logic blocks is described later in this section.

Instances of modules A, B and C

FIGS. 15A-15C include diagrams depicting implementations of the disclosureSchematic of some general inputs to each of the three logic modules A, B and C of the exemplary control logic of formula (la). Each schematic drawing depicts a schematic side view of a room 1500 of a building having a desk 1501 and an electrochromic window 1505 located between the exterior and interior of the building. The figure also depicts an infrared cloud detector system 1502 according to an example. In other implementations, other examples of the infrared cloud detector systems described herein may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, infrared cloud detector system 1502 includes an infrared cloud detector 1530 located on a roof of a building. The infrared cloud detector 1530 has a housing 1532 with a cover made of light diffusing material, an infrared sensor 1534 and a light sensor 1510 within the housing of the housing 1532, and an ambient temperature sensor 1536 located on the shadow surface of the housing 1532. The infrared sensor 1534 is configured to obtain a temperature reading T based on infrared radiation received from a sky region within its field of view_Sky. The ambient temperature sensor 1536 is configured to obtain an ambient temperature reading T of ambient air surrounding the infrared cloud detector 1530 _{Environment(s)}. In one aspect, the infrared sensor and the ambient temperature sensor are integrated in the same sensor. The infrared sensor 1534 includes an imaginary axis (not shown) that is perpendicular to the sensing surface of the infrared sensor 1534 and passes through the center thereof. The infrared sensor 1534 is directed such that its sensing surface faces upward and can receive infrared radiation from regions of the sky within its field of view. The ambient temperature sensor 1536 is located on a shadow surface to avoid direct sunlight from striking its sensing surface. Although not shown, the infrared cloud detector 1530 also includes one or more structures that retain its components within the housing 1532.

Infrared cloud detector system 1502 also includes a local window controller 1550 having a processor (not shown) that can execute instructions stored in a memory (not shown) for implementing control logic for controlling the tint level of electrochromic window 1505. The local window controller 1550 communicates with the electrochromic window 1505 to send control signals. The local window controller 1550 is also in communication (wirelessly or by wire) with an infrared sensor 1534 and an ambient temperature sensor 1536 to receive signals having temperature readings. The local window controller 1550 is also in communication (wirelessly or by wire) with the light sensor 1510 to receive a signal having a visible light intensity reading.

According to certain aspects, the power/communication line extends from a building or another structure to the infrared cloud detector 1530. In one implementation, the infrared cloud detector 1530 includes a network interface that can couple the infrared cloud detector 1530 to a suitable cable. The infrared cloud detector 1530 may communicate data to the local window controller 1550 or another controller (e.g., a network controller and/or a master controller) of the building through a network interface. In some other implementations, the infrared cloud detector 1530 may additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface capable of wireless communication with one or more external controllers. In some aspects, the infrared cloud detector 1530 may also include a battery within or coupled with its housing to power the sensors and electronic components therein. The battery may provide such power instead of or in addition to power from a power source (e.g., from a building power source). In one aspect, the infrared cloud detector 1530 also includes at least one photovoltaic cell, for example, on an exterior surface of the housing. The at least one photovoltaic cell may provide power in place of or in addition to power provided by any other power source.

Fig. 15A shows the penetration depth of direct sunlight into a room 1500 through an electrochromic window 1505 between the exterior and the interior of a building, including the room 1500. Penetration depth is a measure of the degree to which direct sunlight may penetrate into the room 1500. As shown, the penetration depth is measured in a horizontal direction away from the sill (bottom) of window 1505. Typically, the window defines an aperture that provides an acceptance angle for direct sunlight. The penetration depth is calculated based on the geometry of the window (e.g., the size of the window), its position and orientation in the room, any fins or other external coverings outside the window, and the position of the sun (e.g., the sun angle of direct sunlight at a particular time of day and date). The outer shield of electrochromic window 1505 may be due to any type of structure that may shield the window, such as a pendant, heat sink, and the like. In fig. 15A, there is a overhang 1520 over the electrochromic window 1505 that blocks a portion of the direct sunlight entering the room 1500, thereby reducing the penetration depth.

Module a may be used to determine a tint level that takes into account the comfort of the occupant, avoiding direct sunlight through the electrochromic window 1505 onto the occupant or their active area (also referred to herein as a "glare condition"). The hue level is determined based on the calculated penetration depth of the direct sunlight into the room and the type of space in the room at a particular moment in time (e.g., a table, a lobby near a window, etc.). In some cases, the level of hue may also be based on sufficient natural light provided into the room. In some cases, the penetration depth is calculated at a future time to account for the glass transition time (the time required for window tinting, e.g., 80%, 90%, or 100% of the desired level of tint). The problem addressed in module a is that direct sunlight can penetrate deep into the room 1500 to shine directly on people working at the table or other active areas in the room. Publicly available programs can be used to calculate the position of the sun and allow easy calculation of the penetration depth.

Fig. 15A-15C also show a table 1501 in a room 1500, which is associated with an activity area (i.e., a table) and a location of the activity area (i.e., a location of the table), as an example of a single occupied office type of space with a table. Each space type is associated with a different level of hue for occupant comfort. For example, if the activity is a critical activity (such as a job in an office done at a desk or computer) and the table is positioned near a window, the desired tint level may be higher than if the table is farther from the window. As another example, if the activity is non-critical (such as an activity in a lobby), the desired hue level may be lower than the hue level of the same space in an office with a desk.

Fig. 15B shows direct sunlight and radiation entering the room 1500 through the electrochromic window 1505 under clear sky conditions, according to an implementation. The radiation may come from sunlight scattered by molecules and particles in the atmosphere. Module B determines the level of tint based on the calculated value of irradiance flowing through the electrochromic window 1505 under clear sky conditions under consideration. Various software, such as the open source radar program, may be used to calculate a certain latitude, longitude, time of year, time of day, and directed clear sky irradiance for a given window.

Fig. 15C illustrates radiated light from the sky when it may be blocked or reflected by objects such as clouds and other buildings, according to an implementation. These obstacles and reflections are not considered in the clear sky radiation calculation. The radiated light from the sky is determined based on sensor data from sensors, such as infrared cloud sensor 1534, light sensor 1510, and ambient temperature sensor 1536 of infrared cloud detector system 1502. The level of hue determined by module C is based on the sensor data. In many cases, the level of hue is based on the cloud condition determined using readings from the sensor. In general, operation of module B will determine the level of shade that causes the level of shade determined by module a to be dimmed (or unchanged), and operation of module C will determine the level of shade determined by module B to be dimmed (or unchanged).

Control logic may implement one or more of logic modules A, B and C separately for each electrochromic window 1505 in the building or for representative windows of zones in the electrochromic window. Each electrochromic window 1505 may have a unique set of dimensions, orientation (e.g., vertical, horizontal, tilted at an angle), position, type of space associated, etc. A profile with this and other information may be maintained for each electrochromic window 1505. The configuration file may be stored in a computer readable medium of the local window controller 1550 of the electrochromic window 1505 or in a Building Management System (BMS). The profile may include information such as window configurations, occupancy look-up tables, information relating to the associated reference glass, and/or other data used by the control logic. The window configuration may include information such as the size of electrochromic window 1505, the orientation of electrochromic window 1505, the location of the electrochromic window 1505, and the like. A location description of an occupancy look-up table, the hue level providing occupant comfort for certain space types and penetration depths. That is, the hue levels in the occupancy look-up table are designed to provide comfort to occupants who may be in the room 1500, avoiding direct sunlight onto the occupants or their workspace. The type of space is a measure for determining how much coloration is needed to solve occupant comfort issues for a given penetration depth and/or to provide comfortable natural lighting in a room. The spatial type parameter may take into account a number of factors. These factors include the type of work or other activity being performed within a particular room and location of the activity. The intensive work associated with detailed studies that require great attention may be of one type of space, while rest or conference rooms may be of a different type of space. Additionally, the position of a table or other work surface in the room relative to the window is a consideration in defining the type of space. For example, the space type may be associated with a single occupant's office having a desk or other workspace located near the electrochromic window 1505. As another example, the space type may be a lobby.

In certain embodiments, one or more modules of the control logic may determine a desired level of tint while accounting for energy savings other than occupant comfort. These modules may determine the energy savings associated with a particular level of tint by comparing the performance of electrochromic window 1505 at that level of tint to the performance of a base glass or other standard reference window. The purpose of using the reference window may be to ensure that the control logic conforms to the requirements of municipal building codes or other requirements of the reference window used in the building site. Municipalities often use conventional low emissivity glass to define reference windows to control the amount of air conditioning load in a building. As an example of how the reference windows 1505 fit into the control logic, the logic may be designed such that the irradiance through a given electrochromic window 1505 is never greater than the maximum irradiance of the reference window specified by the respective municipality. In the disclosed embodiments, the control logic may use the solar thermal gain coefficient (SHGC) value of the electrochromic window 1505 and the SHGC of the reference window at a particular tone level to determine the energy savings using the tone level. Typically, the value of SHGC is the fraction of incident light of all wavelengths transmitted through the window. Although reference glass is described in many embodiments, other standard reference windows may be used. Typically, the SHGC of a reference window (e.g., a datum glass) is a different variable for different geographic locations and window orientations, and is based on code requirements specified by the respective municipalities.

Typically, buildings are designed with heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC") systems that have the capacity to meet the maximum anticipated heating and/or air conditioning load required in any given situation. The calculation of the required capacity may take into account a datum glass or reference window required in the building at the particular location where the building is being constructed. Therefore, it is important that the control logic meet or exceed the functional requirements of the reference glass in order to allow the building designer to confidently determine how much HVAC capacity to place into a particular building. Because the control logic can be used to tint the window to provide additional energy savings to the reference glass, the control logic can be used to allow a building designer to have a lower HVAC capacity than is required using the reference glass specified by the specifications and standards.

Certain embodiments described herein assume energy savings by reducing air conditioning loads in a building. Thus, many embodiments attempt to achieve the maximum coloration possible while taking into account the occupant comfort level and possible lighting loads in the room with the window in question. However, in some climates, such as those with far north and south latitudes, heating may be more of a concern than air conditioning. Thus, the control logic can be modified, in particular the road surface can be changed in some circumstances, so that less coloring takes place, to ensure that the heating load of the building is reduced.

Control logic instance comprising modules A, B and C

Fig. 16 depicts a flowchart 1600 showing general control logic for a method for controlling one or more electrochromic windows (e.g., electrochromic window 1505 in fig. 15A-C) in a building, according to an embodiment. Control logic uses one or more of modules A, B and CThe tint level of the window is calculated and instructions are sent to transition the electrochromic window to that tint level. At operation 1610, the calculations in the control logic are run 1 to n times at intervals timed by the timer. For example, the level of hue may be recalculated 1 to n times by one or more of modules A, B and C, and for time t_i＝t₁、t₂...t_nExample calculation of (1). n is the number of recalculations performed, and n may be at least 1. In some cases, the logical computations may be done at constant time intervals. In one case, the logical calculation may be completed every 2 to 5 minutes. However, the hue transition of large pieces of electrochromic glass (e.g., up to 6 feet x10 feet) may take as long as 30 minutes or more. For these larger windows, the calculations may be performed on a less frequent basis, such as every 30 minutes. At operation 1620, the logic modules A, B and C perform calculations to determine that at a single time t _iOf each electrochromic window. These calculations may be performed by a processor of the controller. In certain implementations, the control logic is predictive logic that calculates how the window should transition before the actual transition. In these cases, the calculations in blocks A, B and C are based on the future time (e.g., t)_iCurrent time + duration, e.g., switching time of an electrochromic window), e.g., during or after completion of the switching. For example, the future time used in the calculation may be a future time sufficient to allow the transition to complete after receiving the hue instruction. In these cases, the controller may send the tone instructions at the current time prior to the actual transition. By completing the transition, the window will transition to the level of tint desired at the future time.

At operation 1630, the control logic allows certain types of overrides that disengage the algorithms at modules A, B and C and define override tone levels at operation 1640 based on some other consideration. One type of override is a manual override. This is an override implemented by the end user occupying the room and determines that a particular tone level (override value) is required. There may be situations where the user's manual override is overridden by itself. An example of an override is a high demand (or peak load) override, which is associated with utility requirements in a building where energy consumption is to be reduced. For example, on particularly hot days in a metropolitan area, it may be necessary to reduce the energy consumption of the entire municipality in order to avoid unduly imposing taxes on the municipality's energy production and delivery systems. In this case, the building may override the tint levels from the control logic described herein to ensure that all windows have particularly high tint levels. Another example of an override may be whether there are no occupants in a commercial office building on a room example weekend. In these cases, the building may be detached from the module or modules associated with occupant comfort, and all windows may have a low level of tint in cold weather and a high level of tint in warm weather.

At operation 1650, the control signal to achieve the tint level is transmitted over a network to a power source in electrical communication with electrochromic devices in one or more electrochromic windows in a building. In certain embodiments, the transmission of the tint level to all windows of the building may be implemented with efficiency in mind. For example, if the recalculated tone level indicates that there is no need to change the tone from the current tone level, no instruction with an updated tone level is sent. As another example, a building may be divided into zones based on window size and/or location in the building. In one case, the control logic recalculates the tint level for the region with the smaller window more frequently than for the region with the larger window.

In some embodiments, the control logic in fig. 16 for implementing the control method for multiple electrochromic windows throughout a building may be on a single device, e.g., on a single master window controller. This device can perform calculations for each tintable window in a building and also provide an interface for passing tint levels into individual electrochromic windows, such as one or more electrochromic devices in a multi-zone window or on multiple EC panes of an insulated glass unit. Some examples of MULTI-ZONE WINDOWS may be found in international PCT application PCT/US14/71314 entitled MULTI-ZONE EC window (MULTI-ZONE EC WINDOWS), filed on 12, month 14, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Also, there may be some adaptive components of the control logic of some embodiments. For example, control logic may determine how an end user (e.g., occupant) attempts to override the algorithm at a particular time of day and utilize this information in a more predictive manner to determine a desired level of tint. In one case, the end user may use a wall switch to override the level of tint provided by the control logic at a certain time of day to an override value. The control logic may receive information about these conditions and change the control logic to change the tone level to an override value at the time of day.

Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a particular implementation of block 1620 from figure 16. The diagram shows that all three modules A, B and C are executed in sequence to calculate a single time t_iTo the final tint level of the particular electrochromic window. In the case of predictive logic, modules A, B and C are executed based on determining a final level of hue at some future time. The final level of tint may be the maximum allowed transmittance of the window under consideration. Fig. 17 also shows some exemplary inputs and outputs of modules A, B and C. The calculations in modules a, B and C are performed by a processor of a local window controller, a network controller or a master controller. Although some examples describe all three modules A, B and C being used, other implementations may use one or more of modules A, B and C, or may use additional/different modules.

At operation 1770, the processor uses module a to determine a level of tint for occupant comfort to prevent direct glare from sunlight from penetrating into the room. The processor uses module a to calculate the penetration depth of direct sunlight into the room from the position of the sun in the sky and the window configuration in the profile. The position of the sun is calculated from the latitude and longitude of the building and the time and date of the day. The occupancy lookup table and the space type are input from a configuration file for a particular window. Module a outputs the level of hue from module a to module B. The goal of module a is generally to ensure that direct sunlight or glare does not illuminate the occupant or his or her workspace. The level of hue from module a is determined to achieve this. Subsequent calculations of the level of hue in module B and module C may reduce energy consumption and may require even larger hues. However, if subsequent calculations based on the hue level of energy consumption indicate less hue than the coloration needed to avoid disturbing the occupant, the logic prevents the calculated higher level of transmissivity from being performed to ensure occupant comfort. In operation 1780, the level of hue calculated in module a is input into module B. Typically, module B determines a level of shade that darkens (or does not change) the level of shade calculated in module B. The hue level is calculated based on the calculation of irradiance under clear sky conditions (irradiance of clear sky). The processor of the controller uses module B to calculate the irradiance of the clear sky of the electrochromic window based on the window orientation from the profile and based on the latitude and longitude of the building. These calculations are also based on the time and date of the day. Publicly available software, such as the radar program, is an open source program that may provide calculations for calculating irradiance of clear sky. The SHGC of the reference glass is also input to module B from the configuration file. The processor uses module B to determine a darker tint level than the tint level in a and delivers less heat than the reference glass calculated to deliver at maximum clear sky irradiance. The maximum clear sky irradiance is the highest irradiance level at all times calculated under clear sky conditions.

At operation 1790, the tone level from module B and the calculated clear sky irradiance are input to module C. Sensor readings are input to module C based on measurements made by infrared sensors, ambient temperature sensors, and/or light sensors. The processor uses module C to determine the cloud status based on the sensor readings and the actual irradiance. The processor also uses module C to calculate the irradiance delivered to the room if the window is tinted to a level of tint from module B in clear sky conditions. If the actual irradiance through the window with this level of hue is less than or equal to the irradiance through the window with the level of hue from module B based on the determined cloud cover condition from the sensor reading, the processor finds the appropriate level of hue using module C. Typically, the level of hue determined by operation of module C fades (or does not change) the level of hue determined by operation of module B. The level of hue determined in block C is the final level of hue in this example.

Most of the information input to the control logic is determined by fixed information relating to latitude and longitude, time of day and date. This information describes the position of the sun relative to the building, and more specifically, relative to the window of the control logic being implemented. The position of the sun relative to the window provides information such as the penetration depth of direct sunlight into the room with the aid of the window. It also provides an indication of the maximum irradiance or solar radiant energy flux through the window. The calculated irradiance level may be based on sensor input that may indicate that there is a reduction based on the determined cloud cover condition or another obstacle between the window and the sun.

Using a procedure such as the open source procedure Radiance to target a single time t_iAnd the maximum value for all times determines the sunny irradiance based on the window orientation and the latitude and longitude coordinates of the building. The SHGC of the reference glass and the calculated maximum sunny irradiance are input into block B. Module B steps up the level of hue calculated in module a and selects a level of hue where the internal radiation is less than or equal to a reference internal irradiance, where: the internal irradiance is the hue level SHGC x sunny irradiance, and the baseline internal irradiance is the baseline SHGC x maximum sunny irradiance. However, when module a calculates the maximum tint of the glass, module B does not change tint to make it lighter. The level of hue calculated in block B is then input into block C. The calculated irradiance of the clear sky is also input into block C.

Instances of control logic for making coloring decisions using infrared cloud detector systems with light sensors

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram 1800 describing a particular implementation of the control logic of the operation shown in FIG. 16 according to an implementation. Although the control logic is described with respect to a single window, it should be understood that the control logic may be used to control multiple windows or regions of one or more windows.

At operation 1810, the control logic determines whether the time of day is during one of the following time periods: (i) a period beginning at a first time shortly before sunrise (e.g., beginning at a first time 45 minutes before sunrise, 30 minutes before sunrise, 20 minutes before sunrise, or other suitable period of time before sunrise) and ending at a second time shortly after sunrise (e.g., ending at a second time 45 minutes after sunrise, 30 minutes after sunrise, 20 minutes after sunrise, or other suitable period of time); (ii) a time period starting at a third time before sunset and ending at sunset; (iii) a period beginning after the second time after sunrise and ending at a third time before sunset (dusk) or at sunset (e.g., ending at 45 minutes before sunset, 30 minutes before sunset, 20 minutes before sunset, 0 minutes before sunset, i.e., at sunset or at a third time other suitable amount of time before sunset); and (iv) a time period beginning at the third time and ending at the first time prior to sunrise. In one case, the sunrise time may be determined from the measurement of a visible wavelength light sensor. For example, the second time may end at a point where the visible light wavelength light sensor begins measuring direct sunlight, i.e., where the intensity reading of the visible light sensor is at or above the minimum intensity value. Additionally or alternatively, the third time may be determined to end at a point where the intensity reading from the visible wavelength light sensor is at or below the minimum intensity value. In another embodiment, sunrise and/or sunset times may be calculated using a solar calculator, and the days of the year and time periods (i) - (iv) may be calculated by a defined time period (e.g., 45 minutes) before and after the calculated sunrise/sunset time.

If it is determined at operation 1810 that the time of day is not during one of time periods (i), (ii), or (iii), the control logic determines that the time of day is in time period (iv), after time period (iii), and before time period (i). In this case, the control logic passes through the night tone state (e.g., a "clear" tone state or a dark tone state for safety) and proceeds to operation 1870 to determine if an override exists, e.g., an override command is received in a signal from the operator or occupant. If it is determined that there is an override at operation 1860, the override value is the final level of tint. If it is determined that there is no ready override, the night tint state is the final tint level. At operation 1870, control commands are sent over the network or to the electrochromic device of the window to transition the window to the final tint level, the time of day is updated, and the method returns to operation 1810.

Conversely, if it is determined at operation 1810 that the time of day is one of time periods (i), (ii), or (iii), then the time of day is between just before sunrise and just before sunset or between sunset, and the control logic continues to determine at operation 1820 whether the solar azimuth is between the critical angles of the tintable windows. If the solar azimuth is determined by the control logic to be outside the critical angle at operation 1820, module A is bypassed, a "clear" hue level is passed to module B, and the calculation is performed using module B at operation 1840. If the solar azimuth angle is determined to be between the critical angles at operation 1820, then at operation 1830, the control logic in module A is used to calculate the penetration depth and appropriate tone level based on the penetration depth. The level of hue determined by module a is then input to module B and, at operation 1840, a calculation is made using module B.

At operation 1840, the control logic from module B determines the tone level to dim (or not change) the tone level received from module a or the "clear" tone level obtained from operation 1820. The hue level is calculated in block B from the irradiance under clear sky conditions (clear sky illuminance). Module B is used to calculate the irradiance of the clear sky of the window from the window orientations from the configuration file and based on the latitude and longitude of the building. These calculations are also based on the time of day and the day of the year. Publicly available software, such as the radar program, which is an open source program, may provide calculations for determining irradiance on sunny days. The SHGC of the reference glass is also input into module B from the configuration file. The processor, using the control logic of module B, determines a tint level that is darker (or the same) than the tint level it receives and delivers less heat than the reference glass was calculated to deliver under maximum clear sky irradiance. The maximum clear sky irradiance is the highest irradiance level at all times calculated for clear sky conditions.

At operation 1850, the hue level from module B, the calculated irradiance of clear sky, and sensor readings from the infrared sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the light sensor are input to module C. The control logic of module C determines the cloud cover condition from the sensor readings and determines the actual irradiance from the cloud cover condition. The control logic of module C also calculates the irradiance level that would be delivered into the room if the window were tinted to the tone level of module B in clear sky conditions. If the determined actual irradiance based on the cloud conditions through the window when coloring to the tone level from module B is less than or equal to the calculated irradiance through the window, the control logic in module C will decrease the tone level. In general, operation of module C will determine a level of tint that fades (or does not change) the level of tint determined by operation of module B.

At operation 1850, the control logic determines the level of tint from module C based on the sensor readings and then proceeds to operation 1860 to determine if there is a readiness override, e.g., an override command received in a signal from the operator. If it is determined that there is an override at operation 1860, the override value is the final level of tint. If it is determined that there is no ready override, the level of tint from module C is the final level of tint. At operation 1870, control commands are sent over the network or to the electrochromic device of the window to transition the window to the final tint level, the time of day is updated, and the method returns to operation 1810.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart 1900 depicting a particular embodiment of control logic implementing operation 1850 of module C shown in FIG. 18. At operation 1910, one or more signals having temperature readings T obtained by an infrared sensor at a particular sampling time are received at a processor_SkyFrom temperature readings T obtained at the sampling time by an ambient temperature sensor_{Environment(s)}And the intensity readings taken by the light sensor at the sampling time. Signals from infrared sensors, ambient temperature sensors and light sensors are received wirelessly and/or via Received by a wired electrical connection. The infrared sensor obtains a temperature reading from infrared radiation received within its field of view. The infrared sensors are typically oriented toward an area of the sky of interest, such as an area above a building having windows. The ambient temperature sensor is configured to be exposed to an external environment outside the building to measure an ambient temperature. An ambient temperature sensor is typically placed and its sensing surface oriented so that direct sunlight is blocked or diffused from illuminating the sensing surface. Typically, direct sunlight is diffused (e.g., using a diffuser) before illuminating the sensing surface of the light sensor. In some cases, the sensing surface of the light sensor is oriented in the same direction as the window face. If it is determined at operation 1920 that the time of day is during any of time periods (i) or (iii), the processor calculates a temperature reading T obtained by the infrared sensor_SkyWith temperature readings T obtained at sample times by ambient temperature sensors_{Environment(s)}The difference delta (Δ) therebetween (operation 1930). Optionally (represented by the dashed line), a correction factor is applied to the calculated delta (Δ) (operation 1930). Some examples of correction factors that may be applied include humidity, sun angle/solar altitude angle, and site altitude.

In one embodiment, the processor also determines whether the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 1920. If the processor determines at operation 1920 that the time of day is within time period (i) or (iii) and the infrared reading oscillates at a frequency greater than a second defined level, the processor applies operation 1990 to determine a cloud condition using the light sensor reading. For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. Control logic then applies operation 1995 to determine a tone level based on the determined cloud condition. If the infrared cloud detector is still executing and running, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 1910. If not, the method returns to operation 1860 in FIG. 18.

At operation 1934, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (Δ) value is below a lower threshold (e.g., -5 millidegrees celsius, -2 millidegrees celsius, etc.). If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) value is below the lower threshold, the cloudiness condition is determined to be a "sunny" condition (operation 1936). Control logic then applies operation 1995 to determine a tone level based on the determined cloud condition. During operation/execution of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 1910. If an infrared cloud detector is not being executed, the method returns to operation 1860 in FIG. 18.

If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) is above the lower threshold, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (Δ) is above an upper threshold (e.g., 0 millidegrees Celsius, 2 millidegrees Celsius, etc.) at operation 1940. If it is determined at operation 1940 that the calculated delta (Δ) is above the upper threshold, the processor determines the cloudiness condition as a "cloudy" condition (operation 1942) and applies operation 1995 to determine the level of tint based on the determined cloudy condition. During operation/execution of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 1910. If an infrared cloud detector is not being executed, the method returns to operation 1860 in FIG. 18.

At operation 1995, if the window is tinted to a level of tint from module B in clear sky conditions, the control logic determines the actual irradiance based on the cloud conditions and calculates the irradiance level to be delivered to the room. Control logic in module C typically decreases the tone level from module B if the irradiance based on the cloud conditions is less than or equal to the irradiance calculated through the window when coloring to the tone level from module B. During operation and/or execution of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 1910. If the infrared cloud detector has not been executed, the method returns to operation 1860 in FIG. 18.

If it is determined that the delta (Δ) calculated at operation 1940 is below the upper threshold, the processor determines the cloudiness condition as "intermittent cloudy" or another intermediate condition (operation 1950) and proceeds to operation 1995, which is described in detail above.

If it is determined at operation 1920 that the time of day is notIs during either of time periods (i) or (iii), then the time of day is during time period (ii), i.e., "daytime", and the processor calculates the temperature reading T obtained by the infrared sensor at operation 1970_IRDifference from the intensity reading obtained by the light sensor. At operation 1980, the processor determines whether the calculated difference is within acceptable limits. If the processor determines that the difference calculated at operation 1980 is greater than an acceptable limit, the processor applies operation 1930 to calculate a delta (Δ) and uses the calculated delta (Δ) to determine the cloud status as discussed above.

In one embodiment, the processor also determines whether the infrared reading oscillates at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 1960. If the processor determines that the time of day is within the time period (ii) and the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 1960, the processor applies operation 1990 to determine a cloud condition using the light sensor readings. For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. The control logic then proceeds to operation 1995, which is described in detail above.

If the processor determines at operation 1980 that the calculated difference is within acceptable limits, the light sensor reading is used to determine the cloudiness condition (operation 1990). For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. The control logic then proceeds to operation 1995, which is described in detail above.

In one embodiment, the processor also determines whether the light sensor readings are oscillating at a frequency greater than a first defined level and whether the infrared readings are oscillating at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 1910. If the processor determines at operation 1970 that the calculated difference is within acceptable limits and the processor determines that the light sensor reading oscillates at a frequency greater than the first defined level, the processor applies operation 1930 to calculate delta (Δ) and uses the calculated delta (Δ) to determine the cloud status as discussed above. If the processor determines at operation 1970 that the calculated difference is not within acceptable limits and the processor determines that the infrared readings are oscillating at a frequency greater than a second defined level, the processor applies operation 1990 to determine cloud conditions using the light sensor readings. For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. The control logic then proceeds to operation 1995, which is described in more detail above.

Examples of modules C1 and D

One example of exemplary tone control logic includes four (4) logic modules A, B, C1 and D. Modules C1 and D use sensor readings taken by various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors and visible light sensors) to determine the level of tint. In one embodiment, modules C1 and D also use ambient temperature readings from weather transmission data. Typically, these sensors are part of an infrared cloud detector system, such as part in the form of a multi-sensor apparatus (e.g., multi-sensor apparatus 2030 shown in fig. 20A-20D, multi-sensor device 401 shown in fig. 4A-4C, or multi-sensor apparatus 3201 shown in fig. 32A-C).

Fig. 20A-20D include schematic diagrams depicting some common inputs of logic modules A, B, C1 and D. To illustrate the general inputs, each figure depicts a schematic side view of a room 2000 of a building with a desk 2001 and an electrochromic window 2005 between the exterior and interior of the building. The figure also depicts a local window controller 2050 in communication with the electrochromic window 2005 to send control signals to control the voltage applied to the electrochromic device of the electrochromic window 2005 to control its transition to different tint levels. The figure also depicts an infrared cloud detector system in the form of a multi-sensor device 2030 that is located on the roof of a building with one or more tintable windows.

A multi-sensor device 2030 is shown in simplified form in fig. 20A-20D. Multi-transmissionThe components of sensor device 2030 are similar to the components of multi-sensor apparatus 3201 described in more detail with respect to fig. 32A-C. In the example shown in fig. 20A-20D, the multi-sensor device 2030 includes a housing 2032 having an outer shell made of a light diffusing material. Multi-sensor device 2030 also includes at least two redundant infrared sensor devices 2034, e.g., a plurality of infrared sensor devices, to provide redundancy should one fail or be unavailable. Each infrared sensor device 2034 has an onboard ambient temperature sensor and an infrared sensor for measuring thermal radiation from the sky. In addition, multi-sensor device 2030 includes a plurality of visible light photosensors 2010 located within the housing of the casing and facing outward and/or upward in different directions. For example, multi-sensor device 2030 may have thirteen (13) visible light photosensors 2010. Each infrared sensor of multi-sensor device 2030 is configured to obtain a temperature reading T of the sky based on infrared radiation received from an area of the sky within its field of view_Sky. Each on-board ambient temperature sensor is configured to obtain an ambient temperature reading T of ambient air _{Environment(s)}. Each infrared sensor device 2034 includes an imaginary axis (not shown) perpendicular to the sensing surface of the infrared sensor and passing substantially through the center of the sensing surface. Although not shown, the multi-sensor device 2030 also includes one or more structures that retain its components within the housing 2032. Although for simplicity the logic modules A, B, C1 and D are described with reference to sensor data from a multi-sensor device 2030, it will be understood that these modules may use data derived from one or more other sources, e.g., other infrared cloud detector systems, weather transmission data, other sensors in a building, e.g., a stand-alone sensor available at one or more electrochromic windows, user input, etc.

Multi-sensor device 2030 also includes a processor capable of executing instructions stored in a memory (not shown) for implementing logic. For example, in one embodiment, the processor of multi-sensor device 2030 filters the sensor readings using the logic of module D (e.g., the logic of module D' described with reference to fig. 23). In this example, the processor of multi-sensor device 2030 receives sensor readings from sensors at multi-sensor device 2030 and/or weather transmission data via a network to filter the sensor readings over time to determine filtered sensor values as input to the control logic. In this embodiment, the window controller 2050 receives a signal having a filtered sensor value and uses the filtered sensor value as input into the logic of modules C1 and/or D.

The room 2000 also includes a local window controller 2050 having a processor (not shown) that can execute instructions stored in a memory (not shown) for executing control logic for controlling the tint level of the electrochromic window 2005. The window controller 2050 communicates with the electrochromic window 2005 to send control signals. The window controller 2050 is also in communication (wireless or wired) with the multi-sensor device 2030 to receive signals having, for example, filtered sensor values or sensor readings. For example, the window controller 2050 may receive a window with an infrared sensor reading (T) taken by the infrared sensor_Sky) And ambient temperature readings (T) taken by an on-board ambient temperature sensor of infrared sensor arrangement 2034_{Environment(s)}) And/or signals of visible light readings taken by the plurality of light sensors 2010. Additionally or alternatively, window controller 2050 may receive signals having filtered infrared sensor values based on readings taken by infrared sensor 2034 and/or filtered light sensor values based on readings taken by light sensor 2010.

According to certain aspects, power/communication lines extend from a building or another structure to the multi-sensor device 2030. In one embodiment, multi-sensor device 2030 includes a network interface that can couple multi-sensor device 2030 to a suitable cable. The multi-sensor device 2030 may transmit data to the window controller 2050 or another controller (e.g., a network controller and/or a master controller) of the building through a network interface. In some other implementations, multi-sensor device 2030 may additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface capable of wireless communication with one or more external controllers. In some aspects, multi-sensor device 2030 may also include a battery within or coupled with its housing to power the sensors and electronic components therein. The battery may provide such power instead of or in addition to power from a power source (e.g., from a building power source). In one aspect, multi-sensor device 2030 further includes at least one photovoltaic cell, for example, on an outer surface of the housing. The at least one photovoltaic cell may provide power in place of or in addition to power provided by any other power source.

Fig. 20A shows the penetration depth of direct sunlight into a room 2000 through an electrochromic window 2005 between the exterior and interior of a building, including the room 2000. Penetration depth is a measure of the extent to which direct sunlight may penetrate into the room 2000. As shown, the penetration depth is measured in a horizontal direction away from the sill (bottom) of the electrochromic window 2005. Typically, the window defines an aperture that provides an acceptance angle for direct sunlight. The penetration depth is calculated based on the geometry of the window (e.g., the size of the window), its position and orientation in the room, any fins or other external coverings outside the window, and the position of the sun (e.g., the sun angle of direct sunlight at a particular time of day and date). The outer shield of the electrochromic window 2005 may be due to any type of structure that can shield the window, such as an overhang, a heat sink, and the like. In fig. 20A, there is an overhang 2020 above the electrochromic window 2005, which overhang 2020 blocks a portion of direct sunlight entering the room 2000, thereby shortening the penetration depth.

Module a1 may be used to determine a tint level that takes into account the comfort of the occupant, avoiding direct sunlight through the electrochromic window 2005 onto the occupant or their active area (also referred to herein as a "glare condition"). The hue level is determined based on the calculated penetration depth of the direct sunlight into the room and the type of space in the room at a particular moment in time (e.g., a table, a lobby near a window, etc.). In some cases, the hue level determination may also be based on sufficient natural light provided into the room. In some cases, the penetration depth is calculated at a future time to account for the glass transition time (the time required for window tinting, e.g., 80%, 90%, or 100% of the desired level of tint). The problem addressed in module a1 is that direct sunlight can penetrate deep into the room 2000 to shine directly on people working at the table or other active areas in the room. Publicly available programs can be used to calculate the position of the sun and allow easy calculation of the penetration depth.

Fig. 20A-20D also show a table 2001 in the room 2000, which is associated with an active area (i.e., a table) and a location of the active area (i.e., a location of the table) as an example of a single occupied office space type having a table. Each space type is associated with a different level of hue for occupant comfort. For example, if the activity is a critical activity (such as a job in an office done at a desk or computer) and the table is positioned near a window, the desired tint level may be higher than if the table is farther from the window. As another example, if the activity is non-critical (such as an activity in a lobby), the desired hue level may be lower than the hue level of the same space in an office with a desk.

Fig. 20B illustrates direct sunlight and radiation entering the room 2000 through the electrochromic window 2005 under clear sky conditions according to an implementation. The radiation may come from sunlight scattered by molecules and particles in the atmosphere. Module B determines the level of tint based on the calculated value of irradiance flowing through the electrochromic window 2005 under clear sky conditions under consideration. Various software, such as the open source radar program, may be used to calculate a certain latitude, longitude, time of year, time of day, and directed clear sky irradiance for a given window.

Fig. 20C illustrates radiated light from the sky when possibly blocked or reflected by an object, such as a cloud or other building or structure, according to an implementation. These obstacles and reflections are not considered in the clear sky radiation calculation. The radiated light from the sky is determined based on light sensor data from a plurality of light sensors 2010 of multi-sensor device 2030. The level of tint determined by the logic of module C1 is based on the light sensor data. The level of tint is based on the cloud conditions determined using readings taken by the plurality of light sensors 2010. In some cases, the cloud status is determined based on filtered light sensor values determined from readings from the plurality of light sensors 2010 taken over time.

Fig. 20D illustrates infrared radiation 2090 from the sky, which may radiate from clouds and other obstacles, in accordance with an embodiment. As mentioned above with reference to fig. 20C, these obstacles are not considered in clear sky radiation calculations. In the morning and evening, when the visible radiation level is low and the visible light sensor reading is low and may give false positives for cloudy conditions, the operation of module D uses the sky and ambient temperature data to determine cloud conditions.

In one embodiment, the operation of module D uses a sky-based temperature reading (T) _Sky) And ambient temperature reading (T)_{Environment(s)}) Determining the filtered infrared sensor value at each time t_iCloud cover condition. Ambient temperature readings come either from one or more ambient temperature sensors or from weather transmitted data. For example, sky temperature readings may be determined based on readings taken by infrared sensors of multi-sensor device 2030. The hue level is determined based on the cloud cover condition determined from the filtered infrared sensor values. In general, operation of module B will determine the level of hue that darkens (or does not change) the level of hue determined by module A1, and operation of modules C1 or D will determine the level of hue that fades (or does not change) the level of hue determined by module B.

For one or more windows in a building, control logic may execute one or more of logic modules A1, B, C1, and D. Each electrochromic window may have a unique set of dimensions, orientations (e.g., vertical, horizontal, tilted at an angle), positions, associated spatial types, and the like. A profile with this and other information may be maintained for each electrochromic window or zone in an electrochromic window in a building. In one example, the configuration file may be stored in a computer readable medium of the local window controller 2050 of the electrochromic window 2005 or in a building management system ("BMS"). The profile may include information such as window configurations, occupancy look-up tables, information relating to the associated reference glass, and/or other data used by the control logic. The window configuration may include information such as the size of the electrochromic window 2005, the orientation of the electrochromic window 2005, the location of the electrochromic window 2005, and the like. A location description of an occupancy look-up table, the hue level providing occupant comfort for certain space types and penetration depths. That is, the hue levels in the occupancy look-up table are designed to provide comfort to occupants who may be in the room 2000, avoiding direct sunlight onto the occupants or their workspace. The space type is a measure for determining how much coloration is needed to solve occupant comfort issues for a given penetration depth and/or to provide comfortable natural lighting in the room. The spatial type parameter may take into account a number of factors. These factors include the type of work or other activity being performed within a particular room and location of the activity. The intensive work associated with detailed studies that require great attention may be of one type of space, while rest or conference rooms may be of a different type of space. Additionally, the position of the table or other work surface relative to the window is a consideration in defining the type of space. For example, the type of space may be associated with a single occupant's office having a desk or other workspace located near the electrochromic window 2005. As another example, the space type may be a lobby.

In some embodiments, one or more modules of control logic may determine a desired level of tint while also allowing for energy savings in addition to occupant comfort. These modules can determine the energy savings associated with a particular level of tint by comparing the performance of the electrochromic window at that level of tint to the performance of a benchmark glass or other standard reference window. The purpose of using the reference window may be to ensure that the control logic conforms to the requirements of municipal building codes or other requirements of the reference window used in the building site. Municipalities often use conventional low emissivity glass to define reference windows to control the amount of air conditioning load in a building. As an example of how the reference window 2005 fits into the control logic, the logic may be designed such that the irradiance through a given electrochromic window 2005 is never greater than the maximum irradiance of the reference window specified by the respective municipality. In the disclosed embodiment, the control logic may use the solar thermal gain coefficient (SHGC) value of the electrochromic window 2005 at a particular tone level and the SHGC of the reference window to determine the energy savings using that tone level. Typically, the value of SHGC is the fraction of incident light of all wavelengths transmitted through the window. Although reference glass is described in many embodiments, other standard reference windows may be used. Typically, the SHGC of a reference window (e.g., a datum glass) is a different variable for different geographic locations and window orientations, and is based on code requirements specified by the respective municipalities.

Instances of control logic including modules A, B, C1 and D

Fig. 21 depicts a flowchart 2100 illustrating the general control logic of a method for controlling one or more electrochromic windows in a building, according to an embodiment. For example, the control logic may be executed to control one or more zones of the electrochromic window. The control logic executes one or more of modules a1, B, C1, and D to calculate a tint level for one or more electrochromic windows and send instructions to convert electrochromic devices of the one or more electrochromic windows (e.g., electrochromic devices in a multi-zone electrochromic window or electrochromic devices on multiple electrochromic panes of an insulated glass unit) to the tint level. Some examples of MULTI-ZONE WINDOWS may be found in international PCT application PCT/US14/71314 entitled MULTI-ZONE EC window (MULTI-ZONE EC WINDOWS), filed on 12, month 14, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Modules a1 and B are similar to modules a and B described with respect to fig. 15A and 15B.

At operation 2110, the calculations in the control logic run at intervals timed by the timer. In some cases, the logical computations may be done at constant time intervals. In one case, the logical calculation is completed every 2 to 5 minutes. In other cases, it may be desirable to perform the calculations less frequently, such as once every 30 minutes or every 20 minutes, for example, for tone conversion for large blocks of electrochromic panes (e.g., up to 6 feet by 10 feet) that may take 30 minutes or more to convert.

At operation 2120, logic modules A1, B, C1 and D perform calculations to determine at a single time t_iThe tint level of the one or more electrochromic windows. These calculations may be performed by one or more processors of the window controller and/or the multi-sensor device. For example, a processor of a multi-sensor device may determine filtered sensor values and communicate the filtered sensor values to a window controller that determines a level of tint based on the filtered sensor values. In another example, the one or more processors of the window controller may determine filtered sensor values and corresponding tint levels based on sensor readings received from the multi-sensor device.

In certain implementations, the control logic is predictive logic that calculates how the window should transition before the actual transition. In these cases, the calculations in modules A1, B, C1, and D are based on the future time (e.g., t)_iCurrent time + duration, e.g., switching time of one or more electrochromic windows), e.g., during or after completion of the switching. For example, the future time used in the calculation may be a future time sufficient to allow the transition to complete after receiving the hue instruction. In these cases, the window controller may send the tone instruction at the current time prior to the actual transition. By completing the transition, the window will transition to the level of tint desired at the future time.

At operation 2130, the control logic allows various types of overrides of the algorithm to be disengaged at blocks a1, B, C1, and D, and defines an override tone level at operation 2140 based on some other consideration. One type of override is a manual override. This is an override implemented by the end user occupying the room and determines that a particular tone level (override value) is required. There may be situations where the user's manual override is overridden by itself. An example of an override is a high demand (or peak load) override, which is associated with utility requirements in a building where energy consumption is to be reduced. For example, on particularly hot days in a metropolitan area, it may be necessary to reduce the energy consumption of the entire municipality in order to avoid unduly imposing taxes on the municipality's energy production and delivery systems. In such situations, the building may override the tint level from the control logic to ensure that all windows have a particularly high tint level. This override may override the user manual override. Another example of an override is when a room has no occupants, such as a commercial office building on a weekend. In this case, the building may be detached from the module or modules related to occupant comfort, and all windows may have a low level of coloration in cold weather and a high level of coloration in warm weather.

At operation 2150, control signals for achieving the tint level are transmitted over a network to a power source in electrical communication with electrochromic devices in one or more electrochromic windows to transition the windows to the tint level. In certain embodiments, the transmission of the level of tint to the window of the building may be implemented with efficiency in mind. For example, if the recalculation of the tone level indicates that the tone of the current tone level does not need to be changed, then no instruction with an updated tone level is transmitted. As another example, a building may be divided into zones of windows based on window size and/or location in the building. In one case, the control logic recalculates the tint level for the region with the smaller window more frequently than for the region with the larger window.

In one case, the control logic in FIG. 21 implements a control method for controlling the tint levels of all electrochromic windows throughout a building on a single device, such as a single master window controller. This device can perform calculations for each and every electrochromic window in a building, and also provide an interface for transmitting tint levels to the electrochromic devices in the individual electrochromic windows.

Also, there may be some adaptive components of the control logic of some embodiments. For example, the control logic may determine how an end user (e.g., occupant) attempts to override the algorithm at a particular time of day, and then utilize this information in a more predictive manner to determine the desired level of tint. For example, an end user may be using a wall switch to override the level of tint that the control logic provides at a particular time of day on successive sequential days to an override value. The control logic may receive information about these instances and change the control logic to introduce an override value that will change the level of tint to the end user's override value at that time of the day.

Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating a particular implementation of block 2020 from fig. 21. The diagram shows that all four modules A1, B, C1 and D are executed in sequence to calculate a single time t_iTo the final tint level of the particular electrochromic window. In the case of predictive logic, based on determining a time t in the future_iTo perform blocks a1, B, C1, and D. The final level of tint may be the maximum allowed transmittance of the window under consideration. In one embodiment, the computations of modules A1, B, C1, and D are performed by a processor of a local window controller, a network controller, or a master controller.

At operation 2270, the processor uses module a1 to determine a hue level of occupant comfort to prevent direct glare from sunlight from penetrating into the room. The processor uses module a1 to calculate the penetration depth of direct sunlight into the room based on the position of the sun in the sky and the window configuration in the profile. The position of the sun is calculated from the latitude and longitude of the building and the time and date of the day. The occupancy lookup table and the space type are input from a configuration file for a particular window. Module A1 outputs the hue level from module A1 to module B. The goal of module a1 is generally to ensure that direct sunlight or glare does not illuminate the occupant or his or her workspace. The level of hue from module a1 is determined to achieve this. Subsequent calculations of the level of hue in modules B, C1 and D may reduce energy consumption and may require even larger hues. However, if subsequent calculations based on the hue level of energy consumption indicate less hue than the coloration needed to avoid disturbing the occupant, the logic prevents the calculated higher level of transmissivity from being performed to ensure occupant comfort.

At operation 2280, the level of hue calculated in block a1 is input into block B. Typically, module B determines a level of shade that darkens (or does not change) the level of shade calculated in module B. Under clear sky conditions (clear sky) Irradiance) is calculated based on the calculation of irradiance. The processor of the controller uses module B to calculate the irradiance of the clear sky of one or more electrochromic windows based on the window orientations from the configuration file and based on the latitude and longitude coordinates of the building. These calculations are also based on time t_iThe time of day and/or the maximum value of all times. Publicly available software, such as the radar program, is an open source program that may provide calculations for calculating irradiance of clear sky. The SHGC of the reference glass is also input into module B from the configuration file. The processor uses module B to determine a darker tone level than that in a1 and delivers less heat than the reference glass is calculated to deliver at maximum clear sky irradiance. The maximum clear sky irradiance is the highest irradiance level at all times calculated under clear sky conditions. In one example, module B increments the level of hue calculated in module a1 and selects a level of hue where the internal irradiance is less than or equal to a baseline internal irradiance, where: the internal irradiance is the hue level SHGC x sunny irradiance, and the baseline internal irradiance is the baseline SHGC x maximum sunny irradiance.

At operation 2290, the level of hue and the photosensor reading from module B and/or the filtered photosensor value are input to module C1. The calculated clear sky irradiance is also input to block C1. The light sensor readings are based on measurements made by a plurality of light sensors, such as a plurality of light sensor devices. The processor determines the cloud status using the logic of block C1 by comparing the filtered light sensor value to a threshold value. In one case, module C1 determines a filtered light sensor value based on the raw light sensor reading. In another case, module C1 receives as input the filtered light sensor value. The processor implements the logic of block C1 to determine a level of tint based on the determined cloud cover condition. Typically, the level of hue determined by operation of module C1 fades or does not change the level of hue determined by operation of module B.

In operation 2295, the tone level of block C1 is input to block D. Further, infrared sensor readings and ambient temperature sensor readings and/or filtered infrared associated therewithThe sensor values are input to module D. The infrared sensor readings and the ambient temperature sensor readings include sky temperature readings (T) _Sky) Ambient temperature reading (T) from building local sensors_{Environment(s)}) Or ambient temperature readings (T) from weather transmitted data_{Weather (weather)}) And/or T_Sky-T_{Environment(s)}The difference between them. Filtered infrared sensor values are based on sky temperature readings (T)_Sky) And ambient temperature reading (T) from local sensors_{Environment(s)}) Or ambient temperature readings (T) from weather data_{Weather (weather)}) And (4) determining. Sky temperature readings are taken by one or more infrared sensors.

Ambient temperature readings may be received from various sources. For example, the ambient temperature readings may be communicated from one or more ambient temperature sensors located on an infrared sensor and/or from a separate temperature sensor in the building, such as a multi-sensor device. As another example, an ambient temperature reading may be received from a weather transmission. The logic of module D is to determine the cloud cover condition by comparing the filtered infrared sensor values to a threshold. Typically, the tone level determined by operation of module D darkens (or does not change) the tone level determined by operation of module C1. The level of hue determined in module D in this example is the final level of hue.

Much of the information input to the control logic described with respect to fig. 22 is determined from fixed information about the latitude and longitude of the building and also from the time and date of day (day of the year). This information describes the position of the sun relative to the building, and more specifically, relative to each of the one or more windows in which the control logic is being implemented. The position of the sun relative to the windows may be used to calculate information such as the penetration depth of direct sunlight into the room through each window. It also provides an indication of the maximum irradiance or solar radiant energy flux through the window during clear sky conditions.

In the morning and evening, the sunlight level is low, and the readings taken by an external visible light sensor, for example in a multi-sensor device, are low, possibly considered to coincide with readings during cloudy days. Thus, if considered in isolation, the external visible light photosensor readings taken in the morning and evening may falsely indicate a cloudy condition. Furthermore, any obstruction of a building or hill/mountain may also result in a false positive indication of a cloudy condition based solely on the acquired readings of the visible light sensor. Furthermore, if taken alone, external visible light photosensor readings taken before sunrise may result in a false positive cloudy condition. In the case where the control logic predictively predetermines the level of tint at sunrise based only on visible light sensor readings obtained shortly before sunrise, a false positive cloudy condition may result in switching the electrochromic window to a clear state at sunrise, thereby causing glare in the room.

In certain embodiments, the control logic described herein uses filtered sensor values based on temperature readings from one or more infrared sensors and from an ambient temperature sensor to determine cloud conditions in the morning and evening and/or at a time just before sunrise. The one or more infrared sensors typically operate independently of the sun level, allowing the tint control logic to determine cloud conditions prior to sunrise and determine and maintain appropriate tint levels in the morning and evening when the sun is falling. Further, filtered sensor values based on temperature readings from one or more infrared sensors may be used to determine cloud conditions even if the visible light sensor is blocked or otherwise obstructed.

In one embodiment, the control logic described with respect to FIG. 22 is based on the time t determined by the sun's altitude_iWhether module C1 and/or module D is executed in the morning, daytime, or evening area. An example of this embodiment is described in detail with respect to fig. 24.

Examples of Module D and of Module D

In certain embodiments, module D uses the filtered Infrared (IR) sensor values (e.g., a rolling average or median of the sensor readings) to determine the tint level of one or more electrochromic windows in the building. The filtered IR sensor values may be calculated by logic and passed to module D, or module D may query a database to retrieve stored filtered infrared sensor values. In one aspect, module D includes logic to use multiple cloudsOffset value and sky temperature reading (T)_Sky) And ambient temperature reading (T) of local sensor_{Environment(s)}) Or ambient temperature readings (T) from weather data_{Weather (weather)}) And/or the difference delta (Δ) between the sky temperature reading and the ambient temperature reading. The cloudy offset value is a temperature offset corresponding to a threshold value used to determine a cloudy condition by logic in module D. The logic of module D may be executed by one or more processors executing the logic of module D, such as a local window controller, a network controller, or a master controller.

For example, another embodiment of the control logic shown in FIG. 22 also includes a module D' that receives infrared sensor readings and ambient temperature readings from the sensors, calculates filtered infrared sensor values, and passes the filtered infrared sensor values to module D. Alternatively, the logic of module D' may be executed by one or more processors of the multi-sensor device. In one case, the filtered infrared sensor values calculated from module D' are saved to an infrared sensor measurement database stored in memory. In this case, the one or more processors of module D that perform the calculations retrieve the filtered IR sensor values from the IR sensor measurement database as input.

FIG. 23 illustrates a flow diagram 2300 depicting the logic of module D', according to some embodiments. The logic of module D' may be executed by one or more processors of a local window controller, a network controller, a master controller, or a multi-processor device. At operation 2310, the processor performing the operations of module D' receives as input the sensor reading at the current time. The sensor readings may be received via a communication network at the building, for example, from a rooftop multi-sensor device. The received sensor readings include a sky temperature reading (T) _Sky) And ambient temperature readings (T) from building local sensors_{Environment(s)}) Or ambient temperature readings (T) from weather data_{Weather (weather)}) And/or T_SkyAnd T_{Environment(s)}The difference (Δ) between. Ambient temperature reading (T) of building local sensors_{Environment(s)}) Is a ring located on or separate from the infrared sensor deviceAmbient temperature sensor. Ambient temperature sensor readings may also be from weather transmission data.

In one embodiment, the logic of module D' receives and uses raw sensor readings of measurements made by two or more IR sensor devices (e.g., of a rooftop multi-sensor device) in a building, each having a sensor for measuring ambient temperature (T;)_{Environment(s)}) And a skyward pointing device for measuring the sky temperature (T) based on infrared radiation received in its field of view_Sky) The airborne infrared sensor of (1). Two or more IR sensor devices are typically used to provide redundancy. In one case, each infrared sensor device outputs an ambient temperature (T)_{Environment(s)}) And sky temperature (T)_Sky) Is read. In another case, each infrared sensor device outputs an ambient temperature (T) _{Environment(s)}) Sky temperature (T)_Sky) And T_SkyAnd T_{Environment(s)}The difference between them is a reading of delta. In one case, each infrared sensor device outputs T_SkyAnd T_{Environment(s)}The difference between them is a reading of delta. According to one aspect, the logic of module D' uses raw sensor readings of measurements made by two IR sensor devices in the building. In another aspect, the logic of module D' uses raw sensor readings of measurements made by 1-10 IR sensor devices in the building.

In another embodiment, the logic of module D' receives and uses the original sky temperature (T) acquired by an infrared sensor at the building and pointed towards the sky to receive infrared radiation within its field of view_Sky) Readings and ambient temperature readings (T) from weather transmitted data_{Weather (weather)}). Weather transmission data is received from one or more weather services and/or other data sources over a communications network. The weather transmission data typically includes data associated with weather conditions, such as cloud coverage, visibility data, wind speed data, temperature data, percent probability of precipitation, and/or humidity. Typically, the weather transmission data is received in a signal by the window controller via a communication network. According to certain aspects, the window controller may interface through communications over a communications network A signal is transmitted to one or more weather services with a request for weather transmission data. The request typically includes at least the longitude and latitude of the location of the window being controlled. In response, one or more weather services transmit a signal with weather transmission data to the window controller via the communication interface over the communication network. The communication interface and network may be wired or wireless in form. In some cases, the weather service may be accessed through a weather website. Can be arranged inwww.forecast.ioAn instance of a weather website is found. Another example is the national weather service (www.weather.gov). The weather transmission data may be based on the current time or may be predicted at a future time. More detailed information on the logic of sending data using weather can be found in international application PCT/US16/41344, filed on 7.7.2016, entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Returning to FIG. 23, at operation 2320, a temperature value (T) is calculated based on the sky temperature readings from the one or more infrared sensors, the ambient temperature readings from the one or more local ambient temperature sensors or from the weather transmissions, and the multi-cloud offset value _Computing). The cloudy offset value is a temperature offset that determines a first threshold and a second threshold for determining a cloud condition in module D. In one embodiment, the cloudy offset value is-17 millidegrees Celsius. In one example, a cloudy offset value of-17 millidegrees Celsius corresponds to a first threshold of 0 millidegrees Celsius. In one embodiment, the cloudy offset value is in the range of-30 millidegrees Celsius to 0 millidegrees Celsius.

In one embodiment, the temperature value (T) is calculated based on sky temperature readings of two or more pairs of thermal sensors_Computing). Each pair of thermal sensors has an infrared sensor and an ambient temperature sensor. In one case, the thermal sensors of each pair are an integral component of the IR sensor device. Each IR sensor device has an onboard infrared sensor and an onboard ambient temperature sensor. Two IR sensor devices are typically used to provide redundancy. In another case, the infrared sensor and the ambient temperature sensor are separate.

In one embodiment, the temperature value is calculated as:

T_computingMinimum value (T)_{Sky 1}、T_{Sky 2}.) -minimum value (T)_{Environment 1}、T_{Environment 2}.) -cloudy offset (equation 2)

Wherein T is_{Sky 1}、T_{Sky 2} Is a temperature reading, T, taken by a plurality of infrared sensors_{Environment 1}、T_{Environment 2}Are temperature readings taken by a plurality of ambient temperature sensors. If two infrared sensors and two ambient temperature sensors are used, T_ComputingMinimum value (T)_{Sky 1}、T_{Sky 2}) Minimum value (T)_{Environment 1}、T_{Environment 2}) -cloudy offset. A minimum of readings of multiple sensors of the same type is used to bias the results towards lower temperature values, which represent lower cloud cover, and result in higher tone levels, to bias the results towards avoiding glare.

In another embodiment, the logic of module D' may switch from using the local ambient temperature sensor to sending data using the weather when the ambient temperature sensor reading becomes unavailable or inaccurate, for example, when the ambient temperature sensor is reading heat emanating from a local source (e.g., a rooftop). In this embodiment, the ambient temperature reading (T) is transmitted based on the sky temperature reading and the data from the weather_{Weather (weather)}) Calculating a temperature value (T)_Computing). In this embodiment, the temperature value is calculated as:

T_computingMinimum value (T)_{Sky 1}、T_{Sky 2}、...)–T_{Weather (weather)}-cloudy offset (equation 3)

In another embodiment, the temperature value (T) is calculated based on readings of the difference Δ between the sky temperature and the ambient temperature measured at two or more infrared sensor devices _Computing) Each infrared sensor device has an onboard infrared sensor measurement and an ambient temperature sensor. In this embodiment, the temperature value is calculated as:

T_computingMinimum value (Δ)₁、Δ₂.) -cloudy biasDisplacement (equation 4)

Wherein Δ₁、Δ₂Is a reading of the difference delta between the sky temperature and the ambient temperature measured by the plurality of infrared sensor devices.

In embodiments using equations 1 and 3, the control logic uses the difference between the sky temperature and the ambient temperature to determine the filtered infrared sensor values input to module D to determine the cloud conditions. The fluctuations in ambient temperature readings tend to be smaller than the fluctuations in sky temperature readings. By using the difference between the sky temperature and the ambient temperature as input to determine the hue state, the determined hue state may fluctuate to a lesser extent over time and provide a more stable coloration of the window.

In another embodiment, the control logic calculates T based only on sky temperature readings from two or more infrared sensors_Computing. In this embodiment, the IR sensor values determined by module D' and input into module D are based on sky temperature readings, rather than ambient temperature readings. In this case, module D determines the cloud condition based on the sky temperature readings. Although for determining T _ComputingThe above embodiments of (a) are based on two or more redundant sensors of each type, but it will be appreciated that the control logic may be implemented using readings from a single sensor of a different type.

At operation 2330, the processor uses the T determined in operation 2320_ComputingAnd updating the short-term boxcar waveform and the long-term boxcar waveform. To update the boxcar waveform, the newest sensor reading is added to the boxcar waveform, and the oldest sensor reading is deleted from the boxcar waveform. For module D and other control logic described herein, the filtered sensor values are used as inputs to make shading decisions. Module D' and other logic described herein use the short and long term boxcar waveforms (filters) to determine filtered sensor values. Short van waveforms (e.g., using samples taken over 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.) relative to a larger number of sensor samples (e.g., n 10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) in a long van waveform (e.g., a van waveform using sample values taken over 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.)A boxcar waveform of value) is based on a smaller number of sensor samples (e.g., n-1, 2, 3, … 10, etc.). The boxcar waveform (illumination) values may be based on an average, mean, median, or other representative value of the sample values in the boxcar waveform. In one example, the short box cart waveform value is the median of the sensor samples, and the long box cart waveform value is the median of the sensor samples. Module D' typically uses a rolling median of the sensor samples for each of the short and long van waveform values. In another example, the short bin cart waveform value is a mean of the sensor samples and the long bin cart waveform value is a mean of the sensor samples. Module C1 generally uses filtered light sensor values that are determined from short and/or long bin vehicle waveform values based on a mean of the sensor samples.

Because the short box vehicle waveform values are based on a smaller number of sensor samples, the short box vehicle waveform values more closely follow the current sensor readings than the long box vehicle waveform values. Thus, the short van waveform values respond to rapidly changing conditions more quickly and to a greater extent than the long van waveform values. Although both the calculated short box vehicle waveform value and the long box vehicle waveform value lag behind the sensor readings, the short box vehicle waveform value will lag less than the long box vehicle waveform value. The short-box vehicle waveform values tend to react more quickly to current conditions than the long-box vehicle waveform values. The long van waveform can be used to smooth the window controller's response to frequent short duration weather fluctuations, such as passing clouds, while the short van waveform does not also smooth but responds more quickly to rapid and significant weather changes, such as cloudy conditions. In the case of passing cloud conditions, control logic using only the long box vehicle waveform values will not react quickly to the current passing cloud conditions. In this case, the long box car waveform values may be used in the coloring decision to determine an appropriate high level of hue. In the case of fog-out conditions, it may be more appropriate to use the short-term boxcar waveform values in the coloring decisions. In this case, the short-term boxcar waveform reacts more quickly to new sunny conditions after fog-out. By using the short-term boxcar waveform values to make coloring decisions, the tintable window can be quickly adjusted to a clear condition quickly and keep occupants comfortable when fog burns out quickly.

In operation 2340, the processor determines a short box car waveform value (Sboxcar value) and a long box car waveform value (lbooxcar value) based on the current sensor readings in the box car waveform updated in operation 2330. In this example, each boxcar waveform value is calculated by taking the median of the sensor readings in the boxcar waveform after the last update made in operation 2330. In another embodiment, each boxcar waveform value is calculated by taking the average of the current sensor readings in each boxcar waveform. In other embodiments, other calculations of sensor readings in each boxcar waveform may be used.

In certain embodiments, the control logic described herein evaluates the difference between the short term bin waveform value and the long term bin waveform value to determine the bin waveform value to implement when making a coloring decision. For example, the short-term boxcar waveform value may be used in the coloring decision when the absolute value of the difference between the short-term and long-term boxcar waveform values exceeds a threshold. In such a case, the short boxcar waveform value of the sensor reading in the short term is greater than the value of the long term sensor reading by a threshold value, which may indicate a sufficiently large short term fluctuation, e.g., may imply a large cloud transitioning to a lower hue state. If the absolute value of the difference between the short and long tank car waveform values does not exceed the threshold, then the long-term tank car waveform is used. Returning to FIG. 23, at operation 2350, the logic evaluates whether the value of the absolute value of the difference between the Sboxcar value and the Lboxcar value is greater than a Δ threshold (| Sboxcar value-Lboxcar value | > Δ threshold). In some cases, the Δ threshold value is in a range of 0 millidegrees Celsius to 10 millidegrees Celsius. In one case, the Δ threshold has a value of 0 millidegrees Celsius.

If the absolute value of the difference is above the Δ threshold, then the Sboxcar value is assigned to the IR sensor value and the short-term boxcar waveform is reset to clear its value (operation 2360). If the absolute value of the difference is not greater than the Δ threshold, then a Lboxcar value is assigned to the IR sensor value and the long-term boxcar waveform is reset to clear its value (operation 2370). At operation 2380, the filtered IR sensor values are saved to the IR sensor measurement database for retrieval by module D. Alternatively, the filtered IR sensor values may be passed directly to module D.

Instances of control logic making coloring decisions depending on morning, day, evening, night zones based on infrared sensor and/or light sensor readings

In some embodiments, the shading control logic uses filtered values based on temperature readings from the infrared sensor and the ambient temperature sensor to determine cloud conditions in the morning and evening and/or at a time just before sunrise. Since infrared sensors typically operate independently of solar intensity levels, the tint control logic is allowed to determine cloud conditions just before sunrise and maintain appropriate tint levels during the morning and evening hours when the sun is falling. Further, readings from the infrared sensor may be used to determine cloud conditions even if the visible light sensor is blocked or otherwise obstructed. During the day, when the infrared sensor is enabled, the tint control logic determines a first tint level based on the infrared sensor reading and the ambient temperature reading and a second tint level based on the light sensor reading, and then uses the maximum of the first and second tint levels. If the infrared sensor is not enabled, the control logic will use a second tone level based on the light sensor reading.

In one embodiment, the control logic described with respect to FIG. 22 depends on the calculated time t determined by the sun altitude_iWhether module C1 and/or module D is executed in the morning, daytime, or evening area. An example of this control logic approach is described in detail with respect to fig. 24.

FIG. 24 shows a flow chart 2400 depicting control logic for making shading decisions as a function of a calculated time t_iWhether in the morning, daytime, or evening areas, infrared sensor and/or light sensor data is used. An example of some of the operations of the control logic described with respect to the flowchart shown in fig. 24 are described with reference to the flowcharts shown in fig. 26-28. In one aspect, the control logic is prediction logic that calculates the level of tint to which the window should be transitioned in advance. In this regard, the calculations in blocks A1, B, C1, and D are performed to determine the appropriate level of hue (i.e., t) at the future time_iCurrent time plus duration, e.g. oneTransition times for one or more windows). For example, the time used in the calculation may be a future time sufficient to allow the conversion to complete after receiving the tone instruction. In these cases, the window controller may send a tone instruction prior to the transition. Before the transition is completed, one or more windows will transition to the level of tint desired at the future time.

In the flowchart 2400 illustrated in fig. 24, at operation 2405, the calculation of the control logic is run at intervals timed by the timer. In one embodiment, the logical computations are performed at constant time intervals. In one example, the logical calculation is completed every 2 to 5 minutes. In another example, it may be desirable to perform the calculations less frequently, such as once every 30 minutes or every 20 minutes, for example, for tone conversion for large area electrochromic windows that may take 30 minutes or more to convert.

At operation 2412, the control logic of module a1 is executed to determine a tint level that takes into account the comfort of the occupant, avoiding direct sunlight through one or more electrochromic windows onto the occupant or their active area. First, the control logic is to determine whether the solar azimuth angle is outside of the critical angle of the one or more electrochromic windows. The logic of module A1 is to base the longitude and latitude of a building with windows and the time of day t_iAnd the day of the year (date) the position of the sun in the sky is calculated. The position of the sun includes the sun azimuth angle (also referred to as the sun azimuth). Publicly available programs may provide calculations to determine the position of the sun. The critical angle is input from a profile of one or more windows. At operation 2414, if it is determined that the solar azimuth is outside the critical angle, it is determined that the sunlight is shining at an angle such that direct sunlight does not enter one or more rooms having one or more windows, and the control logic proceeds to block B. In this case, module A1 passes the "sunny" hue level (i.e., the lowest hue state) as input to module B.

On the other hand, if the solar azimuth angle is determined to be between the critical angles of the one or more windows, then sunlight may be entering through the one or more windows to direct sunlightAngular illumination of the room. In this case, the logic of module A1 is executed to calculate at time t based on the calculated sun position and window configuration information_iThe window configuration information includes one or more of the location of the window, the size of the window, the orientation of the window (i.e., the direction in which it faces), and the details of any external obscuration. The logic of module a1 is then executed to determine a tint level that will provide occupant comfort for the calculated penetration depth based on the space type of the room by looking up an expected tint level for the calculated penetration depth for the space type associated with the window (e.g., an office, a lobby, a conference room with a desk near the window, etc.) in an occupancy lookup table or other data that corresponds different tint levels to space types and penetration depths. The space type and occupancy look-up table or similar data is provided as input to module a1 from a configuration file associated with one or more windows. In some cases, the tint level may also be based on providing sufficient natural lighting for a room having one or more windows. In this case, the tone level determined for the spatial type and the calculated penetration depth is taken as input to module B.

An example of an occupancy look-up table is provided in fig. 25. The values in the table are based on the hue level and the associated SHGC value in parentheses. Fig. 25 shows different hue levels (SHGC values) for different combinations of calculated penetration values and spatial types. The table is based on eight hue levels, including 0 (brightest), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 (brightest). The brightest hue level 0 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.80, the hue level 5 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.70, the hue level 10 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.60, the hue level 15 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.50, the hue level 20 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.40, the hue level 25 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.30, the hue level 30 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.20, and the hue level 35 (darkest) corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.10. The illustrated example includes three spatial types: table 1, table 2, and the lobby, and six penetration depths.

In operation 2415, control logic of module B is executed to determine a level of hue based on the predicted irradiance under clear sky conditions (clear sky irradiance). Module BFor predicting t under clear sky conditions_iIrradiance at one or more windows and maximum clear sky irradiance at all times. The maximum clear sky irradiance is the highest level irradiance at all times predicted for clear sky conditions. Clear sky irradiance is based on the latitude and longitude coordinates of the building, the window direction (i.e., the direction the window faces), and the time of day t _iAnd days of the year. These predicted values of clear sky irradiance may be calculated using open source software such as Radiance. Module B typically determines a darker tone level than the tone level input from module a 1. The tint level determined by module B delivers less heat than the reference glass predicted to deliver at maximum clear sky irradiance. The logic of block B determines the level of hue by incrementally increasing the level of hue input from block A1, and selects a level of hue based on t_iThe predicted interior irradiance in the room under clear sky irradiance is less than or equal to the reference interior irradiance, wherein: the internal irradiance is the hue level SHGC x clear sky irradiance, and the reference internal irradiance is the reference SHGC x maximum clear sky irradiance. The SHGC of the reference glass is input into module B from the configuration file. The level of hue from module B is provided as an input to modules C1 and D.

The control logic makes a coloring decision based on the time t_iWhether in the morning, daytime, or evening areas, infrared sensor and/or light sensor data is used. Control logic determines time t based on sun altitude_iIn the morning, daytime, evening and night area. The logic of module A1 determines at time t _iIncluding the solar altitude. The solar altitude is transferred from module A1 to modules C1 and D. At operation 2422, the control logic determines at time t_iIs less than 0. If at time t_iIs determined to be less than 0, it is night and at operation 2424, the control logic sets the night hue state. An example of a nighttime hue state is a cleared hue level, which is the lowest hue state. The cleared tint level can be used as a nighttime tint state, for example, to provide security by allowing security personnel outside the building to see into a lighted room inside the building through the cleared window. Another example of a nighttime tint state is a maximum tint level, which can provide privacy and/or security by not allowing others to see inside a building at night when the window is in the darkest tint state. If at time t_iIs determined to be less than 0, the control logic determines if there is override readiness at operation 2490. If the override is not ready, the final tint level is set to the nighttime tint level. If the override is ready, the control logic sets the final tint level to an override value in operation 2492. At operation 2496, control logic is executed to communicate the final tone level to transition one or more windows to the final tone level. The control logic then proceeds to a timer at operation 2405 to perform the calculation at the next time interval.

If at time t_iIs greater than or equal to 0 at operation 2422, the control logic determines whether the solar altitude is less than the solar altitude threshold at operation 2430. If the solar altitude is less than the solar altitude threshold, time t_iIn the morning or evening. In one example, the solar altitude threshold is less than 10 degrees. In another example, the solar height threshold is less than 15 degrees. In another example, the solar height threshold is less than 20 degrees. If the solar altitude is less than the solar altitude threshold, the control logic determines whether the solar altitude is increasing.

In operation 2432, the control logic is to determine whether it is morning based on whether the sun altitude is increasing or decreasing. Control logic compares at t_iThe calculated solar height values obtained at one time and another determine whether the solar height is increasing or decreasing. If the control logic determines that the sun altitude is increasing, then at operation 2434, it is determined to be morning and the control logic runs the morning IR sensor algorithm implementation of module D. An example of a morning IR sensor algorithm that may be used is described with respect to flowchart 2600 in fig. 26. Module D typically queries the infrared sensor measurement database to obtain filtered IR sensor values for the current time and determines cloud conditions and associated tone levels based on the filtered IR sensor values. If the filtered infrared sensor value is lower than the lower threshold value, the infrared sensor is in a 'sunny day' condition And the tone level of module D is set to the highest tone level. If the filtered infrared sensor value is above the upper threshold, then a "cloudy" condition is present and the tone level of module D is set to the lowest tone level. If the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the upper threshold and greater than or equal to the lower threshold, the hue level from module D will be set to the intermediate hue level. If at operation 2432 the control logic determines that the sun altitude has not increased (decreased), then it is determined to be evening, and the control logic runs the evening IR sensor algorithm implementation of module D at operation 2436. An example of an evening IR sensor algorithm that may be used is described with respect to flowchart 2700 illustrated in FIG. 27.

After running the morning or evening IR sensor algorithm for module D to determine the tone level based on module D, the control logic determines whether to override readiness at operation 2490. If the override is not ready, the final tint level is set to the tint level determined by module D. If the override is ready, the control logic sets the final level of tint to an override value in operation 2492. At operation 2496, control logic is executed to communicate the final tint level to transition one or more electrochromic devices on one or more windows to the final tint level. The control logic then proceeds to a timer at operation 2405 to perform the calculation at the next time interval.

If it is determined at operation 2430 that the solar altitude is not less than (greater than or equal to) the solar altitude threshold, then time t_iDuring the daytime zone and the control logic runs a daytime algorithm that is directed to module C1 and/or module D to determine a level of tint based on the light sensor and/or infrared sensor readings (operation 2440). The control logic then determines whether an override is ready at operation 2490. If the override is not ready, the final tint level is set to the tint level determined by the daytime algorithm of module C1 and/or module D. The daytime algorithm that may be used is described with respect to the flowchart 2800 shown in fig. 28. If the override is ready, the control logic sets the final tint level to an override value in operation 2492. At operation 2496, control logic is executed to communicate a final level of tint to transition one or more windows to a finalThe level of hue. The control logic then proceeds to a timer at operation 2405 to perform the calculation at the next time interval.

In one embodiment, instead of running the morning IR sensor algorithm of module D at operation 2434, running the evening IR sensor algorithm of module D at operation 2436, and running the daytime algorithm of module C1 and/or module D at operation 2440, the morning light sensor algorithm of module C1 is used at operation 2434, the evening light sensor algorithm of module C1 is used at operation 2436, and the daytime algorithm of module C1 is used at operation 2440.

Examples of morning and evening IR sensor algorithms for Module D

Module D queries the infrared sensor measurement database to obtain the filtered IR sensor value (or receives the value directly from another logic module) and then determines the cloud condition and associated hue level based on the filtered IR sensor value. If the filtered infrared sensor value is below the lower threshold, then it is in a "sunny" condition and the tone level of module D is set to the highest tone level. If the filtered infrared sensor value is above the upper threshold, then a "cloudy" condition is present and the tone level of module D is set to the lowest tone level. If the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the upper threshold and greater than or equal to the lower threshold, the hue level from module D will be set to the intermediate hue level. The upper and lower thresholds used in these calculations are based on whether a morning infrared sensor algorithm, an evening infrared sensor algorithm, or a daytime algorithm is being executed.

Fig. 29 shows a graph of filtered IR sensor values versus time in millidegrees celsius over 24 hours. The figure shows three regions of the filtered range of infrared sensor values. The upper region above the upper threshold is a "cloudy" region. Filtered infrared sensor values above the upper threshold are located in "cloudy" areas. The middle region between the upper and lower thresholds is an "intermittent cloudy" or "partially cloudy" region. The lower region below the lower threshold is the "clear" region, also referred to as the "sunny day" region. Filtered IR sensor values below the upper threshold are in the "sunny" or "sunny" region. The graph has two curves of filtered IR sensor values calculated based on readings taken over two 24 hours. A first curve 2930 shows calculated filtered IR sensor values acquired on the first day with a cloud in the afternoon. A second curve 2932 shows calculated filtered IR sensor values acquired on the entire day, sunny/the second day of sunny. The lower threshold describes a lower boundary between the middle region and the lower region. The upper threshold describes an upper boundary between the middle region and the upper region. The lower and upper thresholds for evening use (the evening lower threshold and the evening threshold) are typically higher than the lower and upper thresholds for morning use (the morning lower threshold and the morning upper threshold).

FIG. 26 shows a flow chart 2600 depicting the control logic of the morning IR sensor algorithm implementation of module D. The morning IR sensor algorithm may be executed when the shading control logic determines that the current time is in the morning area. The morning IR sensor algorithm is an example of control logic that may be executed at operation 2434 of the flowchart shown in fig. 24 when the control logic determines that the solar altitude is less than the altitude threshold and that the solar altitude is increasing.

The control logic of flowchart 2600 begins at operation 2610 and compares the filtered IR sensor value to the lower morning threshold to determine whether the filtered IR sensor value is less than the lower morning threshold. The control logic of module D queries the infrared sensor measurement database or other database to retrieve the filtered infrared sensor values. Alternatively, the control logic calculates a filtered IR sensor value. One example of control logic that may be used to calculate the filtered IR sensor values and store the values in the infrared sensor measurement database is the control logic of module D' described with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 23. The lower morning threshold is the temperature value at the lower boundary of the filtered IR sensor values between the lower region (the "sunny" or "sunny" region) and the middle region (the "partially cloudy" region) where the morning region applies. In certain embodiments, the lower morning threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 milli-degrees celsius. In one example, the lower morning threshold is 1 degree celsius.

If it is determined at operation 2610 that the filtered IR sensor value is less than the lower morning threshold, then it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in a lower region, which is a "sunny" or "sunny" region. In this case, the control logic sets the tone level from module D to a high tone state (e.g., tone level 4) and transfers the tone level from module D (operation 2620).

If it is determined at operation 2610 that the filtered IR sensor value is not less than the lower morning threshold, the control logic continues to determine at operation 2630 whether the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the upper morning threshold and greater than or equal to the lower morning threshold. The upper morning threshold is the temperature at the upper boundary of the filtered IR sensor values between the middle region (the "partially cloudy" region) and the upper region (the "cloudy" region) for which the morning area of the day applies. In certain embodiments, the morning upper threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 millidegrees Celsius. In one example, the morning upper threshold is 3 millidegrees celsius.

If it is determined in operation 2630 that the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the morning-up threshold and greater than or equal to the morning-down threshold, it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in the middle region that is the "locally cloudy" region (operation 2640). In this case, the control logic sets the tone level of module D to a mid-tone state (e.g., tone level 2 or 3) and communicates the tone level of module D.

If it is determined in operation 2630 that the filtered IR sensor value is not less than or equal to the morning upper threshold and is greater than or equal to the morning lower threshold (i.e., the filtered sensor value is greater than the morning upper threshold), it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in the upper region that is "cloudy" (operation 2650). In this case, the control logic sets the tone level of module D to a low tone state (e.g., a tone level of 2 or lower) and transfers the tone level of module D.

FIG. 27 shows a flowchart 2700 depicting control logic for an embodiment of the evening IR sensor algorithm of module D. When the coloration control logic determines that the current time is in the evening region, an evening IR sensor algorithm may be executed. The evening IR sensor algorithm is an example of control logic that may be executed at operation 2436 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 24 when the control logic determines that the solar altitude is less than the altitude threshold and that the solar altitude is decreasing.

The control logic of flowchart 2700 begins at operation 2710 and compares the filtered IR sensor value to the lower evening threshold to determine whether the filtered IR sensor value is less than the lower evening threshold. The control logic of module D queries the infrared sensor measurement database or other database to retrieve the filtered infrared sensor values. Alternatively, the control logic calculates a filtered IR sensor value. One example of control logic that may be used to calculate the filtered IR sensor values and store the values in the infrared sensor measurement database is the control logic of module D' described with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 23. The lower evening threshold is the temperature value at the lower boundary of the filtered IR sensor values between the lower region (the "sunny" or "sunny" region) and the middle region (the "partly cloudy" region) where the evening region applies. In some embodiments, the lower evening threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 millidegrees celsius. In one example, the evening lower threshold is 2 millidegrees celsius.

If it is determined at operation 2710 that the filtered IR sensor value is less than the lower evening threshold, the filtered IR sensor value is in a lower region, which is a "clear" or "sunny" region. In this case, at operation 2720 the control logic sets the level of hue from module D to a high hue state (e.g., hue level 4) and passes the level of hue from module D.

If it is determined at operation 2710 that the filtered IR sensor value is not less than the evening sub-threshold, the control logic continues to determine at operation 2730 whether the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the evening threshold and greater than or equal to the evening sub-threshold. The evening threshold is the temperature at the upper boundary of the filtered IR sensor values between the middle region (the "partially cloudy" region) and the upper region (the "cloudy" region) applicable in the evening region of the day. In some embodiments, the evening threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 millidegrees celsius. In one example, the evening threshold is 5 millidegrees celsius.

If it is determined in operation 2730 that the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the evening threshold and greater than or equal to the evening sub-threshold, it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in the middle region, which is a "localized cloudy" region (operation 2740). In this case, the control logic sets the tone level of module D to a mid-tone state (e.g., tone level 2 or 3) and communicates the tone level of module D.

If it is determined in operation 2730 that the filtered IR sensor value is not less than or equal to the early evening threshold and is greater than or equal to the late evening threshold (i.e., the filtered sensor value is greater than the early evening threshold), it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in an upper region that is "cloudy" (operation 2750). In this case, the control logic sets the tone level of module D to a low tone state (e.g., a tone level of 2 or less), and transmits the tone level of module D.

Instances of daytime algorithms of Module C1 and/or Module D

During the day, the temperature readings taken by the infrared sensors may fluctuate if the local area around the infrared sensors heats up. For example, an infrared sensor located on the roof may absorb the solar light at noon and thus be heated by the roof. In some embodiments, the daytime algorithm disables the use of infrared sensor readings in its hue decision under certain circumstances, and determines the hue level from the light sensor readings only using module C1. In other cases, the daytime algorithm uses module D to determine a first hue level from the infrared sensor readings, uses module C1 to determine a second hue level from the light sensor readings, and then sets the hue to the maximum of the first and second hue levels.

FIG. 28 shows a flow chart 2800 depicting control logic for a daytime algorithm, which may execute the daytime infrared sensor algorithm of module C1 and/or the daytime light sensor algorithm of module D. The daytime algorithm is used when the shading control logic determines that the current time is within the daytime zone. The daytime algorithm is an example of control logic that may be executed at operation 2440 of the flowchart shown in fig. 24 when the solar altitude angle is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to the altitude threshold.

At operation 2810, it is determined whether use of IR sensor readings is enabled. In one case, the default setting of the shading control logic is to disable use of infrared sensor readings unless light sensor readings are unavailable, e.g., due to a light sensor failure. In another case, if infrared sensor data is not available, for example due to an infrared sensor failure, the control logic will disable the infrared sensor reading. If it is determined at operation 2810 that the use of IR sensor readings is enabled, control logic runs the daytime IR sensor algorithm of module D and the daytime light sensor algorithm of module C1 simultaneously (operation 2820). If it is determined at operation 2810 that the use of IR sensor readings is not enabled, control logic runs the daytime light sensor algorithm of module C1 (operation 2850).

At operation 2830, the logic of the daytime IR sensor algorithm of module D is run to determine a first hue state. The filtered infrared sensor values are retrieved from an infrared sensor measurement database or other database. Alternatively, logic of the daytime IR sensor algorithm calculates filtered IR sensor values. One example of logic that may be used to calculate the filtered IR sensor values and store the values in the infrared sensor measurement database is the control logic of module D' described with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 23. Logic of the daytime infrared sensor algorithm compares the filtered infrared sensor value to a lower daytime threshold value to determine whether the filtered infrared sensor value is less than the lower daytime threshold value, greater than an upper daytime threshold value, or between the lower daytime threshold value and the upper threshold value. The lower daytime threshold is the temperature value at the lower boundary of the filtered IR sensor values between the lower region (the "sunny" or "sunny" region) and the middle region (the "partially cloudy" region) where the daytime region applies. In certain embodiments, the lower daytime threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 milli-degrees celsius. In one example, the lower daytime threshold is-1 milliCelsius. The daytime upper threshold is the temperature value at the upper boundary of the filtered IR sensor values between the middle region ("partly cloudy" region) and the upper region ("cloudy" region) applicable in the evening region of the day. In certain embodiments, the daytime upper threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 millidegrees celsius. In one example, the whiteday upper threshold is 5 millidegrees celsius. If it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is less than the daytime lower threshold, then the filtered IR sensor value is in a lower region, which is a "sunny" or "sunny" region. In this case, the control logic sets the first tone level of module D to a high tone level (e.g., tone level 4). If it is determined that the filtered infrared sensor value is less than or equal to the white-day upper threshold and greater than or equal to the white-day upper threshold, the filtered infrared sensor value is determined to be in a middle region that is a "partially cloudy" region. In this case, the control logic sets the first tone level to a mid-tone state (e.g., tone level 2 or 3). If it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is not less than or equal to the above-white threshold and is greater than or equal to the below-white threshold (i.e., the filtered sensor value is greater than the above-white threshold), then it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in an upper region that is a "cloudy" region. In this case, the control logic sets the first tone level of module D to a low tone state (e.g., a tone level of 2 or less).

At operation 2832, the logic of the daytime light sensor algorithm of module C1 is run to determine a second hue level. Module C1 determines a second hue level based on the real-time irradiance using the light sensor readings. An example of the control logic of module C1 that may be used to determine the second hue level is described in the next section with respect to flowchart 3000 shown in fig. 30.

At operation 2840, the logic of the daytime algorithm calculates a maximum value of the first hue level using module D based on the IR sensor readings and calculates a second hue level based on the light sensor readings using module C1. The tint level of the daytime algorithm is set to the maximum of the first tint state calculated based on the IR sensor readings and the second tint level calculated based on the light sensor readings. The hue level of module C1 or D is returned.

If it is determined at operation 2810 that the use of IR sensor readings is not enabled, control logic runs the daytime light sensor algorithm of module C1 (operation 2850). At operation 2850, the logic of the daytime light sensor algorithm of module C1 is run to determine a second hue level. In this case, the tint state from the daytime algorithm is set to a second tint level based on the light sensor readings and returned to that tint level at block C1. An example of control logic of module C1 that may be used to determine the second hue level is described with respect to the flowchart shown in fig. 30.

Instances of Module C1

As shown, fig. 30 includes a flow diagram 3000 depicting control logic of an example of module C1 for determining a tint level for one or more electrochromic windows, according to one aspect. Module C1 receives as input the hue level from module B.

In operation 3020, current light sensor values are received to reflect conditions outside of the building, and a thresholding is performed to calculate a suggested level of hue to be applied. In one example, the current light sensor value is the maximum of measurements made by multiple light sensors (e.g., 13 light sensors of a multi-sensor device) at one sample time. In another example, the light sensor value is a filtered rolling average of a plurality of readings taken at different sampling times, where each reading is a maximum of the measurements taken by the plurality of light sensors. An example of control logic that may be used to calculate the current light sensor value is depicted in the flow diagram 3100 of FIG. 31, which shows the control logic of block C1'.

Returning to FIG. 30, at operation 3020, thresholding is used to calculate a suggested level of hue by determining whether the currently filtered light sensor value has exceeded one or more thresholds over a period of time. The time period may be, for example, a time period between the current time and the last sample time acquired by the light sensor, or a time period between the current time and the first of the plurality of sample readings previously acquired. The light sensor readings may be taken periodically, e.g., once per minute, once every 10 seconds, once every 10 minutes, etc. In one implementation, the thresholding uses two thresholds: a lower photosensor threshold and an upper photosensor threshold. If it is determined that the light sensor value is above the light sensor upper threshold, the light sensor value is located in a higher region, i.e., a "clear" or "sunny" region. In this case, the control logic determines that the suggested tone level of module C1 is a high tone level (e.g., tone level 4). If the light sensor value is determined to be less than or equal to the light sensor upper threshold and greater than or equal to the light sensor lower threshold, the light sensor value is determined to be in a middle region that is a "partially cloudy" region. In this case, the control logic determines that the suggested tone level of module C1 is an intermediate tone level (e.g., tone level 2 or 3). If the light sensor value is determined to be greater than the evening threshold, the light sensor value is determined to be in an upper region that is a "cloudy" region. In this case, the control logic determines that the suggested tone level of module C1 is a low tone level (e.g., a tone level of 2 or less).

If the current time is a point in time after the end of the lock period, the control logic calculates a suggested level of tint based on the conditions monitored during the lock period at operation 3020. The suggested level of tint calculated based on the conditions monitored during the lockout is based on a statistical evaluation of the monitoring input. Various techniques may be used to statistically evaluate the inputs monitored during the wait time. One example is the average of the tone level during the waiting time. During the wait time, the control logic performs operations to monitor the inputs and calculate the determined level of hue, for example using one or more of modules a1, B, and C1. The determined hue level averaged over the waiting time is then operated to determine which direction is suggested for one hue region transition.

In operation 3025, it is determined whether the current time is within the lock period. If the current time is during the lock, module C1 does not alter the level of hue received from module B. During the lockout, the light sensor values under external conditions are monitored. In addition, the control logic monitors the suggested level of tint determined by operation 3020 during the lockout. If it is determined that the current time is not during the lock, the control logic proceeds to operation 3030.

At operation 3030, the logic of block C1 continues to determine whether the current information suggests a tone transition. This operation 3030 compares the suggested tone level determined in operation 3020 to the current tone level applied to the one or more windows to determine if the tone levels are different. If the suggested tone level is not different from the current tone level, the tone level is not changed.

At operation 3050, if the suggested tone level is different from the current tone level, then module C1 sets a new tone level that is one tone level towards the suggested tone level determined at operation 3020 (even if the suggested tone level is two or more tone levels from the current tone level). For example, if the suggested tonal area determined at operation 3020 is from a first tonal level to a third tonal level, the tonal level returned by module C1 is to convert one tonal level to a second tonal level.

In operation 3070, a lock period is set to lock the transition to other tone levels during the lock period. During this lockout, the light sensor values of the external conditions are monitored. In addition, the control logic calculates a suggested hue region during the interval based on the conditions monitored during the lock-up. The new hue level passed from block C1 is determined at operation 3050 to be one toward the suggested hue level determined at operation 3020.

Examples of modules C1

FIG. 31 illustrates a flow diagram 3100 depicting the logic of module C1', according to some embodiments. The logic of block C1' may be executed by one or more processors of a local window controller, a network controller, a master controller, or a multi-processor device. At operation 3110, the processor performing the operations of block C1' receives as input the light sensor reading at the current time. The light sensor readings may be received via a communication network at the building, for example, from a rooftop multi-sensor device. The received light sensor readings are real-time irradiance readings.

In one embodiment, the logic of module C1' receives and uses raw light sensor readings of measurements taken by two or more light sensors on a building (e.g., a rooftop multi-sensor device). Two or more light sensors are typically used to provide redundancy. According to one aspect, the logic of module C1' uses raw light sensor readings of measurements made by two light sensor devices in a building. In another aspect, the logic of module C1' uses raw light sensor readings of measurements made by 1-10 light sensors in the building. In another aspect, the logic of module C1' uses raw light sensor readings of measurements made by thirteen (13) light sensors in the building.

At operation 3120, light sensor values are calculated based on raw measurements made by two or more light sensors. For example, the light sensor value may be calculated as the maximum of measurements taken by two or more light sensors at a single sample time.

At operation 3130, the processor updates the short-term and long-term boxcar waveforms with the light sensor values determined at operation 3120. In block C1' and other control logic described herein, the filtered light sensor values are used as inputs to make shading decisions. Module C1' and other logic described herein use the short and long term boxcar waveforms (filters) to determine filtered sensor values. Short boxcar waveforms (e.g., boxcar waveforms that use sample values taken over a period of 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.) are based on a smaller number of sensor samples (e.g., n-1, 2, 3, … 10, etc.) relative to a larger number of sensor samples (e.g., n-10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) in long boxcar waveforms (e.g., boxcar waveforms that use sample values taken over a period of 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.). The boxcar waveform (illumination) values may be based on an average, mean, median, or other representative value of the sample values in the boxcar waveform. In one example, the short bin cart waveform value is a mean of the sensor samples and the long bin cart waveform value is a mean of the light sensor samples. Module D' typically uses a rolling average of the sensor samples for each of the short and long van waveform values. In another example, the short bin cart waveform value is a mean of the sensor samples and the long bin cart waveform value is a mean of the sensor samples.

In operation 3140, the processor determines a short boxcar waveform value (Sboxcar value) and a long boxcar waveform value (lbooxcar value) based on the current photosensor reading in the boxcar waveform updated in operation 3130. In this example, each boxcar waveform value is calculated by taking the average of the light sensor readings in the boxcar waveform after the last update by operation 3130. In another example, each boxcar waveform value is calculated by taking the median of the light sensor readings in the boxcar waveform after the last update by operation 3130.

At operation 3150, the logic evaluates whether the absolute value of the difference between the Sboxcar value and the lbooxcar value is greater than a delta threshold (| Sboxcar value-lbooxcar value | > delta threshold). In some cases, the Δ threshold value is in a range of 0 millidegrees Celsius to 10 millidegrees Celsius. In one case, the Δ threshold has a value of 0 millidegrees Celsius.

If the difference is above the Δ threshold, the Sbox value is assigned to the photosensor value and the short-term boxcar waveform is reset to clear its value (operation 3160). If the difference is not above the Δ threshold, then a Lboxcar value is assigned to the light sensor value and the long-term boxcar waveform is reset to clear its value (operation 3170). At operation 3180, the light sensor values are saved to a database.

Although a single infrared sensor is described as being included in the infrared cloud detector of certain implementations, according to another implementation, two or more infrared sensors may be used for redundancy in the event of one failure and/or obstruction by, for example, bird droppings or other environmental matter. In one aspect, two or more infrared sensors may be included that face different orientations to capture infrared radiation from different fields of view and/or different distances from the building/structure. If two or more infrared sensors are located within the housing of the infrared cloud detector, the infrared sensors are typically offset from each other by a sufficient distance to reduce the likelihood that a shelter will affect all of the infrared sensors. For example, the infrared sensors may be separated by at least about one inch or at least about two inches.

In certain embodiments described herein, the control logic determines the level of tint based on conditions that may occur at a future time (also referred to herein as "future conditions"). For example, the tone level (e.g., t) may be determined based on a likelihood of a cloud condition occurring at a future time_iCurrent time + duration, e.g., the switching time of one or more electrochromic windows). The future time used in these logical operations may be set to a future time sufficient to allow the window to transition to the level of tint to be completed upon receipt of a control instruction. In these cases, the controller may The instruction is sent at the current time prior to the actual transition. By completing the transition, the window will transition to the level of tint desired at the future time. In other embodiments, the disclosed control logic may be used to determine the level of tint based on conditions that may or may not occur at the current time, such as by setting the duration to 0. For example, in some electrochromic windows, the transition time to a new hue level (e.g., to an intermediate hue level) may be very short, so it would be appropriate to send an instruction to transition to a hue level based on the current time.

It should be understood that the invention as described above may be implemented in the form of control logic using computer software in a modular or integrated manner. Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will know and appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement the present invention using hardware and a combination of hardware and software.

Any of the software components or functions described herein may be implemented as software code executed by a processor using any suitable computer language, such as Java, C + + or Python, using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques. The software code may be stored as a series of instructions or commands on a computer readable medium, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a magnetic medium such as a hard drive or floppy disk, a magnetic disk, or an optical medium such as a CD-ROM. Any such computer-readable media may reside on or within a single computing device and may exist on or within different computing devices within a system or network.

Although the foregoing disclosed embodiments have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

One or more features from any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to any of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The components of any embodiment may be integrated or separated according to particular needs without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (23)

1. A controller for controlling tint of one or more tintable windows in a zone of a building, the controller comprising:

a computer-readable medium having control logic configured to determine hue levels of the zones of one or more tintable windows based on cloud conditions based on one or both of light sensor readings and infrared sensor readings;

A processor in communication with the computer-readable medium and in communication with a local window controller of the one or more tintable windows, wherein the processor is configured to:

determining the cloud condition based on one or both of the light sensor readings and the infrared sensor readings;

calculating the hue levels of the bands of one or more tintable windows based on the determined cloud conditions; and

transmitting, over a network, a tint instruction to a local window controller to convert the tint of the zones of the one or more tintable windows to a calculated tint level.

2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the level of hue is determined based on cloud conditions at a future time.

3. The controller of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether the future time is in a morning area, a daytime area, or an evening area based on a solar altitude of the future time.

4. The controller of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the cloud condition based on whether the future time is in a morning area, a daytime area, or an evening area.

5. The controller of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: determining the cloud condition based on a filtered value of infrared sensor readings if the future time is within a morning area or an evening area, and based on a filtered value of light sensor readings if the future time is within a daytime area.

6. The controller of claim 5, wherein the filtered value of the infrared sensor readings is a minimum value of sky temperature readings.

7. The controller of claim 5, wherein the filtered value of the infrared sensor readings is based on a difference between a minimum value of sky temperature readings and a minimum value of ambient temperature readings.

8. The controller of claim 5, wherein the filtered value of the infrared sensor readings is based on a difference between a minimum value of sky temperature readings and an ambient temperature from weather transmitted data.

9. The controller of claim 1, wherein the control logic is configured to determine the cloud condition based on a light sensor reading, an infrared sensor reading, and an ambient temperature sensor reading.

10. The controller of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to:

determining a first tone level based on the light sensor reading;

determining a second hue level based on the infrared sensor reading; and

the hue level is calculated as the maximum of the determined first and second hue levels.

11. The controller of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to: calculating the tint level as a nighttime tint level if the future time is during nighttime.

12. A method of controlling the tint of a zone of one or more tintable windows of a building, the method comprising:

determining a cloud condition based on one or both of the light sensor readings and the infrared sensor readings;

calculating a hue level of the bands of one or more tintable windows based on the determined cloud condition; and

a hue instruction is sent over the network to the local window controller to convert the hue of the band of the tintable window to the calculated hue level.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the level of hue is calculated based on cloud conditions at a future time.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

calculating the height of the sun; and

determining whether the future time is in a daytime zone, a morning zone, or an evening zone based on the calculated solar altitude.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein

Determining the cloud condition based on infrared sensor readings if the future time is in a morning area or an evening area;

determining the cloud condition based on one or both of the light sensor reading and the infrared sensor reading if the future time is in a daytime zone; and

Determining the tint level as a nighttime tint level if the future time is at night.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising calculating the future time based on a current time and a transition time of a representative window of the zones of a tintable window.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein if the future time is in a daytime zone and the infrared sensor reading is enabled,

determining a first tone level based on the light sensor reading;

determining a second hue level from the infrared sensor reading; and

the hue level is calculated as the maximum of the first and second hue levels.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein if the future time is in a daytime zone and the infrared sensor reading is disabled, the level of tint is calculated from a cloud condition determined based on light sensor readings.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

filtering the infrared sensor readings to determine a first filtered value; and

cloud conditions are determined for the morning area or the evening area using the first filtered value.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

Filtering the light sensor readings to determine a second filtered value; and

the second filtered value is used to determine the daytime cloud conditions.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein filtering the infrared sensor readings to determine a first filtered value comprises calculating a minimum of sky temperature readings taken by a plurality of infrared sensors.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the first filtered value is determined based on a difference between a minimum value of sky temperature readings and a minimum value of ambient temperature readings.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the first filtered value is determined based on a difference between a minimum of a sky temperature reading and an ambient temperature from weather transmission data.

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