CN112236576B

CN112236576B - Method and system for controlling tintable windows using cloud detection

Info

Publication number: CN112236576B
Application number: CN201980029927.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 史蒂芬·克拉克·布朗; 贾森·策德利茨; 应宇阳; 王珏; 盖伊·加纳尼
Original assignee: View Inc
Current assignee: View Inc
Priority date: 2018-03-21
Filing date: 2019-03-20
Publication date: 2023-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-20
Also published as: WO2019183232A1; EP3768934A1; CN112236576A; TW201941105A; TWI808142B; TW202333116A

Abstract

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

Description

Method and system for controlling tintable windows using cloud detection

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority and benefit from U.S. provisional application 62/646,260 entitled "METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING TINTABLE WINDOWS WITH CLOUD DETECTION" and filed on date 21, 3, 2018; the present application is also a continuation-in-part application of International PCT application No. PCT/US17/55631 (designated U.S.) filed on month 10, 6 of 2017, entitled "INFRARED CLOUD DETECTOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS", which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/453,407 filed on month 2, 2017, entitled "INFRARED CLOUD DETECTOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS"; international PCT application PCT/US17/55631 is a partial continuation-in-the-section of International PCT application PCT/US16/55709 (designated U.S.) entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" and filed on Ser. No. 10/6 of 2016, which is a partial continuation-in-the-section of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/998,019 entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" and filed on Ser. No. 10/6 of 2015; international PCT application PCT/US17/55631 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/287,646 entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" and filed on Ser. No. 10/6 of 2016, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/998,019 entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" and filed on Ser. No. 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 an arrangement of sensing elements for detecting cloud conditions, and in particular to an infrared cloud detector system and a method for detecting cloud conditions thereof.

Background

Detecting cloud amount may be an important part of deciding to put equipment into operation at, for example, a robotic astronomy desk, as astronomies may want to detect clouds that may interfere with their observations. Traditional methods of mapping the sky to detect clouds rely on expensive imaging equipment, which typically relies on measurement of visible light.

Disclosure of Invention

Certain aspects relate to a controller for controlling the 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 a hue level of a zone of one or more tintable windows based on a cloud condition based on one or both of a light sensor reading and an infrared sensor reading. 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 a cloud condition based on one or both of the light sensor reading and the infrared sensor reading, calculate a hue level of a band of one or more tintable windows from the determined cloud condition, and send a hue instruction over the network to the local window controller to convert the hue of the band of tintable windows to the calculated hue level. In certain aspects, the hue level is determined based on cloud conditions that may occur in the future.

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

Certain aspects relate to infrared cloud detector systems. In some aspects, an infrared cloud detector system includes: an infrared sensor configured to measure a 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 a 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. If the 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, the logic is configured to determine a cloud condition based on a difference between the measured sky temperature and the measured ambient temperature. If the time of day is between the second time after sunrise and the 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 includes: 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 includes: receiving a sky temperature reading from the infrared sensor, an ambient temperature reading from the ambient temperature sensor, and an intensity from the light sensor; and determining whether the time of day: (i) Between the first time before sunset and the second time after sunrise or between the third time before sunset and sunset; (ii) Between the second time after sunrise and the 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 sensor. These and other features and embodiments will be 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 taken 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 taken over time by an ambient temperature sensor of an infrared cloud detector as 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 diagram (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 multiple sensors, according to an implementation.

Fig. 4B shows another perspective view of the infrared cloud detector system shown in fig. 4A including an infrared cloud detector in the form of multiple sensors.

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 a plot of intensity readings obtained over time by a visible light sensor.

Fig. 5B 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. 6A is a graph with a plot of intensity readings obtained over time by a visible light sensor.

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 a plot of intensity readings obtained over time by a visible light sensor.

Fig. 7B 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. 8 shows a flow chart 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 (or transitioning to) a bleached state.

Fig. 11B depicts a schematic cross-section of the electrochromic device shown in fig. 11A but in a colored state (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 function of one or more tintable windows of a building, in accordance with an embodiment.

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

Fig. 15B illustrates 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 chart illustrating general control logic for a method of 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 that shows a particular implementation of control logic for the operations shown in FIG. 16, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart describing a particular implementation of control logic for the operations shown in FIG. 18, according to an implementation.

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

Fig. 20B illustrates 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 chart depicting general control logic for a method of controlling one or more electrochromic windows in a building, in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 22 includes a flow chart of logic according to one implementation of the blocks of the flow chart 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 flowchart depicting control logic for making coloring decisions based on infrared sensor and/or light sensor data depending on whether in the morning region, in the daytime region, in the evening region, or at night, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 25 is an example of an occupancy lookup table according to certain aspects.

Fig. 26 includes a flow chart depicting control logic for determining a hue level from module D during a daytime zone at a current time, in accordance with certain aspects.

Fig. 27 includes a flow chart depicting control logic for determining a hue level from module D during an evening region at a current time, in accordance with certain aspects.

FIG. 28 includes a flow chart depicting control logic for determining hue levels from module C1 and/or module D during a daytime zone at a current time, in accordance with certain aspects.

Fig. 29 shows a graph of filtered infrared sensor values in milli-degrees over a 24-hour period versus time, according to an implementation.

Fig. 30 includes a flowchart depicting control logic of module C1 for determining a tint level 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 shows another perspective view of the multi-sensor apparatus shown in fig. 32A.

Fig. 33A illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the multi-sensor apparatus illustrated in fig. 32A, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 33B shows another perspective view of the components of the multi-sensor apparatus shown in fig. 32A.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

I. Introduction to the invention

At some time 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 as "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 with no or little clouds; 2) A "partial cloudiness" condition; and 3) a "cloudy" or "cloudy" condition when the sky is cloudy. That is, the visible light sensors directed to the sky at these times will measure low intensity values during "clear" conditions, "partially cloudy" conditions, and "cloudy" conditions. Thus, intensity measurements made by visible light sensors alone may not accurately distinguish between different cloud conditions at these times. If only intensity measurements from visible light sensors 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 just before sunset, in the evening. Similarly, visible light photosensor measurements are not effective in distinguishing between "cloudy" and "clear" conditions just prior to the exit of the day where there is no direct sunlight. During any of these time periods, the light sensor measurements may be used to detect false "cloudy" conditions. A controller that relies on an erroneous "cloudiness" determination from such a light sensor reading may thus implement an improper control decision based on the erroneous "cloudiness" determination. For example, if the light sensor reading determines an erroneous "cloudiness" condition just before sunrise, a window controller controlling the level of hue in an east-facing optically switchable window (e.g., an electrochromic window) may inappropriately clear the window, allowing direct glare from the incipient lift sun to shine into the room. Further, the controller, which makes a decision based primarily on the current reading from the visible light sensor, disregards historical intensity levels in geographic areas that may be subject to possible current/future cloud cover conditions, e.g., to issue control commands in the expected conditions that may occur. For example, there may be historically low light levels in the morning when the cloudlet passes through the geographic region. In this case, a small cloud that temporarily blocks sunlight from the light sensor 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 small cloud may cause the controller to switch the tintable window and may lock the optically switchable window to an inappropriately low level of tint until the window can transition to a higher (darker) level of tint.

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. Because the cloud absorbs and re-emits IR radiation and the clear sky transmits the IR radiation, the cloud is typically warmer (has a higher temperature) than the clear sky. In other words, the presence of clouds generally produces an enhanced IR signal (which corresponds to approximately a blackbody spectrum at about ground temperature) over a signal from a clear sky. The effect of atmospheric humidity is also small, which can 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 thereof that detects cloud cover or other cloud conditions based on infrared readings. An infrared cloud detector typically includes at least one Infrared (IR) sensor and at least one ambient temperature sensor used in combination to obtain a temperature reading of the sky that can be used to detect cloud cover conditions. In general, the amount of infrared radiation emitted by a medium/object and then measured by an 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 pointing (oriented) to face the sky outputs a temperature reading of the sky region within its field of view. The IR sensor may be oriented in a particular direction (e.g., azimuth and altitude) to preferentially capture IR radiation in a geographic region 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, an ambient temperature sensor is positioned to measure the temperature of 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 content in a region of the sky within a field of view of the IR sensor.

Typically, the temperature readings obtained by the ambient temperature sensor tend to fluctuate less in magnitude as weather conditions change than the sky temperature readings obtained by the infrared radiation sensor. For example, in a fast moving weather mode, during "intermittent overcast" conditions, sky temperature readings obtained by an infrared radiation sensor tend to fluctuate at high frequencies. Some implementations of the infrared cloud detector have a function of determining an infrared sensor sky temperature reading (T _Sky ) And ambient temperature reading (T _{Environment (environment)} ) Logic of the difference delta (delta) between them to help normalize the infrared sensor temperature reading (T _Sky ) Any fluctuation of (3). In one example, if delta (Δ) is determined to be above an upper threshold (e.g., about 0 millidegrees celsius), then logic determines a "cloudiness" condition, if delta (Δ) is determined to be below a lower threshold (e.g., about-5 millidegrees celsius), then logic determines a "clear" condition, and if delta (Δ) is between the upper and lower thresholds, then logic determines an "intermittent cloudiness" state. In another example, if delta (Δ) is above a single threshold, the logic determines a "cloudy" condition, and if delta (Δ) is below the threshold, the logic determines a "clear" condition. In one aspect, the logic may be in It is determined whether one or more correction factors are applied to delta (delta) before it is above or below a threshold. Some examples of correction factors that may be used in an implementation include humidity, solar angle/sun altitude, and site altitude. For example, a correction factor may be applied based on the height and density of the cloud being detected. The lower elevation cloud and/or the higher density cloud is more closely related to the ambient temperature reading than the infrared sensor reading. The higher elevation cloud and/or lower density cloud is closely related to the infrared sensor readings and then to the ambient temperature readings. In this example, a correction factor may be applied that weights higher ambient temperature readings for a lower elevation cloud and/or a higher density cloud, or weights infrared sensor readings for a higher elevation cloud, and/or a lower density cloud may be used. In another example, correction factors may be applied based on humidity and/or solar position to more accurately describe cloud cover and/or remove any outliers. The technical advantages of using delta (delta) to determine cloud conditions are described 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 cloud conditions more accurately in some cases than when the sunlight intensity is low (e.g., early morning just before sunrise and after sunrise, evening before sunset) than a visible light sensor. At these times, the visible light sensor may potentially detect an erroneous "cloudy" condition. According to these implementations, infrared cloud detectors may be used to detect cloud cover, and their accuracy of detection is independent of whether the sun is present or whether a low light intensity level is otherwise present, e.g., just before sunrise or sunset. In these implementations, a relatively low temperature generally indicates the likelihood of a "clear" condition, and a relatively high temperature reading generally indicates the likelihood of a "cloudy" condition (i.e., cloudiness).

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. The 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 and 12.5 μm. In another aspect, the IR sensor is calibrated to detect infrared radiation in a wavelength range between about 6.6 μm and 20 μm. Some examples of the types of IR sensors that may be used include infrared thermometers (e.g., thermopiles), infrared radiometers, infrared atmospheric radiation intensity meters, and infrared pyrometers, among others. An example of a commercially available IR sensor is Melexis MLX90614 manufactured by Melexis of detroit, michigan. Another example of a commercially available IR sensor is the TS305-11C55 temperature sensor manufactured by TE connectivity Inc. of Switzerland. Another example of a commercially available IR sensor is the SI-111 infrared radiometer manufactured by Apogee temperature sensor manufactured by Switzerland TE connection Co.

In various implementations, the infrared cloud detector has an IR sensor positioned and oriented such that its field of view can 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 the sky above or a distance from the building.

In some 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 metallic material such as aluminum, cobalt, or titanium, or a semi-metallic material such as aluminum. In some implementations, the cover may be sloped or convex to prevent 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 blockage). For example, the cover may include one or more apertures or thinned areas proximate to the infrared sensor in the housing to allow improved transmission of incident infrared radiation to the infrared sensor. The holes or thinned areas may also improve 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 cover may be connected to the housing via an adhesive, or to some mechanical coupling mechanism, such as by using screws and threading 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 the obstacle. Some embodiments of the obstacle include a building structure such as a overhanging or roof structure, an obstacle near a building such as a tree, or other building, etc. 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 is about 50 degrees to about 130 degrees ±40 degrees from vertical. 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 conical volume. IR sensors typically have a wider field of view than visible light photosensors and are therefore capable of receiving radiation from a larger area of the sky. Since the IR sensor can take readings of a larger area in the sky, the IR sensor is more useful in determining a proximity condition (e.g., an upcoming storm cloud) than the visible light sensor, which would be more limited to detecting current conditions that affect the immediate vicinity of the light sensor within its smaller field of view. In one aspect, a five sensor blocked IR sensor arrangement (e.g., in a multi-sensor configuration) of installed sensors has four angularly installed IR sensors, each constrained by a field of view of 20-70 degrees or 110-160 degrees, and one face-up infrared sensor constrained by a field of view of 70-110 degrees.

Some IR sensors tend to measure the sky temperature more effectively when direct sunlight does not illuminate the sensing surface. In some implementations, the infrared cloud detector has a structure that blocks direct sunlight from the sensing surface of the IR sensor, or has a structure (e.g., an opaque plastic housing) that diffuses direct sunlight before it irradiates the sensing surface of the IR sensor. In one implementation, the IR sensor may be obscured by the overhanging structure of the building or the infrared cloud detector. In another implementation, the IR sensor may be located within a protective housing having a diffusion 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 provide protection from potentially harmful elements such as dirt, animals, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, some implementations use only IR sensor readings taken before sunrise or after sunset to avoid the possibility of direct sunlight illuminating the IR sensor. In these implementations, light sensor readings or other sensor readings may be used to detect a cloud cover 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 the Pt100 thermometer probe manufactured by Omega. Some implementations include an ambient temperature sensor positioned to avoid direct sunlight from illuminating its sensing surface. For example, the ambient temperature sensor may be located below the overhang or mounted below a structure that shields the ambient temperature sensor from direct sunlight.

While 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 that are used to redundancy and/or direct 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 to different regions of the sky can be found in international application PCT/US15/53041 filed on 29, 9, 2015, entitled "SUNLIGHT INTENSITY OR CLOUD DETECTION WITH VARIABLE DISTANCE SENSING," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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

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

Delta (Delta) =sky temperature reading of infrared sensor (T _Sky ) -ambient temperature reading (T _{Environment (environment)} ) (equation 1)

In one implementation, a processor executes program instructions to compare delta (delta) to an upper threshold and a lower threshold and determine a cloud cover condition. If delta (delta) is above the upper threshold, a "clear" condition is determined. If delta (delta) is below the lower threshold, a "cloudiness" condition is determined. If delta (delta) is below the upper threshold and above the lower threshold (i.e., between the thresholds), then an "intermittent" cloud cover condition is determined. Additionally or alternatively, when delta (Δ) is between thresholds, additional factors may be used to determine the cloud conditions. This implementation works well in the morning of dawn hours and in the evening of dusk to accurately determine a "cloudy" or "clear" condition. Between sunrise and sunset, an additional factor 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/solar illumination 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 an aperture or variation at a first surface 106 of the housing 101 Thin portion 104. 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 being configured to obtain a temperature reading T based on infrared radiation received within its conical field of view 114 _Sky The method comprises the steps of carrying out a first treatment on the surface of the An ambient temperature sensor 130, the ambient temperature sensor 130 being adapted to obtain an ambient temperature reading T _{Environment (environment)} The method comprises the steps of carrying out a first treatment on the surface of the And a processor 140, the processor 140 being in communication (wired or wireless) 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 radiation intensity meter, and an infrared pyrometer. In one aspect, the ambient temperature sensor is one of a thermistor, thermometer, and thermocouple.

In fig. 1, IR sensor 110 is located behind aperture or thinned portion 104 and within the outer shell of housing 101. The hole or thinned portion 104 enables the IR sensor 110 to measure infrared radiation that is transmitted through the hole or thinned portion 104 and received at its sensing surface. The IR sensor 110 includes an imaginary axis 112, which imaginary axis 112 is orthogonal to the sensing surface of the IR sensor 110 and passes 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 direction 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 a field of view 114. View 114 of the field of view has an angle α and is centered about axis 112. In fig. 1, the ambient temperature sensor 130 is positioned and secured to the second surface 108 of the housing 102 distal from the edge to avoid direct sunlight from illuminating 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.

The infrared cloud detector 100 also includes logic that calculates an infrared sensor sky temperature reading (T _Sky ) And ambient temperature reading (T _{Environment (environment)} ) Delta (delta) between, and determining a cloud cover condition based on the calculated delta (delta). During operation, the IR sensor 110 obtains a sky temperature reading T based on infrared radiation received from a sky region within its field of view 114 _Sky And the ambient temperature sensor 130 obtains an ambient temperature reading T of the ambient air surrounding the infrared cloud detector 100 _{Environment (environment)} . Processor 140 receives a signal having a temperature reading T from IR sensor 110 _Sky And receives a signal with an ambient temperature reading T from ambient temperature sensor 130 _{Environment (environment)} Is a signal of (a). 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 (environment)} ) Delta (delta) between to determine the cloud cover condition. For example, the processor 140 may execute instructions that determine a "cloudiness" condition if delta (Δ) at that time is above an upper threshold, determine a "clear" condition if delta (Δ) is below a lower threshold, and determine an "intermittent cloudiness" condition if delta (Δ) is between the upper and lower thresholds. Processor 140 may also execute instructions stored in 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 a failure and/or occlusion by, for example, bird droppings or other environmental objects. 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 a 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 shroud 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 sunny day and a day of the afternoon cloud

As described above, the sky temperature readings obtained by the ambient temperature sensor tend to fluctuate at a smaller amplitude than the sky temperature readings obtained by the infrared radiation sensor. Some implementations of the infrared cloud detector have a function of determining an infrared sensor temperature reading (T _Sky ) And ambient temperature reading (T _{Environment (environment)} ) Logic of the difference delta (delta) between them to help normalize the infrared sensor temperature reading (T _Sky ) Any fluctuation of (3). In contrast, fig. 2A-2C include temperature readings T obtained by an infrared sensor of an infrared cloud detector, according to an implementation _IR Temperature reading T obtained by an ambient temperature sensor of an infrared cloud detector _Sky And a plot of an example of delta (delta) between these readings. Each graph includes two curves: a curve of readings taken on a sunny day and a curve of readings taken on a day with a cloud in the afternoon. The infrared cloud detector used in this embodiment includes similar components as 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 the wavelength range of about 8 μm to about 14 μm. To avoid direct sunlight from illuminating the infrared sensor, the infrared sensor is positioned 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 polyamide, polyester or other thermoplastic, among other suitable materials. In this example, the infrared cloud detector also has logic that can be used to calculate the sky temperature reading T obtained by the IR sensor _Sky With an ambient temperature reading T obtained by an ambient temperature sensor of an infrared cloud detector _{Environment (environment)} Delta (delta) of the difference between them. Logic may also be used to determine "cloudiness" if delta (delta) is equal to or above the upper threshold"Condition", logic may also be used to determine a "clear" condition if delta (delta) is equal to or below a lower threshold, and "intermittent cloudiness" state if delta (delta) is between an upper threshold and a lower threshold.

FIG. 2A shows temperature readings T taken over time by an infrared sensor of an infrared cloud detector according to this implementation _Sky Is a graph of two curves of (a). Each of the two curves has a temperature reading T obtained by an infrared sensor during a time of day _Sky . The first curve 110 is a temperature reading T taken by an infrared sensor during a first day with a cloud of afternoon _Sky . The second curve 112 has a temperature reading T obtained by the infrared sensor during the second day when the whole day is clear _Sky . As shown, the temperature reading T of the first curve 110 obtained during the afternoon on the first day of the afternoon overcast _Sky Generally, the higher the temperature reading T of the second curve 112, which is obtained during the second day of the full-day clear _Sky Higher.

FIG. 2B shows the ambient temperature readings T over time obtained by the ambient temperature sensor of the infrared cloud detector discussed with respect to FIG. 2A _{Environment (environment)} Is a graph of two curves of (a). Each of the two curves has a temperature reading T taken by the ambient temperature sensor over a period of the day _{Environment (environment)} . To avoid direct sunlight illuminating the ambient temperature sensor, it avoids direct sunlight. The first curve 220 has temperature readings taken by the ambient temperature sensor during the second day when the whole day is clear. The second curve 222 has temperature readings taken by the infrared sensor during the second day when the whole 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 (environment)} At a level lower than the temperature reading T of the second curve 222 taken on the next day of the full-day clear _{Environment (environment)} Is a level of (c).

FIG. 2C shows the temperature readings T of the sky obtained by the IR sensor discussed with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B _Sky With ambient temperature obtained by ambient temperature sensor of infrared cloud detectorDegree reading T _{Environment (environment)} Graph of two curves of delta (delta) calculated in between. Each of the two curves has a delta (delta) calculated over the period of the day. The first curve 230 is the calculated delta (delta) of readings taken during the first day with the afternoon cloud. The second curve 232 is the delta (delta) calculated during the second day of the full-day clear. 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 below the lower threshold. Using the calculated delta (delta) values shown in the graph in fig. 2C, the logic of the infrared cloud detector will determine a "clear" condition during that time interval. Moreover, since the value of delta (Δ) of the second curve 232 is below the lower threshold most of the other times of the day, the logic of the infrared cloud detector will also determine a "clear" condition at other times.

In fig. 2C, the value of delta (Δ) of the first curve 230 is above the upper threshold most of the afternoon, and the infrared cloud detector will determine a "cloudy" condition during the afternoon. The value of delta (delta) 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 (delta) values, the logic of the infrared cloud detector will determine a "clear" condition during the time interval. The value of delta (delta) of the first curve 230 is between the lower and upper thresholds during brief periods of time in the early afternoon and late afternoon transitions. Based on these calculated delta (delta) values, the logic of the infrared cloud detector will determine an "intermittent cloudiness" state.

C. Infrared cloud detector system with light sensor

In certain implementations, the infrared cloud detector system also includes a visible light sensor (e.g., photodiode) for measuring the intensity of visible light radiation during operation. These systems generally comprise at least one infrared sensor, at leastAn ambient temperature sensor, at least one visible light sensor, and logic to determine a cloud amount condition 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 located separately. 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 _Sky And ambient temperature reading T _{Environment (environment)} The calculated delta (delta) value in between determines the cloud cover condition. Logic determines a cloud condition based on the light sensor readings when the confidence level of the infrared sensor is low and/or the confidence level of the light sensor is high.

In various implementations, the infrared cloud detector system includes logic for using time of day, day of year, temperature reading T from the infrared sensor _Sky Ambient temperature reading T from an ambient temperature sensor _{Environment (environment)} And a light intensity reading from the light sensor, an oscillation frequency of a visible light intensity reading from the light sensor, and a temperature reading T from the infrared sensor _Sky Is used as an input to determine the cloud cover condition. In some cases, logic determines the oscillation frequency from the visible light intensity reading and/or from the temperature reading T _Sky Is set, the oscillation frequency of (a) is set. The logic determines whether the time of day is in one of four time periods: (i) A time period from immediately before sunrise to immediately after sunrise; (ii) daytime is defined as after (i) and before (iii); (iii) A period of time immediately 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 the visible wavelength light sensor. For example, time period (i) may begin measuring straight at the visible wavelength light sensor The point at which sunlight is emitted ends, i.e., the intensity reading of the visible light sensor is at or above the minimum intensity value. Additionally or alternatively, time period (iii) may be determined to end at a point where the intensity reading from the visible light wavelength light sensor is equal to or below the minimum intensity value. In another example, sunrise time and/or sunset time may be calculated using a solar calculator based on 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. If the time of day is within the time period of (i) or (iii), the confidence level of the light sensor readings tends to be low and the infrared sensor readings tend 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, if delta (Δ) is above an upper threshold, the logic may determine a "cloudiness" condition, if delta (Δ) is below a lower threshold, the logic may determine a "clear" condition, and if delta (Δ) is between the upper and lower thresholds, the logic may determine an "intermittent cloudiness" condition. As another example, if delta (Δ) is above a single threshold, the logic may determine a "cloudiness" condition, and if delta (Δ) is below the threshold, the logic may determine a "clear" condition. If the time of day is during (ii) 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 amount 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, if the light sensor reading is above a certain intensity level, the logic may determine a "clear" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the intensity level, the logic may determine a "cloudy" condition. 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 logic determines a cloud cover condition based on delta (delta) as described above. Alternatively or additionally, if it is determined that the light sensor reading is greater than the first defined water The flat frequency oscillates, the confidence level of the infrared reading increases, and logic determines a cloud cover condition based on delta (Δ). If the infrared readings are determined to oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level, the confidence level of the light sensor readings is increased and logic determines a cloud cover condition based on the light sensor readings. If the time of day is during (iv) night, the logic may determine a cloud cover condition based on delta (delta) as described above. Other embodiments of logic that may be used by the infrared cloud detector system 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 sensor 320, according to an implementation. Infrared cloud detector 310 includes a housing 312, an infrared sensor 314 within the outer shell of housing 312, and an ambient temperature sensor 316 also within the outer shell of housing 312. The infrared sensor 314 is configured to obtain a temperature reading T based on infrared radiation received from a sky region within its conical field of view 315 _Sky . The ambient temperature sensor 316 is configured to obtain an ambient temperature reading T of ambient air surrounding the infrared cloud detector 310 _{Environment (environment)} . In one aspect, infrared sensor 314 is one of an infrared thermometer (e.g., thermopile), an infrared radiometer, an atmospheric radiation intensity meter, and an infrared pyrometer. In one aspect, the ambient temperature sensor is one of a thermistor, thermometer, and thermocouple. An 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 with at least one electrochromic device), and an external visible light sensor 320 is positioned on the exterior surface of the building. Tintable window 332 is located between the exterior and interior of the building comprising 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 outer shell of housing or outside of housing 312.

The infrared sensor 314 includes an imaginary axis that is perpendicular to the sensing surface of the infrared sensor 314 and passes through the center thereof. 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 the sky region within its field of view 315. The ambient temperature sensor 130 is located within the housing of the housing 312 distal from the edge and is shielded by the overhang of the housing 312 from direct sunlight illuminating 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 may execute instructions stored in a memory (not shown) to use the logic of infrared cloud detector system 300. The controller 340 communicates (either wirelessly or wired) with the infrared sensor 314 and the ambient temperature sensor 316 to receive signals having temperature readings. The controller 340 also communicates (either wirelessly or wired) with the light sensor 320 to receive signals having visible light intensity readings.

In some implementations, the power/communication lines may extend from a building or another structure to 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. Infrared cloud detector 310 may communicate data to controller 340 or another controller of the building (e.g., a network controller and/or a master controller) through a network interface. In some other implementations, 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, infrared cloud detector 310 or other embodiments of 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.

The infrared cloud detector system 300 also includes logic for using the time of day, day of year, temperature reading T from the infrared sensor 314 _Sky Ambient temperature reading T from ambient temperature sensor 316 _{Environment (environment)} And a visible light intensity reading from light sensor 320, an oscillation frequency of the visible light intensity reading from light sensor 320, and a temperature reading T from infrared sensor 314 _Sky As input, a cloud amount condition is determined. During operation, infrared sensor 314 obtains a temperature reading T based on infrared radiation received from a sky region within its field of view 315 _Sky The ambient temperature sensor 316 obtains an ambient temperature reading T of the ambient air surrounding the infrared cloud detector 310 _{Environment (environment)} And the light sensor 320 obtains an intensity reading of the visible light received at its sensing surface. The processor of the controller 340 receives a signal having a temperature reading T from the infrared sensor 314 _Sky With an ambient temperature reading T from an ambient temperature sensor 316 _{Environment (environment)} And a signal having an intensity reading from 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, infrared cloud detector system 300 further includes logic to determine, based on the determined cloud amount condition, that one or more building components, for example, are availableControl decisions for color window 332. An embodiment of logic for determining a control decision based on a 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 that additional components may be used in another implementation. For example, multiple components may be used for redundancy in the event that one fails and/or 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. With multiple sensors, an average or mean of values from the multiple sensors may be used to determine a cloud cover condition. 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 mask 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 an ambient temperature of the environment. Thermal sensor readings are output in degrees (e.g., milli-celsius, fahrenheit, kelvin, etc.). Some examples of the types of thermal sensors that may be implemented include a sensor for measuring the temperature of the sky (T _Sky ) For measuring the ambient temperature (T) _{Environment (environment)} ) Ambient temperature sensor comprising an on-board sensor for measuring the temperature of the sky (T _Sky ) Is used for measuring the environment (T) _{Environment (environment)} ) Is provided. Using sensors having an onboard infrared sensor and an onboard ambient temperature sensorIn an embodiment of the infrared sensor device, the device may output a sky temperature (T _Sky ) Ambient temperature (T) _{Environment (environment)} ) And T _Sky And T is _{Environment (environment)} One or more of the differences delta.

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, the 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 form 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 Ser. No. 15/287,646 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/998,019, entitled "MULTI-SENSOR", filed on Ser. No. 10/6 of 2016 and filed on 10/2015, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The multi-sensor devices of these implementations are configured to be located in an environment external to the building so as to expose the sensors to the external environment, such as on the 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 the building, through a network interface. In other implementations, the multi-sensor apparatus 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 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 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 apparatus in place of or in addition to power from another power source.

Example A

Fig. 4A, 4B and 4C show perspective views of a schematic diagram 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 apparatus 401 includes a housing 410 coupled to a mast 420. The mast 420 can function as a mounting assembly that includes a first end for coupling to the base 414 of the housing 410 and a second end for mounting to a building. In one embodiment, the base 414 is fixedly attached or otherwise coupled to the first end of the mast 420 or connected with the first end of the mast 420 via mechanical threads or via a compressed rubber washer. The mast 420 can also include a second end that can include a mounting or attachment mechanism for mounting or attaching the mast 420 to a roof top of a building (e.g., on a roof of a building having a room 330 shown in fig. 3), such as a surface of a roof, a wall on a roof, or another structure on a roof. The housing includes a cover 411, depicted as being formed of a light diffusing material. The cover 411 also includes a thinned portion 412. In other examples, the lid 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 the infrared cloud detector system 400 is positioned in an outdoor environment with its upper surface facing upward, the 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, thermocouple, resistance thermometer, silicon bandgap temperature sensor, or the like.

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

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

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 temperature of the sky (T _Sky ). The field of view is based on the physical and material properties of the first infrared sensor 452 and the second infrared sensor 454. Based solely on their physical and material properties, some embodiments of infrared sensors have a field of view ranging from about 50 degrees to about 80 degrees. 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. Thinned portion 412 allows photosensor 440 to receive visible light radiation through thinned portion 412. During operation, light sensor 440 measures the intensity of visible light received through 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 apparatus 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 (e.g., via wireless or wired communication) with the multi-sensor device 401 to receive signals having sensor readings or filtered sensor values taken by the infrared sensors 452, 454, the ambient temperature sensor 420, and the 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, infrared cloud detector system 400 includes a network interface that may be coupled to a suitable cable. The infrared cloud detector system 400 may communicate data to one or more external controllers of the building through a network interface. In some other implementations, the infrared cloud detector system 400 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 system 400 can also include a battery within or coupled with the housing to power the sensor 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 further includes at least one photovoltaic cell, for example, on a surface of the housing.

According to one aspect, the infrared cloud detector system 400 includes logic,the logic is for using the time of day, day of year, temperature readings T from one or both of the infrared sensor devices 452, 454 _Sky Ambient temperature reading T from ambient temperature sensor 420 _{Environment (environment)} And a visible light intensity reading from the light sensor 440, an oscillation frequency of the visible light intensity reading from the light sensor 440, and a temperature reading T from the infrared sensor devices 452, 454 _Sky As input, a cloud amount condition is determined. 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 logic described with reference to fig. 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, and 31. In one embodiment, for example, the multi-sensor apparatus 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 _Sky And an ambient temperature reading T from ambient temperature sensor 420 _{Environment (environment)} Determining a filtered infrared sensor value; and/or 2) determine filtered light sensor values based on light intensity readings from light sensor 440. An example of logic for determining the filtered infrared sensor value is block D' described with reference to flowchart 2300 shown in fig. 23. According to some embodiments, the control logic may determine the filtered infrared sensor value based on one or more sky sensors, one or more environment sensors, or both sky sensors and environment sensors. An example of logic for determining filtered light sensor values is block C1' described with reference to flow chart 3100 shown in fig. 31.

In one case, the multi-sensor apparatus 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 the external controller may make shading decisions to determine a level of tint and execute tint instructions to convert the tint of one or more tintable windows in the building. Such control logic is described by reference to modules A1, B, C1 and D shown in FIGS. 22, 24-28 and 30.

Example B

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

In fig. 32A and 32B, multi-sensor apparatus 3201 includes a housing 3210 coupled to a mast 3220. The mast 3220 can be used as a mounting assembly including a first end for coupling to a base 3214 of the housing 3210 and a second end for mounting to a building. In one embodiment, the base 3214 is fixedly attached or otherwise coupled to the first end of the mast 3220 or connected with the first end of the mast 3220 via mechanical threads or via a compressed rubber washer. The mast 3220 can also include a second end that can include a mounting or attachment mechanism for mounting or attaching the mast 3220 to a roof top of a building (e.g., on a roof of a building with 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 diffusion material. The cover 3211 also includes a thinned portion 3212.

As shown in fig. 32B, multi-sensor apparatus 3201 further includes a first ambient temperature sensor 3222 located on a bottom exterior surface of base 3214. The first ambient temperature sensor 3222 is configured to measure an ambient temperature of the external environment during operation. For example, when the upper surface of infrared cloud detector system 3200 is positioned up in an outdoor environment, first ambient temperature sensor 3222 is positioned on the bottom surface to help shield it from direct solar radiation. 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 one aspect. The multi-sensor apparatus 3301 generally includes a housing 3302 (portion shown) 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 passing through the center of the multi-sensor apparatus 3301.

The multi-sensor apparatus 3301 further includes a first infrared sensor apparatus 3372 and a second infrared sensor apparatus 3374 located at an upper portion of the multi-sensor apparatus 3301 and located at a rear of the cover formed of the light diffusion material. Each of the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374 includes a sensor for measuring a temperature of the sky (T _Sky ) And for measuring the ambient temperature (T _{Environment (environment)} ) Is provided. The first infrared sensor device 3372 is positioned to face outward from the upper surface of multi-sensor device 3201 in a direction along imaginary axis 3373. The second infrared sensor device 3374 is positioned facing outward from the upper surface of multi-sensor device 3201 in a direction along imaginary axis 3375. The multi-sensor apparatus 3301 may further include an optional third infrared sensor apparatus 3360 located at an upper portion of the multi-sensor apparatus 3301 and behind the cover formed of the light-diffusing material. The third infrared sensor device 3360 is a stand-alone infrared sensor or includes an on-board infrared sensor and an on-board ambient temperature sensor. An optional third infrared sensor device 3360 is positioned facing outward from an upper surface of multi-sensor device 3201 in a direction along imaginary axis 3361. In the illustrated example, the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374 are positioned such that their axes 3373, 3375 face outwardly from a top portion of a housing (e.g., the housing shown in fig. 4A and 4B) so as to be able to obtain temperature readings during operation based on the information obtained from the sensors Infrared radiation captured above the multisensor device 3301. In one aspect, the first infrared sensor arrangement 3372 is separated from the second infrared sensor arrangement 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 outer surface of the housing such 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 sensors 3342 positioned behind a cover formed of a light-diffusing material. Although twelve (12) visible light sensors 3342 are shown, it should be understood that different numbers may be implemented. The plurality of visible light sensors 3342 are disposed annularly along the ring (e.g., the ring may have a center coincident with the axis 3342 and may define a plane perpendicular to the 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 sensor 3342 has a photosensitive region 3343. The multi-sensor apparatus 3301 also optionally includes an additional upward facing visible light sensor 3340 located on an upper portion of the multi-sensor apparatus 3301. The optional visible light sensor 3340 has an axis that is oriented parallel to, and in some cases, along and concentric with, the axis 3342. The visible light sensor 3340 has a photosensitive region 3343.

In some implementations, the viewing angle of each visible light sensor 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 sensor 3342, 3340 approximates a gaussian (or "normal") distribution. Assuming that the light detected by each visible light sensor 3342, 3340 is associated with a gaussian distribution, half of the power (-3 dB point) detected by each light sensor is found to be within the viewing cone defined by the viewing angle.

The diffuser 3304 is located at the periphery of the ring of the visible light sensor 3342 so that light incident on the device diffuses before the light is sensed by the sensor 3342. For example, the diffuser 3304 may effectively function as a light integrator that more uniformly spreads or distributes incident light. Such a configuration reduces the likelihood that any one of the visible light sensors 3342 will receive the full intensity of a precise reflection or glare (e.g., from an automobile windshield, metal surface, or mirror). The diffuser 3342 may also increase the detection of light incident at an oblique angle. Fig. 33A illustrates a schematic diagram 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 sensor 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 sensor 3342 and the inner surface of the diffuser 3304.

During operation, the infrared sensors of the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374 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 the infrared sensor. Based solely on their physical and material properties, some embodiments of infrared sensors have a field of view ranging from about 50 degrees to about 80 degrees. 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 an ambient temperature (T _{Environment (environment)} ). Although a multisensor 3301 is shown with redundant infrared sensors, it should be appreciated that the multisensor includes one or more infrared sensors. During operation, the plurality of visible light sensors 3342 and the upward facing light sensor 3340 located behind the cover formed of light diffusing material measure the intensity of the received visible light.

Returning to fig. 32A and 32B, infrared cloud detector system 3200 further includes logic for making a determination based on sensor data of readings taken by 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. One or more external controllers communicate with the multi-sensor devices (either wirelessly or wired) to receive signals having sensor readings or filtered sensor values acquired by infrared sensors (e.g., infrared sensors and/or infrared sensors 3360 of the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374), ambient temperature sensors (e.g., ambient temperature sensors of the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374, or optional independent temperature sensors 3222 located on the bottom exterior surface of the housing such that they are 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, infrared cloud detector system 3200 includes a network interface, which may 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 wireless communication with one or more external controllers. In some implementations, infrared cloud detector system 3200 can also include a battery within or coupled with the housing to power the sensor and the electronics 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 further 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 comprisesLogic to determine a cloud amount condition using as inputs: a time of day, a day of the year, a sky temperature reading T of one or more of the sky temperature readings from the infrared sensors (e.g., infrared sensors of the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374 and/or infrared sensor 3360) _Sky Ambient temperature readings T from one or more ambient temperature sensors (e.g., the ambient temperature sensors of the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374 or an optional independent temperature sensor 3222 located on the bottom exterior surface of the housing such that it is shielded from direct solar radiation) _{Environment (environment)} And a visible light intensity reading from one or more light sensors (e.g., light sensor 3342 or upward facing light sensor 3340), and a temperature reading T from an infrared sensor _Sky Is set, the oscillation frequency of (a) is set. Examples of such logic are described herein, for example, with respect to fig. 8-10.

According to another aspect, infrared cloud detector system 3200 further 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 apparatus 3301 and/or one or more external controllers comprise logic for: 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) _Sky And an ambient temperature reading T from one or more ambient temperature sensors (e.g., the ambient temperature sensors of the first and second infrared sensor devices 3372, 3374 or an optional independent temperature sensor 3222 located on the bottom exterior surface of the housing such that it is shielded from direct solar radiation) _{Environment (environment)} 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 the filtered infrared sensor value is block D' described with reference to flowchart 2300 shown in fig. 23. An example of logic for determining the filtered infrared sensor value is block C1' described with reference to flowchart 3100 shown in fig. 31. In one case, the multi-sensor apparatus 401 may perform the storingInstructions in the memory for determining and communicating the filtered sensor values to an external controller over a communications 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 the external controller may make shading decisions to determine a level of tint and execute tint instructions to convert the tint of one or more tintable windows in the building. Such control logic is described by reference to modules A1, B, C1 and D shown in FIGS. 22, 24-28 and 30.

E. Comparing intensity readings of a photosensor with 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 in the early 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, then infrared sensor readings may be used to make a high confidence assessment of the cloud cover condition. Moreover, certain states (e.g., a fast moving cloud) may cause oscillations in the photosensor readings. If the oscillation frequency is low, the photosensor readings can be used to make a high confidence assessment of the daytime cloud cover condition. 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 oscillations of the infrared sensor readings have a high frequency, the logic uses the light sensor readings to determine a cloud cover condition. If it is determined that the oscillations of the light sensor readings have a high frequency, the logic uses the difference between the infrared sensor readings and the ambient temperature sensor readings to determine a cloud cover condition. To illustrate the technical advantages of this logic to select the type of sensor reading to use according to oscillations, FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B include graphs of the curves of intensity readings I obtained by visible light sensors for temperature readings T obtained by infrared sensors under different cloud conditions _Sky With temperature readings obtained by ambient temperature sensorsT _{Environment (environment)} The difference delta (delta) between them is compared. The visible light sensor, infrared sensor, and 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 the day.

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

Fig. 5A-5B include graphs of readings taken during the day, which is a sunny day and a sunny throughout the day, except for the passing cloud in the middle of the day. Fig. 5A is a graph of a curve 510 having intensity readings I obtained over time by a visible light sensor. FIG. 5B is a graph with temperature readings T taken over time by an infrared sensor _Sky With temperature readings T obtained over time by an ambient temperature sensor _{Environment (environment)} A plot of the delta (delta) difference 520 between. As shown by curve 510 of fig. 5A, the intensity reading I obtained by the visible light sensor is high most of the day and drops as the high frequency (short period) oscillations as the midday cloud passes during the day. Curve 520 of fig. 5A shows that the value of delta (Δ) does not increase above the lower threshold during the entire day, which represents a high confidence "clear" condition.

Fig. 6A-6B include graphs of curves of readings taken during the day, where there is a cloud that is passing frequently in the morning until afternoon and two clouds that are moving slowly in the late afternoon. Fig. 6A is a graph of a curve 610 having intensity readings I obtained over time by a visible light sensor. FIG. 6B is a graph with temperature readings T taken over time by an infrared sensor _Sky With temperature readings T obtained over time by an ambient temperature sensor _{Environment (environment)} A plot of the curve 640 of the difference delta (delta) between them. As shown in curve 610 of fig. 6A, intensity readings I obtained by visible light sensors are frequently passed by clouds in the morning through afternoonThere is a high frequency portion 620 during the time period. When two slowly moving clouds pass, curve 610 has a low frequency portion 630 at a later afternoon. Curve 640 in fig. 6B shows that the value of delta (Δ) has a high frequency during the time period in the morning until cloud-in-the-afternoon frequently passes, and that the value remains between the upper and lower thresholds indicating intermittent cloudiness. The delta (delta) value at a later time of the afternoon has a low frequency oscillation with a value between an upper and lower threshold and also below the lower threshold for transitioning between an "intermittent cloudy" state and a "clear" 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 at late afternoon.

Fig. 7A-7B include graphs of curves of readings taken over time during a day that are cloudy except for a short time during the noon of the day. Fig. 7A is a graph of a curve 710 having intensity readings I obtained over time by a visible light sensor. FIG. 7B is a graph having temperature readings T taken over time by an infrared sensor _Sky And a temperature reading T obtained by an ambient temperature sensor _{Environment (environment)} A plot of the curve 720 of the difference delta (delta) between them. As shown by curve 710 of fig. 7A, the intensity reading I obtained by the visible light sensor is low most of the day time 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 (delta) is not below the upper threshold during the entire day, which represents a high confidence "cloudiness" 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 evaluate the difference Δ between ambient temperature and temperature readings of the measured infrared sensor. In some cases, one or more correction factors are applied to the calculated difference Δ. The difference delta provides a relative sky temperature value that can be used to classify a cloud cover condition. For example, the cloud cover condition may be determined in one of three situations, "clear", "cloudy", and "cloudy". In 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 some implementations may have one or more technical advantages. For example, in early morning and evening conditions, the infrared sensor may determine whether it is cloudy or sunny, regardless of the visible light intensity level. When the light sensor is inactive when the sun is not rising, the determination of such cloud conditions during these times may provide additional context for determining the tint state (also referred to herein as "tint level") of the tintable window. As another example, infrared sensors may be used to detect general cloud conditions within their field of view. This information may be used in conjunction with the light sensor readings to determine whether a "clear" condition or a "cloudy" condition, as determined by the light sensor, is likely to persist. For example, if the light sensor detects a sharp rise in intensity level (which tends to indicate a "clear" condition), but the infrared sensor indicates a "cloudy" condition, then the "clear" condition is not expected to persist.

Conversely, if the infrared sensor shows a "clear" condition and the light sensor reading indicates that it is in a "clear" condition, then the "clear" 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 an X time (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 a cloud cover condition prior to sunrise to inform the control logic whether to begin the tinting process (in clear sky) or to keep the tintable window bright in anticipation of a "cloudy" condition at sunrise.

Example of a method of determining cloud conditions using infrared and ambient temperature readings

Figures 8-10 illustrate a graph depicting the use of readings from at least one infrared sensor and one ambient temperature sensor to determine cloud according to various embodimentsA flow chart of a method of metering a condition. In fig. 9-10, readings from at least one light sensor may also be used to determine cloud cover conditions under certain conditions. In some cases, the infrared sensor used to obtain the temperature reading 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 light sensor used to obtain the light sensor readings is calibrated to detect the intensity of visible light in the photopic range (e.g., between about 390nm and about 700 nm), which generally refers to under illumination conditions (e.g., a brightness level of about 10cd/m ² To about 108cd/m ² Between) light visible to the normal human eye. While these 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., the functional sensor), or obtain an average, mean, or other statistically relevant value of readings from the multiple functional sensors. In other cases, there may be redundant sensors, and the infrared cloud detector may have logic to use the values from the functional sensors. For example, by evaluating which sensors are operating and/or which sensors are not active based on comparing readings from the 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 sampling 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 the infrared cloud detector 310 in fig. 3.

In fig. 8, the method begins at operation 801. At operation 810, a signal having a sky temperature reading T obtained by an infrared sensor is received at a processor _Sky And a temperature reading T obtained by an ambient temperature sensor _{Environment (environment)} Is a signal of (a). 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 sensor is typically oriented toward a sky area 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 _Sky With temperature readings T obtained by an ambient temperature sensor at the sampling time _{Environment (environment)} Delta (delta) of the difference between them. Optionally (represented by dashed lines), a correction factor is applied to the calculated delta (delta) (operation 830). Some examples of correction factors that may be applied include humidity, solar/elevation angle, and site elevation.

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

If it is determined that the calculated delta (delta) is above the lower threshold, the processor determines if the calculated delta (delta) is above the upper threshold (e.g., 0 milli-degrees celsius, 2 milli-degrees celsius, etc.) at operation 860. If it is determined that the calculated delta (delta) is above the upper threshold at operation 860, the processor determines the cloud amount condition as a "cloudiness" condition (operation 870). During operation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sampling time and returns to operation 810.

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

B. Method II

Fig. 9 shows a flow chart 900 describing logic of a method of determining a cloud cover condition using readings from infrared sensors, ambient temperature sensors, and light sensors of an infrared cloud detector system, according to an implementation. The infrared sensor, ambient temperature sensor, and light sensor typically take readings periodically (at the sampling 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, ambient temperature sensor, and 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, ambient temperature sensor, and 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 with operation 901. At operation 910, one or more signals having temperature readings T obtained by an infrared sensor at a particular sampling time are received at a processor _Sky Temperature reading T obtained by ambient temperature sensor at sampling time _{Environment (environment)} And intensity readings taken by the light sensor at the sampling time. Signals from the infrared sensor, the ambient temperature sensor and the 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 sensor is typically oriented toward a sky area 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 oriented towards the sky region 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 time period beginning shortly before sunrise (e.g., at a first time of 45 minutes before sunrise, 30 minutes before sunrise, 20 minutes before sunrise, or other suitable time period before sunrise) until slightly after sunrise (e.g., at a second time of 45 minutes after sunrise, 30 minutes after sunrise, 20 minutes after sunrise, or other suitable time period) and (iii) shortly before sunset (dusk) (e.g., at a third time of 45 minutes before sunset, 30 minutes before sunset, 20 minutes before sunset, or other suitable time period before sunset) until sunset. In one case, the sunrise time may be determined from the measurement of the visible wavelength light sensor. For example, time period (i) may end at the point where the visible light wavelength light sensor begins measuring direct sunlight, i.e., where the intensity reading of the visible light sensor is equal to or above the minimum intensity value. Additionally or alternatively, time period (iii) may be determined to end at a point where the intensity reading from the visible light wavelength light sensor is equal to or below the minimum intensity value. In another embodiment, sunrise time and/or sunset time may be calculated using a solar calculator, and day and time periods (i) and (iii) of one year 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 the time periods (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) based on the calculated solar altitude. The logic currently uses one of a variety of common codes to determine the solar altitude. If the logic determines that the calculated solar altitude is less than 0, the logic determines that the time is in the night time period (iv). The logic may determine that if 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 the time is in a time period (i) between immediately before sunrise 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 if it is determined that the calculated solar altitude is less than 180 degrees and greater than a second threshold associated with a time immediately before sunset (e.g., 10 minutes after sunset, 20 minutes after sunset, 45 minutes after sunset, etc.), then the time is in the time period (iii) between immediately before sunset and sunset. In one example, the second solar altitude threshold is 175 degrees or 5 degrees from the horizon. In another example, the second solar altitude 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 either of time periods (i) or (iii), logic is executed to calculate a temperature reading T obtained by the infrared sensor _Sky With the temperature reading T obtained by the ambient temperature sensor at the sampling time (operation 930) _{Environment (environment)} Delta (delta) of the difference between them. Optionally (represented by dashed lines), a correction factor is applied to the calculated delta (delta) (operation 930). Some examples of correction factors that may be applied include humidity, solar/elevation angle, and site elevation.

In one embodiment, the logic also determines whether the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 920. If the processor determines at operation 920 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, 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 "clear" 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 (delta) value is below a lower threshold (e.g., -5 milli-degrees celsius, -2 milli-degrees celsius, etc.). If it is determined that the calculated delta (delta) value is below the lower threshold, the cloud cover condition is determined to be a "clear" condition (operation 936). During operation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sampling time and returns to operation 910.

If it is determined that the calculated delta (delta) is above the lower threshold, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (delta) is above the upper threshold (e.g., 0 milli-degrees celsius, 2 milli-degrees celsius, etc.) at operation 940. If it is determined that the calculated delta (delta) is above the upper threshold at operation 940, the processor determines the cloud amount condition as a "cloudiness" 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 (delta) calculated at operation 940 is below the upper threshold, the processor determines the cloud amount condition as "intermittent cloudiness" 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 that the time of day at operation 920 is not during either of time periods (i) or (iii), the processor determines if the time of day is during time period (ii), which is during the day after time period (i) and before time period (iii) (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 _Sky And 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 at operation 980 is greater than the acceptable limit, the processor applies operation 930 to calculate delta (delta) and uses the calculated delta (delta) 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 at operation 960 is within time period (ii) and the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level, 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 "clear" 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 photosensor readings are used to determine a cloud cover condition (operation 990). For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "clear" 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 is oscillating at a frequency greater than the first defined level, the processor applies operation 930 to calculate delta (delta) and uses the calculated delta (delta) for determining the cloud cover condition 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 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 "clear" 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 the daytime infrared sensor algorithm and the daytime light sensor algorithm to independently determine cloudy/sunny/intermediate conditions, each based on its own signal threshold and corresponding hue level. The control logic then applies the darker of the two hue levels independently determined by the daylight sensor algorithm and the daylight infrared sensor algorithm. One example of similar control logic is described with respect to

operations

2820, 2830, 2832, and 2840 described with respect to fig. 28.

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

Method and system for controlling tintable windows using infrared sensor and/or light sensor readings

In energy efficient buildings, the control logic for setting its building system level may take into account the amount of cloud in its decision. For example, in a building having an optically switchable window (also referred to herein as a "tintable window"), control logic may consider the amount of cloud when setting the optical state of the optically switchable window (e.g., the tinting state of an electrochromic window). The conventional systems purportedly providing such functionality typically employ expensive sensing equipment to map the entire sky and track cloud motion. The mapping technique may be hindered by being unable to register the cloud 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) may be used to set a level of a building system. As an example, this section describes control logic that uses readings including infrared measurements taken by sensors in an infrared cloud detector system to determine a cloud cover condition and sets a level of hue in one or more optically switchable windows (e.g., electrochromic windows) of a building based on the determined cloud cover condition. Although the control logic described in this section is described with reference to controlling the shade state in an electrochromic window, it should be understood that the logic may be used to control other types of light switchable windows and other building systems. Electrochromic windows have one or more electrochromic devices, such as those described in U.S. patent 8,764,950 entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES" issued on 1 st 7 th 2014 and U.S. patent application 13/462,725 entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES" filed on 2 nd 2012 (issued as U.S. patent 9,261,751), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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, electrochromic layer (EC) 1006 and counter electrode layer (CE) 1010, which comprise tungsten oxide, comprise nickel-tungsten oxide.

Layers

1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, and 1014 are collectively referred to as electrochromic stack 1020. A voltage source 1016 operable to apply a potential across the electrochromic stack 1020 affects transitions of the electrochromic device, for example, transitions between a bleached state (e.g., as depicted in fig. 11A) and a colored state (e.g., as depicted in fig. 11B). The order of the layers may be reversed relative to the substrate 1002.

In some cases, electrochromic devices with different layers may be fabricated as all solid state devices and/or all inorganic devices. Examples of such devices and methods of making the same are described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/645,111 (issued to U.S. patent 9,664,974) entitled "Fabrication of Low-Defectivity Electrochromic Devices" and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/645,159 (issued to U.S. patent 8,432,603 at 30 at 4/2013) entitled "Electrochromic Devices" and filed at 22 at 12/2009, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. However, it should be understood that any one or more of the layers in the stack may contain a certain amount of organic material. The same is true for liquids that may be present in small amounts in one or more layers. It should also be appreciated that the solid material may be deposited or otherwise formed by a process employing a liquid component, such as some process employing sol-gel or chemical vapor deposition. In addition, 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 bleach coloring transition, the corresponding apparatus or process includes other optical state transitions, such as non-reflective to reflective, transparent to opaque, etc. Furthermore, the term "bleached" refers to an optically neutral state, such as colorless, transparent, or translucent. Further, unless otherwise indicated herein, the "color" of an 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 the appropriate electrochromic and counter electrode materials determines the relevant optical transition.

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 transferred 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, some implementations of electrochromic devices described herein are configured to reversibly cycle between different levels of color shade (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 the input from the sensor. As described herein, the voltage source 1016 interfaces with a device controller (not shown in this figure). 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 the energy consumption of a building having electrochromic windows.

Any material having suitable optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties may be used as the substrate 1002 or other substrate of the electrochromic stack described herein. Examples of suitable substrates include, for example, glass, plastic, and specular materials. Suitable glasses include transparent 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 size of such glass panes can vary widely depending on the particular needs of the residence. 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 an indoor environment from an 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, typically between about 3mm and about 6mm thick. Of course, electrochromic devices may scale with respect to substrates smaller or larger than architectural glass. Furthermore, the electrochromic device may be provided on mirrors of any size and shape.

On top of the illustrated substrate 1002 is a conductive layer 1004. In some implementations, one or both of the

conductive layers

1004 and 1014 are inorganic and/or solid.

Conductive layers

1004 and 1014 can be made from many different materials, including conductive oxides, thin metal coatings, conductive metal nitrides, and composite conductors. Generally,

conductive layers

1004 and 1014 are transparent at least in the wavelength range where the electrochromic layer exhibits electrochromic. The transparent conductive oxide includes 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. A substantially transparent thin metal coating, as well as a combination of TCO and metal coating, may also be used.

The function of the conductive layer is to spread the potential provided by the voltage source 1016 over the surface of the electrochromic stack 1020 to the interior region of the stack with a relatively small ohmic potential drop. The potential is transferred to the conductive layer through an electrical connection to 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 may also be connected to voltage source 1016 in other conventional ways.

Overlying the illustrated conductive layer 1004 is an electrochromic layer 1006. In some aspects, 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) ₂ O ₅ ) Titanium oxide (TiO) ₂ ) Copper oxide (CuO), iridium oxide (Ir) ₂ O ₃ ) Chromium oxide (Cr) ₂ O ₃ ) Manganese oxide (Mn) ₂ O ₃ ) Vanadium oxide (V) ₂ O ₅ ) Nickel oxide (Ni) ₂ O ₃ ) Cobalt oxide (Co) ₂ O ₃ ) Etc. During operation, electrochromic layer 1006 transfers ions to counter electrode layer 1010 and receives ions from counter electrode layer 1010 to cause a reversible optical transition. Generally, coloration (or any change in optical properties-e.g., absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance) of electrochromic materials is caused by reversible ion insertion (e.g., intercalation) into the material and corresponding charge-balancing 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 electrochromic phenomena. Lithium ion intercalated tungsten oxide (WO _3-y (0<y.ltoreq.0.3)) to render the tungsten oxide transparent (bleached)State) to a blue color (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 number of different materials that function 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 its held ions 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 the loss of ions. In some embodiments, for use with WO ₃ Suitable 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 ₂ O ₃ ) 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 transferred 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 ion conductive layer 1008 acts as a medium through which ions are transported (in the manner of an electrolyte) when the electrochromic device transitions between a bleached state and a colored state. Preferably, the ion conductive layer 1008 has high conductivity for the relevant ions of the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer, but has sufficiently low electron conductivity such that negligible electron transfer occurs during normal operation. A thin ion conducting layer with high ionic conductivity allows for fast ionic conduction and thus fast switching for achieving high performance electrochromic devices. In certain aspects, the ion conductive layer 1008 is inorganic and/or solid.

Examples of suitable materials for the ion-conducting layer (i.e., for electrochromic devices having 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 silicon oxide 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 some implementations, electrochromic device 1000 may include one or more additional layers (not shown), such as one or more passive layers. A passive layer for improving certain optical properties may be included in electrochromic device 1000. A passive layer for providing moisture or scratch resistance may also be included in 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 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, 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 a substrate 1102, a Conductive Layer (CL) 11011, an ion conductive layer (IC) 1108, and a Conductive Layer (CL) 1114.

Layers

1104, 1106, 1108, 1010, and 1114 are collectively referred to as 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 on the order of a few volts in order to drive the 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 mainly present in the nickel-tungsten oxide counter electrode layer 1110 (as indicated by the dashed arrows).

Fig. 11B is a schematic cross-section of electrochromic device 1100 shown in fig. 11A but in a colored state (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, thereby transitioning to a colored state. As indicated by the dashed arrows, lithium ions are transported across the ion conductive layer 1108 to the tungsten oxide electrochromic layer 1106. The tungsten oxide electrochromic layer 1106 is shown in a colored state or transitions 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 becomes progressively 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 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 Conductive (IC) layer having high conductivity to ions and high resistance to electrons. As is conventionally understood, the ion conductive layer thus prevents shorting between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer. The ion conductive 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 that includes an ion conductive layer sandwiched between an electrochromic electrode layer and a counter electrode layer. The boundaries between the three stacked components are defined by abrupt changes in composition and/or microstructure. Thus, these devices have three different layers with two abrupt interfaces.

According to certain implementations, the counter electrode and the electrochromic electrode are formed immediately adjacent to each other, sometimes in direct contact, without separately depositing an ion-conducting layer. In some implementations, electrochromic devices with interface regions instead of different IC layers are used. These devices and methods of making the same 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 of which is entitled "Electrochromic Devices" and each of which is 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 window pane and a second window pane. The IGU further includes a spacer separating the first electrochromic window pane and the second window pane. The second window in the IGU may be a non-electrochromic window or otherwise. For example, the second window may have an electrochromic device and/or one or more coatings thereon, such as a low E coating or the like. Any of the panes may be laminated glass. Between the spacer and the first TCO layer of the electrochromic window is the primary seal material. The primary seal material is also located between the spacer and the second glazing pane. Around the perimeter 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 that are 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 finished 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 region 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 bar extend between the spacer and the glass. Since many spacers are made of a conductive metal (e.g., stainless steel), it is desirable to take measures to avoid shorting due to electrical communication between the bus bars and connectors and the metal spacers.

B. Window controller

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

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 reach four different states (hue 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 multipane electrochromic window, such as an IGU, is further described in U.S. patent No. 8,270,059, robin Friedman et al, titled MULTI-PANE ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS (multipane electrochromic window), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, a window controller may be implemented to transition an electrochromic window having electrochromic devices capable of transitioning between two or more shade 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 containing electrochromic devices between any number of shade levels between a bleached state and a colored state. Examples of methods and controllers for converting an electrochromic window to one or more halftone levels are also described in U.S. patent No. 8,254,013 and international PCT application PCT/US17/35290 entitled "CONTROL METHODS FOR INTABLE WINDOWS IMPLEMENTING INTERMEDIATE TINT STATES," filed on 5/31 in 2017, entitled "control transitions in optically switchable devices" (CONTROLLING TRANSITIONS IN OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES), to Disha Mehtani et al, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the window controller may power one or more electrochromic devices in the electrochromic window. Typically, this function 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 the function of powering electrochromic devices associated with the window controllers for control purposes. That is, the power supply of the electrochromic window may be separate from the window controller, with the controller having its own power supply and applying 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 function of a single window or multiple electrochromic windows without integrating the window controller into a building control network or 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 window controller 1250 and components of a window controller system in accordance with an implementation discussed herein. Fig. 12 is a simplified block diagram of window controller 1250, and more details regarding window controller can be found in: U.S. patent application nos. 13/449,248 and 13/449,251, both of Stephen Brown as the inventor, both of which are entitled "controller for optically switchable window (CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS)" and both of which were filed on day 17, 4, 2012; and U.S. patent application 13/449,235 (issued to U.S. patent 8,705,162), entitled "control transition of optically switchable devices (CONTROLLING TRANSITIONS IN OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES)", the inventors of which were Stephen Brown et al and filed on 4/17 of 2012; all of the above applications are incorporated herein 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 wireless) with one or more electrochromic devices 1200 in the electrochromic window via a network 1280 to send control instructions to the one or more electrochromic devices 1200. In some embodiments, 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. The output from the one or more sensors may be received as input (e.g., via a communication network) to a signal conditioning module 1265 of the window controller 1250. In some cases, as further described in this section, output from one or more sensors may be received as input to a Building Management System (BMS). Although the sensors of the depicted embodiments are shown located on a roof, the sensors may additionally or alternatively be located elsewhere, such as on a vertical outer wall of a building, inside a room, or on an external other surface. In some examples, a multi-sensor device having multiple sensors is located within or near a house. In some of these examples, two or more sensors of a 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 of light incident on the light sensor that is reflected to the sensor from a light source such as the sun or from a surface, particles in the atmosphere, clouds, etc. Each light sensor can generate electricity generated by photoelectric effectA signal in the form of a stream, and the signal is a function of light incident on the light sensor. In some cases, the light sensor is based on a light sensor in watts/m ² Or other similar units of irradiance. In other cases, the light sensor detects light in the visible wavelength range in foot candles 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 irradiates the earth is changing, irradiance values from sunlight during sunny conditions can be predicted based on the time of day and time of year. The external light sensor may detect the actual radiated light in real time, which accounts for reflections and obscurations of light due to buildings or other structures, weather changes (e.g., clouds), and the like. For example, on cloudy days, sunlight may be blocked by clouds and the radiated light detected by external sensors will be lower than on cloudless days (sunny days).

In the morning and evening, the sunlight level is low and the corresponding reading taken by the external light sensor is low, which may also be considered to be consistent with the reading taken during daytime cloudy days. Thus, if considered in isolation, the outside light sensor readings taken in the morning and evening may falsely indicate a cloudy condition. Furthermore, any obstruction of buildings or hills/mountains may also lead to false positive indications of cloudy days based solely on the readings of the external light sensor. Furthermore, the use of external light sensor values alone just prior to sunrise may lead to false positives of cloudy conditions, which may lead to switching the electrochromic window to a transparent state at sunrise, allowing a glare condition to occur in a room with a transparent window.

In some embodiments, readings taken by at least two infrared sensors may be used to determine the time just before sunrise and cloud conditions in the morning and evening. These infrared sensors may operate independently of solar levels, allowing the tinting control logic to determine cloud conditions prior to sunrise, and to determine and maintain the appropriate tint states of the electrochromic windows in the morning and evening when the sun is falling. In addition, at least two infrared sensors may be used to detect cloud conditions even when the sensors are obscured 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 "multisensor device") includes both an infrared sensor for detecting thermal radiation and an on-board ambient temperature sensor. An infrared sensor is typically positioned to be directed to the sky to measure the sky temperature (T _Sky ). An on-board ambient temperature sensor is typically positioned to measure the ambient temperature (T _{Environment (environment)} ). Additionally or alternatively, the infrared sensor device outputs a temperature reading of a difference delta (Δ) between the sky temperature reading and the ambient temperature reading. Temperature reading of infrared sensor device (T _Sky 、T _{Environment (environment)} And/or delta) is typically in degrees, for example, milli-degrees celsius or milli-degrees 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 the infrared sensors), and a plurality of light sensors. The multi-sensor device may be located on a roof of a building, for example, 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 occluded by an object, such as a bird landing on a multi-sensor device on a roof. In some cases, relatively few sensors may be required to be used in a building, as having multiple sensors may be expensive and/or some sensors may be unreliable. In some embodiments, a single sensor or relatively few sensors (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5) may be used to determine the current level of radiated light from sunlight shining on a side of a building or possibly a building. The cloud may pass in front of the sun, or the construction vehicle may park in front of the sun. These events will result in deviations from the amount of radiation from the sun that would normally be calculated to illuminate the building during clear sky conditions.

In examples with photosensors, the photosensors may be, for example, charge Coupled Devices (CCDs), photodiodes, photoresistors, or photovoltaic cells. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that future developments in photosensors and other sensor technologies will also work as they measure light intensity and provide an electrical output representative of the light level.

In some embodiments, the output from the sensor may be input to the signal conditioning module 1265. The input may be in the form of a voltage signal of 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. The microprocessor 1255 then sends instructions to the PWM 1260 to apply voltages and/or currents to the electrochromic device 1200 of one or more electrochromic windows of the building through the network 1280 to convert the electrochromic window to a desired level of hue.

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 communicates the output signal to the microprocessor 1255 or other processor of the window controller 1250 via a wired or wireless network. The microprocessor 1255 or other processor determines the tint level of the electrochromic windows and sends instructions to the PWM 1260 to apply voltages and/or currents to the electrochromic devices 1200 of one or more electrochromic windows of the building through the network 1280 to convert the electrochromic windows to the desired tint level.

In some embodiments, the microprocessor 1260 may instruct the PWM 1260 to apply a voltage and/or current to the electrochromic window to transition the window to any one of four or more different shade levels. In one case, the electrochromic window may be converted to at least eight different hue levels, described as: 0 (brightest), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 (darkest). The hue level may correspond linearly to the visual transmittance value and the 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 a SHGC value of 0.80, tone level 5 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.70, tone level 10 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.60, tone level 15 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.50, tone level 20 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.40, tone level 25 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.30, tone level 30 may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.20, and tone level 35 (darkest) may correspond to a SHGC value of 0.10.

Window controller 1250 or a master controller in communication with window controller 1250 may use any one or more control logic components to determine a desired level of hue 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 level of hue.

C. Building Management System (BMS)

The window controller described herein is also suitable for integration with a Building Management System (BMS). BMS is a computer-based control system installed in a building to monitor and control mechanical and electrical devices of the building, such as ventilation, lighting, power systems, elevators, fire protection systems, and safety systems. The BMS is comprised of hardware including an interconnection with one or more computers through a communication channel and associated software for maintaining conditions in a building according to 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 Inc. (Richman, virginia). One communication protocol commonly used with BMS is BACnet (building automation and control network).

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

In some embodiments, the window controller is integrated with the BMS, wherein the window controller is configured to control one or more electrochromic windows or other tintable windows. In one embodiment, the one or more electrochromic windows comprise at least one all solid state and inorganic electrochromic device, but may comprise more than one electrochromic device, for example, where each of the panes or panes 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 Ser. No. 12/851,514 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,705,162), entitled "Multi-pane electrochromic Window (Multipane Electrochromic Windows)" filed 8/5/2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Fig. 13 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a BMS 1300 that manages multiple systems of a building 1301, including a security system, heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC), lighting of the building, electrical systems, elevators, fire protection systems, and the like. The security system may include magnetic card channels, turnstiles, electromagnetically actuated door locks, surveillance cameras, burglar alarms, metal detectors, and the like. The fire protection system may include a fire alarm and 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 master window controller 1302. In this example, master window controller 3102 is depicted as a distributed network of window controllers including master network controller 1303,

intermediate network controllers

1305a and 1305b, and terminal or leaf end 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 the 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 terminal or tip 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 main window controller 1302. In a typical setting, 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 of the infrared cloud detector system, the BMS may provide e.g. enhancements, as the electrochromic window may be automatically controlled: 1) environmental control, 2) energy conservation, 3) safety, 4) flexibility of control options, 5) improved reliability and service life of other systems due to less reliance and less maintenance, 6) information availability and diagnostics, and 7) efficient use and higher productivity of personnel, as well as various combinations of these. In some embodiments, the BMS may not exist or the BMS may exist 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 interrupt 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, the lighting control system, window control system, HVAC and security system may operate based on a 24-hour schedule that considers when people are in a building during a workday. At night, the building may enter an energy saving mode, and during the day, the system may operate in a manner that minimizes energy consumption of the building while providing occupant comfort. As another example, the system may shut down or enter a power saving mode during a holiday.

The scheduling information may be combined with geographic information. The geographic information may include latitude and longitude of the building. The geographic information may also contain information about the direction each side of the building faces. 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 is not tinted in the morning, such that the room is warmed up by sunlight shining in the room, and the lighting control panel may indicate that the light is dimmed due to illumination from the sunlight. The window towards the west may be controlled in the morning by the occupants of the room, as the hue of the west window may have no impact on energy savings. However, the modes of operation of the eastward and westward windows may be switched at night (e.g., when the sun falls on, the westward windows are uncolored to allow sunlight to enter for heating and illumination).

Furthermore, the temperature within the building may be affected by external light and/or external temperature. For example, in cold weather and where the building is heated by a heating system, a room closer to the door and/or window will lose heat faster than the interior region of the building and be cooler than the interior region.

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

An example of a building, such as building 1301 in fig. 13, includes a building network or BMS, tintable windows for building exterior windows (i.e., windows that separate the interior of the building from the exterior of the building), and many different sensors. Light from the exterior window of a building typically has an effect on interior lighting in the building that is about 20 feet or about 30 feet from the window. That is, a 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 external windows in a building are mainly illuminated by the interior lighting systems of the building.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of components of a system 1400 for controlling the function (e.g., transitioning to different shade levels) of one or more tintable windows of a building (e.g., the building 1301 shown in fig. 13), in accordance with an embodiment. The 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 functions of the tintable window, 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 one or more tintable windows to one or more tintable windows in the building through the network 1410.

The system 1400 also includes an EC device 400 (not shown) and an optional wall switch 1490 in each of the one or more tintable windows, both 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 a master window controller 1402. An end user (e.g., an occupant of a room with a tintable window) may use the wall switch 1490 to control the tint level and other functions of the tintable window with an associated EC device 1401.

In fig. 14, a master window controller 1402 is depicted as a distributed network of window controllers that includes a master network controller 1403, a plurality of intermediate network controllers 1405 in communication with the master network controller 1403, and a plurality of complex end or leaf window controllers 1410. Each of the plurality of terminal or leaf end window controllers 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 functions 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 hue level of the IGU. In other embodiments, each leaf or end window controller 1410 may be in communication with a plurality of tintable windows (e.g., zones of tintable windows). The tip or terminal window controller 1410 may be integrated into the tintable window or may be separate from the tintable window it controls. The tip and terminal window controllers 1410 in fig. 14 may be similar to the terminal or tip controllers 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. The end user may operate wall switch 1490 to communicate control signals to 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 hue, etc.) about the control signals sent from the wall switches 1490 back to the main window controller 1402, for example, to be stored in a memory. In some cases, the wall switch 1490 may be manually operated. In other cases, the wall switch 1490 may be wirelessly controlled by an end user using a remote device (e.g., a cellular telephone, tablet computer, etc.) that transmits wireless communications with control signals using, for example, 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 switch 1490 depicted in fig. 14 is 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 that is in electronic communication with 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 device/window

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

For example, fig. 15A-15C depict general inputs to each of three logic modules A, B and C of an 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 7 at 2016 and International patent application PCT/US15/29675 entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS" filed 5 at 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 TINTABLE WINDOWS" filed on even 13 at month 12 of 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another example of exemplary control logic comprising four (4) logic modules is described later in this section.

Examples of modules A, B and C

15A-15C include schematic diagrams depicting some general inputs to each of three logic modules A, B and C of exemplary control logic of the disclosed implementations. Each schematic drawing depicts a schematic side view of a room 1500 of a building having a table 1501 and electrochromic windows 1505 located between the exterior and interior of the building. The figure also depicts an infrared cloud detector system 1502 according to one 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 a light diffusing material, an infrared sensor 1534 and a light sensor 1510 within the outer shell 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 of ambient air surrounding the infrared cloud detector 1530 Degree reading T _{Environment (environment)} . 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) perpendicular to the sensing surface of the infrared sensor 1534 and passing through the center thereof. The infrared sensor 1534 is directed such that its sensing surface faces upward and may receive infrared radiation from a sky region within its field of view. An ambient temperature sensor 1536 is located on the shadow surface to avoid direct sunlight illuminating its sensing surface. Although not shown, infrared cloud detector 1530 also includes one or more structures that retain its components within housing 1532.

The 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 hue level of the electrochromic window 1505. The local window controller 1550 communicates with the electrochromic window 1505 to send control signals. The local window controller 1550 also communicates (either wirelessly or wired) with an infrared sensor 1534 and an ambient temperature sensor 1536 to receive signals with temperature readings. The local window controller 1550 also communicates (either wirelessly or wired) with the light sensor 1510 to receive signals having visible light intensity readings.

According to certain aspects, power/communication lines extend from a building or another structure to infrared cloud detector 1530. In one implementation, infrared cloud detector 1530 includes a network interface that can couple infrared cloud detector 1530 to a suitable cable. Infrared cloud detector 1530 can communicate data to local window controller 1550 of the building or another controller (e.g., a network controller and/or a master controller) through a network interface. In some other implementations, infrared cloud detector 1530 may additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface that is capable of wireless communication with one or more external controllers. In some aspects, 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, infrared cloud detector 1530 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. 15A shows the penetration depth of direct sunlight into a room 1500 through an electrochromic window 1505 between the exterior and interior of a building comprising the room 1500. Penetration depth is a measure of how far 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 a receiving angle for direct sunlight. The penetration depth is calculated from the geometry of the window (e.g., the size of the window), its position and orientation in the room, any heat sinks or other external coverings outside the window, and the position of the sun (e.g., the solar angle of direct sunlight at a particular time of day and date). The outer covering of electrochromic window 1505 may be due to any type of construction of a lockable window, such as a overhang, a heat sink, or the like. In fig. 15A, there is a overhang 1520 above electrochromic window 1505 that blocks a portion of direct sunlight from entering room 1500, thereby shortening the penetration depth.

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

Fig. 15A-15C also show a desk 1501 in a room 1500, as an example of the type of space in a single occupied office with a desk, associated with an active area (i.e., a desk) and the location of the active area (i.e., the location of the desk). 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 work in an office done on a desk or computer) and the desk is positioned near a window, the desired level of hue may be higher than if the desk were farther from the window. As another example, if the activity is not critical (e.g., activity in a lobby), the desired level of hue may be lower than the level of hue in the same space in the office with a table.

Fig. 15B illustrates direct sunlight and radiation entering a room 1500 through an 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 hue level based on the calculated value of irradiance flowing through the electrochromic window 1505 under clear sky conditions under consideration. Various software, such as an open source wireless program, may be used to calculate a certain latitude, longitude, time of year, time of day, and clear sky irradiance for a given window orientation.

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 obstructions and reflections are not considered in the clear sky radiation calculation. 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 hue level determined by module C is based on the sensor data. In many cases, the hue level is based on a cloud condition determined using readings from a sensor. Typically, operation of module B will determine a level of hue that darkens (or does not change) the level of hue determined by module a, and operation of module C will determine a level of hue that fades (or does not change) the level of hue determined by module B.

The 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 a representative window of the zones in the electrochromic window, respectively. Each electrochromic window 1505 may have a unique set of dimensions, orientations (e.g., vertical, horizontal, inclined at an angle), positions, associated spatial types, etc. A configuration file with this and other information may be saved 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 configuration file may include information such as window configuration, occupancy lookup tables, information related 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 electrochromic window 1505, and the like. The location description of the look-up table is occupied, with the hue level providing occupant comfort for certain space types and penetration depths. That is, the hue levels in the occupancy lookup table are designed to provide comfort to occupants who may be in the room 1500, avoiding direct sunlight onto the occupants or their workspaces. The type of space is a measure for determining how much tinting is required to address 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 in a particular room and in the location of the activity. The close job associated with detailed studies requiring great attention may be of one spatial type, while the rest room or conference room may be of a different spatial type. In addition, the position of a table or other work surface in a room relative to a window is a consideration in defining the type of space. For example, the space type may be associated with an individual occupant's office having a desk or other workspace located near 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 hue while taking into account energy savings in addition to occupant comfort. These modules can determine the energy savings associated with a particular hue level by comparing the performance of electrochromic window 1505 at that hue level 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 meets 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 1505 may 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 through the reference window specified by the corresponding municipality. In the disclosed embodiment, the control logic may use the solar thermal gain coefficient (SHGC) value of the electrochromic window 1505 at a particular hue level and the SHGC of the reference window to determine energy savings using the hue level. Typically, the value of SHGC is the fraction of incident light of all wavelengths transmitted through a window. Although reference glass is described in many embodiments, other standard reference windows may be used. Typically, SHGC of a reference window (e.g., reference 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 heated, ventilated and air conditioned ("HVAC") systems having a capacity that meets the maximum expected heating and/or air conditioning loads required in any given situation. The calculation of the required capacity may take into account a reference glass or window required in the building at the particular location where the building is being constructed. It is therefore 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 put 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 building designers to have lower HVAC capacity than is required to use the reference glass as specified by the specifications and standards.

The particular embodiments described herein assume energy savings are achieved by reducing the air conditioning load in a building. Thus, many embodiments attempt to achieve the maximum coloration possible while taking into account the occupant comfort level and the possible lighting load in the room with the window under consideration. However, in some climates, such as far north latitude and south latitude, heating may be more alarming than air conditioning. Thus, the control logic may be modified, in particular the road surface may be changed in some matters, so that less coloring occurs, ensuring a reduced heating load of the building.

Control logic instance comprising modules A, B and C

Fig. 16 depicts a flow chart 1600 showing general control logic for a method of controlling one or more electrochromic windows in a building (e.g., electrochromic window 1505 in fig. 15A-C), according to an embodiment. Control logic uses one or more of modules A, B and C to calculate the tint level of the window and sends instructions to transition the electrochromic window to that tint level. At operation 1610, the computations in the control logic are run 1 to n times at intervals timed by a timer. For example, the hue level may be recalculated 1 to n times by one or more of modules A, B and C, and for time t _i ＝t ₁ 、t ₂ ...t _n In (3) an instance calculation. n is the number of recalculations performed and n may be at least 1. In some cases, the logic computation may be completed at constant time intervals. In one case, the logic computation may be completed every 2 to 5 minutes. However, the shade transition of bulk electrochromic glasses (e.g., up to 6 feet by 10 feet) may take up to 30 minutes or more. For these larger windows, the calculations may be performed on a less frequent basis, for example every 30 minutes. At operation 1620, logic modules A, B and C perform calculations to determine at a single time t _i Is provided for the color shade level of each electrochromic window. These calculations may be performed by a processor of the controller. In certain embodiments, the control logic is a computational windowPredictive logic of how the actual transition should be preceded by a transition. In these cases, the calculations in modules A, B and C are based on a future time (e.g., t _i =current time + duration, e.g. transition time of electrochromic window), e.g. during or after the transition is completed. For example, the future time used in the calculation may be a future time sufficient to allow the transition to complete after receiving the tone instruction. In these cases, the 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 desired hue level at that future time.

At operation 1630, the control logic allows for some type of override that disengages the algorithm at modules A, B and C and defines an override tone level 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 hue level (override value) is required. There may be situations where the manual override of the user is overridden by itself. An example of an override is a high demand (or peak load) override that is associated with utility requirements where energy consumption is to be reduced in a building. For example, in particularly hot weather in metropolitan areas, it may be necessary to reduce the energy consumption of the entire municipality in order to avoid excessive tax on the municipality's energy production and delivery systems. In this case, the building may override the tint level from the control logic described herein to ensure that all windows have a particularly high tint level. Another example of override may be if there is no occupant on the weekend of the room example in a commercial office building. In these cases, the building may be disconnected from one or more modules related to occupant comfort, and all of the windows may have a low level of tinting in cold weather and a high level of tinting in warm weather.

At operation 1650, a control signal for achieving a level of hue 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 some 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 hue level indicates that there is no need to change hue from the current hue level, no instruction with an updated hue level is sent. As another example, a building may be divided into areas based on window size and/or location in the building. In one case, the control logic recalculates the tone level for the region with the smaller window more frequently than the region with the larger window.

In some embodiments, the control logic in fig. 16 is used to implement the control method for multiple electrochromic windows throughout a building may be on a single device, for example, on a single master window controller. This device may perform calculations for each tintable window in a building, and also provide an interface for delivering the tint level into an individual electrochromic window, 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 No. PCT/US14/71314 entitled Multi-ZONE EC Window (MULTI-ZONE EC WINDOWS), filed on date 14 of 12 months 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, the 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 tone level. In one case, the end user may use the wall switch to override the hue level provided by the control logic at a time of day to an override value. The control logic may receive information regarding these conditions and change the control logic to change the hue level to an override value at the time of day.

Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of block 1620 from fig. 16. The schematic diagram shows that all three modules A, B and C are executed in sequence to calculate a single instant t _i A method of determining a final hue level of the particular electrochromic window. In the case of predictive logic, modules A, B and C are executed based on determining the final hue level at some time in the future. The final hue level may be the maximum allowable transmissivity of the window under consideration. FIG. 17 also showsSome exemplary inputs and outputs of modules A, B and C. The calculations in modules a, B and C are performed by the processor of the local window controller, the network controller or the master controller. While 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 hue level of 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 entered from a configuration file for a particular window. Module a outputs the hue level from module a to module B. The goal of module a is typically to ensure that direct sunlight or glare does not illuminate the occupant or his or her workspace. The hue level from module a is determined to achieve this. Subsequent calculation of the hue level in modules B and C may reduce energy consumption and may require even larger hues. However, if subsequent calculations of the energy consumption based hue level indicate less hue than is 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 hue level calculated in the module a is input into the module B. Typically, module B determines a hue level that darkens (or does not change) the hue level calculated in module B. The tone level is calculated based on the calculation of irradiance under a clear sky condition (irradiance of a clear sky). The processor of the controller uses module B to calculate irradiance of a clear sky of the electrochromic window based on the window orientation from the profile and based on 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 wireless program, is an open source program that can provide calculations for calculating irradiance of a 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 shade level than that in a and transmits less heat than the reference glass is calculated to transmit 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 hue level from module B and the calculated clear sky irradiance are input to module C. Based on measurements made by the infrared sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and/or the light sensor, sensor readings are input to module C. The processor uses module C to determine a cloud cover condition based on the sensor readings and the actual irradiance. The processor also uses module C to calculate irradiance transmitted to the room if the window is tinted to a hue level from module B under clear sky conditions. If, based on the determined cloud conditions from the sensor readings, the actual irradiance through the window with this hue level is less than or equal to the irradiance through the window with the hue level from module B, the processor uses module C to find the appropriate hue level. Typically, the level of hue determined by the operation of module C fades (or does not change) the level of hue determined by the operation of module B. The hue level determined in module C is the final hue level in this example.

Most of the information entered into the control logic is determined by fixed information about 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 a sensor input, which may indicate a decrease based on the determined cloud cover condition or another obstacle presence between the window and the sun.

Using a program such as the open source program radio to target a single time t _i And the maximum of all times determines a sunny irradiance based on the window orientation and latitude and longitude coordinates of the building. Will benchmarkThe SHGC of the glass and the calculated maximum clear day irradiance are input into module B. Module B steps up the hue level calculated in module a and selects a hue level where the internal radiation is less than or equal to the reference internal irradiance, wherein: internal irradiance = hue level SHGC x clear day irradiance, and reference internal irradiance = reference SHGC x maximum clear day irradiance. However, when module A calculates the maximum shade of glass, module B does not change the shade to make it lighter. The hue level calculated in block B is then input into block C. The calculated irradiance of a clear sky is also input into the module C.

Examples of control logic for coloring decisions using an infrared cloud detector system with light sensors

Fig. 18 is a flow chart 1800 depicting a particular implementation of the control logic of the operations shown in fig. 16, in accordance with 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 time period beginning shortly before sunrise (e.g., beginning at a first time of 45 minutes before sunrise, 30 minutes before sunrise, 20 minutes before sunrise, or other suitable time period before sunrise) and ending shortly after sunrise (e.g., ending at a second time of 45 minutes after sunrise, 30 minutes after sunrise, 20 minutes after sunrise, or other suitable time period); (ii) A time period that starts at a third time before sunset and ends at sunset; (iii) A time period beginning after the second time after sunrise and ending at a third time or time before sunset (dusk) (e.g., ending at a third time of 45 minutes before sunset, 30 minutes before sunset, 20 minutes before sunset, 0 minutes before sunset, i.e., sunset time or other suitable amount of time before sunset); and (iv) a period of time that the third time begins and the first time ends before sunrise. In one case, the sunrise time may be determined from the measurement of the visible wavelength light sensor. For example, the second time may end at the point where the visible light wavelength light sensor begins measuring direct sunlight, i.e., where the intensity reading of the visible light sensor is equal to or above the minimum intensity value. Additionally or alternatively, a third time may be determined to end at a point where the intensity reading from the visible wavelength light sensor is equal to or below the minimum intensity value. In another embodiment, sunrise time and/or sunset time may be calculated using a solar calculator, and days and time periods (i) - (iv) of one year 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), then 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 a night shade state (e.g., a "clear" shade state or a dark shade state for safety) and proceeds to operation 1870 to determine whether an override is present, e.g., an override command is received in a signal from an operator or occupant. If it is determined that there is an override at operation 1860, the override value is the final hue level. If it is determined that there is no override ready, the night tone state is the final tone level. At operation 1870, a control command is sent over the network or to the electrochromic device of the window to transition the window to the final tone level, the time of day is updated, and the method returns to operation 1810.

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

At operation 1840, the control logic from module B determines a level of hue that darkens (or does not change) the level of hue received from module a or a "clear" level of hue 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 for calculating irradiance of a clear sky of the window from the window orientation in the profile and based on 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 (which is an open source program) such as the radiation program may provide calculations for determining sunny irradiance. The SHGC of the reference glass is also input into module B from the configuration file. The processor uses the control logic of module B to determine a level of hue that is darker (or the same) than it receives and transmits less heat than the reference glass was calculated to transmit at 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 the 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 a cloud cover condition from the sensor readings and determines an actual irradiance from the cloud cover condition. The control logic of module C also calculates an irradiance level that would be transmitted into the room if the window was tinted to the hue level of module B under clear sky conditions. If the determined actual irradiance through the window based on the cloud cover condition is less than or equal to the calculated irradiance through the window when the hue level from module B is colored, the control logic in module C may decrease the hue level. Typically, operation of module C will determine a level of hue that fades (or does not change) the level of hue determined by operation of module B.

At operation 1850, the control logic determines the hue level from module C based on the sensor reading, and then proceeds to operation 1860 to determine if there is an override ready, 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 hue level. If it is determined that there is no override ready, the hue level from module C is the final hue level. At operation 1870, a control command is sent over the network or to the electrochromic device of the window to transition the window to the final tone level, the time of day is updated, and the method returns to operation 1810.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart 1900 depicting a particular embodiment of control logic implementing operation 1850 of module C, as depicted 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 _Sky Temperature reading T obtained by ambient temperature sensor at sampling time _{Environment (environment)} And intensity readings taken by the light sensor at the sampling time. Signals from the infrared sensor, the ambient temperature sensor and the 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 sensor is typically oriented toward an area of interest over a sky area, such as 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. The ambient temperature sensor is typically placed and its sensing surface is oriented so that direct sunlight is blocked or diffused from illuminating the sensing surface. Typically, direct sunlight diffuses (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 plane. If it is determined that the time of day at operation 1920 is during either of time periods (i) or (iii), the processor calculates a temperature reading T obtained by the infrared sensor _Sky With temperature readings T obtained by ambient temperature sensors at sampling times _{Environment (environment)} Delta (delta) of the difference between them (operation 1930). Optionally (represented by dashed lines), a correction factor is applied to the calculated delta (delta) (operation 1930). Can be used forSome examples of correction factors to apply include humidity, solar/altitude angle, and site elevation.

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 readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level, 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 "clear" 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 hue 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 (delta) value is below a lower threshold (e.g., -5 millidegrees celsius, -2 millidegrees celsius, etc.). If it is determined that the calculated delta (delta) value is below the lower threshold, the cloud cover condition is determined to be a "clear" condition (operation 1936). Control logic then applies operation 1995 to determine a hue level based on the determined cloud condition. During operation/execution of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sampling time and returns to operation 1910. If an infrared cloud detector is not being performed, the method returns to operation 1860 in FIG. 18.

If it is determined that the calculated delta (delta) is above the lower threshold, the processor determines if the calculated delta (delta) is above the upper threshold (e.g., 0 milli-degrees celsius, 2 milli-degrees celsius, etc.) at operation 1940. If it is determined at operation 1940 that the calculated delta (delta) is above the upper threshold, the processor determines the cloud amount condition as a "cloudiness" condition (operation 1942) and applies operation 1995 to determine the hue level based on the determined cloudiness condition. During operation/execution of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sampling time and returns to operation 1910. If an infrared cloud detector is not being performed, the method returns to operation 1860 in FIG. 18.

At operation 1995, if the window is colored to the hue level from module B under clear sky conditions, the control logic determines the actual irradiance based on the cloud cover conditions and calculates the irradiance level to be sent to the room. If the irradiance based on the cloud cover condition is less than or equal to the irradiance calculated through the window when the tint level from module B is colored, the control logic in module C typically decreases the tint level from module B. During operation and/or execution of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sampling time and returns to operation 1910. If the infrared cloud detector has not yet been performed, the method returns to operation 1860 in FIG. 18.

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

If it is determined at operation 1920 that the time of day is not 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 a temperature reading T obtained by the infrared sensor at operation 1970 _IR And the intensity readings 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 calculated difference at operation 1980 is greater than the acceptable limit, the processor applies operation 1930 to calculate delta (delta) and uses the calculated delta (delta) 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 1960. If the processor determines at operation 1960 that the time of day is within time period (ii) and the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level, 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 "clear" 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, described in detail above.

If the processor determines at operation 1980 that the calculated difference is within acceptable limits, the photosensor reading is used to determine a cloud cover condition (operation 1990). For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "clear" 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, described in detail above.

In one embodiment, the processor also determines at operation 1910 whether the light sensor reading is oscillating at a frequency greater than a first defined level and whether the infrared reading is oscillating at a frequency greater than a second defined level. 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 (delta) and uses the calculated delta (delta) to determine the cloud cover condition as discussed above. If the processor determines in operation 1970 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 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 "clear" 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, 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., a temperature sensor and a visible light sensor) to determine the hue level. 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 in the form of a multi-sensor device (e.g., multi-sensor device 2030 shown in fig. 20A-20D, multi-sensor apparatus 401 shown in fig. 4A-4C, or multi-sensor device 3201 shown in fig. 32A-C).

Fig. 20A-20D include schematic diagrams depicting some of the general inputs of logic modules A, B, C1 and D. To illustrate the universal input, each figure depicts a schematic side view of a room 2000 of a building having a desk 2001 and an electrochromic window 2005 located 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 devices of the electrochromic window 2005 to control their transition to different shade levels. The figure also depicts an infrared cloud detector system in the form of a multi-sensor device 2030 located on a roof of a building with one or more tintable windows.

The multi-sensor apparatus 2030 is shown in simplified form in fig. 20A-20D. The components of multi-sensor apparatus 2030 are similar to the components of multi-sensor device 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 a housing made of a light diffusion material. The multi-sensor arrangement 2030 further includes at least two redundant infrared sensor arrangements 2034, e.g., a plurality of infrared sensor arrangements, to provide redundancy in the event that one should fail or be unavailable. Each infrared sensor device 2034 has an on-board ambient temperature sensor and an infrared sensor for measuring thermal radiation from the sky. In addition, the multi-sensor device 2030 includes a plurality of visible light sensors 2010 located within the housing of the housing and directed outwardly and/or upwardly in different directions. For example, the multi-sensor device 2030 may have thirteen (13) visible light sensors 2010. Each infrared sensor of the multi-sensor device 2030 is configured to obtain a temperature reading T of the sky based on infrared radiation received from a sky region 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 (environment)} . Each infrared sensor arrangement 2034 includes an imaginary axis (not shown) perpendicular to the sensing surface of the infrared sensor and passing generally through the center of the sensing surface. Although not shown, the multi-sensor apparatus 2030 also includes one or more structures that retain its components within the housing 2032. Although logic modules A, B, C1 and D are described with reference to sensor data from multi-sensor device 2030 for simplicity, it will be appreciated that these modules may use data derived from one or more other sources, such as other infrared cloud detector systems, weather transmission data, other sensors in a building, such as stand-alone sensors available at one or more electrochromic windows, user input, and the like.

The multi-sensor apparatus 2030 further includes a processor capable of executing instructions for implementing logic stored in a memory (not shown). For example, in one embodiment, the processor of the multi-sensor device 2030 filters 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 the multi-sensor device 2030 receives sensor readings from sensors at the 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, window controller 2050 receives the signal with the filtered sensor values and uses the filtered sensor values as inputs 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 may execute instructions stored in a memory (not shown) for executing control logic for controlling the hue level of the electrochromic window 2005. The window controller 2050 communicates with the electrochromic window 2005 to send control signals. The window controller 2050 also communicates (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 signal with an infrared sensor reading (T _Sky ) And by an on-board ambient temperature sensor of the infrared sensor device 2034Ambient temperature readings (T) _{Environment (environment)} ) And/or signals of visible light readings taken by the plurality of light sensors 2010. Additionally or alternatively, the window controller 2050 may receive signals having filtered infrared sensor values based on readings taken by the infrared sensor 2034 and/or filtered light sensor values based on readings taken by the 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, the multi-sensor device 2030 includes a network interface that can couple the multi-sensor device 2030 to a suitable cable. The multi-sensor device 2030 may communicate data to the window controller 2050 of the building or another controller (e.g., a network controller and/or a master controller) via a network interface. In some other implementations, the multi-sensor device 2030 may additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface that is capable of wireless communication with one or more external controllers. In some aspects, the 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, the multi-sensor apparatus 2030 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.

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 that includes the room 2000. Penetration depth is a measure of how far 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 electrochromic window 2005. Typically, the window defines an aperture that provides a receiving angle for direct sunlight. The penetration depth is calculated from the geometry of the window (e.g., the size of the window), its position and orientation in the room, any heat sinks or other external coverings outside the window, and the position of the sun (e.g., the solar angle of direct sunlight at a particular time of day and date). The outer shield of electrochromic window 2005 may be due to any type of structure of the maskable window, such as a overhang, a heat sink, etc. In fig. 20A, there is a overhang 2020 over the electrochromic window 2005, the overhang 2020 blocking a portion of direct sunlight into the room 2000, thereby shortening the penetration depth.

The module A1 may be used to determine a hue level that takes into account occupant comfort, avoiding direct sunlight from passing through the electrochromic window 2005 onto the occupants or their active areas (also referred to herein as "glare conditions"). The hue level is determined based on the calculated penetration depth of direct sunlight into the room and the type of space in the room at a particular moment in time (e.g., a table near a window, a hall, 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 (time required for window tinting, e.g., 80%, 90%, or 100% of the desired level of hue). The problem addressed in module A1 is that direct sunlight may penetrate deep into room 2000 to impinge directly on a person working at a desk or other active area in the room. Publicly available programs can be used to calculate the position of the sun and allow for easy calculation of penetration depth.

Fig. 20A-20D also show a desk 2001 in room 2000, as an example of the type of space that a single occupied office with a desk may have, associated with the active area (i.e., the desk) and the location of the active area (i.e., the location of the desk). 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 work in an office done on a desk or computer) and the desk is positioned near a window, the desired level of hue may be higher than if the desk were farther from the window. As another example, if the activity is not critical (e.g., activity in a lobby), the desired level of hue may be lower than the level of hue in the same space in the office with a table.

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 hue level based on the calculated value of irradiance flowing through the electrochromic window 2005 under clear sky conditions under consideration. Various software, such as an open source wireless program, may be used to calculate a certain latitude, longitude, time of year, time of day, and clear sky irradiance for a given window orientation.

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

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

In one embodiment, the operation of module D uses a temperature reading (T _Sky ) And ambient temperature reading (T _{Environment (environment)} ) The determined filtered infrared sensor values determine each instant t _i Cloud conditions of (2). The ambient temperature readings are either from one or more ambient temperature sensors or from weather transmission data. For example, an infrared sensor, which may be based on a multi-sensor device 2030The acquired readings determine sky temperature readings. 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 a level of hue that darkens (or does not change) the level of hue determined by module A1, and operation of module C1 or D will determine a 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, the 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, inclined at an angle), positions, associated spatial types, etc. A configuration file with this and other information may be saved 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 configuration file may include information such as window configuration, occupancy lookup tables, information related 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 2005, the orientation of electrochromic window 2005, the location of electrochromic window 2005, and the like. The location description of the look-up table is occupied, with the hue level providing occupant comfort for certain space types and penetration depths. That is, the hue levels in the occupancy lookup table are designed to provide comfort to occupants who may be in the room 2000, avoiding direct sunlight onto the occupants or their workspaces. The type of space is a measure for determining how much coloring is needed to address 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 in a particular room and in the location of the activity. The close job associated with detailed studies requiring great attention may be of one spatial type, while the rest room or conference room may be of a different spatial type. In addition, 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 space type may be associated with an individual occupant's office having a desk or other workspace located near electrochromic window 2005. As another example, the space type may be a lobby.

In some embodiments, one or more modules of the control logic may determine a desired level of hue while taking into account energy savings in addition to occupant comfort. These modules can determine the energy savings associated with a particular shade level by comparing the performance of the electrochromic window at that shade level 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 meets 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 through the reference window specified by the corresponding 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 hue level and the SHGC of the reference window to determine the energy savings using that hue level. Typically, the value of SHGC is the fraction of incident light of all wavelengths transmitted through a window. Although reference glass is described in many embodiments, other standard reference windows may be used. Typically, SHGC of a reference window (e.g., reference glass) is a different variable for different geographic locations and window orientations and is based on code requirements specified by the respective municipalities.

Examples of control logic comprising modules A, B, C1 and D

Fig. 21 depicts a flow chart 2100 illustrating general control logic for a method of controlling one or more electrochromic windows in a building, according to an embodiment. For example, the control logic may be executed to control the zones of one or more electrochromic windows. Control logic executes one or more of modules A1, B, C1, and D to calculate the tint level of one or more electrochromic windows and send instructions to convert the electrochromic devices of one or more electrochromic windows (e.g., electrochromic devices in a multi-zone electrochromic window or electrochromic devices on a plurality of electrochromic panes of an insulating glass unit) to the tint level. Some examples of MULTI-ZONE WINDOWS may be found in International PCT application No. PCT/US14/71314 entitled Multi-ZONE EC Window (MULTI-ZONE EC WINDOWS), filed on date 14 of 12 months 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The modules A1 and B are similar to the modules a and B described with respect to fig. 15A and 15B.

At operation 2110, the computations in the control logic run at intervals timed by a timer. In some cases, the logic computation may be completed at constant time intervals. In one case, the logic computation is completed every 2 to 5 minutes. In other cases, it may be desirable to perform the calculations at a lower frequency, such as once every 30 minutes or every 20 minutes, e.g., for a large block of electrochromic window tiles (e.g., up to 6 feet by 10 feet) that may take 30 minutes or more to switch.

At operation 2120, logic modules A1, B, C1, and D perform calculations to determine at a single time t _i Is provided for 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, the processor of the multi-sensor device may determine filtered sensor values and communicate those filtered sensor values to a window controller that determines a hue level from the filtered sensor values. In another example, the one or more processors of the window controller may determine the filtered sensor values and corresponding hue levels based on sensor readings received from the multi-sensor device.

In some implementations, the control logic is predictive logic that calculates how the window should transition prior to the actual transition. In these cases, the computation in modules A1, B, C1 and D is based on a future time (e.g., t _i =current time + duration, e.g. transition time of one or more electrochromic windows), e.g. during or after the transition is completed. For example, a meterThe future time used in the calculation may be a future time sufficient to allow the transition to complete after the tone instruction is received. 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 desired hue level at that future time.

At operation 2130, the control logic allows various types of overrides of the algorithm to be disengaged at modules A1, B, C1, and D, and the override hue level to be defined 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 hue level (override value) is required. There may be situations where the manual override of the user is overridden by itself. An example of an override is a high demand (or peak load) override that is associated with utility requirements where energy consumption in a building is to be reduced. For example, in particularly hot weather in metropolitan areas, it may be necessary to reduce the energy consumption of the entire municipality in order to avoid excessive tax on the municipality's energy production and delivery systems. In such a situation, 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 override is when the room is free of occupants, such as a commercial office building, on a weekend. In this case, the building may be disconnected from one or more modules related to occupant comfort, and all of the windows may have a low level of tinting in cold weather and a high level of tinting in warm weather.

At operation 2150, a control signal for achieving a tint level is transmitted over the network to a power source that is in electrical communication with electrochromic devices in one or more electrochromic windows to convert the windows to the tint level. In some embodiments, the transmission of the tint level to the windows 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 the 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 tone level for the region with the smaller window more frequently than the region with the larger window.

In one case, the control logic in FIG. 21 implements a control method for controlling the tint level of all electrochromic windows throughout a building on a single device, such as on a single main window controller. This device may perform calculations for each and every electrochromic window in the building, and also provide an interface for transmitting the tint level 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 hue. For example, an end user may be using a wall switch to override the level of hue provided by the control logic to an override value at a particular time of day for a consecutive sequence of days. The control logic may receive information about these instances and change the control logic to introduce an override value that will change the hue level to the end-user override value at that time of the day.

Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of block 2020 from fig. 21. The schematic diagram shows that all four modules A1, B, C1 and D are executed in sequence to calculate a single instant t _i A method of determining a final hue level of the particular electrochromic window. In the case of predictive logic, based on determining a future time t _i The modules A1, B, C1 and D are executed. The final hue level may be the maximum allowable transmissivity of the window under consideration. In one embodiment, the computation of modules A1, B, C1 and D is 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 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 entered from a configuration file for a particular window. The module A1 outputs the tone level from the module A1 to the module B. The goal of module A1 is typically to ensure that direct sunlight or glare does not illuminate the occupant or his or her workspace. The hue level from module A1 is determined to achieve this. Subsequent calculation of the hue level in modules B, C1 and D may reduce energy consumption and may require even larger hues. However, if subsequent calculations of the energy consumption based hue level indicate less hue than is 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 hue level calculated in the module A1 is input into the module B. Typically, module B determines a hue level that darkens (or does not change) the hue level calculated in module B. The tone level is calculated based on the calculation of irradiance under a clear sky condition (irradiance of a clear sky). The processor of the controller uses module B to calculate irradiance of a clear sky for one or more electrochromic windows based on window orientation from the profile and based on latitude and longitude coordinates of the building. These calculations are also based on time t _i And/or a maximum of all times of day. Publicly available software, such as the wireless program, is an open source program that can provide calculations for calculating irradiance of a 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 shade level than that in A1 and transmits less heat than the reference glass is calculated to transmit 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 increases the hue level calculated in module A1 and selects a hue level at which the internal radiation is less than or equal to the reference internal irradiance, wherein: internal irradiance = hue level SHGC x clear sky irradiance, andreference internal irradiance = reference SHGC x maximum sunny irradiance.

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

In operation 2295, the tone level of the module C1 is input to the module D. Further, the infrared sensor readings and the ambient temperature sensor readings and/or their associated filtered infrared 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 readings (T) from local sensors in the building _{Environment (environment)} ) Or ambient temperature readings (T) from weather transmission data _{Weather of} ) And/or T _Sky -T _{Environment (environment)} The difference between them. The filtered infrared sensor value is based on a sky temperature reading (T _Sky ) And an ambient temperature reading (T _{Environment (environment)} ) Or ambient temperature readings (T) from weather data _{Weather of} ) And (5) determining. The 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 the infrared sensor and/or from a separate temperature sensor, such as a multi-sensor device, in the building. As another example, an ambient temperature reading may be received from a weather transmission. The logic of block D is to determine the cloud cover condition by comparing the filtered infrared sensor value to a threshold value. Typically, the level of hue determined by the operation of module D darkens (or does not change) the level of hue determined by the operation of module C1. The hue level determined in block D in this example is the final hue level.

Much of the information entered into the control logic described with respect to fig. 22 is determined from fixed information about building latitude and longitude and also from time of day and date (day of 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 that are implementing the control logic. The position of the sun relative to the windows can 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 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, for example, the readings taken by the external visible light sensor in a multi-sensor device are low, possibly considered to be consistent with readings during cloudy daytime. Thus, if considered in isolation, external visible light photosensor readings taken in the morning and evening may falsely indicate a cloudy condition. Furthermore, any obstruction of buildings or hills/mountains may also lead to false positive indications of cloudy conditions based solely on the readings taken by the visible light sensor. Furthermore, external visible light sensor readings taken before sunrise may result in false positive cloudy conditions if taken alone. In the case where the control logic predictively predetermines the hue level at sunrise based only on visible light sensor readings taken shortly before sunrise, a false positive cloudy condition may cause the electrochromic window to transition to a clear state at sunrise, thereby causing glare to 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 times just before sunrise. The one or more infrared sensors typically operate independently of the level of insolation, allowing the tinting control logic to determine cloud conditions prior to sunrise, and to determine and maintain appropriate levels of hue 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 occluded or otherwise blocked.

In one embodiment, the control logic described with respect to FIG. 22 is based on time t, which is determined by the sun altitude _i Whether module C1 and/or module D are executed in the morning, daytime or evening region. An example of this embodiment is described in detail with respect to fig. 24.

Examples of Module D and Module D

In certain embodiments, module D uses filtered Infrared (IR) sensor values (e.g., rolling averages or median values of sensor readings) to determine the tint level of one or more electrochromic windows in a building. The filtered IR sensor values may be logically calculated and passed to module D, or module D may query a database to retrieve stored filtered IR sensor values. In one aspect, module D includes logic to use the cloudiness offset value and the sky temperature reading (T _Sky ) And the ambient temperature reading (T _{Environment (environment)} ) Or ambient temperature readings (T) from weather data _{Weather of} ) And/or the difference delta (delta) between the sky temperature reading and the ambient temperature reading. The cloudiness offset value is a temperature offset corresponding to a threshold value for determining a cloudiness 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 further includes a module D' that receives the infrared sensor readings and the ambient temperature readings from the sensor, calculates a filtered infrared sensor value, and communicates the filtered infrared sensor value to the module D. Alternatively, the logic of module D' may be executed by one or more processors of the multi-sensor apparatus. 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 executing the calculations of module D retrieve as input the filtered IR sensor values from the IR sensor measurement database.

Fig. 23 illustrates a flow chart 2300 depicting the logic of module D', in accordance with certain embodiments. The logic of module D' may be performed 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 from, for example, a rooftop multi-sensor device via a communication network at the building. The received sensor readings include sky temperature readings (T _Sky ) And ambient temperature readings (T _{Environment (environment)} ) Or ambient temperature readings (T) from weather data _{Weather of} ) And/or T _Sky And T _{Environment (environment)} A reading of the difference (delta) between them. Ambient temperature readings (T _{Environment (environment)} ) Is a measurement made by an ambient temperature sensor located on or separate from the infrared sensor device. The 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 in a building (e.g., of a rooftop multi-sensor device), each having a sensor device for measuring ambient temperature (T _{Environment (environment)} ) And an on-board ambient temperature sensor directed to the sky for measuring the sky temperature (T) based on infrared radiation received in its field of view _Sky ) Is provided. 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 (environment)} ) And sky temperature (T) _Sky ) Is a reading of (a). In another case, each infrared sensor device outputs an ambient temperature (T _{Environment (environment)} ) Sky temperature (T) _Sky ) And T _Sky And T is _{Environment (environment)} A reading of the difference delta between them. In one case, each infrared sensor deviceOutput T _Sky And T is _{Environment (environment)} A reading of the difference delta between them. According to one aspect, the logic of module D' uses raw sensor readings of measurements made by two IR sensor devices in a 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 raw sky temperature (T) acquired by an infrared sensor at the building and pointing to the sky to receive infrared radiation within its field of view _Sky ) Readings and ambient temperature readings from weather transmission data (T _{Weather of} ). Weather transmission data is received from one or more weather services and/or other data sources over a communication network. Weather transmission data typically includes data associated with weather conditions, such as cloud coverage, visibility data, wind speed data, temperature data, percent precipitation, and/or humidity. Typically, weather transmission data is received in a signal by a window controller via a communication network. According to certain aspects, the window controller may transmit a signal with a request for weather transmission data to one or more weather services through a communication interface over a communication network. The request typically includes at least the longitude and latitude of the location of the window being controlled. In response, the one or more weather services send a signal with weather send data to the window controller over the communication network via the communication interface. The communication interface and network may be in wired or wireless form. In some cases, the weather service may be accessed through a weather website. Can be 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 about the logic for sending data using weather can be found in international application PCT/US16/41344, filed 7 at 2016, 7 entitled "control method for tintable windows (CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS)", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Returning to fig. 23, in operation 2320, sky temperature readings from one or more infrared sensors are basedAmbient temperature readings and cloudiness offset values from one or more local ambient temperature sensors or from weather transmissions calculate a temperature value (T _{Calculation of} ). The cloudiness offset value is a temperature offset that determines a first threshold and a second threshold for determining cloud conditions in module D. In one embodiment, the cloudiness offset value is-17 millidegrees celsius. In one example, a cloudiness offset value of-17 millicelsius corresponds to a first threshold value of 0 millicelsius. In one embodiment, the cloudiness offset value is in a range of-30 millidegrees celsius to 0 millidegrees celsius.

In one embodiment, a temperature value (T) is calculated based on sky temperature readings of two or more pairs of thermal sensors _{Calculation of} ). Each pair of thermal sensors has an infrared sensor and an ambient temperature sensor. In one case, the thermal sensors of each pair are integral components 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 _{calculation of} =minimum value (T _{Sky 1} 、T _{Sky 2} (v.) minimum (T) _{Environment 1} 、T _{Environment 2} (ii.) cloudiness offset (formula 2)

Wherein T is _{Sky 1} 、T _{Sky 2} Temperature readings taken by a plurality of infrared sensors, T _{Environment 1} 、T _{Environment 2} Temperature readings taken by a plurality of ambient temperature sensors. If two infrared sensors and two ambient temperature sensors are used, T _{Calculation of} =minimum value (T _{Sky 1} 、T _{Sky 2} ) -minimum value (T _{Environment 1} 、T _{Environment 2} ) -a cloudy offset. The minimum of readings from 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 levels of hue, to bias the results towards avoiding glare.

In another embodiment, when the ambient temperature sensor readsWhen the number becomes unavailable or inaccurate, for example, when the ambient temperature sensor is reading heat emitted from a local source (e.g., a rooftop), the logic of module D' may switch from using the local ambient temperature sensor to using weather to send data. In this embodiment, the temperature of the environment (T) based on sky temperature readings and data from weather transmissions _{Weather of} ) Calculating a temperature value (T) _{Calculation of} ). In this embodiment, the temperature value is calculated as:

T _{calculation of} =minimum value (T _{Sky 1} 、T _{Sky 2} 、...)–T _{Weather of} Cloudiness offset (equation 3) in another embodiment, a temperature value (T) is calculated based on a reading of the difference delta between the sky temperature and the ambient temperature measured at two or more infrared sensor devices _{Calculation of} ) Each infrared sensor device has an on-board infrared sensor measurement and an ambient temperature sensor. In this embodiment, the temperature value is calculated as:

T _{calculation of} =minimum (Δ ₁ 、Δ ₂ (ii.) cloudiness offset (equation 4)

Wherein delta is ₁ 、Δ ₂ Is a reading of the difference delta between the sky temperature and the ambient temperature measured by a plurality of infrared sensor devices.

In the embodiment 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 value input to module D to determine the cloud condition. The fluctuations in the ambient temperature readings tend to be less than the fluctuations in the sky temperature readings. By using the difference between the sky temperature and the ambient temperature as input to determine the hue state, the hue state determined over time may fluctuate less and provide a more stable coloration for the window.

In another embodiment, the control logic calculates T based solely on sky temperature readings from two or more infrared sensors _{Calculation of} . In this embodiment, the IR sensor values determined by module D' and input into module D are based on the sky temperature readings, rather than the ambient temperature readings. In this case, module D determines clouds based on sky temperature readingsThe condition is as follows. Although for determining T _{Calculation of} The above-described embodiments of (a) are based on two or more redundant sensors of each type, but it should be understood that control logic may be implemented with readings from a single sensor of a different type.

At operation 2330, the processor uses the T determined in operation 2320 _{Calculation of} And updating the short-term boxcar waveform and the long-term boxcar waveform. To update the boxcar waveform, the latest 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 coloring decisions. The module D' and other logic described herein uses both short-term and long-term tank car waveforms (filters) to determine filtered sensor values. The short boxcar waveform (e.g., a boxcar waveform employing sample values taken in 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.) is based on a smaller number of sensor samples (e.g., n=1, 2, 3, …, etc.) relative to a larger number of sensor samples (e.g., n=10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) in the long boxcar waveform (e.g., a boxcar waveform employing sample values taken in 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.). The boxcar waveform (illumination) value 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 boxcar waveform value is the median value of the sensor sample and the long boxcar waveform value is the median value of the sensor sample. Module D' typically uses a rolling median of the sensor samples for each of the short and long boxcar waveform values. In another example, the short boxcar waveform value is the average of the sensor samples, and the long boxcar waveform value is the average of the sensor samples. Module C1 typically uses filtered light sensor values that are determined from short and/or long tank car waveform values based on the mean of the sensor samples.

Since the short boxcar waveform value is based on a smaller number of sensor samples, the short boxcar waveform value more closely follows the current sensor readings than the long boxcar waveform value. Thus, the short boxcar waveform values are more quickly and to a greater extent responsive to rapidly changing conditions than the long boxcar waveform values. Although both the calculated short and long boxcar waveform values lag the sensor readings, the short boxcar waveform values will lag to a lesser extent than the long boxcar waveform values. Short boxcar waveform values tend to react more rapidly to current conditions than long boxcar waveform values. Long boxcar waveforms may be used to smooth the window controller's response to frequent short duration weather fluctuations, such as passing clouds, while short boxcar waveforms do not also smooth, but respond more quickly to rapid and significant weather changes, such as cloudy weather conditions. In the case of passing cloud conditions, control logic that uses only long boxcar waveform values will not react quickly to the current passing cloud conditions. In this case, the long boxcar waveform values may be used in the coloring decision to determine the appropriate high tone level. In the case of a fog out condition, it may be more appropriate to use short-term boxcar waveform values in the coloring decisions. In this case, the short-term boxcar waveform reacts more rapidly to new clear conditions after fog out. By using the short-term boxcar waveform values to make the tinting decision, the tintable window can be quickly adjusted to a clear condition and remain comfortable for the occupant as the fog burns out quickly.

At operation 2340, the processor determines a short boxcar waveform value (Sboxcar value) and a long boxcar waveform value (Lboxcar value) based on the current sensor readings in the boxcar waveform updated at operation 2330. In this example, each boxcar waveform value is calculated by taking the median value 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 an 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 boxcar waveform value and the long-term boxcar waveform value to determine the boxcar waveform value to be implemented in making the 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 boxcar waveform value and the long-term boxcar waveform value exceeds a threshold. In this 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 be indicative of a sufficiently large short term fluctuation, for example, a large cloud that may suggest a transition to a lower hue state. If the absolute value of the difference between the short and long boxcar waveform values does not exceed the threshold, a long-term boxcar waveform is used. Returning to fig. 23, in 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 delta threshold value (|sboxcar value-Lboxcar value| > delta threshold value). In some cases, the value of the Δthreshold is in the range of 0 milli-degrees celsius to 10 milli-degrees celsius. In one case, the value of the delta threshold is 0 milli-celsius.

If the absolute value of the difference is above the delta threshold, 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 above the delta threshold, then an 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 into the IR sensor measurement database for retrieval by module D. Alternatively, the filtered IR sensor values may be passed directly to module D.

Examples of control logic for making coloring decisions depending on morning, daytime, evening, night area based on infrared sensor and/or light sensor readings

In some embodiments, the coloring 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 times just before sunrise. Since infrared sensors typically operate independently of solar intensity levels, the tinting control logic is allowed to determine cloud conditions just prior to sunrise and maintain appropriate levels of hue during the morning and evening when the sun is falling. Further, readings from the infrared sensors may be used to determine cloud conditions even if the visible light sensor is occluded or otherwise blocked. 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 _i Whether module C1 and/or module D are executed in the morning, daytime or evening region. An example of this control logic scheme is described in detail with respect to fig. 24.

FIG. 24 shows a flowchart 2400 depicting control logic for making a coloring decision, which is in accordance with a calculated time t _i Whether in the morning, daytime or evening region, infrared sensor and/or light sensor data is used. An example of certain operations of the control logic described with respect to the flow diagrams shown in fig. 24 is described with reference to the flow diagrams shown in fig. 26-28. In one aspect, the control logic is prediction logic that calculates the tone level to which the window should be transitioned in advance. In this regard, the calculations in modules A1, B, C1 and D are performed to determine the appropriate tone level (i.e., t _i =current time plus duration, e.g. transition time of 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. One or more windows will transition to the desired hue level at the future time before the transition is completed.

In the flowchart 2400 illustrated in fig. 24, at operation 2405, the computation of control logic is run at intervals of timer timing. In one embodiment, the logic calculations are performed at constant time intervals. In one example, the logic computation is completed every 2 to 5 minutes. In another example, it may be desirable to perform the calculation at a lower frequency, such as once every 30 minutes or every 20 minutes, e.g., for a large area electrochromic window that may take 30 minutes or more to switch.

In operation 2412, executing the control logic of module A1 to determine a hue level that considers occupant comfort, avoiding direct sunlight from passing through one or more electrochromic windows to the occupant or their living beingOn the dynamic region. First, control logic is used to determine whether the solar azimuth angle is outside the critical angle of one or more electrochromic windows. The logic of module A1 is for a building with windows based on the longitude and latitude and time of day t _i And the day of the year (date) calculates the position of the sun in the sky. The position of the sun includes the sun azimuth angle (also referred to as the sun azimuth angle). Publicly available programs may provide calculations to determine the position of the sun. The critical angle is entered from a profile of one or more windows. At operation 2414, if it is determined that the solar azimuth angle 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 control logic proceeds to module B. In this case, module A1 delivers a "sunny" tone level (i.e., lowest tone state) as an input to module B.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the solar azimuth angle is between the critical angles of the one or more windows, then the sunlight is shining at an angle that directs the sunlight into the room through the one or more windows. In this case, the logic of module A1 is executed to calculate at time t based on the calculated solar position and window configuration information _i The 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 facing), and details of any external masking. The logic of module A1 is then executed to determine, based on the spatial type of the room, a hue level that will provide occupant comfort for the calculated penetration depth by looking up in an occupancy lookup table or other data that corresponds different hue levels to spatial types and penetration depths, a desired hue level for the calculated penetration depth associated with the window (e.g., an office having a table near the window, a lobby, a conference room, etc.). The module A1 is provided as input from a configuration file associated with one or more windows with space types and occupancy lookup tables or similar data. In some cases, the tint level may also be based on providing adequate natural lighting for a room having one or more windows. In this case, the space type and The calculated penetration depth determines the hue level as input to module B.

An example of an occupancy lookup table is provided in fig. 25. The values in the table are based on hue level and associated SHGC values in brackets. 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 tone level 0 corresponds to SHGC value 0.80, tone level 5 corresponds to SHGC value 0.70, tone level 10 corresponds to SHGC value 0.60, tone level 15 corresponds to SHGC value 0.50, tone level 20 corresponds to SHGC value 0.40, tone level 25 corresponds to SHGC value 0.30, tone level 30 corresponds to SHGC value 0.20, and tone level 35 (darkest) corresponds to SHGC value 0.10. The illustrated example includes three spatial types: table 1, table 2, and lobby, and six penetration depths.

In operation 2415, the control logic of module B is executed to determine a hue level based on the predicted irradiance under the clear sky condition (clear sky irradiance). The module B is used for predicting t under clear sky condition _i Irradiance 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 latitude and longitude coordinates of the building, the direction of the window (i.e., the direction in which the window faces), and the time of day t _i And days of the year. These predictions of clear sky irradiance may be calculated using open source software such as radioce. The block B typically determines a darker tone level than the tone level input from the block A1. The hue level determined by module B transfers less heat than the reference glass predicted to transfer at the maximum clear sky irradiance. The logic of module B determines the hue level by gradually increasing the hue level input from module A1 and selects the hue level, wherein based on t _i The predicted internal irradiance in the room at clear sky irradiance is less than or equal to the reference internal irradiance, wherein: internal irradiance = hue level SHGC x clear sky irradiance, reference internal irradiance = reference SHGC x maximum clear sky irradiance. SHGC of reference glass input from configuration fileIn module B. The hue level from module B is provided as input to modules C1 and D.

The control logic makes coloring decisions according to time t _i Whether in the morning, daytime or evening region, infrared sensor and/or light sensor data is used. Control logic determines time t based on solar altitude _i Is in the morning, daytime, evening, and nighttime areas. Logic determination of module A1 at time t _i Including solar altitude. The solar altitude is transferred from module A1 to modules C1 and D. In operation 2422, the control logic determines that at time t _i Whether the calculated solar altitude is less than 0. If at time t _i Is determined to be less than 0, then it is night and at operation 2424 the control logic sets the night tint state. An example of a night tone state is a clear tone level, which is the lowest tone state. The cleared tint level may be used as a night tint state, for example, to provide security by allowing security personnel outside the building to see into the illuminated room inside the building through the cleared windows. Another example of a night shade state is a highest shade level that may provide privacy and/or security by not allowing others to see inside a building at night when the window is in the darkest shade state. If at time t _i Is determined to be less than 0, then the control logic determines if there is override readiness at operation 2490. If the override is not ready, the final hue level is set to the night hue level. If the override is ready, then at operation 2492 the control logic sets the final hue level to the override value. At operation 2496, control logic is executed to communicate the final tone level to convert the one or more windows to the final tone level. The control logic then proceeds to a timer at operation 2405 to calculate at the next time interval.

If at time t _i If the calculated solar altitude of (2) is determined to be greater than or equal to 0 at operation 2422, then 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, then time t _i In the morning or evening. In one example, the sunThe height threshold is less than 10 degrees. In another example, the solar altitude threshold is less than 15 degrees. In another example, the solar altitude 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.

At operation 2432, control logic is to determine whether it is the morning based on whether the solar altitude increases or decreases. The control logic compares at t _i The calculated solar altitude value acquired at that point and at another time determines whether the solar altitude is increasing or decreasing. If the control logic determines that the sun height is increasing, then at operation 2434 it is determined to be morning and the control logic runs a 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 hue levels based on the filtered IR sensor values. If the filtered infrared sensor value is below the lower threshold, then a "sunny" condition is present and the hue level of module D is set to the highest hue level. If the filtered infrared sensor value is above the upper threshold, then a "cloudy" condition is present and the hue level of module D is set to the lowest hue 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 halftone level. If the control logic determines that the solar altitude is not increasing (decreasing) at operation 2432, 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 the flowchart 2700 illustrated in fig. 27.

After running the morning or evening IR sensor algorithm of module D to determine the level of hue based on module D, at operation 2490 the control logic determines whether override is ready. If the override is not ready, the final tone level is set to the tone level determined by module D. If the override is ready, the control logic sets the final hue level to the override value in operation 2492. At operation 2496, control logic is executed to communicate the final hue level to convert the one or more electrochromic devices on the one or more windows to the final hue level. The control logic then proceeds to a timer at operation 2405 to calculate 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 _i During daytime hours and the control logic runs a daytime algorithm directed to module C1 and/or module D to determine a hue level based on 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 hue level is set to the hue level determined by the daytime algorithm of module C1 and/or module D. Daytime algorithms that may be used are described with respect to flowchart 2800 shown in fig. 28. If the override is ready, then at operation 2492 the control logic sets the final hue level to the override value. At operation 2496, control logic is executed to communicate the final tone level to convert the one or more windows to the final tone level. The control logic then proceeds to a timer at operation 2405 to calculate at the next time interval.

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

Module D queries the infrared sensor measurement database to obtain a filtered IR sensor value (or receives the value directly from another logic module) and then determines a 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 a "sunny" condition is present and the hue level of module D is set to the highest hue level. If the filtered infrared sensor value is above the upper threshold, then a "cloudy" condition is present and the hue level of module D is set to the lowest hue 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 halftone 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 performed.

Fig. 29 shows a graph of filtered IR sensor values over time in millicelsius over 24 hours. The figure shows three regions of the filtered range of infrared sensor values. The upper region above the upper threshold is the "cloudy" region. Filtered infrared sensor values above the upper threshold lie in the "cloudy" region. The middle region between the upper and lower thresholds is an "intermittent cloudy" or "partial cloudy" region. The lower region below the lower threshold is a "clear" region, also referred to as a "clear" region. Filtered IR sensor values below the upper threshold are located in a "clear" or "sunny" area. 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 of the afternoon cloud. A second curve 2932 shows calculated filtered IR sensor values acquired on a sunny day/the next sunny day throughout. 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 used in the evening (lower and upper evening thresholds) are typically higher than the lower and upper thresholds used in the morning (lower and upper morning thresholds).

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

The control logic of flowchart 2600 begins at operation 2610 and compares the filtered IR sensor value to a lower morning threshold to determine if the filtered IR sensor value is less than the lower morning threshold. The control logic of module D queries an infrared sensor measurement database or other database to retrieve filtered infrared sensor values. Alternatively, the control logic calculates the filtered IR sensor value. One example of control logic that may be used to calculate the filtered IR sensor value and store the value to the infrared sensor measurement database is the control logic of block D' described with reference to the flowchart in fig. 23. The lower morning threshold is a temperature value at the lower boundary of the filtered IR sensor value between the lower region where the morning region applies ("sunny day" or "sunny" region) and the middle region ("partly cloudy" region). In certain embodiments, the lower morning threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 millicelsius. 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 "clear" 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 transmits 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 morning lower threshold, the control logic continues with determining at operation 2630 whether the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the morning upper threshold and greater than or equal to the morning lower threshold. The morning threshold is the temperature at the upper boundary of the filtered IR sensor value between the middle region ("partially cloudy" region) and the upper region ("cloudy" region) where the morning region of the day is applicable. In certain embodiments, the morning threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 millicelsius. In one example, the morning threshold is 3 milli-celsius.

If it is determined at operation 2630 that the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the morning upper threshold and greater than or equal to the morning lower threshold, then it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in the middle region that is the "local cloudiness" 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 transmits the tone level of module D.

If it is determined at 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), then it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in an upper region that is "cloudy" (operation 2650). In this case, the control logic sets the tone level of the module D to a low tone state (e.g., tone level 2 or lower) and transmits the tone level of the module D.

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

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

If it is determined at operation 2710 that the filtered IR sensor value is less than the low evening threshold, the filtered IR sensor value is in a lower region, which is a "clear" 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 transmits the tone level from module D at operation 2720.

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

If it is determined at 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 lower threshold, then it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in the middle region that is the "local cloudiness" 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 transmits the tone level of module D.

If it is determined at operation 2730 that the filtered IR sensor value is not less than or equal to the evening threshold and is greater than or equal to the evening lower threshold (i.e., the filtered sensor value is greater than the evening upper threshold), then 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 the module D to a low tone state (e.g., tone level 2 or lower) and transmits the tone level of the module D.

Examples of daytime algorithms of module C1 and/or module D

During the day, if the local area around the infrared sensor heats up, the temperature readings taken by the infrared sensor may fluctuate. For example, an infrared sensor located on a roof may absorb midday sunlight and thus be heated by the roof. In some embodiments, the daytime algorithm prohibits the use of infrared sensor readings in some cases in its hue decision and uses module C1 to determine the hue level only from the light sensor readings. 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 of a daytime algorithm that 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 coloring control logic determines that the current time is within the daytime zone. Daytime algorithms are examples of control logic that may be executed at operation 2440 of the flowchart shown in fig. 24 when the solar altitude is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to the altitude threshold.

At operation 2810, a determination is made as to whether use of IR sensor readings is enabled. In one case, the default setting of the coloring control logic is to disable the use of infrared sensor readings unless the light sensor readings are not available, for example, 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, the 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, the control logic runs the daylight sensor algorithm of module C1 (operation 2850).

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

At operation 2832, logic of the daylight sensor algorithm of module C1 is run to determine a second hue level. The module C1 determines a second hue level based on the real-time irradiance using the photosensor reading. An example of 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 using module C1 based on the light sensor readings. The hue level of the daytime algorithm is set to the maximum of the first hue state calculated based on the IR sensor reading and the second hue level calculated based on the light sensor reading. Returning to the hue level of module C1 or D.

If it is determined at operation 2810 that the use of IR sensor readings is not enabled, the control logic runs the daylight sensor algorithm of module C1 (operation 2850). At operation 2850, logic of the daylight sensor algorithm of module C1 is run to determine a second hue level. In this case, the hue status from the daytime algorithm is set to a second hue level based on the light sensor reading and returned to that hue level of module 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.

Instance of Module C1

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

At operation 3020, current light sensor values are received to reflect conditions outside the building, and thresholding is implemented to calculate suggested levels of hue to apply. 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 sampling 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 the 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 flow chart 3100 of fig. 31, which shows control logic for module C1'.

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

If the current time is a point in time after the end of the lockout period, the control logic calculates a suggested tone level based on conditions monitored during the lockout period at operation 3020. The suggested tone level calculated based on the conditions monitored during locking is based on a statistical evaluation of the monitoring inputs. Various techniques may be used to statistically evaluate inputs monitored during latency. One example is hue level averaging during waiting times. During the wait time, the control logic performs operations of monitoring the inputs and calculating the determined tone levels, for example using one or more of modules A1, B and C1. The determined hue level is then averaged over the waiting time to determine which direction is suggested for a hue region transition.

In operation 3025, it is determined whether the current time is within the lock period. If the current time is during lock-in, module C1 does not alter the hue level received from module B. During locking, the light sensor value under external conditions is monitored. Further, the control logic monitors the recommended tone level determined by operation 3020 during locking. If it is determined that the current time is not during lock, the control logic proceeds to operation 3030.

In operation 3030, the logic of module C1 continues to determine whether the current information suggests a tone transition. This operation 3030 compares the suggested tone level determined at operation 3020 to the current tone level applied to one or more windows to determine whether the tone levels are different. If the suggested tone level is not different from the current tone level, the tone level does not change.

At operation 3050, if the proposed tone level is different from the current tone level, module C1 sets a new tone level that is one tone level toward the proposed tone level determined at operation 3020 (even if the proposed tone level is two or more tone levels from the current tone level). For example, if the suggested hue region determined in operation 3020 is from a first hue level to a third hue level, the hue level returned by the module C1 is to switch one hue level to a second hue level.

In operation 3070, a lock period is set to lock transition to other tone levels during the lock period. During this lock-in, the photosensor value of the external condition is monitored. In addition, the control logic calculates a suggested hue region during the interval based on conditions monitored during the lock-in. The new tone level delivered from the module C1 is determined at operation 3050 as one tone level toward the recommended tone level determined at operation 3020.

Examples of modules C1

Fig. 31 illustrates a flow chart 3100 depicting the logic of module C1' according to some embodiments. The logic of module C1' may be performed 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 operation of module C1' receives as input the light sensor reading at the current time. The light sensor readings may be received from, for example, a rooftop multi-sensor device via a communication network at the building. 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 photosensors 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. On the other hand, the logic of module C1' uses raw light sensor readings of measurements made by thirteen (13) light sensors in the building.

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

In operation 3130, the processor updates the short-term boxcar waveform and the long-term boxcar waveform with the light sensor values determined in operation 3120. In the module C1' and other control logic described herein, the filtered light sensor values are used as inputs to make coloring decisions. The module C1' and other logic described herein uses both short-term and long-term tank car waveforms (filters) to determine filtered sensor values. The short boxcar waveform (e.g., a boxcar waveform employing sample values taken in 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.) is based on a smaller number of sensor samples (e.g., n=1, 2, 3, …, etc.) relative to a larger number of sensor samples (e.g., n=10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) in the long boxcar waveform (e.g., a boxcar waveform employing sample values taken in 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.). The boxcar waveform (illumination) value 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 boxcar waveform value is the average of the sensor samples and the long boxcar waveform value is the average of the light sensor samples. Module D' typically uses a rolling average of the sensor samples for each of the short and long boxcar waveform values. In another example, the short boxcar waveform value is the average of the sensor samples, and the long boxcar waveform value is the average of the sensor samples.

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

In operation 3150, 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 delta threshold (i Sboxcar value-Lboxcar value > delta threshold). In some cases, the value of the Δthreshold is in the range of 0 milli-degrees celsius to 10 milli-degrees celsius. In one case, the value of the delta threshold is 0 milli-celsius.

If the difference is above the delta threshold, the Sboxcar value is assigned to the light sensor value and the short-term boxcar waveform is reset to clear its value (operation 3160). If the difference is not above the delta threshold, then the 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 an infrared cloud detector of some implementations, according to another implementation, two or more infrared sensors may be used for redundancy in the event of one failure and/or being obscured by, for example, bird droppings or other environmental objects. 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 covering 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 hue based on a condition that may occur at a future time (also referred to herein as a "future condition"). For example, the hue level may be determined based on the likelihood of a cloud condition occurring at a future time (e.g., t _i Current time + duration, e.g. transition 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 be transitioned to the tone level to be completed upon receipt of the control instruction. In these cases, the controller may send the instruction at the current time prior to the actual transition. By completing the transition, the window will transition to the desired hue level at that future time. In other embodiments, the disclosed control logic may be used to determine the hue level based on conditions that may occur or may occur at the current time, for example by setting the duration to 0. For example, in some electrochromic windows, the transition time to a new tone level (e.g., to a halftone level) may be very short, so it would be appropriate to send an instruction to transition to the tone 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, one of ordinary skill in the art will know and appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement the present invention using hardware and combinations of hardware and software.

Any of the software components or functions described in this application 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 codes 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 disk drive or a floppy disk, a magnetic disk or an optical medium such as a CD-ROM. Any such computer-readable medium may reside on or within a single computing device and may be present on or within a different computing device within a system or network.

While the foregoing disclosed embodiments have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the described embodiments should be considered 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 the disclosure. Further, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to any of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The components of any of the embodiments may be integrated or separated according to particular needs without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

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

a computer readable medium having control logic configured to determine a hue level of the one or more tintable windows based on a cloud condition at a future time, the cloud condition determined based on one or both of a light sensor reading and an infrared sensor reading; a kind of electronic device with high-pressure air-conditioning system

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 for the future time based in part on one or both of the light sensor reading and the infrared sensor reading and based on whether the future time is in a morning area, a daytime area, or an evening area;

Determining the level of hue for the one or more tintable windows based on the determined cloud condition for the future time; and

a tint instruction is sent to the local window controller to convert the tint of the one or more tintable windows to the determined level of tint.

2. The controller of claim 1, wherein if the future time is during night, the processor is configured to determine the hue level to be a night hue level.

3. The controller of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether the future time is in the morning area, the daytime area, or the evening area based on a solar altitude of the future time.

4. The controller of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to determine the cloud condition further based on one or more ambient temperature readings.

5. The controller of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:

determining a first shade 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 first hue level and the second hue level.

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

a computer readable medium having control logic configured to determine a hue level of the one or more tintable windows based on a cloud condition, the cloud condition based on one or both of a light sensor reading and an infrared sensor reading;

(i) Determining the cloud condition based on the filtered value of the infrared sensor reading if the future time is in the morning area or in the evening area, and (ii) if the future time is in the daytime area,

determining the cloud condition based on the filtered value of the light sensor reading;

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

a tint instruction is sent over a network to the local window controller to convert the tint of the one or more tintable windows to the determined level of tint.

7. The controller of claim 6, wherein the filtered value of the infrared sensor readings is a minimum value of readings taken by a plurality of infrared sensors.

8. The controller of claim 6, wherein the filtered value of the infrared sensor readings is based on a difference between a minimum value of readings taken by a plurality of infrared sensors and a minimum value of readings taken by a plurality of ambient temperature sensors.

9. The controller of claim 6, wherein the filtered value of the infrared sensor readings is based on a difference between a minimum value of readings taken by a plurality of infrared sensors and an ambient temperature sensor reading from weather transmission data.

10. The controller of claim 6, the cloud condition being determined based on the light sensor reading, the infrared sensor reading, and an ambient temperature sensor reading.

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

determining a cloud condition for a future time based on one or both of the light sensor reading and the infrared sensor reading and based on whether the future time is in a morning area, a daytime area, or an evening area;

determining a hue level of the one or more tintable windows based on the determined cloud condition at the future time; and

a tint instruction is sent to a local window controller to convert the tint of the one or more tintable windows to the determined level of tint.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the hue level is determined to be a night hue level if the future time is during night.

13. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising:

calculating the solar altitude; and

based on the calculated solar altitude, it is determined whether the future time is in the daytime zone, the morning zone, or the evening zone.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising calculating the future time based on a current time and a transition time of a representative window of a band of windows containing the one or more tintable windows.

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

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

determining a cloud condition for the future time based on one or both of a light sensor reading and an infrared sensor reading, wherein if the future time is in a daytime zone and the infrared sensor reading is enabled, (i) determining a first hue level based on the light sensor reading, (ii) determining a second hue level from the infrared sensor reading, and (iii) calculating the hue level as the maximum of the first and second hue levels;

Determining a hue level of the one or more tintable windows based on the determined cloud conditions at the future time; and

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the cloud condition is determined based on the light sensor reading if the future time is in a daytime zone and the infrared sensor reading is disabled.

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

determining a cloud condition for the future time based on one or both of the light sensor reading and the infrared sensor reading;

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

determining a cloud condition of a morning area or an evening area using the first filter value;

18. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprising:

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

and determining a cloud condition of the daytime zone using the second filter value.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein filtering the infrared sensor readings to determine a first filtered value comprises calculating a minimum of readings taken by a plurality of infrared sensors.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first filtered value is determined based on a difference between a minimum of readings taken by a plurality of infrared sensors and a minimum of readings taken by a plurality of ambient temperature sensors.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the first filtered value is determined based on a difference between a minimum of readings taken by a plurality of infrared sensors and an ambient temperature reading from weather transmission data.

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

determining a cloud condition for the future time based on one or both of a light sensor reading and an infrared sensor reading, wherein (i) the cloud condition is determined based on a light sensor reading if the future time is in the daytime zone or in an evening zone, (ii) the cloud condition is determined from one or both of the light sensor reading and the infrared sensor reading if the future time is in the morning zone; and (iii) if the future time is during the night, determining that the tint level of the one or more tintable windows is a night tint level;

Determining the hue level of the one or more tintable windows based on the cloud condition of the future time determined if the future time is in the morning, daytime, or evening area; and