CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES
This disclosure relates generally to optically-switchable devices, and more particularly, to systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling optically-switchable devices. In some implementations, the apparatus includes an interface for communicating with window controllers, and the apparatus includes one or more processors. A processor can be configured to cause status information received from a window controller to be processed. The status information can indicate at least a tint status of one or more optically-switchable devices controlled by the window controller. In response to receiving the status information, one or more tint commands can be sent via the interface to the window controller.
1 - 32 . (canceled)
33 . A method of controlling an optically switchable device, comprising:
providing one or more optically switchable devices, at least one control panel, and one or more window controllers that are each capable of limiting power to less than 24 VA;
sending electrical power at up to class 1 power from the at least one control panel to the one or more window controllers;
regulating the power from the at least one control panel, wherein regulating the power from the at least one control panel is by the one or more window controllers; and
sending less than 24 VA to each of the one or more optically switchable devices.
34 . The method of claim 33 , wherein the electrical power sent at up to class 1 power from the at least one control panel to the one or more window controllers is at least an order of magnitude greater than the power provided to each of the one or more optically switchable devices.
35 . The method of claim 33 , wherein the sending is done by the one or more window controllers.
36 . The method of claim 33 , further comprising switching the one or more optically switchable devices from a first state to a second state.
37 . The method of claim 36 , wherein the first state is full clear and the second state is full tint.
38 . The method of claim 36 , wherein the first state is full tint and the second state is full clear.
39 . The method of claim 36 , wherein the first state is full clear and the second state is intermediate tint.
40 . The method of claim 33 , wherein the at least one control panel is configured to send 500 watts of power.
41 . The method of claim 33 , wherein the one or more window controllers is a class 2 device.
42 . The method of claim 33 , wherein the one or more optically switchable devices comprises:
a substrate;
a first transparent conductive layer;
a second transparent conductive layer;
an electrochromic layer disposed between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent layer; and
a counter electrode layer disposed between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent layer.
43 . The method of claim 42 , wherein the substrate is a material selected from the group consisting of a glass, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyester, a plastic, a semi-plastic, a thermoplastic, or a combination thereof.
44 . The method of claim 42 , wherein the first transparent conductive layer is a material selected from the group consisting of a tin oxide, a doped zinc oxide, a fluorinated tin oxide, one or more metal oxides, one or more metal oxides doped with one or more metals, or one or more non-metallic materials including a conductive metal nitride or a composite conductor.
45 . The method of claim 42 , wherein the second transparent conductive layer is a material selected from the group consisting of a tin oxide, a doped zinc oxide, a fluorinated tin oxide, one or more metal oxides, one or more metal oxides doped with one or more metals, or one or more non-metallic materials including a conductive metal nitride or a composite conductor.
46 . The method of claim 42 , wherein the electrochromic layer is a material selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide, a tungsten oxide (WO3), a doped formulation thereof, a niobium oxide, and a combination thereof.
47 . The method of claim 42 , wherein the counter electrode layer is a material selected from the group consisting of a tantalum oxide, a nickel oxide, NiO, a doped nickel oxide, and a combination thereof.
48 . A method of controlling an optically switchable device, comprising:
providing one or more optically switchable devices, at least one control panel, and one or more window controllers that are each capable of limiting power to less than 24 VA;
sending electrical power at up to class 1 power from the at least one control panel to the one or more window controllers;
regulating the power from the at least one control panel, wherein regulating the power from the at least one control panel is by the one or more window controllers; and
sending less than 24 VA to each of the one or more optically switchable devices, and sending less than 20 VA to each of the one or more optically switchable devices is by the one or more window controllers.
49 . A system for providing power, comprising:
one or more optically switchable devices;
a control panel; and
one or more window controllers, wherein the control panel is configured to provide up to electrical power at up to class 1 power to the one or more window controllers, and wherein the controller is configured to provide power at less than 24 VA to the one or more optically switchable devices.
50 . The system of claim 49 , wherein the one or more optically switchable devices is an electrochromic device.
51 . The system of claim 49 , wherein each of the one or more window controllers includes a bridge device.