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WO1996013751A1 - Systemes de regulation - Google Patents

Systemes de regulation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996013751A1
WO1996013751A1 PCT/US1995/013971 US9513971W WO9613751A1 WO 1996013751 A1 WO1996013751 A1 WO 1996013751A1 US 9513971 W US9513971 W US 9513971W WO 9613751 A1 WO9613751 A1 WO 9613751A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
transmissivity
adaptation unit
signal
radiation
layers
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1995/013971
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English (en)
Inventor
Erez Yahalomi
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU41373/96A priority Critical patent/AU4137396A/en
Publication of WO1996013751A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996013751A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/15—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect
    • G02F1/153—Constructional details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
    • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
    • B60H1/00642—Control systems or circuits; Control members or indication devices for heating, cooling or ventilating devices
    • B60H1/00735—Control systems or circuits characterised by their input, i.e. by the detection, measurement or calculation of particular conditions, e.g. signal treatment, dynamic models
    • B60H1/00785—Control systems or circuits characterised by their input, i.e. by the detection, measurement or calculation of particular conditions, e.g. signal treatment, dynamic models by the detection of humidity or frost
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/13306—Circuit arrangements or driving methods for the control of single liquid crystal cells
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/13306—Circuit arrangements or driving methods for the control of single liquid crystal cells
    • G02F1/13318—Circuits comprising a photodetector
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/133382—Heating or cooling of liquid crystal cells other than for activation, e.g. circuits or arrangements for temperature control, stabilisation or uniform distribution over the cell

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to systems for regulating a radiation dependent parameter in general.
  • the systems use elements which have variable transmissivity to certain frequency ranges of electromagnetic radiation to regulate radiation transfer.
  • variably transmissive elements Various types are known.
  • the current invention in some of its embodiments uses existing variably transmissive elements which may be of many different types. Some of these existing elements will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a PDLC film device generally designated 14.
  • Device 14 has a functional layer 16 interposed between two transparent electrodes 18, 20. Each electrode 18, 20 has an electrical contact 22, 24 for connection to an electrical power source (not shown).
  • Functional layer 16 contains liquid crystal droplets 26 dispersed in a polymer film 28.
  • Polymer film 28 is chosen such that the refractive index closely matches that of the liquid crystal along a first of its axes and differs from that along a second of its axes.
  • droplets 26 are randomly aligned in relation to functional layer 16 so that incoming light encounters a range of different refractive indices not matching that of polymer film 28. Droplets 26 will therefore act as scattering centers causing functional layer 16 to become opaque.
  • a voltage is applied across electrical contacts 22, 24, generating an electric field between transparent electrodes 18, 20, the first axis of the liquid crystal molecules in droplets 26 largely align with the field.
  • the effective refractive index both of the polymer and the liquid crystal droplets for normally incident light are substantially the same and functional layer 16 appears transparent. This technology is described in Electronics & Communication Engineering Journal, April 1992, pp. 91-100.
  • liquid crystals also allow selection of specific frequency ranges, for example cholesteric/polymer dispersed materials (see Appl. Phys. Lett. 63 (11), 13 September 1993 pp. 1471-3).
  • Alternatives to liquid crystal for devices of this type include suspended particle or electrophoretic devices in which the functional layer contains tiny needle-like particles of polyiodides or paraphathite suspended in a
  • transmissive elements 20 transmissive elements will be described. This is electrochromic elements, in which a current flows through the element thereby altering the chemical composition of some part thereof between a more transparent composition and a less transparent composition.
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a typical electrochromic element
  • Element 30 contains a functional layer 32 interposed between two transparent electrodes 34, 36. Each electrode 34, 36 has an electrical contact 38, 40 for connection to an electrical power source (not shown). Element 30 may be mounted on one, or between two passive transparent sheets 42, or they may be omitted.
  • functional layer 32 has a substructure including a layer
  • Electrochromic material itself, a layer 46 acting as an electrolyte and an ion storage layer 48.
  • the number and arrangement of layers varies according to the materials being used.
  • Materials suitable for electrochromic devices include tungsten(VI) oxide which is transparent and is converted in a cathodic reaction to tungsten bronze which is a dark blue color.
  • Other possibilities include nickel oxides, nickel hydroxide and various organic compounds including viologens and polyaniline. 5 Choice of particular electrochromic materials enables control of radiation within a specific frequency range. Crystalline tungsten oxide film, for example, exhibits a reflectance modulation at infra-red frequencies while maintaining a relatively constant high transmissivity to visible light (see SPIE Vol. 1536 Optical Materials Tech. for Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Conversion X(1991) pp. 16-
  • Nickel/manganese oxide devices exhibit switching primarily at visible frequencies with little change in infra-red transmission (ibid. pp. 98-99 Fig. 10).
  • Electrochromic elements may also be incorporated into mirrors to control glare. A 0 variety of mirror constructions are possible, for example diffusion-controlled electrochromic mirrors in which coloring occurs by diffusion through an outwardly reflecting electrode.
  • Electrochromic elements generally have a limited lifetime, such that after some number of switching operations their switching is impaired. 5 It would be highly desirable to produce systems making best use of variably transmissive elements to regulate radiation dependent parameters, improving personal comfort and making optimal use of desired radiation while reducing undesired radiation transfer.
  • the present invention relates to systems for regulating at least one radiation dependent parameter through use of electrically controlled variable transmissivity elements.
  • a system for regulating the value of a first radiation dependent parameter comprising: (a) an electrically controlled first element having at least two electrical connections, the first element containing molecules which change their orientation when a voltage is applied between two of the electrical connections thereby varying the transmissivity of the first element to radiation of at least a first range of frequencies; (b) a first sensor providing a signal indicative of the value of the first radiation dependent parameter; and (c) a first adaptation unit responsive to the signal from the first sensor to provide a voltage to vary the transmissivity of the first element over a substantially continuous range, so as to regulate the first radiation dependent parameter.
  • the first adaptation unit produces substantially linear variation of the transmissivity of the first element with respect to the value of the first radiation dependent parameter.
  • the first element is included in a reflector.
  • a temperature sensor which provides data indicative of the temperature of the first element, the first adaptation unit responding to the data.
  • the first adaptation unit compares the signal with a reference value. According to a further feature of the present invention the first adaptation unit additionally responds to the rate of change of the signal.
  • an electrically controlled second element having at least two electrical connections, the transmissivity of the second element to radiation of at least a second range of frequencies varying when a voltage is applied between two of the electrical connections;
  • a second sensor providing a signal indicative of the value of a second radiation dependent parameter;
  • a second adaptation unit responsive to the signal from the second sensor to provide a voltage to vary the transmissivity of the second element, so as to regulate the second radiation dependent parameter.
  • first adaptation unit and the second adaptation unit are included within one adaptation system.
  • first element and the second element are included within one element.
  • a system for regulating the temperature in an enclosed space comprising: (a) a primary element having at least two electrical contacts, the transmissivity of the primary element to at least some frequencies of infra-red radiation varying when a voltage is applied between two of the electrical contacts; (b) a temperature sensor providing a signal indicative of the temperature in the enclosed space; and (c) an adaptation unit responsive to the signal to apply a voltage between the electrical contacts to vary the transmissivity of the primary element as a function of the temperature in the enclosed space.
  • the adaptation unit acts to vary the transmissivity of the primary element substantially continuously.
  • a device providing a reference signal indicative of a required temperature, the adaptation unit being responsive to the difference between the signal and the reference signal.
  • the adaptation unit responds to the rate of change of the signal.
  • the system has a plurality of the primary elements
  • the adaptation unit is switchable between a first mode and a second mode, the adaptation unit responding in a first manner to the signal when in the first mode, and the adaptation unit responding in a second manner to the signal when in the second mode.
  • a sensor providing data
  • the adaptation unit being responsive to the data to switch between the first mode and the second mode.
  • the means includes a electrically controlled variably transmissive secondary element.
  • the primary element and the secondary element are included in a single window.
  • a system for adjusting an electrically controlled variably transmissive element to achieve a required value of a radiation dependent parameter comprising: (a) a sensor providing a signal indicative of the value of the radiation dependent parameter; (b) a device providing a reference signal indicative of a required value of the radiation dependent parameter; and (c) an adaptation unit providing a voltage to control the element, the adaptation unit iteratively responsive to the signal and the reference signal to vary the voltage so as to adjust the transmissivity of the element, thereby regulating the value of the radiation dependent parameter.
  • the adjustment is interrupted when the radiation parameter is close to the required value.
  • an electrically controlled variably transmissive element comprising: (a) a plurality of substantially transparent sheet electrodes; and (b) a plurality of layers having a variable transmissivity to electromagnetic radiation, each of the layers being interposed between two of the electrodes, the transmissivity of each of the plurality of layers varying in relation to a voltage applied across the two of the plurality of electrodes.
  • a first of the layers has a variable transmissivity over a range of frequencies substantially outside the frequency range of visible light
  • a second of the layers has a variable transmissivity to visible light.
  • variable transmissivity of a first of the plurality of layers and the variable transmissivity of a second of the plurality of layers occur at substantially the same range of frequencies.
  • the first of the plurality of layers has a first minimum transmissivity and the second of the plurality of layers has a second minimum transmissivity.
  • the plurality of layers includes an electrochromic material, and wherein the transmissivity of the plurality of layers is varied substantially simultaneously.
  • a head protector comprising at least one section having a variable transmissivity to some frequencies of visible light.
  • the head protector is a hat.
  • the head protector is an umbrella.
  • the section is photochromic.
  • the section is electrically controlled.
  • a light sensor producing a signal corresponding to the intensity of at least one frequency of visible light
  • an electrical power source responsive to the signal to supply electrical power to vary the transmissivity of the section.
  • a system for controlling the supply of power to a demisting device for demisting a window comprising: (a) a first temperature sensor providing a first signal indicative of the air temperature on a first side of the window; (b) a second temperature sensor providing a second signal indicative of the air temperature on an opposing side of the window; and (c) a control unit responsive to said first signal and said second signal to switch between the connected state and the disconnected state.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a conventional electrochromic element
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system for regulating a radiation dependent parameter, the system being constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a graph of transmittance against control voltage for a typical liquid crystal type element
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a temperature control system (T.C.S.) constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a brightness control system (B.C.S) constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the operation of one embodiment of the invention, the embodiment being constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a system for regulating light intensity and temperature, the system being constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a first electrically controlled variably transmissive element constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a second electrically controlled variably transmissive element constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic representation of a multi-layer electrically controlled variably transmissive element constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a head protector, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • the present invention is of systems for controlling radiation dependent parameters.
  • System 50 has a sensor 52, an adaptation unit 54 and an electrically controlled variably transmissive element 56.
  • System 50 may also have a setting device 58 providing a reference signal indicative of the required value of the radiation dependent parameter.
  • System 50 may be used to regulate any parameter which depends substantially on the transfer of electromagnetic radiation of some range of frequencies. Examples of such parameters include the brightness of visible light and temperature.
  • Sensor 52 provides a signal indicative of the value of the parameter to be regulated.
  • Adaptation unit 54 is responsive to this signal.
  • element 56 is of the liquid crystal type, herein taken to mean any electrically controlled variably transmissive element which contains molecules or particles whose orientation changes when they are exposed to an electric field, thereby changing the optical properties of the element.
  • This includes liquid crystal devices, such as PDLC film and NCAP devices, Surface Stabilized Ferroelectric devices and also those which do not use liquid crystal materials such as electrophoretic devices.
  • adaptation unit 54 varies the transmissivity of element 56 substantially continuously to control radiation transfer precisely. The specific design and function of adaptation unit 54 to achieve this depends both on the properties of the particular type of element 56 used, and on the type of application. Details specific to each application will be described with reference to the embodiments below.
  • adaptation unit 54 is designed to produce an appropriate regulating voltage to change the transmissivity when required, and then to interrupt the supply until a further change is required.
  • the operation of system 50 is improved by designing adaptation unit 54 to vary the transmissivity of element 56 linearly with respect to the signal from sensor 52. For a given element, this requires inverting the function represented by plot 62, by use of analogue circuitry, computerized control programmed with the appropriate characteristic, or any other known method.
  • Embodiments in which system 50 includes feedback have an advantage since corrections for non-linearity and temperature variation become less significant, and are generally omitted.
  • the regulating voltage from adaptation unit 54 is scaled or otherwise modified in response to the signal provided by setting device 58. Variations of this and other features of system 50 will be described with reference to the specific examples below. With reference now to Figures 5 and 6, two specific embodiments of system
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention, generally designated 64, for regulating the temperature within an enclosed space, which may be, for example, a building or a single room, system 64 being constructed and operative according to the teachings of the current invention.
  • system 64 has a temperamre sensor 66, an adaptation unit 68 and an electrically controlled element 70 having a variable transmissivity to at least some frequencies of infra-red radiation.
  • System 64 also has a setting device 72 providing a reference signal indicative of a desired temperamre, and a radiation sensor 74.
  • Temperature sensor 66 may be chosen from the wide range of commercially available temperature sensors suited to a range of temperamre which includes the desired temperature. Suitable sensors include those which themselves produce a signal voltage and those which modify a supplied voltage to provide a signal. Temperamre sensor 66 may also be an infra-red sensor. Temperamre sensor 66 is positioned within the enclosed space to sense me prevailing temperamre in the space. Alternatively, temperamre sensor 66 may be positioned close to a point at which temperamre regulation is particularly critical. Element 70 may be positioned in one of a wide range of positions in which variation of the transmissivity of element 70 alters the amount of heating or cooling of the enclosed space.
  • element 70 is used for glazing which variably restricts the amount of heat energy entering from incident sunlight, 5 or the amount of radiant heat loss from warm surfaces within the enclosed space.
  • element 70 may be part of a variable reflector. This may be achieved by placing element 70 in front of a passive reflector, or the structure of element 70 may itself include a reflector as an electrode. In this form, element 70 may be used as external cladding for walls to variably reduce solar heating of the
  • adaptation unit 68 is a combination of electronic components which produces a voltage to vary the transmissivity of element
  • adaptation unit 68 has one or more additional features as will be described.
  • adaptation unit 68 is a computerized control system.
  • adaptation unit 68 also responds to the rate of change of the signal from temperature sensor 66 to alter, for example, the magnitude of change of transmissivity.
  • the way in which the change in transmissivity depends on the rate of change of temperature and on its current deviation from the required value may take many forms. In one example, if the temperature is moving away from the 5 required temperature, adaptation unit 68 changes the transmissivity in proportion to the magnitude of the rate and with opposite sign. When the temperature is static or changing towards the required temperature, adaptation unit 68 changes the transmissivity in proportion to the deviation from the required temperature. An alternative example uses both measurements simultaneously, modifying the
  • adaptation unit 68 will produce a larger change. If the temperature is rapidly approaching the required value, adaptation unit 68 reduces the size of the changes in transmissivity and then reverses the direction of the changes to prevent overshooting of the required
  • adaptation unit 68 is programmed to be self-adaptive to learn, for example, what size of changes in transmissivity are effective to alter the temperature.
  • adaptation unit 68 alters the transmissivity of element
  • system 64 needs to function in more than one mode, depending on environmental factors. For example in a window type application, during the day when sunlight is incident on element 70 high transmission causes
  • adaptation unit 68 is made to be switchable between the appropriate number of modes of operation. Switching between the modes may be done manually or automatically in response to the signal from radiation sensor 74 (day/night switching) or an additional outdoor temperature sensor (summer/winter switching).
  • System 64 may control a plurality of elements similar to element 70.
  • each element 70 may be provided with a separate radiation sensor 74 appropriately positioned to identify which elements 70 are admitting most radiant heat during daytime functioning. In this case, adaptation unit 68 will control each element 70 independently.
  • Light sensor 78 can be any conventional type of sensor which provides data indicative of the intensity of at least one frequency of visible light falling on it.
  • light sensor 78 is located such that the incident radiation to the sensor in not effected by the transmissivity of element 82, for example outside a window containing element 82. This embodiment is particularly useful when system 76 is used to control glare from an area viewed through element 82. In such a case, the transmissivity of element 82 must be a function of the brightness of the light from the area viewed only, remaining constant when another light source illuminates the inside of element 82.
  • light sensor 78 is located so as to be directly or indirectly shaded by element 82.
  • system 76 provides feedback thereby precisely maintaining the required intensity.
  • the response of a liquid crystal type element is typically sufficiently fast that substantially continuous adjustment may be made without causing oscillation.
  • adaptation unit 80 additionally responds to the signal from sensor 86 indicative of the temperature of element 82. As the temperature rises, adaptation unit 80 increases the voltage supply to compensate for the tendency of the molecules to disalign.
  • Adaptation unit 54 may produce a step type voltage in which a constant voltage is switched on for a specific duration to cause a certain change in transmissivity, the duration corresponding to the size of the change.
  • a variable voltage may also be used. To reverse the direction of change, the polarity of the voltage is reversed.
  • an electrochromic element may be used for element 56 in the temperature regulation and feedback brightness regulation systems described above, in both transmissive and reflective applications. Electrochromic variable reflectors of designs other than those described above may also be used.
  • Layers 88, 90 are controlled independently and continuously by adaptation unit 54 to achieve the optimal combination of reflection and absorption.
  • the Figures represent only the extremes of these ranges.
  • Figure 7A shows both layers 88, 90 in reduced transmissivity states, layer 88 being predominantly absorptive and layer 90 being predominantly reflective. This configuration is used when the temperature is above that required and intense sunshine is incident on element 56. In this case, ray 94 is reflected by layer 90 as ray 96, thereby excluding incident sunlight.
  • the internal reflection of radiant heat from appliances and other heat sources, represented by ray 92 is controlled by varying the absorbance of layer 88.
  • Figure 7D corresponds to a similar winter scenario, when the temperature is below that required.
  • layer 88 is maintained at high transmissivity while the transmissivity of layer 90 is reduced, thereby reflecting radiant energy (ray 102) back into the room.
  • This embodiment may switch between the summer mode and the winter mode in response to an additional sensor, for example an outdoor temperature sensor, or a sensor measuring the intensity of sunlight incident on element 56.
  • This two layer element may be expanded by addition of a tiiird layer so that a variably reflective layer is interposed between two variably absorbent layers, or vice-versa. This enables independent selection of absorbent or reflective properties to radiation incident from each side, or high two-way transparency.
  • This element may also be used in other applications, including visible light regulation.
  • a layer with variable transmissivity to visible light may be added to enable additional control of brightness.
  • element 90 may be replaced by a bi-directional reflector, or variable reflector which is not transparent.
  • element 56 has extreme states equivalent to Figures 7 A and 7D.
  • Elements 114 and 122 may be separate window or reflector type elements. Alternatively, two electrochromic or liquid crystal type elements with frequency 5 selective low-transmissivity states as described previously can be used. In this case elements 114 and 122 may be placed one behind the other or be included within window 128. Window 128 may be a single multi-layered element, as described below.
  • System 108 may control independently a plurality of elements 114 and a 10 plurality of elements 122 to achieve the optimal state for each element separately.
  • Adaptation units 112, 120 may be two separate single parameter adaptation units or a single multi-parameter adaptation unit.
  • Additional sensor 126 is a radiation sensor to cause switching between day ⁇ time and night-time modes of temperamre control as described above.
  • 15 additional sensor 126 is an outside temperamre sensor to cause switching between summer and winter modes.
  • the signal from light sensor 110 may additionally be used to causing switching between a day-time and a night-time mode of adaptation unit 120.
  • FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of an electrically controlled variably transmissive element generally designated 140, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the current invention.
  • Element 140 has a first functional layer 142 interposed between transparent electrodes 144, 146 and a second functional layer 148 interposed between
  • Element 140 may be faced on one or both sides with passive transparent layers
  • functional layer 142 is chosen to have variable transmissivity specifically in a first range of frequencies whilst maintaining a high transmissivity in a second range of frequencies
  • functional layer 148 is chosen to have a variable transmissivity at least in the second range of frequencies, preferably mamtaining a high transmissivity in the first range of frequencies.
  • functional layers 142, 148 contain the same electrochromic material and are varied simultaneously to produce an effect equivalent to a single thicker layer of electrochromic material. Since the speed of response of an electrochromic element is limited by diffusion processes, a reduction in layer thickness significantly reduces response time. Furthermore, when several layers are controlled in parallel, a small change in the transmissivity of each layer produces the equivalent of a large change in a single layer, reducing the response time significantly. Excellent results are given by a multi-layer structure of five layers, in one example reducing the response time for a given change in transmissivity from five seconds for a single layer device to less than 0.4 seconds for a device containing five equivalent layers. When element 166 with common electrode 168 is used, simultaneous control of multiple layers may be simplified by constructing adjacent layers 142, 148 with opposite polarity, alternate electrical connections 154, 160 being at equal potential relative to electrical connection 170.
  • functional layers 142, 148 are constructed to have different minimum transmissivities such that, at constant voltage, different transmissivities can be produced by selection of electrical connections 154 and 156, or 158 and 160.
  • electrochromic elements the switching is performed between constant voltage of one polarity and the reverse polarity.
  • liquid crystal type elements on-off switching is used.
  • element 140 or 166 is expanded to have seven or eight layers having minimum transmissivities in binary ratio. In this case, a wide range of transmissivities can be produced by simple switching of selected layers at constant voltage.
  • part 184 is made of at least partially transparent material with a photochromic layer, so that part 184 becomes less transmissive when exposed to bright light.
  • light sensor 185, adaptation unit 186 and photoelectric cell 186 are omitted.
  • part 184 contains an electrically controlled variably transmissive element of one of the aforementioned types.
  • adaptation unit 186 is responsive to the signal provided by light sensor 185 to control the transmissivity of part 184 as in the previously described control systems.
  • the electrical power required may be provided by one or more photoelectric cell 188 as shown, or by a battery pack (not shown).
  • Part 184 may additionally or alternatively be manually adjustable.
  • Battery 202 may be replaced by one or more photoelectric cell mounted on head protector 190.
  • FIG. 14 shows a system, generally designated 210, for controlling the supply of power to a window demisting device.
  • System 210 has a first temperature sensor 212, a second temperature sensor 214, a control unit 216 and a demisting device 218.
  • Control unit 216 is responsive to the signal from first temperamre sensor 212 indicative of the air temperature inside the window, for example inside a car or a room, and to the signal from second temperature sensor 214 indicative of the air temperature outside the window to connect or disconnect demisting device 218 from a power supply (not shown).
  • Demisting device 218 is a hot air fan. Alternatively it may be electrical heating elements within the window.
  • condensation conditions are indicated when the signal from second sensor 214 is indicative of an outside temperamre below a certain value, and when the difference between the two signals is indicative of a temperature difference between inside and outside the window which is greater than some predetermined value.
  • control unit 216 connects demisting device 218 to the power supply. The power may be disconnected, either after a fixed time period, or when the conditions change.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electrochromic Elements, Electrophoresis, Or Variable Reflection Or Absorption Elements (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système de régulation de la valeur d'un paramètre dépendant de rayonnement doté d'un élément à transmissivité variable réglé électriquement (56), d'un capteur (52) ainsi que d'une unité d'adaptation (54) sensible au signal provenant du capteur destinée à appliquer une tension en vue de faire varier la transmissivité de l'élément sur une plage pratiquement continue de manière à réguler le paramètre. Cet élément peut être du genre cristaux liquides ou électrochromique. L'unité d'adaptation peut corriger des propriétés non linéaires du système ou bien celui-ci est susceptible de fonctionner selon un mode rétroactif. Il est possible de faire appel à des capteurs supplémentaires pour réaliser une rapide commutation de l'unité d'adaptation entre différents modes. Ce système peut servir à réguler plusieurs paramètres. Il est également décrit, au titre de cette invention, une structure d'élément multi-couche (171).
PCT/US1995/013971 1994-10-27 1995-10-26 Systemes de regulation Ceased WO1996013751A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU41373/96A AU4137396A (en) 1994-10-27 1995-10-26 Regulating systems

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US32876994A 1994-10-27 1994-10-27
US08/328,769 1994-10-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996013751A1 true WO1996013751A1 (fr) 1996-05-09

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1995/013971 Ceased WO1996013751A1 (fr) 1994-10-27 1995-10-26 Systemes de regulation

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU4137396A (fr)
WO (1) WO1996013751A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001004696A1 (fr) * 1999-07-13 2001-01-18 Cisterra S.L. Dispositif electrochromique, procede permettant d'obtenir ce dispositif et utilisation
WO2002021231A1 (fr) * 2000-09-04 2002-03-14 Forskarpatent I Uppsala Ab Systeme de regulation de climatisation et son procede de commande
EP2080648A1 (fr) 2008-01-21 2009-07-22 Visiocorp Patents S.à.r.l. Système de commande de climatisation
US8697872B2 (en) 2011-03-31 2014-04-15 Queen's University At Kingston Boron compounds and uses thereof

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4878358A (en) * 1987-12-01 1989-11-07 Diesel Kiki Co., Ltd. Demisting control system of air conditioner for automotive vehicles
US4917477A (en) * 1987-04-06 1990-04-17 Gentex Corporation Automatic rearview mirror system for automotive vehicles
US4958917A (en) * 1988-01-29 1990-09-25 Central Glass Company, Limited Electrochromic device for controlling transmittance of light
US5252817A (en) * 1991-03-25 1993-10-12 Osd Envizion Company Detector system for detecting the occurrence of welding using detector feedback

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4917477A (en) * 1987-04-06 1990-04-17 Gentex Corporation Automatic rearview mirror system for automotive vehicles
US4878358A (en) * 1987-12-01 1989-11-07 Diesel Kiki Co., Ltd. Demisting control system of air conditioner for automotive vehicles
US4958917A (en) * 1988-01-29 1990-09-25 Central Glass Company, Limited Electrochromic device for controlling transmittance of light
US5252817A (en) * 1991-03-25 1993-10-12 Osd Envizion Company Detector system for detecting the occurrence of welding using detector feedback

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001004696A1 (fr) * 1999-07-13 2001-01-18 Cisterra S.L. Dispositif electrochromique, procede permettant d'obtenir ce dispositif et utilisation
ES2153328A1 (es) * 1999-07-13 2001-02-16 Cisterra S L Produccion de cambios de color en cristal y plastico.
WO2002021231A1 (fr) * 2000-09-04 2002-03-14 Forskarpatent I Uppsala Ab Systeme de regulation de climatisation et son procede de commande
US6965813B2 (en) 2000-09-04 2005-11-15 Forskarpatent I Uppsala Ab Climate control system and method for controlling such
EP2080648A1 (fr) 2008-01-21 2009-07-22 Visiocorp Patents S.à.r.l. Système de commande de climatisation
US8697872B2 (en) 2011-03-31 2014-04-15 Queen's University At Kingston Boron compounds and uses thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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