Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4923162 | Journal of Building Engineering | 2017 | 19 Pages |
Abstract
In this study, an electronic apparatus for transmittance control of electrochromic windows is presented. The system is based on a microcontroller that, combined with a suitable interface, allows the user to choose among different operating modes. In addition, either voltage or current control can be performed, counting six different modes in total. Silicon photodiodes are used for sensing both the incident radiation and the transmittance of the window. Furthermore, the electronic device can be re-programmed to perform different tasks, providing a versatile tool for real time testing of electrochromics in outdoor conditions. The proposed controller can be combined with different electrochromic devices, regardless of their fabrication method or size. To test the controller, an electrochromic prototype 10Â cm by 10Â cm was used as a load. The experimental set-up has been tested in real time outdoor conditions and the system stability was verified, regardless of fluctuations of the incident radiation, partial shading of the system and ion diffusion effects. For the electrochromic window tested, a transmittance change from 60% to 10% or vice versa lasts approximately 210Â s with voltage control, while the same operation lasts 600Â s with current control, as in that case, the applied current is limited to 2.5Â mA.
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Physical Sciences and Engineering
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Authors
D. Papathanasopoulos, G. Leftheriotis, E. Mitronikas,