Discrete AC Controller Sleep Scheduling for Mesh HVAC Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inefficient energy management in buildings due to manual control of discrete air conditioner units, leading to energy wastage when units are not optimized for energy efficiency, especially in unoccupied zones.

Innovation Solution

A building management system with a central coordinator and discrete air conditioner controllers that communicate via wireless mesh networks, using sensors and programmable schedules to automatically adjust the operation of air conditioner units based on occupancy, temperature, and humidity, transitioning between active and sleep modes to minimize power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If discrete air conditioner units are manually controlled by users, then ease of operation is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates when building or zone is unoccupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual controlVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The discrete air conditioner controller automatically monitors occupancy status through sensors and adjusts its operation accordingly without requiring manual user intervention. When no occupancy is detected, the controller automatically transitions to sleep mode or shuts down, eliminating energy waste while maintaining ease of use through autonomous decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor occupancy status and provide feedback to the controller. Based on this real-time feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the air conditioner's operating state, transitioning between active and sleep modes to optimize energy efficiency while responding to actual building conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If discrete air conditioner units operate continuously to maintain comfort, then comfort level is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort levelVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The air conditioner controller dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time occupancy detection. Instead of continuous operation, the system transitions between active cooling modes and low-power sleep modes according to whether the building or zone is occupied, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining comfort when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller implements periodic monitoring of occupancy status through sensors and transitions between operational states accordingly. This periodic action allows the system to maintain comfort during occupied periods while conserving energy during unoccupied periods, optimizing the balance between comfort and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If multiple discrete air conditioner controllers communicate continuously over mesh network, then system coordination is improved, but power consumption of controllers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem coordinationVSAvoidcontroller power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The discrete air conditioner controllers communicate with the central coordinator and each other through periodic wake-up cycles rather than continuous transmission. Controllers transition to sleep mode between communication cycles, significantly reducing their power consumption while maintaining reliable system coordination through scheduled updates and beacon signal responses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This system centralizes control, reduces energy consumption by optimizing air conditioner unit operation based on real-time conditions and schedules, leading to improved energy efficiency and cost savings across multiple zones in a building.

Implementation Method 1

The second wireless interface may include an infrared (IR) interface for transmitting IR control codes to the one or more discrete air conditioner units

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10088186B2Building management system with power efficient discrete controllers

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A building control system includes a central coordinator and one or more discrete air conditioner controllers configured to communicate with one or more discrete air conditioner units servicing the building. In some instances, a discrete air conditioner controller may be configured to transition between a sleep mode and an active mode. The discrete air conditioner controller may also be configured to transmit over a mesh network in the active mode and to not transmit over the mesh network in the sleep mode. The discrete air conditioner controller may be configured to transition between the sleep mode and the active mode according to a schedule dictated by the central coordinator. Alternatively, or in addition, the discrete air conditioner controller may be configured to transition between the sleep and active modes in accordance with a beacon signal received from the central coordinator.