Adaptive Absence Detection for Air Conditioner Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioners struggle to effectively perform power saving control due to varying user operation patterns, leading to inefficient energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioner system that includes a detection sensor, an air conditioning module, and a processor configured to detect a person in the target space, perform power saving control by adjusting wind strength or set temperature based on absence time, and set a power saving learning level based on performance history.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If power saving control is performed using motion detection sensor, then energy consumption is reduced, but power saving control is not effectively performed according to user operation patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoideffectiveness of power saving control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors user presence through detection sensors and adjusts power saving control based on absence time. The processor receives sensor data, determines whether a person is present or absent, and dynamically adjusts operation parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures power saving control adapts to actual user behavior patterns rather than using fixed thresholds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The power saving control parameters are made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts wind strength and temperature settings based on the duration of user absence, with different control strategies applied at different absence time thresholds. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying user operation patterns while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If air conditioner operates continuously to maintain comfortable environment, then user comfort is ensured, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of maintaining full operating capacity continuously, the system applies partial action by adjusting wind strength and temperature settings based on user presence. When users are absent, the system reduces operation intensity rather than shutting down completely, maintaining basic environmental control while consuming less energy. This partial operation strategy balances comfort requirements with energy conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (wind strength, temperature settings) based on user presence detection. When a person is detected as absent for a determined time, the processor adjusts these parameters to reduce energy consumption while still maintaining the air conditioning module in operation. This parameter adjustment allows the system to conserve energy without complete shutdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If air conditioner shuts down completely when no one is present, then energy consumption is minimized, but user comfort may be compromised upon return

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiduser comfort upon return

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by maintaining basic air conditioning operation even when users are absent, rather than shutting down completely. The processor keeps the air conditioning module running at reduced capacity, preparing the environment in advance for user return. This preliminary maintenance of operational state ensures comfort upon return while consuming less energy than continuous full operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250085011A1Air conditioner for performing power saving control and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a detection sensor. The air conditioner includes an air conditioning module configured to perform an air conditioning operation on a target space. The air conditioner includes a memory storing at least one instruction. The air conditioner includes at least one processor, comprising processing circuitry. At least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to execute the at least one instruction to: detect a person in the target space using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor, and perform a power saving control operation to adjust at least one of wind strength or a set temperature of the air conditioning module, according to a power saving performing condition indicating a condition to perform a power saving control operation being satisfied, based on an absence time during which it is determined that a person is absent in the target space, and in the power saving control operation, set one power saving learning level from among a plurality of power saving learning levels, according to a performance history of a plurality of intermediate operation stages of the power saving control operation, adjust respective duration times of the plurality of intermediate operation stages, according to the set power saving learning level, and adjust at least one of the wind strength or the set temperature while the plurality of intermediate operation stages are being performed, according to the absence time.