Building controller utilizing multiple sensors and a programmable schedule
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems often fail to maintain ideal temperature settings in unoccupied areas of buildings, leading to temperature fluctuations outside desired ranges due to lack of monitoring in these locations.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC controller system that utilizes multiple wireless sensors to determine extremum temperature readings and control the HVAC system based on programmed set points, including energy-saving modes, to maintain optimal temperatures across the building, even in remote areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If sensors are only located in common and occupied locations, then the device complexity is reduced, but temperatures in non-occupied locations fall outside ideal temperature settings
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into multiple temperature zones with sensors strategically placed in each zone including non-occupied areas. This segmentation allows independent temperature monitoring and control for each zone, ensuring ideal temperatures are maintained even in unoccupied locations without requiring a fully dense sensor network throughout the entire building.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from monitoring only occupied spaces to a multi-dimensional approach that includes both occupied and unoccupied zones. By adding the dimension of unoccupied zone monitoring, the system achieves comprehensive temperature control while using programmable logic to reduce the number of sensors needed compared to a fully distributed approach.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are deployed throughout the building, then temperature monitoring coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature sensors are merged into a single controller system that processes readings from all sensors and determines extremum temperatures. This consolidation maintains comprehensive monitoring coverage while reducing the complexity that would result from each sensor having independent control logic, as the controller centrally manages all sensor inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with universal functionality to handle inputs from multiple sensors located throughout the building, process various temperature scenarios, and control HVAC equipment accordingly. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to manage comprehensive temperature monitoring and control without requiring specialized controllers for each sensor location.
3Temperature
If the HVAC system maintains ideal temperatures in all areas continuously, then comfort level is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC control system dynamically adjusts temperature setpoints based on occupancy status and time of day using programmable schedules. During occupied periods, ideal comfort temperatures are maintained; during unoccupied periods, the system transitions to energy-saving temperature settings. This dynamic adaptation maintains comfort when needed while reducing energy consumption during unoccupied times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic temperature adjustments based on scheduled occupancy patterns. Temperature control alternates between comfort-oriented settings during occupied periods and energy-saving settings during unoccupied periods. This periodic switching maintains ideal temperatures during critical times while allowing energy recovery during non-critical periods.
4Use of energy by moving object
If energy-saving temperature set points are used during unoccupied periods, then energy efficiency is improved, but temperature stability in some areas may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors temperature readings from sensors in all zones including unoccupied areas and uses this feedback to determine when energy-saving setpoints should be applied. The controller compares actual temperatures against target setpoints and adjusts HVAC operation accordingly, ensuring that even during energy-saving modes, temperatures remain within acceptable ranges and stability is maintained through active monitoring and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system may include a building controller and one or more sensors. The building controller may be configured to receive one or more temperature readings from the one or more sensors located in a building and determine an extremum temperature reading. The building controller may be configured to control one or more components of an HVAC system of a building to control the extremum temperature in accordance with a programmed temperature set point.