Building Sensor Network for Local Weather Data Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional weather monitoring systems with coarse-meshed networks fail to provide reliable spatial and temporal resolution for local weather events, leading to inadequate control of building systems, particularly in situations requiring immediate protective measures.

Innovation Solution

A system where sensors in buildings detect environmental variables and transmit data to a central data center for processing and storage, enabling improved spatial and temporal resolution of environmental data, which is then used to enhance the control of local building services equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a coarse-meshed network of weather stations is used, then the coverage area is large, but the spatial resolution is insufficient for local weather events

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidspatial resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the weather monitoring function by utilizing multiple distributed sensors in individual buildings rather than relying on a single coarse network. Each building becomes an independent measurement point, collectively providing high spatial resolution coverage across a large area without requiring a dense traditional weather station network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Buildings equip themselves with environmental sensors and control systems that autonomously monitor and respond to local weather conditions. Each building serves as its own weather monitoring station, eliminating the need for external infrastructure while achieving both wide coverage and high spatial resolution simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If weather data is transmitted periodically to a central weather center, then data processing is centralized, but the temporal resolution is insufficient for short-term forecasts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing centralizationVSAvoidtemporal resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary local processing of weather data at each building's control unit, immediately detecting severe weather events and triggering protective measures without waiting for centralized processing. This eliminates time delays associated with periodic data transmission and central analysis, enabling real-time response to rapidly developing weather conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where local sensors monitor environmental conditions, control units immediately process the data, and protective measures are automatically triggered when thresholds are exceeded. This real-time feedback mechanism provides high temporal resolution by continuously adapting to changing weather conditions without periodic delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If weather stations are arranged in a coarse grid, then the network structure is simple, but local weather events cannot be reliably recorded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork structureVSAvoidlocal weather event detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by deploying sensors at specific building locations where weather monitoring is most needed, rather than uniformly distributing stations across the entire area. Each building's control unit is tailored to its specific environmental conditions and protective requirements, enabling reliable detection of local weather events while keeping the overall network structure simple and adaptable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3038294B1System and method for providing environmental data
Publication Date: 2019.02.13 GRIESSER HOLDING AG
  • EP3038294B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The system for providing environmental data for controlling building services equipment in buildings at different local locations comprises local control units (13) with sensors (15) for recording environmental measurements. Environmental data based on these measurements are transmitted to a central data center (7) and made available to the control units (13) in addition to the locally recorded measurements for controlling the building services equipment.