Device for controlling heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face challenges in accurately controlling temperature and energy efficiency due to variability in output, leading to suboptimal thermal comfort and increased energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A device and system that utilizes a camera to capture images, an image analysis module, and a computer with a machine learning model to determine temperature and occupancy data, adjusting HVAC systems for precise temperature control and energy efficiency by analyzing thermogenesis and heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional HVAC control systems are used, then the system operates based on fixed schedules or simple sensors, but the temperature control precision is poor and energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical temperature sensors with a camera-based optical measurement system. The camera captures thermal radiation from objects in the space, and image analysis algorithms extract temperature information non-contactly. This substitution enables more precise temperature mapping across the entire space rather than relying on single-point sensor measurements, thereby improving temperature control precision while reducing energy consumption through better system optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from single-point temperature readings to multi-point thermal field distribution. By analyzing temperature data from multiple regions captured by the camera, the system gains a comprehensive understanding of the thermal environment, enabling more accurate prediction of future temperature trends and more efficient HVAC control strategies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC systems operate with high variability in output, then the system can respond to changing conditions, but the thermal comfort is compromised and energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback control mechanism where the camera continuously monitors the thermal field, the image analysis module processes the temperature data, and the HVAC system adjusts its output based on the analyzed information. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining reliable thermal comfort, as the continuous monitoring and adjustment prevent excessive temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts HVAC operation based on real-time thermal field analysis. Rather than operating with fixed variability, the system adapts its output dynamically according to the actual thermal conditions detected by the camera and analyzed by the image processing algorithms, ensuring both adaptability and reliability.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If simple temperature sensors are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to detect occupancy and predict future temperature is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves multiple functions: it captures visual information for occupancy detection, extracts temperature data from thermal radiation, and provides data for predicting future temperature trends. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and systems, making the increased measurement capability more acceptable despite the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The image analysis module acts as an intermediary that processes raw camera data and extracts meaningful information about occupancy and temperature. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by consolidating multiple detection functions into a single processing unit, making the enhanced capabilities more manageable.
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
Enhances thermal comfort and reduces energy consumption by dynamically adjusting HVAC systems based on real-time occupancy and activity, optimizing energy usage and maintaining predetermined temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to capture a number of images of a space, the images including temperature data for the space
Implementation Method 2
The HVAC system is configured to control the temperature in the space by heating or cooling the space
Implementation Method 3
The HVAC system is configured to control the temperature in the space by heating or cooling the space
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems includes a camera that captures images including temperature data for the space. An image analysis module is configured to receive the images and analyze the images to determine a current temperature in the space. A computer is configured to determine a future temperature in the space and determine an amount of heating or cooling output needed to maintain a predetermined temperature in the space. A controller is configured to communicate with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The HVAC system is configured to control the temperature in the space by heating or cooling the space. The controller is configured to transmit the determined amount of heating or cooling output needed to maintain the predetermined temperature in the space to the HVAC system to maintain the predetermined temperature in the space.