Computerized systems and methods for automatic ceiling fan operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling fan controllers do not sense ceiling temperature and lack the functionality to optimize fan operation based on seasonal data and occupancy, leading to inefficient energy use and comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
A decision intelligence (DI)-based computerized framework that automatically and dynamically controls ceiling fan operations by sensing temperature proximate to the fan, integrating seasonal and occupancy data to determine optimal fan modes and speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the ceiling fan operates at high speed to cool the air in summer, then the cooling effect is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time temperature sensing and occupancy detection. The system transitions from static speed settings to dynamic speed modulation, optimizing the balance between cooling effectiveness and energy consumption according to actual environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and occupancy detectors that provide continuous feedback to the control algorithm. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust fan operation based on measured temperature and occupancy status, eliminating the need for manual intervention and optimizing energy usage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ceiling fan operates continuously to maintain temperature control, then the temperature stability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan operates periodically rather than continuously, with operation cycles determined by the decision intelligence algorithm based on temperature thresholds and occupancy patterns. This periodic operation maintains temperature stability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously determines when fan operation is necessary based on sensor inputs and environmental conditions. The decision intelligence framework enables self-service operation without manual control, automatically adjusting fan runtime to maintain comfort while minimizing energy waste.
3Quantity of substance
If the ceiling fan operates in winter to circulate air, then the air circulation is improved, but the risk of cooling occupants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operational modes to different seasons and conditions. In winter, the fan operates at lower speeds with upward airflow to circulate warm air without creating direct drafts on occupants. The control algorithm adjusts fan speed and direction based on seasonal patterns and real-time occupancy detection to prevent harmful cooling effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (speed, direction, runtime) based on seasonal conditions. In winter, parameters are adjusted to provide gentle air circulation that redistributes heat without creating uncomfortable drafts, whereas in summer, higher speeds and downward airflow are used for cooling.
4Temperature
If the ceiling fan operates at high speed to distribute warm air in winter, then the heat distribution is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan speed is dynamically modulated based on the temperature differential between ceiling and floor levels. When the differential is large, the fan operates at higher speeds to redistribute heat. When the differential is small, the fan operates at lower speeds or remains off, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining adequate heat distribution.
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 solution reduces energy consumption and optimizes comfort by ensuring the ceiling fan operates efficiently based on real-time environmental and occupancy conditions, thereby minimizing unnecessary heating or cooling.
Implementation Method 1
operate the ceiling fan to pull air upward causing an air circulation in the room
Implementation Method 2
The beneficial effect of the fan's downward air flow is the increased evaporation of moisture on a person's skin. For example, this effect can be exothermic, and therefore cooling to the skin and the person.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods that provide a novel framework for automatically and dynamically controlling operational modes of a ceiling fan based on real-time detected information related to a location (e.g., detected temperatures, heating or cooling demand, seasonal climate information and occupancy information). The framework can sense a temperature in/at a location (e.g., a temperature proximate to the ceiling fan), and leverage such temperature as input to determine which ceiling fan operation to execute. In some embodiments, occupancy data related to users' physical positioning respective to the ceiling fan can additionally be leveraged to discern the proper operation mode, and the mode's characteristics (e.g., speed and runtime). The framework can enable a reduction in resource expenditure (e.g., reduced energy usage and HVAC runtime, for example), as the ceiling fan can be utilized to maintain a location's temperature control without the need for heating or cooling operations of a HVAC system.