Method and assembly for comparing a room temperature with air-conditioning preferences of room users
Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized climate control systems in offices often fail to meet the individual temperature and comfort preferences of all users, leading to unsatisfactory conditions and slow response times, especially in open-plan settings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that compares room climate preferences with user inputs, using a simulator to determine energy-efficient user distributions and position assignments, leveraging sensors, digital building models, and historical data to minimize energy expenditure and optimize user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If centralized climate control is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but individual user comfort requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the open-plan office into multiple thermal zones based on user preferences and occupancy patterns. Each zone can be independently controlled to meet specific user requirements, transforming a single centralized control system into multiple localized control regions that adapt to individual needs while maintaining overall system coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality control by allowing different temperature settings in different zones of the same room. Users can specify their preferred temperature ranges, and the system creates localized climate conditions that match individual preferences rather than enforcing a uniform temperature throughout the entire space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual local climate control is implemented, then user preferences are better met, but overall room climate stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by implementing a hierarchical control structure where local zone controllers operate autonomously to meet individual preferences, while simultaneously participating in a global coordination mechanism that maintains overall room climate stability. The control system serves multiple functions: local temperature regulation, global climate balance, and adaptive response to occupancy changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor temperature, humidity, and occupancy in each zone. This real-time data feeds back to the control system, which automatically adjusts climate parameters to maintain stability while accommodating user preferences. The feedback loop ensures that individual zone adjustments do not create instability in the overall room environment.
3Speed
If climate control systems respond quickly, then user comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting user arrival and climate needs in advance. When occupancy is detected or predicted, the system pre-adjusts the climate in relevant zones before users actually arrive or need the environmental change. This anticipatory control reduces the need for rapid, high-energy responses while still delivering timely comfort improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and adjustment cycles rather than continuous high-intensity climate control. The system checks occupancy and climate conditions at regular intervals, making adjustments only when necessary. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining adequate response times to user needs through strategic timing of climate modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Air-conditioning preferences of room users are read in order to compare a room temperature with air-conditioning preferences of the room users. Additionally, factors influencing the room temperature are detected and fed to a simulator in order to simulate the room temperature. A respective energy requirement for adapting the room temperature to the air-conditioning preferences is simulated by the simulator on the basis of the detected influencing factors for different distributions of room users in the room. An energy-saving distribution of the room users is then ascertained on the basis of the simulated energy requirement. Position allotment information for room users is also output according to the energy-saving distribution.