Climate Controller Using Barometric Pressure for Occupancy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control systems, such as PTAC units, lack effective occupancy sensing, leading to inefficient energy consumption as they often rely on inaccurate motion sensors, particularly when individuals are sleeping or the bed is not in line of sight with the exit door, resulting in suboptimal comfort and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A climate controller that utilizes barometric data to determine occupancy status by analyzing air pressure fluctuations, which are indicative of human breathing, and transmits control signals to the climate control system to adjust power modes accordingly, potentially integrating with additional sensors and property management systems for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion sensors (PIR) are used to detect occupancy, then occupancy status can be determined, but the sensing accuracy deteriorates when persons are sleeping or not in line of sight with the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces barometric pressure sensing as an intermediary measurement method to detect occupancy. Instead of directly detecting motion or presence with PIR sensors, the system uses barometric pressure changes caused by human breathing as an indirect indicator of occupancy, thereby solving the problem of unreliable detection when persons are sleeping or out of sight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical PIR sensor system with a barometric pressure sensing system. This substitution enables detection based on atmospheric pressure changes rather than infrared radiation detection, fundamentally changing the detection mechanism to one that works reliably regardless of the occupant's position or activity state
2Ease of operation
If climate control systems remain on to maintain comfort, then user comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases when rooms are unoccupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where barometric pressure data continuously monitors occupancy status and automatically adjusts climate control operation. When occupancy is detected, the system maintains comfortable temperatures; when unoccupied, it reduces energy consumption, thereby resolving the contradiction between comfort and energy use through automatic adaptive control
3Measurement precision
If wired thermostats with PIR sensors are installed, then occupancy sensing capability is added, but installation complexity and cost increase due to wire installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired electrical connections with wireless communication technology. The barometric pressure sensor and processor communicate occupancy status wirelessly to the climate control system, eliminating the need for complex wire installation while maintaining accurate occupancy sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal wireless solution that can be retrofitted to existing climate control systems without requiring building-specific wiring modifications. This multi-functional approach allows the same wireless occupancy detection mechanism to be applied across different building types and existing HVAC systems
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 enables precise determination of occupancy, allowing for reduced energy consumption when rooms are unoccupied and maintaining comfort when occupied, thereby optimizing energy savings and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a barometer that measures the air pressure of an indoor space
Implementation Method 2
analyzes this data to determine the occupancy status of the space. This analysis may determine whether fluctuations in air pressure are indicative of one or more persons breathing in the space
Data Source
AI summary
A climate control system that detects presence of a person in a room by analyzing small fluctuations in barometric pressure due to breathing. When the room is occupied, thermostatic control by the occupant may be enabled; when unoccupied, HVAC systems may be set to a low-power state. Barometric data may be processed using a bandpass filter that passes frequencies that correspond to typical human respiration rates. Barometric data may be used to determine when doors or windows are open or closed. Embodiments may connect to property management systems determine whether occupants are expected; when a room unoccupied but an occupant is expected, HVAC systems may be set to a standby state that saves power but allows temperature to return quickly to desired levels when a person enters the room. Occupancy detection may also use data from other sensors such as gas analyzers that detect compounds in exhaled breath.