Computerized systems and methods for automatic mode operation and control of a ceiling fan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling fans lack the ability to optimize their operation based on ceiling temperature, humidity, seasonal data, and occupancy information, leading to inefficient energy usage and comfort levels in controlled spaces.
Innovation Solution
A decision intelligence (DI)-based computerized framework that dynamically controls ceiling fan operation by sensing real-time temperature and humidity data, occupancy, and seasonal climate information, allowing for optimized air flow velocity and direction to enhance comfort and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the ceiling fan operates continuously to maintain temperature control, then thermal comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors ceiling temperature and occupancy status, using this feedback to dynamically adjust fan operation. The fan operates only when ceiling temperature exceeds threshold values and occupancy is detected, eliminating continuous operation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining thermal comfort when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively cools the ceiling area when occupancy is detected or predicted, before occupants experience thermal discomfort. This preliminary cooling action reduces the need for prolonged fan operation, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining comfort.
2Temperature
If the ceiling fan operates at high speed to maximize cooling effect, then thermal comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time ceiling temperature readings and occupancy status. The system operates at variable speeds rather than fixed high speed, matching the cooling output to the actual thermal conditions and occupancy levels, thereby optimizing energy consumption relative to the cooling effect provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (speed) of the fan based on measured ceiling temperature and occupancy conditions. By adjusting the speed parameter to match the actual cooling demand, the system achieves effective cooling while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous high-speed operation.
3Ease of operation
If the ceiling fan operates without occupancy detection, then simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects occupancy and ceiling temperature conditions, and autonomously decides when and at what speed to operate the fan. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual control while improving energy efficiency by operating only when and where needed, without adding complex user interaction requirements.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the ceiling fan operates based on room temperature rather than ceiling temperature, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but control effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures temperature locally at the ceiling level rather than at room level, recognizing that the ceiling area has different thermal characteristics and is the primary source of heat accumulation. This localized measurement approach provides more accurate feedback for controlling the fan's cooling effect, improving control effectiveness despite the additional measurement complexity.
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
The framework optimizes ceiling fan operation to improve comfort levels and minimize energy usage by adjusting fan speed based on real-time climate and occupancy data, reducing the need for HVAC system operation and enhancing thermal comfort through latent heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
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.
Implementation Method 2
the disclosed framework can operate to provide a latent heat transfer that is produced via a convention heat transfer realized from a determine air flow velocity for the ceiling fan
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods of a novel framework for automatically and dynamically controlling an operational mode of a ceiling fan based on real-time detected information related to a location. The framework can sense a temperature in/at a location (e.g., a temperature proximate to the ceiling fan), in addition to other climate-related characteristics of the location (e.g., humidity, for example), and leverage such location-based climate information as input to control operation of the ceiling fan, and the mode's characteristics (e.g., speed and runtime). Occupancy data related to users' physical positioning respective to the ceiling fan can additionally be leveraged to control the operation mode. 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 operation of a HVAC system.