Efficient distribution of heating, ventilation and air conditioning functionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC systems face challenges in efficient data distribution and communication among multiple units, leading to complex installations and limited user connectivity, with a reliance on Internet availability and centralized control.
Innovation Solution
A distributed HVAC system architecture that includes intelligent control units capable of communicating with multiple HVAC units, sensors, and interactive displays, using wireless connectivity and self-sufficient networks to facilitate seamless communication and control without relying on a centralized server, allowing for scalable and flexible management of HVAC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized server architecture is used for HVAC control, then system management is simplified, but Internet availability is required and user connectivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized HVAC control system into multiple distributed control units, each capable of independent operation. Each control unit manages specific HVAC equipment and can be controlled locally or remotely, eliminating the requirement for a central server and enabling flexible user connectivity from multiple locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple thermostats are distributed across HVAC units, then user connectivity is improved, but updating settings and parameters becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the settings and parameters of multiple distributed control units into a single unified configuration file. This allows all control units to be updated simultaneously through a single action, eliminating the complexity of manually updating each thermostat individually while maintaining distributed user connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed HVAC system is implemented, then scalability is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template-based configuration where control units can be rapidly deployed by copying and replicating standardized configuration files. This approach maintains scalability by allowing easy addition of new control units while reducing installation complexity through automated configuration replication rather than manual setup for each unit.
4Device complexity
If centralized control is used, then system coordination is simplified, but reliability decreases due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control function into multiple independent control units that can operate autonomously. This distributed architecture eliminates the single point of failure inherent in centralized systems, improving reliability while maintaining coordinated system operation through peer-to-peer communication and unified configuration management.
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit for controlling an HVAC network that includes a first interface operable to facilitate communications with a plurality of HVAC units and a second interface operable to facilitate communication with an interactive display. The control unit further includes a system clock, a Wi-Fi module, a universal settings database, and a processor. The processor is configured to connect to the communications network using the Wi-Fi module, to detect a sibling control unit over the communications network, and to receive a sibling control unit time for the sibling control unit. The processor is further configured to determine that the control unit time is synchronized with the sibling control unit time, to generate a setting update that includes values for one or more settings, and to transmit the setting update to the sibling control unit.