Distributed Zone Control System for Multi-Room HVAC Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems often treat homes as a single zone, making it difficult to automate and adapt to individual room preferences, especially in new or existing constructions with varying wiring and homeowner preferences.
Innovation Solution
A distributed zone control system comprising vents with sensors and effectors, connected via communication channels and a network, allowing for independent control of environmental conditions in multiple zones through a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-zone HVAC control system is used, then the system complexity is low, but the adaptability to individual room preferences is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the home into multiple independent zones, each with its own vent assembly containing sensors and effectors. This segmentation allows each zone to be controlled independently, providing adaptability to individual room preferences while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized single-zone control approach to a distributed multi-dimensional zone control system. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple zones with independent control capabilities, the system achieves higher adaptability without proportionally increasing overall complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing wiring infrastructure is used in new or existing constructions, then the ease of manufacture and installation is improved, but the adaptability to automation requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vent assembly is designed as a universal module that can be installed in both new and existing constructions. It incorporates multiple functions including temperature sensing, airflow control, and communication capabilities within a single integrated unit, allowing adaptation to automation requirements while using existing wiring infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed control system allows each vent assembly to independently monitor its zone conditions and autonomously adjust airflow based on sensor data. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex centralized control wiring while maintaining high adaptability to automation requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed zone control system having one or more vents with sensors and effectors is provided. The effectors operate in response to the sensors. In various embodiments, the effectors of one vent may operate in response to the sensors of another vent. In various instances, the distributed zone control system connects to an HVAC system and controls operation of the HVAC system. In this manner, temperatures may be detected by a vent and conditioned air from the HVAC system is directed to appropriate zones to maintain desired conditions.