Economizer Sensor Calibration Using Stored Offset Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing economizer controllers face challenges in accurately measuring parameters due to variations in sensor accuracy, leading to inefficiencies in energy management and environmental control, particularly in diverse climates.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a calibration mechanism that uses precision sensors to calculate offsets for controller sensors, allowing for compensation of future measurements and enabling calibration of sensors in other economizer controllers, thereby enhancing accuracy and consistency across different environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard controller sensors are used for measurement, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sensor accuracy variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing sensor calibration before actual operation. A calibration mode is implemented where precision reference sensors measure environmental parameters and calculate offset values that are stored in memory. These pre-calculated offsets compensate for sensor inaccuracies during normal operation, resolving the contradiction by preparing correction data in advance rather than requiring complex real-time calibration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a calibration mode as a mediator between the controller sensor and the actual measurement process. During calibration mode, a precision reference sensor acts as an intermediary to establish the relationship between the controller sensor readings and actual environmental conditions. The calculated offsets serve as intermediaries that bridge the gap between inaccurate sensor readings and true parameter values during normal operation.
2Measurement precision
If sensor calibration is implemented to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the calibration process conditional and flexible rather than static and mandatory. The controller can operate in two modes: calibration mode for improving accuracy and normal operation mode for ease of use. Users can dynamically switch between modes as needed, allowing the system to adapt its complexity based on operational requirements. This resolves the contradiction by making calibration optional and situational rather than a permanent operational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing calibration only when and where needed rather than continuously or universally. The calibration mode can be activated selectively for specific sensors or under specific conditions, allowing users to balance accuracy requirements against operational simplicity. This partial calibration approach resolves the contradiction by applying the calibration process to the extent necessary without requiring full continuous calibration of all sensors.
3Measurement precision
If precision reference sensors are used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration during initial setup or maintenance periods rather than during normal operation. The calibration mode allows users to establish offset values in advance, and these pre-calculated corrections are then automatically applied during normal operation without requiring additional calibration time. This resolves the contradiction by front-loading the time investment into calibration during periods when measurement accuracy is not the immediate priority.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic offset application during normal operation. Once calibration offsets are established in calibration mode, the controller automatically uses these offsets to correct sensor readings without requiring continuous user intervention or recalibration. The system serves itself by automatically applying the corrections that were previously calculated, eliminating the need for repeated manual calibration processes and reducing ongoing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An economizer controller with sensor calibration. A controller sensor may be used to measure a parameter. At the same time at the same location of the measurement with the controller sensor, a measurement of the same parameter may be made with a precision sensor. The difference between the two measurements may be saved to a controller memory as an offset. The offset may be used to compensate future measurements of the same parameter by the controller sensor. Additional offsets at various magnitudes may be obtained between the precision and the controller sensors for compensating subsequent measurements by the controller sensor. Measurements with the compensated sensor may be used for calibrating sensors in other economizer controllers, for example, at remote locations in the field.