Energy device control appartus and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy device control systems, such as lighting and HVAC, face challenges with reliability and cost due to reliance on sensors like PIR, CMOS/RF/LiDAR, and ambient light sensors, which result in inaccurate occupancy detection, power inefficiency, and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A combination of PIR and CMOS/RF/LiDAR sensors with integrated presence detection, along with data lakes for room booking, temperature, and humidity information, enables intelligent control of lighting and HVAC systems, using AI and machine learning for accurate occupancy detection and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If PIR sensor is used to detect human presence, then motion detection capability is provided, but detection reliability deteriorates when minimal movement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines PIR sensor technology with ambient light sensor technology to create a hybrid detection system. The PIR sensor detects thermal radiation from human bodies while the ambient light sensor detects reflected light, allowing the system to reliably detect human presence even when minimal movement occurs, thus resolving the reliability issue of PIR-only systems
2Measurement precision
If CMOS/RF/LiDAR system is used for occupancy detection, then detection capability is improved, but processing time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two parts: PIR sensor for initial motion/presence indication and ambient light sensor for confirmation and continuous monitoring. This segmentation avoids the need for complex AI/ML processing of continuous video or point cloud data from CMOS/LiDAR systems, significantly reducing processing time and power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy
3Loss of energy
If ambient light sensor is used to control lighting, then energy saving is achieved, but user comfort deteriorates due to dimly lit areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the ambient light sensor continuously monitors light levels and the PIR sensor monitors human presence. When human presence is detected, the system feedbacks to maintain adequate lighting levels, preventing user discomfort. When no presence is detected, the system reduces lighting to save energy, thus balancing both objectives
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
Provides reliable, cost-effective, and efficient control of lighting and HVAC systems with enhanced user comfort and energy savings through precise occupancy detection and predictive analytics.
Implementation Method 1
a presence sensor... The presence sensor is operative to sense the presence of one or more persons in the area
Implementation Method 2
a passive infrared sensor... The passive infrared sensor is operative to detect motion of one or more persons in the area
Data Source
AI summary
An energy device control apparatus for controlling lighting, HVAC or other energy devices of a particular area of a building is provided. The apparatus includes a presence sensor, a passive infrared sensor, a microprocessor, and a controller to control the energy device by detecting human occupancy in the area of the building.