Method and system for controlling the temperature of an indoor space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating control systems fail to efficiently manage energy usage in unoccupied structures, leading to unnecessary heating and energy waste, as they lack the ability to adjust temperature settings based on outdoor conditions to prevent damage from cold temperatures without expending excessive energy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adjust the indoor temperature of unoccupied structures by obtaining outdoor temperature data, determining a computed set point based on the outdoor temperature, and controlling the heating system to maintain a chosen set point between a default, computed, and maximum set point, ensuring protection from freezing while minimizing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed high temperature set point (55-65°F) is maintained in unoccupied structures, then protection from freezing damage is ensured, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature set point adjustment based on outdoor conditions. The system transitions from a fixed temperature set point to a variable one that changes according to outdoor temperature, occupancy status, and forecasted weather conditions. This allows the indoor temperature to be lowered when outdoor conditions permit, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate freezing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter dynamically based on multiple factors including outdoor temperature, occupancy predictions, and weather forecasts. By adjusting the indoor temperature set point according to these varying parameters, the system achieves energy savings while maintaining reliability for freeze protection when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If outdoor temperature data and forecasting systems are integrated, then energy efficiency improves through dynamic set point adjustment, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating control system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it monitors outdoor temperature, predicts occupancy based on historical data, receives weather forecasts, and adjusts temperature set points accordingly. By integrating these diverse functions into a single system, the patent achieves energy efficiency improvements without requiring multiple separate devices, thus managing complexity while delivering comprehensive energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor outdoor conditions, occupancy status, and indoor temperature. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the heating set point in real-time, enabling the system to respond optimally to changing conditions and achieve energy savings while maintaining simple operational logic.
3Use of energy by moving object
If temperature set point is lowered in unoccupied structures, then energy savings increase, but risk of freezing damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting occupancy before it occurs and pre-adjusting temperature set points accordingly. It also uses weather forecasts to anticipate cold conditions and proactively raises temperature set points before freezing conditions occur, preventing freeze damage while maximizing energy savings during safe periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces weather forecast data and occupancy prediction algorithms as intermediary elements between outdoor temperature conditions and indoor temperature control. These intermediaries process raw data and translate it into appropriate temperature set point adjustments, enabling the system to balance energy savings with freeze protection risk management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically operating a heating system controller for heating an indoor space so that the indoor temperature measurement signals are kept a) at approximately or above a default set point when the automatically obtained outdoor temperature indicator signals reflect an outdoor temperature indicator that is above a freeze protection point, or b) at approximately a computed set point that is higher than the default set point when the outdoor temperature indicator signals reflect an outdoor temperature indicator that is below the freeze protection point. The computed set point can be based on an outdoor temperature indicator. A heating system comprising a furnace, a thermostatic controller, a sensor of indoor temperature operatively connected to the thermostatic controller, a receiver operatively connected to the thermostatic controller for receiving a signal indicative of an outdoor temperature indicator, wherein the thermostatic controller is configured to operate according to the method.