HVAC Control System with Activity-Based Dynamic Temperature Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC control systems can only set temperature settings based on occupancy or time schedules, leading to inefficient energy use when occupants' activities vary, requiring manual adjustments and slow learning adaptations.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC control system with a processor that automatically adjusts temperature settings to activity_high or activity_low levels based on detected activity, in addition to away and presence modes, using sensors and user input to optimize comfort and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the thermostat operates in fixed occupancy or away modes with static temperature setpoints, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to varying occupant activities requiring manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static temperature setpoints to dynamic activity-based setpoints. The system continuously monitors activity levels and automatically adjusts temperature setpoints in real-time, allowing the thermostat to adapt to varying occupant activities without manual intervention while maintaining manageable complexity through automated sensor-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using activity sensors to continuously monitor occupant behavior and feed this information back to the processor. The processor then adjusts temperature setpoints based on detected activity levels, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically adapts to changing conditions without requiring complex user programming.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the thermostat uses time-based temperature programs, then the control logic is simple, but it cannot respond to actual occupant activities occurring at different times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical time-based scheduling system with an activity-based control system. Instead of relying on pre-programmed time schedules, the system uses activity sensors to detect actual occupant behavior and automatically adjusts temperature setpoints accordingly, substituting sensor-based detection and automated decision-making for complex time-based programming logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system learns temperature preferences over time, then it can adapt to user habits, but the learning process is slow and requires extensive user input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple activity-based temperature setpoints that correspond to different detected activity levels. Instead of requiring the system to learn user preferences through extensive trial-and-error over time, the thermostat is pre-configured with activity thresholds and associated temperature setpoints, enabling immediate adaptation once activity detection begins, significantly reducing the learning time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an HVAC control system (10) for controlling the temperature in at least one area of a building. The HVAC control system (10) comprises at least one user input interface (2) for receiving a setting from at least one occupant, at least one temperature control means (1) for controlling the temperature in the at least one area, and a control and communication unit (3) comprising a processor (4) for controlling the at least one temperature control means (1) to set a presence temperature setting (TPRES) and an away temperature setting (TAWAY) respectively for when the at least one occupant is present in the at least one area or is not present in the at least one area. The HVAC control system (10) furthermore comprises means (6) for tracking activity by the at least one occupant in the at least one area. The processor (4) is further adapted to automatically send a signal to the temperature control means (1) to adapt the presence temperature setting (TPRES) to at least an activity_high temperature setting (TACT_HIGH) upon receiving a signal indicative of activity in the at least one area, or to an activity_low temperature setting (TACT_LOW) upon no longer receiving a signal representative of activity from the means (6) for detecting activity, and in response thereto the temperature in the at least one area is automatically and directly set to respectively the activity_high temperature setting (TACT_HIGH) or the activity_low temperature setting (TACT_LOW), so that it becomes more comfortable for the occupant.