HVAC Comfort Control Using Apparent Temperature and Humidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional climate control systems require users to independently adjust multiple environmental parameters, such as absolute temperature and humidity, to achieve desired comfort levels, which can be complex and unnecessary, as they control these parameters to maintain a specific absolute temperature rather than the perceived comfort level.
Innovation Solution
A climate control system that includes a controller configured to receive an apparent temperature set point, operating cooling and heating sources to maintain an absolute air temperature different from the set point, while also controlling humidity to achieve the desired comfort level, thereby simplifying user input and reducing unnecessary control actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the controller maintains absolute temperature equal to the set point, then temperature control is straightforward, but user comfort is not optimized because apparent temperature (feels like temperature) depends on both temperature and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from absolute temperature to apparent temperature (feels like temperature), which is a function of both temperature and humidity. The controller calculates the apparent temperature based on measured temperature and humidity, then adjusts HVAC operation to maintain the desired apparent temperature setpoint, directly addressing user comfort perception rather than just physical temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation layer that converts between apparent temperature and absolute temperature. The controller uses this intermediary relationship to determine what absolute temperature setting will achieve the desired apparent temperature given current humidity conditions, effectively decoupling user comfort specification from direct temperature control
2Loss of energy
If the system controls both temperature and humidity independently to maintain absolute temperature, then temperature stability is achieved, but energy is wasted due to over-control when humidity changes would compensate for temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control based on apparent temperature rather than absolute temperature. The controller continuously monitors both temperature and humidity, calculates the resulting apparent temperature, and adjusts HVAC operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to account for humidity's effect on comfort, reducing unnecessary temperature adjustments and energy consumption while maintaining consistent comfort levels
3Ease of operation
If the controller uses numerical temperature values for set point input, then precision is maintained, but user interface complexity increases and usability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses icons as visual copies or representations of temperature concepts rather than requiring direct numerical input. The icon-based interface allows users to select from predefined comfort levels (e.g., cool, comfortable, warm) which are then translated into appropriate apparent temperature setpoints, maintaining precision while dramatically improving usability for non-technical users
Data Source
AI summary
A heating ventilation and cooling system includes a cooling source and/or a heating source, and a controller. The cooling and/or heating sources are configured to respectively cool and heat an enclosed space. The controller is configured to receive an apparent temperature set point. The controller is further configure to operate the cooling and/or heating sources to maintain an absolute air temperature that is different from the apparent temperature set point.