Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system override systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust operational settings based on real-time environmental conditions and user inputs, often relying on fixed default modes that may not accommodate varying occupancy or activity levels within a structure.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC control device equipped with a processor, memory, communication circuitry, and sensors that can collect environmental data and receive user inputs via a secondary device, allowing for the implementation of override modes that adjust temperature set points and operational settings to optimize comfort and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC systems operate with fixed default temperature settings, then system simplicity and ease of operation are maintained, but adaptability to varying occupancy and activity levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature setpoints that automatically adjust based on real-time occupancy detection and activity level classification. The system transitions from static default settings to dynamic adaptive control, where temperature recommendations change continuously according to environmental conditions and detected human activity patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple sensors (temperature, humidity, occupancy detection) that continuously monitor environmental conditions and feed this data back to the control algorithm. This feedback loop enables the system to detect occupancy presence, classify activity levels, and adjust temperature recommendations accordingly, creating a closed-loop adaptive control system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If HVAC systems use default operational modes, then ease of operation is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to inability to respond to real-time conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-optimization by automatically detecting occupancy, classifying activity levels, and determining appropriate temperature recommendations without requiring user intervention. The HVAC control device autonomously adjusts operational parameters based on sensor data and algorithmic processing, enabling the system to serve itself in optimizing energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (temperature setpoints, fan speeds) based on detected conditions. By continuously adjusting these parameters according to occupancy and activity level classifications, the system optimizes energy consumption while maintaining comfort only when and where needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC control devices collect and process real-time environmental data, then adaptability and comfort optimization improve, but device complexity and data processing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into distinct functional modules: sensor data acquisition, occupancy detection algorithms, activity level classification, temperature recommendation generation, and HVAC control execution. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive adaptive capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) includes a processor and a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors can collect a first set of data indicative of environmental conditions of a structure in which the HVAC control device is located. The HVAC control device can control operational settings of an HVAC system that can supply conditioned air to the structure and operate the HVAC system in a default mode. The HVAC control device can also receive a second set of data collected by one or more sensors of a secondary input device and receive a signal from the secondary input device. Additionally, the HVAC control device can implement an override mode of the control device based on the signal. Implementation of the override mode effectuates a change in the operational settings of the HVAC system.