HVAC Controller Network-Based Scheduling for Remote Energy Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems lack the ability to be efficiently controlled from a remote location, limiting user convenience and energy management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC controller with a communications port for receiving data from a remote server via a computer network, allowing for programmable schedules to be updated and controlled remotely, and a server with an input/output port for sending and receiving data to facilitate remote access and control of HVAC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If HVAC systems use traditional local control methods, then system simplicity is maintained, but remote control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the user and the HVAC controller. The server communicates with the controller via communication ports to transmit scheduling data and control commands, enabling remote control without requiring direct connection between user and HVAC system. This resolves the contradiction by adding remote capability while keeping the HVAC system itself relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC controllers have fixed local schedules, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing user needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed local schedule into a dynamic, remotely updatable schedule. The HVAC controller receives scheduling data from a remote server that can be modified at any time based on changing user needs. This allows the system to adapt flexibly to different situations while maintaining a relatively simple controller architecture that merely needs to receive and execute incoming schedule data.
3Ease of operation
If HVAC systems lack remote monitoring, then system simplicity is maintained, but user convenience and energy management are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The remote server acts as an intermediary that provides monitoring and control functions without requiring complex integration within the HVAC system itself. The server handles schedule management, data storage, and communication protocols, allowing users to conveniently monitor and control HVAC systems remotely while keeping the HVAC controller relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A master HVAC schedule for an HVAC controller may be stored on an external server accessible over a computer network. The external server may maintain the master HVAC schedule, and may translate a portion of the master HVAC schedule into a basic HVAC schedule that is executable by an HVAC controller. The external server may deliver the basic HVAC schedule to an HVAC controller according to a predetermined schedule. In some cases, the external server may deliver an updated basic HVAC schedule to the HVAC controller in response to a user initiated change made to the master HVAC schedule or upon restoration of a lost network connection between the HVAC controller and the external server.