HVAC Controller with Programmable Indoor Air Quality Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems lack the ability to dynamically control indoor air quality components such as humidification, dehumidification, and ventilation according to user-defined schedules, leading to inefficient energy use and potential discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC controller with a user interface, memory, and I/O block that allows users to program different time periods for controlling indoor air quality components, enabling selective operation or reduced operation during specific times to conserve energy while maintaining acceptable indoor air quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If indoor air quality components are controlled with a fixed manual setting, then the system is simple to operate, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to continuous operation during unoccupied periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed manual control setting to a dynamic programmable schedule that automatically adjusts indoor air quality component operation based on time periods and occupancy patterns. The controller allows users to program different operational settings for different times of day, automatically reducing or shutting off components like humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilation systems during unoccupied periods while maintaining optimal settings during occupied periods, thereby improving energy efficiency without requiring complex real-time sensing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic schedule-based control where the HVAC controller autonomously manages indoor air quality components according to pre-programmed time periods. Once the user programs the schedule, the system automatically executes the appropriate control actions without requiring continuous manual intervention or complex real-time decision-making algorithms, enabling energy savings through automated operation during unoccupied periods
2Reliability
If indoor air quality components operate continuously, then indoor air quality is maintained at optimal levels, but energy consumption increases during non-occupied periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing time-based scheduling that automatically adjusts the operation of indoor air quality components according to predefined time periods. The controller programs different operational modes for different times of day, enabling components to operate at full capacity during occupied periods when air quality is critical, and automatically reduce or shut off during unoccupied periods, creating a periodic on-demand operation pattern that balances air quality maintenance with energy conservation
3Loss of energy
If a programmable schedule is implemented for controlling indoor air quality components, then energy usage is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating the programmable schedule control for indoor air quality components directly into the existing HVAC controller that already manages temperature control. This multi-functional approach allows the single controller to handle both temperature setpoints and indoor air quality component scheduling without requiring separate dedicated control systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling energy optimization through coordinated control of multiple HVAC functions
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC controller, such as a thermostat, may be configured to allow a user to set and/or select schedule time period in which one or more indoor quality units (e.g. humidification, dehumidification, ventilation, etc.) will or will not operate, and/or will operated but using different settings. In some cases, the schedule time periods available for selection may correspond to the time periods of a programmable temperature schedule of the HVAC controller, but this is not required. In some instances, the HVAC controller may allow a user to select which indoor air quality units will or will not operate, and/or what settings the indoor air quality units will operate, during a user's vacation.