HVAC Controller with Scheduled Indoor Air Quality Component Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems lack the ability to dynamically control indoor air quality components based on user-defined schedules, leading to inefficient energy use and potential air quality issues, as these components often operate on fixed settings.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC controller with a user interface, memory, and I/O block that allows users to program different operating schedules for indoor air quality components such as ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification units, enabling selective operation during specific time periods and at varying levels to conserve energy while maintaining acceptable air quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If indoor air quality components operate on fixed settings, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates and adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of indoor air quality components by allowing the operating schedule to be changed based on different conditions (vacation mode, occupancy detection, external air quality conditions). The system transitions from static fixed settings to dynamic adjustable settings, enabling the ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification components to adapt their operation to current needs while maintaining user-friendly controls.
2Reliability
If indoor air quality components operate continuously at fixed settings, then reliability of air quality maintenance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by allowing the system to switch between different operating schedules based on vacation mode or occupancy detection. During vacation mode, the system reduces or suspends operation of indoor air quality components for extended periods, while during occupied periods, components operate according to normal schedules. This periodic activation based on occupancy patterns reduces energy consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic detection of external air quality conditions and automatically adjusts the operation of ventilation and indoor air quality components accordingly. When external air quality is poor, the system reduces ventilation and air quality component operation, and when air quality is good, it increases operation, eliminating the need for continuous operation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability through condition-based activation.
3Device complexity
If indoor air quality components are controlled manually with fixed settings, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different user needs and time periods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating vacation mode control, occupancy detection, external air quality monitoring, and manual scheduling capabilities into a single control system. The HVAC controller can perform multiple functions: normal operation scheduling, vacation mode activation, automatic adjustment based on occupancy sensors, and response to external air quality conditions. This universal controller handles diverse control needs without requiring separate devices, maintaining simplicity while enabling high adaptability.
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.