HVAC Controller Sensor Feedback Switching for Continuous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face performance issues when feedback from certain sensors becomes unavailable, leading to ineffective operation and potential suspension of the system.
Innovation Solution
The HVAC system is configured to utilize alternative feedback from other sensors to continue operating, switching from a primary mode to an alternative mode when essential sensor feedback is missing, ensuring continuous air flow conditioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the HVAC system operates based on feedback from a primary sensor, then the system can maintain precise control over operating parameters, but the system performance is compromised when the sensor feedback becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secondary sensor as an intermediary substitute when the primary sensor fails. The controller automatically switches from primary sensor feedback to secondary sensor feedback, maintaining system operation through this intermediary measurement source. This resolves the contradiction by providing a backup pathway that preserves reliability while the secondary sensor maintains acceptable measurement precision for control purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter source from primary sensor to secondary sensor when feedback availability changes. The controller monitors feedback availability and dynamically switches between different sensor sources, altering which parameter measurement is used for control. This parameter switching mechanism ensures continuous reliable operation while maintaining sufficient measurement accuracy through the alternative sensor.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the HVAC system suspends operation when primary sensor feedback is unavailable, then system safety is maintained, but productivity and continuous operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary sensor acts as an intermediary that enables continued productive operation when the primary sensor fails. Instead of suspending operation, the system uses the secondary sensor feedback to maintain air flow conditioning, thus preserving productivity while the controller ensures safety through monitored operation with alternative feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential primary sensor failure by having a secondary sensor ready as a cushion against productivity loss. This prior arrangement of alternative feedback sources ensures that when the primary sensor becomes unavailable, the system can continue operating without suspension, maintaining productivity while safety is preserved through the controlled switch to alternative feedback.
3Reliability
If the HVAC system uses multiple sensors for feedback, then the system can provide alternative feedback when one sensor fails, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary sensor is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a primary measurement source during normal operation and as a backup when the primary sensor fails. The controller is also multi-functional, handling both primary and secondary sensor inputs and automatically switching between them. This universality reduces the need for completely separate backup systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a controller. The controller is configured to control the HVAC system to condition an air flow based on first feedback from a first sensor of the HVAC system, receive second feedback from a second sensor of the HVAC system, and control the HVAC system to condition the air flow based on the second feedback instead of the first feedback when the first feedback from the first sensor being no longer available. The first feedback is indicative of a first operating parameter of the HVAC system, and the second feedback is indicative of a second operating parameter of a refrigerant flowing through the HVAC system.