HVAC Controller Using Target-Time Control Plans for Legacy Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems face limitations due to the high cost and limited interoperability of communicating systems, which restrict consumer choice and flexibility in retrofitting or upgrading, while legacy systems lack advanced control features.
Innovation Solution
A controller that operates HVAC systems based on a target time control plan, allowing for both communicating and non-communicating equipment, using a communication module for data exchange and sensor integration, and adjusting control plans dynamically to achieve desired temperature settings efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If communicating HVAC systems are used to achieve improved control and automation, then the degree of control and automation is improved, but the system cost increases and interoperability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the communicating thermostat from the HVAC equipment, allowing the thermostat to be modern and intelligent while the HVAC equipment can be legacy or non-communicating. This segmentation enables advanced control features through the thermostat without requiring all system components to be communicating devices, thus maintaining interoperability while improving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The communicating thermostat is designed to work with multiple types of HVAC equipment including both communicating and non-communicating legacy equipment. It provides universal compatibility through multiple communication protocols and interfaces, allowing consumers to choose from a broader range of HVAC equipment options while still benefiting from advanced control features.
2Extent of automation
If communicating HVAC systems are implemented to achieve advanced control features, then the degree of control is improved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the communicating functionality into a separate thermostat component rather than requiring all HVAC equipment to be communicating devices. This allows consumers to invest only in the intelligent thermostat for advanced control features while using existing or more affordable legacy HVAC equipment, thereby reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the use of simpler, less expensive legacy HVAC equipment that can be replaced independently of the thermostat. The expensive communicating functionality is concentrated in the thermostat which has a longer operational life, while the HVAC equipment can be more affordable and replaced as needed, optimizing the cost-benefit ratio.
3Ease of manufacture
If communicating HVAC systems are used to enable automatic identification and configuration, then ease of installation is improved, but consumer choice and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the intelligent configuration and automatic identification capabilities into the thermostat from the HVAC equipment. This allows the thermostat to handle the complexity of device discovery and configuration automatically, while the HVAC equipment can be any standard legacy or communicating device, thereby maintaining consumer choice and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The communicating thermostat automatically discovers connected HVAC equipment and configures itself without requiring manual setup or specialized communicating capabilities in the HVAC equipment. This self-service approach simplifies installation while allowing consumers to choose from any HVAC equipment, as the thermostat handles the adaptation and configuration automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling the air temperature of a building using a control plan based on a target time. The system includes a controller which may be connected to a number of indoor and outdoor heating ventilation and air-conditioning units. The system may include a thermostat. The system may also operate without a thermostat. The method includes determining a control plan to reach a desired temperature in a target time. The method also includes updating the plan by comparing the actual time to reach the desired temperature with the target time.