HVAC Controller Dynamic Temperature Compensation for Waste Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC controllers face challenges in accurately measuring temperature due to waste heat generated by their own components, leading to inaccurate control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic temperature control program that uses a processor and environmental sensor to apply a correction factor to the measured temperature value, accounting for waste heat by calculating power consumption within the controller, thereby providing a corrected ambient temperature value for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the controller uses an internal environmental sensor to measure temperature, then the controller can monitor ambient temperature for HVAC control, but the waste heat generated by power consumption within the controller causes inaccurate temperature measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational intermediary (correction factor) that mediates between the raw sensor measurement and the final temperature value used for control. The processor calculates power consumption and applies a correction algorithm to compensate for the thermal influence of controller components, effectively using computation as an intermediary to eliminate the harmful effect of waste heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring power consumption levels and dynamically adjusting the temperature correction factor. The processor measures current power draw from controller components and uses this feedback to update the compensation applied to sensor readings, ensuring accurate temperature measurement even as controller thermal output varies during operation.
2Measurement precision
If the controller applies a static correction factor to compensate for waste heat, then temperature measurement accuracy improves, but the correction cannot adapt to varying power consumption levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static correction approach into a dynamic system where the correction factor continuously adapts to changing operating conditions. The processor monitors real-time power consumption and dynamically adjusts the temperature compensation accordingly, allowing the system to maintain measurement accuracy whether the controller is in low-power standby mode or high-power operation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being corrected from a fixed temperature offset to a variable correction factor that depends on power consumption levels. By making the correction parameter dynamic and contingent on measured electrical power draw, the system adapts to varying thermal conditions without requiring multiple sensors or complex hardware modifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures more accurate temperature control by compensating for waste heat, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of HVAC system operations.
Implementation Method 1
an environmental sensor operable to provide a measured temperature value to the environmental control program
Implementation Method 2
the dynamic correction factor is determined by calculating a power consumption value within the controller
Implementation Method 3
waste heat generated by power consumption within the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A controller is provided for operating HVAC equipment using an environmental control program. The controller has an environmental sensor operable to provide a measured temperature value to the environmental control program. The controller further runs a dynamic temperature control program that is operable to provide a dynamic correction factor to the environmental control program that dynamically compensates the measured temperature value for waste heat generated by power consumption within the controller.