HVAC controller with wireless network based occupancy detection and control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems lack the ability to remotely control and adjust operational parameters based on occupancy, leading to inefficient energy usage and comfort levels within buildings.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC controller equipped with a wireless transceiver and memory that connects to a wireless local area network, detects mobile devices, and adjusts settings (like temperature) based on occupancy by broadcasting queries and receiving responses, allowing for remote control and energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If HVAC systems use traditional occupancy detection methods, then the system can control temperature based on occupancy, but the system lacks remote control capability and real-time occupancy detection
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a traditional temperature control device and a wireless communication node. The controller includes a wireless transceiver that enables it to communicate over the building's wireless LAN, detect mobile devices, and receive remote control commands, thereby integrating occupancy detection and remote control capabilities into an existing HVAC control device without adding separate dedicated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a building's wireless local area network as an intermediary communication medium between the HVAC controller and mobile devices. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight or specialized communication hardware between the thermostat and user devices, the controller leverages the existing wireless LAN infrastructure to enable occupancy detection and remote control, simplifying the overall system architecture
2Reliability
If HVAC systems continuously monitor occupancy, then the system can maintain optimal comfort levels, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC controller implements periodic occupancy detection by broadcasting occupancy detection queries at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously monitoring. This approach allows the system to maintain reliable occupancy detection capability while significantly reducing the energy consumption of the wireless transceiver and processor, as the controller remains in a lower-power state between query broadcasts
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the building's existing wireless LAN infrastructure for occupancy detection, thereby avoiding the need for dedicated detection sensors or additional communication hardware. The controller leverages the already-deployed wireless network resources to perform occupancy detection, eliminating the energy overhead of maintaining separate detection systems
3Loss of energy
If HVAC systems adjust operational parameters based on occupancy, then energy efficiency improves, but the system requires complex occupancy detection and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the HVAC controller periodically broadcasts occupancy detection queries and processes responses to determine current occupancy status. Based on this real-time occupancy information, the controller automatically adjusts HVAC operational parameters such as temperature setpoint, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy efficiency through occupancy-based adjustments without requiring complex manual control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC controller dynamically changes operational parameters based on detected occupancy status. When occupancy is detected through wireless device responses, the controller adjusts temperature setpoints and other operational parameters to maintain comfort; when no devices respond, the controller modifies parameters to conserve energy, thereby achieving energy efficiency through automated parameter adjustment rather than complex control algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC controller that can detect if a user's mobile wireless device is currently connected to and recognized by a building's wireless local area network is disclosed. Depending on whether or not the user's mobile wireless device is currently connected to and recognized by the building's wireless local area network, the HVAC controller basis its control on unoccupied or occupied settings.