HVAC Controller with Wireless Ventilation Boost Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems lack efficient and user-friendly methods for coordinating ventilation requests across multiple ventilation boost control units, leading to potential conflicts and inefficiencies in providing temporary ventilation boosts within buildings.
Innovation Solution
A thermostat or HVAC controller with a user interface, memory, temperature sensor, and I/O block that can wirelessly receive ventilation requests from boost control units, coordinate competing demands, and send commands to ventilation units for predetermined ventilation times, allowing for easy activation and cancellation of ventilation boosts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple wired ventilation boost buttons are placed throughout the building, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The central thermostat acts as an intermediary that receives wireless signals from multiple distributed boost buttons, processes competing requests according to priority rules, and coordinates the ventilation unit. This mediator resolves conflicts between simultaneous requests from different locations without requiring complex wired interconnections between buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional wired mechanical connection system with wireless communication technology. Boost buttons transmit requests wirelessly to the thermostat, eliminating the need for complex physical wiring infrastructure while maintaining multiple distributed control points throughout the building.
2Device complexity
If ventilation boost is activated for a fixed period, then system control is simplified, but user flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation duration transitions from a static fixed period to a dynamic adjustable parameter. Users can modify the ventilation duration in real-time based on actual air quality conditions and personal needs, while the system automatically manages the activation and deactivation process to maintain control simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service functionality where the ventilation unit automatically activates and deactivates based on user-initiated requests. The thermostat monitors the ventilation process and manages timing automatically, requiring minimal user intervention while providing flexible duration control.
3Speed
If ventilation boost requests are processed simultaneously, then response speed is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat continuously monitors air quality parameters and pre-conditions for ventilation activation. When a boost button is pressed, the system can immediately respond if conditions are favorable, otherwise it waits for appropriate conditions. This preliminary monitoring enables fast response when needed while preventing conflicting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the thermostat continuously monitors air quality, ventilation status, and active requests. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts its response to incoming boost requests, prioritizing them appropriately and preventing conflicting operations while maintaining rapid response to legitimate needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A Heating, Ventilation, and/or Air Conditioning (HVAC) controller, such as a thermostat, is configured to receive and accept one or more requests for a temporary boost in ventilation. The requests may be received from one or more remotely located ventilation boost control units located throughout the building, and/or through a user interface of the HVAC controller itself. In some cases, the HVAC controller may be configured to coordinate multiple requests for ventilation, and adjust the ventilation time as appropriate.