HVAC Cycle Type Classification Using Remote Wireless Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the cycle type of HVAC systems is challenging due to the need for direct connections and professional installation, making it difficult for users to accurately track and maintain the systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors placed near supply and return air pathways of an HVAC system, along with an electronic device that analyzes data from these sensors to classify airflow cycle types without the need for direct connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct connection equipment is used to determine HVAC cycle type, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces remote sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure HVAC cycle type parameters (supply air temperature, return air temperature, airflow velocity) without requiring direct connection to the thermostat or control system. These sensors act as mediators between the user and the complex HVAC system, capturing necessary data through non-intrusive placement near supply and return air pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical direct connection requirement with a wireless sensor-based measurement system. Instead of physically connecting measurement equipment to the HVAC control system, the system uses remote sensors that wirelessly transmit data, eliminating the need for professional installation and direct system integration.
2Measurement precision
If professional installation equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform cycle type determination themselves using portable remote sensors that require no professional installation. Users can independently place sensors near air pathways, download the measurement application, and conduct assessments without requiring HVAC specialists, thereby democratizing access to system performance data.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless sensor system serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between complex HVAC systems and end-users. By capturing data remotely and transmitting it wirelessly to user devices, the system eliminates the need for users to directly interact with or understand the complex HVAC control systems.
3Ease of operation
If remote sensor data is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical connection measurements with remote sensor measurements of physical parameters (temperature, airflow velocity). This substitution maintains measurement precision by measuring fundamental physical quantities that directly relate to cycle type, while eliminating the need for direct system connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures different parameters (supply air temperature, return air temperature, airflow velocity) that can be obtained remotely but still provide sufficient information for accurate cycle type determination. By selecting appropriate measurable parameters, the system achieves both ease of operation and adequate precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for identifying and classifying airflow system types. The system may include: (1) an airflow system configured to receive air via a return air pathway and supply air via a supply air pathway; (2) a first sensor disposed proximate to the supply air pathway of the airflow system to collect supply airflow data; (3) a second sensor disposed proximate to the return air pathway of the airflow system to collect return airflow data; and (4) an electronic device including one or more processors communicatively coupled to a memory storing one or more instructions that cause the one or more processors to: (a) receive airflow system data; (b) analyze the airflow system data to generate airflow system cycle data; and (c) classify, based on the airflow system cycle data, an airflow cycle type of the airflow cycle facilitated by the airflow system.