HVAC Interface Module Backup Control After Thermostat Signal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face issues when thermostats lose power or communication with HVAC equipment, leading to uncontrolled environmental conditions, potentially causing discomfort and damage due to extreme temperatures or humidity.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC controller with an equipment interface module that communicates with a wireless thermostat and includes a remote sensor, allowing it to provide instructions to HVAC components even when communication is lost, using stored configuration information and sensor data to maintain safe conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless thermostat is used to control HVAC equipment, then ease of operation and installation are improved, but reliability deteriorates when battery power fails or communication is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary backup controller that receives signals from both the wireless thermostat and the HVAC equipment. This mediator monitors communication between the thermostat and HVAC system, and automatically takes over control when communication is lost, ensuring continuous reliable operation without compromising the ease of wireless thermostat operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a backup control mechanism before any failure occurs. The backup controller is pre-configured with control algorithms and continuously monitors the communication status, so that when battery power fails or communication is lost, the transition to backup control is immediate and seamless, maintaining reliability without affecting the ease of thermostat operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If battery-powered wireless thermostats are used, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability worsens due to battery failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The backup controller serves as an intermediary that assumes control functions when the battery-powered thermostat fails. This allows the thermostat to remain simple and easy to install with battery power, while the backup controller ensures reliability by taking over when power or communication is lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by preparing a backup control mechanism that activates when battery power fails. This cushioning measure ensures that the transition from primary to backup control is seamless, maintaining reliability while preserving the ease of installation of battery-powered wireless thermostats.
3Reliability
If the thermostat continuously monitors and controls HVAC equipment, then environmental parameter control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by having the backup controller monitor environmental parameters at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. When the wireless thermostat is operational, it maintains continuous control for reliable environmental parameter management. When communication is lost, the backup controller uses periodic monitoring to reduce energy consumption while still ensuring adequate environmental control.
Data Source
AI summary
An equipment interface module that can operate one or more pieces of HVAC equipment in accordance with instructions received from a properly operating thermostat, yet can also operate the HVAC equipment when communications between the thermostat and the HVAC controller are lost due to, for example, low battery power at the thermostat, malfunctioning thermostat sensor(s), malfunctioning communication and/or thermostat circuitry, electrical interference, and the like. In some instances, the equipment interface module may regulate the HVAC equipment in accordance with a signal from a remote sensor when communication with the thermostat is lost.