HVAC Occupancy Detection Using Network IP Address Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face inefficiencies due to inaccurate determination of occupancy states, leading to incorrect operation of heating and ventilation systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an occupancy identifier that compares WAN IP addresses of user devices and HVAC controllers to determine occupancy, allowing for remote operation of HVAC components based on network connectivity and operational actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If occupancy state determination methods are simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses WAN IP address as an intermediary indicator to infer occupancy state. Instead of directly detecting occupancy through complex sensors, the system mediates by checking whether a user device's IP address matches the HVAC controller's IP address, indicating the device is on the same network and the structure is occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or sensor-based occupancy detection systems with a network-based IP address comparison method. This substitutes physical detection mechanisms with digital network communication and data comparison, simplifying the overall system while maintaining occupancy detection capability.
2Reliability
If HVAC system operates continuously, then reliability of climate control is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic HVAC operation by continuously monitoring occupancy status through IP address comparison. The system adjusts its operation in real-time based on whether the structure is occupied or unoccupied, transitioning between active climate control and energy-saving modes rather than operating continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from occupancy detection (IP address matching) to control HVAC operation. When the user device's IP address matches the HVAC controller's IP address, the system determines occupancy and activates climate control; when they differ, the system reduces operation to save energy.
3Loss of energy
If occupancy detection accuracy is improved, then loss of energy is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs WAN IP address as a mediator to accurately determine occupancy state without complex detection systems. By comparing IP addresses, the system achieves reliable occupancy identification that prevents unnecessary HVAC operation during unoccupied periods, reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex occupancy detection hardware with a software-based IP address comparison mechanism. This substitution achieves accurate occupancy detection to prevent energy waste while keeping the system simple and leveraging existing network infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for operating an HVAC system based on the occupancy of a structure, wherein occupancy of the structure is determined by a remote occupancy identifier, the occupancy identifier configured to determine the occupancy of the structure by detecting if a user device is connected to a network within the structure, the occupancy identifier further configured to change at least one operational parameter setting of the HVAC controller depending on whether the structure is currently occupied or not.