Operating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems using occupancy sensing systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face challenges in integrating with occupancy sensing systems due to different proprietary concepts and formats of information, leading to inefficient operation and human comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
A computing device receives building information to create mappings between spaces, occupancy sensing system fixtures, and HVAC devices, allowing for informed HVAC operation based on occupancy data, thereby bridging the gap between disparate systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If occupancy sensing systems and HVAC systems operate independently with different proprietary concepts, then each system can be managed separately by different entities, but integration between the systems becomes difficult and information exchange is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computing device as an intermediary that receives occupancy information from the occupancy sensing system and translates it into HVAC control signals. This mediator bridges the two disparate systems, enabling integration without requiring direct compatibility between the occupancy sensing system and HVAC system, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device serves multiple functions: it acts as a receiver for occupancy data, a translator between different system protocols, and a controller for HVAC devices. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to handle integration tasks that would otherwise require multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
2Loss of information
If occupancy information is stored in floor plans and schemas, then the information is readily available, but it becomes difficult to obtain in a machine-readable format for automated HVAC control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual interpretation of floor plan schemas with an automated computing device that programmatically extracts and processes occupancy information. This substitution of automated digital processing for manual mechanical lookup enables the system to efficiently access and utilize occupancy data in machine-readable formats, resolving the contradiction between information accessibility and operational ease
3Loss of energy
If HVAC systems operate without real-time occupancy data, then system operation is simplified, but energy efficiency and human comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where occupancy sensor data continuously informs HVAC system operation. The computing device receives real-time occupancy information and adjusts HVAC device operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves energy efficiency by matching HVAC output to actual occupancy needs while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
Operating HVAC systems using occupancy sensing systems is described herein. One device includes instructions to receive information defining a plurality of spaces of a building, occupancy sensing system information describing a location of each of a plurality of occupancy sensing system fixtures with respect to a representation of the building, and HVAC system information describing a relationship between the plurality of spaces and a plurality of HVAC devices in the building, create a mapping between a space, a fixture, and an HVAC device based on the building information, and modify an operation of the HVAC device based on the mapping and responsive to a determination of occupancy in the space by the fixture.