HVAC Operation Using Occupancy Sensing Mapping to Reduce Energy Waste

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HVAC systems face challenges in efficiently operating based on occupancy information due to separate management and proprietary conventions between occupancy sensing systems and HVAC systems, leading to misapplication of heating or cooling, increased energy costs, and reduced human comfort.

Innovation Solution

A computing device receives mappings between building spaces, occupancy sensing fixtures, and HVAC devices to inform HVAC operations based on actual occupancy states, creating semantic mappings that link occupancy determinations to HVAC device control, thereby optimizing energy use and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If occupancy sensing systems and HVAC systems are operated separately with proprietary concepts, then each system can be independently managed and installed, but the systems cannot properly share occupancy information leading to misapplication of heating or cooling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integration capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a computing device as an intermediary that receives occupancy information from occupancy sensing systems and translates it into HVAC control commands. This mediator resolves the incompatibility between proprietary systems by converting occupancy data into actionable HVAC instructions, enabling integration without requiring the original systems to directly communicate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where occupancy information continuously informs HVAC operation. The computing device monitors occupancy status and dynamically adjusts HVAC device operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing occupancy conditions and optimizes energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If HVAC systems operate without accurate occupancy information, then system operation is simplified, but energy costs increase and human comfort is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHVAC energy consumptionVSAvoidoccupancy sensing integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The HVAC system is enhanced to automatically respond to occupancy conditions without requiring manual intervention. The computing device autonomously processes occupancy information and adjusts HVAC operation accordingly, enabling the system to self-optimize energy consumption based on actual occupancy patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively adjusts HVAC operation based on predicted or detected occupancy patterns. By anticipating occupancy changes and pre-adjusting HVAC settings, the system optimizes energy usage before occupancy changes occur, rather than reacting passively to occupancy conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3674617A1Operating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems using occupancy sensing systems
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3674617A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3674617A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3674617A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Operating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems using occupancy sensing systems is described herein. One device includes instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to receive a mapping between a space of a plurality of spaces of a building, a fixture of a plurality of occupancy sensing system fixtures in the building, and an HVAC device of a plurality of HVAC devices associated with the building, 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.