HVAC and Occupancy Sensing System Integration Using Semantic Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face challenges in integrating with occupancy sensing systems due to separate management and proprietary concepts, leading to difficulties in obtaining machine-readable information and effective operation.
Innovation Solution
A computing device creates semantic mappings between occupancy sensing system fixtures, spaces, and HVAC devices, allowing for informed HVAC operation based on occupancy data, thereby uniting disparate systems for enhanced comfort and resource efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 integration between the systems becomes difficult and information exchange is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the occupancy sensing system and the HVAC system. This gateway translates occupancy data into HVAC-compatible formats and mediates communication between the two previously incompatible systems, enabling integration without requiring direct compatibility between the proprietary systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device serves multiple functions: it acts as a communication bridge, data translator, and control interface simultaneously. By making the gateway multi-functional, the system achieves universal compatibility between different proprietary systems without increasing overall system complexity.
2Loss of information
If occupancy information is stored in floor plans and schemas, then spatial information is documented, but the information is not readily available in machine-readable format for HVAC control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static documentation (floor plans and schemas) with dynamic digital occupancy sensing systems that automatically provide machine-readable data. This substitution eliminates the need to manually extract information from documents and provides real-time occupancy data in programmable formats suitable for HVAC control.
Solution Approach 2:
The occupancy sensing system automatically detects, records, and transmits occupancy information without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring and providing data in the required format, eliminating the need for operators to manually retrieve information from floor plans.
3Loss of energy
If HVAC systems operate without real-time occupancy data, then system operation is simplified, but energy efficiency and comfort optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where occupancy sensor data is continuously transmitted to the HVAC controller, which adjusts system operation based on actual occupancy conditions. This feedback mechanism enables energy optimization by reducing HVAC output in unoccupied spaces while maintaining comfort in occupied areas, with the complexity managed through automated control logic.
Data Source
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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.