HVAC Occupancy Control Using WLAN Mobile Device Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems lack the ability to be efficiently controlled from a remote location, limiting user convenience and energy management.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC controller equipped with a wireless transceiver and memory, capable of connecting to a wireless local area network, detects mobile devices and adjusts operational parameters based on occupancy, using a unique identifier to determine connection status and execute changes in settings such as temperature set points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If HVAC systems use traditional control methods, then system simplicity is maintained, but remote control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless transceiver as an intermediary component that enables communication between the HVAC controller and external devices through a wireless local area network. This mediator allows remote control functionality to be added without requiring complex direct connections or system redesign, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC controller is designed with multi-functionality, combining traditional temperature control with wireless communication capabilities. The controller can both maintain environmental conditions and enable remote access through the wireless transceiver, allowing a single device to serve multiple functions and reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If HVAC systems continuously monitor occupancy, then control accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs occupancy detection periodically by broadcasting queries at intervals rather than continuously monitoring. This periodic action maintains adequate occupancy detection accuracy while significantly reducing the energy consumption of the wireless transceiver and controller, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and energy usage
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC controller that can detect if a user's mobile wireless device is currently connected to and recognized by a building's wireless local area network is disclosed. Depending on whether or not the user's mobile wireless device is currently connected to and recognized by the building's wireless local area network, the HVAC controller basis its control on unoccupied or occupied settings.