HVAC Performance Assessment Using Controller Interaction Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems in multi-dwelling units, such as hotel rooms, often deteriorate or fail without being detectable by the controller, leading to uncomfortable environments and making it difficult for operators to determine when maintenance is needed.
Innovation Solution
A system that counts interactions with HVAC controllers over a defined period and assesses performance based on these interactions, providing an indication for maintenance through a network of computing devices and HVAC controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controller monitors only temperature maintenance, then the HVAC system can maintain comfortable environments, but the controller cannot detect subtle deterioration or failure of HVAC equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary assessment system that counts controller interactions as a proxy indicator of HVAC performance. Instead of directly monitoring complex physical parameters like noise or humidity, the system uses interaction frequency with the controller as an intermediary metric to infer system deterioration, thereby detecting issues without adding complex direct sensing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/physical monitoring of HVAC equipment (such as noise sensors, vibration sensors, or humidity sensors) with an information-based approach that counts controller interactions. This substitution uses data processing and pattern recognition to detect deterioration, avoiding the need for additional complex physical sensing hardware.
2Loss of information
If the HVAC system operates without detection mechanisms, then the system remains simple, but operators cannot determine when maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where controller interactions are continuously counted and analyzed to generate performance assessments. This feedback loop provides operators with maintenance information by monitoring how frequently occupants or systems interact with the HVAC controller, indicating potential deterioration that requires maintenance attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC controller serves dual purposes: it both controls the HVAC equipment and provides data for performance assessment. By counting its own interactions, the controller generates maintenance information without requiring separate monitoring equipment, enabling the system to self-diagnose its performance status.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect HVAC deterioration, then detection precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses controller interaction frequency as an intermediary indicator that correlates with HVAC deterioration. Instead of directly measuring physical signs of deterioration with complex sensors, the system infers degradation from usage patterns, achieving detection precision through behavioral analysis rather than direct physical measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of HVAC performance by counting and analyzing controller interactions. This informational copy of the system's operational state serves as a proxy for actual physical condition, allowing deterioration detection without replicating complex physical sensing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for assessing performance of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system are described herein. One method includes counting a number of interactions with an HVAC system associated with a multi-dwelling unit during a defined period of time, and assessing a performance of the HVAC system based on the number of interactions.