HVAC Power Line Communication for Multi-Unit Control Without Rewiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face challenges in efficiently controlling additional units due to the need for new wirings, which is inconvenient and time-consuming, especially when installing heat pumps or multi-stage air conditioners.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize power line communication to control HVAC systems, allowing data and power signals to be transmitted over existing wiring, enabling control actions without the need for additional wirings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional signal connectors and wirings are installed to control new HVAC units, then the control capability and functionality of the HVAC system is improved, but the installation time and complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the existing two-wire interface (Y and C lines) to perform multiple functions: both power delivery and data communication. This allows new HVAC units with additional signal connectors to be controlled using the same existing wiring infrastructure, eliminating the need for additional wirings while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encoding/decoding mechanism that translates control signals into a format suitable for transmission over the limited two-wire interface. The thermostat encodes control commands, and the HVAC unit decodes them, enabling complex control functionality to be achieved through the simple existing wiring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional wirings are installed to support new HVAC units, then the control capability is improved, but the installation complexity and inconvenience increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing two-wire interface is made universal to handle both power and data communication functions. This allows new HVAC units to be installed and controlled using the same wiring infrastructure already present in the building, eliminating the need for additional wiring installations and significantly improving installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively creates a virtual copy of the traditional multi-wire control interface over the existing two-wire physical interface. By encoding control signals digitally and transmitting them over the power lines, the system replicates the functionality of multiple dedicated control wires without physically installing them.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional two-wire interface is used for controlling HVAC units, then the installation simplicity is maintained, but the ability to control additional units and functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the two-wire interface by superimposing data communication signals on top of the power delivery function. This parameter expansion allows the same physical wires to carry both power and control information, thereby maintaining installation simplicity while dramatically improving control capability for additional units and functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire interface is transformed into a universal communication bus that can control multiple HVAC units and various functions (heating, cooling, fan control, etc.) through digital encoding, rather than requiring dedicated wires for each control function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for the efficient control of HVAC systems using existing wirings, reducing installation time and complexity, and enabling the integration of new units without the need for additional wiring.
Implementation Method 1
the power line is configured to communicate power signal and data signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure describe systems (202) and methods (800) for controlling operation of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The HVAC system comprises a thermostat (204) and a first HVAC unit (206) coupled via a power line (210). The method comprises receiving (802), by a first control device (212) of the first HVAC unit, from the thermostat over the power line, a HVAC signal associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system, wherein the power line is configured to communicate power signal and data signal. The method further comprises determining (804), by the first control device, whether the HVAC signal received over the power line is indicative of the power signal or the data signal. The method further comprises upon determining that the HVAC signal is indicative of the data signal, triggering (806), by the first control device, a control action associated with the HVAC system.