Web-Enabled HVAC Control With Remote Sensor Wiring Diagrams
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC control systems face challenges in scalability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in large commercial buildings with numerous HVAC units and controllers, requiring a solution for remote monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
A web-enabled HVAC control system with a controller that communicates over networks, providing web pages for remote access, sensor integration, and customizable user interfaces, allowing for remote monitoring and control of thermostats and HVAC equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single thermostat is used to control HVAC equipment in a building, then the system is simple to install and operate, but it cannot provide remote monitoring and control capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary component that sits between the thermostat and remote users. The web server receives control requests and monitoring data via network protocols, translating them into formats the thermostat can process. This mediator enables remote access without requiring direct integration between the thermostat and user interfaces, thus adding remote capability while managing complexity through a standardized communication layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a network communication dimension to the traditional thermostat system. By implementing web server functionality that communicates over standard network protocols (HTTP, TCP/IP), the system transitions from local-only control to multi-dimensional access including remote web-based interfaces, mobile devices, and cloud platforms, enabling monitoring and control from any location without fundamentally redesigning the core thermostat architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple thermostats are deployed for zoned HVAC control in large buildings, then different zones can be controlled independently, but installation and monitoring become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal web-enabled thermostat platform that can function as a single thermostat, multiple zone thermostat, or hybrid configuration. The same hardware and software architecture supports both simple single-point control and complex multi-zone scenarios. The web server provides a unified interface that adapts to display and control multiple zones simultaneously, eliminating the need for different system architectures for different building sizes and complexity levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic control system where the thermostat can operate in different modes depending on configuration. The system dynamically adjusts between single-thermostat and multi-thermostat behaviors, allowing zones to be added or removed flexibly. The web interface dynamically reconfigures to show only relevant zones or all zones, providing adaptability without requiring permanent complex infrastructure for maximum scalability.
3Ease of operation
If a web server is integrated into the HVAC controller, then remote access and control are enabled, but the controller complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the web server functionality directly into the HVAC controller unit, combining what would traditionally be separate components (thermostat, web server, HVAC control) into a single integrated device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate networking equipment, reduces installation complexity, and simplifies maintenance while providing remote web-based access to HVAC control and monitoring functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC control system that accommodates and/or facilitates control from a remote location. The HVAC control system may include a web-enabled building control appliance with a controller, a first port and a second port. The controller may implement a web server that is coupled to the first port for serving up one or more web pages on a first network and for receiving a number of responses. The controller may be coupled to the second port so as to communicate with one or more communicating thermostats via a second network. The web server may provide one or more web-pages via the first port that solicit and receive information pertaining to one or more remote sensors that are to be connected to one of the one or more thermostats. The web server may provide a wiring diagram for the one or more remote sensors that is dependent on the received information pertaining to one or more remote sensors.