HVAC Remote Temperature Sensing for User-Influenced Readings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC controllers often rely on fixed sensors that may not accurately represent the environmental conditions experienced by occupants, leading to inefficient energy use and discomfort, as they require physical interaction and may not account for user-influenced temperature readings.
Innovation Solution
A portable remote control unit with a temperature sensor, wireless interface, and detection block that communicates ambient temperature data to the HVAC system, adjusting communication frequency or suspending transmission when user influence is detected, using motion, attitude, or user interface interactions to mitigate inaccurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a portable remote control unit with temperature sensor is used, then temperature measurement accuracy at user location is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable remote control unit acts as an intermediary device between the user and the HVAC system. It includes a temperature sensor, detection block, and wireless interface that work together to detect user presence, measure temperature accurately, and communicate with the HVAC controller without requiring direct physical interaction with fixed thermostats mounted in inaccessible locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interaction required by traditional fixed thermostats with a wireless communication system. The remote control unit uses wireless interfaces (such as radio frequency communication) to transmit temperature data and control commands to the HVAC controller, eliminating the need for users to physically reach and manipulate wall-mounted thermostat controls.
2Measurement precision
If continuous temperature monitoring is performed, then environmental control accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection block monitors for user presence and controls the frequency of temperature data transmission accordingly. When user presence is detected, the system increases monitoring and communication frequency to ensure accurate environmental control. When no user is present, the system reduces communication frequency or suspends transmission, thereby conserving energy while maintaining control accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detection block about user presence to dynamically adjust the temperature monitoring and communication behavior. The feedback mechanism allows the remote control unit to optimize its operation by increasing accuracy when users are present and reducing energy consumption when users are absent, creating an adaptive control system.
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
Enhances comfort control by providing accurate temperature readings from the user's location, reducing energy consumption and maintaining optimal environmental conditions, while allowing remote control of HVAC systems without the need for physical interaction with fixed thermostats.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature at the remote control unit
Implementation Method 2
a wireless interface for wirelessly communicating a measure related to the ambient temperature sensed by the temperature sensor to the comfort control system
Data Source
AI summary
A comfort control system for controlling the comfort level in a building includes a comfort control unit and a remote control unit. The remote control unit communicates with the comfort control unit from a remote location. In one illustrative embodiment, the remote control unit includes a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient air temperature near the remote control unit, and a measure related to the sensed temperature may be communicated to the comfort control unit. A detection block may be included in the remote control unit for detecting when the ambient air temperature sensed by the temperature sensor in the remote control unit is likely to be influenced by a user or other undesirable condition. The comfort control unit may take this into account when controlling the comfort control system of the building.