HVAC Sensor Energy Management via Dynamic Resolution Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wireless HVAC devices face high power consumption and maintenance costs due to battery limitations, particularly in CO2 sensors which require frequent replacements and consume energy intensively to accurately measure CO2 levels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system that dynamically adjust the sensing rate or resolution of HVAC sensors based on predetermined conditions, such as occupancy state and gas concentration changes, using an energy management module to reduce power usage by lowering sampling rates and resolution when conditions are stable, thereby conserving battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensing rate and sensor resolution are maintained at high levels to ensure accurate CO2 measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensing rate and sensor resolution adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes these parameters based on real-time conditions such as occupancy state and rate of change of monitored gas levels, allowing the sensor to operate at high precision only when necessary and reduce power consumption during stable conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly implements parameter changes by modifying the sensing rate (frequency of measurements) and sensor resolution (number of samples per reading) based on predetermined conditions. When the environment is stable and occupancy is low, the system reduces these parameters to conserve energy while maintaining adequate measurement accuracy when conditions change
2Reliability
If the sensing rate is increased to capture rapid changes in gas levels, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the rate of change of monitored gas levels and using this information to adjust the sensing rate. When rapid changes are detected, the sensing rate increases to capture the changes reliably; when conditions are stable, the sensing rate decreases to conserve battery power, thus maintaining reliability while reducing overall power consumption
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor samples are taken and averaged to reduce noise, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by taking fewer sensor samples than would be required for maximum precision in every condition. Instead of always taking multiple samples to average out noise, the system takes the minimum necessary samples based on current conditions, reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate reading stability when conditions are favorable
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 approach significantly reduces power consumption, extending the operational life of sensors by up to double, as readings are taken only when necessary and resolution is minimized during unoccupied or steady-state conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary energy expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
The NDIR (non-dispersive infra-red) process that sensors presently use includes multiple factors that affect the power consumption. The technology of measuring the absorption of light due to the presence of CO2 requires the generation of a specific light frequency at a known power level
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a method for reducing power consumption of a sensor. The method includes determining if a predetermined condition has been met to change at least one of a sensing rate or a sensor resolution, and changing at least one of the sensing rate or sensor resolution if it is determined that the predetermined condition has been met.