HVAC Sensor Validation Using Compressor Run-State Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems lack effective tools for reliably validating sensors, leading to potential sensor errors going unreported, which can result in poor efficiency and damage to the system.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC system with a controller that determines pre-requisite criteria, such as compressor inactivity, to enter a sensor-validation mode, operating the compressor at maximum capacity for a minimum time, and comparing initial and current sensor measurements to validate sensor accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor validation is performed continuously, then sensor reliability is improved, but system energy consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sensor validation at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The controller determines whether to enter sensor validation mode based on elapsed time since the last validation event, creating a periodic validation schedule that balances reliability with productivity and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary checks before entering sensor validation mode, including verifying prerequisite criteria such as compressor inactivity duration and checking whether the current time falls within valid validation windows. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary validation cycles, improving productivity while maintaining sensor reliability
2Measurement precision
If sensor validation mode is entered frequently, then sensor accuracy is improved, but system operational time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent schedules sensor validation operations periodically based on elapsed time thresholds. The controller monitors time since the last validation event and only enters validation mode when the threshold is met, reducing unnecessary interruptions to system operation while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts validation timing based on system state. The controller evaluates multiple factors including compressor activity status, current time validity, and elapsed time to determine the optimal moment for validation, maximizing operational time while ensuring sensor accuracy when validated
3Reliability
If comprehensive validation criteria are applied, then false positives are reduced, but validation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the validation process into distinct segments: prerequisite criteria checking, validation execution, and results evaluation. Each segment handles specific validation aspects independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive validation through modular organization of validation logic
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system includes a compressor, condenser, and evaporator. A sensor measures a value associated with the refrigerant in the condenser or the evaporator, and a controller is communicatively coupled to the compressor and the sensor. The controller determines, based on an operational history the compressor, that pre-requisite criteria are satisfied for entering a sensor validation mode. After determining the pre-requisite criteria are satisfied, an initial sensor measurement value is determined. Following determining the initial sensor measurement value, the compressor is operated according to a sensor-validation mode. Following operating the compressor according to the sensor-validation mode for at least a minimum time, a current sensor measurement value is determined. The controller determines whether validation criteria are satisfied for the current sensor value. In response to determining that the validation criteria are satisfied, the controller determines that the sensor is validated.