HVAC Transition Temperature Interface for Heat Pump Switchover

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Solution Overview

Problem

HVAC systems often lack user-friendly interfaces for adjusting complex parameters, leading to inefficient operation and increased costs, as users are unable to optimize the transition between heat pump and auxiliary heating systems based on external temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A control device with a graphical user interface and processor that allows users to select customizable transition temperatures, enabling the heat pump or auxiliary heating system based on sensed exterior temperatures, and providing alerts for low fuel conditions to optimize energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple user interface is used for HVAC control, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability is worsened because users cannot adjust complex parameters like transition temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface simplicityVSAvoidparameter adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is segmented into multiple levels: a simple main interface for basic temperature control and a detailed configuration interface for advanced parameter adjustment. This allows the interface to be simple for daily use while providing access to complex parameters when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary setup mode or configuration screen that mediates between the simple daily operation interface and the complex system parameters. Users can access transition temperature adjustments through this intermediary layer without the main interface becoming complicated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If fixed transition temperatures are used in the control system, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability is worsened because users cannot optimize for different climate conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidclimate optimization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transition temperatures are made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows users to modify transition temperatures based on their specific climate conditions and preferences, transforming the control parameters from static to dynamic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes by allowing users to adjust transition temperatures and other control parameters. This flexibility lets users optimize system performance for different climate conditions without increasing the fundamental complexity of the control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If users are provided with detailed control options, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened because users may not understand how to adjust parameters or how components function together

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol parameter optionsVSAvoiduser understanding and operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically managing complex parameter interactions and system coordination. When users adjust a parameter like transition temperature, the system automatically handles the downstream effects on heat pump and auxiliary heater operation without requiring users to understand these relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system provides self-service by automatically coordinating the operation of multiple heating components based on user-adjusted parameters. The system monitors temperature conditions and autonomously switches between heat pump and auxiliary heater operation, eliminating the need for users to manually manage complex component interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the system automatically manages transition between heating sources, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability is worsened because users cannot optimize transition temperatures for their specific needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic controlVSAvoiduser customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines automatic operation with dynamic user adjustability. While the system automatically manages the switching between heating sources, users can dynamically adjust the transition temperature at which this switching occurs, allowing customization without manual intervention in the switching logic itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8332075B2Transition temperature adjustment user interfaces

Publication Date: 2012.12.11 JOHNSON CONTROLS LIGHT COMMERCIAL IP GMBH

AI summary

Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The graphical user interfaces also may be designed to present information that facilitates user understanding of system operations. In certain embodiments, the controllers may allow users to adjust balance point and/or LTCO temperature values. In these embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting the balance point and/or LTCO temperature values.