Indoor air quality system and method of operating the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor air quality (IAQ) systems face challenges in effectively mitigating noise and errors from air quality sensors, which can lead to inappropriate responses such as alerts or unnecessary device activation.
Innovation Solution
An IAQ system that includes a sensor module with multiple sensors (temperature, humidity, particulate, VOC, CO2) wirelessly connected to a thermostat and control module. This system communicates sensor data to adjust the operation of mitigation devices like air cleaners, humidifiers, and ventilators based on predefined thresholds and prioritization of IAQ parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IAQ systems use sensor data for mitigation decisions, then indoor air quality can be improved, but sensor noise and errors can cause false alerts and inappropriate responses
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of sensor readings into benign and non-benign categories before triggering mitigation actions. This advance sorting mechanism filters out noise and false positives, ensuring that only genuine IAQ issues trigger alerts or device activation, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable mitigation and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary classification process between raw sensor data and mitigation decisions. This intermediate layer analyzes sensor readings, applies classification logic, and determines whether readings represent actual IAQ problems or benign conditions, thus preventing false alerts while maintaining accurate response to real issues
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IAQ parameters are monitored simultaneously, then comprehensive air quality assessment is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring of multiple IAQ parameters into distinct sensor modules, each dedicated to specific parameters (particulate matter, VOCs, CO2, temperature, humidity). This modular segmentation allows comprehensive monitoring while managing complexity through organized, independent sensor units that can be selectively deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat and control module serve universal functions by coordinating multiple sensor types and controlling various mitigation devices (air cleaners, humidifiers, ventilators) through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality approach consolidates control logic and reduces overall system complexity despite monitoring diverse IAQ parameters
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
An indoor air quality (IAQ) system for a building includes an IAQ sensor that is located within the building and that is configured to measure an IAQ parameter. The IAQ parameter is one of: an amount of particulate of at least a predetermined size present in air; an amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in air; and an amount of carbon dioxide present in air. A mitigation module is configured to: selectively turn on a mitigation device based on a comparison of the IAQ parameter with a first ON threshold and a second ON threshold; and selectively turn off the mitigation device based on a comparison of the IAQ parameter with an OFF threshold. A clean module is configured to determine a clean value for the IAQ parameter. A thresholds module is configured to, based on the clean value, determine the first ON threshold and the OFF threshold.