Intelligent Thermostat Learning for Low-Complexity Energy Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current HVAC thermostatic control systems, especially programmable ones, are often underutilized due to complexity, leading to missed energy-saving opportunities as users are intimidated by numerous controls and seldom adjust settings to optimize energy usage, resulting in inefficient energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent thermostat with high-power and low-power consuming circuitry that includes power-stealing technology, microprocessors, and microcontrollers, which learns user preferences and adapts to environmental changes by gathering information through non-obtrusive queries, providing a user-friendly interface and promoting energy-saving behaviors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If programmable thermostats with multiple HVAC-system settings are provided, then energy-saving capability is improved, but device complexity increases making users intimidated and unable to use the features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy-saving capabilityVSAvoidnumber of controls
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intelligent thermostat automatically learns and adapts to user temperature preferences and occupancy patterns without requiring manual programming. The system performs self-configuration by monitoring user behavior and environmental data, eliminating the need for users to navigate complex settings while achieving energy-saving goals through automated optimization of HVAC operation schedules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts temperature setpoints and HVAC operation parameters based on learned user preferences and real-time environmental conditions. By continuously optimizing control parameters through automated learning algorithms, the thermostat achieves energy savings without requiring users to understand or configure multiple settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If intelligent thermostat performs high-power activities (wireless communications, display, learning calculations), then functionality and adaptability are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelearning and wireless capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The intelligent thermostat implements periodic operation cycles with active learning and wireless communication phases alternating with low-power sleep phases. The system performs high-power activities such as wireless data transmission and environmental sensing at scheduled intervals rather than continuously, significantly reducing average power consumption while maintaining adaptability through periodic updates and learning cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical thermostat components with electronic and software-based systems that consume less power. The use of microprocessors and software algorithms for learning and control replaces older mechanical sensing and timing mechanisms, enabling intelligent functionality with lower overall power requirements when combined with periodic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10151503B2Continuous intelligent-control-system update using information requests directed to user devices
Publication Date: 2018.12.11 GOOGLE LLC
  • US10151503B2 patent drawing
  • US10151503B2 patent drawing
  • US10151503B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An intelligent control system includes intelligent thermostats and controls an environment, such as a residential living space, commercial building, or another environment. The intelligent control system obtains information related to the controlled environment by collecting sensor data, obtaining data from users during interactive information-exchange sessions, and by directing information queries to users on one or more user devices.