Occupancy sensing and building control using mobile devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC and lighting control systems rely on static schedules and inaccurate occupancy sensing methods, leading to inefficiencies and errors in energy management, as they do not account for actual occupancy levels, resulting in increased energy costs and equipment wear.
Innovation Solution
A building control system that utilizes mobile device signals to determine the location and number of occupants within control zones, adjusting environmental conditions such as HVAC and lighting in real-time based on actual occupancy, using a geolocation module, occupancy module, and rules processor to control devices dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static schedules are used for HVAC control, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to lack of real-time occupancy response
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static scheduling to dynamic occupancy-based control by continuously tracking mobile device locations and adjusting HVAC operations in real-time based on actual occupancy patterns, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where occupancy data from mobile devices continuously informs HVAC control decisions, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adjusts environmental conditions based on real-time occupancy status rather than relying on predetermined schedules
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional occupancy sensors are deployed, then occupancy detection capability is provided, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to sensor limitations and error-prone detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical and electromagnetic occupancy sensors with mobile device-based detection using GPS and cellular tower triangulation, leveraging the ubiquity and positioning capabilities of smartphones to achieve more accurate occupancy tracking without additional sensor infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes mobile devices that occupants already carry for multiple purposes (communication, navigation, etc.) to also serve as occupancy sensors, eliminating the need for dedicated sensing equipment while improving measurement accuracy through the devices' inherent positioning capabilities
3Reliability
If access control systems are used for occupancy sensing, then entry tracking is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to failure to track exits and multiple occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous occupancy tracking by monitoring mobile device locations throughout the building environment, rather than only at access points, ensuring uninterrupted detection of occupancy status changes including entries, exits, and movement within zones
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 reduces energy consumption, extends equipment lifespan, and enhances comfort and safety by accurately responding to occupancy changes, reducing the reliance on rigid schedules and improving the precision of environmental control.
Implementation Method 1
one or more communication access points configured to receive an electromagnetic signal from a mobile device
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
Apparatus, systems and methods for ascertaining the occupancy of a building are presented. The building is divided into one or more control zones which correspond to physical areas of the building associated with controllable modules, such as HVAC units, lighting, irrigation, or other environmental features such as fountains, music, video, and the like. Zone parameters define how zone devices shall react to the number of occupants located in the particular zone. A building control system detects individual mobile devices in and around the building, and determines the locations of each device by using trilateration and/or location services. The identified mobile devices act as proxies for building occupants. The locations of these devices are correlated with the locations of the zones in the building, and the building control system then adjusts the operating parameters of the zone based on the number of devices present in the zone.