Temperature sensing strategy with multiple temperature sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems lack efficient control mechanisms that can dynamically adjust to varying occupancy levels across different spaces within a building, leading to suboptimal temperature regulation and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC controller that receives signals from multiple temperature sensors and occupancy sensors, weighting the temperature readings based on occupancy duration to adjust the control temperature and optimize heating, cooling, and ventilation operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature sensor is used in the HVAC controller, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision and adaptability to different spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The building is segmented into multiple zones with separate temperature sensors deployed in each zone. Each sensor independently monitors the temperature of its respective zone, allowing the HVAC system to capture spatial temperature variations and implement zone-specific control strategies, thereby improving overall temperature control precision without requiring a single complex sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC controller is designed with multi-functionality to receive, process, and integrate temperature data from multiple sensors simultaneously. The controller can dynamically select or weight sensor readings based on occupancy detection and spatial configuration, enabling a single controller to perform both centralized coordination and distributed temperature monitoring functions
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are deployed in different spaces, then the temperature control precision and comfort level improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature control is optimized for local conditions by deploying sensors in specific zones based on occupancy patterns and thermal characteristics. Each zone receives tailored temperature control attention, with the system dynamically adjusting which zones require active monitoring and control, thereby improving local temperature precision without uniformly increasing complexity across all spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor network operates dynamically with the controller able to activate or deactivate specific sensor readings based on real-time occupancy detection and environmental conditions. The system adapts its monitoring strategy by weighting sensor inputs according to current occupancy status, reducing the effective complexity of the sensor network while maintaining high temperature control precision in occupied zones
3Reliability
If the HVAC system continuously monitors and adjusts based on multiple sensor readings, then the comfort level and temperature regulation improve, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements intelligent feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring occupancy status and dynamically adjusting the weighting of temperature sensor readings. The controller uses occupancy-based feedback to determine which zones require active temperature control, reducing HVAC energy consumption in unoccupied areas while maintaining reliable temperature regulation in occupied zones through prioritized sensor feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting the weight or priority assigned to different sensor readings based on occupancy detection. When occupancy is detected in a zone, the system increases the parameter weight for that zone's temperature sensor, ensuring reliable temperature control only where needed and reducing overall HVAC energy consumption by ignoring or minimally monitoring unoccupied zones
4Ease of operation
If the system prioritizes temperature readings from occupied spaces, then the comfort level in occupied areas improves, but the overall system complexity increases due to occupancy tracking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary occupancy detection and spatial mapping before full HVAC operation begins. By pre-establishing which zones are occupied and assigning appropriate weightings to their temperature sensors in advance, the system simplifies real-time control operations and improves comfort in occupied spaces without requiring complex continuous occupancy tracking during HVAC operation
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC controller receives signals from a plurality of sensors positioned in different spaces. The HVAC controller includes a housing and a user interface that is accessible from an exterior of the housing. A controller is configured to control the HVAC system using a control temperature that comprises a weighted combination of two or more of the current temperatures reported by the plurality of sensors. The controller tracks which of the different spaces are currently occupied and how long each of the currently occupied spaces have been occupied, and as a currently occupied space remains occupied for a longer period of time, the controller provides increasing weight over time to the current temperature reported by the sensor of the plurality of sensors that is in that currently occupied space, and controls the HVAC system in order to drive the control temperature towards a temperature set point.