Easy control to sensor select for HVAC systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC systems controlled by a single thermostat often result in non-uniform temperature variations across buildings due to unbalanced air flow, uninsulated ducts, and occupancy, leading to uncomfortable living conditions and the need for expensive zone damper solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a thermostat paired with multiple temperature sensors and a computing cloud, allowing users to select and communicate temperature setpoints to control the HVAC system based on average measured temperatures from selected sensors, eliminating the need for zone dampers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single thermostat controls the HVAC system, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the temperature distribution becomes non-uniform across different zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building into multiple temperature zones by placing remote sensors in different locations (rooms, floors, or zones). Each sensor independently measures local temperature, allowing the HVAC system to address temperature variations in specific segments of the building rather than treating the entire structure as a single zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The single thermostat is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating wireless communication capabilities and a user interface that allows selection among multiple remote sensors. This enables one thermostat to perform the function of multiple thermostats by switching between different sensor inputs based on user preference or scheduling, achieving zoned temperature control without requiring multiple physical thermostat units.
2Temperature
If zone dampers are installed to achieve uniform temperature control, then temperature distribution improves, but the system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical zone damper system with an electronic/software-based solution. Instead of physically blocking air flow through mechanical dampers installed in ductwork, the system uses wireless temperature sensors and a programmable thermostat with digital controls to monitor and respond to temperature variations in different zones, thereby eliminating the need for complex mechanical zoning infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the remote temperature sensors and the thermostat. This intermediary layer enables data transmission from sensors located in different zones to the central thermostat without requiring physical connections or mechanical linkages, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to traditional zone control mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple remote sensors are paired with the thermostat, then temperature control precision in specific zones improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to sensor selection complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-configuration of sensor groupings and scheduling templates that automatically select appropriate sensors based on time of day, day of week, or occupancy patterns. This preliminary setup reduces the need for manual sensor selection during operation, as the system automatically switches between predefined sensor configurations, thereby maintaining measurement precision while simplifying user interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling the ambient temperature within a region or zone of a building are disclosed. A system comprises a thermostat, one or more sensors placed throughout an environment, a computing cloud, and a remote mobile or desktop device running a software application (“app”). An end user may interact with an app running on the mobile device or desktop. The app may display the current conditions in a house and allow the user to select specific temperature sensors located throughout the house which the user wants to monitor and control. This selection of one or more temperature sensors is communicated to the computing cloud, and the computing cloud sends commands to the thermostat to monitor the user's selected temperature sensors for controlling the heating and cooling of the house.