Multi-Zone Thermostat System with Real-Time Energy Comparison Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermostats do not provide real-time feedback on energy consumption comparisons to other similar users, lacking the ability to adjust settings to meet eco-rank targets and display this information at the device itself, which hinders effective energy-saving behaviors among consumers.
Innovation Solution
A connected thermostat system that allows users to set an eco-rank target, adjusts climate settings in real-time to meet this target, and displays the comparison of energy consumption with other users, using a processor and memory to communicate with a server for data exchange and display eco-rank information on the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If real-time energy consumption comparison feedback is provided to users at the thermostat device, then user awareness and energy-saving behavior improve, but device complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between multiple thermostats and users. The server collects energy consumption data from connected thermostats, performs comparisons, and sends feedback to individual thermostats for display. This mediator approach enables real-time comparison functionality without requiring complex peer-to-peer communication between thermostats, thus resolving the contradiction between information availability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where energy consumption data is collected, compared against similar properties, and results are displayed back to users at their thermostat devices. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about energy usage relative to peers, motivating energy-saving behavior while using centralized processing to manage system complexity.
2Loss of energy
If the thermostat adjusts climate settings automatically to meet eco-rank targets, then energy consumption is reduced, but user control and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat system dynamically adjusts climate settings based on real-time energy consumption data and eco-rank targets. The system can operate in different modes (manual vs. automatic adjustment) and adapts its behavior based on user preferences and environmental conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to reduce energy consumption through automated adjustments while maintaining user control flexibility through configurable settings and mode switching.
3Productivity
If multiple thermostats are connected to enable comparison, then energy-saving effectiveness improves through social comparison, but system complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple thermostat systems are merged into a centralized network where all thermostats connect to a common server. This consolidation enables comparison functionality by aggregating energy consumption data from multiple properties. The merging approach improves energy-saving effectiveness through social comparison while managing system complexity through standardized communication protocols and centralized data processing rather than requiring complex distributed peer-to-peer interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
An architecture is presented for one or more climate systems controlled by one or more thermostat devices located in one or more dwellings associated with one or more users. Depending on the combination of the above factors, ecorank information is determined and presented. In some cases, the thermostats operate independently and settings are not propagated. In other cases, the thermostats operate dependently and settings are mirrored. One thermostat may be used to control another. Setting changes in at one thermostat may be presented at another thermostat. In some cases, the setting changes may require confirmation. In some instances, a hub device may be used to interconnect a thermostat device and server device.