Networked Device Occupancy Detection for Thermostat Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable thermostats have restrictive user interfaces, leading to suboptimal energy savings due to difficulty in programming and lack of occupancy detection, which results in inefficient HVAC system operation and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A network-connected thermostat system that uses user interaction data from devices like personal computers and Internet-enabled TVs to determine occupancy and adjust temperature settings dynamically, optimizing energy consumption without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional programmable thermostats are used, then temperature control automation is achieved, but user interface complexity and programming difficulty increase, leading to low actual usage rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects occupancy using motion sensors and other available data, then self-adjusts temperature settings without requiring user programming. The thermostat serves itself by making intelligent decisions based on detected occupancy patterns, eliminating the need for complex user configuration while maintaining automation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors occupancy status through motion sensors, presence detection, and usage patterns, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust temperature settings. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to actual occupancy conditions without requiring manual programming by users
2Reliability
If traditional thermostats with hysteresis zones are used, then HVAC system cycling is reduced, but energy optimization opportunities are lost due to inability to detect actual occupancy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature setpoints based on real-time occupancy detection rather than using fixed hysteresis zones. When occupancy is detected, the system transitions to occupied-mode temperature settings; when unoccupied, it transitions to energy-saving settings, enabling flexible adaptation that both maintains comfort when needed and optimizes energy usage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter dynamically based on occupancy status. Instead of maintaining a fixed hysteresis zone around a single setpoint, the system switches between different temperature parameters (occupied vs. unoccupied setpoints) based on detected occupancy conditions, thereby capturing energy optimization opportunities without compromising HVAC stability
3Loss of energy
If programmable thermostats are installed, then theoretical energy savings are possible, but actual energy savings are minimal due to poor user interface and lack of occupancy detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions into a single thermostat device: traditional temperature control, motion sensing, occupancy detection, and automatic programming. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate occupancy sensors and programming interfaces, enabling the thermostat to both detect occupancy and execute energy-saving strategies automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual programming mechanisms with automated electronic detection and control. Instead of requiring users to mechanically program temperature schedules through buttons and displays, the system uses electronic sensors to detect occupancy and automatically adjusts settings, substituting mechanical user interaction with electronic automation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises systems and methods for detecting the use of networked consumer electronics devices as indications of occupancy of a structure for purposes of automatically adjusting the temperature setpoint on a thermostatic HVAC control. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one networked electronic device is used to indicate the state of occupancy of the structure. The state of occupancy is used to alter the setpoint on the thermostatic HVAC control to reduce unneeded conditioning of unoccupied spaces.