Networked Load Switches for Occupancy-Based Portable HVAC Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for managing energy usage in portable heaters and window air conditioners lack effective temperature sensing and occupancy feedback, leading to inefficient energy management and potential discomfort, as they are not compatible with central HVAC systems and lack sophisticated control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A networked load-control switch system that connects to the Internet, incorporating temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, and geolocation-enabled mobile devices to optimize energy use by adjusting settings based on occupancy and location, allowing remote management and feedback loops to ensure efficient energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If portable heaters and window air conditioners are controlled with simple load control devices, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but energy management efficiency deteriorates and occupancy feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates occupancy sensors that detect whether a space is occupied or unoccupied and provide this information back to the load control device. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust heating or cooling operations based on actual occupancy status, improving energy management efficiency without requiring complex user intervention or manual controls.
2Use of energy by moving object
If networked load-control switches with temperature sensors and occupancy feedback are implemented, then energy management efficiency is improved and occupancy feedback is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network communication infrastructure as an intermediary between the load control devices and the central management system. This allows temperature sensors and occupancy sensors to communicate device status and environmental data without requiring complex processing within the load control device itself, distributing intelligence across the network and reducing individual device complexity while maintaining overall system efficiency.
3Device complexity
If conventional load control devices are used without occupancy sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but user comfort deteriorates due to lack of occupancy-based adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where occupancy sensors automatically detect the presence or absence of occupants and trigger appropriate heating or cooling operations without requiring user action. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions based on sensor data, eliminating the need for manual thermostat adjustments while maintaining user comfort, and keeping individual device complexity manageable through automated control logic.
4Use of energy by moving object
If remote management capabilities are added to load control devices, then energy management efficiency is improved through centralized control, but device complexity and network requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal network communication interface in the load control devices that enables multiple functions: local temperature and occupancy sensing, remote management capabilities, and data logging. This multi-functional approach allows a single device architecture to serve both simple local control and complex remote management needs, improving energy management efficiency through centralized control while avoiding the need for separate specialized hardware for each function.
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 solution enables efficient energy management by optimizing temperature settings based on occupancy and location, reducing energy consumption and enhancing user comfort, while also providing a means for utilities to manage peak demand by remotely controlling energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
They are designed to be plugged into a wall outlet, and to have the portable heater or window mount air conditioner plugged into them in turn using a switched outlet. These devices include a means for sensing temperature (such as a thermistor)...
Implementation Method 2
The load control device is configured to connect or disconnect electrical power to the attached air conditioner or heater...
Implementation Method 3
the microprocessor is configured to communicate over a network
Implementation Method 4
The load control device is further configured to sense occupancy of the conditioned space
Data Source
AI summary
Thermostatic HVAC and other energy management controls that are connected to a computer network. For instance, remotely managed load switches incorporating thermostatic controllers inform an energy management system, to provide enhanced efficiency, and to verify demand response with plug-in air conditioners and heaters. At least one load control device at a first location comprises a temperature sensor and a microprocessor. The load control device is configured to connect or disconnect electrical power to the an attached air conditioner or heater, and the microprocessor is configured to communicate over a network. In addition, the load control device is physically separate from an air conditioner or heater but located inside the space conditioned by the air conditioner or heater.