Occupancy-Based HVAC Control Using Real-Time Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems rely on schedules to predict occupancy, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage as they assume higher occupancy during working hours, resulting in suboptimal energy management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing high-frequency sensors and soft sensors to accurately determine real-time occupancy within building areas, allowing for dynamic adjustment of HVAC settings to optimize energy efficiency based on actual human presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If HVAC systems use schedule-based occupancy prediction, then system operation can be simplified and controlled, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to assumptions of higher occupancy during working hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by using sensors (occupancy sensors, thermal cameras, motion detectors) to continuously monitor actual occupancy levels and feed this information back to the HVAC controller, which then adjusts system operation accordingly. This replaces static schedule-based control with dynamic feedback-driven control that adapts to real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the building environment to automatically sense and report its own occupancy status through integrated sensors and communication protocols. The HVAC system serves itself by autonomously adjusting its operation based on real-time occupancy data without requiring manual intervention or rigid pre-programmed schedules.
2Reliability
If HVAC systems operate at maximum level during working hours, then environmental control reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily when occupancy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static HVAC operation (fixed schedules and levels) to dynamic operation that continuously adapts to changing occupancy conditions. The system adjusts temperature setpoints, airflow rates, and equipment runtime based on real-time occupancy levels, allowing the HVAC system to be both reliable when occupied and energy-efficient when unoccupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (temperature setpoints, airflow rates, equipment runtime) based on occupancy detection. When occupancy is detected, the system adjusts parameters to maintain comfort; when occupancy is low or zero, parameters are modified to reduce energy consumption while maintaining environmental control reliability when needed.
3Loss of energy
If occupancy sensors are deployed to detect real-time occupancy, then energy optimization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional sensors that can detect various types of occupancy information (presence, movement, thermal signatures) using single integrated devices. Thermal cameras and motion detectors serve multiple purposes: detecting occupancy, estimating occupancy levels, and even providing security functions. This universality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining energy optimization capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method 100 for occupancy based energy optimization can include determining a size and speed of a number of objects within an area 220, 222, 102, determining a number of human occupants 226 within the area 220, 222 based on the size and speed of the number of objects within the area 104, and altering a number of environmental settings for the area 220, 222 based on the determined number of human occupants 226, 106.