Occupancy-Sensing HVAC Control for Predictive Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust heating, ventilation, and air conditioning settings based on real-time occupancy and activity levels within a space, leading to inefficient energy use and comfort control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses depth sensors and motion/visual sensors to count and track individuals entering and exiting a space, allowing for the determination of occupancy levels and activity patterns, which are then used to adjust HVAC settings in real-time through an environmental comfort controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional HVAC systems operate without real-time occupancy detection, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency and comfort control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting occupancy and predicting activity levels before HVAC adjustment is needed. Depth sensors and motion sensors continuously monitor the space, identifying occupants and their activity states in advance, allowing the HVAC system to proactively adjust temperature and ventilation settings before comfort degradation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical occupancy detection methods with optical and electromagnetic sensing technologies. Depth sensors use time-of-flight measurements to detect occupancy, while motion sensors use infrared or microwave radiation to identify activity levels, substituting mechanical switches and manual thermostats with electronic sensing and processing systems.
2Ease of operation
If HVAC systems continuously adjust settings based on real-time occupancy, then comfort control improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time occupancy and activity level detection. The system transitions between different operational modes (heating, cooling, ventilation) and adjusts setpoint temperatures dynamically according to the number of occupants and their activity states, optimizing comfort while minimizing energy consumption during unoccupied periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring occupancy status and activity levels through sensors, comparing detected conditions against comfort thresholds, and automatically adjusting HVAC settings in response. This closed-loop feedback ensures comfort maintenance only when and where needed, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed for accurate occupancy detection, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing technologies (depth sensors, motion sensors, and potentially visual sensors) into an integrated occupancy detection system. By combining these sensors and fusing their data through processing algorithms, the system achieves high measurement precision for occupancy status and activity level detection while managing complexity through unified sensor integration and coordinated operation.
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 approach enables precise control of environmental comfort by anticipating occupancy and adjusting HVAC settings before and after events, reducing energy consumption and enhancing user comfort by ensuring optimal temperature and ventilation levels.
Implementation Method 1
The depth sensor may include an infrared laser projector coupled to a monochrome complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor configured to capture three-dimensional video data
Implementation Method 2
The depth sensor may include an infrared laser projector coupled to a monochrome complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor configured to capture three-dimensional video data under varying ambient light conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of methods and apparatus disclosed herein may employ depth, visual, or motions sensors to enable three-dimensional people counting and data mining to enable an energy saving heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control system. Head detection methods based on depth information may assist people counting in order to enable an accurate determination of room occupancy. A pattern of activities of room occupancy may be learned to predict the activity level of a building or its rooms, reducing energy usage and thereby providing a cost savings.