Networked Load Switch Control for Plug-In HVAC Occupancy Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for managing energy consumption in portable heaters and window air conditioners lack effective temperature sensing and occupancy feedback, leading to inefficient energy use and potential discomfort, as they are not compatible with central HVAC systems and lack sophisticated feedback 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 based on occupancy and location, allowing remote management and adjustment of heating and cooling settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable heaters and window air conditioners are controlled with simple load control devices, then ease of operation is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to lack of temperature sensing and occupancy feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors and occupancy sensors that provide feedback to the load control device. The temperature sensor monitors the conditioned space temperature and compares it to the setpoint, while the occupancy sensor detects whether the space is occupied. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust heating and cooling operations, turning equipment on only when needed, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control device performs self-service by automatically sensing temperature and occupancy conditions, then autonomously controlling the portable heater or window air conditioner without requiring manual intervention. The device monitors its own operational needs and adjusts equipment operation accordingly, eliminating the need for complex user programming while achieving energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If networked load-control switch system with multiple sensors is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load control device is designed as a multi-functional universal controller that combines temperature sensing, occupancy sensing, network communication, and equipment control capabilities in a single device. This universal approach allows the same device to work with different types of portable heaters and window air conditioners, managing multiple functions without proportionally increasing complexity. The device serves as a smart interface between the HVAC equipment and the building management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the load control devices and the HVAC equipment. The server receives data from multiple sensors, processes occupancy and temperature information, and sends control commands to the load control devices. This intermediary approach distributes computational complexity from individual devices to a centralized system, allowing simpler local devices while maintaining overall system intelligence and energy efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If programmable thermostats are used for central HVAC systems, then energy efficiency is improved, but adaptability to portable heaters and window air conditioners deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the HVAC control function from the central HVAC system and applies it to portable heaters and window air conditioners through standalone load control devices. Each portable device becomes an independent controlled unit with its own temperature and occupancy sensing capabilities. This segmentation allows programmable thermostat functionality to be applied to distributed portable equipment rather than being limited to centralized ducted systems, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control device monitors temperature as a key parameter and uses occupancy status as another parameter to dynamically adjust equipment operation. By changing operational parameters based on real-time sensor data rather than fixed schedules alone, the system adapts to actual conditions in the conditioned space. This parameter-based control approach enables programmable thermostat functionality to work effectively with portable equipment that lacks built-in sophisticated controls.
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 system enhances energy efficiency by optimizing heating and cooling based on actual occupancy and location, reducing energy consumption and improving comfort by ensuring that heating and cooling are only used when necessary, while also enabling remote management to address peak demand issues.
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
A networked load-control switch system that connects to the Internet, incorporating temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, and geolocation-enabled mobile devices
Implementation Method 3
The load control device is configured to connect or disconnect electrical power to the attached air conditioner or heater
Implementation Method 4
A networked load-control switch system that connects to the Internet, incorporating temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, and geolocation-enabled mobile devices
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.