Power-sensing circuit for wireless zone sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems often fail to provide precise temperature control in individual zones within a dwelling, leading to discomfort in areas with varying heating or cooling loads, and zoned systems are costly to install and implement.
Innovation Solution
A wireless HVAC system with multiple thermostats that communicate through a network to a master control unit, using both primary and auxiliary power sources to operate in high-power or low-power modes, with high-powered thermostats acting as repeaters to extend communication range and facilitate efficient signal routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a zoned HVAC system with multiple sensors is implemented to control temperature in various zones, then temperature control precision is improved, but installation cost and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical infrastructure with wireless communication technology. Temperature sensors and thermostats communicate zone data and control signals wirelessly to the HVAC controller, eliminating the need for complex wired infrastructure while maintaining zoned temperature control precision across multiple zones
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a temperature control interface and a wireless communication node. The single device handles user interaction, local temperature monitoring, and wireless data transmission to the HVAC system, reducing the need for separate infrastructure components
2Reliability
If high-powered mode is used to enable repeater functionality and extend wireless range, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat dynamically adjusts its power mode based on operational needs. It switches between low-power mode for basic temperature sensing and high-powered repeater mode for signal routing, optimizing the balance between communication reliability and power consumption in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power modes. The thermostat modifies its transmission power level and processing activity based on whether it needs to function as a simple sensor or as an active repeater node in the wireless network
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless communication is used to reduce installation cost, then ease of installation is improved, but communication range and signal reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate repeater nodes (thermostats in high-powered mode) that receive and retransmit wireless signals. These intermediaries extend the effective communication range of the wireless network and improve signal reliability in areas with poor direct connectivity to the HVAC controller
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a dwelling is provided. The system includes a plurality of wireless thermostats disposed throughout multiple zones within the dwelling and operable to control climate conditions in the corresponding zones. The system further includes a primary power source operable to supply power to thermostats for operating in a high-power mode when operatively connected thereto. The thermostats each include a secondary power source operable to supply power to the thermostats for operating in a low-power mode when the corresponding thermostat is not powered by the primary power source. Thermostats operating in the high-powered mode are operable to receive and repeat signals originating from one or more thermostats operating in the low-power mode.