Power transformation self characterization mode
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current power transformation systems in thermostats do not efficiently learn the loads of connected equipment until they are turned on, leading to reduced battery life and inefficient operation, especially when equipment is not used immediately after installation.
Innovation Solution
A self-characterization load test is introduced that allows the thermostat to determine the loads connected to it without requiring the equipment to be turned on, using a series of measurements and calculations to stabilize and finalize load values, enabling the system to maximize charge current and minimize battery usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the thermostat waits for equipment to be turned on to learn loads, then the system operation is simple, but battery life is reduced and operation becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing load characterization tests before the equipment is actually turned on. The system proactively measures baseline voltages and calculates load characteristics during installation or idle periods, so that when equipment is activated, the thermostat already has the necessary load information to optimize power management and extend battery life without adding operational complexity
2Use of energy by moving object
If the thermostat performs measurements and calculations to determine load values, then battery resource management is optimized, but the measurement and calculation process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically performing voltage measurements, baseline comparisons, and load calculations without requiring external intervention or complex user configuration. The thermostat autonomously manages the characterization process, stabilizing measurements and finalizing load values independently, which optimizes battery resource efficiency while keeping the user-facing interface simple
3Measurement precision
If the thermostat stabilizes measurements before finalizing load values, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the time required for characterization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing stabilization only when necessary - specifically when baseline voltages need to be established or when load characteristics are being initially characterized. The system measures voltage, compares it to baselines, and stabilizes measurements conditionally rather than continuously, achieving sufficient measurement precision for load determination without unnecessarily extending the characterization time
Data Source
AI summary
A system and approach for a self-calculating test of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning load. The test may be run upon meeting predetermined conditions. Thermostatic control of the load may be disabled when the load test starts. If a call for heat or cool is made at the thermostat, response to the call may be delayed until the load test is completed, and if AC power is lost during the test, the test may finish and allow detection of the phantom AC detection device with a loss of AC power. If a voltage of a storage capacitor falls below a battery boost threshold, the test may be cancelled to allow the phantom circuit charge the storage capacitor. The system and approach may incorporate load test states that include an initialize state, start test state, get baseline state, test measure state, stabilize measurement state, calculation state, and finalize results state.