Remote Sensor Unit with Independent Control for Multi-Space HVAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats lack the ability to independently control environmental conditions in multiple spaces within a building based on real-time sensor data, leading to inefficient energy usage and potential air quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function remote sensor unit that communicates bi-directionally with a thermostat and controlled devices, allowing it to independently adjust environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air quality by transmitting control signals based on sensor data, and enabling mapping and pairing with user control devices for centralized management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional thermostats use one-way communication sensors to measure temperature and control HVAC systems, then the basic temperature control function is achieved, but the ability to independently control environmental conditions in multiple spaces based on real-time sensor data is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple independent spaces, each equipped with its own sensor unit that can independently measure and control environmental conditions. This segmentation allows each space to be managed autonomously based on its specific requirements, resolving the contradiction between multi-space adaptability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor unit is equipped with independent processing capabilities that allow it to autonomously analyze sensor data and control environmental conditions without requiring constant central thermostat intervention. This self-service approach enables multi-space control while reducing overall system complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional thermostats control HVAC systems without real-time sensor data from multiple spaces, then the system structure remains simple, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to inability to make space-specific adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where sensor units continuously monitor environmental conditions in each space and automatically adjust HVAC controls based on current sensor data. This feedback mechanism enables energy-efficient space-specific control without requiring complex centralized communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor units are pre-configured with control algorithms and thresholds that allow them to make immediate environmental adjustments based on sensor readings, eliminating the need for complex real-time communication and decision-making at the thermostat level.
3Reliability
If conventional thermostats lack independent control capability in sensor units, then the system is easier to manufacture, but air quality issues and environmental control problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor units are designed with universal multi-functionality, incorporating sensors, processing capabilities, and control outputs in a single integrated unit. This multi-functional design improves air quality control reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture by reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled and configured.
Data Source
AI summary
A building control system includes a sensor unit, a space controller, and a controlled device. The space controller is configured to operate one or more controlled devices to affect one or more environmental conditions of a first space of a building. The sensor unit is communicably coupled to the space controller and is configured to be disposed in the first space. The sensor unit includes one or more sensors. The sensor unit is configured to determine an environmental condition of the first space based on sensor data from the sensor and configured to provide at least some of the sensor data to the space controller. The controlled device is communicably coupled to the sensor unit and is operable to affect the environmental condition of the first space. The sensor unit is configured to control the controlled device independently from the space controller.