Remote Terminal Thermostat for Multi-Zone Override Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy management systems (EMS) face challenges in providing convenient, flexible, and inexpensive local override control of HVAC and lighting devices across different zones of a building, often requiring users to be present at a central site controller or limiting access due to lack of displays and permissions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a remote terminal unit (RTU) mode in thermostats that allow users to control HVAC and lighting systems from any zone, with touch screen interfaces for override requests, which are merged with the central site controller's settings, enabling flexible and convenient local control without the need for a display at the central site controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized EMS with a display is used to provide local control, then users can review system status and initiate overrides, but the system complexity and cost increase due to requiring a display at the central controller
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the control functionality into two segments: the central EMS handles system-wide control and monitoring, while remote thermostats in various zones provide local override capabilities. This segmentation allows users to access control functions at multiple locations without adding a display to the central controller, thereby maintaining simplicity at the central level while improving local accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces web servers and web portals as intermediary components between users and the central EMS. Users can access the energy management system through web browsers on portable devices, which communicate with the central controller via wireless networks. This intermediary approach enables remote access without requiring a physical display at the central controller or on every thermostat.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromechanical switches are used for lighting control, then local override is possible, but the system lacks the flexibility of a full digital solution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical switches with digital thermostats that have touch-sensitive interfaces. These digital devices can detect user input through various methods (touch, proximity sensing) and communicate with the central EMS via digital protocols. This substitution maintains the simplicity of physical interaction while enabling full digital control capabilities, including remote access through web portals and integration with building automation systems.
3Ease of operation
If a web portal on an onsite computer is provided for override control, then users can access the system remotely, but employees are prevented from using the computers thus preventing some from initiating local overrides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the thermostat devices universal by enabling them to function both as traditional temperature control devices and as remote terminal units for the energy management system. The same thermostat that controls HVAC in a zone also serves as a local interface for lighting and HVAC overrides across the entire building. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated computers or restricted workstations, allowing any thermostat to serve multiple users and purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to access and control building systems through self-service interfaces on their own portable devices via web browsers. Users can initiate overrides and monitor system status without requiring assistance from facilities staff or access to restricted computers. The thermostats and web portals provide intuitive, autonomous interfaces that empower end-users to manage their own environmental needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy management system having a centralized site controller includes thermostats in multiple zones, each thermostat acting as a remote terminal to the controller. Each thermostat provides an interface to the site controller while acting as the thermostat for each zone. The thermostat displays the state of the building's systems for any zone and allows the local user to override set points. The central site controller determines how many thermostats are enabled with a terminal mode, including their read and write permissions on other zones. Override requests received by the central controller are merged with settings for current control algorithms. After a preconfigured time, the central controller reinstates the current control algorithm. The system can be shut down using a thermostat in remote terminal mode with appropriate permission. System status changes are sent to remote thermostats for display and remote thermostat terminals are polled for change requests.