Wireless Remote Thermostat Sensor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building control systems often fail to accurately represent occupant environmental conditions due to fixed sensor locations, leading to inefficient HVAC operations and energy consumption issues, as the sensors may not reflect the actual conditions experienced by occupants.
Innovation Solution
A building control system comprising a primary HVAC controller and a portable remote controller with wireless interfaces, allowing the system to switch between temperature readings from the primary and remote sensors based on predetermined conditions, ensuring accurate comfort level control and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted at fixed locations near walls, then the controller can be installed in a convenient location, but the sensors do not accurately represent the environmental conditions at the occupant's location
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensing function from the control function by introducing a separate portable remote controller with its own temperature sensor. The remote controller can be positioned near the occupant to accurately sense local conditions, while the main controller remains fixed on the wall for stable installation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable remote controller acts as an intermediary between the occupant and the main HVAC controller. It carries a temperature sensor that measures conditions at the occupant's location and wirelessly transmits this data to the main controller, enabling accurate environmental monitoring without requiring the main controller to be moved or repositioned.
2Productivity
If the controller uses temperature data from a fixed location, then the system structure remains simple, but the HVAC operation becomes inefficient due to inaccurate environmental representation
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static sensing arrangement to a dynamic one by introducing a portable remote controller that can be moved to different locations. This allows the sensing position to adapt to the occupant's current location, ensuring the HVAC system responds to actual environmental conditions rather than fixed-point measurements, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable remote controller serves multiple functions: it acts as a mobile temperature sensor, a wireless communication device, and an extension of the control interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve HVAC efficiency without adding significant complexity, as one device performs multiple roles rather than requiring separate components for each function.
3Ease of operation
If the occupant must physically walk to the controller to change environmental settings, then the controller can be mounted in a fixed location, but the occupant experiences inconvenience especially in zoned systems
Solution Approach 1:
The portable remote controller serves as an intermediary that brings the control functionality to the occupant. Instead of requiring the occupant to travel to a fixed controller location, the remote unit can be held or placed near the occupant, providing immediate access to environmental controls and eliminating the time and effort required to reach the main controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds mobility as a new dimension to the controller by introducing a portable remote unit. This transforms the control interface from a fixed two-dimensional wall-mounted device to a three-dimensional mobile device that can be positioned anywhere in the space, giving the occupant freedom of movement while maintaining easy access to controls.
Data Source
AI summary
A building controller for controlling the comfort level in a building is described. The building controller may include a thermostat and wireless remote controller for communicating with the thermostat from a remote location. The thermostat may have access to a first temperature sensor for sensing a first temperature, sometimes at or near the thermostat. The remote controller may likewise have a second temperature sensor for sensing a second temperature, sometimes at or near the remote controller. Under some conditions, the thermostat may use the second temperature sensed by the remote controller to control the comfort level in a building unless or until a predetermined condition is detected, after which the thermostat may use a different temperature, such as the first temperature at or near the thermostat, to control the comfort level in a building.