Room Comfort Control Using Feedback-Based HVAC Self-Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of HVAC systems face difficulties in adjusting room comfort variables such as temperature, humidity, and air quality due to complex systems requiring analysis of operating modes and parameters, leading to incorrect settings and misaligned systems, resulting in suboptimal comfort and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to input a demand signal for comfort changes, with the system analyzing the cause of discomfort and temporarily overriding preset parameters to achieve desired conditions, providing feedback and preventing spontaneous incorrect settings, thus automating adjustments and ensuring energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the HVAC system operates fully automatically based on programmed parameters, then energy efficiency and ecological factors are optimized, but the system cannot adapt to current user needs and perceptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-analysis by automatically evaluating user feedback (comfort ratings) and independently determining which control parameters need adjustment. The control device analyzes the cause of discomfort and draws conclusions about necessary parameter changes without requiring user expertise, enabling the system to serve itself in adapting to user needs while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where users rate their comfort level, and this feedback is automatically processed by the control device. The control device uses this feedback to analyze current system status, determine causal factors for discomfort, and adjust parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that continuously adapts to user needs.
2Ease of operation
If the user directly changes control parameters such as temperature setpoint or operating mode, then immediate comfort adjustment is achieved, but incorrect settings and system malfunction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the user and the HVAC system parameters. Instead of the user directly manipulating complex parameters like operating mode, timer program, or temperature setpoint, the user simply provides comfort feedback through a rating system. The control device then mediates by analyzing this feedback and automatically adjusting the appropriate parameters, protecting the user from making incorrect settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs self-analysis to determine which parameters need adjustment based on user feedback. It independently evaluates the current system status, identifies the cause of discomfort, and selects the appropriate parameter changes, eliminating the need for user expertise and preventing incorrect settings.
3Reliability
If the user analyzes operating mode, timer program, and temperature setpoint to determine adjustments, then correct system response is achieved, but analytical effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs self-analysis by automatically evaluating user feedback and independently determining which control parameters need adjustment. It analyzes the current system status, identifies the cause of discomfort, and draws conclusions about necessary parameter changes without requiring user expertise or time for analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses user comfort ratings as feedback to trigger automatic analysis. The control device processes this feedback to determine the appropriate system response, eliminating the need for users to perform time-consuming analysis of operating modes and parameters while ensuring accurate system response.
4Ease of operation
If the system allows direct user input of comfort changes, then user comfort needs are addressed, but spontaneous incorrect settings occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves as an intermediary that receives simple user input (comfort ratings) and translates it into appropriate parameter adjustments. This intermediary function protects against incorrect settings by ensuring that user inputs are properly interpreted and processed through systematic analysis before any parameter changes are implemented.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs self-analysis to determine the correct parameter adjustments based on user feedback. It automatically evaluates the current system status and independently decides which parameters need change, eliminating the risk of spontaneous incorrect settings while maintaining simple user interaction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves inputting a demand signal (W-K) for change of room temperature (RTmp) in building by user at operating unit (BE1) for a system for monitoring and controlling room temperature. The demand signal is analyzed based on current status data of system and activation of corresponding manipulated variables of system by control device to obtain corresponding change in room temperature. The input of demand signal is performed by input of change in direction regarding room temperature. The temporary change of current status data of system is performed until arrival of event. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) operating unit for a system for monitoring and controlling room temperature; and (2) arrangement for monitoring and controlling room temperature.