Room Conditioning Comfort Switch for Distributed HVAC Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems often require centralized temperature control, which can lead to inefficiencies as rooms are either over- or under-conditioned, especially in unused spaces, resulting in increased energy costs and reduced occupant control over environmental settings.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mounted control device that acts like a light switch, allowing users to wirelessly control the position of dampers or valves in HVAC systems, enabling users to easily turn conditioning on or off for specific rooms, with optional intermediate settings and integration with sensors for environmental adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If centralized temperature control is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to over- or under-conditioning of rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized HVAC control system into distributed room-level control units. Each room receives conditioned air through its own damper that can be independently controlled, allowing segmentation of the control function from the air distribution infrastructure. This enables individual room conditioning without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device enables occupants to self-manage their own room's conditioning needs through simple on/off switches. Each room becomes self-sufficient in determining its own thermal requirements, eliminating the need for centralized monitoring and adjustment while improving energy efficiency by conditioning only occupied spaces.
2Ease of operation
If centralized control is used, then installation simplicity is maintained, but occupant control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control authority is segmented from centralized to distributed, with each room receiving independent control capability. Occupants can directly control their own room's conditioning without navigating complex centralized systems, simplifying operation at the user level while maintaining manageable system architecture through standardized control modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed to be universally applicable across multiple rooms with identical simple on/off switch interfaces. This universal design allows any occupant to control their room using the same intuitive mechanism, enhancing ease of operation without requiring different control methods for different locations.
3Loss of energy
If room-specific control is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control functionality into modular room-level units that can be independently installed and configured. Each control device is a self-contained module that interfaces with existing HVAC ductwork through standard damper connections, allowing incremental deployment without requiring complete system replacement or complex coordinated installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the existing centralized HVAC system and the end-user needs. It interfaces with standard HVAC components (dampers, ducts) while providing simplified user control, bridging the gap between legacy infrastructure and modern energy efficiency requirements without demanding complete system overhaul.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a control device configured to control the distribution of conditioned air, or liquid, to a space inside a building. In some examples, the control device may be a wall mounted switch, similar to a light switch, inside or near the space. Operating the switch may send signals to control the position of a vent, or a valve, to allow or prevent conditioned air, or liquid, from changing the environment of the space in the building.