Single-Zone HVAC Multi-Room Control Using Weighted Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-zone building management systems (BMS) cannot individually control environmental conditions in different rooms within a building, limiting comfort and efficiency, as they are designed to manage the entire space uniformly, whereas multi-zone systems offer tailored control but at a higher conversion cost.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines feedback from multiple sensors within a building in a weighted manner based on time of day, occupancy, and importance to operate HVAC equipment effectively, allowing for multi-zone control without the need for a full system conversion, using techniques such as adjusting weights, operating recirculation fans, and prioritizing sensor feedback to achieve setpoints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-zone HVAC system is used to control the entire building uniformly, then the system complexity and conversion cost are reduced, but the ability to individually control environmental conditions in different rooms is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the building into multiple virtual zones by implementing separate temperature setpoints for different rooms or areas within the single-zone HVAC system. The controller divides the building envelope into distinct zones and applies zone-specific temperature profiles, enabling individual room control without physical system segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different temperature setpoints and control parameters to specific locations within the building. Each zone receives customized temperature control based on its unique requirements, occupancy patterns, and thermal characteristics, while the HVAC system remains physically unified.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-zone HVAC system is implemented to enable individual room control, then the adaptability and comfort are improved, but the conversion cost and system complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single-zone HVAC system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both whole-building climate control and individual room zone control simultaneously. The unified HVAC system adapts to serve multiple control strategies without requiring separate equipment for each zone, reducing conversion costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a smart controller as an intermediary between the single-zone HVAC system and multiple zones. This controller acts as a mediator that distributes customized control signals to different areas, enabling zone-specific temperature management without requiring physical multi-zone HVAC infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If uniform temperature control is applied throughout the building, then the HVAC system operation is simplified, but the comfort and efficiency are reduced due to inability to account for location-specific factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control where setpoints automatically adjust based on time of day, occupancy detection, and location-specific factors. The system transitions from static uniform control to dynamic adaptive control, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor temperature, occupancy, and environmental conditions in each zone. This feedback enables the controller to automatically adjust HVAC operation for optimal efficiency in each area while maintaining overall system simplicity through centralized automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring and controlling one or more environmental conditions of a building. The method comprises obtaining feedback from a first sensor at a first location within the building and feedback from a second sensor at a second location within the building. The method further comprises combining the feedback from the first sensor with the feedback from the second sensor in a weighted manner to generate a combined feedback, wherein a weight of the feedback from the first sensor relative to a weight of the feedback from the second sensor is based on a time of day. The method finally comprises operating HVAC equipment to drive the combined feedback toward a setpoint for the building.