Real-time smart thermostat with moving set value
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature regulation systems in homes, which rely on HVAC systems, face inefficiencies due to inability to account for unforeseen absences, leading to unnecessary energy consumption as they maintain nominal temperatures despite potential short absences, such as trips, which represent a significant portion of user absences.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects user absence, estimates return time using geolocation data, and adjusts the temperature to a comfort level different from the living temperature, allowing the system to reach the comfort temperature upon the user's return, thereby optimizing energy savings without compromising comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thermal regulation system maintains the dwelling at nominal temperature during user absence, then user comfort upon return is guaranteed, but unnecessary energy consumption occurs during short absences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the temperature setpoint adjustable and time-dependent. The system dynamically switches between nominal temperature (for comfort) and reduced temperature (for energy savings) based on the user's presence status and estimated return time. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the temperature level to current conditions rather than maintaining a fixed nominal temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by estimating the user's return time in advance and pre-adjusting the temperature setpoint accordingly. When a short absence is detected, the system calculates the expected return time and sets the temperature to a level that will reach comfort temperature by the estimated return time, rather than waiting until the user actually returns. This anticipatory adjustment prevents unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring comfort upon return.
2Loss of energy
If the thermal regulation system lowers the setpoint during user absence, then energy savings are achieved, but user comfort is degraded upon return
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the return time and uses this information to determine the appropriate temperature reduction level. By anticipating the return time, the system can lower the setpoint enough to save energy but not so much that comfort is compromised upon return. The temperature is pre-adjusted to reach the comfort temperature exactly when the user is expected to return.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature setpoint is made dynamic and adaptive based on the estimated return time. Rather than using a fixed reduced temperature, the system continuously adjusts the setpoint according to the time remaining until expected return, ensuring that the temperature reaches the comfort level at the right moment while maximizing energy savings during the absence period.
3Device complexity
If the system uses fixed absence time thresholds for temperature adjustment, then implementation is simple, but unforeseen short absences cannot be accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the user's location via geolocation data and using this information to adjust the temperature setpoint in real-time. Instead of relying on fixed thresholds, the system receives continuous feedback about the user's absence status and estimated return time, allowing it to adapt to unforeseen short absences. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond appropriately to varying absence durations while maintaining reasonable implementation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of fixed time thresholds with an information-based system using geolocation data and electronic communication. Instead of relying on predetermined time intervals, the system uses digital feedback about the user's actual location and movement patterns to determine temperature adjustments. This substitution enables the system to handle unforeseen absences without significantly increasing implementation complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 2(a)~2(e)
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for adjusting temperatures of a built structure provided with a thermal adjustment system configured to adjust the built structure to a predetermined living temperature. Said method includes implementing, via a data processing module, the steps of: (a) detecting absence of a user; (b) sending, to said system, a limiting instruction whereby said system interrupts adjustment to the living temperature; (c) estimating a return travel time of the user on the basis of geolocation data; (d) determining a return temperature on the basis of a comfort temperature, different from the living temperature, and on the basis of the return travel time, the return temperature allowing said system to reach the comfort temperature during the return travel time; and (e) sending, to said system, a return instruction whereby said system adjusts to the return temperature.