System and method for optimizing use of plug-in air conditioners and portable heaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for managing energy consumption in portable heaters and window air conditioners lack effective temperature sensing and occupancy feedback, leading to inefficient energy use and potential discomfort, as they often rely on simple remote-controlled switches without sophisticated feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A networked load-control system that includes a temperature sensor, microprocessor, and geolocation-enabled mobile devices, allowing for bi-directional communication with a server to optimize heating and cooling based on occupancy and environmental conditions, thereby adjusting settings dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple remote-controlled switches are used to manage portable heaters and window air conditioners, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but temperature sensing accuracy and occupancy feedback are lost, leading to inefficient energy use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through temperature sensors that continuously monitor ambient temperature and occupancy detectors that sense presence in the room. This feedback is transmitted to a microprocessor that automatically adjusts the operation of portable heaters and window air conditioners, enabling the system to respond dynamically to changing environmental conditions and occupancy status, thereby optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation by equipping portable heaters and window air conditioners with built-in temperature sensors, occupancy detectors, and microprocessors that automatically control device operation based on sensed environmental conditions. This eliminates the need for complex external control systems or manual intervention, allowing the devices to self-regulate their operation for optimal energy efficiency while remaining easy to use.
2Loss of energy
If networked load-control systems with temperature sensors and microprocessors are implemented, then energy management is optimized and comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing portable heaters and window air conditioners that integrate multiple functions into single devices: temperature sensing, occupancy detection, network communication, and automatic control. This allows the same device to perform both conditioning functions and intelligent energy management, reducing the need for separate control systems and mitigating the increase in device complexity while achieving optimized energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a network communication intermediary to connect the load-control devices with central management systems. This intermediary layer enables data exchange and remote monitoring without requiring direct complex wiring or integration, allowing the system to achieve optimized energy management through standardized communication protocols while keeping individual device complexity manageable.
3Device complexity
If thermostats are placed near air conditioners or heaters, then control is simplified, but temperature readings are distorted by the equipment itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature sensing function from the heating or cooling equipment by using separate, dedicated temperature sensors positioned in the ambient environment rather than within the equipment housing. This segmentation allows accurate measurement of room temperature independent of the thermal influence of the air conditioner or heater, while the control system remains simplified through electronic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary temperature sensor that acts as a mediator between the environmental temperature and the control system. This sensor is positioned to accurately sense ambient temperature without being directly influenced by the thermal output of the equipment, providing precise measurement data to the microprocessor for optimal control decisions while maintaining system simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enhances energy management by optimizing energy use based on real-time occupancy and environmental data, reducing energy consumption and improving comfort by ensuring that heating and cooling are only used when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
They are designed to be plugged into a wall outlet, and to have the portable heater or window mount air conditioner plugged into them in turn using a switched outlet. These devices include a means for sensing temperature (such as a thermistor)...
Data Source
AI summary
Thermostatic HVAC and other energy management controls that are connected to a computer network. For instance, remotely managed load switches incorporating thermostatic controllers inform an energy management system, to provide enhanced efficiency, and to verify demand response with plug-in air conditioners and heaters. At least one load control device at a first location comprises a temperature sensor and a microprocessor. The load control device is configured to connect or disconnect electrical power to the an attached air conditioner or heater, and the microprocessor is configured to communicate over a network. In addition, the load control device is physically separate from an air conditioner or heater but located inside the space conditioned by the air conditioner or heater.