System for air conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems struggle to maintain uniform thermal environmental conditions across large spaces, leading to thermal discomfort and high energy consumption, with a significant carbon footprint.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a HVAC system, multiple air temperature sensors, an occupancy sensor, and a controller that selects between heating, cooling, and fan modes based on temperature sensor signals, optimizing energy use and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature sensor is used to control HVAC systems in large spaces, then the control system is simple, but the thermal environmental conditions become non-uniform leading to thermal discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large building space into multiple measurement zones by deploying several temperature sensors at different locations. Each sensor monitors the thermal conditions in its specific zone, enabling the control system to detect spatial temperature variations and adjust HVAC operation accordingly, thus achieving uniform thermal environmental conditions across the entire space.
2Temperature
If HVAC systems operate continuously in heating or cooling modes, then thermal comfort is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability that allows the HVAC system to adapt its operation based on real-time temperature measurements from multiple sensors. The controller dynamically selects between heating mode, cooling mode, and fan-only mode according to the detected thermal conditions, enabling the system to maintain comfort while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling when not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the HVAC system by introducing fan-only mode as an alternative to continuous heating or cooling. By adjusting the system's operating state based on spatial temperature distribution, the patent reduces energy consumption while maintaining acceptable thermal comfort through air circulation alone in suitable conditions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are deployed in different locations, then spatial temperature distribution is monitored accurately, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional controller that performs both temperature data acquisition from multiple sensors and HVAC system control functions. This universal controller integrates the roles of data collection, analysis, and actuation, thereby achieving accurate spatial temperature monitoring without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same controller handles both sensing and control tasks.
4Device complexity
If HVAC systems are designed for total volume control, then the control system is simple, but it fails to achieve uniform thermal conditions in large spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by using multiple temperature sensors positioned at different locations within the building space to detect local thermal conditions. The controller then adjusts HVAC operation based on these localized measurements, ensuring that each region of the space receives appropriate thermal management, thereby achieving uniform thermal conditions across the entire large space.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for air conditioning is provided which comprises a HVAC system suitable to air condition a space, wherein the HVAC system has a heating mode in which heating of the building space is effected, a cooling mode in which cooling of the building space is effected, and a fan mode in which no heating and no cooling of the building space is effected and air is circulated within the building space. The system further comprises a building space to be air conditioned by the HVAC system, at least two air temperature sensors situated in different locations in the building space, at least one occupancy sensor for detecting the presence of at least one person in the building space and a controller for controlling an operation of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. The controller is configured to make a selection between the heating mode, cooling mode and fan mode based on signals of the at least two air temperature sensors. The system allows the provision of a thermal comfort in the building space of the system at a reduced overall energy consumption and reduced carbon footprint.