Thermal Cabin Occupancy Detection for Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal devices such as saunas and steam baths face significant energy consumption challenges due to fluctuating occupancy levels throughout the day, which current technologies struggle to optimize effectively.
Innovation Solution
A thermal device equipped with adjustable heating and ventilation means, along with detection systems that continuously monitor occupancy, allowing for base heating and ventilation settings when unoccupied and higher operational settings when occupied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heating means are operated with high power continuously, then thermal comfort is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating control device dynamically adjusts the heating power between base heating power and operational heating power based on real-time occupancy detection, transforming the static heating system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means continuously monitor occupancy status and provide feedback to the heating control device, which then adjusts heating power accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining thermal comfort
2Use of energy by moving object
If heating power is reduced when no one is present, then energy consumption decreases, but thermal comfort may be compromised when someone enters
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains a predetermined minimum temperature (base heating power) even when unoccupied, preparing the thermal environment in advance so that when someone enters, the cabin is already at an acceptable temperature level, reducing the need for rapid reheating
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of completely shutting off heating when unoccupied, the system applies a partial heating action (base heating power) that is sufficient to maintain minimum thermal conditions but not full operational heating, balancing energy savings with comfort requirements
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 solution significantly reduces energy consumption by adjusting heating and ventilation power based on occupancy, achieving substantial energy savings, especially during periods of low occupancy.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal device (1) comprising a heatable and ventilatable thermal cabin (2) for at least one person, wherein the thermal cabin (2) is equipped with adjustable heating means (4)
Implementation Method 2
detection means (10) for the continuous detection of the presence of persons situated in the thermal cabin (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal device comprising a heatable and ventilatable thermal cabin (2) for at least one person is equipped with adjustable heating means (4) and with adjustable ventilation means (6) and, optionally, with a temperate sensor (8). Furthermore, detection means (10) are available for the continuous detection of the presence of persons situated in the thermal cabin, wherein said detection means interact with a heating control device (12) for the heating means (4). Due to the fact that a base heating power can be set when no one is present and that a comparatively higher operational heating power can be set when someone is present, the energy requirement when operating the thermal facility can be reduced considerably.