Thermostat Function Staging Based on Available Charge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Climate control system controllers, such as thermostats, face challenges in managing power consumption efficiently due to high demand during wireless communication processes, leading to battery drain when power-stealing circuitry cannot keep up with the instantaneous power requirements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating power stealing circuitry and charge storage devices, a processor is used to predefine maximum wait times for controller functions, delaying their execution until a predefined voltage level is reached or the wait time has passed, thereby optimizing power usage and minimizing battery drain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication functions are performed frequently, then communication capability is improved, but battery drain increases due to high power demand exceeding power-stealing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the capacitor during periods of low power demand, accumulating energy reserves before high-power wireless communication tasks are executed. This allows the thermostat to stage controller functions based on available charge, performing wireless communications only when sufficient energy is stored in the capacitor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring of capacitor charge levels and stages wireless communication functions accordingly. Instead of continuous operation, wireless communication is performed in periodic bursts when charge thresholds are met, allowing the power-stealing circuitry to recharge the capacitor between communication events.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If controller functions are delayed to allow charging, then battery life is extended, but system responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing and staging of controller functions based on real-time capacitor charge levels. Rather than using fixed delays, the system monitors charge continuously and executes functions when optimal conditions are met, balancing battery conservation with responsive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring capacitor charge levels and using this information to determine when to execute controller functions. The processor compares current charge levels against threshold values and adjusts function scheduling accordingly, ensuring functions are performed at optimal moments without excessive delays.
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 approach effectively reduces battery drain by staging controller functions, ensuring sufficient charge is available before performing high-demand tasks, thereby extending battery life and maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
power stealing circuitry, one or more charge storage device coupled to the power stealing circuitry and configured to store charge provided by the power stealing circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of climate control system controllers and methods for staging controller functions. In an exemplary embodiment, a climate control system controller generally includes power stealing circuitry, charge storage device(s) for storing charge provided by the power stealing circuitry and for providing power for controller functions, and a processor. For each controller function, the processor predefines a maximum wait time corresponding to the controller function. Before performance of one of the controller functions, the processor compares at least once the current level of charge on the charge storage device(s) to a predefined voltage level. Based on the comparing, the processor delays performance of the controller function until the corresponding predefined maximum wait time has passed and/or the current level of charge on the charge storage device(s) has reached the predefined voltage level.