Thermostat Cloud Channel for Low-Power HVAC Wire Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostats face challenges in providing advanced functionalities like microprocessor control and wireless communication without requiring a 'common' wire or line power, especially in homes without a direct wire from the transformer, and they often rely on battery power which needs frequent replacement or power stealing, leading to inefficiencies and potential failures during extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery-powered thermostat with a battery charging circuit that harvests power from the HVAC system, allowing it to operate in both low-power and high-power modes, and includes a wireless communication module for network connectivity, enabling efficient data transfer and control without the need for a 'common' wire, and using a cloud-based management server for reduced power usage and extended battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If power stealing method is used to power the thermostat without a common wire, then wiring complexity is reduced, but the thermostat may fail during extreme environmental conditions when power availability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between power stealing mode and battery power mode based on available power conditions. The battery charging circuit adjusts charging current based on power availability from the HVAC system, and the processor transitions between active and sleep modes to adapt power consumption to available power supply conditions.
2Reliability
If a rechargeable battery is used to provide continuous power, then thermostat reliability is improved, but the device requires additional power management components and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources (power stealing from HVAC system and rechargeable battery) into a unified power supply architecture. The battery charging circuit integrates with the existing HVAC wiring, and the processor controls both power stealing operations and battery charging/discharging cycles through a single control logic, reducing overall system complexity despite adding battery functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the thermostat operates in high-power mode for advanced processing and wireless communication, then functionality is improved, but power consumption increases reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat dynamically adjusts its operational state based on power availability. The processor can switch between active mode (full functionality with microprocessor control and wireless communication) and sleep mode (reduced functionality) depending on whether the battery is charged or power is being stolen from the HVAC system. This dynamic adaptation allows full functionality when power is available while conserving battery life when power is limited.
4Loss of information
If the thermostat maintains continuous network connection for cloud communication, then data transfer responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat uses periodic wake-up cycles from sleep mode to maintain network connectivity. The long-polling mechanism allows the thermostat to sleep for extended periods and periodically wake to check for server messages or send data updates. This periodic communication maintains data responsiveness while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous network activity.
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
The solution enables a thermostat with advanced processing and communication capabilities that conserves energy, extends battery life, and provides reliable operation without the need for a 'common' wire, ensuring efficient HVAC system control and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A thermostat is presented. The thermostat may include a plurality of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) connectors, a rechargeable battery, and a battery charging circuit configured to charge the rechargeable battery at least in part by harvesting power from an HVAC system through the plurality of HVAC connectors without requiring a common wire.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided according to one or more embodiments herein are methods, systems and related architectures for facilitating network communications between a wireless network-connected thermostat and a cloud-based management server in a manner that promotes reduced power usage and extended service life of a rechargeable battery of the thermostat, while at the same time accomplishing timely data transfer between the thermostat and the cloud-based management server for suitable and time-appropriate control of an HVAC system. The thermostat further comprises powering circuitry configured to: extract electrical power from one or more HVAC control wires in a manner that does not require a “common” wire; supply electrical power for thermostat operation; recharge the rechargeable battery (if needed) using any surplus extracted power; and discharge the rechargeable battery to assist in supplying electrical power for thermostat operation during intervals in which the extracted power alone is insufficient for thermostat operation.