Dynamic scanning of remote temperature sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems struggle to balance temperature across different areas of a structure, leading to inefficient heating and cooling due to the thermostat's location, causing discomfort and increased energy consumption, especially when factors like direct sunlight, leaky ductwork, and poor insulation are considered.
Innovation Solution
A self-learning temperature monitor and control system that includes a network-connected thermostat and remote temperature sensors, allowing the system to dynamically adjust the scanning interval based on temperature readings from these sensors to optimize HVAC operation, prevent temperature overshoots, and conserve battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the thermostat continuously monitors temperature from remote sensors, then temperature control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat dynamically adjusts the scanning interval based on temperature conditions. When temperature is stable, the scanning interval increases to reduce energy consumption. When temperature changes rapidly or approaches threshold values, the scanning interval decreases to maintain control precision. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between continuous monitoring and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the time parameter (scanning interval) based on temperature conditions. The processor adjusts the interval between temperature readings from remote sensors, extending the interval during stable conditions to save energy and reducing it during critical periods to maintain precision. This parameter adjustment directly addresses the energy-precision tradeoff.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the thermostat uses a longer scanning interval to conserve energy, then battery life is extended, but temperature response speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning interval is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system extends the interval during stable temperature periods to extend battery life, but automatically reduces the interval when temperature changes are detected or when approaching threshold values, ensuring rapid response when needed. This resolves the contradiction between battery conservation and response speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat uses feedback from temperature readings to adjust the scanning interval. When temperature readings indicate stability, the system feedbacks to extend the scanning interval for energy savings. When readings show rapid changes or critical thresholds, the feedback triggers a reduced interval for faster response. This feedback mechanism balances battery life and response speed.
3Device complexity
If the thermostat regulates HVAC based on local temperature only, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature distribution uniformity across areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the building into multiple thermal zones by deploying remote temperature sensors in different areas. Each sensor independently monitors its local temperature, and the thermostat aggregates these segmented measurements to make HVAC decisions. This segmentation enables uniform temperature distribution across areas while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Remote temperature sensors act as intermediaries between the physical environment (different building areas) and the thermostat decision-making process. These intermediaries collect temperature data from various zones and transmit it to the thermostat, which uses the aggregated information to regulate HVAC system for overall temperature uniformity without requiring complex distributed control in each device.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermostat method includes receiving temperature readings from a remote temperature sensor; operating a processor in a first mode and a second mode, where the processor uses more average power when operating in the second mode than when operating in the first mode; and repeatedly transitioning the processor between operating in the first mode and operating in the second mode. Transitions from operating in the first mode to operating the second mode are caused at least in part by an expiration of a first time interval. The thermostat receives one or more of the temperature readings from the remote temperature sensor while the processor is operating in the second mode. The method also includes adjusting a length of the first time interval based at least in part on an estimate of how fast the temperature readings from the remote temperature sensor are approaching a threshold.