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 energy wastage, especially when the thermostat is placed in an area with different temperature conditions than where the user is present.
Innovation Solution
A self-learning temperature monitor and control system that includes a thermostat and remote temperature sensors, allowing the system to dynamically adjust the scanning interval based on temperature readings from these sensors to optimize power efficiency and prevent temperature overshoots, while maintaining reliable communication without draining the energy storage device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the thermostat continuously monitors temperature from remote sensors, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the scanning interval based on temperature conditions. When the temperature difference between areas is large, the scanning interval is shortened to improve control accuracy. When temperatures are stable, the interval is extended to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between continuous monitoring accuracy and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the time parameter (scanning interval) based on system state. The processor adjusts the interval between temperature readings from remote sensors, transforming a static monitoring approach into a variable one that adapts to thermal conditions, thereby balancing measurement precision with energy consumption.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the thermostat uses a shorter scanning interval to prevent temperature overshoot, then temperature control stability is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning interval is dynamically adjusted based on how close the temperature is to the threshold. When temperature approaches the threshold, the interval shortens to prevent overshoot, ensuring stability. When temperature is far from threshold, the interval lengthens to conserve battery life, resolving the contradiction between stability and duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temperature assessment to determine whether intensive monitoring is needed. By evaluating the current temperature state before adjusting the scanning interval, the system proactively prevents unnecessary frequent scanning, thereby extending battery life while maintaining stability when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the thermostat is placed in one area, then it can control the HVAC system, but it cannot accurately reflect temperature conditions in other areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the building into multiple thermal zones with separate temperature sensors in each area. The thermostat in one area works in conjunction with remote sensors in other areas, allowing centralized control while achieving distributed temperature measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Remote temperature sensors act as intermediaries between the physical temperature conditions in different areas and the thermostat's decision-making process. These sensors transmit temperature data to the thermostat, enabling accurate representation of remote area temperatures without placing the thermostat in each location.
4Loss of information
If the system frequently scans remote temperature sensors, then temperature updates are more current, but energy storage device drains faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the time parameter (scanning frequency) based on thermal conditions. When temperature changes are detected or thresholds are approached, scanning frequency increases to maintain information timeliness. When conditions are stable, frequency decreases to conserve energy storage, resolving the contradiction between information freshness and energy preservation.
Data Source
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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.