Two-Mode Thermostat Control for Humidity Setback Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats consume unnecessary energy by cooling spaces below the desired temperature to achieve desired humidity levels, even when the temperature is already within set-point, leading to inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A programmable thermostat with temperature and humidity sensors that operates the air conditioner in a first mode to maintain set-points and switches to a set-back mode during unoccupied periods, reducing energy consumption by prioritizing temperature control over humidity during unoccupied times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the thermostat operates the air conditioner to lower humidity below the humidity set point when temperature is already below the temperature set point, then the desired humidity level is attained, but the space is cooled below the desired temperature set point causing unwanted energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode that prioritizes humidity control by allowing temperature to drop below the set point, and a second mode that prioritizes energy efficiency by maintaining temperature at the set point even if humidity is slightly elevated. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the appropriate control strategy based on current environmental conditions and user preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature set point parameter dynamically based on the operational mode. In the first mode, the effective temperature set point is lowered to allow aggressive dehumidification. In the second mode, the temperature set point is raised to prevent unnecessary cooling and reduce energy consumption. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between achieving precise humidity control and minimizing energy use.
2Reliability
If the thermostat operates in the first mode to maintain humidity set-point, then humidity control is achieved, but the air conditioner may run longer than necessary increasing energy use
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat dynamically adapts its control strategy by switching between two modes. The first mode provides reliable humidity control when needed, while the second mode reduces energy waste when aggressive humidity control is not necessary. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ensuring reliable humidity control and avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including temperature set point and compressor control strategy based on the selected mode. This allows the system to adjust the balance between humidity control reliability and energy efficiency, resolving the contradiction by selecting appropriate parameters for different operational contexts.
3Speed
If the thermostat operates the air conditioner at full capacity to quickly reduce humidity, then dehumidification speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat dynamically adjusts compressor operation between full capacity and reduced capacity based on the operational mode and current conditions. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between achieving fast dehumidification and minimizing energy consumption by selecting the appropriate capacity level for each situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by operating the compressor at less than full capacity in the second mode, accepting slower dehumidification in exchange for reduced energy consumption. In the first mode, full capacity action is applied when rapid humidity reduction is prioritized. This principle resolves the contradiction by allowing the user to choose the appropriate level of action based on needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Various thermostat embodiment are provided that includes at least a first sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and at least a second sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the humidity within the space. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least first and second sensors, for controlling the thermostat's operation. The controller is configured to operate in a first mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature of the space is above a temperature set-point or when the sensed humidity level is above the humidity set-point. The controller is further configured to operate in a second mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature is below a set-back temperature set-point, or when the sensed humidity is above a set-back humidity set-point.