Systems and methods for dynamically configurable thermostat installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats lack the ability to accurately adjust temperature settings based on their specific location within a building, leading to inefficiencies in heating and cooling operations.
Innovation Solution
A thermostat with location determination logic that selects from pre-programmed static location-based temperature control algorithms, allowing installers to configure the thermostat according to its location, thereby improving temperature accuracy and reducing processing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional thermostats use generic temperature control algorithms that only consider proximate temperatures, then the thermostat is simpler to manufacture and install, but temperature control accuracy deteriorates because the thermostat cannot account for its specific location within the building
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat is pre-programmed with multiple static location-based temperature control algorithms before installation. During installation, the installer selects the appropriate algorithm based on the thermostat's location (e.g., near supply air, return air, exterior wall, interior wall). This preliminary configuration enables accurate temperature control without requiring complex real-time adjustments or processing during operation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional thermostats use generic temperature control algorithms, then processing power requirements are reduced, but temperature control accuracy deteriorates due to inability to account for thermostat location
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature control algorithms are pre-calculated and stored in the thermostat's memory during manufacturing. Each algorithm corresponds to a specific installation location and contains pre-determined control parameters. During operation, the thermostat simply executes the selected pre-programmed algorithm rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thereby maintaining high temperature control accuracy while minimizing processing power consumption and energy usage.
3Reliability
If thermostats are pre-programmed with location-based algorithms, then temperature control accuracy improves, but the installation process becomes more complex requiring installer selection of appropriate algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple static location-based temperature control algorithms are pre-programmed into the thermostat during manufacturing, covering common installation locations such as near supply air registers, return air grilles, exterior walls, and interior walls. During installation, the installer selects the appropriate pre-programmed algorithm based on the thermostat's physical location, ensuring reliable HVAC control without requiring complex real-time configuration or advanced technical expertise.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional thermostats use simple temperature-based control without location awareness, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different installation environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control functionality is segmented into multiple static algorithms, each optimized for a specific installation location (e.g., supply air location, return air location, exterior wall, interior wall). This segmentation allows the thermostat to adapt to different installation environments by selecting the appropriate segment (algorithm) based on location, while keeping each individual algorithm relatively simple and avoiding the need for complex adaptive processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes systems and methods for pre-programming a thermostat such that operational parameters of the thermostat may be selected by an installer during installation based at least in part on a location of the thermostat. For example, a thermostat communicatively coupled to conditioned air equipment may include location determination logic configured to determine a location of the thermostat with respect to a building for which the conditioned air equipment operates. The thermostat also includes conditioned air equipment control logic comprising a plurality of sets of static location-based temperature control algorithms. Each set of the static location-based temperature control algorithms corresponds to a location of the thermostat with respect to the building. The conditioned air equipment control logic is configured to control operation of the conditioned air equipment using a set of the static location-based temperature control algorithms that corresponds to the location determined by the location determination logic.