Thermostat-Based Multi-Zone HVAC Control Using Modulating Dampers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing residential heating and cooling systems for multi-story homes require separate HVAC systems or costly zoning panels with bypass airflow systems to regulate temperatures in multiple zones effectively, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A thermostat that controls both heating and cooling equipment and airflow to multiple zones using modulating dampers and temperature sensors, allowing for independent temperature regulation in each zone without the need for a zoning panel or bypass airflow system, utilizing a computer processor to adjust airflow and heating/cooling based on temperature comparisons between zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate HVAC systems are used for upstairs and downstairs, then temperature comfort in each zone is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the home into multiple zones (upstairs and downstairs) with separate temperature sensors and dampers for each zone, allowing independent temperature control while using a single HVAC system. The thermostat receives temperature inputs from multiple zones and controls airflow distribution accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses modulating dampers that can dynamically adjust their opening position based on real-time temperature conditions in different zones. The dampers modulate between fully closed and fully open positions to optimize airflow distribution and maintain comfort in calling zones while preventing overheating or overcooling in non-calling zones.
2Temperature
If a zoning panel with bypass airflow system is used, then temperature regulation in multiple zones is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the bypass airflow system and zoning panel from the traditional zoning approach. Instead of using a complex bypass system to manage excess airflow, the patent uses modulating dampers in the supply ducts to directly control airflow to each zone, eliminating the need for bypass ductwork and pressure control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical bypass airflow management system with electronic control of modulating dampers. The thermostat uses computer-implemented algorithms to control damper positions based on temperature sensor inputs, substituting mechanical pressure control with intelligent electronic airflow management.
3Measurement precision
If modulating dampers are used to control airflow to multiple zones, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single thermostat performs multiple functions: it monitors temperature in multiple zones, determines which zone is the calling zone, controls the HVAC system operation, and manages modulating dampers for airflow distribution. This multi-functionality consolidates control complexity into a single device rather than requiring separate control systems for each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature in each zone using temperature sensors and uses this feedback to adjust damper positions and HVAC operation. The thermostat compares actual temperatures with desired temperatures and dynamically adjusts airflow distribution to maintain comfort in the calling zone while preventing discomfort in non-calling zones.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermostat has a thermostat housing that includes circuitry to control HVAC equipment and first and second dampers, and a first temperature sensor. A second temperature sensor is operatively connected to the thermostat, and a microcomputer enables the thermostat to perform the following steps: receiving a desired temperature; receiving first and zone temperatures; activating or de-activating the heating and cooling equipment responsive to a comparison between the first zone temperature relative to the desired temperature; and adjusting the first and second dampers as required to direct airflow to the first and second zones to adjust the second temperature until it is equal to or within an allowed deviation of the first temperature.