System and method for using a mobile electronic device to optimize an energy management system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable thermostats have poor user interfaces, leading to sub-optimal energy management in HVAC systems, with limited ability to account for occupancy and dynamic changes in user schedules, resulting in inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses geolocation-enabled mobile devices connected to a network to detect occupancy and adjust temperature settings in HVAC systems, optimizing energy consumption by determining the geographic location of mobile devices associated with a structure and adjusting the thermostat settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional programmable thermostats are used, then basic temperature control is achieved, but energy efficiency is sub-optimal due to poor user interfaces and limited occupancy detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote computing device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) as an intermediary between the user and the thermostat. This remote device provides an enhanced graphical user interface that allows users to easily program temperature schedules, adjust settings, and monitor HVAC operation without the complexity limitations of the thermostat's physical interface. The remote device communicates with the thermostat via network connections, enabling sophisticated energy management while maintaining user-friendly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a network communication dimension to the traditional thermostat system. By incorporating wireless network capabilities (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) and remote device connectivity, the system transitions from a purely local, button-based interface to a multi-dimensional control system that includes remote graphical interfaces, mobile applications, and cloud-based monitoring. This dimensional expansion enables much more intuitive user interaction and sophisticated energy optimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programmable thermostats are used, then time-based temperature scheduling is possible, but occupancy-based optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces remote computing devices as intermediaries that perform occupancy detection and analysis. These devices use applications that can detect user presence through mobile device sensors, GPS location data, and usage patterns. The remote device then communicates occupancy information to the thermostat, enabling the system to adjust temperature settings based on whether occupants are present without requiring complex occupancy sensors to be installed in the thermostat itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or electronic occupancy sensors with software-based detection methods running on remote computing devices. Instead of using motion sensors, infrared detectors, or pressure sensors in the thermostat, the system uses mobile device sensors (accelerometers, GPS, microphone, camera), application logic, and network communication to determine occupancy status. This substitution reduces hardware complexity while enabling sophisticated occupancy-based control.
3Productivity
If thermostats allow temperature drift in hysteresis zone, then HVAC cycling is reduced, but energy optimization opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature setpoint adjustment based on real-time occupancy detection and environmental conditions. Instead of using fixed hysteresis zones, the system dynamically modifies the temperature setpoint and hysteresis parameters according to whether occupants are present, outdoor temperature conditions, and predicted occupancy patterns. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize energy consumption by raising cooling setpoints or lowering heating setpoints during unoccupied periods while maintaining comfort during occupied periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates multiple feedback loops that continuously monitor occupancy status, indoor temperature, outdoor conditions, and HVAC operation. The remote computing device analyzes this feedback data and adjusts temperature setpoints and scheduling parameters accordingly. The system also learns from user manual adjustments and occupancy patterns to refine its control strategy over time, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining system stability and comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention comprise systems and methods for using the geographic location of networked consumer electronics devices as indications of occupancy of a structure for purposes of automatically adjusting the temperature setpoint on a thermostatic HVAC control. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one mobile electronic device is used to indicate the state of occupancy of the structure. The state of occupancy is used to alter the setpoint on the thermostatic HVAC control to reduce unneeded conditioning of unoccupied spaces.