Thermostat Preconditioning Control Without a C-Wire Power Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostats face challenges in providing advanced functionalities like preconditioning without requiring a 'C' wire, which is often absent in many homes, and need to be easily installable without professional assistance, while also being energy-efficient and visually appealing.
Innovation Solution
A thermostat with a processing system that includes a housing, memory, and temperature sensors, capable of controlling HVAC systems without a 'C' wire, using a dual-mode processor operation to compute and execute preconditioning criteria based on historical data, allowing for wireless communication and energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If power stealing method is used to power the thermostat without a C wire, then installation complexity is reduced, but the thermostat cannot support advanced functionalities like preconditioning due to insufficient power
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two processor modes: a first processor handles power-intensive tasks (preconditioning calculations, wireless communications) when power is available, while a second processor handles basic thermostat functions during power-constrained periods. This dynamic allocation allows the thermostat to support advanced functionalities without requiring a C wire connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the processors based on power availability. The system monitors power conditions and adjusts which processor is active, thereby adapting the functional capabilities of the thermostat to the available power supply while maintaining advanced features like preconditioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a first processor is used to perform power-intensive preconditioning calculations, then preconditioning functionality is enabled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two processor modes: a first processor handles power-intensive tasks (preconditioning calculations, wireless communications) when power is available, while a second processor handles basic thermostat functions during power-constrained periods. This dynamic allocation allows the thermostat to support advanced functionalities without requiring a C wire connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by alternating between two processor modes based on power availability. The first processor performs intensive preconditioning calculations during periods when power is sufficient, then transitions to the second processor for basic functions during power-constrained periods, creating a periodic pattern of high and low power consumption states.
3Ease of operation
If do-it-yourself installation is enabled without professional assistance, then ease of operation improves, but reliability of installation may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat is designed to be self-configuring and self-diagnosing. It automatically detects wiring conditions, configures itself for power stealing operation, and guides the installer through the installation process, eliminating the need for professional HVAC technicians while ensuring reliable installation through automated verification procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the thermostat to monitor its own installation status and provide real-time guidance to the installer. The thermostat detects wiring connections, validates power availability, and communicates installation status, enabling do-it-yourself installation while maintaining reliability through continuous self-verification.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention describe thermostats that are configured to precondition an enclosure and methods for performing the same. According to one embodiment, a method of preconditioning an enclosure includes providing a thermostat and computing a set of preconditioning criteria information (PCI) with said thermostat. The computed PCI is typically representative of time and ambient temperature conditions for which preconditioning should be performed. The PCI may be stored in memory and used to compare against a current time and current ambient temperature condition of the enclosure to determine whether to enter the thermostat into a preconditioning state. If a determination is made that the PCI criteria are satisfied, the thermostat may be entered into the preconditioning state to heat or cool the enclosure. One or more of these processes may be performed while a processor of the thermostat is in a relatively high power mode or relatively low power mode.