Thermostat Relay Pulse Control for Lower Battery Power Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermostats in HVAC control systems face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly due to the use of batteries, which affects energy efficiency and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

Adjusting pulse levels (duration and amplitude) of HVAC relays based on ambient conditions, such as temperature, using existing thermostat components like temperature sensors, to optimize energy usage without compromising relay operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If battery controlled thermostats are used to improve ease of installation and accessibility, then power consumption becomes a critical issue that worsens energy efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The thermostat dynamically adjusts relay pulse parameters (amplitude and duration) based on real-time ambient temperature conditions. The system transitions from static pulse control to adaptive pulse control, where pulse characteristics change dynamically to match environmental conditions, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining reliable relay operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of relay control pulses (amplitude and duration) based on ambient temperature. By adjusting these parameters according to environmental conditions, the system optimizes the balance between providing sufficient power to actuate the relay and minimizing overall power consumption from the battery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If fixed pulse levels are used to control HVAC relays, then relay operation is simplified, but power consumption increases and energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol complexityVSAvoidenergy inefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The thermostat incorporates feedback from ambient temperature sensing to adjust relay pulse parameters. The system continuously monitors environmental conditions and uses this information to modulate pulse characteristics, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining simple overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If higher pulse amplitudes and durations are applied to ensure reliable relay actuation, then relay operation reliability improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelay operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by adjusting pulse amplitude and duration to the minimum necessary levels required for reliable relay actuation under different conditions. Rather than using excessive fixed pulse levels, the system tailors the pulse parameters to match the actual requirements, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS7673809B2Thermostat relay control

Publication Date: 2010.03.09 RESIDEO LLC

AI summary

The present invention, in illustrative embodiments, includes methods and devices for reducing power consumption in a thermostat by adjusting pulse levels (duration and/or voltage) that are used to control an HVAC relay in light of variations of ambient conditions or other relay conditions. In some illustrative embodiments, an ambient condition is observed using existing thermostat features, such as, for example, a temperature sensor, and used to adjust pulse parameters.