Thermostat Set Point Adjustment Using Outdoor Temperature Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Homeowners and building occupants face challenges in efficiently adjusting indoor climate control systems to optimize energy savings and comfort, as existing methods require manual adjustments and lack automated responses to outdoor temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A climate control system controller that adjusts heating and cooling set points based on outdoor ambient temperature deviations using user-selectable adjustment functions, such as linear, power, and exponential functions, to optimize energy usage and comfort by automatically adjusting set points in response to sensed outdoor temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If manual adjustment of thermostat set points is used, then user control over indoor temperature is maintained, but energy savings are reduced due to lack of automated optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat system automatically monitors outdoor temperature and adjusts indoor set points without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by using outdoor temperature sensors and pre-programmed adjustment functions to autonomously optimize heating and cooling set points, eliminating the need for manual adjustments while maximizing energy savings
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors outdoor ambient temperature and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust indoor temperature set points. The thermostat reads outdoor temperature data, compares it to baseline values, and automatically modifies set points based on the temperature differential, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy consumption
2Loss of energy
If automated set point adjustment based on outdoor temperature is implemented, then energy savings are optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature adjustment function is segmented into discrete outdoor temperature ranges, each with its own adjustment factor. Instead of using a single complex algorithm, the system divides the outdoor temperature scale into segments (e.g., below 50°F, 50-70°F, 70-90°F, above 90°F) and applies simple additive adjustments for each segment, reducing computational complexity while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the set point temperature parameter based on outdoor temperature conditions. By adjusting the set point parameter dynamically according to outdoor readings, the system achieves energy optimization through a simple parameter modification approach rather than complex control logic, maintaining low device complexity
3Loss of energy
If set points are adjusted to maximize energy savings, then energy consumption is reduced, but indoor comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial adjustment to set points rather than extreme adjustments. By using moderate temperature differentials (e.g., 5-10 degree adjustments) based on outdoor conditions, the system achieves meaningful energy savings while avoiding excessive temperature differences that would compromise comfort. The adjustment is calibrated to be sufficient for energy savings but not so large as to create discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment function applies different temperature adjustments for heating versus cooling operations. The system treats heating set point adjustments and cooling set point adjustments differently, optimizing each for its specific operational context. This localized approach allows energy optimization for each mode while maintaining appropriate comfort levels specific to heating and cooling scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for adjusting controller set points based on outdoor temperature. In an exemplary embodiment, a climate control system controller for providing climate control in a structure includes a processor and memory configured to obtain adjusted heating and cooling set point values determined by combining adjustment amounts with heating and cooling set points set for the climate control system. The adjustment amounts are determined in accordance with deviations of sensed outdoor ambient temperature (OAT) values from an intermediate OAT value predefined in a range of OAT values. The controller, in response to sensed outdoor temperatures in the range of OAT values, controls heating and cooling in the structure in accordance with the adjusted heating and cooling set point values.