Two-Mode Thermostat Control for Humidity Without Overcooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats consume unnecessary energy by cooling spaces below the desired temperature to achieve desired humidity levels, even when the temperature is already within set-point, leading to inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A thermostat with temperature and humidity sensors and a controller that operates in two modes: a primary mode for maintaining set-points during occupied periods and a set-back mode for unoccupied periods, optimizing energy use by adjusting compressor and blower speeds based on temperature and humidity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the thermostat operates the air conditioner to lower humidity below the humidity set point, then the desired humidity level is attained, but the space is cooled below the desired temperature set point causing unwanted energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat dynamically adjusts its control strategy based on the relationship between temperature and humidity set points. When the temperature set point is lowered to achieve dehumidification, the system dynamically modifies operating parameters (compressor capacity, blower speed) to balance cooling and dehumidification needs, preventing excessive energy consumption while maintaining humidity control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by establishing different temperature set points (normal set point vs. lowered set point) based on humidity conditions. When humidity exceeds the set point, the temperature set point is temporarily lowered to enable effective dehumidification through the cooling process, while the controller monitors and adjusts capacity to minimize energy waste
2Measurement precision
If the thermostat lowers the temperature set point to enable dehumidification, then the humidity level can be reduced, but the space temperature drops below the desired comfort level
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat applies partial cooling action by operating the compressor at reduced capacity (first capacity level instead of full capacity) when dehumidification is needed. This partial action allows the system to remove moisture from the air without excessively lowering the temperature below the comfort level, achieving humidity control with minimal temperature penalty
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the temperature set point and compressor capacity based on real-time humidity and temperature measurements. When dehumidification is required, the controller temporarily lowers the temperature set point and adjusts compressor capacity, then restores normal temperature set point once humidity is corrected, maintaining temperature within acceptable ranges
3Ease of operation
If the thermostat operates in a single mode to maintain temperature set point, then temperature control is simple, but humidity control is compromised when temperature is already at set point
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat operation is segmented into multiple modes: a first mode for normal temperature maintenance and a second mode for dehumidification. The controller divides the control logic based on humidity conditions, switching between simple temperature maintenance (first mode) and coordinated temperature-humidity control (second mode), maintaining operational simplicity while enabling effective humidity control when needed
4Device complexity
If the thermostat uses fixed compressor capacity operation, then the control system is simple, but energy efficiency is reduced when dehumidification is the primary need
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor capacity is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the compressor capacity between different levels (first capacity and second capacity) based on the operational mode and humidity conditions. This dynamic capacity adjustment improves energy efficiency by matching compressor output to actual dehumidification needs while maintaining relatively simple control logic
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces energy consumption by minimizing unnecessary cooling and dehumidification during unoccupied periods, prioritizing temperature control over humidity, thereby achieving energy savings while maintaining desired conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the humidity within the space
Implementation Method 3
controlling operation of the air conditioner to cool the space to the temperature set-point
Implementation Method 4
controlling operation of the air conditioner to dehumidify the space to the humidity set-point
Data Source
AI summary
Various thermostat embodiment are provided that includes at least a first sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and at least a second sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the humidity within the space. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least first and second sensors, for controlling the thermostat's operation. The controller is configured to operate in a first mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature of the space is above a temperature set-point or when the sensed humidity level is above the humidity set-point. The controller is further configured to operate in a second mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature is below a set-back temperature set-point, or when the sensed humidity is above a set-back humidity set-point.