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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems face issues with temperature comfort and energy efficiency due to inaccurate setback temperature settings and short cycling, leading to equipment damage, while heated water supply is inefficiently managed based on projected user numbers, resulting in suboptimal energy savings and appliance misuse.
Innovation Solution
A user location tracking system determines arrival times and adjusts setback temperatures and heated water supply according to expected user presence, using mobile device proximity logs and geo-fencing to optimize energy usage and secure device operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the setback temperature is set far from the setpoint temperature to maximize energy savings, then energy efficiency is improved, but temperature comfort deteriorates when users return to the rented room
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by tracking user location and predicting arrival time before the user actually returns to the rented room. Based on the predicted arrival time, the system calculates an optimal setback temperature that balances energy savings with the expected time the room will remain unoccupied, ensuring the room is comfortably conditioned when the user arrives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the setback temperature based on real-time user location data and predicted arrival time. Instead of using a fixed setback temperature, the system continuously modifies the temperature setting according to when the user is expected to return, optimizing both energy efficiency and comfort dynamically.
2Ease of operation
If the setback temperature is set close to the setpoint temperature to maintain comfort, then temperature comfort is improved, but energy savings deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary action by predicting user arrival time and pre-calculating the appropriate setback temperature. This allows the system to set the temperature far from the setpoint (maximizing energy savings) while ensuring it will be adjusted back in time for the user's arrival, maintaining comfort without waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring user location via mobile device tracking and adjusting the setback temperature based on the predicted arrival time. This closed-loop approach ensures the temperature settings are optimized based on actual user behavior patterns and real-time location data.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the HVAC system operates frequently to maintain setpoint temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to short cycling and overshooting
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting when the user will return and pre-planning the HVAC operation schedule. This allows the system to maintain temperature stability through planned, sustained operation rather than frequent short cycling, reducing wear and extending system lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by scheduling HVAC operations based on predicted user arrival patterns. Instead of continuous or frequent on/off cycling, the system operates in planned periodic intervals that maintain temperature stability while avoiding the harmful effects of short cycling.
4Device complexity
If heated water supply is managed based on projected user numbers, then resource allocation is simplified, but accuracy of water supply deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical estimation methods with electronic mobile device tracking technology. By using GPS and location data from users' smartphones, the system accurately determines real-time user presence and arrival times, replacing crude projection methods with precise digital tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously receiving real-time location data from tracked mobile devices and adjusting water supply predictions accordingly. This creates a closed-loop system that refines water supply accuracy based on actual user behavior patterns and real-time presence information.
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A system and method is used to characterize a user with properties, such as location in relation to established geo-fences, speed of traverse, projected traveling time required for a particular distance, etc. Those properties contribute to yielding a quantitative result in the calculated lead time period prior to the user arriving at a monitored space, including but not limited to a rented room in a hotel, and a house. The method uses the user's arrival time to estimate the setback temperature, which is the indoor temperature of a monitored space maintained during unattended time periods. The method also uses the user's arrival time to estimate the heated water volume to be provided, as well as, to house watch other property management interests.