Virtual Model Sensor Validation for Climate Control Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing climate control systems face inefficiencies due to the cumbersome process of individually checking the accuracy of numerous sensors deployed within large premises, with even a single faulty sensor leading to suboptimal operation and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a computing device to receive output signals from sensors, determine climate parameters, generate a virtual model based on historical data, and compare actual and virtual parameters to assess sensor accuracy, thereby identifying faulty sensors and improving overall system performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If individual checking of each sensor is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor accuracyVSAvoidtime for sensor checking
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the sensor evaluation process by creating individual virtual models for each sensor type (temperature, humidity, CO2, etc.) and evaluating them separately through comparative analysis, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall evaluation time while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates virtual models (copies) of sensors that simulate expected behavior based on historical data and environmental conditions. These virtual models are compared against actual sensor readings to detect anomalies, eliminating the need for manual physical checking while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If more sensors are deployed in large premises, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclimate monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsensor management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal virtual modeling framework that can handle multiple sensor types (temperature, humidity, CO2, particulate matter) through a single standardized approach. The computing device manages all sensors centrally, applying the same virtual model comparison methodology across different sensor types, thereby reducing management complexity despite increased sensor quantity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual models act as intermediaries between the physical sensors and the climate control unit. Instead of directly managing numerous physical sensors, the system manages virtual representations that encapsulate expected behavior patterns, simplifying the complexity of monitoring many sensors while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If manual sensor verification is performed, then reliability improves, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor operation reliabilityVSAvoidclimate control efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous automated feedback by comparing actual sensor readings against virtual model predictions in real-time. When deviations exceed thresholds, the system automatically identifies faulty sensors and triggers alerts, maintaining reliability without manual intervention while preserving climate control productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor evaluation system is self-service in that it automatically monitors its own sensors using virtual models, detects anomalies, and generates maintenance alerts without human intervention. This automated self-monitoring maintains reliability while freeing up productivity for climate control operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4509933A1System and method for evaluating accuracy of operation of plurality of sensors of climate control unit in premises
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 CARRIER CORP
  • EP4509933A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4509933A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4509933A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system (100) and method for evaluating accuracy of operation of sensors (102) of a climate control unit (120) in a premises (150) are disclosed. The method includes receiving, from a plurality of sensors (102), output signals indicative of a climate within the premises (150). The method further includes determining one or more climate parameters within the premises (150) based on the received output signals. The method further includes receiving one or more historical climate parameters. The method further includes generating a virtual model configured to generate one or more virtual climate parameters. The method further includes determining, based on comparison of the climate parameters and the virtual climate parameters, a range of variation for the climate parameters. The method further includes determining an accuracy of operation of the plurality of sensors (102) based on comparison of variation between the climate parameters and the virtual climate parameters with the determined range of variation for the climate parameters.