Web-Enabled HVAC Thermostat Control for Remote Zoning
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC control systems face complexity and cost inefficiencies in installation, operation, and monitoring, particularly in large commercial buildings with numerous HVAC units and controllers, requiring scalable and user-friendly solutions for remote control and management.
Innovation Solution
A web-enabled HVAC control system with a building control appliance that includes a controller with ports for communication over networks, allowing remote access and management through web pages for thermostat configuration, scheduling, and monitoring, enabling users to view and configure HVAC systems from a remote location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single thermostat controls HVAC equipment in residential buildings, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot provide zoned control for multiple areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple zones, each with its own thermostat and control capabilities. The building control appliance segments the overall HVAC control into manageable zone-level controls while maintaining centralized management functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The building control appliance serves multiple functions: it acts as a centralized controller, a communication hub, a configuration server, and a monitoring station. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide zoned control without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple HVAC units and controllers are installed in large commercial buildings, then zoned and independent control is achieved, but installation and monitoring become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single building control appliance that can manage multiple HVAC units through a unified interface. The web server consolidates configuration and monitoring capabilities, allowing operators to manage numerous zones from one centralized location rather than accessing each controller individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The building control appliance acts as an intermediary between the operator and the multiple HVAC controllers. It provides a web-based interface that mediates all configuration and monitoring operations, simplifying the interaction complexity while maintaining full control over the distributed HVAC system.
3Ease of operation
If HVAC systems are controlled locally at each location, then response time is fast, but remote management and monitoring are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a remote access dimension to local HVAC control by implementing a web server that enables configuration and monitoring through standard web browsers. This allows operators to access the system from any location with network connectivity, transforming the control interface from purely local to multi-dimensional access.
Solution Approach 2:
The web server provides real-time feedback on HVAC system status, temperature readings, and operational parameters through web pages. This immediate feedback mechanism allows remote operators to monitor system performance and make adjustments without delay, maintaining operational awareness despite physical distance from the equipment.
4Manufacturing precision
If specialized HVAC control interfaces are used, then precise control is achieved, but user-friendliness and ease of use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces specialized proprietary control interfaces with a web-based interface that uses standard web technologies (HTML, HTTP). This substitution allows users to interact with the HVAC system through familiar web browsers rather than requiring specialized software or hardware interfaces, significantly improving ease of use while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The web server provides a universal interface that can be accessed from any device with a web browser, eliminating the need for location-specific or device-specific control interfaces. This universal web-based approach maintains precise control capabilities while making the system accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC control system that accommodates and/or facilitates control from a remote location. The HVAC control system may include a web-enabled building control appliance that has a controller, a first port and a second port. The controller may implement a web server that is coupled to the first port for serving up one or more web pages on a first network and for receiving a number of responses. The controller may also be coupled to the second port so as to communicate with one or more communicating thermostats via a second network. The web server may be adapted to provide one or more web-pages via the first port that solicit information including schedule and/or non-schedule thermostat configuration information, and for receiving the information via one or more of the responses.