Weight-Based Personnel Detection for On-Demand HVAC Air Supply Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC systems struggle to adapt to real-time changes in indoor personnel counts, leading to inefficient air supply and increased energy consumption due to limitations in existing personnel counting methods such as CO2 sensors, infrared sensing, and computer vision technology, which lack accuracy and privacy concerns.
Innovation Solution
An indoor personnel information identifying apparatus comprising a data acquisition device with a weighing sensor and contact-type scanner, an information processing device that predicts metabolic rate and calorific value based on weight and shoe image information, and an information display device to adjust air supply parameters for on-demand ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CO2 concentration sensor is used for personnel counting, then the system can monitor indoor air quality, but the sensitivity and accuracy are low due to delayed response and influence from other factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (weighing sensor platform) between the personnel and the detection system. This platform directly measures the weight change caused by personnel entering or leaving, providing immediate and accurate detection without the delays inherent in CO2 accumulation methods. The intermediary platform converts the physical presence of personnel into measurable weight signals in real-time.
2Loss of information
If infrared sensing technology is used for personnel counting, then the system can detect personnel presence, but it cannot obtain specific information such as gender, height and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing sensor platform serves multiple functions: it counts personnel, determines gender based on weight thresholds, calculates metabolic rates, and provides data for air supply control. This single device replaces multiple separate systems (infrared sensors for counting, additional sensors for biometric data) and provides comprehensive personnel information that enables precise control of the air conditioning system.
3Measurement precision
If computer vision technology is used for personnel monitoring, then real-time personnel quantity can be obtained, but privacy problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary physical parameter (weight) for personnel detection and control purposes, eliminating the need for visual imaging systems. The weighing sensor platform measures weight changes to determine personnel presence, count, and characteristics without capturing images or personal identifiable information, thus extracting the essential control data while removing privacy-invasive elements.
4Ease of operation
If traditional HVAC system with fixed air supply is used, then the system is simple to operate, but energy consumption increases due to over-ventilation and cannot adapt to real-time personnel changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the weighing sensor continuously monitors personnel weight data, the controller processes this information to determine current occupancy, and automatically adjusts air supply parameters (volume, temperature, fresh air ratio) accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the HVAC system to adapt in real-time to personnel changes, eliminating over-ventilation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining simple operation through automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, fixed air supply system into a dynamic system that continuously adjusts its parameters based on real-time personnel data. The air supply volume, temperature, and fresh air ratio are no longer fixed but dynamically change according to the number and characteristics of personnel detected by the weighing sensor, enabling the system to adapt to varying occupancy conditions and optimize energy efficiency.
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 apparatus provides accurate, real-time personnel information to optimize air supply parameters, reducing energy consumption while ensuring comfort and air quality without privacy concerns or increased costs.
Implementation Method 1
a weighing sensor and a contact-type scanner, configured to collect whether the personnel enter or leave the room, the weight information of the personnel
Implementation Method 2
a contact-type scanner, configured to collect whether the personnel enter or leave the room, the weight information of the personnel and the shoe image information of the personnel
Data Source
AI summary
Indoor personnel information identifying apparatus and method for assisting an air conditioning system of on-demand air supply are provided, the apparatus includes a data acquisition device, an information processing device and an information display device, the data acquisition device is configured to acquire weight information and shoe image information of personnel in real time, the information processing device is configured to predict an total calorific value of indoor personnel according to a real-time number of indoor personnel and obtain recommended air supply parameter information for the air conditioning system according to the total calorific value, the information display device is configured to receive and display personnel information processed by the data acquisition device and the information processing device and the recommended air supply parameter information. The apparatus can achieve an effect of reducing energy consumption under conditions of ensuring good indoor air quality and high personnel comfort.