Window Setting Adjustment Based on Weather Data for HVAC Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

HVAC systems face inefficiencies due to external weather conditions, such as sunlight and adverse weather, which can either heat or cool parts of a building beyond set-point temperatures, reducing system efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A thermal management system with a controller that aggregates weather data and provides instructions to users to adjust window settings, such as opening or closing windows and adjusting window coverings, to optimize internal conditions based on external weather data and set-point temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If HVAC systems operate with fixed set-point temperatures, then temperature control is simple, but system efficiency decreases when favorable weather conditions exist

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHVAC energy consumptionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors external weather conditions (temperature, sunlight, precipitation) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust window settings and HVAC operation, optimizing energy efficiency by leveraging favorable external conditions when appropriate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static fixed set-point temperature control to dynamic adaptive control that automatically adjusts operating parameters based on real-time weather conditions, enabling the HVAC system to exploit favorable external environments for heating or cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If window settings are adjusted to utilize favorable weather conditions, then HVAC efficiency improves, but loss of thermal control increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHVAC energy consumptionVSAvoidthermal control loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors both external weather conditions and internal temperature, using this feedback to determine optimal window adjustment timing and magnitude, ensuring thermal control is maintained while capturing energy-saving opportunities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts window settings (opening/closing, covering adjustments) based on weather parameters and internal temperature conditions, optimizing the balance between energy efficiency and thermal control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If manual window adjustment is required, then system complexity is low, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service by automatically monitoring weather conditions and generating window adjustment recommendations or commands, reducing the burden on users while maintaining energy efficiency optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system acts as an intermediary between weather conditions and window control, processing weather data and translating it into actionable window adjustment recommendations that users can easily follow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12173559B2Systems and methods for window setting adjustment

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system configured to control a temperature of a building and having a controller configured to determine an adjustment to a window setting of the building based on current weather data, forecasted weather data, or both. The thermal management system also includes a display configured to display instructions related to the adjustment.