Energy management system controller and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems lack efficient remote control and energy management capabilities, leading to suboptimal temperature control and energy usage, especially in spaces with varying occupancy and external temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A technical adapter system comprising a processor-based adapter device and a hand-held electronic device, allowing wireless remote control and override of conventional thermostats, coupled with sensors and a central management system to optimize energy efficiency by adjusting cycle rates based on occupancy, temperature, and external conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional thermostats are used without remote control capability, then device complexity is reduced, but energy management efficiency and temperature control optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter device as an intermediary component that connects to the conventional thermostat and enables wireless communication capabilities. This adapter acts as a mediator between the simple conventional thermostat and the complex remote management functions, allowing energy management efficiency to improve while keeping the core thermostat device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/wired control systems with wireless electronic communication systems. The adapter device enables wireless communication between the thermostat and remote devices, eliminating the need for complex wired installations while improving energy management capabilities.
2Loss of energy
If conventional thermostats operate without remote override capability, then ease of operation is maintained, but energy efficiency and temperature control optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service energy optimization by allowing the thermostat to automatically adjust temperature settings based on pre-programmed schedules and sensor inputs, reducing the need for manual intervention while improving energy efficiency. Users can set preferences and the system autonomously manages temperature control.
3Productivity
If existing conventional thermostats are replaced with wireless smart thermostats, then remote control and energy management capabilities are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device is designed to nest within or attach to the existing conventional thermostat housing, adding wireless functionality without requiring complete replacement of the thermostat. This nested approach allows the new technology to be integrated into existing devices, simplifying installation and reducing complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the adapter device continuously monitors HVAC operations, then measurement precision and energy optimization improve, but use of energy by the monitoring system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates periodically rather than continuously, taking measurements at scheduled intervals sufficient for energy optimization purposes. This periodic monitoring maintains adequate measurement precision for controlling HVAC operations while significantly reducing the energy consumption of the monitoring system itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A technical adapter system operates to wirelessly, remotely control a conventional thermostat and/or components of an HVAC system, HVAC/R system or both, to which the conventional thermostat is connected, and optimizing energy efficiency of the HVAC system components. This effectively heats and/or cools a space or volume that the HVAC and/or HVAC/R system is configured to heat and/or cool. An adapter device includes a processor, a memory and an adapter application program component, the adapter device configured to connect to the conventional thermostat, the HVAC system or both. A hand-held electronic device including a smart device application program component that operates to enable a hand-held electronic device user to wirelessly connect to the adapter device, and remotely control and command the adapter device.