Wireless Indoor Climate Sensors for HVAC Heat Map Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC systems lack the ability to accurately map temperatures across an enclosed space, leading to hot and cool spots due to reliance on single temperature readings, which results in inefficient airflow decisions and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A network of wireless remote climate sensors that collect temperature and humidity data across the space, creating a heat map to direct airflow and adjust damper settings, while also detecting occupancy to personalize microclimates and optimize resource use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single temperature sensor at the thermostat is used to control HVAC airflow, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but temperature imbalances and hot/cool spots develop throughout the enclosed space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the enclosed space into multiple zones, each equipped with its own temperature sensor. This segmentation allows the system to monitor and control temperature in different areas independently, eliminating hot and cool spots while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular sensor deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point temperature measurement at the thermostat to a distributed spatial network of temperature sensors throughout the enclosed space. This dimensional expansion from 0D (point) to 2D/3D (spatial distribution) enables comprehensive temperature mapping and balanced airflow control across all areas.
2Measurement precision
If automated dampers with temperature sensors are installed in each room, then local temperature monitoring improves, but the system complexity increases and the temperature map remains vague
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal wireless temperature sensors that can be deployed in any location without requiring complex installation infrastructure. These multi-functional sensors provide both local temperature monitoring and contribute to the overall heat map, eliminating the need for complex automated damper systems while achieving comprehensive temperature monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical automated damper systems with a simpler wireless sensor network that communicates temperature data to a central controller. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision through wireless data collection from multiple strategic locations.
3Measurement precision
If a network of wireless remote climate sensors is deployed throughout the enclosed space, then complete heat map and accurate temperature distribution are achieved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless remote climate sensors are designed as self-contained units that autonomously measure temperature, store data locally, and transmit information wirelessly without requiring complex installation infrastructure or manual calibration. This self-service capability simplifies deployment while achieving complete heat map coverage through strategic placement in representative locations.
4Loss of energy
If HVAC airflow is increased or decreased based on single location temperature readings, then energy consumption is reduced through simpler control, but hot and cool spots are exacerbated throughout the space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature data from multiple wireless sensors throughout the enclosed space is continuously collected and used to adjust HVAC airflow. This multi-point feedback mechanism prevents energy waste by directing airflow only to areas that need it, while simultaneously maintaining temperature balance and eliminating hot/cool spots.
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a network of wireless remote climate sensors to develop a complete heat map of an enclosed space. The remote climate sensor is configured to collect temperature and humidity data on a zone of the enclosed space. The HVAC system uses a network of these sensors to obtain data points across the enclosed space. The resulting heat map is used by the HVAC system to determine where to direct air in the enclosed space. By comparing the temperature and humidity at a specific remote climate sensor with the user's desired temperature and humidity, the HVAC system can decide whether to increase or decrease the air flow through a variable damper that is located near the remote climate sensor. By conducting this analysis throughout the enclosed space and making incremental adjustments to the air flow in hot and cold spots in the enclosed space, the disclosed HVAC system provides even comfort to the user along with reduced energy consumption.