Wireless HVAC Temperature Control Without In-Space Thermostats
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional climate control systems require wiring and installation of thermostats within spaces for effective temperature control, limiting flexibility and efficiency in heating and cooling operations.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a controller segregated from the space, using wireless remote temperature sensors to communicate temperature data to a microprocessor-based controller, which compares temperature values to set-points and generates command signals for HVAC units, allowing for independent operation without a thermostat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional thermostat is installed within the space to sense temperature and control HVAC operation, then temperature control functionality is achieved, but installation complexity increases due to required wiring and switching devices
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is extracted from the traditional in-space thermostat and relocated to an external controller positioned near the HVAC equipment. This eliminates the need for in-space wiring and switching devices, while maintaining temperature control capability through wireless communication with remote sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical wiring and switching system is replaced with an electronic wireless communication system. The external controller communicates with remote temperature sensors via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical wiring and switching devices within the space.
2Ease of operation
If a thermostat is wired within the space to provide heating or cooling requests, then HVAC operation is established, but installation and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat function is extracted from the space interior and relocated to an external controller near the HVAC equipment. This eliminates the need for complex in-space wiring and switching device installation, significantly reducing installation difficulty while maintaining full HVAC control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical wiring system is replaced with wireless electronic communication. The external controller receives temperature data and sends HVAC control requests wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical wiring installation and switching devices within the space.
3Measurement precision
If remote temperature sensors are used to sense temperature throughout the space, then temperature measurement accuracy improves, but system complexity increases due to additional sensors and communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The external controller serves multiple functions: it houses the return air sensor, processes wireless signals from remote sensors, performs temperature calculations, and controls HVAC operation. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining multi-point temperature monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The external controller acts as an intermediary that consolidates multiple sensor inputs (return air sensor and remote wireless sensors) and processes them to determine accurate space temperature. This centralizes complexity in a single location rather than distributing it throughout the space.
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
Enables flexible and efficient temperature control by eliminating the need for in-space thermostat installation, improving operational reliability and reducing energy consumption through precise temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
at least one remote temperature sensor within a space that is configured to wirelessly communicate a signal indicative of air temperature within the space
Data Source
AI summary
A control system includes a remote temperature sensor configured to wirelessly communicate a signal indicative of a space temperature, and a return air temperature sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a temperature of return airflow within an air conditioning/heating unit. The system further includes a controller segregated from the space that is responsive to the signals from the sensors for determining a working sensed temperature based upon a temperature value associated with the return air sensor and at least one temperature value associated with at least one remote temperature sensor. The controller is configured to compare the working sensed temperature to a set-point temperature and responsively generate a command signal to activate the air conditioning or heating unit to control temperature relative to a set-point. The controller controls the air conditioning/heating unit at all times based upon the temperature value associated with the return air sensor.