Wireless Presence Detection for Environmental Control Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental monitoring systems, such as those used in the hotel sector for room air conditioning, face inefficiencies in detecting user presence, leading to prolonged energy consumption and uncomfortable situations due to errors in detection and restarts upon quick re-entry and exit.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a wireless presence code transmitter, user interface device, door detection, and a control unit to adjust environmental controls after a preset time interval if the presence code is not intercepted, allowing for efficient detection and adjustment of air conditioning and lighting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a countdown timer is used to detect user absence, then energy consumption is reduced after a delay, but the response time is prolonged and detection accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting door opening/closing events and initiating a monitoring period before making the final decision to adjust environmental controls. This preliminary detection phase allows the system to prepare for energy savings while maintaining quick response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors for presence codes during the absence detection period and provides feedback by restarting the monitoring period if presence is detected. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate detection while enabling timely response when absence is confirmed.
2Loss of energy
If a countdown timer is used to detect user absence, then energy consumption is reduced, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to possible errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring for presence codes during the absence detection period. If a presence code is detected, the system feedbacks by restarting the monitoring period, thereby correcting potential detection errors and improving accuracy while still achieving energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a preset time interval monitoring period that acts as a buffer between door closing and final environmental control adjustment. This cushioning period allows for error correction and confirms absence before taking action, improving detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the countdown restarts upon quick re-entry and exit, then detection accuracy is maintained, but the adjustment of environmental controls is excessively prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by using fixed preset time intervals for monitoring absence. This periodic structure provides predictable timing for environmental control adjustments while maintaining accuracy through consistent monitoring cycles, preventing excessive prolongation even when multiple events occur.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for monitoring an environment (A) comprising the steps of emitting, by means of wireless transmission, a presence code indicative of a user in the environment through a transmitter (1) of the environment (A), intercepting the presence code by means of a user interface device (2), detecting an opening and subsequent closing event of an access door (P) of the environment (A), and adjusting an environmental control system (3) if, after the detected event, the presence code is not intercepted by the user interface device (2) after a preset time interval.