Zone-Based Thermostat Control Using Occupancy and Multi-Point Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC system control methods often fail to maintain optimal environmental conditions across different zones of a property, leading to discomfort and inefficiency, as they rely on single-point temperature measurements rather than considering occupancy and varying conditions across multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
A disaggregated thermostat system that uses sensors to monitor environmental conditions and occupancy across various zones, allowing for intelligent control of HVAC systems to maintain target temperatures and humidity levels in occupied areas, even if it means deviating from optimal conditions in unoccupied zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-point temperature measurement is used to control HVAC systems, then the control device is simple and easy to operate, but the environmental conditions cannot be optimized across different zones of the property
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the property into multiple zones with separate temperature sensors and HVAC controls for each zone. This segmentation allows independent control of environmental conditions in different areas, enabling the system to adapt to varying occupancy and temperature requirements across the property while maintaining a relatively simple user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point temperature measurement to multi-point spatial distribution of sensors throughout the property. By adding the spatial dimension of temperature monitoring across multiple locations, the system gains the ability to detect and respond to zone-specific environmental conditions while preserving ease of operation through centralized control logic.
2Reliability
If HVAC systems control environmental conditions in all zones, then all areas maintain optimal temperatures, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality control by adjusting HVAC operations based on zone-specific occupancy and temperature conditions. The system applies different control strategies to different zones - cooling or heating only where needed - rather than uniformly controlling all areas, thereby maintaining reliability of environmental comfort in occupied zones while reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses occupancy sensors and temperature sensors in each zone to automatically determine when and where HVAC control is needed. This self-service capability allows the system to adapt its operation based on real-time conditions, maintaining optimal temperatures in occupied zones while avoiding energy waste in unoccupied areas.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed across various zones, then environmental conditions can be precisely monitored, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal sensor modules and control units that can be deployed across multiple zones with the same hardware design. Each zone uses identical sensor types and control logic, allowing the system to achieve precise multi-point measurement while managing complexity through standardization and modularity. The centralized controller integrates data from all zones using a unified algorithm.
4Loss of energy
If HVAC systems adjust temperatures based on occupancy, then energy efficiency improves, but the system requires complex occupancy detection and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses occupancy sensors to detect presence in advance and triggers HVAC adjustment accordingly. The system is configured to respond to occupancy changes with pre-defined control rules, such as adjusting temperature setpoints when occupancy is detected or when zones are unoccupied for extended periods. This preliminary detection and rule-based response reduces energy loss while keeping control logic relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Controller technology, in which data specifying a user preference relating to an environmental parameter for a property is received. Based on data collected by a monitoring system, a location of one or more users within the property is identified. Environmental condition data for the property is accessed, the environmental condition data including environmental condition data for the location of the users within the property and other unoccupied locations within the property. The environmental condition data for the property is analyzed with respect to the preference relating to the environmental parameter for the property. Based on the analysis of the environmental condition data for the property with respect to the preference relating to the environmental parameter for the property, a setting for at least one component of an HVAC system is determined. The at least one component of the HVAC system is controlled according to the determined setting.