Selective zone air condition setpoint mode interface systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems face challenges in efficiently managing air condition setpoints across different building zones, leading to reduced occupant comfort and increased power consumption due to the inability to selectively configure setpoints based on occupancy states, resulting in improper temperature settings for unoccupied zones.
Innovation Solution
A control system that allows users to configure and switch between 'home' and 'away' setpoint modes for individual building zones or the entire system, using a user interface to adjust setpoint modes and control HVAC operations based on measured temperatures and occupancy states, enabling precise temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user configuration of target air conditions is enabled, then occupant comfort and operational efficiency are improved, but the configuration process becomes relatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple zones with independent temperature control capabilities. Each zone can have its own target air condition configuration, allowing granular customization without requiring complex system-wide adjustments. The segmentation enables users to configure settings for specific zones rather than managing entire building systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements zone-specific setpoint configurations where different building zones can have different temperature targets simultaneously. This allows local customization of air conditions based on occupancy patterns, time of day, or specific zone requirements, improving adaptability while keeping the interface manageable through localized control.
2Loss of energy
If selective zone setpoint configuration is implemented, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures away setpoints for zones that are likely to be unoccupied, allowing the HVAC system to proactively adjust temperatures in anticipation of occupancy changes. This preliminary action reduces energy consumption by preparing zones before occupancy transitions occur, while the automation minimizes the perceived complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors occupancy status, temperature conditions, and setpoint configurations to dynamically adjust HVAC operations. This feedback mechanism optimizes energy consumption by responding to real-time conditions, while the automated nature of the feedback loop reduces the operational complexity users would otherwise face.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of each zone setpoint is required, then precise temperature control is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines occupancy status for each zone and applies appropriate setpoint configurations without requiring manual user input for each zone. The HVAC system serves itself by monitoring sensors and autonomously adjusting temperatures based on detected occupancy patterns, maintaining precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system provides multiple functionality through a unified interface, handling both automated occupancy-based control and manual override capabilities. The system can operate in different modes (automatic, manual, scheduled) and perform multiple functions (temperature control, occupancy detection, energy optimization) through a single control platform, reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system of a heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In some embodiments, the HVAC system includes an electronic display configured to concurrently display a plurality of zone icons that indicate a current setpoint mode corresponding to a plurality of building zones, wherein the current setpoint mode comprises a home setpoint mode and an away setpoint mode. Additionally, the HVAC system may include a control circuitry communicatively coupled to the electronic display. The control circuitry may be configured to toggle the current setpoint mode associated with the plurality of building zones between the home setpoint mode and the away setpoint mode based on a received user input. Further, the control circuitry may be configured to control operation of the HVAC system based on the current setpoint mode associated with each building zone of the plurality of building zones.