U.S. patent application number 15/689123 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-01 for automatic hvac control system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jerrilynn TAPLIN. Invention is credited to Jerrilynn TAPLIN.
Application Number | 20180058711 15/689123 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61241918 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180058711 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TAPLIN; Jerrilynn |
March 1, 2018 |
AUTOMATIC HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM
Abstract
An automatic HVAC control system is configured to control an
HVAC unit, and the HVAC unit includes a heating mode and a cooling
mode for modifying an air temperature of an inside space. The
control system includes: a first temperature sensor disposed to
measure an air temperature of an outside space; a second
temperature sensor disposed to measure the air temperature of the
inside space; a memory for storing a set-point for the HVAC unit; a
set-point controller that adjusts the set-point based on the air
temperature of the outside space; and an HVAC controller that is
programmed to determine whether modification of the air temperature
of the inside space is desired by comparing the air temperature of
the inside space with the set-point, wherein if modification of the
air temperature is desired, the HVAC controller commands the HVAC
unit to start the heating mode or cooling mode.
Inventors: |
TAPLIN; Jerrilynn; (Houston,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TAPLIN; Jerrilynn |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61241918 |
Appl. No.: |
15/689123 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62381562 |
Aug 30, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05D 23/1931 20130101;
F24F 11/56 20180101; F24F 11/65 20180101; F24F 11/30 20180101; F24F
2110/20 20180101; F24F 2110/12 20180101; G05D 23/19 20130101; F24F
1/027 20130101; F24F 11/62 20180101; F24F 2110/10 20180101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00 |
Claims
1. An automatic HVAC control system configured to control an HVAC
unit, the HVAC unit including a heating mode and a cooling mode for
modifying an air temperature of an inside space, the automatic HVAC
control system comprising: a first temperature sensor disposed to
measure an air temperature of an outside space; a second
temperature sensor disposed to measure the air temperature of the
inside space; a memory for storing a set-point for the HVAC unit; a
set-point controller that adjusts the set-point based on the air
temperature of the outside space measured by the first temperature
sensor; and an HVAC controller that is programmed to determine
whether modification of the air temperature of the inside space is
desired by comparing the air temperature of the inside space
measured by the second temperature sensor with the set-point,
wherein if modification of the air temperature of the inside space
is desired, the HVAC controller commands the HVAC unit to start the
heating mode or the cooling mode.
2. The automatic HVAC control system of claim 1, wherein the
set-point is a temperature from 40.degree. F. to 90.degree. F., a
temperature from 50.degree. F. to 80.degree. F., or a temperature
from 60.degree. F. to 75.degree. F.
3. The automatic HVAC control system of claim 1, wherein the HVAC
unit is a window air conditioner.
4. The automatic HVAC control system of claim 1, wherein the first
temperature sensor is wirelessly connected to the set-point
controller.
5. The automatic HVAC control system of claim 1, wherein the second
temperature sensor is wirelessly connected to the HVAC
controller.
6. The automatic HVAC control system of claim 1, wherein the HVAC
controller is wirelessly connected to the HVAC unit.
7. The automatic HVAC control system of claim 1 further comprising:
a first humidity sensor disposed to measure a relative humidity of
the outside space.
8. The automatic HVAC control system of claim 7 further comprising:
a second humidity sensor disposed to measure a relative humidity of
the inside space.
9. The automatic HVAC control system of claim 7, wherein the
set-point includes a temperature from a temperature from 50.degree.
F. to 80.degree. F. and a relative humidity from 30% to 50%.
10. The automatic HVAC control system of claim 9, wherein the
set-point controller adjusts the set-point based on the air
temperature of the outside space measured by the first temperature
sensor and the relative humidity of the outside space; and the HVAC
controller is programmed to determine whether modification of the
air temperature and the relative humidity of the inside space are
desired by comparing the air temperature of the inside space
measured by the second temperature sensor and the relative humidity
of the inside space measured by the second humidity sensor with the
set-point, wherein if modification of the air temperature and the
relative humidity of the inside space are desired, the HVAC
controller commands the HVAC unit to start the heating mode or the
cooling mode.
Description
[0001] The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/381,562, filed on Aug. 30, 2016, which is
incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth
herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an automatic HVAC control
system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is the
technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort. Its goal
is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality.
HVAC design is a sub-discipline of mechanical engineering, based on
the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat
transfer.
[0004] HVAC equipment needs a control system to regulate the
operation of a heating and/or air conditioning system. Usually a
sensing device is used to compare the actual state (e.g.
temperature) with a target state. Then the control system draws a
conclusion as to which action shall be taken (e.g. starting or
stopping the blower).
[0005] The control system only compares the temperature of an
inside space, and does not take into consideration of the
temperature of outside temperature. Therefore, the control system
cannot efficiently and economically to control HVAC equipment to
provide comfort and save energy at the same time.
[0006] Thus, a need exists for an automatic HVAC control system to
solve the above-mentioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides an automatic HVAC control
system configured to control an HVAC unit. The HVAC unit includes a
heating mode and a cooling mode for modifying an air temperature of
an inside space. The automatic HVAC control system includes: a
first temperature sensor disposed to measure an air temperature of
an outside space; a second temperature sensor disposed to measure
the air temperature of the inside space; a memory for storing a
set-point for the HVAC unit; a set-point controller that adjusts
the set-point based on the air temperature of the outside space
measured by the first temperature sensor; and an HVAC controller
that is programmed to determine whether modification of the air
temperature of the inside space is desired by comparing the air
temperature of the inside space measured by the second temperature
sensor with the set-point, wherein if modification of the air
temperature of the inside space is desired, the HVAC controller
commands the HVAC unit to start the heating mode or the cooling
mode.
[0008] In one embodiment, the set-point is a temperature from
40.degree. F. to 90.degree. F., a temperature from 50.degree. F. to
80.degree. F., or a temperature from 60.degree. F. to 75.degree.
F.
[0009] In one embodiment, the HVAC unit is a window air
conditioner.
[0010] In one embodiment, the first temperature sensor is
wirelessly connected to the set-point controller.
[0011] In one embodiment, the second temperature sensor is
wirelessly connected to the HVAC controller.
[0012] In one embodiment, the HVAC controller is wirelessly
connected to the HVAC unit.
[0013] In one embodiment, the automatic HVAC control system further
includes a first humidity sensor disposed to measure a relative
humidity of the outside space.
[0014] In one embodiment, the automatic HVAC control system further
includes a second humidity sensor disposed to measure a relative
humidity of the inside space.
[0015] In one embodiment, the set-point includes a temperature from
a temperature from 50.degree. F. to 80.degree. F. and a relative
humidity from 30% to 50%.
[0016] In one embodiment, the set-point controller adjusts the
set-point based on the air temperature of the outside space
measured by the first temperature sensor and the humidity of the
outside space; and the HVAC controller is programmed to determine
whether modification of the air temperature and the humidity of the
inside space are desired by comparing the air temperature of the
inside space measured by the second temperature sensor and the
humidity of the inside space measured by the second humidity sensor
with the set-point, wherein if modification of the air temperature
and the humidity of the inside space are desired, the HVAC
controller commands the HVAC unit to start the heating mode or the
cooling mode.
[0017] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
[0019] In the drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic HVAC control
system during an "in-use" condition showing the HVAC unit blowing
cool air into and warm air outside of a bedroom environment
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating t automatic HVAC
control system during an "in-use" condition showing the HVAC unit
blowing warm air into and cool air outside of a bedroom environment
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present invention, example of which is illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
[0023] The present invention advantageously fills the
aforementioned deficiencies by providing an automatic HVAC control
system. The present invention is superior to other systems in that
it effectively maintains a regulated temperature inside of a
structure despite outside weather conditions.
[0024] The automatic HVAC control system can include an
automatic-balancing heating and air conditioning system which is
programed based on the outside weather-related temperature and
maintains the inside temperature at a comfortable degree despite
the fluctuation of outside weather-related temperatures. The
automatic HVAC control system is designed to monitor and detect the
changes in outside weather conditions and adjust the temperature of
the inside of the structure by exchanging or transferring cool air
inside of a structure when the outside temperature is hot, or warm
air inside of a structure when the outside temperature is cold. As
a result, the interior of the structure maintains a balanced
temperature which enhances overall physical comfort.
[0025] The automatic HVAC control system assists in maintaining
steady monthly electrical costs as it maintains a balanced
temperature throughout the year. Furthermore, the automatic HVAC
control system relieves stress as it omits the responsibility of
having to decipher from and adjust thermostat temperatures under
unsteady weather conditions.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an automatic HVAC control system
is configured to control an HVAC unit 1. The HVAC unit 1 can have a
heating mode and a cooling mode for modifying an air temperature of
an inside space. The HVAC unit can be a window air conditioner or
any similar air conditioner. The automatic HVAC control system can
include a first temperature sensor 2, a second temperature sensor
3, a memory 4, a set-point controller 5, an HVAC controller 6, a
first humidity sensor 7, and a second humidity sensor 8. The first
temperature sensor 2 is disposed to measure an air temperature of
an outside space. The second temperature sensor 3 is disposed to
measure the air temperature of the inside space. The memory 4
stores a set-point for the HVAC unit 1. The set-point controller 5
adjusts the set-point based on the air temperature of the outside
space measured by the first temperature sensor 2. The first
humidity sensor 7 is disposed to measure a relative humidity of the
outside space. The second humidity sensor 8 is disposed to measure
a relative humidity of the inside space. The set-point controller 5
also adjusts the set-point based on the relative humidity of the
outside space measured by the first humidity sensor 7.
[0027] The first temperature sensor 2 can be wirelessly connected
to the set-point controller 5, and the first humidity sensor 7 can
also be wirelessly connected to the set-point controller 5. The
second temperature sensor 3 can be wirelessly connected to the HVAC
controller 6, and the second humidity sensor 8 can also be wireless
connected to the HVAC controller 6. The memory 4, the set-point
controller 5, and the HVAC controller 6 can be connected as one
integral unit or wirelessly connected.
[0028] A temperature sensor is a device that provides for
temperature measurement through an electrical signal. The
temperature sensor used in the present invention can be, for
example, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, a
resistance temperature detector (RTD), a thermocouple, or a
semiconductor-based sensor.
[0029] Relative humidity is a ratio of actual amount of water vapor
(content) in the air compared to the maximum water vapor the air is
able to hold (capacity) at that temperature. It is expressed as
percentage. Humidity can change a person's comfort at the same
temperature as humans are sensitive to the water vapor content in
the atmosphere.
[0030] According to the measurement units, humidity sensors are
divided into two types: relative humidity (RH) sensors and absolute
humidity (moisture) sensors. The humidity sensors used in the
present invention can be relative humidity sensors, for example,
sensors based on capacitive effect and sensors based on resistive
effect.
[0031] The set-point stored in the memory 4 can be a temperature
from 40.degree. F. to 90.degree. F., a temperature from 50.degree.
F. to 80.degree. F., or a temperature from 60.degree. F. to
75.degree. F. The set-point can also include a relative humidity
from 10% to 80%, 20% to 60%, or 30% to 50%. A user can adjust the
set-point based his or her own need. Once the set-point is set, the
automatic HVAC control system will efficiently and economically
control the HVAC unit 1.
[0032] The adjustment of the set-point by the set-point controller
5 can be programed to be completed automatically. As shown in FIG.
1, when the temperature of the outside space is high (e.g.,
80.degree. F., 85.degree. F., 90.degree. F., or 95.degree. F.), the
set-point controller 5 will adjust the set-point accordingly (e.g.,
76.degree. F., 78.degree. F., 80.degree. F., or 82.degree. F.). In
other words, when outside is hot, the set-point (temperature) will
be set to be relative high. Users will feel comfortable when
entering inside because the inside temperature is lower than
outside. At the same time, the energy consumption of the HVAC unit
1 will be lower because the set-point (temperature) is set to be
relatively high. As shown in FIG. 2, when the temperature of the
outside space is low (e.g., 30.degree. F., 35.degree. F.,
40.degree. F., or 45.degree. F.), the set-point controller 5 will
adjust the set-point accordingly (e.g., 60.degree. F., 62.degree.
F., 64.degree. F., or 66.degree. F.). In other words, when outside
is cold, the set-point (temperature) will be set to be relative
low. Users will feel comfortable when entering inside because the
inside temperature is higher than outside. At the same time, the
energy consumption of the HVAC unit 1 will be lower because the
set-point (temperature) is set to be relatively low. When the
relative humidity of the outside space is high (e.g., 70%, 80%, or
90%), the set-point controller 5 will adjust the set-point
accordingly (e.g., 50%, 55%, or 60%). In other words, when outside
is humid, the set-point (relative humidity) will be set to be
relative high. Users will feel comfortable when entering inside
because the inside relative humidity is lower than outside. At the
same time, the energy consumption of the HVAC unit 1 will be lower
because the set-point (humidity) is set to be relatively high. By
doing so, the automatic HVAC control system can efficiently and
economically to control the HVAC unit 1.
[0033] In one embodiment, the HVAC controller 6 is programmed to
determine whether modification of the air temperature of the inside
space is desired by comparing the air temperature of the inside
space measured by the second temperature sensor 3 with the
set-point. When the difference between the air temperature of the
inside space measured by the second temperature sensor 3 with the
set-point is more than 0.5.degree. F., 1.0.degree. F., or
2.0.degree. F., the HVAC controller 6 determines that modification
of the air temperature of the inside space is desired. If
modification of the air temperature of the inside space is desired,
the HVAC controller 6 commands the HVAC unit 1 to start the heating
mode or the cooling mode.
[0034] In another embodiment, the HVAC controller 6 is programmed
to determine whether modification of the air temperature of the
inside space is desired by comparing the air temperature of the
inside space measured by the second temperature sensor 3 with the
set-point and by comparing the relative humidity of the inside
space measured by the second humidity sensor 3 with the set-point.
When the difference between the air temperature of the inside space
measured by the second temperature sensor 3 with the set-point is
more than 0.5.degree. F., 1.0.degree. F., or 2.0.degree. F. or the
difference between the humidity of the inside space measured by the
second humidity sensor is more than 5%, 10%, or 15%, the HVAC
controller 6 determines that modification of the air temperature of
the inside space is desired. If modification of the air temperature
of the inside space is desired, the HVAC controller 6 commands the
HVAC unit 1 to start the heating mode or the cooling mode.
[0035] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *