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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an automatic HVAC control system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.

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).

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.

Thus, a need exists for an automatic HVAC control system to solve the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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.

In one embodiment, the set-point is a temperature from 40° F. to 90° F., a temperature from 50° F. to 80° F., or a temperature from 60° F. to 75° F.

In one embodiment, the HVAC unit is a window air conditioner.

In one embodiment, the first temperature sensor is wirelessly connected to the set-point controller.

In one embodiment, the second temperature sensor is wirelessly connected to the HVAC controller.

In one embodiment, the HVAC controller is wirelessly connected to the HVAC unit.

In one embodiment, the automatic HVAC control system further includes a first humidity sensor disposed to measure a relative humidity of the outside space.

In one embodiment, the automatic HVAC control system further includes a second humidity sensor disposed to measure a relative humidity of the inside space.

In one embodiment, the set-point includes a temperature from a temperature from 50° F. to 80° F. and a relative humidity from 30% to 50%.

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.

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

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.

In the drawings:

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.

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

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The set-point stored in the memory 4 can be a temperature from 40° F. to 90° F., a temperature from 50° F. to 80° F., or a temperature from 60° F. to 75° 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.

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° F., 85° F., 90° F., or 95° F.), the set-point controller 5 will adjust the set-point accordingly (e.g., 76° F., 78° F., 80° F., or 82° 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° F., 35° F., 40° F., or 45° F.), the set-point controller 5 will adjust the set-point accordingly (e.g., 60° F., 62° F., 64° F., or 66° 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.

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° F., 1.0° F., or 2.0° 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.

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° F., 1.0° F., or 2.0° 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.

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.

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; andan 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° F. to 90° F., a temperature from 50° F. to 80° F., or a temperature from 60° F. to 75° 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° F. to 80° 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; andthe 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.