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Title:
AIR CONDITIONER CONTROL SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/130936
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An air conditioner control system includes a particulate sensor and a control device. The particulate sensor detects the quantity of particulate matter in the conditioned space and generates sensor data variables based on the detected quantity of the particulate matter. The control device includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium (NCRSM) and at least one processor. The NCRSM stores the sensor data variables generated by the particulate sensor. The processor executes the computer program instructions defined by modules of the control device. The data communications module (DCM) receives and processes the generated sensor data variables. The analyzing module dynamically analyzes the received sensor data variables. The DCM shuts off the air conditioner if the analyzed sensor data variables received from the analyzing module, increases above the predefined threshold.

Inventors:
TORBERGSEN DAG-ERIK (NO)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2018/050125
Publication Date:
July 19, 2018
Filing Date:
January 09, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
RETECH D/A (NO)
International Classes:
G05B15/02; F24F11/00
Foreign References:
US20050257540A12005-11-24
US20160356519A12016-12-08
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Claims:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1. An air conditioner control system for controlling blower speed as a function of separately determined smoke and dust concentrations by particulate sensors, the air conditioner control system characterized by:

particulate sensor for detecting the quantity of particulate matter in the conditioned space, the particulate sensor configured to generate sensor data variables based on the detected quantity of the particulate matter; and a control device comprising:

a non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store the sensor data variables generated by the particulate sensor; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the non-transitory computer readable storage medium, the at least one processor configured to execute the computer program instructions defined by modules of the control device, the modules of the control device comprising:

a data communications module configured to receive and process the generated sensor data variables of the particulate sensor; and an analyzing module configured to dynamically analyze the received sensor data variables of the particulate sensor, wherein the data communications module is further configured to shut off the air conditioner automatically by actuating a relay circuit operably connected to the air conditioner, based on the analyzed sensor data variables received from the analyzing module indicating the quantity of particulate matter in the conditioned space increasing above the predefined threshold.

2. The air conditioner control system of claim 1, wherein the particulate sensor is an electrochemical sensor.

3. The air conditioner control system of claim 1, wherein the particulate matter is selected from a group consisting of dust particles, pollen particles, carbon monoxide, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and liquid particles.

4. The air conditioner control system of claim 1 , wherein the particulate sensor is positioned above an intake of the air conditioner.

5. The air conditioner control system of claim 1, wherein the predefined threshold is modifiable based on a preference of a user.

6. A method for controlling blower speed as a function of separately determined smoke and dust concentrations by particulate sensors, the method characterized by: providing an air conditioner control system, wherein the air conditioner control system comprising:

a particulate sensor, and

a control device,

detecting a quantity of particulate matter in the conditioned space using the particulate sensor; and

shutting off the air conditioner automatically by actuating a relay circuit operably connected to the air conditioner, using the control device based on the detected quantity of particulate matter increasing above the predefined threshold.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the predefined threshold is modifiable based on a preference of a user.

Description:
AIR CONDITIONER CONTROL SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Norway Patent Application No. 20170040, filed in on January 10, 2017. The specification of the above referenced patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Technical field

[0001] The invention disclosed herein generally relates to control systems for air conditioners. More particularly, the invention disclosed herein relates to an air conditioner control system for shutting off an air conditioner based on quantity of particulate matter increasing above a predefined threshold.

B. Description of related art

[0002] Air conditioners refer to devices that suitably modify or maintain the ambient conditions of a space to create a comfortable or habitable environment to the occupants of the space. Traditionally, air conditioners maintained or modified few parameters of the space, for example, the temperature, humidity, etc. However, over the years, air conditioners began being used in applications requiring modification or maintenance of other parameters, for example, air quality, high levels of cleanliness, etc. With increasing pollution and its allergic effects on individuals and children alike, filtered air is required to provide a healthy environment. Although existing air conditioners contain filters that, remove dust or other particulates from the incoming air, these filters work less efficiently with prolonged use. Existing air conditioners continue to distribute the air irrespective of the working condition of the filter used or the quality of the intake air. If the quantity of harmful particulates are high and unchecked, this may lead to harmful effects on the occupants. A system, which detects the quantity of particulate matter in the air supplied by an air conditioner and shuts off the air conditioner if the quantity increases above the predefined threshold, is required.

[0003] Furthermore, in existing air conditioning systems, air from the space to be conditioned is recirculated. If a fire begins in the space or an area adjoining the space, the air conditioning systems continue recirculating the air. Smoke detectors or other fire alarm systems installed in the building may thus detect the smoke only after a delay. This delay is highly disadvantageous in case of a fire. A system, which automatically shuts off the air conditioner if quantity of smoke is above a predefined threshold, is required.

[0004] One of the prior art, US20070012181 discloses a control system and methods for an air treatment. The control system and method for controlling blower speed as a function of separately determined smoke and dust concentrations by particulate sensors. EP0964378 discloses a system for the detection of fire in an apparatus or device having a fan and a pump. The system comprises, means for detecting the presence of a pre-condition of fire, control means for deactivating the fan on detection of said precondition, and fire detector means for detecting smoke or fire in the absence of air movement. [0005] Hence, there is a long felt but unresolved need for a system, which detects the quantity of particulate matter in the air supplied by an air conditioner and shuts off the air conditioner if the quantity increases above the predefined threshold. Moreover, there is a need for a system, which automatically shuts off the air conditioner if quantity of smoke is above a predefined threshold.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] The air conditioner control system, disclosed herein, addresses the above- mentioned need for a system, which detects the quantity of particulate matter in the air supplied by an air conditioner and shuts off the air conditioner if the quantity increases above the predefined threshold. Moreover, the invention addresses the need for a system, which automatically shuts off the air conditioner if quantity of smoke is above a predefined threshold. The air conditioner control system, disclosed herein, comprises a particulate sensor and a control device. The particulate sensor detects the quantity of particulate matter in the conditioned space and generates sensor data variables based on the detected quantity of the particulate matter. The control device comprises a non-transitory computer readable storage medium and at least one processor. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores the sensor data variables generated by the particulate sensor. The processor executes the computer program instructions defined by modules of the control device. The data communications module receives and processes the generated sensor data variables. The analyzing module dynamically analyzes the received sensor data variables. The data communications module shuts off the air conditioner if the analyzed sensor data variables received from the analyzing module increases above the predefined threshold.

[0008] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein. [0010] FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of an air conditioner control system.

[0011] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method shutting off an air conditioner based on quantity of particulate matter in a conditioned space increasing above a predefined threshold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0013] FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of an air conditioner control system 100. An air conditioner control system 100 includes a particulate sensor 102 and a control device 103. The particulate sensor 102 detects the quantity of particulate matter in the conditioned space and generates sensor data variables based on the detected quantity of the particulate matter. In an embodiment, the particulate sensor 102 is positioned above an intake of the air conditioner 101. In an embodiment, the particulate sensor 102 is, for example, an electrochemical sensor. The particulate matter comprises smoke particles, dust particles, pollen particles, liquid particles, etc. The control device 103 includes a memory unit or a non-transitory computer readable storage medium 104 and at least one processor 105. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium 104 stores the sensor data variables generated by the particulate sensor 102. The processor 105 executes the computer program instructions defined by modules of the control device 103. The data communications module 106 receives and processes the generated sensor data variables. The analyzing module 107 dynamically analyzes the received sensor data variables. The data communications module 106 shuts off the air conditioner 101 if the analyzed sensor data variables received from the analyzing module 107 increases above the predefined threshold.

[0014] The processor 105 refers to any one or more microprocessors, central processor (CPU) devices, finite state machines, computers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, logic, a logic device, an user circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a chip, etc., or any combination thereof, capable of executing computer programs or a series of commands, instructions, or state transitions. In an embodiment, the processor 105 is implemented as a processor set comprising, for example, a programmed microprocessor and a math or graphics coprocessor. In an embodiment, the air conditioner control system 100 comprises relay circuits 108 configured to be actuated by the control device 103. The relay circuits 108 are operably connected to the air conditioner 101 for shutting off the air conditioner 101 based on the quantity of particulate matter in the conditioned space increasing above the predefined threshold.

[0015] In an embodiment, the predefined threshold is modifiable based on a preference of a user. In an embodiment, the control device 103 is an "electronic device", for example, a personal computer, a tablet computing device, a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a portable computing device, a laptop, a personal digital assistant, a smart watch, a wearable device such as the Google Glass™ of Google Inc., the Apple Watch ® of Apple Inc., etc., a touch centric device, a workstation, a server, a client device, a portable electronic device, a network enabled computing device, an interactive network enabled communication device, a gaming device, a set top box, a television, an image capture device, a web browser, a portable media player, a disc player such as a Blu-ray Disc ® player of the Blu-ray Disc Association, a video recorder, an audio recorder, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a theater system, any entertainment system, any other suitable computing equipment, combinations of multiple pieces of computing equipment, etc.

[0016] In an embodiment, the electronic device is a hybrid device that combines the functionality of multiple devices. Examples of a hybrid electronic device comprise a cellular telephone that includes media player functionality, a gaming device that includes a wireless communications capability, a cellular telephone that includes game and electronic mail (email) functions, and a portable device that receives email, supports mobile telephone calls, has music player functionality, and supports web browsing. In an embodiment, computing equipment is used to implement applications such as media playback applications, for example, iTunes ® from Apple Inc., a web browser, a mapping application, an electronic mail (email) application, a calendar application, etc. In another embodiment, computing equipment, for example, one or more servers are associated with one or more online services.

[0017] The air conditioner control system 100 consists of a particulate sensor 102 and a control device 103. In an embodiment, the particulate sensor 102 is an electrochemical sensor that detects smoke, carbon monoxide (CO), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In an embodiment, the processor 105 of the control device 103 is programmed to read the quantity of the particulate matter present in the conditioned space in parts per million (PPM) from the particulate sensor 102. The relay circuits 108 are connected to the processor 105 of the control device 103. If the processor 105 reads that the particulate sensor 102 detects more particulate matter in PPM than the predefined threshold, the processor 105 will turn off the relay circuits 108 that powers the air conditioner 101. In an embodiment, the particulate sensor 102 is placed on top of the air conditioner 101 proximal to the air intake. The particulate sensor 102 constantly checks the airflow for particulate matter. When the predefined threshold in PPM is reached, the air conditioner 101 is shut off. In the event of a fire, this will prevent smoke from circulating through the house, lets the smoke go to the top of the conditioned space, and build itself down, instead of being everywhere. This feature results in added safety since the smoke alarm goes off earlier than it would if the smoke was mixed with clean air.

[0018] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method 200 for shutting off an air conditioner 101 based on quantity of particulate matter in a conditioned space increasing above a predefined threshold. Step 201 of the method 200 disclosed herein, an air conditioner control system 100 comprising a particulate sensor 102 and a control device 103. In step 202, a quantity of the particulate matter present in the conditioned space is detected using the particulate sensor 102. In step 203, if the detected quantity of the particulate matter is above the predefined threshold, the air conditioner 101 is shut off using the control device 103 of the air conditioner control system 100. [0019] The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the air conditioner control system 100, disclosed herein. While the air conditioner control system 100 has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the air conditioner control system 100 has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the air conditioner control system 100 is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the air conditioner control system 100 extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the air conditioner control system 100 disclosed herein in their aspects.