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WO2018009218A1 - Age-based sleep profiles for split air conditioning system - Google Patents

Age-based sleep profiles for split air conditioning system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018009218A1
WO2018009218A1 PCT/US2016/041548 US2016041548W WO2018009218A1 WO 2018009218 A1 WO2018009218 A1 WO 2018009218A1 US 2016041548 W US2016041548 W US 2016041548W WO 2018009218 A1 WO2018009218 A1 WO 2018009218A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
temperature
followed
conditioned space
set point
hour
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2016/041548
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hong Zhang
Steven Kuehl
Heng Tong PIT
Jim Huang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Whirlpool Corp
Original Assignee
Whirlpool Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Whirlpool Corp filed Critical Whirlpool Corp
Priority to PCT/US2016/041548 priority Critical patent/WO2018009218A1/en
Publication of WO2018009218A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018009218A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/0003—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station characterised by a split arrangement, wherein parts of the air-conditioning system, e.g. evaporator and condenser, are in separately located units
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/0008—Control or safety arrangements for air-humidification
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/72—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
    • F24F11/74—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity
    • F24F11/77—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity by controlling the speed of ventilators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/80—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
    • F24F2110/10—Temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
    • F24F2110/20—Humidity
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
    • Y02B30/70—Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating

Definitions

  • Air conditioners are designed to regulate both the temperature in the room and the humidity level.
  • SACS Split Air Conditioning Systems
  • SAC Split Air Conditioning
  • split air conditioners because they have an inside and an outside part, whereby the compressor and the condensing coils are kept on the outside of the house and the evaporator coils and blower are kept on the inside of the house. This design is intended to help keep the hot air outside and the cool inside.
  • Split Air Conditioning systems are also typically characterized by the fact that they do not employ whole house ducting.
  • the split air conditioning system can overdry a conditioned space relative to the user's preferred relative humidity conditions, resulting in the user having dry feeling skin, drying of the eyes, dry throat, and/or dried sinuses. Further, in some instances the thermal conditioning does not match with the user's own natural thermoregulation (i.e. sweating), resulting in the user then feeling too cool or chilled. Additionally, a condition of more dehumidification may be desired.
  • a heat wave may cause several nights of disturbed sleep with less slow wave and REM sleep. This can negatively affect the person mentally in terms of mood and alertness and can further cause problems with memory retention and higher judgment.
  • disturbed nocturnal sleep affects not only daytime activities, but is also related to various adverse health effects, such as poor blood pressure control, obesity, quality of life, and even mortality.
  • Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system that is not overly drying.
  • Yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system that does not overchill the user.
  • a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system that provides a sleep mode to improve control of the bedtime room temperature. [0009] It is still another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide an air conditioning system that controls bedroom temperature in accordance with appropriate age- based needs.
  • an air conditioner is provided with a CLIMAZONETM option that allows the user to easily adjust humidity levels in the conditioned environment.
  • the CLIMAZONETM feature allows the user to easily delay or increase moisture removal by controlling indoor airflow and/or set point temperature.
  • the indoor airflow is controlled by modifying fan speed and/or louver position of the air conditioner.
  • the use of set point temperature in altering humidity levels is premised upon the presumption that optimal thermal comfort is achieved in an indoor conditioned space set temperature of about 23°C.
  • the user selects the CLIMAZONETM option for the air conditioner on a remote control or other user interface. If the user selects to increase dehumidification, the air conditioning unit will automatically reset the set point temperature to the lowest setting (typically about 18°C) and the fan speed is set to low. This results in the room air temperature decreasing while also lowering the evaporator coil temperature, resulting in more condensation of moisture from the air (i.e. more dehumidification).
  • the air conditioning unit will automatically reset the set point temperature to the lowest setting (typically about 18°C) and the fan speed is set to low. This results in the room air temperature decreasing while also lowering the evaporator coil temperature, resulting in more condensation of moisture from the air (i.e. more dehumidification).
  • the control automatically raises the set point temperature of the split air conditioning system to at least 23°C and increases the fan speed to high, which raises the evaporator temperature and subsequently lowers the room temperature at a slower rate than if a lower set point temperature were selected, but also decreases the latent cooling rate, thus providing less condensation of moisture from the air (more moisture is left in the air/less dehumidification occurs).
  • the user may also control discharge air flow with the louver position to indirectly grossly increase or decrease humidity in the conditioned airspace. This is accomplished by the user either directing air flow onto themselves (occupant direct) or away from their body (occupant indirect). By using the louver to direct airflow away the user does not become chilled due to connective heat transfer from the body.
  • the air conditioning system can then run at a cooler condition (lower set point or evaporating temperature) and thus dehumidify the space accordingly. By directing airflow upon themselves the person will feel comfort at a higher air temperature and humidity level.
  • the air conditioner can run at a higher set point or evaporating temperature, as thermoregulation is dominated by the convective heat transfer.
  • the present disclosure also contemplates the use of the CLIMAZONETM feature to adjust temperature and humidity of the conditioned space using one of two unique sleep mode settings.
  • the user selects the CLIMAZONETM option with delayed moisture removal, whereby the unit will set the temperature set point to 23°C and then selects the appropriate age sleep curve profile whereby the room temperature is adjusted throughout the night based upon the ideal temperature according to the user's age.
  • the user selects the CLIMAZONETM option with increased moisture removal, whereby the unit will set the temperature set point to 18°C.
  • the fan speed during the sleep mode settings is set to low for the entire sleep mode.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the basic layout of a split air conditioning system (SAC).
  • SAC split air conditioning system
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a split air conditioning system (SAC) of the disclosure showing a typical arrangement of louvers.
  • SAC split air conditioning system
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a remote control which may be used with the split air conditioning system of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 4 is a chart showing changing rates of dehumidification using the CLIMAZONETM features for delaying moisture removal and increasing moisture removal.
  • FIG. 5 is a chart showing age-based sleep modes using the CLIMAZONETM feature of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a chart showing typical circadian rhythm with body core and skin temperatures during the day including the sleep period.
  • FIG. 7 is a chart illustrating body temperature changes that occur during sleep.
  • the air conditioner is a split air conditioner (SAC) which includes an indoor and an outdoor unit without a whole home or building duct system interconnected therewith.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the general structure of an SAC.
  • the outdoor unit generally includes a condenser 12, an expansion device (not shown), a compressor 14 and fan 18.
  • the indoor unit contains the evaporator 10, cooling coil (not shown), evaporator fan 16, and an air filter 20.
  • the indoor and outdoor units are connected with a set of electrical wires and tubing 22.
  • the entire unit is connected to a micro processor (not shown) based electronic control that includes a thermal sensor that senses the air temperature at the indoor unit inlet flow path and turns the unit on and off when necessary.
  • the SAC may be a multi-split system whereby more than one indoor unit is connected to the same outdoor unit.
  • SACS work similarly to central air conditioning but have the advantage over other types of air conditioners in that they do not take up any floor space for a fan coil or furnace.
  • the fan motor and fan is typically smaller and therefore produces less noise.
  • a condensing unit for the SAC is located outside the home. This part of the system contains the compressor which circulates the refrigerant to produce the cooling effect.
  • compressors There are several types of compressors including rotary compressors, scroll compressors and compressors incorporating inverter technology. This inverter technology allows the compressor to operate at an almost unlimited number of speeds. Inverter-equipped air conditioners have a variable- frequency drive that controls the speed of the motor and thus the compressor cooling output.
  • the micro controller based controller can then sample the current room air temperature and adjust the speed of the compressor appropriately. These units normally start at near full speed when there is the need for heating or cooling. The control tends to follow a PID (proportional integral derivative) algorithm and as the temperature setpoint is approached, the units typically reduce the compressor speed to pump just enough refrigerant to match the steady state cooling or heating load requirements of the home. This provides energy savings by running at lower power levels as well as longer cycles, which similarly saves on energy by reducing on/off cycling. The longer operating cycles additionally provide more cleaning/filtering of the homes' air and more even time and spatial based temperature distribution.
  • PID proportional integral derivative
  • An indoor unit can be mounted on the wall or ceiling of the room to be conditioned.
  • Other units called console units, have a free-standing fan coil unit that sits on the floor.
  • the indoor unit contains the evaporator coil, fan, and filtering system along with the control components.
  • the control units can be located remote and separate from the indoor unit.
  • Some indoor units include advanced filtering systems such as carbon activated filters, electrostatic filters, or anti-bacterial filters. Many indoor units include more than one filter technology. Some units also include a very small motor to move louvers back and forth. This is normally called swing mode and enhances air circulation throughout the room. The most advanced SAC units move the louvers both up and down as well as back and forth.
  • FIG. 2 shows an SAC unit with a typical arrangement of louvers to provide up and down and right to left air direction.
  • the ductless ac system is usually controlled through a remote. Through the remote, the user can set the temperature, change the modes of operation, and set timers and other advanced functions.
  • a general remote system is shown in FIG. 3.
  • the remote controller 30 generally includes a control module 32 with a processor 34 and memory 36.
  • the module 32 can include a display or touch screen as well as manually operable keys (not shown).
  • the module 32 can communicate wirelessly or via standard wiring with one or more air conditioner control modules.
  • the most advanced units include a temperature sensor 42 in the remote which is beneficial because the system senses the room temperature at the remote and not high on the wall. This allows for better comfort. Other units have optional wall mounted controllers.
  • turbo mode quick cool mode. This mode runs the fan and compressor on highest speeds to provide the most cooling in the shortest amount of time.
  • the air conditioning unit of the invention may be activated by the user with a remote controller 32.
  • the unit remote controller may be operatively connected in any suitable manner to one or more of the unit's controllers or thermostats to provide remote temperature sensing and/or parameter setting control for the one or more controllers.
  • the remote controller may be wirelessly connected to one or more of the SAC controllers via a wireless interface 38.
  • the remote controller 32 may be a portable remote control unit that allows a user to view, display and/or change one or more parameters of the corresponding SAC controllers.
  • the remote controller may be movable by the user between multiple locations or rooms within the home, building, or other structure.
  • the remote controller may sense an ambient temperature and, for instance, relay the temperature to an appropriate SAC controller.
  • the appropriate SAC controller may use the temperature sensed by the remote controller to control the comfort level of the building or structure by issuing appropriate commands to the air conditioner.
  • the remote controller 32 of the invention may include a temperature sensor 42, and may further include other sensors, such as a humidity sensor, air quality sensor, an occupant position sensor, or any other suitable home or building sensor (not shown), as desired.
  • the temperature sensor 42 may be provided to sense the temperature proximate the remote controller.
  • the humidity sensor may be provided to sense the humidity proximate the remote controller.
  • an occupant position sensor may be provided to sense approximate location of the remote controller relative to the indoor unit.
  • the one or more sensors may be included with the remote controller such as within the housing of the remote controller. However, it is contemplated that one or more sensors may be located remote from the controller, but in wired or wireless communication therewith, if desired.
  • the remote while more typically a separate handheld remote control unit associated exclusively with the SACSs of the present disclosure, could also conceivably be a portable computing device such as a mobile phone, laptop computer, tablet computer or other portable computing device that may be running a software application that is associated with the SACS. Conceivably, the remote could also be a desktop computing device as well.
  • the computing devices that function as the remote control typically include a processor and a memory, which stores code. The code may be a mobile application.
  • a control module of the remote controller may be configured to help control the comfort level (i.e. heating, cooling, ventilation, air quality, etc.) of at least a portion of the home or other building by controlling whether one or more air conditioning components are activated.
  • the control module may include a processor and a memory.
  • the control module may be configured to control and/or set one or more SAC functions, such as, for example, temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, trend logs, timers, environment sensing, and/or other SAC functions or programs, as desired.
  • control module may be configured to remotely configure the one or more settings of the SAC controller, such as, for example, controller schedules, temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, trend logs, timers, environment sensing, SAC controller programs, user preferences, and/or other SAC controller settings, as desired.
  • SAC controller such as, for example, controller schedules, temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, trend logs, timers, environment sensing, SAC controller programs, user preferences, and/or other SAC controller settings, as desired.
  • the CLIMAZONETM option for the air conditioner provides the user the ability to increase or decrease the moisture removal rate by selecting the CLIMAZONETM option on the air conditioner controller or other user interface 40. Once the user selects to increase dehumidification, the unit will automatically reset the set point temperature to a low setting of about 18°C (about 64°F) or lower. This lowest set point may be slightly higher or lower than 18°C depending upon the design and settings of the air conditioner.
  • the fan speed is likewise set to the lowest setting (70% or less of full speed, typically about 800-880 rpm depending on the model) which results in a decrease in room temperature as well as a decrease in the temperature of the evaporator coil due to the decrease in load brought across the evaporator coil as a result of the lower airflow rate.
  • This lowering of the evaporator temperature in turn provides more latent cooling of the air passing over the coil and, thus, more condensation of moisture from the air and a lower humidity level in the conditioned space.
  • the fan speed is 880 rpm or lower.
  • the air conditioner control automatically raises the set point temperature to 23°C (about 73 e F) or higher, and likewise increases the fan speed to high (100% full speed, typically about 1100-1200 rpm depending on the model). In a preferred embodiment, the fan speed is 1100 rpm or higher.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the changing rates of dehumidification as a function of fan speed and temperature in accordance with the invention.
  • the temperature setting when the user presses the CLIMAZONETM "up” button on the remote control to delay moisture removal from the room, the temperature setting will go to 23°C setting (or to the otherwise highest temperature set point) with high fan, increasing the evaporator temperature. When the temperature is above the 23°C set point, the temperature setting will remain the same when the user presses the "up” button. Conversely, when the user presses the CLIMAZONETM "down” button for an increase in removal of moisture from the room, the unit will automatically go to set for 18"C with low fan, thus decreasing the evaporator temperature.
  • the CLIMAZONETM feature can be used with age-based sleep temperature profiles settings with the air conditioner. It is well established that people of different ages need different amounts of sleep. For instance, a study published by the National Sleep Foundation recommends the following number of hours of sleep per night:
  • the present inventors While it is well established that people of various ages require different quantities of sleep, the present inventors have surprisingly determined that the quality of sleep differs by age and can be greatly affected by temperature and humidity in the room. As such, the invention relates to the use of the CLIMAZONETM feature to provide age-appropriate sleep temperature profiles for the user(s).
  • Stage 1 Light sleep where you drift in and out of sleep and can be awakened easily; [0051] Stage 2: Eye movements stop and brain waves become slower
  • Stage 4 The brain produces delta waves almost exclusively
  • REM sleep Breathing becomes more rapid, irregular and shallow, eyes jerk in various directions, and our limb muscles become temporarily paralyzed.
  • Stage 3 and 4 sleep are together known as deep sleep.
  • the inventors have defined four different age-based sleep profiles: 1) Regular (age 18-64); 2) Elderly (age 64 and older); 3) Children (age 0-9); and 4) Young (age 10-17).
  • the primary sleep preferred characteristics for each group as determined by the inventors, in accordance with the cycle of body core and skin temperature per FIG. 6, are as follows:
  • the user selects the CLIMAZONETM option with delayed moisture removal, whereby the unit will preferably set the temperature set point to about 23°C or higher (or other appropriate higher than typical temperature set point depending on the user preference and air conditioning system) and then selects the appropriate age sleep curve profile, whereby the room temperature is adjusted throughout the night based upon the ideal temperature profile according to the user's age.
  • the user selects the CLIMAZONETM option with increased moisture removal, whereby the unit will set the temperature set point to about 18°C or lower (or other appropriate lower than typical temperature set point depending on the preference of the user and the air conditioning system).
  • the fan speed during the sleep mode settings is set to low for the entire sleep mode.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates several preferred age-based sleep modes in accordance with the disclosure.
  • the air conditioning unit will set the temperature at the high level, preferably about 23°C, and use this set point to run in the new sleep mode sleep curve profile for the appropriate age as set forth in FIG. 5.
  • the air conditioner SAC
  • the air conditioner will typically begin with a set point of about 23°C for about a half an hour, then decrease by l'C to about 22°C after about an hour.
  • the temperature is decreased by another degree to about 21°C.
  • the temperature is increased by a degree to about 22°C.
  • the temperature goes back to the original set point of about 23°C.
  • the temperature goes up to about 24°C.
  • the temperature goes up yet another degree to about 25°C and remains at this temperature until the user wakes up.
  • the temperature changes are made based upon a user selected standard setpoint temperature.
  • the set point is 23°C, but it could also be any other temperature for comfort for a resident of a structure, typically a dwelling or a particular room if the indoor unit of the SACS is only in one room such as a bedroom.
  • the SACs will typically begin with a set point of about 23°C for about a half an hour, then decrease by l°C to about 22°C.
  • the temperature is decreased by another degree to about 21°C.
  • the temperature is increased by a degree to about 22°C.
  • the temperature goes back to the original set point of about 23°C.
  • the temperature goes up to about 24°C.
  • the temperature decreases to the set point of about 23°C.
  • the temperature goes up to about 24°C.
  • the temperature goes up yet another degree to about 25°C and remains at this temperature until the user wakes up.
  • CLIMAZONETM option 1 if the person is a child, the SACS will typically begin with a set point of about 23°C where it remains for about an hour. At hour 1, the temperature decreases about 1° to about 22°C. At hour 2 the SAC will go back up to the set point of about 23°C for two hours. At hour 4, the temperature will go up one degree to about 24°C for 3 hours, then go up another degree to about 25°C at hour 7 where it will remain until the user wakes up. [0066] With CLIMAZONETM option 1, if the person is young, the SAC will again typically begin with a set point of about 23°C where it remains for about a half an hour. At hour 0.5, the temperature decreases a degree to about 22°C.
  • the temperature decreases another degree to about 21°C.
  • the temperature goes back up a degree to about 22°C, then increases another degree to about 23°C at hour 3.
  • the temperature goes up a degree to about 24°C, then goes up another degree to about 25°C at hour 6.
  • the temperature goes up another degree to about 26°C and remains at this temperature until the person wakes up.
  • the air conditioning unit will set the temperature at a low level, preferably about 18°C, and use this set point to run in the new sleep mode sleep curve profile for the appropriate age as set forth in Figure 2.
  • the air conditioner SAC
  • the air conditioner will typically begin with a set point of about 18°C for about a half an hour, then decrease by 1°C to about 17°C.
  • the temperature is decreased by another degree to about 16°C.
  • the temperature is increased by a degree to about 17°C.
  • the temperature goes back to the original set point of about 18°C.
  • the temperature goes up to about 19°C.
  • the temperature goes up yet another degree to about 20°C and remains at this temperature until the user wakes up.
  • the SAC will typically begin with a set point of about 18°C for about a half an hour, then decrease by l°C to about 17"C.
  • the temperature is decreased by another degree to about 16°C.
  • the temperature is increased by a degree to about 17°C.
  • the temperature goes back to the original set point of about 18°C.
  • the temperature goes up to about 19°C.
  • the temperature decreases to the set point of about 18°C.
  • the temperature goes up to about 19°C.
  • the temperature goes up yet another degree to about 20°C and remains at this temperature until the user wakes up.
  • the SAC will typically begin with a set point of about 18"C (hour 0) for about an hour, then decrease 1" at hour 1 to about 17°C. At hour 2 the SAC will go back up to the set point of about 18°C for two hours. At hour 4, the temperature will go up one degree to about 19°C for 3 hours, then go up another degree to about 20°C at hour 7 where it will remain until the user wakes up.
  • the SAC will again typically begin with a set point of about 18°C for about a half an hour.
  • the temperature then decreases a degree to about 17°C.
  • the temperature decreases another degree to about 16°C.
  • the temperature goes back up a degree to about 17°C, then increases another degree to about 18°C at hour 3.
  • the temperature goes up a degree to about 19°C, then goes up another degree to about 20°C at hour 6.
  • the temperature goes up another degree to about 21°C and remains at this temperature until the person wakes up.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)

Abstract

A method and system are described for providing dehumidification of conditioned spaces. In accordance with the invention, the user has the ability to increase or decrease moisture removal rate by selecting the CLIMAZONE™ option on a remote control or other user interface. If the user selects to increase dehumidification then the unit will automatically reset the set point temperature to the lowest setting and the fan speed is set to low. If the user selects to decrease dehumidification then the unit will automatically reset the set point temperature to the highest setting and the fan speed is set to high. The invention also works in conjunction with specific age-based sleep modes to positively affect the onset, duration and quality of sleep for individuals.

Description

AGE-BASED SLEEP PROFILES FOR SPLIT AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Background
[0001] Air conditioners are designed to regulate both the temperature in the room and the humidity level. Split Air Conditioning Systems (SACS), work by providing air from a wall mounted cooling unit or vents on the floor. SAC (Split Air Conditioning) systems are known as "split" air conditioners because they have an inside and an outside part, whereby the compressor and the condensing coils are kept on the outside of the house and the evaporator coils and blower are kept on the inside of the house. This design is intended to help keep the hot air outside and the cool inside. "Split" systems are also typically characterized by the fact that they do not employ whole house ducting.
[0002] Residential ductless SACS typically do not address moisture level control other than gross dehumidification. Subsequentially, the split air conditioning system can overdry a conditioned space relative to the user's preferred relative humidity conditions, resulting in the user having dry feeling skin, drying of the eyes, dry throat, and/or dried sinuses. Further, in some instances the thermal conditioning does not match with the user's own natural thermoregulation (i.e. sweating), resulting in the user then feeling too cool or chilled. Additionally, a condition of more dehumidification may be desired.
[0003] Sleep and body control of temperature (thermoregulation) are intimately connected. Core body temperature follows a 24-hour cycle linked with the sleep-wake rhythm. Body temperature decreases during the night-time sleep phase and rises during the wake phase. Sleep is most likely to occur when core temperature decreases during the night-time sleep phase and rises during the wake phase. [0004] Research has shown how environmental heat can disturb the delicate balance between sleep and body temperature. Any major variances in temperature can lead to disturbance of sleep with reduced slow wave sleep (a stage of sleep where the brain's electrical wave activity slows and the brain "rests"), and also results in less REM sleep. In fact, during REM sleep, the body's ability to regulate temperature is impaired to the extent the body "avoids" this stage of sleep during extreme cold or heat. For instance, a heat wave may cause several nights of disturbed sleep with less slow wave and REM sleep. This can negatively affect the person mentally in terms of mood and alertness and can further cause problems with memory retention and higher judgment. Furthermore, disturbed nocturnal sleep affects not only daytime activities, but is also related to various adverse health effects, such as poor blood pressure control, obesity, quality of life, and even mortality.
Summary
[0005] Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus that overcomes the deficiencies in the art.
[0006] Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system that is not overly drying.
[0007] Yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system that does not overchill the user.
[0008] A further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system that provides a sleep mode to improve control of the bedtime room temperature. [0009] It is still another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide an air conditioning system that controls bedroom temperature in accordance with appropriate age- based needs.
[0010] It is yet a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide an air conditioning system that gives the user the ability to increase or decrease moisture removal rate.
[0011] It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide an air conditioning system that can be programmed remotely.
[0012] These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is not to be limited to or by these objects, features and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage.
[0013] According to an aspect of the disclosure, an air conditioner is provided with a CLIMAZONE™ option that allows the user to easily adjust humidity levels in the conditioned environment. In this regard, the CLIMAZONE™ feature allows the user to easily delay or increase moisture removal by controlling indoor airflow and/or set point temperature. The indoor airflow is controlled by modifying fan speed and/or louver position of the air conditioner. The use of set point temperature in altering humidity levels is premised upon the presumption that optimal thermal comfort is achieved in an indoor conditioned space set temperature of about 23°C.
[0014] To initiate these features of the disclosure, the user selects the CLIMAZONE™ option for the air conditioner on a remote control or other user interface. If the user selects to increase dehumidification, the air conditioning unit will automatically reset the set point temperature to the lowest setting (typically about 18°C) and the fan speed is set to low. This results in the room air temperature decreasing while also lowering the evaporator coil temperature, resulting in more condensation of moisture from the air (i.e. more dehumidification). Conversely, if the user selects to reduce the rate of dehumidification in the conditioned space, the control automatically raises the set point temperature of the split air conditioning system to at least 23°C and increases the fan speed to high, which raises the evaporator temperature and subsequently lowers the room temperature at a slower rate than if a lower set point temperature were selected, but also decreases the latent cooling rate, thus providing less condensation of moisture from the air (more moisture is left in the air/less dehumidification occurs).
[0015] In addition to or instead of controlling the rate of airflow, the user may also control discharge air flow with the louver position to indirectly grossly increase or decrease humidity in the conditioned airspace. This is accomplished by the user either directing air flow onto themselves (occupant direct) or away from their body (occupant indirect). By using the louver to direct airflow away the user does not become chilled due to connective heat transfer from the body. The air conditioning system can then run at a cooler condition (lower set point or evaporating temperature) and thus dehumidify the space accordingly. By directing airflow upon themselves the person will feel comfort at a higher air temperature and humidity level. Thus, the air conditioner can run at a higher set point or evaporating temperature, as thermoregulation is dominated by the convective heat transfer. Sweeping or oscillating air flow due to oscillation in louver position is a compromise between direct or indirect airflow across the body. [0016] The present disclosure also contemplates the use of the CLIMAZONE™ feature to adjust temperature and humidity of the conditioned space using one of two unique sleep mode settings. In the first sleep mode setting of the invention, the user selects the CLIMAZONE™ option with delayed moisture removal, whereby the unit will set the temperature set point to 23°C and then selects the appropriate age sleep curve profile whereby the room temperature is adjusted throughout the night based upon the ideal temperature according to the user's age. In the second sleep mode setting of the invention, the user selects the CLIMAZONE™ option with increased moisture removal, whereby the unit will set the temperature set point to 18°C. In one embodiment of the invention, the fan speed during the sleep mode settings is set to low for the entire sleep mode.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates the basic layout of a split air conditioning system (SAC).
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a split air conditioning system (SAC) of the disclosure showing a typical arrangement of louvers.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a remote control which may be used with the split air conditioning system of the disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a chart showing changing rates of dehumidification using the CLIMAZONE™ features for delaying moisture removal and increasing moisture removal.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a chart showing age-based sleep modes using the CLIMAZONE™ feature of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a chart showing typical circadian rhythm with body core and skin temperatures during the day including the sleep period. [0023] FIG. 7 is a chart illustrating body temperature changes that occur during sleep.
Detailed Description
[0024] The moisture control feature(s) of the present disclosure can be used with most types of conventional air conditioners, including split air conditioning units, central air conditioners, and window air conditioning units. In one aspect of the invention, the air conditioner is a split air conditioner (SAC) which includes an indoor and an outdoor unit without a whole home or building duct system interconnected therewith. FIG. 1 illustrates the general structure of an SAC. The outdoor unit generally includes a condenser 12, an expansion device (not shown), a compressor 14 and fan 18. The indoor unit contains the evaporator 10, cooling coil (not shown), evaporator fan 16, and an air filter 20. The indoor and outdoor units are connected with a set of electrical wires and tubing 22. The entire unit is connected to a micro processor (not shown) based electronic control that includes a thermal sensor that senses the air temperature at the indoor unit inlet flow path and turns the unit on and off when necessary. The SAC may be a multi-split system whereby more than one indoor unit is connected to the same outdoor unit.
[0025] SACS work similarly to central air conditioning but have the advantage over other types of air conditioners in that they do not take up any floor space for a fan coil or furnace. The fan motor and fan is typically smaller and therefore produces less noise. Finally, there are no air ducts so the system is typically at least half the cost to install.
[0026] A condensing unit for the SAC is located outside the home. This part of the system contains the compressor which circulates the refrigerant to produce the cooling effect. There are several types of compressors including rotary compressors, scroll compressors and compressors incorporating inverter technology. This inverter technology allows the compressor to operate at an almost unlimited number of speeds. Inverter-equipped air conditioners have a variable- frequency drive that controls the speed of the motor and thus the compressor cooling output.
[0027] The micro controller based controller can then sample the current room air temperature and adjust the speed of the compressor appropriately. These units normally start at near full speed when there is the need for heating or cooling. The control tends to follow a PID (proportional integral derivative) algorithm and as the temperature setpoint is approached, the units typically reduce the compressor speed to pump just enough refrigerant to match the steady state cooling or heating load requirements of the home. This provides energy savings by running at lower power levels as well as longer cycles, which similarly saves on energy by reducing on/off cycling. The longer operating cycles additionally provide more cleaning/filtering of the homes' air and more even time and spatial based temperature distribution.
[0028] An indoor unit can be mounted on the wall or ceiling of the room to be conditioned. Other units, called console units, have a free-standing fan coil unit that sits on the floor. The indoor unit contains the evaporator coil, fan, and filtering system along with the control components. The control units can be located remote and separate from the indoor unit.
[0029] Some indoor units include advanced filtering systems such as carbon activated filters, electrostatic filters, or anti-bacterial filters. Many indoor units include more than one filter technology. Some units also include a very small motor to move louvers back and forth. This is normally called swing mode and enhances air circulation throughout the room. The most advanced SAC units move the louvers both up and down as well as back and forth. FIG. 2 shows an SAC unit with a typical arrangement of louvers to provide up and down and right to left air direction.
[0030] The ductless ac system is usually controlled through a remote. Through the remote, the user can set the temperature, change the modes of operation, and set timers and other advanced functions. A general remote system is shown in FIG. 3. The remote controller 30 generally includes a control module 32 with a processor 34 and memory 36. The module 32 can include a display or touch screen as well as manually operable keys (not shown). The module 32 can communicate wirelessly or via standard wiring with one or more air conditioner control modules. The most advanced units include a temperature sensor 42 in the remote which is beneficial because the system senses the room temperature at the remote and not high on the wall. This allows for better comfort. Other units have optional wall mounted controllers.
[0031] Many of the units include advanced modes of operation. One of these is called the turbo mode or quick cool mode. This mode runs the fan and compressor on highest speeds to provide the most cooling in the shortest amount of time.
[0032] As noted, the air conditioning unit of the invention may be activated by the user with a remote controller 32. The unit remote controller may be operatively connected in any suitable manner to one or more of the unit's controllers or thermostats to provide remote temperature sensing and/or parameter setting control for the one or more controllers. In some cases, the remote controller may be wirelessly connected to one or more of the SAC controllers via a wireless interface 38.
[0033] The remote controller 32 may be a portable remote control unit that allows a user to view, display and/or change one or more parameters of the corresponding SAC controllers. The remote controller may be movable by the user between multiple locations or rooms within the home, building, or other structure. When provided with a temperature sensor 42, the remote controller may sense an ambient temperature and, for instance, relay the temperature to an appropriate SAC controller. In some cases, the appropriate SAC controller may use the temperature sensed by the remote controller to control the comfort level of the building or structure by issuing appropriate commands to the air conditioner. In a zoned air conditioning system, there may be more than one SAC controller (or zone controllers), each controlling a corresponding zone within the building or other structure.
[0034] As noted, the remote controller 32 of the invention may include a temperature sensor 42, and may further include other sensors, such as a humidity sensor, air quality sensor, an occupant position sensor, or any other suitable home or building sensor (not shown), as desired. The temperature sensor 42 may be provided to sense the temperature proximate the remote controller. Likewise, the humidity sensor may be provided to sense the humidity proximate the remote controller. Further, an occupant position sensor may be provided to sense approximate location of the remote controller relative to the indoor unit. The one or more sensors may be included with the remote controller such as within the housing of the remote controller. However, it is contemplated that one or more sensors may be located remote from the controller, but in wired or wireless communication therewith, if desired. The remote, while more typically a separate handheld remote control unit associated exclusively with the SACSs of the present disclosure, could also conceivably be a portable computing device such as a mobile phone, laptop computer, tablet computer or other portable computing device that may be running a software application that is associated with the SACS. Conceivably, the remote could also be a desktop computing device as well. The computing devices that function as the remote control typically include a processor and a memory, which stores code. The code may be a mobile application.
[0035] A control module of the remote controller may be configured to help control the comfort level (i.e. heating, cooling, ventilation, air quality, etc.) of at least a portion of the home or other building by controlling whether one or more air conditioning components are activated. In some instances, the control module may include a processor and a memory. The control module may be configured to control and/or set one or more SAC functions, such as, for example, temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, trend logs, timers, environment sensing, and/or other SAC functions or programs, as desired. In some cases, the control module may be configured to remotely configure the one or more settings of the SAC controller, such as, for example, controller schedules, temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, trend logs, timers, environment sensing, SAC controller programs, user preferences, and/or other SAC controller settings, as desired.
[0036] In one aspect, the CLIMAZONE™ option for the air conditioner provides the user the ability to increase or decrease the moisture removal rate by selecting the CLIMAZONE™ option on the air conditioner controller or other user interface 40. Once the user selects to increase dehumidification, the unit will automatically reset the set point temperature to a low setting of about 18°C (about 64°F) or lower. This lowest set point may be slightly higher or lower than 18°C depending upon the design and settings of the air conditioner. The fan speed is likewise set to the lowest setting (70% or less of full speed, typically about 800-880 rpm depending on the model) which results in a decrease in room temperature as well as a decrease in the temperature of the evaporator coil due to the decrease in load brought across the evaporator coil as a result of the lower airflow rate. This lowering of the evaporator temperature in turn provides more latent cooling of the air passing over the coil and, thus, more condensation of moisture from the air and a lower humidity level in the conditioned space. In a preferred embodiment, the fan speed is 880 rpm or lower.
[0037] If the user selects to reduce the rate of dehumidification in the conditioned space, the air conditioner control automatically raises the set point temperature to 23°C (about 73eF) or higher, and likewise increases the fan speed to high (100% full speed, typically about 1100-1200 rpm depending on the model). In a preferred embodiment, the fan speed is 1100 rpm or higher. These settings have the effect of raising the lowest possible temperature in the room achieved by the SACS. However, the raising of the evaporator coil temperature reduces the amount of dehumidification as more load is brought across the evaporator coil with the higher air flow rate. The latent cooling rate thereby decreases, resulting in less condensation of moisture from the air and a higher level of humidity in the conditioned space.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates the changing rates of dehumidification as a function of fan speed and temperature in accordance with the invention. In a preferred embodiment, when the user presses the CLIMAZONE™ "up" button on the remote control to delay moisture removal from the room, the temperature setting will go to 23°C setting (or to the otherwise highest temperature set point) with high fan, increasing the evaporator temperature. When the temperature is above the 23°C set point, the temperature setting will remain the same when the user presses the "up" button. Conversely, when the user presses the CLIMAZONE™ "down" button for an increase in removal of moisture from the room, the unit will automatically go to set for 18"C with low fan, thus decreasing the evaporator temperature.
[0039] In another aspect of the invention, the CLIMAZONE™ feature can be used with age-based sleep temperature profiles settings with the air conditioner. It is well established that people of different ages need different amounts of sleep. For instance, a study published by the National Sleep Foundation recommends the following number of hours of sleep per night:
[0040] Older Adult (>64 years): 7-8 hours
[0041] Adult (18-64 years): 7-9 hours
[0042] Teenager (14-17 years): 8-10 hours
[0043] School Age (6-13 years): 9-11 hours
[0044] Pre-School (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
[0045] Toddler (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
[0046] Infant (4-11 months): 12-15 hours
[0047] Newborn (0-3 months): 14-17 hours
[0048] While it is well established that people of various ages require different quantities of sleep, the present inventors have surprisingly determined that the quality of sleep differs by age and can be greatly affected by temperature and humidity in the room. As such, the invention relates to the use of the CLIMAZONE™ feature to provide age-appropriate sleep temperature profiles for the user(s).
[0049] There are generally five stages of sleep:
[0050] Stage 1: Light sleep where you drift in and out of sleep and can be awakened easily; [0051] Stage 2: Eye movements stop and brain waves become slower
[0052] Stage 3: Extremely slow brain waves called delta waves begin to appear
[0053] Stage 4: The brain produces delta waves almost exclusively
[0054] REM sleep: Breathing becomes more rapid, irregular and shallow, eyes jerk in various directions, and our limb muscles become temporarily paralyzed.
[0055] Stage 3 and 4 sleep are together known as deep sleep.
[0056] The inventors have defined four different age-based sleep profiles: 1) Regular (age 18-64); 2) Elderly (age 64 and older); 3) Children (age 0-9); and 4) Young (age 10-17). The primary sleep preferred characteristics for each group as determined by the inventors, in accordance with the cycle of body core and skin temperature per FIG. 6, are as follows:
[0057] 1) Regular (adults) - need about 30 minutes to fall asleep, thus following the body temperature curve (see FIG. 7) at the beginning of the sleep period, decrease the bedroom air temperature below given set point temperature to help cool the body and induce sleep then further depress bedroom air temperature to avoid heat stress and then maintain a cooler environment leading to slow increase in bedroom air temperature to provide conditions for slow-wave sleep (SWS or deep sleep), then as the sleep period nears completion increase bedroom air temperate above the starting point to follow the body temperature curve and provide for a natural awakening;
[0058] 2) Elderly - like regular will need about 30 minutes to fall asleep, thus following the body temperature curve at the beginning of the sleep period, decrease the bedroom air temperature below given set point temperature to help cool the body and induce sleep then further depress bedroom air temperature to avoid heat stress and then maintain a cooler environment leading to slow increase in bedroom air temperature to provide conditions for slow-wave sleep (SWS or deep sleep), as deep sleep is lesser in duration than the regular adult and possibly easy to wake during the last phase (middle of the night, most in REM sleep) decrease the temperature set point again to ensure the elderly person does not wake up due to heat stress, then as the sleep period nears completion increase bedroom air temperate above the initial starting point to follow the body temperature curve (FIG. 7) and provide for a natural awakening;
[0059] 3) Children - Easily fall asleep, and have a longer sleep time, with sleep stages that are equally distributed throughout the night, and sensitivity to temperature is minimal so not much temperature change is required at each sleep stage, thus following the body temperature curve at the beginning of the sleep period, maintain the bedroom air temperature at the given set point temperature to no over cool the body and induce sleep then later depress bedroom air temperature to avoid heat stress and then maintain a cooler environment leading to a much slower increase in bedroom air temperature to provide conditions for slow-wave sleep (SWS or deep sleep), then as the sleep period nears completion increase bedroom air temperate above the initial starting point to follow the body temperature curve and provide for a natural awakening;
[0060] 4) Young - like children easily fall asleep, and have a longer sleep time, thus following the body temperature curve at the beginning of the sleep period, decrease the bedroom air temperature below given set point temperature to help cool the body and induce sleep, further depressing bedroom air temperature quicker than for the Regular to avoid heat stress and then maintain a cooler environment leading to slow increase in bedroom air temperature to provide conditions for slow-wave sleep (SWS or deep sleep), then as the sleep period nears completion increase bedroom air temperate above the initial starting point to follow the body temperature curve and provide for a natural awakening, but as it can be difficult to wake up increase temperature in the last stage beyond that for the other groups.
[0061] In the first sleep mode setting of the present disclosure, the user selects the CLIMAZONE™ option with delayed moisture removal, whereby the unit will preferably set the temperature set point to about 23°C or higher (or other appropriate higher than typical temperature set point depending on the user preference and air conditioning system) and then selects the appropriate age sleep curve profile, whereby the room temperature is adjusted throughout the night based upon the ideal temperature profile according to the user's age. In the second sleep mode setting of the present disclosure, the user selects the CLIMAZONE™ option with increased moisture removal, whereby the unit will set the temperature set point to about 18°C or lower (or other appropriate lower than typical temperature set point depending on the preference of the user and the air conditioning system). In one aspect of the present disclosure, the fan speed during the sleep mode settings is set to low for the entire sleep mode.
[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates several preferred age-based sleep modes in accordance with the disclosure.
For the first option, the user selects the CLIMAZONE™ with delay on moisture removal button, then presses the "New Sleep Mode" button for the appropriate age (or vice versa). In this scenario, the air conditioning unit will set the temperature at the high level, preferably about 23°C, and use this set point to run in the new sleep mode sleep curve profile for the appropriate age as set forth in FIG. 5.
[0063] With CLIMAZONE™ option #1 (delayed moisture removal) and the preferred age-based sleep modes, if the person is a regular adult, the air conditioner (SAC) will typically begin with a set point of about 23°C for about a half an hour, then decrease by l'C to about 22°C after about an hour. At hour 1.5, the temperature is decreased by another degree to about 21°C. After another hour (hour 2.5) the temperature is increased by a degree to about 22°C. After another hour (hour 3.5) the temperature goes back to the original set point of about 23°C. After another hour (hour 4.5) the temperature goes up to about 24°C. Finally, at hour 6, the temperature goes up yet another degree to about 25°C and remains at this temperature until the user wakes up. The temperature changes are made based upon a user selected standard setpoint temperature. In this case, the set point is 23°C, but it could also be any other temperature for comfort for a resident of a structure, typically a dwelling or a particular room if the indoor unit of the SACS is only in one room such as a bedroom.
[0064] With CLIMAZONE™ option 1, if the person is elderly, the SACs will typically begin with a set point of about 23°C for about a half an hour, then decrease by l°C to about 22°C. At hour 1, the temperature is decreased by another degree to about 21°C. At hour 2, the temperature is increased by a degree to about 22°C. At hour 3, the temperature goes back to the original set point of about 23°C. At hour 4, the temperature goes up to about 24°C. At hour 5, the temperature decreases to the set point of about 23°C. At about hour 6, the temperature goes up to about 24°C. Finally, at hour 7, the temperature goes up yet another degree to about 25°C and remains at this temperature until the user wakes up.
[0065] With CLIMAZONE™ option 1, if the person is a child, the SACS will typically begin with a set point of about 23°C where it remains for about an hour. At hour 1, the temperature decreases about 1° to about 22°C. At hour 2 the SAC will go back up to the set point of about 23°C for two hours. At hour 4, the temperature will go up one degree to about 24°C for 3 hours, then go up another degree to about 25°C at hour 7 where it will remain until the user wakes up. [0066] With CLIMAZONE™ option 1, if the person is young, the SAC will again typically begin with a set point of about 23°C where it remains for about a half an hour. At hour 0.5, the temperature decreases a degree to about 22°C. At about hour 1, the temperature decreases another degree to about 21°C. At hour 2, the temperature goes back up a degree to about 22°C, then increases another degree to about 23°C at hour 3. At hour 5, the temperature goes up a degree to about 24°C, then goes up another degree to about 25°C at hour 6. Finally, at hour 7, the temperature goes up another degree to about 26°C and remains at this temperature until the person wakes up.
[0067] For the second option, the user selects the CLIMAZONE™ with increased moisture removal button, then presses the "New Sleep Mode" button for the appropriate age (or vice versa). In this scenario, the air conditioning unit will set the temperature at a low level, preferably about 18°C, and use this set point to run in the new sleep mode sleep curve profile for the appropriate age as set forth in Figure 2.
[0068] With CLIMAZONE™ option #2 (increased moisture removal) and the preferred age-based sleep modes of the invention, if the person is a regular adult, the air conditioner (SAC) will typically begin with a set point of about 18°C for about a half an hour, then decrease by 1°C to about 17°C. After another hour (hour 1.5), the temperature is decreased by another degree to about 16°C. After another hour (hour 2.5) the temperature is increased by a degree to about 17°C. After another hour (hour 3.5) the temperature goes back to the original set point of about 18°C. After another hour (hour 4.5) the temperature goes up to about 19°C. Finally, at hour 6, the temperature goes up yet another degree to about 20°C and remains at this temperature until the user wakes up. [0069] With CLIMAZONE™ option 2, if the person is elderly, the SAC will typically begin with a set point of about 18°C for about a half an hour, then decrease by l°C to about 17"C. At hour 1, the temperature is decreased by another degree to about 16°C. At hour 2, the temperature is increased by a degree to about 17°C. At hour 3, the temperature goes back to the original set point of about 18°C. At hour 4, the temperature goes up to about 19°C. At hour 5, the temperature decreases to the set point of about 18°C. At about hour 6, the temperature goes up to about 19°C. Finally, at hour 7, the temperature goes up yet another degree to about 20°C and remains at this temperature until the user wakes up.
[0070] With CLIMAZONE™ option 2, if the person is a child, the SAC will typically begin with a set point of about 18"C (hour 0) for about an hour, then decrease 1" at hour 1 to about 17°C. At hour 2 the SAC will go back up to the set point of about 18°C for two hours. At hour 4, the temperature will go up one degree to about 19°C for 3 hours, then go up another degree to about 20°C at hour 7 where it will remain until the user wakes up.
[0071] With CLIMAZONE™ option 2, if the person is young, the SAC will again typically begin with a set point of about 18°C for about a half an hour. The temperature then decreases a degree to about 17°C. At about hour 1, the temperature decreases another degree to about 16°C. At hour 2, the temperature goes back up a degree to about 17°C, then increases another degree to about 18°C at hour 3. At hour 5, the temperature goes up a degree to about 19°C, then goes up another degree to about 20°C at hour 6. Finally, at hour 7, the temperature goes up another degree to about 21°C and remains at this temperature until the person wakes up.
[0072] In accordance with the invention, if the user makes any changes to the temperature setting and/or the fan speed setting, the CLIMAZONE™ and New Sleep Mode function will terminate. [0073] These are but a few examples of the benefits and potential uses of the devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure, and are not to be limiting.
[0074] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the claimed invention to precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternative processes and systems obvious to those skilled in the art or considered included in the scope of the present disclosure. The description is merely examples of embodiments. Any of the components and location of any of the components may be varied It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additions may be made, which are within intended spirit scope of the disclosure. From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present disclosure, accomplishes at least all the stated objectives.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. An air conditioning system for adjusting humidity in a conditioned area within a structure comprising:
an evaporator;
a condenser;
a compressor;
a fan;
a micro processor based control; and
control components for use in conjunction with the compressor and the fan, wherein the micro processor based control of the air conditioning system is configured to communicate with and control one or more components of the air conditioning system, the control components comprising:
a user interface; and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature proximate to the control components;
whereby the control components are configured to communicate the room ambient temperature sensed by the temperature sensor to the micro processor based control of the air conditioning system;
the control components being preprogrammed to lessen the rate of moisture removal from the conditioned area by setting the temperature to a high set point and setting fan speed to high; the control components being further preprogrammed to increase moisture removal from the conditioned area by setting the temperature to a low set point and setting fan speed to low.
2. The air conditioning system of claim 1 whereby the control components comprise a portable wireless remote control unit.
3. The air conditioning system of claim 2 whereby the wireless remote control unit comprises a wireless interface; and a user interface including a display.
4. The air conditioning system of claim 3 whereby the display includes an "up" button and a "down" button that can be activated by a user, whereby activation of the "up" button by the user causes the air conditioning system to lessen the rate of moisture removal in the conditioned area while activation of the "down" button by the user causes the air conditioning system to increase moisture removal in the conditioned area.
5. The air conditioning system of any one of claims 1-4 further including a humidity sensor for sensing humidity proximate to the control components.
6. The air conditioning system of any one of claims 1-5 whereby the control components are programmed to delay moisture removal from the conditioned area by setting the temperature to at least 23°C.
7. The air conditioning system of any one of claims 1-6 whereby the control components are programmed to increase moisture removal from the conditioned area by setting the temperature to 18°C or lower.
8. The air conditioning system of any one of claims 1-7 whereby the control components are programmed to delay moisture removal from the conditioned area by setting the fan speed to a rate of at least 1100 rpm.
9. The air conditioning system of any of one of claims 1-8 whereby the control components are programmed to increase moisture removal from the conditioned area by setting the fan speed to a rate of 880 rpm or lower.
10. The air conditioning system of any one of claims 1-9 whereby the system further comprises louvers, whereby the louvers are programmed to be in the occupant direct position when the control components are programmed to delay moisture removal from the conditioned area.
11. The air conditioning system of claim 10 whereby the louvers are programmed to be in the occupant indirect position when the control components are programmed to increase moisture removal from the conditioned area.
12. The air conditioning system of claim 1 whereby the air conditioning system is a split air conditioning system where the evaporator, an evaporator fan configured to move air across the evaporator at a variable rate, a plurality of louvers are components of an indoor unit spaced within the conditioned area of the structure and where an outdoor unit includes the compressor, condenser, an outdoor unit fan configured to move air across the condenser and wherein the air conditioning system is not connected to a whole house duct system for heating or cooling.
13. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1-12 whereby the control components are programmed to adjust the temperature and fan speed in accordance with age- related sleep modes.
14. A method of adjusting the rate of moisture removal from a conditioned space within a structure and thereby adjusting the humidity level in the conditioned environment comprising the steps of:
adjusting both the temperature of the evaporator and the fan speed of an evaporator fan within an indoor unit of an air conditioning system,
whereby the evaporator temperature is raised to at least 4°C above nominal operating temperature and where the evaporator fan speed is set to higher than typical speed if the user wishes to decrease the rate of dehumidification in the conditioned environment; and whereby the temperature is lowered to 4°C below the nominal operating temperature or lower where the evaporator fan speed is set to low if the user wishes to increase the rate of dehumidification in the conditioned environment.
15. The method of claim 14 whereby the adjusting step is performed using a remote controller in a single step by pushing a single user input.
16. The method of claim 13 or 14 whereby the fan speed is set to at least 1100 rpm if the user wishes to decrease the rate of dehumidification and the fan speed is set to 880 rpm or lower if the user wishes to increase the rate of dehumidification.
17. The method of any one of claims 14-16 whereby the temperature is adjusted in accordance with an age-dependent sleep mode.
18. The method of claim 17 whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is adjusted in accordance with one of four age-dependent sleep modes, said age-dependent sleep modes comprising adult, elderly, young, and child.
19. The method of claim 17 or 18 whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is adjusted in accordance with an adult sleep mode, whereby the temperature is first decreased by 1°C from a set point temperature of the evaporator after about a half an hour, followed by decreasing the temperature of the evaporator by 2'C from the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature of the evaporator l°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature of the evaporator to the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature of the evaporator 1°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature of the evaporator 1°C after about 1.5 hours.
20. The method of claim 17 or 18 whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is adjusted in accordance with an elderly sleep mode, whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is first decreased by VC from a temperature set point after about a half an hour, followed by decreasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 2°C from the set point after another half an hour, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space by l°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space to the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space 1°C after another hour, followed by decreasing the temperature within the conditioned space to the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space 1°C after about another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space about 1°C after about another hour.
21. The method of claim 17 or 18 whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is adjusted in accordance with a child sleep mode, whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is first decreased by 1°C from a temperature set point after about an hour, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space to the set point after about an hour, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space by TC after about two hours, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space by about l°C after about three hours.
22. The method of claim 17 or 18 whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is adjusted in accordance with a young sleep mode, whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is first decreased by 1°C from a temperature set point after about a half an hour, followed by decreasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 2°C from the set point after another half an hour, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 1°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature to the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space by 1"C after another two hours, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space by l°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space by 1°C after about another hour.
23. The method of any one of claims 19-22 whereby the temperature set point is about 23°C to decrease the rate of dehumidification and the temperature set point is about 18°C to increase the rate of dehumidification.
24. The method of any one of claims 19-23 whereby the fan speed is 800-880 rmp.
25. A method of adjusting humidity levels in a conditioned environment using the air conditioning system of claim 1.
26. A method of providing improved air treatment for users based upon age-related needs by adjusting temperature within a conditioned space in accordance with an age-dependent sleep mode.
27. The method of claim 26 whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is adjusted in accordance with one of four age-dependent sleep modes, said age-dependent sleep modes comprising adult, elderly, young, and child.
28. The method of claim 26 or 27 whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is adjusted in accordance with an adult sleep mode, whereby the temperature is first decreased by l°C from a set point temperature of the evaporator after about a half an hour, followed by decreasing the temperature of the evaporator by 2°C from the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature of the evaporator 1CC after another hour, followed by raising the temperature of the evaporator to the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature of the evaporator 1°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature of the evaporator l°C after about 1.5 hours.
29. The method of claim 26 or 27 whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is adjusted in accordance with an elderly sleep mode, whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is first decreased by 1°C from a temperature set point after about a half an hour, followed by decreasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 2°C from the set point after another half an hour, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 1°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space to the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space 1°C after another hour, followed by decreasing the temperature within the conditioned space to the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space 1°C after about another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space about 1°C after about another hour.
30. The method of claim 26 or 27 whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is adjusted in accordance with a child sleep mode, whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is first decreased by 1"C from a temperature set point after about an hour, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space to the set point after about an hour, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 1°C after about two hours, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space by about 1°C after about three hours.
31. The method of claim 26 or 27 whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is adjusted in accordance with a young sleep mode, whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is first decreased by 1°C from a temperature set point after about a half an hour, followed by decreasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 2"C from the set point after another half an hour, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 1°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature to the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space by l°C after another two hours, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 1°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space by 1°C after about another hour.
32. The method of any one of claims 26-31 whereby the temperature set point is about 23°C to decrease the rate of dehumidification and the temperature set point is about 18°C to increase the rate of dehumidification.
33. The method of any one of claims 26-32 whereby the fan speed is 800-880 rmp.
34. An air conditioning system for adjusting humidity in a conditioned area within a structure comprising:
an evaporator;
a condenser;
a compressor;
a fan;
a micro processor based control; and
control components for use in conjunction with the compressor and the fan, wherein the micro processor based control of the air conditioning system is configured to communicate with and control one or more components of the air conditioning system, the control components comprising: a user interface; and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature proximate to the control components;
whereby the control components are configured to communicate the room ambient temperature sensed by the temperature sensor to the micro processor based control of the air conditioning system;
whereby the control components are programmed to adjust the temperature and fan speed in accordance with age-related sleep modes.
35. The air conditioning system of claim 34 whereby the control components comprise a portable wireless remote control unit.
36. The air conditioning system of claim 35 whereby the wireless remote control unit comprises a wireless interface; and a user interface including a display.
37. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 34-36 whereby the control components are programmed to adjust the temperature and fan speed within the conditioned space in accordance with one of four age-dependent sleep modes, said age-dependent sleep modes comprising adult, elderly, young, and child.
38. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 34-37 whereby the control components are programmed to adjust the temperature and fan speed within the conditioned space in accordance with an adult sleep mode, whereby the temperature is first decreased by 1°C from a set point temperature of the evaporator after about a half an hour, followed by decreasing the temperature of the evaporator by 2"C from the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature of the evaporator 1°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature of the evaporator to the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature of the evaporator 1°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature of the evaporator 1°C after about 1.5 hours.
39. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 34-37 whereby the control components are programmed to adjust the temperature and fan speed within the conditioned space in accordance with an elderly sleep mode, whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is first decreased by l°C from a temperature set point after about a half an hour, followed by decreasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 2°C from the set point after another half an hour, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 1"C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space to the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space 1°C after another hour, followed by decreasing the temperature within the conditioned space to the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space 1°C after about another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space about 1°C after about another hour.
40. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 34-37 whereby the control components are programmed to adjust the temperature and fan speed within the conditioned space in accordance with a child sleep mode, whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is first decreased by VC from a temperature set point after about an hour, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space to the set point after about an hour, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 1°C after about two hours, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space by about 1°C after about three hours.
41. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 34-37 whereby the control components are programmed to adjust the temperature and fan speed within the conditioned space in accordance with a young sleep mode, whereby the temperature within the conditioned space is first decreased by l°C from a temperature set point after about a half an hour, followed by decreasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 2°C from the set point after another half an hour, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 1°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature to the set point after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space by 1°C after another two hours, followed by increasing the temperature within the conditioned space by 1°C after another hour, followed by raising the temperature within the conditioned space by 1°C after about another hour.
42. The method of any one of claims 34-41 whereby the fan speed is 800-880 rmp.
43. A method of providing improved air treatment for users based upon age-related needs in a conditioned environment using the air conditioning system according to any one of claims 34-42.
PCT/US2016/041548 2016-07-08 2016-07-08 Age-based sleep profiles for split air conditioning system Ceased WO2018009218A1 (en)

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