HVAC FILTER MONITORING

摘要

A method is described for identifying faults relating to an HVAC system, such a clogged filter. Sensor data is used to estimate HVAC system efficiency. Trends in system efficiency are then used to identify faults such as clogged filters. The sensor(s) can include one or more of the following types: optical sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, acoustic transducer, humidity sensor, resistive sensor, capacitive sensor, and infrared sensor. The efficiency estimation can also be based on conditions external to the building, such as data from exterior sensors and/or data gathered from third parties such as government or private weather stations. The efficiency estimation can also be based on performance metrics such as the time used to reach a set point temperature. The fault identification includes filtering out non-fault related events.

主权项

1. An air filter for use with an HVAC system comprising:
a housing; filtering media housed within the housing, the filtering media being adapted to remove unwanted material from air passing through the HVAC system; a sensor housed within the housing so as to be positioned adjacent the filtering media, the sensor being of a type that senses conditions associated with the filtering media such that an estimate of filter condition is determinable based at least in part on data provided by the sensor; a wireless communication device housed within the housing, the wireless communication device being adapted to transmit data from the sensor to a receiver; and a power harvester positioned adjacent the filter and being adapted to generate power from air passing through the filter.