Heating, ventilation and air conditioning control system and method

Abstract

Aspects of the invention relate to a system and method for controlling temperature of different zones inside a premises based on determining an effective temperature setpoint. One or more dynamically sensed parameters are received from a plurality of sensors strategically placed inside and outside a building. One or more static parameters corresponding to building configuration and temperature thresholds are retrieved from a memory unit. A correlation engine determines an effective temperature setpoint for an individual VAV controller associated with a particular predefined zone in the building by establishing a correlation between the one or more dynamically sensed parameters and the static parameters corresponding to the zone. The effective temperature setpoint is communicated to the VAV controller for the associated zone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (hereinafter referred to as "HVAC") systems. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods for using HVAC systems to control the temperature of various zones within a premises. Background Technology

[0002] Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are used in residential / commercial premises for cooling or heating buildings. To maintain cooling or heating within a building, an HVAC system uses air handling units (AHUs) and one or more variable air volume (VAV) units. Each VAV unit can use diffusers to serve different zones / areas of the building. Specifically, each zone of the building may have several diffusers connected to the VAV units to maintain the desired temperature in that zone. This helps to maintain different cooling or heating temperatures simultaneously in various zones of the building. If the VAV units cannot maintain the desired temperature in a particular zone, the temperature needs to be manually adjusted by raising or lowering the system temperature using building management equipment or local thermostats. Furthermore, the temperature of any particular zone within the premises is independent of the occupancy rate of that particular zone.

[0003] VAVs are critical components in HVAC systems because the entire system is used to meet cooling / heating demands. Cooling / heating demands are transmitted from the VAV to the AHU (Ambient Temperature Controller), and then from the AHU to the associated systems based on the cooling / heating requests. Therefore, even when there is no occupation in a particular zone, the VAV considers reaching the required occupation temperature setpoint. In particular, VAVs with large zones do not have effective temperature control in each zone using a single thermostat. On the other hand, excessive energy is consumed to reach the occupation temperature setpoint when there are no occupants or a small number of occupants. In contrast, when the occupation level is at its maximum, the comfort temperature is not reached on time due to the lack of prioritization based on occupancy rate.

[0004] Given the aforementioned issues, there is a need for efficient and effective systems and methods, as correlation approaches, for multiple load occupancy and sensor inputs, to effectively control zone temperatures, thereby achieving energy savings and enhanced comfort in different zones of a site. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various embodiments of the present invention describe a system for determining an effective temperature setpoint for a variable air volume (“VAV”) controller in an HVAC system. The system includes a sensor interface module configured to receive one or more dynamically sensed parameters from a plurality of sensors strategically placed inside and outside a building. The system also includes a standard reference module configured to retrieve one or more static parameters corresponding to a building configuration and a temperature threshold from a memory unit. The system further includes a correlation engine coupled to the sensor interface module and the standard reference module. The correlation engine is configured to dynamically determine an effective temperature setpoint for an individual VAV controller associated with a specific zone by establishing a correlation between one or more dynamically sensed parameters and static parameters corresponding to a specific predefined zone within the building. The system also includes one or more VAV controllers communicatively coupled to the correlation engine. Each VAV controller is configured to receive a corresponding effective temperature setpoint value from the correlation engine via a VAV interface and establish a temperature setpoint for the associated zone based on the received value.

[0006] In embodiments of the present invention, one or more dynamically sensed parameters include occupancy status, zone temperature, and outside air temperature (OAT) measurements.

[0007] In different embodiments of the present invention, one or more static parameters corresponding to the building configuration include location identifier, standard building operation strategy, standard asset configuration, number of zones in the building, number of sub-zones within a zone, sensor-to-zone mapping information, sensor-to-sub-zone mapping information, and occupation scheduling.

[0008] In embodiments of the present invention, one or more static parameters corresponding to the temperature threshold include a maximum temperature setpoint reference value (Tmax) for the external air temperature. oat Based on the maximum effective temperature setpoint (Tmax) of the occupation scheduling occ ) and minimum effective temperature setpoint (Tmin) occ ), based on the user's comfortable temperature range and standard operating strategy, the occupied temperature setpoint (Tsp) occ ) and non-occupied temperature setpoint (Tsp) unocc ).

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the system further includes a management module configured to enable an administrator to specify one or more static parameters via a user interface and store one or more static parameters in a memory unit.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of sensors include an external air temperature sensor, a zone temperature sensor, and an occupancy detection sensor. Each external air temperature sensor is configured to measure the external air temperature of the building, each zone temperature sensor is configured to measure the air temperature for a zone within the building, and each occupancy detection sensor is configured to detect occupancy status for a sub-zone.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the correlation engine is further configured to determine the effective temperature setpoint (Tsp) by establishing the correlation between one or more dynamically sensed parameters and static parameters corresponding to the zone using the following equation. eff ):

[0012]

[0013] in,

[0014] Tsp eff It is the effective temperature set point.

[0015] Tmax occ It is the maximum temperature setpoint during the occupation scheduling period.

[0016] Tmin occ It is the minimum temperature setpoint during the occupation scheduling period.

[0017] n is the sum of the occupied subregions in the region.

[0018] N is the total number of sub-regions in the region.

[0019] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the correlation engine is further configured to operate when there is no occupied area or the temperature of the sub-region is less than the minimum temperature setpoint (Tmin). occ When occupying the effective temperature setpoint (Tsp) for each zone during the scheduling period, eff Select as non-occupied temperature setpoint (Tsp) unocc or maximum temperature setpoint (Tmax) occ Non-occupied temperature setpoint (Tsp) unocc or maximum temperature setpoint (Tmax) occ The selection of ) can be configured by the administrator.

[0020] In different embodiments of the invention, the correlation engine is configured to respond when the outside air temperature is higher than the maximum outside air temperature (Tmax). oat When ), during the scheduling period, for each region (Tsp) eff The effective temperature setpoint is determined as the minimum temperature setpoint (Tmin). occ ).

[0021] Various embodiments of the present invention describe a method for determining an effective temperature setpoint for a variable air volume (“VAV”) controller in an HVAC system. The method includes utilizing a sensor interface module to receive one or more dynamically sensed parameters from multiple sensors strategically placed inside and outside a building. The method also includes utilizing a standard reference module to retrieve one or more static parameters corresponding to building configuration and temperature thresholds from a memory unit. The method further utilizes a correlation engine to dynamically determine an effective temperature setpoint for an individual VAV controller associated with a specific predefined zone within the building by establishing a correlation between the one or more dynamically sensed parameters and the static parameters corresponding to that zone. The method also includes utilizing the VAV controller to receive a corresponding effective temperature setpoint value from the correlation engine via a VAV interface and establishing a temperature setpoint for the associated zone based on the received value.

[0022] In embodiments of the present invention, one or more dynamically sensed parameters include occupancy status, zone temperature, and outside air temperature (OAT) measurements.

[0023] In different embodiments of the present invention, one or more static parameters corresponding to the building configuration include location identifier, standard building operation strategy, standard asset configuration, number of zones in the building, number of sub-zones within a zone, sensor-to-zone mapping, sensor-to-sub-zone mapping information, and occupation scheduling.

[0024] In yet another embodiment of the invention, one or more static parameters corresponding to the temperature threshold include a maximum temperature setpoint reference value (Tmax) for the outside air temperature. oat Based on the maximum effective temperature setpoint (Tmax) of the occupation scheduling occ ) and minimum effective temperature setpoint (Tmin) occ ), based on the user's comfortable temperature range and standard operating strategy, the occupied temperature setpoint (Tsp) occ ) and non-occupied temperature setpoint (Tsp) unocc ).

[0025] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the management module enables an administrator to specify one or more static parameters via a user interface and store one or more static parameters in a memory unit.

[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of sensors include an external air temperature sensor, a zone temperature sensor, and an occupancy detection sensor, wherein each external air temperature sensor is configured to measure the external air temperature of the building, and wherein each zone temperature sensor is configured to measure the air temperature for a zone within the building, and wherein each occupancy detection sensor is configured to detect an occupancy status for a sub-zone.

[0027] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the correlation engine determines the effective temperature setpoint (Tsp) by establishing the correlation between one or more dynamically sensed parameters and static parameters corresponding to the zone using the following equation. eff ):

[0028]

[0029] in,

[0030] Tsp eff It is the effective temperature set point.

[0031] Tmax occ It is the maximum temperature setpoint during the occupation scheduling period.

[0032] Tmin occ It is the minimum temperature setpoint during the occupation scheduling period.

[0033] n is the sum of the occupied subregions in the region.

[0034] N is the total number of sub-regions in the region.

[0035] In another embodiment of the invention, the correlation engine operates when there is no occupied area in the sub-region or the region temperature is less than the minimum temperature setpoint (Tmin). occ When occupying the effective temperature setpoint (Tsp) for each zone during the scheduling period, eff Select as non-occupied temperature setpoint (Tsp) unocc or maximum temperature setpoint (Tmax) occ ), and among them, the non-occupied temperature setpoint (Tsp) unocc or maximum temperature setpoint (Tmax) occ The selection of ) can be configured by the administrator.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the correlation engine operates when the outside air temperature is higher than the maximum outside air temperature (Tmax). oat When occupying the effective temperature setpoint (Tsp) for each zone during the scheduling period, eff The minimum temperature setpoint (Tmin) is determined as follows. occ ).

[0037] In another different embodiment of the invention, when the measured external air temperature (T) oat Exceeding the maximum temperature setpoint reference value (Tmax) oat When the correlation engine ignores the determined effective temperature setpoint (Tsp), the correlation engine ignores the determined effective temperature setpoint. eff The value of ).

[0038] This summary is provided to introduce the selection of concepts in a simplified form, as further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0039] Other aspects, advantages, and distinctive features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 An exemplary system architecture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0041] Figure 2 A block diagram depicting different components of a system for communicating information according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is provided.

[0042] Figure 3 A block diagram depicting different components of a site-associated system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4 An exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for carrying out the invention according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0044] The corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts in all the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0045] This document describes techniques for establishing effective temperature setpoints for each of multiple zones. The temperature of each zone can be controlled within an HVAC system. The HVAC system includes multiple VAV units. Each zone can be associated with at least one VAV unit. Moreover, there may be many zones associated with a single VAV unit. The HVAC system also includes an AHU unit that controls the airflow within the multiple VAVs. The VAVs further control the airflow within their associated zones. The AHU is also associated with a heater / cooler system to receive heating / cooling based on the requirements of different zones.

[0046] Each zone of a site can be associated with numerous sensors. A control system is described, comprising a sensor interface module for receiving one or more dynamically sensed parameters from multiple sensors strategically placed inside and outside a building. For example, sensors can be used to determine zone temperatures and report these zone temperatures to a heating / cooling system. The sensor used to determine the zone temperature may be referred to as a “zone temperature sensor.” Similarly, different sensors can be used to determine parameters from outside the building. The system also includes a standard interface module for retrieving one or more static parameters corresponding to building configuration and temperature thresholds from a memory unit. The system also includes a correlation engine coupled to the sensor interface module and the standard reference module. The correlation engine is configured to dynamically determine an effective temperature setpoint for an individual VAV controller associated with a zone by establishing a correlation between one or more dynamically sensed parameters and static parameters corresponding to a specific predefined zone within the building. The system also includes one or more VAV controllers communicatively coupled to the correlation engine, wherein each VAV controller is configured to receive a corresponding effective temperature setpoint value from the correlation engine via a VAV interface and establish a temperature setpoint for the associated zone based on the received value.

[0047] As described herein, one or more dynamically sensed parameters may include occupancy status, zone temperature, and outside air temperature (OAT) measurements. Occupancy status can be determined based on the number of people, objects, etc., in each zone. Sensors detecting occupancy status can be passive infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, cameras, etc., that determine the number of active zones based on the number of people / objects in each zone. The occupancy status determined by the sensors (hereinafter, "occupancy sensors") is transmitted to the system via a sensor interface module. Multiple cameras may be present in each zone to determine occupancy status. The system also receives OAT information from the environment. OAT can be determined for multiple zones within the premises. OAT can refer to the ambient temperature in a region (such as a city, street, etc.). OAT can also be determined from a network using weather forecasts.

[0048] In embodiments of the invention, multiple sensors capable of determining dynamically sensed parameters may be present in each zone. Each of the sensors may include, but is not limited to, a transmitter, receiver, sensing unit, memory, and / or processor. Different sensors may be connected to the heating / cooling system via wired or wireless connections. Wired connections may include, but are not limited to, telephone networks, cables, fiber optic communications, and waveguide communications. Wireless connections may be cellular communications (such as GSM networks, LTE networks, CDMA networks, Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technology, or Category M1 technology), Wi-Fi communications, ZigBee communications, or any such networks or communications known in the art.

[0049] As described herein, the multiple sensors include an external air temperature sensor, a zone temperature sensor, and an occupancy detection sensor. Each of the external air temperature sensors can be configured to measure the external air temperature of the building, and each zone temperature sensor can be configured to measure the air temperature for a zone within the building. Furthermore, each occupancy detection sensor can be configured to detect occupancy status for a sub-zone.

[0050] As described herein, the system includes a standard reference module that receives static parameters relating to building configuration and temperature thresholds. These static parameters may include location identifiers, standard building operation policies, standard asset configurations, the number of zones within a building, the number of sub-zones within a zone, sensor-to-zone mapping information, sensor-to-sub-zone mapping information, and occupation scheduling, etc. The static parameters may be stored in a memory unit located within the system. Specifically, the static parameters may correspond to temperature thresholds, such as a maximum temperature setpoint reference value (Tmax) for the outside air temperature. oat Based on the maximum effective temperature setpoint (Tmax) of the occupied scheduling. occ ) and minimum effective temperature setpoint (Tmin) occ ), based on the user's comfortable temperature range and standard operating strategy, the occupied temperature setpoint (Tsp) occ ) and non-occupied temperature setpoint (Tsp) unocc And so on. It will be noted that different static parameters can be configured by the administrator using the user interface.

[0051] The system can be part of a building automation system (BAS) in a large venue (such as a building, hospital, museum, etc.).

[0052] Now turn to the attached image. Figure 1 The illustration shows dynamically sensed parameters (such as temperature) requiring control of the entire site 100. The parameters can be controlled individually in different zones of the site (such as a building). The site includes a system 102 for receiving inputs from different zones and other external inputs. System 102 determines an effective temperature setpoint for each of the different zones. Site 100 includes different zones, for example... Figure 1Two distinct zones are depicted. The first zone includes sub-zones 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d. Similarly, a second zone exists, including sub-zones 110e, 110f, 110g, and 110h. Airflow in each zone can be controlled using a VAV associated with that zone. For example, the first zone is controlled by VAV 106, and the second zone by VAV 108. It is known that a VAV can control airflow in one or more zones. Airflow control in each zone by a single VAV is also within the scope of this invention. Each zone includes a sensor that determines parameters dynamically sensed from each zone. The dynamically sensed parameters may be indicative of the occupancy status of an occupant (such as a person, object, etc.). Each zone also includes a zone temperature sensor that determines the temperature in each zone. Both sensors are labeled S in each sub-zone. The VAV is associated with thermostats T1 and T2 that control the temperature of each zone. Figure 1 The number of zones, VAVs, AHUs, and thermostats described herein are exemplary. The invention can be implemented using different combinations of these components that fall within the scope of the invention.

[0053] System 102 receives one or more sensed parameters from multiple sensors in each zone and from sensors outside the site or building. System 102 also receives static parameters corresponding to the building configuration via a network, including, among other things, location identifiers, standard building operation policies, standard asset configurations, the number of zones in the building, the number of sub-zones within a zone, sensor-to-zone mapping information, sensor-to-sub-zone mapping information, and occupancy scheduling. System 102 can process the received information and can use a correlation engine to determine an effective temperature setpoint for each zone. System 102 can transmit the temperature setpoint for each zone to the thermostat associated with that zone. For example, System 102 can transmit the temperature setpoint for different sub-zones (110(ad)) to thermostat T1 and then to VAV 106. Similarly, the temperature setpoint for sub-zone (110(eh)) will be transmitted by System 102 to thermostat T2 and then to VAV 108.

[0054] AHU unit 104 is also associated with location 100. AHU unit 104 supplies the required airflow to each of the VAVs in the system. Thermostats T1 and T2 are configured to control the temperature in each of the associated zones and sub-zones via the respective VAVs. As an example, the temperature setpoints for the first, second, third, and fourth sub-zones (110(ad)) are received by thermostat T1. Thermostat T1 provides signals to VAV 106 to control the temperature of the corresponding sub-zone (110(eh)).

[0055] VAV 106 is operable to control the temperature of each appropriate opening of the duct leading to a zone. It is known that VAVs provide temperature control for each zone through the operation of a compressor, fan, and duct openings. The VAV system disclosed herein is a multi-zone VAV system that controls the temperature of multiple zones from a single VAV.

[0056] Similarly, the temperature setpoint determined by the correlation engine for the sub-region (110(eh)) is transmitted to the thermostat T2, which further controls the temperature of the sub-region (110(eh)) as discussed above with respect to thermostat T1.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the temperature setpoint or effective temperature setpoint for each zone is determined by system 102 according to an equation:

[0058]

[0059] in,

[0060] Tsp eff It is the effective temperature set point.

[0061] Tmax occ It is the maximum temperature setpoint during the occupation scheduling period.

[0062] Tmin occ It is the minimum temperature setpoint during the occupation scheduling period.

[0063] n is the sum of the occupied subregions in the region.

[0064] N is the total number of sub-regions in the region.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the calculation of the effective temperature setpoint can be performed in different occupied states as detailed in Table 1 below:

[0066]

[0067] Table 1

[0068] The different legends in Table 1 are referred to as follows:

[0069] TSPeff – Effective Temperature Setpoint

[0070] TSPunocc – Non-occupying temperature setpoint

[0071] TSPocc – Occupy Temperature Setpoint

[0072] Ts – Space temperature (zone)

[0073] TMAXocc – Maximum temperature setpoint during occupation scheduling

[0074] TMINocc – Minimum temperature setpoint during occupation scheduling

[0075] OAT – External Air Temperature

[0076] OATmax – Maximum temperature setpoint reference value for outside air temperature.

[0077] When building policy scheduling is enabled, system 102 calculates the available lower and higher temperature setpoint ranges of the occupied setpoints to define the effective setpoints. It will be noted that occupied scheduling can be the time when people are expected to work in the office. For example, if typical office hours are selected from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, operators can run the HVAC system from 8 AM to 6 PM. In this example, the occupied scheduling is 8 AM to 6 PM.

[0078] The system evaluates and determines the effective temperature setpoint. For example, when the occupancy rate of a specific zone is 0%, i.e., if the zone is empty, or if the zone's temperature is below the minimum temperature setpoint during occupancy scheduling, system 102 evaluates the temperature setpoint as (TSPunocc) or (TMAXocc), i.e., the non-occupied temperature setpoint or the maximum temperature setpoint during occupancy scheduling. This means that when the zone is empty, the temperature setpoint can be determined as the maximum occupied temperature setpoint.

[0079] As another example, if the occupancy rate of a specific zone is 25%, the system evaluates the temperature setpoint as TSPeff = TMAXocc - [25% x (TMAXocc – TMINocc)]. In other words, the temperature setpoint is proportional to the difference between the maximum and minimum temperature setpoints during occupancy scheduling.

[0080] Similarly, when the occupancy rate of a specific area is 50% and 75%, the temperature setpoint is proportional to the difference between the maximum temperature setpoint and the minimum temperature setpoint during the occupancy scheduling period for the corresponding occupancy rate.

[0081] In special cases, if the outside air temperature exceeds a predefined threshold (OATmax) or the maximum temperature setpoint reference value for the outside air temperature, the system will set the effective temperature setpoint to TMINocc, i.e., the minimum temperature setpoint during the occupation period. This is to ensure that the system does not cause discomfort during periods of higher ambient temperature. In other words, when the measured outside air temperature (T... oat Exceeding the maximum temperature setpoint reference value (Tmax) oat When the effective temperature setpoint determined by the correlation engine is ignored, the setpoint is ignored.

[0082] Table 2 below describes illustrative examples of different temperature setpoints during occupied and unoccupied scheduling:

[0083]

[0084] Table 2

[0085] Based on the temperature setpoints discussed above, the temperature setpoints at different occupancy rates will be illustrated in Table 3 below:

[0086] Occupancy rate (%) Temperature set point 0％ 27 degrees Celsius 25％ 24.25 degrees Celsius 50％ 23.5 degrees Celsius 75％ 22.75 degrees Celsius 100％ 22 degrees Celsius

[0087] Table 3

[0088] Based on the above illustrations and descriptions, the present invention offers the technical advantage of energy or electricity savings based on the occupancy levels of different zones within a space. Furthermore, the present invention provides effective temperature control for the comfort of occupants. In addition, the present invention describes a cost-efficient technical solution to the problem of effective temperature control.

[0089] Figure 2 Depicting diagrams and such Figure 1A block diagram of different components in a similar location / building 200 as described above. Control system 212 receives dynamically sensed parameters from multiple sensors (204, 205, 206, 208) regarding the occupancy level of zones including people / objects 202. Dynamically sensed parameters may include outside air temperature (OAT), zone temperature 208 (from a thermostat (Tn)), occupancy status, and other such parameters. The dynamically sensed parameters are received by control system 212 via network 210. Details of the types of networks that can be used have been discussed above. Control system 212 also receives static parameters that can be received via the network or manually entered by an authorized operator to improve the comfort of occupants in each zone. Details of the static parameters have been discussed above. Control system 212 uses correlation engine 216 to determine the effective temperature setpoint or temperature set point (for each zone). It can be noted that correlation engine 216 may be integrated with control system 212 or may be part of a VAV. It will be noted that the control system 212 can be standalone software of a building automation system (BAS) or a standalone controller with a combined controller or an I / O module, or any gateway with an integrated module, to receive information and static parameters from all sensors, thereby efficiently processing logic and seamlessly sending output for execution. The correlation engine 216 dynamically determines the effective temperature setpoint for the individual VAV controller associated with a specific zone by establishing a correlation between one or more dynamically sensed parameters and static parameters corresponding to a specific predefined zone in the building. Each VAV controller receives the effective temperature setpoint determined by the correlation engine 216 and subsequently controls the temperature of the associated zone or subzone. It can be noted that the correlation engine is configured to determine the effective setpoint for each zone or subzones within each zone, as discussed above.

[0090] Figure 3 A block diagram depicting the different components of the exemplary system 300. System 300 is similar to... Figure 1System 102 is described herein. System 300 includes a VAV controller 302 associated with a VAV interface 304 and configured to control the temperature based on an effective temperature setpoint determined by a correlation engine 308a. The VAV controller 302 is communicatively coupled to a control unit / system 308. System 300 includes a sensor interface module 306 configured to receive or extract sensed parameters from multiple sensors, such as occupancy sensors, zone temperature sensors, ambient air temperature, etc. The system includes a control system 308. The control system includes a correlation engine 308a. The correlation engine 308a receives dynamically sensed parameters from the sensor interface module 306. Moreover, the correlation engine 308a is configured to receive static parameters or static details from a standard reference module 308b. Static parameters may also be stored in a memory unit 308c and received by the standard reference module 308b. The correlation engine 308a correlates one or more dynamically sensed parameters with static parameters corresponding to a specific zone and determines an effective temperature setpoint for that specific zone or sub-zone. The control unit 308 is associated with the processor 308e to perform various operations performed by the control unit 308. The control unit 308 also includes a management module 308d configured to enable an administrator to specify one or more static parameters and store one or more static parameters in a memory unit 308c via a user interface 310.

[0091] The different units described herein are exemplary. The invention can be implemented using one or more units. For example, tasks performed by the correlation engine 308a, the standard reference module 308b, the memory unit 308c, the management module 308d, and the processor 308e can be performed by a single unit. Alternatively, a greater number of units as described herein can be used to implement the invention.

[0092] Figure 4 A flowchart outlining the features of the invention in exemplary embodiments is provided. Method flowchart 400 describes a method implemented to determine an effective temperature setpoint for each zone. The method begins at 402 as follows: as described above regarding... Figure 1 The description utilizes a sensor interface module to receive one or more dynamically sensed parameters from multiple sensors strategically placed inside and outside a building.

[0093] In step 404, the standard reference module retrieves one or more static parameters from the memory cell that correspond to the building configuration and temperature threshold.

[0094] In step 406, the effective temperature setpoint is determined for an individual VAV controller associated with a specific zone by establishing a correlation between one or more dynamically sensed parameters and static parameters corresponding to a specific predefined zone within the building. (This has already been stated above...) Figure 1 This will be discussed in more detail in China.

[0095] In step 408, the corresponding effective temperature setpoint value is received by the VAV controller from the correlation engine via the VAV interface, and the temperature setpoint for the correlated zone is established based on the received value. (This has already been stated above...) Figure 1 This will be discussed in more detail in China.

[0096] This invention is applicable to various industries / fields, such as, but not limited to, banking, hospitality, housing, construction, offices, universities, hospitals, colleges, residences, and any such industry / field that is well known in the art and uses HVAC systems.

[0097] The embodiments of the invention discussed herein are exemplary, and various modifications and alterations by those skilled in the art are within the scope of the invention.

[0098] In one embodiment of the invention, the invention can be operated using one or more computer-readable means. The one or more computer-readable means can be associated with a control system. The computer-readable medium includes one or more processors and memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to receive one or more dynamically sensed parameters from multiple sensors strategically placed inside and outside a building. The one or more processors are further configured to retrieve one or more static parameters corresponding to building configuration and temperature thresholds from memory units. The one or more processors are configured to utilize a correlation engine to determine an effective temperature setpoint for an individual VAV controller associated with a specific zone by establishing a correlation between the one or more dynamically sensed parameters and static parameters corresponding to a specific predefined zone within the building. The effective temperature setpoint is transmitted by the one or more processors to the corresponding VAV.

[0099] Exemplary computer-readable media include flash memory drives, digital universal discs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), floppy disks, and magnetic tape cassettes. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media are tangible and mutually exclusive with communication media. Computer storage media are implemented in hardware and exclude carrier waves and transmitted signals. For the purposes of this invention, computer storage media are not signals themselves. Exemplary computer storage media include hard disks, flash drives, and other solid-state memories. In contrast, communication media typically embody other data in computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or modulated data signals, such as carrier waves or other transport mechanisms, and include any information delivery media.

[0100] Although described in conjunction with an exemplary computing system environment, examples of the present invention can be implemented using many other general-purpose or special-purpose computing system environments, configurations, or devices.

[0101] Examples of the present invention can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions (such as program modules) that are executed by one or more computers or other devices in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. Computer-executable instructions can be organized into one or more computer-executable components or modules. Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. Aspects of the present invention can be implemented using any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or specific components or modules illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described herein. Other examples of the invention may include different computer-executable instructions or components (having more or less functionality than those illustrated and described herein). When configured to execute the instructions described herein, aspects of the present invention transform a general-purpose computer into a special-purpose computing device.

[0102] Unless otherwise specified, the order in which operations are performed or carried out in the examples of the invention illustrated and described herein is not critical. That is, operations may be performed in any order unless otherwise specified, and examples of the invention may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that performing or carrying out a particular operation before, simultaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of this invention.

[0103] As used in this subject matter specification, the term "processor" can refer to virtually any processor or computing unit or device, including, but not limited to: a single-core processor; a single processor with software multithreading capabilities; a multi-core processor; a multi-core processor with software multithreading capabilities; a multi-core processor utilizing hardware multithreading technology; a parallel platform; and a parallel platform with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic controller (PLC), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. Processors can fully utilize nanoscale architectures (such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum dot-based transistors, switches, and gates) to optimize space utilization or enhance the performance of user devices. Processors can also be implemented as combinations of computing units.

[0104] When describing elements or examples of aspects of the invention, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are intended to mean one or more of the elements present. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. The term “exemplary” is intended to mean “an example of…”. The phrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and / or at least one of B and / or at least one of C.”

[0105] Having described aspects of the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Since various changes can be made to the constructions, products, and methods described above without departing from the scope of the invention, all substances intended to be included in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not as limiting.

[0106] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or actions, it will be understood that the subject matter as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for determining an effective temperature setpoint for a variable air volume (VAV) controller in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), the system comprising: a sensor interface module configured to receive one or more dynamically sensed parameters from a plurality of sensors strategically placed within and outside a building; a standard reference module configured to retrieve one or more static parameters corresponding to a building configuration and temperature thresholds from a memory unit; a correlation engine coupled with the sensor interface module and the standard reference module, wherein the correlation engine is configured to dynamically determine an effective temperature setpoint for an individual VAV controller associated with a particular predefined zone in the building by establishing a correlation between the one or more dynamically sensed parameters and static parameters corresponding to the zone; one or more VAV controllers communicatively coupled with the correlation engine, wherein each VAV controller is configured to receive a respective effective temperature setpoint value from the correlation engine via a VAV interface and establish the temperature setpoint for the associated zone based on the received value, wherein the one or more static parameters include a total number of sub-zones within the particular predefined zone, the one or more dynamically sensed parameters include an occupancy sum of the sub-zones in the particular predefined zone, and the correlation engine is further configured to dynamically determine the effective temperature setpoint based on a proportion of the sub-zones in the particular predefined zone that are occupied.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, the one or more dynamically sensed parameters further include an occupancy status, a zone temperature, and an outside air temperature (OAT) measurement.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, the one or more static parameters corresponding to a building configuration further include a site location identifier, a standard building operation policy, a standard asset configuration, a number of zones in the building, sensor-to-zone mapping information, sensor-to-sub-zone mapping information, and an occupancy schedule.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, The one or more static parameters corresponding to the temperature threshold further comprise a maximum temperature setpoint reference value Tmax for the outside air temperature oat , a maximum effective temperature setpoint Tmax based on the occupancy schedule occ and a minimum effective temperature setpoint Tmin occ , an occupancy temperature setpoint Tsp based on a user comfort temperature range and a standard operation strategy occ and a non-occupancy temperature setpoint Tsp unocc .

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, the system further includes an administration module configured to enable an administrator to specify the one or more static parameters via a user interface and store the one or more static parameters in the memory unit.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein, the plurality of sensors include an outside air temperature sensor, a zone temperature sensor, and an occupancy detection sensor, and wherein each outside air temperature sensor is configured to measure an outside air temperature of the building, and wherein each zone temperature sensor is configured to measure an air temperature of a zone in the building, and wherein each occupancy detection sensor is configured to detect an occupancy status of a sub-zone.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein, The correlation engine is further configured to determine the effective temperature setpoint Tsp by establishing a correlation between the one or more dynamically sensed parameters and static parameters corresponding to a zone using the following equation eff : wherein, Tsp eff is the effective temperature setpoint, Tmax occ is the maximum temperature set point during occupancy scheduling, Tmin occ is the minimum temperature setpoint during occupancy scheduling, n is an occupancy sum of sub-zones in a zone, N is a total number of sub-zones in a zone.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein, The correlation engine is further configured to: when there is no occupied area in the sub-region or the region temperature is less than the minimum temperature setpoint Tmin. occ At that time, the effective temperature setpoint Tsp for each zone during the occupation scheduling period will be... eff Select the non-occupied temperature setpoint Tsp. unocc Or the maximum temperature setpoint Tmax occ And among them, the non-occupied temperature setpoint Tsp unocc Or the maximum temperature setpoint Tmax occ The selection is configurable by the administrator.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein, The correlation engine is further configured to set the effective temperature setpoint Tsp for each zone during the occupancy schedule when the outside air temperature is higher than a maximum outside air temperature Tmax oat eff determined as the minimum temperature setpoint Tmin occ .​ 10. A method for determining an effective temperature setpoint for a variable air volume (VAV) controller in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), the method comprising: receiving one or more dynamically sensed parameters from a plurality of sensors strategically placed within and outside a building with a sensor interface module; retrieving one or more static parameters corresponding to a building configuration and temperature thresholds from a memory unit with a standard reference module; determining, with a correlation engine, an effective temperature setpoint for an individual VAV controller associated with a particular predefined zone in the building by establishing a correlation between the one or more dynamically sensed parameters and static parameters corresponding to the particular predefined zone; and receiving, with a VAV controller, respective effective temperature setpoint values from the correlation engine via a VAV interface and establishing the temperature setpoint for the associated zone based on the received values, wherein the one or more static parameters include a total number of sub-zones within the particular predefined zone, the one or more dynamically sensed parameters include an occupancy sum of the sub-zones in the particular predefined zone, and the effective temperature setpoint is dynamically determined with the correlation engine based on a proportion of the sub-zones in the particular predefined zone that are occupied.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The one or more dynamically sensed parameters further include occupancy status, zone temperature, outside air temperature (OAT) measurements.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, The one or more static parameters corresponding to the building configuration further include a site location identifier, a standard building operation policy, a standard asset configuration, a number of zones in the building, a sensor-to-zone mapping, a sensor-to-sub-zone mapping information, and an occupancy schedule.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein, The one or more static parameters corresponding to the temperature threshold further comprise a maximum temperature setpoint reference value Tmax for the outside air temperature oat , a maximum effective temperature setpoint Tmax based on the occupancy schedule occ and a minimum effective temperature setpoint Tmin occ , an occupancy temperature setpoint Tsp based on a user comfort temperature range and a standard operation strategy occ and a non-occupancy temperature setpoint Tsp unocc .

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: An administrator is enabled, with a management module, to specify the one or more static parameters via a user interface and store the one or more static parameters in the memory unit.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein, The plurality of sensors include outside air temperature sensors, zone temperature sensors, and occupancy detection sensors, and wherein each outside air temperature sensor is configured to measure an outside air temperature of the building, and wherein each zone temperature sensor is configured to measure an air temperature of a zone in the building, and wherein each occupancy detection sensor is configured to detect an occupancy status of a sub-zone.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising: Using the correlation engine, a correlation between the one or more dynamically sensed parameters and the static parameters corresponding to a zone is determined by using the following equation eff : wherein, Tsp eff is the effective temperature setpoint, Tmax occ is the maximum temperature set point during occupancy scheduling, Tmin occ is the minimum temperature setpoint during occupancy scheduling, n is an occupancy sum of sub-zones in a zone, N is a total number of sub-zones in a zone.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: When there is no occupied area in the sub-region or the temperature of the sub-region is less than the minimum temperature setpoint Tmin occ At that time, the correlation engine will be used to determine the effective temperature setpoint Tsp for each zone during the occupation scheduling period. eff Select the non-occupied temperature setpoint Tsp. unocc Or the maximum temperature setpoint Tmax occ And among them, the non-occupied temperature setpoint Tsp unocc Or the maximum temperature setpoint Tmax occ The selection is configurable by the administrator.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: When the outside air temperature is higher than the maximum outside air temperature Tmax oat , the effective temperature setpoint Tsp for each zone during the occupancy schedule is determined using the correlation engine eff to the minimum temperature setpoint Tmin occ .

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: When the measured outside air temperature T oat exceeds a maximum temperature setpoint reference value Tmax oat , the value of the determined effective temperature setpoint Tsp eff is ignored by the correlation engine.

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