Central Air Conditioning Scheduling for Comfort-Cost Balance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Determining an optimal level of air conditioning that balances comfort and cost is challenging due to the tradeoff between physical comfort and manageable electricity bills, which existing manual calculations or estimations fail to effectively address.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a processor to compute a central air conditioning schedule based on monetary budget, occupancy profile, electricity rates, and technical specifications, determining a target indoor temperature and air conditioning schedule that minimizes discomfort by reducing deviations from a predefined temperature, incorporating user feedback and weather data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual calculation or estimation is used to determine air conditioning levels, then the process is simple, but the ability to balance comfort and cost effectively is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual calculation and estimation methods with an automated computer-based optimization system that processes multiple inputs (weather forecasts, occupancy profiles, electricity rates, AC specifications) to generate optimized schedules. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated computational systems resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation through automation and high precision through comprehensive data processing and optimization algorithms.
2Reliability
If air conditioning is run continuously to maintain optimal temperature, then comfort is maximized, but electricity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling that adjusts air conditioning operation based on varying conditions including weather forecasts, occupancy profiles, and electricity rates. Rather than continuous operation, the system dynamically determines optimal on/off times and temperature setpoints, allowing the AC system to adapt its operation to balance comfort requirements with energy consumption goals under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimization system changes key parameters including temperature setpoints, on/off timing, and operational duration based on multiple input factors. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than maintaining fixed continuous operation, the system achieves the contradiction resolution of maintaining adequate comfort levels while reducing overall electricity consumption through optimized scheduling.
3Use of energy by moving object
If air conditioning is reduced to lower electricity costs, then energy consumption decreases, but user discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that consider occupancy profiles and user presence information to adjust air conditioning operation. The system uses this feedback to determine when reduced operation is acceptable (when spaces are unoccupied) and when full operation is necessary (when occupants are present), thereby reducing energy consumption without causing unnecessary discomfort to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cooling or heating actions in advance of periods when occupancy is expected, using weather forecasts and occupancy profiles to anticipate future conditions. This preliminary action allows the system to reduce or suspend operation during unoccupied periods while maintaining comfort during occupied periods, thus lowering energy consumption without compromising user comfort when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and arrangements for computing a schedule for central air conditioning. Inputs are received, including: a monetary budget relative to a predetermined time period; an occupancy profile relative to the predetermined time period; and at least one of: electricity rates relative to the predetermined time period, and technical specifications of the central air conditioning. A target indoor temperature is determined based on the received inputs, with respect to different timepoints within the predetermined time period. An air conditioning schedule is determined for the different timepoints within the predetermined time period, wherein this determining includes reducing a quantitative measure relating to discomfort. Other variants and embodiments are broadly contemplated herein.