Adaptive Energy Control Device for HVAC and Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy consumer control methods, particularly for space heating and air conditioning, are inflexible and require manual reprogramming to adapt to changes in user behavior, leading to inefficient energy usage and comfort issues.

Innovation Solution

A control method that predicts future energy consumption by analyzing historical data, using templates to correlate past consumption patterns with current situations, allowing for self-learning and adaptive control of energy consumers without the need for predefined user states or setup phases, enabling optimal comfort and energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If time-controlled processes are used for energy consumers, then energy consumption can be managed according to fixed schedules, but the system becomes inflexible and requires manual reprogramming when user behavior changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to user behavior changesVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically learns user behavior patterns by analyzing historical energy consumption data and sensor information, eliminating the need for manual programming. The system self-adjusts control parameters based on detected patterns, providing adaptability without increasing operational complexity for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors energy consumption data and sensor inputs, compares actual behavior with predicted patterns, and automatically adjusts control parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing user behavior dynamically without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If sluggish energy consumers like space heating are controlled manually, then user comfort can be adjusted, but the system cannot provide desired climate at the push of a button and requires several hours of lead time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speed of energy consumerVSAvoidlead time required for climate adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system predicts user presence and desired climate conditions in advance based on learned behavior patterns, and automatically initiates heating or cooling operations beforehand. This preliminary action ensures that the desired climate is ready when the user arrives, eliminating wait time while maintaining comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts operation timing and intensity based on real-time predictions of user behavior and environmental conditions. Rather than fixed schedules, the system continuously adapts its control strategy to minimize lead time while ensuring comfort requirements are met.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If roller shutter and awning controls are used to prevent overheating, then room temperature can be controlled, but the system cannot actively heat rooms and buildings effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of control functionsVSAvoidenergy efficiency of heating
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control device manages multiple energy consumers including roller shutters, awnings, space heating, and air conditioning through a unified learning-based system. The same behavioral prediction and optimization algorithms are applied across different device types, enabling versatile control while improving overall energy efficiency through coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2704367B1Consumer control method and control device based on an energy consumption profile
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 ENBW ENERGIE BADEN WURTTEMBERG AG
  • EP2704367B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2704367B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2704367B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~3a

AI summary

The consumer load controlling method involves predicting futuristic energy consumption (Emp) of an energy consumer by analyzing type and technology of the energy consumption values (Ee). The energy consumers are controlled particularly activated or deactivated based on the predicted energy consumption. The energy consumer is a heating regulating unit, an airconditioning unit, a blackout control system for the selective blackout of the room of the building, or a light regulation unit for the selective illumination of the room of the building. An independent claim is included for a control device for controlling one or more energy consumers within a building.