Controller, method and computer program product for controlling an environmental condition in a building
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building automation systems, particularly HVAC control systems, face challenges with complex calibration requirements and linear output limitations of traditional PID controllers, leading to inefficient and distorted environmental condition control.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive environmental condition controller using a recursive function to calculate adjustment values and iteratively recalibrate proportionality values based on measured and target environmental conditions, reducing strain on equipment and maintaining smooth control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PID controller is used for environmental condition control, then the control system can regulate temperature and other conditions, but the controller requires complex calibration and provides only average control efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs self-calibration by automatically adjusting the proportionality value k based on the relationship between calculated adjustment values and measured environmental condition changes. The system monitors its own performance and adapts k without external intervention, eliminating the need for complex manual calibration while maintaining reliable control efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements feedback by continuously measuring the environmental condition, comparing it with the target value, and using the difference to adjust the proportionality value k. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to learn from its own operations and optimize control performance automatically
2Adaptability or versatility
If a PID controller with linear output is used, then the control system is simple in structure, but it is highly inappropriate for non-linear systems such as HVAC control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The controller transitions from a static linear output to a dynamic adaptive output by continuously adjusting the proportionality value k based on real-time conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the controller to handle non-linear HVAC systems effectively, as the gain changes with operating conditions rather than remaining fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the parameter k (proportionality value) dynamically based on the relationship between adjustment values and measured condition changes. This parameter adaptation enables the controller to accommodate non-linear system behavior without requiring complex mathematical models or multiple controllers
3Reliability
If a PID controller is used for environmental condition control, then the control system can maintain target conditions, but the derivative of the error amplifies higher frequency measurements and distorts the output
Solution Approach 1:
The controller extracts and eliminates the problematic derivative term from the PID algorithm, retaining only the proportional and integral components. By removing the derivative component that amplifies high-frequency noise, the system maintains control stability while avoiding output distortion caused by sensitive error differentiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present environmental condition controller and method provide for controlling an environmental condition in an area of a building. For doing so, a communication interface receives an environmental condition target value (xref), and an environmental condition measured value (x). A processing unit calculates an environmental condition adjustment value (yn) with a recursive function based on the environmental condition measured value (x), the environmental condition target value (xref) and an adaptive proportionality value (k). The processing unit also generates and transmits a command based on the environmental condition adjustment value (yn). The processing unit further stores in a memory the environmental condition adjustment value (yn) as a previously calculated environmental condition adjustment value (yn−1). Specific steps of the method are executed recursively. The present method may further be performed by a computer program product.