Air Handling Unit Time-Constant Estimation for Faster Commissioning

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the time constant of an air handling unit are labor-intensive and require costly tests, necessitating technical expertise and significant time, especially during the initial installation of control systems.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically calculating the time constant of an air handling unit using a processing circuit that obtains a sequence of elements between a device and a supply air temperature sensor, estimating time constants for each element, and using these estimates to control the system, thereby reducing the need for extensive testing and expertise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If bump tests are performed to determine time constants, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime constant determination accuracyVSAvoidtesting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of control devices and automatically determines time constants during the commissioning phase before normal operation begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming bump tests during operational setup, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system automatically identifies control devices and calculates time constants using its own operational data and embedded algorithms. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external technicians to perform manual bump tests, simultaneously improving measurement precision while reducing time loss and increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If bump tests are performed to determine time constants, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime constant determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem setup simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically identifies control devices and calculates time constants using its own operational data and embedded algorithms. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external technicians to perform manual bump tests, simultaneously improving measurement precision while reducing time loss and increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical bump testing procedures with automated electronic identification and computational algorithms. Control devices are automatically identified by the processor, and time constants are calculated through software-based methods, eliminating the need for physical testing equipment and technician intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If manual testing and expertise are used to determine time constants, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and loss of time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime constant determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem commissioning speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically identifies control devices and calculates time constants using its own operational data and embedded algorithms. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external technicians to perform manual bump tests, simultaneously improving measurement precision while reducing time loss and increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical bump testing procedures with automated electronic identification and computational algorithms. Control devices are automatically identified by the processor, and time constants are calculated through software-based methods, eliminating the need for physical testing equipment and technician intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9612030B2Arrangement and method for automatically determined time constant for a control device

Publication Date: 2017.04.04 GENERAL CYBERNATION GRP INC DBA CYBOSOFT

AI summary

A method includes a step of obtaining in a processing circuit a sequence of elements between a first device and a supply air temperature sensor of an air handling unit. The processing circuit also obtains an estimate for time constants associated with each element of the sequence. The processing circuit adds the time constants to obtain a process time constant estimate. The method further includes controlling a device based at least in part on the process time constant estimate.