Building Balance Point Temperature After Shell Improvements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power utilities face challenges in accurately forecasting power generation and consumption, particularly from photovoltaic systems and residential consumers, due to variability, data collection limitations, and incomplete configuration data, which complicates grid balancing and energy planning.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a digital computer to analyze building thermal performance and solar irradiance data, combined with meteorological data, to estimate balance point temperature and disaggregate energy consumption, enabling remote assessment of building modifications and photovoltaic fleet performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional power measurement and forecasting methods are used, then power grid operation can be maintained, but accurate gauging of photovoltaic fleet power generation and residential power consumption is insufficient due to variability and lack of reliable data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces balance point temperature as an intermediary parameter that mediates between building characteristics, weather conditions, and power consumption. This intermediary enables indirect but accurate measurement of power generation and consumption by photovoltaic systems and buildings, resolving the data reliability issue while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct physical measurement systems with a computational model-based approach. Instead of relying on direct sensors and measurements that suffer from variability and reliability issues, the system uses mathematical models incorporating balance point temperature to infer power generation and consumption, achieving both precision and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If detailed empirical testing is conducted to determine building characteristics, then measurement precision improves, but time consumption and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of balance point temperature through empirical testing or modeling, and then uses this pre-determined parameter for ongoing power generation and consumption assessments. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated detailed testing, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts from measuring multiple varying building parameters continuously to determining a single stable parameter (balance point temperature) that captures essential building characteristics. This parameter change reduces measurement complexity and time requirements while preserving measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If balance point temperature is determined through traditional empirical methods, then accurate power consumption estimation is achieved, but the process requires intrusive testing and detailed building information that is difficult to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the building itself to 'provide' its balance point temperature characteristic through its operational response to temperature changes, without requiring intrusive external testing. The building's thermal behavior naturally reveals its balance point temperature, making data collection easy while maintaining estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses balance point temperature as an intermediary that bridges the gap between easily observable building operations and accurate power consumption estimation. This intermediary parameter can be derived from routine operational data without intrusive testing, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.
4Loss of energy
If modifications to building shell are made to improve efficiency, then energy consumption decreases, but determining the new balance point temperature becomes complex and requires re-testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent models the change in balance point temperature resulting from building shell modifications using a mathematical relationship that incorporates the fractional improvement in thermal conductivity. This parameter-based approach avoids complex re-testing while accurately reflecting the reduced energy consumption, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency improvement and determination complexity.
5Ease of operation
If remote estimation methods are used for power consumption analysis, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct physical measurement systems with a computational model that uses balance point temperature to infer power consumption remotely. This substitution maintains measurement precision while significantly improving ease of operation, as the model can process remote data without requiring physical presence or intrusive sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces balance point temperature as an intermediary parameter that enables accurate remote estimation of power consumption. This intermediary bridges the gap between easily obtainable remote data and precise consumption measurements, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining a balance point of a building that has undergone or is about to undergo modifications (such as shell improvements) are provided. A balance point of the building before the modifications can be determined using empirical data. Total thermal conductivity of the building before and after the modifications is determined and compared. Indoor temperature of the building is obtained. The balance point temperature after the modifications can be determined using a result of the comparison, the temperature inside the building, and the pre-modification balance point temperature. Knowing post-modification balance point temperature allows power grid operators to take into account fuel consumption by that building when planning for power production and distribution. Knowing the post-improvement balance point temperature also provides owners of the building information on which they can base the decision whether to implement the improvements.