Building Climate Control Using Thermodynamic Model and Real-Time Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems lack efficient control methods that optimize resource use and economical operation, failing to account for building-specific parameters and dynamic environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A thermodynamic model-based method for climate control in buildings, incorporating building physics parameters, internal and external energy sources, occupancy schedules, and environmental factors, which uses sensors and actuators to adjust energy consumption dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional air conditioning control methods are used, then basic climate control is achieved, but resource consumption is high and economic efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future climate conditions and occupancy patterns using a thermodynamic model, then pre-adjusts the climate system accordingly. This allows the system to prepare for upcoming changes in heat loads and cooling demands, optimizing energy usage before peak loads occur rather than reacting after they happen.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adapts to changing conditions by continuously updating the thermodynamic model with real-time sensor data and adjusting control parameters based on predicted occupancy, weather conditions, and building usage patterns. This dynamic approach replaces static control schedules with adaptive, condition-based optimization.
2Measurement precision
If simple control algorithms are used, then system complexity is low, but control precision and resource optimization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a thermodynamic model for building physics calculations, a prediction module for future state estimation, an optimization module for determining control parameters, and execution modules for climate control devices. This segmentation allows complex functions to be implemented through coordinated simple modules, improving precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermodynamic model acts as an intermediary layer between simple sensor inputs and complex control decisions. It translates raw environmental data and occupancy information into predicted thermal states and required adjustments, bridging the gap between simple measurements and precise control actions without requiring direct complex algorithms in the control loop.
3Productivity
If building-specific parameters and environmental factors are not considered, then control system is simple, but climate control accuracy and energy efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates building-specific parameters (insulation properties, thermal mass, window characteristics) and environmental factors (solar radiation, outdoor temperature, humidity) as input parameters to the thermodynamic model. These parameters are used to calculate heat transfer coefficients and predict thermal behavior, enabling accurate climate control tailored to each building's unique characteristics without requiring complex custom hardware.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling the climate in a building using at least one building or process engineering system is provided, the method comprising the following steps: (a) providing a thermodynamic model for the building, the thermodynamic model having at least one input variable; (b) providing actual data of the at least one input variable; (c) determining at least one manipulated variable for the building or process engineering system based on the thermodynamic model and the actual data of the at least one input variable; and (d) controlling the building or process engineering system using the at least one determined manipulated variable.