Building energy analysis and management system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building professionals lack an affordable and reliable method to accurately determine HVAC system inefficiencies and verify performance improvements, making it difficult to manage energy consumption and identify necessary upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A system that measures and verifies HVAC unit performance using pressure independent valves, collects data through Surge Panels, and analyzes it with an analysis server to generate optimizations and control signals, accounting for external conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional HVAC monitoring systems are used, then basic temperature control is achieved, but measurement precision of critical variables is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring function into multiple specialized sensors distributed throughout the HVAC system, each measuring specific critical variables (temperature, humidity, pressure, airflow) with high precision. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific measurement task while the central controller integrates all measurements for comprehensive analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The central controller serves multiple functions: it collects data from all sensors, processes measurements, compares actual performance against baseline and predicted values, generates optimization recommendations, and controls HVAC equipment. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single intelligent unit while enabling precise measurement across all system parameters.
2Reliability
If baseline comparisons are made to determine HVAC inefficiencies, then performance verification is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to constantly changing factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors HVAC performance and compares actual measurements against baseline values and predicted performance. This feedback loop identifies deviations that indicate inefficiencies or equipment problems. The system adjusts control parameters based on this feedback to maintain optimal performance despite changing external conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes baseline performance values for each HVAC unit under various operating conditions. These baselines are stored and used for comparison when actual performance data is collected. By having baseline data ready in advance, the system can quickly identify performance deviations without complex real-time calculations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC systems lack granular control, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to implement improvements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic control of HVAC equipment by continuously adjusting operational parameters based on real-time sensor data and optimization recommendations. Control parameters such as fan speeds, valve positions, and temperature setpoints are dynamically modified to optimize energy consumption and performance. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to changing conditions without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to a building energy analysis and management system for measurement and verification of building performance. The system can analyze, optimize, manage, maintain, trouble shoot, and/or modify building systems, such as HVAC systems, in connection with the building energy usage. Measurements may be gathered for one or more HVAC units coupled to pressure independent valves, and sent to one or more Surge Panels that pass data to remote analysis servers, which can receive other system or external data. The analysis servers compare measurements to predicted values and can standardize the predicted values to account for external conditions. The comparison can result in difference values used to generate probable causes and optimization recommendations. The system outputs reports or other data display using a graphical user interface that can be adjusted for an anticipated user.