Building Equipment Stability Index for Predictive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems require a large number of data points and specific methods to determine equipment stability, which limits their applicability across different types of equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method for calculating a stability index based on a timeseries of errors between actual and setpoint values, allowing for fault detection and predictive control adjustments in building equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional building management systems use multiple data points and specific methods to determine equipment stability, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential stability determination logic from complex traditional systems by isolating the core calculation to a single stability index formula that uses only two parameters (actual value and setpoint), eliminating the need for multiple data points and complex analysis methods while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for stability determination from multiple complex data points to a simplified approach using only the actual value and setpoint difference, transforming the stability assessment into a straightforward calculation of deviation from target values
2Measurement precision
If traditional methods use specific identification methods for particular equipment types, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal stability index calculation method that can be applied to any building equipment regardless of type, using the same fundamental approach of comparing actual values to setpoints, thereby achieving both measurement precision and broad adaptability across HVAC, lighting, security, and other building systems
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of developing specific identification methods for each equipment type, the patent inverts the approach by creating a single generic method that works for all equipment types, eliminating the need for equipment-specific algorithms while maintaining detection accuracy
3Reliability
If a large number of data points are collected for equipment monitoring, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary minimum data points (actual value and setpoint) required for stability determination, avoiding the collection of excessive data while maintaining sufficient reliability for accurate equipment monitoring and fault detection
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes obtaining an actual value of a condition affected by operating the building equipment, operating the building equipment using a setpoint for the condition, calculating a stability index based on a timeseries of errors between the actual value and the setpoint, comparing the stability index to a criterion, in response to the stability index satisfying the criterion, executing an action relating to the building equipment, and in response to the stability index not satisfying the criterion, not executing the action.