Methods of reducing consumption of energy and other resources associated with operating buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building codes and standards for ventilation, particularly the concept of 'net free vent area', lack scientific rationale, fail to address fundamental physical objectives, and are not adaptable to varying climatic conditions, leading to inefficient energy use and temperature regulation in buildings.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a comprehensive understanding of thermal and aerodynamic behavior in buildings through advanced control systems that utilize sensors and actuators, along with reduced order models, to modulate air flow and temperature, optimizing energy expenditure and improving indoor conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional building codes and standards for ventilation are used, then building construction is simplified, but energy consumption increases and temperature regulation becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting ventilation parameters (air flow rates, opening areas) based on real-time thermal and aerodynamic conditions. Sensors monitor temperature, humidity, and air flow, and the system modifies ventilation parameters accordingly, transitioning from fixed code-based specifications to dynamic optimized parameters that reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamics by creating an adaptive ventilation system that continuously responds to changing environmental conditions. The system uses real-time sensor data to dynamically adjust air flow control devices, making the ventilation system flexible and responsive rather than static, thereby optimizing energy usage under varying climatic conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional building codes and standards for ventilation are used, then building construction is simplified, but temperature regulation becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to continuously monitor thermal conditions (temperature, humidity) and air flow parameters. This information feeds back to the control system, which adjusts ventilation actuator positions to optimize temperature regulation. The closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain desired thermal conditions while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by using predictive algorithms and reduced-order models to anticipate thermal conditions and pre-adjust ventilation settings before extreme conditions occur. This proactive approach allows the system to prepare for upcoming thermal loads, improving temperature regulation efficiency while avoiding excessive energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If advanced control systems with sensors and actuators are implemented, then energy consumption is reduced and temperature regulation is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the building ventilation system to autonomously monitor, analyze, and adjust its own operation using integrated sensors, control algorithms, and actuators. The system self-regulates air flow and temperature without requiring external manual intervention, reducing energy consumption while managing its own complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements universality by designing a multi-functional control system that simultaneously performs thermal monitoring, air flow measurement, predictive modeling, and actuator control. This integrated approach consolidates multiple functions into a unified system, reducing overall complexity compared to separate specialized systems while achieving optimized energy consumption and temperature regulation.
4Ease of manufacture
If building codes use fixed net free vent area concepts, then design and construction are simplified, but adaptability to varying climatic conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed static ventilation specifications into dynamic adaptive parameters. The system continuously adjusts air flow rates and opening areas based on real-time climatic conditions, building thermal state, and occupancy patterns. This dynamic approach replaces fixed code-based net free vent area concepts with flexible, condition-dependent parameters that adapt to varying climatic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies parameter changes by transitioning from fixed ventilation parameters specified in building codes to dynamically optimized parameters determined by real-time sensing and control algorithms. The system modifies air flow parameters, opening areas, and ventilation rates based on measured thermal and aerodynamic conditions, enabling adaptability to varying climates while maintaining design simplicity through automated control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces energy consumption, extends the lifespan of building materials, and provides a more scientific basis for air flow management, overcoming the limitations of existing building codes and standards.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor to provide electronic signals representing solar radiation levels
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor to provide electronic signals representing ambient air temperature levels, and at least one sensor to provide electronic signals representing air temperature in said at least one secondary compartment
Implementation Method 3
controlling means to modulate the throughput of passive air flow to and from said at least one secondary compartment
Implementation Method 4
a second compartment of said building, other than said primary compartment, in which air can one or both of actively or passively be exchanged with the outside of said building
Implementation Method 5
said control system using said at least one reduced order model or simplified discretized numerical model to derive control signals suitable at least approximate said at least one system target
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns predominantly enclosed spaces, typically buildings, which are at least exposed to directionally and temporally varying levels of solar electromagnetic radiation as well as temporally varying levels of ambient air temperature and ambient air flow velocity and direction.Methods for at least approximating any one or any combination of system targets of a) reducing the average energy expenditure for keeping at least one primary compartment of a building within a desired temperature range by means of active air conditioning, or b) reducing temperature variations during a typical 24-hour cycle within said at least one primary compartment of said building, or c) reducing one or both of the average temperature or the peak temperature of said at least one primary compartment of said building. Methods for at least partially increasing the typical lifetime of some components of buildings and thus reducing resources associated with maintaining at least some buildings function.