Central plant control system with setpoints modification based on physical constraints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Central plant HVAC systems face challenges in optimizing operating parameters to satisfy physical constraints and target thermal energy loads, which can lead to equipment damage and inefficient energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that determines the ratio of flow rates between HVAC devices connected in parallel, generates candidate sets of operating parameters, predicts thermodynamic states, and adjusts to ensure compliance with physical constraints and target thermal energy loads, using a processing circuit to perform least squares optimization and adjust outlet temperatures and thermal energy loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If operating parameters are optimized to meet target thermal energy loads, then energy efficiency is improved, but physical constraints such as temperature limits may be violated causing equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary prediction of thermodynamic states before finalizing operating parameters. The controller predicts outlet temperatures and thermodynamic states based on candidate operating parameters, and only selects parameters that satisfy physical constraints before implementation, preventing equipment damage proactively
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where the controller continuously monitors actual thermodynamic states and compares them with predicted states. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust operating parameters in real-time to maintain both energy efficiency and equipment safety
2Reliability
If operating parameters are adjusted to satisfy physical constraints, then equipment reliability is improved, but thermal energy load distribution accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters within a range rather than fixing them at static values. The controller generates multiple candidate sets of operating parameters and selects the optimal set that best satisfies both physical constraints and thermal energy load requirements, allowing flexible adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple operating parameters simultaneously (flow rates, temperatures, capacities) to achieve the desired outcome. By adjusting parameters in a coordinated manner rather than individually, the system maintains thermal energy load distribution accuracy while satisfying physical constraints
3Measurement precision
If the system generates and evaluates multiple candidate sets of operating parameters, then optimization accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the parameter optimization process into distinct stages: generating candidate sets based on flow rate ratios, predicting thermodynamic states for each candidate, evaluating constraints, and selecting the optimal set. This segmentation makes the complex optimization problem more manageable and computationally efficient
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for operating an energy plant. In one aspect, a system determines a ratio of flow rates between devices of the energy plant connected in parallel with each other in a branch. The system generates a candidate set of operating parameters of the devices according to the ratio of flow rates. The system predicts thermodynamic states of the devices operating according to the candidate set of operating parameters. The system determines whether the predicted thermodynamic states satisfy constraints of the devices. The system determines whether the predicted thermodynamic states satisfy a target thermal energy load of the branch based on the ratio of the flow rates. The system operates the energy plant according to the candidate set of operating parameters, in response to determining that the predicted thermodynamic states satisfy the constraints and the target thermal energy load.