Centralized HVAC Scheduling Across Multi-Site Equipment Sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC and automation systems require separate scheduling for each individual system, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational effort, especially in sites with multiple systems across different locations.
Innovation Solution
A centralized controller system that communicatively couples with multiple sets of HVAC, refrigeration, and automation equipment, determining and synchronizing operation schedules based on similarities and differences in configurations, locations, and ambient environments, allowing for mass scheduling and remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate controllers and individual scheduling are used for each HVAC, refrigeration, or automation system, then each system can be independently controlled, but the operational effort and complexity increase significantly when managing multiple systems across different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate scheduling systems into a single centralized controller that manages HVAC, refrigeration, and automation systems across multiple locations. The controller receives schedules from a single source and distributes them to various equipment sets, eliminating the need for separate scheduling operations for each system while maintaining independent control capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If individual scheduling is applied to each system at every location, then local specificities can be addressed, but the time and effort required to consistently schedule all systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scheduling process into two distinct phases: a single centralized schedule creation phase where the operator defines operational parameters once, and multiple local distribution phases where the controller automatically adapts and applies the schedule to different equipment sets at various locations. This segmentation eliminates repetitive manual scheduling while preserving local customization through automated parameter adaptation.
3Productivity
If mass scheduling is implemented to reduce operational effort, then scheduling efficiency improves, but the ability to accommodate local differences and configurations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling the centralized controller to receive a single master schedule and automatically adapt it to local conditions at each location. The controller compares equipment configurations, locations, and ambient environments to determine which schedule parameters should be customized for each local setting while maintaining overall schedule consistency. This allows mass scheduling efficiency while preserving necessary local adaptations.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller configured to communicatively couple to at least two sets of equipment. At least one set of equipment includes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, refrigeration equipment, or building automation equipment. For each set of equipment, the controller determines an operation schedule for the respective set of equipment. The controller also communicates the operation schedule to the respective set of equipment, for each set of equipment. The controller may receive a request to perform mass scheduling. The request indicates which sets of equipment and which settings of the operation schedule are to be configured using the mass scheduling. The controller may also communicate the same values for the settings that the request indicates to configure using the mass scheduling to each set of equipment that the request indicates to configure using the mass scheduling.