Chiller Set Point Control Using Predicted Building Heat Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems face inefficiencies in energy usage due to variations in ambient temperature and set point differences, leading to high energy costs and suboptimal operation of chillers.
Innovation Solution
A method that predicts the energy required to maintain a desired temperature by calculating thermal characteristics using measured temperatures and energy usage, and automatically adjusts the chiller set point to optimize energy consumption based on predicted heat flow and energy prices, ensuring efficient operation and cost minimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the chiller operates at a fixed set point to maintain desired temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed set point to a dynamic set point that automatically adjusts based on real-time thermal characteristics and environmental conditions. The system continuously monitors temperature, humidity, solar irradiance, and other parameters to optimize the set point, thereby maintaining temperature stability while reducing energy consumption through adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the set point parameter dynamically based on measured thermal characteristics and predicted heat flow. By adjusting the set point according to actual building thermal response and external conditions, the system achieves both temperature stability and energy efficiency, resolving the contradiction between fixed operation and adaptive optimization.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the chiller set point is adjusted frequently to optimize energy consumption, then energy cost is reduced, but system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of thermal characteristics and predicts future heat flow based on measured data and environmental forecasts. By pre-computing optimal set point adjustments and considering the thermal mass and response time of the building, the system avoids frequent destabilizing changes while still achieving energy optimization through planned, gradual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring actual temperature, energy consumption, and environmental conditions, then adjusting the set point based on this feedback. The feedback mechanism ensures that set point changes maintain system stability while achieving energy cost reduction, as the system responds to actual performance rather than making arbitrary adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If separate control systems are used for chiller and room temperature, then control simplicity is improved, but overall system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chiller control system with the room temperature control system into an integrated system. The integrated system shares common sensors, communication protocols, and control algorithms, allowing simultaneous optimization of both chiller operation and room temperature maintenance. This integration improves overall system efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through unified control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system achieves multi-functionality by serving both chiller set point determination and room temperature regulation simultaneously. The same control algorithm optimizes energy consumption at the chiller level while ensuring comfortable temperatures in occupied spaces, eliminating the need for separate specialized control systems and improving overall efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a chiller is disclosed. The method includes predicting, by a controller, a quantity of energy used by a chiller, based on a predicted flow of heat into one or more rooms in a building, to maintain a temperature of the one or more rooms in a building at a desired temperature during each of a first plurality of time periods of a chilling cycle. The predicted flow of heat is calculated using a predicted condition. A set point of the chiller is automatically adjusted during the chilling cycle using the predicted quantity of energy.