Energy System Simulation Scheduling for Cost-Aware HVAC Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy management systems fail to adapt to changing energy costs and user needs, as they do not account for energy usage or costs, requiring manual adjustments and lacking intelligence in optimizing energy consumption or production.

Innovation Solution

A facility that uses model-based simulations to identify energy system components, assess environmental conditions, and generate optimal schedules for energy adjustments based on user preferences and energy costs, employing techniques like meta-heuristic optimization to determine the most cost-effective or energy-efficient schedules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If automated schedules are used to control energy systems, then energy consumption can be reduced, but the system cannot adapt to changing energy costs and user needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidadaptability to changing energy costs and user needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic scheduling that automatically adjusts energy system operation based on real-time energy costs, user availability, and task priorities. The system transitions from static predetermined schedules to dynamic adaptive schedules that respond to changing conditions, resolving the contradiction between energy reduction and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor energy costs, user responses to schedule adjustments, and task completion status. This feedback enables the system to learn from user preferences and optimize schedules iteratively, maintaining both energy efficiency and adaptability to changing needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by stationary object

If predetermined temperature schedules are set for heating and cooling systems, then energy usage can be controlled, but the system requires manual adjustment and does not account for energy costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy usage of heating and cooling systemVSAvoidmanual adjustment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically generating and adjusting temperature schedules without requiring manual user intervention. It autonomously optimizes heating and cooling schedules based on energy costs, task requirements, and learned user preferences, eliminating the need for manual adjustments while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of thermostats with an intelligent automated system that uses computational algorithms to optimize temperature schedules. This substitution eliminates manual operation requirements while achieving better energy management through cost-aware scheduling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If energy systems operate without considering energy costs, then simple control is maintained, but optimization of energy costs and consumption is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidenergy cost optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates energy cost as a dynamic parameter in the scheduling optimization process. By integrating cost parameters alongside task requirements and user preferences, the system achieves cost-effective energy optimization without significantly increasing operational complexity, as the cost parameter is automatically processed by the scheduling algorithm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11782465B2Optimization of energy use through model-based simulations

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 UPLIGHT INC

AI summary

A facility implementing systems and/or methods for achieving energy consumption/production and cost goals is described. The facility identifies various components of an energy system and assesses the environment in which those components operate. Based on the identified components and assessments, the facility generates a model to simulate different series/schedules of adjustments to the system and how those adjustments will effect energy consumption or production. Using the model, and based on identified patterns, preferences, and forecasted weather conditions, the facility can identify an optimal series or schedule of adjustments to achieve the user's goals and provide the schedule to the system for implementation. The model may be constructed using a time-series of energy consumption and thermostat states to estimate parameters and algorithms of the system. Using the model, the facility can simulate the behavior of the system and, by changing simulated inputs and measuring simulated output, optimize use of the system.