Environmental control management system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building environmental control systems face challenges in efficiently managing energy usage, as they often require repetitive adjustments to set points, leading to high energy consumption and unwanted system errors due to overlapping operations of multiple units, which results in exceeding demand peak limits.
Innovation Solution
An environmental control management system is implemented, comprising a static data store, a dynamic user data store, and a controller that schedules the operation of effectors based on occupancy patterns and weather data, using a run time, ramp time, and load rolling engine to maintain electrical loads below meter demand targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If environmental control system set points are adjusted frequently to maintain comfort, then occupant comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases and demand peak limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-cooling or pre-heating spaces before predicted occupancy periods based on calendar data and historical patterns. This allows the environmental control system to reach desired comfort levels in advance, reducing the need for frequent adjustments during occupied periods and thereby lowering overall energy consumption while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts set points and operational schedules based on real-time data including actual occupancy patterns, weather forecasts, and energy price signals. This dynamic optimization allows the system to balance comfort requirements with energy consumption by adapting to changing conditions rather than using static, conservative settings.
2Ease of operation
If multiple environmental control units operate simultaneously to maintain comfort, then occupant comfort is improved, but demand peak limits are exceeded causing system errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the operation of multiple environmental control units by assigning them staggered schedules based on occupancy patterns and spatial relationships. Instead of all units operating simultaneously, the controller coordinates their operation to serve different zones at different times, maintaining comfort where needed while preventing aggregate demand from exceeding peak limits that cause system errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from demand sensors, occupancy detectors, and central plant monitors to continuously adjust unit operation. When approaching demand peak limits, the system receives feedback signals and automatically modifies schedules or reduces capacity of non-critical units, preventing system errors while maintaining comfort in occupied zones.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and method for environmental control management. In response to a controller, sensors and effectors throughout a physical site operate to maintain the temperature, humidity, and/or peak energy usage of the physical site within parameters selected for occupant comfort and economical operation while accommodating changing occupancy patterns.