Adaptive control of HVAC system
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems often operate with fixed or weather-compensated setpoints, leading to deviations in heating/cooling capacity from building demand, resulting in increased energy consumption and costs due to high authority operations.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive control system that adjusts HVAC setpoints based on demand forecasts using model-free or model-based techniques, updating setpoints at predetermined intervals to match changing demand conditions, thereby optimizing energy usage and comfort levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed or weather-compensated setpoints are used in HVAC systems, then equipment operation is simplified, but heating/cooling capacity deviates from building demand resulting in increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic setpoint adjustment by continuously updating HVAC equipment setpoints based on real-time demand forecasts. The system transitions from static fixed or weather-compensated setpoints to dynamic adaptive setpoints that automatically adjust to match predicted building demand, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfort without requiring complex manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by generating demand forecasts and adjusting HVAC setpoints in advance based on predicted building demand. Rather than reacting to current conditions only, the system anticipates future demand patterns and pre-adjusts equipment operation, enabling more efficient energy usage while maintaining simplicity of operation
2Reliability
If high authority is exerted by the HVAC system to maintain building comfort, then comfort levels are maintained, but energy consumption increases due to inefficient equipment operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual building demand and comparing it with HVAC system output. The system uses this feedback information to iteratively refine setpoint adjustments, ensuring that building comfort is maintained while progressively optimizing energy consumption by matching equipment authority to actual demand levels
3Use of energy by moving object
If adaptive setpoints are implemented to match building demand, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary demand forecast component that acts as a mediator between building sensors and HVAC equipment. This intermediary translates complex building demand patterns into simplified setpoint adjustment signals, reducing the computational complexity required in the HVAC control system while still achieving energy savings through adaptive setpoints
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system for an HVAC system having a plurality of HVAC components comprises a controller having a processor and a memory, the controller in signal communication with at least one of the plurality of HVAC components, the controller configured to: determine an aggregate demand of the HVAC system; determine an initial setpoint in response to the aggregate demand; determine a demand forecast in response to the aggregate demand; determine a setpoint offset in response to the demand forecast; generate an adaptive setpoint by combining the initial setpoint and the setpoint offset; and provide the adaptive setpoint to the at least one of the plurality of HVAC components.