HVAC Control Framework for Automated Site Commissioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems require manual updates for each device, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially in large building sites with varied configurations, such as central plants and variable refrigerant flow systems.
Innovation Solution
A cloud computing system automatically commissions and operates HVAC systems by querying site information, constructing an asset allocator model, generating control variables, and adjusting equipment operations, optimizing energy use across different types of HVAC equipment and resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual updates are performed for each device in the HVAC system, then individual device control is achieved, but time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control of multiple individual HVAC devices into a unified cloud-based control system. The asset allocator model aggregates equipment data, relationships, and control logic into a single centralized system that manages all devices simultaneously, eliminating the need for manual individual updates while maintaining precise device-level control through automated algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud computing system as an intermediary between operators and HVAC devices. This intermediary automatically handles device control by querying site information, constructing asset allocator models, generating control variables, and adjusting equipment operations, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual intervention while preserving individual device controllability.
2Productivity
If automated cloud-based control is implemented, then time efficiency and operational speed improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal asset allocator model that handles multiple HVAC system types (central plants, variable refrigerant flow systems, airside systems) through a single unified framework. This multi-functional model manages diverse equipment including chillers, heaters, pumps, fans, and air handling units, reducing operational complexity by providing consistent control mechanisms across different system configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages system complexity by dynamically adjusting control variables and parameters within the asset allocator model based on real-time site information. The system automatically modifies equipment operating parameters such as temperature setpoints, flow rates, and equipment sequencing without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, thereby maintaining high productivity while controlling operational complexity through adaptive parameter optimization.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive site information querying is performed, then accuracy of asset allocator model improves, but data processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-querying and storing site information including equipment data, relationships, and operational parameters before control decisions are needed. The system maintains updated asset allocator models with comprehensive site information readily available, enabling rapid control responses without repeated data processing while ensuring high model accuracy through pre-captured detailed site information.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automatically commissioning and operating a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system for a building site are provided. An exemplary method includes constructing a model using physical equipment of the HVAC system and relationships between the physical equipment. The model indicates connections between the physical equipment and one or more resources produced or consumed by the physical equipment. The method includes generating a mapping between points of the physical equipment at the building site and corresponding variables of the model, using the model to generate values of one or more control variables of the model, and operating the physical equipment by providing the values of the control variables to corresponding points of the physical equipment based on the mapping.