HVAC Controller for Integrated Airside-Waterside Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face challenges in optimizing both airside and waterside systems simultaneously, leading to suboptimal performance due to separate optimization approaches that do not account for energy storage/generation capabilities, resulting in increased complexity and resource inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An integrated airside/waterside optimization process is implemented, where a HVAC controller receives inputs from both systems to determine control outputs that optimize resource consumption and thermal energy production, using a predictive cost model and performance curves to adjust variables in real-time, allowing for simultaneous optimization of both systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate optimization approaches are used for airside and waterside systems, then the optimization process is simpler to implement, but the system performance becomes suboptimal due to not accounting for energy storage/generation capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate airside and waterside optimization processes into a single integrated optimization framework. The controller simultaneously optimizes both systems by formulating a unified objective function that considers airside comfort constraints and waterside energy consumption, allowing the systems to interact and share information about energy storage and generation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimization controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously manages airside HVAC equipment, waterside HVAC equipment, thermal energy storage systems, and renewable energy generation. This multi-functional approach allows the single controller to coordinate all subsystems to achieve overall system optimization rather than isolated subsystem optimization.
2Productivity
If integrated airside/waterside optimization is implemented, then system efficiency and resource management improve, but the optimization problem complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex integrated optimization problem into manageable components by formulating distinct objective functions and constraint sets for airside and waterside systems. The airside optimization focuses on comfort constraints and load requirements, while the waterside optimization focuses on energy consumption and thermal storage management. These segmented sub-problems are then solved within a unified framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimization system dynamically changes parameters such as supply air temperature, chilled water temperature, thermal storage charge/discharge rates, and renewable energy utilization based on real-time conditions. By adjusting these parameters within defined ranges and constraints, the system navigates the complex optimization landscape to find optimal operating points that balance efficiency and feasibility.
3Ease of operation
If airside optimization is performed first with predicted loads as fixed parameters, then the airside system can be optimized independently, but the initial optimization becomes suboptimal due to lack of awareness about waterside energy storage capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary optimization of the airside system to determine comfort requirements and cooling/heating loads. These results are then used as inputs to the waterside optimization, which determines the most efficient way to meet those loads considering thermal energy storage and renewable generation. This sequential yet integrated approach allows each subsystem to be optimized with awareness of the other's capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optimization framework establishes feedback loops where the airside optimization results inform waterside decisions, and waterside energy availability constraints feed back to adjust airside operating parameters. This bidirectional feedback ensures that both systems are optimized with full awareness of each other's capabilities and limitations, improving overall optimization accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a controller (402) for a building heating, ventilating, or air conditioning (HVAC) system. The controller (402) is characterized by a processor (408) configured to: perform an integrated airside/waterside control process to determine control outputs for both waterside HVAC equipment and airside HVAC equipment of the HVAC system simultaneously, such that the control outputs for the airside HVAC equipment are based on the control outputs for the waterside HVAC equipment and vice versa; and provide the control outputs to the waterside HVAC equipment and the airside HVAC equipment for use in controlling the waterside HVAC equipment and the airside HVAC equipment. Performing the integrated airside/waterside control process comprises determining both a heating/cooling demand of the building and the control outputs that cause the HVAC system to satisfy the heating/cooling demand. Also provided is a method for controlling a building HVAC system.