HVAC Controller Tuning Without Dynamic System Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC system controllers face complexity in determining operating parameters to maintain environmental conditions within a target set point and comfort range due to multiple interacting variables, requiring advanced computational methods and expertise.
Innovation Solution
A user-friendly, non-model-based HVAC system controller with a processor and memory that determines operating parameters based on positive or negative relationships between controlled and manipulated variables, without considering system dynamics or disturbances, using a gain matrix and optimization algorithms to set operating parameters efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If advanced computational methods and expertise are used to determine operating parameters, then environmental conditions can be maintained at target set point, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller segments the control problem into two distinct modes: automatic mode that handles routine environmental control using simplified algorithms, and manual mode that allows operator intervention for exceptional cases. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing precision control when needed while keeping the system simple for normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between automatic and manual modes based on environmental conditions. In automatic mode, the controller uses simplified algorithms with predetermined parameters; when environmental factors exceed thresholds, the system transitions to manual mode with different parameters, thus maintaining precision while avoiding continuous complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manipulated variables are used to control HVAC system, then environmental control capability is improved, but difficulty in determining operating parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs self-service by automatically determining operating parameters for multiple manipulated variables using simplified algorithms. The system monitors environmental factors and autonomously adjusts HVAC parameters without requiring operator expertise in multivariable control, thus maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between environmental factors and manipulated variables. It receives inputs from sensors monitoring temperature, humidity, and other environmental parameters, then automatically computes and outputs appropriate operating parameters for HVAC equipment, eliminating the need for operators to directly manage complex multivariable relationships.
3Measurement precision
If system dynamics and disturbances are considered in control calculations, then control accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller applies partial action by considering only the most significant environmental factors and using simplified algorithms that capture essential control dynamics without modeling all system dynamics and disturbances. This approach achieves sufficient control accuracy for HVAC applications while dramatically reducing computational energy requirements compared to comprehensive dynamic modeling.
Data Source
AI summary
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system controllers are described herein. One HVAC controller includes a user interface configured to receive an indication of whether there is a positive or negative relationship between each of a number of controlled variables of an HVAC system and each of a number of manipulated variables of the HVAC system, a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to determine operating parameters for each of the number of manipulated variables, wherein the determined operating parameters are determined based, at least in part, on whether there is a positive or negative relationship between each respective controlled variable and each respective manipulated variable, and the determined operating parameters are not based on system dynamics and disturbances associated with the HVAC system. The determined operating parameters may be optimal with respect to the current condition of the HVAC system.