Multistage HVAC system with discrete device selection prioritization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building control systems face challenges in optimizing the selection of discrete HVAC devices to achieve desired heating or cooling capacities, leading to user dissatisfaction due to inadequate control decisions that affect device lifetime and performance.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that identifies the desired capacity of heating or cooling, generates combinations of discrete devices to achieve this capacity, filters out combinations that do not meet requirements, and selects the optimal combination based on runtime or transition count to minimize device wear and tear, thereby extending device lifetime and improving performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If discrete HVAC devices are turned on and off in various combinations to achieve various capacities, then the desired heating or cooling capacity is provided, but the lifetime and performance of the devices are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects device combinations based on real-time operational data including runtime and transition counts. The controller adapts its control strategy by prioritizing devices with lower transition counts and balancing runtime distribution across the device fleet, transforming a static on/off control approach into a dynamic optimization process that extends device lifetime while maintaining required capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters from simple on/off states to a multi-parameter optimization framework that considers runtime, transition counts, and device priorities. By modifying these control parameters and their weighting, the system achieves the desired capacity while minimizing wear on individual devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
2Device complexity
If control decisions are made without optimizing device transitions, then the system operation is simplified, but user dissatisfaction occurs due to inadequate control decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller autonomously optimizes device selection by automatically collecting operational data, evaluating multiple device combinations, and making intelligent control decisions without user intervention. The system self-adjusts based on runtime and transition count metrics, providing sophisticated control that enhances user satisfaction while keeping the user interface simple and the control process transparent.
3Reliability
If device transitions are minimized to extend lifetime, then the number of on/off cycles is reduced, but the ability to respond to changing heating or cooling demands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of multiple device combinations and their potential impacts on device lifetime before making control decisions. By pre-calculating transition counts and runtime distributions for various capacity scenarios, the system is prepared to quickly select optimal device combinations when demands change, thus maintaining both device lifetime and adaptability to changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a plurality of devices of a building control system that operate in parallel to provide a desired capacity of heating or cooling for a building space includes a capacity identifier configured to identify the desired capacity of heating or cooling for the building space. The controller further includes a combination finder configured to generate a list of combinations of devices that can be energized to provide the desired capacity. The controller further includes a combination filter configured to remove any combinations from the list that do not meet one or more requirements. The controller further includes a combination selector configured to select one of the combinations based on at least one of a runtime and a transition count. The controller further includes a signal generator configured to generate control signals in accordance with the selected combination and operate the plurality of devices using the control signals.