Energy optimization for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC)
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems rely on static temperature set points that do not account for dynamic occupancy and environmental conditions, leading to inefficient energy consumption, increased operational costs, and reduced occupant comfort.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic method for optimizing HVAC systems by adjusting temperature set points and VAV flow rates based on real-time occupancy data, incorporating Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) techniques to ensure thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static temperature set points are used in HVAC systems, then system operation is simplified, but energy consumption increases and occupant comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature set points that automatically adjust based on real-time occupancy detection. Sensors monitor occupancy levels and the control system dynamically modifies temperature set points for different zones, transitioning from static to dynamic operation to reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where occupancy sensors continuously monitor zone occupancy and feed this information back to the control system. The control system then adjusts temperature set points based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy usage while responding to actual occupancy conditions.
2Device complexity
If static temperature set points are used in HVAC systems, then system complexity is reduced, but occupant comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the facility into multiple zones with independent temperature control. Each zone has its own occupancy sensors and can be controlled independently, allowing the system to address comfort needs in different areas without requiring complex centralized control of the entire facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different temperature set points to different zones based on local occupancy conditions. Each zone receives customized temperature control appropriate to its specific occupancy level and environmental conditions, improving overall occupant comfort through localized adjustments rather than uniform system-wide changes.
3Loss of energy
If dynamic occupancy-based adjustments are implemented, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature set points that automatically adjust based on real-time occupancy detection. Sensors monitor occupancy levels and the control system dynamically modifies temperature set points for different zones, transitioning from static to dynamic operation to reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically adjust temperature set points based on occupancy sensor input without requiring manual intervention. The control system self-regulates by processing sensor data and implementing temperature adjustments autonomously, reducing the need for complex manual control procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for optimizing energy utilized by a HVAC system in a facility are described. In one aspect, one or more parameters corresponding to a zone from amongst a plurality of zones within the facility are obtained. The one or more parameters include occupancy data, facility data, and an occupancy schedule, where the occupancy data indicates a number of occupants present in the zone at a first instance of time. Further, an optimum temperature set point of the zone in correspondence to the one or more parameters is determined and a current temperature set point of the zone is transitioned to the optimum temperature set point of the zone, where the transitioning to the optimum temperature set point of the zone is to optimize energy utilization of the zone. Similarly, techniques of the present subject matter optimize a Variable Air Volume (VAV) flow rate of the zone in correspondence to the one or more parameters.