HVAC Energy Assessment Using Image Recognition for Rapid Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial building owners face challenges in efficiently optimizing energy consumption in HVAC systems due to the need for extensive manual intervention, high costs, and prolonged project timelines, which hinder the adoption of energy efficiency measures.
Innovation Solution
The Online Assessment and Manifestation (OLAAM) system uses image recognition technology to analyze building management system screens, combining this with weather and utility data to provide real-time energy savings estimates and simulations, allowing for rapid identification and implementation of energy efficiency projects without requiring physical presence or substantial resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual assessment methods are used for HVAC energy optimization, then detailed analysis can be performed, but extensive manual intervention and prolonged project timelines are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assessment processes with an automated image recognition system that uses computer vision to analyze HVAC system screenshots, extracting equipment data and calculating energy savings automatically, thereby eliminating extensive manual intervention while maintaining assessment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital replica of the HVAC system by capturing screenshots from building management systems and using image recognition to extract equipment information, replacing the need for physical site visits and manual data collection while preserving measurement precision
2Loss of energy
If traditional energy efficiency projects are implemented, then energy savings can be achieved, but high costs and substantial resource requirements hinder adoption
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service energy assessment by allowing building owners to simply capture screenshots of their HVAC system interfaces, which are then automatically analyzed by the image recognition algorithm to provide energy savings calculations, eliminating the need for expensive external consultants and complex project management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying of system interfaces through screenshots to create a virtual model of the HVAC system, replacing the need for physical equipment inspection and complex measurement devices, thereby reducing project complexity and costs while maintaining energy savings accuracy
3Measurement precision
If detailed on-site assessment is conducted, then accurate energy consumption data can be obtained, but physical presence and substantial resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes physical site visits and manual measurement devices with an automated image recognition system that extracts energy consumption data from digital screenshots, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for physical presence
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses screenshots as an intermediary between the building management system and the analysis process, allowing accurate energy consumption measurement to be obtained through digital image capture rather than direct physical measurement, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining precision
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, in a computer, a digital screen capture of a representation of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system depicting different elements of the HVAC system, interconnections between the different elements, and current operating parameters employed for the different elements. The method also includes performing, by a processor of the computer, an image recognition operation on the digital screen capture that identifies the depicted elements, and recognizes the depicted current operating parameters for the different depicted elements. The method further includes analyzing, by the processor of the computer, the different recognized current operating parameters to determine current energy consumption values for the HVAC system. Obtainable energy savings values for the HVAC system are calculated based on the identified depicted elements, the different recognized current operating parameters, and the current energy consumption values, and the energy savings values are output.