HVAC system grading systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC system monitoring methods are costly and time-consuming due to the need for multiple discrete sensors to measure current individually for each component, making it prohibitive for widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system that integrates an air handler monitor module and a condensing monitor module to track aggregate current data, using frequency domain analysis and statistical analysis to determine the operation of individual components, reducing the number of necessary sensors and providing remote monitoring and diagnostic capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple discrete sensors are used to measure current individually for each component, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete current sensors into a single aggregate current sensor that measures the total current drawn by the HVAC system. This single sensor replaces what would traditionally require multiple individual sensors for each component, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while still enabling component-level monitoring through signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregate current sensor serves multiple functions: it monitors the overall system current, and through frequency domain analysis, it indirectly monitors individual component currents. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each component, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple discrete sensors are installed for each component, then monitoring reliability is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensor installations into a single aggregate current sensor installation, the patent reduces installation complexity, time, and cost. The single sensor is installed at the main power input to the HVAC system, eliminating the need for multiple installation points while maintaining monitoring reliability through advanced signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal analysis techniques (frequency domain analysis, statistical analysis) as intermediaries that translate the aggregate current signal into component-level monitoring data. This intermediary processing layer enables reliable component monitoring without requiring physical sensors at each component, thereby reducing installation burden.
3Device complexity
If aggregate current data is used instead of individual component currents, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for individual components decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic signal analysis techniques, specifically frequency domain analysis, to the aggregate current signal. By analyzing the frequency spectrum of the current signal, the system can identify and separate the current signatures of individual components (compressor, condenser fan, evaporator fan) even though they are measured collectively, thereby maintaining measurement precision while using a single sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement domain from time-domain current measurements to frequency-domain analysis. By changing the parameter domain from direct current magnitude to frequency spectrum characteristics, the system can extract individual component current information from the aggregate signal, resolving the precision-loss issue while maintaining device simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A first tracking module increments a first period of time when a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building is ON during a predetermined period of time. A second tracking module increments a second period of time when, during the predetermined period of time: (i) the HVAC system is ON and (ii) a split temperature of the HVAC system is outside of a temperature range of the HVAC system. A grade determination module determines a grade of the HVAC system for the predetermined period of time based on both the first period of time and the second period of time. A reporting module generates a displayable report for the HVAC system for the predetermined period of time. The report includes the grade of the HVAC system for the predetermined period of time.