HVAC Multi-Mode Control to Balance Pathogen Reduction and Energy Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face challenges in balancing ventilation rates to maintain occupant comfort and reduce energy consumption, especially during conditions like pandemics where increased ventilation is needed to minimize pathogen spread, while also managing indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a controller that senses environmental conditions and dynamically adjusts ventilation rates by selecting from multiple operating modes, including health, energy savings, and balanced modes, using predictive algorithms to optimize fresh air intake and energy consumption based on real-time data and IAQ thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the ventilation rate is increased to reduce pathogen spread, then indoor air quality improves, but energy consumption increases and HVAC system capacity may be exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts ventilation rates based on real-time sensor data (CO2 levels, occupancy detection, temperature, humidity) rather than maintaining a fixed high ventilation rate. The controller continuously optimizes the balance between pathogen reduction and energy consumption by adapting ventilation to actual building conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (ventilation rate, temperature setpoints, humidity levels) based on detected conditions. When high pathogen risk is detected, the system increases ventilation and adjusts temperature/humidity parameters within capacity constraints. When risk is low, parameters are relaxed to reduce energy consumption.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the ventilation rate is increased to maintain indoor air quality, then contaminant levels decrease, but HVAC system capacity may be exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts ventilation rates based on real-time sensor data (CO2 levels, occupancy detection, temperature, humidity) rather than maintaining a fixed high ventilation rate. The controller continuously optimizes the balance between pathogen reduction and energy consumption by adapting ventilation to actual building conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback (CO2 sensors, occupancy sensors, temperature and humidity sensors) to continuously monitor building conditions and adjust ventilation rates accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures contaminant levels are maintained below thresholds while preventing HVAC capacity overload.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the ventilation rate is minimized to reduce energy costs, then energy consumption decreases, but indoor air quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters (ventilation rate, temperature setpoints, humidity levels) based on detected conditions. When high pathogen risk is detected, the system increases ventilation and adjusts temperature/humidity parameters within capacity constraints. When risk is low, parameters are relaxed to reduce energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback (CO2 sensors, occupancy sensors, temperature and humidity sensors) to continuously monitor building conditions and adjust ventilation rates accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures contaminant levels are maintained below thresholds while preventing HVAC capacity overload.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating modes are implemented to balance health and energy savings, then system adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct operating modes (health mode, energy savings mode, balanced mode) that can be independently defined and activated. Each mode has specific control strategies and parameter ranges, making the overall complex system manageable through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated controller that can operate in different modes. The same hardware infrastructure supports health optimization, energy savings, and balanced operation, avoiding the need for separate systems for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for operating a Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system in accordance with one of a plurality of operating modes. The plurality of operating modes include one or more of a health mode, an energy savings mode and a balanced mode. In some cases, the operating modes include two or more energy saving modes. The currently operating mode is selected based on the current operating conditions of the building and the desired goals of the building operator. The goals can include, for example, reducing energy usage, reducing pathogen risks, increasing air quality and/or a combination of these goals. In some cases, the operating modes are autonomously controlled. In some cases, the operating modes are manually controlled.