HVAC Multi-Zone Monitoring Using Temporal Interdependency Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration and coordination of building control systems and HVAC devices from different manufacturers pose logistical and technical complexities, making it difficult to monitor and control multi-zone HVAC systems efficiently without relying on a building control or automation system.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that receives operating variables from HVAC devices, determines temporal courses, detects interdependencies, and groups variables and devices into sets to control the HVAC system independently, allowing for monitoring and control of individual devices and their interactions within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If building control systems and HVAC devices from different manufacturers are integrated, then the HVAC system can be controlled, but logistical and technical complexities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized communication interface and protocol as an intermediary layer between diverse HVAC devices and the control system. This mediator translates various manufacturer-specific protocols into a unified language, enabling integration without direct complex point-to-point connections between different vendors' devices and the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with universal communication capabilities that can handle multiple protocols and device types through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional approach allows the system to work with devices from different manufacturers without requiring separate integration solutions for each vendor.
2Ease of operation
If a building control system is used to monitor HVAC systems, then control capability is provided, but dependency on external systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC devices are equipped with self-diagnosis and self-monitoring capabilities that allow them to detect faults, monitor their own performance, and communicate status information without requiring external control systems. This self-service approach maintains control capability while reducing dependency on building control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where HVAC devices automatically monitor their own operating parameters and provide status information. This internal feedback loop enables the devices to maintain optimal performance and detect issues independently, reducing reliance on external building control systems for monitoring and basic control functions.
3Productivity
If HVAC systems are divided into multiple parallel zones, then temperature distribution efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system is divided into multiple independent parallel zones, each capable of independent control and optimization. This segmentation allows temperature distribution to be optimized for each zone based on its specific thermal requirements, improving overall efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each zone is equipped with local sensors and control mechanisms that enable independent temperature regulation tailored to its specific requirements. This local quality approach allows each zone to be optimized for its particular thermal load and characteristics without affecting other zones, improving temperature distribution efficiency while keeping control logic localized and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
For monitoring and controlling an HVAC system which comprises one or more fluid transportation systems with a plurality of parallel zones, a plurality of operating variables of the fluid transportation systems are received (S1) from devices of the HVAC system. Temporal courses are determined (S3) for the operating variables. Interdependencies are determined (S4) between the temporal courses of the operating variables. Depending on the interdependencies, the operating variables and their associated devices are grouped (S5) into different sets which each relates to a different section of the HVAC system and includes the related operating variables and associated devices. The sets are used (S6) to control the devices of a particular section of the HVAC system and/or to generate a fault detection message regarding one or more of the devices of the particular section of the HVAC system.