HVAC Network Configuration via Conditioned Output Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring communicating environmental conditioning networks, such as heat pump systems, is inefficient due to the difficulty in accurately determining which environmental interactive units are coupled for cooperative operation with space interactive units, requiring significant time and effort.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that establish baseline data on conditioned outputs of space interactive units, activate environmental interactive units, and assign space interactive units based on the largest change in conditioned output, using a network control unit with data collecting, engaging, and selecting units to efficiently configure the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration methods are used to determine unit couplings in a communicating environmental conditioning network, then configuration accuracy can be achieved, but significant time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting and identifying unit couplings without manual intervention. The controlling unit activates units sequentially and measures conditioned output changes to autonomously determine which space interactive units are coupled with each environmental interactive unit, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from conditioned output measurements to automatically configure the network. By measuring the change in conditioned output when each environmental interactive unit is activated, the system receives feedback that enables it to identify couplings and complete configuration automatically, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and time consumption.
2Productivity
If automatic configuration methods are implemented to reduce setup time, then configuration speed improves, but the ability to accurately discern unit couplings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration methods with an automated electronic detection system. The controlling unit uses electronic signals and measurements of conditioned output to automatically identify unit couplings, substituting the mechanical/manual process with an automated electronic system that maintains accuracy while improving speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary measurement process (conditioned output measurement) that enables automatic detection of unit couplings. By using the conditioned output as an intermediary indicator, the system can automatically determine couplings without direct manual intervention, maintaining accuracy while enabling faster configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of devices are physically coupled together by common air ducts and refrigerant lines, then system integration is achieved, but the complexity of identifying which devices belong to the same HVAC system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification process by treating each environmental interactive unit separately and determining its specific couplings to space interactive units. This segmentation approach allows the system to handle complex multi-device networks by breaking down the identification task into manageable unit-by-unit assessments, reducing overall configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes (specifically, changes in conditioned output) as indicators to identify unit couplings. By monitoring how conditioned output parameters change when units are activated, the system can automatically determine which devices belong to the same HVAC system, simplifying the configuration process despite physical integration of multiple device types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network, an apparatus for such configuring and a method for configuring a communicating air conditioning network are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network includes: (1) establishing baseline data indicating conditioned outputs of selected space interactive units of the plurality of space interactive units, (2) activating a respective environmental interactive unit of the plurality of environmental interactive units and (3) assigning to the respective environmental interactive unit a respective selected space interactive unit associated with the largest change in a conditioned output.