HVAC Operating Mode Selection for Pathogen Control and Energy Balance
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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 avoiding overheating or overcooling of conditioned air.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining ventilation rates using a learned model that adjusts operating modes based on sensed values, including temperature, IAQ concentrations, and occupancy, to maximize ventilation while minimizing energy consumption and maintaining comfort conditions, with options for health, energy savings, and balanced modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the ventilation rate is increased to reduce pathogen spread, then air quality and health safety are improved, but energy consumption increases and HVAC system capacity may be exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts ventilation rates based on real-time sensed values (occupancy, temperature, humidity, IAQ contaminants) and predicted conditions. The learned model continuously updates ventilation setpoints to maximize pathogen reduction while minimizing energy consumption, adapting to changing building conditions rather than using fixed high ventilation rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (ventilation rate, temperature setpoint, humidity setpoint) based on predicted building conditions and current sensed values. The learned model optimizes these parameters to achieve adequate pathogen reduction while maintaining HVAC system capacity and minimizing energy consumption.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the ventilation rate is set too high, then air quality is improved, but the HVAC system lacks heating and cooling capacity to maintain occupant comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts temperature and humidity setpoints based on predicted building conditions and current sensed values. When high ventilation rates are required for air quality, the learned model optimizes thermal parameters to maintain occupant comfort while accounting for the additional heating and cooling load from increased fresh air intake.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically coordinates ventilation rate adjustments with thermal parameter adjustments. The learned model predicts how changes in ventilation will affect building thermal conditions and proactively adjusts temperature and humidity setpoints to maintain comfort while managing HVAC system capacity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the ventilation rate is minimized to reduce energy costs, then energy consumption is reduced, but air quality and pathogen reduction are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes ventilation rates based on predicted building conditions and current sensed values. The learned model determines the minimum ventilation rate required to maintain acceptable contaminant levels and reduce pathogens, adjusting this rate dynamically rather than using fixed high or low settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from sensed values (occupancy, temperature, humidity, IAQ contaminants) to continuously adjust ventilation rates. The learned model compares actual conditions with predicted conditions and modifies ventilation setpoints to maintain air quality while minimizing energy consumption.
Data Source
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.