A device, method and system for determining a coefficient for estimating an actual power consumption, and for estimating the actual power consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the actual power consumption of HVAC units under non-standard operating conditions, such as fouling and non-standard refrigerant piping lengths, are inaccurate due to the complexity of fouling processes and limitations in mathematical modeling.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that calculates a correction coefficient based on nominal power consumption values under standard conditions, using temperature readings and compressor frequency to adjust for fouling and piping length variations, allowing for real-time accurate power consumption estimation with less than 10% error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If meterless power estimation is used under non-standard operating conditions, then the estimation process remains simple and cost-effective, but the accuracy of power consumption estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for estimation by introducing a correction coefficient that adjusts the relationship between compressor power consumption and cooling capacity. Instead of using fixed standard operating parameters, the system dynamically adjusts parameters based on actual operating conditions including fouling levels and refrigerant piping lengths, thereby maintaining estimation simplicity while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual operating conditions (temperature differences, pressure drops, flow rates) and using this information to calculate correction coefficients. This feedback loop allows the meterless estimation method to adapt to non-standard conditions, improving accuracy without requiring complex additional measurement devices.
2Device complexity
If mathematical modeling techniques are used to estimate fouling extent, then the estimation can be performed without additional sensors, but the accuracy deteriorates due to the complexity of fouling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction coefficient that mediates between the simple meterless estimation and the complex fouling processes. This coefficient acts as a bridge, translating complex fouling effects into a single adjustable parameter that can be calculated from readily available operating data, avoiding the need for complex mathematical models while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach to fouling estimation by not directly modeling the complex fouling process, but rather by adjusting the relationship parameters (correction coefficient) that describe the system's performance. This parameter change approach simplifies the problem from modeling complex chemical/physical fouling processes to adjusting a single performance ratio parameter.
3Ease of operation
If standard operating condition assumptions are made, then the estimation method remains simple and robust, but adaptability to non-standard conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static standard operating condition assumptions into dynamic adjustment mechanisms. The correction coefficient is continuously updated based on actual operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt to non-standard conditions while maintaining the simplicity and robustness of the underlying meterless estimation method. The system dynamically adjusts rather than requiring complete remodelling for each condition.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a device for determining a coefficient for estimating an actual power consumption of a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) unit comprising a processor configured to obtain: a first temperature reading of an evaporator of the HVAC unit; a second temperature reading of a condenser of the HVAC unit; a running frequency of a compressor of the HVAC unit, wherein the processor is further configured to calculate: (i.) an adjusted power consumption based on the first temperature reading, the second temperature reading, and the running frequency, and (ii.) the coefficient based on the adjusted power consumption, and a nominal power consumption of the HVAC unit. Further disclosed is a device for estimating an actual power consumption of the HVAC unit, and systems and methods for determining a coefficient for estimating an actual power consumption of the HVAC unit, and for estimating an actual power consumption of the HVAC unit.