HVAC Power Consumption Estimation Using Environmental Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems lack accurate methods for estimating and predicting power consumption, which varies due to installation and usage conditions, making it difficult for users to manage energy costs and efficiency effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that estimates and predicts power consumption using temperature and humidity sensors, correlating data with user control signals and external information to provide recommendations for optimizing HVAC operation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If power consumption meters are installed to measure actual power consumption, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature and humidity sensors as intermediary devices to indirectly measure power consumption. Instead of directly measuring electrical power with complex meters, the system measures environmental parameters (temperature and humidity changes) that correlate with HVAC operation and power consumption, then uses these measurements to estimate power usage through algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical power measurement system with an environmental sensing system. Rather than using power meters that directly measure electrical consumption, the system substitutes this with temperature and humidity sensors that measure environmental effects of HVAC operation, converting a direct electrical measurement problem into an environmental parameter measurement problem.
2Loss of information
If power consumption meters are used to provide accurate power consumption data, then information accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult installation and access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places temperature and humidity sensors in accessible locations (such as remote controls or room thermostats) that users can easily reach, rather than requiring access to electrical panels or HVAC equipment locations. These sensors act as intermediaries, collecting data from accessible positions and transmitting it wirelessly to provide power consumption information without requiring user interaction with difficult-to-access components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a wireless communication bridge that copies and transmits power consumption information from the HVAC system to user devices. Instead of requiring users to physically access or interpret data from the HVAC unit itself, the system creates a digital copy of the consumption data and delivers it to smartphones or other portable devices where users can easily view and interact with the information.
3Measurement precision
If existing meters are used to measure power consumption, then measurement capability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as meters cannot predict future consumption or provide operational recommendations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and analyzing temperature and humidity data to establish baseline patterns of HVAC operation and power consumption. The system learns from historical data and environmental conditions to predict future power consumption before it occurs, enabling users to take preventive actions such as adjusting thermostat settings or scheduling maintenance before energy waste or system failures occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors environmental parameters and power consumption patterns, then provides real-time or near-real-time feedback to users through mobile applications. This feedback includes current consumption levels, predicted future consumption, and actionable recommendations for optimizing HVAC operation, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to user behavior and environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, system and product for assessments of an operation of an Heating Ventilation or Air-Conditioning (HVAC) unit. In module for receiving, directly or indirectly, information from at least one sensor; and a power consumption determination component for indirectly assessing power consumption of an HVAC unit from the information received from the at least one sensor. In another embodiment, the apparatus being configured to receive a set of physical measurements over time from a physical location that is affected by the HVAC unit; fitting the set of physical measurements on a predetermined curve using parametric fit, wherein the predetermined curve has an horizontal asymptote, wherein the predetermined curve has a decreasing slope over time; and comparing a target measurement of the HVAC unit with a location of the horizontal asymptote to determine whether the HVAC unit is expected to reach the target measurement.