Automated adjustment of an HVAC schedule for resource conservation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems consume excessive energy due to their inflexible adherence to temperature and time schedules, leading to discomfort and inefficiencies, especially when real-time energy prices fluctuate.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent network-connected thermostat adjusts temperature setpoints incrementally based on occupancy patterns, weather forecasts, and user preferences to optimize energy consumption, allowing for dynamic scheduling and real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the HVAC system strictly adheres to the scheduled temperature setpoints, then the user comfort is maintained, but the energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, pre-defined temperature schedules to dynamic, real-time temperature adjustments. The system continuously monitors occupancy sensors, weather forecasts, and energy prices to dynamically optimize HVAC operation, allowing temperature setpoints to adapt flexibly to changing conditions while maintaining comfort and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring occupancy status, actual temperature conditions, weather forecasts, and real-time energy prices. This feedback loop enables the HVAC controller to adjust temperature setpoints based on actual conditions rather than following rigid schedules, resolving the contradiction between comfort maintenance and energy efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the HVAC system follows a fixed time schedule for temperature adjustments, then the system operation is simple, but the system cannot adapt to real-time energy price fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static time-based schedule into a dynamic system that responds to real-time energy price signals. The HVAC controller adjusts operation timing based on fluctuating energy prices, allowing the system to shift load to off-peak periods when energy is cheaper, thereby adapting to market conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the HVAC system based on external conditions. Instead of fixed time schedules, the controller modifies temperature setpoints and operational timing in response to energy price fluctuations, occupancy patterns, and weather conditions, enabling adaptability without significantly increasing system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the HVAC system maintains strict temperature schedules, then the system control is straightforward, but occupant comfort may be compromised when temperatures deviate from comfort thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from occupancy sensors and temperature monitors to ensure comfort requirements are met. When occupants are detected or temperature approaches comfort thresholds, the system automatically adjusts setpoints to maintain comfort, thereby guaranteeing reliability while keeping control simple through automated responses to sensor inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-cooling or pre-heating spaces before occupancy is expected or before energy price increases occur. This anticipatory approach maintains comfort thresholds while allowing the system to operate more efficiently during unoccupied periods or when energy prices are favorable, balancing simplicity with comfort reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for optimizing a schedule of setpoint temperatures used in the control of an HVAC system. The systems disclosed include an energy management system in operation with an intelligent, network-connected thermostat located at a structure. The thermostat includes a schedule of setpoint temperatures that is used to control an HVAC system associated with a structure in which the thermostat is located. The schedule of setpoint temperatures is continually adjusted by small, unnoticeable amounts so that the schedule migrates from the original schedule to an optimal schedule. The optimal schedule may be optimal in terms of energy consumption or some other terms.