HVAC Unit Coordination Using Return and Supply Air Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern HVAC systems in commercial spaces, such as data centers, operate inefficiently due to independent unit control, leading to 'load hopping' and high energy consumption, resulting in excessive power costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
The system controls HVAC units using both return air and supply air temperature sensors to prioritize cooling valve operation over fan speed, ensuring efficient temperature maintenance and minimizing power consumption by coordinating the operation of multiple units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If HVAC units operate independently based on local temperature sensors only, then each unit can maintain its individual space temperature, but load hopping occurs and energy consumption increases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple independent HVAC units into a coordinated system. Units communicate with each other and share operational data, allowing them to function as a unified system rather than isolated entities. This coordination eliminates load hopping by distributing the cooling load evenly across all units based on real-time conditions, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining individual space temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms where each HVAC unit not only senses its local return air temperature but also receives temperature data and operational status from neighboring units. This multi-source feedback allows units to adjust their operation in response to overall system conditions, preventing the infinite loop of readjustments that occurs in independent control systems and optimizing energy usage across the entire HVAC network.
2Productivity
If multiple HVAC units operate independently to cool the room, then each unit can respond to its own sensor readings, but uneven operations and load hopping occur between units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates equipotential conditions across the HVAC system by ensuring all units operate from a common baseline of system-wide temperature data. Each unit adjusts its operation to maintain equivalent cooling contribution based on real-time feedback from both local and remote sensors. This equalizes the operational state across all units, preventing load hopping and ensuring uniform temperature distribution throughout the controlled space.
Solution Approach 2:
Each HVAC unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an independent temperature control device and as a coordinated system component. The units can operate autonomously using local sensors when needed, but also function as part of the integrated network by sharing data and receiving coordination commands. This dual capability allows the system to maintain high productivity while ensuring reliability through coordinated operation.
3Speed
If HVAC units constantly adjust fan speed and cooling valves based on return air temperature only, then they can respond quickly to temperature changes, but they overshoot targeted temperature and create infinite adjustment loops
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having each HVAC unit anticipate temperature changes based on system-wide data before actual temperature deviations occur. Units receive advance information from neighboring units about overall system conditions and adjust their cooling output proactively. This preliminary coordination prevents the overshooting behavior that occurs when units react only to local temperature changes, thereby maintaining both rapid response and precise temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordination layer between individual HVAC units and the controlled space. This intermediary system aggregates temperature data from multiple sensors and distributes coordinated control commands to each unit. By acting as a mediator, it smooths out the temperature control process, preventing infinite adjustment loops while maintaining rapid response capability through the distributed sensor network.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces energy consumption by up to 25% and decreases greenhouse gas emissions, while preventing HVAC unit component failures and uneven temperature distribution, thereby saving corporations millions of dollars annually.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling valve controller adapted to control the cooling valve
Implementation Method 2
cooling the air to a desired supply air temperature
Implementation Method 3
a fan controller adapted to control the fan speed of the fan
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system are provided that operate according to signals returned from return air temperature sensors as well as the supply air temperature sensors. Using predetermined temperature setpoints, return temperature information, and supply temperature information, the HVAC system is configured to maintain the temperature of a room first, by the use of its cooling valve, and second and only when the capacity of the cooling valve has peaked, by use of the fan. The presently disclosed improved HVAC system operates more efficiently by avoiding unit loading hopping and minimizing power consumption.