HVAC Thermostat Setpoint Modulation for Demand Response Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems consume high energy, and existing demand response schemes that shut off components without considering user preferences for temperature and humidity lead to inefficient energy reduction.
Innovation Solution
Implementing setpoint adjustment-based duty cycling techniques that modulate the thermostat setting between a base and an offset or fixed value to reduce energy consumption during demand response events, allowing the HVAC system to operate efficiently while maintaining user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the HVAC system is regularly shut off to reduce energy consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but user comfort with respect to temperature, humidity, and airflow is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic setpoint adjustment where the thermostat target temperature is modulated in real-time based on duty cycling signals from the utility company. Instead of static on/off control, the system dynamically adjusts the temperature setpoint within a range, allowing the HVAC system to operate at reduced capacity while maintaining acceptable comfort conditions. This resolves the contradiction by making the control strategy adaptive rather than binary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the HVAC system by adjusting the thermostat setpoint temperature rather than simply shutting off the system. The setpoint is modulated between a normal value and a higher value during duty cycling events, which reduces the temperature differential driving heat transfer and thereby reduces energy consumption while still maintaining comfort within an acceptable range.
2Ease of operation
If the HVAC system operates at full capacity to maintain user comfort, then user comfort is maintained, but energy consumption increases during peak demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by operating the HVAC system at reduced capacity during duty cycling events. Instead of running at full capacity to maintain exact comfort conditions, the system operates at a level that provides acceptable comfort while reducing energy consumption. The setpoint adjustment creates a controlled deviation from optimal comfort conditions that is tolerable for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic duty cycling where the HVAC operation is modulated in cycles based on utility company signals. During on-periods, the system operates at reduced capacity with adjusted setpoints; during off-periods, it operates normally. This periodic modulation allows the system to reduce overall energy consumption while maintaining comfort during critical periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If demand response schemes shut off HVAC components without considering user preferences, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system becomes less adaptable to user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the thermostat continuously monitors actual temperature conditions and compares them against the dynamically adjusted setpoint. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to actual environmental conditions and user comfort needs while responding to duty cycling signals. The setpoint adjustment is not arbitrary but is based on feedback from temperature sensors and user comfort requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it responds to utility company duty cycling signals for energy reduction, maintains user comfort within acceptable ranges, and adapts to varying environmental conditions. The thermostat controller acts as a universal interface that integrates utility signals, environmental sensing, and user comfort requirements into a unified control strategy.
Data Source
AI summary
A facility for performing setpoint adjustment-based duty cycling techniques by adjusting the setpoint of a device or component is described. The facility reduces energy consumption for a system, such as an HVAC system, or device by adjusting or modulating an associated setpoint or temperature setting. The facility modulates the setpoint between a base setpoint value and another setpoint value based on a mode of the system. When the system is in a cooling mode, the facility modulates the temperature between the base setpoint value and a higher setpoint value. When the system is in heating mode, the facility modulates the temperature between the base setpoint value and a lower setpoint value. The facility may modulate the setpoint between the two setpoint values based on an offset value or a fixed setpoint value.