HVAC Temperature Setpoint Control Based on Energy Source Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC control methods focus on reducing electricity consumption by stabilizing temperature and shutting down systems during non-working hours, but this does not equate to rational electricity use, particularly with varying energy source emissions.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC system with a controller that adjusts temperature setpoints based on predicted energy source emissions, reducing input power during high emissions and increasing it during low emissions, while maintaining thermal comfort using thermal inertia and damper adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the HVAC system reduces electricity consumption by stabilizing temperature and shutting down during non-working hours, then energy use is reduced, but this does not equate to rational electricity use particularly with varying energy source emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature setpoint is made dynamic by adjusting it according to real-time emission levels of the energy source. Instead of a fixed setpoint, the system continuously adapts the setpoint based on whether the energy source is clean or dirty, allowing the HVAC system to respond flexibly to varying emission conditions while managing electricity consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring emission levels of the energy source and using this information to adjust the temperature setpoint. The controller receives emission level data and automatically modifies the setpoint accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing energy source conditions
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the temperature setpoint is adjusted based on expected emission level to reduce input power during high emissions, then emissions are reduced, but thermal comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by adjusting the temperature setpoint in advance based on predicted emission levels. When dirty energy is expected, the setpoint is adjusted before the dirty energy is consumed, allowing the building's thermal mass to absorb the temporary discomfort while avoiding the need to operate during high-emission periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the building's thermal mass as a cushion by pre-adjusting the setpoint when clean energy is available. This stores thermal energy in the building structure that can be drawn upon when the setpoint needs to be adjusted to avoid high-emission periods, cushioning against thermal comfort issues
3Use of energy by moving object
If the magnitude of the rise/fall in the temperature setpoint exceeds the magnitude of change that is needed at the moment, then electricity use efficiency is enhanced, but control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by implementing oscillating setpoint adjustments around the optimal temperature. Instead of maintaining a perfectly stable setpoint, the system intentionally creates controlled oscillations that leverage the building's thermal mass, allowing larger setpoint changes that improve electricity efficiency while the thermal mass smooths out the actual temperature fluctuations
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
Enhances electricity use efficiency by aligning HVAC operations with cleaner energy sources, reducing overall emissions and maintaining thermal comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an air handling unit provided with a heat exchanger, in which air is blown indoors after exchanging heat with the working fluid flowing through the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides an HVAC system, a control method for an HVAC system, and a computer-readable storage medium. The HVAC system includes a chiller/heat pump unit, an air handling unit and a controller. The chiller/heat pump unit provides working fluid. The air handling unit is provided with a heat exchanger, air is blown indoors after exchanging heat with the working fluid flowing through the heat exchanger, and the air handling unit adjusts the supply air temperature based on a temperature setpoint. The controller is configured to acquire an expected emission level of an energy source powering the HVAC system and adjust the temperature setpoint based on the expected emission level.