HVAC Efficiency Evaluation Using Weather Data and Thermal Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats are limited in their ability to optimize HVAC system efficiency due to reliance on a single temperature sensor, poor user interface, and failure to account for external weather conditions and thermal mass of the building, leading to sub-optimal energy usage and comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a single temperature sensor connected to a network, incorporating outside weather data and thermal mass calculations to adjust temperature settings, diagnose issues, and optimize energy use by shifting load from peak to shoulder periods, while correcting for thermostat location inaccuracies and anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature sensor is used in the thermostat, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the measurement precision and reliability of HVAC efficiency evaluation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model (thermal mass calculation) that processes the single temperature sensor's data along with weather data to infer accurate thermal performance. This intermediary layer compensates for the limited measurement capability of a single sensor without adding physical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical measurement redundancy (multiple temperature sensors) with computational analysis (thermal mass calculations based on temperature rate of change). This substitutes mechanical/sensor-based precision with algorithm-based precision, maintaining accuracy while reducing device complexity.
2Device complexity
If conventional thermostats only use ambient temperature and desired temperature as inputs, then the device complexity remains low, but the adaptability to external weather conditions and building characteristics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the thermostat system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both traditional temperature control and HVAC efficiency evaluation using the same hardware infrastructure. The system universally processes weather data and temperature data for dual purposes: comfort control and performance monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of thermal mass and expected temperature profiles before HVAC cycling occurs. This allows the system to pre-establish baseline expectations for temperature behavior under various weather conditions, enabling more adaptive and informed control decisions.
3Device complexity
If programmable thermostats are used with restricted user interface, then the device complexity and cost are controlled, but the ease of operation and user ability to optimize settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the thermostat system to automatically evaluate its own performance and identify optimization opportunities without requiring user programming. The system self-monitors HVAC cycling patterns, calculates efficiency metrics, and can automatically adjust settings based on thermal mass characteristics and weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where the thermostat continuously monitors temperature deviations from expected profiles and uses this information to evaluate HVAC efficiency. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from actual performance and make data-driven adjustments without complex user intervention.
4Device complexity
If the thermostat does not account for thermal mass and weather conditions, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity in terms of energy optimization and cost savings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of temperature setpoints based on real-time weather conditions and calculated thermal mass characteristics. Instead of fixed programming, the system continuously adapts control parameters according to outdoor temperature, humidity, and building-specific thermal properties, maximizing energy efficiency under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the HVAC system by adjusting temperature setpoints and cycling patterns based on thermal mass calculations. The system modifies when and how the HVAC operates by changing temperature parameters dynamically, allowing optimization of energy consumption without compromising comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises systems and methods for evaluating changes in the operational efficiency of an HVAC system over time. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system, and status of said HVAC system. One or more processors receives measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than said HVAC system and compares said temperature measurements from said first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements.