HVAC control system and methods for operating same

Solution Overview

Problem

HVAC systems consume energy and wear out equipment quickly due to mechanical cooling systems, necessitating a more efficient method to condition interior air using exterior ambient air for temperature control.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating an HVAC system that monitors interior and exterior temperatures, defines specific time ranges, and adjusts operating parameters to control ventilation based on the monitored temperatures and operational loads, allowing for the effective use of outside air for cooling and ventilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If mechanical cooling systems are used to condition interior air, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption increases and equipment wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior air temperatureVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs pre-cooling of the building structure and interior air during nighttime hours when exterior temperatures are lower, before the peak cooling load occurs during daytime occupancy. This preliminary action reduces the magnitude of cooling required during occupied periods, thereby reducing energy consumption and mechanical system operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes free cooling by allowing the building structure and interior air to be cooled naturally by lower nighttime exterior ambient temperatures without mechanical intervention. The thermal mass of the building structure absorbs excess heat during the day, eliminating or reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems during occupied hours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Temperature

If mechanical cooling systems operate frequently, then temperature control is maintained, but equipment life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior air temperatureVSAvoidequipment life

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs pre-cooling of the building structure and interior air during nighttime hours when exterior temperatures are lower, before the peak cooling load occurs during daytime occupancy. This preliminary action reduces the magnitude of cooling required during occupied periods, thereby reducing energy consumption and mechanical system operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes free cooling by allowing the building structure and interior air to be cooled naturally by lower nighttime exterior ambient temperatures without mechanical intervention. The thermal mass of the building structure absorbs excess heat during the day, eliminating or reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems during occupied hours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If exterior air dampers are used to circulate fresh exterior air, then indoor air quality improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindoor air qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the position of exterior air dampers based on the temperature differential between exterior and interior environments. During nighttime when exterior temperatures are lower, the dampers are opened to maximize fresh air intake and cooling effect. During daytime when exterior temperatures rise, the damper positions are adjusted to minimize energy-consuming mechanical cooling while maintaining adequate ventilation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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, extends equipment life, and improves indoor air quality by leveraging exterior air for temperature regulation, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

utilize cool exterior air to condition the space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

circulating 'fresh' exterior air into the structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3186687B1HVAC control system and methods for operating same

Publication Date: 2024.01.03 JOHNSON SOLID STATE LLC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A system and method for operating an HVAC system having a cooling system and ventilation system to vent outside air within a structure is disclosed. The method includes monitoring an interior temperature of the structure, monitoring an exterior temperature of ambient air outside of the structure, defining a first time range and a second time range, associating one or more operating parameters of the HVAC system with the first time range, associating one or more operating parameters of the HVAC system with the second time range, monitoring operational time and operational load of the cooling system for the first time range, and controlling the ventilation system during the second time range based upon the monitored operational time and operational load of the cooling system in the first time range, and the monitored interior and exterior temperatures.