HVAC Operating Window Control Using Mobile Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems for residential areas lack transparency and active participation from consumers in energy conservation, relying on passive measures like monthly bills and inadequate real-time data, and often inconvenience users with demand response programs that are not well-received.
Innovation Solution
An energy management system that includes a database for site report data, a processor to analyze thermostat settings and HVAC systems, and a network of devices for real-time energy monitoring and scheduling, allowing for proactive energy use adjustments based on user proximity, energy pricing, and demand response events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If passive energy display technologies are provided to show current energy prices, then consumers gain energy price awareness, but consumers still lack active participation and must manually curtail their use
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables energy-consuming devices to automatically adjust their operation based on real-time energy pricing and demand conditions. The energy management system autonomously makes curtailment decisions by analyzing pricing signals and controlling connected devices, eliminating the need for manual consumer intervention while maintaining energy conservation goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where real-time energy pricing and demand response signals are continuously received, analyzed, and used to automatically adjust device operation. This feedback loop enables dynamic optimization of energy consumption without requiring manual input from consumers.
2Productivity
If demand response systems force curtailment on customers to manage load levels, then utility companies can react to energy demand, but end users are inconvenienced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts energy consumption based on real-time pricing and demand conditions rather than forcing fixed curtailment schedules. Users can configure their preferences and constraints, and the system adapts its control strategies accordingly, making demand response flexible and user-friendly rather than rigid and inconvenient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of energy-consuming devices based on real-time energy pricing and demand signals. Instead of forcing binary on/off curtailment, the system optimizes multiple parameters such as operation timing, power levels, and scheduling to achieve demand management goals while maintaining user comfort and convenience.
3Measurement precision
If smart meters are deployed to measure and report consumption data, then real-time energy measurement capability is provided, but communication and analytical infrastructure is lacking for utility companies to analyze future demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy management system that acts as an intermediary between smart meters and utility companies. This intermediate system performs local analysis and prediction of energy consumption patterns, reducing the analytical burden on utility companies while utilizing the real-time measurement data from smart meters. The intermediary processes data locally and only communicates essential information back to utilities.
4Loss of time
If consumers rely on monthly bills to evaluate energy consumption, then billing information is provided, but consumers lack real-time energy awareness and transparency into leading causes of consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors and reports energy consumption data in real-time rather than providing periodic monthly summaries. This continuous feedback enables consumers to understand their consumption patterns as they occur, identify leading causes of energy use by device, and make immediate adjustments to optimize energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a controller configured to detect a current operating window associated with a network device disposed at a site, detect a location of a mobile device associated with a site and alter the current operating window of the network device in response to the detected location. Correspondingly, a method includes detecting a current operating window associated with a network device disposed at a site, detecting a location of a mobile device associated with the site and altering the current operating window of the network device in response to the detected location.