HVAC control system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face inefficiencies in temperature control, as they maintain occupied temperature set points in unoccupied zones, leading to excessive energy usage when zones are empty and inadequate comfort when occupied, due to lack of occupancy-based prioritization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically determine an effective temperature set-point for VAV controllers in HVAC systems by correlating occupancy status, zone temperature, and outside air temperature with pre-defined static parameters, using a sensor interface module, standard reference module, and correlation engine to adjust temperature set points based on occupancy levels and comfort ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If occupied temperature set point is maintained in unoccupied zones, then comfort is ensured, but energy consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature set points based on real-time occupancy detection. When a zone is detected as unoccupied, the temperature set point is dynamically changed from the occupied comfort temperature to a higher energy-saving temperature. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by ensuring comfort only when needed (occupied) while reducing energy consumption when not needed (unoccupied).
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses occupancy sensors to provide feedback about zone occupancy status to the control algorithm. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust temperature set points based on actual occupancy conditions, ensuring comfort maintenance during occupancy while triggering energy-saving modes during unoccupancy, thus resolving the comfort-energy consumption contradiction.
2Temperature
If temperature is adjusted manually by building management, then temperature control is achieved, but system complexity and operational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service temperature control by automatically detecting occupancy status and adjusting temperature set points without manual intervention. The occupancy sensors and control algorithm work together to autonomously manage temperature adjustments across different zones, eliminating the need for manual operation by building management while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes temperature parameters based on occupancy detection. When zones are detected as unoccupied, the temperature set point parameter is automatically changed from comfort-optimized values to energy-saving values. This automatic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by achieving temperature control without increasing system or operational complexity.
3Device complexity
If single thermostat is used in large zones, then device simplicity is maintained, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments large zones into multiple sub-zones, each with its own occupancy sensor and temperature control. This segmentation allows different parts of a large zone to be controlled independently based on local occupancy conditions, improving temperature control precision while maintaining relative system simplicity through modular deployment of sensors and controllers in each sub-zone.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the invention are directed towards a system (102; 300) and a method (400) of controlling temperature of different zones inside premises (100) based on determining an effective temperature set point. One or more dynamically sensed parameters are received from a plurality of sensors (204, 206, 208) strategically placed within and outside of a building (200). One or more static parameters corresponding to building configurations and temperature thresholds from a memory unit (308c) are retrieved. A correlation engine (308a) determines the effective temperature set point for individual VAV controller (302) associated with a particular pre-defined zone in the building by establishing a correlation between the one or more dynamically sensed parameters and static parameters corresponding to that zone. The effective temperature setpoint is transmitted to a VAV controller (302) for associated zone.