Hydronic building systems control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydronic heating and cooling systems face challenges such as high energy consumption, poor indoor environmental quality, and vulnerability to terrorist attacks due to inefficient forced air systems, while hydronic systems are hindered by high costs, complex controls, and retrofit difficulties, lacking effective commercial controls that can optimize energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Innovation Solution
The Hydronic Building Systems Control (HBSC) is a low-cost, software-based control system that integrates traditional and renewable hydronic components for heating, cooling, and hot water, using commodity hardware and BACnet protocol, providing interoperability and advanced algorithms for energy efficiency, dew point tracking, and humidity control, optimizing the operation of ground source heat pumps and solar thermal systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If forced air systems are used for heating and cooling, then installation is easier and initial cost is lower, but energy consumption increases and indoor environmental quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces forced air mechanical systems with hydronic systems that use water-based heat transfer. This substitution eliminates the need for complex ductwork and mechanical air handling equipment, reducing energy consumption while maintaining installation feasibility through modular hydronic components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using water as the heat transfer medium in hydronic heating and cooling systems. This approach replaces pneumatic air-based systems with more efficient hydraulic fluid circulation, achieving lower energy consumption and improved indoor environmental quality
2Use of energy by moving object
If hydronic systems are implemented, then energy efficiency improves and indoor environmental quality enhances, but system cost increases and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-regulating hydronic components that automatically adjust flow and temperature based on local conditions. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control systems, maintaining energy efficiency while simplifying overall system control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes variable parameter control in hydronic systems, adjusting flow rates, temperatures, and pressure differentials dynamically. This approach optimizes energy efficiency while using standardized control protocols to manage complexity
3Quantity of substance
If conventional building controls are used, then initial investment is lower, but energy savings potential is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary control system configuration during the building design and construction phases. This upfront action ensures that hydronic systems are properly integrated with control mechanisms, enabling future energy savings without requiring significant additional investment later
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms in hydronic systems that continuously monitor and adjust operational parameters. This feedback approach maximizes energy savings by optimizing system performance in real-time, achieving returns that justify the initial control investment
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
HBSC reduces energy consumption by up to 50% in buildings, improves indoor environmental quality, enhances occupant comfort, and decreases vulnerability by providing a cost-effective, reliable control system that increases market adoption of hydronic and solar thermal technologies, while minimizing installation and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally-conductive structure, such as a building floor, wall, or ceiling
Implementation Method 2
hydronic coil-to-air heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
means for sensing at least the air temperature in the air space, a relative humidity of the air space
Data Source
AI summary
Controlling heating and cooling in a conditioned space utilizes a fluid circulating in a thermally conductive structure in fluid connection with a hydronic-to-air heat exchanger and a ground heat exchanger. Air is moved past the hydronic-to-air heat exchanger, the air having fresh air supply and stale air exhaust. Sensors located throughout the conditioned space send data to a controller. User input to the controller sets the desired set point temperature and humidity. Based upon the set point temperature and humidity and sensor data, the controller sends signals to various devices to manipulate the flow of the fluid and the air in order to achieve the desired set point temperature and humidity in the conditioned space. The temperature of the fluid is kept less than the dew point at the hydronic-to-air heat exchanger and the temperature of the fluid is kept greater than the dew point at the thermally conductive structure.