Method and apparatus for managing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioner management systems fail to accurately predict and manage power consumption, leading to potential malfunctions and occupant discomfort due to inadequate monitoring of power usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that predict power consumption patterns based on various influencing factors, calculate threshold values, and monitor current consumption to identify deviations, generating signals for managerial action when power consumption exceeds predetermined ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional air conditioner management systems are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the power consumption monitoring accuracy is insufficient leading to potential malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management server as an intermediary component that receives power consumption data from the air conditioner, predicts expected power consumption based on operational parameters, and compares actual consumption against predicted values. This intermediary layer enables sophisticated monitoring and anomaly detection without requiring complex modifications to the air conditioner unit itself, thus improving measurement precision while controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the management server continuously monitors power consumption, predicts expected consumption patterns based on operational data, and generates alerts when deviations exceed thresholds. This feedback loop enables proactive detection of potential malfunctions by comparing actual power consumption against predicted normal operation ranges, improving monitoring accuracy through continuous validation.
2Reliability
If power consumption monitoring is implemented, then malfunction prevention is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management server performs preliminary actions by predicting expected power consumption patterns before malfunctions occur. By analyzing operational parameters such as runtime, temperature settings, and historical data, the system establishes baseline consumption patterns and detects deviations that indicate potential problems. This preliminary detection capability improves reliability by enabling preventive maintenance before actual malfunctions occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is segmented into distinct functional components: the air conditioner unit that generates operational data, the management server that performs prediction and analysis, and the alert generation mechanism. This segmentation allows the complex monitoring functionality to be distributed, with the air conditioner remaining relatively simple while the management server handles the sophisticated prediction and comparison algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If threshold-based monitoring is used, then abnormal power consumption is detected, but false alarms may occur without considering operational factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts monitoring thresholds based on operational parameters such as air conditioner runtime, temperature settings, seasonal variations, and historical consumption patterns. Instead of using fixed thresholds that may cause false alarms, the management server modifies the expected power consumption ranges according to current operational conditions, thereby improving detection accuracy while adapting to varying operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system transitions from static threshold values to dynamic, adaptive thresholds that change based on operational conditions. The management server continuously updates expected power consumption patterns by incorporating real-time operational data and historical trends, allowing the system to adapt to different operating scenarios such as seasonal changes, usage patterns, and environmental conditions, thereby reducing false alarms while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for managing an air conditioner is provided. The method includes determining a power consumption pattern of the air conditioner while controlling the air conditioner, based on at least one power consumption factor; calculating a threshold value of power consumption according to an operating time of the air conditioner based on distribution information of the determined power consumption pattern; determining whether a current power consumption is within a threshold value range of the calculated threshold value of power consumption; and generating and transmitting a signal to a manager server if the current power consumption is not within the threshold value range. The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services.