Building system with multi-space air quality and occupancy optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building management systems face challenges in balancing space utilization, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption and productivity due to over- or under-utilization of spaces, which affects indoor air quality and increases facility costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for predictive control of building equipment and occupancy allocation across spaces to optimize indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort by using an indoor air quality model that adjusts occupancy and equipment operation based on real-time data and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If HVAC equipment operates to maintain comfortable temperature in all spaces, then occupant comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases in under-utilized spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts HVAC equipment operation based on real-time occupancy data. When a space is detected as under-utilized (occupancy below threshold), the system automatically modifies or suspends HVAC operation in that space, transitioning from static continuous operation to dynamic demand-based operation, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfort in occupied spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring occupancy levels and using this information to adjust HVAC operation. Occupancy sensors provide real-time data to the building management system, which then feeds back control signals to HVAC equipment to optimize operation, creating a closed-loop system that balances comfort and energy efficiency
2Productivity
If space occupancy is increased to improve utilization, then productivity is improved, but indoor air quality deteriorates due to excess body heat and poor ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes ventilation parameters (airflow rate, fresh air intake) based on occupancy levels. When occupancy increases, the system automatically increases ventilation rates to compensate for excess body heat and maintain air quality. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures that indoor air quality standards are met while maximizing space utilization
3Object-affected harmful factors
If occupancy thresholds are enforced to improve air quality, then indoor air quality is improved, but space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single occupancy threshold that limits space capacity, the system introduces a new dimension of control by dynamically adjusting ventilation and HVAC parameters. This allows the space to accommodate higher occupancy levels while maintaining air quality through enhanced air exchange rates, effectively transforming the problem from a binary occupancy limit to a multi-parameter optimization
4Use of energy by moving object
If predictive control is implemented to optimize energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future occupancy patterns and pre-adjusting HVAC equipment settings accordingly. Using historical data and predictive algorithms, the system anticipates occupancy changes and proactively optimizes energy consumption, reducing the need for reactive adjustments and simplifying real-time control decisions
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes obtaining a first indoor air quality model that predicts a first indoor air quality of a first building space based on a first occupancy of the first building space and a control action for building equipment that operate to affect the first indoor air quality of the first building space and performing a predictive control process using the first indoor air quality model to generate a control decision for building equipment and an occupancy decision for the first occupancy of the first building space. Both the control decision and the occupancy decision are decision variables adjusted when performing the predictive control process and are provided as outputs of the predictive control process.