Networked Thermostat Verification of Peak Demand HVAC Curtailment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current residential peak demand reduction systems face challenges such as hardware and communication complexities, potential damage to air conditioning systems from hard cycling, and the inability to verify compliance, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a thermostat connected to a local network and a server that predicts temperature changes based on outside conditions, allowing bi-directional communication to verify if the HVAC system is turned off by comparing predicted and actual temperature changes, thereby confirming demand reduction without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional peak demand reduction systems use separate verification hardware and communication systems, then compliance verification capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat device is designed to perform multiple functions: temperature control, demand reduction execution, and compliance verification. The same thermostat hardware and communication interface used for normal HVAC control are also used to verify compliance during demand reduction events, eliminating the need for separate verification systems and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the verification function with the existing thermostat system by integrating sensors, processors, and communication capabilities into a single unified device. This merging of control and verification functions into one system reduces hardware complexity and communication overhead compared to having separate independent verification systems
2Productivity
If hard cycling is used to turn HVAC systems on and off during peak demand periods, then demand reduction is achieved, but air conditioning systems may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-cooling the building before peak demand periods or by gradually adjusting temperatures rather than abrupt on/off cycling. The thermostat prepares the HVAC system and building thermal mass in advance to withstand demand reduction periods without requiring hard cycling, thereby preventing damage while maintaining demand reduction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of static on/off control, the system uses dynamic temperature adjustment where the thermostat continuously modulates HVAC operation based on real-time conditions. This dynamic control allows for softer transitions and adaptive cycling that reduces mechanical stress on HVAC components while still achieving demand reduction goals during peak periods
3Reliability
If utilities build additional generating capacity to meet peak demand, then power supply reliability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat system implements feedback mechanisms where temperature data, HVAC status, and demand reduction compliance information are continuously monitored and reported back to utility systems. This feedback enables utilities to verify actual demand reduction effectiveness, ensuring that load management strategies achieve reliability goals without requiring excessive infrastructure investment
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises systems and methods for estimating the rate of change in temperature inside a structure. At least one thermostat located is inside the structure and is used to control an climate control system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The processor uses the relationship between the inside temperature and the outside temperature to determine whether the climate control system is “on” or “off”.