Occupancy based energy optimization systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face inefficiencies due to assumptions about occupancy levels, leading to unnecessary energy consumption during working hours and potential discomfort during non-working hours, as they lack real-time data on human presence within a building.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses high-frequency sensors and soft sensors to determine the number of human occupants in real-time, allowing for dynamic adjustment of HVAC settings to optimize energy efficiency and comfort based on actual occupancy patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HVAC systems operate at maximum level during working hours based on occupancy assumptions, then comfort is maintained, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors (motion detectors, occupancy sensors, cameras, access control systems) to detect actual occupancy status and provides feedback to the HVAC controller, which adjusts system operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the need to maintain maximum HVAC operation during assumed working hours when no one is actually present, reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfort when occupants are present
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC system automatically adjusts its operation based on real-time occupancy data without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by integrating data from multiple sensors and access control systems to determine when spaces are occupied or unoccupied, eliminating the need for continuous maximum operation during working hours
2Use of energy by moving object
If HVAC systems reduce operation during non-working hours, then energy consumption decreases, but comfort may be compromised when occupants are present
Solution Approach 1:
Occupancy sensors and motion detectors continuously monitor spaces during non-working hours and provide feedback to the HVAC controller. If occupancy is detected, the system automatically adjusts or maintains HVAC operation to ensure comfort, eliminating the risk of compromising comfort when unexpected occupants are present while still allowing energy savings during truly unoccupied periods
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC system dynamically adjusts its operation level based on real-time occupancy conditions rather than following a fixed schedule. The system can transition between different operational states (full operation, partial operation, standby) based on actual occupancy status, allowing it to reduce operation during non-working hours when empty while maintaining comfort when occupants are unexpectedly present
3Ease of operation
If HVAC systems use fixed schedules to predict occupancy, then system operation is simplified, but accuracy of occupancy prediction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple data sources including access control systems, occupancy sensors, motion detectors, and camera systems to create a universal occupancy detection mechanism. This multi-functional approach consolidates various data streams into a single occupancy status determination, maintaining simplified system operation while dramatically improving occupancy prediction accuracy beyond what any single method could achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary controller that integrates data from access control systems and sensors to determine actual occupancy status. This intermediary layer processes information from multiple sources and translates it into accurate occupancy predictions, bridging the gap between simple fixed schedules and complex real-time monitoring while improving accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A method for occupancy based energy optimization can include determining a size and speed of a number of objects within an area, determining a number of human occupants within the area based on the size and speed of the number of objects within the area, and altering a number of environmental settings for the area based on the determined number of human occupants.