Improving energy efficiency of human-inhabitable environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioning systems in buildings consume a significant portion of electrical power, making them costly to operate and inefficient, especially when heating and cooling requirements are complex due to heat transfer through building walls.
Innovation Solution
A power management system that includes a power conditioner for power factor correction, an inverter for converting renewable energy into AC power, and a controller for profiling electrical power usage and modifying air conditioning system operations based on sensed parameters, such as voltage, amperage, and harmonic distortion, to optimize energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air conditioning systems operate continuously to maintain comfortable indoor environments, then heating and cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts air conditioning operations based on real-time power availability from renewable sources and battery state of charge. The controller modifies compressor speed, fan operation, and temperature setpoints according to instantaneous power conditions, enabling flexible operation that matches supply and demand rather than continuous fixed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as thermostat setpoints, compressor capacity, and runtime schedules based on power availability. When renewable power is abundant or battery is charged, the system operates at higher capacity; when power is limited, it adjusts parameters to reduce consumption while maintaining comfort within acceptable ranges
2Loss of energy
If power factor correction is applied to improve electrical power efficiency, then energy waste is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power factor correction function is merged with the renewable energy inverter and battery management system into a single integrated power conditioning unit. This consolidation achieves power factor correction benefits while reducing overall system complexity compared to adding separate correction equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The power conditioner performs multiple functions simultaneously: it converts DC from renewable sources to AC, provides power factor correction, conditions power quality, and manages battery charging/discharging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated power factor correction equipment
3Use of energy by stationary object
If local power generation is integrated to offset electrical power costs, then energy cost is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates renewable power generation, battery storage, power conditioning, and air conditioning control into a single unified power management system. This consolidation manages multiple functions through one control architecture, reducing the complexity that would arise from separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors power generation output, battery state of charge, power consumption, and environmental conditions, using this feedback to automatically adjust operations. This closed-loop control simplifies management by enabling automatic decision-making rather than requiring complex manual coordination of multiple systems
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
The system reduces energy consumption by optimizing air conditioning system operations and integrating local power generation, leading to improved overall system efficiency and reduced energy costs.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter, configured to receive direct current (DC) electrical power from a renewable source, and supply alternating current (AC) power to a main circuit
Implementation Method 2
a power conditioner configured to condition and perform power factor correction on the electrical power supplied to the main circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A power management system includes a power conditioner configured to condition and perform power factor correction on the electrical power supplied to the main circuit; an inverter, configured to receive direct current (DC) electrical power from a renewable source, and supply alternating current (AC) power to a main circuit that supplies power to an air conditioning system; and a controller configured to profile, using a power profiling meter, electrical power supplied to the main circuit; and modify operations of the air conditioning system or a battery management system based on the profiled electrical power available.