Predictive Boiler Setpoint Control Using Weather Forecasts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous HVAC systems, including boilers, operate on a reactive control basis, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in controlling facility environments due to reliance on outdoor temperature sensors, which can be unreliable and slow to adjust to changes.
Innovation Solution
A predictive HVAC boiler controller that uses a weather forecast and current outdoor temperature, independent of local sensors, to anticipate and adjust set points, reducing energy consumption and improving control efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reactive control based on current outdoor temperature is used, then the system responds to existing conditions, but the response time is too long and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by receiving weather forecasts and proactively adjusting boiler set points in anticipation of future temperature changes. Instead of waiting for temperature drops to trigger heating, the system pre-heats based on predicted conditions, thereby reducing response time and improving control effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If outdoor temperature sensors are used for control adjustments, then the system can sense temperature changes, but the sensors are unreliable due to lengthy wiring, electromagnetic interference, and sensor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary approach by using weather forecast data from remote locations combined with simplified local temperature sensing. Rather than relying solely on vulnerable local sensors with lengthy wiring, the controller uses forecast data as an intermediary information source that is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference and wiring issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor system with lengthy wiring and vulnerable components with an electronic/digital solution that receives weather forecast data electronically. This substitution eliminates the physical vulnerabilities of traditional temperature sensors while maintaining the ability to measure and respond to temperature conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the boiler operates on reactive control, then the system adjusts based on current conditions, but energy consumption is high due to large adjustments required
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary heating adjustments based on weather forecasts before temperature drops occur. By proactively raising set points in anticipation of cold weather, the system reduces the magnitude of reactive adjustments needed later, thereby lowering overall energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by pre-increasing boiler set points before temperature drops occur. This anticipatory action counteracts the expected temperature decrease, reducing the need for large energy-consuming corrective adjustments and thereby lowering overall energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) boiler controller is described herein. One HVAC boiler controller includes a memory and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive a weather forecast for an area in which the boiler of the HVAC system is located, receive a current outdoor temperature, determine a set point of the boiler based, at least in part, on the received weather forecast and the received current outdoor temperature, and adjust the set point of the boiler to the determined set point.