Single-Stage Compressor Periodic Cycling for Peak Demand Response
Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face challenges in maintaining comfort and reducing energy consumption during peak demand response times, as existing technologies lack efficient methods to manage compressor operation effectively.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC system with a controller that determines an operation schedule for a single-stage compressor to alternately turn it on and off, predicting indoor temperatures and occupancy to optimize comfort and energy savings during peak demand periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the single-stage compressor operates continuously to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, then occupant comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases during peak demand response times
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic on-off cycling of the single-stage compressor during demand response events, switching the compressor between on and off states according to a predetermined schedule that alternates between cooling periods and off periods, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining acceptable comfort levels
Solution Approach 2:
The controller pre-cools the space before the demand response event begins by operating the compressor at higher capacity during the pre-cooling period, storing cooling capacity in the building's thermal mass, which then allows the compressor to be cycled off or reduced during the demand response event while maintaining comfort
2Use of energy by moving object
If the single-stage compressor is turned off during peak demand response times to reduce energy consumption, then energy-saving requirements are met, but indoor temperature comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic on-off cycling of the single-stage compressor during demand response events, switching the compressor between on and off states according to a predetermined schedule that alternates between cooling periods and off periods, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining acceptable comfort levels
Solution Approach 2:
The controller pre-cools the space before the demand response event begins by operating the compressor at higher capacity during the pre-cooling period, storing cooling capacity in the building's thermal mass, which then allows the compressor to be cycled off or reduced during the demand response event while maintaining comfort
3Productivity
If the HVAC system operates at full capacity to meet cooling demands, then cooling performance is improved, but power consumption exceeds limits during peak demand response times
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic on-off cycling of the single-stage compressor during demand response events, switching the compressor between on and off states according to a predetermined schedule that alternates between cooling periods and off periods, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining acceptable comfort levels
Solution Approach 2:
The controller applies partial cooling action during demand response events by cycling the compressor off during portions of the demand response period, providing just enough cooling to maintain acceptable comfort levels while significantly reducing power consumption below the full capacity level
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 maintains comfortable indoor temperatures while meeting energy-saving requirements by efficiently managing compressor operation, reducing energy consumption and ensuring occupant comfort during peak demand times.
Implementation Method 1
a single-stage compressor configured to compress a refrigerant used to cool air provided to the space
Implementation Method 2
Air is cooled via heat transfer with refrigerant flowing through the HVAC system
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system is configured to regulate a temperature of a space. The HVAC system includes a single-stage compressor configured to compress a refrigerant used to cool air provided to the space and a controller communicatively coupled to the single-stage compressor. The controller determines that a demand response time period is starting at a start time. After determining that the demand response time period is starting at the start time, an operation schedule is determined indicating alternating portions of the demand response period during which the single-stage compressor is to be turned off and turned on. At or after the start time of the demand response time period, the controller begins operating the single-stage compressor according to the determined operation schedule.