System and method balance-point-thermal-conductivity-based building analysis the aid of a digital computer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating building heating and cooling energy consumption are invasive, time-consuming, and prone to inaccuracies due to the need for detailed energy audits and specialized testing equipment, making it difficult to identify cost-effective ways to reduce energy usage and quantify savings from building shell upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a digital computer to calculate building heating and cooling energy consumption through empirically-measured values and readily-available data, such as utility bills, which simplifies the process by deriving building-specific parameters like thermal mass, thermal conductivity, and effective window area through short-duration tests, allowing for accurate simulation of indoor temperature and fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional energy audit methods are used to determine building thermal conductivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical testing equipment (blower doors, thermal cameras, measurement tools) with a computational system that uses readily available utility billing data to calculate thermal conductivity. The computer-executable instructions process energy consumption data, weather data, and building characteristics to derive thermal performance metrics without physical intervention or specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of building thermal performance by processing copies of existing data (utility bills, weather records) rather than requiring physical measurement equipment. The computational system replicates the function of complex testing apparatus through algorithms that simulate thermal conductivity determination using indirect data sources.
2Measurement precision
If conventional energy audit methods are used to determine building thermal conductivity, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes data that has already been collected and recorded (utility bills, weather data) before the analysis is needed. By processing pre-existing information rather than gathering new data through time-consuming field tests, the system eliminates the need for on-site audits while maintaining analytical accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming physical measurement processes with computational analysis. The computer system processes data electronically and generates thermal conductivity results instantly, eliminating the hours or days required for conventional energy audits involving physical equipment and on-site testing.
3Measurement precision
If conventional energy audit methods are used, then building-specific parameters can be obtained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables building owners to obtain thermal conductivity analysis through automated processing of their own utility bills and publicly available weather data. The system requires no on-site visits, no specialized equipment, and no invasive procedures - users simply input existing data and receive results, making the process as easy as submitting a form online.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential analytical function from the physical energy audit process. By removing the need for on-site equipment, invasive measurements, and complex procedural steps, the system retains only the core data processing and calculation functions, delivering building-specific parameters through a simplified, non-invasive approach.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional energy audit methods are used to quantify energy savings from building upgrades, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal computational system that handles multiple functions: determining thermal conductivity, calculating energy consumption, quantifying savings from upgrades, and analyzing building performance. This single computer-based platform replaces multiple specialized tools and equipment, providing comprehensive analysis through integrated software instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the analysis approach by changing from physical measurement parameters to computational parameters. Instead of measuring thermal conductivity directly through physical tests, the system calculates it from energy consumption data, weather patterns, and building characteristics, maintaining precision while eliminating complex equipment requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for balance-point-thermal-conductivity-based building analysis with the aid of a digital computer are provided. A total thermal conductivity of a building is obtained. A balance point thermal conductivity of the building is identified. The balance point thermal conductivity is divided by an area of the building to obtain the balance point thermal conductivity per unit of the area. A further balance point thermal conductivity per the unit of a further area of at least one further building and a further total thermal conductivity of the at least one further building is obtained. The balance point thermal conductivity per unit of the area of the building is compared to the further balance point thermal conductivity per the unit of the further area of the at least one further building and the total thermal conductivity is compared to the further total conductivity of the at least one building.