System and method for cooperatively operating a smart thermostat and vehicle to grid automobile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC energy management systems fail to efficiently manage energy consumption during peak hours, leading to higher electricity bills, and lack integration with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems to optimize energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically controlled system that uses a mobile device application to communicate with a vehicle's rechargeable battery to precondition a building by determining the vehicle's location and state-of-charge, switching on/off HVAC systems, and leveraging V2G capabilities to offset peak energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If HVAC systems operate continuously to maintain comfortable temperature, then building comfort is improved, but energy consumption during peak hours increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools or pre-heats the building before the user arrives home, using off-peak electricity rates. The thermostat receives user location data and begins conditioning the space in advance, allowing the HVAC system to be turned off during peak pricing hours while maintaining comfort upon arrival.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions including user location, weather forecasts, and electricity pricing. Rather than following a fixed schedule, the system adapts its conditioning strategy based on when the user is expected to arrive and current grid conditions.
2Ease of operation
If users are away from home, then uncontrolled electricity distribution occurs, but conventional systems lack the capability to remotely manage energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives feedback from GPS location services, weather stations, and utility companies regarding electricity pricing. This feedback loop allows the thermostat to make real-time decisions about when to condition the space, even when the user is away, by knowing exactly when the user is expected to return.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat autonomously manages energy consumption by receiving user preferences and automatically making decisions about when to operate the HVAC system. The system serves itself by interpreting location data and pricing signals to optimize operation without requiring active user control.
3Loss of energy
If V2G system integrates with HVAC management, then peak power charges are offset, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat system serves multiple functions: it acts as a traditional temperature control device, a remote presence-aware energy manager, and a V2G coordination interface. By consolidating these functions into a single device, the system reduces overall complexity despite the expanded capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's energy storage system and the HVAC system. Rather than directly connecting complex V2G infrastructure to climate control, the thermostat mediates energy transfer and coordination, simplifying the integration architecture.
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
This approach reduces energy consumption during peak hours, utilizes off-peak hours efficiently, and minimizes electricity bills by strategically managing HVAC operations based on vehicle proximity and energy pricing, effectively integrating V2G capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a vehicle having a rechargeable battery capable of providing power to a power grid
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of managing the operation of a remotely controllable control unit for an appliance in a building during peak power demand hours with an application on a mobile device further in communication with a vehicle having a rechargeable battery capable of providing power to a power grid is disclosed. The application determines a state-of-charge of the rechargeable battery in the vehicle, and determines a location of the vehicle and whether the vehicle is within a threshold distance to the building. The building is preconditioned using the appliance to a preferred state if the vehicle is within the threshold distance to the building. When the vehicle arrives at the building, it is electrically connected to the power grid to provide electricity from the rechargeable battery to the power grid to replace the power used during the preconditioning.