System and method for estimating sasonal net carbon emissions savings with the aid of a digital computer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating energy consumption and savings in buildings are invasive, time-consuming, and prone to inaccuracies due to the need for detailed energy audits and specialized testing, making it difficult to identify cost-effective upgrades to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a digital computer to estimate seasonal net carbon emissions savings by empirically measuring building-specific parameters such as thermal conductivity, thermal mass, and HVAC system efficiency through short-duration tests, allowing for the calculation of hourly or periodic fuel requirements and indoor temperature simulations without the need for intrusive audits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional energy audits are performed to determine building thermal conductivity, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex conventional audit process. Instead of performing complete energy audits with multiple tests (blower door, thermal imaging, detailed measurements), the invention uses a simplified approach that extracts only the necessary data (indoor/outdoor temperatures, energy consumption) to calculate thermal conductivity through empirical formulas, eliminating unnecessary audit steps while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an empirical model that copies the relationship between temperature differential and energy consumption without requiring physical measurement of building envelope properties. The system uses readily available utility bill data and temperature logs to create a mathematical representation of building thermal performance, avoiding the need for physical audit instruments and procedures
2Measurement precision
If conventional energy audits are performed to determine building thermal conductivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical testing equipment (blower doors, thermal cameras, measurement tools) with a computational system that processes readily available data. Instead of using physical devices to measure thermal properties, the invention substitutes a digital computer that calculates thermal conductivity from utility bill data and temperature records using empirical formulas, eliminating the need for specialized audit equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables building owners to self-assess their building's thermal performance using data they already have (utility bills and temperature logs). The empirical model allows owners to calculate their own thermal conductivity and energy savings potential without requiring professional auditors or complex testing equipment, making the assessment serviceable by the building owner themselves
3Reliability
If detailed energy audits are performed to identify cost-effective upgrades, then reliability of savings estimation is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations using readily available data (utility bills and temperature logs) to estimate thermal conductivity and potential energy savings before any physical audits or upgrades are undertaken. This preliminary assessment provides reliable enough estimates to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with detailed audits or immediate upgrades, saving time by avoiding unnecessary detailed measurements for preliminary planning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters used for assessment from requiring detailed physical measurements to using readily available operational data (energy consumption, temperature logs). By transforming the assessment methodology to rely on operational parameters rather than construction parameters, the system achieves reliable savings estimates without the time-consuming process of measuring building envelope properties
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for estimating seasonal net carbon emissions savings with the aid of a digital computer is provided. Efficiencies of electricity generation as supplied to a building and of the building's cooling and heating systems are obtained. Carbon emissions of electricity and natural gas consumption are obtained. A cooling season duration and a heating season duration that together include seasonal changes affecting the building are defined. A net carbon emissions savings afforded by an electric energy efficiency associated with the building is evaluated as a function of a reduction in electricity consumption afforded by the electric energy efficiency times the electricity consumption carbon emissions plus an inverse of the cooling system efficiency based on the cooling season duration less the natural gas consumption carbon emissions over the heating system efficiency based on the heating season duration, wherein the electric energy efficiency is implemented based on the evaluation.