Systems and methods for controlling heating, ventilation, cooling, and potable hot water delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling systems lack an efficient method to optimize the operation of thermal stores and multiple thermal energy systems based on thermal energy requirements and operating factors, leading to suboptimal energy use and increased emissions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that receives thermal energy requirements and operating factors to generate an operating scheme, monitoring the State of Charge (SoC) of a thermal store and determining parameters such as operating efficiency and capacity of thermal energy systems, to selectively operate the thermal store and systems for optimal thermal outcome delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional heating and cooling systems operate without optimization based on thermal energy requirements and operating factors, then the system operation is simple, but energy efficiency is reduced and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by receiving forecast thermal energy requirements in advance and generating an operating scheme before the actual thermal demand occurs. This allows the system to proactively optimize the operation of thermal stores and thermal energy systems, charging thermal stores during periods of low demand and discharging during peak demand, thereby improving energy efficiency without requiring complex real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of multiple thermal energy systems and thermal stores based on varying operating factors such as forecast thermal energy requirements, current thermal store state of charge, and system capacity. This dynamic optimization allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maximize energy efficiency while managing system complexity through automated control algorithms
2Productivity
If the system uses multiple thermal energy systems and thermal stores with optimization control, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments thermal energy management into distinct functional components: multiple thermal stores with different states of charge, multiple thermal energy systems with different operating characteristics, and a centralized control system. Each component operates semi-independently with well-defined interfaces, allowing the system to manage complexity through modular architecture while achieving high thermal outcome delivery efficiency through coordinated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors the state of charge of thermal stores, evaluates operating factors, generates optimized operating schemes, controls multiple thermal energy systems, and coordinates thermal store charging/discharging. This multi-functionality is achieved through a universal control algorithm that handles diverse tasks, reducing the need for separate specialized control systems and managing overall system complexity
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the system dynamically balances energy sources based on operating factors, then operational costs are reduced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the state of charge of thermal stores, evaluating current operating factors, and comparing actual performance against the generated operating scheme. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust operations to minimize costs while managing control complexity through algorithmic decision-making rather than human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by autonomously generating operating schemes, evaluating operating factors, and adjusting the operation of thermal stores and thermal energy systems without external intervention. This self-service capability reduces operational costs by eliminating manual control while managing complexity through automated algorithms that encapsulate the control logic
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 achieves optimized thermal outcome delivery by dynamically balancing energy sources, reducing operational costs and emissions, and ensuring efficient space conditioning and potable hot water delivery.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring a State of Charge (SoC) of a thermal store associated with the Air Conditioning and Potable Hot Water (ACPH) system
Implementation Method 2
The hydronic systems employ water (or water mixtures) as a heat transfer fluid (i.e., medium) for heating or cooling the interiors of the facilities
Implementation Method 3
low-power heat pumps having higher electricity-to-heat conversion efficiency for either heating or cooling purposes
Implementation Method 4
refrigerants are intended to operate according to a vapor-compression (refrigeration or heat pump) cycle
Implementation Method 5
indirectly through a heat transfer device (e.g., heat exchanger) to isolate the heat transfer medium from potable water
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling heating, ventilation, cooling, and potable hot water delivery. The method performed by a control unit includes receiving at least one input signal indicating thermal energy requirements associated with an Air Conditioning and Potable Hot Water (ACPH) system. In response to the at least one input signal, the method includes generating an operating scheme for at least generating thermal outcome corresponding to the thermal energy requirements based on the State of Charge (SoC) of a thermal store, parameters, and operating factors. Further, the method includes selectively operating the thermal store, and the plurality of thermal energy systems based on the operating scheme for supplying the thermal outcome corresponding to the thermal energy requirements. Furthermore, the method includes supplying the thermal outcome corresponding to the thermal energy requirements for at least space conditioning and delivery of potable hot water.