Temperature control system and methods for operating same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems consume energy and wear out equipment quickly, leading to increased failure rates and costs, necessitating a more efficient method for temperature control in buildings.
Innovation Solution
A predictive method for operating HVAC systems that monitors interior and exterior temperatures, predicts future temperature conditions, and adjusts ventilation based on operational data to optimize energy use and reduce equipment strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If mechanical cooling systems are used to condition interior air, then desired temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption increases and equipment wear accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of interior air during nighttime hours when exterior air temperatures are lower, storing the cooled state in the building's thermal mass. This pre-cooling action reduces or eliminates the need for mechanical cooling during daytime occupied periods, thereby reducing energy consumption and equipment wear while maintaining desired temperature control.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical cooling systems operate continuously to maintain temperature, then stable interior conditions are maintained, but equipment failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates mechanical cooling intermittently rather than continuously, utilizing nighttime periods for pre-cooling and relying on thermal mass to maintain temperatures during daytime. This periodic operation pattern reduces cumulative equipment runtime and stress, thereby improving reliability and reducing failure rates while maintaining stable interior conditions through the thermal storage effect.
3Ease of operation
If exterior air is used for ventilation, then fresh air is provided to the structure, but cooling load increases when exterior air is warm
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes advantage of nighttime conditions to pre-cool the building interior before daytime occupancy. By storing the cooling effect in the building's thermal mass during nighttime when exterior air is cooler, the system enables the use of warm exterior air for daytime ventilation without incurring excessive cooling loads, as the thermal mass acts as a buffer against heat gain.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a temperature control system is disclosed. The method includes monitoring an interior and exterior temperature of a structure, defining a first time range and a second time range, associating one or more operating parameters of the temperature control system with the first time range, associating one or more operating parameters of the temperature control system with the second time range, monitoring operational time and operational load of the cooling system for the first time range, predicting a space temperature and an outdoor air temperature for a subsequent time period, and controlling a ventilation subsystem during the second time range based upon the monitored operational time and operational load of the cooling subsystem for the first time range, the predicted space temperature, the predicted outdoor air temperature, and the one or more operating parameters of the cooling subsystem associated with the second time range.