Thermal Demand Adjustment for Energy-Network Comfort Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning systems face a trade-off between energy consumption and comfort, often maintaining a room temperature at the upper limit of a comfort range, leading to prolonged deviations from the desired temperature and compromised comfort.
Innovation Solution
A thermal demand adjustment device and method that dynamically control the operation of heat-source functions and air-conditioning systems by predicting thermal energy demand, adjusting the load of air-conditioning units, and optimizing the setting temperature based on user-defined limits and real-time data to balance energy conservation and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the room temperature is always set to the upper limit of the comfort range (28°C) to maximize energy conservation, then energy consumption is reduced, but comfort deteriorates as the temperature deviates from the desired setting (26°C) for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control by switching between two temperature settings (first temperature closer to desired setting and second temperature at upper comfort limit) based on accumulated time. The system dynamically adjusts the air conditioner operation to alternate between energy-saving mode and comfort mode, resolving the static trade-off between energy consumption and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by alternating between first and second temperature settings based on accumulated time thresholds. The air conditioner periodically switches between operating at the first temperature (for comfort) and second temperature (for energy saving), creating a rhythmic pattern that balances both objectives over time.
2Ease of operation
If the air conditioner operates continuously at the desired setting temperature (26°C) to maintain optimal comfort, then comfort is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by not continuously operating the air conditioner at the desired setting temperature. Instead, it operates at the first temperature only when the accumulated time exceeds a threshold, accepting partial comfort degradation during energy-saving periods while maintaining adequate comfort during comfort periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter dynamically based on accumulated time. It switches between two discrete temperature values (first and second temperatures) rather than maintaining a constant temperature, allowing the system to adapt the thermal parameter to balance comfort and energy consumption objectives.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system frequently switches between on and off states to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but temperature control precision and comfort stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by accumulating time before switching temperature settings. Rather than switching immediately or frequently, it monitors the accumulated time and only changes temperature when the threshold is reached, preventing excessive switching while maintaining adequate temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of switching on and off frequently to save energy (conventional approach), the system inverts the logic by maintaining continuous operation at adjusted temperature levels. It switches between two temperature settings rather than on/off states, preserving temperature control stability while achieving energy efficiency.
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 allows for maintaining comfort while achieving energy conservation by dynamically adjusting the operation of air-conditioning systems to stay within user-defined temperature ranges, improving user satisfaction and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
air-conditioning functions that obtain an air-conditioning effect by consuming the thermal energy generated by the heat-source functions
Data Source
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AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to minimize impact on the comfort of people in a room and to achieve energy conservation in heat-source functions in an energy network comprising a plurality of heat-source functions that generate cold water and/or warm water, and a plurality of air-conditioning functions that obtain an air-conditioning effect by consuming the cold water and/or warm water generated by the heat-source functions. Disclosed is an energy network comprising a plurality of heat-source functions that generate thermal energy, and a plurality of air-conditioning functions that obtain an air-conditioning effect by consuming the thermal energy generated by the heat-source functions, wherein the energy network comprises: a first control function that selectively starts or stops the heat-source functions; and a second control function that controls the output of the air-conditioning functions. When the first control function starts or stops the heat-source function (s), the second control function controls the total load of the plurality of air-conditioning functions to a desired magnitude.