Communicating Thermostat Feedback for Peak Demand Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current residential peak demand reduction systems face challenges such as high costs, potential damage to air conditioning systems from hard cycling, and lack of verification for demand reduction compliance, particularly due to unidirectional communication and the need for additional hardware like smart meters.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a communicating thermostat connected to a computer network, allowing bi-directional communication to verify the operational status of HVAC systems by comparing temperature measurements with expected values and outside weather data, predicting thermal performance, and confirming adjustments made in response to control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If unidirectional communication is used in peak demand reduction systems, then implementation is simpler, but verification of demand reduction compliance is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional communication between the thermostat and utility server, allowing the thermostat to report actual temperature measurements and operational status back to the utility. This feedback mechanism enables verification of demand reduction compliance by comparing reported data with expected thermal performance based on weather conditions and building characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If additional hardware like smart meters is installed, then verification accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing thermostat device performs verification functions by measuring and reporting its own operational status and temperature data. The system uses the thermostat's inherent sensing and communication capabilities along with outdoor temperature data and building thermal models to verify compliance, eliminating the need for separate smart meters or additional verification hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses outdoor temperature measurements and building thermal performance models as intermediaries to verify demand reduction compliance. By comparing actual indoor temperature changes with expected changes based on outdoor conditions and building characteristics, the system can verify compliance without direct measurement of HVAC operational status or additional hardware.
3Productivity
If hard cycling of air conditioning systems is used for demand reduction, then peak demand is reduced, but damage to air conditioning systems may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic demand reduction strategies that adjust temperature setpoints and HVAC cycling patterns based on real-time conditions, building thermal mass characteristics, and forecasted weather. This dynamic approach allows for smoother transitions and reduced hard cycling compared to fixed on/off control, thereby protecting HVAC equipment while maintaining demand reduction effectiveness.
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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective verification of peak demand reduction, reducing the risk of system damage and ensuring compliance by using a single system for both implementation and verification, leveraging existing weather data and user-provided information to estimate thermal performance and detect non-compliance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one HVAC control system that measures temperature at least one location conditioned by said HVAC system
Implementation Method 2
one or more processors that compare said temperature measurements with expected temperature measurements wherein the expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements obtained by said HVAC control system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises systems and methods for verifying the occurrence of a change in operational status for climate control systems. The climate control system measures temperature at least a first location conditioned by the climate control system. One or more processors also receive measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than the climate control system, and compares the temperature measurements from the first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements obtained by the climate control system and the outside temperature measurements. A server transmits changes in programming to the climate control system based at least in part on the comparison of the temperature measurements with the expected temperature measurements.