Methods for determining energy saving amount, thermostats and storage mediums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of HVAC systems lack visibility into the energy-saving effects of their selected energy-saving modes, as current technologies do not provide a clear method to quantify the energy savings achieved by these settings.
Innovation Solution
A method and thermostat system that obtain device and location information to calculate a predicted energy consumption based on user-selected energy-saving modes and schedules, comparing it to a reference energy consumption to determine the energy-saving amount, allowing users to understand the energy savings achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If energy saving mode is set for HVAC system, then energy consumption is reduced, but user cannot know the energy saving effect
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and provides feedback to the user about the energy saving effect by comparing predicted energy consumption (with energy saving mode) against reference energy consumption (without energy saving mode). This feedback loop allows users to see the actual energy savings achieved, resolving the information gap while maintaining energy reduction benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of predicted energy consumption before the user actually uses the energy saving mode, based on device information and region information. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare and present energy saving estimates in advance, enabling users to understand expected savings before committing to the energy saving mode
2Loss of energy
If energy saving mode and schedule are selected, then energy consumption is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat is enhanced with multi-functionality to not only control HVAC operations but also to calculate, compare, and display energy saving information. By making the thermostat universal (handling both control and analysis functions), the system avoids adding separate complex devices while still providing comprehensive energy saving optimization and information
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a thermostat applied to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system including: a memory storing machine executable instructions; one or more processors, wherein when the machine executable instructions are executed, the one or more processors are configured to perform the following operations: obtaining device information of the HVAC system, and region information of a user's location; according to the device information of the HVAC system and the region information, in response to an energy saving mode and a schedule selected by the user, determining a predicted energy consumption and a reference energy consumption; and determining energy saving amount according to the predicted energy consumption and the reference energy consumption.