Networked 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 comprising a thermostat connected to a local network and a server that predicts temperature changes based on inside and outside temperatures, allowing bi-directional communication to verify if the air conditioning has been shut off by comparing predicted and actual temperature changes, thus ensuring accurate demand reduction verification without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If unidirectional communication is used to control HVAC systems during peak demand reduction, then communication simplicity is improved, but verification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional communication between the thermostat and utility server, enabling the thermostat to report actual temperature data and HVAC status back to the utility. This feedback mechanism allows verification of demand reduction compliance without requiring additional verification hardware, resolving the contradiction between communication simplicity and verification capability.
2Measurement precision
If smart meters are installed to verify demand reduction, then verification accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing thermostat serve multiple functions: it continues to control HVAC operation while simultaneously acting as a verification device by measuring and reporting temperature data to the utility server. This eliminates the need for separate smart meters or verification hardware, achieving verification accuracy without increasing system hardware requirements.
3Productivity
If hard cycling of air conditioning is used for demand reduction, then demand control is improved, but system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature setpoint adjustment instead of hard cycling. The thermostat receives target temperature adjustments from the utility server and smoothly modifies the temperature setpoint within a predefined range, allowing the HVAC system to modulate its operation continuously rather than switching on and off abruptly. This maintains demand reduction effectiveness while preventing mechanical stress and extending system durability.
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 reduces costs and ensures reliable verification of peak demand reduction, minimizing system damage and enhancing compliance monitoring, thereby providing a cost-effective and efficient method for utilities to manage peak demand.
Implementation Method 1
said processor uses the relationship between the inside temperature and the outside temperature over time to derive a first prediction for the rate of change in inside temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises systems and methods for estimating the rate of change in temperature inside a structure. At least one thermostat located is inside the structure and is used to control an climate control system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The processor uses the relationship between the inside temperature and the outside temperature over time to derive a first estimation for the rate of change in inside temperature assuming that the operating status of the climate control system is “on”. The processor also uses the relationship between the inside temperature and the outside temperature over time to derive a second estimation for the rate of change in inside temperature assuming that the operating status of the climate control system is “off”. The compares at least one of the first estimation and the second estimation to the actual inside temperature recorded inside the structure to determine whether the actual rate of change in inside temperature is closer to the first estimation or the second estimation.