Thermostat Network Verification of Peak Demand HVAC Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current residential peak demand reduction systems face challenges such as hardware and communication complexities, potential damage to air conditioning systems from hard cycling, and lack of verification for utility compliance, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a thermostat connected to a local network and a server that predicts temperature changes based on outside conditions, allowing bi-directional communication to verify if the HVAC system is turned off by comparing predicted and actual temperature changes, thereby confirming demand reduction without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional peak demand reduction systems use hard cycling of air conditioning systems, then demand reduction is achieved, but the air conditioning system may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by gradually adjusting the thermostat setpoint temperature before peak demand periods rather than abruptly cycling the system off. This gradual adjustment allows the air conditioning system to ramp down smoothly, avoiding the mechanical stress and potential damage associated with hard cycling while still achieving demand reduction goals.
2Measurement precision
If additional hardware is installed to verify utility compliance, then verification accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing thermostat and HVAC system components to verify compliance through software-based monitoring and analysis. The thermostat's existing temperature sensors and control logic are leveraged to detect whether the HVAC system is actually off during demand reduction events, eliminating the need for additional verification hardware while maintaining accurate compliance monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces physical verification hardware with electronic and software-based monitoring systems. Instead of using additional sensors, switches, or communication devices to verify HVAC shutdown, the system uses digital analysis of temperature data and control signals from the existing thermostat to confirm compliance, substituting mechanical verification methods with electronic alternatives.
3Ease of manufacture
If programmable thermostats with limited interfaces are used, then cost is reduced, but user ability to adjust multiple temperature parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multi-functionality by enabling the basic programmable thermostat to perform multiple temperature parameter adjustments through software configuration. The thermostat can be programmed to automatically adjust setpoint temperatures for different times of day and days of the week, and can respond to utility demand signals by adjusting temperatures during peak periods, all while maintaining a simple, cost-effective hardware platform.
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 verifies compliance efficiently, ensuring accurate detection of air conditioning shutdowns and minimizing system damage, thus effectively implementing and verifying residential peak demand reduction.
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 assuming that the operating status of the HVAC system is 'on'
Implementation Method 2
said processor uses the relationship between the inside temperature and the outside temperature over time to derive a second prediction for the rate of change in inside temperature assuming that the operating status of the HVAC system is 'off'
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.