Chiller Rating Engine Digital Twin for Site Condition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of modern chillers makes it difficult to evaluate and control their performance accurately at building sites, as their actual operating conditions often deviate from peak design conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adapt a device model to actual operating conditions by generating a virtual device, using a rating engine to assess performance, and initiating automated actions based on comparisons between expected and actual performance data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If chiller performance is modeled under peak design operating conditions, then the device complexity is reduced and evaluation is simplified, but the measurement precision of actual performance deviates from true operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static peak design condition models to dynamic models that adapt to actual operating conditions. The system continuously adjusts performance evaluations based on real-time operating parameters, making the evaluation process responsive to changing conditions rather than relying on fixed design-point assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying performance model inputs to reflect actual operating conditions rather than design conditions. The system adjusts key parameters such as temperature, pressure, and load conditions to match real-time measurements, enabling accurate performance assessment across varying operating states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If chiller components and types are diversified with technological improvements, then the functionality and performance capabilities are enhanced, but the difficulty of evaluating and controlling components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a standardized performance evaluation framework that works across diverse chiller types and configurations. The system uses common performance parameters and evaluation metrics that can be applied universally to different chiller technologies, simplifying the assessment of complex and varied components through a unified approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary performance evaluation system that mediates between diverse chiller components and the control objectives. This intermediary layer standardizes the interface for evaluating different component types, translating various chiller-specific parameters into common performance metrics that facilitate consistent control and assessment.
3Extent of automation
If automated control actions are implemented based on performance comparisons, then the extent of automation is increased and control responsiveness is improved, but the device complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing actual performance measurements against target performance criteria and using this information to automatically adjust control actions. The system establishes closed-loop control where performance evaluation results directly inform control decisions, enabling responsive automation without requiring complex predictive models or advanced control algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling building equipment. The method includes obtaining a device model for a physical device of building equipment installed at a building site, the device model indicating an expected performance of the physical device under design operating conditions. The method further includes obtaining operating conditions under which the physical device is operating at the building site, and generating a virtual device representing the physical device by adapting the device model to the operating conditions. The method also includes using a rating engine to generate a device rating for the virtual device, the device rating indicating an expected performance of the physical device under the operating conditions. The method also includes obtaining actual operating data indicating an actual performance of the physical device under the operating conditions, and initiating an automated action based on a comparison of the actual operating data with the device rating for the virtual device.