Building Zone Temperature Setback Control for Peak Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating and cooling systems fail to optimize energy usage by arbitrarily setting temperatures during non-use periods, leading to inefficient energy savings and potential inability to maintain desired temperatures upon return to use, especially due to lack of dynamic adjustment based on weather conditions and specific usage schedules.
Innovation Solution
A system that monitors temperature zones within a building, determines an off-peak temperature target based on the duration of non-use periods and desired peak temperatures, and adjusts temperatures using a PID controller, incorporating weather data to minimize energy consumption while ensuring timely recovery to peak temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a timed thermostat arbitrarily sets a setback temperature during non-use periods, then energy savings may be achieved, but the ability to maintain desired temperature during occupation times cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the setback temperature rather than using a fixed arbitrary value. The setback temperature is calculated based on the duration of the off-peak period, outdoor temperature, and thermal characteristics of the building, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions while ensuring the space can be recovered to the desired temperature by the next occupation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors and weather data to continuously monitor and adjust the setback temperature. By incorporating feedback loops that consider actual building response to temperature changes, the system ensures that energy savings are optimized while maintaining the ability to reach desired temperatures when needed.
2Loss of energy
If the setback temperature is lowered to maximize energy savings, then energy costs are reduced, but the heating equipment may not be able to return the space to desired temperature by occupation time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations to determine the optimal setback temperature before the off-peak period begins. By considering the duration of the off-peak period, outdoor temperature conditions, and heating equipment capacity, the system pre-calculates a setback temperature that maximizes energy savings while ensuring the space can be recovered to the desired temperature by the next occupation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the setback temperature parameter dynamically based on multiple factors including off-peak duration, outdoor temperature, and building thermal characteristics. This parameter adjustment ensures that the setback is aggressive enough to save energy but not so aggressive that it exceeds the heating equipment's recovery capability.
3Ease of operation
If a simple timer controls the setback temperature, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot adjust for varying weather conditions or unexpected usage changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting setback temperatures based on weather data and usage patterns without requiring manual intervention. It autonomously processes weather information, calculates optimal setback temperatures, and modifies control settings, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability to varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple functions within a single control framework: it handles scheduled setbacks, responds to weather conditions, adapts to building-specific thermal characteristics, and can accommodate unexpected usage changes. This multi-functionality maintains operational simplicity while providing comprehensive adaptability.
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 optimizes energy usage by dynamically adjusting temperatures during off-peak hours based on weather and usage schedules, reducing energy costs and ensuring timely recovery to peak temperatures, thus enhancing energy efficiency and practicality.
Implementation Method 1
One embodiment of the invention then controls the temperature (e.g., via a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller) within the monitored zone during the off-peak operating state
Implementation Method 2
heat flowing out of the building during the heating season (e.g., winter) and heat flowing into the building during the cooling season (e.g., summer) generally require purchased energy
Data Source
AI summary
Controlling energy usage of a building. At least one temperature sensor monitors temperature within a zone of a building. A processor determines an off-peak temperature target as a function of a duration of an off-peak operating state of the monitored zone and a desired temperature within the monitored zone during a subsequent peak operating state of the monitored zone. A controller receives the determined off-peak temperature target and is responsive to the received off-peak temperature target to control the temperature within the monitored zone of the building during the off-peak operating state. Other aspects of the invention are directed to computer-readable media for controlling energy usage of a building as described.