Zoning System Thermal Storage for Off-Peak HVAC Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zoned HVAC systems operate inefficiently during peak load hours, leading to increased operational costs and reduced efficiency, as they struggle to manage varying cooling demands throughout the day.
Innovation Solution
A zoning system that thermally charges a designated storage zone during off-peak hours by conditioning air and stores it for later retrieval during peak load hours, allowing the HVAC system to condition zones without activating evaporators or furnaces, thereby optimizing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the HVAC system operates during peak load hours to meet cooling demands, then the cooling demand is satisfied, but the operational efficiency is reduced and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools zones during off-peak hours when the HVAC system operates efficiently, storing the cooled air in the zone's thermal mass. This preliminary action allows the zone to maintain comfortable temperatures during peak load hours without requiring the HVAC system to operate at reduced efficiency, thus resolving the contradiction between meeting cooling demands and maintaining operational efficiency.
2Reliability
If the HVAC system operates throughout the day to maintain cooling, then continuous cooling is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic operation by concentrating HVAC operation during specific off-peak hours to pre-cool zones, then allowing the zones to maintain cooling through stored thermal energy during peak hours. This periodic action pattern replaces continuous operation, ensuring continuous cooling is provided while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
3Reliability
If the HVAC system runs at full capacity during peak hours, then cooling demand is met, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, storing the cooling effect in the zone's thermal mass. This allows the system to fulfill cooling demands during peak hours by releasing stored cooling rather than running at full capacity, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining reliable cooling fulfillment.
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 enhances the HVAC system's efficiency by conducting air conditioning operations during off-peak hours and using stored conditioned air during peak hours, reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A zoning system that thermally charges a designated storage zone during off-peak hours by conditioning air and stores it for later retrieval during peak load hours
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a zoning system for climate control including a controller configured to operate the zoning system to supply conditioned air to a first zone of a plurality of zones through a first supply air damper to thermally charge the first zone. The controller is also configured to close the first supply air damper of the first zone and open a second supply air damper of a second zone of the plurality of zones after the first zone is thermally charged. The controller is further configured to operate the zoning system to draw the conditioned air from the first zone and supply the conditioned air to the second zone through the second supply air damper.