Patent Application
20180224142
The present invention pertains generally to systems and methods for customizing Heating-Ventilating-Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems for operation at a specific site. In particular, the present invention is provided to customize HVAC systems in accordance with a predetermined environmental/operational benchmark which is established based on environmental considerations pertinent to a particular site and operational considerations provided by the manufacturer of the HVAC equipment. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful for employing environmental sensors positioned in the site and operational sensors incorporated with the HVAC system, for the purposes of jointly evaluating data from the sensors to maintain efficient benchmark-based operational parameters for the HVAC system that achieve appropriate, cost effective, environmental conditions at the site.
HVAC systems are manufactured to have predetermined operational capabilities. Typically, within these capabilities, an HVAC system will be rated in accordance with its ability to process (i.e. heat, cool and/or dehumidify) a prescribed volume of air, within a predetermined temperature range, for a defined period of time. However, once an HVAC system has been installed for operation at a specified site, its operational efficiency is always significantly impacted by various external factors. Specifically, each of these factors results from a characteristic of the site where the HVAC system is installed (e.g. climate, building structure, ducting, power grid regulations, etc.).
Not surprisingly, it happens that the operational capabilities of any HVAC system will change over time. Importantly, such changes can result from either systemic or external factors, or a combination of the two. In any event, it is important to at least periodically monitor the operational condition of an installed HVAC system in order to identify ways by which an operation of the system can be improved. For example, U.S, Pat. No. 6,128,910 which issued for an invention entitled “Diagnostic Unit for an Air Conditioning System”, and which is assigned to Enalasys Corporation, is suitable for this purpose.
In addition to the operational capabilities of the HVAC system, and the conditions at the site where it is installed, it is also typically the case that different locations within a particular site will have different temperature requirements that are specific for each location. Stated differently, each operational site has its own unique HVAC requirements. Moreover, as implied above, power grid regulations and operating costs always need to be considered whenever an HVAC system is installed.
In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for customizing Heating-Ventilating-Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems for operation at a specific site. Another object of the present invention is to customize HVAC systems in accordance with a predetermined environmental/operational benchmark which has been established based on environmental considerations pertinent to a particular site, and on the operational capabilities provided by the manufacturer of the HVAC equipment. Still another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for customizing a particular site with a specific HVAC system which is easy to install, is simple to operate, and is comparatively cost effective,
In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus is provided for customizing a closed air Heating-Ventilating-Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system. In particular, as envisioned for the present invention, the HVAC system will be installed at a predetermined site and the apparatus will be customized for an efficacious operation at the site. For this purpose, a database is compiled arid used for defining a benchmark. More specifically, the defined benchmark establishes limits for environmental conditions which are acceptable at the site. The benchmark also sets operating ranges R(1-n) for an efficient operation of the HVAC system at the site.
Structurally, in addition to the HVAC system, the present invention employs an m number of environmental sensors and an n number of diagnostic sensors. In particular, each environmental sensor is positioned at a predetermined location in the site to obtain sensible measurements. These measurements are then used as environmental data e(1-m). Collectively, the environmental data Σe(1-m) defines an environmental condition at the site. As mentioned above, the present invention also employs an n number of diagnostic sensors. Each diagnostic sensor is incorporated into the HVAC system to measure respective enthalpies h(1-n) at predetermined locations in the HVAC system. These measurements are then used as diagnostic data. Collectively, the diagnostic data Σh(1-n) determines an operational condition of the HVAC system at the site. Preferably, the collection of diagnostic data is accomplished in accordance with the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,910, mentioned above.
For an operation of the present invention, a computer is connected to each of the m number of environmental sensors, to each of the n number of diagnostic sensors, and to the database. With these connections the computer uses the predefined benchmark to evaluate changes in the operational conditions of the HVAC system. Specifically, the present invention is focused on changes in the operational conditions of the HVAC system that occur in response to changes in environmental conditions at the site. Based on these evaluations, corrective actions are identified which are necessary for an optimally safe and efficient operation of the HVAC system.
As intended for the present invention, the benchmark includes benchmark enthalpies hb(1-n) which are established for a rated operation of the HVAC system in compliance with the established environmental conditions at the site. Within this framework, changes in an operational condition of the HVAC system are indicated by deviations Δ(1-n) of the diagnostic data from the benchmark enthalpies (i.e. Δn=hbn−hn). Importantly, a necessary corrective action for the HVAC system is indicated when any deviation Δ(1-n) is outside its respective acceptable range R(1-n), as established for the benchmark. For example, an appropriate corrective action may require adjusting the operating point of a fan in the HVAC system or, perhaps, a complete shutdown of the fan. Another appropriate corrective action may require adjusting the operating point of a compressor in the HVAC system or, alternatively, a complete shutdown of the compressor.
In addition to the components for the present invention disclosed above, it also includes a system controller which is connected to the computer, to the HVAC system, arid to a public utility. In this combination, the system controller implements a corrective action for the HVAC system in response to instructions from either the computer or from the utility. Insofar as control of the computer is concerned, the system controller handles computer control as disclosed above. However, insofar as a response to utility control is concerned, actions by the system controller are effectively driven by cost considerations.
For an interaction of the system controller with a utility, a permanent sensor is connected and installed in the HVAC system. The purpose here is for the permanent sensor to measure kilowatt-hours (kWh) for the fan, and also kWh for the compressor of the HVAC system. For these connections, the permanent sensor is programmed with a base line which is fixed on the established environmental condition. Generally, the system controller will honor demands from the utility. It will, however, ignore a demand corrective action from the utility unless all environmental conditions established for the site can be satisfied.
Additional aspects and capabilities for the system controller of the present invention are provided by a chip included with the system controller for establishing a two-way wireless communications link between the system controller and the utility, and between the system controller and a remote site. In particular, this communications link is established to receive information from the utility, or the remote site, for implementing operational compliance of the system with price point controls established by the utility. Additionally, in order to identify corrective actions necessary for an optimal performance of the HVAC system, the system controller can be employed to prepare a periodic report for this purpose. Specifically, the report will be based on the deviations Δ(1-n) of the diagnostic data from the benchmark enthalpies (Δn=hbn−hn) relative to respective acceptable ranges R(1-n), and to changes in kWh measurements of operational components of the HVAC system.
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
Referring initially to
For purposes of the present invention, the environmental sensors 16a-c are to be positioned at selected locations inside a site 20 (see
Returning to
The system controller 24 shown in
Referring back to
With reference to
Importantly, for purposes of the present invention, the HVAC system 12 includes a diagnostic sensor 18a which is shown positioned at the exhaust 60 of the condenser 48, and a diagnostic sensor 18b which is positioned at its intake 58. Additionally, the HVAC system 12 includes a diagnostic sensor 18c which is positioned at the outlet 56 of the evaporator 44, and a diagnostic sensor 18d which is positioned at its inlet 54. Insofar as the environmental sensors 16a-c are concerned, they are shown randomly dispersed throughout the site 20, as required.
In accordance with the present invention, an m number of environmental sensors 16 are respectively positioned at predetermined locations in the site 20. Their primary function is to obtain sensible measurements from the environment of site 20 which can be used as environmental data e(1-m) to collectively determine the environmental condition 34 (Σe(1-m)) at the site 20. Also, an n number of diagnostic sensors 18 are incorporated into the HVAC system 12 to measure enthalpies h(1-n) at predetermined locations in the HVAC system 12. Their collective function is to obtain enthalpy data which collectively determine the operational condition 36 (Σh(1-n)) of the HVAC system 12.
As noted above, an important feature of the present invention is the creation and use of a database 26 which defines a benchmark 40. In particular, the benchmark 40 establishes parameters for the environmental condition 34 at the site 20. In particular, this is accomplished by setting acceptable operating ranges R(1-n) for the operational condition 36 of the HVAC system 12.
For an operation of the present invention, the computer 22 is connected directly to the m number of environmental sensors 16, and to the n number of diagnostic sensors 18. Using these connections, the computer 22 compares changes in the operational condition 36 (Σh(1-n)) of the HVAC system 12 that are responsive to changes in the environmental condition 34 (Σe(1-m)) at the site 20. This comparison is then evaluated with reference to the benchmark 40 that is defined by the database 26. Next, the results of this comparison are transmitted from the computer 22 to the system controller 24 where whatever corrective actions are necessary for an optimal performance of the HVAC system 12 are taken.
As implied above, the benchmark 40 includes benchmark enthalpies hb(1-n) which are established within acceptable operating ranges R(1-n). Specifically, the acceptable operating ranges R(1-n) are identified relative to the operational condition 36 of the HVAC system 12. They must, however, be identified for compliance with the environmental condition 34. With this in mind, and with reference to
Additional features for the present invention include a permanent sensor (not shown) in the HVAC system 12 which will be used to measure kilowatt-hours (kWh) for the fans (e.g. evaporator fan 50 or condenser fan 52) and for the compressor 46. When used, the permanent sensor is programmed with a base line, and the base line is fixed relative to the environmental condition 34. In response to input from the permanent sensor (via computer 22), the system controller 24 will implement an appropriate corrective action for the HVAC system 12. The system control 24 may, however, ignore a demand corrective action from the utility 30 when the environmental condition 34 that is established for the site 20 cannot be satisfied.
Another feature for the present invention involves a chip (not shown) for establishing two-way wireless communications links between the system controller 24 and the utility 30 and/or with a remote site. In particular, such wireless connections are convenient for receiving information which may be needed for implementing operational compliance and price point control requirements. Further, it is envisioned that the system controller 24 will prepare a periodic report 32 that provides information concerning the deviations Δ(1-n) from the benchmark enthalpies (Δn=hbn−hn) relative to respective acceptable ranges R(1-n), and to changes in kWh measurements. It is also envisioned that the periodic reports 32 are monitored by the system controller 24 at a remote site, and are used by the system controller 24 to identify corrective actions necessary for an optimal performance of the HVAC system.
While the particular Site-Customized Benchmark for Operating an Air Conditioning System in Real Time as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.
