U.S. patent application number 15/088826 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for apparatus and method for adaptively applying central hvac system and individual hvac system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hye-Jung CHO, Dong-Seop LEE, Gun-Hyuk PARK, Kwan-Woo SONG, Sung-Geun SONG.
Application Number | 20160290673 15/088826 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57006439 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160290673 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARK; Gun-Hyuk ; et
al. |
October 6, 2016 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADAPTIVELY APPLYING CENTRAL HVAC SYSTEM
AND INDIVIDUAL HVAC SYSTEM
Abstract
A method and apparatus for adaptively applying a central
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an
individual HVAC system are provided. The method includes analyzing
comfort levels of a core zone and a perimeter zone in a building by
comparing temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with
a set temperature, comparing a difference between the temperatures
of the core zone and the perimeter zone with an environmental
parameter, if only one of the core zone and the perimeter zone is
comfortable as a result of the analysis, and changing a currently
operating HVAC system based on a result of the comparison.
Inventors: |
PARK; Gun-Hyuk; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; LEE; Dong-Seop; (Suwon-si, KR) ; SONG;
Sung-Geun; (Incheon, KR) ; SONG; Kwan-Woo;
(Yongin-si, KR) ; CHO; Hye-Jung; (Anyang-si,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
57006439 |
Appl. No.: |
15/088826 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/70 20180101;
F24F 2110/10 20180101; F24F 11/30 20180101; H04W 4/70 20180201;
F24F 2003/003 20130101; F24F 2110/12 20180101; F24F 2120/10
20180101; F24F 2140/60 20180101; F24F 3/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00; F24F 3/00 20060101 F24F003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 1, 2015 |
KR |
10-2015-0046295 |
Claims
1. A method for adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system,
the method comprising: analyzing comfort levels of a core zone and
a perimeter zone in a building by comparing temperatures of the
core zone and the perimeter zone with a set temperature; comparing,
if the core zone or the perimeter zone is comfortable as a result
of the analysis, a difference between the temperatures of the core
zone and the perimeter zone with an environmental parameter; and
changing a currently operating HVAC system based on a result of the
comparison.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the environmental parameter
includes at least one of a first parameter indicating a
compensation temperature that the core zone is capable of acquiring
through the perimeter zone, a second parameter indicating a limit
for the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and
the perimeter zone, considered if the perimeter zone is
comfortable, and a third parameter indicating a limit for the
difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the
perimeter zone, considered if the core zone is comfortable, and is
updated based on continuous monitoring and data collection.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the changing of the currently
operating HVAC system comprises: determining, if the perimeter zone
is comfortable as a result of the analysis, whether the difference
between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is
equal to or larger than the second parameter; switching, if the
difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the
perimeter zone is equal to or larger than the second parameter, the
currently operating HVAC system to the central HVAC system; and
maintaining, if the difference between the temperatures of the core
zone and the perimeter zone is less than the second parameter, the
currently operating HVAC system.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the changing of the currently
operating HVAC system comprises: determining, if the core zone is
comfortable as a result of the analysis, whether the difference
between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is
equal to or larger than the third parameter; switching, if the
difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the
perimeter zone is equal to or larger than the third parameter, the
currently operating HVAC system to the individual HVAC system; and
maintaining, if the difference between the temperatures of the core
zone and the perimeter zone is less than the third parameter, the
currently operating HVAC system.
5. The method of claim 2, further comprising: operating, if both of
the core zone and the perimeter zone are not comfortable, the
central HVAC system; determining whether a difference between the
temperature of the core zone and the set temperature is equal to or
less than the first parameter; operating, if the difference between
the temperature of the core zone and the set temperature is equal
to or less than the first parameter, the individual HVAC system;
and operating, if the difference between the temperature of the
core zone and the set temperature is larger than the first
parameter, the central HVAC system.
6. The method of claim 2, further comprising discontinuing, if both
of the core zone and the perimeter zone are comfortable, operation
of the currently operating HVAC system.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein the second parameter and the
third parameter are controlled based on at least one of an energy
use amount, a temperature change gradient of the core zone or the
perimeter zone, an operation level of a related HVAC system, the
compensation temperature, a predicted mean vote (PMV), an indoor
air quality (IAQ) index, and a user-set duration.
8. A method for adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system,
the method comprising: predicting energy consumptions of each of
the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system; selecting a
HVAC system having the smaller predicted energy consumption between
the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system; identifying
whether a currently operating HVAC system satisfies a predetermined
constraint; and determining whether to operate the selected HVAC
system based on the identified result.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the predetermined constraint
includes at least one of a predetermined carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2)
level, a predetermined carbon oxide (CO) level, a predetermined
temperature difference between a core zone and a perimeter zone,
reception or non-reception of a request for a response signal, a
predetermined predicted mean vote (PMV) difference between the core
zone and the perimeter zone, a predetermined energy consumption
difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone, and a
predetermined heat amount, and wherein the predicted energy
consumptions are modeled based on environmental data, and the
environmental data includes at least one of an outdoor temperature,
an average outdoor temperature, a radiant temperature, a set
temperature, a core zone temperature, a perimeter zone temperature,
a carbon oxide (CO) level, and a carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2)
level.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the determination of whether to
operate the selected HVAC system comprises: operating, if the
currently operating HVAC system satisfies the predetermined
constraint, the selected HVAC system; and operating, if the
currently operating HVAC system does not satisfy the predetermined
constraint, the other unselected HVAC system.
11. An apparatus for adaptively applying a central heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual
HVAC system, the apparatus comprising: a controller configured to:
analyze comfort levels of a core zone and a perimeter zone in a
building by comparing temperatures of the core zone and the
perimeter zone with a set temperature, compare a difference between
the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with an
environmental parameter, and change, if the core zone or the
perimeter zone is comfortable as a result of the analysis, a
currently operating HVAC system based on a result of the
comparison; and a transceiver configured to transmit and receive
signals related to the controller.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the environmental parameter
includes at least one of a first parameter indicating a
compensation temperature that the core zone is capable of acquiring
through the perimeter zone, a second parameter indicating a limit
for the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and
the perimeter zone, considered if the perimeter zone is
comfortable, and a third parameter indicating a limit for the
difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the
perimeter zone, considered if the core zone is comfortable, and is
updated based on continuous monitoring and data collection.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the controller is further
configured to: determine, if the perimeter zone is comfortable as a
result of the analysis, whether the difference between the
temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or
larger than the second parameter, maintain, if the difference
between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is
less than the second parameter, the currently operating HVAC
system, and switch, if the difference between the temperatures of
the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger than the
second parameter, the currently operating HVAC system to the
central HVAC system.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the controller is further
configured to: determine, if the core zone is comfortable as a
result of the analysis, whether the difference between the
temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or
larger than the third parameter, maintain, if the difference
between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is
less than the third parameter, the currently operating HVAC system,
and switch, if the difference between the temperatures of the core
zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger the third
parameter, the currently operating HVAC system to the individual
HVAC system.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the controller is further
configured to: operating, if both of the core zone and the
perimeter zone are not comfortable, the central HVAC system,
determine whether a difference between the temperature of the core
zone and the set temperature is equal to or less than the first
parameter, operate, if the difference between the temperature of
the core zone and the set temperature is less than or equal to than
the first parameter, the individual HVAC system, and operate, if
the difference between the temperature of the core zone and the set
temperature is larger than the first parameter, the central HVAC
system.
16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein if both of the core zone and
the perimeter zone are comfortable, the controller is further
configured to discontinue operation of the currently operating HVAC
system.
17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second parameter and the
third parameter are controlled based on at least one of an energy
use amount, a temperature change gradient of the core zone or the
perimeter zone, an operation level of a related HVAC system, the
compensation temperature, a predicted mean vote (PMV), an indoor
air quality (IAQ) index, and a user-set duration.
18. An apparatus for adaptively applying a central heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual
HVAC system, the apparatus comprising: a controller configured to:
predict energy consumptions of each of the central HVAC system and
the individual HVAC system, select a HVAC system having a smaller
predicted energy consumption between the central HVAC system and
the individual HVAC system, identifying whether a currently
operating HVAC system satisfies a predetermined constraint, and
determine whether to operate the selected HVAC system based on the
identified result; and a transceiver configured to transmit and
receive signals related to the controller.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the predetermined constraint
includes at least one of a predetermined carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2)
level, a predetermined carbon oxide (CO) level, a predetermined
temperature difference between a core zone and a perimeter zone,
reception or non-reception of a request for a response signal, a
predetermined predicted mean vote (PMV) difference between the core
zone and the perimeter zone, a predetermined energy consumption
difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone, and a
predetermined heat amount, wherein the predicted energy
consumptions are modeled based on environmental data, and wherein
the environmental data includes at least one of an outdoor
temperature, an average outdoor temperature, a radiant temperature,
a set temperature, a core zone temperature, a perimeter zone
temperature, a carbon oxide (CO) level, and a carbon dioxide
(CO.sub.2) level.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the controller is further
configured to: operate, if the currently operating HVAC system
satisfies the predetermined constraint, the selected HVAC system,
and operate, if the currently operating HVAC system does not
satisfy the predetermined constraint, the other unselected HVAC
system.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(a) of a Korean patent application filed on Apr. 1, 2015
in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and assigned Serial
number 10-2015-0046295, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method
for adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The Internet is evolving from a human-oriented connection
network in which human beings generate and consume information to
the Internet of things (IoT) in which information is
transmitted/received and processed between distributed elements
such as things. The Internet of everything (IoE) technology may be
an example of combining the IoT with big data processing through
connectivity to a cloud server and the like.
[0004] For an IoT implementation, technologies such as sensing,
wired/wireless communication and network infrastructure, service
interfacing, and security are required. Currently, techniques
including a sensor network for interconnection between things,
machine to machine (M2M) communication, and machine type
communication (MTC) have been studied.
[0005] An intelligent Internet technology (IT) service of creating
new values for human livings by collecting and analyzing data
generated from interconnected things may be provided in an IoT
environment. The IoT may find application in a wide range of fields
including a smart home, a smart building, a smart city, a smart car
or a connected car, a smart grid, health care, a smart appliance,
and state-of-the art medical services, through convergence between
existing IT technologies and various industries.
[0006] Along with modernization of building facilities, building
control systems for controlling various facilities for air
conditioning, power, lighting, and disaster prevention within a
building have become popular.
[0007] Beyond simple automation of individual systems (for air
conditioning, power, lighting, access control, parking, and the
like), the building control systems have recently been developed to
build an efficient network that organically integrates the systems.
Efficient integration of individual systems is based on the premise
of implementation of not a technology of a specific company but an
open technology. Also, the evolution trend is toward organic
interconnection of systems in a lower-layer control network rather
than incomplete integration of systems in a higher layer.
[0008] For air conditioning in a large building, a central heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system or an individual
HVAC system is generally employed. The central HVAC system refers
to a system in which an air handing unit (AHU) distributes
cooled/heated air through air ducts connected across the inner
space of a building, whereas the individual HVAC system refers to a
system in which an outdoor unit introduces a coolant indoors and
cools/heats indoor air. The central and individual HVAC systems
each have their own shortcomings. That is, the central HVAC system
may suffer from indoor heat load imbalance and energy leakage
because it is impossible to control temperature separately in a
perimeter zone and a core zone. The individual HVAC system cannot
introduce outdoor air. Therefore, it is impossible to satisfy
indoor air quality (IAQ) recommendations, for example, a carbon
dioxide (CO.sub.2) level and a carbon oxide (CO) level which are
allowed indoors.
[0009] To overcome these shortcomings of the central and individual
HVAC systems, a hybrid HVAC system is under active research in
order to simultaneously the central and individual HVAC systems.
However, the hybrid HVAC system consumes far more energy than
either of the central and individual HVAC systems alone because
both the systems operate at the same time. As a result, electricity
charges become high since a progressive rate is applied to each of
a basic charge and a power consumption charge.
[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for development of an optimum
HVAC system that overcomes the shortcomings of the central HVAC
system, the individual HVAC system, and the hybrid HVAC system.
[0011] The above information is presented as background information
only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No
determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to
whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with
regard to the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least
the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at
least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the
present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for
adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system.
[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an
apparatus and method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system
and an individual HVAC system according to a case detected based on
comfort of a perimeter zone and/or a core zone.
[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an
apparatus and method for predicting energy consumptions of a
central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system and applying a
HVAC system having the smaller energy consumption between the
central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system.
[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an
apparatus and method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system
and an individual HVAC system in consideration of whether a
currently operating HVAC system satisfies a predetermined
constraint.
[0016] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a
method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an
individual HVAC system is provided. The method includes analyzing
comfort levels of a core zone and a perimeter zone in a building by
comparing temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with
a set temperature, comparing a difference between the temperatures
of the core zone and the perimeter zone with an environmental
parameter, if only one of the core zone and the perimeter zone is
comfortable as a result of the analysis, and changing a currently
operating HVAC system based on a result of the comparison.
[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
a method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an
individual HVAC system is provided. The method includes predicting
energy consumptions of the central HVAC system and the individual
HVAC system, selecting a HVAC system having the smaller predicted
energy consumption between the central HVAC system and the
individual HVAC system, and determining whether a currently
operating HVAC system satisfies a predetermined constraint, and
determining whether to operate the selected HVAC system based on a
result of the determination.
[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
an apparatus for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an
individual HVAC system is provided. The apparatus includes a
controller configured to analyze comfort levels of a core zone and
a perimeter zone in a building by comparing temperatures of the
core zone and the perimeter zone with a set temperature, compare a
difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the
perimeter zone with an environmental parameter, and change, if only
one of the core zone and the perimeter zone is comfortable as a
result of the analysis, and a currently operating HVAC system based
on a result of the comparison, and a transceiver configured to
transmit and receive signals related to the controller.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
an apparatus for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an
individual HVAC system is provided. The apparatus includes a
controller configured to predict energy consumptions of the central
HVAC system and the individual HVAC system, select a HVAC system
having the smaller predicted energy consumption between the central
HVAC system and the individual HVAC system, determine whether a
currently operating HVAC system satisfies a predetermined
constraint, and determine whether to operate the selected HVAC
system based on a result of the determination, and a transceiver
configured to transmit and receive signals related to the
controller.
[0020] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the
disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction
with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the
present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of
certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent
from the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adaptively
applying a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system by a control unit
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a detailed flowchart illustrating a method for
adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC
system by a control unit according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating an operation for adaptively
applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system
according to temperature changes of a perimeter zone and a core
zone by a control unit according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adaptively
applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system by a
control unit according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating an operation for adaptively
applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system
according to energy consumptions of the central HVAC system and the
individual HVAC system and predetermined constraints during
predetermined intervals by a control unit according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate examples of setting a temperature
difference reference in consideration of an energy consumption, a
gradient related to a temperature change in a core zone and/or a
perimeter zone and an operation level of a HVAC system according to
various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of setting a temperature
difference reference in consideration of mutual influences between
a core zone and a perimeter zone according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0029] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an example of setting a
temperature difference reference in consideration of a predicted
mean vote (PMV) according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0030] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example of setting a
temperature difference reference in consideration of an indoor air
quality (IAQ) index according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of setting a temperature
difference reference in consideration of a set time schedule
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an interior
structure of a control unit for adaptively applying a central HVAC
system and an individual HVAC system according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0033] FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate comparisons between a hybrid
HVAC scheme and an adaptive HVAC scheme of the related art in terms
of simulated results of seasonal power consumptions and electricity
charges according to various embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0034] FIGS. 13A to 13C illustrate comparisons between the hybrid
HVAC system and an adaptive HVAC system of the related art in terms
of simulated results of seasonal power consumptions and electricity
charges according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
and
[0035] FIGS. 14A and 14B are graphs illustrating temperature
changes in a perimeter zone and a core zone for one day in a
central HVAC system and an adaptive HVAC system according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be
understood to refer to like parts, components, and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The following description with reference to the accompanying
drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of
various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the
claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details
to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as
merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that various changes and modifications of the
various embodiments described herein can be made without departing
from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition,
descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be
omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0038] The terms and words used in the following description and
claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are
merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent
understanding of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description
of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for
illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the
present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0039] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an,"
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component
surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.
[0040] A method for adaptively applying a central heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual
HVAC system according to the difference between temperatures of a
perimeter zone and a core zone according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure will be described below in detail. That is, a
method for determining whether to operate or stop each of the
central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system in consideration
of a temperature measured in a perimeter zone of a building, a
temperature measured in a core zone of the building, a
predetermined set temperature, and environmental parameters will be
described in detail.
[0041] Devices related to a HVAC system described in embodiments of
the present disclosure may include, for example, an absorption
chiller, a scroll chiller, a screw chiller, a centrifugal chiller,
a cooling tower, a roof top unit, an air handing unit (AHU), a fan
coil unit, a variable air volume (VAV) box, a boiler like a burner,
an air cooled/water cooled outdoor unit, and any other individual
air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
[0042] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adaptively
applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system by a
control unit according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, a control unit determines environmental
parameters which are considered to select a HVAC system, for
example, .alpha., .beta., and .gamma. in operation 102. Herein,
.alpha. represents a compensation temperature that a core zone
acquires through operation of an individual HVAC system installed
in a perimeter zone, and .beta. and .gamma. represent references
for a temperature difference between the core zone and the
perimeter zone. Particularly, .beta. is a temperature difference
reference which is considered, when a temperature of the core zone
is higher than that of the perimeter zone during operation of a
cooling system, and a temperature difference reference which is
considered, when the temperature of the perimeter zone is higher
than that of the core zone during operation of a heating system.
.gamma. is a temperature difference reference which is considered,
when the temperature of the perimeter zone is higher than that of
the core zone during operation of the cooling system, and a
temperature difference reference which is considered, when the
temperature of the core zone is higher than that of the perimeter
zone during operation of the heating system.
[0044] In operation 104, the control unit analyzes comfort levels
of the core zone and the perimeter zone by comparing temperatures
measured in the core zone and the perimeter zone with a
predetermined set temperature.
[0045] In operation 106, the control unit determines whether only
the perimeter zone or the core zone is comfortable based on a
result of the analysis. That is, in the case where the cooling
system is operating in a building, if a temperature T.sub.Core of
the core zone is higher than a set temperature T.sub.SP and a
temperature T.sub.Peri of the perimeter zone is lower than the set
temperature T.sub.SP (T.sub.Core>T.sub.SP&&
T.sub.Peri<T.sub.SP), or in the case where the heating system is
operating in the building, if the temperature T.sub.Core of the
core zone is lower than the set temperature T.sub.SP and the
temperature T.sub.Peri of the perimeter zone is higher than the set
temperature T.sub.SP (T.sub.Core<T.sub.SP&&
T.sub.Peri>T.sub.SP), the control unit determines that only the
perimeter zone is comfortable. Also, in the case where the cooling
system is operating in the building, if the temperature T.sub.Core
of the core zone is lower than the set temperature T.sub.SP and the
temperature T.sub.Peri of the perimeter zone is higher than the set
temperature T.sub.SP (T.sub.Core<T.sub.SP&&
T.sub.Peri>T.sub.SP), or in the case where the heating system is
operating in the building, if the temperature Tcore of the core
zone is higher than the set temperature T.sub.SP and the
temperature T.sub.Peri of the perimeter zone is lower than the set
temperature T.sub.SP (T.sub.Core>T.sub.SP&&
T.sub.Peri<T.sub.SP), the control unit determines that only the
core zone is comfortable.
[0046] If the control unit determines that only the perimeter zone
or the core zone is comfortable in operation 106, the control unit
proceeds to operation 108. On the other hand, if the control unit
determines that both or none of the perimeter zone and the core
zone are comfortable in operation 106, the control unit proceeds to
operation 104.
[0047] In operation 108, the control unit determines whether the
difference between the temperatures of the perimeter zone and the
core zone is equal to or larger than the environmental parameter
.beta. or .gamma.. If determining that only the perimeter zone is
comfortable in operation 106, the control unit compares the
temperature difference between the perimeter zone and the core zone
with the environmental parameter .beta.. If determining that only
the core zone is comfortable in operation 106, the control unit
compares the temperature difference between the perimeter zone and
the core zone with the environmental parameter .gamma..
[0048] If the temperature difference between the perimeter zone and
the core zone is equal to or larger than the environmental
parameter .beta. or .gamma. in operation 108, the control unit 110
changes a currently operating HVAC system in operation 110. On the
contrary, if the temperature difference between the perimeter zone
and the core zone is less than the environmental parameter .beta.
or .gamma. in operation 108, the control unit 110 repeats operation
108, maintaining the currently operating HVAC system. While it has
been described that the individual HVAC system or the central HVAC
system is currently operating in FIG. 1, by way of example, if both
of the individual and central HVAC systems are currently off, the
control unit maintains the current state, that is, the off
state.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a detailed flowchart illustrating a method for
adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC
system by a control unit according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, a control unit determines environmental
parameters which are considered to select a HVAC system, for
example, .alpha., .beta. and .gamma. in operation 202. Herein,
.alpha. represents a compensation temperature that a core zone
acquires through operation of an individual HVAC system installed
in a perimeter zone, and .beta. and y represent references for a
temperature difference between the core zone and the perimeter
zone. Particularly, .beta. is a temperature difference reference
which is considered, when a temperature of the core zone is higher
than that of the perimeter zone during operation of a cooling
system, and a temperature difference reference which is considered,
when the temperature of the perimeter zone is higher than that of
the core zone during operation of a heating system. .gamma. is a
temperature difference reference which is considered, when the
temperature of the perimeter zone is higher than that of the core
zone during operation of the cooling system, and a temperature
difference reference which is considered, when the temperature of
the core zone is higher than that of the perimeter zone during
operation of the heating system.
[0051] In operation 204, the control unit detects a related case by
analyzing comfort levels of the core zone and the perimeter zone.
The comfort levels of the core zone and the perimeter zone may be
analyzed by comparing temperatures measured in the core zone and
the perimeter zone with a predetermined set temperature.
[0052] The related case may be case I in which none of the core
zone and the perimeter zone are comfortable, case II in which the
core zone is not comfortable but the perimeter zone is comfortable,
case III in which the core zone is comfortable but the perimeter
zone is not comfortable, or case IV in which both of the core zone
and the perimeter zone are comfortable. Each case is detected in
the following manner.
[0053] Case I in which none of the core zone and the perimeter zone
are comfortable corresponds to the case where the temperature
T.sub.Core of the core zone is higher than the set temperature
T.sub.SP and the temperature T.sub.Periof the perimeter zone is
higher than the set temperature T.sub.SP
(T.sub.Core>T.sub.SP&& T.sub.Peri>T.sub.SP) during
operation of the cooling system, or the temperature T.sub.Core of
the core zone is lower than the set temperature T.sub.SP and the
temperature T.sub.Peri of the perimeter zone is lower than the set
temperature T.sub.SP (T.sub.Core<T.sub.SP&&
T.sub.Peri<T.sub.SP) during operation of the heating system.
[0054] Case II in which the core zone is not comfortable but the
perimeter zone is comfortable corresponds to the case where the
temperature T.sub.Core of the core zone is higher than the set
temperature T.sub.SP and the temperature T.sub.Peri of the
perimeter zone is lower than the set temperature T.sub.SP
(T.sub.Core>T.sub.SP&& T.sub.Peri>T.sub.SP) during
operation of the cooling system, or the temperature T.sub.Core of
the core zone is lower than the set temperature T.sub.SP and the
temperature T.sub.Peri of the perimeter zone is higher than the set
temperature T.sub.SP (T.sub.Core<T.sub.SP&&
T.sub.Peri>T.sub.SP)during operation of the heating system.
[0055] Case III in which the core zone is comfortable but the
perimeter zone is not comfortable corresponds to the case where the
temperature T.sub.Core of the core zone is lower than the set
temperature T.sub.SP and the temperature T.sub.Peri of the
perimeter zone is higher than the set temperature T.sub.SP
(T.sub.Core<T.sub.SP&& T.sub.Peri>T.sub.SP) during
operation of the cooling system, or the temperature T.sub.Core of
the core zone is higher than the set temperature T.sub.SP and the
temperature T.sub.Peri of the perimeter zone is lower than the set
temperature T.sub.SP (T.sub.Core>T.sub.SP&&
T.sub.Peri<T.sub.SP) during operation of the heating system.
[0056] Case IV in which both of the core zone and the perimeter
zone are comfortable corresponds to the case where the temperature
T.sub.Core of the core zone is lower than the set temperature
T.sub.SP and the temperature T.sub.Peri of the perimeter zone is
lower than the set temperature T.sub.SP
(T.sub.Core<T.sub.SP&& T.sub.Peri<T.sub.SP) during
operation of the cooling system, or the temperature T.sub.Core of
the core zone is higher than the set temperature T.sub.SP and the
temperature T.sub.Peri of the perimeter zone is higher than the set
temperature T.sub.SP (T.sub.Core>T.sub.SP&&
T.sub.Peri>T.sub.SP) during operation of the heating system.
[0057] If the related case detected in operation 204 is case I in
which none of the core zone and the perimeter zone are comfortable,
the control unit selects the central HVAC system and operates
devices related to the central HVAC system, for overall cooling or
heating, in operation 208.
[0058] In operation 210, the control unit determines whether the
difference between the set temperature and the temperature of the
core zone, |T.sub.SP-T.sub.Core| is equal to or less than a. The
difference between the set temperature and the temperature of the
core zone is (T.sub.SP-T.sub.Core) during operation of the heating
system, and (T.sub.Core-T.sub.SP) during operation of the cooling
system. Herein, .alpha. is a compensation temperature that the core
zone acquires through operation of the individual HVAC system
installed in the perimeter zone, and set by default to 0.75.degree.
C. obtained by simulation-based statistical analysis. Also, .alpha.
may be updated through continuous monitoring and data
collection.
[0059] If the absolute value of the difference between the set
temperature and the temperature of the core zone is equal to or
less than a in operation 210, the control unit operates the
individual HVAC system in operation 212. On the contrary, if the
absolute value of the difference between the set temperature and
the temperature of the core zone is larger than .alpha. in
operation 210, the control unit selects the central HVAC system and
operates devices related to the HVAC system in operation 208.
[0060] If the related case detected in operation 204 is case II in
which only the perimeter zone is comfortable, the control unit
maintains a currently operating HVAC system in operation 214.
[0061] In operation 216, the control unit determines whether the
absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the
perimeter zone and the temperature of the core zone,
|T.sub.Peri-T.sub.Core| is equal to or larger than .beta.. Herein,
.beta. is a limit for the difference between the temperatures of
the perimeter zone and the core zone. Considering that a general
HVAC system operates with fluctuations at 1.degree. C., .beta. is
set to 1.degree. C. by default. Also, .beta. may be updated through
continuous monitoring and data collection.
[0062] If the absolute value of the difference between the
temperature of the perimeter zone and the temperature of the core
zone, |T.sub.Peri-T.sub.Core| is equal to or larger than .beta. in
operation 216, the control unit selects the central HVAC system and
operates devices related to the central HVAC system in operation
218. On the contrary, if the absolute value of the difference
between the temperature of the perimeter zone and the temperature
of the core zone, |T.sub.Peri-T.sub.Core| is less than .beta. in
operation 216, the control unit maintains the currently operating
HVAC system in operation 214.
[0063] If the related case detected in operation 204 is case III in
which only the core zone is comfortable, the control unit maintains
the currently operating HVAC system in operation 220.
[0064] In operation 222, the control unit determines whether the
absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the
perimeter zone and the temperature of the core zone,
|T.sub.Peri-T.sub.Core| is equal to or larger than .gamma.. Herein,
.gamma. is a limit for the difference between the temperatures of
the perimeter zone and the core zone, and set to 1.degree. C. by
default. Also, .gamma. may be updated through continuous monitoring
and data collection.
[0065] If the absolute value of the difference between the
temperature of the perimeter zone and the temperature of the core
zone, |T.sub.Peri-T.sub.Core| is equal to or larger than .gamma. in
operation 222, the control unit selects the individual HVAC system
and operates devices related to the individual HVAC system in
operation 224. On the contrary, if the absolute value of the
difference between the temperature of the perimeter zone and the
temperature of the core zone, |T.sub.Peri-T.sub.Core| is less than
.gamma. in operation 222, the control unit maintains the currently
operating HVAC system in operation 220.
[0066] If the related case detected in operation 204 is case IV in
which both of the core zone and the perimeter zone are comfortable,
the control unit stops the currently operating HVAC system because
the temperatures of the perimeter zone and the core zone satisfy
the preset temperature, in operation 226.
[0067] While it has been described that the individual HVAC system
or the central HVAC system is currently operating in operations 214
and 220 of FIG. 2, by way of example, if both of the individual and
central HVAC systems are currently off, the control unit maintains
the current state, that is, the off state.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating an operation for adaptively
applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system
according to temperature changes in a perimeter zone and a core
zone by a control unit according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, it is assumed that a result of an
analysis of the comfort levels of the core zone and the perimeter
zone indicates case I in which either of the core zone and the
perimeter zone is not comfortable. Then, a control unit operates
the central HVAC system (302). It is also assumed in FIG. 3 that
the control unit is operating the cooling system through the
central HVAC system.
[0070] While the control unit is operating the central HVAC system
(302), the control unit determines whether the difference between
the set temperature T.sub.SP and the temperature T.sub.Core.sup.(1)
of the core zone, |T.sub.SP-T.sub.Core.sup.(1)| is equal to or less
than .alpha. (304). If the difference between the set temperature
and the temperature of the core zone is equal to or less than
.alpha., the control unit selects and operates the individual HVAC
system (306). The core zone may acquire as much a compensation
temperature as .alpha. by the operation of the individual HVAC
system. As a consequence, the temperature T.sub.Core.sup.(1) of the
core zone is dropped by .alpha. and thus may fast reach the set
temperature T.sub.SP. Also, since the control unit may advance an
operation time of the individual HVAC system from an operation time
of the related art in this case, the control unit may reach thermal
balance between the core zone and the perimeter zone faster than
the related art.
[0071] While the control unit is operating the individual HVAC
system (308), the control unit determines whether the difference
between the temperature of the perimeter zone and the temperature
of the core zone is equal to or larger than .beta. (310). If the
difference between the temperature of the perimeter zone and the
temperature of the core zone is equal to or larger than .beta., the
control unit operates the central HVAC system (312).
[0072] If the temperatures of both the core and perimeter zones are
less than the set temperature while the control unit is operating
the central HVAC system (314), the control unit turns off the
currently operating HVAC system, that is, the central HVAC system
(318).
[0073] If both of the individual and central HVAC systems are
currently off, the control unit maintains the current state, that
is, the off state (316).
[0074] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adaptively
applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system by a
control unit according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, a control unit determines environmental
parameters which are considered to select a HVAC system, for
example, .alpha., .beta., and .gamma. in operation 402. Herein,
.alpha. represents a compensation temperature that a core zone
acquires through operation of an individual HVAC system installed
in a perimeter zone, and .beta. and .gamma. represent references
for a temperature difference between the core zone and the
perimeter zone. Particularly, .beta. is a temperature difference
reference which is considered, when a temperature of the core zone
is higher than that of the perimeter zone during operation of a
cooling system, and a temperature difference reference which is
considered, when the temperature of the perimeter zone is higher
than that of the core zone during operation of a heating system.
.gamma. is a temperature difference reference which is considered,
when the temperature of the perimeter zone is higher than that of
the core zone during operation of the cooling system, and a
temperature difference reference which is considered, when the
temperature of the core zone is higher than that of the perimeter
zone during operation of the heating system.
[0076] In operation 404, the control unit collects environmental
data. The environmental data includes an outdoor temperature, an
average outdoor temperature, a radiant temperature, a set
temperature, a core zone temperature, a perimeter zone temperature,
a carbon oxide (CO) level, and a carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2)
level.
[0077] In operation 406, the control unit predicts a relative
energy consumption AE between the individual HVAC system and the
central HVAC system. The relative energy consumption .DELTA.E may
be calculated using a predicted value of energy consumption of the
central HVAC system and a predicted value of energy consumption of
the individual HVAC system by Equation 1.
.DELTA.E=Y.sub.1-Y.sub.2.ltoreq..+-..sigma. Equation 1
[0078] where Y.sub.1 represents the predicted value of the energy
consumption of the central HVAC system, Y.sub.2 represents the
predicted value of the energy consumption of the individual HVAC
system, and .sigma. represents the mean squared deviation of errors
of the predicted values Y.sub.1 and Y.sub.2. The predicted values
Y.sub.1 and Y.sub.2 are modeled based on the environmental data
collected in operation 404, expressed as Equation 2.
Y.sub.1=F.sub.ENERGY(X.sub.1)=f(T.sub.Outdoor, T.sub.Radiant,
T.sub.SP, T.sub.In, time, T.sub.SP-T.sub.In, E.sub.Previous, . . .
)
Y.sub.2=F.sub.ENERGY(X.sub.2)=f(T.sub.Outdoor, T.sub.Radiant,
T.sub.SP, T.sub.In, time, T.sub.SP-T.sub.In, E.sub.Previous, . . .
) Equation2
[0079] where X.sub.1 represents the central HVAC system, X.sub.2
represents the individual HVAC system, T.sub.Outdoor represents an
outdoor temperature, T.sub.Radiant represents a radiant
temperature, T.sub.SP represents a set temperature, T.sub.In
represents an indoor temperature, time represents the current time,
and E.sub.Previous represents energy at a previous time.
[0080] In operation 408, the control unit selects a HVAC system
having the smaller energy consumption between the central HVAC
system and the individual HVAC system in consideration of the
predicted value of the energy consumption of the central HVAC
system and the predicted value of the energy consumption of the
individual HVAC system.
[0081] In operation 410, the control unit determines whether the
currently operating system satisfies predetermined constraints. A
CO.sub.2 level, a CO level, a temperature difference between the
core zone and the perimeter zone, reception or non-reception of a
request for a response signal, a predicted mean vote (PMV)
difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone, an energy
consumption difference between the core zone and the perimeter
zone, and the amount of indoor heat may be considered as criteria
for the predetermined constraints. The request for a response
signal may include, for example, a notification of power supply
overload. A CO.sub.2 level range may be determined to be less than
or equal to x ppm regulated in a standard or an ambient CO.sub.2
level+700 ppm. A range of temperature differences between the core
zone and the perimeter zone may be determined to be equal to or
lower than n.degree. C. regulated in a standard. The above criteria
and ranges for the predetermined constraints are purely exemplary.
Thus other criteria may be considered and related ranges may vary
under circumstances.
[0082] If the currently operating HVAC system satisfies the
predetermined constraints in operation 410, the control unit
operates the HVAC system selected in operation 408 in operation
412. The control unit operates all devices related to the selected
HVAC system.
[0083] On the other hand, if the currently operating HVAC system
does not satisfy the predetermined constraints in operation 410,
the control unit operates the other unselected HVAC system in
operation 414. The control unit operates all devices related to the
unselected HVAC system.
[0084] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating an operation for adaptively
applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system
according to energy consumptions of the central HVAC system and the
individual HVAC system and predetermined constraints during
predetermined intervals by a control unit according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, a predicted energy consumption value of
the individual HVAC system is lower than a predicted energy
consumption value of the central HVAC system during a first
interval 502. Thus, the control unit selects the individual HVAC
system having the smaller energy consumption for the first interval
502. The control unit determines whether a currently operating HVAC
system satisfies predetermined constraints. It is assumed that the
currently operating HVAC system satisfies the predetermined
constraints. Therefore, the control unit operates the selected
individual HVAC system, confirming that the currently operating
HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraints.
[0086] Since the predicted energy consumption value of the central
HVAC system is lower than the predicted energy consumption value of
the individual HVAC system during a second interval 504, the
control unit selects the central HVAC system having the smaller
energy consumption for the second interval 504. The control unit
determines whether the currently operating individual HVAC system
satisfies the predetermined constraints. It is assumed that the
currently operating individual HVAC system satisfies the
predetermined constraints. Therefore, the control unit operates the
selected central HVAC system, confirming that the currently
operating individual HVAC system satisfies the predetermined
constraints.
[0087] The predicted energy consumption value of the individual
HVAC system is lower than the predicted energy consumption value of
the central HVAC system during a third interval 506. Thus, the
control unit selects the individual HVAC system having the smaller
energy consumption for the third interval 506. The control unit
determines whether the currently operating central HVAC system
satisfies the predetermined constraints. It is assumed herein that
the CO.sub.2 level of the currently operating central HVAC system
exceeds a predetermined reference. Therefore, the control unit
operates the central HVAC system other than the selected individual
HVAC system, confirming that the currently operating central HVAC
system does not satisfy the predetermined constraints.
[0088] Since the predicted energy consumption value of the central
HVAC system is lower than the predicted energy consumption value of
the individual HVAC system during a fourth interval 508, the
control unit selects the central HVAC system having the smaller
energy consumption for the fourth interval 508. The control unit
determines whether the currently operating central HVAC system
satisfies the predetermined constraints. It is assumed herein that
the currently operating central HVAC system suffers from a
temperature imbalance between the core zone and the perimeter zone.
Therefore, the control unit operates the individual HVAC system
other than the selected central HVAC system, confirming that the
currently operating central HVAC system does not satisfy the
predetermined constraints.
[0089] Since the predicted energy consumption value of the central
HVAC system is lower than the predicted energy consumption value of
the individual HVAC system during a fifth interval 510, the control
unit selects the central HVAC system having the smaller energy
consumption for the fifth interval 510. The control unit determines
whether the currently operating individual HVAC system satisfies
the predetermined constraints. It is assumed herein that with the
currently operating individual HVAC system, temperature balance is
achieved between the core zone and the perimeter zone. Therefore,
the control unit operates the selected central HVAC system,
confirming that the currently operating individual HVAC system
satisfies the predetermined constraints.
[0090] During a sixth interval 512, the control unit changes the
operating HVAC system at a time point when the energy consumptions
of the central and individual HVAC systems are changed, that is, at
a time point when .DELTA.E=Y.sub.1-Y.sub.2.ltoreq..+-..sigma..
Therefore, the control unit switches the currently operating
central HVAC system to the individual HVAC system at the time point
when the energy consumptions are changed.
[0091] Upon receipt of a request for a response signal, for
example, a notification of power supply overload during a seventh
interval 514, the control unit increases a thermal balance
reference between the core zone and the perimeter zone and operates
the central HVAC system having a relatively small energy
consumption.
[0092] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate examples of setting a temperature
difference reference in consideration of a gradient related to a
temperature change in a core zone and/or a perimeter zone and a
switching cycle of a HVAC system according to various embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0093] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a parameter representing a
reference for a temperature difference between the core zone and
the perimeter zone, for example, .beta. or .gamma. is adjusted
based on multiple factors and considered to switch a HVAC system.
The multiple factors affect each other and may include, for
example, an energy consumption, a gradient related to a temperature
change in the core zone and/or the perimeter zone, an operation
level of a HVAC system, and a switching cycle of an operating HVAC
system.
[0094] In FIG. 6A, an example of adjusting .beta. based on a
gradient related to a temperature change in the core zone and/or
the perimeter zone is illustrated. That is, if a gradient related
to a temperature change in the core zone and/or the perimeter zone
is larger than a reference gradient, the control unit may adjust
.beta. to .beta.'.
[0095] In FIG. 6B, an example of adjusting .gamma. based on a
switching cycle between HAVC systems is illustrated. That is, the
control unit may adjust the switching cycle between the HAVC
systems to be shorter than a reference cycle by adjusting .gamma.
to .gamma.'.
[0096] If the operation level of a HVAC system is higher than a
reference level, the gradient related to the temperature change of
the core zone and/or the perimeter zone becomes larger than the
reference gradient and the switching cycle of an operating HVAC
system becomes shorter than the reference cycle, thereby affecting
energy consumption.
[0097] On the other hand, if the operation level of a HVAC system
is lower than the reference level, the gradient related to the
temperature change of the core zone and/or the perimeter zone
becomes smaller than the reference gradient and the switching cycle
of an operating HVAC system becomes longer than the reference
cycle, thereby also affecting energy consumption.
[0098] For example, if the operation level of the HVAC system is
higher than the reference level and thus the HVAC system fast
reaches the set temperature, adjustment of .beta. or .gamma. to an
existing value leads to too short a switching cycle of the HVAC
system and thus energy consumption increases significantly.
Accordingly, if .beta. or .gamma. is adjusted to a value larger
than the existing value in this case, the switching cycle of the
HVAC system is lengthened and thus the HVAC system may fast reach a
comfortable state.
[0099] In the case where .beta. or .gamma. is adjusted in
consideration of the switching cycle between the HVAC systems, if
the switching cycle between the HVAC systems is set to be shorter
than the reference cycle, the core zone and the perimeter zone fast
reach thermal balance. However, if the switching cycle between the
HVAC systems is set to be shorter than a time period by which to
determine to operate a HVAC system, the cooling system or the
heating system is continuously running even though it satisfies the
set temperature. On the contrary, if the switching cycle between
the HVAC systems is set to be shorter than the reference cycle,
thermal imbalance between the core zone and the perimeter zone
increases, thereby decreasing efficiency.
[0100] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of adjusting a temperature
difference reference in consideration of mutual influences between
the core zone and the perimeter zone according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 7, .beta. or .gamma. may be adjusted in
consideration of mutual influences between the core zone and the
perimeter zone, caused by operation of one HVAC system, that is,
the individual HVAC system or the central HVAC system. That is,
.beta. or .gamma. may be controlled in consideration of a
compensation temperature .DELTA.T that the core zone acquires
through operation of the individual HVAC system installed in the
perimeter zone. The compensation temperature .DELTA.T may be
acquired through a simulation-based statistical analysis and
updated through continuous monitoring and data collection. The
mutual influences between the core zone and the perimeter zone
include both an influence that the perimeter zone has on the core
zone and an influence that the core zone has on the perimeter
zone.
[0102] On the assumption that as much temperature imbalance as
.beta. is allowed between the core zone and the perimeter zone and
a compensation temperature that the core zone acquires through
operation of the individual HVAC system installed only in the
perimeter zone is .DELTA.T, if a temperature difference between the
core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger than .beta.,
the core unit switches an operating HVAC system. However, the core
zone may reach a set temperature more quickly due to the
compensation temperature .DELTA.T. Therefore, if .beta. is adjusted
to .beta.' by subtracting .DELTA.T from .beta. which has been set
previously, the temperature imbalance between the core zone and the
perimeter zone may be overcome slightly faster. In addition, the
temperature imbalance is also mitigated.
[0103] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an example of adjusting a
temperature difference reference in consideration of a comfort
index according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0104] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, .beta. may be adjusted in
consideration of the difference between comfort levels of the core
zone and the perimeter zone, based on an indoor comfort index, for
example, temperature or a PMV.
[0105] In FIG. 8A a graph of temperature changes of the core zone
and the perimeter zone is illustrated. In FIG. 8B a graph
temperature changes of the core zone and the perimeter zone is
illustrated, when .beta. is adjusted so that the temperature of the
core zone or the perimeter zone may be equal to or less than a
reference comfort index.
[0106] If the cooling system is operating, since the temperature of
the core zone exceeds the reference comfort index, temperature
imbalance may be mitigated by adjusting .beta. to .beta.'. However,
adjustment of .beta. to .beta.' leads to an increase in energy
consumption and thus .beta. is adjusted in further consideration of
energy consumption.
[0107] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example of adjusting a
temperature difference reference to satisfy indoor air quality
(IAQ) recommendations according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0108] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, .beta. or .gamma. may be
adjusted to satisfy IAQ recommendations. IAQ is determined by, for
example, CO.sub.2 and CO levels or the amount of fine dust.
[0109] FIG. 9A is based on the assumption of a situation where if
the difference between temperatures of the core zone and the
perimeter zone is equal to or larger than .beta. (908) during
operation of the individual HVAC system (902), the control unit
operates the central HVAC system (904), and if the difference
between temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is
equal to or larger than .gamma. (910) during operation of the
central HVAC system (904), the control unit operates the individual
HVAC system (906).
[0110] For example, if the amount of ventilated air is to be
reduced due to a poor outdoor environment in the situation of FIG.
9A, operating the central HVAC system is preferred to operating the
individual HVAC system in terms of satisfying the IAQ
recommendations. For this purpose, the control unit may adjust a
.gamma. value 910 to a .gamma.' value 912 in FIG. 9B, for use in
determining whether to operate the individual HVAC system. That is,
the control unit may advance an operation time of the individual
HVAC system by adjusting .gamma. to .gamma.' smaller than
.gamma..
[0111] Further, the control unit may adjust a .beta. value 908 to a
.beta.' value 914, for use in determining whether to operate the
central HVAC system. That is, the control unit may delay an
operation time of the central HVAC system by adjusting .beta. to
.beta.' larger than .beta..
[0112] In this manner, the control unit may shorten an operation
duration of the central HVAC system and lengthen an operation
duration of the individual HVAC system by adjusting .gamma. to
.gamma.' smaller than y and adjusting .beta. to .beta.' larger than
.beta.. Since the control unit selects and operates only one of the
individual and central HVAC systems, temperature imbalance may be
overcome and energy consumption may also be reduced relative to
operating both of the HVAC systems at the same time.
[0113] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of adjusting a temperature
difference reference in consideration of a set time schedule
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 10, .beta. or .gamma. may be adjusted
according to a user-set time or mode switching.
[0115] For example, if thermal balance between the core zone and
the perimeter zone is to be maintained as much as possible for a
VIP after a set time, or if a power charge is relatively low after
the set time, the control unit may adjust a .beta. value 1002 to a
.beta.' value 1004, for use in determining whether to operate the
central HVAC system. That is, the control unit may adjust .beta. to
.beta.' larger than .beta..
[0116] Since the effects that are achieved by adjusting .beta. or
.gamma. include reduction of energy use, thermal balance between
the core zone and the perimeter zone, and ventilation, .beta. or
.gamma. may be adjusted according to a schedule set according to
various related situations.
[0117] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an interior
structure of a control unit for adaptively applying a central HVAC
system and an individual HVAC system according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0118] Referring to FIG. 11, a control unit 1100 may be
incorporated into the central or individual HVAC system or may be
configured separately from the central and individual HVAC
systems.
[0119] The control unit 1100 includes a transceiver 1102 and a
controller 1104. The controller 1104 provides overall control to
the control unit 1100. Particularly, the controller 1104 controls
an overall operation related to a configuration for adaptively
applying the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The overall
operation related to the configuration for adaptively applying the
central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system has been
described before with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, and thus its
detailed description will not be given herein.
[0120] The transceiver 1102 transmits and receives various messages
under the control of the controller 1104. Particularly, the
transceiver 1102 performs an operation such as collection of
environmental parameters. Various messages transmitted from and
received at the transceiver 1102 have been described before with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, and thus their detailed description will
not be given herein.
[0121] FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate comparisons between a hybrid
HVAC scheme and an adaptive HVAC scheme of the related art in terms
of simulated results of seasonal power consumptions and electricity
charges according to various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 12A, a table listing predicted seasonal
power consumptions and electricity charges in the adaptive HVAC
scheme is illustrated, compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the
related art. It is noted from FIG. 12A that power consumptions are
decreased and thus electricity charges are decreased in the
adaptive HVAC scheme according to the embodiment of the present
disclosure, compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art.
Further, an annual power consumption is reduced by about 39.8% and
an annual power charge is reduced by about 29.9% in the adaptive
HVAC scheme according to the embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 12B, a bar graph for predicted seasonal
power consumptions in the adaptive HVAC scheme is illustrated,
compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art.
[0124] Referring to FIG. 12C, a bar graph for predicted seasonal
electricity charges in the adaptive HVAC scheme is illustrated,
compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art.
[0125] FIGS. 13A to 13C illustrate simulated seasonal power
consumptions and electricity charges in an adaptive HVAC scheme
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, compared
to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 13A, a table listing predicted seasonal
power consumptions and electricity charges in the adaptive HVAC
scheme is illustrated, compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the
related art. It is noted from FIG. 13A that power consumptions are
decreased, thus decreasing electricity charges in the adaptive HVAC
scheme according to another embodiment of the present disclosure,
compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art. Further, an
annual power consumption is reduced by about 45.9% and an annual
power charge is reduced by about 49.1% in the adaptive HVAC scheme
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 13B, a bar graph for predicted seasonal
power consumptions in the adaptive HVAC scheme is illustrated,
compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 13C, a bar graph for predicted seasonal
electricity charges in the adaptive HVAC scheme is illustrated,
compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art.
[0129] FIGS. 14A and 14B are graphs illustrating daily temperature
changes of the core zone and the perimeter zone in a central HVAC
system and an adaptive HVAC system according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 14A, a graph of daily temperature changes
of the core zone and the perimeter zone in the central HVAC system
is illustrated.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 14B, a graph of daily temperature changes
of the core zone and the perimeter zone in the adaptive HVAC system
is illustrated.
[0132] It is noted from FIGS. 14A and 14B that the adaptive HVAC
system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is
more efficient than the central HVAC system, in terms of thermal
balance between the core zone and the perimeter zone.
[0133] As is apparent from the foregoing description, the present
disclosure can reduce power use or power consumption and thus
electricity charges, compared to the hybrid HVAC system of the
related art. Further, since the core zone and the perimeter zone
are controlled individually, the present disclosure can readily
maintain thermal balance between the core zone and the perimeter
zone. The present disclosure enables ventilation by introducing
outdoor air, thereby maintaining IAQ.
[0134] The method and apparatus for adaptively applying a central
HVAC system and an individual HVAC system according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in
hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The
software may be stored, for example, irrespective of erasable or
rewritable, in a volatile or non-volatile storage device such as a
storage device like read-only memory (ROM), a memory such as random
access memory (RAM), a memory chip, or an integrated circuit (IC),
or an optically or magnetically writable and machine-readable (for
example, computer-readable) storage medium such as compact disc
(CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or magnetic tape. The method
for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual
HVAC system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure
may be implemented by a computer or a portable terminal including a
controller and a memory. The memory is an example of a
machine-readable storage medium suitable for storing a program or
programs including instructions that implement embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0135] Accordingly, the present disclosure includes a program
including code for implementing the apparatus or method as
disclosed in the claims and a machine-readable storage medium that
stores the program. Also, this program may be electronically
transferred through a medium such as a communication signal
transmitted by wired or wireless connection and the present
disclosure includes its equivalents appropriately.
[0136] The apparatus for adaptively applying a central HVAC system
and an individual HVAC system according to the embodiment of the
present disclosure may receive a program from a wiredly or
wirelessly connected program providing device and store the
program. The program providing device may include a program having
instructions for implementing the method for adaptively applying a
central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system, a memory for
storing information needed for the method, a communication unit for
conducting wired or wireless communication, and a controller for
transmitting the program upon request of the program providing
device or automatically.
[0137] While the present disclosure has been shown and described
with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *