US PATENT #12,339,020
ABSTRACT
Application and methods of self-learning and reasoning control logic software for optimizing operation of heating or cooling residential and light commercial refrigeration cycles is disclosed. Refrigeration cycles may include a hybrid piping and valving aspect that accesses discretionary energy sources with interruption controls of all mechanical and electrical components associated with referred hybrid refrigeration cycles. Disclosed control logic software may include selective start or stop control of component devices within a host refrigeration cycle independent of conditioned space thermostatic control. Disclosed control logic software may include evaluation of environmental external conditions surrounding a controlled conditioned space in order to shift power demand periods of thermal storage or optimizing direct access to energy sources. Disclosed control logic software has the capability in determining the minimum wattage predictions for any period by comparing off peak load demands with anticipated peak demands. Disclosed control logic software has multiple architectural input platform levels.
THE GENESIS OF THE SYSTEM’S CONTROL SOFTWARE
The genesis of the system’s control software is based on a simple premise:
Reducing component amp draw and the time operated reduces overall watt consumption. Amp (current) draw in a total electric heat pump, for example, includes two fan motors, compressor motor, resistance heaters in supply air flow, defrost cycles, compressor sump heaters, solenoid valves, and wiring loses due system age, etc. Reducing watt consumption results in higher system efficiency and effectiveness and subsequently lower utility costs. Further, shifting from high watt consumption times in a 24 hour period will lower utility costs should time-of-use (TOU) rates apply. Another source of system loss (increased watt usage) is increased entropy (unusable work created by inefficiencies and molecular disturbances) in the evaporator and condenser. This results in added watt consumption especially during hot ambient conditions.
The ADROIT SYSTEM™ includes a hybrid air conditioning or heat pump cycle using multiple external energy exchange options to either absorb, dissipate, or store hot and cold energy for reducing watt consumption. The purpose of the control software is to evaluate the optimum use of the available thermal energy processes on a cyclic basis and apply controls to use energy from these processes to the greatest advantage. The software calculates based on weather data (past, present, predicted future) in the effort to create higher temperature exterior hybrid energy exchange over the indoor thermostat set point in the winter and conversely in the effort to create lower temperature exterior hybrid energy exchange under the indoor thermostat set point in the summer. The control software strides to provide the least amount of watts consumed with what is available to in order to achieve this on a daily basis. The control software, therefore, functions to operate the hybrid heat pump and the installed multiple exterior processes including the hybrid refrigeration cycle, the valving apparatus, the storage system, hot water thermal solar system, and the smart fluid conveyance manifold.
The control software may be linked to indoor control software or independently with sensors in determining operating characteristics from system through inferences. The control software allows default control by the indoor control software regardless of a direct link or through inferred link.
SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
The reader is encouraged to become familiar with the referenced patent before reviewing this description. The software with firmware uses self-learning techniques found in many software applications for building envelope controls. However, there are differences as to the approach for motor and valve actuator controls that identify the uniqueness of the overall system. The artificial intelligence (AI) aspects and design are well within the current application base of known art.
Some key application capabilities under the subject patent(s) are:
Controls refrigeration valve actuators in simultaneous or step modes
Activates A/C or HP control system with motor overrides
Controls single, two speed, or multi-speed A/C and HP system motors when in override
Controls aqueous solution pump(s) and valve actuator(s)
Controls multiple energy exchange processes simultaneously
Controls refrigeration or aqueous actuators and motors simultaneously
Controls interacting processes or independent processes simultaneously
Tracks efficiency performance of individual components or processes
Tracks mechanical performance of individual components or processes
Prioritizes projected available sources of energy involving sources and sinks
Has a included bias towards A/C or HP operation over water heater charging
Uses wired or wireless sensors for decision tree
Uses inferred information for decision tree when not directly linked
Uses sources such as actual and predicted weather to plan maximum energy efficiency during repeating daily cycle periods
Links to independent software programs relating to system performances
Detects component failure and reports to user or service company
Determines operation alternatives to component failures
Determines the beneficial time during a 24 hour cycle for EV charging with user input ranges