Systems and methods to control energy consumption efficiency

Abstract

A controller is configured to exchange information with a building automation system and includes various executable programs for determining a real time operating efficiency, simulating a predicted or theoretical operating efficiency, comparing the same, and then adjusting one or more operating parameters on equipment utilized by a building's HVAC system. The controller operates to adjust an operating efficiency of the HVAC system. An adjustment module utilized by the controller may modify the HVAC equipment parameters based on the likelihood that various HVAC equipment operates in parallel and on-line near its natural operating curve. In addition, the adjustment module may include a self-learning aspect that permits the controller to more efficiently make similar, future adjustments as needed.

1 . A controller for communicating with a building automation system, the controller comprising:
 a communications interface operable to exchange information contemporaneously in time between the controller and the building automation system, the exchanged information carrying data corresponding to operating parameters of equipment arranged in an HVAC system;   a detection module having executable instructions for detecting relationships in patterns defined by one or more of an input, an output, a control parameter and an information point of the HVAC system;   an optimization module having executable instructions for determining an operating efficiency of the HVAC system based on the present operating state of the equipment; and   a correction module configured to identify an error in the patterns, the correction module operable to evaluate the error and provide adjustments to bring the present operating state operating efficiency of the HVAC system closer to a predicted operating efficiency of the HVAC system.   
     
     
         2 . The controller of  claim 1 , further comprising a validation module configured to determine whether the adjustments result in a desired overall efficiency for the HVAC system as communicated to the building automation system. 
     
     
         3 . The controller of  claim 1 , wherein the HVAC system includes a variable speed chiller cooling system. 
     
     
         4 . The controller of  claim 1 , wherein the predicted operating efficiency of the HVAC system includes information corresponding to a natural operating curve for the HVAC equipment. 
     
     
         5 . A method for controlling, an operating efficiency of an HVAC system in communication with a building automation system, the method comprising:
 exchanging information contemporaneously in time between a controller and the building automation system, the exchanged information carrying data corresponding to operating parameters of equipment arranged in the HVAC system;   determining an operating efficiency of the HVAC system based on the present operating state of the equipment;   determining a predicted operating efficiency of the HVAC system computed from installation specifications provided with the HVAC equipment;   determining one or more patterns based on the present operating state of the equipment;   evaluating the patterns to determine one or more adjustment values for the HVAC equipment; and   supplying the adjustment values to the controller to bring the present operating state of the equipment closer to the predicted operating efficiency of the HVAC system.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising validating whether the adjustment values for the HVAC system results in the HVAC system having approximately the predicted operating efficiency. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein determining the operating-efficiency of the HVAC system includes determining the operating efficiency of a variable speed chiller cooling system.