Title: System and method for characterization of retrofit opportunities in building using data from communicating thermostats

Abstract

Systems and methods for characterization of retrofit opportunities are described. The methods may comprise computing, using at least one computing device disposed remote from a building and based at least in part on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) runtime data associated with the building, one or more thermal characteristics of the building. In some embodiments, a model-predicted indoor temperature may be fitted against thermal data measured by a thermostat at the building. The thermal characteristic of the building may comprise a thermal insulation, an air leakage rate and/or an HVAC efficiency. The method may be used to determine, using the at least one computing device, suitability of the building for a retrofit opportunity to improve energy efficiency of the building. Determining the suitability may comprise evaluating the one or more thermal characteristics. The HVAC runtime data may be computed based on data received from a thermostat or a meter, such as an electric or a gas meter.

Inventors:

Zeifman, Michael; Lazrak, Amine

Issue Date:

2021-11-02

Research Org.:

Fraunhofer USA, Inc., Plymouth, MI (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1860023

Patent Number(s):

11162703

Application Number:

15/681,306

Assignee:

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. (Plymouth, MI)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F24 - HEATING F24F - AIR-CONDITIONING

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01R - MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES

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F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F24 - HEATING F24F - AIR-CONDITIONING

F24F11/63 - Electronic processing
F24F2110/10 - Temperature
F24F2140/60 - Energy consumption

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01R - MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES

G01R21/006 - {Measuring power factor}

G - PHYSICS G05 - CONTROLLING G05B - CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL

G05B19/042 - using digital processors
G05B2219/2614 - HVAC, heating, ventillation, climate control

G - PHYSICS G05 - CONTROLLING G05D - SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES

G05D23/1917 - {using digital means}

G - PHYSICS G06 - COMPUTING G06F - ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING

G06F2119/06 - Power analysis or power optimisation
G06F30/13 - Architectural design, e.g. computer-aided architectural design [CAAD] related to design of buildings, bridges, landscapes, production plants or roads

G - PHYSICS G06 - COMPUTING G06Q - DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS OR METHODS, SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY OR FORECASTING PURPOSES

G06Q10/063 - {Operations research or analysis}
G06Q50/06 - Electricity, gas or water supply

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DOE Contract Number:  

EE0007571

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 08/18/2017

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English