AUTOMATED ADJUSTMENT OF AN HVAC SCHEDULE FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION

摘要

Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for optimizing a schedule of setpoint temperatures used in the control of an HVAC system. The systems disclosed include an energy management system in operation with an intelligent, network-connected thermostat located at a structure. The thermostat includes a schedule of setpoint temperatures that is used to control an HVAC system associated with a structure in which the thermostat is located. The schedule of setpoint temperatures is continually adjusted by small, unnoticeable amounts so that the schedule migrates from the original schedule to an optimal schedule. The optimal schedule may be optimal in terms of energy consumption or some other terms.

主权项

1. A method of optimizing energy consumption of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising:
identifying an original schedule of temperature setpoints, the original schedule of temperature setpoints defining a number of temperature setpoints over a time period; beginning with the original schedule, for each of a succession of periodic time intervals that are each relatively short in comparison to an overall optimization time period, generating an incrementally adjusted version of the original schedule, the incremental change being directed to causing less energy usage during one of the periodic time intervals as compared to a previous one of the periodic time intervals; and for each of the succession of periodic time intervals, controlling the HVAC system according to the incrementally adjusted version of the original schedule generated for the periodic time interval.