US20220341609A1 - Heat mapping system - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing visualization of health risks within a building. Health risk levels for building spaces are determined using occupancy data and health risk data relating to a risk of contracting or spreading an infectious disease. A visualization of the health risk levels is generated and presented on a user interface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
• This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/927,281, filed Jul. 13, 2020, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/873,631 filed Jul. 12, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/046,376 filed Jun. 30, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/047,119 filed Jul. 1, 2020 the entire disclosures of which are all incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
• The present disclosure relates generally to building devices of building systems that operate a building. The present disclosure relates more particularly to maintaining a temperature and infection level in the building.
• Building devices can operate to affect various conditions in a building. For example, one building device may operate to affect a temperature in the building whereas a second building device may operate to disinfect part of the building. However, if each device is separated, various system may be operating independent from one another and therefore can conflict. In this way, operating conflicting systems can increase costs for maintaining comfortable/preferred conditions in the building and can lead to quicker degradation of the devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Various objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.
• FIG. 1 is an illustration of a building equipped with a HVAC system, according some embodiments.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a waterside system that may be used in conjunction with the building ofFIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an airside system that may be used in conjunction with the building ofFIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a building management system (BMS) that may be used to monitor and/or control the building ofFIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 5 is an illustration of a conference room within the building ofFIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 6 is an illustration of a heat map that can be generated for the conference room ofFIG. 5, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 7 is an illustration of a floor within the building ofFIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 8 is an illustration of a heat map that can be generated for the floor ofFIG. 7, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 9 is an illustration of a three-dimensional heat map that can be generated for a room within the building ofFIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 10 is block diagram showing components of a user interface associated with the BMS ofFIG. 4, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a process for controlling building equipment, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a process for user interaction with the BMS ofFIG. 4, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 13 is an illustration of an example of the user interface ofFIG. 10 presented on a smartphone, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 14 is an illustration of an example of the user interface ofFIG. 10 presented on a wearable device, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an occupant comfort management system including a zone controller, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 16 is a graph illustrating a temperature distribution across a zone, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the zone controller ofFIG. 15 in greater detail, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 18 is a graph illustrating temperature of a zone over time based on occupant setpoint adjustments as compared to zone group temperature setpoints, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 19 is a graph illustrating an adjusted temperature setpoint for a zone over time as compared to zone group temperature setpoints, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 20 is a graph illustrating a regression analysis between model predictive control generated setpoints and occupant setpoints, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 21 is a graph illustrating how zone temperature setpoints can be scaled based on zone group temperature setpoints, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 22 is a graph illustrating how zone group temperature setpoints and zone temperature setpoints may differ, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 23 is a flow diagram of a process for operating HVAC equipment to affect an environmental condition in a zone, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a convolutional neural network, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 25A is a graph illustrating the bacteria levels over time based on different disinfection operations, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 25B is a block diagram illustrating a disinfection subsystem, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 25C is a block diagram of a disinfection subsystem controller which can be used to control various disinfectant mechanisms, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a disinfectant lighting subsystem which can be controlled by the disinfection subsystem controller ofFIG. 25C, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 27 is a drawing of a space equipped with the disinfectant lighting subsystem ofFIG. 26, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating an HVAC disinfectant subsystem which can be controlled by the disinfection subsystem controller ofFIG. 25C, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 29 is a drawing of a plenum equipped with the HVAC disinfectant subsystem ofFIG. 28, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a process of disinfecting a space which can be performed by the disinfectant lighting subsystem ofFIG. 26, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a process of disinfecting an HVAC component, system, or device which can be performed by the HVAC disinfectant subsystem ofFIG. 28, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 32 is a block diagram illustrating an access control system (ACS) disinfectant subsystem which can be controlled by the disinfection subsystem controller ofFIG. 25C, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 33 is a schematic drawing illustrating an ACS equipped with the ACS disinfectant subsystem ofFIG. 32, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a process of disinfecting an ACS which can be performed by the ACS disinfectant subsystem ofFIG. 32, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 35 is a block diagram of another BMS which can be used to monitor and control the building ofFIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
• FIGS. 36A-36B are two schematic diagrams showing the current state of the art of temperature measurement, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram showing deficiencies of the current state of the art in terms of temperature measurement and airflow actuation, according to some embodiments.
• FIGS. 38A-38B are two schematic diagrams showing the measurement and actuation of variables in order to maximize occupant comfort, according to some embodiments.
• FIGS. 39A-39C are three schematic diagrams showing the actuation of airflow with a space in order to maximize occupant comfort, according to some embodiments.
• FIGS. 40A-40C are three schematic diagrams showing an actuation mechanism to control airflow and air ejection angle, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 41 is a block diagram of a system for maximizing occupant comfort which can be used to monitor and control the building ofFIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 42 is a flow diagram of a process for maximizing occupant comfort for an area that can be performed by the system ofFIG. 41, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 43A is a block diagram of a system for determining where disinfection is needed in a space based on a heat map, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 43B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an air handling unit (AHU) in order to disinfect a location, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 44A is a block diagram of a system for determining where disinfection is needed in a space based on a three-dimensional heat map, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 44B is a flow diagram of a process for disinfecting a location determined based on a three-dimensional heat map, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 45A is a block diagram of a system that provides airflow to locations based on a presence detection of occupants, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 45B is a flow diagram of a process for providing airflow to locations based on a presence detection of occupants, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 46A is a block diagram of a system that can alternate between occupant friendly and non-occupant friendly disinfection methods based on a presence detection, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 46B is a flow diagram of a process for transitioning operation of a disinfection system between non-occupant friendly and occupant friendly disinfection methods based on a presence detection of occupants, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 47A is a block diagram of a system for pre-treating a space based on expected occupancy in the space, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 47B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system to pre-treat a space, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 48A is a block diagram of a system for optimizing disinfection cycles based on air quality measurements and an occupancy schedule, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 48B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on optimized disinfection cycles and disinfection methods, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 49A is a block diagram of a system for operating an AHU to recirculate air and/or introduce new outdoor air to a space based on current air quality, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 49B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an AHU to recirculate indoor air and/or introduce outdoor air based on indoor and outdoor air quality, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 50A is a block diagram of a system for operating an economizer that uses UV radiation to disinfect air, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 50B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an economizer to disinfect air via a UV light, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 51A is a block diagram of a system for operating an economizer that uses a disinfectant to disinfect air, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 51B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an economizer to disinfect air via a disinfectant, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 52A is a block diagram of a system for operating a humidifier to release water vapor with mixed in disinfectant, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 52B is a flow diagram of a process for operating a humidifier to apply a disinfectant to water, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 53A is a block diagram of a system for providing user recommendations to a user, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 53B is a flow diagram of a process for generating and providing user recommendations to a user, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 54A is a block diagram of a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system such that comfort of high priority occupants is maintained, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 54B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system such that comfort of high priority occupants is maintained, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 55A is a block diagram of a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system to ensure that conditions of high priority zones is maintained, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 55B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system to ensure that conditions of high priority zones is maintained, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 56A is a block diagram of a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on environmental conditions measured by a drone, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 56B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on environmental conditions measured by a drone, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 57A is a block diagram of a system for operating a drone and an HVAC and disinfection system based on environmental conditions measured by the drone, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 57B is a flow diagram of a process for operating a drone and an HVAC and disinfection system based on environmental conditions measured by the drone, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 58A is a block diagram of a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on measurements taken of a user by a wearable device, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 58B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on measurements taken of a user by a wearable device, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 59A is a block diagram of a system for operating a lighting system based on environmental conditions in a space, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 59B is a flow diagram of a process for operating a lighting system based on environmental conditions in a space, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 60A is a block diagram of a system for generating a model for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on experimental tests, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 60B is a flow diagram of a process for generating a model for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on experimental tests, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 61A is a block diagram of a system for generating a model the can be used to determine occupant preferences in a space, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 61B is a flow diagram of a process for generating a model the can be used to determine occupant preferences in a space, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 62A is a block diagram of a system for generating a zone model for maintaining conditions in a space based on a zone group model, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 62B is a flow diagram of a process for generating a zone model for maintaining conditions in a space based on a zone group model, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 63A is a block diagram of a system for generating a model that captures dynamics of a space based on a heat map, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 63B is a flow diagram of a process for generating a model that captures dynamics of a space based on a heat map, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 64A is a block diagram of a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on information provided by a health authority information source (HAIS), according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 64B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on information provided by an HAIS, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 65A is a block diagram of a system for operating multiple disinfection devices, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 65B is a flow diagram of a process for operating multiple disinfection devices, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 66A is a block diagram of a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on a feedback loop, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 66B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on a feedback loop, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 67A is a block diagram of a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on an optimization of an objective function, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 67B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on an optimization of an objective function, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 68A is a block diagram of a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on an access list to a space, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 68B is a flow diagram of a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on an access list to a space, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 69A is a block diagram of, a system for operating shading equipment to affect an amount of sunlight entering a space for heating and disinfection purposes, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 69B is a flow diagram of a process for operating shading equipment to affect an amount of sunlight entering a space for heating and disinfection purposes, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONBuilding Management System and HVAC System
• Referring now toFIGS. 1-4, an exemplary building management system (BMS) and HVAC system in which the systems and methods of some embodiments may be implemented are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring particularly toFIG. 1, a perspective view of abuilding10 is shown.Building10 is served by a BMS. A BMS can include, for example, an HVAC system, a security system, a lighting system, a fire alerting system, or any other system that is capable of managing building functions or devices, or any combination thereof.
• The BMS that serves building10 includes anHVAC system100.HVAC system100 may include a plurality of HVAC devices (e.g., heaters, chillers, air handling units, pumps, fans, thermal energy storage, etc.) configured to provide heating, cooling, ventilation, or other services for building10. For example,HVAC system100 is shown to include awaterside system120 and anairside system130.Waterside system120 may provide a heated or chilled fluid to an air handling unit ofairside system130.Airside system130 may use the heated or chilled fluid to heat or cool an airflow provided to building10. An exemplary waterside system and airside system which may be used inHVAC system100 are described in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 2-3.
• HVAC system100 is shown to include achiller102, aboiler104, and a rooftop air handling unit (AHU)106.Waterside system120 may useboiler104 andchiller102 to heat or cool a working fluid (e.g., water, glycol, etc.) and may circulate the working fluid toAHU106. In various embodiments, the HVAC devices ofwaterside system120 may be located in or around building10 (as shown inFIG. 1) or at an offsite location such as a central plant (e.g., a chiller plant, a steam plant, a heat plant, etc.). The working fluid may be heated inboiler104 or cooled inchiller102, depending on whether heating or cooling is required in building10.Boiler104 may add heat to the circulated fluid, for example, by burning a combustible material (e.g., natural gas) or using an electric heating element.Chiller102 may place the circulated fluid in a heat exchange relationship with another fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) in a heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) to absorb heat from the circulated fluid. The working fluid fromchiller102 and/orboiler104 may be transported toAHU106 viapiping108.
• AHU106 may place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with an airflow passing through AHU106 (e.g., via one or more stages of cooling coils and/or heating coils). The airflow may be, for example, outside air, return air from within building10, or a combination of both.AHU106 may transfer heat between the airflow and the working fluid to provide heating or cooling for the airflow. For example,AHU106 may include one or more fans or blowers configured to pass the airflow over or through a heat exchanger containing the working fluid. The working fluid may then return tochiller102 orboiler104 viapiping110.
• Airside system130 may deliver the airflow supplied by AHU106 (i.e., the supply airflow) to building10 viaair supply ducts112 and may provide return air from building10 toAHU106 viaair return ducts114. In some embodiments,airside system130 includes multiple variable air volume (VAV)units116. For example,airside system130 is shown to include aseparate VAV unit116 on each floor or zone of building10.VAV units116 may include dampers or other flow control elements that can be operated to control an amount of the supply airflow provided to individual zones of building10. In other embodiments,airside system130 delivers the supply airflow into one or more zones of building10 (e.g., via supply ducts112) without usingintermediate VAV units116 or other flow control elements.AHU106 may include various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) configured to measure attributes of the supply airflow.AHU106 may receive input from sensors located withinAHU106 and/or within the building zone and may adjust the flow rate, temperature, or other attributes of the supply airflow throughAHU106 to achieve setpoint conditions for the building zone.
• Referring now toFIG. 2, a block diagram of awaterside system200 is shown, according to one embodiment. In various embodiments,waterside system200 may supplement or replacewaterside system120 inHVAC system100 or may be implemented separate fromHVAC system100. When implemented inHVAC system100,waterside system200 may include a subset of the HVAC devices in HVAC system100 (e.g.,boiler104,chiller102, pumps, valves, etc.) and may operate to supply a heated or chilled fluid toAHU106. The HVAC devices ofwaterside system200 may be located within building10 (e.g., as components of waterside system120) or at an offsite location such as a central plant.
• InFIG. 2,waterside system200 is shown as a central plant having a plurality of subplants202-212. Subplants202-212 are shown to include aheater subplant202, a heatrecovery chiller subplant204, achiller subplant206, acooling tower subplant208, a hot thermal energy storage (TES) subplant210, and a cold thermal energy storage (TES)subplant212. Subplants202-212 consume resources (e.g., water, natural gas, electricity, etc.) from utilities to serve the thermal energy loads (e.g., hot water, cold water, heating, cooling, etc.) of a building or campus. For example,heater subplant202 may be configured to heat water in ahot water loop214 that circulates the hot water betweenheater subplant202 andbuilding10.Chiller subplant206 may be configured to chill water in acold water loop216 that circulates the cold water between thechiller subplant206 and thebuilding10. Heatrecovery chiller subplant204 may be configured to transfer heat fromcold water loop216 tohot water loop214 to provide additional heating for the hot water and additional cooling for the cold water.Condenser water loop218 may absorb heat from the cold water inchiller subplant206 and reject the absorbed heat incooling tower subplant208 or transfer the absorbed heat tohot water loop214. Hot TES subplant210 andcold TES subplant212 may store hot and cold thermal energy, respectively, for subsequent use.
• Hot water loop214 andcold water loop216 may deliver the heated and/or chilled water to air handlers located on the rooftop of building10 (e.g., AHU106) or to individual floors or zones of building10 (e.g., VAV units116). The air handlers push air past heat exchangers (e.g., heating coils or cooling coils) through which the water flows to provide heating or cooling for the air. The heated or cooled air may be delivered to individual zones of building10 to serve the thermal energy loads of building10. The water then returns to subplants202-212 to receive further heating or cooling.
• Although subplants202-212 are shown and described as heating and cooling water for circulation to a building, it is understood that any other type of working fluid (e.g., glycol, CO2, etc.) may be used in place of or in addition to water to serve the thermal energy loads. In other embodiments, subplants202-212 may provide heating and/or cooling directly to the building or campus without requiring an intermediate heat transfer fluid. These and other variations towaterside system200 are within the teachings of the present invention.
• Each of subplants202-212 may include a variety of equipment configured to facilitate the functions of the subplant. For example,heater subplant202 is shown to include a plurality of heating elements220 (e.g., boilers, electric heaters, etc.) configured to add heat to the hot water inhot water loop214.Heater subplant202 is also shown to includeseveral pumps222 and224 configured to circulate the hot water inhot water loop214 and to control the flow rate of the hot water throughindividual heating elements220.Chiller subplant206 is shown to include a plurality ofchillers232 configured to remove heat from the cold water incold water loop216.Chiller subplant206 is also shown to includeseveral pumps234 and236 configured to circulate the cold water incold water loop216 and to control the flow rate of the cold water throughindividual chillers232.
• Heatrecovery chiller subplant204 is shown to include a plurality of heat recovery heat exchangers226 (e.g., refrigeration circuits) configured to transfer heat fromcold water loop216 tohot water loop214. Heatrecovery chiller subplant204 is also shown to includeseveral pumps228 and230 configured to circulate the hot water and/or cold water through heatrecovery heat exchangers226 and to control the flow rate of the water through individual heatrecovery heat exchangers226.Cooling tower subplant208 is shown to include a plurality of coolingtowers238 configured to remove heat from the condenser water incondenser water loop218.Cooling tower subplant208 is also shown to includeseveral pumps240 configured to circulate the condenser water incondenser water loop218 and to control the flow rate of the condenser water through individual cooling towers238.
• Hot TES subplant210 is shown to include ahot TES tank242 configured to store the hot water for later use. Hot TES subplant210 may also include one or more pumps or valves configured to control the flow rate of the hot water into or out ofhot TES tank242. Cold TES subplant212 is shown to includecold TES tanks244 configured to store the cold water for later use. Cold TES subplant212 may also include one or more pumps or valves configured to control the flow rate of the cold water into or out ofcold TES tanks244.
• In some embodiments, one or more of the pumps in waterside system200 (e.g., pumps222,224,228,230,234,236, and/or240) or pipelines inwaterside system200 include an isolation valve associated therewith. Isolation valves may be integrated with the pumps or positioned upstream or downstream of the pumps to control the fluid flows inwaterside system200. In various embodiments,waterside system200 may include more, fewer, or different types of devices and/or subplants based on the particular configuration ofwaterside system200 and the types of loads served bywaterside system200.
• Referring now toFIG. 3, a block diagram of anairside system300 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments,airside system300 may supplement or replaceairside system130 inHVAC system100 or may be implemented separate fromHVAC system100. When implemented inHVAC system100,airside system300 may include a subset of the HVAC devices in HVAC system100 (e.g.,AHU106,VAV units116, ducts112-114, fans, dampers, etc.) and may be located in or around building10.Airside system300 may operate to heat or cool an airflow provided to building10 using a heated or chilled fluid provided bywaterside system200.
• InFIG. 3,airside system300 is shown to include an economizer-type air handling unit (AHU)302. Economizer-type AHUs vary the amount of outside air and return air used by the air handling unit for heating or cooling. For example,AHU302 may receivereturn air304 from buildingzone306 viareturn air duct308 and may deliversupply air310 to buildingzone306 viasupply air duct312. In some embodiments,AHU302 is a rooftop unit located on the roof of building10 (e.g.,AHU106 as shown inFIG. 1) or otherwise positioned to receive both returnair304 and outsideair314.AHU302 may be configured to operateexhaust air damper316, mixingdamper318, and outsideair damper320 to control an amount ofoutside air314 and returnair304 that combine to formsupply air310. Anyreturn air304 that does not pass through mixingdamper318 may be exhausted fromAHU302 throughexhaust damper316 asexhaust air322.
• Each of dampers316-320 may be operated by an actuator. For example,exhaust air damper316 may be operated byactuator324, mixingdamper318 may be operated byactuator326, and outsideair damper320 may be operated byactuator328. Actuators324-328 may communicate with anAHU controller330 via acommunications link332. Actuators324-328 may receive control signals fromAHU controller330 and may provide feedback signals toAHU controller330. Feedback signals may include, for example, an indication of a current actuator or damper position, an amount of torque or force exerted by the actuator, diagnostic information (e.g., results of diagnostic tests performed by actuators324-328), status information, commissioning information, configuration settings, calibration data, and/or other types of information or data that may be collected, stored, or used by actuators324-328.AHU controller330 may be an economizer controller configured to use one or more control algorithms (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.) to control actuators324-328.
• Still referring toFIG. 3,AHU302 is shown to include acooling coil334, aheating coil336, and afan338 positioned withinsupply air duct312.Fan338 may be configured to forcesupply air310 throughcooling coil334 and/orheating coil336 and providesupply air310 to buildingzone306.AHU controller330 may communicate withfan338 via communications link340 to control a flow rate ofsupply air310. In some embodiments,AHU controller330 controls an amount of heating or cooling applied to supplyair310 by modulating a speed offan338.
• Cooling coil334 may receive a chilled fluid from waterside system200 (e.g., from cold water loop216) viapiping342 and may return the chilled fluid towaterside system200 viapiping344.Valve346 may be positioned along piping342 or piping344 to control a flow rate of the chilled fluid throughcooling coil334. In some embodiments, coolingcoil334 includes multiple stages of cooling coils that can be independently activated and deactivated (e.g., byAHU controller330, byBMS controller366, etc.) to modulate an amount of cooling applied to supplyair310.
• Heating coil336 may receive a heated fluid from waterside system200 (e.g., from hot water loop214) viapiping348 and may return the heated fluid towaterside system200 viapiping350.Valve352 may be positioned along piping348 or piping350 to control a flow rate of the heated fluid throughheating coil336. In some embodiments,heating coil336 includes multiple stages of heating coils that can be independently activated and deactivated (e.g., byAHU controller330, byBMS controller366, etc.) to modulate an amount of heating applied to supplyair310.
• Each ofvalves346 and352 may be controlled by an actuator. For example,valve346 may be controlled byactuator354 andvalve352 may be controlled byactuator356. Actuators354-356 may communicate withAHU controller330 via communications links358-360. Actuators354-356 may receive control signals fromAHU controller330 and may provide feedback signals tocontroller330. In some embodiments,AHU controller330 receives a measurement of the supply air temperature from atemperature sensor362 positioned in supply air duct312 (e.g., downstream of coolingcoil334 and/or heating coil336).AHU controller330 may also receive a measurement of the temperature ofbuilding zone306 from atemperature sensor364 located in buildingzone306.
• In some embodiments,AHU controller330 operatesvalves346 and352 via actuators354-356 to modulate an amount of heating or cooling provided to supply air310 (e.g., to achieve a setpoint temperature forsupply air310 or to maintain the temperature ofsupply air310 within a setpoint temperature range). The positions ofvalves346 and352 affect the amount of heating or cooling provided to supplyair310 by coolingcoil334 orheating coil336 and may correlate with the amount of energy consumed to achieve a desired supply air temperature.AHU330 may control the temperature ofsupply air310 and/orbuilding zone306 by activating or deactivating coils334-336, adjusting a speed offan338, or a combination of both.
• Still referring toFIG. 3,airside system300 is shown to include a building management system (BMS)controller366 and aclient device368.BMS controller366 may include one or more computer systems (e.g., servers, supervisory controllers, subsystem controllers, etc.) that serve as system level controllers, application or data servers, head nodes, or master controllers forairside system300,waterside system200,HVAC system100, and/or other controllable systems that servebuilding10.BMS controller366 may communicate with multiple downstream building systems or subsystems (e.g.,HVAC system100, a security system, a lighting system,waterside system200, etc.) via acommunications link370 according to like or disparate protocols (e.g., LON, BACnet, etc.). In various embodiments,AHU controller330 andBMS controller366 may be separate (as shown inFIG. 3) or integrated. In an integrated implementation,AHU controller330 may be a software module configured for execution by a processor ofBMS controller366.
• In some embodiments,AHU controller330 receives information from BMS controller366 (e.g., commands, setpoints, operating boundaries, etc.) and provides information to BMS controller366 (e.g., temperature measurements, valve or actuator positions, operating statuses, diagnostics, etc.). For example,AHU controller330 may provideBMS controller366 with temperature measurements from temperature sensors362-364, equipment on/off states, equipment operating capacities, and/or any other information that can be used byBMS controller366 to monitor or control a variable state or condition withinbuilding zone306.
• Client device368 may include one or more human-machine interfaces or client interfaces (e.g., graphical user interfaces, reporting interfaces, text-based computer interfaces, client-facing web services, web servers that provide pages to web clients, etc.) for controlling, viewing, or otherwise interacting withHVAC system100, its subsystems, and/or devices.Client device368 may be a computer workstation, a client terminal, a remote or local interface, or any other type of user interface device.Client device368 may be a stationary terminal or a mobile device. For example,client device368 may be a desktop computer, a computer server with a user interface, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a PDA, or any other type of mobile or non-mobile device.Client device368 may communicate withBMS controller366 and/orAHU controller330 via communications link372.
• Referring now toFIG. 4, a block diagram of a building management system (BMS)400 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.BMS400 may be implemented in building10 to automatically monitor and control various building functions.BMS400 is shown to includeBMS controller366 and a plurality ofbuilding subsystems428. Buildingsubsystems428 are shown to include a buildingelectrical subsystem434, an information communication technology (ICT)subsystem436, asecurity subsystem438, aHVAC subsystem440, alighting subsystem442, a lift/escalators subsystem432, and afire safety subsystem430. In various embodiments,building subsystems428 can include fewer, additional, or alternative subsystems. For example,building subsystems428 may also or alternatively include a refrigeration subsystem, an advertising or signage subsystem, a cooking subsystem, a vending subsystem, a printer or copy service subsystem, or any other type of building subsystem that uses controllable equipment and/or sensors to monitor or controlbuilding10. In some embodiments,building subsystems428 includewaterside system200 and/orairside system300, as described with reference toFIGS. 2-3.
• Each of buildingsubsystems428 may include any number of devices, controllers, and connections for completing its individual functions and control activities.HVAC subsystem440 may include many of the same components asHVAC system100, as described with reference toFIGS. 1-3. For example,HVAC subsystem440 may include a chiller, a boiler, any number of air handling units, economizers, field controllers, supervisory controllers, actuators, temperature sensors, and other devices for controlling the temperature, humidity, airflow, or other variable conditions within building10.Lighting subsystem442 may include any number of light fixtures, ballasts, lighting sensors, dimmers, or other devices configured to controllably adjust the amount of light provided to a building space.Security subsystem438 may include occupancy sensors, video surveillance cameras, digital video recorders, video processing servers, intrusion detection devices, access control devices and servers, or other security-related devices.
• Still referring toFIG. 4,BMS controller366 is shown to include acommunications interface407 and aBMS interface409.Interface407 may facilitate communications betweenBMS controller366 and external applications (e.g., monitoring andreporting applications422,enterprise control applications426, remote systems andapplications444, applications residing onclient devices448, etc.) for allowing user control, monitoring, and adjustment toBMS controller366 and/orsubsystems428.Interface407 may also facilitate communications betweenBMS controller366 andclient devices448.BMS interface409 may facilitate communications betweenBMS controller366 and building subsystems428 (e.g., HVAC, lighting security, lifts, power distribution, business, etc.).
• Interfaces407,409 can be or include wired or wireless communications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with buildingsubsystems428 or other external systems or devices. In various embodiments, communications viainterfaces407,409 may be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or via a communications network446 (e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). For example, interfaces407,409 can include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications link or network. In another example, interfaces407,409 can include a WiFi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. In another example, one or both ofinterfaces407,409 may include cellular or mobile phone communications transceivers. In one embodiment,communications interface407 is a power line communications interface andBMS interface409 is an Ethernet interface. In other embodiments, bothcommunications interface407 andBMS interface409 are Ethernet interfaces or are the same Ethernet interface.
• Still referring toFIG. 4,BMS controller366 is shown to include aprocessing circuit404 including aprocessor406 andmemory408.Processing circuit404 may be communicably connected toBMS interface409 and/orcommunications interface407 such thatprocessing circuit404 and the various components thereof can send and receive data viainterfaces407,409.Processor406 can be implemented as a general purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components.
• Memory408 (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application.Memory408 may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.Memory408 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to an exemplary embodiment,memory408 is communicably connected toprocessor406 viaprocessing circuit404 and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by processingcircuit404 and/or processor406) one or more processes described herein.
• In some embodiments,BMS controller366 is implemented within a single computer (e.g., one server, one housing, etc.). In various otherembodiments BMS controller366 may be distributed across multiple servers or computers (e.g., that can exist in distributed locations). Further, whileFIG. 4 showsapplications422 and426 as existing outside ofBMS controller366, in some embodiments,applications422 and426 may be hosted within BMS controller366 (e.g., within memory408).
• Still referring toFIG. 4,memory408 is shown to include anenterprise integration layer410, an automated measurement and validation (AM&V)layer412, a demand response (DR)layer414, a fault detection and diagnostics (FDD)layer416, anintegrated control layer418, and a buildingsubsystem integration layer420. Layers410-420 may be configured to receive inputs from buildingsubsystems428 and other data sources, determine optimal control actions for buildingsubsystems428 based on the inputs, generate control signals based on the optimal control actions, and provide the generated control signals tobuilding subsystems428. The following paragraphs describe some of the general functions performed by each of layers410-420 inBMS400.
• Enterprise integration layer410 may be configured to serve clients or local applications with information and services to support a variety of enterprise-level applications. For example,enterprise control applications426 may be configured to provide subsystem-spanning control to a graphical user interface (GUI) or to any number of enterprise-level business applications (e.g., accounting systems, user identification systems, etc.).Enterprise control applications426 may also or alternatively be configured to provide configuration GUIs for configuringBMS controller366. In yet other embodiments,enterprise control applications426 can work with layers410-420 to optimize building performance (e.g., efficiency, energy use, comfort, or safety) based on inputs received atinterface407 and/orBMS interface409.
• Buildingsubsystem integration layer420 may be configured to manage communications betweenBMS controller366 andbuilding subsystems428. For example, buildingsubsystem integration layer420 may receive sensor data and input signals from buildingsubsystems428 and provide output data and control signals tobuilding subsystems428. Buildingsubsystem integration layer420 may also be configured to manage communications betweenbuilding subsystems428. Buildingsubsystem integration layer420 translate communications (e.g., sensor data, input signals, output signals, etc.) across a plurality of multi-vendor/multi-protocol systems.
• Demand response layer414 may be configured to optimize resource usage (e.g., electricity use, natural gas use, water use, etc.) and/or the monetary cost of such resource usage in response to satisfy the demand of building10. The optimization may be based on time-of-use prices, curtailment signals, energy availability, or other data received from utility providers, distributedenergy generation systems424, from energy storage427 (e.g.,hot TES242,cold TES244, etc.), or from other sources.Demand response layer414 may receive inputs from other layers of BMS controller366 (e.g., buildingsubsystem integration layer420, integratedcontrol layer418, etc.). The inputs received from other layers may include environmental or sensor inputs such as temperature, carbon dioxide levels, relative humidity levels, air quality sensor outputs, occupancy sensor outputs, room schedules, and the like. The inputs may also include inputs such as electrical use (e.g., expressed in kWh), thermal load measurements, pricing information, projected pricing, smoothed pricing, curtailment signals from utilities, and the like.
• According to an exemplary embodiment,demand response layer414 includes control logic for responding to the data and signals it receives. These responses can include communicating with the control algorithms inintegrated control layer418, changing control strategies, changing setpoints, or activating/deactivating building equipment or subsystems in a controlled manner.Demand response layer414 may also include control logic configured to determine when to utilize stored energy. For example,demand response layer414 may determine to begin using energy fromenergy storage427 just prior to the beginning of a peak use hour.
• In some embodiments,demand response layer414 includes a control module configured to actively initiate control actions (e.g., automatically changing setpoints) which minimize energy costs based on one or more inputs representative of or based on demand (e.g., price, a curtailment signal, a demand level, etc.). In some embodiments,demand response layer414 uses equipment models to determine an optimal set of control actions. The equipment models may include, for example, thermodynamic models describing the inputs, outputs, and/or functions performed by various sets of building equipment. Equipment models may represent collections of building equipment (e.g., subplants, chiller arrays, etc.) or individual devices (e.g., individual chillers, heaters, pumps, etc.).
• Demand response layer414 may further include or draw upon one or more demand response policy definitions (e.g., databases, XML, files, etc.). The policy definitions may be edited or adjusted by a user (e.g., via a graphical user interface) so that the control actions initiated in response to demand inputs may be tailored for the user's application, desired comfort level, particular building equipment, or based on other concerns. For example, the demand response policy definitions can specify which equipment may be turned on or off in response to particular demand inputs, how long a system or piece of equipment should be turned off, what setpoints can be changed, what the allowable set point adjustment range is, how long to hold a high demand setpoint before returning to a normally scheduled setpoint, how close to approach capacity limits, which equipment modes to utilize, the energy transfer rates (e.g., the maximum rate, an alarm rate, other rate boundary information, etc.) into and out of energy storage devices (e.g., thermal storage tanks, battery banks, etc.), and when to dispatch on-site generation of energy (e.g., via fuel cells, a motor generator set, etc.).
• Integrated control layer418 may be configured to use the data input or output of buildingsubsystem integration layer420 and/ordemand response layer414 to make control decisions. Due to the subsystem integration provided by buildingsubsystem integration layer420, integratedcontrol layer418 can integrate control activities of thesubsystems428 such that thesubsystems428 behave as a single integrated supersystem. In an exemplary embodiment,integrated control layer418 includes control logic that uses inputs and outputs from a plurality of building subsystems to provide greater comfort and energy savings relative to the comfort and energy savings that separate subsystems could provide alone. For example,integrated control layer418 may be configured to use an input from a first subsystem to make an energy-saving control decision for a second subsystem. Results of these decisions can be communicated back to buildingsubsystem integration layer420.
• Integrated control layer418 is shown to be logically belowdemand response layer414.Integrated control layer418 may be configured to enhance the effectiveness ofdemand response layer414 by enablingbuilding subsystems428 and their respective control loops to be controlled in coordination withdemand response layer414. This configuration may advantageously reduce disruptive demand response behavior relative to conventional systems. For example,integrated control layer418 may be configured to assure that a demand response-driven upward adjustment to the setpoint for chilled water temperature (or another component that directly or indirectly affects temperature) does not result in an increase in fan energy (or other energy used to cool a space) that would result in greater total building energy use than was saved at the chiller.
• Integrated control layer418 may be configured to provide feedback to demandresponse layer414 so thatdemand response layer414 checks that constraints (e.g., temperature, lighting levels, etc.) are properly maintained even while demanded load shedding is in progress. The constraints may also include setpoint or sensed boundaries relating to safety, equipment operating limits and performance, comfort, fire codes, electrical codes, energy codes, and the like.Integrated control layer418 is also logically below fault detection anddiagnostics layer416 and automated measurement andvalidation layer412.Integrated control layer418 may be configured to provide calculated inputs (e.g., aggregations) to these higher levels based on outputs from more than one building subsystem.
• Automated measurement and validation (AM&V)layer412 may be configured to verify that control strategies commanded byintegrated control layer418 ordemand response layer414 are working properly (e.g., using data aggregated byAM&V layer412, integratedcontrol layer418, buildingsubsystem integration layer420,FDD layer416, or otherwise). The calculations made byAM&V layer412 may be based on building system energy models and/or equipment models for individual BMS devices or subsystems. For example,AM&V layer412 may compare a model-predicted output with an actual output from buildingsubsystems428 to determine an accuracy of the model.
• Fault detection and diagnostics (FDD)layer416 may be configured to provide on-going fault detection for buildingsubsystems428, building subsystem devices (i.e., building equipment), and control algorithms used bydemand response layer414 andintegrated control layer418.FDD layer416 may receive data inputs fromintegrated control layer418, directly from one or more building subsystems or devices, or from another data source.FDD layer416 may automatically diagnose and respond to detected faults. The responses to detected or diagnosed faults may include providing an alert message to a user, a maintenance scheduling system, or a control algorithm configured to attempt to repair the fault or to work-around the fault.
• FDD layer416 may be configured to output a specific identification of the faulty component or cause of the fault (e.g., loose damper linkage) using detailed subsystem inputs available at buildingsubsystem integration layer420. In other exemplary embodiments,FDD layer416 is configured to provide “fault” events tointegrated control layer418 which executes control strategies and policies in response to the received fault events. According to an exemplary embodiment, FDD layer416 (or a policy executed by an integrated control engine or business rules engine) may shut-down systems or direct control activities around faulty devices or systems to reduce energy waste, extend equipment life, or assure proper control response.
• FDD layer416 may be configured to store or access a variety of different system data stores (or data points for live data).FDD layer416 may use some content of the data stores to identify faults at the equipment level (e.g., specific chiller, specific AHU, specific terminal unit, etc.) and other content to identify faults at component or subsystem levels. For example,building subsystems428 may generate temporal (i.e., time-series) data indicating the performance ofBMS400 and the various components thereof. The data generated by buildingsubsystems428 may include measured or calculated values that exhibit statistical characteristics and provide information about how the corresponding system or process (e.g., a temperature control process, a flow control process, etc.) is performing in terms of error from its setpoint. These processes can be examined byFDD layer416 to expose when the system begins to degrade in performance and alert a user to repair the fault before it becomes more severe.
Heat Maps
• Turning now toFIG. 5, an example room such as aconference room500 within building10 is shown, according to some embodiments.Room500 includes asensor package502 and athermostat501 both mounted on a wall near adoor526 in some embodiments.Room500 can be any type of room including a theater, an auditorium, an office, sleeping quarters, cafeteria, a class room, a hospital room, a hotel room, etc.Sensor package502 represents a typical device for providing input (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality) aboutroom500 toBMS400 and/or tothermostat501.Thermostat501 may have temperature sensing capabilities built-in, however, ifthermostat501 is determined to be in a poor location for temperature sensing, thensensor package502 may be installed inroom500 to provide additional temperature input tothermostat501.Sensor package502 may also provide inputs related to humidity, air quality (e.g., volatile organic compounds), air flow, etc. tothermostat501 and/orBMS400. However, these inputs provided bysensor package502 are still relatively limited to the specific area of the room in whichsensor package502 is located. Moreover,sensor package502 is typically mounted high on a wall and designed to blend in with the surroundings such that it is hard to notice. Accordingly, systems that rely on inputs fromthermostat501 and/orsensor package502 may not be able to detect how the environment varies within a building space such asconference room500.
• As shown inFIG. 5,conference room500 includes various devices in addition tothermostat501 andsensor package502 that can provide more granular and comprehensive input data to a building control system such asBMS400 according to some embodiments.Conference room500 includes a plurality ofthermographic cameras503,504, and507 as well asinfrared sensors505 and506 in some embodiments.FIG. 5 also shows adrone540 outside ofconference room500 that can obtain thermal video and/or images as well as other data associated withroom500 throughwindows523 and524. These devices can measure an amount of thermal energy present throughoutroom500. For example, a thermal image produced bycamera503 can indicate an amount of British thermal units (BTUs) present at over 1,000 locations withinroom500. In some embodiments, thedrone540 is provided within theroom500 and travels throughout the interior of the building.
• It should be noted that a variety of thermal imaging devices can be used to generate a heat map of a building space. In general, a thermal imaging device can detect infrared energy emitted, reflected, or transmitted by all materials. Thermal imaging devices can factor in emissivity of various materials and can have an emissivity table stored in memory and accessible by users. Thermal imaging devices can detect temperatures of various objects as well as atmospheric temperature. Thermal imaging devices can also detect other information such as distance to various objects and relative humidity levels. In some embodiments, multiple thermal imaging devices (e.g.,cameras503,506,507) are used in a building and data from the devices is stitched together to generate a thermal image of a larger building space. Moreover, these devices can be integrated with other types of cameras such as security cameras throughout a building. Thermal imaging devices can be deployed in various configurations throughout a building to perform one or more of the functions described herein.
• Conference room500 is also shown to include a table510 withchairs511,512,513,514,515,516,517, and518. Additionally,conference room500 is shown to include aphone519 as well as awhiteboard521,cabinets522, and aprojector screen525.FIG. 5 also shows the location of two air vents with conference room500: vent531 and vent532.Vent531 and vent532 may be connected to supplyducts112 as described above. In some embodiments, the heat maps produced by one or more ofthermographic cameras503,504,507,infrared sensors505 and506, anddrone540 can be used to alert auser550 of where to sit withconference room500. For example, based on preferences ofuser550,BMS400 may send an alert touser550 indicating thatuser550 should sit inchair512 for a meeting occurring inconference room500. More detail regarding this functionality is described below. The preferences ofuser550 can be related to the preferred temperature foruser550, whetheruser550 typically feels hot or cold inroom500 or other parts of building10, and whetheruser550 has just come from outside where the temperature was hotter or colder than room temperature. Depending on those preferences,user550 can be directed to hotter or warmer parts of the room (e.g.,user550 who generally feels cold inroom500 is directed to warmer positons in the room or vice versa,user550 who has just arrived from outside where outside temperatures are colder than room temperatures is directed to a warmer positon or vice versa, oruser550 is directed to a position most matching his or her preferred temperature). The preferred temperature can be calculated in light of factors including drafts, humidity, etc. For example, the preferred temperature may be lower when the humidity is above a user preference or is otherwise high.
• Turning toFIG. 6, anexample heat map600 ofconference room500 is shown, according to some embodiments.Heat map600 can both provide more granular inputs to a building control system such asBMS400 as well as provide useful information to building occupants. Whileheat map600 is shown in greyscale, it will be appreciated thatheat map600 can include coloring to indicate which areas ofconference room500 are hotter than others. For example, whenheat map600 is viewed byuser550,area641 may be shown in red to indicate thatarea641 is hotter than other areas ofroom500 such as area644 (e.g., may be shown in yellow or orange).Heat map600 can provide a holistic view of how temperature withinroom500 varies. As shown inFIG. 6,heat map600 indicates thatroom500 has four “hot spots” as indicated byareas641,642,643, and645. For example, these hot spots may indicate temperature readings of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.Heat map600 also indicates some warmer areas ofroom500 such as area644 (e.g., 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit) and some cooler areas of room500 (e.g., 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit).Heat map600 indicates that the temperature inroom500 nearwindows523 and524 is colder than the temperature inroom500 nearprojector screen525, for example.
• As shown inFIG. 6,sensor package502 is located in an area ofconference room500 that is relatively warm compared to other parts ofconference room500. As mentioned above, this may lead to undesirable climate control ofconference room500. For example, a controller (e.g., BMS controller366) may determine that the temperature ofroom500 is 72 degrees Fahrenheit using a temperature reading fromsensor package502. The controller may then determine that 72 degrees Fahrenheit is higher than a temperature setpoint forroom500 and may coordinate the release of cool air intoroom500 throughvents531 and532. However, the average temperature ofroom500 may not be 72 degrees as indicated bysensor package502 and thusroom500 may be unnecessarily cooled. This and similar phenomenon can lead to both inaccurate (e.g., wrong temperature) and inefficient (e.g., wasted energy) climate control.
• Turning toFIG. 7, anexample floor700 within building10 is shown, according to some embodiments. Heat maps such asheat map600 can be generated for any type of building space including floors, rooms, HVAC zones, etc.Floor700 is shown to include a plurality ofconference rooms701,702, and703 and a plurality ofindividual offices711,712,713,714, and715.Floor700 is also shown to include alounge area720, akitchen area730, a shared workspace740 (e.g., cubicles), andstairs750. Thermal imaging devices and other types of sensors can be strategically placed throughoutfloor700 such that a heat map can be generated for the entire floor. For example, thermographic cameras similar tocameras503,504, and507 described above can be placed in hallways and rooms offloor700.
• Turning toFIG. 8, anexample heat map800 offloor700 is shown, according to some embodiments. Similar toheat map600,heat map800 can both provide more granular inputs to a building control system such asBMS400 as well as provide useful information to building occupants. As shown,heat map800 indicates four “hot spots”841,842,843, and845.Heat map800 also indicates awarmer area844 present inoffice712. When used as an input to a building control system,heat map800 can indicate that areas offloor700 such asoffice715 andconference room703 should be cooled while areas offloor700 such askitchen730 andoffice711 should not be cooled.
• Turning toFIG. 9, an example three-dimensional heat map900 is shown, according to some embodiments. As shown,heat map900 provides a three-dimensional indication of heat distribution in a room.Heat map900 indicates that ahot area941 exists toward the ceiling and away fromwindows923.Heat map900 also indicates awarm area942 and a slightlywarm area943 surroundinghot area941. Three-dimensional heat maps such asheat map900 can provide even more granular input to a building control system than two-dimensional heat maps. For example,heat map900 can give a better true measure for heat in a room from head to foot while discrete sensors (e.g., sensor package502) only provide input at one level. Further, three-dimensional heat maps such asheat map900 can provide input necessary to control temperature at different levels of a room or other building space such as sitting level, standing level, or yoga level.
• While many examples described herein refer to temperature-based heat maps, it should be noted that maps can be generated to indicate a variety of variables in a building space. For example, similar approaches can be used to generate a map showing air quality, air flow, lighting, coverage of security cameras, etc. It will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to temperature-based maps. Heat maps and other similar visualizations can be generated for infectious disease prevention and disinfection system control. These visualizations can be generated based on occupancy data, health risk data (e.g. from a health authority source), and other types of data, and can provide users with an efficient and straightforward view of health risks within a building. In some implementations, data from a building information model (BIM) can be used with respect to maps and other visualizations.
• For example, health risk visualizations can be presented on a user interface and can recommend locations within a building to host a desired event, paths to get to desired locations, and other types of suggestions and recommendations to minimize health risk while occupying and using a building. The recommended paths, for example, can be overlaid on a floorplan to assist users in understanding how to navigate through the building in a safe manner. Maps for assessing health risk within a building can also be used for control purposes, such as identifying locations where an air handling action (e.g. using more outdoor air) or a disinfection action (e.g. using disinfectant light) should be performed to reduce health risks for building occupants. Further, temperature and/or occupancy based heat maps can be used for contact tracing and evaluation of social distancing performance using location-based services within a building. For example, scenario analysis can be performed to identify building occupants that have had close contact and/or prolonged contact with an individual determined to be infected with an infectious disease, as well as evaluate occupants with the greatest potential to infect others based on historical patterns regarding use of different spaces within the building. The system can further use identifiers (e.g. persistent identifiers) to track certain individuals based on sensitivity levels to infectious disease (e.g. high risk, low risk, etc.) and building controls can be adjusted in different spaces based on whether individuals with high sensitivity to infectious diseases are occupying the space or are planned to occupy the space. The heat maps can be used to determine intensity of use in a given space (currently and historically), identify spaces in the building that need to be cleaned, and other uses. Individual heat maps can also be generated to allow an individual to better understand time spent in certain building spaces and how the individual could modify behavior to reduce health risks. Health risk visualizations can also be used to identify areas within a building that need cleaning supplies and/or need cleaning service performed after a period of high intensity use.
• Turning toFIG. 10, a block diagram showing components of anexample user interface1000 is shown, according to some embodiments.Interface1000 can be generated by a building control system such asBMS400 for presentation to a user such asuser550.Interface1000 can be presented to a user via a variety of devices such assmartphone558 andwearable device559.Interface1000 can also be presented to a user via user devices such as tablets, personal computers, laptops, vehicles, thermostats, etc.Interface1000 allows building occupants to become more connected to a building such asbuilding10. In some embodiments,interface1000 is associated with a mobile application.
• Interface1000 is shown to include auser feedback element1002. Viainterface1000,user550 can provide feedback regarding the building environment such thatBMS400 can react accordingly.User550 can provide this feedback in various ways including voice inputs, text inputs, selection of an icon, selection of an item from a list (e.g., drop-down list), etc. For example,user550 may arrive at building10 to begin a day of work.User550 may enter an office space and feel overly warm. Accordingly,user550 may provide input toBMS400 viainterface1000 to indicate that it is too hot in the office space.BMS400 may then cool the office space to accommodate the user. Other types of feedback related to building10 may be related to cleanliness, supplies (e.g., paper towel), food, beverages, humidity, air quality, lighting, security, and other types of feedback. Further, user devices such assmartphone558 andwearable device559 can be configured to provide feedback about building10 and/oruser550 toBMS400 automatically. For example,wearable device559 can be configured to sense various biometric information related to user550 (e.g., heart rate, body temperature) and provide such information toBMS400. Additionally,smartphone558 can be configured to sense temperature and provide such information toBMS400.
• Interface1000 is also shown to include a user requestselement1004. Viainterface1000,user550 may also make requests associated with building10. For example,user550 may make a request to schedule a meeting and reserve a conference room in building10.User550 may also make requests related to food (e.g., cafeteria menu), beverages (e.g., order coffee), parking, traffic, supplies (e.g., office supplies), heating and cooling, and other types of requests associated with building10. As another example,user550 may make requests to set up a presentation in a specific room such that the presentation plays when a meeting begins. The ability to make these types of requests throughinterface1000 allowsuser550 to interact with building10 in a variety of customizable ways.
• Interface1000 is also shown to include auser preferences element1006. Viainterface1000,user550 can provideBMS400 with a variety of different preferences related tobuilding10. For example,user550 can configure preferred temperatures (e.g., 70 degrees Fahrenheit), preferred meeting rooms, preferred lighting, preferred parking spots, favorite food and beverages, and preferred presentation styles among other preferences. As another example,user550 may configure a preferred route home to be used for traffic information. This functionality allowsBMS400 to create a profile foruser550 that can be used for a variety of purposes. The profile may also contain information related to employment of user550 (e.g., job title, role, permissions) as well as other information related to the user (e.g., office, devices, name, ID, birthday, email address, phone number).
• Interface1000 is also shown to include abuilding maps element1008. Viainterface1000,BMS400 can present a variety of maps touser550 that provide various information about building10. For example,interface1000 may present any ofheat maps600,800, and900 described above as well as other similar maps. In some embodiments,user550 can use a map such asheat map800 to select a specific conference room for a meeting. Referring toheat map800, ifuser550 prefers warmer environments, thenuser550 may choose to schedule a meeting inconference room703.User550 can also view different types of maps such as simple floor plans or air quality maps similar toheat map800.User550 may also view maps related to parking, for example. In some embodiments, the maps viewed viainterface1000 are interactive. For example,user550 may select a specific conference room (e.g., conference room703) to view a schedule associated with the room.User550 may also view historical information related to the room (e.g., average temperature over last 30 days) and other information associated with a room (e.g., lighting, number of seats, projector, whiteboard).User550 may also select various areas of the map to view the specific temperature (or air quality, etc.) reading at a “hot spot” such asarea841. This functionality allowsuser550 to easily view a variety of information about building10.
• Interface1000 is also shown to include arecommendations element1010. Viainterface1000,BMS400 can provide a variety of feedback touser550 to improve the user experience and connection to building10. In some embodiments,BMS400 uses preferences associated withuser550 in addition to maps such asheat map800 to provide such feedback touser550. The recommendations can be made in response to a user request or can be made organically (e.g., in response to a change in a building parameter). For example, ifuser550 makes a request to schedule a conference room,BMS400 may evaluate the request in accordance with a list of available conference rooms as well as the preferences ofuser550.BMS400 may determine thatconference room701 should be scheduled since it has enough seats, is close to the meeting attendees' offices, matches the temperature preferences ofuser550, etc.
• Turning toFIG. 11, anexample process1100 for controlling building equipment is shown, according to some embodiments.Process1100 can be used to achieve more effective and efficient control of building equipment related to HVAC, lighting, security, etc.Process1100 generally involves generating a map of a building space such that a building control system is aware of variable conditions throughout the entire building space instead of only being aware of variable conditions at select locations within the building space. For example, as described above,heat map800 can be generated using one or more input devices (e.g., thermal imaging devices) to provideBMS400 with comprehensive input data related tofloor700. This data can facilitate more effective and efficient control of building systems such as HVAC and security.
• Process1100 is shown to include receiving data from one or more input devices (step1102). The input devices may be any of the devices described above. For example,BMS400 and components thereof (e.g., controllers and gateways) may receive thermal image data fromcameras503,504, and507 as described above.BMS400 may also receive data frominfrared sensors505 and506,drone540, and other sensors and input devices associated with building10. These input devices can provideBMS400 with orders of magnitude more data related tobuilding10 when compared to other systems that rely solely on data from devices such asthermostat501 andsensor package502. Input devices may also include sensors such as air quality sensors, lighting sensors, humidity sensors, air flow sensors, and other types of sensors that can obtain data about building10. Input devices may also include user devices such assmartphone558 andwearable device559. This data can be leveraged to facilitate more effective and efficient control of building10.
• Process1100 is also shown to include generating a map of a building space using the data from the one or more input devices (step1104). For example, the data received instep1102 can be used to generate maps such asheat maps600,800, and900 discussed above. Similar maps can also be generated for air quality, humidity, lighting, security (e.g., camera coverage), fire (e.g., sprinkler coverage, location of fire alarms), and other variables associated with building10. As discussed, these maps can provideBMS400 with more comprehensive input data when compared to systems that rely on only a few inputs from a few sensors located in a few spots in a building space. The map may be a two-dimensional map (e.g., map800) or a three-dimensional map (e.g., map900). The map may also be stitched together using data from multiple different input devices (e.g., thermal imaging devices) as discussed above.
• Process1100 is also shown to include applying control logic (step1106). A variety of different approaches are contemplated to evaluate the map and/or associated data generated instep1104. For example, a rules-based approach can be implemented to trigger certain actions in response to parameters exceeding predetermined thresholds. Machine learning and artificial intelligence models (e.g., neural networks, random forests, logistic regression, support vector machines) can also be trained and implemented to analyze various types of maps and data from the input devices. Further, any of the control algorithms and strategies described above (e.g., ESC, PI, PID, MPC) can be implemented. The control logic applied instep1106 may be applied in a variety of places withinBMS400 such asBMS controller366, a more local controller such asAHU controller330, VAV boxes, and other cloud-based or on on-premises servers or controllers.
• Process1100 is also shown to include providing one or more control signals to building equipment (step1108). The control signals affect the operation of various types of building equipment such as described above (e.g.,chiller102,AHU106, VAV units116). Consider an example whereBMS400 generatesheat map800 atstep1104. In this example, the control logic applied instep1106 may allowBMS400 determine thatconference rooms702 and703 along withoffice715 should be cooled. However, based onheat map800,BMS400 may determine that areas offloor700 such asoffice711 andlounge area720 do not need to be cooled. Accordingly,BMS400 can provide control signals only where necessary (e.g., closest VAV box) tocool rooms702,703, and715. As another example, referring back to theexample conference room500,BMS400 may provide a control signal that causes cool air to be released fromvent532 such that only a certain zone ofconference room500 is cooled. Control signals may also be provided to smart devices within building10 such as adjustment of smart blinds onwindows523 and524 in response to a lighting map and/or user preferences.
• Turning toFIG. 12, anexample process1200 for user interaction with a building management system is shown, according to some embodiments.Process1200 can be performed byBMS400 through interaction withuser550 viainterface1000, for example.Process1200 allows building occupants to become more connected to a building. As a result, the user experience may be improved for building occupants.
• Process1200 is shown to include receiving a request from a user (step1202). The request may be any of the requests described above such as scheduling a meeting room, ordering food or beverages, changing temperature or lighting of a building space, requesting access to a restricted area, setting up a presentation in a conference room, and checking if a parking spot is available, among other types of requests. The request can be made by interacting withinterface1000 as presented via a user device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a wearable device (e.g., watch), a vehicle (e.g., electric vehicle), a laptop, etc. For example,user550 can interact withinterface1000 through voice commands, text inputs, actions performed on a touch screen, and submitting files such as pictures or videos.
• Process1200 is also shown to include evaluating the request from the user in view of preferences associated with the user and a map of a building space (step1204). As discussed above,user550 can configure a variety of preferences withinBMS400 such as preferred temperatures and lighting viainterface1000.BMS400 can accordingly build a profile associated with the user that can be used to optimize the experience of the user.BMS400 can also generate maps associated with a building space such asheat maps600,800, and900 described above. Consider an example where the request received instep1202 is a request to schedule a conference room for a meeting. Instep1204,BMS400 may then evaluate the request in view of the user preferences (e.g., user prefers warmer temperature) andheat map800. In some embodiments, the request received instep1202 is less urgent (e.g., request for meeting next week) and the evaluation instep1204 is based on historical data (e.g., average heat map over past month).
• Process1200 is also shown to include providing a recommendation to the user in response to the request (step1206). The recommendation may be any of a variety of recommendations such as a conference room, a location within a room (e.g., chair512), a recommended parking spot, a food or beverage item, a building parameter (e.g., temperature setpoint, lighting type), a method of security access (e.g., access badge, iris scan), a time (e.g., when cafeteria is less crowded), and a variety of other types of recommendations related to user experience in a building. The more comprehensive input data available toBMS400 via the input devices described above (e.g., thermal imaging devices) facilitates the ability ofBMS400 to provide more tailored recommendations to users. The recommendations can be provided to the user viainterface1000 such as through visual indications or audio indications.
• Turning toFIG. 13, an example ofinterface1000 presented touser550 viasmartphone558 is shown, according to some embodiments. As shown inFIG. 13,interface1000 includes a drop-down list1302 that allowsuser550 to select a specific floor in building10 and a drop-down list1304 that allowsuser550 to select a room within building10. In some embodiments, the rooms that appear in drop-down list1304 are associated with a floor selected via drop-down list1302. Further,FIG. 13 shows aheat map1306 of the room selected via drop-downlists1302 and1304. In some embodiments, an application running on smartphone558 (or a server or controller associated with BMS400) is configured to send an alert (e.g., push notification, text message, virtual assistant) touser550 at a specified time interval (e.g., 5 minutes) before an event (e.g., meeting) occurring in a room or other building space (e.g., auditorium).User550 may then respond to the alert (e.g., by selecting the push notification, selecting a link provided in a text message, providing a voice input) such that the building space associated with the event is auto-populated ininterface1000. The application running onsmartphone558 can also be configured to send the alert based on a location of user550 (e.g., when nearing a room).
• As shown inFIG. 13, theheat map1306 presented viainterface1000 includes aseat recommendation1308 and an indication of adraft1310 present in the room.FIG. 13 also shows thatinterface1000 may include textual feedback about a building space (reference1312) as well as allow the user to provide feedback about the building space (reference1314). As shown inFIG. 13,seat recommendation1308 suggests thatuser550 should sit in a warmer area of the room as indicated by theheat map1306. As discussed above,seat recommendation1308 may be generated based on both known preferences of user550 (e.g., prefers warmer temperatures) as well asheat map1306. Additionally,interface1000alerts user550 ofdraft1310 so thatuser550 knows to stay away from the door.
• Turning toFIG. 14, an example ofinterface1000 presented touser550 viawearable device559 is shown, according to some embodiments.Wearable device559 may be connected to smartphone558 (e.g., via Bluetooth). As shown inFIG. 14, the entirety ofinterface1000 presented onwearable device559 is a heat map. Similar toheat map1306, the heat map shown inFIG. 14 includes aseat recommendation1402 and an indication of adraft1404. An application installed onwearable device559 and/orsmartphone558 may be configured to display the heat map shown inFIG. 14 according to a time or location as discussed above.Interface1000 as presented viawearable device559 can provide a quick and easy way foruser550 to view maps and recommendations associated with building10 as described above.
Model Predictive Control for a Non-Uniform Environmental ConditionOverview
• Referring generally toFIGS. 15-24, systems and methods for managing occupant comfort in a zone (e.g., a room, a space, a collection of rooms, a collection of spaces, etc.) of a building are shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the zone may have a non-uniform distribution of an environmental condition in a zone that can result in an environmental condition gradient throughout the zone. The environmental condition gradient may indicate that a value of an environmental condition at one location in the zone is not the same as a value of the environmental condition at a different location in the zone. For example, a current temperature value at one location in the zone may be 70° F. while a current temperature value at a different location in the zone may be 72° F. Varying temperatures in the zone may lead to occupant discomfort if a location of the occupant is not at a comfortable temperature. For this reason, even if an environmental sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) indicates a temperature is comfortable at a location of the environmental sensor, it may be necessary to account for indications of occupant comfort to determine if occupant comfort is maintained at other locations in the zone. As such, occupant comfort data may be required to be gathered and correlated to measurements gathered by the environmental sensor(s) to ensure occupant comfort in the zone is maintained.
• InFIGS. 15-24 below, a non-uniform temperature distribution is frequently referred to. It should be understood that temperature is used for ease of explanation as a non-uniform distribution of air may result in other environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, air quality, light intensity, etc.) varying in a zone. Regardless of what environmental condition(s) vary across a zone due to the non-uniform distribution of environmental conditions, similar approaches to the systems and methods described below with reference toFIGS. 15-24 can be used to maintain occupant comfort in the zone.
Occupant Comfort Management System
• Referring now toFIG. 15, an occupantcomfort management system1500 is shown, according to some embodiments. Occupantcomfort management system1500 is shown to include azone1506. In some embodiments,zone1506 is a zone of building10. As shown inFIG. 15, a non-uniform temperature distribution exists throughoutzone1506. The non-uniform temperature distribution can be detrimental to occupant comfort as an occupant's perceived level of comfort may not be reflected by devices inzone1506 that determine current environmental conditions (e.g., a current temperature) based on environmental condition data forzone1506.
• Occupantcomfort management system1500 illustrates a temperature gradient throughoutzone1506. A temperature at each location inzone1506 can be represented as:
• 
  T_x,y=Z° F.
• where T_x,yis a temperature at location x, y, and Z is a temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. Each temperature T_x,yis shown to fall at an intersection between a point on anX-axis1508 and a Y-axis1510. For example, T_4,3is shown to fall at an intersection of x₄and y₃onX-axis1508 and Y-axis1510 respectively. In some embodiments, differing temperature values at various locations ofzone1506 indicate the non-uniform temperature distribution. If the temperature distribution ofzone1506 was uniform, all of the temperatures at the various locations ofzone1506 would be equal (e.g., T_1,1=T_2,1=T_3,1, etc.). Although temperature values are shown at each intersection of coordinates inFIG. 15, there may only be a limited number of temperature sensors inzone1506. As the limited number of temperatures sensors may be located only at specific locations (e.g., on walls) inzone1506, a temperature at many locations inzone1506 may be unknown due to a lack of available temperature sensors to measure the temperature at each location inzone1506.
• Still referring toFIG. 15, occupantcomfort management system1500 is shown to include asupervisory controller1526, azone controller1504, andHVAC equipment1524. In occupantcomfort management system1500,supervisory controller1526 can provide a zone group setpoint (e.g., a zone group temperature setpoint) tozone controller1504. In some embodiments,supervisory controller1526 provides a zone group temperature setpoint T_sp,gwhere T_sp,gis a particular temperature setpoint provided to all zones in a zone group (i.e., a grouping of individual zones). In some embodiments, ifzone1506 does not belong to a zone group, T_sp,gis a zone temperature setpoint specific tozone1506 as determined bysupervisory controller1526. In some embodiments,supervisory controller1526 provides a maximum zone group setpoint and a minimum zone group setpoint for an environmental condition indicating a maximum and a minimum allowable value of the environmental condition. For example,supervisory controller1526 can provide a maximum zone group temperature setpoint T_max,jand a minimum zone group temperature T_min,jfor a zone group j. T_max,jand T_min,jcan set a maximum and a minimum allowable temperature for the group to whichzone1506 belongs.
• In some embodiments,supervisory controller1526 determines T_sp,g, T_max,j, and/or T_min,jbased on performing model predictive control (MPC) for the zone group j. MPC can determine setpoint values that are expected to maintain occupant comfort across some and/or all zones in the zone group j while optimizing (e.g., reducing) costs related to operating building equipment (e.g., HVAC equipment1524) to maintain occupant comfort. As MPC performed bysupervisory controller1526 is applied to all zones in the zone group j collectively, T_sp,g, T_max,j, and/or T_min,jmay or may not maintain occupant comfort at an optimized cost in each zone of the zone group j. As such, it may be necessary to determine adjusted zone setpoints for some and/or all zones in the zone group j to ensure occupant comfort is maintained and costs are optimized (e.g., reduced).
• Occupantcomfort management system1500 is also shown to include athermostat1522.Thermostat1522 may be any thermostat that can servicezone1506. In some embodiments,thermostat1522 communicates withzone controller1504 via a wired and/or wireless connection.Thermostat1522 may include wired or wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with various systems, devices, or networks (e.g., zone controller1504). For example,thermostat1522 may include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications network and/or a WiFi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network.Thermostat1522 may be configured to communicate via local area networks or wide area networks (e.g., the Internet, a building WAN, etc.) and may use a variety of communications protocols (e.g., BACnet, IP, LON, etc.).
• Thermostat1522 is shown to include auser interface1516 andtemperature sensor1518.Temperature sensor1518 can be configured to measure a current temperature inzone1506. Iftemperature sensor1518 measures the current temperature,temperature sensor1518 can provide the measured current temperature T_meastozone controller1504. In some embodiments,temperature sensor1518 communicates T_measto zonecontroller1504 viathermostat1522. However, if a non-uniform temperature distribution is present inzone1506, the measured current temperature may not reflect the current temperature at all locations inzone1506. For example,temperature sensor1518 may measure the current temperature at a closest location T₁₄, and determine that the current temperature inzone1506 is 70° F. even though the temperature at other locations ofzone1506 is not 70° F. (e.g., T_2,5=65° F.). As such, T_measas measured bytemperature sensor1518 may not be accurate for determining occupant comfort for an occupant inzone1506.
• User interface1516 ofthermostat1522 may be able to communicate an occupant adjusted setpoint T_sp,atozone controller1504 viathermostat1522.User interface1516 may be any interface (e.g., graphical user interfaces, reporting interfaces, text-based computer interfaces, etc.) capable of facilitating an occupant to interact withthermostat1522. In some embodiments,user interface1516 allows an occupant to modify a setpoint inzone1506. For example, an occupant may determine that a current temperature setpoint inzone1506 is too cold and can increase the current temperature setpoint viauser interface1516. In some embodiments, an occupant setpoint adjustment indicates that an occupant is uncomfortable in current environmental conditions ofzone1506. These indications that an occupant is uncomfortable can be used byzone controller1504 when determining an adjusted zone setpoint forzone1506 as described in greater detail below with reference toFIG. 17.
• In some embodiments,zone controller1504 generates control signals to provide toHVAC equipment1524.Zone controller1504 may be a component ofsupervisory controller1526, an independent controller connected to and/or a part ofzone1506, a component hosted on a cloud-based service, etc., according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, some and/or all of the functionality ofzone controller1504 may be incorporated inthermostat1522.Zone controller1504 can communicate control signals toHVAC equipment1524. The control signals generated byzone controller1504 can operateHVAC equipment1524 to affect a variable state or condition ofzone1506. For example, a control signal may operate a heater ofHVAC equipment1524 in order to increase a temperature ofzone1506. In some embodiments,HVAC equipment1524 includes other building devices operable to affect other variable states or conditions ofzone1506. For example,HVAC equipment1524 may include an indoor unit (IDU) of a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system.
• The control signals generated byzone controller1504 can be based on adjusted zone setpoints forzone1506. To determine the adjusted zone setpoints,zone controller1504 can adjust zone group setpoints provided bysupervisory controller1526 based on a model for managing occupant comfort inzone1506.Zone controller1504 can determine various adjusted zone setpoints forzone1506 such as, for example, adjusted zone temperature setpoints, adjusted zone humidity setpoints, adjusted zone air quality setpoints, or any other environmental condition setpoints for managing occupant comfort inzone1506. The control signals provided toHVAC equipment1524 can be generated based on the adjusted zone setpoints as to operateHVAC equipment1524 to achieve the adjusted zone setpoints. Generating the control signals byzone controller1504 is described in greater detail below with reference toFIG. 17.
• When determining the control signals,zone controller1504 can account for learned occupant preferences for occupants ofzone1506. In some embodiments, the learned occupant preferences allowzone controller1504 to maintain occupant comfort inzone1506 even if a non-uniform distribution of air is present. In some embodiments, a non-uniform temperature distribution results from relative distances between various locations inzone1506 and from locations where heat is emitted such as a location of anair duct1512. In some embodiments,HVAC equipment1524 is not located withinzone1506. IfHVAC equipment1524 is not located withinzone1506,HVAC equipment1524 can provide heated/cooled air intozone1506 viaair duct1512. In some embodiments,HVAC equipment1524 is withinzone1506. IfHVAC equipment1524 is withinzone1506,HVAC equipment1524 can affect environmental conditions (e.g., temperature) inzone1506 directly and may not utilizeair duct1512. In some embodiments, a distance between a location inzone1506 andair duct1512 and/orHVAC equipment1524 results in a varying heat disturbance {dot over (Q)}_heatexperienced by the location as compared to a different location inzone1506. For example, a temperature close toair duct1512 may have a temperature of T_3,3=74° F., while temperature far fromair duct1512 is shown as T_6,1=68° F. As such, when generating the control signals,zone controller1504 may be required to account for occupant preferences to ensure occupant comfort is maintained as various locations inzone1506 may experience different heat disturbances.
• Occupantcomfort management system1500 is also shown to include aspace boundary1502.Space boundary1502 can be any boundary betweenzone1506 and an external space (e.g., outdoors, another zone in building10, etc.). For example,space boundary1502 may be a wall betweenzone1506 and anoutdoor environment1514. Similarly, occupantcomfort management system1500 is also shown to includemultiple windows1520. In some embodiments,windows1520 andspace boundary1502 result in heat loss, represented as Q_loss, forzone1506 due to an outside air temperature T_out. Depending on a value of T_out, a heat transfer may occur between zone1506 (e.g., via windows1520) andoutdoor environment1514. In some embodiments, Q_losscontributes to the non-uniform temperature distribution ofzone1506. For example,location2,5 inzone1506 is shown close towindow1520 and has a current temperature of T_2,5=65° F. However, a location that is further fromwindow1520 and is shown to have a higher current temperature of T_2,3=72° F. Depending on occupant preferences, an occupant may be comfortable at one oflocation2,5 andlocation2,3, but not the other due to the variation in temperature between the locations. As such,zone controller1504 may need to account for occupant comfort preferences as temperature sensors inzone1506 may not properly detect the heat loss/gain viawindows1520,space boundary1502, etc. when determining adjusted zone setpoints and generating the control signals to ensure occupant comfort.
• Based on the control signals generated byzone controller1504,zone controller1504 can communicate the control signals toHVAC equipment1524. Communication betweenzone controller1504 andHVAC equipment1524 may be via a wired and/or wireless communication. For example,zone controller1504 andHVAC equipment1524 may communicate via local area networks or wide area networks (e.g., the Internet, a building WAN, etc.) and may use a variety of communications protocols (e.g., BACnet, IP, LON, etc.) to facilitate the communication. If the control signals are received byHVAC equipment1524,HVAC equipment1524 can be operated based on the control signals.HVAC equipment1524 can be operated to affect a variable state or condition ofzone1506. For example, the control signals may indicate a heater ofHVAC equipment1524 should increase a temperature ofzone1506. The control signals provided byzone controller1504 can allowHVAC equipment1524 to achieve an adjusted zone setpoint determined byzone controller1504. As such, the one or more control signals based on the adjusted zone setpoint may operateHVAC equipment1524 to maintain an adequate level of occupant comfort at as many locations inzone1506 as possible and/or as many locations inzone1506 where occupants are present.
• Referring now toFIG. 16, a three-dimensional graph1600 of temperature distribution inzone1506 is shown, according to some embodiments. Three-dimensional graph1600 is shown to include aspatial mapping1602. In some embodiments,spatial mapping1602 illustrates the non-uniform temperature distribution ofzone1506. Particularly,spatial mapping1602 is shown to include some X and Y coordinate positions (i.e., locations of zone1506) that have a higher/lower temperature than other X and Y coordinate positions (i.e., other locations of zone1506). Ifzone1506 were to have a uniform distribution of air,spatial mapping1602 may be planar as the uniform distribution of air may indicate that a current temperature at all locations inzone1506 is the same.
• Referring now toFIG. 17,zone controller1504 as described with reference toFIG. 15 is shown in greater detail, according to some embodiments. As described above,zone controller1504 can determine an adjusted zone setpoint for an environmental condition (e.g., temperature) and provide control signals toHVAC equipment1524 based on the adjusted zone setpoint.HVAC equipment1524 can operate based on the control signals as to maintain an adequate level of occupant comfort throughoutzone1506 and/or at an acceptable amount of locations in zone1506 (e.g., locations where occupants are present). As described herein, an acceptable/adequate level of occupant comfort can indicate a value of an environmental condition that is comfortable to occupants inzone1506.
• Zone controller1504 is shown to include aprocessing circuit1702.Processing circuit1702 is shown to include aprocessor1704 andmemory1706.Processor1704 may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components.Processor1704 may be configured to execute computer code or instructions stored inmemory1706 or received from other computer readable media (e.g., CDROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.).
• Memory1706 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure.Memory1706 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions.Memory1706 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure.Memory1706 may be communicably connected toprocessor1704 viaprocessing circuit1702 and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor1704) one or more processes described herein. In some embodiments, one or more components ofmemory1706 are a single component. However, each component ofmemory1706 is shown independently for ease of explanation.
• Zone controller1504 is also shown to include acommunications interface1708.Communications interface1708 may include wired or wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with various systems, devices, or networks. For example,communications interface1708 may include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications network and/or a WiFi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network.Communications interface1708 may be configured to communicate via local area networks or wide area networks (e.g., the Internet, a building WAN, etc.) and may use a variety of communications protocols (e.g., BACnet, IP, LON, etc.).
• Communications interface1708 may be a network interface configured to facilitate electronic data communications betweenzone controller1504 and various external systems or devices (e.g.,HVAC equipment1524,temperature sensor1518,thermostat1522,supervisory controller1526, etc.). For example,zone controller1504 can receive an occupant setpoint adjustment T_sp,afromthermostat1522, a measured current temperature T_measfromtemperature sensor1518, and a zone group temperature setpoint T_sp,gfromsupervisory controller1526 viacommunications interface1708. In some embodiments,communications interface1708 facilitates communication of control signals between anequipment controller1720 andHVAC equipment1524.
• Still referring toFIG. 17,memory1706 is shown to include adata collector1712. In some embodiments,data collector1712 is configured to receive data from various sources (e.g.,temperature sensor1518,thermostat1522,supervisory controller1526, a user device1710 etc.) and communicate said data between components ofmemory1706. For example,data collector1712 is shown to communicate occupant comfort data to acomfortable range identifier1718, a zone group setpoint tosetpoint adjustment manager1716, and training data to amodel generator1714. In some embodiments,data collector1712 receives sensor and/or input signals and coverts said signals to time series data. Time series data may allowzone controller1504 to determine how occupant comfort preferences change over time (e.g., over a course of a day) as to maintain adequate levels of occupant comfort inzone1506 even if a non-uniform distribution of air exists.
• Memory1706 is also shown to includecomfortable range identifier1718.Comfortable range identifier1718 is shown to receive occupant comfort data fromdata collector1712. The occupant comfort data provided bydata collector1712 may originate from user device1710. As described in greater detail below, an occupant may be requested to indicate a current level of comfort, how comfortable they were over a course of a day, etc. Said indications can be provided by user device1710 as comfort data tozone controller1504. In some embodiments,thermostat1522 includes some and/or all of the functionality of user device1710. As such,thermostat1522 may be able to provide occupant comfort data tozone controller1504. In some embodiments, user device1710 includes some and/or all of the functionality ofthermostat1522. As such, an occupant may be able to adjust a zone setpoint via user device1710.
• In some embodiments,comfortable range identifier1718 is configured to identify a minimum zone temperature T_min,j,iand a maximum zone temperature T_max,j,ifor a zone i (e.g., zone1506) based on the occupant comfort data. The occupant comfort data provided tocomfortable range identifier1718 can indicate information regarding occupant comfort preferences. For example, an occupant can perform an occupant setpoint adjustment to adjust a temperature setpoint ofzone1506 from 67° F. to 71° F. The occupant setpoint adjustment can indicate that the occupant is uncomfortable given the current temperature of 67° F. inzone1506. As such, the occupant setpoint adjustment can be included in the occupant comfort data and utilized bycomfortable range identifier1718 to determine a comfort range (i.e., as defined by T_min,j,iand T_max,j,i) that maintains occupant comfort inzone1506. Further, the adjusted temperature setpoint can be used along with other adjusted temperature setpoints to determine comfort ranges throughout a day.
• Ascomfortable range identifier1718 gathers additional occupant comfort data, T_min,j,iand T_max,j,ican be determined more accurately bycomfortable range identifier1718 to better reflect occupant preferences. However, the comfort range defined by T_min,j,iand T_max,j,imay be required to have a minimum size (e.g., 2 degrees Fahrenheit, 3 degrees Fahrenheit, etc.) as to allow a cost optimization to optimize (e.g., reduce) costs related to maintaining the comfort range. If the comfort range is too small,HVAC equipment1524 or other building equipment may be required to be operated very frequently and may consume more power, thereby increasing costs. In this way, ifsetpoint adjustment manager1716 performs MPC to determine an optimal value of T_zn,sp,i, MPC has some flexibility to determine a more cost-effective zone temperature setpoint.
• Memory1706 is also shown to includemodel generator1714.Model generator1714 can generate a setpoint adjustment model that can be used bysetpoint adjustment manager1716 in conjunction with T_min,j,iand T_max,j,ito determine a value of T_zn,sp,ito provide toequipment controller1720. The setpoint adjustment model generated bymodel generator1714 can be any type of model including, for example, a neural network model. In some embodiments,model generator1714 generates the setpoint adjustment model in response to a determination that a setpoint adjustment model does not exist, a current setpoint adjustment model should be replaced, etc. In some embodiments, an occupant ofzone1506 provides an indication tomodel generator1714 to generate the setpoint adjustment model (e.g., by starting a model training process). In some embodiments,comfortable range identifier1718 andmodel generator1714 are included in a single component ofmemory1706. Ifcomfortable range identifier1718 andmodel generator1714 are included in the single component, the setpoint adjustment model generated bymodel generator1714 may be trained based on T_min,j,iand T_max,j,isuch that the setpoint adjustment model is trained to only output possible zone temperature setpoint values within the comfort range set by and
• Model generator1714 is shown to receive training data fromdata collector1712. The training data can include any information applicable to generating the setpoint adjustment model. For example, the training data may include the occupant comfort data, environmental condition data indicating environmental conditions inzone1506, temperature measurements provided bytemperature sensor1518, adjusted temperature setpoints provided bythermostat1522, etc. To collect the training data,model generator1714 can perform various actions to determine how occupants react to various conditions inzone1506. Based on the collected training data, the setpoint adjustment model can correlate temperature sensor measurements with expected levels of occupant comfort.
• In some embodiments, the training data is collected by monitoring occupant adjustments to setpoints. Each time an occupant manually adjusts a setpoint,model generator1714 may determine that a current setpoint inzone1506 is not optimal and generate/update the setpoint adjustment model to reflect the occupant setpoint adjustment. For example, if an occupant increases a temperature setpoint inzone1506 viathermostat1522, the increase may indicate that a current temperature setpoint indicated bytemperature sensor1518 is too cold. In general, an occupant setpoint adjustment is an indication that an occupant is uncomfortable. Based on occupant setpoint adjustments and attributes of when the occupant setpoint adjustments are made (e.g., time of day, day of the week, outside air temperature, humidity, measured zone temperature, solar effects, etc.), additional training data can be determined byzone controller1504 for generating/updating the setpoint adjustment model. As additional training data is gathered, the setpoint adjustment model can be refined as to more accurately model occupant comfort for various conditions.
• In some embodiments, the training data is collected by performing experiments onzone1506. During an experiment, occupant comfort data can be gathered to determine how occupants respond to the experiment. For example, an experiment may include determining an experimental setpoint,operating HVAC equipment1524 to maintain the experimental setpoint over the course of a day, and polling occupants for an occupant comfort rating for the day. On a next day (or a next time period), the experimental setpoint can be set to a different constant value and polling of occupants is repeated. The polling may be conducted by user device1710,thermostat1522, etc. Based on results of the polling, occupant comfort data related to the various experimental setpoints can be gathered. For example, if a first experimental setpoint for a first day resulted in high occupant comfort ratings, the first experimental setpoint may be close to an optimal comfort value provided conditions (e.g., measured temperature) during the first day. However, if a second experimental setpoint for a second day resulted in low occupant comfort ratings, the low occupant comfort ratings may indicate that the second experimental setpoint is not close to the optimal comfort value provided conditions of the second day. To perform the experiment,model generator1714 can generate an experimental model to provide tosetpoint adjustment manager1716. Based on the experimental model,setpoint adjustment manager1716 can determine T_zn,sp,ibased on the experimental model. Finally,equipment controller1720 can generate control signals to operateHVAC equipment1524 based on T_zn,sp,i. AsHVAC equipment1524 is operated based on the control signals, occupant comfort data based on effects of said operation can be gathered as training data.
• In some embodiments,model generator1714 generates experimental models to test how occupants respond to various setpoints. Specifically,model generator1714 may generate experimental models to test how occupants respond to operation ofHVAC equipment1524 that is estimated to reduce costs (e.g., reduce power consumption costs, reduce maintenance costs, etc.). As more experimental models are tested, the training data set may grow, thereby givingmodel generator1714 more information with which to generate/update the setpoint adjustment model based on.
• In some embodiments, the training data is collected via an occupant voting system. In some embodiments, the voting system includes a voting method (e.g., a mobile application, a web site, a paper survey, etc.) that occupants can rate their occupant comfort level through. For example, the occupant voting system may include a mobile application that requests an occupant to rate their occupant comfort level three time per day (e.g., once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening). In some embodiments, the occupant voting system can aggregate all occupant comfort level ratings for each voting session to determine if setpoints maintained a high level of occupant comfort. Based on voting results and attributes of time periods when the voting results are collected (e.g., time of day, day of the week, outside air temperature, humidity, solar effects, etc.), a setpoint adjustment model can be generated/updated bymodel generator1714 to be able to more precisely model occupant comfort.
• In some embodiments, occupant comfort data is collected through monitoring occupants for visible indications of occupant comfort. Visible indications of occupant comfort can be captured by a visual detection device inzone1506. For example,thermostat1522 may include the visual detection device in order to monitor occupant comfort inzone1506. A visible indication of occupant discomfort may be, for example, an occupant shivering, an occupant sweating, body heat captured by an IR video camera, skin color (e.g., red skin may indicate the occupant is cold), etc. Based on the visible indications of occupants and attributes of time periods when the visible indications are measured (e.g., time of day, day of the week, weather conditions, outside air temperature, humidity, solar effects, etc.),model generator1714 can generate/update a setpoint adjustment model to be able to more precisely model occupant comfort given various conditions ofzone1506.
• In some embodiments, the setpoint adjustment model generated bymodel generator1714 is a convolutional neural network (CNN). A CNN is a type of feed-forward artificial neural network in which the connectivity pattern between its neurons is inspired by the organization of the animal visual cortex. Individual cortical neurons respond to stimuli in a restricted region of space known as the receptive field. The receptive fields of different neurons partially overlap such that they tile the visual field. The response of an individual neuron to stimuli within its receptive field can be approximated mathematically by a convolution operation. The CNN is also known as shift invariant or space invariant artificial neural network (SIANN), which is named based on its shared weights architecture and translation invariance characteristics. An example of a CNN is described in greater detail below with reference toFIG. 24.
• In some embodiments,model generator1714 updates an existing setpoint adjustment model based on new training data. A new setpoint adjustment model may not need to be generated every time new training data is received. Instead, updating the existing setpoint adjustment model can ensure the new training data is accounted for without undergoing a computationally intensive model generation process.Model generator1714 can use the existing setpoint adjustment model and the training data provided bydata collector1712 to update the setpoint adjustment model based on new information provided tozone controller1504. In some embodiments, the setpoint adjustment model generated bymodel generator1714 becomes antiquated as time progresses if the setpoint adjustment model is not updated. Updating the setpoint adjustment model can reflect changes in building10,zone1506, occupant preferences, etc., to better maintain occupant comfort. For example, if new HVAC devices are added tozone1506 and the setpoint adjustment model is not updated,setpoint adjustment manager1716 may not be determine adequate values of T_zn,sp,i. As such,model generator1714 can update the setpoint adjustment model as needed to ensuresetpoint adjustment manager1716 can determine adequate values of T_zn,sp,ibased on the setpoint adjustment model as time progresses. In some embodiments,model generator1714 automatically updated the setpoint adjustment model as needed. In some embodiments, an occupant ofzone1506 can indicate thatmodel generator1714 should update the setpoint adjustment model.
• In some embodiments,model generator1714 is configured to determine when the setpoint adjustment model has deviated too far from an accurate model of a comfort range forzone1506, such that the setpoint adjustment model may not benefit significantly from updates. Ifmodel generator1714 determines the setpoint adjustment model has deviated too far from an accurate representation of occupant comfort inzone1506,model generator1714 may generate a new setpoint adjustment model. In some embodiments, if a new setpoint adjustment model is generated bymodel generator1714, a current setpoint adjustment model may be discarded and replaced by the new setpoint adjustment model.
• In some embodiments, the setpoint adjustment model generated bymodel generator1714 utilizes the zone group setpoint T_sp,gprovided bysupervisory controller1526 to determine T_zn,sp,i. The setpoint adjustment model may implicitly indicate a setpoint weighting w_iand a temperature offset T_offset,ifor a zone i. In some embodiments, w_iand T_offset,iare included in the setpoint adjustment model in order to adjust the zone group temperature setpoint T_sp,gto reflect occupant preferences inzone1506. For example, the setpoint adjustment model may utilize w_iand T_offset,ito determine T_zn,sp,iin the following equation:
• 
  T_zn,sp,i=w_iT_sp,g+T_offset,i
• where w_iis the setpoint weighting determined bymodel generator1714 for a zone i, T_sp,gis the zone group temperature setpoint for a zone group that zone i belongs to as determined bysupervisory controller1526, and T_offset,iis the temperature offset determined bymodel generator1714 for zone i.Setpoint adjustment manager1716 can utilize the setpoint adjustment model to determine T_zn,sp,ias described in greater detail below.
• In some embodiments, w_iand T_offset,iare determined bymodel generator1714 based on a regression analysis performed bymodel generator1714. In some embodiments, the regression analysis determines an association between group temperature setpoints provided bysupervisory controller1526 and temperature setpoints based on occupant setpoint adjustments. The regression analysis performed bymodel generator1714 may generate a regression line that can be described by various functions (e.g., a linear function, a quadratic function, a piecewise function, etc.) For example, if the regression analysis generates a linear regression line (i.e., in the form of y=mx+b), w_ican represent a slope of the linear regression line and T_offset,ican represent a y-intercept of the linear regression line. As such, w_iand T_offset,ican be determined based on how occupant preferences differ from setpoints generated for the zone group to whichzone1506 belongs. Values of w_iand T_offset,imay indicate how accurate/inaccurate T_sp,gis for maintaining occupant comfort inzone1506. For example, w_i=1.5 and T_offset,i=2° F. may indicate that T_sp,gis fairly inaccurate for maintaining occupant comfort inzone1506.
• In some embodiments, a default state of w_iand T_offset,iis w_i=1 and T_offset,i=0. w_i=1 and T_offset,i=0 may indicate thatmodel generator1714 has determined that the zone group temperature setpoint T_sp,gprovided bysupervisory controller1526 is the same as whatmodel generator1714 determines to maintain occupant comfort based on the training data (i.e., T_sp,gis an optimal temperature forzone1506 given current conditions in zone1506). In some embodiments, w_iand/or T_offset,imay differ from the default state if T_sp,gdoes not reflect occupant preferences inzone1506 as determined bymodel generator1714 based on the training data. For example, w_i=1.05 and T_offset,i=1.5 may be determined bymodel generator1714 if the training data indicates occupants inzone1506 preferzone1506 to be warmer than the zone group temperature setpoints provided bysupervisory controller1526. As such, ifsetpoint adjustment manager1716 utilizes the generated model including w_i=1.05 and T_offset,i=1.5, the zone temperature setpoint T_zn,sp,ican be adjusted accordingly as described in greater detail below.
• In some embodiments,model generator1714 generates the setpoint adjustment model indicating w_iand T_offset,iif a zone comfort range for occupants of zone1506 (i.e., as defined by T_max,j,iand T_min,j,i) is the same as a range defined by a minimum and maximum zone group temperature defined by and T_min,jprovided bysupervisory controller1526. However, if the zone comfort range is not the same as the zone group comfort range,model generator1714 may generate the setpoint adjustment model to scale the adjusted zone temperature based on an amount in which the zone comfort range and the zone group comfort range differ. For example, the setpoint adjustment model may allowsetpoint adjustment manager1716 to scale T_zn,sp,iby the following equation:
• $T_{\mathrm{zn},\mathrm{sp},i}=\frac{T_{\max ,j,i}-T_{\min ,j,i}}{T_{\max ,j}-T_{\min ,j}}\left(T_{\mathrm{sp},g}-T_{\min ,j}\right)+T_{\min ,j,i}$
• where T_max,j,iis a maximum zone temperature for a zone i (e.g., zone1506) in a zone group j, T_min,j,iis a minimum zone temperature for zone i in zone group j, T_max,jis a maximum zone group temperature for zone group j, T_min,jis a minimum zone group temperature for zone group j, and T_sp,gis the zone group temperature setpoint provided to all zones in zone group j bysupervisory controller1526. In some embodiments, the above equation models howsetpoint adjustment manager1716 determines a value of T_zn,sp,ithat results in an acceptable level of occupant comfort in zone i by utilizing the setpoint adjustment model generated bymodel generator1714.
• Model generator1714 is shown to provide the generated model (i.e., the setpoint adjustment model) tosetpoint adjustment manager1716.Setpoint adjustment manager1716 is also shown to receive a zone group setpoint (e.g., T_sp,g, T_max,j, and/or T_min,j) fromdata collector1712 and T_min,j,iand T_max,j,ifromcomfortable range identifier1718. In some embodiments,setpoint adjustment manager1716 determines the adjusted zone setpoint T_zn,sp,ito provide toequipment controller1720 by performing MPC to determine a zone temperature setpoint that maintains occupant comfort and optimizes (e.g., reduces) costs. To perform MPC,setpoint adjustment manager1716 can utilize the generated model provided bymodel generator1714 to generate zone temperature setpoints and can determine, via MPC, which zone temperature setpoint best optimizes costs and maintains occupant comfort.Setpoint adjustment manager1716 can also ensure any generated zone temperature setpoints meet constraints set by the comfortable range (i.e., the generated zone temperature setpoints are greater than or equal to T_min,j,iand are less than or equal to T_max,j,i).
• In some embodiments,setpoint adjustment manager1716 performs MPC utilizing the setpoint adjustment model provided bymodel generator1714 to determine an optimal zone temperature setpoint T_zn,sp,i. Ifsetpoint adjustment manager1716 performs MPC,setpoint adjustment manager1716 can determine what zone temperature setpoint in the comfort range set by T_min,j,iand T_max,j,imaintains occupant comfort at a most optimized (e.g., reduced) cost. To perform MPC,setpoint adjustment manager1716 may use the measured temperature T_measprovided bytemperature sensor1518. As the setpoint adjustment model generated bymodel generator1714 can be trained to correlate temperature readings with occupant comfort,setpoint adjustment manager1716 can utilize said correlation to determine what zone temperature setpoints are expected to maintain occupant comfort. Based on zone temperature setpoints that do maintain occupant comfort,setpoint adjustment manager1716 can determine what specific zone temperature setpoint results in optimized costs. In some embodiments,setpoint adjustment manager1716 includes any of the functionality of the economic model predictive control system described with reference to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/473,496, filed Mar. 29, 2017, to generate the zone temperature setpoint, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
• In some embodiments,setpoint adjustment manager1716 determines the zone temperature setpoint by determining how the zone group temperature setpoint provided bysupervisory controller1526 can be adjusted based on preferences of occupants inzone1506.Setpoint adjustment manager1716 can use T_sp,gas input to the generated model to determine T_zn,sp,iFor example, if the regression analysis performed bymodel generator1714 indicates a relationship between the zone group setpoint and occupant preferred setpoints follows a linear relationship, T_zn,sp,imay be determined by the following equation as described above:
• 
  T_zn,sp,i=w_iT_sp,g+T_offset,i
• where w_iis the setpoint weighting determined bymodel generator1714, T_sp,gis the group temperature setpoint for a zone group that zone i belongs to as determined bysupervisory controller1526, and T_offset,iis the temperature offset determined bymodel generator1714. As mentioned previously, the default state of w_iand T_offset,imay be w_i=1 and T_offset,i=0. If the generated model indicates default state is appropriate to maintain occupant comfort, T_zn,sp,imay be effectively determined based on the generated model via the following equation:
• 
  T_zn,sp,i=T_sp,g
• where the adjusted zone setpoint T_zn,sp,ifor zone i is equal to the group temperature setpoint for the zone group to which zone i belongs.
• However, T_zn,sp,imay nonetheless be constrained by T_min,j,iand T_max,j,iprovided bycomfortable range identifier1718. T_min,j,iand T_max,j,iensure that if the setpoint adjustment model is inaccurate and/or the zone group setpoint is far from what is considered comfortable inzone1506, T_zn,sp,ican still be an adequate zone temperature setpoint. For example, if the zone group temperature is generated by MPC expecting that few occupants will be present (e.g., on a weekend), the zone group temperature may be low as to optimize (e.g., reduce) costs such that building equipment does not need to be operated frequently. However, ifzone1506 of the zone group is expected to have many occupants at that time (e.g., for a meeting), the zone group temperature setpoint applied to the setpoint adjustment model may not result in an adequate zone temperature setpoint even if the setpoint adjustment model is otherwise accurate. For example, if the zone group temperature is 60° F., and the weight and offset terms determined bymodel generator1714 are w_i=1.05 and T_offset,i=0.5 respectively, T_zn,sp,ican be calculated by:
• 
  T_zn,sp,i=1.05×60+0.5=63.5° F.
• If 63.5° F. is uncomfortable for occupants ofzone1506,setpoint adjustment manager1716 can constrain T_zn,sp,ito be within the comfort range set by T_min,j,iand T_max,j,i. For example, if T_min,j,i=68° F. and T_max,j,i=72° F.,setpoint adjustment manager1716 can increase T_zn,sp,i63.5° F. to at least 68° F. to ensure occupant comfort is maintained inzone1506. As illustrated by the above example, even if the generated model is accurate, uncomfortable temperature setpoints can still be generated. In this way,setpoint adjustment manager1716 may require values of T_min,j,iand T_max,j,ito ensure values of T_zn,sp,imaintain occupant comfort regardless if T_sp,gdoes not maintain occupant comfort and/or the generated model is inaccurate.
• Setpoint adjustment manager1716 can determine that a difference between a minimum and maximum zone group temperature provided bysupervisory controller1526 differs from a difference between a minimum and maximum zone temperature identified bycomfortable range identifier1718. Based on said determination,setpoint adjustment manager1716 may be required to provide additional inputs to the generated model when performing MPC to determine a zone temperature setpoint. For example, if the minimum and the maximum zone group temperature are 68° F. and 72° F. respectively, the minimum and maximum zone temperatures are 73° F. and 76° F. respectively, and a zone group temperature setpoint is a 70° F.,setpoint adjustment manager1716 can calculate a value of T_zn,sp,iusing the generated model as:
• $T_{\mathrm{zn},\mathrm{sp},i}=\frac{76°F.-73°F.}{72°F.-68°F.}\left(70°F.-68°F.\right)+73°F.=1.5°F.+73°F.=74.5°F.$
• where T_zn,sp,i=74.5° F. is a scaled value based how a difference between the minimum and maximum zone group temperatures differs from a difference between the minimum and maximum zone temperatures. Particularly, T_zn,sp,iof the above example is shown to be scaled by ¾ as the difference between the minimum and maximum zone temperatures is smaller than the difference between the minimum and maximum zone group temperatures.
• In some embodiments, T_zn,sp,iis determined based on a cost optimization performed bysetpoint adjustment manager1716. In some embodiments, T_sp,gprovided tozone controller1504 is determined based on a cost optimization performed bysupervisory controller1526 for a zone group to whichzone1506 belongs.Supervisory controller1526 can be configured to determine a value of T_sp,gfor a zone group to optimize (e.g., reduce) costs for maintaining occupant comfort across zones of the zone group. Based on an optimized value of T_sp,g,setpoint adjustment manager1716 can perform a cost optimization when determining a value of utilizing the setpoint adjustment model provided bymodel generator1714.Setpoint adjustment manager1716 can determine an optimal value of T_zn,sp,ithat optimizes (e.g., reduces) a cost ofoperating HVAC equipment1524 and maintains occupant comfort inzone1506. The optimal value can be constrained by the zone comfort range identified bycomfortable range identifier1718. In other words, the optimal value of T_zn,sp,imay be determined as to be within the comfort range defined by T_min,j,iand T_max,j,ito adhere to preferences of occupants. However, the optimal value of T_zn,sp,imay or may not be an ideal comfort value (i.e., a comfort value that maximizes occupant comfort) for occupant comfort if the ideal comfort value does not minimize costs. The optimal value of T_zn,sp,ican be any value within the comfort range that results in a highest optimization (e.g., reduction) of costs of operatingHVAC equipment1524. It should be noted the optimal value of T_zn,sp,imay or may not indicate an ideal (i.e., a perfect) solution. In some embodiments, the optimal value of refers to a zone temperature setpoint determined bysetpoint adjustment manager1716 to optimize (e.g., reduce) costs and maintain occupant comfort.
• In some embodiments, in order to perform MPC to determine the optimal value of T_zn,sp,i,setpoint adjustment manager1716 may account for a thermal model that predicts a temperature ofzone1506 as a function of an output ofHVAC equipment1524. The thermal model can allowsetpoint adjustment manager1716 to estimate a change in the temperature ofzone1506 based on operation ofHVAC equipment1524.Setpoint adjustment manager1716 can utilize the thermal model to determine what value of T_zn,sp,iat a current time optimizes costs by reducing costs related tooperating HVAC equipment1524.
• Ifsetpoint adjustment manager1716 determines a value of T_zn,sp,i,setpoint adjustment manager1716 can communicate T_zn,sp,itoequipment controller1720. Based on T_zn,sp,i,equipment controller1720 can generate control signals forHVAC equipment1524. The control signals generated byequipment controller1720 can operate particular devices ofHVAC equipment1524 in order to achieve the zone temperature setpoint. For example, if T_zn,sp,i=71° F. and a current temperature inzone1506 is 75° F., an air conditioner ofHVAC equipment1524 may be operated to provide cooled air to zone1506 (e.g., via air duct1512).Equipment controller1720 can communicate the control signals toHVAC equipment1524 viacommunications interface1708. If the control signals are received, devices ofHVAC equipment1524 can operate based on the control signals to achieve the zone temperature setpoint.
• Referring now toFIG. 18, agraph1800 illustrating temperature of a zone over time based on occupant setpoint adjustments as compared to zone group temperature setpoints is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, occupant setpoint adjustments indicate that an occupant is uncomfortable in the zone due to a non-uniform distribution of an environmental condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.). As such,graph1800 can illustrate a difference between setpoints determined by model predictive control (MPC) decisions ofsupervisory controller1526 and by occupant setpoint adjustments.
• Graph1800 is shown to include aseries1802 and aseries1806. In some embodiments,series1802 illustrates changes to a setpoint value made by an occupant (i.e., occupant setpoint adjustments). In some embodiments,series1806 illustrates setpoint values determined by MPC decisions ofsupervisory controller1526.Series1806 may be generated bysupervisory controller1526 to reduce costs related to maintaining occupant comfort inzone1506.Graph1800 is also shown to include amaximum temperature1804 as T_maxand aminimum temperature1808 as T_min. In some embodiments, T_maxand T_minare a maximum and a minimum allowable temperature ofseries1806 that maintain occupant comfort as expected bysupervisory controller1526. T_maxand T_mincan be determined bysupervisory controller1526 as a maximum and minimum temperature setpoint that are expected maintains occupant comfort inzone1506. As such,series1806 is shown to only include temperature setpoints withinmaximum temperature1804 andminimum temperature1808. However, asmaximum temperature1804 andminimum temperature1808 are applied for a zone group, they may not reflect preferences of occupants in a particular zone. Due to this,series1802 is shown to include temperature setpoints from occupant setpoint adjustments that are outside the range set bymaximum temperature1804 andminimum temperature1808.
• Series1802 is shown to include four setpoint adjustment times t₁, t₂, t₃, and t₄. At each setpoint adjustment time,series1802 andseries1806 are shown to have a setpoint value change. Inseries1802, each setpoint value change may be the result of an occupant setpoint adjustment. Inseries1806, each setpoint value change may be the result of one or more MPC decisions indicating that a current setpoint value should be adjusted. For example, at time t₃,series1802 andseries1806 experience a setpoint value reduction.Series1802 may experience the setpoint value reduction due to an occupant performing an occupant setpoint adjustment that decreases a temperature setpoint.Series1806 may experience the setpoint value reduction due to an MPC decision determining a current temperature setpoint value is too high and does not optimize costs and/or is not expected to maintain occupant comfort in the zone group. Ingraph1800,series1802 andseries1806 are shown to experience setpoint value changes at the same time. However,series1802 andseries1806 may experience setpoint value changes at different times. For example, an occupant may perform an occupant setpoint adjustment at a particular time as reflected inseries1802, butseries1806 may not reflect a setpoint change until after the occupant setpoint adjustment occurs.
• Graph1800 is shown to include adifference1810 betweenseries1802 andseries1806. In some embodiments,difference1810 illustrates that occupant preferences for temperature over time are not the same as a setpoint value determined by MPC performed bysupervisory controller1526 for the zone group. For example, between times t₁and t₂,series1802 is shown to be greater thanseries1806, which may indicate that an occupant prefers a temperature setpoint higher than determined by MPC decisions ofsupervisory controller1526. Similarly, beginning at time t₄,series1802 is shown to be less thanseries1806, which may indicate that a temperature setpoint determined by MPC is too warm for occupant preferences. As such,graph1800 illustrates how temperature setpoint values determined bysupervisory controller1526 may not always maintain occupant comfort in a specific zone of the zone group.
• Referring now toFIG. 19, agraph1900 illustrating an adjusted temperature setpoint for a zone over time as compared to zone group temperature setpoints is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,graph1900 is similar to and/or the same asgraph1800 described with reference toFIG. 19.Graph1900 is shown to include aseries1902.Series1902 may illustrate adjusted temperature setpoint values that account for occupant comfort based on zone group temperature setpoints originally provided bysupervisory controller1526. Based on the zone group temperature setpoints, values ofseries1902 can be scaled and adjusted as to adhere to preferences of occupants inzone1506. In some embodiments,series1902 illustrates outputs of applying zone group temperature setpoints to the setpoint adjustment model generated bymodel generator1714, effectively captured by the following equation:
• $T_{\mathrm{zn},\mathrm{sp},i}=\frac{T_{\max ,j,i}-T_{\min ,j,i}}{T_{\max ,j}-T_{\min ,j}}\left(T_{\mathrm{sp},g}-T_{\min ,j}\right)+T_{\min ,j,i}$
• where all variables are the same as described above with reference toFIG. 17.
• In some embodiments, occupant setpoint adjustments indicate an occupant is uncomfortable with current environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.). In some embodiments, the more frequent occupant setpoint adjustments occur and/or a magnitude of each occupant setpoint adjustment may indicate how uncomfortable an occupant is. For example, the magnitude and frequency of occupant setpoint adjustments can be related to a degree of occupant discomfort. In this way, frequent and large setpoint changes may indicate a higher degree of occupant discomfort, while less frequent and smaller setpoint changes may indicate a lower degree of occupant discomfort. These indications of occupant comfort can be utilized bymodel generator1714 when generating a setpoint adjustment model used to maintain occupant comfort.Model generator1714 can also utilize information provided bysupervisory controller1526 regarding the zone group to whichzone1506 belongs when generating the setpoint adjustment model. Using the setpoint adjustment model, zone temperature setpoints can be determined by scaling and adjusting the zone group temperature setpoints based on occupant preferences as illustrated byseries1902.
• Graph1900 is also shown to include adifference1904 betweenseries1902 andseries1806. In some embodiments,difference1904 illustrates the scaling and adjustment applied toseries1902 based onseries1806. If occupant preferences inzone1506 are not reflected in zone group temperature setpoints provided by supervisory controller1526 (i.e., values of series1806), the zone group temperature setpoints should be modified forzone1506 to meet the occupant preferences. As such,difference1904 can illustrate an amount by which the zone group temperature setpoints need to be modified to meet the occupant preferences.
• Referring now toFIG. 20, agraph2000 illustrating a regression analysis between MPC generated setpoints and occupant setpoints is shown, according to some embodiments. The occupant setpoints shown along a Y-axis2002 can be determined based on occupant setpoint adjustments made over time for a specific zone (e.g., zone1506). The MPC generated setpoints along an X-axis2004 can be determined based on temperature setpoints for a zone group generated by MPC over time (e.g., by supervisory controller1526).Graph2000 can illustrate how occupant preferences may not align with setpoints generated for the zone group to which the specific zone belongs. Specifically,graph2000 illustrates an embodiment where occupants may prefer a cooler temperature than determined by MPC.
• Graph2000 is shown to includepoints2010. Eachpoint2010 represents how an occupant setpoint for the specific zone compares to a setpoint generated for the zone group by MPC. For example, apoint2010 may indicate an occupant setpoint for a particular time is 67° F. whereas an MPC generated setpoint is 70° F. for the zone group for the particular time. Ifenough points2010 are determined, a regression analysis can be performed on determine a relationship between the occupant setpoints and the MPC generated zone group setpoints. As shown ingraph2000, aregression line2006 is shown as a result of the regression analysis. Particularly,regression line2006 is shown to have a slope of 0<slope<1. Purely for sake of example, we can assume the slope ofregression line2006 to be 0.6. Likewise,regression line2006 can have a y-intercept, however the y-intercept is not shown due tograph2000 illustrating temperatures starting at 65° F. Purely for sake of example, we can assume the y-intercept ofregression line2006 to be 21° F. As such,regression line2006 can have the form of:
• 
  Occupant_sp=0.6×T_sp,g+21° F.
• where Occupant_spis a temperature setpoint comfortable for occupants and T_sp,gis a setpoint generated by MPC for the zone group.
• Regression line2006 is shown to differ from anon-adjusted line2008.Non-adjusted line2008 may illustrate a model resulting from values of the weighting and offset being w_i=1 and T_offset,i=0. In other words,non-adjusted line2008 can illustrate a model where the MPC generated setpoints are always the same as occupant setpoints. As such,non-adjusted line2008 can illustrate a situation where temperature setpoints that optimize (e.g., reduce) costs also maximize occupant comfort.
• Model generator1714 can utilizeregression line2006 when generating a setpoint adjustment model. The setpoint adjustment model generated bymodel generator1714 can utilize the slope and the y-intercept ofregression line2006 to model a temperature setpoint that is comfortable for occupants based on a zone group temperature setpoint. As described in greater detail above with reference toFIG. 17,model generator1714 can generate a model reflecting T_zn,sp,i=w_iT_sp,gT_offset,iwhere the slope ofregression line2006 is w_iand the y-intercept ofregression line2006 is T_offset,i.
• Referring now toFIG. 21, agraph2100 illustrating how zone temperature setpoints can be scaled based on zone group temperature setpoints is shown, according to some embodiments.Graph2100 is shown to include a minimum zonegroup temperature setpoint2102 and a maximum zonegroup temperature setpoint2104. Minimum zonegroup temperature setpoint2102 and maximum zonegroup temperature setpoint2104 can be received fromsupervisory controller1526 based on MPC performed bysupervisory controller1526 for a zone group j.Graph2100 is also shown to include a minimumzone temperature setpoint2106 and a maximumzone temperature setpoint2108. Minimumzone temperature setpoint2106 and maximumzone temperature setpoint2108 can be determined bycomfortable range identifier1718 based on occupant comfort data. Minimumzone temperature setpoint2106 and maximumzone temperature setpoint2108 can be determined based on a maximum and a minimum temperature setpoint that maintain occupant comfort as defined in greater detail above with reference toFIG. 17.
• Graph2100 is also shown to include aseries2110 and aseries2112.Series2110 can illustrate zone group temperature setpoints over a time period.Series2110 is shown to include a zonegroup temperature setpoint2114 which is a particular value ofseries2110 in the time period. Likewise,series2112 can illustrate zone temperature setpoints over the time period.Series2112 is shown to include azone temperature setpoint2116 which is a particular value ofseries2112.
• In some embodiments, a setpoint adjustment model generated bymodel generator1714 accounts for a need to scale values if converting zone group temperature setpoints to zone temperature setpoints. Ingraph2100, a difference between T_max,j,iand T_min,j,iis shown to be larger than a difference between and T_rani. As such, the setpoint adjustment model may not be able to determine values ofseries2112 as the setpoint adjustment model generated based onregression line2006 as described with reference toFIG. 20. The setpoint adjustment model trained to determine values ofseries2112 based on values ofseries2110 may indicate the following relationship:
• $T_{\mathrm{zn},\mathrm{sp},i}=\frac{T_{\max ,j,i}-T_{\min ,j,i}}{T_{\max ,j}-T_{\min ,j}}\left(T_{\mathrm{sp},g}-T_{\min ,j}\right)+T_{\min ,j,i}$
• as described in greater detail above with reference toFIG. 17. In this way, the setpoint adjustment model can scale values ofseries2110 to appropriately reflect the comfort range set by minimumzone temperature setpoint2106 and maximumzone temperature setpoint2108. More specifically,zone temperature setpoint2116 can be determined by the above relationship by utilizing zonegroup temperature setpoint2114 and some and/or all of setpoints2102-2110. It should be appreciated thatgraph2100 is not drawn to scale.
• Referring now toFIG. 22, agraph2200 illustrating how zone group temperature setpoints and zone temperature setpoints may differ is shown, according to some embodiments.Graph2200 is shown to include aseries2202 and aseries2204.Series2202 illustrates zone group temperature setpoints over time as generated bysupervisory controller1526.Series2204, however, illustrates zone temperature setpoints generated bysetpoint adjustment manager1716 based on a setpoint adjustment model provided bymodel generator1714.
• Graph2200 illustrates how zone group temperature setpoints may not maintain adequate levels of occupant comfort. If the zone group temperature setpoints were to maintain adequate levels of occupant comfort,series2202 andseries2204 may be the same. However, asseries2202 andseries2204 are not the same,graph2200 illustrates a need to adjust temperature setpoints for a zone group to temperature setpoints for a zone of the zone group. In some embodiments,series2202 andseries2204 are similar to and/or the same asseries2110 andseries2112 as described with reference toFIG. 21 respectively.
• Referring now toFIG. 23, aprocess2300 for operating HVAC equipment to affect an environmental condition in a zone is shown, according to some embodiments.Process2300 can facilitate a supervisory controller (e.g., supervisory controller1526) to maintain a comfortable air distribution throughout some and/or all of the zone in order to maintain occupant comfort. In some embodiments, a non-uniform temperature distribution can result in an occupant being uncomfortable in the zone. However, an environmental sensor in the zone may indicate an environmental condition meets a preference of the occupant if a location of the sensor is comfortable. As such,process2300 can allow occupant comfort to be maintained by determining occupant preferences and how they correlate with conditions in the zone.
• Process2300 is shown to include collecting data over a time period to determine occupant preferences regarding temperature setpoints (step2302), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the collected data indicates an occupant desired minimum zone temperature and an occupant desired maximum zone temperature that still maintain occupant comfort. Based on the minimum and maximum occupant desired zone temperatures, a temperature setpoint in the zone can be restricted from falling below the occupant desired minimum zone temperature or exceeding the occupant desired maximum zone temperature. The occupant desired minimum zone temperature and the occupant desired maximum zone temperature can be gathered, for example, by polling occupants, by monitoring setpoint adjustments made by occupants, by monitoring and recording occupant reactions to setpoints, etc. In some embodiments, the collected information is utilized to generate a setpoint adjustment model modeling occupant comfort in the zone. In some embodiments,step2302 is performed bydata collector1712 and/orcomfortable range identifier1718.
• Process2300 is shown to include generating a setpoint adjustment model based on the collected data (step2304), according to some embodiments. The setpoint adjustment model generated instep2304 can be any model useful for determining if setpoint adjustments should be made. For example, the setpoint adjustment model may be a neural network model. To generate the setpoint adjustment model, the data collected instep2302 can be used as training data. For example, if an occupant is frequently adjusting a temperature setpoint of the zone, the occupant may be uncomfortable provided current temperature setpoints. The setpoint adjustment model can be generated based on knowledge that the occupant frequently adjusts the temperature setpoint. Based on the setpoint adjustment model, adjusted zone setpoints can be generated to better maintain occupant comfort going forward in comparison to the current temperature setpoints. In some embodiments,step2304 is performed bymodel generator1714.
• Process2300 is shown to include receiving a setpoint decision from a supervisory controller (step2306), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the setpoint decision is a setpoint value for a zone group that is provided to all zones in the zone group. In some embodiments, the setpoint decision is based on a cost optimization, such that the setpoint decision reduces costs for maintaining occupant comfort in the zone group. In some embodiments,step2306 is performed bysupervisory controller1526 and/ordata collector1712.
• Process2300 is shown to include adjusting the setpoint decision based on the setpoint adjustment model (step2308), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the setpoint decision is adjusted to result in an adequate level of occupant comfort in the zone. As the setpoint decision received instep2306 is not guaranteed to maintain occupant comfort in the zone, the setpoint adjustment model can adjust the setpoint decision based on occupant preferences trained into the setpoint adjustment model. In some embodiments, the adjusted setpoint value is constrained by the minimum and maximum occupant desired zone temperatures determined instep2302. As such, the adjusted setpoint value may be required to be within a range set by the minimum and maximum occupant desired zone temperatures. In some embodiments, the adjusted setpoint value is determined based on an output of the setpoint adjustment model. In some embodiments, the adjusted setpoint value is determined based on an MPC process utilizing various outputs of the setpoint adjustment model expected to maintain occupant comfort in the zone. If the adjusted setpoint value is determined based on the MPC process, the adjusted setpoint value may maintain occupant comfort and optimize costs related to operating building equipment affecting environmental conditions of the zone. In some embodiments,step2308 is performed bysetpoint adjustment manager1716.
• Process2300 is shown to include generating control signals for HVAC equipment based on the adjusted setpoint value (step2310), according to some embodiments. The control signals may include information such as, for example, the adjusted setpoint value to operate the HVAC equipment to achieve, what HVAC devices should be operated, how to operate said HVAC devices, when to operate said HVAC devices, etc. Advantageously, the control signals can operate the HVAC equipment such that an adequate level of occupant comfort is maintained such that occupants are not uncomfortable. Further, the control signals can reduce costs related to operating the HVAC equipment such that the HVAC equipment is operated enough to maintain occupant comfort without consuming excessive resources to do so. In some embodiments,step2310 is performed byequipment controller1720.
• Process2300 is shown to include operating HVAC equipment based on the generated control signals to affect an environmental condition of the zone (step2312), according to some embodiments. By operating the HVAC equipment based on the generated control signals, an adequate level of occupant comfort can be achieved. For example, the control signals may operate a heater of the HVAC equipment in order to increase a temperature in the zone. In some embodiments, the HVAC equipment is operated to achieve the adjusted setpoint value determined instep2308. By operating the HVAC equipment to achieve the adjusted setpoint value, occupant comfort can be maintained and costs may be optimized (e.g., reduced). In some embodiments,step2312 is performed byHVAC equipment1524.
• Referring now toFIG. 24, an example of aCNN2400 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.CNN2400 is shown to include a sequence of layers including aninput layer2402, aconvolutional layer2404, a rectified linear unit (ReLU) layer2406, apooling layer2408, and a fully connected layer2410 (i.e., an output layer). Each of layers2402-2410 may transform one volume of activations to another through a differentiable function. Layers2402-2410 can be stacked to formCNN2400. Unlike a regular (i.e., non-convolutional) neural network, layers2402-2410 may have neurons arranged in 3 dimensions: width, height, depth. The depth of the neurons refers to the third dimension of an activation volume, not to the depth ofCNN2400, which may refer to the total number of layers inCNN2400. Some neurons in one or more of layers ofCNN2400 may only be connected to a small region of the layer before or after it, instead of all of the neurons in a fully-connected manner. In some embodiments, the final output layer of CNN2400 (i.e., fully connected layer2410) is a single vector of class scores, arranged along the depth dimension.
• In some embodiments,CNN2400 is used to generate an optimal zone temperature setpoint forzone1506 via MPC performed bysetpoint adjustment manager1716. The zone temperature setpoint can be used by equipment controller to generate one or more control signals to controlHVAC equipment1524. Whensetpoint adjustment manager1716 determines an optimal zone temperature setpoint forzone1506, the optimal zone temperature setpoint can be generated within constraints determined bycomfortable range identifier1718. Although these specific examples are discussed in detail, it should be understood thatCNN2400 can be used to generate models and any other constraints necessary to maintain occupant comfort inzone1506.
• Input layer2402 is shown to include a set ofinput neurons2401. Each ofinput neurons2401 may correspond to a variable that can be collected bydata collector1712 and used as an input toCNN2400. For example,input neurons2401 may correspond to variables such as outdoor air temperature (OAT) (e.g., a temperature value in degrees F. or degrees C.), the day of the week (e.g., 1=Sunday, 2=Monday, . . . , 7=Saturday), the day of the year (e.g., 0=January 1st, 1=January 2nd, . . . , 365=December 31st), a binary occupancy value for a building zone (e.g., 0=unoccupied, 1=occupied), a percentage of occupancy for the building zone (e.g., 0% if the building zone is unoccupied, 30% of the building zone is at 30% of maximum occupancy, 100% of the building zone is fully occupied, etc.), a measured temperature of zone1506 (e.g., a temperature value in degrees F. or degrees C.), occupant comfort levels (e.g., ratings on a 0 to 5 scale collected via user device1710), or any other variable that may be relevant to generating an appropriate comfort range.
• Convolutional layer2404 may receive input frominput layer2402 and provide output to ReLU layer2406. In some embodiments,convolutional layer2404 is the core building block ofCNN2400. The parameters ofconvolutional layer2404 may include a set of learnable filters (or kernels), which have a small receptive field, but extend through the full depth of the input volume. During the forward pass, each filter may be convolved across the width and height of the input volume, computing the dot product between the entries of the filter and entries withininput layer2402 and producing a 2-dimensional activation map of that filter. As a result,CNN2400 learns filters that activate when it detects some specific type of feature indicated byinput layer2402. Stacking the activation maps for all filters along the depth dimension forms the full output volume ofconvolutional layer2404. Every entry in the output volume can thus also be interpreted as an output of a neuron that looks at a small region ininput layer2402 and shares parameters with neurons in the same activation map. In some embodiments,CNN2400 includes more than oneconvolutional layer2404.
• ReLU layer2406 may receive input fromconvolutional layer2404 and may provide output to fully connectedlayer2410. ReLU is the abbreviation of Rectified Linear Units. ReLu layer2406 may apply a non-saturating activation function such as ƒ(x)=max(0, x) to the input fromconvolutional layer2404. ReLU layer2406 may function to increase the nonlinear properties of the decision function and of the overall network without affecting the receptive fields ofconvolutional layer2404. Other functions can also be used in ReLU layer2406 to increase nonlinearity including, for example, the saturating hyperbolic tangent ƒ(x)=tan h(x) or ƒ(x)=|tan h(x)| and the sigmoid function ƒ(x)=(1+e^−x)⁻¹. The inclusion of ReLU layer2406 may causeCNN2400 to train several times faster without a significant penalty to generalization accuracy.
• Pooling layer2408 may receive input from ReLU layer2406 and provide output to fully connectedlayer2410.Pooling layer2408 can be configured to perform a pooling operation on the input received from ReLU layer2406. Pooling is a form of non-linear down-sampling.Pooling layer2408 can use any of a variety of non-linear functions to implement pooling, including for example max pooling.Pooling layer2408 can be configured to partition the input from ReLU layer2406 into a set of non-overlapping sub-regions and, for each such sub-region, output the maximum. The intuition is that the exact location of a feature is less important than its rough location relative to other features.Pooling layer2408 serves to progressively reduce the spatial size of the representation, to reduce the number of parameters and amount of computation in the network, and hence to also control overfitting. Accordingly,pooling layer2408 provides a form of translation invariance.
• In some embodiments,pooling layer2408 operates independently on every depth slice of the input and resizes it spatially. For example,pooling layer2408 may include filters ofsize 2×2 applied with a stride of 2 down-samples at every depth slice in the input by 2 along both width and height, discarding 75% of the activations. In this case, every max operation is over 4 numbers. The depth dimension remains unchanged. In addition to max pooling,pooling layer2408 can also perform other functions, such as average pooling or L2-norm pooling.
• In some embodiments,CNN2400 includes multiple instances ofconvolutional layer2404, ReLU layer2406, andpooling layer2408. For example,pooling layer2408 may be followed by another instance ofconvolutional layer2404, which may be followed by another instance of ReLU layer2406, which may be followed by another instance ofpooling layer2408. Although only one set of layers2404-2408 is shown inFIG. 24, it is understood thatCNN2400 may include one or more sets of layers2404-2408 betweeninput layer2402 and fully connectedlayer2410. Accordingly,CNN2400 may be an “M-layer” CNN, where M is the total number of layers betweeninput layer2402 and fully connectedlayer2410.
• Fully connectedlayer2410 is the final layer inCNN2400 and may be referred to as an output layer. Fully connectedlayer2410 may follow one or more sets of layers2404-2408 and may be perform the high-level reasoning inCNN2400. In some embodiments,output neurons2411 in fully connectedlayer2410 may have full connections to all activations in the previous layer (i.e., an instance of pooling layer2408). The activations ofoutput neurons2411 can hence be computed with a matrix multiplication followed by a bias offset. In some embodiments,output neurons2411 within fully connectedlayer2410 are arranged as a single vector of class scores along the depth dimension ofCNN2400.
• In some embodiments, each ofoutput neurons2411 represents a threshold value (e.g., a boundary value, a boundary range around a setpoint, etc.) which can be used to formulate the zone temperature setpoint bysetpoint adjustment manager1716. For example, one or more ofoutput neurons2411 may represent possible zone temperature setpoints forzone1506. The possible zone temperature setpoints can be used bysetpoint adjustment manager1716 to generate an optimal zone temperature setpoint forzone1506.
• In some embodiments,model generator1714 utilizes training data from sources such as manual adjustments to setpoints made by occupants, experiments on setpoints, and/or occupant voting regarding comfort levels to determine accuracy of a setpoint adjustment model generated byCNN2400. If the training data indicates the setpoint adjustment model generated byCNN2400 maintains adequate levels of occupant comfort,CNN2400 may be reinforced, such that the reinforcement indicates a current setpoint adjustment model accurately models occupant comfort inzone1506. However, if the comfort data indicates the setpoint adjustment model generated byCNN2400 does not maintain adequate levels of occupant comfort,CNN2400 may be updated and/or regenerated to provide a more accurate setpoint adjustment model.
Disinfection Control Subsystem
• Referring now toFIG. 25A, abacteria level graph2528 is shown illustrating bacteria growth over time based on different disinfection operations, according to some embodiments.Bacteria level graph2528 includes time on thehorizontal axis2530, according to some embodiment. The use of a time scale in hours is intended for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that the time scale (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours, days) illustrated on thehorizontal axis2530 may depend on individual disinfection system parameters, user preferences, and/or other data which is collected for use in disinfection operations.
• Bacteria level graph2528 is also shown to include bacteria level corresponding to a percentage of bacteria eliminated on thevertical axis2532, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the bacteria levels on thevertical axis2532 range from a low level of bacteria to a high level. In such embodiments, the low level of bacteria corresponds to a higher percentage of bacteria eliminated relative the percentage of bacteria eliminated at the low level. Thethreshold line2534 represents a predetermined percentage of bacteria eliminated which a controller (e.g., a controller included indisinfection subsystem450,BMS controller366, etc.) determines control commands for various disinfection mechanisms to achieve such a percentage of bacteria removed. As such the percentage defined by thethreshold line2534 is configurable based on user preference, disinfection parameters, information retrieved from a health authority information source, etc.
• Continuous disinfection operation2536 represents the percentage of bacteria removed over time based on a disinfection operation configured to continuously perform a disinfection operation, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, and as will be described in greater detail below, the results ofcontinuous disinfection operation2536 are achieved by a visible light disinfection operation. As such, due to visible light disinfection operations being substantially harmless relative ultraviolet disinfection operations, it is advantageous to continuously operate visible light disinfection operations to provide a continuous disinfection to a space, surface, etc.
• Episodic disinfection operation2538 represented the percentage of bacteria removed over time based on a disinfection operation configured to intermittently perform a disinfection operation, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, and as will be described in greater detail below, the results ofepisodic disinfection operation2538 are achieved by an ultraviolet disinfection operation. As such, due to ultraviolet disinfection operations being potentially harmful to occupants present during an ultraviolet disinfection operation, it is advantageous to perform such disinfection operations while occupants are absent an area to which the disinfection operation is applied. In some embodiments, and as will be described in greater detail below, the intervals at which theepisodic disinfection operation2538 is applied depends on HVAC schedules. For example, an ultraviolet disinfection cycle may be applied at the same time an AHU is operating.
• Bothcontinuous disinfection operation2536 andepisodic disinfection operation2538 are shown to level at approximately the percentage defined by thethreshold line2534, according to some embodiments. As such, the control commands determined by a controller operating to control the corresponding mechanisms respectively associated withcontinuous disinfection operation2536 andepisodic disinfection operation2538 are determined in part based on the percentage defined by thethreshold line2534, according to some embodiments.
• Referring now toFIG. 25B, a block diagram illustrating a high-level overview ofdisinfection subsystem450 is shown, according to some embodiments.Disinfection subsystem450 is shown to include adisinfection system controller2500 configured to receive collected data fromdata2540 and generate control commands fordisinfectant mechanisms2502, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,disinfection system controller2500 continuously processes the collected data fromdata2540 to optimize the disinfection operations performed bydisinfectant mechanisms2502.
• The collected data provided todisinfection system controller2500 bydata2540 is shown to include outdoor air quality data2542, indoorair quality data2544, andoccupancy data2546, according to some embodiments. Outdoor air quality data2542 corresponds to the air quality of the environment outside a building. As such, the outdoor air quality data2542 may correspond to a neighborhood in which a particular building is located, a town, a county, etc. Indoorair quality data2544 corresponds to the air quality of the air within a building in whichdisinfection subsystem450 is implemented, according to some embodiments. In someembodiments occupancy data2546 corresponds to the number of people present in one or more spaces at a given point in time. In some embodiments, data2542 includes additional data such as, but not limited to, user inputs, security subsystem data (e.g., door lock schedule), fire safety subsystem, etc. Each of the data may be collected by sensors included in thedisinfectant mechanisms2502,BMS400, and/or external, standalone devices, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the data is collected from an external source. For example, outdoor air quality data2542 may be provided by a weather agency.
• As will be described in greater detail below,disinfection system controller2500 uses the collected data to determine the control commands whichoperation disinfectant mechanisms2502. In some embodiments,disinfection system controller2500 generates control commands based on HVAC cycles. For example, as previously described,disinfection system controller2500 generates control commands to operate an HVAC disinfection system based on when the associated HVAC system is operating.
• Disinfection subsystem450, as well asBMS400 more generally, can be configured to model the probability of infectious disease spread within building10. For example, probability of infection spread within a building can be determined based on a number of factors, including occupancy data, the quanta generation rate of the infectious disease, a clean air ventilation rate, and other factors. The Wells-Riley equation can be used to model probability of infection spread, for example, and is denoted as follows:
• $P_{\mathrm{infection}}=\frac{\mathrm{cases}}{\mathrm{susceptibles}}=1-e^{-\mathrm{lqpt}/V_{\mathrm{clean}}}$
• In the Wells-Riley equation, the variable “cases” represents the number of infected individuals in the building, the variable “susceptibles” represents the number of susceptible individuals in the building, the variable “1” represents the number of infector individuals, the variable “p” represents the pulmonary ventilation rate of an individual (typically about 0.38 m³/hour), the variable “q” represents the quanta generation rate of the infectious disease (1/hour-person), the variable “t” represents exposure time (hours), and the variable “V_clean” represents a clean air ventilation rate associated with a building space (m³/hour).
• The ability to model probability spread using approaches such as Wells-Riley and other approaches can facilitate improvements in terms of preventing infectious disease spread within buildings. As discussed above, visualizations of health risks such as heat maps and other visualizations can be generated to both assist individuals in safely navigating through the building as well as directing targeted actions to minimize health risks. It should be noted that use of infection controls such asdisinfection subsystem450 can reduce health risks, but can also lead to increased energy costs.BMS400 can be configured to allow users to provide inputs regarding the balance between reducing health risks and reducing energy costs. For example, users can assign a first weighting to denote the importance of reducing health risks and a second weight to denote the importance of reducing energy consumption. To assist in this process, various scores can be developed based on predetermined rules, learning models trained with historical data, etc. to provide grades for buildings with respect to health risks and energy consumption. Heat maps and air quality maps as discussed above can also be used to minimize health risks and probability of infection spread.
• Referring now toFIG. 25C, a block diagram illustrating thedisinfection subsystem450 in greater detail is shown, according to some embodiments.Disinfection subsystem450 may be implemented in a building (e.g., building100) to automatically monitor and/or control various disinfectant mechanisms.Disinfection subsystem450 is shown to include adisinfection system controller2500 and a plurality ofdisinfectant mechanisms2502 configured to perform one or more disinfection techniques, according to some embodiments.Disinfectant mechanisms2502 are shown to include adisinfectant lighting subsystem2504 and an access control system (ACS)disinfectant subsystem2506. In some embodiments,disinfectant mechanisms2502 can include fewer, additional, or alternative mechanisms configured to perform one or more disinfection techniques. For example,disinfectant mechanisms2502 may also, or alternatively, include an aerosol mechanism configured to apply (e.g., spray) a disinfectant aerosol to one or more spaces included in a building. Althoughdisinfection system controller2500 is shown as a discrete controller, it should be understood that the control activities performed bydisinfection system controller2500 may alternatively be performed byBMS controller366 such thatBMS controller366 controls thedisinfectant mechanisms2502. Additionally, although reference made herein is associated with a system, the methods and components disclosed herein may be associated with a subsystem. Thus, any reference made to a system may also be made to a subsystem.
• Each ofdisinfectant mechanisms2502 may include any number of devices, controllers, sensors, and connections for completing respective functions and control activities. For example,disinfectant lighting subsystem2504 may include any number of lighting fixtures (e.g., LED, etc.), occupancy sensors, individual lighting fixture controllers, and other devices for controlling a disinfection technique within one or more spaces. Each ofdisinfectant mechanisms2502 will be described in greater detail below.Disinfectant lighting subsystem2504 can be configured to use a variety of different types of disinfectant lighting, including ultraviolet light (UV), far-UVC light, blue light (e.g. 405 nm), and other suitable disinfectant lighting can be used.
• Disinfection system controller2500 is shown to communicate withdisinfectant mechanisms2502 via acommunications interface2508. In some embodiments,communications interface2508 facilitates communications betweendisinfection system controller2500,disinfectant mechanisms2502,BMS400, and/or adevice2510. Communications interface2508 can be or include any number of, or combination of, wired or wireless communications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications betweendisinfection system controller2500,disinfectant mechanisms2502,BMS400,device2510, and/or any other external systems or devices. In various embodiments, communication viacommunications interface2508 may be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or via a communications network (e.g., a Wan, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). For example,communications interface2508 can include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications link or network. In another example,communications interface2508 can include a WiFi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. In yet another example,communications interface2508 may include cellular or mobile phone communications transceivers.
• In some embodiments,BMS400 is implemented in the same building in which thedisinfection subsystem450 is implemented and may be configured to automatically monitor and control various building functions. As previously described,BMS400 may include any number of, or combination of, building subsystems (e.g., HVAC subsystem, lighting subsystem, security subsystem, etc.). Within each building subsystem included in theBMS400, any number of, or combination of devices, controllers, connections, and/or sensors may be provided to facilitate the functions and control activities of each individual building subsystem. In some embodiments,disinfection system controller2500 communicates with any number of sensors included in theBMS400 to facilitate the control ofdisinfectant mechanisms2502. For example,disinfection system controller2500 may receive data from an occupancy sensor provided by a security subsystem inBMS400 in order to determine whether a control signal may be transmitted todisinfectant lighting subsystem2504 to perform a disinfection process. In some embodiments,disinfection system controller2500 communicates with one or more of thebuilding subsystems428. For example,disinfection system controller2500 may transmit a lock request tosecurity subsystem438 in order to lock the doors to a particular one or more zones in which a disinfection technique will be performed.
• In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 25C,disinfection subsystem450 includes a discrete control system separate fromBMS400 such that the devices, subsystems, and otherwise any other component included indisinfection subsystem450 is not controlled byBMS400. In some embodiments, various components included indisinfection subsystem450 communicate withBMS400 to provide pertinent data (e.g., occupancy, security, etc.) between each system. For example,BMS400 may provide a security schedule (e.g., a schedule of locked spaces that are inaccessible to occupants) todisinfection system controller2500 for use in determining a schedule of administering disinfectant processes bydisinfectant mechanisms2502. In another example,disinfection system controller2500 may provide disinfectant data (e.g., a schedule of times at which one or more disinfectant processes are performed) toBMS400 for use in determining a security schedule (e.g., a schedule to lock doors to one or more spaces in which the one or more disinfectant processes are occurring). In some embodiments,disinfection subsystem450 is included as a building subsystem included inBMS400 such thatBMS400 monitors and controls the functions, devices, and systems ofdisinfection subsystem450.
• Disinfection system controller2500 is shown to communicate with adevice2510. In some embodiments,device2510 includes a wireless sensor. For example,device2510 may include wireless communications abilities and may be able to transmit measured data values tocontroller2500.Device2510 may be a wireless standalone sensor that is not part of another device. For example,device2510 may be a wireless sensor hidden in a wall, attached to a light fixture, etc. and may be battery operated. In some embodiments,device2510 is integrated with a subsystem ofdisinfectant mechanisms2502. For example,device2510 may be a sensor installed in a duct ofdisinfectant lighting subsystem2504.Device2510 may contain one or more of a variety of sensors (e.g., occupancy, air quality, air flow, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) used to monitor a building environment.
• In some embodiments,device2510 may be a smartphone or tablet allowing a user to customize, edit, or otherwise adjust various disinfection parameters (e.g., number of cycles, length of dosage, etc.) and/or view data. In other embodiments,device2510 may be a laptop or desktop computer, and may not be wireless.Device2510 may be any device which is capable of communication withdisinfection system controller2500 and is not limited to the explicitly enumerated devices. It is contemplated thatdevice2510 may communicate withdisinfectant mechanisms2502 directly.Disinfection system controller2500 may transmit disinfection data todevice2510 for processing or analysis. Disinfection data may include any relevant data obtained from a component within the building or pertaining to a portion or subsystem of thedisinfection subsystem450. For example, disinfection data may be data from sensors, status control signals, feedback signals from a device, calculated metrics, setpoints, configuration parameters, etc.
• Device2510 may transmit control data todisinfection system controller2500 in some embodiments. Control data may be any data which affects operation of thedisinfection subsystem450. In some embodiments, the control data specifies a duty cycle, a dose, a dosage schedule, and/or other parameters for disinfection operations. In some embodiments, control data may activate a disinfection technique performed bydisinfectant mechanisms2502 throughdisinfection system controller2500. For example,device2510 may send a signal with a command to enable disinfectant lighting fixtures ofdisinfectant lighting subsystem2504.Device2510 may receive disinfection data fromdisinfection system controller2500 throughcommunications interface2508 for viewing/analysis by a user. In some embodiments, thedevice2510 can provide control commands to an aerosol disinfectant system.
• Still referring toFIG. 25C,disinfection system controller2500 is shown to include a processing circuit2512. Processing circuit2512 includes aprocessor2514 andmemory2516.Processor2514 can be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components.
• Memory2516 (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application.Memory2516 may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.Memory2516 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to an exemplary embodiment,memory2516 is communicably connected toprocessor2514 via processing circuit2512 and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by processing circuit2512 and/or processor2514) one or more processes described herein.
• In some embodiments,disinfection system controller2500 is implemented within a single computer (e.g., one server, one housing, etc.). In various other embodiments,disinfection system controller2500 may be distributed across multiple servers or computers (e.g., that can exist in distributed locations). For example,disinfection system controller2500 may be implemented as part of a METASYS® brand building automation system, as sold by Johnson Controls Inc. In other embodiments,disinfection system controller2500 may be a component of a remote computing system or cloud-based computing system configured to receive and process data from one or more disinfection management systems. For example,disinfection system controller2500 may be implemented as part of a PANOPTIX® brand building efficiency platform, as sold by Johnson Controls Inc. In other embodiments,disinfection system controller2500 may be a component of a subsystem level controller, a device controller, a field controller, a computer workstation, a client device, or any other system or device that receives and processes data.
• Still referring toFIG. 25C,memory2516 is shown to include adata collector2518. In some embodiments,data collector2518 is configured to receive data from various sources (e.g., sensors included in each of the plurality ofdisinfectant mechanisms2502, sensors included inBMS400,device2510, and a health authority information source (HATS)2526, etc.) and transmit received data between components ofmemory2516. For example,data collector2518 is shown to communicate collected data to aschedule generator2520 for use byschedule generator2520 to generate a disinfection schedule defining when and where disinfection cycles, parameters, and/or characteristics. In some embodiments, thedisinfection system controller2500 does not includeschedule generator2520. In such embodiments,data collector2518 provides sensor data directly to thecontrol signal generator2522. Each of the components included in thedisinfection system controller2500 will be described in greater detail below.
• Data collector2518 may be configured to parse data received bydisinfection system controller2500. For example, a message containing multiple data values (e.g., measured values) may be received bydisinfection system controller2500.Data collector2518 may be configured to parse the message and extract the multiple data values.Data collector2518 may provide one value at a time to controlsignal generator2522 and/orschedule generator2520. In yet other embodiments,data collector2518 may provide only values of a certain type to controlsignal generator2522. For example,data collector2518 may only provide measured values to controlsignal generator2522. In some embodiments,data collector2518 can work withcontrol signal generator2522 to optimize disinfection techniques (e.g., duration, energy use, cycles, or safety) based on inputs received atcommunications interface2508.
• Memory2516 is also shown to include aschedule generator2520, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,schedule generator2520 is configured to generate a disinfection schedule that can be used bycontrol signal generator2522 to determine times at which control actions for thedisinfectant mechanisms2502. The disinfection model generated byschedule generator2520 can be any type of model including, for example, a neural network model. In some embodiments,schedule generator2520 generates the disinfection model in response to a determination that a disinfection model does not exist, a current disinfection model should be replaced, etc. In some embodiments, a user provides an indication toschedule generator2520 to generate the disinfection model (e.g., by starting a model training process).
• Schedule generator2520 is shown to receive training data fromdata collector2518. The training data can include any information applicable to generating the disinfection model. For example, the training data may include occupancy data provided by sensors indisinfectant mechanisms2502 and/orbuilding management system400, air quality data provided by sensors indisinfectant mechanisms2502 and/orbuilding management system400, pathogen data provided byHAIS2526, disinfection parameters provided byHAIS2526, etc. Based on the collected training data, theschedule generator2520 can generate a disinfection model correlating various data (e.g., occupancy, air quality, etc.) with disinfection parameters (e.g., light intensity, number of cycles, duration, etc.).
• In some embodiments,schedule generator2520 updates an existing disinfection model based on new training data. A new disinfection model may not need to be generated every time new training data is received. Instead, updating the disinfection model can ensure the new training data is account for without undergoing a computationally intensive model generation process.Schedule generator2520 can use an existing disinfection model and new training data provided bydata collector2518 to update the existing disinfection model based on new information provided todata collector2518. In some embodiments, the disinfection model generated byschedule generator2520 becomes antiquated as time progresses if the disinfection model is not update. Updating the disinfection model can reflect changes in building100, disinfection parameters provided byHAIS2526, pathogen information provided byHAIS2526, etc. to better disinfect one or more zones. For example, if there is an outbreak of a new strain of influenza and the disinfection model is not updated,control signal generator2522 may not generate control signals with adequate disinfection parameters. As such,schedule generator2520 can update the disinfection model as needed to ensure thatcontrol signal generator2522 generates control signals with adequate disinfection parameters. In some embodiments,model generator2520 automatically updates the disinfection model as needed. In some embodiments, a user can indicate thatmodel generator2520 should update the disinfection model.
• Still referring toFIG. 25C, thecontrol signal generator2522 is shown to receive a disinfection model frommodel generator2520, according to some embodiments. Based on the disinfection model,control signal generator2522 can generate control signals fordisinfectant mechanisms2502. The control signals generated bycontrol signal generator2522 can operate particular devices ofdisinfectant mechanisms2502 in order to provide adequate disinfection to one or more zones in a building. In some embodiments,control signal generator2522 receives sensor data fromdata collector2518. In such embodiments,control signal generator2522 performs a feedback control process to generate control signals fordisinfectant mechanisms2502.Control signal generator2522 can communicate the control signals todisinfectant mechanisms2502 viacommunications interface2508. If the control signals are received, devices ofdisinfectant mechanisms2502 can operate based on the control signals to perform various disinfection techniques.
• In some embodiments,control signal generator2522 uses any of a variety of model-based control methodologies (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.) to generate control signals fordisinfectant mechanisms2502. In some embodiments, the control signals generated bycontrol signal generator2522 include commands to operate disinfectant mechanisms2505. In some embodiments,control signal generator2522 generates control signals for other systems not associated with disinfection subsystem450 (e.g.,BMS400 and/or BMS subsystems). For example,control signal generator2522 may generate a control signal fordisinfectant lighting subsystem2504 to perform a disinfection technique in a particular space and may also generate a control signal for a security subsystem included inBMS400 such that the security subsystem included inBMS400 locks one or more doors that access the particular space whiledisinfectant lighting subsystem2504 performs the disinfection process.
• Memory2516 is also shown to include adatabase2524 configured to store data (e.g., data received fromdisinfectant mechanisms2502,device2510,BMS400,HAIS2526, etc.), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,database2524 is a memory bank ofmemory2516 configured to store healthcare data collected fromHAIS2526, disinfection technique data collected from the disinfectant mechanisms2502 (e.g., process duration, number of disinfection techniques conducted over a given period, etc.), and any other type of data useful for the operation and/or monitoring of thedisinfection subsystem450. In some embodiments, a user can access the data stored indatabase2524 viadevice2510. In some embodiments, the data stored indatabase2524 is accessible byHAIS2526.
• Disinfection controller2500 is also shown to communicate with a health authority information source (HATS)2526, according to some embodiments. In general,HAIS2526 provides healthcare data used to adjust disinfection parameters of the disinfection techniques performed by thedisinfectant mechanisms2502. Examples of disinfection parameters may include specified wavelengths of germicidal light waves, duration of disinfection techniques, frequency of technique performances, light intensity of the germicidal light waves, etc.HAIS2526 can also provide data regarding spread of infectious disease, such as quanta generation rates of various infectious diseases, data regarding individuals who have been infected and/or tested for infectious diseases, recommended treatments and procedures regarding the infectious disease, and other types of data related to infectious diseases. In some embodiments, thedata collector2518 collects healthcare data received fromHAIS2526 as part of training data transmitted tomodel generator2520. In some embodiments, theHAIS2526 is the Centers for Disease Control. In some embodiments,HAIS2526 is the World Health Organization. In some embodiments, theHAIS2526 is any healthcare data source from which healthcare data is collected. Exemplary healthcare data collected fromHAIS2526 and implementation of the healthcare data will be explained in greater detail with reference to each ofdisinfectant mechanisms2502. Advantageously, by communicating with and collecting healthcare data fromHAIS2526, the components included in disinfection subsystem44 can perform disinfection techniques with an optimal number of cycles, duration, and wavelength of light.
Disinfectant Lighting Subsystem
• Referring now toFIG. 26, a block diagram illustrating thedisinfectant lighting subsystem2504 in greater detail is shown, according to some embodiments. In general,disinfectant lighting subsystem2504 is configured to apply germicidal dosages of light waves (e.g., visible light, ultraviolet radiation (UVC), etc.) to various locations, spaces, and zones in or around a building and/or campus. Thedisinfectant lighting subsystem2504 is configured to adapt various disinfection parameters such as disinfection periods (e.g., the duration of time for applying a disinfection process), frequency of performing disinfection techniques, wavelengths of emitted germicidal wavelengths, etc. based on at least one of sensor data, healthcare data, and/or predictive modeling.Disinfectant lighting subsystem2504 is shown to includesensors2602, aspace disinfectant2604, and aHVAC disinfectant2606, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,disinfectant lighting subsystem2504 includes additional modules, components, and/or devices (e.g., one or more light switches, timers, etc.) to facilitate the operation ofdisinfectant lighting subsystem2504.
• Sensors2602 are shown to communicate withdisinfection system controller2500 viacommunications interface2508. More specifically,sensors2602 are shown to receive a measurement signal fromdisinfection controller2500 indicating a measurement request to be performed bysensors2602. Accordingly, thesensors2602 transmit the requested sensor data todisinfection controller2500. In some embodiments, thesensors2602 continuously collect sensor data and transmit said sensor data todisinfection controller2500. In various embodiments, thesensors2602 provide measured sensor data of the space, zone, or area in which each instance ofsensors2602 is implemented. In some embodiments, the measured data can include air quality, humidity, temperature, occupancy, lighting, etc. In some embodiments,sensors2602 are one or more occupancy sensors (e.g., passive IR sensors, ultrasonic sensors, etc.) configured to detect the presence of one or more occupants within a predetermined region. For example,sensors2602 may be a passive IR sensor configured to detect an occupant present in a vestibule of a building. In some embodiments,sensors2602 are included as components provided by a separate subsystem (e.g., a security subsystem provided by BMS400) such thatsensors2602 provide data todisinfection system controller2500. The types of sensors thatsensors2602 may operate as are not intended to be limiting. Any type of sensor may be used to collect data of a space. For example,sensors2602 may be operable as an air quality sensor structured to collect data related to air quality (e.g., particulate matter). In another example, thesensor2602 are operable as humidity sensors structure to collect data related to the humidity levels of a space.
• In some embodiments,sensors2602 are provided as discrete components that are located disparate thespace disinfectant2604. For example,sensors2602 may be a wall-mounted sensor that is not physically coupled tospace disinfectant2604. In some embodiments,sensors2602 are provided as a component ofspace disinfectant2604 such thatsensors2602 is physically, electrically, and/or communicatively coupled to thespace disinfectant2604.
• Thesensors2602 may provide the occupancy data todisinfection system controller2500 to determine an opportunity at which a disinfection technique performed byspace disinfectant2604 and/orHVAC disinfectant2606 may be performed. In some embodiments, the opportunity at which a disinfection technique performed bydisinfectant lighting2504 involves thedisinfection system controller2500 receiving data fromsensors2602 that an occupant is not present in the predetermined region which thesensors2602 observe. For example,disinfection system controller2500 may provide an activation to signal tospace disinfectant lighting2504 to perform a disinfection technique upondisinfection system controller2500 receiving data from thesensors2602 indicating no occupants are present in the predetermined region associated with thesensors2602. In some embodiments,sensors2602 continuously measure data (e.g., occupancy data) and continuously provide data tocontroller2500.
• In some embodiments,sensors2602 periodically measure data based on a disinfection schedule provided byHAIS2526 and/ordatabase2524. In some such embodiments,sensors2602 begin measuring occupancy for a predetermined time period before a scheduled disinfection technique is performed. For example, for a disinfection technique scheduled to begin at 2:00 am,sensors2602 may begin collecting data (e.g., occupancy) for 5 minutes prior the beginning of the disinfection technique (i.e.,sensors2602 begin collecting data and providing collected data todisinfection system controller2500 at 1:55 am). In some embodiments,sensors2602 are configured to continuously collect data throughout the duration of a disinfection process. In some such embodiments,sensors2602 are configured to transmit a warning signal todisinfection controller2500 and/orspace disinfectant2604 upon an occupant entering a space that is experiencing a disinfection technique such that the warning signal stops the disinfection process.
• Space disinfectant2604 is shown to communicate withdisinfection system controller2500 viacommunications interface2508 and is configured to administer a disinfection technique based upon receiving an activation signal from thedisinfection system controller2500, according to some embodiments. Accordingly, thespace disinfectant2604 transmits an application signal to thedisinfection controller2500 indicating thespace disinfectant2604 is performing a disinfection technique. Thespace disinfectant2604 may be any lighting fixture capable of emitting light waves in the germicidal, visible light spectrum (approximately 400 nm-450 nm). In some embodiments,space disinfectant2604 is also, or otherwise alternatively, capable of emitting UVC within the germicidal spectrum. Thespace disinfectant2604 may be provided as a ceiling mounted light (e.g., chandeliers, track lighting, recessed lighting, etc.) configured to be attached to, on, or within a ceiling. In some embodiments,space disinfectant2604 is configured to emit variable wavelengths that are adjusted before, during, or after a performance of disinfection technique. In some embodiments,space disinfectant2604 is provided as a wall-mounted or a floor lamp.
• HVAC disinfectant2606 is shown to communication withdisinfection system controller2500 viacommunications interface2508 and is configured to administer a disinfection technique upon receiving an activation signal from thedisinfection system controller2500, according to some embodiments. Accordingly, theHVAC disinfectant2606 transmits an application signal to thedisinfection controller2500 indicating theHVAC disinfectant2606 is performing a disinfection technique. According to an exemplary embodiment, theHVAC disinfectant2606 includes one or more lighting fixtures attached to various HVAC components, devices, systems, and any other mechanism and configured to emit germicidal light waves. For example,HVAC disinfectant2606 includes a lighting fixture installed, mounted, or otherwise attached to the inside wall of an air plenum. TheHVAC disinfectant2606 emits germicidal light waves as air passes the light source and substantially disinfects the air prior to the air entering a zone. HVAC disinfectant will be described in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 28 & 29.
• Disinfectant lighting subsystem2504 is also shown to include atimer2608, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,timer2608 is configured to count down from a predetermined period of time (e.g., 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.). In some embodiments, the period of time from which thetimer2608 counts down is configurable based on user preference or healthcare data and/or disinfection parameters received fromHAIS2526. Thetimer2608 receives an activation signal from thedisinfection system controller2500 configured to activate thetimer2608 and begin a countdown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, thetimer2608 is configured to begin a countdown from the predetermined period of time upon an occupancy sensor (e.g., sensors2602) transmitting a signal that an occupant has vacated a predetermined region or space. Thetimer2608 is also shown to provide timer data todisinfection system controller2500, according to some embodiments. The timer data may include information such as countdown period, activation time, etc.
• HAIS2526 is also shown to provide healthcare data todisinfection system controller2500. In some embodiments, the healthcare data provided todisinfection system controller2500 is used bydisinfection system controller2500 to generate control decisions that operate thespace disinfectant2604 and/orHVAC disinfectant2606. For example, healthcare data provided byHAIS2526 may consists of an amount of time for which thespace disinfectant2604 should perform a disinfection technique.Disinfection system controller2500 may receive the amount of time and generate a control signal operating thespace disinfectant2604 for the amount of time defined in the healthcare data provided byHAIS2526. As previously described, the healthcare data received from HAIS is used to adjust various disinfection parameters of the disinfection techniques performed bydisinfectant lighting subsystem2504. In some embodiments, thedisinfection controller2500 provides disinfection data toHAIS2526. Disinfection data provided toHAIS2526 may include wavelength of germicidal light emitted, duration, sensor data, etc.
• Thedisinfection system controller2500 is shown to communicate withBMS400, according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments,disinfection system controller2500 transmits lock signals to a security subsystem (e.g., security subsystem438) to lock one or more doors that access a disinfection zones. As used herein, the term “disinfection zone” is referred to as one or more spaces that is or will be experiencing a disinfection process.
• Referring now toFIG. 27, anexample environment2700 in which thespace disinfectant2604 can be implemented is shown, according to some embodiments.Example environment2700 may be a singular space (e.g., a vestibule, a bathroom, a room, a zone, etc.) included in a building (e.g., building100). In some embodiments,environment2700 may include multiple zones (e.g., a common area with hallways extending from the common area, a group of classrooms, a group of offices). The structure, features, and/or otherwise layout ofenvironment2700 is not intended to be limiting.
• Thesensors2702 are shown to be mounted, attached, and/or installed on the walls in theenvironment2700. In some embodiments, each of thesensors2702 measures the same environmental variable (e.g., occupancy, temperature, light, etc.). For example, thesensors2702 may each be an occupancy sensor configured to detect the presence of at least one occupant within theenvironment2700. In some embodiments, one or more of thesensors2702 may measure a different environmental variables. For example, a first sensor include insensors2702 may measure occupancy, a second sensor included insensors2702 may measure temperature, and a third sensor included insensors2702 may measure light.
• Thesensors2702 illustrated in theenvironment2700 are shown to include three instances ofsensors2702. In some embodiments, additional or fewer instances ofsensors2702 are provided inenvironment2700. Additionally, as previously described, although thesensors2702 are shown to be discrete, wall-mounted devices, it should be understood that thesensors2702 may additionally and/or alternatively be provided as a component coupled with thedisinfectant source2704. In some embodiments, thesensors2702 include at least one sensor configured to measure air quality ofenvironment2700. In some such embodiments, air quality data is transmitted todisinfection controller2500 to determine performing a disinfection technique based on the air quality (measured by sensors2702) decreasing below a predetermined threshold value. In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold value is defined by data received fromHAIS2526.
• Disinfectant source2704 is shown to be a ceiling-mounted lighting fixture configured to emit light to a space defined byenvironment2700. In some embodiments,disinfectant source2704 is configured to provide variable wavelengths within the visible spectrum. For example,disinfectant source2704 may emit a non-germicidal wavelength within the visible light spectrum during normal operation (e.g., not performing a disinfection process) and may adjust the emission to a germicidal wavelength within the visible light spectrum while performing a disinfection process. Thedisinfectant source2704 may separately, or in addition to, emit germicidal UVC.
• Although the exemplary embodiment ofenvironment2700 illustrated inFIG. 27 includes one instant of thedisinfectant source2704, it should be understood thatenvironment2700 may include additional or any number of instances ofdisinfectant source2704. Additionally, thedisinfectant source2704 may include any number of bulbs within the lighting fixture defining thedisinfectant source2704 and may provide any number of, or combination of, bulb structures (e.g., globe, candelabra, capsule, etc.).
HVAC Disinfectant
• Referring now toFIG. 28, a block diagram illustrating theHVAC disinfectant2606 in greater detail is shown, according to some embodiments. TheHVAC disinfectant2606 is configured to perform disinfection techniques to various HVAC components, devices, and/or systems. For example, and as will be described in greater detail with reference toFIG. 29,HVAC disinfectant2606 includes various components configured to disinfect air passing through a plenum and/or other HVAC components. Other HVAC devices, systems, and components that may include disinfection features controlled byHVAC disinfectant2606 may include variable air volume boxes, air handling units, heaters, etc.
• HVAC disinfectant2606 is shown to include anairflow sensor2802 configured to collect volumetric flow rate of air data, according to some embodiments. Various examples of airflow sensors include, but are not limited to, vane sensors, vortex sensors, etc.Airflow sensor2802 is shown to provide flow data todisinfection system controller2500. As will be described in greater detail below, theairflow sensor2802 provides flow data todisinfection system controller2500 for use bycontroller2500 in determining damper positions (e.g., fully open, fully closed, partially open, partially closed, etc.) for optimizing the disinfection of air. In various embodiments, more than oneairflow sensors2802 are included to provide airflow data used for determining a difference in airflow as air passes through an object (e.g., a filter, a damper, etc.).
• Still referring toFIG. 28,HVAC disinfectant2606 is also shown to include aphotodetector2804 configured to collect light intensity data, according to some embodiments. Various examples of photodetectors include, but are not limited to, photodiodes, photoresistors, thermal detectors, etc.Photodetector2804 is shown to provide light intensity data todisinfection controller2500. In various embodiments, thephotodetector2804 is located proximate aUVC source2806 and collects light intensity data of theUVC source2806. As will be described in greater detail below, thephotodetector2804 provides light intensity data to disinfection subsystem controller for use bycontroller2500 in (e.g., fully open, fully closed, partially open, partially closed, etc.) optimizing the disinfection of air. In some embodiments, the light intensity data collected byphotodetector2804 is used to generate a replacement warning indicating that theUVC source2806 needs to be replaced (e.g., theUVC source2806 is burning out). In some embodiments,controller2500 uses the light intensity data collected byphotodetector2804 in conjunction with the airflow data collected byairflow sensors2802 to determine optimal disinfection control actions.
• HVAC disinfectant2606 is also shown to include aUVC source2806 configured to emit germicidal ultraviolet rays of variable wavelengths, according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments,UVC source2806 communicates withdisinfection system controller2500 viacommunications interface2508 and is configured to administer a disinfection technique based upon receiving an activation signal from thedisinfection system controller2500. In some embodiments, theUVC source2806 is configured to emit germicidal rays approximately in the visible light spectrum. For example,UVC source2806 may emit a non-germicidal wavelength within the visible light spectrum during normal operation (e.g., not performing a disinfection process) and may adjust the emission to a germicidal wavelength within the visible light spectrum while performing a disinfection process. In some embodiments,UVC source2806 is an LED array.
• HVAC disinfectant2606 is also shown to include adamper actuator2808 configured to adjust a damper position to optimize disinfection of air passing a UVC source (e.g., UVC source2806), according to some embodiments. More specifically, by adjusting the position of a damper, thedamper actuator2808 impacts the flow rate of air pastUVC source2806 by adjusting the cross-sectional area of an exit aperture of the plenum.Damper actuator2808 may be any type of damper actuator such as electric or pneumatic. Thedamper actuator2808 is shown to receive an adjustment request fromdisinfection system controller2500 indicating thedamper actuator2808 to adjust the position of a damper. As will be described in greater detail below, thedisinfection system controller2500 uses flow data and/or light intensity data to determine adjustment requests fordamper actuator2808 to change the position of a damper and optimize disinfection of the air. For example, upon receiving light intensity data indicating that theUVC source2806 is dimming (e.g., light intensity is reducing,UVC source2806 is burning out,UVC source2806 is working at lower-than-normal power), thedamper actuator2808 may at least partially close the associated damper to reduce the airflow past theUVC source2806 in order to substantially maintain the same or similar disinfection effectiveness ofUVC source2806 working at normal power.
• Referring now toFIG. 29, aplenum2900 in which theHVAC disinfectant2606 can be implemented is shown, according to some embodiments.Plenum2900 may be a single plenum included in a building (e.g., building100). In some embodiments,plenum2900 may include multiple plenums. For example,plenum2900 may be a hub that includes more than oneplenum2900 extending outwardly from the hub. The structure, features, and/or otherwise layout ofplenum2900 are not intended to be limiting. It should also be understood that the use ofplenum2900 is intended for exemplary purposes. HVAC disinfectant may be implemented in any other HVAC device, system, or component such as an air handling unit or a VAV box.
• Plenum2900 is shown to include two instances ofairflow sensor2802 configured to measure a differential airflow through adamper2902, according to some embodiments. The differential airflow measured by theairflow sensor2802 is used in part to determine a position of thedamper2902. Accordingly, thedamper actuator2808 is controlled bydisinfection system controller2500 based on the airflow data collected byairflow sensors2802 and light intensity measured byphotodetector2804. As shown, thephotodetector2804 is located proximate theUVC source2806 and is configured to measure the intensity of the light emitted by theUVC source2806. In general, as the light intensity reduces, the damper will be adjusted to a more closed position reducing the plenum exit cross-sectional area and airflow past theUVC source2806.
• Dashed lines represent the direction of air flow through the plenum. As air flows through theplenum2900, the air passes by theUVC source2806 prior to passing through thedamper2902, according to an exemplary embodiment. As previously described, the light intensity data collected byphotodetector2804 is used with the airflow data collected byairflow sensor2802 to determine positions of thedamper2902. If thephotodetector2804 detects the intensity of the light emitted by theUVC source2806 is reducing (e.g., the light emitted is dimming), thendisinfection system controller2500 commandsdamper actuator2808 to at least partially close thedamper2902 to reduce the airflow rate of the air past theUVC source2806.
Space Disinfection Method
• Referring now toFIG. 30, aprocess3000 for disinfecting a space is shown, according to some embodiments.Process3000 can facilitate a disinfection subsystem controller (e.g., disinfection system controller2500) to transmit activation signals to a disinfection source (e.g., disinfectant source2704) configured to perform a disinfection technique based on the received activation signal. In some embodiments, general disinfection techniques such as expelling disinfectant aerosols and manual cleaning of various surfaces in a zone results in time-consuming tasks and inadequate disinfection of the surfaces. As such,process3000 can allow for the disinfection techniques to be adjusted based on various sensor data and healthcare information.
• Process3000 is shown to include collecting data from one or more sensors (step3002), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the data collected from one or more sensors (e.g., sensors2602) includes occupancy data and/or air quality of a zone in which the one or more sensors are located. The collected sensor data can be used to determine the need to perform a disinfection technique. For example, performing a disinfection technique may be necessary upon detecting that a particular number of occupants have passed through a zone. In another example, performing a disinfection technique may be necessary upon detecting that the air quality of a zone has reduced to less than a predetermined threshold value. In some embodiments, the sensor data is continuously collected. In other embodiments, the sensor data is collected at predetermined intervals (e.g., every minute, every 5 minutes, etc.). In various embodiments, the sensor data is collected when a change in sensor data is detected. For example, an occupancy sensor detects that an occupant has entered a previously-unoccupied zone and records the presence of an occupant based on the change in occupancy data. In some embodiments, the data is collected upon an indication of a disinfection model update. For example, based upon a user determining that a disinfection model (as can be generated by model generator2520) requires an update, current data (e.g., air quality, occupancy, humidity, etc.) is collected bysensors2602. In some embodiments, data is collected bysensors2602 based upon a schedule for one or more zones. For example, a schedule may indicate that a meeting will occur in a particular zone at a particular time. Data may be collected bysensors2602 during and/or after the scheduled meeting.
• Step3002 is also shown to include collecting healthcare data from a health authority (e.g., health authority information source2032), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the healthcare data collected from a health authority includes disinfection parameters (e.g., disinfection cycle duration, period of time between cycles, wavelength emission, current pathogen alerts, etc.). In some embodiments, the healthcare data is collected upon an indication of a disinfection model update. In some embodiments, the healthcare data is continuously collected. In other embodiments, the healthcare data is collected at predetermined intervals. The collected healthcare data may indicate the need to perform a disinfection process. For example, the collected healthcare data may indicate an outbreak of a particular illness and includes updated disinfection parameters associated with the particular illness and a request to perform a disinfection technique according to the updated disinfection parameters.
• Process3000 is shown to include adjusting disinfection parameters based on received healthcare data and collected sensor data (step3004), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, adjusting disinfection parameters includes changing one or more of disinfection cycle duration, disinfection period, intensity of germicidal light, and wavelength emitted by the disinfection source. In some embodiments, adjusting disinfection parameters includes using the collected data to update a disinfection model.
• Process3000 is shown to include determining the need to perform a disinfection technique based on healthcare data and/or collected sensors data (step3006), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, healthcare data received from a health authority (e.g., HAIS2526) indicates a request to perform a disinfection technique. In some embodiments, collected sensor data indicates a need to perform a disinfection technique. For example, collected air quality data that is below a predetermined threshold value may indicate that a disinfection technique is to be performed. Other examples of sensor data indicating a need to perform a disinfection technique include humidity of a space above a predetermined threshold value, occupancy data indicating a predetermined number of occupants have passed and now vacated a zone, etc. In some embodiments, a disinfection model indicates the need to perform a disinfection technique.
• Process3000 is shown to involve activating a timer (e.g., timer2608) and denying access to one or more zones (step3008), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, activating a timer involves preventing a disinfection technique performance during the duration of the timer. The timer duration may be configurable. In some embodiments, denying access to a zone involves locking exterior doors or other access points such that occupants may not enter a predetermined one or more zones. In such embodiments, the interior doorknobs (e.g., the doorknobs facing the interior of the predetermined one or more zones) remain unlocked such that occupants in the zone may vacate. In further embodiments, audible and/or visual warnings are activated upon the activation of the timer. For example, an announcement indicating 30 seconds remain until a disinfection technique begins. As such, the announcement may motivate occupants to vacate the particular zone.
• Process3000 is shown to involve beginning a disinfection technique (step3010), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, beginning a disinfection technique involves activating one or more disinfection sources (e.g., a UVC source, a visible light disinfector, etc.). In such embodiments, the one or more disinfection sources are activated upon the completion of a countdown.
• Process3000 is shown to involve continuously measure occupancy data during a disinfection technique (step3012), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, measuring occupancy data involves determining if an occupant has entered a particular zone in which a disinfection technique is occurring. In such embodiments, a deactivation signal is transmitted to stop the disinfection process. For example, upon an occupant entering a zone in which a disinfection technique is occurring, one or more occupancy sensors detect the presence of the occupant in the zone. As such, a signal is transmitted to deactivate (e.g., turn off, adjust wavelength to a substantially safe value, etc.) the germicidal disinfection process.
• Process3000 is shown to involve ending the disinfection technique and allowing access to a particular zone (step3014), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, occupants are allowed access to the particular zone upon completion of a countdown that begins following the end of the disinfection cycle. Such a countdown may help ensure that the disinfectant sources have been turn off or otherwise adjusted to a safe operation mode. In some embodiments, allowing access may involve unlocking one or more doors to the particular zone. In further embodiments, ending a disinfection technique includes transmitting various data to designated receivers (e.g.,disinfection system controller2500,HAIS2526, etc.).
HVAC Disinfection Method
• Referring now toFIG. 31, a flowchart illustrating aprocess3100 of disinfecting various HVAC components is shown, according to some embodiments.Process3100 can facilitate a disinfection subsystem controller (e.g., disinfection system controller2500) to transmit activation signals to a UVC source (e.g., UVC source2806) configured to emit a germicidal dosage of UVC based on the activation signal. Theprocess3100 can also facilitate the adjustment of a plenum damper to control airflow past a UVC source to substantially disinfect air as the air passes through the plenum.
• Process3100 is shown to include collecting data from one or more sensors (step3102), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the data collected from one or more sensors (e.g.,airflow sensor2802, photodetector2804) includes airflow data, light intensity data, and/or air quality of air passing through a particular HVAC system, component, or device. The collected sensor data can be used to determine the need to perform a disinfection process. In some embodiments, the sensor data is continuously collected. In other embodiments, the sensor data is collected at predetermined intervals (e.g., every minute, every 5 minutes, etc.). In various embodiments, the sensor data is collected when a change in sensor data is detected. For example, aphotodetector2804 detects that the UVC emitted fromUVC source2806 has dimmed records the light intensity based on the change in light intensity. In some embodiments, the data is collected upon an indication of a disinfection model update. For example, based upon a user determining that a disinfection model (as can be generated by schedule generator2520) requires an update, current sensor data (e.g., air quality, airflow, light intensity, humidity, etc.) is collected.
• Step3102 is also shown to include collecting healthcare data from a health authority (e.g., health authority information source2032), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the healthcare data collected from a health authority includes disinfection parameters (e.g., disinfection cycle duration, period of time between cycles, wavelength emission, current pathogen alerts, light intensity of UVC, etc.). In some embodiments, the healthcare data is collected upon an indication of a disinfection model update. In some embodiments, the healthcare data is continuously collected. In other embodiments, the healthcare data is collected at predetermined intervals. The collected healthcare data may indicate the need to perform a disinfection process. For example, the collected healthcare data may indicate an outbreak of a particular illness and includes updated disinfection parameters associated with the particular illness and a request to perform a disinfection technique according to the updated disinfection parameters.
• Process3100 is shown to include adjusting disinfection parameters and/or damper position based on received healthcare data and collected sensor data (step3104), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, adjusting disinfection parameters includes changing one or more of disinfection cycle duration, disinfection period, intensity of germicidal light, wavelength emitted by the disinfection source. In some embodiments, adjusting disinfection parameters includes using the collected data to update a disinfection model. In some embodiments, adjusting the damper position involves adjusting the damper position based on collected light intensity data. In such embodiments, if light intensity data is collected indicating that the UVC source is dimming, the damper may be moved to a more closed position in order to reduce airflow past the UVC source.
• Process3100 is shown to include determining the need to perform a disinfection technique based on healthcare data and/or collected sensors data (step3106), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, healthcare data received from a health authority (e.g., HAIS2526) indicates a request to perform a disinfection process. As such, based on the received request, a disinfection technique is performed. In some embodiments, collected sensor data indicates a need to perform a disinfection process. For example, collected air quality data that is below a predetermined threshold value may indicate that a disinfection technique is to be performed. Another example of sensor data indicating a need to perform a disinfection technique includes humidity of a space above a predetermined threshold value. In some embodiments, a disinfection model indicates the need to perform a disinfection process. In some embodiments, an HVAC operation schedule (e.g., a sequence of operation) defining periods of time at which various HVAC components operate indicates the need to perform a disinfection process. For example, an operating period of an air handling unit may indicate the need to perform a disinfection technique while the air handling unit is operating.
• Process3100 is shown to involve beginning a disinfection technique (step3010), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, beginning a disinfection technique involves activating one or more disinfection sources (e.g., a UVC source, a visible light disinfector, etc.).
• Process3100 is shown to involve continuously measure airflow data and light intensity data during a disinfection technique (step3110), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, measuring light intensity data involves determining if the UVC is dimming. In such embodiments, a damper actuator in a plenum adjusts the damper to reduce the airflow past the UVC source. In some embodiments, measuring airflow data involves determining if the airflow through a plenum has changed. In such embodiments, a damper actuator adjusts a damper according to the change in airflow and/or light intensity data. For example, if the collected airflow data indicates that the airflow has reduced, then the damper actuator may adjust the damper to a more closed position.
• Process3100 is shown to involve ending the disinfection technique and allow access to a particular zone. In further embodiments, ending a disinfection technique includes transmitting various data to designated receivers (e.g.,disinfection system controller2500,HAIS2526, etc.). In further embodiments, ending a disinfection technique includes transmitting various data to designated receivers (e.g.,disinfection system controller2500,HAIS2526, etc.).
ACS Disinfectant Subsystem
• Referring now toFIG. 32, a block diagram illustrating theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 in greater detail is shown, according to some embodiments. As will be described in greater detail with reference toFIG. 33, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 is structured for installation or attachment to an external device and configured to apply germicidal dosages of light waves to the external device, according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the external device includes a device which occupants interact with (e.g., by touch) such as a doorknob, a light switch, an elevator control panel, and the like. TheACS disinfectant subsystem2506 is configured to adapt disinfection periods (e.g., the duration of time for applying a disinfection process), time between disinfection periods, and emitted wavelengths based on at least one of sensor data, healthcare data, and/or a disinfection model generated byschedule generator2520. TheACS disinfectant subsystem2506 is shown to include aUVC source3202, asensor3204, abattery3206, and atimer3208, according to an exemplary embodiment.
• As previously described, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 is configured to perform a technique of disinfection to an external device (e.g., an access control system, a doorknob, a handle, a light switch, etc.). In some embodiments, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 is configured for installation or attachment on an external device (e.g., an ACS, an elevator panel, etc.) and to apply, viaUVC source3202, germicidal dosages of ultraviolet radiation to the external device (not shown) in order to substantially disinfect at least a portion of the surface of the external device. In some embodiments, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 is attached to or installed on an external device such that theUVC source3202 irradiates a portion of the external device with which users interact (e.g., touch). For example, an ACS may include a screen featuring a user interface and a keyboard with which users type in order to control the system/device that the ACS is associated with. As such, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 may be installed onto or provided by the ACS such that theUVC source3202 irradiates only the keyboard.
• TheACS disinfectant subsystem2506 may include any number of, or combination of attachment structures, methods, or apparatuses configured to facilitate the installation of theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 on an external device. As will be described in greater detail below, in some embodiments, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 is battery-operated allowing for easy implementation of theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 with an external device. In other embodiments, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 receives power from an external power source via a wired connection.
• The various components included inACS disinfectant subsystem2506 are shown to communicatedisinfection system controller2500. In some embodiments, thecontroller2500 receives healthcare data fromHAIS2526 in order to adjust disinfection parameters of the disinfection techniques performed byACS disinfectant subsystem2506. In some embodiments, the healthcare data consists of applicable UVC wavelengths to emit, number of radiation cycles, duration of radiation cycle, and/or current high-threat pathogens. In some embodiments, the healthcare data is used to adjust the disinfection parameters of the UVC (e.g., wavelength, dosage duration, time between cycles, etc.) emitted fromUVC source3202. In some embodiments,controller2500 transmits activation signals toUVC source3202 in order to administer a dosage of UVC. In some embodiments,ACS disinfectant subsystem2506 transmits dosage data (e.g., duration of dosage, time of dosage, wavelength applied, etc.) todisinfection system controller2500. For example, the dosage data transmitted from theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 may consist of duration of dosage, wavelength of UVC, and number of cycles performed.
• TheACS disinfectant2506 is also shown to includeUVC source3202 configured to emit ultraviolet radiation at least within the germicidal range of ultraviolet wavelengths, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, theUVC source3202 is configured to emit variable wavelengths within the ultraviolet spectrum (approximately 10 nm-400 nm). For example, a first dosage of UVC emitted byUVC source3202 may be at a wavelength of 150 nm while a second dosage of UVC emitted byUVC source3202 may be at a wavelength of 200 nm. In some embodiments, the dosage duration emitted by theUVC source3202 is configurable based on healthcare data received byHAIS2526.
• In some embodiments, theUVC source3202 is an array of LEDs configured to emit UVC radiation. In some such embodiments, the shape ofUVC source3202 may be configurable to facilitate the spread of UVC about a surface. For example, theUVC source3202 may be a flexible LED strip that is bendable to form a semicircle shape for placement about a doorknob. In some embodiments, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 includes more than oneUVC source3202. For example, theUVC source3202 may include multiple strips of LED arrays. In some embodiments, theUVC source3202 is a gas-discharge lamp configured to emit UV radiation. In some embodiments, theUVC source3202 is capable of emitting light within the germicidal spectrum of visible light (approximately 400 nm-450 nm).
• Still referring toFIG. 32, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 is also shown to include asensor3204 configured to detect the presence of a user within a predetermined region associated with theUVC source3202, according to some embodiments. As will be described, in some embodiments, thesensor3204 is in communication withdisinfection system controller2500 and transfers presence data to the controller. In some embodiments, thesensor3204 communicates with theUVC source3202 to preventUVC source3202 from emitting a dose of UVC when thesensor3204 detects a user is within a predetermined proximity of theUVC source3202. In some embodiments, thesensor3204 is a passive infrared sensor. In some embodiments,ACS disinfectant subsystem2506 includes more than onesensor3204. In some embodiments, thesensor3204 is not provided as a component ofACS disinfectant subsystem2506. For example, thesensor3204 may be provided as an external component configured to communicate with theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 viadisinfection system controller2500.
• In some embodiments, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 includes abattery3206 configured to supply power to the components included inACS disinfectant subsystem2506. In some embodiments,battery3206 generates electrical power via a chemical reaction (e.g., lithium-ion, alkaline, lead-acid, etc.) and transmit the electrical power to the various components indisinfection device2500. In some embodiments,battery3206 generates power via a solar cell and transmits the electrical power to the various components inACS disinfectant subsystem2506. In some embodiments, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 does not includebattery3206. In some such embodiments, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 provides a wired connection configured to physically and/or electrically couple to an external power source. In some such embodiments, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 includes electrical conduits configured to couple to and transfer power from a power supply of a building. In other embodiments, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 includes electrical conduits configured to physically and/or electrically couple to the external device on which theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 is installed and transfer power provided by the external device to theACS disinfectant subsystem2506.
• ACS disinfectant subsystem2506 is also shown to include atimer3208, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,timer3208 is configured to count down from a predetermined period of time (e.g., 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.). In some embodiments, the period of time from which thetimer3208 counts down is configurable based on user preference or healthcare data and/or disinfection parameters received fromHAIS2526. Thetimer3208 receives an activation signal from thedisinfection system controller2500 configured to activate thetimer3208 and begin a countdown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, thetimer3208 is configured to begin a countdown from the predetermined period of time upon an occupancy sensor (e.g., sensors3204) transmitting a signal that a user has removed any part of his/her body from a predetermined region or space associated with an ACS. Thetimer3208 is also shown to provide timer data todisinfection system controller2500, according to some embodiments. The timer data may include information such as countdown period, activation time, etc.
• Referring now toFIG. 33, a schematic drawing of physical components included inACS disinfectant subsystem2506 as installed onto anACS3300 is shown, according to some embodiments. As previously described, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 is configured to perform a disinfection technique to a surface. More specifically, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 is configured to emit germicidal UVC to at least a portion of a surface that is provided byACS3300 with which users interact. According to some embodiments, the components ofACS disinfectant subsystem2506 are configured for installation on or attachment toACS3300. In other embodiments, the components ofACS disinfection subsystem2506 are provided as components integrated on and/or within theACS3300 such that theACS3300 is manufactured with such components.
• TheACS3300 is shown as a panel with akeypad3302 with which users may interact (e.g., touch) in order to operate a device associated with theACS3300. For example, theACS3300 may be a telephone panel providing akeypad3302 with which users may use to dial a phone number. As such, thekeypad3302 is considered a disinfection surface of theACS3300. In some embodiments, the disinfection surface of theACS3300 may be the entirety of a surface defined by theACS3300. Thekeypad3302 is shown to be irradiated byUVC source3202, according to some embodiments.
• As previously described, in some embodiments, theUVC source3202 is configured to emit variable wavelengths within the ultraviolet spectrum (approximately 10 nm-400 nm). For example, a first dosage of UVC emitted byUVC source3202 may be at a wavelength of 150 nm while a second dosage of UVC emitted byUVC source504 may be at a wavelength of 200 nm. In some embodiments, the dosage duration emitted by theUVC source3202 is configurable based on healthcare data received byHAIS2526.
• As shown, theUVC source3202 is an array of LEDs configured to emit UVC radiation. In some embodiments, the shape ofUVC source3202 is to facilitate the spread of UVC radiation about a surface. For example, theUVC source3202 may be a flexible LED strip that may be bendable to form a semicircle shape for placement about a doorknob. In some embodiments, theACS disinfector2506 includes more than oneUVC source3202. For example, theUVC source3202 may include multiple strips of LED arrays. In some embodiments, theUVC source3202 is a gas-discharge lamp configured to emit UV radiation.
• Still referring toFIG. 33, theACS disinfectant subsystem506 is also shown to includesensor3204 configured to detect the presence of a user within a predetermined region associated with theUVC source3202, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, thesensor3204 communicates with theUVC source3202 via thedisinfection subsystem controller444 to preventUVC source3202 from emitting a dose of UVC when thesensor3204 detects a user is within a predetermined proximity. In some embodiments, thesensor3204 is a passive infrared sensor. In some embodiments, theACS disinfectant subsystem2506 includes more than onesensor3204. In some embodiments, thesensor3204 is not provided as a component ofACS disinfectant subsystem2506. For example, thesensor506 may be provided as an external component (e.g., provided byACS3300, provided byBMS400, etc.) configured to communicate with theUVC source3202.
• Referring now toFIG. 34, aprocess3400 for disinfecting an ACS is shown, according to some embodiments.Process3400 can facilitate a disinfection subsystem controller (e.g., disinfection system controller2500) to transmit activation signals to a UVC source (e.g., UVC source3202) configured to perform a disinfection technique based on the received activation signal. In some embodiments, general disinfection techniques such as expelling disinfectant aerosols and manual cleaning of various surfaces in a zone results in time-consuming tasks and inadequate disinfection of the surfaces. As such,process3400 can allow for the disinfection techniques to be adjusted based on various sensor data and healthcare information.
• Process3400 is shown to include detecting user interaction with an ACS (step3402), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, detecting user interaction involves sensor keypad detecting the presence of a user has entered a predetermined region associated with an ACS (e.g., ACS3300). For example,sensor3204 may detect an arm of a user reaching to interact with thetouchpoint3302 provided byACS3300. In some embodiments, user interaction with an ACS is not detected by sensor3304. In such embodiments, detecting user interaction with an ACS involves detecting a user has touched, interacted with, or otherwise engaged with a user interface provided by an ACS. For example, user interaction may be detected by a user inputting data via a keyboard. In another example, user interaction may be detected by a user swiping a touchscreen to initiate a control command.
• Process3400 is shown to include beginning a countdown timer and denying user access to an ACS (step3404), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, beginning a countdown timer involves activating a countdown performed bytimer3208. In some embodiments, beginning a countdown timer involves commencing a countdown from a predetermined time period (e.g., 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, etc.). The predetermined time period may be configurable based on user preference, healthcare data received from a health authority (e.g., HAIS2526), etc. In some embodiments, the countdown timer begins upon detection of user interaction with an ACS (e.g., step3402). In some embodiments, the countdown timer begins upon completion of user interaction with an ACS. For example, the countdown timer may begin upon determination that a user's hand has vacated a predetermined region associated with an ACS.
• In some embodiments, denying user access to an ACS involves moving a barrier (e.g., a cover, a shield, etc.) to a location between a user and disinfection surface of the ACS such that users are substantially prevented from interacting and/or being irradiated by a UVC source. In such embodiments, the ACS provides a barrier that is movably coupled to the ACS. In some embodiments, denying user access to an ACS involves disabling a user interface. Disabling a user interface may discourage users from touching, approaching, or otherwise interacting with the disinfection surface of the ACS. It should be understood that the previous examples of denying user access to an ACS are not intended to be limiting. Any other technique, method, and/or device may be used to substantially prevent users from interacting with a disinfection surface. For example, an audible warning or visual queue may be presented to users to notify the users of an impending disinfection process.
• Process3400 is shown to include monitoring presence of one or more users relative to an ACS (step3406), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, monitoring presence of one or more users involvessensor3204 collecting presence data within a predetermined region associated with an ACS. In some embodiments in which a user has been detected to enter and/or be present, the countdown timer is canceled (e.g., turned off, terminated, etc.) and reset. In such embodiments, the countdown timer begins upon detection that a user has vacated the predetermined region associated with the ACS.
• Process3400 is shown to include beginning a disinfection technique (step3408), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, beginning a disinfection technique involves activatingUVC source3202 to emit a germicidal dosage of UVC. In such embodiments, beginning a disinfection technique involves adjusting the disinfection parameters (e.g., duration, number of cycles, light intensity, etc.) based on the collected sensor data and/or collected healthcare data.
• Process3400 is shown to include continuously collecting presence data during a disinfection technique (step3410), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, collecting presence data involvessensor3204 collecting presence data within a predetermined region of an ACS (e.g., ACS3300). In some embodiments in which the presence data indicates a user is present within the predetermined region, a deactivation signal is transmitted to theUVC source3202. For example, a sensor detects a user who is reaching towards a keypad on an ACS while a disinfection technique is being performed. Accordingly, upon detection of the user, a deactivation signal is transmitted to the UVC source which deactivates (e.g., turns off) the UVC source.
• Process3400 is shown to involve ending the disinfection technique and allowing access to the disinfected ACS (step3412), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, users are allowed access to the disinfected ACS upon completion of a countdown that begins following the end of the disinfection cycle. Such a countdown may help ensure that the UVC source has been substantially turned off or otherwise adjusted to a safe operation mode. In some embodiments, ending a disinfection technique includes transmitting various data to designated receivers (e.g.,disinfection system controller2500,HAIS2526, etc.). Such data may include wavelength of UVC emitted, duration of disinfection technique, and number of disinfection technique cycles performed over a period of time.
Building Management System
• Referring now toFIG. 35, a block diagram of another building management system (BMS)3500 is shown, according to some embodiments.BMS3500 can be used to monitor and control the devices ofHVAC system100,waterside system200,airside system300,building subsystems428, as well as other types of BMS devices (e.g., lighting equipment, security equipment, etc.) and/or HVAC equipment.
• BMS3500 provides a system architecture that facilitates automatic equipment discovery and equipment model distribution. Equipment discovery can occur on multiple levels ofBMS3500 across multiple different communications busses (e.g., asystem bus3554, zone buses3556-3560 and3564, sensor/actuator bus3566, etc.) and across multiple different communications protocols. In some embodiments, equipment discovery is accomplished using active node tables, which provide status information for devices connected to each communications bus. For example, each communications bus can be monitored for new devices by monitoring the corresponding active node table for new nodes. When a new device is detected,BMS3500 can begin interacting with the new device (e.g., sending control signals, using data from the device) without user interaction.
• Some devices inBMS3500 present themselves to the network using equipment models. An equipment model defines equipment object attributes, view definitions, schedules, trends, and the associated BACnet value objects (e.g., analog value, binary value, multistate value, etc.) that are used for integration with other systems. Some devices inBMS3500 store their own equipment models. Other devices inBMS3500 have equipment models stored externally (e.g., within other devices). For example, azone coordinator3508 can store the equipment model for abypass damper3528. In some embodiments,zone coordinator3508 automatically creates the equipment model forbypass damper3528 or other devices onzone bus3558. Other zone coordinators can also create equipment models for devices connected to their zone busses. The equipment model for a device can be created automatically based on the types of data points exposed by the device on the zone bus, device type, and/or other device attributes. Several examples of automatic equipment discovery and equipment model distribution are discussed in greater detail below.
• Still referring toFIG. 35,BMS3500 is shown to include asystem manager3502;several zone coordinators3506,3508,3510 and3518; andseveral zone controllers3524,3530,3532,3536,3548, and3550.System manager3502 can monitor data points inBMS3500 and report monitored variables to various monitoring and/or control applications.System manager3502 can communicate with client devices3504 (e.g., user devices, desktop computers, laptop computers, mobile devices, etc.) via a data communications link3574 (e.g., BACnet IP, Ethernet, wired or wireless communications, etc.).System manager3502 can provide a user interface toclient devices3504 via data communications link3574. The user interface may allow users to monitor and/orcontrol BMS3500 viaclient devices3504.
• In some embodiments,system manager3502 is connected with zone coordinators3506-3510 and3518 via asystem bus3554.System manager3502 can be configured to communicate with zone coordinators3506-3510 and3518 viasystem bus3554 using a master-slave token passing (MSTP) protocol or any other communications protocol.System bus3554 can also connectsystem manager3502 with other devices such as a constant volume (CV) rooftop unit (RTU)3512, an input/output module (IOM)3514, a thermostat controller3516 (e.g., a TEC5000 series thermostat controller), and a network automation engine (NAE) or third-party controller3520.RTU3512 can be configured to communicate directly withsystem manager3502 and can be connected directly tosystem bus3554. Other RTUs can communicate withsystem manager3502 via an intermediate device. For example, awired input3562 can connect a third-party RTU3542 tothermostat controller3516, which connects tosystem bus3554.
• System manager3502 can provide a user interface for any device containing an equipment model. Devices such as zone coordinators3506-3510 and3518 andthermostat controller3516 can provide their equipment models tosystem manager3502 viasystem bus3554. In some embodiments,system manager3502 automatically creates equipment models for connected devices that do not contain an equipment model (e.g.,IOM3514,third party controller3520, etc.). For example,system manager3502 can create an equipment model for any device that responds to a device tree request. The equipment models created bysystem manager3502 can be stored withinsystem manager3502.System manager3502 can then provide a user interface for devices that do not contain their own equipment models using the equipment models created bysystem manager3502. In some embodiments,system manager3502 stores a view definition for each type of equipment connected viasystem bus3554 and uses the stored view definition to generate a user interface for the equipment.
• Each zone coordinator3506-3510 and3518 can be connected with one or more ofzone controllers3524,3530-3532,3536, and3548-3550 viazone buses3556,3558,3560, and3564. Zone coordinators3506-3510 and3518 can communicate withzone controllers3524,3530-3532,3536, and3548-3550 via zone busses3556-3560 and3564 using a MSTP protocol or any other communications protocol. Zone busses3556-3560 and3564 can also connect zone coordinators3506-3510 and3518 with other types of devices such as variable air volume (VAV) RTUs3522 and3540, changeover bypass (COBP) RTUs3526 and3552,bypass dampers3528 and3546, andPEAK controllers3534 and3544.
• Zone coordinators3506-3510 and3518 can be configured to monitor and command various zoning systems. In some embodiments, each zone coordinator3506-3510 and3518 monitors and commands a separate zoning system and is connected to the zoning system via a separate zone bus. For example,zone coordinator3506 can be connected toVAV RTU3522 andzone controller3524 viazone bus3556.Zone coordinator3508 can be connected toCOBP RTU3526,bypass damper3528,COBP zone controller3530, andVAV zone controller3532 viazone bus3558.Zone coordinator3510 can be connected toPEAK controller3534 andVAV zone controller3536 viazone bus3560.Zone coordinator3518 can be connected toPEAK controller3544,bypass damper3546,COBP zone controller3548, andVAV zone controller3550 viazone bus3564.
• A single model of zone coordinator3506-3510 and3518 can be configured to handle multiple different types of zoning systems (e.g., a VAV zoning system, a COBP zoning system, etc.). Each zoning system can include a RTU, one or more zone controllers, and/or a bypass damper. For example,zone coordinators3506 and3510 are shown as Verasys VAV engines (VVEs) connected toVAV RTUs3522 and3540, respectively.Zone coordinator3506 is connected directly toVAV RTU3522 viazone bus3556, whereaszone coordinator3510 is connected to a third-party VAV RTU3540 via awired input3568 provided toPEAK controller3534.Zone coordinators3508 and3518 are shown as Verasys COBP engines (VCEs) connected toCOBP RTUs3526 and3552, respectively.Zone coordinator3508 is connected directly toCOBP RTU3526 viazone bus3558, whereaszone coordinator3518 is connected to a third-party COBP RTU3552 via awired input3570 provided toPEAK controller3544.
• Zone controllers3524,3530-3532,3536, and3548-3550 can communicate with individual BMS devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, etc.) via sensor/actuator (SA) busses. For example,VAV zone controller3536 is shown connected tonetworked sensors3538 viaSA bus3566.Zone controller3536 can communicate withnetworked sensors3538 using a MSTP protocol or any other communications protocol. Although only oneSA bus3566 is shown inFIG. 35, it should be understood that eachzone controller3524,3530-3532,3536, and3548-3550 can be connected to a different SA bus. Each SA bus can connect a zone controller with various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, occupancy sensors, etc.), actuators (e.g., damper actuators, valve actuators, etc.) and/or other types of controllable equipment (e.g., chillers, heaters, fans, pumps, etc.).
• Eachzone controller3524,3530-3532,3536, and3548-3550 can be configured to monitor and control a different building zone.Zone controllers3524,3530-3532,3536, and3548-3550 can use the inputs and outputs provided via their SA busses to monitor and control various building zones. For example, azone controller3536 can use a temperature input received fromnetworked sensors3538 via SA bus3566 (e.g., a measured temperature of a building zone) as feedback in a temperature control algorithm.Zone controllers3524,3530-3532,3536, and3548-3550 can use various types of control algorithms (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.) to control a variable state or condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, airflow, lighting, etc.) in or around building10.
Micro-Climate Measurement, Actuation, and Control
• Referring now toFIGS. 36A-B, two schematic diagrams showing the current state of the art of temperature measurement can be seen, according to exemplary embodiments. With regard toFIG. 36A, a room and its corresponding measurement, control, and actuation components are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 36A shows aroom3600 that is shown to include adoor3604, according to one embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the shape, size, and contents ofroom3600 may vary, as well as the position and configuration ofdoor3604.Room3600 may also be connected to one or more other rooms, hallways, or other areas, with the configuration as well as the size and shape of any adjacent and/or connected areas varying according to the specific embodiment.Room3600 is also shown to include athermostat3616, positioned on a wall ofroom3600, according to an exemplary embodiment. The specific placement ofthermostat3616 may vary depending on embodiment in terms of which of the walls ofroom3600 it is placed on.Thermostat3616 may be configured to collect a temperature measurement forroom3600, which may be taken by one or more of a variety of means, depending on the embodiment.Thermostat3616 may also be connected to acontroller3614, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to the embodiment ofFIG. 36A,controller3614 is a separate entity fromthermostat3616 and is not integrated as a component ofthermostat3616.
• Controller3614 ofFIG. 36A, which is connected to and receives a temperature measurement fromthermostat3616 is also coupled toHVAC equipment3602, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 36A.HVAC equipment3602 may vary depending on the embodiment, and may also vary in terms of location depending on the configuration, shape, and size ofroom3600, the placement ofdoor3604, as well as other factors specific to certain embodiments. In some embodiments,HVAC equipment3602 is a component of an HVAC system such asHVAC system100 ofFIG. 1 or may be a component of an HVAC subsystem such asHVAC subsystem440 ofFIG. 4.HVAC equipment3602 may include various HVAC components including those shown and described previously. For example,HVAC equipment3602 which may be controlled bycontroller3614 may include air handling units (AHUs) such asAHU106 and/orAHU302 ofFIG. 1 andFIG. 3, respectively. Variable Air Volume units (VAVs) can also be included inHVAC equipment3602 ofFIG. 6. In some embodiments,HVAC equipment3602 can include air ducts for both air supply and air return such asair supply ducts112 andair return ducts114 ofFIG. 1 and/or returnair304 ofreturn air duct308 andsupply air310 and supplyair duct312. Additionally,HVAC equipment3602 can include components of HVAC systems which can include chillers and boilers such aschiller102 andboiler104 ofFIG. 1, as well as various dampers such asexhaust damper316, mixingdamper318, and outsideair damper320 ofFIG. 3 and/orbypass dampers3528 and3546 ofFIG. 35. Other HVAC equipment and/or components of HVAC systems can also be included inHVAC equipment3602, such asfan338,valves346 and352, andactuator354 ofFIG. 3 which can be configured to adjust direction of airflow as well as size of an orifice through which air passes. It should also be noted that other equipment not mentioned previously that can be configured to operate in conjunction with an HVAC system and any components thereof may also be included inHVAC equipment3602. Generally, HVAC systems and components thereof that can be configured to affect air temperature, quality, humidity, and airflow (including velocity) may be included inHVAC equipment3602 as all of the previously mentioned parameters can be adjusted in order to affect occupant comfort for an area.
• HVAC equipment3602 may be configured to receive a control signal fromcontroller3614, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 36A.HVAC equipment3602 is also shown to be connected with anair output3606, according to an exemplary embodiment.Air output3606 is shown to produce anoutput airflow3608, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 36A. As also seen in the embodiment ofFIG. 36A,HVAC equipment3602 is also shown to be connected to anair return3610, which is configured to receive areturn airflow3612. Depending on the embodiment, as well as factors specific toroom3600 such as size, shape, and other variables,air output3606 andair return3610 may be positioned in various locations of the room.Air output3606 andair return3610 may also be connected toHVAC equipment3602 through a variety of means, and HVAC equipment may not always be in the same proximity as shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 36A. It should also be noted that the configuration ofthermostat3616,controller3614,HVAC equipment3602,air output3606,air return3610 anddoor3604 may be configured differently depending on embodiment, and may not be positioned in the same proximity to one another as indicated in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 36A.
• Referring now toFIG. 36B, another room and corresponding measurement, control, and actuation components are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 36B shares some common components withFIG. 36A, includingroom3600,HVAC equipment3602,door3604,air output3606,output airflow3608,air return3610, and returnairflow3612. As with the embodiment shown inFIG. 36A, the common components may vary in terms of their placement aboutroom3600 depending on the specific embodiment. Additionally,room3600 itself may also vary depending on the embodiment and may include various shapes, sizes, points of entry and exit, adjacent areas and hallways, as well as other possible configurations. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 36B, athermostat3618 is shown configured on a wall ofroom3600. Depending on the embodiment,thermostat3618 may be located elsewhere inroom3600.Thermostat3618 ofFIG. 36B is shown to include acontroller3620 which may be adjacent to or embedded inthermostat3618, depending on the embodiment. It should also be noted thatcontroller3620 may be positioned withinthermostat3618, or may be positioned adjacent tothermostat3618 depending on the embodiment.Controller3620 is shown to be in communication withHVAC equipment3602, and may communicate a control signal to HVAC equipment, depending on the embodiment.
• Referring again toFIG. 36B,HVAC equipment3602 is shown to be connected toair output3606 andair return3610, according to an exemplary embodiment.HVAC equipment3602 is shown to be connected toair output3606 andair return3610, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 36B. Additionally,air output3606 is shown to eject anoutput airflow3608, andair return3610 is shown to receive areturn airflow3612 according to some embodiments. Depending on the embodiment,air output3606 andcorresponding output airflow3608, as well asair return3610 and correspondingreturn airflow3612 may be positioned differently in relation toroom3600, depending on other components and variables ofroom3600.HVAC equipment3602 may be configured differently than that seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 36B, and also may be positioned and spaced in a manner different from that of the exemplary embodiment. In reference to bothFIGS. 36A and 36B, it should be noted that the components ofroom3600 may vary or be a combination of those seen inFIG. 36A andFIG. 36B, depending on the embodiment.
• Referring now toFIG. 36A andFIG. 36B, it should be noted that the embodiments of bothFIG. 36A andFIG. 36B include a thermostat positioned on a wall ofroom3600. In terms of the positioning of the thermostats seen inFIG. 36A andFIG. 36B, boththermostat3616 ofFIG. 36A andthermostat3618 ofFIG. 36B are located on walls ofroom3600. That is to say that whileoutput airflow3608 and returnairflow3612 are directed to the middle ofroom3600, any temperature measurements taken bythermostat3616 orthermostat3618 may not accurately reflect the temperature in the central portion ofroom3600 where occupants may be positioned. As such, the comfort of occupants potentially occupying a central portion ofroom3600 may not be able to adequately manipulate various parameters forroom3600 given that the parameters of an area occupied by occupants may differ substantially from those measured adjacent to the wall bythermostat3616 orthermostat3618.
• Referring now toFIG. 37, a schematic diagram showing deficiencies of the current state of the art in terms of temperature measurement and airflow actuation is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference toFIG. 37, aroom3700 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.Room3700 is shown to includedoor3710, with variables such as location, size, shape, as well as other variables applicable to bothroom3700 anddoor3710. It should be noted that the placement of all components ofroom3700 seen inFIG. 37 may vary in placement and position, both relative toroom3700 and relative to other components.Room3700 is shown to include anHVAC equipment3702, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 37. As seen in the embodiment ofFIG. 37,HVAC equipment3702 is shown to be connected to anair output3704 and anair return3708. The configuration ofHVAC equipment3702 and corresponding connection toair output3704 andair return3708 may vary depending on embodiment in terms, of position, spacing, specific connection, and other possible factors.Air output3704 andair return3708 are shown to have anairflow3706, as seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 37.Airflow3706 is shown to be ejected fromair output3704 and be received byair return3708, according to an exemplary embodiment.Airflow3706 is also shown to have a rectangular path according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 37, but this may vary depending on a number of factors. For example, ifair output3704 andair return3708 were to be positioned differently relative toHVAC equipment3702,room3700, or each other,airflow3706 may assume a path shaped differently than that ofairflow3706 seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 37.
• Referring again toFIG. 37,room3700 is shown to include athermostat3718, according to an exemplary embodiment. Depending on the embodiment,thermostat3718 may be similar to eitherthermostat3616 ofFIG. 36A and/orthermostat3618 ofFIG. 36B. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 37,thermostat3718 is shown to be connected to acontroller3716, and is shown to send a temperature measurement to be received bycontroller3716.Controller3716 ofFIG. 37 may be similar tocontroller3614 ofFIG. 36A and/orcontroller3620 ofFIG. 37B, depending on the embodiment. In the embodiment ofFIG. 37,controller3716 is shown to also be connected toHVAC equipment3702, and is shown to send a control signal toHVAC equipment3702. The connection betweenthermostat3718 andcontroller3716 may vary depending on the embodiment, just as the connection betweencontroller3716 andHVAC equipment3702 may also vary. Additionally, the configuration and positioning ofHVAC equipment3702,controller3716, andthermostat3718 may vary relative toroom3700 and relative to each other, depending on the embodiment.
• Referring still toFIG. 37,room3700 is shown to include a centraldead spot3712, according to an exemplary embodiment. Centraldead spot3712 ofFIG. 37 may assume a different shape or location depending on a number of factors specific to an embodiment such as the size, position, and configuration ofair output3704 andair return3708, as well as variables associated withroom3700 including size and shape, among others. For example, centraldead spot3712 may differ according to embodiment based on the contents ofroom3700 ofFIG. 37, such as the contents ofroom3700, which may include occupants and/or furniture in some embodiments. Centraldead spot3712 is specific to the configuration ofair output3704 andair return3708 ofFIG. 37, but may also be true of other possible configurations ofair output3704 andair return3708. Central dead spot is located near the middle ofroom3700, which also includes a pair of lateraldead spots3714, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 37. Lateraldead spots3714 are positioned betweenairflow3706 and a wall ofroom3700, according to an exemplary embodiment. Similar to centraldead spot3712, lateraldead spots3714 may vary in size, shape, position and quantity depending on a number of factors relating toroom3700 and its associated components. For example, the configuration ofHVAC equipment3702 and its corresponding connections toair output3704 andair return3708 may vary depending on factors relating toroom3700 such as size and shape, and may be adjusted in different embodiments.
• The embodiment ofFIG. 37 serves to demonstrate the current state of the art in HVAC systems and their management of rooms and/or areas in terms of the equipment designed to produce and regulate airflow, as well as control temperature and ultimately occupant comfort. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 37,air output3704 andair return3708 are static in thatairflow3706 cannot be adjusted or aimed in any manner. That is to say thatairflow3706 may be the only possible airflow thatair output3704 andair return3708 are capable of providing toroom3700. In the embodiment seen inFIG. 37., occupants of a room may be positioned in the center of the room, and may overlap with centraldead spot3712. Given the proximity of centraldead spot3712 tothermostat3718, the temperature where occupants may be located may differ drastically from the temperature measured atthermostat3718, which may be located on a wall ofroom3700. Additionally, the temperature of lateraldead spots3714 may also differ greatly from a majority of the room, and may also fall in an area where occupants may be positioned. In the instance that occupants are positioned within centraldead spot3712 or lateraldead spots3714, the temperature and comfort of occupants may not be consistent with the measurement taken bythermostat3718 orairflow3706, depending on the embodiment.
• Referring now toFIG. 38A-B, two schematic diagrams showing the measurement and actuation of variables in order to maximize occupant comfort are shown, according to some embodiments. With reference toFIG. 38A, a system for maximizing occupant using HVAC equipment connected to a camera is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 38A is shown to include aroom3800 as well as adoor3806. It should be noted that the size and shape of the room as well as the size, shape and location of the door may vary according to embodiment.Room3800 is also shown to include acamera3812, which is shown to be mounted on a wall ofroom3800 as seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 38A. Depending on embodiment,camera3812 may be an IR camera.FIG. 38A also indicates that, according to an exemplary embodiment,camera3812 is mounted on a wall ofroom3800 in order to cover all or the majority ofroom3800. Depending on the embodiment, as well as the shape and size ofroom3800,camera3812 may be positioned differently.Camera3812 may be connected to acontroller3816, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 38A. This connection may allow forcamera3812 to communicate a temperature measurement tocontroller3816.Controller3816 is also connected to anHVAC equipment3802, and communicates a control signal toHVAC equipment3802. It should be noted that the means of connection betweencamera3812 andcontroller3816, as well as the connection means betweencontroller3816 andHVAC equipment3802 may vary depending on embodiment, and also may differ from one another.HVAC equipment3802 is seen inFIG. 38A to be connected to anair output3804 and anair return3810. Depending on the embodiment,air output3804 andair return3810 may be positioned differently in relation to each other,HVAC equipment3802, androom3800.
• Referring still toFIG. 38A,room3800 is also shown to include a collection ofoccupants3814 positioned in a central portion ofroom3800. As indicated inFIG. 38A,camera3812 may locateoccupants3814 and register the position of occupants withinroom3800. In the instance thatcamera3812 is an IR camera which is preferable, temperature of various areas ofroom3800 can be measured from the remote position wherecamera3812 is located withinroom3800. That is to say thatcamera3812 may measure the temperature of various locations withinroom3800 from a stationary position withinroom3800, and may also identify the location ofoccupants3814 withinroom3800. By measuring temperature in a central portion ofroom3800 from a non-invasive location on the perimeter ofroom3800 such as that occupied bycamera3812 in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 38A,camera3812 may communicate withcontroller3816, which may in turn communicate withHVAC equipment3802 in order to affect change withinroom3800. However, contrary to the embodiments ofFIG. 36A.,FIG. 36B., andFIG. 37, in which temperature is measured adjacent to the thermostat located on a wall of a room, the components ofFIG. 38A are configured to measure temperature at multiple points in the room from a remotely located camera, seen ascamera3812.
• Referring still toFIG. 38A.,air output3804 is configured to eject air in a variety of directions depending on the control signal sent fromcontroller3816 toHVAC equipment3802, according to the exemplary embodiment. According to the embodiment seen inFIG. 38A,camera3812 is configured to measure temperature and identify locations ofoccupants3814 withinroom3800, and can in turn communicate temperature measurements that correspond to locations ofoccupants3814 tocontroller3816.Controller3816 may then send a control signal toHVAC equipment3802, which may in turn actuateair output3804 in order to affect temperature in the portion of the room that containsoccupants3814, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 38A.Air output3804 may be configured to direct anairflow3808 to one or more portions ofroom3800, according to an exemplary embodiment. Depending on the location ofoccupants3814,air output3804 may direct air toward or away fromoccupants3814, depending on occupant comfort preferences as well as pre-determined parameters for the overall components and room ofFIG. 38A.
• Referring now toFIG. 38B, a system for maximizing occupant using HVAC equipment connected to a wireless access point is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Similar toFIG. 38A.,room3800 includesdoor3806, according to an exemplary embodiment. Also included inFIG. 38B that is common toFIG. 38A iscontroller3816, anHVAC equipment3802,air output3804,air return3810, andairflow3808.FIG. 38B is also shown to include awireless access point3818, positioned on a wall ofroom3800, according to an exemplary embodiment.Wireless access point3818 is shown to be located on the wall ofroom3800, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 38B.Wireless access point3818 is configured to receive a signal frommobile sensors3820, which are positioned in a central portion ofroom3800, according to an exemplary embodiment.Mobile sensors3820 may be assigned to specific occupants, employees, departments or other groups, and may also be configured to perform multiple functions including but not limited to providing location data, measuring temperature, among other possible functions.Mobile sensors3820 may be located in various places, including but not limited to on personal identification badges, personal computers, chairs, as well as other possible locations depending on the embodiment.Wireless access point3818 is shown to be connected tocontroller3816, withcontroller3816 also connected toHVAC equipment3802, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 38B. Additionally,wireless access point3818 may communicate one or more temperature measurements tocontroller3816, which may then communicate a control signal toHVAC equipment3802. It should be noted thatwireless access point3818,controller3816, andHVAC equipment3802 may be connected by a variety of different means, with the connection betweenwireless access point3818 andcontroller3816 potentially being the same, similar to, or different than the connection betweencontroller3816 andHVAC equipment3802. It also must be noted that the placement ofwireless access point3818,controller3816, andHVAC equipment3802 may vary from that seen in the embodiment ofFIG. 38B, both in terms of placement aroundroom3800 and relative to each other.
• Again referring toFIG. 38B,wireless access point3818 is configured to communicate withmobile sensors3820. There may be one or multiple wireless mobile sensors inroom3800 at one time, with all presentmobile sensors3820 communicating withwireless access point3818. Mobile sensors pay be specific to personnel, for example each mobile sensor may be coupled to an identification card or badge, a personal computer, or other personal object. As such, amobile sensor3820 may be representative of a specific individual or group, and as such may carry certain permissions and/or parameters. For example,mobile sensors3820 may be substantially the same, with eachmobile sensor3820 having a unique sensor ID. Themobile sensors3820 may be configured to transmit various measurements collected along with the unique sensor ID to thewireless access point3818. The unique ID of each of themobile sensors3820 can be associated with a specific individual (e.g., John Doe) or with a specific user class (e.g. management, technicians, visitors) within system implemented bycontroller3816. Different individuals and/or different classes can be assigned various relative weights indicating importance of a specific individual or user class. Accordingly,controller3816 can be configured to determine the optimal actions to be taken with regard to occupant comfort for theroom3800 according to measured comfort levels at the location of themobile sensors3820 of the more highly weighted individuals or user classes. Ultimately,mobile sensors3820 may be configured to carry a priority level which may then be communicated withwireless access point3818 and ultimately impact the control signal sentform controller3816 toHVAC equipment3802, as well as the subsequent activity ofHVAC equipment3802 upon receiving said control signal.
• Referring still toFIG. 38B.,HVAC equipment3802 is shown to be connected toair output3804 andair return3810, according to an exemplary embodiment.Air output3804 is shown to produceairflow3808, which may be adjustable by means ofair output3804, according to the embodiment ofFIG. 38B. Additionally, it should be noted that the positioning ofHVAC equipment3802,air output3804, andair return3810 may vary depending on embodiment, both in relation toroom3800 and each other.Air output3804 may be capable of producing a variety different variations ofairflow3808, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 38B. For example, depending on the control signal sentform controller3816 toHVAC equipment3802,air output3804 may projectairflow3808 in a specific direction or multiple directions throughoutroom3800.Air output3804 may behave in order to satisfy other parameters forroom3800 and/or forHVAC equipment3802, such as operating efficiency levels, noise levels from fan speed, room temperature, and occupant comfort levels, among others.
• Referring now toFIG. 39A-C, three schematic diagrams showing the actuation of airflow with a space in order to maximize occupant comfort are shown, according to some embodiments. With reference toFIG. 39A, an adjustable air output for a room is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 39A includes aroom3900, which includes adoor3906, according to an exemplary embodiment. Depending of the specific embodiment,room3900 as well asdoor3906 may vary in size, shape, and location, as well as other factors.Room3900 is also shown to include anactuator3902, which is connected to anadjustable air output3904, as seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 39A. Additionally,room3900 may include anair return3908. It should be noted that the location ofactuator3902,adjustable air output3904, andair return3908 may vary in size and position, both in relation toroom3900 and in relation to each other.Adjustable air output3904 is shown to produce afirst airflow3912, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 39A.First airflow3912 is shown to be produced from adjustable air output at an oblique angle, and in the instance ofFIG. 39A,adjustable air output3904 is configured to ejectfirst airflow3912 towarddoor3906. For example, ifroom3900 included occupants positioned betweenadjustable air output3904 anddoor3906, it may be preferable foradjustable air output3904 to producefirst airflow3912 so as to directly affect the portion ofroom3900 containing any occupants, and thus adjust the comfort level of the occupants as quickly as possible.
• Referring now toFIG. 39B, adjustable air output is shown to produce an airflow at an orthogonal angle, according to an exemplary embodiment. Depending of the specific embodiment,room3900 as well asdoor3906 may vary in size, shape, and location, as well as other factors.Room3900 is also shown to include anactuator3902, which is connected to anadjustable air output3904, as seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 39A. Additionally,room3900 may include anair return3908. It should be noted that the location ofactuator3902,adjustable air output3904, andair return3908 may vary in size and position, both in relation toroom3900 and in relation to each other.FIG. 39B is shown to includeroom3900, withadjustable air output3904 producing asecond airflow3922 at an angle orthogonal to the wall ofroom3900 on which adjustable air output is positioned, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 39B. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 39B,adjustable air output3904 has been adjusted from the position seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 39A shown to producefirst airflow3912, to the position seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 39B, in whichadjustable air output3904 is shown to producesecond airflow3922. In some instances,second airflow3922 may be preferable tofirst airflow3912, depending on the embodiment as well as other factors. For example, if the priority for occupant comfort ofroom3900 was the central portion of the room,second airflow3922 may be preferable tofirst airflow3912, and can be achieved by the adjustment ofadjustable air output3904 as seen betweenFIG. 39A andFIG. 39B.
• Referring now toFIG. 39C, an adjustable air output is shown to produce an airflow at an oblique angle, according to an exemplary embodiment. Depending of the specific embodiment,room3900 as well asdoor3906 may vary in size, shape, and location, as well as other factors.Room3900 is also shown to include anactuator3902, which is connected to anadjustable air output3904, as seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 39A. Additionally,room3900 may include anair return3908. It should be noted that the location ofactuator3902,adjustable air output3904, andair return3908 may vary in size and position, both in relation toroom3900 and in relation to each other.FIG. 39B is shown to also includeadjustable air output3904, which is shown to produce athird airflow3932, according to an exemplary embodiment.Adjustable air output3904 may produce third airflow at an oblique angle relative to the wall ofroom3900 on whichadjustable air output3904 is positioned, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 39C. In some instances, it may be desirable foradjustable air output3904 to be directed as seen inFIG. 39C, in whichthird airflow3932 is directed away from a central portion ofroom3900. For example, ifroom3900 were to include a window, or a portion of the room that was presented challenges in terms of reaching and/or maintaining occupant comfort, it may be desirable foradjustable air output3904 to directthird airflow3932 toward that direction, as seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 39C.
• Referring toFIGS. 39A-C, it should be noted thatadjustable air output3904 andair return3908, as well asactuator3902 may be part of a system similar to that seen inFIG. 38A-B which includedcontroller3816,HVAC equipment3802,camera3812 and/orwireless access point3818. Actuator3902 ofFIG. 39A-C may also be connected to some or all of the previously mentioned components, depending on embodiment.
• Referring now toFIGS. 40A-C, an adjustable portion of an airway is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.FIGS. 40A-C are shown to include anairway4000, which includesorifices4020, according to one embodiment.Orifices4020 may be coupled to anorifice size actuator4002, depending on embodiment.Orifice size actuator4002 is shown to include anorifice shaft4006, which is shown to be coupled to one ormore orifice adjusters4010, as seen in an exemplary embodiment.Airway4000 is also shown to be connected to anair director actuator4004, which is coupled to adirector shaft4008, according to an exemplary embodiment.Director shaft4008 may be coupled to one ormore director adjusters4012 by the same means, similar means, or different means thanorifice shaft4006 may be connected to orificeadjusters4010.Orifice adjusters4010 are configured to translate withinairway4000 with the translation being driven byorifice size actuator4002 and enabled byorifice shaft4006, according to an exemplary embodiment. Similarly,director adjusters4012 are configured to move adjacent toairway4000, with movement of director adjusters driven byair director actuator4004, which is coupled todirector shaft4008, according to one embodiment.Director adjusters4012 are configured to direct air moving throughairway4000 in order to affect an area, similar toroom3900 ofFIGS. 39A-C, for example. For example,director adjusters4012 may be moved independently, or in conjunction with and corresponding to translation oforifice adjusters4010, according to some embodiments. Thus,orifice adjusters4010 anddirector adjusters4012 may allow for air passing throughairway4000 to be actuated both in terms of volumetric flow rate and ejection angle, according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 40A-C.
• Referring still toFIGS. 40A-C,orifice adjusters4010 are seen to be translatable withinairway4000, according to an exemplary embodiment. When managing airflow, two main factors may be actuated in order to affect occupant comfort for an area, with those two factors being volumetric flow rate, and direction angle of air ejected from the airway. Orifice adjusters allow for the volumetric flow rate to be managed in conjunction withorifice size actuator4002 andorifice shaft4006, according to one embodiment.Orifice adjusters4010 may be configured withinairway4000 so that they may allow, impede, or prevent air from passing throughairway4000, thus managing volumetric flow rate of air withinairway4000. For example.FIG. 40A showsorifice adjusters4010 in a fully open position which may allow maximum volumetric flow rate withinairway4000.FIG. 40B showsorifice adjusters4010 partially closed position, in whichorifice adjusters4010 partially impede the flow of air withinairway4000 thereby allowing for adjustment of volumetric flow rate of air.FIG. 40C showsorifice adjusters4010 in a fully closed position, in whichairway4000 may be blocked from ejecting air fromairway4000.Orifice adjusters4010 can, in some embodiments, ultimately allow for volumetric flow rate withinairway4000 to be actuated. Similarly,director adjusters4012 may allow for another means of airflow management, ejection angle of air withinairway4000 according to an exemplary embodiment.Director adjusters4012 may be configured to rotate about pivot points within a defined range of motion, allowing air withinairway4000 to be ejected at one or more angles. Movement ofdirector adjusters4012, including but not limited to pivoting ofdirector adjusters4012, may correspond to activity ofair director actuator4004 anddirector shaft4008, which may ultimately allow for air to be ejected fromairway4000 at a plurality of angles.
• Referring again toFIGS. 40A-C, it should be noted that the components ofFIGS. 40A-C may be connected and/or coupled to other components, including but not limited to the components ofFIGS. 38A-B andFIGS. 39A-C. For example, in order fororifice size actuator4002 andair director actuator4004 to properly actuate their respective parameters, a signal may drive these components to actuate. Depending on embodiment, such a signal may be sent from a controller, and may be received through a variety of different means. Additionally, in order for actuation oforifices4020 and actuation ofdirector adjusters4012 to occur, a measurement may be taken with said measurement of a given parameter then affected by the components ofFIGS. 40A-C.
• Referring now toFIG. 41, asystem4100 for maximizing occupant comfort is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.System4100 ofFIG. 41 can be used in conjunction with building10 ofFIG. 1, and can further be used to affect and maximize occupant comfort withinbuilding10. In some embodiments,system4100 may be implemented for a single room, multiple rooms, or for a building such as building10 in its entirety. Additionally,system4100 may be configured to function differently and/or implement different components or techniques for different areas. For example, some rooms, areas, or buildings may include different measurement means for collecting environmental data, such as temperature sensors, IR cameras, airflow monitors, and other measurement components.System4100 is shown to include acontroller4102, aprocessing circuit4104, aprocessor4106, and amemory4108, as shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 41. Additionally,controller4102 is shown to include acommunications interface4110, according to some embodiments. Communications interface4110 can be configured to facilitate communication between components ofsystem4100 existing separate fromcontroller4102 and components ofcontroller4102, such as components ofmemory4108. It should be noted that, in some embodiments,system4100 may include additional or alternative components relative to those shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 41.
• System4100 is shown to include anIR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, and athermostat4126, as seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 41. In some embodiments ofsystem4100,IR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, andthermostat4126 may be configured within a single room, area, or building or may also be configured about an area or building. That is to say that, for example, a building such as building10 being controlled bysystem4100 may include multiple areas such as a first area includingIR camera4122 andmobile sensors4124, as well as a second area withmobile sensors4124 andthermostat4126.IR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, andthermostat4126 can all be configured variously about one or more areas in order to collect environmental data for the one or more areas. In some embodiments,IR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, and athermostat4126 can collect environmental data. Generally, environmental data can include data collected that can be analyzed and used to estimate occupant comfort within a given area. For example, environmental data collectedIR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, andthermostat4126 can include temperature data, humidity data, air flow velocity data, skin temperature measurements, as well as other data that can be used to estimate occupant comfort.
• IR camera4122 can be configured to provide spatial estimates for an area, which may include both dimensions of an area as well as population, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,IR camera4122 can be configured with a field of view including an entire room or area, and can further be configured to collect thermal images of said room or area, or of any occupants thereof. Thermal images captured byIR camera4122 may include data indicating spatial location of occupants of a room or area, temperature measurements of various objects within a room, and skin temperatures of said occupants. Temperature measurements collected for various objects within a room may be processed so as to create a “heat map” indicating temperature at each location within said room. Skin temperature data collected from IR images may be analyzed relative to temperature of surrounding air (based on air temperature data collected byIR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, and/or thermostat4126) as an indicator of occupant comfort. Advantageously, images captured byIR camera4122 indicating skin temperature of occupants can be a more accurate measure of occupant comfort, as skin temperature accounts for both external air temperature as well as internal heat generation influenced by metabolic activity with an occupant's body. Additionally,IR camera4122 may be configured to provide real-time measurement of spatial location and temperature of air streams within a given room or area prior to said air streams mixing with air already in the given room or area. In such an embodiment, the images captures byIR camera4122 may indicate hot or cold air supply and proximity to occupants.
• Skin temperature data collected byIR camera4122 can be analyzed in order forcontroller4102 to affect occupant comfort for an area. It should also be noted that skin temperature data collected may be done iteratively, which is to say that skin temperature data may be collected over time at set intervals so as to indicate change over time (e.g., rates). For example, temperature data measured from the surface of an individual's skin can be used to estimate body temperature, as well as other parameters known to impact occupant comfort such as the rate of metabolic heat generation within the body. In some embodiments, an individual may be most comfortable (e.g., occupant comfort is maximized) when the rate of heat transfer out of the body is equal to the rate of metabolic heat generation within the body. Accordingly, an equilibrium or near-equilibrium between the rate of heat transfer out of the body and the rate of metabolic heat generation within the body results in a relatively stable internal temperature, thereby maximizing occupant comfort.
• The rate of heat transfer out of the body can include consideration of data and measurements other than skin temperature. For example, rate of heat transfer out of the body can be a function of several factors including but not limited to skin temperature, air temperature, airflow velocity across the skin, and humidity, all of which can impact heat transfer as defined by thermodynamic laws of convection. For example, increasing airflow velocity across the skin can help dissipate heat at the surface of the skin, thus creating a sensation that can make a person feel cooler. This concept is also applicable to evaporative cooling. In the instance that an occupant has perspired, increasing airflow velocity and/or targeting airflow to the occupant can aid in providing a cooling sensation and facilitate heat transfer out of the body at an increased rate. Ultimately, various environmental data collected can be analyzed in order to determine one or more variables that may be affected in order to maximize occupant comfort.
• Mobile sensors4124 may be similar tomobile sensors3820 as shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 38B. In some embodiments,mobile sensors3820 may be configured on employee badges, computers, tablets, phones, or in static locations about a room or area. For example,mobile sensors4124 may be configured on employee badges and indicate both occupancy of an area (collectively, in conjunction with other mobile sensors4124) and may further be configured to collect temperature measurements in various locations within any room or area. In some embodiments, temperature measurements collected bymobile sensors4124 for a given room or area may be analyzed collectively, with averages (including weighted averages, for example) computed in order to determine temperature in various locations and subsequent occupant comfort.Thermostat4126 may be configured within an area or room such that it may collect temperature measurements for a given area and/or allow one or more users to observe temperature within said area. Additionally,thermostat4126 may be configured to collect data in conjunction withmobile sensors4124 and/orIR camera4122 for a given room or general area.
• System4100 is also shown to include adata compiler4112 in communication withcommunications interface4110, as shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 41. Further toFIG. 41,IR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, andthermostat4126 may be configured to communicate collected environmental data tocommunications interface4110, which may then be communicated todata compiler4112. In some embodiments,communications interface4110 may be configured to translate, reformat, or otherwise process received environmental data prior to communicating said environmental data todata compiler4112. Environmental data such as that compiled bydata compiler4112 can include multiple streams of environmental data, with each stream of environmental data specific to a particular micro-climate location within a building space. In some embodiments, environmental data may include identifying characteristics or tags associated with a location attribute defining the particular micro-climate location to which said environmental data pertains. Accordingly, upon receipt of various streams ofenvironmental data controller4102 may analyze the environmental for each of the micro-climate locations in order to determine proper control action to be taken.Data compiler4112 may be configured to sort or otherwise organize environmental data in various ways, such as by location, collection mechanism (e.g.,IR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, thermostat4126) and/or prioritize said environmental data. For example, if environmental data collected from a specific area is indicative of a temperature substantially above or below temperatures for other locations, the data indicative of the abnormal temperature may be flagged or otherwise prioritized. Additionally,data compiler4112 may be configured to organize data relative to concerns with occupant comfort and energy consumption. For example, data indicative of high occupant comfort (e.g., ideal skin temperature level) may be separated from data indicative of energy usage concerns (e.g. detection of hot air blown into a room that is already warm).
• Data compiler4112 is shown to be in communication with acomfort calculator4114, as shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 41. In some embodiments,data compiler4112 may be configured to communicate compiled environmental data such as that collected byIR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, andthermostat4126 tocomfort calculator4114.Comfort calculator4114 may be configured such that environmental data received fromdata compiler4112 is analyzed to determine current occupant comfort and predict future occupant comfort. Additionally,comfort calculator4114 may compare collected environmental data indicative of occupant comfort to accepted values (e.g. set points) for occupant comfort. If collected environmental data indicative of occupant comfort levels falls outside of acceptable ranges forsystem4100, comfort calculator may perform various calculations and/or other operations in order to determine occupant comfort data that, upon implementation, may restore occupant comfort levels to acceptable values.
• Thecontroller4102 and components thereof such ascomfort calculator4114 may implement various equations in order to determine operations that will be taken in order to affect occupant comfort. Generally, occupant comfort can be quantified using various calculations and estimations based on control variables and the relationship between the control variables and body activity that correspond to the comfort of an individual. For example, one function that may be implemented bycomfort calculator4114 based on the environmental data may have the following form:
• 
  Q=mCΔt
• where Q is the amount of heat released from processes within the body over a change in time Δt, for which the mass m is assumed to be a typical body mass of 70 kg and the specific heat capacity of the human body C is known to be approximately 58 kcal/° C. It should be noted that this equation may be applied for multiple processes within the body, computed iteratively, and may also be summed with results from this equation being applied to other bodily processes. The heat generated within the body is offset by heat loss of the body which, as mentioned previously, can be attributed to various sources including, for example, convection. Heat loss of the body due to convection may be attributed to a slight breeze, such as may be provided the systems as shown and described previously. In order to estimate heat loss of the body due to convection,comfort calculator4114 may implement an equation having the following form:
• 
  ΔQ=KA(Ts−Ta)
• where ΔQ is the change in heat of the body over a given time (in this instance, heat lost), K is a convection factor dependent upon a wind speed for the area (which may be generated by one or more HVAC systems, for example), A is uncovered body area of a user (which may be estimated or assumed based on common attire, or according to user/operator preferences), Ts is the temperature of the skin and Ta is the temperature of the outer environment (e.g., a room or building space).
• System4100 and components thereof such ascomfort calculator4114 may also implement other equations in various calculations performed. For example,comfort calculator4114 may implement a general equation accounting for heat generated by the body, such as that by body processes, as well as heat lost from the body, such as that lost through convective processes. One such equation incorporating the previous factors that may be implemented bycomfort calculator4114 may have the following form:
• 
  ΔQ=Qgen−Qout
• where Qgen includes all heat generated within the body by various body processes which may include metabolic activity as well as possible light physical activity of an individual, and Qout includes all heat lost by the body which may include convective cooling, for example. Ultimately, ΔQ is found to be the net heat generated or lost by the body as a result of body activity and environmental factors. Accordingly,comfort calculator4114 can be configured to estimate ΔQ and subsequently adjustsystem4100 so as to affect the comfort of one or more individuals within an area based on an estimated or calculates ΔQ for one or more of said individuals.
• System4100 is also shown to include anenergy usage calculator4116, according to an exemplary embodiment.Energy usage calculator4116 is shown to be in communication withdata compiler4112, and similar tocomfort calculator4114, may receive environmental data initially collected byIR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, andthermostat4126. Environmental data received byenergy usage calculator4116 may be processed and otherwise analyzed.System4100 can have various control variables thatcontroller4102 may be configured to affect such as fan speed, air temperature, orifice size, damper blade position, and other possible control variables.Controller4102 is also shown to include acontrol variable optimizer4117, which can be configured to perform optimization operations based on the control variables according to various user and/or operator preferences. For example, controlvariable optimizer4117 may run optimization operations in order to determine and implement the most energy (and accordingly, cost) efficient means of achieving a level of occupant comfort by affecting one or more of the control variables. Further to the previous example, this may involve increasing fan speed in order to achieve a cooling effect and thus increase occupant comfort over time, which may be more energy efficient that implementing a chiller to affect air temperature within an area. Conversely, controlvariable optimizer4117 may also be configured to perform optimization operations in order to determine the fastest means to achieving a level of occupant comfort. Contrary to the previous example, in order to achieve the desired level of occupant comfort as quickly as possiblecontrol variable optimizer4117 may prioritize occupant comfort over energy use (and cost), and implement a chiller to affect air temperature for a space rather than implementing a fan. It should be noted thatcontrol variable optimizer4117 may perform optimization operations that identify one or more control variables to be affected by one or more HVAC systems of components thereof to achieve a desired level of occupant comfort. Generally, controlvariable optimizer4117 can be configured to analyze energy usage and cost in determining control variables (and corresponding equipment/components) to be affected in order to improve occupant comfort. This analysis may involve determining cost of energy usage in order to achieve desired conditions for a given room or area over a given time period.
• In some embodiments,comfort calculator4114 and energy usage calculator may be configured to implement various equations and/or functions in order to determine occupant comfort as well as energy usage and corresponding cost. Additionally, data from bothcomfort calculator4114 andenergy usage calculator4116 can be communicated to controlvariable optimizer4117, which can then accordingly incorporate both comfort and energy cost/usage considerations in various optimization processes as described previously. Some comfort calculations performed by bothcomfort calculator4114 andenergy usage calculator4116 may be for a specified optimization period having one or more steps, or for multiple optimization periods.Control variable optimizer4117 can then be configured to perform various optimization functions according to energy usage and occupant comfort data. With regard to occupant comfort, for example, skin temperatures of occupants and airflow patterns indicated in IR images captured byIR camera4122 may be incorporated into an equation as well as temperature, occupant location, and identity data collected bymobile sensors4124. Conversely, with regard to energy usage, airflow velocities and pressures required by equipment as well as corresponding cost considerations may be incorporated. Bothcomfort calculator4114 andenergy usage calculator4116 can be configured to weight comfort and/or energy usage and corresponding cost in various calculations performed. For example one function that may be implemented bycontrol variable optimizer4117 based on data received fromcomfort calculator4114 and/or inenergy usage calculator4116 may have the following form:
• $J\left(x\right)=\sum _{k=1}^h{\left(\mathrm{Quantified}\mathrm{Comfort}\right)}_k-\sum _{k=1}^h{\left(\mathrm{Quantified}\mathrm{energy}\mathrm{usage}\right)}_k$
• where the index k denotes a time step in the optimization period and h is the total number of time steps in the optimization period. Quantified comfort may, for example, be quantified in terms of time or energy required to change and/or sustain a certain comfort level. Quantified energy usage may correspond to energy required to operate fans, heating/cooling equipment, and other possible components and may also be presented in terms of cost. As shown and described previously, occupant comfort may be estimated and/or calculated based on heat generated and heat lost by the bodies of one or more users within the space. For example, heat generated may be due to various metabolic processes within the body, while heat lost may be due to convective cooling as a function of air movement within a space. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, quantified comfort or quantified energy usage may be weighted according to preferences of a user and/or operator so as to prioritize the optimization of either comfort or energy usage and corresponding cost. For example, a weight parameter may be applied to (i.e., multiplied by) the quantified comfort term, the quantified energy use term, or both, in order to assign greater or lesser importance to occupant comfort or energy use.
• Occupant comfort data and energy usage data are shown to be communicated fromcomfort calculator4114 andenergy usage calculator4116, respectively, to controlvariable optimizer4117 as shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 41. Occupant comfort data and energy usage data can be weighted according to a variety of factors. In some embodiments, both occupant comfort data and energy usage data can be functions of one or more control variables that may be affected in order to improve occupant comfort within and area.Control variable optimizer4117 is configured to receive the occupant comfort data and the energy usage data and, based on one or more user preferences and/or weights applied to either occupant comfort or energy usage, determine the optimal values of the control variables in order to improve occupant comfort for a given area. Additionally, controlvariable optimizer4117 may be configured to segment a given area into one or more microclimates based on occupant comfort data and energy usage data received. For one or more microclimates within a given area, occupant comfort can be calculated for each microclimate and summed together in order to determine an aggregate occupant comfort value for a given area. Depending on the contents of various microclimates, one or more microclimates may be weighted based on occupation of the microclimate, for example, or importance of a specific individual in a given location. That is to say that occupant comfort may be prioritized (e.g., weighted) for specific areas (including microclimates within a given area), high-profile individuals, times of day/week/year, and energy usage data may be similarly weighted depending on circumstance and user/operator preferences. In some embodiments, occupant comfort data can include desired occupant comfort levels, for example desired average occupant skin temperatures as measured byIR camera4122. Energy usage data communicated toenvironmental variable calculator4118 may include desired energy usage levels, for example with regard to costs of operation calculated byenergy usage calculator4116. Based on received occupant comfort data and energy usage data,environmental variable calculator4118 can be configured to calculate variables to be affected in order to satisfy said occupant comfort data and energy usage data. For example,environmental variable calculator4118 can be configured to determine various control variable that can be affected in order to achieve the desired comfort and energy usage data. In some embodiments,environmental variable calculator4118 may perform operations to determine combinations of one or more of fan speed, heating/cooling activity, air pressure, air direction via deflector angle, and orifice size as well as other possible control variables in order to satisfy comfort and energy usage data.
• In determining which control variable(s) are to be affected, both comfort and energy usage and corresponding cost are to be considered. For example, in the event that high-profile individual has a measured skin temperature outside of an accepted range, controlvariable optimizer4117 may be configured to disregard energy usage and corresponding cost in order to restore occupant comfort as fast as possible by affecting one or more of the aforementioned control variables. This may be implemented by applying a larger weight to the occupant comfort relative to the energy usage (and cost) for a particular microclimate in which the high-profile individual is located. Ultimately, this would result in the specific microclimate in which the high profile individual is located being prioritized over other microclimates within the given area.
• System4100 is shown to include anequipment controller4120 which is configured to receive control signals generated and communicated byenvironmental variable calculator4118.Equipment controller4120 may be in communication with various equipment that operates as a part of or in conjunction withsystem4100, and may further be configured to generate control signals capable of affecting various equipment to achieve desired outcomes. For example, with reference to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 41, equipment controller is shown to receive data fromenvironmental variable calculator4118. In some embodiments, data received fromenvironmental variable calculator4118 may include determinations made by environmental variable calculator for various control variables to be affected in order to satisfy specific parameters for occupant comfort and energy consumption/cost. Based on said determinations,equipment controller4120 can be configured to generate corresponding control signals in order to affect behavior of various equipment thus affecting the various control variables through operations of different equipment.Equipment controller4120 is shown to communicate said control signals to affect control equipment tocommunications interface4110, where control signals may be translated and/or otherwise processed prior to transmittal to destination control equipment.
• Communications interface4110 is shown to communicate control signals received fromequipment controller4120 toactuators4128 andHVAC equipment4130, as shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 41. In some embodiments,actuators4128 andHVAC equipment4130 may be the same as and/or similar toactuator3902 ofFIGS. 39A-C(and/oractuators4002 and4004 ofFIGS. 40A-C) andHVAC equipment3802 as shown in FIGS.38A-B, respectfully. Control signals received byactuators4128 andHVAC equipment4130 may be configured to affect bothactuators4128 and HVAC equipment in a variety of ways in order to satisfy comfort and/or energy usage/cost parameters. For example, with regard toactuators4128, control signals may be transmitted thereto in order to affect orifice size (and subsequently air pressure and/or air velocity), air ejection angle, ejector oscillation, and other possible variables controlled through actuation ofactuators4128. With regard toHVAC equipment4130, control signals may be configured to increase or decrease cooling or heating, adjust fan speed and also adjust other features ofHVAC equipment4130 that can affect control variables as described previously.
• Referring now toFIG. 42, aprocess4200 for measuring and actuating occupant comfort is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.Process4200 can be performed bysystem4100 as shown inFIG. 41, for example, which may be used to control a room, area, or the entirety of building10 as shown inFIG. 1.Process4200 may be performed as shown inFIG. 42, or may also be performed alternatively. For example, in some embodiments,process4200 may be performed with some steps shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 42 skipped, repeated, or completed in parallel (e.g., concurrently). It should also be noted that the steps ofprocess4200 as well asprocess4200 as a whole may be completed by some or all of the components ofsystem4100 as shown inFIG. 41, or may be completed by other systems and/or components which may include but is not limited to other components shown and described previously such as, for example, those ofFIGS. 39A-C andFIGS. 40A-C.
• Process4200 is shown to include collecting environmental data from measurement devices (step4202), according to an exemplary embodiment.Step4202 may be performed by the various measurement devices shown inFIG. 41 such asIR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, andthermostat4126, as well as other possible measurement devices including those shown and described previously.Step4202 can include any collection of environmental data which may include skin temperature measurements, occupancy or spot temperature data, and/or general temperature data as collected byIR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, andthermostat4126, respectively. Data collected instep4202 may be collected in a variety of formats and may be subsequently stored and transmitted using various methods. Collected data may be communicated by wired or wireless means, and may also be stored and/or communicated using cloud technologies as well as other possible technologies.
• Process4200 is shown to include compiling environmental data collected from measurement devices (step4204), according to an exemplary embodiment.Step4204 can, in some embodiments, be executed bydata compiler4112 ofsystem4100 as shown inFIG. 41. In some embodiments, environmental data compiled bydata compiler4112 may be compiled in various formats. For example,data compiler4112 may be configured to compiler environmental locally, such as on a local hard drive, or may also be configured to compile environmental data using cloud storage methods such that the compiled data may be accessible from remote locations. Additionally, data compiled bydata compiler4112 may also be formatted and or organized.Data compiler4112 may be configured to organize data according to source, data type, or other parameters that may be implemented by a user and/or operator. Organization of environmental data bydata compiler4112 may also be done in order to facilitate analysis of said data by other components involved inprocess4200, for example those ofsystem4100 as shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 41.
• Process4200 is shown to include calculating desired comfort and energy usage values based on collected environmental data (step4206), according to an exemplary embodiment.Step4206 can, in some embodiments, be performed by one or both ofcomfort calculator4114 and/orenergy usage calculator4116 as shown inFIG. 41. With respect to step4206, comfort values and/or parameters may be calculated bycomfort calculator4114 based on environmental data received from and compiled bydata compiler4112. Energy usage values and/or parameters may be determined byenergy usage calculator4116 based on environmental data received from and compiled bydata compiler4112. It should also be noted that comfort values and energy usage values may be determined in parallel, with comfort values depending on energy usage values and/or energy usage values dependent on comfort values, according to some embodiments.
• Process4200 is shown to include communicating occupant comfort data and energy usage data to a control variable optimizer (step4208), according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, occupant comfort data may be weighted relative to energy usage data. For example, if environmental data initially collected instep4202 indicates that high-profile personnel may be within a given area, comfort may be prioritized over cost, which is to say that a system such assystem4100 ofFIG. 41 may be configured to achieve desired comfort levels as quickly as possible regardless of energy usage and/or cost. Conversely, in the instance that energy usage/cost may be weighted, systems such assystem4100 ofFIG. 41 may be configured to achieve desired comfort levels through the most energy and/or cost effective avenue. Weighted and prioritized features which may be implemented instep4208 can be configured according to user and/or operator preferences.
• Process4200 is shown to include determining optimal control variables to be affected based on occupant comfort and energy usage data (step4210), according to an exemplary embodiment.Step4210 may be executed bycontrol variable optimizer4117 as shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 41, according to some embodiments. Control variables calculated instep4210 may consider received comfort and energy usage data ofstep4208, which is to say that control variables may be calculated according to weighted or prioritized functions such as occupant comfort or energy usage. Control variables may include various control variables such as air velocity, air ejection angle, fan speed, cooling/heating activity, orifice size, as well as other possible control variables.Step4210 may also vary according to system, for example in the instance ofsystem4100 ofFIG. 41 control variables may be calculated relative to environmental data collected byIR camera4122,mobile sensors4124, andthermostat4126. That is to say that, in some embodiments, control variables may only be calculated relative to environmental data collected so as to affect conditions indicated by the collected environmental data.
• Process4200 is shown to include communicating optimized control variables to an environmental variable calculator (step4212), according to an exemplary embodiment.Step4212 may include communicating optimization data ofstep4210 to an environmental variable calculator through wired and/or wireless means. In some embodiments, calculated optimization data communicated to the environmental variable calculator, which may be the same as and/or similar toenvironmental variable calculator4118 ofsystem4100 as shown inFIG. 41, may be done via a cloud connection. Additionally, optimization data communicated to the environmental variable calculator may be relative to other components of a system, such assystem4100 ofFIG. 41. That is to say that optimization data ofstep4212 can be specific to available equipment, for example providing data relating to actuation of an ejector of an air vent only in the event that the equipment controller is configured to operate said equipment.
• Process4200 is shown to include communicating environmental preferences to an equipment controller (step4214), according to an exemplary embodiment. Environmental preferences ofstep4214 may be generated according to optimization data ofstep4212, according to some embodiments. For example, environmental preferences may include increased air speed for an area based on received optimization data indicating that air speed is a control variable to be affected in order to ultimately affect occupant comfort for an area. Environmental preferences ofstep4214 may include specifics relating to the adjusted air speed such as direction, duration, as well as other possible variations of one or more control variables to be affected.
• Process4200 is shown to include determining control actions and communicating control signals to necessary equipment (step4216), according to an exemplary embodiment.Step4216 may be executed in part or in whole byequipment controller4120 as shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 41.Step4216 includes, in some embodiments, translating received environmental preferences into control signals to be sent to various control equipment in order to initiate various operations (e.g., affecting one or more control variables) to affect occupant comfort within an area. Additionally, once control actions are determined such actions may be formatted specific to data formats that correspond to various control equipment to be implemented in order to affect various environmental variables.Step4216 can include an equipment controller communicating control signals to actuators and HVAC equipment such asactuators4128 andHVAC equipment4130 also shown inFIG. 41. In some embodiments, control signals may be communicated to actuators and HVAC equipment via a communications interface, such as communications interface4110 ofFIG. 41.Step4216 may also include the communications interface formatting and transmitting control signals into a format compatible with various control equipment.
• Process4200 is shown to include affecting actuators and HVAC equipment according to received control signals (step4218), according to an exemplary embodiment. Step4218 can include affecting actuators and/or HVAC equipment in various ways in order to maximize occupant comfort in a given space while also considering energy usage and cost, depending on user preferences. Examples of the implementation and affecting of control variables in step4218 may include actuators having ejection angle adjusted or oscillated, or orifice size being adjusted in order to adjust air pressure and/or volumetric airflow rate. Additionally, HVAC equipment may be actuated in order to adjust fan speed, initiate or alter heating or cooling activity, and/or otherwise adjust air temperature or air speed as air is processed by various HVAC equipment. Accordingly, a given room, area, or building may have air directed at various angles, speeds, flow rates, and temperatures in order to affect occupant comfort such that it returns to or is maintained within an acceptable range as indicated by environmental data such as that collected instep4202 ofprocess4200.
• Building Control System with Integrated Temperature and Infection Level Management
• Referring generally toFIGS. 43A-69B, systems and methods for managing temperature and infection levels in a building are shown, according to some embodiments.FIGS. 43A-69B can describe how aspects ofFIGS. 5-42 can be combined for a system that can perform functionality of both an HVAC system and a disinfection system. It should be appreciated that various components of the systems described throughoutFIGS. 43A-69B can be used independently and/or in conjunction with one another to provide additional functionality to a BMS. It should also be appreciated that while certain components discussed below with reference toFIGS. 43A-69B (e.g., a comfort controller, a model generator, etc.) can be included in a larger component that can perform the respective functionality of each component described below. For example, various sensors described below with reference toFIGS. 43A-69B can be included in a sensor package that includes multiple sensors. Likewise, components with the same names discussed below with reference toFIGS. 43A-69B may indicate components with similar and/or the same functionality. In this way, descriptions of some components can be applied acrossFIGS. 43A-69B. For example, an air handling unit (AHU) described in one FIGURE may include some and/or all the functionality of an AHU described in a separate FIGURE. In some embodiments, however, some and/or all FIGURES are considered independent from one another.
• As described throughoutFIGS. 43A-69B, various components are shown to exchange information between one another. The components can communicate via a variety of wired and/or wireless communication channels. For example, the components may communicate sensor measurements over WiFi, an Ethernet connection, a cellular communication, etc. As such, it should be appreciated that each component can include any communication devices that are necessary to exchange information. Likewise, a space as described below can refer to any area of a building in which environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, contamination level, humidity, etc.) can be managed. For example, a space can be a zone of the building, a room, a hallway, the building itself, etc.
• Referring now toFIG. 43A, a system for determining where disinfection is needed in a space based on a heat map is shown, according to some embodiments. InFIG. 43A, temperature sensors are shown to provide sensor measurements to a heat map generator. The temperature sensors can be placed at various locations in the space and can include a variety of sensors. For example, a temperature sensor may be installed in a thermostat on a wall of the space, another temperature sensor may be placed on a table in the space, a temperature sensor can be installed in a mobile device carried by a user in the space, etc. The temperature measurements can indicate a specific temperature at a particular point in the space. Based on each temperature measurement, the heat map generator can generate a heat map that can be used to determine how temperature varies across the space. In general, the heat map can be more accurately determined as more temperature sensors are placed throughout the space. In particular, the heat map generator can indicate hot and cold spots in the space.
• Based on the heat map, the heat map generator can identify a location with a high temperature in comparison to other points in the space. In some embodiments, high temperature locations are associated with areas in the space that are more likely to include higher concentrations of bacteria and other contaminants. For example, if a person sits in a chair and then steps up, residual heat from the person may linger near the chair for an amount of time. As people can be carriers of germs, the location where the person sat can be identified for disinfection. As such, the heat map generator can generate control signals to operate an air handling unit (AHU) to disinfect the location. Based on the control signals, the AHU perform a disinfection method to disinfect the location. The AHU is shown to receive a disinfectant from a disinfectant supply. The disinfectant can be any various disinfectant that can be distributed by the AHU such as, for example, an aerosol spray. In some embodiments, the disinfectant supply is not included if the AHU uses an alternative disinfection method such as shining UV light at the location. In any case, the AHU can operate based on the control signals to target the location specifically for disinfection. In some embodiments, a different device other than the AHU is operated to disinfect the location. However, the AHU is shown for ease of explanation.
• Referring now toFIG. 43B a process for operating an AHU in order to disinfect a location is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the process described inFIG. 43B is performed by components described above with reference toFIG. 43A. The process is shown to include measuring temperature in a space. The temperature can be measured by various temperature sensors placed around the space such as the temperature sensors described with reference toFIG. 43A.
• The process is also shown to include generating a heat map based on the temperature measurements. The heat map can indicate a temperature distribution around the space.
• The process is also shown to include identifying a location in the space with a high temperature as indicated by the heat map. For example, if the heat map indicates cold locations by a blue color and hot locations by a red color, the location can be identified by a red location. In some embodiments, multiple locations are identified in this step of the process.
• The process is also shown to include operating an AHU in order to disinfect the location. Based on the location identified, control signals can be generated and provided to the AHU to operate to disinfect the location. The disinfection can include, for example, shining UV light at the location, releasing a spray directed at the location, etc.
• Referring now toFIG. 44A, a system for determining where disinfection is needed in a space based on a three-dimensional heat map is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,FIG. 44A is similar to and/or the same asFIG. 43A. As shown inFIG. 44A, temperature sensors can provide sensor measurements to a 3D heat map generator. The sensor measurements, can include both temperature measurements and a three-dimensional position (e.g., x, y, and z coordinates) of where each measurement is taken. In this way, the 3D heat map generator can generate a three-dimensional heat map that can identify hot and cold spots. Based on the three-dimensional heat map, control signals can be generated to disinfect hot areas on the space. In some embodiments, a disinfection method is determined dependent on what vertical location a hot spot is determined to be at. For example, it may be more effective to shine disinfecting UV light at the ground of the space whereas it may be more effective to release a disinfectant spray towards the ceiling if the AHU is mounted on the ceiling. As such, the three-dimensional heat map can be used by the 3D heat map generator to determine particular control decisions based on where in the space a hot spot is determined to be based on the heat map.
• Referring now toFIG. 44B, a process for disinfecting a location determined based on a three-dimensional heat map is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the process described inFIG. 44B is similar to and/or the same as the process described with reference toFIG. 43B. In some embodiments, steps of the process described inFIG. 44B can be performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 44A.
• The process is shown to include measuring a temperature in a space. The temperature can be measured by various temperature sensors (e.g., in a thermostat, in a wearable device, in a drone, etc.) around the space. Each temperature measurement taken can be associated with a three-dimensional point in the space. As such, it can be advantageous to have temperature sensors both at various horizontal positions around the space and at various vertical positions around the space.
• The process is also shown to include generating a three-dimensional heat map based on the temperature measurements. Each temperature measurement taken by the temperature sensors can be used to identify a temperature at some three-dimensional point in the space. Based on each temperature measurement, the three-dimensional heat map can be generated to illustrate how temperatures vary around the space.
• The process is also shown to include identifying a location in the space with a high temperature as indicated by the three-dimensional heat map. High temperature locations can indicate locations that are more likely to require disinfection. For example, a high temperature location may be due to a person being nearby, a window being open in summer letting in outdoor bacteria, a location where germs are more likely to reproduce, etc. In some embodiments, the location is identified based on the location exceeding a threshold temperature (e.g., 76° F., 82° F., etc.). The threshold temperature can be some predetermined value that is expected to indicate a location requiring disinfection. In some embodiments, multiple locations are identified such that each of the multiple locations exceeds the threshold temperature.
• The process is also shown to include operating an AHU in order to disinfect the location. By operating the AHU, the location (or locations) can be disinfected to reduce an infection level of the space. In some embodiments, a different disinfection device other than an AHU is operated.
• Referring now toFIG. 45A, a system that provides airflow to locations based on a presence detection of occupants is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include presence sensors that can detect a presence of occupants within a space. The presence sensors can include, for example, motion detectors, visible light and/or infrared cameras, audio sensors, etc. The presence sensors can monitor the space until an occupant is detected to be in the space. Based on the detection, the presence sensors can provide a presence detection to comfort controller. In some embodiments, the presence detection indicates a number of occupants estimated to be in the space. In some embodiments, the presence detection includes a location where the occupant(s) is detected to be.
• The comfort controller is also shown to receive environmental condition measurements from environmental condition sensors. The environmental condition measurements can include various measurements of environmental conditions such as, for example, temperature measurements, humidity measurements, air quality measurements, lighting measurements, etc. Based on the presence detection and the environmental condition measurements, the comfort controller can determine if additional airflow is needed to be provided in the space. The comfort controller can identify if certain environmental conditions are not comfortable for occupants and estimate how environmental conditions may change due to the occupants. For example, thee comfort controller can anticipate an infection level of the space to increase due to the occupants and as such may determine the airflow should include additional disinfectant spray. Alternatively, if the temperature in the space is too high to be comfortable, the comfort controller can determine additional cooling should be provided. Advantageously, the airflow can be determined such that the airflow provides additional heating/cooling, humidity/dehumidification, disinfection, and/or other environmental condition changes to the space. Based on what and where environmental conditions are determined to require adjustment, the comfort controller can generate control signals and operate an AHU based on said control signals. In this way, the comfort controller can direct airflow that provides heating/cooling, humidification/dehumidification, disinfection, etc. to specific locations in the space based on where occupants are detected to be. In some embodiments, if disinfection is needed, the AHU may shine UV light or perform another disinfection method rather than adjusting airflow.
• Referring now toFIG. 45B, a process for providing airflow to locations based on a presence detection of occupants is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 45A. The process is shown to include detecting a presence of occupants in a space and measuring environmental conditions in the space.
• The process is also shown to include determining a location to provide additional airflow based on the presence detection and the measured environmental conditions. The presence detection may indicate that additional germs and heat may affect the space due to the occupants. Likewise, the measured environmental conditions can be used to determine if conditions are currently comfortable for the occupants. As such, locations that may require disinfection and/or adjustment of other environmental conditions can be determined.
• The process is also shown to include operating an AHU in order to provide airflow to the location. In some embodiments, if disinfection is determined to be needed, the AHU (or other device) can perform a separate disinfection method other than providing airflow to the location.
• Referring now toFIG. 46A, a system that can alternate between occupant friendly and non-occupant friendly disinfection methods based on a presence detection is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include a comfort controller that can operate a disinfection system to disinfect a space. The disinfection system can include various devices that can be operated to disinfect the space. For example, the disinfection system can include disinfectant UV lights, AHUs that can spray disinfect in the space, a gas release system that releases disinfecting chemicals, etc. Prior to receiving a presence detection from presence sensors in the space, the comfort controller can operate the disinfection system to perform a non-occupant friendly disinfection method. For example, spraying poisonous gas that kills bacteria may be effective for disinfecting the space but may cause serious medical complications and/or death for occupants. If a presence detection is received, the comfort controller can transition to an occupant friendly disinfection method that is safe for occupants. For example, the comfort controller may operate the disinfection system to shine UV light at locations as to not harm occupants. In this way, disinfection can be maximized without harming occupants.
• In some embodiments, the space is locked during a non-occupant friendly disinfection process of the space. In this case, the presence detection may be a request to access the space (e.g., by an occupant scanning a badge to access the space, pressing a doorbell, etc.). Based on the presence detection, the comfort controller can disable the non-occupant friendly disinfection process and subsequently unlock the space for access by occupants. In some embodiments, the comfort controller switches between disinfecting air currently in the space which may be non-occupant friendly, to disinfecting air in an air duct which may be occupant friendly based on the presence detection.
• Referring now toFIG. 46B, a process for transitioning operation of a disinfection system between non-occupant friendly and occupant friendly disinfection methods based on a presence detection of occupants is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 46A. The process is shown to include operating a disinfection system to perform a non-occupant friendly disinfection method to disinfect the space. The non-occupant friendly disinfection method may include any disinfection method that occupants may find uncomfortable, dangerous, etc. However, non-occupant friendly disinfection methods may be provide additional disinfection and can thereby be advantageous to perform if occupants are not present.
• The process is also shown to include receiving an indication that occupants are present in the space. The process is also shown to include transitioning operation of the disinfection system to an occupant friendly disinfection method based on the presence detection. Based on the presence detection, it can be determined that performing the non-occupant friendly disinfection method is no longer viable and therefore should be disabled. By transitioning to between disinfection methods, disinfection of the space can be maximized without jeopardizing comfort and/or safety occupants.
• Referring now toFIG. 47A, a system for pre-treating a space based on expected occupancy in the space is shown, according to some embodiments. Pre-treating the space can include various operations that ensure the space is comfortable for occupants before the occupants are in the space. For example, pre-treating can include pre-heating/pre-cooling the space and/or pre-disinfecting the space before occupants arrive.
• The system is shown to include an occupancy scheduler. The occupancy scheduler can include various systems that can be used to schedule a space to be occupied. For example, the occupancy schedule may be an online calendar that occupants can access to reserve the space (e.g., for a meeting). The occupancy scheduler is shown to provide an occupancy schedule to a comfort controller. The occupancy schedule can indicate various times when the space is expected to be occupied and/or vacant.
• Based on the occupancy schedule, the comfort controller can generate a pre-treating operation to be performed by an HVAC and disinfection system to pre-treat the space. The HVAC and disinfection system can include various building devices that can disinfect the space and/or affect environmental conditions of the space. For example, the HVAC and disinfection system may include a disinfectant distribution system, a heater, a humidifier, UV lights, a chiller, an AHU/economizer, etc. Based on the occupancy schedule, the comfort controller can determine how to operate devices of the HVAC and disinfection system to ensure some and/or all environmental conditions are comfortable prior to occupants arriving at the space. In some embodiments, the comfort controller also monitors the space with presence detectors to determine if any unexpected occupants enter the space (i.e., occupants are present at times not indicated by the occupancy schedule). If unexpected occupants are present, the comfort controller can operate the HVAC and disinfection system to provide immediate changes in disinfection levels and/or other environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the occupancy schedule indicates a number of expected occupants which can be utilized by the comfort controller to refine the pre-treating operation such that the space is ready for changes due to the number of occupants (e.g., due to a heat disturbance or germs of the occupants).
• In some embodiments, comfort controller determines a rate at which to change various conditions in the space to be included in the pre-treating operation. Rapidly changing environmental conditions can be less cost efficient and/or may result in quicker degradation of equipment. As such, it can be beneficial to determine how to gradually change conditions prior to the time period when occupants are expected to be present. In some embodiments, the rate is determined by performing an optimization of an objective function that includes costs of operating devices of the HVAC and disinfection system over an optimization period. The optimization can be constrained by certain constraints that indicate certain conditions in the space (e.g., a particular temperature, a certain infection level, etc.) should be at a particular value prior to the time period when occupants are expected to be present beginning. In this way, the comfort controller can optimize (e.g., reduce) costs while maintaining occupant comfort in the space when occupants are present.
• Referring now toFIG. 47B, a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system to pre-treat a space is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 47A. The process is shown to include receiving an occupancy schedule for a space from an occupancy scheduler. The occupancy schedule can indicate various information such as when the space is expected to be occupied, how many people are expected to occupy the space, etc.
• The process is shown to include determining a time period when the space is expected to be vacant based on the occupancy schedule. For example, the occupancy schedule may indicate that the space is to be occupied from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a next Monday.
• The process is also shown to include generating a pre-treating operation to be performed by an HVAC and disinfection system during the time period. Based on the time period determined, the pre-treating operation can be generated such that the space is comfortable for occupants prior to their arrival. As such, the pre-treating operation can include directions to affect a disinfection level and/or other environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity prior to the occupants arriving.
• The process is shown to include operating the HVAC and disinfection system based on the pre-treating operation. In some embodiments, the pre-treating operation indicates specific devices of the HVAC and disinfection system to operate to affect conditions in the space. Alternatively, the pre-treating operation can indicate setpoints for the HVAC and disinfection system to achieve prior to occupants arriving (e.g., 72° F., 50% humidity, etc.).
• Referring now toFIG. 48A, a system for optimizing disinfection cycles based on air quality measurements and an occupancy schedule is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include a comfort controller that receives air quality measurements from air quality sensors and an occupancy scheduler from an occupancy scheduler. The air quality sensors can be placed throughout a space to measure an air quality in the space. The air quality can be determined based on various measurements of contaminants in the air such as, for example, carbon dioxide, particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), PM10, and/or other contaminants. Based on the determined air quality and the occupancy schedule, the comfort controller can determine how to optimize full and partial disinfection cycles and what a disinfection method to use over time. In some embodiments, a full disinfection cycle can refer to a complete disinfection process that performs at maximum or near-maximum output whereas a partial disinfection cycle can refer to a limited disinfection process that may not span a same time length, operate at a same performance, etc. as a full cycle. To optimize the disinfection cycles and method of disinfection, the comfort controller can determine when occupants are expected to be present in the space and perform disinfection cycles that are optimal for reducing a disinfection level and maintaining occupant comfort. In some embodiments, results of the optimization is integrated with a pre-treating operation similar to and/or the same as the pre-treating operation described with reference toFIGS. 47A-B.
• Referring now toFIG. 48B, a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on optimized disinfection cycles and disinfection methods is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system as described with reference toFIG. 48A. The process is shown to include receiving an occupancy schedule for a space from an occupancy scheduler and air quality measurements from air quality sensors.
• The process is also shown to include optimizing full and partial disinfection cycles and a disinfection method used based on the occupancy schedule and the air quality measurements. Depending on a current air quality and a next time occupants are expected to be in the space, an amount of disinfection that can be achieved in the meantime can be estimated. Based on said estimation, disinfection cycles and what disinfection method(s) is used can be optimized to provide maximum disinfection at a lowest cost.
• The process is also shown to include operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on the optimization. By operating the HVAC and disinfection system based on the optimization, the space can be disinfected prior to the occupants arriving at the space as much as possible by ensuring the disinfection cycles and method of disinfection achieves a greatest disinfection in the time prior to the occupants arriving.
• Referring now toFIG. 49A, a system for operating an AHU to recirculate air and/or introduce new outdoor air to a space based on current air quality is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include a comfort controller that receives air quality measurements from air quality sensors. The air quality sensors can be located in various locations such as, for example, within the space, inside an air duct, attached to the outside of a building, and/or at other locations. Particularly, the air quality sensors can determine an air quality of both indoor air within the space and outdoor air. In some embodiments, outdoor air quality is provided by an external service such as a weather service.
• Based on the air quality of the indoor and outdoor air, the comfort controller can determine whether recirculating indoor air in the space and/or introducing outdoor air can achieve desired changes in conditions within the space. For example, if the comfort controller determines the space should be cooled, introducing outdoor air via an AHU may provide sufficient cooling and reduce an overall cost as cooling indoor air may require operation of additional building devices (e.g., an air conditioner). However, outdoor air may include additional contaminants that can increase an infection level in the space. As such, the comfort controller can utilize the air quality measurements to estimate an amount the infection level may increase due to introducing outdoor air. If the amount is high, it may be more cost effective to cool and recirculate air as opposed to disinfecting outdoor air. However, if the outdoor air is relatively clean, the outdoor air can be introduced to cool the space. In some embodiments, the comfort controller determines an amount of outdoor air to introduce while still recirculating the indoor air. In this case, the comfort controller may determine a ratio between indoor air and outdoor air to maintain in the space (e.g., 50% indoor and 50% outdoor, 70% indoor and 30% outdoor, etc.). It should be appreciated that, while the AHU is shown to be operated, any building device/system that can recirculate indoor air and introduce outdoor air can perform said operation.
• Referring now toFIG. 49B, a process for operating an AHU to recirculate indoor air and/or introduce outdoor air based on indoor and outdoor air quality is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 49A. The process is shown to include receiving air quality measurements from air quality sensors. The air quality measurements can include measurements regarding both indoor air being circulated in a space and outdoor air from an outdoor environment.
• The process is also shown to include determining whether to recirculate indoor air in a space and/or to introduce outdoor air to the space based on the air quality measurements. If the air quality measurements indicate the outdoor air is highly contaminated, it may be more cost effective and/or more comfortable for occupants to recirculate indoor air to affect environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) of the space. However, if the outdoor air is clean, introducing the outdoor air may satisfy desired changes in environmental conditions without significant reduction air quality of the space.
• The process is also shown to include operating an AHU based on the determination. The determination can indicate an amount of air to recirculate in the space as well as an amount of outdoor air to introduce. As such, the AHU can operate to fulfil said indications in order to affect environmental conditions of the space at a reduced cost without compromising occupant comfort. Operating the AHU can include filtering air that will be circulated in a building space. For example, in the case of infectious disease control and prevention, if it is determined that a space served by the AHU is associated with a high health risk, increased air filtering can be activated within the AHU. Further, the AHU can be controlled to increase the amount of outdoor air (clean air) provided to the building space with the high health risk.
• Referring now toFIG. 50A, a system for operating an economizer that uses UV radiation to disinfect air is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include a comfort controller that receives air quality measurements from air quality sensors. Based on the measurements, the comfort controller can determine a current contamination level of the air (also referred to as an infection level of the air). Based on the current contamination level, the comfort controller can generate control signals to provide to an economizer equipped with an ultraviolet light to disinfect the air. Based on the control signals, the economizer can project UV light at the air to reduce the contamination level before the air enters a space.
• Referring now toFIG. 50B, a process for operating an economizer to disinfect air via a UV light is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 50A. The process is shown to include receiving air quality measurements from air quality sensors. As an economizer can utilize air from various sources (e.g., in a space, in another location of a building, outside, etc.), it can be beneficial to gather air quality measurements from locations where the air is being gathered/used.
• The process is shown to include determining an amount to disinfect air in an economizer via UV radiation based on the air quality measurements. If the air quality measurements indicate the air passing through the economizer is heavily contaminated, operating the UV light at a high intensity may be necessary to sufficiently reduce the contamination level prior to the air entering the space. However, if the contamination level is relatively low and not harmful/uncomfortable for occupants, the UV light can be operated at a lower intensity and/or not at all, thereby reducing costs.
• The process is shown to include operating the economizer based on the determination. In some embodiments, the economizer is operated based on control signals generated based on the determination. By operating the economizer, the air entering the space can have a low contamination level that is not harmful/uncomfortable for occupants.
• Referring now toFIG. 51A, a system for operating an economizer that uses a disinfectant to disinfect air is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the system shown inFIG. 51A is similar to the system as described with reference toFIG. 50A. The economizer ofFIG. 51A can apply the disinfectant to the air prior to the air entering the space. Based on a determined air quality in the economizer, an amount of disinfectant required can be determined. The more contaminated the air, the higher an amount of disinfectant can be applied to the air. In some embodiments, the comfort controller sets an upper threshold on an amount of disinfectant that can be applied. The upper threshold can be determined such that an amount of disinfectant applied is not harmful and/or uncomfortable to occupants. In some embodiments, applying disinfectant to the air is beneficial as the, once the air is pumped into the space by the economizer, the disinfectant may come into contact with air already in the space and/or objects in the space (e.g., tables, walls, lamps, people, etc.) to provide additional disinfection.
• Referring now toFIG. 51B, a process for operating an economizer to disinfect air via a disinfectant is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 51A. In some embodiments, the process is similar to the process described with reference toFIG. 50A. The process is shown to include receiving air quality measurements from air quality sensors. The process is also shown to include determining an amount of disinfectant to apply to air in an economizer based on the air quality measurements. In general, more disinfectant can be applied as the contamination level of the air increases. The disinfectant can be any sort of material that reduces the contamination level such as, for example, an aerosol spray, another chemical gas, etc.
• The process is also shown to include operating the economizer based on the determination. By operating the economizer, the disinfectant can be applied to the air as to ensure a contamination level of the air is safe and comfortable for occupants. In some implementations, if the building is unoccupied, the building or spaces in the building can be flooded with ozone in order to disinfect the space. Humidifiers can also be used to provide circulate disinfectant within a building space.
• Referring now toFIG. 52A, a system for operating a humidifier to release water vapor with mixed in disinfectant is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include a comfort controller that receives humidity measurements from humidity sensors and air quality measurements from air quality sensors. Based on the measurements, the comfort controller can determine a current humidity and air quality in a space. If a humidity level in the space is too low, a humidifier can be operated to provide additional moisture into the air. Advantageously, the moisture provided by the humidifier can be combined with a disinfectant to provide disinfecting properties to the space along with humidification. As such, the comfort controller can determine an amount of disinfectant to mix with water for the humidifier to release. As a result, water vapor with disinfectant can be released by the humidifier by combining water from a water supply with disinfectant from a disinfectant supply, thereby increasing humidity and disinfecting air/objects that the vapor comes into contact with. In some embodiments, the disinfectant mixed with the water should be safe for human consumption to prevent health complications for occupants due to inhaling the vapor.
• Referring now toFIG. 52B, a process for operating a humidifier to apply a disinfectant to water is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 52A. The process is shown to include receiving air quality and humidity measurements from air quality and humidity sensors in a space.
• The process is also shown to include determining an amount of moisture content to provide to the space based on the humidity measurements. If a current humidity level is too high in the space, the humidifier can be run in a dehumidification mode as to remove moisture content from the air. However, if the current humidity level is too low, additional moisture content should be applied. To determine an amount of moisture than should be introduced/removed from the space, the current humidity level can be compared to a comfortable humidity range (e.g., 30% to 50% relative humidity) that is comfortable for occupants.
• The process is also shown to include determining an amount of disinfectant to combine with water based on the air quality measurements as to decrease a contamination level of the air. In general, the higher the contamination level is in the air, the more disinfectant should be applied. In some embodiments, a maximum disinfectant amount is set such that an amount of disinfectant applied to the water is less than the maximum disinfectant amount.
• The process is also shown to include operating a humidifier based on the determined amount of moisture content and disinfectant. By mixing the disinfectant with the water used to produce the moisture content, the humidifier can perform disinfection functionality in conjunction with humidification/dehumidification. In some embodiments, if it is determined that the humidity level of the space should be reduced, the humidifier can run in a dehumidification mode and therefore may not mix disinfectant with the water as no additional moisture content should be applied to the air.
• Referring now toFIG. 53A, a system for providing user recommendations to a user is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include a comfort controller that receives environmental condition measurements from environmental condition sensors and user preferences from a user device. The user preferences can include various preferences of the user regarding environmental conditions. For example, the user preferences can include a preferred temperature/temperature range, a preferred humidity level/humidity range, a maximum contamination level, etc. In some embodiments, the user preferences include other information such as allergy information of the user. Allergy information can be used to estimate a preferred contamination level of air as users with more allergies may require lower contamination levels in the air to be comfortable as compared to users with little to no allergies. The user device can be any various device that allows a user to provide the user preferences to the comfort controller. For example, the user device may be a mobile phone, a laptop, a desktop computer, a thermostat accessible by the user, a wearable device, etc.
• Based on the user preferences, the comfort controller can generate user recommendations to provide to the user. The user recommendations can include indications on actions the user can take to ensure comfort and/or safety in the space. For example, the recommendations can include indications on where to sit in the space, if a different space should be used, when to use to the space, etc. As a particular example, if the user has a large number of allergies, the comfort controller may provide a user recommendation indicating that the user should sit far from a window that can let in contaminants and should instead sit near an AHU that provides disinfected air into the space. In some embodiments, the comfort controller determines user recommendations such that recommendations provided to different users do not conflict with one another. For example, the comfort controller may ensure that no two users are recommended to stand at a same location in the space as such an action is not physically possible.
• Referring now toFIG. 53B, a process for generating and providing user recommendations to a user is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 53A. The process is shown to include receiving environmental condition measurements for a space from environmental condition sensors. The environmental condition measurements can indicate values of various environmental conditions in a space such as temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.
• The process is also shown to include receiving user preferences indicating preferred conditions of a user from a user device. In some embodiments, certain user preferences are extrapolated based on other preferences. For example, a user that indicates they prefer extremely clean air quality may be associated with cooling temperatures that do not foster germ growth. In some embodiments, if no preferences are provided by the user, default preferences can be set that are generally comfortable for a majority of users.
• The process is also shown to include determining user recommendations that indicate actions the user should take to remain comfortable in the space. Based on the environmental conditions and the user preferences, the recommendations can be generated such that the user is recommended to be in a location that maximizes their comfort by ensuring environmental conditions at the location are as close to preferred conditions as possible. In some embodiments, the preferences indicate a weight associated with each condition. For example, a temperature preference may have a weight of 0.6 whereas an air quality preference may have a weight of 0.4. Based on the weights, the recommendations can be molded such that more heavily weighted preferences are satisfied prior to less heavily weight preferences.
• The process is also shown to include providing the user recommendations to the user device. Based on the preferences, the user can determine actions to take in order to maximize a comfort level in the space (or in another space if the space is too uncomfortable).
• Referring now toFIG. 54A, a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system such that comfort of high priority occupants is maintained is shown, according to some embodiments. A high priority occupant can be any person deemed by the system to be of importance in maintaining their comfort over other occupants. For example, a high priority occupant may be a chief executive officer (CEO) of a company, a guest from another company, the president, etc. The system is shown to include a comfort controller that receives an occupant list from an occupant identifier and environmental conditions measurements from environmental condition sensors. The occupant identifier can be any various device that can determine what occupants are currently present in a space. For example, the occupant identifier may be a visible camera, an RFID scanner that scans an RFID chip on occupants, etc. The occupant list can include a listing of all occupants currently in a space and a priority level of each occupant. Each occupant can be assigned a priority level. For example, priority levels can range from 1-5 with 1 indicating high importance and 5 indicating low importance. In general, priority levels can be indicated by numbers, phrases, terms, letters, symbols, etc. that can be interpreted to determine a priority level of an occupant.
• Based on the occupant list, the comfort controller can determine an occupant with a highest priority to base control decisions on. Particularly, predetermined preferences of the highest priority occupant can be used to base the control decisions on. If multiple occupants have a same highest priority level, the comfort controller may determine control decisions that maximize comfort of a largest number of the high priority occupants. Based on the control decisions generated, the comfort controller can operate an HVAC and disinfection system to maintain the comfort of the high priority occupant(s) by changing environmental conditions in the space to preferred values of the high priority occupants.
• Referring now toFIG. 54B, a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system such that comfort of high priority occupants is maintained is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 54A. The process is shown to include receiving an occupant list from an occupant identifier and environmental condition measurements from environmental condition sensors. The occupant list can indicate what occupants are currently present in a space and a priority level of each occupant.
• The process is also shown to include determining a priority level of each occupant indicated by the occupant list. The occupants can be grouped into priority groups such that occupants with a similar priority levels are grouped together for purposes of determining how to operate building equipment.
• The process is also shown to include operating an HVAC and disinfection system to ensure the comfort of high priority occupants is maintained. The HVAC and disinfection system can be operated based on current environmental conditions to move said conditions to values comfortable to the high priority occupants. In this way, high priority occupants can be comfortable in the space even if their preferences are not standard for a majority of people.
• Referring now toFIG. 55A, a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system to ensure that conditions of high priority zones is maintained is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the system is similar to the system ofFIG. 54A. The system is shown to include a comfort controller that receives environmental condition measurements from environmental condition sensors and zone priority information from a user device. Zone priority information can indicate what zones should have their environmental conditions maintained over others. For example, it may be critical to maintain certain environmental conditions in a zone dedicated to research and development (R&D). Particularly, the R&D zone may be required to have a constant temperature and humidity maintained along with minimal air contamination. As such, the R&D zone can be given a high priority value such that conditions of the R&D zone are prioritized to be maintained. The zone priority information can be set by a user (e.g., a building manager) and/or inferred based on settings related to each zone. It should be appreciated that a zone can refer to any space in a building.
• Similar to the system ofFIG. 54A, the comfort controller can operate an HVAV and disinfection system to maintain conditions in high priority zones first and then lower priority zones. By maintaining conditions in high priority zones first, the system can ensure that devices do not waste resources and operational time on lower priority zones at the cost of compromising conditions in high priority zones.
• Referring now toFIG. 55B, a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system to ensure that conditions of high priority zones is maintained is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 55A. The process is shown to include receiving zone priority information from a user device and environmental condition measurements regarding zones of a building from environmental condition sensors.
• The process is also shown to include operating an HVAC and disinfection system to ensure high priority zones maintain appropriate environmental conditions. The HVAC and disinfection system can be operated such that high priority zones have their respective conditions closely monitored and maintained. If conditions in a high priority zone begin to stray from preferred values, the HVAC and disinfection system can reduce/abandon maintaining conditions in lower priority zones as to return conditions in the high priority zone back to preferred conditions. In this way, resources and operation of the HVAC and disinfection system is targeted towards the high priority zones.
• Referring now toFIG. 56A, a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on environmental conditions measured by a drone is shown, according to some embodiments. The drone can include various sensors that can measure environmental conditions of a space. For example, the drone can include air quality sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc. Advantageously, the drone can move (e.g., fly, crawl, etc.) around the space to gather measurements of environmental conditions around the space to provide to a comfort controller. In this sense, the drone can act as a mobile sensor package that can provide more accurate measurements of the space for determining control actions. The communication between the drone and the comfort controller is shown as a dashed line inFIG. 56A to indicate that the communication is a wireless communication. However, a wired connection can also be utilized by wiring the drone to a communication channel. Based on the measurements, the comfort controller can determine how to operate an HVAC and disinfection system to move environmental conditions to be comfortable for occupants. In some embodiments, the drone measurements are used by the comfort controller to generate a heat map that can be further used to operate the HVAC and disinfection system. In some embodiments, the measurements taken by the drone are supplemented with measurements taken by other sensors in the space. In some embodiments, the drone is a component of the HVAC and disinfection system.
• Referring now toFIG. 56B, a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on environmental conditions measured by a drone is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 56A. The process is shown to include receiving environmental condition measurements from a drone. The drone can be outfitted with various sensors to capture an array of different environmental conditions.
• The process is also shown to include an optional step of generating a heat map based on the environmental conditions. Generating the heat map can provide a more detailed understanding of how temperature varies around the space. However, generating the heat map is shown as an optional step as the measurements can be directly used to determine how to operate the HVAC and disinfection system.
• The process is also shown to include operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on the environmental condition measurements and/or the heat map. Based on the environmental condition measurements and/or the heat map, control decisions can be generated to operate the HVAC and disinfection system to affect a contamination level, temperature, and/or other conditions at locations in the space where conditions are not comfortable. For example, the heat map may indicate a particular location is extremely hot. Based on said indication, the HVAC and disinfection system can be operated to provide cooling and disinfection to the location.
• Referring now toFIG. 57A, a system for operating a drone and an HVAC and disinfection system based on environmental conditions measured by the drone is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the system is similar to and/or the same as the system described with reference toFIG. 56A. As shown inFIG. 57A, the drone includes a UV light and a disinfectant dispenser. In this way, the drone can be equipped to disinfect locations in a space separate from the HVAC and disinfection system. It should be appreciated that while the drone is shown to include the UV light and the disinfectant dispenser, the drone can be equipped with different disinfectant mechanisms that can be used to disinfect the space.
• Based on measurements provided by the drone, the comfort controller can determine control signals to provide to both the HVAC and disinfection system. In particular, the comfort controller can determine disinfection control signals to provide back to the drone. Due to maneuverability of the drone, the drone may be able to disinfect certain locations in the space that the HVAC and disinfection system cannot. For example, the drone may be able to disinfect a location under a table. In this way, the comfort controller can operate the drone to supplement actions performed by the HVAC and disinfection system. In some embodiments, the comfort controller generates a heat map that can be used to control the drone. In particular, the drone can be moved to hot spots in the space as indicated by the heat map to disinfectant the hot spots.
• Referring now toFIG. 57B, a process for operating a drone and an HVAC and disinfection system based on environmental conditions measured by the drone is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 57A. The process is shown to include receiving environmental condition measurements from a drone.
• The process is also shown to include an optional step of generating a heat map based on the environmental condition measurements. Generating the heat map is optional as the heat map can supplement the information indicated by the measurements, but control actions can be determined without the heat map.
• The process is also shown to include operating an HVAC and disinfection system and the drone based on the environmental condition measurements and/or the heat map. In particular, the drone can be operated to disinfect locations that are not easily disinfected by the HVAC and disinfection system.
• Referring now toFIG. 58A, a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on measurements taken of a user by a wearable device is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include a comfort controller that receives body measurements from a wearable device. The wearable device can include various devices worn by a user such as, for example, a smart watch, a pulse monitor, a headset, etc. The body measurements can include information regarding the user such as, for example, a body temperature, a pulse, perspiration, etc. As shown inFIG. 58A, the wearable device can wirelessly provide the body measurements to the comfort controller. However, the wearable device can provide the body measurements to the comfort controller via wired connection (e.g., by being plugged into a USB port).
• Based on the body measurements, the comfort controller can determine a health status of the user. The health status can indicate whether the user has a fever, is perfectly healthy, is too hot in the space, etc. Based on the health status, the comfort controller can determine control actions for the HVAC and disinfection system perform. For example, if the health status indicates the user has a fever, the comfort controller may determine the user is likely to spread additional germs and other contaminants that can negatively affect a contamination level of the space. As such, the comfort controller can operate the HVAC and disinfection system to provide additional disinfection around a user to minimize an effect of the illness. In some embodiments, the body measurements are used to estimate a comfort level of the users. For example, if the body measurements indicate a high perspiration rate of the user, the comfort controller can indicate that additional cooling should be provided to the space to reduce an overall temperature of the space.
• Referring now toFIG. 58B, a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on measurements taken of a user by a wearable device is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 58A. The process is shown to include receiving body measurements from a wearable device. The wearable device can include sensors for measuring body conditions of a user wearing the wearable device.
• The process is also shown to include determining a health status of a user of the wearable device. The health status can include information regarding whether the user is ill, is likely to be uncomfortable, etc. In some embodiments, the health status includes information regarding effects of the user in the space (e.g., germ spread, heat disturbance, etc.).
• The process is shown to include operating an HVAC and disinfection system to provide disinfection and/or other environmental condition changes based on the health status of the user. Primarily, the health status can indicate an amount of additional disinfection necessary to minimize an impact of the user in the space. If the user is sick, the user is more likely to spread the disease and thereby contaminate air and objects in the space. Therefore, operating the HVAC and disinfection system to provide additional disinfection can eliminate some of the germs and other bacteria spread by the sick individual.
• Referring now toFIG. 59A, a system for operating a lighting system based on environmental conditions in a space is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the lighting system includes lights that can disinfect the space and/or provide heat the space. For example, the lighting system can include UV lights for disinfection and visible lights that provide lighting and heat to the space. The system is shown to include a comfort controller that receives environmental condition measurements from environmental condition sensors. Based on environmental conditions in the space, the comfort controller can determine how to operate the lighting system in order to provide disinfection and/or heating to the space. As lights release heat during operation, operating lights can provide an inexpensive alternative to operating HVAC equipment to heat the space. Therefore, managing the lighting system to optimize an amount of heat released and provided disinfection can reduce costs for a building system.
• Based on the measurements, the comfort controller can determine if the lighting system should be operated at a higher intensity to provide additional heat/disinfection/lighting, or if the lighting system should be dimmed to reduce an amount of heat/disinfection/lighting being provided to the space. In some embodiments, the comfort controller can determine specific lights of the lighting system to operate to achieve particular conditions. For example, the comfort controller may operate, via control signals, a UV light in a corner of the space to provide disinfection to the corner and not operate other lights in the space.
• Referring now toFIG. 59B, a process for operating a lighting system based on environmental conditions in a space is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 59A. The process is shown to include receiving environmental condition measurements for a space from environmental condition sensors.
• The process is also shown to include determining an amount of disinfection and heating to provide to the space based on the environmental condition measurements. The amount of both disinfection and heating can be determined based on current conditions indicated by the measurements. For example, if air quality measurements of the environmental condition measurements indicate that air quality in the space is poor, a larger amount of disinfection can be determined to be necessary as compared to if the air quality was adequate.
• The process is also shown to include operating a lighting system to disinfect and provide heating to a space based on the contamination level and environmental conditions. Dependent on what lights are installed in the lighting system, certain lights can be operated to disinfect and/or heat the space. Alternatively, to cool the space, certain lights can be disabled. In this way, operating lights of a lighting system can supplement operation of an HVAC and disinfection system by providing additional disinfecting and heating to the space.
• Referring now toFIG. 60A, a system for generating a model for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on experimental tests is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include a training data generator and a model generator. The model generator can be configured to generate a model that can be used to determine how to operate the HVAC and disinfection system to maintain conditions in a space (e.g., that are comfortable to occupants). However, to generate a model that is accurately reflects the space and equipment, representative training data should be gathered. To gather representative training data, the training data generator can perform various tests to gather the training data. The tests can include providing experimental setpoints to the HVAC and disinfection system to determine how the space responds to various setpoints. For example, one experimental setpoint can instruct a heater of the HVAC and disinfection system to operate to achieve a temperature of 76° F. in the space. As another example, another experimental setpoint can instruct an AHU to spray a particular volume of disinfectant into the space to disinfect air and objects in the space. Based on the experiments, results of the experiments can be gathered in the form of occupant feedback, measurements of environmental conditions, etc. If enough setpoints are tested, the results can be provided as training data to the model generator.
• Based on the training data, the model generator can perform a model generation process to generate a model that is representative of the space. Using the model, the model generator can operate the HVAC and disinfection system to affect various conditions in the space. If the training data is representative of the space, decisions determined based on the model should maintain occupant comfort, desired conditions in the space, etc.
• Referring now toFIG. 60B, a process for generating a model for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on experimental tests is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 60A. The process is shown to include testing various experimental setpoints on an HVAC and disinfection system to gather training data. The training data gathered can reflect how a space and/or occupants react to various environmental conditions.
• The process is also shown to include generating a model based on the training data that can be used to determine control decisions for the HVAC and disinfection system. If the training data is representative of various dynamics (e.g., thermal dynamics, contamination dynamics, etc.) in the space, the model can be used to estimate how certain control decisions may affect the space. In this way, the model can be used to determine how occupants may react to changes in conditions, how conditions in the space may change due to various setpoints, etc.
• The process is also shown to include operating the HVAC and disinfection system based on the model. By operating the HVAC and disinfection system based on the model, conditions in the space can be made comfortable for occupants, safe for equipment, etc.
• Referring now toFIG. 61A, a system for generating a model the can be used to determine occupant preferences in a space is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the system shown inFIG. 61A is similar to and/or the same as the system as described with reference toFIG. 60A. The system is shown to include a model generator that receives environmental condition measurements from environmental condition sensors and polling data from user devices. The polling data can indicate occupant preferences over time to various conditions in the space. For example, the polling data can indicate occupant preferences regarding various contamination levels in the space, various temperatures, various relative humidity values, etc. The occupant preferences can be gathered from occupants interacting with the user devices (e.g., phones, computers, etc.). A user device can display a prompt requesting an occupant to rate their current comfort levels. For example, the prompt may be a yes or no question where yes indicates the occupant is comfortable and no indicates the occupant is not comfortable. As another example, the prompt may request the occupant to rate their current comfort on a 1 to 10 scale with 1 indicating highly uncomfortable and 10 indicating highly comfortable. The polling data can be gathered over a learning period (e.g., a week, a month, etc.) to gather occupant preferences. For example, occupants may be polled three times a day over the learning period, once a day over the learning period, etc.
• Based on the polling data, the model generator can generate a model that reflects occupant comfort preferences. As more polling data is gathered, the model generator can more accurately generate the model to reflect occupant preferences. Based on the model, the model generator can generate control signals to provide to the HVAC and disinfection system that maintain occupant comfort. In some embodiments, current environmental conditions are used as input to the model and control decisions are outputted by the model.
• Referring now toFIG. 61B, a process for generating a model the can be used to determine occupant preferences in a space is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 61A. The process is shown to include polling occupants for their comfort levels in relation to different environmental conditions over a learning period. The learning period can be a predetermined amount of time in which a sufficient amount of data for generating a model can be gathered. In particular, the learning period should be long enough that a variety of different environmental conditions are captured and polled during for occupant preferences.
• The process is also shown to include generating a model based on the polling results that can be used to determine comfortable conditions for occupants. In some embodiments, polling data is analyzed prior to generating the model to determine if any outlier or inaccurate data is included in the polling data. For example, if an occupant indicates they are comfortable at 100% relative humidity in the space, said indication may be discarded from the polling data as the indication is likely to be inaccurate. In some embodiments, the generated model takes in environmental condition measurements as input and outputs control decisions.
• The process is also shown to include operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on the model. In particular, control decisions for the HVAC and disinfection system can be determined by inputting current environmental conditions to the model and using outputs of the model to generate the control decisions. In this way, operation of the HVAC and disinfection system can be accurately tuned to ensure occupant comfort is maintained in the space.
• It should be appreciated that the model generated based on the polling data can be generated in a similar manner to capture other preferences. For example, a building manager can instead provide polling feedback regarding various environmental conditions over the learning period such that the model is generated to capture optimal conditions to ensure safety of building equipment.
• Referring now toFIG. 62A, a system for generating a zone model for maintaining conditions in a space based on a zone group model is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include a zone model generator that receives environmental condition measurements from environmental condition sensors and a zone group model from a zone group model generator. The zone group model generator can be configured to generate a model indicating how environmental conditions in a zone group should be adjusted to maintain occupant comfort, safety of building equipment, etc. A zone group can include a number of related zones. For example, a zone group may include all zones in a building that are used by executives in a company. Said zone group may be related to a zone group model that ensures a temperature of all the zones in the zone group is around 72° F. and an air quality is kept below some threshold value to ensure executives at the company are consistently comfortable in the zones of the zone group.
• Based on the zone group model, the zone model generator can generate a zone model that acts as a refinement of the zone group model to more accurately represent preferences for the zone. For example, the zone group model above can indicate preferences of the executives in general, whereas a zone model based on the zone group model can be specific to preferences of executives in the specific zone. In this way, computational complexity of model generation can be reduced as zone models can be generated based on zone group models that provide baseline information for the zone models. Based on the zone model, the zone model generator can generate control signals to provide to the HVAC and disinfection system. Similar to the model described with reference toFIG. 61A, the zone model can use environmental conditions as input and output control decisions.
• Referring now toFIG. 62B, a process for generating a zone model for maintaining conditions in a space based on a zone group model is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 62A. The process is shown to include receiving environmental condition measurements for a zone and a zone group model for a zone group to which the zone belongs. The zone group can include any number of zones that are related to the zone.
• The process is shown to include refining the zone group model based on the environmental condition measurements for the zone to generate a zone model for the zone. To generate the zone model the zone group model can be used as a baseline. For example, the zone group model may indicate that a temperature recommendation for zones in the zone group is a range between 70° F. to 75° F. The zone model can be generated as a refinement of the range based on preferences of occupants in the zone. In this way, the zone model accurately reflects preferences of occupants in the zone, but has a general preference range already established, thereby reducing processing requirements for model generation.
• The process is shown operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on the zone model such that occupant comfort is maintained. The HVAC and disinfection system can be operated by providing current environmental conditions to the zone model as input and using output of the zone model to determine control signals to provide to the HVAC and disinfection system.
• Referring now toFIG. 63A, a system for generating a model that captures dynamics of a space based on a heat map is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include a model generator that receives temperature measurements from temperature sensors. Based on the temperature measurements, the model generator can generate a heat map that indicates heat across the space. Over time, the model generator can generate multiple heat maps and use each heat map to generate a model that reflects thermal dynamics of the space. Based on the model, locations in the space that may need additional heating/cooling and/or disinfection can be determined. The model can use environmental conditions as input and output control decisions that manage temperature and contamination levels in the space. As mentioned above, hot spots in the space may foster additional germ growth, therefore the model can be generated to capture spaces that may require additional disinfection to minimize contamination in the space. Based on the model, the model generator can determine control signals to provide to an HVAC and disinfection system that maintain occupant comfort and/or other desired conditions in the space.
• Referring now toFIG. 63B, a process for generating a model that captures dynamics of a space based on a heat map is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 63A. The process is shown to include receiving temperature measurements from temperature sensors. The temperature measurements can indicate both temperatures and locations in the space where each measurement is taken.
• The process is shown to include generating a heat map based on the temperature measurements. The heat map can capture how temperature varies at different locations in the space. In some embodiments, multiple heat maps are generated based on temperature measurements gathered over time.
• The process is shown to include generating a model based on the heat map that can be used to predict locations in a space where additional heating or disinfection may be needed. In particular, the model can be generated to identify locations in the space that are prone to be hotter than other locations, thereby having a higher chance of fostering germ and other contaminant growth.
• The process is shown to include operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on the model that maintain occupant comfort. The HVAC and disinfection system can be operated by providing current environmental conditions to the model as input and using output of the model to determine control signals to provide to the HVAC and disinfection system. In this way, occupant comfort and/or other preferences can be maintained in the space.
• Referring now toFIG. 64A, a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on information provided by a health authority information source (HAIS) is shown, according to some embodiments. The HAIS can be any various source of health information such as, for example, a hospital, a medical website, the World Health Organization, etc. The HAIS is shown to provide disease information to the comfort controller. The disease information can indicate what viruses and other contaminants that can be spread that are currently active in a region. In some embodiments, the disease information indicates information regarding environmental conditions that help/hinder a growth rate or transmission of the diseases and other prevention techniques for slowing the diseases progression and spread. For example, the disease information may indicate a strain of the flu is in circulation in a region and can also indicate how to reduce a chance of transmission of the strain between people.
• Based on the disease information, the comfort controller can generate control decisions to provide to the HVAC and disinfection system in order to maintain conditions in the space at safe levels that slow growth and/or transmission of diseases. In some embodiments, slowing disease spread takes precedence over occupant comfort due to an imminent threat of the disease on the occupants. The control decisions provided to the HVAC and disinfection system can include various instructions such as a temperature and relative humidity level to keep the space at, certain disinfectants to spray that are known to kill/hinder diseases, etc. In this way, occupants can be protected against the spread of infectious disease in the space. Without the information provided by the HAIS, the HVAC and disinfection system may otherwise be operated in a way that fosters the growth and/or transmission of diseases.
• Referring now toFIG. 64B, a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on information provided by an HAIS is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 64A. The process is shown to include receiving disease information from a health authority information source. The disease information can include various information applicable regarding diseases and how to slow/eliminate their growth and transmission.
• The process is shown to include determining a disinfection method that minimizes disease growth/transmission based on the disease information. For example, the disinfection method may include spraying a particular chemical in a space that kills a disease. In some embodiments, multiple disinfection methods are used to minimize disease growth/transmission.
• The process is shown to include determining environmental conditions that foster disease growth/transmission based on the disease information. For example, temperatures above 78° F. and relative humidity values above 70% may foster growth of certain diseases.
• The process is shown to include operating an HVAC and disinfection system to minimize a rate of disease growth/transmission based on the disinfection method and environmental conditions that foster disease growth/transmission. In particular, the HVAC and disinfection system can be operated to achieve environmental conditions in the space that slow the growth/transmission of diseases and applies disinfection methods that are also likely to slow the growth/transmission of the diseases. By operating the HVAC and disinfection system in this way, occupant safety can be maintained by limiting a chance of infection.
• Referring now toFIG. 65A, a system for operating multiple disinfection devices is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include a comfort controller that receives air quality measurements from air quality sensors. Based on the air quality measurements, the comfort controller can generate control signals to provide to multiple disinfection devices. Each disinfection device can be configured to affect a contamination level of air at a different point in a building. For example, a first disinfection device may be configured to disinfect air immediately as it is drawn from the outside whereas a second disinfection device may be configured to disinfect air as it travels through an air duct. The disinfection devices may disinfect the air in similar or different ways (e.g., via UV light, a disinfectant spray, etc.). Advantageously, performing multiple disinfecting stages can ensure the air is cleanly enough for occupants and can act as a failsafe in case one disinfection stage fails.
• Based on the air quality measurements, the comfort controller can determine which disinfection devices to operate and at what capacity. For example, in air is only slightly contaminated, the comfort controller may determine that a first disinfection device should not be operated, but a second and third disinfection device should be operated at half capacity to disinfect air. In this way, the comfort controller can reduce costs while still maintaining an adequate air quality for occupants.
• Referring now toFIG. 65B, a process for operating multiple disinfection devices is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 65A. The process is shown to include receiving air quality measurements from air quality sensors. The air quality measurements can indicate both indoor and outdoor air quality, depending on locations of the air quality sensors.
• The process is also shown to include determining a number of disinfection stages necessary to properly disinfect air. The number of disinfection stages can be determined based on how contaminated the air quality measurements indicate the air is. As a contamination level of the air increases, more disinfection stages may be required to properly disinfect the air.
• The process is also shown to include operating a disinfection device associated with each disinfection stage to properly disinfect the air. Each disinfection device can also be operated at a particular operational level. For example, a first disinfection device of a first disinfection stage may run at 20% of full operational power whereas a second disinfection device of a second disinfection stage may run at 80% of full operational power in order to properly disinfect the air.
• Referring now toFIG. 66A, a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on a feedback loop is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include a comfort controller that receives performance feedback from the HVAC and disinfection system. The performance feedback can indicate operating conditions of the HVAC and disinfection system over time. Particularly, the performance feedback can indicate an operational level of HVAC equipment in the HVAC and disinfection system over time. The operational level of the HVAC equipment can be used to estimate an amount of people that may be in the space. If the HVAC equipment is operating at a high operational level for most of a day, a lot of people can be estimated to be in the space as each person can result in a heat disturbance affecting a temperature of the space, thereby necessitating additional operation of the HVAC equipment. Based on the estimation of people, a contamination level due to the people can be estimated. Based on the contamination level estimated, the comfort controller can generate control signals to operate disinfection equipment of the HVAC and disinfection system to reduce the contamination level of the space. Advantageously, said feedback loop can allow the comfort controller to estimate a contamination level of the space without air quality sensors scattered throughout the space. Alternatively, the feedback loop can supplement measurements made by the air quality sensors to get a more accurate determination of a current contamination level in the space.
• Referring now toFIG. 66B, a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on a feedback loop is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 66A. The process is shown to include receiving performance feedback from an HVAC and disinfection system indicating how the HVAC and disinfection system is operating over time. The feedback loop can provide valuable information regarding contamination in a space especially if HVAC equipment of the HVAC and disinfection system is operating to maintain a certain temperature.
• The process is shown to include estimating a heat disturbance based on the performance feedback. The performance feedback can indicate at what operational level certain devices are operating at over the course of a time period (e.g., a day). Equipment operating at a high load for most of the time period may indicate a lot of people are present as a high heat disturbance can be affecting the space. Said indication can be further refined if other sources of heat disturbance (e.g., solar radiation, heat generated by electronic equipment, etc.) can be estimated.
• The process is shown to include estimating a contamination level of a space based on the heat disturbance due to people. In general, the contamination level can rise as more people are estimated to be in the space.
• The process is shown to include operating the HVAC and disinfection system to reduce the contamination level. Based on the estimated contamination level, disinfectant devices of the HVAC and disinfection system can be operated. For example, if the contamination level is estimated to be low, shining a disinfectant UV light at certain locations in the space may be sufficient to reduce the contamination level. As another example, if the contamination level is estimated to be high, the space may be vacated and filled with disinfectant gas to reduce the contamination level. As such, a disinfection method used can be scaled in severity dependent on the contamination level.
• Referring now toFIG. 67A, a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on an optimization of an objective function is shown, according to some embodiments. The system is shown to include an environmental condition weight generator that provides weights to an objective function optimizer. The weights generated by the environmental condition weight generator can indicate a relative importance of each environmental condition considered during an optimization process. For example, an air quality weight may be set to 0.6 whereas a temperature weight may be set to 0.4, indicating it is more important for a solution to the objective function to ensure that air quality is maintained in a space. In some embodiments, a default weight of each environmental condition is equal to one divide by a total number of environmental conditions considered. In this way, the default weight of each environmental condition is equal, thereby indicating to determine a solution to the objective function that evenly accounts for each environmental condition.
• Based on the weights, the objective function optimizer can optimize an objective function to determine a solution to generate control signals based on. The objective function can define how to operate equipment of the HVAC and disinfection system in such a way as to optimize (e.g., reduce) costs without compromising occupant comfort. The objective function can be optimized using any of a variety of optimization techniques, including various optimization techniques known in the art. In some embodiments, the solution to the objective function includes decision variables how and when to operate devices of the HVAC and disinfection system as to maintain occupant comfort at an optimized (e.g., reduced) cost. Based on the solution to the objective function, the objective function optimizer can generate control signals to provide to the HVAC and disinfection system and/or specific device of the HVAC and disinfection system to affect environmental conditions in the space.
• Referring now toFIG. 67B, a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on an optimization of an objective function is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 67A. The process is shown to include receiving weights indicating a priority level of various environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the weights are automatically generated based on learned preferences (e.g., of occupants, of building managers, based on feedback of building equipment, etc.). In some embodiments, the weights are directly provided by a user and/or based on an average of weights provided by multiple users.
• The process is shown to include optimizing an objective function including the weights to determine how to maintain each environmental condition. By optimizing the objective function, decision variables can be determined that operate building devices to affect various environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, air quality, etc.) to ensure occupant comfort and to optimize (e.g., reduce) costs. In other words, optimizing the objective function can generate a solution to maintain each environmental condition.
• The process is shown to include operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on the determination regarding how to maintain each environmental condition. As described above, the solution to the optimization can indicate what devices of the HVAC and disinfection system to operate to maintain each environmental condition.
• Referring now toFIG. 68A, a system for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on an access list to a space is shown, according to some embodiments. The access list can indicate an amount of people that have access to a particular space. Some spaces in a building may be secured such that only certain individuals may have access to the space. However, some spaces may be general access spaces and as such the general public can use said spaces. As shown by the system, a security system is shown to provide the access list to a comfort controller. Based on the access list, the comfort controller can determine what spaces are restricted and/or public and generate a space priority list based on said determination. The space priority list can be constructed to identify certain spaces that should have environmental conditions more closely managed and maintained. For example, a general access space may be expected to have a larger number of people than a secured space and therefore can have a higher priority to receive additional disinfection, temperature management, etc. Alternatively, as another example, the secured space may receive a higher priority if a determination is made that important documents, equipment, etc. is stored and thus should have environmental conditions closely maintained to optimal levels. Based on the space priority list, the comfort controller can generate control signals to provide to the HVAC and disinfection system such that environmental conditions in high priority spaces are maintained.
• Referring now toFIG. 68B, a process for operating an HVAC and disinfection system based on an access list to a space is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 68A. The process is shown to include receiving an access list indicating how many people have access to various spaces. The access list may include a number of people that can access each space, a list of each individual that can access each space, etc.
• The process is shown to include determining a priority of each space based on the access list. The number of people with access to each space can generally indicate a security level of each space. For example, a space where only five people have access may be more secure than a space where 50 people have access. As such, the priority list can be established to define which spaces should have environmental conditions prioritized.
• The process is shown to include operating an HVAC and disinfection system to ensure comfortable conditions are maintained in high priority spaces. If the environmental conditions are maintained adequately in the high priority spaces, the lower priority spaces can then receive treatment. However, if conditions in the high priority spaces begin to diverge from desired levels, control signals can operate the HVAC and disinfection system to prioritize moving the conditions in the high priority spaces back to acceptable levels.
• Referring now toFIG. 69A, a system for operating shading equipment to affect an amount of sunlight entering a space for heating and disinfection purposes is shown, according to some embodiments. As sunlight can provide heat and disinfect objects it comes into contact with, managing an amount of sunlight can help a building system with integrated temperature and disinfection control. The system is shown to include a sunlight sensor that provides sunlight measurements to a comfort controller. The sunlight sensor can be an indoor or an outdoor sensor that can determine an amount of sunlight projected by the sun. Alternatively, the sunlight sensor may be a weather service that can provide a current estimation of solar intensity.
• Based on the sunlight measurements, the comfort controller can determine how much sunlight to let into a space based on current environmental conditions in the space. For example, if an air quality of the space is determined to be poor, it may be beneficial to let additional sunlight in to allow the sunlight to provide natural disinfection in the space. As another example, if the space is too hot, the amount of sunlight being let into the space can be reduced. To adjust the amount of sunlight being let into the space, the comfort controller can generate and provide control signals to shading equipment. The control signals can operate the shading equipment to be more open or closed as to allow more or less sunlight in respectively. In this way, the sunlight can provide natural heating/cooling along with disinfection at relatively low cost in comparison to operating an HVAC and disinfection system. In particular, operation of shading equipment can be combined with an HVAC and disinfection system to provide more options to a controller determining how to manage temperature and contamination in a space.
• Referring now toFIG. 69B, a process for operating shading equipment to affect an amount of sunlight entering a space for heating and disinfection purposes is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, steps of the process are performed by components of the system described with reference toFIG. 68A. The process is shown to include receiving sunlight measurements form a sunlight sensor. The sunlight measurements can indicate an amount of sunlight that is affecting a space and/or outside.
• The process is shown to include estimating an amount of disinfection and a heat disturbance due to sunlight based on the sunlight measurements. As the intensity of the sunlight increases, disinfection capabilities and the heat disturbance due to the sunlight can increase. As such, the amount of disinfection and the heat disturbance can be estimated based on the sunlight intensity.
• The process is shown to include operating shading equipment to vary an amount of sunlight entering a space to disinfect and heat the space. Based on the amount of disinfection and the heat disturbance that the sunlight can provide, the shading equipment can be operated based on current environmental conditions in the space to vary the amount of sunlight provided. If the environmental conditions indicate, for example, that the space is highly contaminated, the shading equipment can be opened to let additional sunlight in for natural disinfection purposes.
Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments
• The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
• The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
• Although the figures show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps.

Claims (21)

1-20. (canceled)

21. A building management system (BMS) comprising:

one or more processors; and

one or more computer-readable storage media having instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to implement operations comprising:

obtaining carbon dioxide (CO2) levels of a plurality of locations in a building;

determining, based on the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building, one or more disinfection operations for the plurality of locations in the building; and

operating disinfectant mechanisms according to the one or more disinfection operations to reduce a risk of infection at one or more of the plurality of locations in the building.

22. The BMS ofclaim 21, wherein the disinfectant mechanisms comprises at least one of:

a lighting system configured to emit ultraviolet (UV) light to provide disinfection;

an access control system that limits access to a specific space;

an aerosol mechanism configured to apply a disinfectant aerosol to one or more spaces in the building; or

an economizer that draws fresh outdoor air and introduces the fresh outdoor air into one or more spaces in the building.

23. The BMS ofclaim 21, wherein the operations comprise:

obtaining healthcare data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding at least one of a spread of an infectious disease or one or more disinfection parameters for the disinfectant mechanism; and

wherein the one or more disinfection operations are determined based on both the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building and the healthcare data.

24. The BMS ofclaim 21, wherein the disinfectant mechanisms comprise an ultraviolet (UV) light bulb configured to be operated to provide disinfection to reduce the risk of infection at one or more of the plurality of locations in the building, wherein the operations further comprise:

obtaining light intensity data from a photodetector at the UV light bulb; and

determining that the UV light bulb should be replaced based on the light intensity data.

25. The BMS ofclaim 21, wherein determining, based on the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building, the one or more disinfection operations for the plurality of locations in the building, comprises:

determining, responsive to a comparison between the CO2 level of a specific space and a threshold value, a disinfection operation for the specific space, the CO2 level of the specific space indicated by the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building.

26. The BMS ofclaim 21, wherein the operations further comprise:

obtaining the CO2 levels from a plurality of sensors and pathogen data from a health authority, the pathogen data comprising data regarding at least one of a spread of an infectious disease or one or more disinfection parameters for the disinfectant mechanism;

training a neural network to predict one or more disinfection parameters based on the CO2 levels and the pathogen data; and

determining the one or more disinfection operations by using the neural network to predict the one or more disinfection parameters using the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building and the pathogen data as inputs to the neural network.

27. The BMS ofclaim 21, wherein the operations comprise:

determining, based on the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations, a schedule for the one or more disinfection operations; and

operating the disinfectant mechanisms over time according to the schedule to reduce the risk of infection at one or more of the plurality of locations in the building.

28. A method in a building management system (BMS) performed by one or more processors, the method comprising:

obtaining carbon dioxide (CO2) levels of a plurality of locations in a building;

determining, based on the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building, one or more disinfection operations for the plurality of locations in the building; and

operating disinfectant mechanisms according to the one or more disinfection operations to reduce a risk of infection at one or more of the plurality of locations in the building.

29. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the disinfectant mechanisms comprises at least one of:

a lighting system configured to emit ultraviolet (UV) light to provide disinfection;

an access control system that limits access to a specific space;

an aerosol mechanism configured to apply a disinfectant aerosol to one or more spaces in the building; or

an economizer that draws fresh outdoor air and introduces the fresh outdoor air into one or more spaces in the building.

30. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the method comprises:

obtaining healthcare data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding at least one of a spread of an infectious disease or one or more disinfection parameters for the disinfectant mechanism; and

wherein the one or more disinfection operations are determined based on both the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building and the healthcare data.

31. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the disinfectant mechanisms comprise an ultraviolet (UV) light bulb configured to be operated to provide disinfection to reduce the risk of infection at one or more of the plurality of locations in the building, wherein the method further comprises:

obtaining light intensity data from a photodetector at the UV light bulb; and

determining that the UV light bulb should be replaced based on the light intensity data.

32. The method ofclaim 28, wherein determining, based on the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building, the one or more disinfection operations for the plurality of locations in the building, comprises:

determining, responsive to a comparison between the CO2 level of a specific space and a threshold value, a disinfection operation for the specific space, the CO2 level of the specific space indicated by the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building.

33. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising:

obtaining the CO2 levels from a plurality of sensors and pathogen data from a health authority, the pathogen data comprising data regarding at least one of a spread of an infectious disease or one or more disinfection parameters for the disinfectant mechanism;

training a neural network to predict one or more disinfection parameters based on the CO2 levels and the pathogen data; and

determining the one or more disinfection operations by using the neural network to predict the one or more disinfection parameters using the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building and the pathogen data as inputs to the neural network.

34. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the method comprises:

determining, based on the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations, a schedule for the one or more disinfection operations; and

operating the disinfectant mechanisms over time according to the schedule to reduce the risk of infection at one or more of the plurality of locations in the building.

35. A system for a building comprising:

a lighting system configured to emit ultraviolet (UV) light to provide disinfection for one or more spaces of a building;

a plurality of sensors configured to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in a plurality of locations of the building;

one or more processors; and

one or more computer-readable storage media having instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to implement operations comprising:

obtaining the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building from the plurality of sensors;

determining, based on the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building, one or more disinfection operations for the plurality of locations in the building; and

operating the lighting system according to the one or more disinfection operations to reduce a risk of infection at one or more of the plurality of locations in the building.

36. The system ofclaim 35, wherein the operations comprise:

obtaining healthcare data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding at least one of a spread of an infectious disease or one or more disinfection parameters for the lighting system; and

wherein the one or more disinfection operations are determined based on both the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building and the healthcare data.

37. The system ofclaim 35, wherein the lighting system comprises a UV bulb configured to emit the UV light, wherein the lighting system further comprises a photodetector at the UV bulb, and the operations further comprise:

obtaining light intensity data from the photodetector at the UV light bulb; and

determining that the UV light bulb should be replaced based on the light intensity data.

38. The system ofclaim 35, wherein the operations comprise:

determining, responsive to a comparison between the CO2 level of a specific space and a threshold value, a disinfection operation for the specific space, the CO2 level of the specific space indicated by the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building.

39. The system ofclaim 35, wherein the operations comprise:

obtaining the CO2 levels and pathogen data from a health authority, the pathogen data comprising data regarding at least one of a spread of an infectious disease or one or more disinfection parameters for the disinfectant mechanism;

training a neural network to predict one or more disinfection parameters of the lighting system based on the CO2 levels and the pathogen data; and

determining the one or more disinfection operations by using the neural network to predict the one or more disinfection parameters using the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations in the building and the pathogen data as inputs to the neural network.

40. The system ofclaim 35, wherein the operations comprise:

determining, based on the CO2 levels of the plurality of locations, a schedule for the lighting system; and

operating the lighting system over time according to the schedule to reduce the risk of infection at one or more of the plurality of locations in the building.

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