AT518964A2 - Method and system for energy and / or cost optimized operation of buildings - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for an energy and / or cost-optimized operation of buildings and an associated system (SYS), wherein the operation of one or more buildings by means of a building automation system (GS) is controlled or controlled. The building automation system (GS) provides current operating data and / or data changes to an optimization unit (OU). On the basis of this data, the optimization unit (OE) determines energy and / or cost-optimized change instructions of the operating data. In this case, for predetermined change situations, the optimization unit (OE) generates a decision query (EA) and forwards it to an input / output unit (AE). A decision input (EE) is requested by a user via the input / output unit (AE) and evaluated by the optimization unit (OU). On the basis of the user-specific decision input (EE), the change instruction for the operating data is then adapted and forwarded to the building automation system (GS), whereby user-specific interests can be taken into account in a simple and advantageous manner.

Description

description

Method and system for energy and / or cost optimized operation of buildings

Technical area

The subject invention generally relates to the field of building technology and building automation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for energy and / or cost optimized operation of buildings wherein the operation of one or more buildings is controlled and controlled by a building automation system. Furthermore, the subject invention relates to an associated system for energy and / or cost-optimized operation of buildings.

State of the art

Today, many modern and / or modernized buildings, especially in the commercial and / or public sector, but also in the private sector are equipped with building automation systems. In commercial and / or public buildings, energy and / or cost savings that can be achieved by means of building automation are usually in the foreground. For example, private homes can be targeted by building automation to meet the specific needs of their residents, with automated energy-efficient and / or cost-efficient use of technical equipment increasingly coming to the fore.

As building automation usually a set of monitoring, control, regulation and optimization facility is called in buildings. Building automation systems include a variety of systems, from which an operation of one or more buildings is monitored, controlled and regulated. Building automation systems can include, for example, security systems, fire protection systems, lighting control systems, shading systems, as well as so-called HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, cooling) and are therefore an important component of building management. Objective of an application of building automation systems is usually cross-functional functions to perform automatically or automatically based on predetermined parameters and / or to simplify operation or monitoring of an operation of one or more buildings.

For example, the various systems included in building automation (e.g., fire protection system, security system, HVAC system, etc.) may be implemented separately or as a single system with multiple subsystems controlled from a management station or a management server. Depending on the version, the management station can either be accommodated in the respective building or designed as remote control or remote control. If several management stations are provided in the building automation system, they can be connected via a communication network (for example Ethernet, etc.) and distributed in the building or on several buildings. The operation of the building automation system can be monitored and controlled by each of the management stations, and the operation of the system can be optimized by visualizing historical and / or current data. In addition to one or more management stations, field input units may furthermore be provided which are connected to the management station and via which specific parameter changes (for example temperature, light, etc.) can be input.

From the management station, such as the input units, is usually associated with a large number of field units, e.g. Sensors, actuators, controls, consumers communicates, which are attached to different parts of the building or a building complex. Of the field units, the various parameters for building automation, such as e.g. Temperature, humidity, light, position of dimming devices, alarms, locking of doors, etc. measured, monitored and controlled. Of these field units, e.g. measured the current operating data of a building and forwarded it to the management station. From the management station or via the field input units, the field units can receive corresponding control signals and adjust the respective operating data based thereon. In large buildings or building complexes, a large number of field units, which are also networked with one another, can be provided in order to automate the operation of a building or complex of buildings.

Particularly in the case of large buildings and / or building complexes, the building automation, by means of which a specific building environment or a building or room climate can be generated-in particular by means of an HVAC system-is also optimized for optimizing the costs, in particular the energy costs for e.g. thermal and / or electrical energy used. In addition to adapting the building environment or the building climate to personal requirements, energy-efficient and / or cost-optimized operation, in particular with regard to thermal and / or electrical energy by means of building automation, may also be of interest for the private sector (such as a residential building, etc.). For the acceptance of such systems, by which building automation and energy / cost optimization are linked in the operation of a building, it is, however, an inclusion of user interests and ease of use of great importance. Although such a system should operate essentially autonomously, changes in the building environment or the building climate or individual energy costs significantly should take into account the interests of the respective users or the control by the building automation can be influenced in a simple manner.

In most building automation solutions, which also address energy optimization, the interests of users are only partially determined or taken into account. In most cases, the interaction is limited to a rare or possibly one-time (for example during commissioning) specification of nominal values-usually temperature setpoints, which can be specified by the user for a used building area. Furthermore, it is also possible that a user personalized information about the operation of the building automation system or the associated energy optimization such. receives static evaluations about energy consumption / energy savings. However, an immediate interaction with the system is usually not possible for the user.

From document US 2014/0088945 A1, for example, a method and a system for energy optimization are known, energy optimization being carried out on the basis of models and on the basis of operating data of a building automation system. User interaction in this solution is limited to configuring the system by e.g. a trained operator and data retrieval (e.g., information on energy / cost savings). Both can be done by personal computer or laptop. Special current user interests or a simple input for influencing / changing current operating data are not provided in the system described in document US 2014/0088945 A1.

The document US 2015/0045964 A1 also describes a system for controlling or controlling the energy consumption in buildings. This system performs energy optimization using an external application, from which operating data supplied by a building automation system is evaluated and processed by means of an optimization algorithm. The system of building automation and energy optimization described in document US Pat. No. 2105/0045964 A1 operates largely independently, with no interaction being provided by a user or by operating personnel.

Furthermore, from the document WO 2014/124353 Al a building automation system with energy optimization is known to a

To make control and operation of buildings more energy efficient. For this purpose, the system current weather data, weather forecast data, data on energy prices or costs, data on current use of space and user requests or user behavior of one or more databases are provided, which are queried automatically or manually. For a communication of users and operators with the system, a web-based user interface is provided, via which schedules, setpoints, etc. can be entered. If the inputs or specifications of users or operators correspond to the rules set by the energy optimization, these are implemented. A direct interaction with the user, if a user-specific specification is not taken into account or can not be implemented, is not provided.

Presentation of the invention

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and a system for energy and / or cost-optimized operation of one or more buildings, in which easily user-specific interaction in the regulation and control of the operation of buildings without local restrictions allowed and be taken directly into account.

This object is achieved by a method and a system of the type mentioned above with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by a method of the initially mentioned type in which current operating data and / or data changes of an optimization unit are made available by a building automation system. On the basis of this data, energy and / or cost-optimized change instructions of the operating data will be provided by the

Optimization unit, for example, taking into account the energy market (for example, current energy prices, availability of energy, supply situation, utilization of the distribution network, etc.) determined. Then a decision query is generated for given change situations. The decision query is forwarded to a user-specific input / output unit and the user requests a simple decision input, which is then evaluated by the optimization unit. On the basis of the user-specific decision input, the change instruction for the operating data is then adapted and forwarded to the building automation system.

The main aspect of the proposed solution according to the invention is that the energy optimization of the building automation is carried out largely independently, only in given change situations, an interaction with the respective user is required. As a change situation, at least changes with a significant effect on an energy saving potential and / or changes with a significant impact on a user environment and / or changes without a clear automated decision-making possibility (ie the decision is for the system eg due to the given data, rules and / or Undecidable optimization mechanisms). The user's decision input provides data for the given change situations, which can be used for a faster processing of the adjustment of the operating data and for future decision-making processes in the optimization and / or building automation.

If an interaction with the user in real time is not possible (eg no connection to the user or user does not answer within a given period of time), then on the basis of existing data (eg user input on earlier decision requests) of the optimization unit is a decision / solution for the respective change situation automatically selected. If a decision input of the user reaches the optimization unit late (for example, after a predetermined period of time or during a development of effects of the change situation), then this decision input by the user may still be taken into consideration on arrival.

Furthermore, a user-specific interaction in an energy and / or cost-optimized regulation and control of the operation of buildings is allowed in a simple manner. The inputs of a user are called for given change situations on the input / output unit as a decision query or decision input and taken into account directly or directly for the operation of one or more buildings. The simple query, which can be answered by means of, for example, yes or no, a simple and rapid operation by the user and thus a high level of acceptance can be achieved.

It is furthermore advantageous if a generation of the decision request and / or a processing of the decision input are carried out in real time. This creates the possibility that necessary information and / or decisions are queried and implemented by the user quickly and without delay. This is particularly important for a change situation where the decision for the system is e.g. is undecidable on the basis of the given data, rules and / or optimization mechanisms.

It is also useful if the decision query is created depending on a user-specific position. Thus, the following change in the operating data for the building automation can be easily adapted in relation to the whereabouts of the user (e.g., how far away is the user from the building). Depending on the position determined, specific questions may then be asked to the user (e.g., turn on or off heating, light, etc. at a particular time, etc.). The position determination of the respective user can take place for example by means of wireless local area network. It can e.g. a position of the input / output unit are determined to which a user-specific decision request is sent.

Ideally, a user-specific user profile can be created on the basis of user-specific decision inputs. Such user profiles can then be used for user-specific long-term optimization, but also for automation of decisions in the case of changes without a clear automated decision-making possibility. The creation of user profiles can be created, for example, by collecting the data entered during decision queries. The collection of the data can be done on an ongoing basis with current decision queries being processed in real time for the particular optimization, or at the discretion of the particular user (i.e., in stock). For this purpose, the user of the optimization unit simple intuitive questions asked, which the user can answer at will or at any time. For example, when the user is using the input / output unit, the user can continuously make decision queries, which then serve to sharpen the user profile and do not affect immediate optimization decisions.

Aggregated information about the respective decisions of the respective user can for example be offered user-specifically in the decision query. Thus, the transparency is increased and for the user are e.g. Effects of each decision are visible and more predictable. This information can be presented intuitively on the input / output device so that the user can better estimate the impact of future decisions.

Conveniently, as a user-specific input / output unit, a mobile terminal such as e.g. a smartphone or a so-called tablet PC used, the decision query question and input is configured as an application for the mobile device. It is therefore very easy to use mobile terminals already available to the user, whereby the decision request and input configured as an application must simply be loaded onto the respective mobile terminal (for example smartphone, tablet PC, etc.). The decision query or input can be used as an indication of two options - i. e.g. as a decision question with the options yes and no - be configured. The entry of the decision can then be made intuitively on the terminal e.g. by tapping the desired option or by simple swipe gestures (e.g., on a smartphone as a terminal).

The object is further achieved by a system of the type mentioned above, which is set up for carrying out the method according to the invention. This system comprises at least one building automation system for providing current operating data of one or more buildings, an optimization unit, an input / output unit for displaying the decision requests and for inputting the decision inputs and a communication connection for a data transmission between the respective units. The optimization unit is ideally set up to determine an energy and / or cost optimization of the operation, to generate user-specific decision queries in predetermined decision situations and to evaluate user-specific decision inputs. For this purpose, the optimization unit can have at least one functional unit for real-time optimization, a functional unit for user-specific long-term optimization as well as a functional unit for generating decision queries and for evaluating decision inputs. Optionally, the optimization unit may also include a functional unit for a user-specific position tracking.

The advantages of the system according to the invention are, above all, that information necessary for the energy and cost optimization of the building operation and a corresponding adaptation of the operating data and decision data in predefined change situations can be queried and processed by the user quickly. Ideally, the query and processing in real time, so that an adaptation of the building automation can be carried out without delay. The user is offered a simple query and input method on the input / output unit, in which optionally a position of the user in the building can be taken into account. The inventive system can be collected for the energy and cost optimization of the operation of a building a lot of usable data, which in addition to an optimization (real-time and / or long-term optimization) of a concrete building as a basis for the design of future building automation system, energy optimization systems or . Algorithms are used.

It is advantageous if the optimization unit is designed as a so-called cloud-based backend unit. The design as a cloud-based backend unit, for example, a uniform access point for the respective input / output units is given - especially in a communication via the Internet and a use of mobile devices with a corresponding application. Furthermore, it offers the possibility of a simple backup of the system. Cloud-based or so-called cloud computing is understood to mean an execution of programs or access to data which is not installed or stored on a local computer or server, but which are retrieved remotely. That the programs, data, etc. or a corresponding IT infrastructure (eg computer capacities, data storage, network capacities, software applications, etc.) are provided via a network (eg wireless LAN, etc.) and do not have to be installed on local computers , Offering and using services (e.g., programs, data, etc.) in cloud-based systems is typically via technical interfaces and protocols. For a machine-to-machine communication, established standard

Mechanisms such as e.g. Web services (e.g., REST, SOAP, etc.). An interaction with a user is usually carried out via a so-called browser.

An advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention further provides that as input / output unit, a mobile terminal, in particular a smartphone or a tablet PC, is used, the decision query and input is designed as an application for mobile devices. This increases the acceptance among the users of buildings, as mobile terminals such as e.g. Smartphones, tablet PCs, etc. are now widely used. The application available on the mobile device can then access the cloud-based optimization unit.

Conveniently, the Internet can be used as a communication link for data transmission. A use of the Internet for the user-specific query and input of decision data can be done via a wired or ideally a mobile communication network - in particular a wireless local area network (W-LAN) or a mobile network. The use of mobile communication networks such as e.g. Wi-Fi or a mobile network has the advantage that a user's position can be easily determined and taken into account in the decision query. Furthermore, the present invention can be used by the very high availability of an Internet connection without much effort and very easy.

Brief description of the drawing

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figure 1. Figure 1 shows an example and schematically a structure of a system for carrying out the method according to the invention for an energy-optimized operation of buildings.

Embodiment of the invention

FIG. 1 shows, by way of example and schematically, a system SYS for carrying out the method according to the invention for an energy-efficient and cost-optimized operation of buildings. The system SYS consists at least of a building automation system GS, an optimization unit OE and an input / output unit AE, wherein the units of the system SYS are connected via communication links CN for data transmission.

Depending on the spatial configuration of the system SYS, wired and / or wireless communication networks can be used as communication connections KN. A connection KN between the building automation system GS and the optimization unit OE can be established for example by means of so-called virtual, private network or VPN. The connection between the optimization unit OE and the input / output unit AE can be used, for example, via a mobile communication network (for example mobile radio network) or wireless LAN, wherein the Internet can be used for the communication connection KN. In case of using a public communication network such as e.g. Mobile network, Internet, etc., additional measures must be taken to secure the communication link KN and the communication e.g. regarding confidentiality, integrity, etc. of the units involved in the communication.

The building automation system GS forwards current operating data and / or data changes to the optimization unit OE via the communication connection KN. The building automation system GS usually consists of at least one management station as well as a plurality of field units, such as e.g. Sensors, actuators, operating elements, consumers, etc., which are attached to different parts of the building or a building complex. Of the field units, the various parameters for building automation, such as e.g. Temperature, humidity,

Light, position of dimming devices, alarms, locking of doors, etc. measured, monitored and controlled. That of the field units are e.g. The current operating data of a building or building complex is determined and forwarded to the management station. For example, the field units can receive corresponding control signals from the management station and adapt the respective operating data based thereon.

On the basis of the current operating data and / or data changes made available by the building automation system GS, the optimization unit OE can then create an energy- and / or cost-optimized change instruction for the operating data. The optimization unit OE can for this purpose have a functional unit for real-time optimization EZ and a functional unit for long-term optimization LZ.

With the functional unit for real-time optimization EZ, energy and cost optimization for one or more buildings, e.g. taking into account the energy market and energy distribution networks in real time. If one of the given change situations occurs during the optimization, a decision query EA is generated in real time for the respective change situation. Change situations that trigger generating a decision query EA are at least changes having a significant impact on energy saving potential, changes having a significant impact on a user environment (eg, possibly short-term and / or minimal comfort loss to the user, etc.) and / or changes which the optimization decision for the system SYS or the optimization unit OE are undecidable. For the creation of the user-specific decision query EA, the optimization unit OE can have a functional unit FE, from which the decision query EA is generated and a decision input EE of a user is evaluated.

The decision queries EA are, for example, context-sensitive and can be based on a position of the user. For a position determination of a user, the optimization unit OE can comprise an optional functional unit for user-specific position tracking PT, wherein a user-specific position can be determined for example by means of wireless LAN.

A created decision request EA is forwarded by the optimization unit OE or by the functional unit FE for generating decision requests EA and for evaluating decision inputs EE to a user-specific input / output unit AE via the communication connection KN, wherein for the communication connection KN, for example, a mobile communication network (FIG. eg mobile network, wireless LAN, etc.) and the Internet can be used. By means of the decision request EA, a decision input EE is requested by the user.

As input / output unit AE is a mobile terminal such. a smartphone or a tablet PC. The decision request EA and input EE can be designed, for example, in the form of an application for mobile terminals. The decision request EA and the decision input EE are prepared in such a way that they are intuitive, short and easy to understand. For example, the user can be offered two options (for example yes / no, etc.) as input options or as decision input EE. The decision can then be made, for example, by tapping the desired option on a touch screen of the input / output unit AE or by a simple wiping gesture on the input / output unit AE (for example in the case of a smartphone). In order to increase transparency, the user, together with the decision request EA, can be shown aggregated information about the respective decisions and their effects on the input / output unit AE. Again, this information can be intuitively edited to provide the user with an assessment of the impact of their decisions.

After entering the required decision input EE on the input / output unit AE, it is transmitted via the communication connection KN to the optimization unit OE and evaluated by the functional unit FE for generating decision request EA and for evaluating decision inputs EE in real time. On the basis of the user-specific decision input EE, the energy- and / or cost-optimized change instruction for the operating data in real time is adapted accordingly at the time of receipt of the input by the functional unit for real-time optimization EZ. Then the change instruction for the operating data is transmitted by the optimization unit OE via the communication link KN to the building automation system GS, from which then a corresponding change in the operating data can be initiated and carried out.

If an interaction with the user in real time is not possible (eg there is no connection between the input / output unit AE and the optimization unit OE or user does not respond to a decision request EA within a predetermined period of time), the optimization unit OE or of the function unit for a real-time optimization EZ automatically selected a decision / solution for the respective change situation. The selection may be based, for example, on existing data, e.g. previous and stored decision input EE of the user made. If a decision input EE of the user reaches the optimization unit OE or the functional unit for a real-time optimization EZ late (eg after a predetermined period of time or during a development of effects of the change situation), then this decision input EE of the user may still be taken into account on arrival and the Modification instruction to be adapted to the building automation system accordingly.

In addition to an energy and / or cost optimization of the building operation in real time, a long-term optimization by the optimization unit OE or the functional unit for a long-term optimization LZ can be performed. For long-term optimization, e.g. Based on user-specific decision input EE user profile created for each user. A user profile can for example be automatically reduced by decision input EE for the real-time optimization as well as by a questioning of the respective user by means of decision queries EA and decision inputs EE on the input / output unit AE, wherein the questioning is not in real time, but e.g. at the discretion of the respective user. For this purpose, for example, the optimization unit OE or the functional unit FE for generating decision request EA and for evaluating decision inputs EE generate simple, intuitive and easily understandable questions and display them on the input / output unit AE, for example. as decision request EA with decision input EE (e.g., selection between two or more options, etc.). The user can then answer these decision requests EA at will. The decision input EE are then transmitted again to the optimization unit OE and evaluated and processed by the functional unit FE for generating decision query EA and for evaluating decision inputs EE and by the functional unit for a long-term optimization LZ corresponding to a user profile. For an improvement of the user profile, for example, the user can be provided with decision queries EA continuously using the decision request EA and input EE designed as an application, whereby these decision requests EA do not affect immediate optimization decisions and / or processes. In addition, the decision inputs EE on immediate optimization decisions and / or operations may also be incorporated into the user profile enhancement.

The optimization unit OE with its functional units EZ, PT, LZ, FE can, for example, be designed as a so-called cloud-based backend unit. That the optimization unit OE is connected via a communication network, e.g. Wireless LAN, etc. provided. The functional units EZ, PT, LZ, FE and the collected user profiles can thereby also be distributed to a plurality of computer units connected via a communication network. The use of the optimization unit OE, however, can take place via the uniform access point for the input / output units AE or via the application running thereon. Access to a cloud-based system typically uses technical interfaces and protocols such as e.g. Web services (e.g., REST, SOAP, etc.) for machine-to-machine communication or browsers for interaction with a user.

Claims (13)

claims 1. A method for energy-optimized operation of buildings, wherein the operation of one or more buildings is controlled by means of a building automation system (GS), characterized in that the building automation system (GS) current operating data and / or data changes an optimization unit (OE) be made available that based on these data energy and / or cost-optimized change instructions of the operating data are determined that for predetermined change situations a decision query (EA) is generated and forwarded to a user-specific input / output unit (AE) that a decision input ( EE) is requested and evaluated by a user, and that based on the user-specific decision input (EE), the change instruction for the operating data is adapted and forwarded to the building automation system (GS). 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that as a change situation at least changes with a significant effect on an energy saving potential and / or changes with significant impact on a user environment and / or changes are given without a clear decision option. 3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a generation of the decision request (EA) and / or a processing of the decision input (EE) are performed in real time. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decision query (EA) is created in dependence on a user-specific position. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that based on user-specific decision input (EE) a user profile is created. 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that user-specific aggregated information (EA) about the respective decisions of the respective user are offered. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as a user-specific input / output unit (AE) a mobile terminal, in particular a so-called smartphone or a so-called tablet PC is used, wherein the decision query (EA) and input (EE) is designed as an application for mobile device. 8. System for energy-optimized operation of buildings, at least consisting of: - a building automation system (GS) for providing current operating data of one or more buildings, - an optimization unit (OE) for determining an energy and / or cost optimization of the operation, for generating user-specific decision queries (EA) in given decision situations and for evaluating user-specific decision inputs (EE); an input / output unit (AE) for displaying the decision requests (EA) and for inputting the decision inputs (EE); - And a communication link (CN) for data transmission between the respective units. 9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the optimization unit (OE) at least one functional unit for real-time optimization (EZ), a functional unit for a user-specific long-term optimization (LZ) and a functional unit (FE) for generating decision-making queries (EA) and for evaluating decision inputs (EE). 10.System according to claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the optimization unit further identifies a functional unit for a user-specific position tracking (PT). 11.System according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the optimization unit (OE) is designed as a cloud-based backend unit. 12.System according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that as input / output unit (AE), a mobile terminal, in particular a smartphone and / or a tablet PC, is usable, wherein the decision query (EA) and input (EE ) is designed as an application for mobile devices. 13.System according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that as the communication link (CN) for the data transmission, the Internet is used.