Energy optimizer

Abstract

The operation of the Energy Optimizer is based on the fact that within any furnace there is an optimum operating temperature above which the furnace's heat exchanger reflects rather than absorbs any significant amount of additional thermal energy. Once that optimal heat exchanger temperature has been achieved, any continued application of thermal energy is typically reflected up the chimney as lost heat, wasted energy, and added pollutants to the atmosphere. The Energy Optimizer controls the operation of the furnace by continually sensing the slope or rate of change in temperature on the secondary side of the heat exchanger. This slope information is then stored for ongoing operational reference and control. In this way the Energy Optimizer manages the furnace's best (optimal), operating characteristics within the particular installed working environment. In addition, this slope information is interpreted to provide performance and operational safety related information.

1  We claim that if one skilled in the science monitors the rate of rise or fall in temperature over time of a heat exchanger, one can determine certain characteristics of the apparatus and the space. A heat exchanger is a device that allows thermal energy to be transferred from one medium to another. A heat exchanger can be used for either cooling or heating a space or medium. The heat exchanger performance is relational to the characteristics of the space and the characteristics of the heating or cooling apparatus. One skilled in the science can find the range of heat absorption of a heat exchanger that is nearing the limit of its ability to change over time. At this point the heat exchanger will no longer increase its transfer rate of heat. When this point is reached the heat exchanger can be said to be saturated. All further applied energies are reflected from the input side of the heat exchanger and all energies removed from the output side of the heat exchanger become essentially constant over time. The application of more energy to the input side of the heat exchanger will result in only reflecting that energy back again. In the case of a home heating appliance or furnace, the excess energy is reflected up the chimney. 
 By monitoring the slope (rate of change), of the rise of energy transferred from the heat exchanger to the space, one can map the operational characteristics of the apparatus heating or cooling the space. At the point when and where the heat exchanger reaches saturation and reflection begins, the input energy may be turned off or reduced. When saturation is reached an excess of energy on the input side of the heat exchanger exists. The heat exchange will continue to absorb this energy and transfer that energy to the output side of the heat exchanger for a given period of time. The given period of time is dependent on the type of heat exchanger and the type of energy being used. By managing the application of energy within a range that allows for greatest heat absorption, the most efficient use of the energy can be obtained. By this method a less efficient system or apparatus can be made more efficient. By retaining the rate of change information thus gathered (learned), one skilled in the science can map the characteristics of the space by monitoring the rate in which the energy is required to maintain the space.  
 By monitoring the energy used to attain a set point for maintaining the space and then by monitoring how long the set point is maintained, one skilled in the science can monitor the rate in which the energy put into the space is lost and more energy is required to maintain a set point or temperature within that space. When this is monitored over time one can quantify the amount of heat being lost from within that space and infer reasons for that heat loss. One skilled in the science can observe the thermal quality of the energy being supplied to the apparatus by monitoring the rate of rise of output energy from the heat exchanger one can map the characteristics of the apparatus maintaining the space. If the apparatus is a home heating appliance or furnace the initial rate of rise of the output energy or hot air plenum will depict the amount of energy the fuel has or is supplying. If the initial rate of rise is compared to the previously gathered (or learned), rates of rise a relative change in thermal quality of the energy can be assessed.  
 One skilled in the science can monitor the rate of decline of output energy being supplied by an apparatus. If the apparatus is a home heating appliance or furnace, and the set point is reached the apparatus will terminate the energy supply to the heat exchanger. This will result in a decline of energy being removed from the heat exchanger output side to the space. If the rate of decline is monitored there are certain characteristics that can be observed. If these characteristics are compared with previously gathered (or learned) characteristics certain conditions can be observed. In the case of a home heating apparatus or furnace, the loss of a fan motor operation or other impediments to expected airflow can be identified.  
 
     
     
         2  By using the historical data collected (or learned) from the rise and fall over time of the heating or cooling apparatus characteristics as defined in  claim 1 , one skilled in the science can monitor the thermostat functionality. If the thermostat malfunctions the space is at risk of damage. If the thermostat were to stay on (stick on) then the space would attain undesirable temperatures. Based on historical data collected (or learned), it is possible to then determine if the thermostat is operating out of its designed parameters to then respond in some fashion to reduce the risk of damage to the space.