System and Method for Managing Power Consumption in 12V, 24V, and 48V Marine HVAC Systems

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of power management within HVAC systems designed for marine environments, specifically targeting low-voltage configurations such as 12V, 24V, and 48V systems. This invention addresses energy efficiency and resource management challenges in HVAC systems that operate under limited battery power, commonly encountered in marine applications. The system is engineered to monitor, regulate, and control power consumption dynamically across HVAC components to optimize battery life, enhance energy efficiency, and enable user-defined control over power limits.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a system and method for managing power consumption in low-voltage marine HVAC systems, operating specifically on 12V, 24V, and 48V power supplies. The invention encompasses a comprehensive energy management solution that provides real-time tracking, predictive estimation, and user-controlled regulation of power consumption across HVAC devices, with the objective of optimizing battery usage and ensuring continuity of essential functions under limited power resources.

The invention integrates a central processor configured to monitor individual power usage profiles of each HVAC component, employing a proprietary algorithm to calculate cumulative energy consumption relative to a user-defined threshold. A user interface (UI) facilitates user interaction by allowing predefined power limits, displaying consumption trends, and providing essential environmental data. The system intelligently manages power consumption proactively by reducing output when less power is required. When the predefined power threshold is approached or exceeded, the system reduces consumption or, alternatively, shuts down the HVAC system entirely, thereby preventing unscheduled depletion of battery resources. Additionally, the invention incorporates a wireless ecosystem of BLE and Wi-Fi-enabled devices to measure voltage (thereby battery charge level), temperature, and humidity in the vessel upon which the system is deployed.

Through its unique combination of monitoring, predictive analytics, and control mechanisms, the present invention offers an advanced power management solution tailored for marine HVAC systems. This system reduces the need for manual oversight, extends battery life, and promotes safe and reliable HVAC operation within the constraints of battery-limited environments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1: A schematic overview illustrating the arrangement of system components in a typical marine HVAC configuration.

FIG. 2: A depiction of the HVAC control hardware, showcasing the embedded firmware responsible for monitoring and managing power consumption.

FIG. 3: An illustration of the wireless display interface, detailing how it shows the user-defined power limit, current power draw, and cumulative power usage.

FIG. 4: A flow diagram illustrating the sequential process of initializing, monitoring, and managing power consumption in a marine HVAC system, from setting parameters and collecting data to enforcing power limits and optimizing compressor output based on real-time environmental feedback.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides an advanced power management system designed specifically for low-voltage HVAC systems in marine environments, with configurations adaptable to 12V, 24V, and 48V power supplies. This invention is particularly suited for battery-supported marine vessels, where energy resources are limited and efficient power distribution is essential to maintain system reliability and user comfort.

1. Overview of System Architecture

The power management system comprises a central processing unit (CPU) interfaced with an array of HVAC devices, each assigned a unique power consumption profile. These profiles, stored in non-volatile memory, define typical operational power usage parameters for each device and are instrumental in enabling precise tracking of aggregate energy consumption. The CPU executes proprietary algorithms that utilize these profiles to monitor and calculate cumulative power usage dynamically, adjusting system functionality to preserve battery life based on user-defined constraints.

In conjunction with power consumption monitoring, the system also incorporates a suite of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi-enabled devices distributed across the vessel. These devices continuously transmit real-time data on temperature, humidity, and battery voltage levels, forming a comprehensive feedback network that informs and enhances the system's decision-making processes.

2. Power Consumption Tracking and Estimation Algorithms

The system's core functionality centers on its power tracking and estimation capabilities, which operate on a sequence of proprietary algorithms that assess both instantaneous and cumulative power consumption. The CPU continuously reads the on/off state and operational duration of each HVAC device, applying each device's predefined power profile to compute total power usage over time. The system's algorithms incorporate historical usage data, refining power estimations and enabling a predictive approach to energy management. This predictive capability assists the user in setting realistic power consumption limits based on past and projected usage patterns, ensuring optimized power distribution aligned with user preferences.

3. User Interface and Control Mechanisms

The system is equipped with a user interface (UI) that displays real-time power consumption metrics, cumulative power usage, and environmental data, including temperature, humidity, and battery voltage levels. The UI is presented through a touchscreen wireless display, designed for intuitive navigation and ease of control. Users are provided with options to set maximum allowable power consumption limits; these limits are enforced automatically by the system to prevent excessive power draw and ensure compliance with available battery capacity.

Through the UI, users can view detailed trends in power usage, monitor the operational status of each HVAC component, and review environmental data sourced from the BLE and Wi-Fi devices. Additionally, the UI framework is designed to support potential future enhancements, such as remote access via mobile applications, enabling the user to receive notifications, control the system, and manage power settings remotely.

4. Dynamic Power Reduction and Shut-Off Mechanism

To prevent depletion of the battery supply, the system integrates a dynamic shut-off mechanism that is activated when cumulative power usage approaches or exceeds the user-defined threshold. In this scenario, the CPU prioritizes power distribution by selectively deactivating non-essential HVAC components while maintaining essential functions as defined by user preferences. This hierarchical power-down strategy allows for continued operation of critical systems while minimizing the risk of complete battery exhaustion. In configurations where all devices are considered non-essential, the system is configured to initiate a complete shut-off of the HVAC system, preserving battery resources for other critical onboard systems.

5. Variable-Speed Compressor Control

A unique aspect of the system is its incorporation of a variable-speed compressor, which is modulated based on user-defined climate settings and real-time environmental conditions. Once the desired temperature and humidity levels are attained, the compressor automatically reduces its output to a maintenance level, thereby minimizing energy consumption while sustaining the target climate. This modulation enables substantial power savings, particularly over extended operating periods, as the compressor's output is reduced to the minimum required to maintain comfort.

6. Integrated BLE and Wi-Fi Ecosystem

The system's BLE and Wi-Fi ecosystem consists of strategically placed sensors throughout the vessel, each transmitting data on environmental conditions and battery voltage. These sensors enable a distributed, zone-specific approach to HVAC management, allowing the system to dynamically adjust the power and operational output of the HVAC units based on real-time feedback. For instance, if certain areas of the vessel require additional cooling or dehumidification, the system can redistribute resources accordingly, maximizing efficiency and comfort without exceeding set power limits.

7. Battery Voltage Monitoring and Adaptive Power Management

Battery voltage data collected from the BLE and Wi-Fi network is continuously analyzed by the CPU, allowing the system to make informed adjustments to HVAC operations based on the remaining battery capacity. Should voltage levels drop below critical thresholds, the system initiates preemptive power-saving measures, such as reducing compressor speed or limiting the runtime of specific devices. This adaptive approach ensures that essential operations can continue while prolonging the overall battery life, a feature particularly beneficial in off-grid or extended voyage scenarios.

8. Future-Proof Design and Expandability

The architecture of this power management system is modular and designed to support expansion and integration with additional devices and functionalities. For example, the system is compatible with third-party applications through wireless communication protocols, enabling the potential addition of remote control options, mobile app notifications, and integration with external power sources such as solar charging modules. This scalability makes the system versatile for a wide range of applications beyond marine environments, including RVs, remote cabins, and residential energy management solutions.

The present invention thus provides a comprehensive, user-controlled power management system specifically tailored for the unique demands of low-voltage, battery-dependent marine HVAC systems. Through its integration of predictive algorithms, real-time monitoring, and adaptive power control mechanisms, the system offers a robust solution that maximizes battery life, reduces the need for manual intervention, and enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of marine HVAC operations. This invention, therefore, represents a significant advancement in the field of energy management for marine and off-grid applications.

The following will outline the control logic, processes, and algorithmic steps in a logical sequence that would serve as a foundation for implementation:

• • #Initialize system parameters and device profiles
  • set power_limit=user_defined_value
  • initialize device_profiles={device_id: power_profile}
  • initialize devices={device_id: {“status”: “OFF”, “power_usage”: 0}}
  • initialize BLE_WiFi_sensors={“temperature”: 0, “humidity”: 0, “battery_voltage”: 0}
  • #Define core monitoring function
  • def monitor_devices( )
    • for device in devices:
      • if device[“status”]==“ON”:
        • #Track power usage based on the predefined profile for the operational time
        • device[“power_usage”]+=device_profiles[device][“average_power”]
    • #Define power estimation function
    • def estimate_power_usage( ):
      • total_power_usage=sum(device[“power_usage”] for device in devices if device[“status”]==“ON”)
      • #Predict future usage based on historical data and environmental factors
      • projected_usage=predict_usage(total_power_usage, BLE_WiFi_sensors[“battery_voltage”])
      • return projected_usage
    • #Define UI settings function
    • def set_power_limit(user_input):
      • global power_limit
      • power_limit=user_input
    • #Define function for dynamic compressor control
    • def control_compressor(target_temperature, target_humidity):
      • if BLE_WiFi_sensors[“temperature”]<target_temperature and BLE_WiFi_sensors[“humidity”]<target_humidity:
        • reduce_compressor_speed( )
    • #Define function to handle shut-off mechanism
    • def enforce_power_limit( ):
      • total_power_usage=sum(device[“power_usage”] for device in devices)
      • if total_power_usage>=power_limit:
        • power_down_non_essential_devices( )
        • if total_power_usage>=power_limit:
        • shutdown_HVAC( )
    • #Define data collection from BLE/WiFi sensors
    • def update_sensors( ):
      • BLE_WiFi_sensors[“temperature”]=get_temperature_data( )
      • BLE_WiFi_sensors[“humidity”]=get_humidity_data( )
      • BLE_WiFi_sensors[“battery_voltage”]=get_battery_voltage( )
    • #Main operation loop
    • while True:
      • #Update environmental and power data from sensors
      • update_sensors( )
      • monitor_devices( )
      • #Estimate power usage
      • estimated_usage=estimate_power_usage( )
      • #Adjust compressor operation based on target settings control_compressor (target_temperature=user_defined_temperature, target_humidity=user_defined_humidity)
      • #Enforce power limits and initiate shut-off if necessary
      • enforce_power_limit( )
      • #Display data on the user interface
      • display_UI(total_power_usage, BLE_WiFi_sensors)
    • #Utility functions
    • def power_down_non_essential_devices( ):
      • for device in devices:
        • if device not in essential_devices:
        • device[“status”]=“OFF”
    • def shutdown_HVAC( ):
      • for device in devices:
        • device[“status”]=“OFF”
    • def display_UI(total_power_usage, BLE_WiFi_sensors):
      • #Display real-time information on touchscreen UI
      • print(“Total Power Usage:”, total_power_usage)
      • print(“Temperature:”, BLE_WiFi_sensors[“temperature”])
      • print(“Humidity:”, BLE_WiFi_sensors[“humidity”])
      • print(“Battery Voltage:”, BLE_WiFi_sensors[“battery_voltage”])

Explanation of Key Components

Initialization: Sets the power limit and initializes profiles and sensors.

Monitor Devices: Tracks the status and power usage of each HVAC device.

Power Estimation: Calculates total and projected power usage based on historical data and real-time readings.

Compressor Control: Adjusts the compressor's speed based on target temperature and humidity.

Enforce Power Limit: Powers down non-essential devices if the set power limit is exceeded; shuts down the HVAC if needed.

Sensor Update and UI Display: Continuously updates environmental readings and displays key information on the UI.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1—Representative View of System Components in a Typical Configuration: presents a representative layout of the HVAC system components as configured on a typical marine vessel. This layout includes the central processor, which is integrated with multiple HVAC devices such as compressors, fans, and auxiliary components. The processor is connected to both BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and Wi-Fi-enabled sensors strategically positioned throughout the vessel to gather real-time data on environmental conditions-namely, temperature, humidity, and battery voltage. Each HVAC component is assigned a unique power profile stored in the system's memory, which the central processor utilizes to monitor and control power consumption actively. The configuration also highlights the wireless display interface and its connection to the central processor, allowing users to monitor and adjust power limits and view current system status. This setup demonstrates the interconnectedness of each component, emphasizing the system's capacity for real-time data processing and adaptive power management in a marine environment.

FIG. 2—HVAC Control Hardware with Embedded Firmware: illustrates the HVAC control hardware, a central element of the power management system, along with the embedded firmware that drives its functionality. The control hardware includes the central processor responsible for executing algorithms that monitor individual device power usage, estimate cumulative consumption, and manage power limits. The embedded firmware enables data collection from each HVAC device according to its power profile and regulates device operation by triggering the shut-off mechanism if usage exceeds user-defined limits. Additionally, the firmware provides real-time communication with BLE and Wi-Fi devices that supply temperature, humidity, and battery voltage data, allowing the control hardware to dynamically adjust HVAC output based on environmental feedback. This hardware and firmware combination forms the backbone of the power management system, enabling both immediate and predictive control over the HVAC operations to optimize battery life and maintain comfort.

FIG. 3—HVAC Wireless Display Showing Power Limit Set, Current Draw, and Cumulative Power Used: shows the HVAC wireless display interface, designed to provide users with a comprehensive view of key power metrics. The display indicates the user-defined power consumption limit, the current power draw by the HVAC system, and the cumulative power used within the set timeframe. Through this interface, users can monitor system performance, observe power usage trends, and adjust power limits according to battery availability and environmental conditions. Additionally, the display provides feedback on environmental conditions collected by the BLE and Wi-Fi sensors, such as temperature and humidity, which are factored into HVAC operational adjustments. The wireless design enables convenient placement of the display, making it accessible to users for real-time monitoring and adjustments, even remotely, if integrated with a mobile app. This interface is crucial for providing transparency and control over the system's power management, ensuring users can optimize energy use to suit their preferences and conditions.

FIG. 4.101—Initialize System Parameters and Load Device Power Profiles: the system initializes by setting the power management parameters. This includes configuring the user-defined power limit and loading power profiles for each connected HVAC device. These profiles specify each device's typical power usage, which the system will reference to track energy consumption. The initialization also includes connecting to the BLE and Wi-Fi sensors that provide ongoing environmental data to inform the system's operations.

FIG. 4.103—Monitor the Operational Status of Each HVAC Device: the system begins monitoring the operational status of each HVAC component, recording the on/off state and runtime of each device. This information is used in conjunction with each device's power profile to accurately track power usage over time. The central processor records the operational data in real-time, providing a basis for calculating cumulative energy consumption and responding to changing conditions.

FIG. 4.105—Collect Real-Time Environmental Data from BLE and Wi-Fi Sensors: the system collects real-time environmental data, including temperature, humidity, and battery voltage levels, from the distributed BLE and Wi-Fi sensors positioned throughout the vessel. This data allows the system to make informed adjustments to HVAC operations, ensuring that power usage aligns with current environmental needs and remaining battery capacity.

FIG. 4.107—Calculate Cumulative Power Usage and Predict Future Consumption: the system calculates cumulative power usage by aggregating the consumption data from each active HVAC component. Utilizing historical data and current environmental feedback, the system's algorithms also generate predictions for future power consumption, aiding in proactive energy management and ensuring that battery resources are preserved.

FIG. 4.109—Display Power Usage Data and Environmental Conditions on the User Interface: shows how the user interface displays real-time power usage, cumulative consumption, and environmental conditions collected from the BLE and Wi-Fi sensors. This information, available on a touchscreen wireless display, allows users to monitor energy usage trends, adjust power limits, and observe environmental feedback in real time, enabling greater control over the HVAC system's power consumption.

FIG. 4.111—Adjust Compressor Output Based on User-Defined Climate Settings and Real-Time Data: the system dynamically adjusts the output of the variable-speed compressor to meet user-defined climate targets (e.g., temperature and humidity). If the set conditions are achieved, the compressor reduces its output, optimizing energy usage while maintaining the target climate. This adjustment helps to manage power consumption effectively, particularly during extended periods of operation.

FIG. 4.113—Enforce Power Limit by Selectively Powering Down Devices as Necessary: depicts the enforcement of the user-defined power limit. When the system detects that cumulative power consumption is approaching the set threshold, it initiates a selective shutdown of non-essential HVAC devices, ensuring that critical components remain operational. If necessary, the system will shut down the entire HVAC unit to prevent battery depletion, thereby safeguarding the vessel's power resources for essential functions.