APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADAPTIVELY APPLYING CENTRAL HVAC SYSTEM AND INDIVIDUAL HVAC SYSTEM

Abstract

A method and apparatus for adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system are provided. The method includes analyzing comfort levels of a core zone and a perimeter zone in a building by comparing temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with a set temperature, comparing a difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with an environmental parameter, if only one of the core zone and the perimeter zone is comfortable as a result of the analysis, and changing a currently operating HVAC system based on a result of the comparison.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed on Apr. 1, 2015 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and assigned Serial number 10-2015-0046295, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system.

BACKGROUND

The Internet is evolving from a human-oriented connection network in which human beings generate and consume information to the Internet of things (IoT) in which information is transmitted/received and processed between distributed elements such as things. The Internet of everything (IoE) technology may be an example of combining the IoT with big data processing through connectivity to a cloud server and the like.

For an IoT implementation, technologies such as sensing, wired/wireless communication and network infrastructure, service interfacing, and security are required. Currently, techniques including a sensor network for interconnection between things, machine to machine (M2M) communication, and machine type communication (MTC) have been studied.

An intelligent Internet technology (IT) service of creating new values for human livings by collecting and analyzing data generated from interconnected things may be provided in an IoT environment. The IoT may find application in a wide range of fields including a smart home, a smart building, a smart city, a smart car or a connected car, a smart grid, health care, a smart appliance, and state-of-the art medical services, through convergence between existing IT technologies and various industries.

Along with modernization of building facilities, building control systems for controlling various facilities for air conditioning, power, lighting, and disaster prevention within a building have become popular.

Beyond simple automation of individual systems (for air conditioning, power, lighting, access control, parking, and the like), the building control systems have recently been developed to build an efficient network that organically integrates the systems. Efficient integration of individual systems is based on the premise of implementation of not a technology of a specific company but an open technology. Also, the evolution trend is toward organic interconnection of systems in a lower-layer control network rather than incomplete integration of systems in a higher layer.

For air conditioning in a large building, a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system or an individual HVAC system is generally employed. The central HVAC system refers to a system in which an air handing unit (AHU) distributes cooled/heated air through air ducts connected across the inner space of a building, whereas the individual HVAC system refers to a system in which an outdoor unit introduces a coolant indoors and cools/heats indoor air. The central and individual HVAC systems each have their own shortcomings. That is, the central HVAC system may suffer from indoor heat load imbalance and energy leakage because it is impossible to control temperature separately in a perimeter zone and a core zone. The individual HVAC system cannot introduce outdoor air. Therefore, it is impossible to satisfy indoor air quality (IAQ) recommendations, for example, a carbon dioxide (CO₂) level and a carbon oxide (CO) level which are allowed indoors.

To overcome these shortcomings of the central and individual HVAC systems, a hybrid HVAC system is under active research in order to simultaneously the central and individual HVAC systems. However, the hybrid HVAC system consumes far more energy than either of the central and individual HVAC systems alone because both the systems operate at the same time. As a result, electricity charges become high since a progressive rate is applied to each of a basic charge and a power consumption charge.

Accordingly, there is a need for development of an optimum HVAC system that overcomes the shortcomings of the central HVAC system, the individual HVAC system, and the hybrid HVAC system.

The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system according to a case detected based on comfort of a perimeter zone and/or a core zone.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for predicting energy consumptions of a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system and applying a HVAC system having the smaller energy consumption between the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system in consideration of whether a currently operating HVAC system satisfies a predetermined constraint.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system is provided. The method includes analyzing comfort levels of a core zone and a perimeter zone in a building by comparing temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with a set temperature, comparing a difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with an environmental parameter, if only one of the core zone and the perimeter zone is comfortable as a result of the analysis, and changing a currently operating HVAC system based on a result of the comparison.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system is provided. The method includes predicting energy consumptions of the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system, selecting a HVAC system having the smaller predicted energy consumption between the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system, and determining whether a currently operating HVAC system satisfies a predetermined constraint, and determining whether to operate the selected HVAC system based on a result of the determination.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system is provided. The apparatus includes a controller configured to analyze comfort levels of a core zone and a perimeter zone in a building by comparing temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with a set temperature, compare a difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with an environmental parameter, and change, if only one of the core zone and the perimeter zone is comfortable as a result of the analysis, and a currently operating HVAC system based on a result of the comparison, and a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals related to the controller.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system is provided. The apparatus includes a controller configured to predict energy consumptions of the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system, select a HVAC system having the smaller predicted energy consumption between the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system, determine whether a currently operating HVAC system satisfies a predetermined constraint, and determine whether to operate the selected HVAC system based on a result of the determination, and a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals related to the controller.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system by a control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a detailed flowchart illustrating a method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system by a control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating an operation for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system according to temperature changes of a perimeter zone and a core zone by a control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system by a control unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating an operation for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system according to energy consumptions of the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system and predetermined constraints during predetermined intervals by a control unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate examples of setting a temperature difference reference in consideration of an energy consumption, a gradient related to a temperature change in a core zone and/or a perimeter zone and an operation level of a HVAC system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of setting a temperature difference reference in consideration of mutual influences between a core zone and a perimeter zone according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an example of setting a temperature difference reference in consideration of a predicted mean vote (PMV) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example of setting a temperature difference reference in consideration of an indoor air quality (IAQ) index according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of setting a temperature difference reference in consideration of a set time schedule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an interior structure of a control unit for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate comparisons between a hybrid HVAC scheme and an adaptive HVAC scheme of the related art in terms of simulated results of seasonal power consumptions and electricity charges according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 13A to 13C illustrate comparisons between the hybrid HVAC system and an adaptive HVAC system of the related art in terms of simulated results of seasonal power consumptions and electricity charges according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 14A and 14B are graphs illustrating temperature changes in a perimeter zone and a core zone for one day in a central HVAC system and an adaptive HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

A method for adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system according to the difference between temperatures of a perimeter zone and a core zone according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below in detail. That is, a method for determining whether to operate or stop each of the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system in consideration of a temperature measured in a perimeter zone of a building, a temperature measured in a core zone of the building, a predetermined set temperature, and environmental parameters will be described in detail.

Devices related to a HVAC system described in embodiments of the present disclosure may include, for example, an absorption chiller, a scroll chiller, a screw chiller, a centrifugal chiller, a cooling tower, a roof top unit, an air handing unit (AHU), a fan coil unit, a variable air volume (VAV) box, a boiler like a burner, an air cooled/water cooled outdoor unit, and any other individual air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system by a control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a control unit determines environmental parameters which are considered to select a HVAC system, for example, α, β, and γ in operation 102. Herein, α represents a compensation temperature that a core zone acquires through operation of an individual HVAC system installed in a perimeter zone, and β and γ represent references for a temperature difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone. Particularly, β is a temperature difference reference which is considered, when a temperature of the core zone is higher than that of the perimeter zone during operation of a cooling system, and a temperature difference reference which is considered, when the temperature of the perimeter zone is higher than that of the core zone during operation of a heating system. γ is a temperature difference reference which is considered, when the temperature of the perimeter zone is higher than that of the core zone during operation of the cooling system, and a temperature difference reference which is considered, when the temperature of the core zone is higher than that of the perimeter zone during operation of the heating system.

In operation 104, the control unit analyzes comfort levels of the core zone and the perimeter zone by comparing temperatures measured in the core zone and the perimeter zone with a predetermined set temperature.

In operation 106, the control unit determines whether only the perimeter zone or the core zone is comfortable based on a result of the analysis. That is, in the case where the cooling system is operating in a building, if a temperature T_Core of the core zone is higher than a set temperature T_SP and a temperature T_Peri of the perimeter zone is lower than the set temperature T_SP (T_Core>T_SP&& T_Peri<T_SP), or in the case where the heating system is operating in the building, if the temperature T_Core of the core zone is lower than the set temperature T_SP and the temperature T_Peri of the perimeter zone is higher than the set temperature T_SP (T_Core<T_SP&& T_Peri>T_SP), the control unit determines that only the perimeter zone is comfortable. Also, in the case where the cooling system is operating in the building, if the temperature T_Core of the core zone is lower than the set temperature T_SP and the temperature T_Peri of the perimeter zone is higher than the set temperature T_SP (T_Core<T_SP&& T_Peri>T_SP), or in the case where the heating system is operating in the building, if the temperature Tcore of the core zone is higher than the set temperature T_SP and the temperature T_Peri of the perimeter zone is lower than the set temperature T_SP (T_Core>T_SP&& T_Peri<T_SP), the control unit determines that only the core zone is comfortable.

If the control unit determines that only the perimeter zone or the core zone is comfortable in operation 106, the control unit proceeds to operation 108. On the other hand, if the control unit determines that both or none of the perimeter zone and the core zone are comfortable in operation 106, the control unit proceeds to operation 104.

In operation 108, the control unit determines whether the difference between the temperatures of the perimeter zone and the core zone is equal to or larger than the environmental parameter β or γ. If determining that only the perimeter zone is comfortable in operation 106, the control unit compares the temperature difference between the perimeter zone and the core zone with the environmental parameter β. If determining that only the core zone is comfortable in operation 106, the control unit compares the temperature difference between the perimeter zone and the core zone with the environmental parameter γ.

If the temperature difference between the perimeter zone and the core zone is equal to or larger than the environmental parameter β or γ in operation 108, the control unit 110 changes a currently operating HVAC system in operation 110. On the contrary, if the temperature difference between the perimeter zone and the core zone is less than the environmental parameter β or γ in operation 108, the control unit 110 repeats operation 108, maintaining the currently operating HVAC system. While it has been described that the individual HVAC system or the central HVAC system is currently operating in FIG. 1, by way of example, if both of the individual and central HVAC systems are currently off, the control unit maintains the current state, that is, the off state.

FIG. 2 is a detailed flowchart illustrating a method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system by a control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, a control unit determines environmental parameters which are considered to select a HVAC system, for example, α, β and γ in operation 202. Herein, α represents a compensation temperature that a core zone acquires through operation of an individual HVAC system installed in a perimeter zone, and β and y represent references for a temperature difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone. Particularly, β is a temperature difference reference which is considered, when a temperature of the core zone is higher than that of the perimeter zone during operation of a cooling system, and a temperature difference reference which is considered, when the temperature of the perimeter zone is higher than that of the core zone during operation of a heating system. γ is a temperature difference reference which is considered, when the temperature of the perimeter zone is higher than that of the core zone during operation of the cooling system, and a temperature difference reference which is considered, when the temperature of the core zone is higher than that of the perimeter zone during operation of the heating system.

In operation 204, the control unit detects a related case by analyzing comfort levels of the core zone and the perimeter zone. The comfort levels of the core zone and the perimeter zone may be analyzed by comparing temperatures measured in the core zone and the perimeter zone with a predetermined set temperature.

The related case may be case I in which none of the core zone and the perimeter zone are comfortable, case II in which the core zone is not comfortable but the perimeter zone is comfortable, case III in which the core zone is comfortable but the perimeter zone is not comfortable, or case IV in which both of the core zone and the perimeter zone are comfortable. Each case is detected in the following manner.

Case I in which none of the core zone and the perimeter zone are comfortable corresponds to the case where the temperature T_Core of the core zone is higher than the set temperature T_SP and the temperature T_Periof the perimeter zone is higher than the set temperature T_SP (T_Core>T_SP&& T_Peri>T_SP) during operation of the cooling system, or the temperature T_Core of the core zone is lower than the set temperature T_SP and the temperature T_Peri of the perimeter zone is lower than the set temperature T_SP (T_Core<T_SP&& T_Peri<T_SP) during operation of the heating system.

Case II in which the core zone is not comfortable but the perimeter zone is comfortable corresponds to the case where the temperature T_Core of the core zone is higher than the set temperature T_SP and the temperature T_Peri of the perimeter zone is lower than the set temperature T_SP (T_Core>T_SP&& T_Peri>T_SP) during operation of the cooling system, or the temperature T_Core of the core zone is lower than the set temperature T_SP and the temperature T_Peri of the perimeter zone is higher than the set temperature T_SP (T_Core<T_SP&& T_Peri>T_SP)during operation of the heating system.

Case III in which the core zone is comfortable but the perimeter zone is not comfortable corresponds to the case where the temperature T_Core of the core zone is lower than the set temperature T_SP and the temperature T_Peri of the perimeter zone is higher than the set temperature T_SP (T_Core<T_SP&& T_Peri>T_SP) during operation of the cooling system, or the temperature T_Core of the core zone is higher than the set temperature T_SP and the temperature T_Peri of the perimeter zone is lower than the set temperature T_SP (T_Core>T_SP&& T_Peri<T_SP) during operation of the heating system.

Case IV in which both of the core zone and the perimeter zone are comfortable corresponds to the case where the temperature T_Core of the core zone is lower than the set temperature T_SP and the temperature T_Peri of the perimeter zone is lower than the set temperature T_SP (T_Core<T_SP&& T_Peri<T_SP) during operation of the cooling system, or the temperature T_Core of the core zone is higher than the set temperature T_SP and the temperature T_Peri of the perimeter zone is higher than the set temperature T_SP (T_Core>T_SP&& T_Peri>T_SP) during operation of the heating system.

If the related case detected in operation 204 is case I in which none of the core zone and the perimeter zone are comfortable, the control unit selects the central HVAC system and operates devices related to the central HVAC system, for overall cooling or heating, in operation 208.

In operation 210, the control unit determines whether the difference between the set temperature and the temperature of the core zone, |T_SP-T_Core| is equal to or less than a. The difference between the set temperature and the temperature of the core zone is (T_SP-T_Core) during operation of the heating system, and (T_Core-T_SP) during operation of the cooling system. Herein, α is a compensation temperature that the core zone acquires through operation of the individual HVAC system installed in the perimeter zone, and set by default to 0.75° C. obtained by simulation-based statistical analysis. Also, α may be updated through continuous monitoring and data collection.

If the absolute value of the difference between the set temperature and the temperature of the core zone is equal to or less than a in operation 210, the control unit operates the individual HVAC system in operation 212. On the contrary, if the absolute value of the difference between the set temperature and the temperature of the core zone is larger than α in operation 210, the control unit selects the central HVAC system and operates devices related to the HVAC system in operation 208.

If the related case detected in operation 204 is case II in which only the perimeter zone is comfortable, the control unit maintains a currently operating HVAC system in operation 214.

In operation 216, the control unit determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the perimeter zone and the temperature of the core zone, |T_Peri-T_Core| is equal to or larger than β. Herein, β is a limit for the difference between the temperatures of the perimeter zone and the core zone. Considering that a general HVAC system operates with fluctuations at 1° C., β is set to 1° C. by default. Also, β may be updated through continuous monitoring and data collection.

If the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the perimeter zone and the temperature of the core zone, |T_Peri-T_Core| is equal to or larger than β in operation 216, the control unit selects the central HVAC system and operates devices related to the central HVAC system in operation 218. On the contrary, if the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the perimeter zone and the temperature of the core zone, |T_Peri-T_Core| is less than β in operation 216, the control unit maintains the currently operating HVAC system in operation 214.

If the related case detected in operation 204 is case III in which only the core zone is comfortable, the control unit maintains the currently operating HVAC system in operation 220.

In operation 222, the control unit determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the perimeter zone and the temperature of the core zone, |T_Peri-T_Core| is equal to or larger than γ. Herein, γ is a limit for the difference between the temperatures of the perimeter zone and the core zone, and set to 1° C. by default. Also, γ may be updated through continuous monitoring and data collection.

If the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the perimeter zone and the temperature of the core zone, |T_Peri-T_Core| is equal to or larger than γ in operation 222, the control unit selects the individual HVAC system and operates devices related to the individual HVAC system in operation 224. On the contrary, if the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the perimeter zone and the temperature of the core zone, |T_Peri-T_Core| is less than γ in operation 222, the control unit maintains the currently operating HVAC system in operation 220.

If the related case detected in operation 204 is case IV in which both of the core zone and the perimeter zone are comfortable, the control unit stops the currently operating HVAC system because the temperatures of the perimeter zone and the core zone satisfy the preset temperature, in operation 226.

While it has been described that the individual HVAC system or the central HVAC system is currently operating in operations 214 and 220 of FIG. 2, by way of example, if both of the individual and central HVAC systems are currently off, the control unit maintains the current state, that is, the off state.

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating an operation for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system according to temperature changes in a perimeter zone and a core zone by a control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, it is assumed that a result of an analysis of the comfort levels of the core zone and the perimeter zone indicates case I in which either of the core zone and the perimeter zone is not comfortable. Then, a control unit operates the central HVAC system (302). It is also assumed in FIG. 3 that the control unit is operating the cooling system through the central HVAC system.

While the control unit is operating the central HVAC system (302), the control unit determines whether the difference between the set temperature T_SP and the temperature T_Core⁽¹⁾ of the core zone, |T_SP-T_Core⁽¹⁾| is equal to or less than α (304). If the difference between the set temperature and the temperature of the core zone is equal to or less than α, the control unit selects and operates the individual HVAC system (306). The core zone may acquire as much a compensation temperature as α by the operation of the individual HVAC system. As a consequence, the temperature T_Core⁽¹⁾ of the core zone is dropped by α and thus may fast reach the set temperature T_SP. Also, since the control unit may advance an operation time of the individual HVAC system from an operation time of the related art in this case, the control unit may reach thermal balance between the core zone and the perimeter zone faster than the related art.

While the control unit is operating the individual HVAC system (308), the control unit determines whether the difference between the temperature of the perimeter zone and the temperature of the core zone is equal to or larger than β (310). If the difference between the temperature of the perimeter zone and the temperature of the core zone is equal to or larger than β, the control unit operates the central HVAC system (312).

If the temperatures of both the core and perimeter zones are less than the set temperature while the control unit is operating the central HVAC system (314), the control unit turns off the currently operating HVAC system, that is, the central HVAC system (318).

If both of the individual and central HVAC systems are currently off, the control unit maintains the current state, that is, the off state (316).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system by a control unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, a control unit determines environmental parameters which are considered to select a HVAC system, for example, α, β, and γ in operation 402. Herein, α represents a compensation temperature that a core zone acquires through operation of an individual HVAC system installed in a perimeter zone, and β and γ represent references for a temperature difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone. Particularly, β is a temperature difference reference which is considered, when a temperature of the core zone is higher than that of the perimeter zone during operation of a cooling system, and a temperature difference reference which is considered, when the temperature of the perimeter zone is higher than that of the core zone during operation of a heating system. γ is a temperature difference reference which is considered, when the temperature of the perimeter zone is higher than that of the core zone during operation of the cooling system, and a temperature difference reference which is considered, when the temperature of the core zone is higher than that of the perimeter zone during operation of the heating system.

In operation 404, the control unit collects environmental data. The environmental data includes an outdoor temperature, an average outdoor temperature, a radiant temperature, a set temperature, a core zone temperature, a perimeter zone temperature, a carbon oxide (CO) level, and a carbon dioxide (CO₂) level.

In operation 406, the control unit predicts a relative energy consumption AE between the individual HVAC system and the central HVAC system. The relative energy consumption ΔE may be calculated using a predicted value of energy consumption of the central HVAC system and a predicted value of energy consumption of the individual HVAC system by Equation 1.

ΔE=Y₁−Y₂≦±σ  Equation 1

where Y₁ represents the predicted value of the energy consumption of the central HVAC system, Y₂ represents the predicted value of the energy consumption of the individual HVAC system, and σ represents the mean squared deviation of errors of the predicted values Y₁ and Y₂. The predicted values Y₁ and Y₂ are modeled based on the environmental data collected in operation 404, expressed as Equation 2.

Y₁=F_ENERGY(X₁)=f(T_Outdoor, T_Radiant, T_SP, T_In, time, T_SP-T_In, E_Previous, . . . )

Y₂=F_ENERGY(X₂)=f(T_Outdoor, T_Radiant, T_SP, T_In, time, T_SP-T_In, E_Previous, . . . )  Equation2

where X₁ represents the central HVAC system, X₂ represents the individual HVAC system, T_Outdoor represents an outdoor temperature, T_Radiant represents a radiant temperature, T_SP represents a set temperature, T_In represents an indoor temperature, time represents the current time, and E_Previous represents energy at a previous time.

In operation 408, the control unit selects a HVAC system having the smaller energy consumption between the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system in consideration of the predicted value of the energy consumption of the central HVAC system and the predicted value of the energy consumption of the individual HVAC system.

In operation 410, the control unit determines whether the currently operating system satisfies predetermined constraints. A CO₂ level, a CO level, a temperature difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone, reception or non-reception of a request for a response signal, a predicted mean vote (PMV) difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone, an energy consumption difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone, and the amount of indoor heat may be considered as criteria for the predetermined constraints. The request for a response signal may include, for example, a notification of power supply overload. A CO₂ level range may be determined to be less than or equal to x ppm regulated in a standard or an ambient CO₂ level+700 ppm. A range of temperature differences between the core zone and the perimeter zone may be determined to be equal to or lower than n° C. regulated in a standard. The above criteria and ranges for the predetermined constraints are purely exemplary. Thus other criteria may be considered and related ranges may vary under circumstances.

If the currently operating HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraints in operation 410, the control unit operates the HVAC system selected in operation 408 in operation 412. The control unit operates all devices related to the selected HVAC system.

On the other hand, if the currently operating HVAC system does not satisfy the predetermined constraints in operation 410, the control unit operates the other unselected HVAC system in operation 414. The control unit operates all devices related to the unselected HVAC system.

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating an operation for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system according to energy consumptions of the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system and predetermined constraints during predetermined intervals by a control unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, a predicted energy consumption value of the individual HVAC system is lower than a predicted energy consumption value of the central HVAC system during a first interval 502. Thus, the control unit selects the individual HVAC system having the smaller energy consumption for the first interval 502. The control unit determines whether a currently operating HVAC system satisfies predetermined constraints. It is assumed that the currently operating HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraints. Therefore, the control unit operates the selected individual HVAC system, confirming that the currently operating HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraints.

Since the predicted energy consumption value of the central HVAC system is lower than the predicted energy consumption value of the individual HVAC system during a second interval 504, the control unit selects the central HVAC system having the smaller energy consumption for the second interval 504. The control unit determines whether the currently operating individual HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraints. It is assumed that the currently operating individual HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraints. Therefore, the control unit operates the selected central HVAC system, confirming that the currently operating individual HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraints.

The predicted energy consumption value of the individual HVAC system is lower than the predicted energy consumption value of the central HVAC system during a third interval 506. Thus, the control unit selects the individual HVAC system having the smaller energy consumption for the third interval 506. The control unit determines whether the currently operating central HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraints. It is assumed herein that the CO₂ level of the currently operating central HVAC system exceeds a predetermined reference. Therefore, the control unit operates the central HVAC system other than the selected individual HVAC system, confirming that the currently operating central HVAC system does not satisfy the predetermined constraints.

Since the predicted energy consumption value of the central HVAC system is lower than the predicted energy consumption value of the individual HVAC system during a fourth interval 508, the control unit selects the central HVAC system having the smaller energy consumption for the fourth interval 508. The control unit determines whether the currently operating central HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraints. It is assumed herein that the currently operating central HVAC system suffers from a temperature imbalance between the core zone and the perimeter zone. Therefore, the control unit operates the individual HVAC system other than the selected central HVAC system, confirming that the currently operating central HVAC system does not satisfy the predetermined constraints.

Since the predicted energy consumption value of the central HVAC system is lower than the predicted energy consumption value of the individual HVAC system during a fifth interval 510, the control unit selects the central HVAC system having the smaller energy consumption for the fifth interval 510. The control unit determines whether the currently operating individual HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraints. It is assumed herein that with the currently operating individual HVAC system, temperature balance is achieved between the core zone and the perimeter zone. Therefore, the control unit operates the selected central HVAC system, confirming that the currently operating individual HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraints.

During a sixth interval 512, the control unit changes the operating HVAC system at a time point when the energy consumptions of the central and individual HVAC systems are changed, that is, at a time point when ΔE=Y₁−Y₂≦±σ. Therefore, the control unit switches the currently operating central HVAC system to the individual HVAC system at the time point when the energy consumptions are changed.

Upon receipt of a request for a response signal, for example, a notification of power supply overload during a seventh interval 514, the control unit increases a thermal balance reference between the core zone and the perimeter zone and operates the central HVAC system having a relatively small energy consumption.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate examples of setting a temperature difference reference in consideration of a gradient related to a temperature change in a core zone and/or a perimeter zone and a switching cycle of a HVAC system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a parameter representing a reference for a temperature difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone, for example, β or γ is adjusted based on multiple factors and considered to switch a HVAC system. The multiple factors affect each other and may include, for example, an energy consumption, a gradient related to a temperature change in the core zone and/or the perimeter zone, an operation level of a HVAC system, and a switching cycle of an operating HVAC system.

In FIG. 6A, an example of adjusting β based on a gradient related to a temperature change in the core zone and/or the perimeter zone is illustrated. That is, if a gradient related to a temperature change in the core zone and/or the perimeter zone is larger than a reference gradient, the control unit may adjust β to β′.

In FIG. 6B, an example of adjusting γ based on a switching cycle between HAVC systems is illustrated. That is, the control unit may adjust the switching cycle between the HAVC systems to be shorter than a reference cycle by adjusting γ to γ′.

If the operation level of a HVAC system is higher than a reference level, the gradient related to the temperature change of the core zone and/or the perimeter zone becomes larger than the reference gradient and the switching cycle of an operating HVAC system becomes shorter than the reference cycle, thereby affecting energy consumption.

On the other hand, if the operation level of a HVAC system is lower than the reference level, the gradient related to the temperature change of the core zone and/or the perimeter zone becomes smaller than the reference gradient and the switching cycle of an operating HVAC system becomes longer than the reference cycle, thereby also affecting energy consumption.

For example, if the operation level of the HVAC system is higher than the reference level and thus the HVAC system fast reaches the set temperature, adjustment of β or γ to an existing value leads to too short a switching cycle of the HVAC system and thus energy consumption increases significantly. Accordingly, if β or γ is adjusted to a value larger than the existing value in this case, the switching cycle of the HVAC system is lengthened and thus the HVAC system may fast reach a comfortable state.

In the case where β or γ is adjusted in consideration of the switching cycle between the HVAC systems, if the switching cycle between the HVAC systems is set to be shorter than the reference cycle, the core zone and the perimeter zone fast reach thermal balance. However, if the switching cycle between the HVAC systems is set to be shorter than a time period by which to determine to operate a HVAC system, the cooling system or the heating system is continuously running even though it satisfies the set temperature. On the contrary, if the switching cycle between the HVAC systems is set to be shorter than the reference cycle, thermal imbalance between the core zone and the perimeter zone increases, thereby decreasing efficiency.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of adjusting a temperature difference reference in consideration of mutual influences between the core zone and the perimeter zone according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, β or γ may be adjusted in consideration of mutual influences between the core zone and the perimeter zone, caused by operation of one HVAC system, that is, the individual HVAC system or the central HVAC system. That is, β or γ may be controlled in consideration of a compensation temperature ΔT that the core zone acquires through operation of the individual HVAC system installed in the perimeter zone. The compensation temperature ΔT may be acquired through a simulation-based statistical analysis and updated through continuous monitoring and data collection. The mutual influences between the core zone and the perimeter zone include both an influence that the perimeter zone has on the core zone and an influence that the core zone has on the perimeter zone.

On the assumption that as much temperature imbalance as β is allowed between the core zone and the perimeter zone and a compensation temperature that the core zone acquires through operation of the individual HVAC system installed only in the perimeter zone is ΔT, if a temperature difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger than β, the core unit switches an operating HVAC system. However, the core zone may reach a set temperature more quickly due to the compensation temperature ΔT. Therefore, if β is adjusted to β′ by subtracting ΔT from β which has been set previously, the temperature imbalance between the core zone and the perimeter zone may be overcome slightly faster. In addition, the temperature imbalance is also mitigated.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an example of adjusting a temperature difference reference in consideration of a comfort index according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, β may be adjusted in consideration of the difference between comfort levels of the core zone and the perimeter zone, based on an indoor comfort index, for example, temperature or a PMV.

In FIG. 8A a graph of temperature changes of the core zone and the perimeter zone is illustrated. In FIG. 8B a graph temperature changes of the core zone and the perimeter zone is illustrated, when β is adjusted so that the temperature of the core zone or the perimeter zone may be equal to or less than a reference comfort index.

If the cooling system is operating, since the temperature of the core zone exceeds the reference comfort index, temperature imbalance may be mitigated by adjusting β to β′. However, adjustment of β to β′ leads to an increase in energy consumption and thus β is adjusted in further consideration of energy consumption.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example of adjusting a temperature difference reference to satisfy indoor air quality (IAQ) recommendations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, β or γ may be adjusted to satisfy IAQ recommendations. IAQ is determined by, for example, CO₂ and CO levels or the amount of fine dust.

FIG. 9A is based on the assumption of a situation where if the difference between temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger than β (908) during operation of the individual HVAC system (902), the control unit operates the central HVAC system (904), and if the difference between temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger than γ (910) during operation of the central HVAC system (904), the control unit operates the individual HVAC system (906).

For example, if the amount of ventilated air is to be reduced due to a poor outdoor environment in the situation of FIG. 9A, operating the central HVAC system is preferred to operating the individual HVAC system in terms of satisfying the IAQ recommendations. For this purpose, the control unit may adjust a γ value 910 to a γ′ value 912 in FIG. 9B, for use in determining whether to operate the individual HVAC system. That is, the control unit may advance an operation time of the individual HVAC system by adjusting γ to γ′ smaller than γ.

Further, the control unit may adjust a β value 908 to a β′ value 914, for use in determining whether to operate the central HVAC system. That is, the control unit may delay an operation time of the central HVAC system by adjusting β to β′ larger than β.

In this manner, the control unit may shorten an operation duration of the central HVAC system and lengthen an operation duration of the individual HVAC system by adjusting γ to γ′ smaller than y and adjusting β to β′ larger than β. Since the control unit selects and operates only one of the individual and central HVAC systems, temperature imbalance may be overcome and energy consumption may also be reduced relative to operating both of the HVAC systems at the same time.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of adjusting a temperature difference reference in consideration of a set time schedule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, β or γ may be adjusted according to a user-set time or mode switching.

For example, if thermal balance between the core zone and the perimeter zone is to be maintained as much as possible for a VIP after a set time, or if a power charge is relatively low after the set time, the control unit may adjust a β value 1002 to a β′ value 1004, for use in determining whether to operate the central HVAC system. That is, the control unit may adjust β to β′ larger than β.

Since the effects that are achieved by adjusting β or γ include reduction of energy use, thermal balance between the core zone and the perimeter zone, and ventilation, β or γ may be adjusted according to a schedule set according to various related situations.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an interior structure of a control unit for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, a control unit 1100 may be incorporated into the central or individual HVAC system or may be configured separately from the central and individual HVAC systems.

The control unit 1100 includes a transceiver 1102 and a controller 1104. The controller 1104 provides overall control to the control unit 1100. Particularly, the controller 1104 controls an overall operation related to a configuration for adaptively applying the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The overall operation related to the configuration for adaptively applying the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system has been described before with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, and thus its detailed description will not be given herein.

The transceiver 1102 transmits and receives various messages under the control of the controller 1104. Particularly, the transceiver 1102 performs an operation such as collection of environmental parameters. Various messages transmitted from and received at the transceiver 1102 have been described before with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, and thus their detailed description will not be given herein.

FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate comparisons between a hybrid HVAC scheme and an adaptive HVAC scheme of the related art in terms of simulated results of seasonal power consumptions and electricity charges according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12A, a table listing predicted seasonal power consumptions and electricity charges in the adaptive HVAC scheme is illustrated, compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art. It is noted from FIG. 12A that power consumptions are decreased and thus electricity charges are decreased in the adaptive HVAC scheme according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art. Further, an annual power consumption is reduced by about 39.8% and an annual power charge is reduced by about 29.9% in the adaptive HVAC scheme according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12B, a bar graph for predicted seasonal power consumptions in the adaptive HVAC scheme is illustrated, compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art.

Referring to FIG. 12C, a bar graph for predicted seasonal electricity charges in the adaptive HVAC scheme is illustrated, compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art.

FIGS. 13A to 13C illustrate simulated seasonal power consumptions and electricity charges in an adaptive HVAC scheme according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art.

Referring to FIG. 13A, a table listing predicted seasonal power consumptions and electricity charges in the adaptive HVAC scheme is illustrated, compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art. It is noted from FIG. 13A that power consumptions are decreased, thus decreasing electricity charges in the adaptive HVAC scheme according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art. Further, an annual power consumption is reduced by about 45.9% and an annual power charge is reduced by about 49.1% in the adaptive HVAC scheme according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13B, a bar graph for predicted seasonal power consumptions in the adaptive HVAC scheme is illustrated, compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art.

Referring to FIG. 13C, a bar graph for predicted seasonal electricity charges in the adaptive HVAC scheme is illustrated, compared to the hybrid HVAC scheme of the related art.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are graphs illustrating daily temperature changes of the core zone and the perimeter zone in a central HVAC system and an adaptive HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 14A, a graph of daily temperature changes of the core zone and the perimeter zone in the central HVAC system is illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 14B, a graph of daily temperature changes of the core zone and the perimeter zone in the adaptive HVAC system is illustrated.

It is noted from FIGS. 14A and 14B that the adaptive HVAC system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is more efficient than the central HVAC system, in terms of thermal balance between the core zone and the perimeter zone.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, the present disclosure can reduce power use or power consumption and thus electricity charges, compared to the hybrid HVAC system of the related art. Further, since the core zone and the perimeter zone are controlled individually, the present disclosure can readily maintain thermal balance between the core zone and the perimeter zone. The present disclosure enables ventilation by introducing outdoor air, thereby maintaining IAQ.

The method and apparatus for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The software may be stored, for example, irrespective of erasable or rewritable, in a volatile or non-volatile storage device such as a storage device like read-only memory (ROM), a memory such as random access memory (RAM), a memory chip, or an integrated circuit (IC), or an optically or magnetically writable and machine-readable (for example, computer-readable) storage medium such as compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or magnetic tape. The method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented by a computer or a portable terminal including a controller and a memory. The memory is an example of a machine-readable storage medium suitable for storing a program or programs including instructions that implement embodiments of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, the present disclosure includes a program including code for implementing the apparatus or method as disclosed in the claims and a machine-readable storage medium that stores the program. Also, this program may be electronically transferred through a medium such as a communication signal transmitted by wired or wireless connection and the present disclosure includes its equivalents appropriately.

The apparatus for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may receive a program from a wiredly or wirelessly connected program providing device and store the program. The program providing device may include a program having instructions for implementing the method for adaptively applying a central HVAC system and an individual HVAC system, a memory for storing information needed for the method, a communication unit for conducting wired or wireless communication, and a controller for transmitting the program upon request of the program providing device or automatically.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system, the method comprising:

analyzing comfort levels of a core zone and a perimeter zone in a building by comparing temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with a set temperature;

comparing, if the core zone or the perimeter zone is comfortable as a result of the analysis, a difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with an environmental parameter; and

changing a currently operating HVAC system based on a result of the comparison.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the environmental parameter includes at least one of a first parameter indicating a compensation temperature that the core zone is capable of acquiring through the perimeter zone, a second parameter indicating a limit for the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone, considered if the perimeter zone is comfortable, and a third parameter indicating a limit for the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone, considered if the core zone is comfortable, and is updated based on continuous monitoring and data collection.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the changing of the currently operating HVAC system comprises:

determining, if the perimeter zone is comfortable as a result of the analysis, whether the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger than the second parameter;

switching, if the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger than the second parameter, the currently operating HVAC system to the central HVAC system; and

maintaining, if the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is less than the second parameter, the currently operating HVAC system.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the changing of the currently operating HVAC system comprises:

determining, if the core zone is comfortable as a result of the analysis, whether the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger than the third parameter;

switching, if the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger than the third parameter, the currently operating HVAC system to the individual HVAC system; and

maintaining, if the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is less than the third parameter, the currently operating HVAC system.

5. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

operating, if both of the core zone and the perimeter zone are not comfortable, the central HVAC system;

determining whether a difference between the temperature of the core zone and the set temperature is equal to or less than the first parameter;

operating, if the difference between the temperature of the core zone and the set temperature is equal to or less than the first parameter, the individual HVAC system; and

operating, if the difference between the temperature of the core zone and the set temperature is larger than the first parameter, the central HVAC system.

6. The method of claim 2, further comprising discontinuing, if both of the core zone and the perimeter zone are comfortable, operation of the currently operating HVAC system.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein the second parameter and the third parameter are controlled based on at least one of an energy use amount, a temperature change gradient of the core zone or the perimeter zone, an operation level of a related HVAC system, the compensation temperature, a predicted mean vote (PMV), an indoor air quality (IAQ) index, and a user-set duration.

8. A method for adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system, the method comprising:

predicting energy consumptions of each of the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system;

selecting a HVAC system having the smaller predicted energy consumption between the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system;

identifying whether a currently operating HVAC system satisfies a predetermined constraint; and

determining whether to operate the selected HVAC system based on the identified result.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the predetermined constraint includes at least one of a predetermined carbon dioxide (CO2) level, a predetermined carbon oxide (CO) level, a predetermined temperature difference between a core zone and a perimeter zone, reception or non-reception of a request for a response signal, a predetermined predicted mean vote (PMV) difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone, a predetermined energy consumption difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone, and a predetermined heat amount, and

wherein the predicted energy consumptions are modeled based on environmental data, and the environmental data includes at least one of an outdoor temperature, an average outdoor temperature, a radiant temperature, a set temperature, a core zone temperature, a perimeter zone temperature, a carbon oxide (CO) level, and a carbon dioxide (CO2) level.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the determination of whether to operate the selected HVAC system comprises:

operating, if the currently operating HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraint, the selected HVAC system; and

operating, if the currently operating HVAC system does not satisfy the predetermined constraint, the other unselected HVAC system.

11. An apparatus for adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system, the apparatus comprising:

a controller configured to: analyze comfort levels of a core zone and a perimeter zone in a building by comparing temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with a set temperature, compare a difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone with an environmental parameter, and change, if the core zone or the perimeter zone is comfortable as a result of the analysis, a currently operating HVAC system based on a result of the comparison; and

a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals related to the controller.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the environmental parameter includes at least one of a first parameter indicating a compensation temperature that the core zone is capable of acquiring through the perimeter zone, a second parameter indicating a limit for the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone, considered if the perimeter zone is comfortable, and a third parameter indicating a limit for the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone, considered if the core zone is comfortable, and is updated based on continuous monitoring and data collection.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured to:

determine, if the perimeter zone is comfortable as a result of the analysis, whether the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger than the second parameter,

maintain, if the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is less than the second parameter, the currently operating HVAC system, and

switch, if the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger than the second parameter, the currently operating HVAC system to the central HVAC system.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured to:

determine, if the core zone is comfortable as a result of the analysis, whether the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger than the third parameter,

maintain, if the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is less than the third parameter, the currently operating HVAC system, and

switch, if the difference between the temperatures of the core zone and the perimeter zone is equal to or larger the third parameter, the currently operating HVAC system to the individual HVAC system.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured to:

operating, if both of the core zone and the perimeter zone are not comfortable, the central HVAC system,

determine whether a difference between the temperature of the core zone and the set temperature is equal to or less than the first parameter,

operate, if the difference between the temperature of the core zone and the set temperature is less than or equal to than the first parameter, the individual HVAC system, and

operate, if the difference between the temperature of the core zone and the set temperature is larger than the first parameter, the central HVAC system.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein if both of the core zone and the perimeter zone are comfortable, the controller is further configured to discontinue operation of the currently operating HVAC system.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second parameter and the third parameter are controlled based on at least one of an energy use amount, a temperature change gradient of the core zone or the perimeter zone, an operation level of a related HVAC system, the compensation temperature, a predicted mean vote (PMV), an indoor air quality (IAQ) index, and a user-set duration.

18. An apparatus for adaptively applying a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and an individual HVAC system, the apparatus comprising:

a controller configured to: predict energy consumptions of each of the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system, select a HVAC system having a smaller predicted energy consumption between the central HVAC system and the individual HVAC system, identifying whether a currently operating HVAC system satisfies a predetermined constraint, and determine whether to operate the selected HVAC system based on the identified result; and

a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals related to the controller.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the predetermined constraint includes at least one of a predetermined carbon dioxide (CO2) level, a predetermined carbon oxide (CO) level, a predetermined temperature difference between a core zone and a perimeter zone, reception or non-reception of a request for a response signal, a predetermined predicted mean vote (PMV) difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone, a predetermined energy consumption difference between the core zone and the perimeter zone, and a predetermined heat amount,

wherein the predicted energy consumptions are modeled based on environmental data, and

wherein the environmental data includes at least one of an outdoor temperature, an average outdoor temperature, a radiant temperature, a set temperature, a core zone temperature, a perimeter zone temperature, a carbon oxide (CO) level, and a carbon dioxide (CO2) level.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the controller is further configured to:

operate, if the currently operating HVAC system satisfies the predetermined constraint, the selected HVAC system, and

operate, if the currently operating HVAC system does not satisfy the predetermined constraint, the other unselected HVAC system.