Patents by Inventor Bryan Eisenhower
Bryan Eisenhower has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20150212119Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing building sensor information and decomposing the information therein to a more manageable and more useful form. Certain embodiments integrate energy-based and spectral-based analysis methods with parameter sampling and uncertainty/sensitivity analysis to achieve a more comprehensive perspective of building behavior. The results of this analysis may be presented to a user via a plurality of visualizations and/or used to automatically adjust certain building operations. In certain embodiments, advanced spectral techniques, including Koopman-based operations, are employed to discern features from the collected building sensor data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Igor Mezic, Bryan A. Eisenhower
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Patent number: 9043163Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing building sensor information and decomposing the information therein to a more manageable and more useful form. Certain embodiments integrate energy-based and spectral-based analysis methods with parameter sampling and uncertainty/sensitivity analysis to achieve a more comprehensive perspective of building behavior. The results of this analysis may be presented to a user via a plurality of visualizations and/or used to automatically adjust certain building operations. In certain embodiments, advanced spectral techniques, including Koopman-based operations, are employed to discern features from the collected building sensor data.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Igor Mezic, Bryan A. Eisenhower
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Patent number: 8567689Abstract: A method of sanitizing pipes, etc. in a hot water supply system includes the steps of normally heating water by driving water from a water storage tank, into a heat exchanger. Typically, a water pump is stopped once the water storage tank receives a particular percentage of hot water. However, when a sanitation mode is desired, the pump is not stopped, such that the water tank becomes all, or almost all, hot water. The hot water is then delivered to the pump, and from the pump to the heat exchanger. This hot water is thus operable to sanitize pipes and the pump.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Bryan A. Eisenhower, Tobias Sienel, Nicolas Pondico-Cassou
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Publication number: 20120143516Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing building sensor information and decomposing the information therein to a more manageable and more useful form. Certain embodiments integrate energy-based and spectral-based analysis methods with parameter sampling and uncertainty/sensitivity analysis to achieve a more comprehensive perspective of building behavior. The results of this analysis may be presented to a user via a plurality of visualizations and/or used to automatically adjust certain building operations. In certain embodiments, advanced spectral techniques, including Koopman-based operations, are employed to discern features from the collected building sensor data.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Igor Mezic, Bryan A. Eisenhower
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Patent number: 7490481Abstract: A method of controlling a startup operation in a heat pump water heater system prevents inadvertent shutdowns and/or low operating efficiencies via closed loop control of the system. The method includes choosing an expansion valve opening at startup near an expected steady state value to ensure high system capacity as early as possible, setting a water pump signal to a high level to maximize cycle efficiency during warm-up, and applying closed loop control over the expansion valve and the water pump to increase the pressure in the system in a controlled manner until the system reaches a steady operating state. The method provides stable startup control even if a transcritical vapor compression system is used as the heat pump.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Bryan A. Eisenhower, Julio Concha
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Patent number: 7389648Abstract: A refrigerant cycle is provided with a control for an expansion device to achieve a desired compressor discharge pressure. The system operates transcritically, such that greater freedom over compressor discharge pressure is provided. The system's efficiency is optimized by selecting an optimum discharge pressure. The optimum discharge pressure is selected based upon sensed environmental conditions, and the expansion device is adjusted to achieve the desired compressor discharge pressure. A feedback loop may be provided to sense the actual compressor discharge pressure and adjust the actual compressor discharge pressure by further refining the expansion device. The system is disclosed providing heated water based upon a demand for a particular hot water temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Julio Concha, Tobias H. Sienel, Bryan A. Eisenhower, Yu Chen, Young K. Park
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Patent number: 7225629Abstract: An energy-efficient heat pump water heating system determines whether to energize a heat pump by interpreting readings from one or temperature sensors based on two thresholds. The heat pump is energized if the detected temperature falls below a first threshold and de-energized when the detected temperature rises above a second threshold. The thresholds may correspond to outputs of two or more sensors. Using multiple temperature thresholds improves the temperature sensing capabilities of the system, thereby improving energy efficiency by matching heat pump operation with hot water demand more closely than previously known systems.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Julio Concha, Tobias Sienel, Bryan A. Eisenhower
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Patent number: 7171820Abstract: A PID control for a vapor compression system utilized to heat water identifies a particular range of error signals and derivative of the error signals that could be indicative of the cycle moving in an inefficient direction. If this determination is made, then a substitute for the error signal is utilized. In particular, the determination is made if both the error and the derivative of the error are negative. The substitute multiplies the error with its derivative to result in a positive product. This ensures the system will not move in the inefficient direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventor: Bryan A. Eisenhower
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Publication number: 20070012053Abstract: A method of controlling a startup operation in a heat pump water heater system prevents inadvertent shutdowns and/or low operating efficiencies via closed loop control of the system. The method includes choosing an expansion valve opening at startup near an expected steady state value to ensure high system capacity as early as possible, setting a water pump signal to a high level to maximize cycle efficiency during warm-up, and applying closed loop control over the expansion valve and the water pump to increase the pressure in the system in a controlled manner until the system reaches a steady operating state. The method provides stable startup control even if a transcritical vapor compression system is used as the heat pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2006Publication date: January 18, 2007Inventors: Bryan Eisenhower, Julio Concha
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Patent number: 7127905Abstract: A method of controlling a startup operation in a heat pump water heater system prevents inadvertent shutdowns and/or low operating efficiencies via closed loop control of the system. The method includes choosing an expansion valve opening at startup near an expected steady state value to ensure high system capacity as early as possible, setting a water pump signal to a high level to maximize cycle efficiency during warm-up, and applying closed loop control over the expansion valve and the water pump to increase the pressure in the system in a controlled manner until the system reaches a steady operating state. The method provides stable startup control even if a transcritical vapor compression system is used as the heat pump.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Bryan A. Eisenhower, Julio Concha
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Publication number: 20060071090Abstract: A method of sanitizing pipes, etc. in a hot water supply system includes the steps of normally heating water by driving water from a water storage tank, into a heat exchanger. Typically, a water pump is stopped once the water storage tank receives a particular percentage of hot water. However, when a sanitation mode is desired, the pump is not stopped, such that the water tank becomes all, or almost all, hot water. The hot water is then delivered to the pump, and from the pump to the heat exchanger. This hot water is thus operable to sanitize pipes and the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2004Publication date: April 6, 2006Inventors: Bryan Eisenhower, Tobias Sienel, Nicolas Pondicq-Cassou
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Patent number: 7010925Abstract: A method of detecting and diagnosing operating conditions for a heat pump water heating system includes the steps of monitoring system operating conditions and comparing actual operating conditions to predicted operating conditions. The predicted operating conditions are based on expected pressures and temperatures given current system inputs. A difference between the actual and expected values for refrigerant pressures and temperature outside a desired range provides indication of a fault in the system. The system controller initiates a prompt to alert of the need for maintenance and direct to potential causes.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Tobias Sienel, Yu Chen, Bryan Eisenhower, Julio Concha, Young Kyu Park, Lili Zhang, Jeffrey Nieter, Nicolas Pondicq-Cassou
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Patent number: 6993921Abstract: A control particularly useful for a hot water heating system, includes calculation of a desired leaving water temperature for water leaving a hot water heat exchanger, and a desired refrigerant condition for most efficiently achieving the desired leaving water temperature. A control looks at both desired variables and compares them to actual variables to determine an error for each. The control includes an error correction algorithm for each of the two variables that takes into account both of the errors, the integral of both of the errors, and the derivative of both of the errors. In this way, sensitivity in the error correction for one variable due to changes in the other variable is reduced, and the system functions more efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Bryan A. Eisenhower, Julio Concha
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Publication number: 20050268625Abstract: A method of detecting and diagnosing operating conditions for a heat pump water heating system includes the steps of monitoring system operating conditions and comparing actual operating conditions to predicted operating conditions. The predicted operating conditions are based on expected pressures and temperatures given current system inputs. A difference between the actual and expected values for refrigerant pressures and temperature outside a desired range provides indication of a fault in the system. The system controller initiates a prompt to alert of the need for maintenance and direct to potential causes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2004Publication date: December 8, 2005Inventors: Tobias Sienel, Yu Chen, Bryan Eisenhower, Julio Concha, Young Park, Lili Zhang, Jeffrey Nieter, Nicolas Pondicq-Cassou
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Publication number: 20050193753Abstract: A refrigerant cycle is provided with a control for an expansion device to achieve a desired compressor discharge pressure. The system operates transcritically, such that greater freedom over compressor discharge pressure is provided. The system's efficiency is optimized by selecting an optimum discharge pressure. The optimum discharge pressure is selected based upon sensed environmental conditions, and the expansion device is adjusted to achieve the desired compressor discharge pressure. A feedback loop may be provided to sense the actual compressor discharge pressure and adjust the actual compressor discharge pressure by further refining the expansion device. The system is disclosed providing heated water based upon a demand for a particular hot water temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2004Publication date: September 8, 2005Inventors: Julio Concha, Tobias Sienel, Bryan Eisenhower, Yu Chen
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Publication number: 20050193746Abstract: A PID control for a vapor compression system utilized to heat water identifies a particular range of error signals and derivative of the error signals that could be indicative of the cycle moving in an inefficient direction. If this determination is made, then a substitute for the error signal is utilized. In particular, the determination is made if both the error and the derivative of the error are negative. The substitute multiplies the error with its derivative to result in a positive product. This ensures the system will not move in the inefficient direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2004Publication date: September 8, 2005Inventor: Bryan Eisenhower
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Publication number: 20050193752Abstract: A control particularly useful for a hot water heating system, includes calculation of a desired leaving water temperature for water leaving a hot water heat exchanger, and a desired refrigerant condition for most efficiently achieving the desired leaving water temperature. A control looks at both desired variables and compares them to actual variables to determine an error for each. The control includes an error correction algorithm for each of the two variables that takes into account both of the errors, the integral of both of the errors, and the derivative of both of the errors. In this way, sensitivity in the error correction for one variable due to changes in the other variable is reduced, and the system functions more efficiently.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2004Publication date: September 8, 2005Inventors: Bryan Eisenhower, Julio Concha
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Publication number: 20050155364Abstract: An energy-efficient heat pump water heating system determines whether to energize a heat pump by interpreting readings from one or temperature sensors based on two thresholds. The heat pump is energized if the detected temperature falls below a first threshold and de-energized when the detected temperature rises above a second threshold. The thresholds may correspond to outputs of two or more sensors. Using multiple temperature thresholds improves the temperature sensing capabilities of the system, thereby improving energy efficiency by matching heat pump operation with hot water demand more closely than previously known systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2004Publication date: July 21, 2005Inventors: Julio Concha, Tobias Sienel, Bryan Eisenhower
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Publication number: 20050132732Abstract: A method of controlling a startup operation in a heat pump water heater system prevents inadvertent shutdowns and/or low operating efficiencies via closed loop control of the system. The method includes choosing an expansion valve opening at startup near an expected steady state value to ensure high system capacity as early as possible, setting a water pump signal to a high level to maximize cycle efficiency during warm-up, and applying closed loop control over the expansion valve and the water pump to increase the pressure in the system in a controlled manner until the system reaches a steady operating state. The method provides stable startup control even if a transcritical vapor compression system is used as the heat pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2003Publication date: June 23, 2005Inventors: Bryan Eisenhower, Julio Concha
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Patent number: 6813895Abstract: A vapor compression system includes a compressor, a gas cooler, an expansion device, and an evaporator. Refrigerant is circulated through the closed circuit cycle. Preferably, carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant. Adaptive control is employed to optimize the coefficient of performance of the vapor compression system. As the system changes over time, a model that operates the system is modified. The model is determined by an adaptive control algorithm including variable coefficients. As the model changes, the variables of the adaptive control algorithm change. A control of the gas cooler is then adjusted to regulate the high pressure of the system, and therefore the coefficient of performance. In a first example, Least Mean Squares (LMS) is used to modify the variables of the adaptive control algorithm to optimize the coefficient of performance. In a second example, the coefficient of performance is optimized by a slowly varying periodic excitation method.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Bryan Eisenhower, Christopher G. Park, Pengju Kang, Alan Finn, Tobias Sienel