Design of an Energy Efficiency Calculation Tool for Mechanical Systems

Abstract

This invention describes an energy efficiency calculation tool for mechanical systems, designed to analyze energy consumption and identify optimization opportunities. The tool comprises a data acquisition module that collects real-time operational data, an energy efficiency calculation module that computes efficiency metrics using predefined formulas and machine learning algorithms, and an optimization recommendation module that provides actionable insights for improving system efficiency. The tool supports various mechanical systems, including HVAC units, pumps, compressors, and manufacturing equipment. The tool's user interface displays real-time metrics and trends, enabling users to monitor system performance and make data-driven decisions to reduce energy consumption and operating costs. Accompanied Drawing [FIG. 1]

Specification

Description:[001] The present invention relates to the fields of mechanical engineering, energy management, and computational tools. Specifically, it provides a tool for calculating the energy efficiency of mechanical systems, which is useful in a variety of industries, including HVAC, manufacturing, and industrial automation. This tool is designed to analyze energy usage and identify inefficiencies in mechanical systems, aiding in the optimization of energy consumption and reduction of operating costs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] The following description provides the information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] Mechanical systems in industrial and commercial settings, such as HVAC units, compressors, pumps, and manufacturing machinery, consume substantial amounts of energy. As energy costs continue to rise, there is a growing need for tools that can accurately measure, analyze, and optimize the energy efficiency of these systems. Traditional methods for calculating energy efficiency are often complex, time-consuming, and require specialized knowledge, making them less accessible for non-experts.
[004] Recent advancements in data acquisition, sensor technology, and data analytics have paved the way for more accurate and user-friendly energy efficiency calculation tools. However, many existing solutions lack flexibility and adaptability, limiting their effectiveness across different types of mechanical systems. This invention addresses these challenges by providing a comprehensive tool that can assess energy efficiency across a wide range of mechanical systems, offering insights into energy usage patterns, sources of inefficiency, and opportunities for optimization.
[005] Accordingly, to overcome the prior art limitations based on aforesaid facts. The present invention provides a Design of an Energy Efficiency Calculation Tool for Mechanical Systems. Therefore, it would be useful and desirable to have a system, method and apparatus to meet the above-mentioned needs.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[006] The invention is an energy efficiency calculation tool designed to analyze and optimize the energy consumption of mechanical systems. The tool comprises three main modules: (1) a data acquisition module that collects real-time operational data from sensors and input sources on the mechanical system, (2) an energy efficiency calculation module that uses predefined formulas and machine learning algorithms to analyze energy consumption and identify inefficiencies, and (3) an optimization recommendation module that provides actionable insights and recommendations to improve system efficiency.
[007] The tool supports various types of mechanical systems, including HVAC systems, industrial pumps, compressors, and manufacturing equipment. By integrating data from multiple sources and utilizing both standard and adaptive algorithms, the tool can calculate energy efficiency metrics, such as energy input/output ratios, thermal efficiency, and specific energy consumption. The tool can also generate reports and visualize data trends to facilitate decision-making.
[008] This tool is designed to be user-friendly and accessible for operators, engineers, and energy managers, allowing them to monitor system performance, reduce energy costs, and contribute to sustainable energy management practices.
[009] In this respect, before explaining at least one object of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of set of rules and to the arrangements of the various models set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other objects and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, according to the need of that industry. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[010] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[011] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1: Block diagram of the energy efficiency calculation tool for mechanical systems, showing the three main modules.
FIG. 2: Flowchart of the data acquisition module, detailing real-time data collection from sensors and input sources.
FIG. 3: Diagram of the energy efficiency calculation module, illustrating the calculation process using formulas and machine learning algorithms.
FIG. 4: Flowchart of the optimization recommendation module, showing the process of generating actionable insights for energy efficiency improvement.
FIG. 5: Example dashboard interface, demonstrating real-time energy efficiency metrics, trends, and recommended actions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[012] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one" and the word "plurality" means "one or more" unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or are common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[013] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting of", "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of, "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[014] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
System Architecture (FIG. 1)
[015] The energy efficiency calculation tool comprises three primary modules: data acquisition, energy efficiency calculation, and optimization recommendation. Each module performs a specific function that contributes to the tool's ability to assess and improve the energy efficiency of mechanical systems.
[016] Data Acquisition Module (FIG. 2): The data acquisition module collects operational data from the mechanical system in real time. This data includes parameters such as power consumption, temperature, pressure, flow rate, and load.
[017] Sensors installed on or near the mechanical system provide input to the tool, while additional data can be entered manually or retrieved from a database. The data acquisition module supports various types of sensors, including power meters, temperature sensors, and pressure transducers.
[018] Data collected by the module is standardized and preprocessed to remove noise and fill missing values, ensuring consistent input for the energy efficiency calculation module.
[019] Energy Efficiency Calculation Module (FIG. 3): The energy efficiency calculation module analyzes the collected data to calculate energy efficiency metrics based on predefined formulas and algorithms. Key metrics include energy input/output ratio, thermal efficiency, and specific energy consumption, among others.
For example, the energy input/output ratio is calculated by comparing the total energy consumed to the useful work or output produced by the system. Thermal efficiency is computed by assessing the heat energy transferred relative to the energy input.
[020] The calculation module can also use machine learning algorithms, such as regression models or neural networks, to detect patterns and identify factors contributing to energy inefficiency. These algorithms are trained on historical data and can adapt to changing system conditions, providing more accurate and customized results.
[021] Optimization Recommendation Module (FIG. 4): The optimization recommendation module uses the calculated efficiency metrics to generate actionable insights aimed at improving energy efficiency. Recommendations may include adjusting operational parameters, upgrading components, or implementing scheduled maintenance.
[022] The module prioritizes recommendations based on potential energy savings and cost-effectiveness, helping users make informed decisions. For example, if the calculation module identifies an inefficiency due to poor thermal insulation, the recommendation module may suggest upgrading insulation material.
This module also provides ongoing feedback based on changes in system performance, allowing users to monitor improvements over time. Recommendations can be customized for different types of mechanical systems, providing targeted advice.
[023] User Interface and Reporting (FIG. 5): The tool includes a user-friendly interface that displays real-time metrics, efficiency trends, and recommended actions. The interface features dashboards, charts, and graphical indicators, making it easy for users to interpret results.
[024] The tool can generate periodic reports summarizing system performance, energy savings achieved, and areas for further improvement. These reports are valuable for energy managers, engineers, and operators seeking to optimize their systems over the long term.
Workflow
[025] Data Collection and Preprocessing: The data acquisition module gathers real-time operational data from sensors or input sources and preprocesses it to ensure consistency. This data is then standardized for analysis.
[026] Energy Efficiency Calculation: The energy efficiency calculation module uses collected data to compute efficiency metrics. These metrics are based on predefined formulas or machine learning algorithms, which analyze patterns and identify inefficiencies.
[027] Optimization Recommendation: The optimization recommendation module generates insights based on the calculated metrics, offering targeted suggestions to improve efficiency. These suggestions are prioritized based on their impact on energy consumption.
[028] Visualization and Reporting: The tool visualizes efficiency data on a dashboard, allowing users to monitor real-time performance. Reports summarizing efficiency metrics and recommendations are generated periodically for ongoing optimization.
[029] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
[030] The benefits and advantages which may be provided by the present invention have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments.
[031] While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the invention.
, Claims:1. An energy efficiency calculation tool for mechanical systems, comprising a data acquisition module, an energy efficiency calculation module, and an optimization recommendation module.
2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the data acquisition module collects real-time operational data from sensors, including power consumption, temperature, pressure, and flow rate.
3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the energy efficiency calculation module calculates energy efficiency metrics, including energy input/output ratio, thermal efficiency, and specific energy consumption.
4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the energy efficiency calculation module uses machine learning algorithms to analyze collected data and detect patterns associated with energy inefficiencies.
5. The tool of claim 1, wherein the optimization recommendation module generates actionable insights for improving energy efficiency based on calculated metrics, including suggestions for operational adjustments, component upgrades, or maintenance scheduling.
6. The tool of claim 1, wherein the optimization recommendation module prioritizes recommendations based on potential energy savings and cost-effectiveness.
7. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a user interface that displays real-time efficiency metrics, trends, and recommended actions for user review.
8. The tool of claim 1, wherein the data acquisition module preprocesses the collected data by standardizing values, removing noise, and filling missing data points.

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