Robert Floyd Higgins

US Patent:

8275483, Sep 25, 2012

Filed:

Jul 23, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/507806

Inventors:

Robert Higgins - Henderson NV, US

Assignee:

Siemens Industry, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

G01M 1/38
G05D 23/00
G05D 7/00
G05D 11/00

US Classification:

700282, 700276, 700277, 700299

Abstract:

Demand Flow operates chilled water plants at substantially improved efficiency, regardless of plant load conditions. In general, Demand Flow utilizes an operating strategy which controls chilled and condenser water pumping according to a constant Delta T line, which is typically near or at design Delta T. This reduces or eliminates Low Delta T Syndrome and reduces energy usage by chilled and condenser water pumps for given load conditions. Operation of chilled water pumps in this manner creates a synergy which generally balances flow rates throughout the plant, reducing undesirable bypass mixing and energy usage at air handler fans and other components of the chilled water plant. At plant chillers, application of Demand Flow increases the refrigeration effect through refrigerant sub-cooling and superheating, while preventing stacking. Demand Flow includes a critical zone reset feature which allows the constant Delta T line to be reset to adjust to changing load conditions.

US Patent:

8417392, Apr 9, 2013

Filed:

Apr 12, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/758780

Inventors:

Robert Higgins - Henderson NV, US

Assignee:

Siemens Industry, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

G05D 3/12
G05D 5/00
G05D 9/00
G05D 11/00
G05D 17/00

US Classification:

700295, 700286, 700292

Abstract:

A qualification system for determining the effects of one or more upgrades or modifications to a chilled water plant is disclosed herein. The qualification system my collect various data from operating logs of a chilled water plant. The data may be collected in stages, where at least one first stage may be used to collect data used to identify representative log data. The representative log data may then be used to perform an accurate analysis to determine the effects of one or more upgrades or modifications. In this manner, the qualification system provides accurate analysis while reducing data entry. In addition, the qualification system may accept varying amounts of data such as to reduce percentage error or the like in its analysis.

US Patent:

20040059691, Mar 25, 2004

Filed:

Sep 20, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/252130

Inventors:

Robert Higgins - Henderson NV, US

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705/412000, 705/001000

Abstract:

A method is disclosed for marketing energy-use optimization and retrofit services and devices. The first step in the present method is to measure empirical (base-line) performance including energy use and efficiency. A best-fit curve is generated and defined by at least a third-degree polynomial. Second, the theoretical performance of the system is calculated based upon the theoretical implementation and installation of proposed strategies and devices (the “Proposa”). Third, the projected savings are presented to the client and a fee structure is established based, at least in part, on energy savings resulting from implementation of the Proposal. Fourth, the actual performance of the completed implementation of the Proposal is measured. Fifth, post-implementation measured energy use is compared with pre-implementation energy use at specific pre-determined “part load” levels. The polynomial defining pre-implementation energy use at specific part load levels is applied to post-implementation measured values to eliminate extraneous factors such as weather. Sixth, the client is billed according to the fee structure. The fee structure may be linear or may increase per unit of energy saved as savings approach or exceed the theoretical maximum. The present invention may be used for marketing energy-saving retrofit systems and strategies, as well as alternate energy installations.

US Patent:

20110301766, Dec 8, 2011

Filed:

May 31, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/149563

Inventors:

Robert Higgins - Henderson NV, US
Brendan McMasters - Braintree MA, US

Assignee:

Siemens Industry, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

G05D 7/00

US Classification:

700282

Abstract:

A demand flow device configured to interface with a chilled water plant controller to optimize performance of one or more chilled water plant components over a range of demand conditions is disclosed. The demand flow device includes a communication device configured to receive sensor data associated with the one or more chilled water plant components, wherein the sensor data measures operational variables of the chilled water plant. The demand flow device further includes a demand flow controller in communication with the communication device. The demand flow controller is configured to utilize the received sensor data to: determine an optimal pressure setpoint as a function of a desired chilled water delta T; control a chilled water flow rate through the one or more chiller water plant components as a function of the optimal pressure setpoint and the desired chilled water delta T; and adjust, via the chilled water plant controller, the optimal pressure setpoint, in response to one or more detected triggering events, to perform a critical zone reset of the desired chilled water delta T.

US Patent:

20130047643, Feb 28, 2013

Filed:

Aug 24, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/594567

Inventors:

Robert Higgins - Henderson NV, US

Assignee:

Siemens Industry, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

F25D 17/02

US Classification:

62118

Abstract:

Demand Flow operates chilled water plants at substantially improved efficiency, regardless of plant load conditions. In general, Demand Flow utilizes an operating strategy which controls chilled and condenser water pumping according to a constant Delta T line, which is typically near or at design Delta T. This reduces or eliminates Low Delta T Syndrome and reduces energy usage by chilled and condenser water pumps for given load conditions. Operation of chilled water pumps in this manner creates a synergy which generally balances flow rates throughout the plant, reducing undesirable bypass mixing and energy usage at air handler fans and other components of the chilled water plant. At plant chillers, application of Demand Flow increases the refrigeration effect through refrigerant sub-cooling and superheating, while preventing stacking. Demand Flow includes a critical zone reset feature which allows the constant Delta T line to be reset to adjust to changing load conditions.

Address:

5034 Laurelwood Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89122

Phone:

7028985834

VIN:

1G1PF5S91B7296770

Make:

CHEVROLET

Model:

CRUZE

Year:

2011

Address:

1144 Woodcastle St, Henderson, NV 89052

VIN:

5FNYF28587B012017

Make:

HONDA

Model:

PILOT

Year:

2007