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Comverge's Adaptive Algorithms are a key to successful Demand Response program deployment. This added intelligence built into each DCU or SuperStat enables the device to customize its operation to a home's unique heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in order to maximize both comfort and energy usage reduction.
The Adaptive Algorithms work by monitoring an air conditioning unit's runtime history onsite in order to determine how the air conditioning compressor would function under normal, non-energy usage reduction conditions. If a large capacity air conditioner is installed on a small house, for example, this unit will run less to keep the home at its programmed temperature. On the other hand, a small capacity air conditioner installed on a larger house may run almost continuously to keep the home at its programmed temperature.
Without an Adaptive Algorithm, a usage management system might cycle back all air conditioners to run 20 minutes, and then turn off for 10 minutes in a half hour. An oversized unit on a small home might not be affected at all by this strategy, since it may not need to run during those 10 minutes of off-cycle time. The undersized unit on a larger home, on the other hand, might be more heavily affected by such a strategy, as it is running continuously.
Adaptive Algorithms work to even this usage reduction out, so that each unit participates as a percentage of the time it would normally run – as opposed to a flat rate for all units. As a result, program participants are kept more comfortable and the amount of energy reduction that is achieved is more predictable.
Comverge offers two different optional Adaptive Algorithms, known as the "Prior Hour" and "Ideal Control Day" algorithms.
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