Method and apparatus for adjusting the closing force of a door

A method of operating a door closer coupled to a door, the method comprising:

• initiating movement of the door from a first position toward a second position by exerting net torque on the door, the net torque having a first net torque value when the door is in the first position, and a second net torque value when the door is in the second position;
• measuring movement of the door from the first position to the second position;
• determining a net torque change between the first net torque value and the second net torque value;
• determining a mass moment of inertia of the door based on the measured movement of the door and the net torque change;
• determining the kinetic energy of the door based on the mass moment of inertia;
• and
• modifying an operational characteristic of the door closer based on the kinetic energy to adjust a movement speed of the door.

A method of operating a door closer coupled to a door, the method comprising:

• with the door in a first position, exerting a net torque on the door to move the door from the first position to the second position;
• varying the net torque from a first net torque value when the door is in the first position to a second net torque value when the door is in the second position, thereby resulting in a net torque change;
• monitoring, by an accelerometer of the door closer, acceleration of the door as the door moves from the first position to the second position;
• determining a mass moment of inertia of the door based on the acceleration of the door and the net torque change;
• determining the kinetic energy of the door based on the mass moment of inertia;
• and
• modifying an operational characteristic of the door closer based on the kinetic energy to adjust a movement speed of the door.