Method and control system for controlling fluid regulation system comprising plurality of fluid regulation units

Abstract

In a controller for a fluid regulation unit, a fluid regulation system including a plurality of fluid regulation units, and a method of regulating fluid, each fluid regulation unit includes a unit controller configured to operate the fluid regulation unit. One of the plurality of unit controllers may be used as a master control module and provide at least one operational setpoint to each of the unit controllers. The controller may include instructions stored therein that cause the controller to operate (i) as a unit controller that controls the fluid regulation unit, and (ii) as a master controller. The method may include selecting a new unit controller from among unit controllers of a plurality of fluid regulation units to serve as a master control module when a previous unit controller serving as the master control module of the fluid regulation system is offline.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid regulating system, in particular a system comprising a plurality of fluid regulating units. The present invention also relates to a method and a control system for controlling a fluid regulating system. Background Art

[0002] To condition the air in large commercial and industrial spaces, multiple air conditioning units may be used for a single space. The multiple air conditioning units work together to condition the air within the space, such as to cool the air, and the multiple air conditioning units are controlled collectively to condition the space. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a fluid regulating system for regulating a fluid. The fluid regulating system includes a plurality of fluid regulating units. Each of the plurality of fluid regulating units is configured to regulate a fluid. Each of the plurality of fluid regulating units includes a unit controller configured to operate the fluid regulating unit. The unit controllers of the plurality of fluid regulating units are communicatively coupled to one another. One of the plurality of unit controllers serves as a master control module. The master control module provides at least one operating set point to each of the unit controllers.

[0004] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a controller for a fluid regulating unit. The controller includes a processor and a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to (i) operate as a unit controller to control the fluid regulating unit based on at least one operating set point, and (ii) operate as a master controller. The controller is selectively operable as the master controller, and when operating as the master controller, the instructions cause the controller to output at least one operating set point.

[0005] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for regulating a fluid using a fluid regulating system. The fluid regulating system includes a plurality of fluid regulating units. Each of the plurality of fluid regulating units includes a unit controller configured to operate the fluid regulating unit. The method includes determining when a unit controller operating as a master control module for the fluid regulating system goes offline. The unit controller, acting as the master control module, is communicatively coupled to each of the unit controllers to provide at least one operating set point to each of the unit controllers. The method also includes selecting a new unit controller from the unit controllers of the plurality of fluid regulating units to serve as the master control module.

[0006] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A data center having an air conditioning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 is a diagram showing fluid connections to a server room in a data center Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one of the air conditioning units of the air conditioning system is shown.

[0009] Figure 3 is used for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the control system of the air conditioning system shown.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a control system shown, where the unit controller acting as the master controller has failed and is offline.

[0011] Figure 5 is used for Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of the control system of the air conditioning system is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the control system is shown showing one of the air conditioning units with a changed group.

[0013] Figure 7 is used for Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of the control system of the air conditioning system is shown.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the control system showing one of the air conditioning units with a changed group.

[0015] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of a general computing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Multiple air conditioning units can operate in conjunction with one another to condition the air in a space. To enable these air conditioning units to operate in conjunction with one another, a master controller can be used to control the individual unit controllers of each air conditioning unit. For critical air conditioning systems, such as cooling systems for data centers, redundant master controllers are required in the event of a master controller failure. A master controller separate from the individual unit controllers and their redundant backup systems increases the complexity of the control system for the air conditioning system. Having a master controller separate from the individual unit controllers can also pose challenges in integrating the individual unit controllers and enabling the master controller to operate the individual unit controllers. In the embodiments discussed herein, the air conditioning system includes multiple air conditioning units, each having a unit controller. In addition to the unit controllers, all unit controllers can also operate as master controllers. More specifically, each unit controller includes a master control module that provides control of the master controller, and one of the unit controllers functions as the master control module at a given time. If the master control module (or the unit controller acting as the master control module) fails, the remaining unit controllers select another unit controller to serve as (operate as) the master control module, thereby providing redundancy for the critical system without the additional complexity of multiple separate master controllers.

[0017] Figure 1 A data center 100 having an air conditioning system 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Although the air conditioning system 200 is shown and described as being used in the data center 100, the air conditioning system 200 is not limited to this application and can be used in other suitable air conditioning applications. In addition, the air conditioning system 200 shown in this embodiment is a cooling system that cools air to be supplied to the data center 100. However, the embodiments discussed herein can be applied to and implemented on any fluid conditioning system, of which the air conditioning system 200 is an example. Other suitable fluid conditioning systems include systems that condition liquids or air. Liquid conditioning systems include, for example, liquid cooling systems or liquid heating and cooling systems. Other air conditioning systems include, for example, heating and cooling systems, dehumidification systems, and humidification systems.

[0018] Air conditioning system 200 includes multiple air conditioning units 202. As used herein, reference numeral 202 generally refers to an air conditioning unit, and when referring to a specific air conditioning unit, a reference numeral (such as a, b, c, d, e, or f) will be appended to reference numeral 202 (e.g., first air conditioning unit 202a). As described above, the embodiments discussed herein are applicable to other fluid conditioning systems, and such systems may include multiple fluid conditioning units. Air conditioning unit 202 is an example of such a fluid conditioning unit, and the discussion of air conditioning unit 202 may also apply to these fluid conditioning units.

[0019] Electronic components such as servers can be mounted on racks 112, and these racks 112 can be arranged in rows with aisles between them in the data center 100. The racks 112 can be located in one or more server rooms 110 of the data center 100. Figure 1 The data center 100 shown in FIG is a multi-story data center 100 including multiple floors. In this embodiment, the data center 100 has two floors (a first floor 102 and a second floor 104), wherein each floor has at least one server room 110.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating one of air conditioning units 202 fluidly connected to server room 110 of data center 100. Server room 110 is an example of a space to be conditioned by air conditioning system 200. As described above, air conditioning system 200 is an air cooling system, and thus air conditioning unit 202 is an air cooling unit fluidly connected to server room 110 to cool the air in server room 110. Figure 2 The air conditioning unit 202 schematically shown in FIG. 1 is a cooling system shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0368647, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, although any suitable cooling system may be used.

[0021] Cool supply air 122 from the cooling system is directed into the data center 100, and more specifically, into the server room 110. As the air passes through the racks 112, it absorbs heat from the electronic components, cooling them and generating heated air. This heated air is then directed back into the air conditioning system 200 as heated return air 124. Supply air fans 126 are used to draw return air 124 from the server room 110, pass it through the air conditioning units 202, where it is cooled, and then return the now cooled return air 124 to the data center 100 as supply air 122. Supply air dampers 128 can be used to control the flow of supply air 122 into the server room 110.

[0022] The air conditioning unit 202 can be divided into two sections: an interior air handler 204 and an exterior condensing unit 206. The section of the air conditioning unit 202 through which the return air 124 flows is cooled and returned as the supply air 122. This section is referred to herein as the interior air handler 204. In this embodiment, at least one interior air handler 204 is located on one of the floors 102, 104 to cool electronic components in the racks 112 of the server room 110 located on the corresponding floor 102, 104. Of course, other suitable arrangements of the air conditioning unit 202 can be used, such as where the entire air conditioning unit 202 is located as a packaged unit outside the server room 110, with air being transported between the server room 110 and the air conditioning unit 202.

[0023] The air conditioning unit 202 of the present embodiment has two modes, passive mode and active mode. Passive mode can also be referred to as economy mode. The air conditioning unit 202 combines the ability to utilize the ambient free cooling radiator (passive or economy mode) and the ability to provide active cooling (active mode) when the available ambient free cooling radiator is not at a sufficiently low temperature to provide sufficient heat rejection. This is achieved by including two separate condensers 210, 220 operating in parallel. One condenser is referred to as the passive condenser 210 here and is used in the passive (economy) mode. The other condenser is referred to as the active condenser 220 here and is used in the active mode. The passive condenser 210 and the active condenser 220 are located in the external condensing unit 206.

[0024] The interior air handler 204 includes an evaporator 230, and the hot return air 124 is directed over the evaporator 230. As the return air 124 passes over the outer surface of the evaporator 230, the hot return air 124 evaporates the primary cooling medium contained within the evaporator 230. The phase change of the primary cooling medium from a liquid phase to a gas phase (or vapor) cools the return air 124, allowing it to return to the data center 100 as cool supply air 122. The evaporator 230 is fluidly coupled to each of the passive condenser 210 and the active condenser 220, depending on the mode in which the primary cooling medium is cooled and condensed before flowing back to the evaporator 230. The passive condenser 210 of this embodiment is a coil, and purge air 208 is drawn across the outer surface of the passive condenser 210 by a purge fan 209 to cool and condense the primary cooling medium. In this embodiment, the purge air 208 is ambient air drawn from the outdoor environment surrounding the air conditioning unit 202 (more specifically, the condensing unit 206).

[0025] When ambient air conditions are insufficient to cool the return air 124 to the desired conditions (e.g., temperature) of the supply air 122, the air conditioning unit 202 can operate in active mode, and the primary cooling medium is condensed by the active condenser 220. In the active condenser 220, heat is transferred from the primary cooling medium to the secondary cooling medium of the secondary cooling system 240. The secondary cooling medium can be any suitable refrigerant medium, including, for example, chilled (or chilled) water or a vapor-change refrigerant used in a direct expansion cooling system. In this embodiment, the secondary cooling system 240 is a direct expansion (DX) cooling system using a conventional refrigeration cycle, and the secondary cooling medium is any suitable refrigerant used in such a system. The secondary cooling system 240 includes a compressor 242 to increase the pressure and temperature of the secondary cooling medium before it is cooled in the condenser 244. In this embodiment, the condenser 244 of the secondary cooling system 240 can also be cooled by purge air. The secondary cooling medium then passes through an expansion valve 246 to reduce its pressure and temperature before flowing into the active condenser 220.

[0026] Each air conditioning unit 202 includes a unit controller 250 configured to operate the air conditioning unit 202. Specifically, the unit controller 250 is communicatively coupled to sensors within the air conditioning unit 202 to receive data regarding the operation of the air conditioning unit 202. The unit controller 250 is also operatively coupled to various components of the air conditioning unit 202 to operate the air conditioning unit 202 to provide the supply air 122 at desired operating conditions. For example, the unit controller 250 may be operatively coupled to the supply air fan 126, the supply air damper 128, the purge fan 209, the compressor 242, the condenser 244, and the like. These components are examples of adjustable components of the air conditioning unit 202. The unit controller 250 is thus operatively coupled to at least one adjustable component to adjust the operation of the adjustable component, and the adjustable component may be, for example, one of a fan, a compressor, a pump, a valve, a damper, and an electric heater. Such components can be adjusted using a drive mechanism, such as a motor including a variable speed motor and an actuator, and more specifically, the unit controller 250 can be operatively coupled to the drive mechanism to operate or adjust the drive mechanism to adjust the operation of the adjustable component. Alternatively or additionally, such components can be adjusted using a switch or relay. As will be further described below, the unit controller 250 is configured to adjust the operation of at least one adjustable component based on at least one operating set point.

[0027] In this embodiment, the unit controller 250 is a microprocessor-based controller that includes a processor 252 for performing the various functions discussed herein and a memory 254 for storing various data. The controller 250 may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU) and may be a processor 252 for performing the various functions discussed herein and a memory 254 for storing various data. Figure 9A general purpose computing device 300 is shown and described. In one embodiment, the various methods discussed below may be implemented by a series of instructions stored in memory 254 and executed by processor 252.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a control system 260 for the air conditioning system 200 . Figure 3 The schematic diagram shows unit controllers 250 for six air conditioning units 202 (a first air conditioning unit 202a, a second air conditioning unit 202b, a third air conditioning unit 202c, a fourth air conditioning unit 202d, a fifth air conditioning unit 202e, and a sixth air conditioning unit 202f). In this embodiment, the air conditioning units 202, and more specifically, the unit controllers 250 of each air conditioning unit 202, are communicatively coupled to one another via a router network 262. The unit controllers 250 of each air conditioning unit 202 are communicatively coupled to a building management system 264 and / or a user input device 266 via the router network 262. The input device 266 can be any suitable user input device, including, for example, a control panel, such as a touchscreen control panel with a web interface. The building management system 264 can also be considered a user input device.

[0029] The master controller is used to operate the air conditioning system 200. Each unit controller 250 has the capability to function as a master controller. In this embodiment, each unit controller 250 includes a master control module 256. The master control module 256 may be a software module comprising a series of instructions stored in the memory 254 that, when executed by the processor 252, allow the unit controller 250 to function as a master controller in addition to functioning as the unit controller 250 for the corresponding air conditioning unit 202. Because the master controller in the embodiments herein is not a separate controller, but rather a unit controller 250 with an active master control module 256, the system's master controller is referred to herein as a unit controller functioning as the master control module 268.

[0030] exist Figure 3 , the unit controller 250 for the first air conditioning unit 202a serves as a master, and the master control module 256 of the unit controller 250 is active. The unit controllers 250 of the other air conditioning units 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e, and 202f are being operated by the master control module 256 (the unit controller 250 of the first air conditioning unit 202a) and are therefore operated as slave units, with their master control modules 256 being inactive.

[0031] The unit controller acting as the master control module 268 receives data from the building management system 264 and / or the input device 266 to determine how the air conditioning system 200 will operate based on customer requirements. Such data may be referred to herein as input data. For example, the unit controller acting as the master control module 268 may receive desired set points from a user via the building management system 264 or the input device 266. The unit controller acting as the master control module 268 may also receive data regarding those set points, such as the desired temperature of the supply air 122, the air flow of the supply air 122, the temperature of the return air 124, the inlet temperature of the rack 112, and / or the outlet temperature of the rack 112. The sensor 114 may be used to provide such data. The sensor 114 is communicatively coupled to the unit controller acting as the master control module 268 and is configured to communicate with the unit controller 268. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 114 are indirectly coupled to the unit controller, which acts as the master control module 268, through the building management system 264. Alternatively or additionally, each air conditioning unit 202 may include one or more sensors 116 coupled to the unit controller, which acts as the master control module 268, through the router network 262. This arrangement allows for a distributed network of sensors, which further increases the redundancy of the air conditioning system 200 by eliminating single points of failure from malfunctioning sensors.

[0032] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, all unit controllers 250 are communicatively connected to the building management system 264 and the sensors 114, and thus, a plurality of unit controllers 250, such as all unit controllers 250, can be configured to receive input data. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of unit controllers 250 can be configured to store the input data in its corresponding memory 254. In such an embodiment, only the unit controller acting as the master control module 268 is aware of the data, but in the event that the unit controller acting as the master control module 268 fails and a new unit controller 250 is selected as the unit controller acting as the master control module 268, the other unit controllers 250 store the data, as discussed further below.

[0033] The unit controller, acting as the master control module 268, uses customer demand, desired set points, and / or other data from the sensors 114 to determine (set) an operating set point for each air conditioning unit 202. The unit controller, acting as the master control module 268, can be configured to set at least one operating set point based on input received from the building management system 264, as well as to set at least one operating set point based on information received from the sensors 114. The unit controller, acting as the master control module 268, then provides at least one operating set point to each unit controller 250. The unit controller 250 then controls the air conditioning units 202, for example, by adjusting the operation of at least one adjustable component based on the at least one operating set point received from the unit controller, acting as the master control module 268. The unit controller, acting as the master control module 268, can provide operating set points that differ between the air conditioning units 202 to achieve desired conditions in the server room 110, for example. Even though the air conditioning units 202 have the same operating set points provided to them by the unit controller acting as the master control module 268, the unit controller acting as the master control module 268 does not directly control the adjustable components by sending commands to adjust the adjustable components within the air conditioning units 202. Instead, the unit controller 250 provides that level of control.

[0034] When a unit controller 250 operates each air conditioning unit 202, the air conditioning unit 202 can be operated based on the specific local conditions of that air conditioning unit 202. For example, a unit controller acting as the master control module 268 can provide the same operating setpoint to each unit controller 250 of the first air conditioning unit 202a and the second air conditioning unit 202b. Based on the received operating setpoint, the unit controller 250 of the first air conditioning unit 202a operates the first air conditioning unit 202a in active mode, while the unit controller 250 of the second air conditioning unit 202b operates the second air conditioning unit 202b in passive mode. This situation may occur, for example, if the first air conditioning unit 202a is located on the south side of the data center 100 and the second air conditioning unit 202b is located on the north side of the data center 100. During certain times of the day, the first air conditioning unit 202a may be in the sun, while the second air conditioning unit 202b is in the shade, resulting in the local ambient air temperature around the first air conditioning unit 202a being higher than the local ambient air temperature around the second air conditioning unit 202b. Based on the ambient air temperature difference, the unit controller 250 of the first air conditioning unit 202a may operate the first air conditioning unit 202a differently than the unit controller 250 of the second air conditioning unit 202b operates the second air conditioning unit 202b.

[0035] In some embodiments, the unit controller acting as the master control module 268 can operate or shut down the air conditioning units 202 (selectively turn the air conditioning units 202 on or off). For example, the unit controller acting as the master control module 268 can operate the first air conditioning unit 202a and the second air conditioning unit 202b, but direct the third air conditioning unit 202c to shut down. Using this type of control, the unit controller acting as the master control module 268 can rotate the air conditioning units 202 based on, for example, the hours of operation.

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a control system 260 in which the unit controller 250 for the first air conditioning unit 202a has failed and is offline. Figure 3 The configuration shown in FIG. 2 is operated, and then when the unit controller 250 of the first air conditioning unit 202a is offline, the remaining unit controllers 250 select a new unit controller from the unit controllers 250 of the plurality of air conditioning units 202 to serve as the main control module. Figure 5 , the remaining unit controllers 250 select the unit controller 250 of the second air conditioning unit 202b as the master control module, and the master control module 256 of the unit controller 250 is activated. Any suitable method may be used to select a new unit controller to serve as the master control module 268. For example, each unit controller 250 may be assigned an identification number, and the operating unit controller 250 with the lowest identification number may become the unit controller serving as the master control module 268.

[0037] The unit controller used as the main control module 268 can periodically send an operating set point, regardless of whether the operating set point has changed. Each unit controller 250 receives the operating set point and stores it in the memory 254. A method of determining that the unit controller used as the main control module 268 has failed or is offline is when the unit controller 250 does not receive the operating set point when expected (for example, the operating set point is not received within the set duration). However, other suitable methods can be used to determine when the unit controller used as the main control module 268 has failed or is otherwise offline. In an alternative method, the unit controller used as the main control module 268 regularly sends a signal (heartbeat). If the unit controller 250 does not receive the heartbeat, the unit controller 250 selects a new unit controller to be used as the main control module. In another alternative method, each unit controller 250 has an identification code (ID). Each unit controller 250 collects IDs from other unit controllers 250. When a unit controller serving as the master control module 268 fails, the unit controller 250 does not collect the unit ID from the unit controller 250 , so the unit controller 250 selects a new unit controller to serve as the master control module.

[0038] As described above, the unit controller 250 may store the last operating set point received in the memory 254. When the new unit controller 250 begins operating as a new master control module, the unit controller serving as the master control module 268 may provide the most recent operating set point stored in the memory 254 as the operating set point until the new unit controller serving as the master control module 268 can determine a new operating set point.

[0039] In some embodiments, the air conditioning units 202 may operate in groups. Figure 5 and 6 2 is a schematic diagram of a control system 270 for an air conditioning system 200, wherein the air conditioning units 202 are organized into a plurality of groups. Figure 3 and 4 The control system 260 described above is similar. The same reference numerals will be used for components of the control system 270 of this embodiment that are the same as or similar to components of the control system 260 described above.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, the first air conditioning unit 202a, the second air conditioning unit 202b and the third air conditioning unit 202c are operated as a first group, and the fourth air conditioning unit 202d, the fifth air conditioning unit 202e and the sixth air conditioning unit 202f are operated as a second group. Within each group, a unit controller serves as the main control module 272, 274 of each group. Figure 5 , the unit controller 250 of the first air conditioning unit 202a is a unit controller that operates as the main control module 272 for the first group, and the unit controller 250 of the sixth air conditioning unit 202f is a unit controller that operates as the main control module 274 for the second group. Within each group, the unit controller 250 and the unit controller that serves as the main control module 272 for the first group or the unit controller that serves as the main control module 274 for the second group operate in the same manner as the unit controller 250 and the unit controller that operates as the main control module 268 described above.

[0041] The control system 270 can be configured to move the air conditioning units 202 between groups. For example, the unit controller of the master control module 272 serving as the first group can send a request to the unit controller of the master control module 274 serving as the second group to transfer one of the air conditioning units 202 from the second group to the first group. The unit controller of the master control module 274 serving as the second group can then accept the request and transfer one of the air conditioning units 202 to the first group. The process can also be initiated by the unit controller of the master control module 274 serving as the second group proposing to transfer one of the air conditioning units 202 from the second group to the first group, and the unit controller of the master control module 272 serving as the first group accepting the proposal. Figure 6As shown, for example, the fourth air conditioning unit 202d has been transferred from the second group to the first group using the above-described process.

[0042] Figure 7 and 8 2 is a schematic diagram of a control system 280 for an air conditioning system 200, wherein the air conditioning units 202 are organized into a plurality of groups. Figure 5 and 6 The control system 270 described above is similar. The same reference numerals will be used for components of the control system 280 of this embodiment that are the same or similar to the components of the control system 270 described above. For embodiments where there are multiple groups and multiple unit controllers (one for each group) acting as master control modules, it may be beneficial to have a system-level master control. Therefore, in this embodiment, one of the unit controllers acts as the master control module 282 for the system. Figure 7 In FIG. 2 , the unit controller 250 for the second air conditioning unit 202 b serves as the main control module 282 of the system.

[0043] The unit controller serving as the master control module 282 for the system provides operating set points to the unit controller serving as the master control module for each group (e.g., the unit controller serving as the master control module 272 for the first group and the unit controller serving as the master control module 274 for the second group). The unit controller serving as the master control module 282 for the system can provide operating set points to the unit controller serving as the master control module 272 for the first group and the unit controller serving as the master control module 274 for the second group in a manner similar to the manner in which the unit controller serving as the master control module 268 provides operating set points to each unit controller 250, as described above. Similarly, if the unit controller serving as the master control module 282 for the system fails, a new unit controller can be selected to serve as the unit controller serving as the master control module 282 for the system in a manner similar to the manner described above for the unit controller serving as the master control module 268.

[0044] The unit controller, which serves as the system's master control module 282, can move the air conditioning units 202 between groups. Figure 8 , the unit controller acting as the main control module 282 of the system has moved the fourth air conditioning unit 202d from the second group to the first group.

[0045] exist Figure 7 and 8In the embodiment shown and described, the unit controller that serves as the master control module 282 for the system is a different unit controller 250 than the master control module 272 for the first group and the unit controller that serves as the master control module 274 for the second group, but other arrangements are possible. For example, one unit controller 250 can serve as both the master control module 282 for the system and the master control module for one of the groups (e.g., one of the master control module 272 for the first group or the master control module 274 for the second group).

[0046] Figure 9 A general purpose computing device 300 (system) is shown that may be used as the unit controller 250 discussed herein. Figure 6 The illustrated general-purpose computing device 300 includes a processing unit (CPU or processor) 320 and a system bus 310 that couples various system components, including system memory 330, such as read-only memory (ROM) 340 and random access memory (RAM) 350, to the processor 320. The computing device 300 may include a cache of high-speed memory that is directly connected to, adjacent to, or integrated into the processor 320. The computing device 300 copies data from memory 330 and / or storage device 360 ​​to the cache for rapid access by the processor 320. In this way, the cache provides a performance boost, avoiding delays while the processor 320 waits for data. These and other modules can control or be configured to control the processor 320 to perform various actions. The memory 330 can include a variety of different types of memory with different performance characteristics. It will be appreciated that the present disclosure can operate on a computing device 300 having more than one processor 320, or on a group or cluster of computing devices networked together to provide greater processing power. Processor 320 may include any general-purpose processor and hardware or software modules, such as module 1 362, module 2 364, and module 3 366, stored in storage device 360 ​​and configured to control processor 320, as well as a dedicated processor in which software instructions are incorporated into the actual processor design. Processor 320 may essentially be a completely self-contained computing system, including multiple cores or processors, a bus, a memory controller, a cache, etc. Multi-core processors may be symmetric or asymmetric.

[0047] The system bus 310 can be any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. A basic input / output (BIOS) stored in ROM 340 or the like can provide basic routines that help transfer information between components within the computing device 300, such as during startup. The computing device 300 also includes a storage device 360, such as a hard drive, a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, a tape drive, etc. The storage device 360 ​​can include software modules 362, 364, and 366 for controlling the processor 320. Other hardware or software modules are contemplated. The storage device 360 ​​is connected to the system bus 310 via a drive interface. The drive and associated computer-readable storage media provide non-volatile storage for computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computing device 300. In one aspect, a hardware module that performs a particular function comprises a software component stored in a tangible computer-readable storage medium that is combined with necessary hardware components, such as the processor 320, the bus 310, the output device 370, etc., to perform that function. In another aspect, the system can use a processor and a computer-readable storage medium to store instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., one or more processors), cause the processor to perform a method or other specific actions. Basic components and appropriate variations are contemplated depending on the type of device, such as whether the computing device 300 is a small handheld computing device, a desktop computer, or a computer server.

[0048] Although the exemplary embodiment described herein employs a hard disk as storage device 360, other types of computer-readable media capable of storing data accessible by a computer may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, magnetic cassettes, random access memory (RAM) 350, and read-only memory (ROM) 340. Tangible computer-readable storage media, computer-readable storage devices, or computer-readable memory devices expressly exclude media such as transitory waves, energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.

[0049] To enable user interaction with computing device 300, input device 390 represents any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for voice, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphic input, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. Output device 370 may also be one or more of a variety of output devices known to those skilled in the art. In some instances, a multimodal system enables a user to provide multiple types of input to communicate with computing device 300. Communication interface 380 generally manages and controls user input and system output. There is no limitation to the operation of any particular hardware arrangement, so the basic features herein can be easily substituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they are developed.

[0050] The technology discussed herein relates to computer-based systems, actions taken by computer-based systems, and information sent to and from computer-based systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functions between components. For example, the processes discussed herein can be implemented using a single computing device or multiple computing devices working in combination. Databases, memories, instructions, and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components can operate sequentially or in parallel.

[0051] Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain specific exemplary embodiments, many additional modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention may be implemented in a manner different from that specifically described. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is to be determined by any claims that may be supported by this application and its equivalents rather than by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A fluid regulating system for regulating a fluid, the fluid regulating system comprising: a plurality of fluid regulating units, each of the plurality of fluid regulating units being configured to regulate a fluid, each of the plurality of fluid regulating units comprising a unit controller configured to operate the fluid regulating unit, the unit controllers of the plurality of fluid regulating units being communicatively coupled to one another, One of the plurality of unit controllers serves as a master control module, and the master control module provides at least one operation set point to each of the unit controllers.

2. The fluid regulating system according to claim 1, wherein: When the unit controller serving as the master control module goes offline, the remaining unit controllers select a new unit controller from among the unit controllers of the plurality of fluid regulating units to serve as the master control module.

3. The fluid regulating system according to claim 1, wherein: The master control module is configured to periodically provide the at least one operating set point to each of the unit controllers, and Each of the unit controllers includes a memory and is configured to store the at least one operating set point received by the unit controller from the main control module in the memory.

4. The fluid regulating system according to claim 3, wherein: When at least one unit controller does not receive the at least one operation set point, the remaining unit controllers select a new unit controller from among the unit controllers of the plurality of fluid regulating units to serve as a master control module. 5 . The fluid regulating system of claim 4 , wherein the new master control module provides the most recent at least one operating set point stored in the memory as the at least one operating set point.

6. The fluid regulating system of claim 1, wherein: The main control module is configured to selectively open or close a fluid regulating unit among the plurality of fluid regulating units. 7 . The fluid regulating system of claim 1 , wherein the master control module is communicatively coupled to a user input device and is configured to set the at least one operating set point based on input received from the user input device.

8. The fluid regulating system of claim 1, wherein the master control module is communicatively coupled to a building management system and is configured to set the at least one operating set point based on input received from the building management system.

9. The fluid regulating system of claim 1, wherein the master control module is communicatively coupled to at least one sensor and is configured to set the at least one operating set point based on information received from the sensor.

10. The fluid regulating system of claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of fluid regulating units includes at least one adjustable component, and a unit controller of the fluid regulating unit is operatively coupled to the at least one adjustable component to adjust operation of the at least one adjustable component based on the at least one operating set point received from the main control module.

11. The fluid regulating system of claim 10, wherein the adjustable component is one of a fan, a compressor, a pump, a valve, a damper, an electric heater, an actuator, a motor, a switch, and a relay.

12. The fluid regulating system of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of fluid regulating units are a first group of fluid regulating units, and the unit controller acting as the master control module is a master control module for the first group, The fluid regulating system also includes: A plurality of fluid regulating units in a second group, each of the plurality of fluid regulating units in the second group being configured to regulate fluid, each of the plurality of fluid regulating units in the second group comprising a unit controller configured to operate the fluid regulating unit, the unit controllers of the plurality of fluid regulating units in the second group being communicatively coupled to each other, wherein one of the plurality of unit controllers in the second group serves as a master control module for the second group, the master control module providing at least one operating set point to each unit controller in the second group.

13. The fluid regulating system of claim 12, wherein: One of the plurality of unit controllers in the first group or the second group serves as a master control module for the fluid regulating system.

14. The fluid regulating system of claim 13, wherein: A master control module for a fluid regulating system is configured to change a fluid regulating unit from a first group of the plurality of fluid regulating units to a second group of the plurality of fluid regulating units.

15. The fluid regulating system of claim 1, wherein: The fluid is air, and the plurality of fluid conditioning units is a plurality of air conditioning units, each of the air conditioning units being fluidly coupled to a space and configured to provide conditioned air to the space.

16. A controller for a fluid regulating unit, the controller comprising: processor; as well as A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a controller to: (i) operating as a unit controller that controls the fluid regulating unit based on at least one operating set point; as well as (ii) operating as a master controller, the controller is selectively operable as a master controller, and when operating as a master controller, the instructions cause the controller to output the at least one operating set point.

17. The controller of claim 16, wherein the computer readable storage medium further stores instructions for receiving the at least one operating set point.

18. The controller according to claim 17, wherein: The computer readable storage medium further stores instructions for execution to cause the controller to operate as a primary controller when the controller does not receive the at least one operating set point.

19. A method for regulating a fluid using a fluid regulating system, the fluid regulating system comprising a plurality of fluid regulating units, each of the plurality of fluid regulating units comprising a unit controller configured to operate the fluid regulating unit, the method comprising: determining when a unit controller operating as a master control module for the fluid regulating system is offline, the unit controller operating as the master control module being communicatively coupled to each of the unit controllers to provide at least one operating set point to each of the unit controllers; as well as A new unit controller is selected from the unit controllers of the plurality of fluid regulating units to serve as a master control module.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the master control module is configured to periodically provide the at least one operating set point to each of the unit controllers, and when at least one unit controller does not receive the at least one operating set point, the unit controller serving as the master control module is determined to be offline.

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