Methods, controllers, and machine-readable storage media for automated commissioning of equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of building commissioning, particularly in HVAC systems, is time-consuming and prone to errors due to the complexity of ensuring correct wiring and device behavior, often requiring an occupancy-free training period, which limits retro-commissioning and continuous commissioning opportunities.
Innovation Solution
An automated commissioning system using a controller with computer hardware and memory that connects devices and space sensors to verify expected behavior, checks wiring protocols, and reports results, allowing for efficient and accurate commissioning without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual commissioning processes are used to ensure correct wiring and device behavior, then reliability of system operation is improved, but commissioning time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The commissioning system performs self-diagnosis and self-validation by automatically comparing actual device behavior against expected behavior models. The controller autonomously executes commissioning tasks, validates sensor readings, and identifies wiring errors without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing commissioning time while maintaining reliability through systematic automated verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors device performance and sensor readings, comparing actual behavior against expected behavior models. When deviations are detected (such as incorrect sensor responses or wiring errors), the system provides feedback to identify and correct issues, ensuring reliable operation while automating the commissioning process to reduce time loss.
2Productivity
If automated commissioning is implemented to reduce commissioning time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision of device behavior validation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads expected behavior models and validation criteria into the controller before commissioning begins. These models contain precise thresholds and acceptable ranges for sensor readings and device responses. By having validation rules prepared in advance, the automated system can accurately assess device behavior without compromising measurement precision, even while operating at high speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual commissioning procedures with an automated electronic validation system that uses digital models and algorithmic comparisons. This substitution maintains or even enhances measurement precision through consistent application of validation rules, while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating manual inspection and documentation processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If occupancy-free training periods are required for commissioning, then manufacturing precision of system configuration is improved, but adaptability to real-world conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The commissioning system is designed to dynamically adapt its validation criteria and expected behavior models based on actual building conditions and occupancy patterns. Rather than requiring fixed occupancy-free periods, the system can commission buildings in occupied states by learning and adapting to real-world operational patterns, thereby maintaining configuration accuracy while enabling retro-commissioning and continuous commissioning opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures validation models with flexible parameters that can accommodate various occupancy scenarios. By preparing adaptable expected behavior models in advance that account for different building uses and occupancy patterns, the system achieves precise commissioning without requiring occupancy-free periods, thereby maintaining both manufacturing precision and adaptability to real-world conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Tools and techniques are described to automate commissioning of physical spaces. Controllers have access to databases of the devices that are controlled by them, including wiring diagrams and protocols, such that the controller can automatically check that each wire responds correctly to stimulus from the controller. Controllers also have access to databases of the physical space such that they can check that sensors in the space record the correct information for device activity, and sensors can cross-check each other for consistency. Once a physical space is commissioned, incentives can be sought based on commissioning results.