Automated HVAC Component Testing with Parallel Execution Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Testing complex systems like HVAC systems is inefficient due to the need to establish and validate multiple operating conditions across multiple tests, which can take a long time and is challenging when running on existing systems.

Innovation Solution

A testing system that dynamically coordinates component tests using a scheduling algorithm and finite-state machines to minimize total execution time, allowing for parallel execution of tests, monitoring of component states, and management of operating conditions, with the ability to pause, cancel, or restart tests as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If component tests are executed sequentially to ensure proper validation of operating conditions, then testing accuracy is improved, but total testing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidtotal testing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the testing sequence and parallel execution groups based on real-time validation of operating conditions. The scheduler continuously monitors condition validity and reconfigures test execution groups, transitioning from static sequential testing to dynamic adaptive parallel testing that maintains accuracy while reducing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The testing process is segmented into independent test groups that can execute in parallel when their required operating conditions are validated. Each group is separated by condition validation boundaries, allowing simultaneous execution of multiple test groups while maintaining the integrity of condition dependencies through the validation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple operating conditions are established and validated across multiple tests, then system integration testing completeness is improved, but test coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting completenessVSAvoidtest coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating condition validation mechanism serves multiple functions: it validates conditions for current test groups, tracks conditions for future test groups, coordinates parallel execution, and manages scheduling decisions. This multi-functional approach reduces coordination complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where the scheduler monitors the validity status of operating conditions and automatically adjusts test group configuration and execution timing. This feedback mechanism simplifies coordination by providing real-time information about condition states, enabling automatic decision-making without complex manual coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If tests are executed on currently operating systems with limited ability to establish arbitrary operating conditions, then system operational continuity is improved, but testing flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidtesting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of test execution from requiring arbitrary operating conditions to working within the constraints of currently valid operating conditions. By accepting and adapting to the actual operating state parameters rather than imposing idealized test conditions, the system maintains operational continuity while achieving testing objectives through condition validation and adaptive scheduling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10921007B2Systems for and methods of automatically scheduling and executing in situ tests on electrical and mechanical systems

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 NEXTPOWER LLC

AI summary

A testing platform tests an electrical and mechanical system such as an HVAC unit according to an algorithm that reduces the total testing time of the components of the system, while ensuring the safety of the system during system-wide testing. The platform uses constraints that are checked both before and during the testing to ensure that HVAC operating conditions are acceptable for starting and maintaining component tests. Preferably, the platform uses finite-state machines for each device to organize the component tests, allowing for monitoring of constraints and starting, pausing, and stopping component tests. Preferably, total test execution time is reduced by running component tests in parallel, running component tests based on loads of the components, or combinations of both.