Automated HVAC Programming Using Multi-Associational Data Models
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC system commissioning processes are time-consuming and prone to human errors due to the limitations of two-dimensional configuration approaches, which fail to account for additional dependencies and interactions in the system.
Innovation Solution
An automated engineering system that identifies hardware elements and operational modes, generates a Power Process Control Language (PPCL) program, and creates associated lists and test sets, utilizing a multi-associational data model to account for system dependencies and interactions, thereby facilitating efficient commissioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-dimensional configuration approach is used for HVAC system programming, then the configuration process is simpler, but additional dependencies and interactions are not accounted for, leading to incomplete configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional configuration approach to a multi-dimensional approach by incorporating additional dimensions such as system dependencies, operational modes, and inter-component interactions. This allows the configuration system to capture complex relationships between HVAC components while maintaining ease of use through automated program generation.
2Reliability
If manual commissioning and programming of HVAC systems is performed, then complete system understanding is achieved, but commissioning time extends to many hours or days
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining configuration templates, operational modes, and program structures before actual commissioning. The automated program generation uses these pre-prepared elements to rapidly configure HVAC systems, reducing commissioning time from hours/days to minutes while maintaining completeness through the structured approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating reusable configuration templates and program patterns that can be replicated across different HVAC systems. Once a complete configuration is established for one system, it can be copied and adapted for similar systems, dramatically reducing commissioning time while preserving the completeness and correctness of the configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive training is provided to technicians for HVAC system configuration, then programming accuracy improves, but training duration extends to many months
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by providing automated program generation and configuration assistance that guides technicians through the commissioning process. The system itself performs the complex programming tasks, reducing the need for extensive technician training while maintaining high programming accuracy through automated error prevention and validation.
4Reliability
If comprehensive testing and tweaking of HVAC devices is performed, then system performance is optimized, but commissioning time increases to many hours or days
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing and validation by generating complete configuration programs with built-in test sequences before deployment. Functional test sets are created in advance based on the generated programs, allowing comprehensive performance verification to be conducted systematically and efficiently, reducing the time required for on-site commissioning while ensuring optimal system performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach for generating programming for a system is disclosed where a user answers initial hardware and configuration questions and an application controlled by a processor generates a program using multi-associational data model for execution by a system controller, points list, point cross reference list, sequence of operation, commissioning checklist, functional tests, and flowchart.