Automatic master-slave system and approach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation systems require re-programming and re-configuration when room layouts change, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort due to simultaneous heating and cooling in zones with independent HVAC controllers.
Innovation Solution
An automatic master-slave system where controllers detect layout changes, self-configure, and learn from each other to coordinate temperature control, eliminating the need for explicit re-programming and ensuring consistent HVAC conditions across zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent HVAC controllers are used in each zone, then each zone can be controlled independently, but simultaneous heating and cooling may occur in the same space causing energy waste and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent zone controllers into a master-slave configuration where one master controller coordinates heating and cooling operations across previously independent zones. This merging eliminates the harmful effect of simultaneous heating and cooling by ensuring centralized control logic prevents contradictory operations in the same space.
2Loss of energy
If re-programming is performed to prevent simultaneous heating and cooling, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity and re-configuration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic zone configuration where zones can be dynamically combined or separated based on operational needs without requiring re-programming. The master-slave controller relationship can be dynamically established or dissolved, allowing the system to adapt to changing spatial configurations while maintaining energy efficiency through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when zones should be combined or separated and self-configures the master-slave relationships without requiring manual re-programming or external intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex re-configuration procedures while maintaining optimal energy efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual re-configuration is performed when layout changes, then control accuracy is maintained, but productivity and response time decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects layout changes and self-configures the controller relationships without requiring manual re-programming. This self-service approach maintains control accuracy by ensuring proper master-slave relationships are established while dramatically improving response time to layout changes compared to manual re-configuration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with the capability to detect layout changes and automatically establish appropriate control relationships. This preliminary preparation allows the system to respond immediately to layout changes without requiring time-consuming manual re-configuration, thus maintaining both control accuracy and high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic master slave system and approach for coordinated control of a parameter, for example, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning condition, in an area of multiple spaces controlled by room controllers. Changing a layout of a zone/area in a building such as moving, adding or removing a door, increasing or splitting size of a room through movable walls, or by permanently removing partitions, changing offices to a conference room or vice versa, may occur. A size of a room may be altered within minutes, according to customer demand. For instance, rooms may be converted into a single room by removing partitions. The controllers that were controlling temperatures of the rooms independently earlier, may convert automatically into a master-slave configuration and now work together to control a larger room. If the large room is split into multiple rooms, the controllers may automatically revert to their previous configuration.