Building Automation Control Logic for Variable Device Counts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Building automation systems (BAS) face challenges in efficiently managing and optimizing control programs for varying numbers of devices, leading to time-consuming and costly customization, which inhibits the application of optimizations that could benefit end customers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically interact with a flexible number of devices by using a configuration tool to generate control programs, which identify primary and secondary lists of points, and provide these as inputs to control logic to generate control signals, allowing for dynamic control of devices without manual customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control programs are customized to handle variable numbers of devices, then the system can accommodate different building spaces with different device quantities, but the customization process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The control program uses a universal template structure that can handle any number of devices through parameterized lists. Instead of creating custom programs for each device count, a single universal template accepts variable inputs (N devices, M devices, etc.) and automatically adapts its operation accordingly, eliminating the need for time-consuming customization while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters (number of devices, list sizes, data structures) dynamically based on the specific building space requirements. The control program accepts parameter inputs such as the number of devices N and automatically adjusts its internal lists and logic to match, allowing rapid adaptation without reprogramming or customization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control programs are customized for each building space, then the system can precisely fit specific device configurations, but the cost of customization increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal control program template serves multiple building spaces with different device configurations. The template is designed to accept variable inputs and automatically configure itself, providing precise adaptation to specific device configurations without requiring expensive custom development for each space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a master template that can be copied and instantiated multiple times across different building spaces. Each instance automatically adapts to its specific device configuration through parameter input rather than requiring custom copying or modification, significantly reducing overall customization costs while maintaining precise configuration matching.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual customization is performed for each site, then the control program can handle specific device quantities, but optimizations cannot be applied across multiple sites
Solution Approach 1:
The universal control program template enables optimizations to be applied across multiple sites simultaneously. By using a standardized structure with parameterized device lists and consistent logic, the same optimization algorithms and control strategies can be deployed across different building spaces handling various device quantities, achieving both precision and cross-site adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automatically interacting with a flexible number of devices are provided. The system includes a plurality of devices, a configuration tool, and a controller. The plurality of devices are configured to measure or generate a plurality of points in a building automation system. The configuration tool is configured to generate a control program. The controller is configured to identify a primary list of N devices, where N is an integer. The controller is configured to automatically generate a plurality of secondary lists of points based on the primary list of N devices. The controller is configured to provide the plurality of secondary lists of points as inputs to a control logic configured to use the plurality of secondary lists of points to generate one or more control signals to control the N devices.