Building Equipment Data Monitoring With Real-Time Rule Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC system data collection and analysis are time-consuming and lack real-time monitoring capabilities, with operators facing difficulties in accessing and interpreting machine-readable data, leading to inefficient management and maintenance of building equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a data collection module, analyzing module, and alert generation module that collects data points from building equipment, analyzes them based on predetermined criteria, and generates alerts when rules are not met, enabling real-time monitoring and optimization recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HVAC systems collect and store data in a database for later review, then data is preserved for analysis, but operators cannot access real-time views of equipment operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by collecting equipment data in real-time and immediately analyzing it against predefined rules, providing operators with current equipment status and alerts without requiring database queries or manual retrieval, thus resolving the contradiction between data preservation and real-time accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that sits between the database and operators, automatically collecting, analyzing, and presenting data in actionable formats. This intermediary handles the complexity of real-time data processing while preserving the underlying database structure, enabling both data preservation and real-time access simultaneously
2Productivity
If HVAC systems collect data in machine-readable format, then data can be processed automatically, but operators cannot easily read and interpret the data
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an intermediary analysis module that translates machine-readable data into operator-friendly presentations. This intermediary automatically interprets raw data against predefined rules and presents results in clear, actionable formats such as alerts and status indicators, maintaining both automatic processing capability and ease of operator interpretation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms data parameters from raw machine-readable formats into meaningful operational parameters through automated analysis. By changing the representation of data from binary/machine formats to human-interpretable status indicators and alert conditions, the system maintains automatic processing while improving operator comprehension
3Ease of operation
If operators manually monitor and control HVAC systems, then equipment operation can be reviewed, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service monitoring where the HVAC equipment and data system automatically perform monitoring, analysis, and alerting functions without requiring operator intervention. The system collects its own data, analyzes it against predefined rules, and generates alerts automatically, freeing operators from time-consuming manual monitoring while maintaining comprehensive equipment oversight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual operator monitoring with an automated electronic system. Instead of operators physically reviewing data and making decisions, an electronic automated system continuously monitors equipment, analyzes data in real-time, and generates alerts, dramatically reducing operator time consumption while maintaining monitoring effectiveness
4Reliability
If the system analyzes all equipment data against multiple rules, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by establishing predefined rules and analysis criteria before data collection begins. These predetermined rules are configured in advance to cover various equipment conditions and failure modes, allowing the system to comprehensively monitor equipment using established protocols rather than requiring complex real-time decision-making logic, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for collecting and analyzing data for managing and maintaining buildings are provided. An example method commences with collecting a plurality of data points from a plurality of equipment pieces associated with at least one building. The plurality of data points are associated with an operation of the plurality of equipment pieces. The method continues with analyzing the plurality of data points based on predetermined criteria. The analysis includes determining whether one or more rules of a plurality of rules are met by the plurality of equipment pieces. The method further includes determining, based on the analysis, that one or more equipment pieces of the plurality of equipment pieces do not meet the one or more rules. The method then continues with generating an alert associated with the one or more equipment pieces based on the determination that the one or more rules are not met.