Building Equipment Data-Point Binding for Automated Planning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current building equipment planning and engineering processes are labor-intensive due to the lack of a common model that automatically matches functions and devices, and existing systems are not communication technology independent, leading to high planning and engineering efforts.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and platform that processes a machine-readable provider and consumer model to describe data-point interactions between functions and devices, allowing for automatic connection group calculation and deployment during planning and commissioning, independent of communication technology stacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual mapping and binding of data-points is performed for each instance, then functions and devices can be interconnected, but planning and engineering effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining function templates with standardized data-point interfaces before actual building equipment planning. These templates include pre-configured provider and consumer models that automatically match with devices based on their communication capabilities, eliminating the need for manual data-point mapping during commissioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary platform that sits between functions and devices, providing automated matching based on provider-consumer models. This intermediary automatically binds data-points between HVAC functions and devices by comparing their communication capabilities and data-point definitions, replacing manual mapping processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional KNX application architecture with group address mapping is used, then functions can be bound to devices, but the binding is limited to execution level and not communication technology independent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a communication-technology-independent binding architecture that works across multiple protocols (KNX, BACnet, Modbus, etc.). The provider-consumer model defines universal data-point interfaces that can be mapped to different communication technologies without changing the core binding logic, enabling the same function templates to work with various device types and protocols
3Ease of manufacture
If runtime models like OPC UA platforms are used, then multiple communication paradigms are supported, but no common model describes how functions and devices interwork on a template basis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the building automation model into distinct function templates with standardized provider and consumer data-point models. Each function (e.g., HVAC control, lighting) has predefined data-point interfaces that segment the complexity, allowing automated matching without requiring a single monolithic complex model
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating reusable function templates that can be instantiated multiple times across different buildings and applications. These templates contain copied standardized data-point definitions that automatically match with devices, eliminating the need to create unique models for each installation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and platform for planning and operating building equipment by processing a machine-readable provider and consumer model which describes data-points modelling a provision or consumption of data by functions and an exchange of data through connections with other data-points modelling a provision or consumption of data by devices of the building equipment.