Building equipment controller with user-configureable inputs and outputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in selecting, installing, and configuring controllers for building equipment, which is complex due to the variety of inputs, outputs, and control logic, especially when the equipment is modified or upgraded, requiring a solution that simplifies compatibility and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A controller with configurable input and output ports, a configuration circuit, and a graphical user interface that allows users to input equipment descriptions, determine controller configurations, and enable appropriate control logic, using a look-up table and network interface for compatibility and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-configuration controller is used for building equipment, then the controller structure is simple and reliable, but it is difficult to adapt to different equipment types and modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The controller employs dynamically reconfigurable input and output ports that can be programmed through a graphical user interface to accept different signal types (analog, digital, pulse) and configure different control logic algorithms. This allows the same physical controller to adapt to various building equipment types (chillers, boilers, air handlers) without hardware changes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes its operational parameters by allowing users to modify input signal types, output signal types, and control logic algorithms through software configuration. The graphical user interface enables parameter changes such as selecting between proportional, integral, derivative control modes, and adjusting setpoints, thereby achieving adaptability to different equipment while maintaining a consistent physical device structure.
2Reliability
If multiple specialized controllers are used for different building equipment types, then each controller is optimized for its specific equipment, but the selection and installation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a universal platform that can control multiple types of building equipment (chillers, boilers, air handlers, pumps) through a single device. The graphical user interface presents equipment-specific configuration options, allowing installers to quickly select and configure the appropriate control parameters for the target equipment without needing to choose from multiple specialized controller models, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining equipment-optimized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller includes pre-programmed control logic algorithms and configuration templates for common building equipment types. During installation, the user selects the equipment type from a list, and the controller automatically applies pre-configured parameters and logic, eliminating the need for installers to manually program complex control algorithms from scratch. This preliminary preparation of control strategies significantly reduces installation time while ensuring proper equipment-specific control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If building equipment is modified or upgraded, then the system functionality is improved, but the controller must be replaced to match new requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The controller's reconfigurable architecture allows it to adapt to equipment modifications through software reprogramming rather than hardware replacement. When building equipment is upgraded or modified, users can reconfigure the input/output port settings and control logic algorithms through the graphical user interface to match the new equipment requirements, eliminating the need to replace the controller and reducing both cost and effort.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller includes a plurality of configurable input ports, a plurality of configurable output ports, and a configuration circuit. The configuration circuit is configured to provide a graphical user interface configured to facilitate a user in inputting an equipment description, determine a controller configuration based on the equipment description, configure the plurality of configurable input ports in accordance with the controller configuration, configure the plurality of configurable output ports in accordance with the controller configuration, and enable a set of control logic based on the controller configuration. The controller also includes an online control circuit configured to receive inputs via the plurality of configurable input ports, generate outputs based on the inputs and the set of control logic, and provide the outputs to building equipment via the plurality of configurable output ports.