Building Fault Detection Using Sensor Similarity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing commissioning and testing processes for buildings with multiple actuators and sensors are time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to potential faults being missed or misidentified, especially in complex installations with many devices.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automated method for commissioning and testing that uses data network signals from actuators and sensors to determine similarity measures and deviations, alerting users to faults through a system of predefined constants, thresholds, and filters, allowing for efficient identification of operational states and faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual commissioning and testing methods are used to search for and record actuator and sensor devices, then personnel can identify device locations and addresses, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service commissioning by allowing actuators and sensors to automatically self-identify and self-register with the control system. Devices transmit their identification data and location information automatically without requiring manual searching and recording by commissioning personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of searching for devices with automated electronic signal transmission and processing. The commissioning system electronically queries and receives automatic responses from devices, substituting the physical search and manual recording process with digital communication.
2Reliability
If comprehensive testing of multiple actuators and sensors is performed to ensure system reliability, then fault detection capability is improved, but the complexity of the commissioning process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The commissioning process is segmented into distinct automated phases: device discovery, identification, registration, and functional testing. Each phase handles specific tasks independently, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts testing parameters and thresholds based on device characteristics and operational conditions. This dynamic parameter adaptation enables comprehensive reliability testing without requiring complex manual configuration of test parameters for each device.
3Loss of information
If detailed manual recording of device addresses and locations is performed, then complete system documentation is achieved, but the risk of transcription errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of device identification data directly from the devices themselves. Instead of manual transcription, the commissioning system automatically captures and stores device addresses, locations, and configuration parameters in a structured database, eliminating transcription errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The commissioning system implements automated feedback verification where recorded device information is cross-checked against device responses and system configuration. This feedback mechanism detects and corrects any documentation errors automatically, ensuring complete and accurate system documentation.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a method of detecting faults in a structure. An example method includes: obtaining from an actuator a first signal indicative of a test operating mode and from a first and second sensor respective signals indicative of a time series of test readings; producing a test operating mode in response; searching for the test operating mode in a first list, and searching for sensors in a second list; if the test operation mode is in the first list and sensors are in the second list, determining a test numerical measure between the first time series and the second time series, including a predefined constant when the first time series matches the second and otherwise deviating from the predefined constant; and determining a test deviation of the measure from the predefined constant, and if the deviation exceeds a threshold, producing a fault.