Electronic device and method for control of a building management system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermo-fluidic systems in buildings rely on open-loop control logic based on standard values, leading to inefficient energy use and high costs, as they fail to account for actual environmental conditions and energy contributions like solar irradiation and occupancy levels, requiring complex and costly modifications to implement closed-loop control.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a control unit using fuzzy logic algorithms integrates environmental sensor data to adjust mixing valves and air treatment unit gates, creating a closed-loop system that regulates temperature and carbon dioxide levels within buildings, reducing the need for extensive system modifications and operating costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If open-loop control logic based on standard values is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements closed-loop control by introducing feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, occupancy, solar irradiation) and adjust thermo-fluidic system operations accordingly. This feedback approach enables the system to adapt to actual conditions rather than relying on fixed standard values, significantly improving energy efficiency while maintaining acceptable complexity through modular implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static open-loop control to dynamic closed-loop control, where control parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time environmental conditions. The system dynamically modifies heating, cooling, and ventilation operations according to actual occupancy levels, outdoor conditions, and solar irradiation, enabling energy optimization without requiring complete system redesign.
2Loss of energy
If closed-loop control is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into modular functional units: environmental sensing modules, control logic modules, and actuation modules. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex closed-loop control to be implemented as an add-on layer rather than requiring complete system redesign. This segmentation enables incremental implementation and simplifies maintenance while achieving energy optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control unit that sits between the existing open-loop control system and the actuators. This intermediary layer processes environmental data, executes control algorithms, and generates adjusted control signals without requiring fundamental changes to the underlying thermo-fluidic infrastructure. The intermediary approach minimizes system disruption while enabling closed-loop control functionality.
3Ease of operation
If standard control values are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to actual environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically monitors environmental conditions and adjusts operations without requiring manual intervention. Environmental sensors continuously measure temperature, humidity, occupancy, and solar irradiation, and the control logic autonomously modifies system operations based on these measurements. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while dramatically improving adaptability to actual environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (flow rates, temperatures, ventilation rates) based on real-time environmental conditions rather than relying on fixed standard values. Control algorithms adjust these parameters according to actual occupancy levels, outdoor weather conditions, and solar irradiation patterns, enabling the system to adapt to varying environmental requirements while maintaining simple automated operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Electronic device (1) for regulating a thermo-fluidic system for a building (56), comprising a heating/cooling system (50, 54; 80, 82, 84, 85) including mixing valves (52, 52') adapted to control flows of hot/cold water within said heating/cooling system (50, 54; 80, 82, 84, 85), the device (1) comprising a control unit (2) adapted to: - receive a main signal (4) from a building management system (56); - receive a predefined reference signal (6) representative of a desired parameter for the building (56); - receive environmental signals (8) from environmental sensors placed in the building (56) and adapted to measure environmental parameters of said building (56); - issue a control signal (10) towards an actuator associated with a respective mixing valve (52, 52') in order to modify the opening or closing thereof.