Bus Actuator Multi-Valve Control for Remote HVAC Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator systems face challenges in efficiently controlling multiple components, such as valves, in heating and cooling systems, requiring significant communication and processing loads, and often necessitate components to be physically close, which is not always desirable.
Innovation Solution
A bus actuator system that includes actuating means to drive a primary component and a bus connection for data exchange with additional components, allowing for coordinated control and feedback processing, enabling remote operation and diagnostic capabilities to manage flow rate and mode changes in heating and cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central controller is used to control multiple components, then coordination between components is achieved, but communication load and processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a central bus actuator and distributed additional modules. Each module handles specific control tasks independently, reducing the communication and processing burden on the central controller while maintaining coordinated control of multiple components.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical linkage is used to control multiple components, then coordination is achieved, but components must be positioned close to the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
A bus connection system acts as an intermediary between the bus actuator and additional modules, enabling coordinated control without requiring physical proximity. The bus connection transmits control signals and feedback data between components that may be spatially separated.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional actuator systems are used, then simple control is achieved, but adaptability to control multiple component types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bus actuator is designed with universal additional modules that can be connected via bus connections to provide multiple control functions. This modular approach enables a single actuator to control various component types (valves, dampers, actuators) without increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention introduces bus actuator comprising: - actuating means adapted to drive a first component, and - a bus connection allowing the bus actuator in addition to be in data exchange connection to at least one additional component. wherein the actuator further comprises or is in connection to data processing means adapted to generate an actuation signal to respectively drive said first component, and to the at least one additional component through the bus connection. In this manner it is achieved that additional devices can be added in a data exchange manner (e.g. control and/or sensor signals) to the same bus actuator in addition to the bus actuator itself being connected to drive a component.