Chiller with Integrated Virtual SIM for Direct Cellular Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chillers lack direct communication capabilities with external networks, requiring additional installation and configuration of controllers or gateways, which is time-consuming and error-prone, and provides limited data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A communications board is integrated with the chiller before delivery, enabling remote connectivity and configuration, allowing automatic connection to a remote server upon installation, with features like secure overlay networks and modular communication interfaces for various protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional controllers or gateways are installed to enable connectivity between chiller and building management system, then remote communication capability is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication board and SIM card functionality directly into the chiller's main control board, eliminating the need for separate gateway devices. This integration allows the chiller to directly connect to building management systems and external networks through embedded communication modules, reducing both installation time and component count while maintaining full remote communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The communication board is designed with multiple communication protocols (BACnet, Modbus, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) and interfaces that can serve multiple functions: local device communication, remote server connectivity, over-the-air software updates, and integration with various building management systems. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each communication task
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional controllers or gateways are installed to enable connectivity, then remote communication is achieved, but configuration errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication board automatically configures itself by detecting the building management system type and selecting appropriate communication protocols without requiring manual technician configuration. The system performs self-diagnosis and automatic parameter setup, eliminating human error in configuration while maintaining adaptability to different building management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The chiller is pre-configured with a communication board and SIM card during manufacturing with default settings and multiple protocol support already installed. This preliminary configuration includes pre-programmed communication parameters and automatic detection routines that eliminate the need for field configuration, ensuring reliable operation from installation day
3Device complexity
If conventional control circuitry is used without external communication capabilities, then device simplicity is maintained, but data transfer capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication functionality is segmented into a separate communication board module that interfaces with the main control board through defined protocols. This modular approach allows the chiller to maintain simple local control operations while adding comprehensive remote data transfer capabilities through the dedicated communication module, which handles all external data exchange independently
Solution Approach 2:
The communication board serves as an intermediary between the simple main control board and external networks/building management systems. It translates between internal chiller data formats and external communication protocols, enabling full data transfer capability while keeping the core control system simple and unchanged
Data Source
AI summary
A chiller includes a housing, a main control board positioned in the housing and configured to control the chiller, and a communications board positioned in the housing and including a virtual subscriber identity module (SIM) configured to provide communications between the chiller and a cellular network external to the chiller.