Cloud-Based Building Air Quality Management for Multi-Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy building management systems are inadequate in managing high-volume data, lack modern functionalities, and fail to provide optimized solutions for building wellness, comfort, and energy efficiency, especially in large commercial and industrial settings, due to limitations in data processing, connectivity, and integrated safety and wellness controls.
Innovation Solution
A centralized system that collects and analyzes air quality data from multiple sensors, determines necessary adjustments to building control devices based on energy consumption parameters, and actuates these devices to maintain optimal air quality across the building, integrating with cloud computing for advanced data processing and connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If legacy building management systems are used for environmental control, then basic data collection and control functions are provided, but the systems are ill-suited for high-volume data processing and lack modern connectivity features
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments building management functions into distributed sensor nodes, edge computing devices, and centralized cloud platform. Each component handles specific tasks: sensors collect local data, edge devices perform preliminary processing, and the cloud platform manages high-volume data aggregation and analytics, resolving the contradiction between data processing capability and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between legacy building systems and modern cloud platforms. This intermediary includes protocol translators and data normalization layers that enable legacy devices to communicate with modern systems without requiring complete system replacement, thus improving data processing while managing complexity
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration and re-calibration of sensor and regulator devices is performed, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but prohibitively large outlay of time and effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-calibrating sensors that automatically adjust their measurement parameters using reference standards and environmental data. The cloud platform performs automated drift detection and correction algorithms, eliminating the need for manual calibration while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensor data is constantly monitored against reference values and historical patterns. When drift is detected, the system automatically triggers recalibration routines or adjusts measurements to compensate, maintaining accuracy without manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If trade-offs between wellness, comfort, and energy efficiency are made in legacy systems, then building management goals can be reached, but intensive manual adjustment of parameters is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts wellness, comfort, and energy parameters based on real-time data from sensors and occupancy detection. The cloud platform continuously optimizes setpoints and control strategies, automatically adapting to changing conditions without requiring manual parameter adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs automated parameter optimization where the system continuously modifies operational parameters (temperature, humidity, ventilation rates, lighting levels) based on learned patterns and real-time conditions, achieving optimal balance between wellness, comfort, and energy efficiency through algorithmic parameter changes rather than manual adjustment
4Area of stationary object
If smaller-scale comfort and energy management systems are used, then certain control functionalities are provided, but they lack the scope for centrally-managed control of large numbers of buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal platform that can manage individual buildings, multiple buildings, or entire building portfolios through a single centralized system. The cloud-based architecture provides multi-functional capabilities including data aggregation, analytics, control, and reporting that scale from small to large deployments without requiring different system architectures
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for centrally assuring building air quality are provided. The method includes collecting, from a set of sensors of a plurality of sensors, at least air quality data, wherein the plurality of sensors are installed in different locations within a building; analyzing the collected air quality data to determine an air-quality level across different locations within the building; determining whether an adjustment to at least one control device is required, wherein the determination is based on the determined air-quality level and at least one energy-consumption parameter; and actuating at least one building control device when an adjustment is required, wherein actuating at least one building control device allows for control of air quality across different locations within the building.