Communication-Line Powered HVAC Actuator Without Separate Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of actuators in HVAC systems is costly and time-consuming due to the need for separate power cabling and inconvenient access in occupied spaces.
Innovation Solution
A communication line powered actuator design that obtains electrical power from communication lines, using energy storage devices and power management to operate, eliminating the need for a separate power cord and allowing multiple devices to share power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power cabling is used for actuators, then reliable electrical power supply is ensured, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and communication functions into a single communication line. The actuator receives both electrical power and control signals through the same communication infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate power cabling and reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The communication line is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both electrical power delivery and digital communication to the actuator. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of required cables and simplifies the overall system installation
2Power
If separate power cabling is installed for each actuator, then sufficient power delivery is guaranteed, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging power and data transmission into a single communication line, the patent reduces the number of installation steps. Installers only need to deploy one type of cable for both power and communication needs, significantly accelerating installation speed while maintaining adequate power delivery to actuators
3Adaptability or versatility
If actuators are installed in occupied spaces, then control functionality is improved, but access difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication line's ability to provide both power and data through a single connection enables actuators to be installed in occupied spaces where only one cable penetration is feasible. This multi-functional approach makes installation in difficult-to-access locations practical while maintaining full control functionality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces installation costs and complexity by using existing communication lines for power, enabling convenient wiring and efficient power management within HVAC systems.
Implementation Method 1
The POE interface 326 is configured to provide power to the actuator 300
Implementation Method 2
The power may in some cases be stored in one or more energy storage devices and used when movement of the actuator is necessary
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes at least one drive arrangement configured to generate output mechanical power from input electrical power. The actuator also includes a communication line input port and a control unit. The communication line input port is configured to connect to a communication line, and is configured to obtain electrical power from the communication line. The control unit is configured to obtain first information from the communication line via the communication line input port, and is further configured to adjust the operation of the at least one drive arrangement based on the first information and based upon information identifying electrical power available for use as input electrical power.