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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC DDC control systems face challenges in combining high-power event handling and real-time capabilities, with existing OS environments like Windows or Unix not being well-suited for real-time applications, and lacking robust security features.
Innovation Solution
A scalable and secure direct digital control (DDC) and integration control platform that combines HVAC DDC control with an embedded workstation platform, utilizing a Niagara-based controller with built-in cybersecurity and high-speed communication protocols, such as SSL encryption, to address the need for robust and secure control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an event-driven operating system (Windows or Unix) is used for HVAC DDC control, then the system provides high processing power and versatility, but it cannot meet real-time control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate controllers: an event-driven workstation controller for high-level processing and versatility, and a real-time controller for deterministic control execution. This segmentation allows each controller to specialize in its strength while working together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface acts as an intermediary between the workstation controller and real-time controller, transferring control commands and feedback data. This mediator enables the event-driven system to indirectly achieve real-time control through the dedicated real-time controller.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard building automation protocols (BACnet IP or Lonworks) are used, then device compatibility is improved, but cybersecurity protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements pre-configured security measures including SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission, authentication mechanisms, and secure communication protocols before any potential security threats can occur. This preliminary protection prevents cyberattacks rather than responding to them after occurrence.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication protocol stack is constructed as a composite of multiple security layers including encryption, authentication, and authorization mechanisms built upon standard protocols like BACnet IP. This multi-layered approach maintains compatibility while adding robust security protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a combination of controller and supervisor is used separately, then functional requirements are met, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the controller and supervisor functions into a single integrated platform that can operate in different modes. The workstation controller can function independently for basic control while also supporting supervisory functions, eliminating the need for separate hardware installations and reducing overall system cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
A powerful direct digital control (DDC) and integration control platform that is scalable and easy to use and meet building owners and contractors' desires for a highly secure and robust technical solution. One may combine heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) DDC control with the embedded workstation platform, and DDC controllers with embedded workstation platform software design. An embedded workstation platform event-driven approach (such as a Windows operating system (OS) or Unix OS environment) is not necessarily easily suited to real-time common in HVAC DDC control. The present system may solve an issue of combining high-power event needs for HVAC DDC Controls.