Building Controller Multi-Protocol Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building automation and control systems face challenges in integrating multiple communication protocols without using a BACnet gateway, leading to difficulties in controlling devices across sub-systems with different protocols.
Innovation Solution
A building automation and control system that includes a building controller with modules for processing and converting data between different protocols, allowing it to transmit and receive data from devices using various protocols, such as BACnet, TCP, UDP, serial, and parallel protocols, without the need for a BACnet gateway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a BACnet gateway is used to enable communication between devices using different protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protocol processing capabilities directly into the building controller, combining BACnet protocol handling with other protocols (TCP/IP, Modbus, LonWorks, etc.) into a single integrated controller. This eliminates the need for separate BACnet gateway devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The building controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication protocols simultaneously. The controller includes multiple communication interfaces and protocol stacks, allowing it to act as a universal communication hub that can directly communicate with devices using different protocols without requiring protocol-specific gateway devices.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate controllers are used for different protocols, then protocol-specific control precision is improved, but system integration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple protocol-specific control functions into a single building controller. The controller integrates multiple communication interfaces and protocol stacks, allowing it to directly control devices using different protocols without requiring separate controllers for each protocol, thereby reducing integration complexity while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The building controller is designed as a universal control device that can handle multiple communication protocols simultaneously. It includes multiple communication interfaces (BACnet, TCP/IP, Modbus, LonWorks, etc.) and can directly control devices using these different protocols, eliminating the need for separate protocol-specific controllers and simplifying system integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is performed using a gateway, then communication between heterogeneous devices is enabled, but data transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protocol conversion function from a separate gateway device and integrates it directly into the building controller. This eliminates the need for data to be transmitted through an external gateway, reducing the number of communication hops and associated latency. The controller performs protocol conversion internally, allowing for faster data transmission between devices using different protocols.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a BACnet gateway is deployed for protocol conversion, then system flexibility is improved, but installation and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the BACnet gateway functionality into the building controller itself, reducing the number of separate devices that need to be installed and configured. This integration simplifies installation by reducing the number of connection points and configuration steps, while maintaining the system's flexibility to support multiple protocols through the controller's built-in multi-protocol capability.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed herein a building automation and control system and a method for operating the same. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a building controller may process data using a plurality of protocols without using a BACnet gateway, thereby controlling devices in a building coexisting with two or more protocols. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, sub-systems having different their own protocols, respectively, may be integrated to establish a building automation and control system, and data may be processed using a single building controller, thereby enhancing the scalability and stability of the system.