Controller setup method in a wireless building management system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building information models become outdated and difficult to maintain during the construction and operational phases of a building, leading to inefficiencies in linking new components and optimizing building operations, as they lack accurate and granular data for comprehensive control and simulation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a communication network with wireless nodes, passive wireless devices, and sensors that automatically update the building data model by identifying and linking controllers with ventilation dampers, using sensor measurements to determine optimal control strategies and store links between components, thereby maintaining a current and accurate building model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed building control network with predetermined components is used, then initial system setup is straightforward, but the building model becomes outdated and difficult to maintain as construction progresses and new components are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInitial system setupVSAvoidBuilding model accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The building control network transitions from a static, predetermined configuration to a dynamic system that automatically adapts as new components are introduced. Sensors continuously discover new components and automatically update the building model database, ensuring the model remains current without manual intervention throughout construction and operation phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-updating through automatic component discovery and linking. When new sensors or components are introduced, they automatically register themselves with the building model database and establish appropriate linkages without requiring manual configuration, enabling the system to maintain itself autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If manual updates to the building model are performed during construction, then comprehensive detail can be captured, but maintenance becomes more difficult and time-consuming due to multiple subcontractors and employees

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBuilding model completenessVSAvoidModel maintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The building control network automatically discovers new components and updates the building model database without human intervention. Each sensor and component self-registers and establishes linkages autonomously, eliminating the time-consuming manual update process while maintaining complete and accurate building information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor the building environment and automatically report new components to the building model database. This feedback mechanism ensures the model remains synchronized with the actual building state without requiring manual verification or updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If new components are introduced into an existing building control network, then system functionality is enhanced, but inefficiencies and incorrect linkages occur due to network complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSystem expandabilityVSAvoidComponent integration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to new components through automatic discovery mechanisms. When new sensors or devices are introduced, the system automatically detects them, determines their appropriate linkages to building model elements, and integrates them seamlessly without disrupting existing operations or requiring manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The building model database serves as an intermediary layer between physical components and control functions. New components communicate through this standardized interface, which automatically manages linkages and relationships, simplifying integration regardless of network complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enables efficient integration of new components, reduces inefficiencies, and provides a granular, accurate building model for enhanced simulation and control strategies, optimizing building operations and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

Each passive wireless device is configured to communicate wirelessly to the wireless nodes using power derived from communication signals detected in the passive wireless device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy harvesting: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3122000B1Controller setup method in a wireless building management system
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 SIEMENS INDUSTRY INC
  • EP3122000B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3122000B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3122000B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A building system includes a communication network, a plurality of wireless nodes, a plurality of passive wireless devices, a plurality of sensors, and a processing circuit. The wireless nodes are disposed within a building and are operably coupled to the communication network. Each passive wireless device is affixed to an object within the building, and contains first information regarding at least one property of the object. Each passive wireless device is configured to communicate wirelessly to the wireless nodes using power derived from communication signals detected in the passive wireless device. The sensors are configured to generate second information representative of sensed temperature throughout the building, each sensor operably connected to the communication network. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive the first information from the wireless devices and the second information from the sensors. The processing circuit is configured to generate control information regarding the building based on the first information and the second information.