A control system for controlling a cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vapor compression systems, such as refrigeration and air conditioning, unauthorized access to entity controllers via nearfield communication interfaces poses a security risk, especially when these systems are installed in publicly accessible areas like supermarkets.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a central unit that generates blocking and unblocking signals to secure nearfield communication interfaces of entity controllers, ensuring only authorized access through a secured communication network, preventing unauthorized access while allowing authorized personnel to access the controllers as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nearfield communication interface is enabled for direct access to entity controllers, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nearfield communication interface dynamically changes its access state between blocked and unblocked based on received control signals. The entity controller transitions between different operational states (blocked vs. unblocked) to adapt to security requirements while maintaining accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The secured communication network acts as an intermediary between the central control unit and the entity controller. It transmits blocking and unblocking signals through a secure channel, mediating the access control process and preventing direct unauthorized access to the nearfield communication interface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the nearfield communication interface is blocked to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the nearfield communication interface between blocked and unblocked states. When security is the priority, the interface remains blocked; when maintenance or adjustment is needed, the central control unit sends an unblocking signal through the secured communication network, allowing temporary access.
Solution Approach 2:
The nearfield communication interface is preliminarily blocked by default to prevent unauthorized access. Before allowing access for maintenance or adjustments, the central control unit proactively sends an unblocking signal through the secure communication network, ensuring controlled access is established in advance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a secured communication network is implemented for blocking signals, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secured communication network serves multiple functions: it transmits blocking signals, transmits unblocking signals, and provides a secure channel for all control communications between the central control unit and entity controllers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking and unblocking signal transmission functions are merged into a single secured communication network infrastructure. Rather than implementing separate communication channels for different control functions, the system combines them into one secure communication path, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system (1) for controlling a cooling system comprising two or more cooling entities (2) is disclosed. The control system comprises a central control unit (3), two or more entity controllers (4), each entity controller (4) being associated with one of the cooling entities (2), and each entity controller (4) being provided with a nearfield communication interface (6) allowing communication between the entity controller (4) and a portable device (7), via a nearfield communication channel, and a secured communication network (5) connecting the central control unit (3) with each of the entity controllers (4). The central control unit (3) is configured to generate blocking signals and/or unblocking signals and communicate the blocking signals and/or unblocking signals to each of the entity controllers (4), via the secured communication network (5). Each of the entity controllers (4) is configured to block and/or unblock the nearfield communication interface (6), in accordance with received blocking signals and/or unblocking signals.