Deconstructed Temporal-Order Interface for HVAC Building Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building management system (BMS) interfaces are non-intuitive and difficult to use, making it challenging for users to quickly find information due to inefficient information presentation, which hinders effective management and troubleshooting of HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A deconstructed graphical user interface that stores data points in a database and uses a controller to identify relevant components and their temporal order, generating a user-friendly interface displaying data points in a logical order, with dynamic indicators and color-coding based on threshold values, allowing users to easily view process variables, setpoints, warnings, and alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional BMS interfaces present information in traditional graphical representations, then the system provides a complete view of HVAC components, but users struggle to find information quickly and the interface becomes non-intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into multiple focused graphical displays, each dedicated to a specific HVAC component (e.g., cooling tower, chiller, condenser). Instead of showing all components in one complex view, the system divides the information into component-specific segments that can be individually examined, making it easier for users to find and understand specific information without being overwhelmed by the complete system view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and isolates data points relevant to each specific HVAC component into separate focused displays. By taking out only the necessary data for each component (such as temperature, pressure, flow rate specific to that component) and presenting them in dedicated graphical interfaces, the system eliminates unnecessary information clutter while maintaining complete system oversight through navigable component views.
2Loss of information
If the BMS interface displays all system data in a comprehensive view, then complete system information is available, but the interface becomes complex and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive system data is segmented into component-specific graphical displays, each showing only the data relevant to that particular HVAC component. This segmentation reduces interface complexity by organizing data into manageable, focused views while maintaining data completeness through the ability to access all components individually or in groups as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional flat display of all data to a multi-dimensional hierarchical structure where data can be viewed at different levels of detail. Users can navigate between overall system views and component-specific detailed views, adding a navigational dimension that organizes complex data without increasing visual clutter on any single display.
3Measurement precision
If the BMS interface requires users to manually locate and analyze data points, then users can examine detailed information, but the time required for troubleshooting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary organization and presentation of data points in each focused graphical display according to the specific component being viewed. Data is pre-sorted and highlighted in the order and format most relevant to that component's operation and troubleshooting, eliminating the need for users to manually search through raw data. This preliminary arrangement maintains analytical precision while dramatically reducing the time required to locate and understand critical data points.
Data Source
AI summary
A building management system includes a database and a controller. The database stores data points, and the controller receives a selection of a control group defining a process variable. The controller further identifies a plurality of components of the building management system that operate to affect the process variable, and identifies a temporal order in which the identified components affect the process variable. The controller obtains data points associated with each of the identified components, and generates a graphical user interface that displays the obtained data points arranged in the temporal order.