Distributed building automation controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlling complex building systems with hundreds of sensors and devices is challenging due to the vast number of possible states, leading to bandwidth and latency issues in cloud computing environments, and existing systems primarily react to past actions rather than optimizing for future conditions.
Innovation Solution
A distributed building automation system with multiple controllers, including a master controller, that computes and adjusts the operating behavior of defined spaces by determining desired device behavior based on sensor data and device characteristics to achieve defined operating characteristics, such as temperature or comfort levels, while allowing for self-healing networks to adapt and maintain optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If cloud computing environment is used to control building systems, then computing power for determining optimal device usage is improved, but bandwidth and latency issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building automation system into multiple distributed controllers, each responsible for specific zones or devices. This segmentation allows local decision-making without requiring constant cloud communication, reducing latency while maintaining computational capability for optimal device usage determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the system architecture, with local controllers operating autonomously at the edge and cloud computing providing high-level optimization. This multi-dimensional approach enables both low-latency local responses and high-power cloud-based strategic decision-making.
2Loss of time
If distributed controllers are used to compute building operating behavior, then latency and bandwidth issues are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal controller modules that can perform multiple functions: local sensing, local decision-making, cloud communication, and coordination with other controllers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components, managing system complexity while enabling distributed autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed controllers implement feedback mechanisms where each controller monitors its local environment and communicates status to neighboring controllers and the cloud. This feedback loop enables autonomous adaptation and coordination, reducing latency while managing complexity through standardized communication protocols.
3Ease of operation
If existing building control systems are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but ability to optimize for future conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements predictive control algorithms in the distributed controllers that perform preliminary actions based on forecasted conditions. Controllers can pre-adjust device settings in anticipation of future states (e.g., pre-cooling spaces before anticipated occupancy), enabling future optimization while maintaining simple operation through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed controllers are designed to autonomously determine optimal device usage without requiring complex user intervention. The system self-services by automatically sensing conditions, predicting future states, and adjusting devices accordingly, maintaining ease of operation while achieving advanced optimization capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a building automation controller and related method and storage medium including a processor configured, through at least execution of a distributed computer program, to: receive sensor data generated by a sensor, wherein the sensor data is indicative of a state of a defined space, identify an action to be performed by a device to affect the state in accordance with an operating characteristic for the defined space, determine that the device is attached to a second controller of a plurality of additional controllers, and transmit to the second controller, an indication that the action is to be performed by the device, wherein: the distributed computer program is configured to be distributed among the processor and the plurality of additional controllers and, the processor is further configured to apportion work to be performed by the computer program between at least the additional controllers.