Distributed Building Control Logic for Remote Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building management systems require frequent and costly upgrades to adapt to changing building requirements, and modifications such as reconfiguring spaces for new tenants involve tedious and expensive processes due to the need for on-site technician visits and reprogramming of centralized controllers.
Innovation Solution
A distributed building management system with virtual and smart edge controllers, where control logic is distributed between a virtual controller hosted on a computing device and a smart edge controller associated with building control devices, allowing for adaptive resource allocation and autonomous execution of control commands without interrupting system operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized supervisory controller is used in conventional building management systems, then control functions can be consolidated and managed from a single point, but system upgrades and modifications require costly on-site technician visits and reprogramming, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a centralized supervisory controller and distributed device controllers, each capable of independent operation. The supervisory controller provides high-level management while device controllers handle local control, allowing upgrades to one component without affecting the other. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to building changes without requiring complete system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication network acts as an intermediary between the supervisory controller and device controllers, enabling remote configuration and control. This intermediary layer allows technicians to update system parameters and control logic remotely, eliminating the need for costly on-site visits for routine modifications while maintaining centralized oversight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware and firmware are upgraded regularly to meet evolving building requirements, then system functionality and efficiency improve, but significant investment and operational disruption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where control logic and parameters can be modified remotely without hardware changes. The device controllers can adapt their operation based on updated instructions from the supervisory controller, allowing continuous operation during software updates and eliminating the need for scheduled downtime for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Control logic and firmware updates can be tested in virtual environments or on backup controllers before being deployed to the live system. This copying approach allows validation of updates without risking operational disruption, and failed updates can be reverted without affecting the running system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device controllers are repositioned or reprogrammed to accommodate building modifications, then the system adapts to new layouts and requirements, but the process becomes tedious and expensive requiring technician site visits
Solution Approach 1:
The communication network serves as an intermediary that enables remote reconfiguration of device controllers. Technicians can modify control parameters, update firmware, and reprogram device logic remotely through the network, eliminating the need for physical site visits for routine reconfiguration tasks while maintaining the ability to adapt to building modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
Device controllers are designed with self-configuration capabilities that allow them to automatically adapt to changes in building layout and requirements. The controllers can receive updated configuration data remotely and self-adjust their operation without requiring manual repositioning or complex reprogramming by technicians.
4Device complexity
If a centralized controller manages all building control devices, then system architecture is simplified, but the system lacks flexibility and requires complete reprogramming for any building changes
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized supervisory controller is segmented from distributed device controllers, creating a hierarchical architecture that maintains simplicity at the supervisory level while adding flexibility at the device level. Each device controller operates semi-independently, allowing local adaptations without affecting the overall system architecture or requiring reprogramming of the central controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The supervisory controller is designed with universal communication protocols and interfaces that allow it to manage diverse device controllers across different building configurations. This multi-functionality enables the centralized controller to adapt to various building layouts and requirements without requiring custom programming for each scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed building management system for controlling a building control device of a building includes a virtual controller that is hosted on a computing device and an edge controller that is associated with the building control device. The virtual controller includes a virtual container or a virtual machine that has control logic that generates control commands for controlling the building control device. The edge controller includes control logic that is configured to at least selectively provide closed loop control of one or more functions of the building control device. The edge controller is in operative communication with the virtual controller and is configured to receive and execute the control commands generated by the virtual controller.