Connected Fire Panel Remote Commissioning via Virtual BMS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional building management systems (BMS) require on-site labor for commissioning, which is inefficient and can be challenging when the site is not physically accessible, necessitating a method for remote and secure commissioning.
Innovation Solution
A virtual commissioning system that uses a virtual server hosting a virtual building management system, connected to a physical BMS controller via secure connections, allowing for remote commissioning by exchanging data for product installation and commissioning instructions, and enabling selective transfer of control from the virtual system to the physical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional on-site commissioning methods are used, then commissioning can be performed with simple equipment, but on-site labor is required and commissioning cannot be performed when the site is inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual commissioning system as an intermediary between the commissioning engineer and the physical building management system. This virtual system allows remote commissioning by mediating all interactions through simulated representations of physical devices, eliminating the need for on-site presence while maintaining full commissioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical building management system devices and their behaviors. These virtual representations replicate the functionality, data points, and operational characteristics of physical devices, enabling commissioning activities to be performed remotely on the virtual model before deploying to the actual system.
2Productivity
If on-site commissioning is performed, then direct control of physical systems is possible, but time to activate building components is extended due to travel and on-site setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables commissioning activities to be performed in advance on virtual representations of building systems. Commissioning engineers can configure, test, and validate system operations remotely before the physical system is even installed or before on-site commissioning would begin, significantly reducing the time required to activate building components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical travel to the site and hands-on device manipulation with electronic communication and virtual system interaction. This substitution eliminates time spent on travel, site setup, and physical device handling, accelerating the commissioning process.
3Ease of operation
If remote commissioning is implemented, then on-site labor is reduced, but secure connection and data transfer infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication interface that handles multiple functions including secure authentication, encrypted data transmission, bidirectional control signals, and system state monitoring through a single standardized connection protocol. This multi-functional approach ensures reliable remote commissioning while reducing the complexity of establishing secure connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing an automation panel at a building includes configuring, prior to shipping the automation panel to the building, a cellular modem of the automation panel to provide an association of the cellular modem with the building, establishing, upon physical installation of the automation panel at the building, a connection between the automation panel and a remote application based on the association of the cellular modem with the building, and commissioning, by the remote application via the connection, the automation panel.