Function Block Engine for Flexible HVAC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for buildings and HVAC applications lack flexibility and cost-effectiveness, requiring complex hardware and struggling to adapt to changing demands and new control strategies, while also being inefficient in terms of resource usage and accuracy in air flow management.
Innovation Solution
A function block engine system that allows for the design and implementation of software-based controllers using a computer, enabling flexible and low-cost control solutions by utilizing a meta-language interpreted in RAM, with minimal memory requirements, and incorporating advanced function blocks for sophisticated control applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional control systems are used for buildings and HVAC applications, then hardware reliability is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase while flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional hardware-based control systems with a software-based function block engine that runs on a general-purpose processor. The control logic is implemented as interpretable function blocks in RAM rather than hardwired circuitry, enabling flexible reconfiguration of control strategies without hardware changes. This substitution of mechanical/electrical systems with software-based systems resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability while reducing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The function block engine allows dynamic reconfiguration of control systems by loading different function blocks into RAM memory. The system can adapt to changing demands and new control strategies by simply updating the software code rather than reconfiguring hardware. This dynamic capability enables flexibility while maintaining simple hardware architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional control systems are used, then hardware stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing demands and new control strategies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular function blocks that can be independently developed, tested, and loaded into the function block engine. Each function block represents a discrete control function that can be configured and reconfigured as needed. This segmentation enables adaptability to changing demands while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The function block engine provides a universal platform that can execute various control strategies through different function blocks. The same hardware platform can accommodate multiple control applications by loading appropriate function blocks, eliminating the need for specialized hardware for each control strategy and enabling adaptability without increasing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software-based controllers with meta-language interpretation are implemented, then flexibility and cost-effectiveness improve, but memory resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses parameter changes to optimize memory usage by dynamically allocating RAM resources based on the specific control application requirements. The function blocks are designed with configurable parameters that allow efficient use of memory resources, enabling flexibility while controlling memory consumption through parameter optimization rather than fixed resource allocation.
4Ease of operation
If function block engine with interpreted meta-language is used, then ease of operation and flexibility improve, but processing speed may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The function blocks are compiled and prepared in advance, with their structure and logic predetermined during the programming phase. This preliminary action allows the interpreter to execute pre-validated code efficiently during runtime, reducing the processing overhead of interpretation while maintaining ease of operation through the standardized function block interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A function block engine, a block execution list and a parameter and/or variable storage space being resident in a memory supporting the engine. The function block engine may execute a program according to a list of function blocks identified in the block execution list to design and construct and circuit or system. Also, the engine may provide simulation of the resultant circuit or system. The circuit or system may be transferred to a memory of another device for implementation and use as, for example, a controller. In some cases, the program may be executed from the memory. The engine may permit field programmability, configuration and simulation of the function blocks and resulting circuit or system.