Building management system with exchangeable communication interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems (BMS) lack the ability to efficiently integrate and control non-Internet enabled devices, limiting remote access and control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A BMS architecture that includes a gateway device connected to a network adapter, enabling communication between building equipment and a cloud-based platform, allowing for automatic equipment discovery and model distribution across various communication protocols, including BACnet MS/TP, to facilitate remote control and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gateway device with fixed network interface is used, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different communication protocols and cloud platforms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device is segmented into a fixed main body and removable network adapter modules. The network adapter can be detached and replaced to support different communication protocols (BACnet MS/TP, BACnet IP, Modbus, etc.) and cloud platforms, while the main gateway body remains unchanged. This segmentation allows protocol adaptability without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed with universal functionality through the network adapter interface that can accommodate multiple types of adapters. A single gateway body can universally connect to various building automation devices and cloud platforms by simply changing the network adapter, making the system multi-functional without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Ease of operation
If cloud-based platform integration is implemented, then remote access and control capabilities are enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves as an intermediary between traditional building automation devices (BACnet MS/TP, Modbus) and modern cloud-based platforms. It translates and bridges communication between legacy protocols and cloud interfaces, enabling remote access without requiring complex modifications to existing devices or cloud infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device automatically performs equipment discovery, data translation, and cloud communication without requiring manual configuration or intervention. It self-manages the integration between building devices and cloud platforms, reducing operational complexity despite enhanced remote access capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are supported, then the system versatility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different communication protocols are segmented into separate removable network adapter modules rather than being integrated into a single complex interface. Each adapter handles a specific protocol (BACnet MS/TP, BACnet IP, Modbus RTU, etc.), allowing the gateway to support multiple protocols by simply swapping adapters rather than managing complex multi-protocol functionality in one device.
Data Source
AI summary
A building management system (BMS) includes building equipment operable to affect a physical state or condition of a building, a gateway device coupled to the building equipment, and a network adapter removably coupled to the gateway device. The network adapter couples the gateway device to a cloud-based platform. The cloud-based platform is configured to receive building data from the gateway device via the network adapter, and includes a hub to receive the building data and a plurality of cloud applications configured to receive the building data from the hub and process the building data to provide a building data output. The cloud-based platform is configured to communicate the building data output to and receive a command based on the building data from at least one of a control application, an analytic application, or a monitoring application. The gateway device is further configured to operate according to the command.