Building Management Virtualization Layer for Hybrid Cloud Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Building energy management systems (BMS) face inefficiencies due to poor capture of usage requirements at startup, suboptimal configurations from changes in occupancy patterns and infrastructure modifications, and the limitations of 'pure play' cloud solutions that replicate on-premise functionalities, leading to redundant investments, complex migration, and costly integrations with legacy systems.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid cloud/on-premise model called GeoBMS, which integrates with existing BMS implementations using a cloud-based 'middle layer' that provides unified APIs, virtualizes building management systems, and enables remote monitoring and optimization, addressing accessibility, data consistency, and stakeholder access issues through virtualization, unified data models, and multi-stakeholder authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pure play cloud solutions are implemented to address building system inefficiencies, then remote access and reconfiguration capabilities are improved, but existing on-premise BMS investments become redundant and migration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested architecture where a cloud-based virtualization layer is embedded within the existing on-premise BMS infrastructure. The virtualization engine containers BMS functions and makes them accessible remotely through APIs, allowing the cloud layer to be nested within the traditional on-premise system rather than replacing it entirely. This resolves the contradiction by providing remote access capabilities while preserving existing investments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization engine as an intermediary layer between the on-premise BMS and cloud access points. This intermediary containers the existing BMS functions and provides standardized API access, enabling remote operation without requiring direct migration to cloud infrastructure. The intermediary preserves legacy investments while enabling modern remote access capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pure play cloud solutions are deployed to enable scalable building management, then cloud-based analytics capabilities are improved, but integration costs with legacy building subsystems increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtualized copy of the on-premise BMS functionality within the cloud environment. The virtualization engine replicates BMS operations and data access patterns through standardized APIs, enabling cloud-based analytics without requiring physical integration with legacy building subsystems. This copying approach provides cloud analytics capability while avoiding the high costs of direct legacy system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the BMS architecture into distinct layers: the legacy on-premise infrastructure layer and the new cloud-based virtualization layer. This segmentation allows cloud analytics to operate independently on virtualized data without requiring direct integration with legacy subsystems, thereby reducing integration costs while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual weaning of building subsystems from on-premise BMS is performed to migrate to cloud solutions, then cloud-based control capabilities are improved, but system downtime risks and operational disruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes the virtualization engine and API layer in advance before full cloud migration is complete. This preliminary action creates a bridge that maintains on-premise connectivity while enabling cloud access, allowing gradual transition without forcing complete weaning of subsystems. System availability is preserved during the transition period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains different operational modes for different subsystems simultaneously. Some building subsystems can continue operating with traditional on-premise control while others gradually transition to cloud-based control through the virtualization layer. This local quality approach allows selective migration without requiring complete system-wide changes, maintaining reliability throughout the transition.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparati for virtualizing building management systems. An apparatus embodiment comprises a first API for accessing on-premise building management systems; coupled to the first API, a virtualization engine configured to receive and deploy commands to the first API; and coupled to the virtualization engine, a second API configured to receive and deploy commands to the virtualization engine.