HVAC Network Interface Circuit for BMS Protocol Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems (BMS) face challenges in integrating non-networked devices, such as HVAC actuators and valves, due to the lack of communication hardware and proprietary protocols, necessitating separate networks or direct user interface, which limits system integration and control.
Innovation Solution
A communication circuit with a device interface and network interface is developed to facilitate serial communication between actuators and a processing circuit, enabling data mapping and transmission to a network, allowing integration of non-networked devices into the BMS network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standalone systems use separate networks or direct user interface, then device functionality is maintained, but system integration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A communication circuit serves as an intermediary device between standalone HVAC devices and the BMS network. The communication circuit includes a device interface that connects to the HVAC device and a network interface that connects to the BMS network, enabling integration without modifying the original HVAC device architecture. This mediator approach allows third-party devices to be incorporated into the building management system while maintaining their existing functionality and avoiding the need for complex proprietary networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary communication protocols are used, then device-specific functionality is preserved, but interoperability with BMS network deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication circuit acts as a protocol translation intermediary. It receives data from the HVAC device via its native communication interface (which may use proprietary protocols), processes and standardizes the data format, then transmits it through the network interface using standard BMS network protocols. This enables interoperability between devices with different communication protocols and the standardized BMS network without requiring complex multi-protocol support in each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication circuit transforms communication parameters between the device interface and network interface. It converts data formats, communication rates, and protocol structures to enable compatibility between the HVAC device's proprietary communication method and the BMS network's standard protocols. This parameter transformation allows seamless integration while preserving the original device's communication characteristics.
3Extent of automation
If direct user interface is required for standalone systems, then device control is maintained, but automation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication circuit enables automated control by serving as an intermediary that automatically translates and transmits control commands and status data between the BMS network and the HVAC device. This eliminates the need for direct user interface interaction for routine monitoring and control operations, allowing the building management system to automatically manage HVAC devices while preserving the ability for user intervention when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system on a chip for enabling communication between a building management system (BMS) device and a BMS network. The system on a chip includes a device interface, a network interface, and a processing circuit. The device interface is configured to connect the system on a chip to the BMS device via a serial communication link. The network interface configured to connect the system on a chip to the BMS network. The processing circuit is configured to identify and update an attribute of an equipment object associated with the BMS device that corresponds to a command received from the BMS network via the network interface and transmit a message to the BMS device via the device interface using the updated attribute of the equipment object.