HVAC system configuration with automatic parameter generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring HVAC systems is a time-consuming and error-prone process due to the complexity of defining properties for individual components, requiring an improved method for designing and configuring these systems.
Innovation Solution
A Specifier Library is used within an engineering tool to accept user selections for HVAC components, displaying options and creating points with parameter values, which are then used to generate a configuration package to partially configure the system's controller, thereby streamlining the configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of HVAC system components is used, then flexibility in customization is improved, but time consumption and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining component properties, valid parameter ranges, and configuration rules in a database before the actual HVAC system configuration. This allows the configuration tool to automatically generate valid configurations without manual entry of each parameter, significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining customization flexibility through the pre-established rule set.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool implements self-service by automatically generating component configurations, validating parameters against predefined rules, and detecting conflicts without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using its internal database and rule engine to perform what would otherwise require extensive manual configuration work, reducing both time consumption and human error.
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration of HVAC system components is used, then control over individual parameters is improved, but error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the configuration tool continuously validates selected parameters against predefined rules and component specifications. When conflicts or invalid configurations are detected, the system provides feedback to the user, preventing errors from propagating. This automated validation maintains parameter control while significantly improving configuration accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool acts as an intermediary between the user's configuration choices and the actual HVAC system setup. It mediates by automatically validating parameters, detecting conflicts, and ensuring compliance with predefined rules before finalizing the configuration. This intermediary layer preserves user control while eliminating manual errors through automated verification.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed configuration of all HVAC components is performed manually, then configuration precision is improved, but complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the HVAC system into discrete configurable components, each with its own set of properties and validation rules stored in the database. This allows the configuration process to handle complex systems through manageable segments rather than as a monolithic whole, maintaining precision while reducing perceived complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool uses copying by replicating predefined component templates and parameter sets from the database for each HVAC component being configured. Instead of manually creating each configuration from scratch, the system copies and adapts pre-validated templates, ensuring consistency and precision while dramatically simplifying the configuration process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring an HVAC system uses a Specifier Library that includes specifier options for a plurality of HVAC components. An engineering tool accepts a user selection of an HVAC component that will be part of the HVAC system and displays one or more options for the selected HVAC component. The engineering tool accepts selections of one or more options by the user and creates one or more points for the selected HVAC component based on the user selections, each of the one or more points having one or more point parameter values. The engineering tool creates a configuration package to configure a controller based at least in part on the user selections and the one or more points and downloads the configuration package to at least partially configure the controller. At least part of the HVAC system is controlled using the controller.