HVAC Controller Auto-Discovery for Subordinate Device Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC control systems require significant resources and effort to update firmware and configuration settings across multiple devices, often necessitating complex PC-based tools and secondary communication networks, which are difficult to utilize at the location of the HVAC control system, and lack efficient methods for monitoring and controlling multiple subordinate controllers and equipment from a single main controller.
Innovation Solution
A building management system with a communications bus and a controller that monitors an active node table for newly connected subordinate devices, using rules to determine support and extend identified functions such as provisioning, control, fault detection, security, and energy optimization to these devices, enabling them to perform specific functions like sensors, actuators, or subordinate controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PC-based tools and secondary communication networks are used to update firmware and configuration settings, then firmware updates can be performed across multiple devices, but the system complexity and difficulty of utilization at the HVAC control system location increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary provisioning system that acts as a mediator between the HVAC controller and subordinate devices. This intermediary system manages firmware distribution and device provisioning through a standardized interface, eliminating the need for complex PC-based tools while maintaining efficient multi-device update capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple tasks including firmware updates, configuration management, and device discovery through a single integrated platform. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized tools, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive provisioning capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If each controller is updated independently by service technicians, then firmware updates can be performed with simple tools, but the time and resources required for provisioning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring firmware packages and provisioning data before deployment. The HVAC controller automatically manages firmware distribution to multiple subordinate devices in sequence, eliminating the need for technicians to manually update each device individually, thus reducing provisioning time while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple independent update operations into a single integrated provisioning process. The HVAC controller consolidates firmware distribution and configuration management for multiple subordinate devices into one coordinated operation, reducing both provisioning time and the complexity of manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex PC-based tools are used for device provisioning, then comprehensive device management is achieved, but the ease of operation at the HVAC control system location decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC controller is equipped with self-service capabilities to autonomously perform device discovery, firmware distribution, and provisioning management. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external PC-based tools, making the system easily operable at the HVAC control system location while maintaining comprehensive device management capabilities through automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A building management system includes a communications bus, subordinate devices connected to the communications bus, and a controller connected to the communications bus. The controller includes an active node table including a plurality of nodes, each node representing one of the subordinate devices connected to the communications bus. The controller is configured to monitor the active node table for a newly connected subordinate device, use a set of rules to determine whether the newly connected subordinate device is supported by the controller for performing an identified function in combination with the controller, and, in response to a determination that the newly connected subordinate device is supported, extend the identified function of the controller to the newly connected subordinate device. Extending the identified function includes enabling the newly connected subordinate device to perform the identified function.