Integrating network devices with a provisioned mesh network for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring a large number of roof-top units (RTUs) in HVAC systems to form a mesh network is time-consuming and inefficient, with physical location affecting communication and network performance, leading to delays and downtime as the size of the mesh network increases.
Innovation Solution
Using controllers as temporary gateways to provision other controllers and form a mesh network, where controllers can join either a new or existing network based on signal strength, reducing the number of individual connections needed and improving communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If controllers are individually connected and configured to form a mesh network, then each controller can be properly configured, but the setup time increases significantly as the number of controllers increases
Solution Approach 1:
A portable network provisioning device is introduced as an intermediary to configure multiple controllers sequentially. The device connects to one controller at a time, configures it to join the mesh network, then moves to the next controller. This mediator approach allows systematic configuration of all controllers without requiring simultaneous connections, significantly reducing setup time while ensuring proper configuration of each controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The first controller is pre-configured to act as a gateway to the local area network before other controllers are configured. This preliminary setup establishes a foundation for the mesh network, allowing subsequent controllers to join and propagate credentials automatically, reducing the time required for configuring the remaining controllers.
2Area of stationary object
If controllers are distributed throughout a worksite, then coverage is improved, but communication range is limited by physical location
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh network combines wireless communication capabilities of multiple controllers to extend coverage throughout the worksite. Each controller acts as a relay node, forwarding data packets between other controllers and the local area network. This merging of communication paths allows controllers distributed throughout the worksite to communicate effectively despite physical distance, as data can hop through intermediate controllers.
3Reliability
If the mesh network size increases to include more controllers, then coverage and redundancy improve, but network performance degrades due to increased hops
Solution Approach 1:
A portable network provisioning device is introduced as an intermediary to configure multiple controllers sequentially. The device connects to one controller at a time, configures it to join the mesh network, then moves to the next controller. This mediator approach allows systematic configuration of all controllers without requiring simultaneous connections, significantly reducing setup time while ensuring proper configuration of each controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The first controller is pre-configured to act as a gateway to the local area network before other controllers are configured. This preliminary setup establishes a foundation for the mesh network, allowing subsequent controllers to join and propagate credentials automatically, reducing the time required for configuring the remaining controllers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If controllers use wireless communication in a mesh network, then installation flexibility improves, but signal strength varies by location
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh network dynamically adapts to varying signal conditions by allowing controllers to join the network in different locations and roles. Controllers are configured to communicate with the portable provisioning device when within range, then propagate credentials to other controllers. This dynamic approach allows the network to form reliably even when signal strength varies, as controllers can join when conditions are favorable and maintain connectivity through multiple paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that includes a plurality of controllers that are each controller is configured to operate at least a portion of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. The system further includes a network provisioning device that is configured to establish a peer-to-peer connection with a controller. The controller is not associated with any wireless networks. The device is further configured to send a request to the controller to identify a wireless network that is associated with the local area network and is in range of the controller. The device is further configured to obtain network credentials for the identified wireless network and to send the network credentials to the controller to join the provisioned mesh network. The controller is configured to use the network credentials to join a provisioned mesh network.