HVAC Controller Parameter Sharing for Zoned System Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of modern HVAC systems leads to increased installation and programming time, along with a higher likelihood of errors due to the need for manual configuration of multiple controllers with different settings in zoned systems.
Innovation Solution
A building controller with a wireless interface, memory, and user interface that allows for the designation of parameters as either local or global, enabling selective communication of global parameters across devices in the network, reducing the need for manual entry and minimizing programming errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration is used for each HVAC controller in zoned systems, then each controller can have customized settings, but installation and programming time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a copy function that allows parameters configured in one HVAC controller to be automatically copied to other controllers in the zone. This eliminates manual re-entry of identical settings across multiple controllers, significantly reducing programming time while preserving the ability to have customized settings where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the configuration process by allowing a single parameter entry to be shared across multiple controllers through the zone communication network. This combining approach reduces redundant configuration work while maintaining individual controller autonomy for zone-specific parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration is used for each HVAC controller, then each controller can have independent parameters, but programming errors increase due to tedious entry
Solution Approach 1:
By copying parameters automatically rather than manually entering them multiple times, the system eliminates transcription errors and ensures consistency across controllers. The copy function preserves parameter integrity while reducing the likelihood of programming mistakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback mechanisms that allow verification of parameter distribution across controllers, enabling users to confirm that parameters have been correctly copied and distributed, thereby reducing programming errors.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all parameters are transmitted to all devices in the network, then configuration consistency is achieved, but communication bandwidth is wasted and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing parameters to be designated as either local (device-specific) or global (zone-wide). This selective transmission approach ensures that only relevant parameters are communicated to specific devices, maintaining configuration consistency where needed while conserving communication bandwidth and enhancing security.
Solution Approach 2:
The parameter set is segmented into local and global categories, with different transmission rules applied to each segment. This segmentation enables efficient bandwidth utilization by transmitting only the necessary parameters to appropriate devices rather than broadcasting all parameters network-wide.
Data Source
AI summary
A building controller is configured to designate one or more stored parameters as local or global. Parameters that are designated as global may be selectively communicated to remote devices and, parameters that are designated as local, may remain local to the building controller. In some instances, the remote devices may be selectable by a user, include all the other devices on the network, and/or include devices that share a common wireless accessory (e.g. an outdoor temperature sensor).