HVAC Multi-Protocol Wireless Controller for Retrofit Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installation and maintenance of wired communication channels in HVAC systems are arduous, costly, and time-consuming, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of controlling and updating HVAC components.
Innovation Solution
A control system enabling wireless communication between HVAC components using multiple protocols, allowing remote monitoring and control via a cloud computing environment, and a dongle assembly for retrofitting components lacking wireless functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired communication channels are used to connect HVAC components, then system reliability and communication stability are improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical communication channels with wireless communication protocols. The HVAC controller and components communicate via wireless signals (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.), eliminating the need for physical wiring between components while maintaining communication functionality. This substitution reduces installation complexity and allows for easier system modification and expansion.
2Reliability
If wired communication channels are installed in existing HVAC systems, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Wireless communication protocols replace wired installation processes, eliminating the need to run cables through existing HVAC infrastructure. The wireless modules can be attached to components without disrupting system operation, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining data transmission reliability through protocol error correction and retransmission mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication protocols are used for HVAC component communication, then installation ease and flexibility are improved, but communication protocol compatibility becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC controller serves as an intermediary device that supports multiple wireless communication protocols simultaneously. It acts as a protocol translator and gateway, receiving data from components using different protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.) and converting them into a unified internal format for processing. This intermediary approach enables easy installation with various components while managing protocol compatibility centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functional communication capabilities, integrating support for multiple wireless protocols within a single device. This universal design allows the system to communicate with diverse HVAC components using different protocols without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each protocol type, simplifying both installation and system architecture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication protocols are supported, then system adaptability and component compatibility are improved, but controller complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller integrates multiple wireless protocol stacks and communication interfaces within a single unified device. It can simultaneously maintain connections with components using different protocols, translating and managing communications centrally. This multi-functional design provides broad component compatibility while consolidating complexity within the controller rather than requiring multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a data communication controller configured to receive, via a first wireless communication protocol, data from a sensor indicative of an operational parameter of the HVAC system. The data communication controller is also configured to receive, via an electronic device communicatively coupled to the data communication controller, a control instruction, and to transmit, via a second wireless communication protocol different from the first wireless communication protocol, a control signal to adjust operation of an HVAC component configured to enable supply of conditioned air to a structure serviced by the HVAC system based on the data and the control instruction.