HVAC Subnet Controller Backup and Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems lack advanced data acquisition and processing techniques, leading to difficulties in installation, operation, maintenance, and energy efficiency, as well as limited flexibility and diagnostic capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A distributed-architecture HVAC system with a data bus for communication among components, enabling identity, capability, status, and operational data sharing, along with commands, and incorporating a subnet controller for backup and data recovery, facilitating easier installation, operation, and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional HVAC systems are used without advanced data acquisition and processing techniques, then the system structure remains simple, but installation, operation, maintenance, and diagnostic capabilities become difficult and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system is divided into multiple controllable zones with individual zone controllers that can independently manage temperature and humidity settings. Each zone controller communicates with the central controller through a data bus, allowing distributed control without requiring complex centralized management. This segmentation enables easier installation and maintenance by isolating control functions to modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
A data bus serves as an intermediary communication channel between controllers, sensors, and actuators throughout the HVAC system. This standardized communication interface simplifies data acquisition and processing by providing a universal protocol for all components, reducing the complexity of integrating different system elements while enabling advanced diagnostic and control capabilities.
2Reliability
If data is stored only in the controller, then the system structure remains simple, but data loss occurs when the controller fails or is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary backup of operational data to external storage media before controller failure can occur. When a controller detects potential failure or during scheduled maintenance, critical data including system configuration, operational parameters, and diagnostic information are automatically transferred to removable storage devices or network storage, ensuring data preservation before any failure event.
Solution Approach 2:
Critical system data are copied from the controller's internal memory to external backup storage media. This creates redundant copies of essential information that can be restored if the original controller fails. The copying process includes system configuration data, operational history, and diagnostic information, allowing rapid system recovery without requiring complex restoration procedures.
3Ease of repair
If the system lacks data backup capability, then the system remains simple, but extensive repairs are required when device failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary backup of operational data to external storage media before controller failure can occur. When a controller detects potential failure or during scheduled maintenance, critical data including system configuration, operational parameters, and diagnostic information are automatically transferred to removable storage devices or network storage, ensuring data preservation before any failure event.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a data recovery process where backup data is restored to replacement controllers after failure events. When a controller fails and is replaced, the system automatically or manually retrieves backed-up data from external storage media and restores it to the new controller, minimizing repair time and complexity while avoiding extensive manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an a system and method of backing up operating control data about a device connected to a controller in a network. In an embodiment, the network includes a storage system for the data about the device is in the controller; a first subsystem for determining that the data should be transferred to the device; and a second subsystem for transferring the data to the device for use.