HVAC Component Configuration Using UWB Location Commissioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual commissioning processes for HVAC components in buildings are inefficient, leading to delays and cost penalties due to difficulties in locating sensors and actuators, especially when accurate address notation is missed or devices are hard to find.
Innovation Solution
The use of ultra-wideband transceivers with a system unit to transmit radio frequency pulses and determine the location of HVAC components by measuring time of arrival, allowing for accurate identification and configuration through a method involving a configuration list and physical location data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual commissioning processes are used to locate and configure HVAC components, then personnel can perform configuration tasks, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors in addressing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical searching and note-taking processes with an automated electronic system. The system unit automatically detects HVAC components via wireless communication, retrieves their addresses electronically, and performs configuration without manual intervention, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with manual commissioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service commissioning where the system unit autonomously locates components, reads their addresses, and configures them without requiring personnel to physically search for and manually record device information. The components themselves provide their identification data through their communication interfaces
2Loss of information
If personnel manually search for and note down device addresses, then configuration information can be recorded, but errors occur and cost penalties are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates manual note-taking by implementing an electronic address retrieval system. The system unit automatically communicates with HVAC components through their communication interfaces to obtain accurate addresses electronically, removing the possibility of human error in transcription and ensuring reliable device identification
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system unit receives confirmation signals from HVAC components to verify successful address retrieval and configuration. This feedback loop ensures that the correct addresses are captured and applied, preventing errors in device addressing
3Measurement precision
If ultra-wideband transceivers are deployed to locate HVAC components, then precise location and identification are achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the location determination system and the configuration tool. By combining these functions in a single device, the patent avoids the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise location capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediary approach where the system unit mediates between the ultra-wideband transceivers and the HVAC components. This intermediary consolidates the complexity of ultra-wideband technology into a single manageable device, shielding the user from complexity while enabling precise location measurement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly reduces the time and cost associated with commissioning by enabling precise location and identification of HVAC components, enhancing the efficiency of the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
determine the location of components in the structure by employing the ultra-wideband transceivers to locate the selected component
Data Source
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AI summary
System configuration. A method of configuring a selected component (1a - 1i) of a structure (4), the structure (4) comprising one or more components (1a - 1i) to be configured, the one or more components (1a - 1i) to be configured being selected to be from the groups of flow control components, sensor components or input control components, the components (1a - 1i) to be configured being connected to a system unit (2) when the components (1a - 1i) are configured, each of the components (1a - 1i) to be configured having a component controller storing a unique address of the component (1a - 1i) and having an electronic transmitter and an electronic receiver, the component controller being in operative communication with the system unit (2) via the electronic transmitter and via the electronic receiver, the structure (4) further comprising three or more ultra-wideband transceivers (3a - 3d) having known physical locations.