Integrated IP Control System for HVAC DDC with RSTP and Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building automation systems (BAS) lack the ability to efficiently manage and control energy systems in real-time, leading to significant energy waste due to inadequate integration of high-power event handling and cybersecurity, especially in HVAC DDC controls, which are not well-suited for real-time operations with existing standards like BACnet and Lonworks.
Innovation Solution
An integrated unitary internet protocol (IP) control system with a rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP), multi-port high-speed switch, supervisor, web display, and expansion I/O capabilities, incorporating encrypted file subsystems and a scalable, secure architecture that combines HVAC DDC control with an embedded workstation platform, utilizing Niagara framework for unified communication and high-speed data transfer, and implementing SSL encryption and FOX security protocols for robust cybersecurity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing standards like BACnet and Lonworks are used for HVAC DDC control, then compatibility with current building automation systems is maintained, but real-time operation capability and cybersecurity integration are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines HVAC DDC control functionality with an embedded workstation platform into a single integrated controller. This merging allows the system to simultaneously achieve real-time operation capability through DDC control and robust cybersecurity integration through the workstation platform's capabilities, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller serves multiple functions: it performs traditional HVAC DDC control operations, provides real-time processing capabilities, implements cybersecurity measures, and enables high-speed communication through IP networks. This multi-functionality allows the system to meet both real-time operation requirements and cybersecurity integration needs within a single device.
2Reliability
If integrated unitary IP control system with high-speed switch and encryption is implemented, then cybersecurity and real-time performance are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple previously separate components (DDC controller, workstation platform, high-speed switch, encryption modules) into a single unified controller. This consolidation improves cybersecurity and real-time performance while managing complexity by providing a standardized integrated architecture rather than requiring integration of separate complex systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate controller and supervisor systems are used, then functional separation is maintained, but overall system cost and integration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the controller and supervisor functions into a single integrated unitary system. This eliminates the need for separate controller and supervisor hardware systems, reducing integration overhead and overall system cost while maintaining functional separation through software modularization within the unified platform.
4Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary communication protocols are used, then existing building automation compatibility is maintained, but communication speed and security capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated controller supports multiple communication protocols including standard IP-based protocols, enabling high-speed data transfer and modern security capabilities while maintaining compatibility with existing building automation systems that use proprietary protocols. This multi-protocol support allows the system to achieve both speed and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated unitary internet protocol (IP) control system with a rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP), multi-port high speed switch, supervisor, web display and/or an expansion plant input/output (IO) capabilities. The system may have communication modules associated with encrypted file subsystems integrated with an IO network. A resulting secure IP based communication network may be connected between a software framework and the hardware IO network.