Master Schedule Shifting for Building Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems face complexity and overhead in managing schedules for various components of a building, particularly when changes in occupancy or hours of operation occur, requiring multiple schedules to be manipulated as the building size grows and usage becomes more mixed.
Innovation Solution
A building control system that utilizes a single master weekly schedule with shifted schedules, allowing for the creation of separate schedules that adjust the on-to-off and off-to-on transitions by shifting the time-of-day events, reducing the complexity of schedule management and control by allowing changes to be implemented through editing the master schedule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate schedules are created for different zones and components, then each zone can have customized control, but the complexity and overhead of managing schedules increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments schedule management into two levels: a master schedule that defines base operating hours and zone-specific schedules that apply time shifts to the master schedule. This segmentation allows each zone to have customized control through shift parameters while the actual schedule data is shared, reducing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The master schedule serves as a universal template that can be applied to multiple zones through shifting operations. Instead of creating separate complete schedules for each zone, the system uses one master schedule that can be adapted to different zones by applying appropriate time shifts, making the schedule system multi-functional and reducing overhead.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple schedules are manipulated when building size grows and usage becomes more mixed, then occupancy changes can be accommodated, but the overhead in managing schedules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by establishing a master schedule that contains all base schedule data upfront. When occupancy changes occur, the system only needs to adjust shift parameters for affected zones rather than manipulating complete schedules, significantly reducing the time and effort required for schedule management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamics by allowing shift parameters to be easily adjusted based on changing occupancy patterns. Instead of static, fixed schedules that require complete manipulation when changes occur, the system uses dynamic shift values that can be modified independently, reducing management overhead while accommodating occupancy changes.
3Device complexity
If a single master schedule is used with shifted schedules, then management complexity is reduced, but the system must handle time-shifting operations for multiple zones
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically generating zone-specific schedules through time-shifting operations applied to the master schedule. The shifting logic is automated, where the system independently calculates and applies shift parameters to generate operational schedules for each zone without requiring manual intervention for each schedule creation or modification.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach for making shifted schedules from a regular or master schedule of a building automation system. Shifted schedules may be obtained by applying shifts to the scheduled-on and scheduled-off periods of the days in the master schedule. One set of shifts may apply uniformly to all days of the week or several sets of different shifts may apply to various days of the week. Special events with certain scheduled-on and scheduled-off periods and assigned to particular days may override the regular scheduled-on and scheduled-off periods of those days. The shifted schedules may also contain special events with their periods shifted. The master schedule may govern the regular operating hours of a building and the shifted schedules may control, for example, HVAC equipment in particular zones, certain employee areas, parking lot lights, and so on. Changes to the master schedule may be applied as updates to the shifted schedules.