Masterless HVAC Controller Network for Peer-to-Peer AHU Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems rely on a master air handler unit (AHU) to control other AHUs, leading to failures if the master unit fails and requiring complex integration for adding new AHUs, which can disrupt system performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A masterless building device system where AHUs communicate and control environmental conditions independently through a network, sharing data to generate calculated values and control actuators, allowing for peer-to-peer control without a dedicated master controller, thus enhancing redundancy and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a master AHU is used to control other AHUs, then system control is centralized and coordinated, but the system becomes vulnerable to single point of failure and requires complex integration for adding new units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control function into distributed control capabilities across all AHUs. Each AHU is segmented to have independent control intelligence, eliminating the need for a single master controller and reducing integration complexity when adding new units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each AHU is equipped with self-service control capabilities through embedded controllers that can independently make control decisions based on environmental data. This eliminates dependency on a master controller and simplifies system integration.
2Ease of operation
If a master AHU controls the system, then coordination between AHUs is achieved, but the system fails completely if the master AHU fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by giving each AHU identical control capabilities and decision-making authority. Each AHU can independently coordinate with others through peer-to-peer communication, ensuring system coordination is maintained even if any single AHU fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundancy by design, where each AHU serves as a backup to the others. If one AHU fails, the remaining AHUs continue to operate and maintain system coordination, providing beforehand cushioning against single point of failure.
3Productivity
If multiple AHUs control a single supply duct, then system capacity is increased, but the control system becomes more complex requiring a master controller
Solution Approach 1:
Each AHU is designed with universal control capabilities that allow any AHU to function as a coordinator when needed. This multi-functionality enables multiple AHUs to control a single supply duct without requiring a dedicated master controller, maintaining system capacity while reducing control complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a master AHU is required to integrate new units, then system control is maintained, but adding new AHUs disrupts system performance and requires complex integration
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is made dynamic and adaptive, allowing any AHU to assume coordination roles based on real-time system conditions. When new AHUs are added, they dynamically integrate into the peer-to-peer network without requiring master controller reconfiguration, maintaining system performance while enabling easy expansion.
Data Source
AI summary
A masterless building device system for controlling an environmental condition of a building, includes a first building device and a second building device. The first building device includes a first processing circuit configured to determine, via a first sensor of the first building device, a first environmental condition value of the environmental condition. The first processing circuit is configured to broadcast the first environmental condition value to a second building device via a network. The first processing circuit is configured to receive, via the network, a second environmental condition value broadcast by the second building device, generate a calculated environmental condition value based on the first environmental condition value and the second environmental condition value, and control the environmental condition based on the calculated environmental condition value.