Mobile BAS Modeling for Real-Time HVAC Performance Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional manual processes for determining performance metrics and optimization strategies for building automation systems, such as HVAC systems, are inefficient and limited by the use of static data sets, lacking the ability to effectively analyze and optimize system performance in real-time.

Innovation Solution

A method and arrangement that utilizes a mobile computing device to establish communication with a building automation system, receive point data, identify components, generate a model of the system, and perform impulse response testing to create optimization strategies, enabling real-time analysis and improvement of system performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual processes are used to collect and analyze HVAC system performance data, then system performance can be evaluated, but the process is inefficient and limited by static data sets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of performance evaluationVSAvoidtime for data collection and analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the mobile device to automatically connect to the BAS, retrieve performance data, generate models, and determine optimization strategies without requiring manual field engineer intervention for data collection and analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of data collection with electronic/automated systems where a mobile device automatically connects to the BAS network, retrieves data electronically, and uses software algorithms to generate models and optimization strategies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual data collection is used, then performance metrics can be determined, but the process is limited by the use of limited static data sets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of performance metricsVSAvoidcompleteness of system data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous data collection from the BAS through automated electronic retrieval, allowing for ongoing monitoring and analysis of system performance rather than relying on isolated static data snapshots

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the BAS and the analysis process, automatically connecting to the BAS network to retrieve comprehensive performance data and facilitating the generation of accurate models and optimization strategies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If field engineers manually record system parameters, then performance data can be captured, but the process is inefficient and requires significant human effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of performance data collectedVSAvoidease of data collection
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically retrieving performance data from the BAS through electronic communication, eliminating the need for field engineers to manually record parameters from physical equipment or paper reports

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of recording data with electronic automated retrieval where the mobile device connects to the BAS network and electronically extracts performance parameters without human intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If static data sets are used for analysis, then optimization strategies can be determined, but the strategies are based on limited information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of optimization strategiesVSAvoidcompleteness of information for optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static data analysis to dynamic modeling by generating mathematical models that can adapt to changing system conditions, allowing optimization strategies to be based on continuous and comprehensive system behavior rather than fixed historical snapshots

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves as an intermediary that retrieves comprehensive performance data from the BAS and uses it to generate accurate mathematical models, providing complete information for developing adaptable optimization strategies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2872953B1Mobile device with automatic acquisition and analysis of building automation system
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 SIEMENS INDUSTRY INC
  • EP2872953B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2872953B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2872953B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A building automation system includes a plurality of components, with each of the plurality of components associated with point data. A method of controlling the building automation system includes establishing communications between a mobile computing device and a building automation network of the building automation system. The method further includes receiving point data from the building automation system via the building automation network. In addition, the method includes identifying a plurality of components of the building automation system based on the point data received from the at least one building automation network and generating a model of the building automation system based on the point data.