System and method for configuring, commissioning and troubleshooting an HVAC unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC equipment commissioning and troubleshooting methods require on-site technicians with laptop-based tools, leading to inaccuracies, increased installation time, and costs due to manual configuration steps, and limited access to necessary software.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application streamlines the configuration, commissioning, and troubleshooting of HVAC equipment and variable frequency drives by guiding users through a series of questions for device setup, eliminating the need for laptops, and providing an IO table for HVAC controllers based on system configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laptop-based tools are used for HVAC commissioning, then configuration can be performed with detailed control, but installation time increases from hours to weeks and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laptop-based configuration system with a mobile device-based system that uses wireless communication and mobile applications to achieve the same commissioning and configuration functions, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining configuration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the commissioning process by transitioning from manual laptop-based configuration to automated mobile-device-based configuration with pre-programmed settings, reducing the time required while preserving configuration precision through structured workflows
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration steps are used for each HVAC point and device, then detailed control is achieved, but inaccuracies increase and re-work is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming configuration settings, device parameters, and commissioning workflows into the mobile application before site installation, eliminating manual configuration errors and ensuring accurate, consistent setup without requiring detailed manual control during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service commissioning where the mobile application automatically guides technicians through standardized workflows, reducing reliance on manual expert intervention while maintaining configuration accuracy through built-in validation and error prevention mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If technicians require on-site presence with laptop tools, then comprehensive commissioning is possible, but access to software is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the mobile commissioning system to function across multiple device types and HVAC configurations using a single mobile platform, making comprehensive commissioning capabilities accessible to any technician with a mobile device, thereby improving software accessibility while maintaining full commissioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves as an intermediary between the technician and the HVAC system, providing access to commissioning software and tools through wireless communication without requiring direct connection to proprietary laptop-based systems, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining comprehensive commissioning capability
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a system and method for configuring, commissioning and troubleshooting an HVAC unit. A unit type configuration is established based on a type of HVAC system and temperature data, humidity data, and/or indoor air quality data. A fan configuration is established based on whether a variable frequency drive fan is identified. Cooling and heating stage configurations are established based on a compressor parameter and a heating stage parameter. An available auxiliary termination is identified in response to establishing the configurations. A safety is assigned to the available auxiliary termination in response to identifying the available auxiliary termination. An IO table is provided to an HVAC controller, which includes physical input/output assignments for the terminations of the HVAC controller based on the configurations and the assigned safety. For another embodiment, the fan configuration is established based on one of a traditional stage blower fan or variable frequency drive fan.