Modular HVAC Control Rack With Slidable Panels for Faster Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building systems for controlling and monitoring environmental conditions in buildings lack an efficient and modular solution for integrating and testing components, leading to complexity and increased costs in installation and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A modular building control system featuring a rack with slidable field panels and a story board for testing, allowing for independent configuration and verification of HVAC system components, reducing complexity and enhancing productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional building control systems are used, then environmental conditions can be controlled, but the system complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building control system is divided into modular field panels that can be independently configured, tested, and installed. Each field panel contains specific HVAC control components, allowing the system to be segmented into manageable units rather than a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
Field panels are pre-configured and tested in a controlled environment using a story board before final installation in the building. This preliminary action allows verification of control logic and component functionality, reducing on-site commissioning complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional building control systems are used, then environmental monitoring is achieved, but deployment time and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized field panels that can be manufactured and tested off-site, enabling parallel installation processes and reducing overall deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-assembled and tested on field panels before installation. The story board enables preliminary verification of control sequences and sensor calibrations, eliminating time-consuming on-site debugging.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular field panels are used, then system integration is simplified, but wall space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Field panels are designed with three-dimensional mounting structures that utilize vertical and depth dimensions of wall space rather than only horizontal expansion. Components are arranged in stacked and layered configurations to maximize space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Smaller field panels or component modules are nested within larger panel structures. The story board and field panels use nested arrangements where instruments and components are positioned in hierarchical layers, reducing the overall footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided that facilitates controlling and monitoring environmental conditions in buildings. The system may include at least one rack including: a plurality of slidable field panels mounted in a housing. The slidable field panels may be in side-by-side relation in a horizontal direction and may be configured to independently slide at least partially out of a front side opening of the housing via a plurality of slides. The slidable field panels may include a plurality of components mounted to vertical walls thereof, including: transformers and building control modules. The rack may also include a terminal panel including a plurality of connection terminals facing a back side opening of the housing. The connection terminals may be respectively wired to respective terminals of the transformers and building control. The system may include at least one data processing system including at least one processor configured to communicate with the building control modules to cause the rack when a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is wired to at least some of the connection terminals, to monitor and control the HVAC.