PoE Actuator Control Under Limited Building Automation Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and inconvenience of installing actuators in HVAC systems due to the need for separate power cabling and complex wiring in building automation systems.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design that utilizes Power Over Ethernet (PoE) to receive both electrical power and communication signals through a single communication line, allowing for convenient wiring without a separate power cord, and incorporating an energy management unit to store energy for periodic operation and share power among multiple devices connected to the same communication source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power cabling is used for actuators, then reliable electrical power supply is ensured, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and communication functions into a single communication line. The actuator receives both electrical power and control signals through the same cable infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate power cabling and reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication line is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits both electrical power and communication signals to the actuator. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of cables needed and simplifies the overall wiring infrastructure.
2Ease of manufacture
If Power Over Ethernet is used to deliver power through communication lines, then installation cost is reduced, but available power is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator incorporates dynamic speed adjustment capability that allows it to adapt its power consumption based on the available power from the communication line. The actuator can vary its operation speed to match the power budget, enabling flexible deployment in different power availability scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the actuator, specifically the rotation speed, to optimize performance within the constraints of PoE power delivery. By adjusting speed as a variable parameter, the actuator can operate effectively with limited power while still achieving the required control functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces installation costs and simplifies wiring by using existing communication lines for power delivery, enabling efficient operation of actuators in HVAC systems while managing power usage to meet the demands of multiple devices connected to the same power source.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator design that utilizes Power Over Ethernet (PoE) to receive both electrical power and communication signals through a single communication line
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuator includes at least one drive arrangement configured to generate output mechanical power from input electrical power. The actuator also includes a communication line input port and a control unit. The communication line input port is configured to connect to a communication line, and is configured to obtain electrical power from the communication line. The control unit is configured to obtain first information from the communication line via the communication line input port, and is further configured to adjust the operation of the at least one drive arrangement based on the first information and based upon information identifying electrical power available for use as input electrical power.