Configuration of systems with applications for small and medium buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small and medium-sized buildings face challenges in managing complex systems like HVAC, lighting, and VRF due to the high cost and complexity of plant/supervisory controllers with many input/output terminals, requiring a cost-effective and intuitive way to split these applications into smaller, independently running systems that can be controlled by low-skilled personnel using mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
The approach involves dividing complex applications like hot water systems into smaller, fixed applications with configuration parameters, each running on a low-cost controller with fewer IO terminals, and using a mobile app to configure and commission these systems, allowing for point sharing between controllers to simplify the management of complex systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plant/supervisory controller with multiple extendable IO modules is used to accommodate 50-60 input/output terminals for complex applications, then the system can control complex building systems, but the cost becomes much higher than what small and medium buildings can afford
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a complex building management application requiring 50-60 IO terminals into multiple smaller, fixed applications. Each small application is assigned to a separate low-cost controller with fewer IO terminals (e.g., 10-15 terminals per controller). This segmentation allows small and medium buildings to achieve complex system control by coordinating multiple affordable controllers instead of requiring one expensive high-IO controller.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a plant/supervisory controller with many input/output terminals is used, then complex applications can be controlled, but trained professionals are needed for configuration and installation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the complex application into multiple small, fixed applications running on separate controllers, the patent reduces the configuration complexity for each individual controller. Each small controller has a simpler, more intuitive configuration process that can be understood and implemented by low-skilled users without requiring extensive training, while still achieving comprehensive building system control through the coordinated operation of multiple controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that accommodates such high number of input/output (I/O) terminals of a single big complex application, by splitting the application into smaller, logical fixed applications so that each application can be deployed in one small controller that small and medium buildings can afford. This system also has a feature of an easy and intuitive way of installing, configuring and commissioning these multiple controllers for a single application by abstracting the complexity of entire application/program logic.