Sensor Network Emulation for Building Control System Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building Management Systems (BMS) are inflexible and costly to modify, limiting their ability to integrate new sensors and adapt to changing needs, such as new regulations or technologies, which hinders the accuracy and effectiveness of control measures in building environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor network platform that includes gateway devices and sensor network nodes, which communicate with external operation centers to collect data from various sensors and present customized information to control systems, using bridge units and universal sensor interfaces to support multiple sensor types and protocols, enabling flexible integration and data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If building control systems are modified to integrate new sensors and technologies, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but cost and complexity of modification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor network platform as an intermediary layer between existing building control systems and new sensor technologies. This platform includes gateway devices that communicate with operation centers, allowing new sensors to be integrated without directly modifying the legacy control system. The intermediary handles protocol translation and data processing, enabling adaptability while preserving the original system's simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: sensor network nodes, gateway devices, operation centers, and the existing building control system. Each module operates independently with defined interfaces, allowing new sensors to be added by simply connecting them to the sensor network platform without affecting the core control system. This segmentation enables incremental integration and reduces overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If building control systems are modified to integrate new sensors and technologies, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but expense of modification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor network platform serves as a cost-effective intermediary that bridges legacy control systems with modern sensor technologies. By placing the integration complexity in the intermediary layer rather than in the expensive legacy system, organizations can adopt new sensors and technologies at lower cost. The platform handles all adaptation requirements, making the existing control system inexpensive to modify.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor network platform is designed with universal interfaces and protocols that support multiple sensor types and communication standards. This multi-functionality allows a single platform installation to support various sensor technologies and future upgrades without requiring additional modification expenses. The universal design enables the system to adapt to changing needs while maintaining cost efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If sensor data is collected and processed through a network platform, then adaptability and information accuracy are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing function is segmented and distributed across multiple components: sensor network nodes perform local data collection and preliminary processing, gateway devices handle protocol translation and data formatting, and operation centers conduct advanced analysis. This segmentation allows each component to focus on specific processing tasks, improving measurement precision through specialized processing while managing overall system complexity through functional distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor network nodes are equipped with embedded processing capabilities that allow them to perform self-service data validation, filtering, and formatting before transmission. This self-service approach improves data accuracy by ensuring quality control at the source while reducing the processing burden on central systems, thereby managing complexity through decentralized intelligence.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for presentation of sensor information to a building control system. Nodes in the sensor network can be configured to emulate a monitoring device in presenting sensor information to a data collection device such as a building control system.