Smart transducer plug and play control system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC control systems require manual configuration of sensors, limiting flexibility and complicating the installation process, as they can only accommodate sensors defined in the controller file, making it difficult to integrate new or different sensor devices.
Innovation Solution
A building management system with a communications bus, field devices, and a cloud service including a machine learning engine, where the controller automatically detects and configures connected devices using the IEEE 1451.4 TEDS standard, allowing for dynamic selection of control logic based on device characteristics and location, and modulates operations of HVAC components accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed point controllers with predefined sensor definitions are used, then the control system can ensure correct sensor data reception, but the system cannot accommodate additional or different sensor devices
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically discovers and configures sensor devices without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-configuration by detecting connected sensors, retrieving their identifying characteristics through the communications bus, and automatically selecting appropriate control logic files, thereby eliminating the need for manual controller file configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor devices pre-store their identifying characteristics (such as device type, location, and specifications) in their memory before connection. When connected to the controller, these pre-prepared characteristics are automatically transmitted, allowing the controller to immediately recognize and configure the sensor without requiring setup procedures.
2Ease of operation
If manual sensor configuration is required, then the control system can ensure correct wiring and data reception, but the installation process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The communications bus serves as an intermediary that automatically transmits sensor identifying characteristics from the sensor device to the controller. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration by automatically conveying device information, thereby simplifying installation while preserving complete sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller sends detection requests through the communications bus and receives feedback containing sensor identifying characteristics. This automatic feedback loop enables the controller to gather necessary configuration information without manual intervention, simplifying the installation process while ensuring accurate sensor recognition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If predefined controller files are used, then the system can ensure correct sensor data types and locations, but flexibility to accommodate new sensors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller transitions from a static, predefined configuration model to a dynamic, adaptive configuration model. Instead of requiring fixed controller files, the system dynamically generates appropriate control logic by retrieving actual sensor characteristics through the communications bus and automatically selecting or creating matching control files during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A building management system includes a communications bus, field devices connected to the communications bus, a cloud service including a machine learning engine; and a controller for an HVAC device. The controller communicates with the communications bus and the cloud service and is configured to transmit messages through the communications bus to the field devices, compile a list of connected field devices, receive sample data from the connected field devices, and transmit the sample data from the connected field devices to the cloud service. The controller is further configured to receive identifying characteristics for each of the connected field devices from the cloud service and to select a control logic file for the HVAC device based on the identifying characteristics.