Space Conditioning Auto-Commissioning to Reduce Installation Time

Solution Overview

Problem

The installation and troubleshooting of space conditioning systems, such as heat pump systems, are challenging due to the complexity of the systems and the need for specialized technicians, leading to increased costs and time consumption.

Innovation Solution

A space conditioning system with an Automated Installation and Diagnostic (AID) application that includes a graphical user interface and a controller to perform auto-commissioning, charge assist, and troubleshooting routines, using user and monitored parameter values to verify installation, determine refrigerant charge, and provide troubleshooting content, thereby simplifying the installation and maintenance processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual installation and troubleshooting methods are used for space conditioning systems, then technicians can perform installation and maintenance tasks, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly due to system complexity and the need for specialized technicians

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation and troubleshooting efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation and troubleshooting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis and self-commissioning through automated routines that test components, verify installations, and identify issues without requiring extensive manual intervention. The controller automatically executes diagnostic sequences and interprets results, enabling the system to service itself during installation and maintenance phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary commissioning and diagnostic tests automatically during the installation phase before the system is fully deployed. The controller executes pre-programmed routines that verify component functionality, check refrigerant charges, and validate installations upfront, preventing future issues and reducing later troubleshooting time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If specialized technicians are used for installation and troubleshooting, then proper system setup and maintenance can be achieved, but costs increase due to the need for highly trained personnel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation and maintenance qualityVSAvoidcost effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis and self-commissioning through automated routines that test components, verify installations, and identify issues without requiring extensive manual intervention. The controller automatically executes diagnostic sequences and interprets results, enabling the system to service itself during installation and maintenance phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback during installation and operation through the AID application, which monitors parameter values, compares them against expected ranges, and guides technicians through appropriate actions. This immediate feedback loop ensures proper installation and maintenance while reducing the need for highly specialized technician knowledge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If the system components are integrated closely to improve space efficiency, then the system occupies less space, but isolation of components for troubleshooting becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem footprintVSAvoidcomponent isolation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis and self-commissioning through automated routines that test components, verify installations, and identify issues without requiring extensive manual intervention. The controller automatically executes diagnostic sequences and interprets results, enabling the system to service itself during installation and maintenance phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The AID application serves as an intermediary between the technician and the integrated system components. It provides a unified interface for diagnosing and troubleshooting any component in the tightly integrated system, translating complex component interactions into simple, actionable guidance for technicians regardless of how closely components are physically integrated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230272929A1Space conditioning control and monitoring method and system

Publication Date: 2023.08.31 WATERFURNACE INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An AID application including processing instructions operable by a processor to: present a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display screen, the GUI operable to receive user parameter values from a user; receive monitored parameter values from a space conditioning unit (SCU) controller; perform an auto-commissioning routine using the user parameter value and the monitored parameter values, the auto-commissioning routine including: generating a command for the SCU controller to place the SCU in heating and cooling modes; receiving the monitored parameter values in the heating and cooling modes and comparing the monitored parameter values to a model; based on the comparison, determining if the monitored parameter values are within expected or unexpected ranges, taking a first action if the monitored parameter values are within the expected ranges; an taking a second action if the monitored parameter values are within the unexpected ranges.