System and methods for a commissioning a sensor system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems require extensive training and time for installation and configuration of power sensors, often involving dangerous procedures and disconnecting power to entire circuits, which can lead to connectivity issues and incomplete data collection.
Innovation Solution
A method using current transformers attached to circuit wires at a central distribution point, connected to a data transmitter and analysis engine, allowing for real-time monitoring and configuration through a mobile application that captures visual data to associate sensors with specific circuits, enabling safe and efficient installation and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If sensors are connected to energized power lines to avoid disconnecting power, then power continuity is maintained, but installation safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses current transformers as intermediary devices that can be safely attached to energized power lines without direct contact with high-voltage conductors. The current transformers act as mediators between the sensing system and the energized circuits, allowing safe measurement of electrical parameters while maintaining power continuity. The mobile device application serves as another intermediary, providing a safe interface for configuration and data collection without requiring direct manipulation of electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces dangerous mechanical connection methods with optical recognition technology. The mobile device camera captures visual data of circuit identifiers, and the system automatically matches sensors to circuits through image processing and pattern recognition. This substitutes the mechanical process of manually tracing and identifying circuits with an optical system, eliminating the need for physical exploration of energized components and significantly improving installation safety.
2Manufacturing precision
If extensive training and professional expertise are provided for sensor installation, then installation accuracy improves, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service installation by providing automated guidance through the mobile device application. The application presents step-by-step instructions, captures visual data of the installation environment, and automatically processes this information to configure sensors and associate them with circuits. This self-guided process eliminates the need for extensive professional training while maintaining high installation accuracy through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for expert knowledge with an automated optical recognition and pattern matching system. The mobile device camera captures visual data of circuit identifiers and labels, and the system automatically processes this information to determine correct sensor-circuit associations. This substitutes the cognitive process of expert installation with an automated visual recognition system, dramatically reducing training requirements while maintaining installation accuracy.
3Device complexity
If visual recognition technology is used to associate sensors with circuits, then installation complexity is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having circuit identifiers and labels pre-installed on the electrical infrastructure before sensor installation. These visual markers serve as pre-prepared reference points that the mobile device camera can easily capture and recognize. This preliminary preparation of visual identifiers simplifies the installation process and reduces the precision requirements for real-time measurement, as the system is matching against known, pre-defined patterns rather than attempting to interpret complex electrical configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of facilitating configuration of at least one sensor with a data transmitter communicatively coupled to an analysis engine for a building management system, wherein the application is configured to be run on a mobile device and interact with the at least one sensor during the installation. The method includes communicating, by the application, with the at least one sensor to display a visual indicator, capturing, by a camera of the mobile device, visual data representative of the visual indicator, and associating the at least one sensor with a circuit of a building power system based on the captured visual data.