Virtual BACnet Node Simulation for Realistic Building Data Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current BACnet simulators generate random values, limiting their capabilities to alarm limit testing and event enable/disable, making it cumbersome for developers to create realistic operating data for building automation systems, which can inadvertently affect actual systems during development.
Innovation Solution
A building simulation system that provides simulated operation data and conditions, using a flexible framework to generate and manage virtual nodes, allowing for real-time simulation and playback of data through standard communication protocols like BACnet, enabling targeted testing and analysis without affecting physical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If random values are generated for each BACnet control point, then alarm limit testing and event enable/disable are supported, but the capability to provide realistic operating data for application development is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of actual building automation system data by capturing real operational data and reproducing it in a simulated environment. The system generates virtual BACnet points that mirror actual system points, allowing developers to test applications with realistic data patterns without connecting to live systems. This copying approach maintains the statistical properties and operational patterns of real systems while providing a safe testing environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data capture and processing by recording actual system operational data before development testing begins. This pre-captured data is then used to generate realistic simulation scenarios, including normal operations, fault conditions, and edge cases. By preparing this data in advance, the system eliminates the need for random value generation and provides authentic operational patterns for application validation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual creation of actual operating data is performed by developers, then realistic operating data can be obtained, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automates the data generation process by self-capturing actual operational data from the building automation system and automatically transforming it into simulation-ready formats. Instead of requiring developers to manually create test data, the system performs the data collection, processing, and virtualization tasks autonomously. This self-service capability significantly reduces developer workload and accelerates the development cycle while maintaining data authenticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of data creation with an automated computational system. The system uses software-based data capture, processing, and generation mechanisms to substitute the manual effort previously required. This automation eliminates the time-consuming manual data entry and manipulation while preserving the realism of operational data through intelligent processing of actual system patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual simulator is connected to physical controllers using different IP addresses, then system operation can be simulated, but the system complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal simulation platform that can emulate multiple different building automation system configurations and protocols through a single virtual simulator instance. The system is designed to be protocol-agnostic and can adapt to various BACnet device types, control points, and system architectures without requiring separate physical hardware for each scenario. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple simulation capabilities into one flexible platform.
Data Source
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AI summary
A building automation system and method for simulating system operation conditions associated with the building automation system are provided. A virtual node (304) is created in a virtual node hosting environment (302) to communicate with a data consumer. A building simulation system is configured in the virtual node (304) based on a configuration file (320) associated with the virtual node (304). The configuration file (320) includes device properties of a field device simulated by the building simulation system. The configuration file (320) also references a data file (322) that includes time intervals and simulated system operation conditions of points associated with field device. Simulated operation data of the points are generated from the building simulation system based on the data file (322). The building simulation system includes point simulator servers (314, 316, 318) in which each point simulator server corresponds to a system operation condition identified by the data file (322). The simulated operation data are provided to the data consumer.