Virtual BMS Controller Commissioning for Inaccessible Building Sites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems (BMS) face challenges in efficient commissioning processes, requiring on-site labor and being inaccessible when the building site is not physically available, which hinders remote and secure commissioning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual commissioning method using a virtual server connected to a building management system controller and a remote commissioning system, allowing for the transfer of control and data exchange securely via virtual private network connections, enabling real-time data handling and configuration of building equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional on-site commissioning methods are used for building management systems, then commissioning personnel can directly access and configure equipment, but on-site labor requirements increase and commissioning cannot be performed when the building site is inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual replica of the building management system controller and connected components in a virtual commissioning environment. This virtual copy allows commissioning personnel to interact with and configure the system remotely without physical presence at the building site, thereby enabling commissioning when the site is inaccessible and reducing on-site labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual commissioning server as an intermediary between the remote commissioning personnel and the actual building management system controller. This intermediary facilitates secure remote access and configuration by mediating all communications and control actions, allowing commissioning to proceed without direct on-site intervention
2Productivity
If virtual commissioning is implemented using a virtual server, then on-site labor is reduced and remote commissioning is enabled, but system complexity increases due to additional virtualization infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual commissioning server is designed to perform multiple functions: it hosts the virtual replica of the BMS controller, provides secure remote access, enables configuration activities, and facilitates testing. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single platform, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high commissioning efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If control is transferred to a virtual building management system on a virtual server, then remote configuration and testing are enabled, but control transfer security and data integrity challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual commissioning environment establishes bidirectional communication channels between the virtual server, the actual BMS controller, and connected building components. Real-time feedback loops verify data integrity during control transfer, ensure secure authentication, and provide continuous monitoring of system state, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling remote configuration capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A system for building management system commissioning on an application includes one or more memory devices configured to store instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to host a building management system commissioning workflow on an application server; provide data indicating commissioning activities defined by the building management system commissioning workflow from the application server to a user device for display on a user interface; dynamically update a commissioning activity status of the commissioning activities in the building management system commissioning workflow hosted on the application server responsive to data received at the application server from at least one of the user device or a remote device at the building site communicatively connected to the application server; and initiate an automated action based on the commissioning activity status of the commissioning activities in the building management system commissioning workflow application.