Wireless Building Automation Using Segmented Self-Regulating Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional building automation systems relying on direct digital controllers face issues with control and management when algorithms malfunction, suffer from performance deterioration, high maintenance costs, and difficulties in equipment repositioning and extension, leading to increased construction periods and costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-regulating intelligent building automation system utilizing wireless networks and area/function-specific terminal units that autonomously control indoor environments without a direct digital controller, allowing for decentralized data collection, analysis, and control signal generation, and enabling repair of individual units to maintain a pleasant environment while reducing installation and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a direct digital controller (DDC) is used to control the entire building automation system, then centralized control and management are achieved, but control and management become impossible when the DDC algorithm executing unit malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building automation system into multiple independent area control units, each capable of autonomous operation. Instead of relying on a single centralized DDC, the system segments control functions across multiple distributed units that can operate independently, ensuring continuity even if one unit fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary between area control units, allowing them to exchange information and coordinate without requiring a single centralized controller. This mediator enables distributed control while maintaining system-wide coordination.
2Reliability
If a direct digital controller (DDC) is hardwired to other components, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but performance deteriorates over time with high maintenance cost and crosstalk-induced noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardwired electrical connections with wireless communication technology. Area control units communicate with building facilities through wireless signals, eliminating physical cable connections that cause crosstalk noise, electrical interference, and require maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional cabling work is required when extending equipment, then system expansion is achieved, but construction period and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless communication to replace physical cabling for system expansion. New area control units or building facilities can be added to the system by establishing wireless connections without requiring installation of additional cables, significantly reducing construction time and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-regulating intelligent building automation system includes: a smart sensing unit including a first sensing unit disposed in a first specific space and a second sensing unit disposed in a second specific space separated from the first specific space; a self-regulating terminal unit including a first self-regulating terminal disposed in the first specific space and a second self-regulating terminal disposed in the second specific space; a network management unit managing a network without a direct digital control unit and wirelessly communicating with the smart sensing unit and the self-regulating terminal unit; and a central monitoring unit connected to the network management unit via the Internet.