Wireless Network Commissioning via Automated Circuit Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of wireless control systems into existing building infrastructure is hindered by high retrofitting costs and labor-intensive commissioning processes, particularly due to the need for manual device assignment and potential errors in zone configuration, which are exacerbated by the complexity of managing multiple wireless network segments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of automated commissioning methods that utilize switch devices and wireless adapters to facilitate the joining of wireless adapters to a network, monitor their connection, and determine their assignment to controlled circuits, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing errors through automated zone assignment and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If automated commissioning is implemented, then commissioning time and labor costs are reduced, but system complexity increases due to automated device identification and zone assignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service commissioning where wireless adapters automatically identify themselves to the commissioning device and autonomously assign themselves to controlled circuits and zones based on their detected power sources and network connections, eliminating the need for manual device-by-device configuration and significantly reducing commissioning time
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of controlled circuits by dynamically powering them on and off during the commissioning process. The commissioning device monitors which circuits are active when adapters attempt to join the network, using these parameter changes to automatically identify and assign adapters to the correct controlled circuits and zones
2Manufacturing precision
If manual device assignment is used, then system complexity is reduced, but commissioning accuracy decreases due to potential human errors in zone configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The commissioning device implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring network join requests, tracking which controlled circuits are powered on or off, and receiving confirmation from wireless adapters about their assigned controlled circuits and zones. This feedback loop ensures accurate automatic assignment and allows verification of commissioning results
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical process of device assignment with an automated electronic identification and assignment system. The commissioning device electronically identifies wireless adapters through network communications and automatically assigns them to controlled circuits and zones based on monitored power states, eliminating manual configuration errors
3Reliability
If wireless adapters are continuously powered, then device availability is improved, but power consumption increases during commissioning and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by cycling the power state of controlled circuits during commissioning. The commissioning device powers on individual circuits at specific intervals to enable wireless adapters to join the network, then powers them off when not needed. This periodic power cycling enables accurate identification and assignment while minimizing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for commissioning a wireless network. In one aspect, a method includes instructing the switch devices of the controlled circuits to provide power to the controlled circuit wiring of the controlled circuits to enable joining of wireless adapters to the wireless network; monitoring the joining of wireless adapters to the wireless network; monitoring for the occurrence of a joining expiration event; and in response to the occurrence of the joining expiration event, determining whether each wireless adapter that joined the wireless network during a joining time period ending at the occurrence of the joining expiration event belongs to the controlled circuits.