Wireless Automation Controller Repeater Traffic Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless automation and control systems in non-residential buildings face limitations in reliability and scalability, lacking visibility into energy consumption patterns and being dependent on the reliability of devices and networks, which hinders efficient energy management and participation in utility-based conservation programs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wireless automation systems with automation controllers that monitor and control peripheral devices, enabling them to function as wireless repeaters to manage communication traffic, and allowing for remote monitoring and control through various communication protocols, including Zigbee and Z-wave, to enhance system reliability and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If unmanaged distributed control systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but visibility into energy consumption patterns is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy management server as an intermediary component that receives data from distributed control systems and provides centralized analysis and visibility. This server acts as a mediator between the simple distributed devices and the user needs for energy consumption information, enabling visibility without increasing device complexity.
2Loss of information
If managed systems with monitoring capabilities are implemented, then energy consumption visibility is improved, but reliability becomes dependent on device and network reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service capabilities where the energy management server can autonomously detect communication failures, initiate retry sequences, and switch between different communication protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains reliability by automatically compensating for device or network failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates error handling and retry mechanisms that are built into the system architecture in advance. The energy management server is designed to anticipate potential communication failures and has pre-configured fallback procedures, cushioning against reliability issues before they impact system operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless repeaters are added to extend network coverage, then system scalability is improved, but communication traffic levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements intelligent repeater activation where not all devices are always active as repeaters. The system selectively enables repeater functionality based on network conditions, device capabilities, and traffic requirements. This partial action approach provides scalability when needed while minimizing unnecessary traffic generation during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A building control and management system including an automation controller and a plurality of peripheral devices configured to perform building control-management system functions. The automation controller and peripheral devices communicate wirelessly and the peripheral devices may be enabled and disabled as wireless repeaters in a network formed by the automation controller and the peripheral devices. The automation controller may monitor the communication traffic levels in the wireless network and enable or disable peripheral devices as wireless repeaters to increase or decrease the communication traffic in the network.