EP4356048A1 - Procédé de mise en service de dispositifs cvca physiques d'un système cvca pour une application de cvca - Google Patents

Procédé de mise en service de dispositifs cvca physiques d'un système cvca pour une application de cvca

Info

Publication number
EP4356048A1
EP4356048A1 EP22732566.9A EP22732566A EP4356048A1 EP 4356048 A1 EP4356048 A1 EP 4356048A1 EP 22732566 A EP22732566 A EP 22732566A EP 4356048 A1 EP4356048 A1 EP 4356048A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hvac
physical
devices
master
cmaster
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22732566.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Oliver TOPF
Benjamin Ott
Silvio Grogg
Stefan Jenni
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Belimo Holding AG
Original Assignee
Belimo Holding AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Belimo Holding AG filed Critical Belimo Holding AG
Publication of EP4356048A1 publication Critical patent/EP4356048A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/48—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring prior to normal operation, e.g. pre-heating or pre-cooling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
    • F24F11/63—Electronic processing
    • F24F11/64—Electronic processing using pre-stored data
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/49—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring ensuring correct operation, e.g. by trial operation or configuration checks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/52—Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/54—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication using one central controller connected to several sub-controllers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of commissioning physical HVAC devices of an HVAC system for an HVAC application.
  • the present invention further relates to a master HVAC device for commissioning physical HVAC devices of an HVAC system for an HVAC application.
  • the present invention even further relates to an HVAC system and a computer program product comprising instructions to be executed by a processor of an HVAC device for commissioning physical HVAC devices of an HVAC system for an HVAC application.
  • HVAC systems typically comprise a fluid transportation system and a plurality of HVAC devices, including motorized HVAC devices, such as actuators, valves, dampers, pumps, and fans, and other devices connected to the HVAC system, such as flow sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, rotation sensors, position sensors, humidity sensors, etc.
  • motorized HVAC devices such as actuators, valves, dampers, pumps, and fans
  • other devices connected to the HVAC system such as flow sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, rotation sensors, position sensors, humidity sensors, etc.
  • the electric motor is coupled, through gears and/or other mechanical coupling, to an actuated part, such as a valve or damper for controlling the flow of a fluid such as water or air.
  • HVAC devices In addition to an electric motor, motorized HVAC devices or HVAC actuators, respectively, are typically provided with a controller having a processing unit and a data store for storing data content comprising configuration data for operating the HVAC device, and for operation-related data recorded by the HVAC device.
  • the configuration data includes configuration parameters such as motor speed, closing time, opening time, etc.
  • the operation-related data includes values such as number of cycles, number of movements, maximum travel angle, minimum travel angle, etc.
  • the controller is connected to sensors, such as flow sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, air quality sensors, rotation sensors, position sensors, etc., and the configuration data further includes configuration parameters such as a target value of flow rate, a set value of altitude for adjusting the measurement of a flow sensor, etc.
  • a section of the data store further has stored therein program code for controlling the processing unit.
  • the program code includes various control algorithms such as for controlling the motor to open and close an orifice of the valve or damper to regulate the flow of fluid, e.g. with regards to differential pressure, room temperature, flow of energy, etc.
  • HVAC systems comprising a plurality of HVAC devices are deployed for a purpose, i.e. in order to fulfill a specific functionality / set of functionalities.
  • the purpose of an HVAC system, comprising a set of HVAC functionalities, is defined by what shall be hereafter referred to as an HVAC application.
  • An HVAC application may comprise functionalities related to heating, ventilation, cooling and/or monitoring of an environment using a plurality of HVAC devices such as actuators or sensors.
  • an application model is defined for an HVAC application, the application model comprising a list of devices required to implement the respective HVAC application.
  • the HVAC devices as listed in the HVAC application are referred to as virtual HVAC devices.
  • the application model also comprises data indicative of the device type of each virtual HVAC device.
  • the device type defines the minimum capabilities a physical HVAC device needs to possess in orderto fulfill the required functions forthe HVAC application.
  • an HVAC application for heating a space comprises a device list of virtual HVAC devices listing: a first virtual HVAC device of the device type "valve actuator” for closing an opening a fluid transportation line to/from a heat exchanger; and a second virtual HVAC device of the device type "temperature sensor” for measuring the temperature of the fluid return flow from the heat exchanger.
  • this object is achieved by the features of the independent claim 1 .
  • further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the description.
  • this object is achieved by a method of commissioning physical HVAC devices of an HVAC system for an HVAC application.
  • a plurality of physical HVAC devices of the HVAC system are communicatively inter connected by a communication bus via each physical HVAC device's bus communication interface.
  • One of the plurality of physical HVAC devices is selected as master HVAC device.
  • the selection of one of the plurality of physical HVAC devices as master HVAC device may be an automatic selection of a first physical HVAC device comprising a processing unit powerful enough and configured for the carrying out the methods steps of commissioning physical HVAC devices.
  • one of the plurality of physical HVAC devices is selected as master HVAC device by a configuration, either by input received by the respective physical HVAC device or configuration pre-recorded into a data store of the master HVAC device.
  • the master HVAC device After a physical HVAC device has been selected as master HVAC device, the master HVAC device identifies each of the physical HVAC devices connected to the communication bus by retrieving respective identification data of the physical HVAC devices.
  • the identification data may be a mere ID number of the physical HVAC device. Alternatively, or additionally, the identification data may further comprise data descriptive of the device type and/or functionalities supported by the respective physical HVAC device.
  • the master HVAC device determines the device type(s) of the physical HVAC devices using the respective identification data. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the master HVAC device determines the device type(s) of the physical HVAC devices by way of a database query, stored either locally in the master HVAC device or on a remote computer communicatively connected to the master HVAC device.
  • the master HVAC device receives an application model of an HVAC application.
  • the master HVAC device receives an application model of an HVAC application corresponding to a selection of an HVAC application amongst a list of available HVAC applications.
  • the list of available HVAC applications comprises HVAC applications stored locally in the master HVAC device and/or stored on a remote computer communicatively connected to the master HVAC device via a remote communication interface.
  • the master HVAC device retrieves the application model corresponding to the selected HVAC application from a data storage of the master HVAC device and/or from a remote computer communicatively connected to the master HVAC device via a remote communication interface.
  • the HVAC application resides and/or is executed by the master HVAC device and/or a remote computer communicatively connected to the master HVAC device via a remote communication interface.
  • the HVAC application comprises computer readable instructions for generating control data for controlling the physical HVAC devices, in particular to actuators.
  • the HVAC application comprises computer readable instructions for generating control data for processing operational data received from the physical HVAC devices, in particular from sensors.
  • the application model comprises at least a device list listing a plurality of virtual HVAC devices of an HVAC application.
  • the virtual HVAC devices are indicative of the physical HVAC devices that are needed to implement the HVAC application.
  • the virtual HVAC devices comprising at least data indicative of a device type of each virtual HVAC device, i.e. the type of physical HVAC device needed to implement the HVAC application.
  • the application model further comprises data indicative of the interaction between the virtual HVAC devices, such as direction of data communication there- between.
  • the master HVAC device generates a mapping of one or more of the plurality of physical HVAC devices to one or more of the plurality of virtual HVAC devices of an HVAC application.
  • the mapping is generated using the respective determined device type(s) of the plurality of physical HVAC devices and the device type(s) of the virtual HVAC devices.
  • the mapping is based on identical device types of physical HVAC devices and the device type(s) of the virtual HVAC devices.
  • the mapping is based on the device type of physical HVAC devices being compatible with the device type(s) of the virtual HVAC devices.
  • the device type of the virtual HVAC device defines a set of capabilities that a physical HVAC device must possess.
  • a physical HVAC device is compatible with such a device type if it possesses at least the capabilities defined by the device type, irrespective whether the physical HVAC device possesses additional capabilities.
  • one or more parameters are associated with each capability listed in the device type of the virtual HVAC devices.
  • a physical HVAC device is compatible with such a device type if it possesses at least the capabilities defined by the device type and satisfies the parameter of the respective capability.
  • the device list of the application model lists a device type "valve actuator" as a virtual HVAC device.
  • the "valve actuator" device type of the virtual HVAC device is associated with a parameter "Torque > 5Nm".
  • a physical HVAC device of the HVAC system is co patible with the virtual HVAC device if it is of device type "valve actuator” and is capable of applying a torque of 5Nm or higher.
  • the mapping comprises an association of physical HVAC devices of the HVAC system to virtual HVAC devices of the HVAC application based on the compatibility of their device types.
  • generating the mapping of physical HVAC device(s) to virtual HVAC device(s) comprises one or more of:
  • each singular physical HVAC device of a device type refers to a singular virtual HVAC device.
  • “singular ... of a device type” refers to a physical HVAC device of a particular device type from which no other HVAC device has been identified in the HVAC system. In other words, the physical HVAC device is unique (singular) amongst the identified physical HVAC devices of the HVAC system.
  • “singular ... of a device type” further refers to a virtual HVAC device of a particular device type from which no other HVAC device is listed on the device list of the HVAC application. In other words, the virtual HVAC device is unique (singular) amongst the virtual HVAC devices of the HVAC application.
  • a selection of all compatible physical HVAC devices is provided. The mapping is then performed according to a user selection of the physical HVAC device amongst the more than one compatible physical HVAC devices.
  • the method further comprises the step of generating a warning if a physical HVAC device has been mapped to more than one virtual HVAC device and/or if a selected physical HVAC device type is not compatible with the device type of the mapped virtual HVAC device.
  • the master HVAC device retrieves the device profile(s) corresponding to the determined device type(s).
  • the device profile(s) are retrieved corresponding to the identification data of the physical HVAC devices.
  • the device profiles comprise a set of computer executable instructions, which - when executed - enable data communication with the physical HVAC device and enable processing/interpretation of data communication therefrom.
  • the device profiles comprise a device driver and - deepening on the embodiment - also device-specific configuration/ calibration data.
  • Device profile(s) corresponding to a device type(s) are referred to as generic device profile(s), while device profile(s) specific to the particular identification data are referred to as device-specific profile(s).
  • data communication between the HVAC application and the plurality of physical HVAC devices is enabled by the master HVAC device. Enabling data communication between the HVAC application and the plurality of physical HVAC devices comprising directing data communication from the HVAC application to the appropriate physical HVAC device and attributing data communication from the physical HVAC device to the appropriate virtual HVAC device based on the mapping.
  • a safety measure before data communication between the HVAC application and the plurality of physical HVAC devices is enabled, as a safety measure, manual user interaction is required, such as the entry of a password.
  • the method of commissioning physical HVAC devices according to the present invention is advantageous as it allows an efficient way to identify compatible physical HVAC devices for the virtual HVAC devices of an HVAC application, greatly reducing or even eliminating the risks of erroneous mapping. Furthermore, retrieval and application of the device profiles ensures that, after correct mapping of the compatible physical HVAC devices to the virtual HVAC devices, the communication between the HVAC application and the physical HVAC devices is carried out according to the exact specifics of each physical HVAC device.
  • the device profile(s) comprise device-specific processing data corresponding to the physical HVAC devices identified by the identification data.
  • Enabling data communication between the HVAC application and the plurality of physical HVAC devices comprises processing, by the master HVAC device, operational data received from the physical HVAC devices, in particularfrom sensors, using the device-specific processing data and forwarding the thereby processed operational data to the HVAC application.
  • enabling data communication between the HVAC application and the plurality of physical HVAC devices comprises processing, by the master HVAC device, control data generated by the HVAC application using the device-specific processing data and forwarding the thereby processed control data to the respective physical HVAC devices.
  • the device-specific processing data comprises - according to embodiments of the present disclosure, calibration data specific to the physical HVAC devices identified by the identification data, wherein the processing by the HVAC gateway device comprises applying the calibration data to operational data received from the physical HVAC devices and/or applying the calibration data to control data generated by the HVAC application.
  • the device-specific processing data comprises conversion data including conversion parameters and/or conversion formulae, wherein the processing by the master HVAC device, comprises applying the conversion parameters and/or conversion formulae to operational data received from the physical HVAC devices.
  • the operational data comprises status data of the respective physical HVAC devices and/or sensor values measured by one or more sensor(s) of the respective physical HVAC devices.
  • the control data comprises actuator values, the method further comprising: actuating, by actuator(s) of the respective physical HVAC devices, of one or more mechanically connected actuated parts, e.g. flow regulating valves, in accordance with the actuator values as processed and forwarded by the master HVAC device.
  • the method of commissioning further comprises testing the HVAC application using the mapping of the plurality of physical HVAC devices to the plurality of virtual HVAC devices of the HVAC application.
  • the testing comprises running a testing routine by the master HVAC device verifying the data communication between the HVAC application and the physical HVAC devices, including testing directing data communication from the HVAC application to the appropriate physical HVAC device and/or testing the attribution of data communication from the physical HVAC device to the appropriate virtual HVAC device.
  • testing comprises testing the functionality of the individual physical HVAC devices using operational data received from the physical HVAC devices and/or control data generated by the master HVAC device addressed to the individual physical HVAC devices.
  • control data may cause the physical HVAC device to be move an actuated part into a defined setpoint position
  • testing the physical HVAC device(s) comprises verifying whether the actuated position as reported (based on operational data received from the physical HVAC device) matches the setpoint position.
  • Testing of individual physical HVAC devices by means of control data generated by the master HVAC device is particularly advantageous as it allows testing the HVAC system, respectively its constituent physical HVAC devices without the need for a remote computer, such as a Building Management System BMS being connected to the HVAC system.
  • This further object is achieved by an assisted device replacement, wherein the master HVAC device identifies a physical HVAC device C1 to be replaced and a replacement physical HVAC device.
  • Identification of a physical HVAC device to be replaced may be performed automatically by the master HVAC device by detecting a malfunctioning physical HVAC device and/or by detecting a physical HVAC device being disconnected from the communication bus.
  • identification of a physical HVAC device to be replaced may be performed by the master HVAC device by receiving user input indicative of a physical HVAC device to be replaced.
  • Identification of a replacement physical HVAC device C2 may be performed automatically by the master HVAC device by detecting a physical HVAC device being connected to the communication bus, the newly connected physical HVAC device having a device type compatible with the device type of the physical HVAC device to be replaced. Alternatively, or additionally, identification of a replacement physical HVAC device may be performed by the master HVAC device by receiving user input indicative of a replacement physical HVAC device.
  • the master HVAC device After having identified both a physical HVAC device to be replaced and a replacement physical HVAC device, the master HVAC device updates the mapping of the physical HVAC device to be replaced with the replacement physical HVAC device. Hence, the replacement physical HVAC device takes over seamlessly the place of physical HVAC device to be replaced, the HVAC application being able to continue operation with the virtual HVAC device (to which the replacement HVAC device is now mapped).
  • operational data is retrieved from the physical HVAC device to be replaced and the retrieved operational data is then transmitted with the replacement physical HVAC device.
  • parameters of the device profile of the replacement physical HVAC device are updated using parameters of the device profile of the physical HVAC device to be replaced, which have been previously stored by the master HVAC device.
  • a master HVAC device comprising a bus communication interface for communicatively connecting one or more further physical HVAC device(s); a processor; wherein the processor is configured to control the master HVAC device to carry out the method according to one of the embodiments disclosed above and hereinafter.
  • a further object of embodiments disclosed herein to provide an HVAC system enabling improved commissioning of its physical HVAC devices for an HVAC application. According to the present disclosure, this object is achieved by the features of the independent claim 16. In addition, further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the description.
  • an HVAC system comprising a master HVAC device, one or more physical HVAC devices comprising one or more actuator(s) for actuating mechanically connected actuated part(s) and/or one or more sensor(s), wherein the master HVAC device and the one or more physical HVAC devices are communicatively connected by a communication bus via respective bus communication interfaces.
  • the sensor is configured to measure a parameter of the HVAC system, in particular an environmental parameter, such as a temperature, humidity, particulate matter (PM) and/or C02 level of an environment controlled by the HVAC system.
  • an environmental parameter such as a temperature, humidity, particulate matter (PM) and/or C02 level of an environment controlled by the HVAC system.
  • the senor is provided to measure operational parameters of various components of the HVAC system such as an actuated position of actuated part(s) and/or the operational state of the HVAC device and/or other parameters of the HVAC system, such as a flow rate or differential pressure at locations of a liquid through a fluid transportation system.
  • Figure 1 a highly schematic block diagram of an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figure 2 a flowchart illustrating a method of commissioning physical HVAC devices of an HVAC system for an HVAC application according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figure 3 a flowchart illustrating a method of commissioning physical HVAC devices of an HVAC system for an HVAC application according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating substeps of generating a mapping of physical HVAC devices to virtual HVAC devices;
  • Figure 4 a flowchart illustrating a method of commissioning physical HVAC devices of an HVAC system for an HVAC application according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating substeps of enabling communication HVAC application and physical HVAC devices using device profiles;
  • Figure 5 a flowchart illustrating a method of commissioning physical HVAC devices of an HVAC system for an HVAC application according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the step of assisted replacement of a physical HVAC device;
  • Figure 6A a pseudo-screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising display elements for displaying a list of available HVAC applications and user interaction elements for receiving a selection of a HVAC application amongst the list of available HVAC applications;
  • Figure 6B a pseudo-screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising display elements for displaying a device list listing a plurality of virtual HVAC devices;
  • Figure 6C a pseudo-screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, further comprising user interaction elements for altering one or more parameters of the device types of the virtual HVAC devices of the selected HVAC application;
  • Figure 6D a pseudo-screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, further comprising user interaction elements for triggering identification of the physical HVAC devices connected to the communication bus
  • Figure 6E a pseudo-screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, further comprising display elements for displaying progress of identifying the physical HVAC devices
  • Figure 6F a pseudo-screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, further comprising display elements for displaying list of physical HVAC devices connected to the communication bus and user interaction elements for triggering the mapping of the plurality of physical HVAC devices to the plurality of virtual HVAC devices of the HVAC application;
  • Figure 6G a pseudo-screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, further comprising display elements for displaying a visual representation of the mapping of the plurality of physical HVAC devices to the plurality of virtual HVAC devices of the HVAC application;
  • Figure 6H a pseudo-screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, further comprising user interaction elements for triggering application of the device profiles to enable data communication between the HVAC application and the plurality of physical HVAC devices;
  • Figure 6I a pseudo-screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, further comprising display elements for displaying a visual representation of the commissioned HVAC application;
  • Figure 6J a pseudo-screenshot of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, further comprising display elements and user interaction elements for the parametrization and/or testing of physical HVAC device(s);
  • Figure 7 a schematic block diagram of an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising an Air Handling Unit AHU with a plurality of physical HVAC devices interconnected by a ModBus communication bus.
  • FIG. 1 shows a highly schematic block diagram of an HVAC system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the HVAC system 1 comprises a plurality of HVAC devices C1 , C2, C3, Cn, referred to hereafter in general as Cx.
  • the HVAC devices Cx include one or more of motorized HVAC devices, such as actuators, valves, dampers, pumps, and fans, and other devices connected to the HVAC system, such as flow sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, rotation sensors, position sensors, humidity sensors, etc.
  • Each HVAC device Cx comprises a bus communication interface 14for being connected to the communication bus 40, such as an MP-Bus, Modbus, BACnet, KNX, BLE, Thread,
  • the physical HVAC device selected as master HVAC device Cmaster comprises a processing unit 20, a data storage 30 and an actuator and/or sensor A/S.
  • the data storage 30 stores a computer program product, which, when executed by the processing unit 20, causes the master HVAC device Cmaster to carry out the method of commissioning.
  • Figure 1 further shows the optional connection of the HVAC system 1 to a remote computer 100, such as a Building Management System BMS, located on a server computer or in a cloud environment.
  • the remote computer 100 is communicatively connected to the HVAC system 1 via a remote communication interface 1 2 of the master HVAC device Cmaster.
  • the HVAC application, the application model and/or the device profile(s) reside(s) on the remote computer 100.
  • FIG. 2 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of commissioning physical HVAC devices Cxof an HVAC system 1 for an HVAC application.
  • a plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx of the HVAC system 1 are communicatively inter connected by a communication bus 40 via each physical HVAC device's Cx bus communication interface 14.
  • one or more of the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx are automatically addressed upon being connected to the communication bus 40.
  • one of the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx is selected as master HVAC device Cmaster.
  • the selection of one of the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx as master HVAC device Cmaster may be an automatic selection of a first physical HVAC device comprising a processing unit 20 powerful enough and configured for the carrying out the methods steps of commissioning physical HVAC devices Cx.
  • one of the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx is selected as master HVAC device Cmaster by a configuration, either by input received by the respective physical HVAC device Cx or configuration pre-recorded into a data store 30 of the master HVAC device Cmaster.
  • the master HVAC device Cmaster identifies each of the physical HVAC devices Cx connected to the communication bus 40 by retrieving respective identification data of the physical HVAC devices Cx.
  • the identification data may be a mere ID number of the physical HVAC device Cx.
  • the identification data may further comprise data descriptive of the device type and/or functionalities supported by the respective physical HVAC device Cx.
  • the master HVAC device Cmaster determines the device type(s) of the physical HVAC devices Cx using the respective identification data. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the master HVAC device Cmaster determines the device type(s) of the physical HVAC devices Cx by way of a database query, stored either locally in the master HVAC device Cmaster; on a remote computer 100 or a configuration device 200 communicatively connected to the master HVAC device Cmaster.
  • step S40 the master HVAC device Cmaster receives an application model of an HVAC application.
  • the application model defined for an HVAC application, comprising a list of virtual devices required to implement the respective HVAC application.
  • the application model also comprises data indicative of the device type of each virtual HVAC device.
  • the device type defines the minimum capabilities a physical HVAC device Cx needs to possess in order to fulfill the required functions for the HVAC application.
  • the master HVAC device Cmaster After the physical HVAC devices have been identified, their device types determined and the application model has been received (Steps S10 to S40), in step S50, the master HVAC device Cmaster generates a mapping of one or more of the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx to one or more of the plurality of virtual HVAC devices of an HVAC application.
  • the mapping is generated using the respective determined device type(s) of the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx and the device type(s) of the virtual HVAC devices.
  • the mapping is based on identical device types of physical HVAC devices Cx and the device type(s) of the virtual HVAC devices.
  • the mapping is based on the device type of physical HVAC devices Cx being compatible with the device type(s) of the virtual HVAC devices.
  • the device type of the virtual HVAC device defines a set of capabilities that a physical HVAC device X must possess.
  • a physical HVAC device Cx is compatible with such a device type if it possesses at least the capabilities defined by the device type, irrespective whether the physical HVAC device Cx possesses additional capabilities.
  • the master HVAC device Cmaster retrieves the device profile(s) corresponding to the device type(s) determined for the physical HVAC devices Cx. Alternatively, or additionally, the device profile(s) are retrieved corresponding to the identification data of the physical HVAC devices Cx.
  • the master HVAC device Cmaster retrieves the device profile(s) by way of a database query, stored either locally in the master HVAC device Cmaster; on a remote computer 100 or a configuration device 200 communicatively connected to the master HVAC device Cmaster.
  • step S70 data communication between the HVAC application and the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx is enabled by the master HVAC device Cmaster. Enabling data communication between the HVAC application and the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx comprising directing data communication from the HVAC application to the appropriate physical HVAC device Cx based on the mapping and attributing data communication from the physical HVAC device Cxto the appropriate virtual HVAC device based on the mapping.
  • step S50 of generating a mapping of physical HVAC devices to virtual HVAC devices shall now be elaborated on with reference to Figure 3.
  • each singular physical HVAC device Cx of a device type is automatically mapped to a singular virtual HVAC device.
  • “singular ... of a device type” refers to a physical HVAC device of a particular device type from which no other HVAC device has been identified in the HVAC system. In other words, the physical HVAC device is unique (singular) amongst the identified physical HVAC devices of the HVAC system.
  • “singular ... of a device type” further refers to a virtual HVAC device of a particular device type from which no other HVAC device is listed on the device list of the HVAC application. In other words, the virtual HVAC device is unique (singular) amongst the virtual HVAC devices of the HVAC application.
  • a selection list of a plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx having compatible device type(s) with the device type(s) of the virtual HVAC devices of the HVAC application is provided.
  • user input is received indicative of a selection of one or more physical HVAC devices Cx from the selection list to be mapped.
  • a selection of all compatible physical HVAC devices Cx is provided. The mapping is then performed according to a user selection of the physical HVAC device Cx amongst the more than one compatible physical HVAC devices Cx.
  • step S70 - enabling data communication between the HVAC application and the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx - shall be described with reference to Figure 4.
  • the device profile(s) comprise device-specific processing data corresponding to the physical HVAC devices Cx identified by the identification data.
  • step S70 of enabling data communication between the HVAC application and the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx comprises substep S 72 of processing, by the master HVAC device Cmaster, operational data received from the physical HVAC devices Cx, in particular from sensors, using the device-specific processing data. In a subsequent substep S74, the thereby processed operational data is forwarded to the HVAC application.
  • step S70 of enabling data communication between the HVAC application and the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx comprises substep S76 of processing, by the master HVAC device Cmaster, control data generated by the HVAC application using the device-specific processing data. Subsequently, in substep s78, the thereby processed control data is forwarded to the respective physical HVAC devices Cx.
  • FIG. 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of commissioning physical HVAC devices Cx of an HVAC system 1 for an HVAC application according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the step S80 of assisted replacement of a physical HVAC device Cx.
  • a physical HVAC device C1 to be replaced is identified by the master HVAC device Cmaster (by automatic detection or user selection).
  • a replacement physical HVAC device C2 is identified by the master HVAC device Cmaster (by automatic detection or user selection).
  • the master HVAC device Cmaster updates the mapping of a virtual HVAC device to the physical HVAC device C1 to be replaced with the replacement physical HVAC device C2 such that the replacement physical HVAC device C2 is addressed instead of the now removed physical HVAC device C1 to be replaced.
  • the replacement physical HVAC device C2 takes over seamlessly the place of physical HVAC device C1 to be replaced, the HVAC application being able to continue operation with the virtual HVAC device (to which the replacement HVAC device is now mapped).
  • FIGs 5A through 5I shows pseudo-screenshots of a user interface generated by instructions of a computer program product executed by a processor 20 of the master HVAC device Cmaster, also referred to as "Startup Assistant".
  • the user interface may be rendered on browser or a dedicated application (mobile app) running on a configuration device 200 (see Figure 1 ) communicatively connected to the HVAC system 1 .
  • the configuration device 200 may one or more of a portable device, such as a general purpose mobile computing device (e.g. a smartphone) or a dedicated configuration tool.
  • the configuration device 200 may be connected directly to the master HVAC device Cmaster, by a local area network communication link (such as Ethernet, or Wireless LAN) and/or a short range wireless communication link (such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy BLE, Thread and/or Zigbee) and/or a close-range wireless communication link (such as Radio Frequency Identification RFID or a Near Field Communication NFC).
  • a local area network communication link such as Ethernet, or Wireless LAN
  • a short range wireless communication link such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy BLE, Thread and/or Zigbee
  • a close-range wireless communication link such as Radio Frequency Identification RFID or a Near Field Communication NFC
  • the configuration device 200 may be connected indirectly - via a communication provider - to the master HVAC device Cmaster via Wide Area Network communication (such as GSM, LTE, 3G, 4G or 5G mobile communication) and/or a Low Power Wide Area Network communication (such as Narrowband Internet of Things NB- loT, Long Range LoRa/ LoRaWAN, SigFox, or Long Term Evolution Category M 1 LTECatM I ).
  • Wide Area Network communication such as GSM, LTE, 3G, 4G or 5G mobile communication
  • a Low Power Wide Area Network communication such as Narrowband Internet of Things NB- loT, Long Range LoRa/ LoRaWAN, SigFox, or Long Term Evolution Category M 1 LTECatM I .
  • Figure 6A shows a first pseudo-screenshot of the user interface as rendered on the configuration device 200, comprising display elements for displaying a list of available HVAC applications, such as an Air Handling Unit application, a Fan Coil Unit FCU application, a Variable Air Volume application or a Constant Air Volume application.
  • the list of available HVAC applications comprises HVAC applications stored locally in the master HVAC device and/or stored on a remote computer communicatively connected to the master HVAC device via a remote communication interface.
  • the display elements for displaying a list of available HVAC applications also acts as user interaction elements for receiving a selection of a HVAC application amongst the list of available HVAC applications, for example by selection using a cursor or a touching a touch sensitive display.
  • Figure 6B shows a further pseudo-screenshot of the user interface as rendered on the configuration device 200, comprising display elements for displaying a device list listing a plurality of virtual HVAC devices of a selected HVAC application - in the illustrated example, an Air Handling Unit AHU.
  • the list of virtual HVAC devices indicates what physical HVAC devices are needed to implement the HVAC application of an Air Handling Unit AHU, namely an Exhaust -Air Damper, an Outdoor-Air Damper and a Fan.
  • Figure 6C shows a further pseudo-screenshot of the user interface as rendered on the configuration device 200, further comprising user interaction elements for altering one or more parameters of the device types of the virtual HVAC devices of the selected HVAC application.
  • the user interaction elements enable the selection of the appropriate range of torque of the EXA Damper actuator.
  • Figure 6D shows a pseudo-screenshot of the user interface as rendered on the configuration device 200, further comprising a user interaction element (labelled "SCAN") for triggering a scan of the HVAC system 1 , comprising identification of the physical HVAC devices Cx connected to the communication bus 40 by the master HVAC device Cmaster by retrieving respective identification data of the physical HVAC devices.
  • the identification data may be a mere ID number of the physical HVAC devices Cx.
  • the identification data may further comprise data descriptive of the device type and/or functionalities supported by the respective physical HVAC device Cx.
  • the master HVAC device determines the device type(s) of the physical HVAC devices using the respective identification data.
  • the results of scanning the HVAC system 1 by the master HVAC device Cmaster are shown on the display elements of Figure 6F, displaying a list of physical HVAC devices Cx connected to the communication bus 40 besides their determined device types.
  • the user interface also comprises user interaction elements (labelled "MAP") for triggering the mapping of the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx to the plurality of virtual HVAC devices of the HVAC application.
  • MAP user interaction elements
  • Figure 6G shows a pseudo-screenshot of the user interface as rendered on the configuration device 200, further comprising display elements for displaying a visual representation of the mapping of the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx to the plurality of virtual HVAC devices of the HVAC application.
  • Figure 6H shows a pseudo-screenshot of the next step of the user interface as rendered on the configuration device 200, comprising user interaction elements for triggering application of the device profiles to enable data communication between the HVAC application and the plurality of physical HVAC devices Cx.
  • display elements are provided in a further screen of the user interface for displaying a visual representation of the commissioned HVAC application.
  • control data may be input using the user interaction elements and sent to the physical HVAC device to move an actuated part into a defined setpoint position.
  • testing of the respective physical HVAC device comprises verifying whether the actuated position as reported (based on operational data received from the physical HVAC device) matches the setpoint position (optionally with a defined tolerance).
  • the user interaction elements may comprise means to cause the physical HVAC device(s) to emit an identifying signal, such as a visual signal (such as the blinking of a light) to allow a user to identify the physical HVAC device Cx.
  • FIG. 7 shows a schematic block diagram of an HVAC system 1 according to a particular HVAC application of a particular type of Air Handling Unit AHU.
  • Air handler units AHUs are commonly employed to condition and circulate air as part of an HVAC system 1 for buildings, and large buildings in particular.
  • AHUs may provide heating, cooling, or both to change the supply air temperature, humidity level, or both depending on geographic location and current environmental factors.
  • Such conditioning is provided by coil (s) (e.g., heat exchanger coils or cooling coils) located to interact with the AHU's air flow.
  • Conditioning of the air flow employs the use of hot water or steam for heating and cool or chilled water, and sometimes refrigerant for cooling.
  • Coils for transferring heat may take the form of metallic tubes combined with metallic fins to encourage heat transfer; whereas cooling coils may also employ eliminator plates and condensate pans to remove and drain condensation.
  • the AHU includes two fluid circuits that receive heated or cooled water, respectively, (or sometimes heated and cooled simultaneously for humidity control purposes) from a cold water supply line and a hot water supply line, respectively.
  • the flow of the cooled water through a first heat exchanger and back to the chilled water return line is controlled (e.g., modulated) by a first valve actuated by a first actuator C4.
  • the flow of heating water through a second heat exchanger and back to the hot water return line is controlled by a second valve actuated by a second actuator C5.
  • Air temperature sensors C1 and C2 are positioned within the AHU.
  • a combined temperature and relative humidity sensor C3 is provided at an exit side of the second heat exchanger to control the temperature in view of the relative humidity, e.g. such as to prevent condensation.
  • the temperature sensors C1 and C2, the relative humidity sensor C3, the first actuator C4 and second actuator C5 - all physical HVAC devices - are interconnected by a ModBus communication bus 40.
  • the physical temperature sensors C1 and C2, the relative humidity sensor C3 are each mapped to virtual HVAC devices of the device type temperature sensor and relative humidity sensor, respectively.
  • the actuators C4 and C5 are mapped to virtual HVAC devices of the device type Exhaust -Air and Outdoor-Air Damper, respectively.
  • HVAC system 1 physical HVAC device Cx physical HVAC device to be replaced C1 replacement physical HVAC device C2 master HVAC device Cmaster remote communication interface (of physical HVAC devices) 1 2 bus communication interface (of physical HVAC devices) 14 processing unit (of physical HVAC devices) 20 data storage (of physical HVAC devices) 30 communication bus 40 remote computer 100 configuration device 200

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  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract

Procédé de mise en service de dispositifs CVCA physiques (Cx) pour une application CVCA, le procédé consistant : à connecter en communication des dispositifs CVCA physiques (Cx) à un bus de communication (40), un dispositif CVCA physique (Cx) étant sélectionné en tant que dispositif CVCA maître (Cmaster) ; à identifier les dispositifs CVCA physiques (Cx) connectés au bus de communication (40) ; à déterminer le(s) type(s) de dispositif des dispositifs CVCA physiques (Cx) ; à recevoir un modèle d'application comprenant une liste de dispositifs listant des dispositifs CVCA virtuels d'une application CVCA ; à générer, par le dispositif CVCA maître (Cmaster), un mappage des dispositifs CVCA physiques (Cx) sur les dispositifs CVCA virtuels à l'aide du ou des type(s) de dispositif des dispositifs CVCA physiques (Cx) et des dispositifs CVCA virtuels.
EP22732566.9A 2021-06-15 2022-06-13 Procédé de mise en service de dispositifs cvca physiques d'un système cvca pour une application de cvca Pending EP4356048A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH00696/21A CH718731A1 (de) 2021-06-15 2021-06-15 Verfahren zur Inbetriebnahme physischer HLK-Geräte eines HLK-Systems für eine HLK-Anwendung.
PCT/EP2022/065988 WO2022263356A1 (fr) 2021-06-15 2022-06-13 Procédé de mise en service de dispositifs cvca physiques d'un système cvca pour une application de cvca

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US10528016B2 (en) * 2017-02-07 2020-01-07 Johnson Controls Technology Company Building management system with automatic remote server query for hands free commissioning and configuration
US10642770B2 (en) * 2017-02-07 2020-05-05 Johnson Controls Technology Company Building management system with dynamic master controller selection
US10563884B2 (en) * 2018-01-29 2020-02-18 Lennox Industries Inc. Auto addressing for HVAC units

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US20240263825A1 (en) 2024-08-08
WO2022263356A1 (fr) 2022-12-22

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