U.S. patent application number 14/374041 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-12 for programmable peripheral unit.
The applicant listed for this patent is SCL Elements Inc.. Invention is credited to Simon Caron, Simon Leblond, Hami Monsarrat-Chanon.
Application Number | 20150045960 14/374041 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48872859 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150045960 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Caron; Simon ; et
al. |
February 12, 2015 |
PROGRAMMABLE PERIPHERAL UNIT
Abstract
The embodiments describe programmable peripheral units for use
in a building automation system. The programmable peripheral units
communicate with controllers and other system components. The
programmable peripheral units have end device components to actuate
the building environment.
Inventors: |
Caron; Simon; (Montreal,
CA) ; Monsarrat-Chanon; Hami; (Montreal, CA) ;
Leblond; Simon; (Montreal, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SCL Elements Inc. |
Montreal |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
48872859 |
Appl. No.: |
14/374041 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
January 23, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2013/000064 |
371 Date: |
July 23, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61589831 |
Jan 23, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/276 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/56 20180101;
F24F 11/30 20180101; G05B 15/02 20130101; G05B 2219/2614 20130101;
F24F 2110/00 20180101; G05D 23/1917 20130101; G06F 11/0793
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/276 |
International
Class: |
G05D 23/19 20060101
G05D023/19; G06F 11/07 20060101 G06F011/07 |
Claims
1. A peripheral unit comprising: one or more end device components
that physically actuate a building environment; a wireless
transceiver for wirelessly receiving programs that define commands
for operation of the end devices and transmitting data; a local
memory for storing the programs; and a processor configured to
provide an embedded interpreter to process the programs to command
the end device components.
2. The peripheral unit of claim 1 further comprising sensors for
reading building environment values and providing the building
environment values to the memory and the processor.
3. The peripheral unit of claim 1 wherein the end device components
include an actuator and a valve.
4. The peripheral unit of claim 1 wherein the programs define a
normal mode of operation and a fail safe mode of operation, wherein
the fail safe mode of operation activates when a network failure is
detected.
5. The peripheral unit of claim 1 wherein the end device components
include a temperature sensor.
6. The peripheral unit of claim 1 wherein the end device components
include an application specific device used to control at least one
of a fan coil, a variable air-volume box, and a variable volume and
temperature box.
7. The peripheral unit of claim 1 wherein the end device components
include a relay pack used to control lighting or heating.
8. The peripheral unit of claim 1 wherein the embedded interpreter
comprises a just-in-time compiler to compile intermediate
representations of the programs to machine code at runtime to
command the end device components.
9. The peripheral unit of any claim 1 wherein the embedded
interpreter comprises: a cluster library to define functional and
application specific domains, commands, clusters, and attributes; a
scripting engine to locally run programs; an input/output manager
to manage the programs received by the peripheral device and output
commands to the end devices; and a communication stack to define a
computer networking protocol for the peripheral device.
10. A method for programming a peripheral device: providing a
memory and a processor on a peripheral device, wherein the
peripheral device comprises end device components that physically
actuate a building environment, wherein the processor is configured
to provide an embedded interpreter to command the end device
components; wirelessly receiving a program at the peripheral
device, wherein the program defines commands for the end devices;
storing the program in the memory; and using the processor
configured to provide the embedded interpreter to process the
program and command the end devices.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the programs define a normal
mode of operation and a fail safe mode of operation, and wherein
the method further comprises, activating the normal mode of
operation, detecting a network failure, and switching to the fail
safe mode of operation.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the peripheral unit comprises
sensors and wherein the method further comprises reading building
environment values using the sensors, providing the building
environment values to the memory and the processor, and
transmitting the building environment values.
13. The method of claim 10 further comprising wirelessly
transmitting building environment data received from the end
devices.
14. A computerized building automation system comprising:
peripheral units with a wireless communication transceiver, end
device components that physically actuate a building environment,
memory for storing programs and a processor configured to provide
an embedded interpreter to command the end device components using
the programs; and controllers with a wireless communication bus to
wirelessly provide the programs to the peripheral units, wherein
the program defines commands for the end device components.
15. The computerized building automation system of claim 14 wherein
the peripheral units receive the programs from the controllers and
transmit the programs to other peripheral devices.
16. The computerized building automation system of claim 14 wherein
the programs define a normal mode of operation and a fail safe mode
of operation, wherein the fail safe mode of operation activates
when a network failure is detected.
17. The computerized building automation system of claim 14,
wherein the programs define commands for operation of the end
devices of the peripheral devices.
18. The computerized building automation system of claim 14 wherein
the end device components provide one or more of HVAC, lighting,
metering, heating, cooling, air, water systems for the building.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a programmable peripheral
unit for a building automation system, and systems and methods
associated therewith.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] A building automation system (BAS) is a control system for a
building. The control system is a computerized network of
controllers and peripherals units, such as sensors and actuators,
for example, designed to monitor and control the building's
environment. This computerized network of controllers and
peripherals units may form part of the mechanical and lighting
systems in a building. For example, a BAS may keep the building
climate within a specified range, provide lighting based on an
occupancy schedule, and monitor system performance and device
failures. BAS networks may include a bus which connects controllers
with peripheral units, such as input/output devices, and a user
interface for data communication. Typically, controllers are
purpose-built computers with input and output capabilities. Inputs
allow a controller to read temperatures, humidity, pressure,
current flow, and airflow, for example. Outputs allow the
controller to send command and control signals to other parts of
the BAS and peripheral units.
[0003] A peripheral unit is a hardware device that may include end
device components to actuate the building environment. Examples of
peripheral units include actuators, temperature sensors,
application specific input/output devices, relay packs, valves,
motors, heating systems, cooling systems, and so on.
[0004] There exists a need to provide an improved peripheral unit
for a BAS, or at least provide an alternative. There further exists
a need to provide an improved wireless peripheral unit, or at least
an alternative. Finally, there exists a need to provide improved
methods and systems for managing wireless peripheral units, or at
least provide alternatives.
DRAWINGS
[0005] For a better understanding of embodiments of the systems and
methods described herein, and to show more clearly how they may be
carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a peripheral unit in accordance with an
example embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the functional
modules of an electronic board that may be included in the example
embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates an example application of embodiments
described herein, where the peripheral unit communicates wirelessly
with a controller within a control network.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of the functional
modules of peripheral units in accordance with embodiments
described herein.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a building automation system in
accordance with embodiments described herein.
[0011] The drawings, described below, are provided for purposes of
illustration, and not of limitation, of the aspects and features of
various examples of embodiments described herein. The drawings are
not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way. For
simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the
figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. The dimensions of
some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements
for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference
numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate
corresponding or analogous elements.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0012] It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
embodiments described herein may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,
procedures and components have not been described in detail so as
not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this
description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the
embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely
describing implementation of the various embodiments described
herein.
[0013] The embodiments of the systems and methods described herein
may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of
both. These embodiments may be implemented in hardware devices or
computer programs executing on programmable devices. A device may
include at least one processor, a data storage system (including
volatile memory or non-volatile memory or other data storage
elements or a combination thereof), and at least one communication
interface. For example, suitable programmable devices may include a
peripheral unit, controller, server, network appliance, set-top
box, embedded device, computer expansion module, personal computer,
laptop, personal data assistant, mobile device or any other
computing device capable of being configured to carry out the
methods and implement the systems described herein. Program code is
applied to input data to perform the functions described herein and
to generate output information. The output information is applied
to one or more output devices. In some embodiments, the
communication interface may be a network communication interface.
In embodiments in which elements of the invention are combined, the
communication interface may be a software communication interface,
such as those for inter-process communication (IPC). In still other
embodiments, there may be a combination of communication interfaces
implemented as hardware, software, and a combination thereof.
[0014] Each program may be implemented in a programming or
scripting language, such as high level procedural or object
oriented programming or scripting language, or both, to communicate
with other components of the system. However, alternatively the
programs may be implemented in assembly or machine language, if
desired. The language may be a compiled or interpreted language.
The language may also be dynamically translated using a
just-in-time compiler for example. The program code may be in
various representations such as pre-compiled program code,
intermediate program code, and so on. Each such computer program
may be stored on a storage media (e.g. ROM, magnetic disk, optical
disc), readable by a general or special purpose programmable
device, for configuring and operating the device when the storage
media is read by the device to perform the procedures described
herein. Embodiments of the system may also be considered to be
implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium,
configured with a computer program, where the storage medium so
configured causes a computer to operate in a specific and
predefined manner to perform the functions described herein.
[0015] Furthermore, the system, processes and methods of the
described embodiments are capable of being distributed in a
computer program product including a physical non-transitory
computer readable medium that bears computer usable instructions
for execution by one or more processors. The medium may be provided
in various forms, including one or more diskettes, compact disks,
tapes, chips, magnetic and electronic storage media, and the like.
The computer useable instructions may also be in various forms,
including compiled and non-compiled code, as well as intermediate
code representations.
[0016] The communication bus of a BAS network (which may also be
referred to as a control network) may be wired, wireless,
input/output, or a combination thereof. A wired communication
system may have significant installation costs, such as material
and labor for example. Wireless solutions may reduce installations
costs and may also provide efficient and flexible alternatives.
However, wireless communication systems may be associated with
limitations. For example, the cost of wireless devices may be
significantly higher than wired alternatives. As another example,
wireless communication systems may be prone to network disconnect
which may result in communication or network failure. Network
failure may create additional issues for application-specific
peripheral devices where there is no local computing intelligence
as these peripheral devise may not be able to function without
access to network communication to receive commands, and so on.
[0017] In accordance with embodiments described herein, a BAS may
include programmable wireless peripheral devices, which may also be
referred to as peripheral units. The programmable wireless
peripheral device may receive programs from controllers and store
the programs locally in memory. The peripheral device may have a
processor to execute the programs to control the function of the
peripheral device. The local programs control the operation of the
peripheral device even in the event of network failure. The
programming may configure the peripheral device to have various
modes of operation such as normal or fail safe mode, for example.
The scripts and programming that may be pushed to the programmable
wireless peripheral devices are not limited to fail safe or fall
back operations and may also configure normal operation and
functionality of the devices.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a peripheral unit 10
in accordance with an example embodiment. In this example, the
peripheral unit 10 may include an actuator 12 mounted with a valve
14. The peripheral unit 10 may also include an actuator handle 16,
polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 18, an actuator cover 20, and a
power cord 22. The peripheral unit 10 forms part of a BAS and
communicates with other components such as controllers, gateways,
host computers, other peripheral units, and so on.
[0019] A peripheral unit 10 may be a hardware device capable of
communication with controllers and a central server of a BAS. A
control network of a BAS may connect a central server to
controllers, and controller to peripheral units. A peripheral unit
10 includes one or more end device components that physically
actuate the building's environment. Examples of peripheral units
include actuators, temperature sensors, application specific
input/output devices, relay packs, valves, motors, heating systems,
cooling systems, and so on. Peripheral units may be used as part of
the air, cooling, heating, water, lighting, and metering
applications for a building. A peripheral unit 10 may include a
communication interface such as wireless, wired, or other form of
input/out such as analog or digital input/output. The peripheral
unit 10 may connect to a zone controller to receive programs from
zone controllers of the BAS, and exchange data with the zone
controllers. A peripheral unit may have limited resources in view
of operation constraints, such as cost, size, power consumption,
which may result in limited resources for memory and processing
capability. The peripheral unit will be configured with sufficient
memory to store programs to customize the control of the end device
components, including a normal mode of operation and a fail safe
mode of operation. The scripts and programming that may be pushed
to the programmable wireless peripheral devices are not limited to
fail safe or fall back operations and may also configure normal
operation and functionality of the devices. The peripheral unit 10
will also be configured with sufficient processing capability to
provide an embedded interpreter to process the programs to control
the operation of the peripheral unit. The peripheral unit 10 may
use an interpreter to translate programs of a different of formats
or representations in a variety of ways. For example, a system may
have program code that is compiled, which may be static and may not
be updated "live" at runtime. Updating code live may have business
value by providing the ability to adjust new settings or insert new
components, for example. The peripheral unit 10 and its interpreter
may enable live updates to program code. For example, the
peripheral unit 10 may enable live updates to program code by using
an intermediate code representation, pre-compiled code as part of
the interpreter, and so on. Further, the peripheral unit 10 and its
interpreter may be configured to provide just-in-time compilation,
a technique in which the intermediate representation is compiled to
native machine code at runtime. Using just-in-time compilation may
provide performance advantages and efficiency for the peripheral
unit 10.
[0020] The peripheral unit 10 may include wireless communication
hardware and a programmable processor and memory for storing the
programs. The peripheral unit 10 has actuation capability and can
physically control end device components, and in some cases other
components of the BAS in order to physically adjust components of
the BAS. That is, the peripheral unit 10 may physically control and
actuate the environment of a BAS, which may include the light,
heating, air, metering, and water systems of the BAS. End device
components may form an integral part of the peripheral unit 10. For
example, the peripheral unit 10 may include a valve 14 that moves
in a range of open and closed positions to change the flow of water
through the BAS.
[0021] In accordance with some embodiments, the peripheral unit 10
may have a wireless bus and a processor and memory specifically
configured to provide an embedded interpreter based on local
programming. The embedded interpreter enables the peripheral unit
10 to be locally programmable to customize the functionality,
operation and commands of the peripheral unit 10. The peripheral
unit 10 stores and executes programs to control the functionality,
operation and behavior of the peripheral unity 10. The programs may
be updated, changed and modified via the wireless communication
network of the BAS. For example, a controller of the control
network may exchange data with the peripheral unit 10. The embedded
interpreter provides a control or script engine that supports local
scripting and programmability, which may provide distributed
intelligence and redundant control solutions in the event of
network communication failure. The local scripts and programming
that may be pushed to the programmable wireless peripheral devices
may also configure normal operation and functionality of the
peripheral unit 10. The peripheral unit 10 is programmable to
enable real time response to the local scripts and programs
residing thereon. The peripheral unit 10 may be used to retrofit an
existing building system by adding zone control and the wireless
communication bus may not require wires to be installed in the
building system specific for this peripheral unit 10. As an example
peripheral unit 10, the actuator 12, valve 14 and the embedded
interpreter may enable the modulation of water flow in a zone of
the BAS based on central or local temperature set points and local
temperature sensors. As this example peripheral unit 10 is
programmable, the valve 14 may be used in a variety of building
systems for heating or cooling, such as geothermal systems,
chillers or cooling towers, chilled beams and ceilings, water
source heat pumps, radiant floors or chilled slabs, and so on. The
embedded interpreter may translate programs of a different of
formats or representations in a variety of ways. For example, the
interpreter may enable live updates to program code using an
intermediate code representation, pre-compiled code, just-in-time
compilation, and so on.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2 there is shown a schematic view of
the functional modules of an electronic board 30 that may be
included in the example embodiment of the peripheral unit 10 shown
in FIG. 1. The functional modules may include a radio section 32, a
supply section 34, an actuator connection 36, a reset button 38, a
communication and power connector 40, a status LED 42, and a power
LED 44.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 3 there is shown an example
application of embodiments described herein, where a peripheral
unit 50 communicates wirelessly with a controller 52 within a
control (or BAS) network. In this example, the peripheral unit 50
is an actuator with an internal antenna. The controller 52 has an
external antenna to read data 54 from the peripheral unit 50 and
write data 56 to the peripheral unit 50 via the control network.
The peripheral unit 50 may have an internal transceiver, such as a
Zigbee transceiver, and an antenna, enabling it to communicate with
a controller 52, gateway (not shown), other peripheral units (not
shown), a central server (not shown), and other components of the
BAS. The peripheral unit 50 may be configured for wireless
communication, such as Zigbee wireless communication, for example,
with a communication stack including, for example, Zigbee pro and a
Zigbee cluster library.
[0024] The peripheral unit 50 may receive scripts and programs over
the wireless network from the controller 52, for example, and store
and interpret them locally using the embedded interpreter. The
controller 52 can read data from the peripheral unit 50 to check
customer variables, such as specified set points, and to determine
whether the most up to date script or program resides on the
peripheral unit 50. That is, the peripheral unit 50 may communicate
wirelessly with other devices of a BAS network, receive programs,
commands, and data from the BAS network as well as push data and
commands to other devices of the BAS network.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 4 there is shown a schematic view of
the functional modules of peripheral units in accordance with
embodiments described herein. The functional modules are connected
through an application 60 residing in memory of the peripheral
unit. The functional modules implement the embedded interpreter and
include a cluster library 62, a scripting engine 64, input/output
manager 66, and communication stack 68. These components are local
to the peripheral unit and reside thereon such that the peripheral
unit is programmable with a stand-alone application 60 that can be
used to operate and command the peripheral unit for normal
operation as well as in the event of network failure.
[0026] The cluster library 62 may be a collection of commands,
clusters and attributes that have specific meanings. For example,
there is an OnOff cluster that defines how to turn something off,
on, or toggle it. This cluster works for light switches, pumps,
garage door openers and any other device that can be turned on or
off. Other clusters include valves, heaters, and so on. The cluster
library 62 may be a Zigbee cluster library. The cluster library 62
may define functional and application specific domains, and
commands, clusters, and attributes specific to those domains. The
cluster library 62 may also include the user or customer's data,
such as customer variables, including set points, default values,
fail safe values, normal operation values, customized operation
values, scripts, and programs.
[0027] The scripting engine 64 is used to customize the peripheral
device, and process code locally on the peripheral device. The
peripheral device receives scripts and programs wirelessly from the
BAS network, and stores the scripts and programs in memory so that
the scripting engine 64 can locally run the scripts and programs.
That is, the scripting engine 64 enables the peripheral device to
locally process received scripts and programs. The scripting engine
64 enables to peripheral device to be fully programmable with a
stand-alone application 60 in the event a network connection is
lost.
[0028] For example, the scripting engine 64 may define a default
mode of operation for the peripheral device and a fail safe mode of
operation which is activated in the event of network failure. The
scripting engine 64 is not limited to fail safe or fall back mode
and may also configure normal mode of operation. The scripting
engine 64 processes scripts and programs residing on the peripheral
device, and sends commands to the input/output manager 66 in
response. The input/output manager 66 manages the data that is
received by the peripheral device, such as scripts and programs,
and controls the peripheral device output, such as activation of an
actuator to change a valve position, adjusting the temperature of a
heater or cooler, turning off a light, and so on. The communication
stack 68 defines a computer networking protocol for the peripheral
device, including a definition of the protocols, and the software
implementation of them.
[0029] The peripheral unit's scripting engine 64 enables local
programmability and customizable behavior, behavior that may be
customized to a particular user or application, and that may be
changed on the fly by a user by sending new command, scripts and
programs to the peripheral unit.
[0030] For example, customization behavior may include a default or
normal mode of operation of the peripheral device and a fail-safe
mode. That is, customization behavior may include fail safe
operations as well as normal operations. The local intelligence may
customize the peripheral device it resides on and may also
customize other peripheral devices that are connected thereto by
pushing commands out to the other peripheral devices. The other
peripheral devices may be referred to as slave devices. The other
peripheral devices may not have local intelligence but still have
communication capabilities for receiving commands. The
communication capability may include wired communication, wireless
communication, or other digital or analog input/output such as a
peripheral device with 0-10V output (feedback) that can control
slave valves having 0-10V input. For example, the peripheral device
may be programmed to control the water flow provided by multiple
valves. The peripheral device may command its own valve to a fixed
set point or position, and then command other connected valves to
other set points or positions to maintain a specific water flow.
The peripheral device may control the valve position or set point
based on the temperature, and may further include a temperature
sensor. The scripting engine 64 may also automatically diagnose the
network connection and if there is none, it may issue a command to
the peripheral device such as a reset or a switch to fail safe
mode, for example. The scripting engine 64 may also switch to a
normal mode or different mode of operation. The scripting engine 64
may be configured with a counter so that after a particular amount
of time has passed the peripheral device recalibrates. As another
example, the scripting engine 64 may command a heater to change
temperatures. Further examples include using input to monitor
piping and determine whether piping is frozen in AC applications,
and measuring energy usage by mounting the actuator on a valve with
an opening proportional to flow, and monitoring before and after
temperature. The programs may also calculate energy consumption for
sub-metering applications, and so on. The peripheral unit 10 may
use an interpreter to translate programs of a different of formats
or representations in a variety of ways. For example, the
peripheral unit 10 and its interpreter may be configured to provide
just-in-time compilation.
[0031] The peripheral unit's programmability may compensate for
loss of wireless communication during a network disconnect when
otherwise, the peripheral unit may be stuck or fixed at the same
position or set point during network failure. The peripheral unit
may be programmed locally with a fail safe operation mode, as well
as a normal operation mode. For example, the peripheral unit may
close a valve in fail safe operation mode or keep the building
temperature within a specific range. That way, in the event of
communication failure the peripheral unit is not stuck at the same
set point or position at the time of communication failure and can
continue to function using a stand-alone local application 60 until
communication resumes. The programmability is not limited to fail
safe mode and may also configure a normal mode of operation. For
example, control sequences may be implemented such as management of
external sensors or actuators, reaction to external sensors or
actuators, and so on. For a wireless peripheral unit 10 control
sequences local to the peripheral unit 10 may avoid or reduce
latency for transmission of the code.
[0032] The peripheral unit may have local input/output connected to
local sensors, which may enable the scripting engine 64 to program
fall-back behavior based on local sensor reading.
[0033] The peripheral unit local memory, processor and scripting
engine 64 may provide an embedded interpreter for distributed
intelligence and redundancy. The peripheral unit can continue to
function according to the local programs and scripts even if the
BAS network connection fails, thereby maintaining efficiency until
the BAS networks resumes. The peripheral unit 10 may use an
interpreter to translate programs of a different of formats or
representations in a variety of ways. The peripheral unit 10 and
its interpreter may enable live updates to program code by using an
intermediate code representation, pre-compiled code as part of the
interpreter, just-in-time compilation, and so on.
[0034] Reference is now made to FIG. 5 which illustrates a BAS 100
in accordance with embodiments described herein.
[0035] The BAS 100 includes peripheral units 101. The peripheral
units 101 are programmable and may be wirelessly connected to the
control network 102. An example peripheral unit 101 in accordance
with embodiments described herein may provide a scriptable wireless
actuator, where scripts and programs may compensate for
communication losses so that the peripheral unit can function in
the event of such communication losses. Accordingly, by way of
example a peripheral unit 101 may be an actuator. The actuator may
be a digital actuator. The actuator may be connected to and control
a valve, such as by moving the valve to different positions and set
points. The valve may control a mechanical element of a building,
such as the heating, cooling, and so on. The actuator may control a
mechanical element of a building, such as heating, cooling, and so
on.
[0036] In accordance with embodiments described herein, a
peripheral unit 101 may be a temperature sensor. The temperature
sensor may be equipped with a set-point. For example, the
temperature sensor equipped with a set-point may be used as a
thermostat.
[0037] In accordance with further embodiments described herein, a
peripheral unit 101 may be an application-specific input/output
device. By way of example, the application-specific input/output
device may be used to control a fan coil, a variable air-volume
(VAV) box, a variable volume and temperature (WT) box.
[0038] In accordance with embodiments described herein, a
peripheral unit 101 may be a relay pack. For example, the relay
pack may be used to control lighting or heating.
[0039] Various combinations of types of peripheral units 101 may be
used in BAS 100 and connected to the control network 102. Example
types of peripheral units may include: an actuator with an embedded
interpreter, a digital actuator with embedded interpreter, a valve
with embedded interpreter, a relay with embedded interpreter, a
motor with embedded interpreter, a heating system valve with
embedded interpreter, a digital actuator with embedded interpreter,
a digital actuator with customizable behavior, a digital actuator
with customizable fallback behavior, a wireless actuator with
embedded interpreter, a wireless actuator with customizable
behavior, a wireless actuator with customizable fallback behavior,
a wired actuator with embedded interpreter, a wired actuator with
customizable behavior, a wired actuator with customizable fallback
behavior, and so on. These are examples only and other types of
peripheral units 101 and other configurations may also be provided
by embodiments described herein. The embedded interpreter may
translate programs of a different of formats or representations in
a variety of ways. For example, the interpreter may enable live
updates to program code using an intermediate code representation,
pre-compiled code, just-in-time compilation, and so on.
[0040] The peripheral units 101 may be wirelessly connected to the
control network 102 and communicate using the Zigbee protocol, for
example. The peripheral units 101 may include end device components
for actuating the building environment, and may form part of
different systems operating in the building such as the HVAC,
lighting, and metering systems 103, for example. End devices that
may be used in the BAS 100 and the HVAC, lighting, and metering
systems 103 systems include EnOcean devices 108, wired digital and
analog input and output devices 106, and Modbus devices, each of
which may be connected to the control network 102 using various
connection mechanisms such as wireless mesh, daisy chain and
IP/Ethernet(LAN), for example.
[0041] The BAS 100 may also include controllers such as a VAV
controller 116, universal controller 118, and intelligent gateway
controller 120, that are fully programmable with local storage and
can manage the HVAC, lighting, and metering systems 103. The
intelligent gateway controllers 120 may convert data and commands
relating to end devices into other communication objects, such as
BAC net objects using embedded BAC net gateways. The controllers
also include a server 115 that is connected to the control network
102 to access a web BEMS 110 and manage the entire control network
102. The web BEMS 110 and portable devices 114 connected thereto
may provide an interface such as a web browser, smartphone or touch
panel interface, accessible via the control network 102 or online
via a secure network, such as secure virtual private network, to
provide centralized control, monitoring and local programming of
each controller 115, 116, 118, 120 and peripheral units 101, and
other end devices 104, 106, 108.
[0042] While the above description provides examples of the
embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or
functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to
modification without departing from the spirit and principles of
operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been
described above has been intended to be illustrative of the
invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons
skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be
made.
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