Industrial installations with plug-and-play components

The goal of plug-and-play (well known from the pc world) is to give end-users easier installation of components (plug) followed by optimal operation (play). This project is based on a traditional mixing circuit, i.e. a typical type of installation often found in HVAC systems and containing typical components such as pumps, motor valves and meters. In the project an analysis has been made of a mixing circuit and its components. The most commonly used communication media and communication technologies have been described together with the possibilities for communication between the specific components in the mixing circuit. A plug-and-play concept is described as seen from a communications perspective, i.e. how do the components install themselves in the system and which control rules should the components comply with when they work together in a plug-and-play network. This is supplemented with a catalogue of ideas where a number of possibilities for inproved control are presented. Following this night set-back was selected as a suitable functionality for test. The project has shown: 1) That technically it is possible to construct a mixing circuit with plug-and-play coffonents and to establish communication; 2) That it is possible to identify which functionality is important for the individual component to have to achieve plug-and-play; 3) That the mixing circuit shows suitable functionality during the conditions it was tested under during simulation and test; 4) That simulation tools are important with regard to being able to determine and evaluate operation and different control strategies; 5) That about 5% energy savings are realistic when using plug-and play combined with night set-back, without affecting user comfort. The project has also showis that the level of complexity in systems containing plug-and-play intelligent components can increase rapidly, so that even using simulation tools it can be difficult to foresee all the interactmg possibilities and determine the best contro/operational solution. The project has contributed to increased knowledge and experience about how to tackle plug-and-play problems for the partners involved in the project. The project has also increased the individual partners' level and depth of specific knowledge about the other partners' components and how they function. This is an important prerequisite With regard to the continued development of control strategies for own producs - especially when developing plug-and-play components. The project has given inspiration for the start of new product development activities amongst the manufacturer group in the project group, including the possibility for communication between components and installations via the Internet. Development of plug-and-play components is taking place at a slower pace than anticipated at the outset of this project. This is not believed to be due to technical problems as relevant technology for communication and data processing is now available. It is believed to be due more to a combination of the very complex problem formulation, lacking standardisation, lacking demand and no apparent driver for a major development effort. There is currently a trend for manufacturers to focus strongly on development of new functionalities for their own producs and on rapid market penetrations rather than long term activities with a more indirect effect. This implies that the investments required for the development of intelligent components with plug-and-play functionality must compete with other prime activities, i.e. alternative technologies offering larger energy savings for a smaller investment