System and method for providing power to building management system components using inductive coupling
Mains-powered components of a building management system can be separated from non-mains powered components, allowing for easier and more affordable installation of the latter. In one embodiment, distributed devices of the building management system include a base module and a secondary module. The base module inductively powers the secondary module, which performs a function of the building management system (e.g. generating sensor data). The secondary module is easily attached to and removed from the base module via an attachment mechanism (e.g. snapfit) without rewiring the device. In another embodiment, a control panel inductively powers one or more input-output blocks, which provide an interface between distributed devices and the control panel. The input-output blocks are easily attached to and removed from the control panel via the attachment mechanism.
1. A distributed device of a building management system, the device comprising:
a base module comprising an inductive power transmitter;
a secondary module attached to the base module, the secondary module comprising an inductive power receiver for receiving power from the inductive power transmitter of the base module and the secondary module further comprising one or more sensors, user interface elements, and/or actuators of the building management system; and
one or more attachment mechanisms for securing the secondary module to the base module,
wherein the base module is permanently mounted to a mounting surface of a building where the building management system is installed and is connected to a mains power line, which supplies alternating current electric power to the base module at voltages ranging from 110 to 240 Volts,
wherein the secondary module is configured to receive identification information from the base module and transmit the identification information to a control panel of the building management system for updating operating parameters of the distributed device,
wherein the second module communicates with the control panel of the building management system via a wireless transceiver, either directly or via a hub, and
wherein the control panel of the building management system is permanently installed in a building and the control panel is located separately from the base module and the secondary module.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors, user interface elements, and/or actuators generate signals and/or sensor data to be sent to the control panel of the building management system.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors, user interface elements, and/or actuators detect user input data and provide status information to users and/or technicians of the building management system.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors, user interface elements, and/or actuators control equipment of the building management system.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the base module confirms compatibility with the secondary module before providing power to the secondary module.
6. The distributed device of claim 1 , wherein the building management system is a building automation system, and the secondary module functions as a thermostat of the building automation system.
7. The distributed device of claim 1 , wherein the building management system is a fire alarm system, and the secondary module functions as a smoke detector of the fire alarm system.
8. The distributed device of claim 1 , wherein the building management system is a security system, and the secondary module functions as a motion sensor for the security system.
9. The distributed device of claim 1 , wherein the building management system is an access control system, and the secondary module functions as an access control reader of the access control system.
10. The distributed device of claim 1 , wherein an old secondary module can be detached from the base module and replaced with a new secondary module.
11. The distributed device of claim 1 , wherein the base module does not attempt to provide power if a metal object that is not a recognized secondary module is placed in proximity to the inductive power transmitter.
12. The distributed device of claim 1 , wherein the secondary module receives data and instructions from the control panel of the building management system via the wireless transceiver, either directly or via the hub.
13. A method for operation of a distributed device of a building management system, the method comprising:
a base module providing power via an inductive power transmitter to a secondary module attached to the base module;
the secondary module receiving the power from the base module via an inductive power receiver, receiving identification information from the base module, and transmitting the identification information to a control panel of the building management system for updating operating parameters of the distributed device; and
one or more sensors, user interface elements, and/or actuators of the secondary module communicating with the control panel of the building management system via a wireless transceiver, either directly or via a hub,
wherein one or more attachment mechanisms secure the secondary module to the base module, and the base module is permanently mounted to a mounting surface of a building where the building management system is installed and is connected to a mains power line, which supplies alternating current electric power to the base module at voltages ranging from 110 to 240 Volts, and
wherein the control panel of the building management system is permanently installed in a building and the control panel is located separately from the base module and the secondary module.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13 , further comprising the one or more sensors, user interface elements, and/or actuators generating signals and/or sensor data to be sent to the control panel of the building management system.
15. The method as claimed in claim 13 , further comprising the one or more sensors, user interface elements, and/or actuators detecting user input data and providing status information to users and/or technicians of the building management system.
16. The method as claimed in claim 13 , further comprising the one or more sensors, user interface elements, and/or actuators controlling equipment of the building management system based on signals and/or data received from the control panel of the building management system.
17. The method as claimed in claim 13 , wherein the base module is compatible with different interchangeable secondary modules.
18. The method as claimed in claim 13 , further comprising the base module confirming compatibility with the secondary module before providing power to the secondary module.
19. The method as claimed in claim 13 , wherein the secondary module receives data and instructions from the control panel of the building management system via the wireless transceiver, either directly or via the hub.