Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080300725 | IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF RECIRCULATION IN ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for detecting and analyzing elevated temperatures at a component rack to identify and characterize air recirculation anomalies. In one embodiment, temperatures are sensed in proximity to an air intake of the component rack. Temperature sensors communicate with a workstation having system management software including a thermal management component for analyzing air intake temperatures. Predefined temperature differentials (PTD) are established, corresponding to expected temperature differentials between the selected locations in the absence of any appreciable recirculation. The PTD provides a threshold for comparing with “actual” temperature differentials (ATD) to identify the presence and/or mode of recirculation. If an ATD exceeds a corresponding PTD for a predefined time interval, a signal is output. The mode of recirculation, such as left-side, right-side, or dual-surface recirculation, may be determined using as few as four temperature sensors positioned at a zone of interest (ZOI). | 12-04-2008 |
20090012652 | Duct heater control module - A duct heater control module for controlling an electric duct heater in an air duct. The duct heater control module includes a microcontroller for receiving an air flow signal from an air flow sensor for controlling the electric duct heater in response thereto. The microcontroller controls short cycling of the current switching relays, determines the nature of the input signal from a thermostat, and drives a status display. | 01-08-2009 |
20090062965 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROL OF A THERMOSTAT - A thermostat is provided that includes a temperature sensor for sensing ambient temperature, and a switching device that is configured to apply electrical power to a heating element when the switching device is activated. The thermostat further includes a processor that is configured to periodically determine for a finite switching time period a temperature delta value indicative of the difference between the sensed temperature and a desired set point temperature. The processor is further configured to calculate a duty cycle ratio of the switch activation time relative to the total switching time period. The calculated duty cycle ratio for determining the switch activation time is determined as a function of the temperature delta value, a duty cycle offset and a heat dissipation offset. The duty cycle offset and the heat dissipation offset are based on an average of a predetermined number of prior duty cycle ratios. | 03-05-2009 |
20090069946 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ISOLATING A TEMPERATURE SENSING DEVICE IN A THERMOSTAT - An improved thermostat is provided that comprises a first wall disposed within the thermostat, which partitions off a portion of the interior space to form a compartment along a side wall of the thermostat that is separated from the rest of the thermostat's interior space. The thermostat includes a second wall that is adjacent to and spaced from the first wall, so as to define an insulating space between the compartment and the rest of the interior space. The thermostat further includes a first aperture that permits communication of airflow in a lower portion of the compartment, and a second aperture that permits communication of airflow at an upper portion of the compartment. A temperature sensing element is disposed within the compartment defined by the first wall. The temperature sensing device is thermally insulated from heat generated in the interior of the thermostat by the insulating space between the compartment and interior space. | 03-12-2009 |
20090088902 | UNITARY CONTROL MODULE WITH ADJUSTABLE INPUT/OUTPUT MAPPING - A unitary control module having adjustable input and output mapping functionality, including methods of configuring such devices for use in different applications, are disclosed. The unitary control module can include a unit type selector such as a DIP-switch that can be used by an installer to configure the control module to emulate a particular type of controller. The control module can be configured to run a selection algorithm for configuring the mapping of the input terminals and output terminals for the device based on the controller type selected. In use, the control module may run different control algorithms for controlling the system components based on the controller type selected. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088903 | CONTROL STRUCTURE FOR SETTING A SET POINT OF A TEMPERATURE OF A SPACE - The invention provides a system adapted to modify a temperature of a space based on a user selected set-point for the temperature of the space, e.g. a refrigerator, a sauna or a regular building with a HVAC system. The set-point is selected via a control structure which includes a handle being movable relative to a base. In order to simplify the installation and the structure of the space, and further to enable better thermal isolation of the space, the handle comprises a temperature sensing structure. Accordingly, no additional installation work, cabling, and penetration of the wall into the space are necessary for installing separate temperature sensing devices. | 04-02-2009 |
20090099699 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING A NETWORK OF THERMOSTATS AS TOOL TO VERIFY PEAK DEMAND REDUCTION - The invention comprises systems and methods for verifying the occurrence of a change in operational status for climate control systems. The climate control system measures temperature at least a first location conditioned by the climate control system. One or more processors also receive measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than the climate control system, and compares the temperature measurements from the first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements obtained by the climate control system and the outside temperature measurements. A server transmits changes in programming to the climate control system based at least in part on the comparison of the temperature measurements with the expected temperature measurements. | 04-16-2009 |
20090118870 | Humidity control system - A humidity control system ( | 05-07-2009 |
20090125150 | System and Method for Control of Heat Pump Operation - There is provided a space heating system ( | 05-14-2009 |
20090125151 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING A NETWORK OF THERMOSTATS AS TOOL TO VERIFY PEAK DEMAND REDUCTION - The invention comprises systems and methods for estimating the rate of change in temperature inside a structure. At least one thermostat located is inside the structure and is used to control an climate control system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The processor uses the relationship between the inside temperature and the outside temperature over time to derive a first estimation for the rate of change in inside temperature assuming that the operating status of the climate control system is “on”. The processor also uses the relationship between the inside temperature and the outside temperature over time to derive a second estimation for the rate of change in inside temperature assuming that the operating status of the climate control system is “off”. The compares at least one of the first estimation and the second estimation to the actual inside temperature recorded inside the structure to determine whether the actual rate of change in inside temperature is closer to the first estimation or the second estimation. | 05-14-2009 |
20090143918 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING AN HVAC CONTROLLER - An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user. | 06-04-2009 |
20090192651 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH GUIDED SCHEDULE PROGRAMMING - Controllers and methods are disclosed for aiding a user in programming a schedule of a programmable controller. In an illustrative embodiment, a guided programming routine can be activated by a user, which then guides a user through two or more screens that are designed to collect sufficient information from the user to generate and/or update at least some of the schedule parameters of the controller. | 07-30-2009 |
20090210096 | CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DATA CENTERS - A data center has equipment racks in which electronic equipment is disposed and a climate control system that includes a computer room air conditioner (CRAC) and an air economizer. The climate control system includes a control module that controls the climate control system. The control module determines whether outside air is suitable for use in cooling the data center based on the dry bulb temperature and humidity of the outside air. If the outside air is not suitable for, only the CRAC is used to cool the data center. If the outside air is suitable for use, outside air and not the CRAC is used to cool the data center when the dry bulb temperature of the outside air is below a minimum outside air dry bulb temperature set point. The outside air is conditioned before it is introduced as supply air into the data center so that the supply air is above a minimum temperature. If the outside air is suitable for use and the dry bulb temperature of the outside air is above the minimum outside air dry bulb temperature set point, the control module determines a cooling percentage of cooling of the data center to be provided by the CRAC and a cooling percentage to be provided by the outside air, where the percentage can range from zero percent to one-hundred percent. The control module then controls the climate control system so that the CRAC and outside air provide cooling of the data center according to their respective determined cooling percentages. | 08-20-2009 |
20090210097 | Systems and methods for computer equipment management - Methods of managing computer equipment: the methods may comprise receiving data indicating a power dissipated by computer equipment in a portion of the server room and receiving data indicating an actual airflow through the portion of the server room. The methods may also comprise calculating a target airflow in the portion of the server room considering the power dissipated by computer equipment in the portion of the server room and an expected difference in temperature between at least one hot aisle and at least one cold aisle in the portion of the server room, and calculating a recommended action for reaching the target airflow. The recommended action may be selected from the group consisting of: changing a static pressure generated by at least one cooling unit servicing the portion of the server room; changing a number of perforated tiles present in the portion of the server room; and changing the type of one or more perforated tiles present in the portion of the server room. The methods may also comprise displaying the recommended action and/or implementing the recommended action. | 08-20-2009 |
20090216382 | Direct Load Control System and Method with Comfort Temperature Setting | 08-27-2009 |
20090216383 | USER INTERFACE FOR ADJUSTING PARAMETERS FOR CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEMS IN MOTOR VEHICLES - A user interface for adjusting a plurality of parameters of a climate control system of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The user interface includes an input element having a system of coordinates having multiple dimensions, wherein each of the dimensions of the system of coordinates is associated with at least one of the parameters of the climate control system; and a program means to perform at least one of an absolute evaluation of the parameters and an incremental evaluation of changes to the parameters between an adjusted point range and an original point range of the parameters, and transmit a data representing the evaluation to at least one of a control device and a regulation device of the climate control system in order to adjust a value of the parameters. | 08-27-2009 |
20090222139 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COORDINATING THE CONTROL OF HVAC UNITS - A control strategy for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) units used to condition the environment in data centers and other commercial buildings such as retail stores with an open-plan design is provided to coordinate the operation of the actuators of the HVAC units. A supervisory controller receives feedback signals from a plurality of environmental sensors and uses a set of references values to determine control signals to the actuators of the HVAC units. A pseudoinverse of a transfer function matrix G may be used to determine the control signals from errors in the feedback signals relative to the reference signals. | 09-03-2009 |
20090234507 | Method and apparatus for programming food product status and holding systems - A remotely programmable food product holding system includes a hand held computer and a food product holding apparatus. The computer includes a processor, touch screen display, and a first communication interface. Data is entered into the hand held computer and transmitted to the food product holding apparatus. The holding apparatus includes a second communication interface, a timer system, and a temperature control system. The timer and temperature control systems are programmed by data transmitted from the hand held computer. A method of remotely programming a food product holding apparatus includes the steps of coupling a hand held computer to a food product holding apparatus, downloading data from the food product holding apparatus, comparing the downloaded data with a file stored in the computer, displaying differences found in the comparison, updating the downloaded data in accordance with the stored file, and uploading the updated data to the food product holding apparatus. | 09-17-2009 |
20090276096 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A DISPLAY USING A VIRTUAL DISPLAY BUFFER - A device and a method for controlling a display make use of a virtual display buffer that acts as an intermediary between data input and display output. The data stored in the virtual display buffer is in a generic, readable first format. A display software driver translates the data stored in the virtual display buffer to a second format usable by a hardware display driver to control a specific display device. | 11-05-2009 |
20090299533 | EFFICIENT AC OPERATION USING DEW-POINT TEMPERATURE - A system for controlling air-conditioning of a vehicle includes an input, an offset generator module, and an evaporator temperature control module. The input receives an input temperature. The offset generator module receives a psychrometric parameter of air inside the vehicle and generates offsets based on the input temperature and the psychrometric parameter. The evaporator temperature control module generates a target evaporator temperature based on the offsets. | 12-03-2009 |
20090299534 | START/STOP TEMPERATURE CONTROL OPERATION - An environmentally controlled shipping container including a storage space and a refrigeration system that includes a prime mover, a compressor driven by the prime mover and providing a flow of refrigerant, a condenser that receives the flow of refrigerant from the compressor, an evaporator in heat exchange relation with the storage space to remove heat from air supplied to the storage space. A controller operates the refrigeration system in one of a continuous mode wherein the prime mover operates continuously, a standard start/stop mode wherein the prime mover operates intermittently such that while the prime mover is operating in the standard start/stop mode the compressor provides a maximum flow of refrigerant, and a modulated start/stop mode wherein the prime mover operates intermittently such that while the prime mover is operating in the modulated start/stop mode the operating parameters of the refrigeration system may be modulated. | 12-03-2009 |
20090319087 | Method for Controlling Cooled or Heated Water Pump of Air Conditioning Installation - The method for controlling the operation of the cooled or heated water pump of the air conditioning installation is provided. In accordance with the present invention, the flow rate of the cooled or heated water is adapted to be controlled to correspond to the variation of the energy demand on the load side unit. This can be effected by controlling on the basis of the temperature of the cooled or heated water not only the state of the operation of the heat source, but also the number of revolution of the motor for driving the cooled or heated water pump. | 12-24-2009 |
20100010679 | ENERGY EFFICIENT METHOD OF MONITORING AND CONTROLLING AN HVAC SYSTEM - A method of monitoring and controlling an active environmental control system to impose energy efficient use of the system. The method includes the steps of monitoring a calling device for a change in calling data, time and date stamp the change in calling data, detecting a change in status of a plurality of physical sensors located within the system, wherein the state of each sensor represents a condition of the environment in which the system resides, time and date stamp the change in status of the plurality of physical sensors, measuring the temperature of a plurality of temperature locations within the system, time and date stamp the measured temperature of the temperature locations, storing for an extended period the calling data, the status change of the physical sensors and the measured temperature of the plurality of temperature locations, together with the respective time and date stamp, in a memory of the system, filtering the calling data, the physical sensors status change and the measured temperature for a system control trigger to identify system control trigger data, extracting a probability decision, to predict a direction of trend, by comparing recent system control trigger data with prior recorded system control trigger data, weighting the system control trigger data, based on the probability decision that the data is causing the output event trigger, in order to effect a desired change in output, and controlling the system based on the weighted system control trigger data. | 01-14-2010 |
20100023168 | INTERMEDIARY DEVICE FOR AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL, AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM, AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD, AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL PROGRAM - An intermediary device for air conditioning control is connected to an air conditioning interface for generating and outputting an operation/non-operation request signal to a heat source on the basis of a room temperature and a temperature setting. The intermediary device has a receiving unit, a temperature-setting estimating unit, and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit receives the operation/non-operation request signal as input. The temperature-setting estimating unit calculates an estimated value of the temperature setting on the basis of at least the operation/non-operation request signal. The transmitting unit transmits to air conditioners the estimated value calculated in the temperature-setting estimating unit. | 01-28-2010 |
20100036533 | AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM - An air-conditioning system includes an air-conditioning unit that is switchable between local air-conditioning and overall air-conditioning, a data acquisition unit configured to acquire state quantity data of a requester, and a control unit. The control unit calculates comfort assessment values for both the requester and a neighbor, and controls the air-conditioning unit so that the local air-conditioning is performed to an extent whereby the comfort assessment value of the neighbor is kept in a comfort range and the comfort assessment value of the requester can be within the comfort range. | 02-11-2010 |
20100057259 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY MANAGING BLOWERS AND VENTS - A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to perform a thermal analysis of a data center and overlay the thermal analysis on a map of the data center to provide an overlaid thermal analysis. Additionally, the computer executable code is operable to dynamically control at least one blower and at least one vent in the data center based on the overlaid thermal analysis to direct cool air to a section of the data center in need of cooling. | 03-04-2010 |
20100070090 | HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM USING COMPRESSED FLUID - Use of compressed air for indoor ambient temperature conditioning is disclosed. Thermal energy is imparted to or extracted from a quantity of compressed air, and the compressed air is then directed to be released inside a structure enclosing a space, whose ambient temperature needs to be controlled. Thus, the compressed air may be used as a direct heat conduction/extraction medium. A flow of external air is created over a heat exchanger mass (a “heating mass” or a “cooling mass”), so that thermal energy of the compressed air flowing inside the heat exchanger mass is transferred to the external flow of air flowing outside the heat exchanger mass. Thus, in addition to being a direct heat conduction/extraction medium, the compressed air is being used as a heat transfer medium, that ultimately gets mixed with the flow of external air. A fresh supply of external air may be used rather than using re-circulated air, in order to maintain a high quality of breathable air. A local feedback loop may be used to route back a portion of temperature-conditioned air produced by a system according to the present invention, to regulate a flow of external air over a heat exchanger mass. Other types of environmentally benign compressible fluids may be used as a heat transport/transfer fluid instead of compressed air. | 03-18-2010 |
20100070091 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT OF HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES - An appliance for conditioning air of a room comprises one or more power consuming features/functions including a temperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the appliance in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the appliance in the energy savings mode. | 03-18-2010 |
20100070092 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A ROOM ENVIRONMENT - A system and method are provided for controlling a room environment including both the temperature and humidity of the air space within a room, regardless of the type and size of the terminal heat exchanger and regardless of variations in the temperature, flow rate, or other parameters of the cooling/heating medium supply received from the central heating and cooling supply system, and that improves the efficiency of operation of the terminal heat exchanger within the room, and the efficiency of operation of the central heating and cooling system supply for the facility. | 03-18-2010 |
20100070093 | TRANSITION TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT USER INTERFACES - Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The graphical user interfaces also may be designed to present information that facilitates user understanding of system operations. In certain embodiments, the controllers may allow users to adjust balance point and/or LTCO temperature values. In these embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting the balance point and/or LTCO temperature values. | 03-18-2010 |
20100076608 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AIR CONDITIONING FACILITIES, AND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POWER MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTER ROOM - The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling air conditioning facilities, and a system and method for power management of a computer room. In an air-conditioning facility control system of a computer room (cooling room) equipped with air-conditioning facilities for air-cooling the computer room in which a large number of information processing units are installed, an air-conditioner monitoring and controlling unit calculates a temperature sensitivity coefficient of each information processing unit, and that of each air conditioner, and then determines discharge air temperature of each air conditioner by use of the temperature sensitivity coefficients in such a manner that the sum of squares of a deviation of a change in discharge air temperature of each information processing unit becomes the smallest, and in such a manner that the sum total of the power consumption of the individual air conditioners becomes the smallest. Moreover, a calorific value of each information processing unit is determined in such a manner that the sum total of the power consumption of the individual air conditioners becomes the smallest. The air-conditioner monitoring and controlling unit instructs each individual air conditioner to adjust the discharge air temperature thereof to the calculated value. Next, the information-processing-unit monitoring and controlling unit assigns a job (load) to each information processing unit on the basis of the calorific value of each information processing unit. | 03-25-2010 |
20100106332 | Using bi-directional communications in a market-based resource allocation system - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of requests for electricity are received from a plurality of end-use consumers. The requests indicate a requested quantity of electricity and a consumer-requested index value indicative of a maximum price a respective end-use consumer will pay for the requested quantity of electricity. A plurality of offers for supplying electricity are received from a plurality of resource suppliers. The offers indicate an offered quantity of electricity and a supplier-requested index value indicative of a minimum price for which a respective supplier will produce the offered quantity of electricity. A dispatched index value is computed at which electricity is to be supplied based at least in part on the consumer-requested index values and the supplier-requested index values. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106333 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ZONING A DISTRIBUTED-ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the HVAC data processing and communication network includes at least one environmental sensor, at least one subnet and a subnet controller. The subnet controller is configured to discover the at least one environmental sensor, the at least one subnet and at least one damper controller. The subnet controller is further configured to set up the network for zoned operation in the event that at least two of the at least one environmental sensor are discovered. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106334 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ZONING A DISTRIBUTED ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network. In an embodiment, the network includes a user interface, a first subnet controller and a second subnet controller. The first subnet controller is configured to operate with a first zone of the network with a first program schedule. The second subnet controller is configured to operate with a second zone of the network with a second program schedule. The second subnet controller is further configured to override the first and second schedules to operate the first and the second zones according to hold settings received from the user interface. | 04-29-2010 |
20100131110 | CONTROLLING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SAVING ENERGY OF BUILDING - A controlling method and a controlling system for saving energy of a building are provided. In the present method, a user environment requirement is obtained first. Then, a plurality of cover ratios of a sunshade device on an opening of a building is defined, and according to an environment parameter and the user environment requirement, a total electricity consumption required by air conditioning equipment and by lighting equipment in the building corresponding to each of the cover ratios is calculated. Finally, a cover ratio that produces the minimum total electricity consumption is obtained, and the sunshade device, the air conditioning equipment and the lighting equipment are adjusted according to the obtained cover ratio, so as to make the building meet the user environment requirement and maintain a status of the minimum total energy consumption. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131111 | Air Conditioner Water Pump Energy Saving Apparatus - An air-conditioner's electricity bill is often the biggest ticket item in commercial building's operating expense. Conventionally, the condensing unit, or the compressor, and the cooling water tower of a typical split air conditioner system are controlled independently. The cooling water pump for the cooling water tower is usually turned on with full power when the air conditioner is on, irrelevant of the season, the weather or the humidity. The apparatus of this invention frequency-controls the cooling water pump motor to regulate the pump motor load and to achieve the energy savings, based on the factors, such as the temperature difference between the cooling water and the return water, etc. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131112 | INTERVIEW PROGRAMMING FOR AN HVAC CONTROLLER - Controllers and methods are disclosed for aiding a user in programming a schedule of a programmable controller. In an illustrative embodiment, a guided programming routine can be activated by a user, which then guides a user through two or more screens that are designed to collect sufficient information from the user to generate and/or update at least some of the schedule parameters of the controller. | 05-27-2010 |
20100145528 | CONTRLLER INTERFACE WITH MULTIPLE DAY PROGRAMMING - A controller equipped with a user interface having multiple-day programming capabilities, including methods of programming such devices, are disclosed. The user interface may include one or more menus or screens that can be used to program a schedule for one or more selected days during the week. An illustrative method of programming the controller may include the steps of entering a scheduling routine, selecting multiple days for schedule modification, changing the schedule parameters for one or more periods during the selected days, and then exiting the scheduling routine. | 06-10-2010 |
20100161135 | AIR DENSITY COMPARISON CONTROL - The invention is related to a method and an apparatus for controlling a ventilating system or an air conditioning system of buildings. This controlling is used predominantly in industrial real estates and serves for the establishment and maintenance of the desired room conditions. The method for controlling a ventilating system or an air conditioning system according to the invention uses the air density as the essential parameter for the controlling. The air density depends on the temperature, the air humidity and the air pressure. The air density difference between the introduced air and the room air is kept small. | 06-24-2010 |
20100168923 | Air conditioner and method of operating the same - The present invention relates to an air conditioner, including a temperature detection unit configured to detect an indoor temperature, a human body detection unit configured to rotatably operate and detect a person within an indoor area, a position determination unit configured to determine a position of the person based on data detected by the human body detection unit, and a control unit configured to perform an automatic operation for controlling a current of air according to the position of the person, determined by the position determination unit, if the indoor temperature reaches a first reference temperature according to an entry of an automatic operation mode and to perform a preparation operation for executing the automatic operation if the indoor temperature does not reach the first reference temperature, in the case where the automatic operation mode has been set. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168924 | WIRELESS CONTROLLER WITH GATEWAY - Remote control of energy consumption is realized using a readily installable, flexible approach. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a remote source communicates with a wireless controller for executing energy usage control. The remote source sends signals to the wireless controller via a gateway located near or, in one implementation, forming part of the wireless controller. In response to the signals, the wireless controller sets control settings for operating one or more of a variety of equipment types, such as a furnace, air conditioner, water heater or heat pump. With this approach, wired connections from the gateway to energy-consuming equipment do not necessarily need to be made in order to effect remote energy-consumption control. For instance, when used in connection with a controller wired to the energy-consuming equipment, the gateway need only communicate wirelessly with the controller and does not necessarily need to be coupled to the energy-consuming equipment. In addition, access to the energy-consuming equipment for establishing remote energy control is not necessary; rather, the remote energy control can be effected by accessing user-friendly locations, such as those where thermostats and other controllers are typically located. | 07-01-2010 |
20100174414 | AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM - Control units for three indoor units of air conditioners installed in a same indoor space are connected by a communication line. Each of the control units can grasp the detection information of the human detection sensor, preset temperature information of the remote controller, inlet temperature information of the inlet temperature sensor of all of the other air conditioners in the same space. On the basis of the above-mentioned information, each of the control units calculates an air-conditioning load of each of the air-conditioning target spaces and the air-conditioning load of an entire air-conditioning space on the basis of these air-conditioning target spaces in the same manner. A compressor is driven and controlled on the basis of a calculation result thereof to perform a power-saving operation of the entire air-conditioning space. | 07-08-2010 |
20100198414 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING INTERIOR CLIMATES - Structural wall panels and methods and systems for controlling the interior temperature of a building are provided. The structural wall panels advantageously include a fluid conduit disposed within an interior concrete layer of the structural wall panel where the conduit is adapted to convey a thermal transfer fluid through the interior concrete layer. A thermal insulation layer may be provided between the first concrete layer and an exterior surface of the wall. The thermal transfer fluid can be heated and/or cooled to regulate the temperature of the interior concrete layer and thereby control the temperature of the interior of the building. The interior concrete layer may have a high thermal mass to increase the thermal efficiency of the system. | 08-05-2010 |
20100204837 | CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR THE ROOMS OF BUILDINGS - Climate control system for the rooms of buildings, where the air is treated by cooling, wherein a cooling tank ( | 08-12-2010 |
20100204838 | ENERGY EFFICIENT AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD UTILIZING VARIABLE CAPACITY COMPRESSOR AND SENSIBLE HEAT RATIO LOAD MATCHING - An air conditioning system that may incorporate a controller, a variable capacity compressor responsive to the controller, an evaporator in communication with an input of the compressor, and at least one cooling component for generating an airflow over the evaporator to generate a cooling airflow using the evaporator, the cooling component being responsive to the controller. A first input enables a user to provide a user determined dry bulb temperature range for an enclosed environment, and a second input enables the user to provide a user determined moisture content range for the enclosed environment. The controller controls at least one of the compressor and the cooling component to vary a sensible heat ratio (SHR), in order to maintain a dry bulb temperature and the moisture content within the enclosed environment in accordance with the user defined ranges. | 08-12-2010 |
20100235005 | Thermostatic Controller - In an energy efficient building, a thermostatic controller receives temperature and humidity input signals indicative of an inside, outside and air mass buffer. According to one or more algorithms, the thermostatic controller controls the operations of various actuators, such as blower speed, a fresh air intake vent damper, an exhaust vent and a heat pump, so as to adjust the internal climate of the energy-efficient building towards a control point (e.g., an inside temperature and humidity comfort level). | 09-16-2010 |
20100250009 | CONTROL OF CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENT BY REMOTE SENSOR - A comfort HVAC or refrigeration system includes a remote sensor for sensing an environmental condition within a climate-controlled space and having, an associated transmitter for sending, a wireless signal to a receiver of a controller such that the controller can then responsively modulate the operation of the components of the HVAC or refrigeration system to maintain a desired condition at a specific location or locations within the-climate-controUed'space. The desired condition can be, for instance, temperature, humidity and/or carbon dioxide level. | 09-30-2010 |
20100262299 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING RAMPED SETPOINT TEMPERATURE VARIATION WITH NETWORKED THERMOSTATS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY - The invention comprises systems and methods for ramping setpoints on thermostats controlling HVAC systems. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The remote processor ramps the setpoint on the thermostat so as to reduce the average spread between inside temperature and outside temperature in order to reduce energy consumption with affecting comfort. The remote processor takes into account the effect of weather conditions and occupant preferences in determining whether and when to ramp setpoints. | 10-14-2010 |
20100274396 | THERMOELECTRIC CLIMATE CONTROL - Thermoelectric modules are disposed to be connected to a vehicle coolant system and to an air handling system to provide localized climate control and passenger compartment climate control. Vehicle coolant acts as a heat sink in cooling mode and a heat source in heating mode in embodiments. A system controller in embodiments is disposed to monitor an input for a signal that a monitored climate characteristic has departed from a predefined range of values. | 10-28-2010 |
20100286831 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING VENTILATION SYSTEMS - An energy recovery ventilation system is described which allows for continuous fan speed control through pulse width modulation of direct current fans. The energy recovery ventilation described is capable of fine motor speed control without the disadvantages of high noise, low efficiency and a fixed number of speeds present in commonly-used speed-varying techniques used with alternating current (AC) fans. This may be accomplished through the use of direct current (DC) fans and pulse width modulation. A controller is used to optimize the ventilation and energy efficiency of the system through the use of several temperature sensors. The energy recovery ventilation also provides a control process for self-optimization of the energy recovery ventilation, in case the supply and exhaust airflows are unequal. An unbalance may be detected by calculating the thermal efficiencies of the exhaust and supply airflows. | 11-11-2010 |
20100292849 | ADAPTIVE INTELLIGENT CIRCULATION CONTROL METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Adaptive intelligent circulation control methods and systems are used to help increase the comfort and/or reduce energy usage and equipment wear. In one illustrative embodiment, the circulation and/or ventilation time is adjusted based on one or more environmental conditions inside or outside the building structure. In another illustrative embodiment, the circulation and/or ventilation time may be adjusted based on the current time of day, current time of year, and/or the current schedule period. In another illustrative embodiment, the circulation and/or ventilation time is randomized over time. The start time, end time, and/or length of a circulation and/or ventilation cycle may be randomly set. | 11-18-2010 |
20100312396 | ENVIRONMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system for governing temperature and humidity levels within a confined space including a controller communicatively coupled to a cooling system, a heating system, a duct system, a plurality of environmental sensors for detecting temperature and humidity levels within the confined space and external to the confined space, and an external air intake for introducing air external to the confined space to within the confined space. The control system may further include predictive heating and predictive cooling configurations having a computing device communicatively connected to the controller and to an environmental forecast source. | 12-09-2010 |
20100312397 | ENVIRONMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system for governing temperature and humidity levels within a confined space including a controller communicatively coupled to a cooling system, a heating system, a duct system, a plurality of environmental sensors for detecting temperature and humidity levels within the confined space and external to the confined space, and an external air intake for introducing air external to the confined space to within the confined space. The control system may further include predictive heating and predictive cooling configurations having a computing device communicatively connected to the controller and to an environmental forecast source. | 12-09-2010 |
20100318227 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR JUST-IN-TIME CONDITIONING USING A THERMOSTAT - Systems and methods for reducing the cycling time of a climate control system. For example, one or more of the exemplary systems can receive from a database a target time at which a structure is desired to reach a target temperature. In addition, the system acquires the temperature inside the structure and the temperature outside the structure at a time prior to said target time. The systems use a thermal characteristic of the structure and a performance characteristic of the climate control system, to determine the appropriate time prior to the target time at which the climate control system should turn on based at least in part on the structure, the climate control system, the inside temperature and the outside temperature. The systems then set a setpoint on a thermostatic controller to control the climate control system. | 12-16-2010 |
20100324741 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FAULT DETECTION OF AIR HANDLING UNITS - A system is disclosed for detecting faults in an environmental control system for a building zone. The environmental control system is controlled by a finite state machine that causes states of the environmental control system to change based on a varying climate condition. A circuit is configured to receive a current value for the climate condition when the environmental control system is in a heating state and to calculate an estimate of the climate condition at which a transition from the heating state to a state of no heating by the environmental control system is expected to be caused by the finite state machine. The circuit is configured to determine that a fault exists based on a comparison of the current value for the climate condition in the heating state and the estimate of the climate condition at which a transition from the heating state to the no heating state is expected to be caused by the finite state machine. | 12-23-2010 |
20110015789 | WINDOW AND DOOR HARDWARE WITH INTEGRATED WIRELESS SENSORS - A system for the sensing of ambient parameters within an enclosure is provided having: a hardware closure whereby an aperture to the enclosure is secured; at least one sensor disposed within the hardware closure; a wireless transmitter disposed within the hardware, communicating with the at least one sensor; a base station, wirelessly in communication with the transmitter; a processing unit, whereby data collected by the sensor and transmitted by the transmitter to the base station is processed and information relevant to the environment of the enclosure obtained. | 01-20-2011 |
20110029139 | Load control system having an energy savings mode - A load control system for a building having a heating and cooling system and a window located in a space of the building controls amount of daylight entering the window in order to attempt to reduce the power consumption of the heating and cooling system, and adjusts amount of daylight entering the window if the heating and cooling system is not saving energy. A motorized window treatment of the load control system is operable to move a fabric covering the window in a first direction, and a temperature control device is operable to subsequently determine if the heating and cooling system is consuming more energy than when the fabric was in the initial position. The motorized window treatment then moves the fabric in a second direction opposite the first direction if the heating and cooling system is consuming more energy than when the fabric was in the initial position. | 02-03-2011 |
20110035060 | HOUSEHOLD ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYTEM - A household energy management system uses measurements of the household electricity supply to identify and to determine the energy consumption of individual household appliances. From these measurements, models can be built of the behavior of the occupants of the house, the thermal properties of the house and the efficiency of the appliances. Using the models, the household appliances—in particular heating and cooling appliances—can be controlled to optimize energy efficiency; and maintenance programs for the appliances and for the house itself can be recommended to the householder or arranged with a service company. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035061 | Load Control System Having An Energy Savings Mode - A load control system for a building having a heating and cooling system and a window located in a space of the building is operable to control a motorized window treatment in response to a demand response command in order to attempt to reduce the power consumption of the heating and cooling system. When the window may be receiving direct sunlight, the motorized window treatment closes a fabric covering the window when the heating and cooling system is cooling the building, and opens the fabric when the heating and cooling system is heating the building. In addition, when the space is unoccupied and the heating and cooling system is heating the building, the motorized window treatment may open the fabric if the window may be receiving direct sunlight, and may close the fabric if the window may not be receiving direct sunlight. | 02-10-2011 |
20110046792 | Energy Management System And Method - A system and method migrating virtualized environments is disclosed. According to an aspect of the disclosure, a home energy management system and method includes a database configured to store site report data received from a plurality of residential sites using a wireless home energy network at each site. Each residential site includes a thermostat accessible to the wireless home energy network. A processor is operably coupled to the database and configured to access the site report data and detect a current temperature set-point of the thermostat at a first residential site; detect a first seasonal profile of the thermostat; detect a current operating mode of a HVAC system operably coupled to the thermostat; and determine a thermostat schedule of the thermostat using the first seasonal profile and the current operating mode of the HVAC system. | 02-24-2011 |
20110054701 | Energy saving method and system for climate control system - An energy saving system for a climate control system includes zone controllers which poll temperature difference of each heat exchanger downstream of the thermal station, and a system controller which polls degree of opening of all control valves from zone controllers associated with the heat exchangers downstream of the thermal station. Each zone controller configures degree of opening of the valve to regulate the medium flow in response to the temperature difference of the heat exchanger in its respective thermal zone to maintain medium at optimum flow rate to provide a thermal comfort at the thermal zone while being energy efficient. The system controller sends command to the thermal station control system to regulate the outlet temperature of the thermal station to ensure the thermal station consuming the least amount energy to provide the medium to each thermal zone to meet the thermal comfort need at the thermal zones. | 03-03-2011 |
20110071687 | AIR CONDITION CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROLLING METHOD - An air condition control device for controlling a plurality of air conditioners which cool a plurality of electronic apparatuses respectively, the air condition control device includes a storage section for storing a heating value information related to respective heating values of the electronic apparatuses, and a controller for detecting that a fault has occurred in one of the air conditioners, specifying any of the electronic apparatuses which has been cooled by the one of the air conditioners having occurred the fault when the fault in the one of the air conditioners is detected, determining a heating value of each of the specified electronic apparatuses on the basis of the heating value information, and setting the air flow rate for at least one of the other air conditioners in accordance with the heating values of the specified electronic apparatuses. | 03-24-2011 |
20110082594 | Climate Control System And Method For Optimizing Energy Consumption of A Vehicle - A climate control system includes a control head having a warmer/cooler temperature control for providing relative thermal comfort. A thermal comfort rating (TCR) corresponding to a range of passenger cabin temperatures is determined based upon a comfort level selection by an occupant using the control head. A control strategy employs look-up tables corresponding to the TCR to determine the speed of an electric compressor and the position of a temperature control blend door. The strategy provides for a relatively fast ramp down to a minimum compressor speed to improve fuel economy while maintaining a relative level of thermal comfort. | 04-07-2011 |
20110106315 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING TEMPERATURE - A method and an apparatus for estimating temperature are provided for estimating a temperature of a test point in a space with an air conditioner. In the method, a first and a second sensor device are deployed in the space, wherein the second sensor device is deployed at the test point. Then, state parameters and temperature transformation functions are defined according to temperatures detected by the first and the second sensor devices and a state of the air conditioner during a predetermined time period. After the second sensor device is removed, a current state of the air conditioner is determined by reference temperatures detected by the first sensor device and the state parameters. One of the temperature transformation functions is selected according to the current state, and a current temperature of the test point is estimated by using the selected temperature transformation function and the reference temperatures. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106316 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING LOAD OF ENERGY CONSUMING APPLIANCES WITHIN A PREMISES - A controller in communication with one or more energy consuming appliances for a premises includes a transmitter device for transmitting wireless signals to a utility meter to request an energy consumption reading, and a receiver device to receive wireless signals including energy consumption information. The controller is configured to receive a signal from an energy consuming appliance indicating the appliance was actuated, and to responsively transmit a signal to the utility meter to request an energy consumption reading and thereafter receive a signal including an energy consumption value. Following deactivation of the appliance, the controller is configured to transmit a signal to the utility meter to request an energy consumption reading, and thereafter receive a signal from the meter including another energy consumption value. The controller is configured to determine from a difference between the energy consumption values an estimate of the energy consumption level associated with the appliance. | 05-05-2011 |
20110153090 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT OF HVAC SYSTEM - An HVAC system for conditioning air of an associated room includes one or more power consuming features/functions including at least one temperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the HVAC system in one of a plurality or operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the HVAC system in the energy savings mode. | 06-23-2011 |
20110166711 | METHOD FOR MOTOR VEHICLE INTERIOR CLIMATE CONTROL - A method for climate control for an interior of a motor vehicle includes acquiring climatically relevant data of the interior and/or surroundings of the vehicle, creating a thermodynamic model of a vehicle climate system, the model including at least one of a first thermal capacity of the interior and a first heat loss of the interior, introducing into the interior a quantity of air having a temperature different from an existing interior temperature, calculating at least one of a second thermal capacity of the interior and a second heat loss of the interior existing after the air quantity is introduced into the interior, and adapting the thermodynamic model to include at least one the second thermal capacity and the second heat loss. | 07-07-2011 |
20110166712 | DEADBAND CONTROL OF PNEUMATIC CONTROL DEVICES - Apparatuses and methods of deadband setpoint control of pneumatic controllers are described. | 07-07-2011 |
20110172831 | ECONOMIZER CONTROL - The present disclosure provides a method for controlling an economizer of an HVAC system. The economizer has an outside air stream of incoming outside air, a return air stream of return air, and a mixed air stream of mixed incoming outside air and return air that is provided to the cooling unit of the HVAC system. The economizer also includes one or more controllable dampers for controlling a mixing ratio of incoming outside air to return air in the mixed air stream. The control method includes positioning the one or more controllable dampers in first and second configurations such that the mixed air stream has first and second mixing ratios of incoming outside air to return air in the mixed air stream. The method also includes recording first and second measures related to the temperature of the mixed air stream when the dampers are in each of the first and second configurations. First and second measures related to other parameters of the mixed air stream may be recorded as well. Based on the recorded first and second measures related to the temperature of the mixed air stream and possibly other recorded measures related to mixed air stream parameters, the method determines whether and/or how much of the incoming outside air to admit into the economizer via the one or more controllable dampers during subsequent operation of the HVAC system. | 07-14-2011 |
20110172832 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDITIONING AIR - A system for conditioning air in a structure includes a first conditioning system and a second conditioning system. The first conditioning system is capable of supplying conditioned air to a first space of the structure. The first space is enclosed, at least in part, by one or more external walls. The second conditioning system is capable of supplying conditioned air to a second space of the structure that is located above the first space. The second space is enclosed, at least in part, by a roof that is sealed to prevent a flow of air between the second space and an outside environment. The first space and the second space are separated by a ceiling that permits thermal energy to pass between the first space and the second space. | 07-14-2011 |
20110184564 | HVAC CONTROL WITH UTILITY TIME OF DAY PRICING SUPPORT - The present disclosure provides a method for operating a utility-powered HVAC system for conditioning inside air of a building. In an illustrative but non-limiting example, a nominal schedule is maintained by a local HVAC controller, where the nominal schedule has a number of days and one or more time periods for each of at least some of the days. The nominal schedule also has at least one setpoint associated with each of the time periods. The local HVAC controller is configured to accept manual input from a user via a user interface. The manual input may include accepting entry of a utility pricing schedule that corresponds to scheduled price changes of a utility. The utility pricing schedule may include at least one enhanced pricing time period. Entry of at least one utility price level setpoint may also be accepted to correspond to each of the enhanced pricing time periods. The nominal schedule may then be modified or overridden to include the utility pricing schedule, resulting in a utility pricing operating schedule. One or more HVAC units may then be controlled by the local HVAC controller in accordance with the utility pricing operating schedule. | 07-28-2011 |
20110184565 | HVAC CONTROL WITH UTILITY TIME OF DAY PRICING SUPPORT - The present disclosure provides a method for operating an HVAC system for conditioning inside air of a building. The HVAC system includes an HVAC unit and a local HVAC controller. In some instances, control of an HVAC system may be modified based upon predictions of Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) events. For example, and in an illustrative but non-limiting example, a local HVAC controller may control an HVAC unit in accordance with at least one nominal HVAC control parameter, such as a nominal setpoint. At least one measure related to an environmental condition in or around the building and/or load on the HVAC unit may be observed, and a CPP event of a utility supplying power to the building may be predicted based at least in part on the observed measure(s). If the CPP event is predicted, the local HVAC Controller may then control the HVAC unit according to at least one CPP HVAC control parameter, which results in the HVAC unit consuming less energy during the CPP event relative to controlling according to the nominal HVAC control parameter(s). | 07-28-2011 |
20110184566 | CONTROL DEVICE, DATA STORAGE MEDIUM HAVING DATA STORED THEREON, SIGNAL SEQUENCE REPRESENTING DATA, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A VENTILATION OPENING - The invention relates to a method for controlling a ventilation opening of a room comprising the following steps: receiving at least two input variables, fuzzifying said input variables, making a decision about an opening angle of a ventilation opening based on said fuzzified input variables, defuzzifying the decision about the opening angle and providing at least one actuating variable, and delivering said actuating variable to an actuating device, thereby controlling the opening angle of the ventilation opening wherein the input variables represent at least the CO | 07-28-2011 |
20110196540 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PRECISION AIRBORNE PAYLOADS - Outside air enters a ram air scoop on an aircraft frame, and is ducted to a ram air control valve. The air control valve outputs a desired air mass flow to a cyclone air-water separator which removes moisture and produces a dry air flow. A heater assembly heats the dry air to a desired temperature and directs the heated air into an equipment bay enclosure on the aircraft. The relative humidity of the heated air is sensed by an air moisture sensor which produces a corresponding signal. Other sensors disposed near a payload in the bay enclosure produce corresponding air temperature and air pressure signals. All the sensor signals are input to a processor or controller configured to activate the air control valve and the heater assembly according to set points for temperature and humidity that are specified for the payload in the bay enclosure. | 08-11-2011 |
20110218683 | HYBRID HEATING SYSTEM - A hybrid heating system and method including: (a) a heat pump water heating system; (b) a conventional heating system including a conventional heater having a surface heat exchanger, and a primary circulation arrangement fluidly communicating with the surface exchanger, the primary circulation arrangement adapted to effect an exchange of heat between the surface heat exchanger and a flow of liquid to produce a heated flow of liquid; (c) a plurality of sensors associated with the heat exchange system; (d) an input arrangement adapted to provide cost data pertaining to a first power cost for supplying power to the heat pump system, and to cost information pertaining to a second power cost for operating the conventional system, and (e) a processor including a memory storing criteria specifying when to operate the heat pump water heating system, and when to operate the conventional heating system. | 09-08-2011 |
20110224834 | METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING OPERATING CONDITIONS OF A DOMESTIC APPLIANCE - In a method for identifying operating conditions of a domestic appliance, a temperature of an operating agent of the domestic appliance and/or of a component of the domestic appliance is detected by a temperature sensor. The ambient temperature is detected by the temperature sensor before the programming mode, in an initialization phase. At least one reference temperature value is defined that represents a critical value for the programming mode of the domestic appliance in respect of reliable and/or efficient operation. The programming mode is prevented from beginning as a function of the comparison of the measured ambient temperature with at least one reference temperature value. The programming mode is prevented from beginning until the ambient temperature has reached a value that is in an acceptable range in comparison with the reference temperature value. | 09-15-2011 |
20110231020 | System for Remote Control of a Condition at a Site - A system is provided for remote control of at least one operating condition of a site. The system includes a proximity detection module at a residential site, which is configured to receive a communication regarding a location of a location reporting device or a mobile device. The proximity detection module is configured to alter or adjust a current temperature setting for the site based on a distance or location of the location reporting device or mobile device relative to the site. | 09-22-2011 |
20110238224 | SETPOINT RECOVERY WITH UTILITY TIME OF DAY PRICING - An HVAC controller with setpoint recovery with utility time of day pricing. In one illustrative embodiment, the HVAC controller may include a nominal programmable schedule and a utility pricing schedule. The utility pricing schedule may correspond to scheduled price changes of a utility, including one or more enhanced pricing time periods each having corresponding one or more enhanced pricing time period setpoints. The HVAC controller may establish or modify an enhanced pricing setpoint recovery schedule based at least in part upon the nominal schedule and the utility pricing schedule, and may control one or more HVAC units in accordance with the setpoint recovery schedule. In some instances, the HVAC controller may identify recovery opportunities based at least in part upon the nominal schedule and the utility pricing schedule. | 09-29-2011 |
20110251726 | METHOD OF OPTIMISING ENERGY CONSUMPTION - This invention relates to a method and controller ( | 10-13-2011 |
20110264279 | HVAC control - A method of monitoring HVAC usage includes: maintaining a data structure in an on board memory of a programmable usage monitoring HVAC thermostat; receiving an initiation signal from a relay; receiving a termination signal from the relay; and updating the data structure by adding a duration in units of time to an accumulated time associated with the relay to keep a log of the elapsed time a function associated with the relay was operative. A programmable usage monitoring HVAC thermostat comprising, a user interface; a microprocessor coupled to the user interface; and a firmware upgradeable memory coupled to the microprocessor. | 10-27-2011 |
20110276185 | USE-SIDE UNIT AND AIR CONDITIONER - A use-side unit and an air conditioner that can feed out air at a target temperature into a target space are provided. A use-side evaporator that recovers moisture obtained by cooling and condensing the air to be fed out into the space to be air-conditioned or the like and dehumidifies it so as to obtain target relative humidity, a use-side condenser that heats the air having passed through the use-side evaporator by heat exchange, adjusts it to a target dry-bulb temperature and feeds it out into the space to be air-conditioned or the like, and a use-side controller that calculates a correction value if a difference between a dry-bulb temperature according to the detection of a temperature detector that detects a dry-bulb temperature of the air to be fed out into the target space and the target dry-bulb temperature is larger than a predetermined value and performs processing to correct a target intermediate dry-bulb temperature. | 11-10-2011 |
20110288687 | SETTING VALUE CONTROLLING METHOD AND DEVICE - A setting value controlling device comprises: a setting value information collecting and storing portion for collecting and storing temperature setting values from an air-conditioner controlling device; a setting value reset evaluating portion for resetting the temperature setting value to a reference setting value if the temperature setting value is not a more energy-conserving setting than the reference setting value when a specific reset time has been reached; and a reference setting value updating portion for updating the reference setting value to the updated temperature setting value if, when the temperature setting value has been updated by a user, the updated temperature setting value is a more energy-conserving setting than the reference setting value and a specific time interval has elapsed since updating of the temperature setting value. | 11-24-2011 |
20110295430 | Apparatus And Method For Managing Heating Or Cooling Of An Area In A Building - Apparatus for managing heating or cooling of an area in a building which includes a general processing unit adapted to communicate with the internet, a peripheral controller adapted to collect temperature data to control the heating or air conditioning of an area in a building, a central controller which communicates with the general processing unit and the peripheral controller. A motorized damper is controlled by the central controller, and a self auditing system is coupled to the central controller and the peripheral controller to audit remotely for trouble. A neural network engine is coupled to the general processing unit to generate commands to the peripheral controller and the central controller utilizes the temperature difference between the area of space in the building and outside the building to save energy and provide comfort. | 12-01-2011 |
20110307103 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING RAMPED SETPOINT TEMPERATURE VARIATION WITH NETWORKED THERMOSTATS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY - The invention comprises systems and methods for ramping setpoints on thermostats controlling HVAC systems. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The remote processor ramps the setpoint on the thermostat so as to reduce the average spread between inside temperature and outside temperature in order to reduce energy consumption with affecting comfort. The remote processor takes into account the effect of weather conditions and occupant preferences in determining whether and when to ramp setpoints. | 12-15-2011 |
20120016526 | Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Management System and Method - Systems and methods of controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system are provided that operate according to signals returned from return air temperature sensors as well as the supply air temperature sensors. Using predetermined temperature setpoints, return temperature information, and supply temperature information, the HVAC system is configured to maintain the temperature of a room first, by the use of its cooling valve, and second and only when the capacity of the cooling valve has peaked, by use of the fan. The presently disclosed improved HVAC system operates more efficiently by avoiding unit loading hopping and minimizing power consumption. | 01-19-2012 |
20120059522 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE ON COOLING MACHINES BASED ON REAL AND PREDICTED PATTERNS OF USE AND INTERNAL/EXTERNAL TEMPERATURES - A method for controlling the on/off cycles of a refrigerator based on the real and predicted patterns of use and external temperature is disclosed. This control avoids waste of energy in situations in which the approximate instant the refrigerator will have its chamber opened/closed is known in advance. The patterns of use considers instant and duration of the events of opening/closing the chamber, and they can be set by factory, by another device such as a computer and pendrives among others, by the user or they can be learnt using computational intelligence techniques. Moreover, it also considers the real and predicted external temperature to optimize the heating exchanging. The predicted temperature can be learnt by machine learn techniques, accessed through network connection, accessed from another device such as a computer and pendrives among others. | 03-08-2012 |
20120072032 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEM CONTROL - Methods, systems, and apparatuses for environmental system controls are provided. A number of human subjects present within a space is determined, which may include counting the human subjects and/or determining a thermal mass of the human subjects. An impact upon an environmental factor by the present human subjects upon the space is determined. Environmental conditioning equipment is controlled based on the determination. | 03-22-2012 |
20120072033 | AUTO-ADAPTABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT APPARATUS - According to an aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus includes a processor operable to manage energy use at a site wherein the processor is configured to detect a user interaction with the apparatus and create a personalized schedule automatically in response to the user interaction. The apparatus can also include a first profile accessible to the processor, wherein the first profile includes a first personalized schedule, and a second profile accessible to the processor, wherein the second profile is different from the first profile and includes a second personalized schedule. In addition, the processor can be configured to determine when to use the first profile or the second profile, initiate an outgoing message using the first or second personalized schedule, and update the first or second profile in response to a user interaction with an interface of the apparatus during use of the first or second personalized schedule. | 03-22-2012 |
20120078423 | HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING INTEGRATED CPH CYCLING CONTROL AND DEADBAND STAGING - A method of controlling an HVAC system including programming a thermostat of the HVAC system to define a temperature set point, a temperature differential around the temperature set point, and a number of cycles per hour for a temperature control source of the HVAC system. The method also includes sensing a temperature, executing a cycling control algorithm that includes the temperature, the temperature set point, and the number of cycles per hour as inputs to determine a duty cycle, and running the temperature control source according to the duty cycle when the temperature is within the temperature differential. The method further includes executing a deadband algorithm to turn on the temperature control source when the temperature is outside of the temperature differential at one extreme and to turn off the temperature control source when the temperature is outside the temperature differential at the opposite extreme. | 03-29-2012 |
20120083927 | Operation Management Apparatus, Operation Management Method, and Operation Management Program - An operation management apparatus includes an air conditioning thermal load prediction unit configured to calculate an air conditioning thermal load predicted value indicating a predicted amount of heat required to adjust temperature to a pre-set temperature on a day-of-prediction, a power generation output prediction processing unit configured to calculate power generation output prediction data indicating a generated power obtained by a generator within the day-of-prediction, and an operation planning unit configured to prepare an air conditioning heat source operation plan, and determines a purchased power and the generated power using the power generation output prediction data to thereby prepare a power facility operation plan indicating a schedule of a power output from the purchased power source and the generator, so that the purchased power per predetermined time supplied from a purchased power source of a commercial power system becomes a target value. | 04-05-2012 |
20120089257 | Method And Device For Controlling The Temperature Of A Building - A method is disclosed for controlling the temperature of a building having at least one cooling/heating system, which is integrated in a ceiling of the building and through which a liquid flows, in which method an ambient air temperature of the building is measured and a target value for a feed temperature of the liquid is generated according to the measured ambient air temperature. In at least one example embodiment of the method, a fictitious ambient air temperature predicted for a future point in time is used to generate the target value of the feed temperature, a base value of the predicted ambient air temperature being determined as a function value of a function that maps points in time within a day to predetermined temperature values, a radiation temperature of the sky above the building being measured and a degree of cloudiness being determined according to the measured radiation temperature, a correction value being generated according to the determined degree of cloudiness, the base value being combined with the correction value, and the fictitious ambient air temperature predicted for the future point in time being generated as a function of the combination. | 04-12-2012 |
20120095601 | Dynamic Keypad for Controlling Energy-Savings Modes of a Load Control System - A load control system for a building having a lighting load, a window, and a heating and cooling system comprises a lighting control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to the lighting load, a motorized window treatment comprising a window treatment fabric for covering the window, a temperature control device for controlling a setpoint temperature of the heating and cooling system to thus control a present temperature in the building, and a dynamic keypad comprising a visual display and operable to receive a user input. The dynamic keypad allows a user to select, adjust, and monitor a plurality of energy-savings modes of the load control system. For example, the dynamic keypad allows the user to enable and adjust a setback temperature of the temperature control device on-the-fly. | 04-19-2012 |
20120101637 | ZONE BASED SYSTEM FOR ALTERING AN OPERATING CONDITION - According to an aspect of the disclosure, a processor is configured to detect a location of a mobile device associated with the site, detect a current zone from a plurality of zones operably associated with the site using the location, detect an updated operating condition associated with the current zone and alter a current operating condition of a network device at the site using the updated operating condition. A method of alerting an operating condition includes detecting a current operating condition of a network device disposed at a site, detecting a location of a mobile device associated with the site, detecting a current zone from a plurality of zones operably associated with the site using the location, detecting an updated operating condition associated with the current zone; and altering the current operating condition of the network device using the updated operating condition. | 04-26-2012 |
20120123594 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL BASED ON ENERGY PRICE - A system is disclosed comprising memory configured to store a temperature value based on a cost of a given energy resource, wherein the cost-based temperature value differs from a temperature value based on a temperature schedule. The system also comprises a controller operatively coupled to the memory and configured to compare the cost-based temperature value to the schedule-based temperature value, and to direct one of a cooling system and a heating system to maintain a temperature of an environment at the one of the cost-based temperature value and the schedule-based temperature value that results in an energy cost savings. | 05-17-2012 |
20120130548 | COMPUTATIONAL LOAD DISTRIBUTION IN A CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING PLURAL SENSING MICROSYSTEMS - Systems, methods, and related computer program products for controlling one or more HVAC systems using a distributed arrangement of wirelessly connected sensing microsystems are described. A plurality of wirelessly communicating sensing microsystems is provided, each sensing microsystem including a temperature sensor and a processor, at least one of the sensing microsystems being coupled to an HVAC unit for control thereof. The plurality of sensing microsystems is configured to jointly carry out at least one shared computational task associated with control of the HVAC unit. Each sensing microsystem includes a power management circuit configured to determine an amount of electrical power available for dedication to the at least one shared computational task. The at least one shared computational task is apportioned among respective ones of the plurality of sensing microsystems according to the amount of electrical power determined to be available for dedication thereto at each respective sensing microsystem. | 05-24-2012 |
20120136488 | HEAT DISSIPATION APPARATUS, HEAT DISSIPATION METHOD THEREOF, AND CONTAINER DATA CENTER UTILIZING THE HEAT DISSIPATION APPARATUS - A heat dissipation apparatus includes an air conditioning unit, a plurality of temperature sensors, a plurality of adjustable air outlet boards, a plurality of actuators, and a control unit. The temperature sensors determine the temperature of server racks. The adjustable air outlet boards guide airflow from the air conditioning device to the corresponding server racks. The actuator adjusts the corresponding adjustable air outlet board to alter the airflow to the corresponding server rack. The control unit receives the temperature detected by the temperature sensors to submit corresponding control signals, altering power supplied to the air conditioning unit and adjust the adjustable air outlet boards through the actuators. The present disclosure further provides a heat dissipation method and a container data center including the heat dissipation apparatus as disclosed. | 05-31-2012 |
20120165993 | Self-Programming Thermostat System, Method and Computer Program Product - Self-programmable thermostat control system and method that automatically senses, creates and suggests highly energy efficient optimized setback schedules in a controllable and predictable manner for a user in accordance with consistently updated historical occupancy patterns of a heated and/or cooled space. Through the use of this system and method, users will be able to reduce inefficiency from the setback schedules produced by other thermostats and select one of the many energy efficient setback schedules produced by the system through an easy to use display screen built into the self-programmable thermostat. With this unique system and method, the user is able to customize their energy efficiency and comfort level in their cooled and/or heated space by selecting the set-back schedule that fits best with their pocketbook and comfort level all at the turn of a knob. | 06-28-2012 |
20120179300 | STRATEGIC REDUCTION OF POWER USAGE IN MULTI-SENSING, WIRELESSLY COMMUNICATING LEARNING THERMOSTAT - In a multi-sensing, wirelessly communicating learning thermostat that uses power-harvesting to charge an internal battery, methods are disclosed for ensuring that the battery does not become depleted or damaged while at the same time ensuring selected levels of thermostat functionality. Battery charge status is monitored to determine whether the present rate of power usage needs to be stemmed. If the present rate of power usage needs to be stemmed, then a progression of performance levels and/or functionalities are scaled back according to a predetermined progressive power conservation algorithm. In a less preferred embodiment, there is a simple progressive shutdown of functionalities turned off in sequence until the desired amount of discharge stemming is reached. Battery charge preservation measures are also described for cases when an interruption of external supply power used to recharge the battery is detected. | 07-12-2012 |
20120185101 | HVAC CONTROL WITH COMFORT/ECONOMY MANAGEMENT - A programmable thermostat may be configured to control one or more pieces of HVAC equipment in accordance with a programmable schedule. The HVAC equipment may be capable of modifying a temperature of an inside space with at least a primary stage and an auxiliary stage. The programmable thermostat may include a memory for storing operating parameters of the programmable thermostat, a user interface configured to accept modification of operating parameters, including one or more droop values, and a controller coupled to the memory and the user interface. The controller attempts to control the temperature of the inside space with the primary stage of the HVAC equipment, but if the temperature of the inside space deviates from a desired setpoint temperature value by more than or equal to a programmed droop value, the controller may activate the auxiliary stage. In some instances, the user interface of the programmable thermostat may be configured to allow a user to selectively override one or more of the applicable droop values. In some instances, the droop value that is used may depend on the current operation condition of the controller. | 07-19-2012 |
20120191257 | User interfaces for remote management and control of network-connected thermostats - Aspects of the present invention provide user interface methods for interacting with and managing network-connected thermostats through a thermostat management system. The user interface method identifies a primary enclosure associated with a thermostat management account with the remaining enclosures deemed secondary enclosures. The user interface displays the primary enclosure using a primary enclosure selection appearing in a foreground area of the user interface as a house and adjacent to thermostat selections representing each of the network-connected thermostats installed in the primary enclosure. In a background area of the user interface, a primary weather visual incorporates images of various weather patterns reflecting both a weather pattern in the vicinity of the primary enclosure and an approximate time of day at the geographic location of the primary enclosure. Secondary enclosure selections are visually deemphasized on the user interface when compared with the primary enclosure selection displayed on the user interface. | 07-26-2012 |
20120191258 | INTERVIEW PROGRAMMING FOR AN HVAC CONTROLLER - Controllers and methods are disclosed for aiding a user in programming a schedule of a programmable controller. In an illustrative embodiment, a guided programming routine can be activated by a user, which then guides a user through two or more screens that are designed to collect sufficient information from the user to generate and/or update at least some of the schedule parameters of the controller. | 07-26-2012 |
20120215362 | Energy Plant Design and Operation - A forward-looking method and system is provided for determining an economically optimal energy dispatching schema to meet the combined demands of heating, cooling and electrical by an energy plant and a facilities plant. The optimal energy dispatching schema is determined for each of a plurality of incremental time segments defined in a forward-looking time period by optimizing these loads. The schema can be used for real time energy dispatching by the energy plant, in an existing energy plant optimization, and/or a new energy plant planning and design over the forward looking time period or any other forward-looking time period. | 08-23-2012 |
20120232703 | RAPID PROGRAMMING OF THERMOSTAT - The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC system comprising a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of input control areas. A microprocessor is provided for controlling the display screen. Buttons are pressed in order to program set-points of the thermostat so that seven days may be programmed simultaneously. The display includes a seven day icon so that the user can program the thermostat set-points rapidly (e.g. setting time and temperature settings with minimal steps). | 09-13-2012 |
20120239209 | MULTIPURPOSE CONTROLLER FOR MULTISTATE WINDOWS - “Smart” controllers for windows having controllable optical transitions are described. Controllers with multiple features can sense and adapt to local environmental conditions. Controllers described herein can be integrated with a building management system (BMS) to greatly enhance the BMS's effectiveness at managing local environments in a building. The controllers may have one, two, three or more functions such as powering a smart window, determining the percent transmittance, size, and/or temperature of a smart window, providing wireless communication between the controller and a separate communication node, etc. | 09-20-2012 |
20120253526 | Methods and Systems For Controlling An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) - In at least some embodiments, a system includes a heat pump and an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). The system also includes a controller coupled to the heat pump and the ERV. The controller implements an ERV operation algorithm that automates operations of the ERV. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253527 | Programming Simulator for an HVAC Controller - A programming simulator is provided, being adapted to run on one of a controller for HVAC equipment operable to communicate across a network, and a remote device operable to communicate with the controller through the network. The programming simulator is operable to display the current value of energy usage by the HVAC equipment on the premise over the period of time and also display at least one changeable parameter, the at least one changeable parameter relating to energy usage. Upon selection of the at least one changeable parameter, displaying a simulator value, the simulator value proving an estimate of energy usage over the same period of time as the current value using the selected at least one changeable parameter in the energy model. | 10-04-2012 |
20120259470 | BUILDING TEMPERATURE CONTROL APPLIANCE RECIEVING REAL TIME WEATHER FORECAST DATA AND METHOD - The invention is a web enabled building temperature control appliance that receives data from the national weather service or from any other suitable source. This data consists of current temperature and pressure as well as forecasted temperature fluctuations. The building temperature control appliance would have a constant request/response process by using a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) to gain access to the National Digital Forecast Database or other such weather forecast database. The building temperature control appliance would not turn on if the forecasted weather was within a zone of comfort chosen by the users. The zone of comfort is the band of temperature within which a person feels comfortable. This band of temperature is usually between 66 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Rather than having the heat turn on in the morning to heat the home to a set temperature the building temperature control appliance would allow the sun and the ambient outside air heat the home. In areas where the nights are cold and days are hot the building temperature control appliance would not heat the home in the morning when the forecast was for temperature hotter than the zone of comfort. There are many similar scenarios where the building temperature control appliance would act differently than a commonly known thermostat based upon information about the forecasted weather. | 10-11-2012 |
20120290138 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY PROGRAMMING HVAC SYSTEM TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT TIMES - A programmable HVAC controller, a method of automatically programming HVAC system temperature adjustment times and an HVAC system incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the programmable HVAC controller includes: (1) a memory subsystem, (2) a communication subsystem configured to receive a wake-up alarm time and (3) a processing subsystem coupled to the memory and communication subsystems and configured to: (3a) set a “sleep” temperature adjustment time based on a time the wake-up alarm time is received and (3b) set a “wake” temperature adjustment time based on the wake-up alarm time. | 11-15-2012 |
20120303165 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BOTH ENERGY SAVING AND COMFORT CONTROL IN AN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - A control system and method for controlling both temperature and humidity in an air conditioning system having a variable-speed compressor and a variable-speed indoor blower. In one embodiment, the control system includes: (1) a temperature control loop in which a target speed of the compressor is determined based on sensed and setpoint temperatures and (2) a humidity control loop, located in the temperature control loop, in which a target speed of the indoor blower is determined based on sensed and setpoint humidities, the target speed of the compressor employable to control the compressor and the target speed of the indoor blower employable to control the indoor blower of the air conditioning system. | 11-29-2012 |
20120310420 | DYNAMIC HVAC AIRSIDE ECONOMIZER HIGH LIMIT START CONTROL - A device stores control settings for an air conditioning unit for a space that houses power-consuming equipment. The air conditioning unit includes an economizer configured to supply outside cooling air when the economizer is in an active state. The device receives an inside temperature value associated with the space, and receives a real-time or near-real-time operating load value for the power-consuming equipment. The device determines, based on the inside temperature value, the operating load value, and the control settings, an outside temperature threshold for starting the economizer. The device determines if an outside temperature reading associated with the space is below the outside temperature threshold, and activates the economizer when the outside air temperature reading is below the outside temperature threshold. | 12-06-2012 |
20130006426 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASUREMENT AIDED PREDICTION OF TEMPERATURE AND AIRFLOW VALUES IN A DATA CENTER - A system and method for evaluating cooling performance of equipment in a data center, the equipment including a plurality of equipment racks and at least one cooling provider. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a plurality of measured inlet and exhaust air temperature values for the at least one cooling provider and a subset of the plurality of equipment racks, implementing a cooling model, the model including an ambient air temperature value, a plurality of inlet and exhaust air temperature values for the plurality of equipment racks and the at least one cooling provider, and a plurality of airflow values for the plurality of equipment racks and the at least one cooling provider, adjusting at least one of the ambient air temperature value and each of the plurality of airflow values in the cooling model, adjusting the cooling model to compensate for the adjusted at least one of the ambient air temperature value and each of the plurality of airflow values in the cooling model, substituting a first subset of the plurality of inlet and exhaust air temperature values in the cooling model with the plurality of measured inlet and exhaust air temperature values, and predicting a second subset of the plurality of inlet and exhaust air temperature values for the plurality of equipment racks and the at least one cooling provider in the cooling model. | 01-03-2013 |
20130018513 | HVAC Controller with Predictive Set-Point ControlAANM METSELAAR; JohnAACI ParisAACO CAAAGP METSELAAR; John Paris CA - A controller is provided for operating HVAC equipment using an environmental control program. The controller has an environmental sensor operable to provide a measured temperature value to the environmental control program. The controller further runs a dynamic temperature control program that is operable to provide a dynamic correction factor to the environmental control program that dynamically compensates the measured temperature value for waste heat generated by power consumption within the controller. | 01-17-2013 |
20130024029 | SYSTEM FOR REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN A BUILDING - A system to control energy consumption in a building having a plurality of rooms includes a processor; a lighting system providing light for illumination and data communication, the lighting system coupling the processor to a remote processor; and an air register including a motor coupled to the processor, the motor opening or closing one or more air vents in response to sensed motion or room temperature. | 01-24-2013 |
20130060386 | AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF - An air conditioning system and a controlling method of the same are disclosed. A controlling method of an air conditioning system includes an information collecting step configured to collect the state information or the operation information of the outdoor unit or the indoor unit in a preset period by using the gateway ( | 03-07-2013 |
20130060387 | PROXIMITY DETECTION MODULE ON THERMOSTAT - According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method of managing a site in a mobile environment, which includes detecting an availability of a thermostat wherein the thermostat has an operating condition; detecting a location of a mobile device associated with the site; providing a proximity control selector within a user interface of the mobile device to manage a proximity detection module disposed on the thermostat, wherein the proximity control selector has an enabled setting of the proximity detection module and a disabled setting of the proximity detection module; enabling the proximity detection module in response to the enabled setting of the proximity control selector to allow for the modification of the operating condition of the thermostat based on the detected location of the mobile device relative to the site; and disabling the proximity detection module in response to the disabled setting of the proximity control selector. | 03-07-2013 |
20130066474 | THERMOSTAT CONTROL DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED FEEDBACK AND NOTIFICATION CAPABILITY - An environmental control device is disclosed and includes a temperature sensor, an audio module, an input/out module operatively connected to an environmental system, a memory module, and a processor in communication with the temperature sensor, the audio module, and the memory. The memory stores a control routine comprising processor executable instructions and an audio file associated with a predefined event related to the environmental system. The processor executable instructions are configured to receive a current state signal corresponding to one of a temperature sensor signal from the temperature sensor and an environmental system output signal from the input/output module, determine whether the current state signal corresponds to the predefined event, and generate, via the audio module, an audible signal based on the audio file in response to determining that the current state signal corresponds to the predefined event. | 03-14-2013 |
20130073094 | BUILDING OCCUPANCY DEPENDENT CONTROL SYSTEM - An HVAC control system is described comprising: a server ( | 03-21-2013 |
20130079931 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO MONITOR AND CONTROL ENERGY - A system to monitor and control energy usage includes at least one consumer system and a control center that communicates with the at least one consumer system via the interne. Each consumer system includes a private network, at least one smart device that is configured to provide usage data across the private network, and a console. The console creates the private network, receives the usage data across the private network, sends the usage data across a communication channel, and enables a local user to control the at least one smart device and monitor energy usage of the at least one smart device. The control center is configured to receive the usage data across the communication channel from each console for storage thereon and enables a user remote to the consumer systems to control the smart devices and monitor energy usage of the smart devices. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079932 | Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Management System and Method - Systems and methods of controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system are provided that operate according to signals returned from return air temperature sensors as well as the supply air temperature sensors. Using predetermined temperature setpoints, return temperature information, and supply temperature information, the HVAC system is configured to maintain the temperature of a room first, by the use of its cooling valve, and second and only when the capacity of the cooling valve has peaked, by use of the fan. The presently disclosed improved HVAC system operates more efficiently by avoiding unit loading hopping and minimizing power consumption. | 03-28-2013 |
20130085616 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING ENERGY USE IN A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USING ENERGY BUDGETS - Systems and methods for limiting power consumption by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) subsystem of a building are shown and described. A mathematical linear operator is found that transforms the unused or deferred cooling power usage of the HVAC system based on pre-determined temperature settings to a target cooling power usage. The mathematical operator is applied to the temperature settings to create a temperature setpoint trajectory expected to provide the target cooling power usage. | 04-04-2013 |
20130103207 | ADJUSTING PROXIMITY THRESHOLDS FOR ACTIVATING A DEVICE USER INTERFACE - A thermostat includes a user interface that is configured to operate in at least two different modes including a first mode and a second mode. The user interface may require more power when operating in the first mode than in the second mode. The thermostat also includes a plurality of sensors, including at least one sensor configured to detect a presence of a user within a proximity of the thermostat. The thermostat additionally includes a first processing function that is configured to determine a proximity profile and to cause the user interface to be in the first mode one or more sensors provides responses that match the proximity profile. The proximity profile may be computed using a history of responses from the sensors that are likely to coincide with times where users intend to view the user interface. | 04-25-2013 |
20130116835 | INFORMATION EXCHANGE BETWEEN ELEVATOR SYSTEMS AND BUILDING SYSTEMS - Environment information associated with a user can be exchanged between an elevator system and a building environmental system. The user can adjust environmental settings in one context (e.g., in an elevator car of the elevator system), and the settings can be carried over to another context (e.g., a room serviced by the building environmental system). Information exchange can be aided by a database that records information for user preferences. | 05-09-2013 |
20130138251 | METHOD FOR IN-SERVICE TESTING A CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A CONTAINER - In-service diagnostic testing of containers with a climate control system used in intermodal freight transport includes automatically testing the functioning of the climate control system at a possibly pre-scheduled time which may depend on the period of time since the latest pre-trip inspection. According to the invention in-service diagnostic testing is performed with cargo in the container during transportation from origin to destination at a suitable time before expected arrival to the destination so that the approval resulting from the in-service diagnostic testing is fresh and up-to-date. Results of the in-service diagnostic testing are transmitted wirelessly to a receiver at a central facility where managing and allocating a large number of containers to individual transport tasks is performed, and containers which have not passed the in-service diagnostic testing can be taken out of service for maintenance and repair. | 05-30-2013 |
20130144445 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING USE OF PLUG-IN AIR CONDITIONERS AND PORTABLE HEATERS - Thermostatic HVAC and other energy management controls that are connected to a computer network. For instance, remotely managed load switches incorporating thermostatic controllers inform an energy management system, to provide enhanced efficiency, and to verify demand response with plug-in air conditioners and heaters. At least one load control device at a first location comprises a temperature sensor and a microprocessor. The load control device is configured to connect or disconnect electrical power to the an attached air conditioner or heater, and the microprocessor is configured to communicate over a network. In addition, the load control device is physically separate from an air conditioner or heater but located inside the space conditioned by the air conditioner or heater. | 06-06-2013 |
20130158723 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH DIAGNOSTIC ALERTS - An HVAC controller that monitors the performance of an HVAC system during its operating by comparing a monitored parameter value (e.g. delta T) to a pre-determined limit stored in the HVAC controller memory in order to determine if a performance limit has been violated. In some cases, the HVAC controller may display on a display of the HVAC controller a user alert for at least some of the detected violations. In some instances, the HVAC controller may display or otherwise provide a user alert only after a pre-determined number of performance violations are detected by the HVAC controller. Alternatively, or in addition, the HVAC controller may accept one or more conditions that indicate when a user alert for a detected violation is not to be displayed on the display of the HVAC controller. | 06-20-2013 |
20130178989 | AIR TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER - An air conditioning system includes an air conditioning unit and a controller in operative communication with the air conditioning unit. The controller creates a temperature estimation to control operation of the air conditioning unit from readings received from a plurality of temperature sensors. The temperature estimation is formed by averaging the readings received from the plurality of temperature sensors to form a preliminary average, excluding one of the plurality of temperature sensors that provided a reading furthest away from the preliminary average to form a subset of the plurality of temperature sensors, and forming the temperature estimation based on the subset. | 07-11-2013 |
20130190932 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATION OF AN HVAC SYSTEM TO ADJUST AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE - A system for the temporary adjustment of ambient temperature in an environment to improve the short term comfort of a user is also provided. The system includes an HVAC system including a unit to condition air, the HVAC system in operable communication with the environment to provide conditioned air, a thermostat in communication with the HVAC system, the thermostat adapted to measure the ambient temperature of the environment and to provide control instructions to the HVAC system, and a control module residing on the thermostat, the control module adapted to execute program parameters upon activation of a program execution button. A method for temporarily adjusting an ambient temperature of an environment regulated by an HVAC system is also provided. | 07-25-2013 |
20130204442 | HVAC CONTROLLER CONFIGURATIONS THAT COMPENSATE FOR HEATING CAUSED BY DIRECT SUNLIGHT - A thermostat may include a housing, a user interface, temperature sensors providing temperature sensor measurements, and a processing system configured to control an HVAC system based on a comparison of a determined ambient temperature and a setpoint temperature. The thermostat may (i) determine time intervals in which direct sunlight is incident on the thermostat; (ii) during time intervals in which direct sunlight is not incident on the thermostat, process the temperature sensor measurements according to a first ambient temperature determination algorithm to compute the determined ambient temperature; and (iii) during time intervals in which it is determined that direct sunlight is incident on the thermostat, process the temperature sensor measurements according to a second ambient temperature determination algorithm to compute the determined ambient temperature that compensates for a heating of the thermostat caused by the direct sunlight. | 08-08-2013 |
20130211600 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH VENTILATION BOOST CONTROL - An HVAC controller, such as a thermostat, is configured to receive and accept one or more requests for a temporary boost in ventilation. The requests may be received from one or more remotely located ventilation boost control units located throughout the building, and/or through a user interface of the HVAC controller itself. In some cases, the HVAC controller may be configured to coordinate multiple requests for ventilation, and adjust the ventilation time as appropriate. | 08-15-2013 |
20130218351 | INSTALLATION OF THERMOSTAT POWERED BY RECHARGEABLE BATTERY - A thermostat is described that includes a rechargeable battery, a graphical user interface and a wireless network communication capabilities. During installation, in cases where the rechargeable battery is below a first threshold, the installation procedure is limited so as to avoid energy intensive installation steps which may not be supported by the low battery level. An example of an installation step that is avoided due to low battery level is set up of wireless communication. According to some embodiments, if the battery level is very low during initial installation, the installation process is halted while the battery is charged. An indication such as a flashing LED may be displayed so as to indicate to the user that the battery is being charged. | 08-22-2013 |
20130226354 | ADJUSTING PROXIMITY THRESHOLDS FOR ACTIVATING A DEVICE USER INTERFACE - A thermostat includes a user interface that is configured to operate in at least two different modes including a first mode and a second mode. The user interface may require more power when operating in the first mode than in the second mode. The thermostat also includes a plurality of sensors, including at least one sensor configured to detect a presence of a user within a proximity of the thermostat. The thermostat additionally includes a first processing function that is configured to determine a proximity profile and to cause the user interface to be in the first mode one or more sensors provides responses that match the proximity profile. The proximity profile may be computed using a history of responses from the sensors that are likely to coincide with times where users intend to view the user interface. | 08-29-2013 |
20130238143 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING A NETWORK OF THERMOSTATS AS TOOL TO VERIFY PEAK DEMAND REDUCTION - The invention comprises systems and methods for estimating the rate of change in temperature inside a structure. At least one thermostat located is inside the structure and is used to control an climate control system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The processor uses the relationship between the inside temperature and the outside temperature to determine whether the climate control system is “on” or “off”. | 09-12-2013 |
20130238144 | System and Method for Optimizing and Reducing the Energy Usage of an Automatically Controlled HVAC System - System and method for optimizing and reducing the energy usage of an automatically controlled HVAC System. The system and method comprise receiving, from a server, a plurality of parameters, the parameters comprising an internal temperature of a structure, an external temperature, a utility pricing structure, and/or a user preference. The system and method may receive, by the server, a plurality of historical data related to the HVAC system. The system and method may generate a model. The model may be configured to determine a change to an operational state of the HVAC system needed to obtain an internal temperature set point. The model may be generated using a plurality of parameters received. The model may be revised iteratively. The system and method may receive, by the server, a plurality of additional parameters to revise the model. A signal may be set, by a server, to the HVAC system. | 09-12-2013 |
20130245838 | HVAC CONTROLLER AND REMOTE CONTROL UNIT - A remote control unit for interacting with one or more thermostats controlling an HVAC system may be mounted on wall near a point of entry to a building. The remote control unit may wirelessly send one or more commends to a thermostat to operate in one or more modes at a predetermined temperature associated with that mode. | 09-19-2013 |
20130253709 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HVAC INTERLOCKS - An interlock function block system, method, and apparatus that reduces the necessity for a building automation programmer to program low-level instructions using a complex series of ANDs, ORs, and arithmetic functions to protect such devices is provided. | 09-26-2013 |
20130253710 | COMPUTATIONAL LOAD DISTRIBUTION IN A CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING PLURAL SENSING MICROSYSTEMS - Systems, methods, and related computer program products for controlling one or more HVAC systems using a distributed arrangement of wirelessly connected sensing microsystems are described. A plurality of wirelessly communicating sensing microsystems is provided, each sensing microsystem including a temperature sensor and a processor, at least one of the sensing microsystems being coupled to an HVAC unit for control thereof. The plurality of sensing microsystems is configured to jointly carry out at least one shared computational task associated with control of the HVAC unit. Each sensing microsystem includes a power management circuit configured to determine an amount of electrical power available for dedication to the at least one shared computational task. The at least one shared computational task is apportioned among respective ones of the plurality of sensing microsystems according to the amount of electrical power determined to be available for dedication thereto at each respective sensing microsystem. | 09-26-2013 |
20130261806 | HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM USER INTERFACE HAVING ACCURIZED TEMPERATURE SENSOR CONFIGURATION AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A user interface for use with an HVAC system, a method of providing temperature data of increased accuracy with a user interface of an HVAC system and an HVAC system incorporating the user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the user interface includes: (1) a case, (2) a backlit display configured to provide information to a user, (3) a processor and memory coupled to the backlit display and configured to drive the backlit display and (4) a temperature sensor thermally isolated from the backlit display and associated with the case. | 10-03-2013 |
20130261807 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONFIGURING WIRELES SENSORS IN AN HVAC SYSTEM - An HVAC controller for controlling an HVAC system may be configured to enroll one or more wireless devices, and once one or more wireless devices are enrolled, to prompt the user to enter an identifier, a location, a device type and/or a function for one or more of the enrolled wireless devices. The HVAC controller may use the identifier, location and/or device type to identify each of the enrolled devices. This may facilitate a user in selecting various sensors to participate in sensor averaging, identifying where certain sensor data is originating, identifying devices having a low battery condition, as well as performing other tasks as desired. | 10-03-2013 |
20130261808 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT OF AN HVAC SYSTEM - An energy management system for monitoring airflow from an HVAC system to achieve homogeneous temperature distributions. The system including an HVAC system and an energy module including one or more sensors configured to measure air temperature and at least one of the following: air velocity and relative humidity, a memory, and at least one processor. The at least one processor programmed to access a measured temperature during a period of time, access the HVAC system temperature setpoints, compare the measured temperature of the one or more sensors with the HVAC system temperature setpoints, determine if a difference between the measured temperature and the HVAC system temperature setpoints exceed a high temperature threshold level or a low temperature threshold level, and output a solution to resolve the disparity between the measured stored temperature of the one or more sensors and the HVAC system temperature setpoints. | 10-03-2013 |
20130261809 | HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method is provided for activating and deactivating heating or cooling stages of an HVAC unit, which includes determining a need for heating or cooling a space to be heated or cooled and activating a heating or cooling stage of the HVAC unit based on the determined need. A monitored temperature is compared with a first temperature setpoint and a monitored on-time of the heating or cooling stage is compared with a first time period setpoint. The heating or cooling stage is deactivated based on the comparison of the monitored temperature with the first temperature setpoint, when the monitored on-time is greater than the first time period setpoint. The monitored temperature is then compared with a second temperature setpoint. The heating or cooling stage is reactivated based on a comparison of the monitored temperature with the second temperature setpoint, when a monitored off-time is greater than the second time period setpoint. | 10-03-2013 |
20130261810 | Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Management System and Method - Systems and methods of controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system are provided that operate according to signals returned from return air temperature sensors as well as the supply air temperature sensors. Using predetermined temperature setpoints, return temperature information, and supply temperature information, the HVAC system is configured to maintain the temperature of a room first, by the use of its cooling valve, and second and only when the capacity of the cooling valve has peaked, by use of the fan. The presently disclosed improved HVAC system operates more efficiently by avoiding unit loading hopping and minimizing power consumption. | 10-03-2013 |
20130268129 | HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM WITH INTERCHANGEABLE CONTROL UNITS - Embodiments of the present invention provide a temperature control system having multiple programmable, interchangeable docking thermostats that work cooperatively making it easier for a user to achieve desired temperature control in an enclosure with increased energy efficiency. One embodiment provides first and second docking thermostats each having a microprocessor in communication with at least one or more temperature sensors, an electrical connector connected to the microprocessor and a user interface. Also provided is a first HVAC docking device directly wired to the HVAC wire system and a second docking device that connects to a power source other than the HVAC wire system, where each of the docking devices have an electrical connector mateable to the electrical connector of the docking thermostats. The first and second docking thermostats may interchangeably mate to the docking devices, and either may control the HVAC system to achieve a desired comfort level with increased energy efficiency. | 10-10-2013 |
20130274930 | ENVIRONMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system for governing temperature and humidity levels within a confined space including a controller communicatively coupled to a cooling system, a heating system, a duct system, a plurality of environmental sensors for detecting temperature and humidity levels within the confined space and external to the confined space, and an external air intake for introducing air external to the confined space to within the confined space. The control system may further include predictive heating and predictive cooling configurations having a computing device communicatively connected to the controller and to an environmental forecast source. | 10-17-2013 |
20130310989 | REMOTE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNICATING THERMOSTAT TO ACHIEVE JUST IN TIME CONDITIONING - Systems and methods for reducing the cycling time of a climate control system. For example, one or more of the exemplary systems can receive from a database a target time at which a structure is desired to reach a target temperature. In addition, the system acquires the temperature inside the structure and the temperature outside the structure at a time prior to said target time. The systems use a thermal characteristic of the structure and a performance characteristic of the climate control system, to determine the appropriate time prior to the target time at which the climate control system should turn on based at least in part on the structure, the climate control system, the inside temperature and the outside temperature. The systems then set a setpoint on a thermostatic controller to control the climate control system. | 11-21-2013 |
20130317656 | PEAKPOWER ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL SYSTEM METHOD AND APPARATUS - An integrated Energy Management and/or Control System method and apparatus that continually monitors power consumption on each piece of equipment | 11-28-2013 |
20130338837 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING USE OF INDIVIDUAL HVAC UNITS IN MULTI-UNIT CHILLER-BASED SYSTEMS - Systems are disclosed for allocating the cost of operating an HVAC system of a multiunit structure. The HVAC system comprises at least a first component that consumes energy based on thermostatic settings in a particular unit of the multiunit structure. In addition, associated with the multiunit structure, is a second component such as a central heating and air conditioning unit. The run time associated with the first component as reported by the thermostatic controller is used as a determinant of the cost of operation of the second component. | 12-19-2013 |
20130338838 | RAPID PROGRAMMING OF THERMOSTAT WITH MULTIPLE PROGRAMMING MODE CONDITIONS - The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC System comprising a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of input control areas. A microprocessor is provided for control on the display screen. Buttons are pressed in order to program set-points of the thermostat so that seven days may be programmed simultaneously. The display includes a seven-day icon so that the user can program the thermostat set-points rapidly (e.g. setting time and temperature settings with minimal steps). The user may activate a first programming mode wherein the activating occurs by depressing a programming-mode button for a first pre-selected duration in order to select a first day for setting the conditioning mode. The user may activate a second programming mode wherein such activating occurs by depressing the programming-mode button for a second pre-selected duration that is longer than the first pre-selected duration in order to select programming for all seven days simultaneously. | 12-19-2013 |
20130338839 | FLEXIBLE FUNCTIONALITY PARTITIONING WITHIN INTELLIGENT-THERMOSTAT-CONTROLLED HVAC SYSTEMS - The current application is directed to an intelligent-thermostat-controlled environmental-conditioning system in which computational tasks and subcomponents with associated intelligent-thermostat functionalities are distributed to one or more of concealed and visible portions of one or more intelligent thermostats and, in certain implementations, to one or more intermediate boxes. The intelligent thermostats are interconnected to intermediate boxes by wired and/or wireless interfaces and intelligent thermostats intercommunicate with one another by wireless communications. Wireless communications include communications through a local router and an ISP, 3G and 4G wireless communications through a mobile service provider. Components of the intelligent-thermostat-controlled thermostat-controlled environmental-conditioning system may also be connected by wireless communications to remote computing facilities. | 12-19-2013 |
20140031994 | Lock-setting Thermostat with Flash-memory Key - Property-management or lock-setting thermostats have maximum and minimum set points locked in to prevent abuse of management-provided heating and/or air conditioning. An ePROM or similar internal memory device stores heating and cooling limit parameters that are set in by a technician at the time of installation. A plug-in flash memory module contains an unlock code to match the unlock code stored in said ePROM, to unlock the thermostat and allow the settings to be adjusted; when said flash memory module is removed the thermostat reverts to its lock condition. The thermostat can also respond to unusual rates of change of temperature to block furnace or A/C operation temporarily. | 01-30-2014 |
20140039691 | Multi-Dimensional Heating and Cooling System - Methods and system for facilitating multi-dimensional personal heating and cooling. User information is used as a mean to configure the temperature in a surrounding environment, thereby facilitating comfort for a user and, in the case wherein multiple users are accessing an area, classifying the area into a number of regions and maintaining each region at a different temperature and guiding the users to desired regions. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039692 | HVAC CONTROL WITH COMFORT/ECONOMY MANAGEMENT - A programmable thermostat may be configured to control one or more pieces of HVAC equipment in accordance with a programmable schedule. The HVAC equipment may be capable of modifying a temperature of an inside space with at least a primary stage and an auxiliary stage. The programmable thermostat may include a memory for storing operating parameters of the programmable thermostat, a user interface configured to accept modification of operating parameters, including one or more droop values, and a controller coupled to the memory and the user interface. The controller attempts to control the temperature of the inside space with the primary stage of the HVAC equipment, but if the temperature of the inside space deviates from a desired setpoint temperature value by more than or equal to a programmed droop value, the controller may activate the auxiliary stage. In some instances, the user interface of the programmable thermostat may be configured to allow a user to selectively override one or more of the applicable droop values. In some instances, the droop value that is used may depend on the current operation condition of the controller. | 02-06-2014 |
20140081468 | Integrated Attic Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Heating System Electronic Controller and System and Method for Use of Same - An integrated attic ventilation, air conditioning and heating system electronic controller, with a system and method for use of the same, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated electronic controller includes a housing configured to be secured within an attic space in a building structure having a living area. A temperature input and humidity input receive ambient temperature and humidity readings, respectively. The ambient measurements are compared to pre-determined temperature and humidity thresholds. If a threshold is exceeded, signals are send to actuate, in a coordinated fashion, a powered air intake and powered attic exhaust assembly. The powered air intake and powered attic exhaust assembly are operated intermittently, in coordination with the HVAC system, initially at a first set of extreme thresholds and operated constantly at a second set of more extreme thresholds. | 03-20-2014 |
20140129034 | PRECONDITIONING CONTROLS AND METHODS FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention describe thermostats that are configured to precondition an enclosure and methods for performing the same. According to one embodiment, a method of preconditioning an enclosure includes providing a thermostat and computing a set of preconditioning criteria information (PCI) with said thermostat. The computed PCI is typically representative of time and ambient temperature conditions for which preconditioning should be performed. The PCI may be stored in memory and used to compare against a current time and current ambient temperature condition of the enclosure to determine whether to enter the thermostat into a preconditioning state. If a determination is made that the PCI criteria are satisfied, the thermostat may be entered into the preconditioning state to heat or cool the enclosure. One or more of these processes may be performed while a processor of the thermostat is in a relatively high power mode or relatively low power mode. | 05-08-2014 |
20140135997 | DYNAMIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR A ROOM CONTAINING A GROUP OF PEOPLE - Optimum temperature in a room is controlled by directly and dynamically sensing the body temperatures of one or more people in the room and storing a set of parameters to be correlated with the sensed body temperatures in determining a selected optimum room temperature. The sensed body temperatures are wirelessly transmitted to be correlated with the set of parameters wherein optimum room temperature is determined based on those parameters. In response to this correlation, a selected optimum room temperature may be provided by appropriate heating or cooling. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135998 | Method and Apparatus for Energy Efficient Heating and Air Conditioning Automation - A new system and associated methods are disclosed for minimize a thermostat hardware to reduce its cost, while allowing the user to regulate temperature based on information from one or more external door/window sensors, motion sensors and temperature sensors coupled indirectly to the thermostat through an Internet service. From anywhere with Internet access, the user can specify various types of algorithms to be carried out on the Internet service through a scripting language, including turning off HVAC function when a door or window sensor detects opening, turning on HVAC when a motion sensor detects motion, and controlling the thermostat based on temperature reading from the same motion sensor that last detected motion or human presence. With a prior art thermostat, user often has to press the temperature setting button multiple times until the temperature setting is raised above or lowered below current temperature to turn on heat or cooling HVAC functions. A method to allow user to turn on the HVAC functions through a single button click is also disclosed, to allow reducing the number of control elements on a thermostat. | 05-15-2014 |
20140156087 | HVAC CONTROLLER THAT FACILITATES INSTALLER SETUP VIA A REMOTE USER INTERFACE - A thermostat may transmit a configuration parameter package in a computer readable form over a network to a remote device. The configuration parameter data package may include a listing of available configuration parameters for the wireless thermostat, as well as information regarding available parameter values for each of the configuration parameter. The thermostat may subsequently receive selection of one or more available parameter values from the remote device, and in some cases, may in response transmit a second configuration parameter package that is dependent, at least in part, on the received selected parameter value(s). | 06-05-2014 |
20140156088 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Provided are energy management systems which are configured to receive real-time outside temperature at the location of a building, receive initial temperature control set points for each of one or more zones inside the building and adjust the temperature control set points for each zone of the plurality, taking the outside temperature and the initial temperature control set points for the zone as parameters. The adjusted set points can then be used to guide heating and/or cooling in the respective zone. Methods of setting up and using the systems are also provided. | 06-05-2014 |
20140180483 | INTELLIGENT THERMOSTATIC CONTROL METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AN AIR CONDITIONER BLOWING COLD AND HOT AIR - An intelligent thermostatic method for an air conditioner blowing cold and hot air has steps of calculating an estimated thermal load according to an indoor temperature, an outdoor temperature, a configured temperature, a sunlight intensity, and a cooling/heating capacity corresponding to the estimated thermal load; adjusting the air conditioner according to the estimated thermal load and providing an estimated cooling/heating capacity; and determining a difference value between an actual cooling/heating capacity and the estimated cooling/heating capacity and adjusting the air conditioner according to the difference value for thermostatic control. Accordingly, the air conditioner of the present invention has enhanced power utilization efficiency of the air conditioner without having to repeatedly turn on and off the electric compressor of the air conditioner. | 06-26-2014 |
20140188290 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING MANUAL INPUTS TO AND ADAPTIVE PROGRAMMING OF A THERMOSTAT - Systems and methods are disclosed for incorporating manual changes to the setpoint for a thermostatic controller into long-term programming of the thermostatic controller. For example, one or more of the exemplary systems compares the actual setpoint at a given time for the thermostatic controller to an expected setpoint for the thermostatic controller in light of the scheduled programming. A determination is then made as to whether the actual setpoint and the expected setpoint are the same or different. Furthermore, a manual change to the actual setpoint for the thermostatic controller is compared to previously recorded setpoint data for the thermostatic controller. At least one rule is then applied for the interpretation of the manual change in light of the previously recorded setpoint data. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188291 | SWITCH FOR MULTI-FUNCTION CONTROL OF A THERMOSTAT - The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC system having a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of touch pads having at least two displayable touch pads. A microprocessor provided for controlling the display screen. A sole mechanical button or switch is mounted in the housing and the button has a first end and second end and a touch surface extending between the first end and second end. The sole mechanical button signals the microprocessor in order to adjust the alpha-numeric icon(s), so that the combination of inputs received by the microprocessor from the group of touch pads and sole mechanical button provide for each and every adjustment required for all of the operational functions of the controller. The mechanical button may be a rocker switch. The controller may also include a navigation button. | 07-03-2014 |
20140207292 | Method and System to Control Thermostat Using Biofeedback - Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for receiving physiological data of occupants of a building and using the information to control or regulate a controllable setpoint of a climate-control system for the building. The system may operatively interface with biofeedback sensors including wearable sensors and mountable sensors placed within a controlled space within the building. The system may adjust the controllable setpoint of the climate-control system based on a comfort metric associated with at least one of the occupant of the building, the comfort metric derived from the biofeedback data. | 07-24-2014 |
20140222219 | METHOD FOR OPEARTING AN HVAC SYSTEM - A method for operating an HVAC system of a building is provided. The method includes providing a model for an indoor temperature of the building, a model for an operating cost of the HVAC system, and predicted future outdoor temperatures. Utilizing at least the models for the indoor temperature and the operating cost of the HVAC system and the predicted future outdoor temperatures, future operating states of the HVAC system can be calculated. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222220 | THERMOSTAT USER INTERFACE - A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222221 | HVAC CONTROLLER HAVING A PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT ELEMENT WITH A QUALITATIVE INDICATOR - An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user. | 08-07-2014 |
20140236362 | Load Reduction Based on Percentage Change in Energy Price - A thermostatic controller generally includes a transceiver configured to receive a signal that includes an energy price rate for a given time period, and an electronic memory device in which one or more energy price rates received by the transceiver are stored. A microprocessor is configured to select the lowest energy price rate received within a given time period for establishing a base energy price rate; determine if the energy price rate for a present time period exceeds the base energy price rate by more than a first percentage or multiplier factor of the base energy price rate; and respond to an energy price rate that exceeds the base energy price rate by more than the first percentage or multiplier factor by transmitting a signal via the transceiver to an energy consuming appliance indicating that the energy consuming appliance should be in an off state and/or to one or more ceiling fans to activate, deactivate and/or change speed of the one or more ceiling fans. | 08-21-2014 |
20140244047 | Security System with Integrated HVAC control - A monitoring security system can be coupled to a thermostatic HVAC control module, either wired or wirelessly. In at least some embodiments, the thermostatic module can be communicated with via an interactive interface of the security system. Information as to the operation of the security system and the module can be presented on a common display of the security system, and commands, which are directed to the module, can be entered via the security system. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244048 | System for Remote Control of a Condition at a Site - A system is provided for remote control of at least one operating condition of a site. The system includes a proximity detection module at a residential site, which is configured to receive a communication regarding a location of a location reporting device or a mobile device. The proximity detection module is configured to alter or adjust a current temperature setting for the site based on a distance or location of the location reporting device or mobile device relative to the site. | 08-28-2014 |
20140277767 | TECHNIQUES FOR PROVIDING USER FEEDBACK IN A HEATING VENTILATION AIR-CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM - In accordance with embodiments, there are provided techniques for operating an HVAC to provide substantially contemporaneous thermal feedback in response to a user varying a temperature set point of the system. This is achieved using an HVAC system of the type having a pump in fluid communication with both a supply of gas and a duct system, having an input and an output and defining a flow path therebetween, and a temperature regulation system in thermal communication with the flow path. A controller is in electrical communication with the temperature regulation system and the pump to regulate operation of the HVAC system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277768 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REMOTELY MONITORING AND CONTROLLING HVAC UNITS - Systems, methods, and medium remotely monitor and control heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) units. The method includes receiving by a processor via a communication network supply temperature data indicating a supply air temperature in a duct coupled to an HVAC unit. The method includes receiving by the processor via the communication network zone temperature data of a space being maintained by the HVAC unit. The method includes receiving by the processor via the communication network thermostat data from a thermostat in the space and analyzing by the processor at least one of the supply temperature data, the zone temperature data and thermostat data. The method includes generating by the processor a control signal responsive to the analysis and transmitting via the communication network the control signal to an HVAC controller, wherein the control signal causes the HVAC controller to control the HVAC unit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277769 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING DEMAND-RESPONSE PROGRAMS AND EVENTS - Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for managing demand-response programs and events. The systems disclosed include an energy management system in operation with an intelligent, network-connected thermostat located at a structure. The thermostat acquires various information about the residence, such as a thermal retention characteristic of the residence, a capacity of an HVAC associated with the residence to cool or heat the residence, a likelihood of the residence being occupied, a forecasted weather, a real-time weather, and a real-time occupancy. Such information is used to manage the energy consumption of the structure during a demand-response event. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277770 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Systems and methods herein include features for compensating a temperature reading of a thermostat. The thermostat may include a housing and one or more temperature sensors within the housing. The thermostat may sense a temperature using one or more of the temperature sensors. A processor and/or memory of the thermostat may be capable of and/or configured to compensate the sensed temperature with a first temperature compensation model and compensate the sensed temperature with a second temperature compensation model. During compensation of the sensed temperature, the system may transition from compensating the sensed temperature with the first temperature compensation model to compensating the sensed temperature with the second temperature compensation model over time and independent of the sensed temperature. | 09-18-2014 |
20140309792 | Programmable Thermostat - A thermostat for a climate control system includes an electronic memory in which at least three occupancy settings are stored. The occupancy settings including a pre-defined unoccupied temperature set-point associated with an unoccupied state, a pre-defined occupied temperature set-point associated with an occupied-awake state and a pre-defined sleep temperature set-point associated with an occupied-asleep state. The thermostat's microprocessor is configured to communicate with the memory, and to establish at least three time periods during the day. The microprocessor assigns to each time period one of at least three user-selectable occupancy states including an unoccupied state, an occupied-awake state and an occupied-asleep state. The microprocessor controls operation of the climate control system to maintain the unoccupied temperature set-point during any time period assigned the unoccupied state, the occupied temperature set-point during any time period assigned the occupied-awake state, and the sleep temperature set-point to any time period assigned the occupied-asleep state. | 10-16-2014 |
20140316584 | AUTOMATED ADJUSTMENT OF AN HVAC SCHEDULE FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION - Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for optimizing a schedule of setpoint temperatures used in the control of an HVAC system. The systems disclosed include an energy management system in operation with an intelligent, network-connected thermostat located at a structure. The thermostat includes a schedule of setpoint temperatures that is used to control an HVAC system associated with a structure in which the thermostat is located. The schedule of setpoint temperatures is continually adjusted by small, unnoticeable amounts so that the schedule migrates from the original schedule to an optimal schedule. The optimal schedule may be optimal in terms of energy consumption or some other terms. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316585 | REMOTE MAINTENANCE - The invention relates to a thermostat for communicating with a remote maintenance server. The thermostat being configured for receiving and sending network data from and to the remote maintenance server. The thermostat is configured to receive network data provided by a maintenance interface service for receiving and displaying network data from and to a maintenance person. The thermostat is configured for receiving and sending remote controller data from and to a remote controller. The thermostat is configured to receive remote controller data from a user through a controller user interface. The thermostat is configured for receiving and sending appliance data from and to at least one appliance. The thermostat is configured for generating a request for appliance data from the at least one appliance and the thermostat is configured for receiving appliance data in response to the request for appliance data. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316586 | THERMOSTAT FOR A HVAC - A thermostat for a HVAC comprising:
| 10-23-2014 |
20140316587 | ZONE BASED SYSTEM FOR ALTERING AN OPERATING CONDITION - According to an aspect of the disclosure, a processor is configured to detect a location of a mobile device associated with a site and detect at least one geofence operably associated with the site. The processor is further configured to detect a manual input condition provided at a network device disposed at the site, detect the mobile device being disposed away from the site based on the location of the mobile device relative to the at least one geofence, and initiate a text message to the mobile device indicating the manual input condition in response to the mobile device being disposed away from the site. The processor is further configured to detect an altered operating condition received from the mobile device in response to the text message, and alter the manual input condition of the network device at the site using the altered operating condition. | 10-23-2014 |
20140324232 | FACILITATING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT ACCURACY IN AN HVAC CONTROLLER HAVING INTERNAL HEAT-GENERATING COMPONENTS - A thermostat may include one or more temperature sensors, and a processing system configured to be in operative communication with an HVAC system. The processing system may be configured to operate a first operating state characterized by relatively low power consumption and a corresponding relatively low associated heat generation, and a second operating state characterized by relatively high power consumption and a corresponding relatively high associated heat generation. During time intervals in which the processing system is operating in the first operating state, the processing system may process the temperature sensor measurements according to a first ambient temperature determination algorithm to compute the determined ambient temperature. During time intervals in which the processing system is operating in the second operating state, the processing system may process the temperature sensor measurements according to a second ambient temperature determination algorithm to compute the determined ambient temperature. | 10-30-2014 |
20140358294 | PERCEIVED COMFORT TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Many different factors may affect a user's perceived thermal comfort level within a building. Controlling a room temperature according to what the temperature may feel like to a user (i.e. the “feels-like” temperature) may increase a user's comfort level in the building. An HVAC controller may be programmed to determine a temperature offset based on one or more environmental conditions in and/or around the building, and to apply the temperature offset to the indoor temperature, resulting in a feels-like temperature. The HVAC controller may be further programmed to control an HVAC system in accordance with the feels-like temperature. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358295 | POWER MANAGEMENT IN ENERGY BUFFERED BUILDING CONTROL UNIT - A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit configured to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The powering circuit has a power extraction circuit configured to extract electrical power from one or more of the plurality of received HVAC control wires up to a first level of electrical power, a rechargeable battery, and a power control circuit. The power control circuit is configured to provide the electrical load power using power from the power extraction circuit and the rechargeable battery. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358296 | AIR CONDITIONER - An air conditioner capable of achieving both user comfort and power reduction is provided. The air conditioner includes a mean room temperature sensing mechanism | 12-04-2014 |
20140358297 | THERMOSTAT USER INTERFACE - A user-friendly, network-connected learning thermostat is described. The thermostat is made up of (1) a wall-mountable backplate that includes a low-power consuming microcontroller used for activities such as polling sensors and switching on and off the HVAC functions, and (2) separable head unit that includes a higher-power consuming microprocessor, color LCD backlit display, user input devices, and wireless communications modules. The thermostat also includes a rechargeable battery and power-stealing circuitry adapted to harvest power from HVAC triggering circuits. By maintaining the microprocessor in a “sleep” state often compared to the lower-power microcontroller, high-power consuming activities, such as learning computations, wireless network communications and interfacing with a user, can be temporarily performed by the microprocessor even though the activities use energy at a greater rate than is available from the power stealing circuitry. | 12-04-2014 |
20140365019 | THERMOSTAT USER INTERFACE - A system including a thermostat user interface for a network-connected thermostat is described. The system includes a thermostat including a frustum-shaped shell body having a circular cross-section and a circular rotatable ring, which is user rotatable for adjusting a setting of the thermostat. The system further includes a client application that is operable on a touch-screen device separate from the thermostat, that displays a graphical representation of a circular dial, that detects a user-input motion proximate the graphical representation, that determines a user-selected setpoint temperature value based on the user-input motion, that displays a numerical representation of the user-selected setpoint temperature value, and that wirelessly transmits to the thermostat data representative of the user-selected setpoint temperature. | 12-11-2014 |
20150025693 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TEMPERATURE CONTROL - A structure and method for temperature control includes determining a schedule for a climate control device needed for an inside temperature to reach a desired temperature, determining a perceptual temperature factor based on at least the schedule and the inside temperature, adjusting the desired temperature based on the perceptual temperature factor, and after the adjusting the desired temperature, repeating the determining the schedule. | 01-22-2015 |
20150032269 | AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM - An air-conditioning system includes: an air-conditioning apparatus in which indoor units are connected to an outdoor unit; a conveying fan; and control means for controlling the air-conditioning apparatus and the conveying fan on the basis of a target evaporating temperature. The control means resets an upper limit of the target evaporating temperature when: a control determination temperature difference which is a difference between a set temperature and a temperature of an air-conditioned space is within a predetermined range; a humidity of the air-conditioned space is equal to or lower than a predetermined value; and a thermo-ON indoor unit and a thermo-OFF indoor unit are present together in the same air-conditioned space. | 01-29-2015 |
20150039137 | Two Mode Thermostat With Set-Back Temperature and Humidity Set-Point Feature - Various thermostat embodiment are provided that includes at least a first sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and at least a second sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the humidity within the space. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least first and second sensors, for controlling the thermostat's operation. The controller is configured to operate in a first mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature of the space is above a temperature set-point or when the sensed humidity level is above the humidity set-point. The controller is further configured to operate in a second mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature is below a set-back temperature set-point, or when the sensed humidity is above a set-back humidity set-point. | 02-05-2015 |
20150045968 | PLC BASED THERMOSTAT TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR HEATING SYSTEMS - A system and method disclosed herein are for providing local and remote control of home and enterprise heating systems (thermostats) via the Power line communication (PLC) networks configured to provide communication and power control capability within a local area network. The PLC based control unit allows the remote access and control of the thermostat of local heating systems from within and outside the PLC based local area network. | 02-12-2015 |
20150057814 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND RELATED ARCHITECTURES FOR MANAGING NETWORK CONNECTED THERMOSTATS - A thermostat management system facilitates an automatic pairing of a thermostat with a thermostat communication account. The thermostat management system receives a public network address associated with a computer device on a private network accessing the thermostat management account. The system retrieves the thermostat metadata including a public network address associated with a registration of the thermostat with the thermostat management system. The public network address registered with the thermostat metadata is provided by a router on the private network and therefore should match the public network address used by computer devices on the private network. The thermostat management account is paired with the thermostat if the thermostat has the same public network address as the computer device accessing the thermostat management account. Pairing the thermostat management account to the thermostat allows the thermostat management account to communicate with the thermostat over the public network through the thermostat management system. | 02-26-2015 |
20150088319 | DATA CENTER COOLING - A method and/or computer program product automatically adjusts room temperature in a data center room. A processor in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system receives a throttle threshold temperature for each of multiple computing devices that are within a data center room, which is climate-controlled by the HVAC system. The processor in the HVAC system monitors a real-time temperature of at least one of the multiple computing devices. In response to the real-time temperature of said at least one of the multiple computing devices exceeding the throttle threshold temperature, an ambient air temperature in the data center room is decreased by adjusting a hardware thermostat in the HVAC system. | 03-26-2015 |
20150094865 | HEATING, VENTILATION, AND/OR AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLLER - A heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) controller for controlling one or more components of the HVAC system or monitoring a state thereof is provided. The HVAC controller may include a touch screen display configured to receive a parameter setting command input by a user's touch, and a controller connected with the touch screen display to display a screen on the touch screen display. The controller may display a first image having one or more parameters to be monitored in a monitoring region on the screen and display a second image having one or more parameters to be set in a main input region on the screen, and the controller may display a parameter selected on the touch screen display or delete the parameter by a user's selection on the touch screen display. | 04-02-2015 |
20150100166 | Automated Crowdsourced Power Outage Identification and Staggering of HVAC System Restarts - Various embodiments involving a smart-home device are presented. It may be determined that the power supply interface has ceased receiving power from the structure's wired electrical system. In response to determining that a power supply interface of the smart-home device has ceased receiving power from a structure's wired electrical system, a power loss indication may be stored that comprises a timestamp. A network connection may be determined to be available. A notification may be transmitted of information from the stored power loss indication to a remote server via the available network connection. | 04-09-2015 |
20150100167 | SMART-HOME CONTROL SYSTEM PROVIDING HVAC SYSTEM DEPENDENT RESPONSES TO HAZARD DETECTION EVENTS - Systems and methods for controlling a climate control system of a smart-home environment that includes a plurality of smart devices are provided. One method includes detecting, with a hazard detector of the smart devices, a level of carbon monoxide (CO) at the hazard detector that exceeds a threshold CO level at a location of the hazard detector, determining, by one of the smart devices, that the climate control system includes a combustion based heat source, and in response to the detecting and the determination, transmitting, by a system controller of the climate control system, a first signal to turn off at least one aspect of the climate control system. | 04-09-2015 |
20150112489 | CONTROL METHOD FOR INFORMATION TERMINAL DEVICE AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - There is provided a control method for an information terminal device having a display and controlling an air conditioner over a network. The control method makes the information terminal device perform processing including: displaying a temperature setting screen where an air conditioner temperature is settable for each of a plurality of time periods; calculating a first time period preset temperature using a first preset temperature at a boundary time and a second preset temperature at a go-to-bed time; calculating a second time period preset temperature using the first preset temperature and a third preset temperature at a wake-up time; displaying the first time period preset temperature and second time period preset temperature; and outputting to the network a control command corresponding to the first preset temperature and second preset temperature when the first time period preset temperature and second time period preset temperature have been fixed. | 04-23-2015 |
20150127176 | REMOTE CONTROL OF AN HVAC SYSTEM THAT USES A COMMON TEMPERATURE SETPOINT FOR BOTH HEAT AND COOL MODES - An HVAC system includes an HVAC unit having a cooling mode and a heating mode for conditioning the air in an inside space, and a programmable thermostat located remotely from the HVAC unit. The HVAC unit may have an onboard controller configured to control when the HVAC unit is in the cooling mode or heating mode, and whether the HVAC unit is activated or not. In some cases, the onboard controller of the HVAC unit may use a common temperature setpoint when controlling in the cooling mode and the heating mode. The programmable thermostat may have a programmable schedule with a plurality of time periods, where each time period has a heating setpoint and a cooling setpoint separated by a dead band. The onboard controller of the HVAC unit may be configured to accept input signals from the remotely located thermostat. The remotely located thermostat may send one or more input signals to the onboard controller of the HVAC unit in accordance with the programmable schedule, where the one or more input signals cause the onboard controller of the HVAC unit to set the HVAC unit to a particular one of the cooling mode and the heating mode, and to activate the HVAC unit so as to condition the air in the inside space in the particular one of the cooling mode and the heating mode. | 05-07-2015 |
20150134124 | PREDICTIVE TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CONTROLLER - A controller for a temperature management system for heating and/or cooling a room in accordance with a schedule of set point temperatures over a control period as a data processor arrangement ( | 05-14-2015 |
20150292764 | RECONFIGURABLE NETWORK CONTROLLER - A computing device, such as a thermostat, may be structured to communicate with a network access device via a first protocol and communicate with a plurality of home automation devices via a second protocol. The computing device may also be structured to operate as a primary controller or a repeater device in a home automation system. The computing device may receive information from a server instructing the computing device to operate as the primary controller or the repeater device. Or, the computing device may determine itself whether to operate as the primary controller or repeater device. | 10-15-2015 |
20150300672 | TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER WITH MODEL-BASED TIME TO TARGET CALCULATION AND DISPLAY - A thermostat is described for controlling air temperature in a building. The time associated with causing the controlled air temperature to reach a target temperature is estimated and displayed to a user. Input from a user indicating the target temperature can be received and the estimating and displaying can be carried out in real time. The thermostat can be wall-mounted or the user input can be received and estimated time can be displayed using a remote device, for example that communicates wirelessly with other components of the HVAC system. | 10-22-2015 |
20150309516 | DOMAIN MANAGEMENT AND CONFIGURATION SETTINGS - A domain management resource monitors a behavior of a user controlling multiple resources disposed in a domain of a network environment. Based on the monitored behavior, the domain management resource identifies a repeated pattern of control in which the user controls a particular resource in the domain. The domain management resource derives a proposed control rule based on the repeated pattern of control. The proposed control specifies how to control the particular resource. The domain management resource presents the control rule for review and possible editing prior to programming the domain management resource to execute the control rule. | 10-29-2015 |
20150323943 | INFORMATION CONTROL SYSTEM - A system and method is used to characterize a user with properties, such as location in relation to established geo-fences, speed of traverse, projected traveling time required for a particular distance, etc. Those properties contribute to yielding a quantitative result in the calculated lead time period prior to the user arriving at a monitored space, including but not limited to a rented room in a hotel, and a house. The method uses the user's arrival time to estimate the setback temperature, which is the indoor temperature of a monitored space maintained during unattended time periods. The method also uses the user's arrival time to estimate the heated water volume to be provided, as well as, to house watch other property management interests. | 11-12-2015 |
20150330654 | CONTINUOUS INTELLIGENT-CONTROL-SYSTEM UPDATE USING INFORMATION REQUESTS DIRECTED TO USER DEVICES - An intelligent control system includes intelligent thermostats and controls an environment, such as a residential living space, commercial building, or another environment. The intelligent control system obtains information related to the controlled environment by collecting sensor data, obtaining data from users during interactive information-exchange sessions, and by directing information queries to users on one or more user devices. | 11-19-2015 |
20150370272 | INTELLIGENT CONFIGURATION OF A SMART ENVIRONMENT BASED ON ARRIVAL TIME - A method includes receiving an estimated time of arrival (ETA) relating to an arrival to an environment, an arrival of an event, arrival of an activity, or a combination thereof; and controlling, configuring, or controlling and configuring a smart device based upon the ETA. | 12-24-2015 |
20150372832 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EXPLOITING INTERFACES SMART ENVIRONMENT DEVICE APPLICATION PROGRAM INTERFACES - A tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable medium, comprising instructions to obtain an estimated time of arrival for an occupant of a household; calculate a transition time to reach a desired temperature of the occupant from a current ambient temperature within the household; if, the estimated time of arrival is less than or equal to the transition time, activate a transition to the desired temperature; otherwise if the estimated time of arrival is greater than the transition time, do not activate the transition. | 12-24-2015 |
20160018122 | LOCATION-BASED APPROACHES FOR CONTROLLING AN ENERGY CONSUMING DEVICE - In some aspects, the subject technology relates to an “Eco-mode” on a thermostat. A button or other user interface element may be configured to activate and/or deactivate) the eco-mode on the thermostat. Upon selection of the eco-mode option, various energy-saving programs can be implemented on the thermostat. The energy-saving programs can be configured to adjust a temperature setting of the thermostat or to provide notifications to a user associated with the thermostat that implement various approaches for reducing energy consumption of a heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) system associated with the thermostat. The eco-mode button can provide users/consumers with a convenient way to save energy, without requiring the user to think of comfort tradeoffs that may need to take place. | 01-21-2016 |
20160018123 | INSTRUCTION DEVICE, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - The instruction device according to the present invention is used in an air conditioning system. In a case where evaluation information concerning comfort of an air environment of an indoor space for person(s) in the indoor space corresponds to discomfort and a difference between first data on the air environment of the indoor space and second data on an air environment of an outdoor space is not less than a prescribed value, the instruction device creates setting information to use only a first air conditioning device for causing movement of air between the indoor and outdoor spaces when determining that the comfort can be improved by the first air conditioning device, and creates setting information to use a second air conditioning device for controlling the air environment of the indoor space by consuming energy resource when determining that the comfort cannot be improved by the first air conditioning device. | 01-21-2016 |
20160018126 | Controller For Automatic Control Of Duty Cycled HVAC&R Equipment, And Systems And Methods Using Same - An electronic controller device for automatic control of a heating, ventilating, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, which has at least a delayed start controller that is capable of delaying sending of a signal to power on a load unit and achieve a selected conditioned space temperature variation, and a demand regulator controller that is capable of calculating on times and off times to obtain a selected electrical demand. The electronic controller device can include a computer-readable storage medium that comprises programs to implement the delayed start and demand regulator controllers, and optionally other controller modules, can delay OEM ON signals and/or adjust the “on” and “off” states, and/or provide other load unit control, to manage and reduce energy consumption and/or demand. | 01-21-2016 |
20160018127 | THERMOSTAT USER INTERFACE - A system including a thermostat user interface for a network-connected thermostat is described. The system includes a thermostat including a frustum-shaped shell body having a circular cross-section and a circular rotatable ring, which is user rotatable for adjusting a setting of the thermostat. The system further includes a client application that is operable on a touch-screen device separate from the thermostat, that displays a graphical representation of a circular dial, that detects a user-input motion proximate the graphical representation, that determines a user-selected setpoint temperature value based on the user-input motion, that displays a numerical representation of the user-selected setpoint temperature value, and that wirelessly transmits to the thermostat data representative of the user-selected setpoint temperature. | 01-21-2016 |
20160025364 | System And Apparatus For Integrated HVACR And Other Energy Efficiency And Demand Response - Electronic controller apparatus for automatically controlling and managing load demand and operation of energy-consuming equipment powered by alternating electrical power current, whereby feedback signals from a vapor compression evaporator or other source, and possibly other physical signals, are used to supplement the pre-fixed, learned, or default settings to optimize compressor operation (run time) in cooling and refrigeration equipment, and thereby to improve heat transfer in the evaporator. The effect is to improve the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), and Coefficient of Performance (COP) for the unit, and provide other advantages and improvements. In gas-, oil-, and propane-fired HVAC&R heating systems, the apparatus can also optimize burner operation and thereby improve heat transfer across the burner heat exchanger. HVAC&R systems that incorporate the demand controller and methods of their operation also are provided. The apparatus can also be applied to gas compression and compressed air control systems. | 01-28-2016 |
20160026194 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DATA INTERCHANGE BETWEEN A NETWORK-CONNECTED THERMOSTAT AND CLOUD-BASED MANAGEMENT SERVER - A thermostat may include one or more temperature sensors, a processor configured to operate in a sleep mode and a wake mode, and a Wi-Fi chip that wirelessly communicates with a thermostat management server. The Wi-Fi chip may be configured to receive data packets from the thermostat management server while the processor operates in the sleep mode, and determine a priority level of the received data packets. The priority level may include a standard priority level and a keep-alive priority level. The Wi-Fi chip may also be configured to filter the received data packets based on the determined priority level of each packet such that the keep-alive priority level packets are discarded, and forward the standard priority level packets to the processor. | 01-28-2016 |
20160040903 | BLUETOOTH THERMOSTAT AND HUB - A system and approach for remote reading, setting and control of devices such as thermostats. A phone, such as a smartphone, a gateway and a cloud may be incorporated relative to interaction with the device or devices. The gateway may have a hub that has bluetooth communication capabilities with the device. The hub may be connected to a router that in turn is connected to a cloud in a wireless or wired manner. The phone may communicate with the cloud to achieve interaction with the device. The hub may also handle WiFi communications. The gateway may instead be a phone that contains an app which lets operate as a gateway for communications with the cloud. There may be one or more devices that are a part of one or more home area networks that are connected to a gateway via bluetooth and WiFi, and in turn connected to the cloud. | 02-11-2016 |
20160047565 | PERSONALIZED AMBIENT TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT - Systems, methods, and apparatus for automation control for personalized ambient temperature management are disclosed. First input corresponding to a first set of sensors may be processed. A location of a first occupant of a home may be determined based on the first input. Second input corresponding to a second set of sensors may be processed. A first temperature in the location may be determined based on the second input corresponding to the second set of one or more sensors. A first state of the first occupant in the location may be determined based on third input corresponding to the first set of sensors or corresponding to a third set of sensors. An adjustment may be determined based on the location, the first temperature, and the first state of the first occupant. One or more components of the home may be caused to adjust based on the adjustment. | 02-18-2016 |
20160054026 | INSTALLATION OF THERMOSTAT POWERED BY RECHARGEABLE BATTERY - A thermostat is described that includes a rechargeable battery, a graphical user interface and a wireless network communication capabilities. During installation, in cases where the rechargeable battery is below a first threshold, the installation procedure is limited so as to avoid energy intensive installation steps which may not be supported by the low battery level. An example of an installation step that is avoided due to low battery level is set up of wireless communication. According to some embodiments, if the battery level is very low during initial installation, the installation process is halted while the battery is charged. An indication such as a flashing LED may be displayed so as to indicate to the user that the battery is being charged. | 02-25-2016 |
20160061474 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING RAMPED SETPOINT TEMPERATURE VARIATION WITH NETWORKED THERMOSTATS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY - The invention comprises systems and methods for ramping setpoints on thermostats controlling HVAC systems. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The remote processor ramps the setpoint on the thermostat so as to reduce the average spread between inside temperature and outside temperature in order to reduce energy consumption with affecting comfort. The remote processor takes into account the effect of weather conditions and occupant preferences in determining whether and when to ramp setpoints. | 03-03-2016 |
20160084515 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL APPARATUS, AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM, AND AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD - An air-conditioning control apparatus controlling a plurality of air conditioners calculates an adjustment time for adjusting a temperature of an area to be adjusted by the air conditioners to be controlled to between a desired temperature and an allowable temperature, generates a control schedule based on the adjustment time, and controls the air conditioners with the generated control schedule, instead of controlling with a preset stop time which is fixed, in order to bring the temperature around the air conditioners to the desired temperature. Thus, the air conditioners can be made to stop heat exchange before the desired temperature is reached, so that power consumption can be reduced. | 03-24-2016 |
20160091219 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING MANUAL INPUTS TO AND ADAPTIVE PROGRAMMING OF A THERMOSTAT - Systems and methods are disclosed for incorporating manual changes to the setpoint for a thermostatic controller into long-term programming of the thermostatic controller. For example, one or more of the exemplary systems compares the actual setpoint at a given time for the thermostatic controller to an expected setpoint for the thermostatic controller in light of the scheduled programming. A determination is then made as to whether the actual setpoint and the expected setpoint are the same or different. Furthermore, a manual change to the actual setpoint for the thermostatic controller is compared to previously recorded setpoint data for the thermostatic controller. At least one rule is then applied for the interpretation of the manual change in light of the previously recorded setpoint data. | 03-31-2016 |
20160097557 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING USE OF PLUG-IN AIR CONDITIONERS AND PORTABLE HEATERS - Thermostatic HVAC and other energy management controls that are connected to a computer network. For instance, remotely managed load switches incorporating thermostatic controllers inform an energy management system, to provide enhanced efficiency, and to verify demand response with plug-in air conditioners and heaters. At least one load control device at a first location comprises a temperature sensor and a microprocessor. The load control device is configured to connect or disconnect electrical power to the an attached air conditioner or heater, and the microprocessor is configured to communicate over a network. In addition, the load control device is physically separate from an air conditioner or heater but located inside the space conditioned by the air conditioner or heater. | 04-07-2016 |
20160131382 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF NETWORKED THERMOSTATS PROVIDING FOR REDUCED PEAK POWER DEMAND - An improvement in operation of a network of thermostats is disclosed which reduces peak power demand requirements for a facility that utilizes a plurality of heating, ventilation and cooling systems controlled by the thermostats or by a central control system utilizing status data from a plurality of thermostats. | 05-12-2016 |
20160131384 | AIR CONDITIONER AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - An air conditioner and a method of controlling the same are provided. The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit provided with a compressor, an outdoor temperature sensor, an outdoor humidity recognition part, and a control part. The outdoor temperature sensor is installed on the outdoor unit to sense outdoor temperature. The outdoor humidity recognition part is installed on the outdoor unit to recognize outdoor humidity information. The control part controls an operation of the compressor, based information sensed from the outdoor temperature sensor and the outdoor humidity recognition part. When the outdoor temperature has a preset value, the control part determines target evaporation temperature such that the target evaporation temperature is decreased as outdoor humidity increases, and the control part drives the compressor at an operation frequency corresponding to the determined target evaporation temperature. | 05-12-2016 |
20160131385 | THERMOSTAT CODE INPUT SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR USING SSID - The invention provides a method of inputting a code to a thermostat comprising the following steps, providing a thermostat having a display panel and a receiver for receiving signals from a local router, the local router configured to receive signals via the internet from a remote wireless device (RID), transmitting a register command to the local router, transmitting new user information to the local router and the thermostat receiving a serial number from the local router and the thermostat synchronizing with the RID without requiring any direct inputs to the display panel of the thermostat. The RID may verify the service set identifier (SSID). | 05-12-2016 |
20160138822 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING A WIRELESS DEVICE AS A SENSOR FOR AN ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The invention comprises systems and methods for detecting the use of networked consumer electronics devices as indications of occupancy of a structure for purposes of automatically adjusting the temperature setpoint on a thermostatic HVAC control. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one networked electronic device is used to indicate the state of occupancy of the structure. The state of occupancy is used to alter the setpoint on the thermostatic HVAC control to reduce unneeded conditioning of unoccupied spaces. | 05-19-2016 |
20160143181 | VENTILATION CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - An environmental control system for a telecom shelter integrates with a native HVAC system for exchanging interior air in a conditioned space in a machine room, telecom enclosure, or other closed machine environment by forcing or directing cooler outside air to replace interior air without active refrigeration by the native HVAC system. Primary cooling and heating of the conditioned space in the enclosure is performed by an exchange system and control logic that identifies, based on sensory input, when outside air exchange is more efficient than native AC (Air Conditioner) operation. The native AC system is suppressed or inhibited, and primary environmental control performed by fan driven exchange of outside air with air in the enclosure. Sensors and timers identify appropriate periods to defer control to the native AC system for cooling demand in excess of outside air exchange capability, and also identify ongoing suppression, or “takeback” of cooling control from the native system when erroneous, erratic or mistaken operation results in excessive or insufficient cooling, resulting from such factors as equipment failure, operator error, and environmental/disaster occurrences. | 05-19-2016 |
20160161138 | HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM WITH INTERCHANGEABLE CONTROL UNITS - Embodiments of the present invention provide a temperature control system having programmable, interchangeable docking thermostats that work cooperatively to achieve desired temperature control in an enclosure. Various embodiments provide first and second thermostats each having one or more temperature sensors. Also provided may be a first HVAC docking device directly wired to the HVAC wire system and a second docking device that may connect to a power source other than the HVAC wire system, where each of the docking devices have an electrical connector mateable to the electrical connector of the docking thermostats. The first and second docking thermostats may interchangeably mate to the docking devices, and either may control the HVAC system to achieve a desired comfort level. | 06-09-2016 |
20160161140 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL METHOD - A temperature control method used for changing a current temperature of an indoor space to a target temperature in a target time comprises following steps: retrieving the target time, the target temperature and an operation data of an indoor apparatus; retrieving an environmental factor; retrieving the current temperature of the indoor space via a temperature sensor; calculating an operation strategy according to the target time, the target temperature, the operation data, the environmental factor and the current temperature; executing the operation strategy to control the indoor apparatus to switch between multiple operation modes. This application uses a better energy-saving way to adjust the temperature of the indoor space to achieve the target temperature in the target time. | 06-09-2016 |
20160169547 | ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROMOTING SCHEDULE LEARNING ALOGRITHMS FOR INTELLIGENT THERMOSTAT | 06-16-2016 |
20160178226 | INTELLIGENT THERMOSTAT CONTROL SYSTEM | 06-23-2016 |
20160195289 | AUTOMATED ADJUSTMENT OF AN HVAC SCHEDULE FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION | 07-07-2016 |
20160195291 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE TO VIRTUALIZE ENERGY FUNCTIONS AND PROCESSES INTO A CLOUD BASED MODEL | 07-07-2016 |
20160252266 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN HVAC UNIT BASED ON THERMOSTAT SIGNALS | 09-01-2016 |
20160377307 | HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM ENCOURAGING ENERGY EFFICIENT USER BEHAVIORS IN PLURAL INTERACTIVE CONTEXTS - Methods and devices for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by a thermostat are provided. Input can be received from a user via a thermostat, the input being indicative of an adjustment of an HVAC-related setting. On a real-time basis, the HVAC-related setting that is being adjusted can be compared against a feedback criterion designed to indicate a circumstance under which feedback is to be presented to the user. The circumstance can be indicative of an achievement of a HVAC-related setting of a predetermined responsibility level with respect to an energy usage of the HVAC system. Upon a real-time determination that the feedback criterion is satisfied, visual feedback can be caused to be presented to the user in real-time. The real-time feedback can include a visual icon having a visual appeal corresponding to a desirability of the satisfaction of the feedback criterion. | 12-29-2016 |
20160377308 | INTELLIGENT CONTROLLER PROVIDING TIME TO TARGET STATE - The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that continuously, periodically, or intermittently calculate and display the time remaining until a control task is projected to be completed by the intelligent controller. In general, the intelligent controller employs multiple different models for the time behavior of one or more parameters or characteristics within a region or volume affected by one or more devices, systems, or other entities controlled by the intelligent controller. The intelligent controller collects data, over time, from which the models are constructed and uses the models to predict the time remaining until one or more characteristics or parameters of the region or volume reaches one or more specified values as a result of intelligent controller control of one or more devices, systems, or other entities. | 12-29-2016 |
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20170234559 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING CONTROL VARIABLES TO MINIMIZE POWER CONSUMPTION OF COOLING SYSTEMS | 08-17-2017 |
20170234738 | VIRTUAL DATA CENTER ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SYSTEM | 08-17-2017 |
20180023830 | A METHOD FOR OPERATING A THERMAL SYSTEM AND A THERMAL SYSTEM | 01-25-2018 |
20180023831 | AIR CONDITIONING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING AMOUNT OF DEHUMIDIFICATION THEREOF | 01-25-2018 |
20180023832 | HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM ENCOURAGING ENERGY EFFICIENT USER BEHAVIORS IN PLURAL INTERACTIVE CONTEXTS | 01-25-2018 |
20180023833 | DISTRIBUTION OF CALL-HOME EVENTS OVER TIME TO AMELIORATE HIGH COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTATION PEAKS IN INTELLIGENT CONTROL SYSTEM | 01-25-2018 |
20180023834 | EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF INDOOR CONDITIONS | 01-25-2018 |