| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080208392 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY CONDITIONING A SPACE - An apparatus situated in a space for controlling an air terminal device to affect at least one environmental condition in the space includes: (a) at least one sensor unit for presenting at least one sensed indication related with at least one respective environmental condition of the at least one environmental condition; and (b) a local control unit coupled with the air terminal device and coupled with at least one respective sensor unit of the at least one sensor unit. The local control unit responds to a relationship of at least one predetermined requirement with the at least one sensed indication to effect the controlling. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080221737 | NETWORKED ELECTRICAL INTERFACE - An electrical interface may include a switching mechanism and a control module. The switching mechanism can selectively couple a source of electricity to a load and the control module can be coupled to the switching mechanism. The control module may generate a query for information from a web server and control the switching mechanism based on a response to the query. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080221738 | Method and System for Synchronizing Climate Control Devices - A method, computer program product, and a data processing system for controlling a first climate control device is provided. An operational mode is obtained for each of a plurality of climate control devices. The operational mode of each of the plurality of climate control devices is compared with a desired operational mode of the first climate control device. A determination of whether any of the operational modes of the plurality of climate control devices differs from the desired operational mode. The first climate control device is placed in the desired operational mode dependent on the comparison of the operational modes of the plurality of climate control devices with the desired operational mode. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080234869 | Remote Performance Monitor and Remote Performance Monitoring Method - A remote performance monitor to acquire monitoring data concerning an air-conditioning system of a monitoring target building and to determine an operating condition of the air-conditioning system, the remote performance monitor comprises a monitoring data receiver ( | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080281472 | Open Web Services-Based Indoor Climate Control System - The present invention relates generally to a building automation system, and, more particularly, to an Internet-centric, open, extensible software and hardware framework supporting all aspects of control and monitoring of a smart building ecosphere. The present invention further relates to an “intelligent,” real-time control system capable of both autonomous process control and interaction with system users and system administrators, which is configured to accommodate functional extensions and a broad array of sensors and control devices. The system allows individuals to communicate, monitor and adjust their personal environmental preferences (temperature, light, humidity, white noise, etc.) much like they would in an automobile, via the Internet. The system is equipped with an occupancy sensor that recognizes the presence and identity of the individual. A built-in expert system can make decisions based on data from multiple sources so that the system can alter its activity to conserve energy while maintaining users' comfort. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080306632 | Air Conditioning Control Device - An air conditioning control device is configured to obtain and control data on an air conditioner, which includes a plurality of indoor units. The air conditioning control device includes a data retrieval component, a data collection component, an analysis component, and an analyzed results display component. The data retrieval component retrieves air conditioner operating data including power consumption data for each indoor unit. The data collection component collects operating data at certain periods of time. The analysis component analyzes operating data for each indoor unit. The analyzed results display component visualizes and displays the analyzed data that has been analyzed by the analysis component. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20090005912 | Apparatus and Method for the Control of the Indoor Thermal Environment Having Feed Forward and Feedback Control Using Adaptive Reference Models - A controller for controlling thermal sources affecting an air temperature in a space subjected to thermal variables, including a sensor network measuring the thermal variables; a feed forward controller generating a feed forward control signal based on an adaptive model including a model of the space and a model of the thermal sources, wherein the models are formed utilizing data from the sensor network; a feedback controller generating a feedback control signal based on a difference between an output of the feed forward controller and output from the space; and a combiner combining the feed forward and feedback control signals to produce a control signal for controlling the thermal sources to control the air temperatures of the space. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090012650 | NETWORK-BASED AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT REMOTE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A network-based air-conditioning equipment remote monitoring and management system is proposed, which is designed for use with a network system to allow the user to carry out monitoring and management tasks on one or more remotely-located air-conditioning equipment systems in a real-time manner via the network system. The proposed system is characterized by the provision of a user-operated network-based real-time monitoring and management function for remotely-located air-conditioning equipment, the capability to provide efficient and cost-effective management in the utilization of air-conditioning equipment for saving energy and cost, and the capability to provide real-time warning of abnormal operating conditions of the air-conditioning equipment. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090012651 | Including Energy Price in Optimizing Refrigerant System Operation - An HVAC & R system controller is provided with time pricing information for electricity and/or natural gas. This pricing information is utilized to determine the most efficient system configuration and operation schedule to achieve desired conditions in an indoor environment. As an example, if electricity prices are high, then the controller might rely on a natural gas powered furnace, rather than on the higher-electricity consuming heat pump. In another example, thermal storage media can be charged during off-peak hours when cost of electricity is low and release its thermal potential during high demand periods. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090018702 | System and method for controlling vehicle idling based on engine emmissions - An idle control system for a vehicle is provided. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090030554 | COOLING CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD - A method of controlling a cooling device comprising receiving an indication of a desired cooling capacity, providing a plurality of possible sets of operating parameters, determining a plurality of sets of estimated cooling outputs, each set of estimated cooling outputs corresponding to a respective one set of the plurality of possible sets of operating parameters, and selecting one set of operating parameters from the plurality of possible sets of operating parameters, the one set of operating parameters corresponding to a set of estimated cooling outputs of the plurality of sets of estimated cooling outputs that matches the desired cooling capacity. Other embodiments and apparatuses are disclosed. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090048715 | Contingency mode operating method for air conditioning system - An air conditioning apparatus including a heater or furnace includes a controller for receiving control signals from a thermostat and from a user interface for initiating a contingency mode of operation when a signal from the thermostat is not available. The user interface includes a visual display and multiple keys for entering the contingency mode which includes selecting a capacity of heat output of the apparatus and a duty cycle. The user interface may be disposed in the apparatus cabinet and connected directly to a microprocessor based controller for the apparatus. The contingency mode is automatically aborted if a fault signal is received by the controller, a signal is received from a thermostat or power to the apparatus is interrupted. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090062964 | REMOTE HVAC CONTROL WITH REMOTE SENSOR WIRING DIAGRAM GENERATION - An HVAC control system that accommodates and/or facilitates control from a remote location. The HVAC control system may include a web-enabled building control appliance with a controller, a first port and a second port. The controller may implement a web server that is coupled to the first port for serving up one or more web pages on a first network and for receiving a number of responses. The controller may be coupled to the second port so as to communicate with one or more communicating thermostats via a second network. The web server may provide one or more web-pages via the first port that solicit and receive information pertaining to one or more remote sensors that are to be connected to one of the one or more thermostats. The web server may provide a wiring diagram for the one or more remote sensors that is dependent on the received information pertaining to one or more remote sensors. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090082907 | MECHANICALLY ISOLATED ENVIRONMENTAL TEST CHAMBER - In some embodiments a data storage device environmental test system and associated method of use is associated with a testing volume and a control volume that are separately contained in first and second enclosures, respectively, wherein the first and second enclosures possess no common structural member. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082908 | Calculating Airflow Values For HVAC Systems - A method of calculating a control parameter for a component in an HVAC system includes receiving a plurality of input signals, and calculating a value of the control parameter using a control parameter equation having a plurality of predetermined coefficients and a plurality of variables, each variable corresponding to one of the input signals. This equation is stored in and subsequently fetched from memory associated with a component of the HVAC system, such as a blower motor controller or a system controller. In some embodiments, the equation is stored in a device for interfacing a system controller with a blower motor assembly. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090088901 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A COMMUNICATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONING NETWORK - A method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network having a plurality of environmental interactive units communicatingly coupled with a plurality of space interactive units, each respective space interactive unit presenting a conditioned output when engaged with a particular environmental interactive unit, includes: (a) turning on selected delivery elements associated with selected space interactive units; (b) establishing baseline data indicating conditioned outputs of the selected space interactive units; (c) engaging at least one respective space interactive unit with at least one respective environmental interactive unit; (d) waiting a predetermined time interval; (e) measuring a conditioned output associated with each the selected delivery element; and (f) selecting the respective selected space interactive unit associated with the largest change in the conditioned output as assigned to the respective environmental interactive unit. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090099696 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF REPORTING AND MANAGING REAL-TIME AIRFLOW WITHIN AN INFORMATION HANDLING SYSTEM - A system and method of reporting and managing real-time air flow within an information handling system is disclosed. In one form, a method of managing airflow can include obtaining airflow data using a range of fan speeds of a first cooling fan within a first information handling system. The method can also include storing the airflow data within a memory accessible to a management controller. The method can further include accessing the airflow data to identify a first airflow output level, and altering an operating speed of the first cooling fan to output the first airflow output level. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090099697 | Power Supply Switch for Dual Powered Thermostat, Power Supply for Dual Powered Thermostat, and Dual Powered Thermostat - A power supply switch for a dual powered thermostat switches the power supply to a dual-powered thermostat with a touch-screen display when a change in primary power supply is detected. The switch switches to an auxiliary power supply. The auxiliary power supply can be a battery. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090099698 | EQUIPMENT ITEM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND EQUIPMENT ITEM MANAGEMENT APPARATUS - A method A communication section | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090118869 | HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM FOR PET ENCLOSURES - Various embodiments of the invention are directed toward a heating and cooling system for pet living spaces, which is easily transportable and is efficient in heating and cooling the pet because it heats and cools both the air surrounding the pet and the surfaces that the pet lays upon. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090125149 | Building Energy Management System - An energy management system for managing energy such as power consumed in a building in an optimal state to significantly save energy is provided. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090132091 | Parameter Standardization - Included are embodiments for parameter standardization. At least one embodiment of a system includes a first determining component configured to determine at least one business rule associated with at least one environment and a second determining component configured to determine settings for a plurality of assets associated with the at least one environment to enforce the determined at least one business rule. Some embodiments include a sending component configured to send a signal to the plurality of assets to implement the business rule. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090132092 | Demand Control - Included are embodiments for demand control. At least one embodiment of a method includes sending a first control signal, the first control signal configured to indicate a first supply for an environment, the first supply based on a first environmental factor and a control setting and determining a change in a second environmental factor. Some embodiments include calculating a second supply for the environment, based on the determined change and sending a second control signal, the second control signal configured to indicate the second supply for the environment. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090138124 | ANTENNA FOR A BUILDING CONTROLLER - The present invention relates generally to building controllers, and more particularly, to antennas for providing wireless communication capabilities in such building controllers. Methods and systems for automated surface mounting of such antennas are also contemplated and disclosed. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138125 | Environmental Control System - An environmental control system for conditioning air in a vehicle compartment, such as an aircraft cabin. Cool expanded higher-pressure air from a turbine is mixed with recirculated warmer, lower pressure air from the compartment. The air is mixed and recirculated by a jet pump which includes an inlet section, an outlet section, a diffuser section and a mixing section. The mixing section includes a plurality of separate mixing chambers. The diffuser section includes diffusers for receiving mixed gases from each of the mixing chambers. The outlet section receives the mixed gases which are then conveyed to the compartment. The inlet section includes for each of the mixing chambers, a primary nozzle for introducing the higher-pressure air into a respective mixing chamber, and a secondary nozzle for introducing the lower pressure air to a respective mixing chamber. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090143915 | Environmental control system - A system for providing outside air to a space for dilution of contaminants within the space. The system includes an air handler that supplies a flow of outside air to the space and an occupancy detector that calculates the occupancy of people in the space. Also included is a processor that determines a flow rate set point for the outside air for the space based on the occupancy in the space, the floor area of the space, and the flow of outside air supplied by the air handler. An air flow controller is provided that modulates the air flow from the air handler to the space. An open protocol network is connected to the air handler, the occupancy detector, and the air flow controller, and the processor dynamically calculates the outdoor air flow rate set point. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090143916 | 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. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090182456 | PROGRAMMING CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING AN AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT - A programming control system for adjusting an air conditioning equipment is provided, which include an air conditioning control unit for being activated according to a preset time period, the air conditioning control unit to execute adjustment of the air conditioning equipment based on corresponding preset control parameters; accordingly, the programming control system for adjusting an air conditioning equipment is capable of adjusting the air conditioning equipments to a preferable usage state, thereby achieving objective of providing a conformable temperature as well as saving energy consumption. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090192650 | Method for controlling enthalpy in air conditioning systems - In an air conditioning system a method for controlling enthalpy in the environment of a structure is disclosed. The blower speed is controlled in such a manner as to maintain the prescribed dew point temperature of the air passing over the evaporator coils. When the air to be cooled contains high relative humidity, a greater quantity of latent heat is rejected into the evaporator, resulting in less sensible heat being rejected. This results in higher sensible temperature of air passing over the evaporator coils and thus the blower speed is reduced in and effort to maintain dew point. Maintaining the prescribed dew point ensures that the air in the space is continuously maintained at the optimum humidity levels without the use of humidity sensors. Enthalpy is determined by observing relative blower speed and the refrigeration compressor is modulated based on the blower speed. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090204262 | Environmental control apparatus, environmental control system, environmental control method, and environmental control program - An environmental control apparatus that is installed in a room and is portable, includes a sensor unit, a determination unit, and an output unit. The sensor unit senses the air environment of the room. The determination unit determines whether the air environment of the room is within the range of a comfort zone based on information about the air environment of the room. The output unit, based on at least the information about the determination result of the determination unit, outputs information or a signal in order to make the air environment of the room fall within the range of the comfort zone. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090210094 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AIR SUPPLY FOR DRYING PAINTED VEHICLES AND OTHER OBJECTS - A method includes determining how to adjust one or more manipulated variables using at least one model. The one or more manipulated variables are associated with a supply of conditioned air for drying one or more objects. The method also includes generating one or more control signals to control one or more controlled variables associated with the supply of conditioned air. The one or more controlled variables include temperature, dewpoint, and/or humidity of the conditioned air. The one or more manipulated variables include a flow of heated material (like steam) used to condition the conditioned air. The one or more manipulated variables could also include a number of active units in a humidifier. Generating the one or more control signals could include accumulating adjustments associated with the humidifier and generating a control signal to alter the number of active units in the humidifier when the accumulated adjustments exceed a threshold. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090222138 | VENTILATOR CONTROL OPTIMIZER - A ventilator control optimizer allowing the control of a ventilator without the need for manual input. The ventilator control optimizer analyzes trends in indoor environmental conditions (dew point, relative humidity, etc.) and makes decisions based on these trends. The ventilator control optimizer is able to change ventilator fan speeds depending on the detected trends. This will prevent the ventilator from operating under conditions which might aggravate the humidity problem indoors. The ventilator control optimizer also allows auxiliary systems (dehumidifier, etc.) to be controlled automatically to deal with high humidity conditions. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090234505 | GROUND WIRE ADAPTOR - A ground wire adaptor for operatively connecting a low-voltage control unit (e.g. a thermostat) requiring a three-wire connection to a three-wire system-under-control (e.g. a HVAC system) using a two-wire conductor. A ground terminal and an output control signal of the control unit are interconnected such that the output control signal, in the form of a half-wave rectified signal, is superimposed on the ground. The ground wire adaptor detects the half-wave rectified signal superimposed on the ground connection and generates a control output signal to be provided to the system-under-control responsive to the presence of the half-wave rectified signal (i.e. the control signal from the control unit). In another aspect of the invention the ground wire adaptor can be used to connect an ‘N’ function control unit to an ‘N’ function system-under-control using a two-wire conductor. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090259341 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR AT LEAST ONE HEATING, AIR-CONDITIONING, VENTILATION OR REFRIGERATION SYSTEM - The invention concerns a control device for at least one heating, air-conditioning, ventilation or refrigeration system with a memory for a temperature control program and a signal outlet. It is endeavoured to simplify the programming. For this purpose, the memory is arranged in an element ( | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090265037 | System and Method for Assessing and Reducing Air Pollution by Regulating Airflow Ventilation - Disclosed are means for monitoring the levels of air pollution in urban areas for the purpose of optimizing the conditions of airflow ventilation of buildings according to air pollution levels in their area. The invention supplies data in real time regarding local air pollution levels or relative levels, i.e. current air pollution levels in relation to previous ones. The disclosed system and method makes use of the fluctuations in air pollution levels in order to achieve optimal reduction of air pollution levels inside buildings. The system defines optimal times for ventilation in order to achieve a significant and persisting improvement of indoor air quality, in a routine manner, by using measurements of nondeterministic, continuous and effective fluctuations in air pollution levels at the surroundings of each building, specifically in locations which don't include monitoring stations. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090281667 | AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - Even at spots, such as a window side and the back side of a room, where air conditioning loads are different from each other, a comfortable air condition is obtained at low cost using a common air conditioning unit. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090281668 | GEOTHERMAL AND REMEDIATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of treating contaminated ground water and controlling the temperature of a building includes pumping water to be remediated from a well to ground level and treating the water with water remediation equipment. The method further includes providing the water to a heat pump to serve as a heat source or a heat sink. The water is then discharged. A geothermal heat pump and water remediation system includes a well used as a source of water, a water remediation system configured to treat the water, and a heat pump configured to heat or cool a building where the heat pump uses the water as at least one of a heat source or a heat sink. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090299532 | COMMUNICATING OVER POWER DISTRIBUTION MEDIA - A system includes a first communication module to be coupled to a first transmission medium for distributing power using a voltage waveform having a first amplitude; and a second communication module to be coupled to a second transmission medium for distributing power using a voltage waveform having a second amplitude different from the first amplitude, the second transmission medium being coupled to the first transmission medium. Each of the first and second communication modules is configured to use signals that propagate between the first and second transmission media. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090306828 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE CLIMATE IN A HOUSE - The invention provides a method for controlling the climate of an environment, e.g. a house, which exchanges thermal energy with an ambient space. Energy is supplied to the environment e.g. by radiators, floor heating, electrical heating fans etc. According to the method, a numerically expressed comfort criteria, and a numerically expressed weight of importance of compliance with the comfort criterion are defined. Subsequently, a supply of a specific amount of energy is considered, and with respect to that amount, a numerical expression of a degree of compliance with the comfort criterion, and a numerical expression of costs related to the supply of that amount of energy are provided. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100004787 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A COMMUNICATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONING NETWORK - A method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network, an apparatus for such configuring and a method for configuring a communicating air conditioning network are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network includes: (1) establishing baseline data indicating conditioned outputs of selected space interactive units of the plurality of space interactive units, (2) activating a respective environmental interactive unit of the plurality of environmental interactive units and (3) assigning to the respective environmental interactive unit a respective selected space interactive unit associated with the largest change in a conditioned output. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100010678 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO CONTROL DATA CENTER AIR HANDLING SYSTEMS - A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to determine at least one data center condition and determine or estimate a current energy cost. Additionally, the method includes dynamically control a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the data center based on the determined at least one data center condition and the determined or estimated current energy cost. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100057258 | Return Fan Control System and Method - A return fan control system for an HVAC system comprises a supply fan control loop, a return fan control loop and a building pressure control system. The supply fan control loop comprises a duct pressure controller arranged to control a supply fan to a duct pressure setpoint. The return plenum pressure control loop comprises a return plenum pressure controller arranged to automatically control a return fan to a return plenum pressure setpoint determined by a setpoint reset function. The building pressure control system is operable to control a building pressure. The building pressure control system may comprise a building pressure control loop and an outside air control loop cooperatively arranged to control an exhaust damper in response to an outside air intake. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100063635 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PROGRAM AIR CONDITIONER MODULES - A system to program microcomputers associated with a plurality of bus rooftop air conditioners comprises a plurality of air conditioner modules located on a bus rooftop. Each air conditioner module includes a microcomputer. Each microcomputer is connected to a CAN (computer area network) bus connection, and the CAN bus is common to each microcomputer. The system also includes a programming device that is communicatively coupled to at least one of the microcomputers of one of the plurality of air conditioner modules, wherein the programming device transfers a software update to the at least one of the microcomputers followed by the at least one of the microcomputers transferring the software update to each of the microcomputers in the of air conditioner modules located on a bus rooftop. A method for programming a plurality of microcomputers contained within a plurality of bus air conditioning modules is also presented. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100063636 | AIR CONDITIONER - Disclosed is an air conditioner provided with a spatial recognition and detection function for deciding the room shape by integrally determining based on a temperature difference (the temperature unevenness) information between the floor and the walls occurring during the air conditioning operation, a human body detection position log, and a capacity zone of the air conditioner. The air conditioner of the present invention provides an infrared sensor and a control unit that controls the air conditioner by detecting a presence of heat generating device and human with the infrared sensor, wherein the control unit acquires a thermal image data of the room by scanning with the infrared sensor, and integrates three information indicated below to calculate a floor dimension inside the air conditioning area, and calculates the wall position within the air conditioning area on the thermal image data.
| 03-11-2010 |
| 20100070084 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING THE THERMAL MASS OF A BUILDING - The invention comprises a system for calculating a value for the effective thermal mass of a building. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system. One or more processors receive measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than the control system and compare 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 said HVAC control system and said outside temperature measurements. The processors then calculate one or more rates of change in temperature at said first location. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100070085 | AIRFLOW 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 airflow values within a wide range of values. In these embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting the airflow values. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100070086 | INDOOR AIR QUALITY CONTROLLERS AND 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 controllers also include communication interfaces for receiving climate data. In certain embodiments, the controllers govern operation of the HVAC systems based at least in part on the climate data. Further, the controllers may display information and alerts related to the climate data. The controllers also may govern operation of air treatment devices within the HVAC systems. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100076605 | HVAC System Controller Configuration - Control devices for configuring heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The control devices are designed to detect operational parameters of units within HVAC systems and present system configurations consistent with the detected parameters. In response to user selection of a system configuration, the control device may apply the system configuration to the HVAC system and may reconfigure settings of control circuits within system units. The system configurations presented by the control device may correspond to wiring diagrams that are familiar to service technicians. Methods of configuring HVAC systems with the control devices are also provided. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100076606 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A CONSTANT AIR FLOW FROM A BLOWER BY SENSING BLOWER HOUSING VACUUM - An airflow control system for a blower providing the combustion air for an HVAC system comprises a single phase AC blower motor driving a blower wheel within a blower housing, a vacuum sensor mounted to the housing to sense the vacuum or pressure differential created by the blower as it operates, and a controller that receives as its only feedback signal a variable signal from the vacuum sensor which signal is proportional to the sensed vacuum within the housing and provides an output voltage to the blower motor to adjust the blower motor speed to thereby preferably produce a constant air flow. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100076607 | DATA CENTER THERMAL PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION USING DISTRIBUTED COOLING SYSTEMS - The various embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods, circuits and devices for providing data center cooling while optimizing power usage effectiveness and/or compute power efficiency of the data center. The various embodiments can provide optimized thermal performance and can reduce power consumption of the data center by strategically locating sensor modules, preferably microsystems with MEMS technology, in the data center and using a processing circuit to acquire data from the sensors and to generate a control law for operating the air conditioning system efficiently. In particular the sensors are operable to measure and provide granular environmental data to further characterize the environmental conditions of the racks locally, and the data center as a whole. The processing circuit may also generate a profile of local racks and simulate a data center environment to develop and test control strategies for implementation in the actual data center. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100082161 | Method and apparatus for control of cooling system air quality and energy consumption - An energy saving air quality control system modulates supply fan speed by use of controlled, variable-frequency drive controls for automatic dampers or suction pressure to maintain adequate air flow across the evaporator coil at partial cooling loads. Indexing the fan speed to maintain the suction pressure of the energized coil controls the maximum relative humidity of the conditioned space. Demand ventilation in the system balances air quality and energy consumption by controlling the outdoor air damper in response to indoor CO | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100087956 | SPRING-LOADED DOORS TO PREVENT AIR RECIRCULATION WITHOUT NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SPACE - The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to modular information handling systems configured to automatically adjust coolant flow upon insertion and/or removal of heat-releasing elements (e.g., blades). A system may comprise, for example, a chassis at least partially defining a cavity, at least one fan in fluid communication with the cavity and operable to move coolant through at least a portion of the cavity, and one or more bays. Each of the one or more bays (a) may be at least partially defined by a bay wall, (b) may be configured to receive a heat-releasing element, and/or (c) may comprise an obturator configured to conditionally block fluid communication between the bay and the chassis cavity, the fan, and/or a coolant, wherein the obturator allows fluid communication when a blade is present in the bay and blocks fluid communication when a blade is absent from the bay. A system may further comprise at least one heat-releasing element positioned in at least one of the one or more bays. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100087957 | System and methods for the preservation of mechanical assets - A system and methods for the storage, and preservation of mechanical assets, including collectable automobiles, small airplanes and watercraft in a storage unit. The storage unit includes a plurality of asset modules. The volume of each asset module is variable. The atmosphere of each asset module may be controlled by a control system. Control of the atmosphere of each asset module includes control of parameters including the type of gas each atmosphere is composed of and the temperature, the pressure and relative humidity of each atmosphere. These parameters may be monitored and controlled from a remote location. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100094467 | ENERGY SAVING SYSTEM - An energy saving system acquires seat occupation information from a database of a seat occupation management system, detects equipment appliances of the places at which personnel are not seated, on the basis of the seat occupation information and transmits control information based on the detection result to an equipment control system so that unnecessary equipment appliances of the places where the personnel do not exist can be turned off. The energy saving linking system executes a processing for calculating optimal position and range in accordance with the seat occupation information, calculates an area providing the highest movement efficiency to overtime personnel and displays the calculation result. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100106305 | Programmable controller and a user interface for same - A programmable controller includes a user interface which includes a default interface, a home screen, an indoor settings interface and one or more tab interfaces. As the home screen covers a predominant portion of the default interface and is associated with the indoor settings interface, the home screen enables an operator of the programmable thermostat to intuitively transition from the home screen to the indoor settings and one or more tab interfaces. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106306 | INTEGRATION OF LED LIGHTING WITH BUILDING CONTROLS - An LED-based light can be installed in a conventional light fixture. The LED-based light can include a sensor operable to output a first signal indicative of whether an area of one or more of the rooms is in an occupied state or a non-occupied state, and the LED-based light can also include an LED controller operable to control at least one LED in the light in response to the first signal. Additionally, the LED-based light can include a transmitter operable to output a second signal indicative of whether the area is in the occupied state or the non-occupied state to a building environment regulator. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106307 | DEVICE ABSTRACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DISTRIBUTED-ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the network includes a system device and a subnet controller. The system device is coupled to a data bus and configured to locally store feature or parameter data related to an operation of the system device. The subnet controller is configured to publish a message via the data bus directing the device to publish a message including the feature or parameter data to the network. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106308 | 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 first zone and a second zone. The first zone has a first demand unit and a first subnet controller configured to control an operation of the first demand unit via a data bus. The second zone has a second demand unit and a second subnet controller configured to control an operation of the second demand unit via the data bus. The second subnet controller is further configured to communicate with the first subnet controller via the data bus. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106309 | GENERAL CONTROL TECHNIQUES IN A HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network. In various embodiments of systems and methods including a bus, a compressor is coupled to the bus, and a subnet controller is coupled to the bus. The subnet controller disables the compressor when acting upon a dehumidification command. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106310 | ALARM AND DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DISTRIBUTED- ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - The disclosure includes an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing an HVAC data processing and communication network. In one embodiment, the network includes a system device and a controller. The system device is configured to communicate over a data bus, and further configured to store tracking data related to the system device. The controller is configured to send a command message to the device via the data bus. The message is configured to instruct the device to publish the tracking data on the data bus via a reply message. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106311 | ALARM AND DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DISTRIBUTED ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND CONDITIONING NETWORK - The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment the network includes a subnet controller, a system device and a gateway. The controller is configured to publish control messages over a data bus. The system device is configured to receive the messages and to provide an HVAC service in response to the messages. A gateway is configured to provide access by a remote user to the network. The access includes operating the network to generate diagnostic data and retrieving the diagnostic data via the gateway. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106312 | ALARM AND DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DISTRIBUTED-ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - The disclosure includes an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing an HVAC data processing and communication network. In one embodiment, the HVAC data processing and communication network includes: (1) a subnet controller configured to publish a control message to a data bus and (2) a system device configured to receive the control message and enter a diagnostic mode in response thereto, wherein the diagnostic mode includes publishing a diagnostic status message including a device parameter value to the data bus. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106313 | DEVICE ABSTRACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DISTRIBUTED ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the method includes configuring a subnet controller. The subnet controller is configured to assign to a first device associated with the network a first equipment type number based on a first device ID number and a first offset. The subnet controller is configured, in the event that the first device shares a same enclosure with a second device associated with the network, to assign to the second device a second equipment type number based on the first device ID number and a second offset. The subnet controller is configured, in the event that the first device does not share a same enclosure with the second device, to assign to the second device the second equipment type number based on a second device ID number and the second offset. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106314 | SYSTEM RECOVERY IN A HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - Various embodiments of systems and methods of employing a first subnet controller in an HVAC network. The method comprises conveying a fixed parameter from a first networked device in the HVAC system to the first subnet controller, conveying a variable parameter from the first networked device in the HVAC system to the first subnet controller, and providing an option to a user to modify the variable parameter. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106315 | SYSTEM RECOVERY IN A HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - The disclosure provides various embodiments of systems and methods of generating a heartbeat in an HVAC system and networks. In an embodiment, a method includes a heartbeat message being sent by a first subnet controller upon the first subnet controller taking active control of a subnet of the HVAC network. The active heartbeat message timer is reset. Another heartbeat message is sent if a specified amount of time has elapsed since a previous heartbeat message was sent by said heartbeat generator. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106316 | ALARM AND DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DISTRIBUTED ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - The disclosure includes an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. One embodiment of the network includes a subnet controller, a system device and a system status display. The subnet controller is configured to communicate via a data bus. The first system device is configured to communicate via a data bus. The system status display is associated with the first system device and configured to produce a visual signal when the first device detects an error or alarm condition. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106317 | DEVICE ABSTRACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DISTRIBUTED- ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the method includes configuring a device to store a plurality of character strings. The device is further configured to associate a text ID with each of the character strings. The device is further configured to recall a predetermined character string in response to receiving a first message via the network including a predetermined text ID associated with the predetermined character string. The method includes further configuring the device to send via the network a second message including the predetermined character string. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106318 | ALARM AND DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR 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 one embodiment, the HVAC data processing and communication network includes a system device, a subnet controller and a user interface. The system device is configured to receive a control message from a data bus and operate according to a control setting communicated thereby. The system device is further configured to generate an alarm message in the event that the device enters an alarm state in response to an alarm condition. The user interface is configured to receive the alarm message and display alarm information in response to the message. The subnet controller is configured to provide operational control of the system device via the control message. The operational control is decoupled from the alarm message. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106319 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING EQUIPMENT IN A 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 network includes a sensor and a local controller. The sensor is configured to detect a fault condition associated with operation of a demand unit. The local controller, associated with the demand unit, is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor and to communicate the sensor data over the network. A network controller is configured to receive the sensor data via the communication network and to generate an alert in the event that the sensor data indicates the fault condition. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106320 | COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DISTRIBUTED-ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - An HVAC data processing and communication network includes a subnet controller and at least one demand unit. A bus interface device associated with the demand unit is configured to receive a demand message from the subnet controller over the network. The bus interface device controls an operation of said demand unit in response to said demand message. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106321 | MEMORY RECOVERY SCHEME AND DATA STRUCTURE IN A HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - The disclosure provides various systems and methods for conveying information between a communicating first device and a second coupled device of a HVAC network. In various embodiments, a checking of a subnet of the HVAC network for both communicating device and a non-communicating device by the communicating first device occurs. It is determined whether the second coupled device in a non-communicating device. An installer is allowed to set parameters of the non-communicating device through employment of a manifest list of features used by the non-communicating device that is accessible by the communicating device. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106322 | COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR 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 network includes a system device and a subnet controller. The system device is adapted to provide a service and publish a message including a device status vector representing an availability of the system device to provide the service. The subnet controller is adapted to receive the message from the system device including the device status vector via a data bus. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106323 | COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DISTRIBUTED-ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - An HVAC data processing and communication network includes a first subnet and a second subnet. The first subnet includes a first demand unit, a first comfort sensor and a first subnet controller. The second subnet includes a second subnet comprising a second demand unit, a second comfort sensor and a second subnet controller. The second subnet controller is configured to control an operation of the first subnet. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106324 | COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR 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 network includes a system device coupled to a data bus. The system device includes a functional block adapted to respond to a message received via the data bus. The system device is configured to thereby enter a disabled state in which the system device does not provide a service or broadcast messages via the data bus, but may continue to receive messages via the data bus. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106325 | COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR 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 network includes a demand unit and a subnet controller. The demand unit is coupled to a data bus and configured to provide a primary service having a maximum service capacity. The subnet controller is configured to send a demand message to the demand unit via the data bus instructing the demand unit to provide a portion of the maximum. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106326 | COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR 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 network includes a subnet controller and at least one demand unit. A bus interface device associated with the demand unit is configured to receive a demand message from the subnet controller over the network. The bus interface device controls an operation of said demand unit in response to said demand message. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106327 | COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR 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 network includes a first subnet controller and a system device. The first subnet controller is coupled to a data bus and configured to arbitrate with a second subnet controller for control of the subnet. The system device is configured to transition from a reset state to a first state that includes pre-startup tasks, and transition from the first state to a second state that includes waiting for the subnet controller to provide configuration parameters to the system device. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106328 | EXTREMUM SEEKING CONTROL WITH RESET CONTROL - An extremum seeking control method optimizes a control process for a plant such as an air handling unit. The method compensates for abrupt changes in the operation of the plant by resetting the extremum seeking control strategy in response to a detection of the abrupt change. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100114382 | Determination of the Type of Heaving, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System - The present invention provides apparatuses and computer readable media for obtaining information about a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and sending the information to a remote networked device. A control circuit deactivates loads of a HVAC system so that a sampling circuit can inject a test signal into the loads. Based on a resulting signal, a processor determines what loads are connected to a thermostat. The processor can consequently determine the type of the HVAC system. The processor may further utilize a lookup table that maps possible values of the resulting signal with different types of HVAC systems. The thermostat may consequently send information about the load configuration to a networked device. The thermostat may further detect a change of the load configuration and notify the networked device and may periodically inject the test signal into the connected loads when the control relays are deactivated. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114383 | WIRELESS BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD USING A BUILDING MODEL - A building system includes a communication network, a plurality of wireless nodes, a plurality of passive wireless devices, a plurality of sensors, and a processing circuit. The wireless nodes are disposed within a building and are operably coupled to the communication network. Each passive wireless device is affixed to an object within the building, and contains first information regarding at least one property of the object. Each the passive wireless device is configured to communicate wirelessly to the wireless nodes using power derived from communication signals detected in the passive wireless device. The sensors are configured to generate second information representative of sensed temperature throughout the building, each sensor operably connected to the communication network. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive the first information from the wireless devices and the second information from the sensors. The processing circuit is configured to generate control information regarding the building based on the first information and the second information. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114384 | CONTROLS FOR HIGH-EFFICIENCY HEAT PUMPS - As discussed herein, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method of providing improved efficiency in heating/cooling. The method can include operating an HVAC system that includes first and second heat pump compressors working together with corresponding heat pump expansion valves and heat pump heat exchangers. The method can include collecting HVAC fluid information concerning actual conditions of an HVAC fluid flowing in the HVAC system via sensors positioned in various places throughout the HVAC system. The method can include transmitting an update that includes HVAC fluid information. The method can include receiving control instructions at a heat pump controller. The method can include implementing the control instructions with the heat pump controller. Steps of the method can be repeated periodically during operation of the HVAC system. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114385 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO CONTROL ENERGY CONSUMPTION EFFICIENCY - A controller is configured to exchange information with a building automation system and includes various executable programs for determining a real time operating efficiency, simulating a predicted or theoretical operating efficiency, comparing the same, and then adjusting one or more operating parameters on equipment utilized by a building's HVAC system. The controller operates to adjust an operating efficiency of the HVAC system. An adjustment module utilized by the controller may modify the HVAC equipment parameters based on the likelihood that various HVAC equipment operates in parallel and on-line near its natural operating curve. In addition, the adjustment module may include a self-learning aspect that permits the controller to more efficiently make similar, future adjustments as needed. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114386 | Monitoring and Controlling Water Consumption and Devices in a Structure - Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling water consumption in a water-based system are disclosed using one or more sensors for generating signals indicative of the operation thereof. One or more interface modules are provided as breaker circuits for receiving the generated signals, and a fluid control device is operable for limiting the water consumption. A motherboard receives the interface modules and provides communication therebetween for information processing. Signals from the various sensors are supplied to a controller, which provides signals to status indicators, and also operates to provide alarm signals via network interfaces to remote locations. In an alternate embodiment, a water monitoring system is designed to shut off the water supply to the water device and to shut off either the electrical supply or the gas supply to the heating unit of the water device in response to sensing a malfunction through one or more sensed parameters. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100121494 | AIR CONDITIONER WITH OPERATION ACCORDING TO A USER-DEFINED CURVE AND THE CONTROL, METHOD THEREOF - An air conditioner with operation according to a user-defined curve and the control method thereof are disclosed. The air conditioner includes a main unit, the main unit includes: a receiving unit of user-defined curve for receiving the user-defined curve set by a user, the user-defined curve is used to define the coincidence relation between the needed air conditioning temperature and the time, and a control unit connected to the receiving unit of user-defined curve for controlling the air conditioning temperature of the air conditioner at different time according to the user-defined curve. The user-defined curve can be set by a keyboard of a remote controller by the user, the data of the user-defined curve can be stored in a memory chip and then can be sent into an infrared signal receiving unit of the main unit, a MCU control chip controls the operation of the air conditioner according to the user-defined curve. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100125367 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING DEHUMIDIFIER PERFORMANCE - Methods, systems, and apparatuses directed to determining the performance of a dehumidifier are disclosed herein. A method of determining dehumidifier performance configured in accordance with one embodiment includes determining an inlet humidity value for airflow entering the dehumidifier, and determining an outlet humidity value for airflow exiting the dehumidifier. The outlet humidity value is determined based at least in part on an efficiency or correction factor for the dehumidifier. The method further includes comparing the inlet humidity value with the outlet humidity value to determine the amount of moisture that the dehumidifier is removing for the air. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100125368 | System and Method for Sump Heater Control in an HVAC System - A system and a method are provided for powering up a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and operating a sump heater for a compressor for a first predetermined period of time in response to the HVAC system being powered up. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system and a method for controlling the system are provided. The HVAC system includes a compressor, a sump heater associated with the compressor, and a controller configured to control the compressor and the sump heater so that the sump heater is not operated while the compressor is operated. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100125369 | System and Method for Defrost of an HVAC System - A system and a method are provided for monitoring a condition and selectively executing a certification defrost algorithm for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in response to the status of the monitored condition. A system and a method are provided for selectively operating a certification defrost algorithm in parallel to a field defrost algorithm. A system and a method are also provided for causing a controller to execute a first algorithm and for causing the controller to selectively execute a second algorithm while also executing the first algorithm where each of the first algorithm and the second algorithm are configured to selectively cause the HVAC system to operate in a defrost mode. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100125370 | AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS - To achieve a reduction in power consumption by allowing a plurality of air conditioners to communicate with each other and thereby leveling their air-conditioning capacities with no load variations involved by temperature variations. An air-conditioning apparatus 100 may include a plurality of air conditioners and a computing section for control, where each air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit that form a closed refrigeration cycle. The indoor units of the plurality of air conditioners are installed in an area to be air-conditioned. The computing section for control may allow the plurality of air conditioners to communicate with each other, thereby leveling their air-conditioning capacities based on air-conditioning load detected by each air conditioner. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100138048 | Air conditioner and method of controlling the same - The present invention relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a discharge driving unit for discharging an air-conditioned air, a sensor module for detecting first and second radiation signals for heat sources while the sensor module rotates and performs scan in first and second rotation directions and for outputting a human body detection signal based on the detected first and second radiation signals, and a control unit for calculating position information of human bodies based on the human body detection signal and controlling the discharge driving unit based on the calculated position information. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100138049 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL UNIT FOR HARSH CONDITIONS - A method of controlling an air conditioning system of the type having a variable capacity compressor circulating refrigerant through a condenser, an expander, an evaporator and returning to the compressor. Sensors are disposed to sense a refrigerant condition selected from one of pressure and temperature on one or both the compressor high pressure and low pressure side; and, in the event of an overload condition, the sensors generate a control signal that effects operation of an actuator for moving a member in the compressor to vary the compressor capacity to the lowest capacity output. Alternatively, the generated control signal may vary the compressor speed. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100145527 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT COMPRESSOR AND SYSTEM WITH A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT COMPRESSOR - A system and a method for operating a variable-displacement compressor are provided wherein a volume of a compression chamber of at least one cylinder is varied during a compression cycle, wherein during the cycle the at least one cylinder is alternately coupled to a low pressure side and a high pressure side of the compressor. A first thermodynamic state of the low pressure side and a second thermodynamic state of the high pressure side can be estimated and a current compression ratio | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100152905 | DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH TO MODELING SENSORS - A method, computer program product and system are provided for modeling non-controllable parameters affecting system performance. The method may include receiving historical values for each of a plurality of system parameters and grouping the system parameters into controllable, non-controllable, and performance parameters. The method may further include determining a first set of predictors from the non-controllable parameters using the historical values of these non-controllable parameters and, for each predictor in the first set, determining optimal time instances at which a value of each predictor is measured using non-uniform time scales. These optimal time instances may then be saved as a second set of predictors. One or more constraints may then be established for each of the controllable parameters. Finally, a dynamic model based on the second set of predictors, the controllable parameters, and the performance parameters may be constructed and optimized. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100161134 | VARIABLE CAPACITY COMPRESSOR CONTROLLER AND VARIABLE CAPACITY COMPRESSOR CONTROL METHOD - A control method controlling a compression capacity of a variable capacity compressor ( | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100168921 | Air conditioner and method of controlling the same - The present invention relates to an air conditioner, including a discharge driving unit for discharging an air-conditioned air, a sensor module for rotating and scanning predetermined areas and outputting data for radiation heats of heat sources, and a control unit for calculating observed change-amount signals based on the data and stored old data, acquiring human body information by converting each of the observed change-amount signals into energy levels, and controlling the discharge driving unit. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100168922 | Air conditioner and method of operating the same - The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a method of operating the same. The air conditioner includes a human body detection unit configured to rotatably operate and to detect a person within an indoor area, a position determination unit configured to determine a position of the person using data detected by the human body detection unit and to set a reference area to which a current of air will be provided according to a frequency of detection on the person, and a control unit configured to control the human body detection unit so that the human body detection unit detects the person by a reference frequency or more and to control the current of air based on the determination results by the position determination unit so that the current of air is discharged toward the reference area. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100179695 | System and Method for Temperature Management of a Data Center - A system and method for managing the temperature of a data center is disclosed in which a target computer system is identified. The target computer system is the system that requires access or service. The operation of the computer systems in the vicinity of the target computer system is modified to reduce the temperature in the vicinity of the target computer system or along the pathway between the entrance to the data center and the target computer system. After the target computer system is accessed or serviced, the computer systems in the vicinity of the target computer system or along the pathway between the entrance to the data center and the target computer system can be returned to their original state. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100179696 | DEVICE ABSTRACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DISTRIBUTED-ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the method includes configuring a user interface to receive a first parameter setting associated with a system device. The user interface is further configured to send a message to the system device including the first parameter setting. The user interface is further configured to receive from the system device a second parameter setting that is dependent on the first parameter setting. The user interface is further configured to make the second parameter setting available for viewing. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100185332 | CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN ENCLOSURE - A system and method for climate control of an enclosure that includes two climate control systems configured to operate in conjunction to cool the enclosure. One climate control system may be configured to control the operation of the other climate control system. The climate control systems operate depending on the temperature of certain areas. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100191379 | VENTILATING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A ventilating apparatus includes a blow fan, a filter arranged to collect dust contained in air flow generated by the blower fan, and a control unit configured to use a time input value, which is for outputting a filter sign, to increase a target rotational speed of the blower fan with a prescribed frequency. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100204834 | LIFESTYLE ACTIVITY CHOICE COMFORT SETTINGS - A thermostat includes a present lifestyle activity comfort level corresponding to each of at least three thermostat user interface buttons. The thermostat user interface buttons can be preset using a “radio preset” style of setting. A method of selecting a comfort level includes the step of presetting user operable buttons labeled with a lifestyle activity comfort choice to a comfort level choice using a “radio preset” style of presetting. Also, a thermostat for controlling the comfort level in a building space includes a receiver coupled to a microcomputer, wherein the receiver reacts responsively to a signal indicating the presence of a person in the building space such that on detection of the presence of the person by the receiver, the thermostat sets a comfort level preferred by that person according to a preset comfort level. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100204835 | Device and Method to Dehumidify and to Pressurize Spaces to Pressure Below Atmospheric Pressure - The invention relates to a method and a device in order to protect spaces against moisture damage, based on adaptively controlled ventilation so that the ventilation is maximized when the vapour content of the supply air is lower than in the space. Simultaneously, surrounding building spaces are protected from harmful consequences of earlier moisture damage or of ground emissions of, e.g., radon gas or methane gas, by the fact that ventilation is arranged so that a minimum pressure drop always is present between the surrounding spaces and the protected space, which prevents gases and aerosols from being spread to surrounding occupation spaces. A feasible device based on the method utilizes temperature differences between the spaces in order to always make sure that an air current travels in the direction inward toward the protected space; by measuring—or in certain cases assuming—a temperature difference between the spaces, as well as measuring the temperature of the air in an arranged duct between the protected space and the surrounding spaces, the control system can determine direction of flow and approximate flow rate. The direction of flow of the air also corresponds with the direction of the pressure drop. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100211222 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS OF A BUILDING - An energy monitoring and analysis system for a building includes a logging unit, a processing unit, temperature sensors that read the temperatures inside and outside the building, electric current sensors that read electric currents in all independent electric connections at the main connection panel of the building, and other types of sensors such as those related to natural gas flow. The logging unit periodically collects the data from all the sensors and transmits the data to the processing unit. The processing unit analyzes the data using highly sophisticated algorithms, extracts various parameters, profiles the electric energy usage, identifies potential problems with energy transfer and use, and lists recommendations for corrective actions. The processing unit analyzes data of the building, an HVAC system associated with the building, and consuming devices associated with the building. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100211223 | CURRENT DETECTING DEVICE, AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS, CORRECTION CONSTANT CALCULATING SYSTEM AND CORRECTION CONSTANT CALCULATING METHOD - A current detecting device includes a current leveling unit, a first wire and a current detecting unit. The current leveling unit is configured to level a drive current that is passed through a motor drive unit to drive a motor. The first wire is configured and arranged to carry flow of a motor current that has been passed through the motor and the drive current that has been leveled by the current leveling unit. The current detecting unit is configured to detect a sum of the motor current flowing on the first wire and the drive current that has been leveled flowing on the first wire. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100222929 | Method for Pre-Climatizing a Stopped Motor Vehicle - A method and a correspondingly designed motor vehicle are provided for pre-climatizing the motor vehicle when shut-off by way of a heating and/or cooling unit, which draws its energy for heating and/or cooling from an electric storage unit. When the heating and/or cooling unit is activated by a vehicle external operator control element, the heating and/or cooling unit is initially activated in a first output stage. Then, the heating and/or cooling unit is switched from the first output stage to a second output stage as a function of predetermined conditions. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100235003 | INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ADAPTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FOR EQUIPMENT IN A BOUNDED AREA - Integrating information and performance controls for individual devices with environmental controls. Integrating the individual devices with general environmental control enables adaptive environmental control. For equipment housed in a bounded space such as a server room, information about the thermal environment within the bounded space can affect the performance of the equipment. Additionally, information about the performance conditions and/or thermal conditions about a piece of equipment can affect how the environmental control system for the bounded space operates. The equipment exchanges environmental event messages with a control node to affect the performance of the equipment and/or the environmental control system. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100241275 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH ROOFTOP AIR HANDLING UNITS AND OTHER HVAC COMPONENTS - A device for communicating information from a controller for a rooftop air handling unit to a portable electronic device includes a wire terminal for wiring to the controller and for receiving a signal comprising information from the controller. The device further includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit the information to the portable electronic device. The device yet further includes a circuit coupled to the wire terminal and the transceiver. The circuit is configured to extract the information from the signal. The circuit is further configured to provide the information from the wire terminal to the transceiver. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100250007 | REFRIGERATION SYSTEM - A method or system for executing a control logic sequence for a device (chiller) includes using a device mounted internal microprocessor in data communication with the device, converting a software language representation of the control logic directly into a binary representation of the control logic; compiling the binary representation of the control logic directly by the device mounted internal microprocessor; loading the binary representation of the control logic dynamically into a random access memory portion of the internal microprocessor; and executing the binary formatted representation of the control logic to control the device according to the software language representation of the control logic. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100250008 | GRAIN AERATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNIQUES - In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a networked grain aeration control system. For example, the system can provide centralized monitoring of the aeration of a number of grain storage facilities, thereby improving the management of stored grain. The networked grain aeration control system can allow the custodian of the system to offer an aeration service. Farmers, or other individuals, cooperatives, or companies can purchase the aeration service at a cost proportionate to the amount of stored grain to be aerated and the duration of storage. In this manner, the purchaser of the aeration service can avoid relatively high fixed costs that can be associated with various aeration hardware. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100262297 | LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Lighting devices are configured to communicate with one another and with external systems. Sensors located at such lighting devices communicate with the external systems and with others of the lighting devices. Lighting is controlled to maintain safety, to drive customer traffic within a retail facility, or to conserve energy. An application programming interface provides a common mechanism for control of various lighting device types. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100274394 | Climate Control Head With Fuel Economy Indicator - A climate control system having a control head including a display providing at least one comfort level indicator and a fuel economy indicator is provided. The comfort level indicator displays a plurality of comfort level settings corresponding to relative thermal comfort in all weather conditions. Each comfort level setting corresponds to a range of temperatures so that once a comfort range is obtained, the climate control system will be reluctant to consume additional energy, thereby maintaining or improving the current fuel economy state. The fuel economy indicator provides for direct communication of the impact of comfort level settings on fuel economy. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100274395 | ADAPTABLE HVAC; AC MOTOR SPEED, AIR TEMPERATURE AND AIR QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM - A Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Management and Control System (CS) that provides “Closed Loop Adaptive Climate Control” of heating, cooling, ventilation or any combination thereof to an occupied space using standard AC electric induction motor(s) connected to a fan and other motor or electric powered devices. The CS uses methods and apparatus based on Opto-Programming & Processing Analog techniques that allow multi-dimensional concurrent variables to continuously and Adaptively vary the quantity and/or rate of discharge air, return air, outside air, discharge air temperature and thermal fluid flow. The CS adapts, adjusts, varies electric motor(s) and device(s), speeds and actions by concurrently adjusting motor voltage, frequency and phase as needed; to control fan output(s), associated damper actuators, valve actuators, or other unit devices. The CS is capable of accepting or generating multiple inputs, outputs, or a combination of both from sensors, devices, motors and more in analog or digital format. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100280667 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING A NETWORKED ELECTRONIC DEVICE AS AN OCCUPANCY 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. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100286830 | Climate Control System And Method For Optimizing Energy Consumption Of A Vehicle - A climate control system and method for optimizing energy consumption in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is provided. By varying evaporator temperatures based on occupant settings and environmental conditions, electric compressor speed can be optimized to provide the necessary cooling capacities resulting in energy savings. Determining the impact that increasing or decreasing engine cooling fan speed has on the overall energy consumption of the climate control system without affecting target discharge air temperature provides for energy saving opportunities. Optimizing energy consumption according to the provided strategy provides for improved fuel economy without sacrificing passenger comfort. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100298980 | FAILSAFE HVAC CONTROL UPGRADES - A system and method is presented for providing failsafe control in a control system used for receiving and controlling various object or medium properties in a heating, ventilating or air conditioning system. The control system comprises an HVAC controller, configured to receive failsafe data indicative of a safety related property of an object or medium, and to generate a state indicative of a connection status of a failsafe detector with respect to the HVAC controller. The control system further comprises a non-volatile memory, operably coupled to the HVAC controller and configured to store a connection indication indicative of a connection status of the failsafe detector with respect to the HVAC controller, wherein the HVAC controller is configured to generate a control signal based on satisfaction of a predetermined relationship between the generated state and the stored connection indication. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298981 | HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CONTROLLER HAVING A MULTIFUNCTIONAL INDOOR AIR QUALITY SENSOR AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SYSTEM BASED ON INPUT FROM THE SENSOR - An HVAC controller and a method of controlling an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) a processor couplable to at least one indoor air quality sensor to receive values therefrom representing at least three levels of indoor air quality and (2) memory coupled to the processor and configured to store a software program capable of causing the processor to control an HVAC system based on magnitudes of the values. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298982 | OUTDOOR FAN AND INDOOR BLOWER CONTROLLER FOR HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - An HVAC controller, a method of operating an HVAC controller and an HVAC system employing the controller or the method. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a processor couplable to at least two refrigerant pressure sensors via separate data paths to receive input signals therefrom and further couplable to a compressor stage and a condenser fan to provide output signals thereto and (2) memory coupled to the processor and configured to store a software program capable of causing the processor to command the compressor stage and the condenser fan to turn on irrespective of a state of an input signal generated by either of the at least two refrigerant pressure sensors and generate alternative error messages at least partially depending upon whether or not a high pressure shutdown occurs after the processor commands the compressor stage and the fan to turn on. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298983 | VARIABLE SPEED MOTOR CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS - An HVAC unit includes an HVAC motor and a system controller. The HVAC motor is coupled to a motor controller. The motor controller is configured to receive a command signal bearing a digitally encoded operating level of the HVAC motor. The system controller is coupled to the motor controller, and is configured to transmit the command signal to the motor controller. The system controller modulates the command signal with the digitally encoded operating level in response to a service demand. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298984 | USB HVAC SERVICE VERIFICATION - An HVAC system includes an enclosure for containing components of the HVAC system. Associated with the enclosure is an HVAC system control unit including a microcontroller for controlling an operation of the HVAC system. The HVAC system control unit further includes a memory associated with the microcontroller and configured to store data associated with operation of the HVAC system. The microcontroller is configurable to directly transfer the data between the memory and a portable flash memory device. The HVAC system control unit further includes a portable flash memory device interface for coupling the portable flash memory device directly thereto. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298985 | CUSTOMER EQUIPMENT PROFILE SYSTEM FOR HVAC CONTROLS - Disclosed herein is a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit and controller with memory provisions for storing, receiving, and transmitting customer equipment profiles. The controller may include a plurality of profiles that allows a selection thereof for restoration. A method for configuring HVAC equipment, including a customer profile database and efficiently transmitting unique customer and factory profiles, is also disclosed. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298986 | HVAC SYSTEM, A METHOD FOR DETERMINING A LOCATION OF AN HVAC UNIT WITH RESPECT TO A SITE AND AN HVAC CONTROLLER - An HVAC controller, a method determining a location of a HVAC unit with respect to a site where the HVAC unit is installed and a HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive location data indicating a position of said HVAC unit with respect to the earth, (2) a memory coupled to said interface and configured to store said location data and a processor configured to retrieve said location data from said memory, wherein said retrieved location data is employed to determine a location of said HVAC unit with respect to a site where said HVAC unit is installed. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298987 | CONSTANT AIR VOLUME HVAC SYSTEM WITH A DEHUMIDIFICATION FUNCTION AND DISCHARGE AIR TEMPERATURE CONTROL, AN HVAC CONTROLLER THEREFOR AND A METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - An HVAC controller, a method of operating a constant air volume (CAV) HVAC unit and a CAV HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive both a latent cooling demand and a sensible cooling demand and (2) a processor configured to direct both a dehumidification function and a discharge air temperature control function for a CAV HVAC system employing the latent cooling demand and the sensible cooling demand. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298988 | STAGGERED START-UP HVAC SYSTEM, A METHOD FOR STARTING AN HVAC UNIT AND AN HVAC CONTROLLER CONFIGURED FOR THE SAME - An HVAC controller, a method of starting a HVAC unit and a HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive a delay originating signal and (2) a processor configured to automatically generate an offset delay value for the HVAC unit upon receipt of the delay originating signal and delay starting identified components of the HVAC unit based on the offset delay value. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298989 | HVAC SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATED BLOWER CAPACITY DEHUMIDIFICATION, A HVAC CONTROLLER THEREFOR AND A METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - An HVAC controller, a method of operating a HVAC unit and a HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive both a latent cooling demand and a sensible cooling demand and (2) a processor configured to direct both a dehumidification function and a cooling function when simultaneously processing both the latent cooling demand and the sensible cooling demand, the dehumidification function based on an operating capacity of an indoor air blower system. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298990 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN OPEN AMOUNT OF A PLURALITY OF AIR TRANSFER GRILLES - An apparatus for controlling an open amount of a plurality of air transfer grilles which are installed in a room, includes a determining unit for determining first target amounts of blowing to each of the racks, for determining second target amounts of blowing from each of the air transfer grilles on the basis of the first target amounts so that each of air of the first target amounts are blown to each of the racks, and for determining open amounts for each of the air transfer grilles on the basis of the plurality of second target amounts so that each of the amounts of blowing from each of the grilles becomes each of the second target amounts, and a controller for controlling each of the open amounts of the air transfer grilles on the basis of the each of the determined open amounts. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298991 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND FARM - System and method for controlling a wind farm, for wind farms comprising a plurality of wind turbines having a rotor, a generator, a control unit and means for connecting to the mains of the wind farm, said wind turbines having means for generating reactive power according to the instructions of the wind farm control system, said control system calculating a global reactive power demand to be produced by the whole wind farm on the basis of the voltage at the connection point or the power factor required, and said control system sending reactive power instructions to the wind turbines of the farm, the central control system for the wind turbines receiving information based on one or more parameters indicating the level of heating of the electrical components of the wind turbines, the generation of reactive power being distributed between the various wind turbines. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20110004350 | RENEWABLE THERMAL ENERGY METERING AND CONTROLS SYSTEM - A system and method for metering and controlling a renewable energy HVAC system. The system and method includes the steps of: receiving a measured value of a parameter of a renewable energy HVAC system at a central computer; determining an energy usage of the renewable energy HVAC system with the central computer based on the measured value; and estimating an energy usage of a simulated conventional HVAC system with the central computer based on the measured value. The system and method includes determining an energy savings of the renewable energy HVAC system with the central computer by comparing the determined energy usage to the estimated energy usage of the simulated conventional HVAC system. The system and method further includes transmitting the energy savings to a receiving device. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110010014 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A BEDROOM ENVIRONMENT AND FOR PROVIDING SLEEP DATA - A system for controlling a bedroom environment includes an environmental data collector configured to collect environmental data relating to the bedroom environment; a sleep data collector configured to collect sleep data relating to a person's state of sleep; an analysis unit configured to analyze the collected environmental data and the collected sleep data and to determine an adjustment of the bedroom environment that promotes sleep of the person; and a controller configured to effect the adjustment of the bedroom environment. A method for controlling a bedroom environment includes collecting environmental data relating to the bedroom environment; collecting sleep data relating to a person's state of sleep; analyzing the collected environmental data and the collected sleep data; determining an adjustment to the bedroom environment that promotes sleep; and communicating the adjustment to a device that effects the bedroom environment. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110029138 | Method for Controlling Longwall Operations with Incorporation of Air-Technology and Climate-Technology Resources - A method for controlling the extraction capacity of longwall operations in underground coal mining, including ascertaining the respective demand of the longwall operations, for air-technology and climate-technology resources, as influencing variables for a projected delivery quantity on the basis of data applicable to equipment of the longwall operations and to mineral deposit parameters, and storing the ascertained influencing variables in a computer as target data. Actual data for a raw coal delivery quantity, for air flowing through, for the supplied cooling capacity, and for the exhaust gas during running operation is detected and conveyed to the computer. if an increased demand for resources is recognized, coverage is initiated via a changeover of excess resources available at other longwall operations or if a reduced demand for resources is recognized, excess resources are rerouted to other longwall operations experiencing corresponding demand deficiencies. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110035059 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IRRIGATION AND CLIMATE CONTROL - A wireless system is provided for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and controlling irrigation or climate control systems at an agricultural or landscape site. The wireless system includes a wireless sensor network including a plurality of sensor nodes for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and controlling one or more irrigation or climate control systems at the site. The wireless system also includes a server computer system located remotely from the site. The server computer system is coupled to the wireless sensor network over a communications network for receiving data from and controlling operation of the sensor nodes. The server computer system is also coupled to a device operated by an end-user over a communications network for transmitting the data to and receiving remote control commands or queries from the end-user. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110046790 | ENERGY REDUCING RETROFIT METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A CONSTANT VOLUME HVAC SYSTEM - An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The controller is programmed for the reduction of fan speed in the heating and cooling modes. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time. The fan speed may be further reduced upon a reduction in sensed occupancy levels of the space, such as with a CO | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110046791 | AIR CONDITIONER - An indoor unit includes an indoor side transmitting and receiving section, a relay which is put in a closed state in a standby state, and an indoor control section which controls the relay on the basis of an output of the indoor side transmitting and receiving section. An outdoor unit includes an outdoor side transmitting and receiving section, and a power circuit. Then, the indoor control section of the indoor unit does not bring the relay into the closed state upon determining that the connection wiring lines which connect the indoor unit with the outdoor unit are miswired on the basis of a reception output of the indoor side transmitting and receiving section when operation starts from a standby state in which the supply of power of the outdoor unit is stopped. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110054697 | AUTOMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM - A system automatically adjusts environmental condition by detecting an environment value and controlling a window blinds and an environmental regulator according to a comparison between the environment value and a predetermined environment value. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054698 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FOR HVAC SYSTEM - A system for controlling energy consumption in a building having a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) which includes using an external application to perform HVAC energy consumption optimization algorithms and other external energy control functions and transmit application control data to a building automation system (BAS), which in turn provides hardware level equipment control for the HVAC system. The external application evaluates equipment data received from the HVAC system by way of the BAS and processes these equipment data to provide application control data back to the BAS. The application control data are calculated to achieve a desired operating efficiency for the HVAC system. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054699 | 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. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110066289 | UNIVERSAL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURABLY CONTROLLING A HEATING OR COOLING SYSTEM - A system controller is disclosed that includes a communication means for transmitting and receiving information from an installed blower motor controller, and a removable memory device connected to the system controller. The removable memory device includes system parameter information stored thereon that relates to the particular heating or cooling system, where the system parameter information includes at least motor related parameters relating to the operation of one or more types of blower motors. The system controller further includes a processor configured to receive via the communication means the communication of identifying information from the blower motor controller that identifies the type of blower motor installed in the system. The processor is configured to retrieve motor related parameters corresponding to the specific identified blower motor controller from the memory device, and to send said corresponding motor related parameters to the blower motor controller. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110077779 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURING A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Described herein are systems and methods for configuring a BMS. In general terms, the present technology is focused on approaches for arranging and modeling building information data, particularly in terms of equipment categories and relationships between pieces of equipment, for example in the context of an HVAC system. This is advantageous in the sense that the likes of visualization, application creation, and reporting are able to be significantly streamlined. Various embodiments make use of an “equipment model”, being a model which defines items for each piece of equipment in a building system based on predefined standards, thus allowing for predictable descriptions (for example in terms of data points and relationships). Some embodiments combine this with a facility model, which describes a building in spatial terms. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110082591 | REMOTE MANAGEMENT OF STORAGE FACILITIES - Systems and methods for remote management of storage facilities are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a central management system including a server, and several managed facilities. Each facility is operated by at least one programmable logic controller (PLC), which gathers data regarding the operation of the facility and stores the data locally at the facility or sends the data back to the server. The server is configured to respond to requests from known web browsers to provide near real-time information to users concerning the storage facility. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110082592 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM AND AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD - Air that is cooled with ground temperature is circulated in a room, by delivering air in the room outward to an exhaust pipe with a predetermined exhaust pressure; sucking the air discharged from the exhaust pipe with a predetermined suction pressure via an underground path that is formed in ground by the air discharged from the exhaust pipe into the ground; and delivering the sucked air into the room. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110087377 | EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - An equipment management system includes: an equipment control device having a control unit connected to the equipment control server to transmit a control signal for controlling the load of the equipment in cooperation with the equipment control server; an identifiable medium; a reading device having an acquisition unit for acquiring identification information of the medium present in a management target area, a determination unit for determining presence/absence of a user carrying the medium in the management coverage depending on the acquired information, and an instruction unit for instructing the control unit to control the load of the equipment depending on the determination result; and an authentication server having an authentication unit for performing authentication based on the identification information. The transmitting operation from the instruction unit of the reading device to the control unit of the equipment control device is performed in a wireless manner. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110093121 | AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS CONTROL DEVICE AND REFRIGERATING APPARATUS CONTROL DEVICE - A control device that controls a plurality of air conditioners includes a data memory section for storing performance model data representing the relationship between air conditioning capability and power consumption for each of the plurality of air conditioners. An overall air conditioning load calculating section calculates an overall load that is the sum of air conditioning loads of the plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses. An air conditioning capability allocation calculating section an air conditioning capability for each of the plurality of air conditioners on the basis of the performance model data and the overall load so that the sum of the air conditioning capability of the plurality of air conditioners is the overall load and the sum of the power consumption of the plurality of air conditioners is minimum. A control signal section sends a control signal related to the air conditioning capability to each of the plurality of air conditioners. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110106314 | MANIPULATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN AN INFRASTRUCTURE - In a method for manipulating environmental conditions in an infrastructure containing one or more adaptive vent tiles, correlations between opening levels of the one or more adaptive vent tiles and an environmental condition at one or more heat dissipating devices are identified. In addition, one or more environmental conditions at locations proximate to or within the one or more heat dissipating devices are received and errors between the received one or more environmental conditions and one or more reference environmental conditions are identified. Moreover, opening levels for the one or more adaptive vent tiles are determined based upon the identified correlations and errors. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110112692 | SYSTEM FOR REMOTE CONTROL OF PACKAGED TERMINAL AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATERS WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEMS - An air conditioning/heating apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing and an occupancy sensor coupled to the housing. The apparatus also includes a wireless module coupled to the occupancy sensor and a powerline appliance coupled to a powerline network. In a preferred embodiment, the powerline module is configured to communicate with the wireless module. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110125328 | Control System for a Room Air Conditioner and/or Heat Pump - A universal control system is provided for a room air conditioner or heat pump that has a number of sensor inputs. An electronic control system with a microcontroller and microcomputer are used to provide a large number of operations that can be performed by (1) manufacturer, (2) end users and (3) maintenance personnel. The manufacturer can load different versions of a software program to match the unit. The end user can program in a large number of different conditions or schedules the end user finds desirable, plus the end user is advised of maintenance requirements or faults. The maintenance personnel may perform diagnostics, determine fault history, upload improved or replacement software, as well as the numerous maintenance functions normally performed by maintenance personnel. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110125329 | UTILIZING CELL PHONE LOCATION FOR OCCUPANCY DETERMINATION AND HOME ENERGY CONTROL - A cell phone location-based system is described that determines the occupancy of a home and controls home energy consumption such that energy is saved when the home is unoccupied. Occupancy is determined according to cell phone locations, occupant behavior patterns, or burglar alarm status. When an occupant is determined to be returning to their unoccupied home, the heating or cooling apparatus is activated to return the temperature in the home to a comfortable level by the time the occupant arrives. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110130880 | GROUP MANAGEMENT APPARATUS AND GROUP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A group management apparatus is configured to manage a plurality of air conditioning facilities installed in a plurality of buildings as a plurality of groups. The group management apparatus includes an obtaining section configured to obtain operational data of the air conditioning facilities through a plurality of control units disposed in the buildings on a one-to-one basis, and an extracting section configured to extract one or more groups satisfying predetermined conditions from the groups based on a plurality of assessment perspectives. The control units are configured to control the air conditioning facilities within the buildings. A group management system includes the group management apparatus and the control units. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110137467 | BACKUP CONTROL FOR HVAC SYSTEM - An equipment interface module that can operate one or more pieces of HVAC equipment in accordance with instructions received from a properly operating thermostat, yet can also operate the HVAC equipment when communications between the thermostat and the HVAC controller are lost due to, for example, low battery power at the thermostat, malfunctioning thermostat sensor(s), malfunctioning communication and/or thermostat circuitry, electrical interference, and the like. In some instances, the equipment interface module may regulate the HVAC equipment in accordance with a signal from a remote sensor when communication with the thermostat is lost. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110144811 | Optimizer for single staged refrigeration systems - An optimizer for a single staged refrigeration system comprising a speed modulation device, controller, and supply air temperature sensor. The optimizer is intended for modulating the speed of the indoor fan and compressor in existing or new refrigeration systems in settings including but not limited to residential houses/buildings, residential heat pump systems, commercial heat pumps systems, water source heat pumps, and roof top units. The optimizer solves humidity and noise problems in existing systems, reduces peak demand, increases energy efficiency, reduces energy consumption rates, and minimizes compressor failure rates and O&M costs. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110153088 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AND/OR REGULATING ROOM COMFORT VARIABLES IN A BUILDING - In a method for controlling and regulating at least one room comfort variable (T | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153089 | ACTUATOR FOR HVAC SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE ACTUATOR - An actuator for an HVAC system comprises a stored model definition defining an HVAC control application, and an element library including a variety of stored model elements and controller modules (D, E) having instructions for controlling a processor of the actuator. The controller modules (D, E) include model elements and are configured to control the sequential order of their execution. The controller modules (D, E) are further configured to propagate any external data input (S | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110160913 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DISPLAYING ENERGY SAVINGS FROM AN HVAC SYSTEM - A method and system of determining and displaying energy savings from an HVAC system operating in an energy saving mode. The HVAC system is operated to maintain a comfort mode temperature during a learning period. The energy consumed by the HVAC system at multiple outside ambient conditions during the learning period is determined. The correlation between a specific ambient condition and energy consumed by the HVAC system is determined. The HVAC system is run to maintain an energy saving setpoint temperature. The energy consumed by the HVAC system is determined at an ambient condition while maintaining the energy saving setpoint temperature. The energy savings are calculated as a function of the difference between the energy that would have been consumed by the HVAC system at the ambient condition based on the determined correlation and the energy consumed by the HVAC system while maintaining the energy saving setpoint temperature at the ambient condition | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110160914 | TILT SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD - A tilt sensor apparatus and method provide sensing and feedback of angular orientation. In preferred embodiments, the tilt sensor apparatus and method of the present disclosure may advantageously be used in an HVAC system to provide feedback on damper position to an HVAC controller. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110160915 | CONTROLLER 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. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110172828 | HEATING VENTILATION AIR CONDITION SYSTEM - A heating ventilating air condition system, comprising an adjustable air vent, configured to control the rate of air flow rate through the vent, an actuator, configured to control the adjustable air vent, and an ambient energy harvester, configured to supply energy to the actuator, wherein the energy required for operating the actuator is provided by the ambiance. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110172829 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE TEMPERATURE AND HYGROMETRY INSIDE A BUILDING - A method and a device for regulating the temperature inside a building having walls that comprise an inner microporous wall separated from a thermally insulating outer wall by a sheet of air, the device having data processor means ( | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110178642 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS - An information processing apparatus having a fan that releases air from the inside of a housing includes, a first passage through which air flows from the fan to a first air outlet, a second passage branched from the mid-flow of the first passage and communicating with a second air outlet, an air amount meter arranged on the second passage, which measures the amount of air flow from the first passage to the second passage, and a determining unit that determines whether the first air outlet is covered based on the amount of air measured by air the amount meter. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110178643 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR REGULATING DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY - A system, method, and computer readable medium for managing energy supplied by an electricity vendor to a facility heatable by electrical and non-electrical means are disclosed. The method, for example, involves determining a requested load from a vendor as the difference between a target load of the vendor and a current load on the vendor imposed by the facility; and when the requested load is greater than zero, increasing heating of the facility by electrical means thereby increasing a current heating electrical load of the facility by at least a portion of the requested load; and decreasing heating of the facility by non-electrical means thereby decreasing a current heating non-electrical load of the facility. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110184562 | 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 offset 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 |
| 20110184563 | ENERGY-RELATED INFORMATION PRESENTATION SYSTEM - A system and approach for diagnostic visualizations of, for example, building control systems data. A focus may be on a similarity metric for comparing operations among sites relative to energy consumption. Normalizing factors may be used across sites with varying equipment consumption levels to be compared automatically. There may also be a high level overview of an enterprise of sites. For instance, consumption totals of the sites may be normalized by site size and length of time of a billing period to identify such things as outlier sites. One may use a main view of geographic distribution dynamically linked to subviews showing distribution by size, by aggregated climate, and so on. With these views, one may quickly drill through the enterprise and identify sites of interest for further investigation. A key metric may be intensity which invokes viewing virtually all sites by normalized consumption for a unit amount of time. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110190944 | MOTOR CONTROLLER FOR AIR-CONDITIONER FAN AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AIR-CONDITIONER FAN - A motor controller for an air-conditioner fan, including at least a central processor, a power drive module, a power supply module, and a communication interface circuit. The power supply module supply working power to the central processor and the power drive module. Multiple instruction input ports are connected to the central processor. Multiple parameters N are set in the central processor and corresponding to the instruction input ports. The central processor controls the power drive module to drive a motor of the air-conditioner fan to operate at a parameter N corresponding to an instruction input port as the instruction input port is connected. The communication interface circuit is communicated with an external communication device. The external communication device changes the parameters N in the central processor corresponding to the instruction input ports via the communication interface circuit. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110196539 | MULTI-SITE CONTROLLER BATCH UPDATE SYSTEM - A system for multi-site batch setpoint and schedule updating. The system may provide an efficient manner to update hundreds or thousands of site controllers with control setpoints and/or schedules having a common new setting with minimal user intervention. A user may easily setup a batch job by selecting multiple deployed control entities or schedules, specifying the desired setpoint adjustment and initiating the batch job execution. The system may perform the job unassisted by connecting each of the selected site controllers selected, locating the target control entity/schedule, and applying a schedule or setpoint update. The system may record a status of each significant action taken to perform the batch job execution so that the user can review the status at a later time. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110202180 | AUXILIARY CONTROLLER, A HVAC SYSTEM, A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A HVAC SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF STARTING THE SAME - The disclosure provides an auxiliary controller of a HVAC system, a method of manufacturing a HVAC system, a method of starting a HVAC system and a HVAC system. In one embodiment, the HVAC system includes: (1) a main system controller having a main non-volatile memory and configured to direct operation of the HVAC system and store main controller application information associated therewith on the main non-volatile memory (2) an auxiliary controller having (2A) an interface coupled to the main system controller and configured to communicate therewith, (2B) a processor, coupled to the interface and configured to direct the operation of a component of the HVAC system and (2C) an auxiliary non-volatile memory configured to receive a copy of the main controller application information via the interface and store the main controller application information thereon. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110202181 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SMART CLIMATE CONTROL - A method and apparatus for controlling climate within a building. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a smart climate unit for (i) obtaining distributed generator (DG) information pertaining to operation of a DG that generates power for the building, and (ii) controlling at least one climate condition within the building based on at least one of the DG information, local input, or remote input. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110202182 | AIR CONDITIONER - An air conditioner includes an indoor unit and a remote controller connected to the indoor unit through two lines to receive power from the indoor unit and perform communication with the indoor unit. The indoor unit includes a first modulation switching element to modulate power according to a communication signal that is transmitted to the remote controller, a first demodulation switching element that is driven according to a communication signal transmitted from the remote controller, and a first distribution resistor to demodulate the communication signal transmitted from the remote controller. The remote controller includes a second modulation switching element to modulate power according to a communication signal that is transmitted to the indoor unit, a second demodulation switching element that is driven according to modulated power transmitted from the indoor unit, and a second distribution resistor to demodulate modulated power transmitted from the indoor unit to obtain a communication signal. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110202183 | CONTROL DEVICE - The invention is a device ( | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110213500 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM COMPRISING MOTORIZED SHUTTER - An arched shutter configured for automated, simultaneous control of a plurality of louvers, the arched shutter comprises the plurality of louvers, a frame, a portion of which forms an arch, a base, wherein the plurality of louvers are installed between the base and the portion of the frame that forms an arch via a plurality of rod arms, a motor configured to drive one of the plurality of rod arms and therefore one of the plurality of louvers, and a plurality of linking apparatus connecting the plurality of louvers such that all of the plurality of louvers operate when the one louver is driven by the motor. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110213501 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AIR CONDITIONER, AIR CONDITIONER, AND ENVIRONMENTAL TESTER - An example control method is a method for controlling an air conditioner to turn a state in closed space to a predetermined target state. The control method includes: setting a target value for controlling a physical quantity; measuring the physical quantity at different positions in the closed space, and calculating a moving average of measurements of the physical quantity measured at each of the different positions; and controlling the air conditioner in such a manner that a median between the maximum value and the minimum value of the plurality of calculated moving averages is the target value. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110218680 | Demand response system - A demand response (DR) system includes a DR control unit to generate different DR levels having different power rates for each power unit, and transmit a current DR level, and a household appliance to receive the DR level from the DR control unit, and differentially control energy output of a product in response to the received DR level so as to reduce power consumption of the product. As a result, the DR system reduces power consumption when power rates are high so as to reduce electricity bills. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110218681 | AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - An air conditioning system and a method of controlling the same are provided. The air conditioning system may include at least one outdoor device, at least one indoor device connected to the at least outdoor device, voltage and current sensors installed in the at least one outdoor device, and a control device installed at or in the at least outdoor device, that collects operating information of the at least outdoor device and the at least one indoor device and calculates power consumption of the air conditioning system based on operating information, and voltage and current information. In such an air conditioning system, power consumption of the air conditioning system may be calculated via estimation using current and voltage values obtained by the current and voltage sensors and operating information of the at least one indoor device, whereby costs associated with installation of an additional power distribution device may be eliminated. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110218682 | AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - The present invention relates to a system for controlling an air conditioner and method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to a system for controlling an air conditioner and method for controlling the same which can make real time control for maintaining system reliability, can make real time control of air conditioners while minimizing a network load to minimize a load on a server, and can prevent transmission and reception delay of a data. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110224832 | CONTROL MODEL UPDATING DEVICE AND METHOD, AIR-CONDITIONER CONTROLLING SYSTEM, AND DATA SUITABILITY EVALUATING DEVICE - A control model calculating portion for calculating a control model using analysis data, a control model updating portion for updating by accepting the control model, and a data suitability evaluating portion for evaluating the suitability of analysis data are provided. The data suitability evaluating portion comprises a function characteristic prior knowledge storing portion for storing prior knowledge regarding a characteristic obtained in advance regarding the subject of control, a quadratic polynomial calculating portion for calculating a quadratic polynomial wherein the analysis data is approximated by a quadratic function, and a characteristic evaluating portion for comparing a characteristic of the quadratic polynomial, calculated by the quadratic polynomial calculating portion, to prior knowledge stored in the function characteristic prior knowledge storing portion. The control model updating portion updates the control model if the two match in the comparison. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110224833 | Air Conditioning System And Communication Method Thereof - In an air conditioning system and a communication method thereof a wireless network may be established between indoor units and a controller or between outdoor units so as to allow communications therebetween, thereby facilitating device addition or device deletion. Also, one or more outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units may be controlled without a dedicated communication line or with using a less mount of the dedicated communication line, and the outdoor units or indoor units may perform communications using one or more communication technologies, such as wireless communication and pipe communication technologies and wireless communication and dedicated line communication technologies, while performing communications with the controller using the wireless communication technology. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110238222 | HVAC Control System - A method controls a heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system by determining a travel time from a mobile site to a fixed site, and determining a conditioning time for a HVAC system at the fixed site. The HVAC is maintained in an ON state if the travel time is less than the conditioning time, and otherwise maintaining the HVAC in an OFF state, and wherein the conditioning time is determined using a building thermal model. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110251724 | SERVER AND METHOD FOR DETECTING WORK STATUSES OF AIR COMPRESSORS - A server and method detects work statuses of air compressors in a pipeline system. The server reads pipeline system data and air compressor data measured from the pipeline system and determines if work status of an air compressor needs to be changed. A warning message is generated by the server and sent to an alarm computer in response to a determination that the work status of the air compressor needs to be changed. The server saves the pipeline system data and the air compressor data into a database system. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110264273 | DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH REMOTE MONITORING - Methods and systems for remotely monitoring and/or controlling a demand control ventilation system are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a demand control ventilation device having a damper and a controller are provided. The damper may have a range of damper positions for controlling a flow of outside air into the building. The controller controls the damper positions such that a desired flow of outside air is drawn through the damper and into the building. A remote monitoring device may also be provided. The remote monitoring device may be located remotely from the demand control ventilation device, but in communication with or part of the controller. In some instances, the remote monitoring device may have a user interface for remotely monitoring and/or controlling at least certain aspects of the demand control ventilation system from the remote location. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110264274 | DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION WITH FAN SPEED CONTROL - A method and system for operating a demand control ventilation system with a multi-speed fan is disclosed. The control system may modulate the fan speed of a multi-speed fan and/or the position of a ventilation damper in order to achieve desired ventilation levels for a building. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110264275 | DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH COMMISSIONING AND CHECKOUT SEQUENCE CONTROL - The disclosure relates to a Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) and/or Economizer system that is capable of drawing outside air into an HVAC air stream. In some instances, the DCV and/or Economizer system may be configured to help perform one or more system checks to help verify that the system is functioning properly. In some instances, the DCV and/or Economizer system may provide some level of manual control over certain hardware (e.g. dampers) to help commission the system. The DCV and/or Economizer system may store one or more settings and or parameters used during the commissioning process (either in the factory or in the field), so that these settings and/or parameters may be later accessed to verify that the DCV and/or Economizer system was commissioned and commissioned properly. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110264276 | INTERCONNECTED ELECTRICAL NETWORK AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A system for interconnecting electrical network control centers and building management systems is provided. The interconnected system monitors the operational status of the electrical network from a control center. In response to detecting the signature of an imminent electrical network event, the control center transmits a signal to the building management system. In response to receiving the signal, the building management system initiates a series of actions to mitigate or reduce the impact of the electrical network event. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110264277 | MULTI-STAGE HUMIDITY CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for multi-stage control of humidity in fluid flow supplied to at least one information technology apparatus includes a sensor, a first stage apparatus configured to vary humidity levels in the fluid flow, and a second stage apparatus positioned downstream of the first stage apparatus along the fluid flow to further vary humidity levels in the fluid flow. The system also includes a controller configured to receive environmental condition information from the sensor, to determine whether the information indicates that the humidity level is outside of a predetermined range, and to manipulate an operation of at least one of the first stage apparatus and the second stage apparatus to vary the humidity level in the fluid flow in response to the information indicating that the humidity level is outside of the predetermined range. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110276182 | CONTROL OF COOLING TOWERS FOR CHILLED FLUID SYSTEMS - A system for controlling a cooling tower that cools condenser fluid for a condenser of a chiller includes a cooling tower fan system that controllably varies a speed of at least one fan motor. The system further includes an extremum seeking controller that receives inputs of power expended by the cooling tower fan system and of power expended by the chiller. The extremum seeking controller provides an output to the cooling tower fan system that controls the speed of the at least one fan motor. The extremum seeking controller determines the output by searching for a speed of the at least one fan motor that minimizes the sum of the power expended by the cooling tower fan system and the power expended by the chiller. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276183 | Fresh air control device and algorithm for air handling units and terminal boxes - A method of controlling an existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that is configured to condition at least one zone and includes at least one terminal box having a terminal box interface and a plurality of control components. The method comprises integrating a control device into the existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system such that the control device is in communication with the terminal box and terminal box interface, as well as with the control components of the existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The control device collects a plurality of zone characteristics, a plurality of airflow measurements, and a plurality of occupancy variables. The control device then calculates for a primary air freshness based on the plurality of airflow measurements, an outside air requirement based on some of the plurality of zone characteristics and occupancy variables, and for a minimum airflow set point by dividing the calculated outside air requirement by the primary air freshness. The control components of said existing heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system are modulated based on the calculated minimum airflow set point. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276184 | OVEN CIRCULATING HEATED AIR - An oven which runs on a 20 ampere single phase electrical service includes a cooking chamber comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, at least one microwave generator, at least one set of nozzles, tubes or apertures disposed above a food product disposed within the oven, at least one blower having an RPM in the range between about 3000 to about 4000 at 100 percent velocity, wherein the blower circulates at least a portion of gas from the nozzles, tubes or apertures into the cooking chamber substantially toward the food product and back to the nozzles, tubes or apertures, and a thermal energy source that heats the gas, wherein the heated gas at or near the food product disposed in the cooking chamber exhibits a flow rate of at least about 150 CFM. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110282497 | NETWORKED ELECTRICAL INTERFACE - An electrical interface may include a switching mechanism and a control module. The switching mechanism can selectively couple a source of electricity to a load and the control module can be coupled to the switching mechanism. The control module may generate a query for information from a web server and control the switching mechanism based on a response to the query. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110307099 | DEVICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A device management system is equipped with a storage section, a detecting component, and a calculating component and manages an installation device. The storage section stores operating rules of the installation device. The detecting component detects a violating action of the installation device running counter to the operating rules. The calculating component calculates a violating quantity that quantitatively expresses the violating action. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110307100 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND SOFTWARE FOR AUTOMATED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF HVAC CONTROL PANELS - The present inventors devised, among other things, systems, methods, and software that radically simplify and reduce the time necessary to specify, design, manufacture, and document control panels and wiring harnesses for semi-custom and custom equipment, such as HVAC equipment. A computer storage medium includes data relating to a plurality of control panel enclosures and a set of rules for designing a control panel. The system receives a selection of two or more components for placement in the control panel, retrieves information about the two or more components from a database, and generates one or more layouts. The one or more layouts comprise placement of the two or more components within at least one of the plurality of control panel enclosures as a function of the set of rules for designing a control panel. The control panel enclosures are dynamically selected as a function of the two or more components. The exemplary system dramatically reduces the product specification and engineering time required for any custom control panel and makes it possible for OEMs to efficiently offering more options and shorter turn-around times to its customers. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110307101 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - According to an aspect of the disclosure, an energy management system and method includes a method of altering an operating condition of a device located at a site. The method includes the steps of establishing communication with at least one device located at the site and acquiring device data from the device. Subsequently, the device data is communicated to a server disposed remotely from the site and an availability of a control action data is detected at the remote server in conjunction with the communication of the device data. The system includes a processor operable to initiate establishing communication with the at least one device and initiate acquiring device data. A communication interface is operable to communicate the device data to the remote server and detect an availability of the control action data at the remote server in conjunction with the communication of the device data. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110320044 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS FOR A MEETING SESSION IN A NETWORK ENVIRONMENT - An example method is provided and includes establishing a communication pathway to a building element configured to control at least one environmental setting within a room. The method also includes communicating an ability to control the environmental setting within the room to an endpoint configured to participate in a meeting session. The method further includes receiving a command from the endpoint to adjust the environmental setting during the meeting session. The command can be communicated to the building element. In more specific examples, the method can include registering with one or more application program interfaces (APIs) associated with the building element, and communicating a credential to the building element in order to provide an authentication for controlling the environmental setting. In yet other embodiments, the command to adjust the environmental setting is received via a menu of a user interface provided by a video conferencing platform. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110320045 | FAULT DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELF-OPTIMIZING HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLS - A fault detection system for detecting a fault in a process system includes a first circuit configured to modify an input of the process system with a modifying signal. The fault detection system further includes a second circuit configured to receive an output from the process system and configured to determine whether the fault exists based on at least one of a reduction of a signal component and an unexpected transformation of the signal component, wherein the signal component corresponds to a function of the modifying signal. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120010752 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO DETERMINE AIR DUCT SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS - Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to determine pliable air duct configurations are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves determining a first quantity of adjustable air outlet duct sections to configure an air delivery duct system when an operating mode identifier is received. The operating mode identifier is associated with an amount of air delivered by the air delivery duct system into targeted areas. The first quantity of adjustable air outlet duct sections is based on an airflow rate value and the operating mode identifier. The airflow rate value is indicative of airflow through an air delivery duct system. Each adjustable air outlet duct section includes at least one adjustable air outlet having at least one size-adjustable orifice. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010753 | Systems and Methods Involving Heating and Cooling System Control - A method for controlling a system comprising, receiving system demand data ( | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120016524 | THERMAL TIME CONSTRAINTS FOR DEMAND RESPONSE APPLICATIONS - Apparatus and method for managing energy of a home or other structure are disclosed. The thermal characteristics of a home are determined based on variables such as inside temperatures, outside temperatures, setpoint temperatures, and duty cycles over time. Response time constants of the home are calculated and used to generate at least one transfer function or table to predict and control energy efficiency versus comfort within the home. A user is presented with variations of cost and power consumptions to choose from and be factored into the transfer function. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016525 | ENERGY FORECASTING AND MANAGEMENT DEVICE - A system for forecasting demand energy associated with a swimming pool and a home's HVAC unit. The pool has a circulation pump motor and the system records fluctuation in daily ambient air temperature, pool water temperature, psi reading of the pool's circulation system and monitors both the daily run time of the pool pump and the HVAC unit. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120022700 | AUTOMATED FAULT DETECTION AND DIAGNOSTICS IN A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Systems and methods for building automation system management are shown and described. The systems and methods relate to fault detection via abnormal energy monitoring and detection. The systems and methods also relate to control and fault detection methods for chillers. The systems and methods further relate to graphical user interfaces for use with fault detection features of a building automation system. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120022701 | CONTROLLER INTERFACE WITH SEPARATE SCHEDULE REVIEW MODE - A controller equipped with a user interface having a separate schedule review mode, including methods of accessing and/or programming such devices, are disclosed. The controller may include a user interface that can be utilized to initiate a scheduling routine having a separate schedule review mode for displaying one or more schedule parameters of the controller without initiating the editing mode. An illustrative method of accessing a schedule on a controller coupled to a user interface may include the steps of initializing a scheduling routine within the controller, initiating a schedule review mode within the controller, displaying one or more schedule parameters for at least one period on the user interface, and exiting the scheduling routine. One or more of the schedule parameters can be modified, if desired, by initiating a separate editing mode within the controller. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120041600 | Load Balancing Tasks in a Data Center Based on Pressure Differential Needed for Cooling Servers - In a data center that cools servers using an airflow from a central fan, rather than individual server fans, the cooling needs for each server are met by creating a sufficient pressure differential across each server. Because the pressure differential is the same for all of the servers, it is desirable to operate the data center such that each server needs the same pressure differential for proper cooling. Accordingly, a load balancer assigns tasks to the servers based on the known cooling needs of each server in order to balance the pressure differential needed to cool the server. This information may also be sent to the central fan to ensure that a sufficient pressure is created by the fan. Determining the cooling needs beforehand avoids spikes in server temperature, thereby enabling the servers to operate safely at a temperature closer to their maximum rated temperatures. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120041601 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - An information processing apparatus includes an area environment load calculation module, a user environment load calculation module, a user improvement environment load calculation module, a comparison module and an output module. The area environment load calculation module calculates an environment load in an area in a room. The user environment load calculation module calculates an environment load of each user staying in the area based on the environment load calculated by the area environment load calculation module. The user improvement environment load calculation module calculates, based on a policy set in advance, an environment load of each user when the policy is adopted. The comparison module compares the environment load calculated by the user environment load calculation module with the environment load calculated by the user improvement environment load calculation module. The output module outputs the policy based on the number of users. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120041602 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING THE PERFORMANCE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL UNIT - An system for monitoring the performance of a mobile environmental control unit (ECU) includes sensors for monitoring and detecting operating parameters of the ECU. A monitor processing and communications unit is coupled to the sensors for receiving and processing the operating parameter data signals from the sensors and relaying the processed operating parameter data signals to a computerized graphical user interface display via a network. The processed operating parameter data signals are graphically displayed to technical support personnel for determining problems or performance issues which may exist or may occur on an ECU remotely and offer corrective action. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120046792 | Wireless sensors system and method of using same - An apparatus, system, and methods for measuring environmental parameters are disclosed. The apparatus, system, and methods can be used for a variety of applications, including HVAC air balancing and building commissioning. The system includes a variety of wireless sensing modules and wearable modules for control, display, and storage. Parameters measured include air and water temperature, pressure, velocity, and flow. Also included are sensors for light intensity, CO concentrations, and CO2 concentrations. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120065783 | THERMODYNAMIC MODELING FOR ENCLOSURES - Systems and methods for modeling the behavior of an enclosure for use by a control system of an HVAC system are described. A model for the enclosure that describes the behavior of the enclosure for use by the control system is updated based on a weather forecast data. The weather forecast data can include predictions more than 24 hours in the future, and can include predictions such as temperature, humidity and/or dew point, solar output, precipitation. The model for the enclosure can also be updated based on additional information and data such as historical weather data such as temperature, humidity, wind, solar output and precipitation, occupancy data, such as predicted and/or detected occupancy data, calendar data, and data from the one or more weather condition sensors that sense current parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, and/or solar output. The model for the enclosure can be updated based also on an enclosure model stored in a database, and/or on enclosure information from a user. The model can be updated based on active testing of the enclosure which can be performed automatically or in response to user input. The testing can include heating and/or cooling the enclosure at times when the enclosure is not likely to be occupied. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120072029 | INTELLIGENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND DIAGNOSING FAULTS IN HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) EQUIPMENT - A system and a method for detecting and diagnosing faults in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is described. The system comprises a sensor; a classifier modelling a normal behaviour of the HVAC equipment in situ in the installed operation environment, the classifier having a plurality of classifier parameters for computing a classifier score using an input data based on a measured value from the sensor, the plurality of classifier parameters being created during a training phase of the system using the input data during the training phase; and a decision module for comparing the classifier score to a decision threshold, the decision threshold being set during the training phase. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120072030 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PREDICTIVE OCCUPANCY ROOM CONDITIONING - A HVAC controls system for zone controls that is comprised of one or more Wall Sensor Units (WSU) and zero or more Damper/Register Units (DRUs). The invention is a low networked cost solution for residential and light commercial that is easy to install in new and existing building. The WSUs detect, log and use occupancy data to predict where in a building HVAC conditioning is needed and to save energy where it is not needed. The DRU use shape memory alloy wires to control the opening and closing of a damper plate with very little power allowing batter operation. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120083926 | ADAPTIVE REAL-TIME OPTIMIZATION CONTROL - A system for regulating the amount of outdoor air that is introduced into a building determines characteristics of the outdoor air using sensor inputs. The system uses extremum seeking control logic to vary the flow of outdoor air provided into the building in response to the cooling load determinations. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120089256 | PORTABLE COGENERATION SYSTEM INCORPORATING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURES - A cogeneration system comprising a power generation unit, a thermal generation unit thermally coupled to the power generation unit, a plurality of renewable energy conversion units, and a power distribution unit configured to receive and distribute power from the power generation unit, thermal generation unit and the renewable energy conversion unit where the power distribution unit reduces the amount of power produced by the power generator based on the amount of power provided by the renewable energy conversion units. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120116592 | PROGRAMMABLE HVAC CONTROLLER WITH CROSS COLUMN SELECTION ON A TOUCH SCREEN INTERFACE - A programmable HVAC controller that include a controller and a touch screen user interface is configured to control one or more pieces of HVAC equipment in accordance with a programmable schedule. In some instances, the controller of the programmable HVAC controller is programmed to define a number of columns on the touch screen display, such that a selected day of the programmable schedule may be visually represented across two or more adjacent columns of the touch screen display, with the selected day of the programmable schedule beginning in a first column and extending across and into a second adjacent column of the touch screen display. The controller may be programmed to monitor the touch screen display and allow a user to set a start time and/or an end time of a time period of the selected day of the programmable schedule by touching the first column and/or the second column of the touch screen display. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116593 | HVAC CONTROLLER THAT SELECTIVELY REPLACES OPERATING INFORMATION ON A DISPLAY WITH SYSTEM STATUS INFORMATION - 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. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116594 | JET PUMP SYSTEM FOR HEAT AND COLD MANAGEMENT, APPARATUS, ARRANGEMENT AND METHODS OF USE - A pumping system, method and computer readable medium for temperature management. The system comprises generator means for connection to an energy source, preferably waste heat or solar energy; condenser means; evaporator means; and pressure means comprising at least one supersonic ejector to receive and provide flow paths for input primary and secondary flows, the input primary flow being a gaseous or a liquid flow. The method comprises providing and operatively connecting energy source means, condenser means, evaporator means, generator means and a pressure means comprising at least one supersonic ejector to receive input primary and secondary flows from a flow path; selecting and delivering a supply of temperature management fluid to the flow path; and selectively adjusting the configuration and operational parameters of the ejectors in response to monitored temperature values and operating conditions. The system economically provides improved efficiency for heating, cooling or refrigeration. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120123593 | AIR CONDITIONER - Disclosed is an air conditioner with functions for deciding room shape by determining, based on a temperature difference, information between the room's floor and walls occurring during operation, a human body detection position log, and a capacity zone of the air conditioner. In an embodiment, an infrared sensor detects a temperature of an area of the room by scanning the area and a control unit acquires thermal image data of the area scanned by the sensor and then controls the air conditioner based on the thermal image data. The control unit sets a boundary line between a wall and floor of the room at a position on the thermal image data, calculates a temperature difference between vertically adjacent pixels located above and below the boundary, corrects a position of the boundary based on temperature difference, and determines that areas parted by the boundary correspond to the wall and floor, respectively. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120130545 | DYNAMIC COOLING SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method, programmed medium and system are provided for altering the airflow through an electronic device such as a laptop computer in response to overheating, and feedback about the state of use of a laptop computer. In an exemplary embodiment, a laptop case is constructed such that it has an alternate opening for each intake and/or exhaust port. The primary intake and/or exhaust port is located such that it does not interfere with the user while the laptop is being operated normally. When it is detected that an intake and/or exhaust port is potentially blocked, it is determined whether or not the laptop is actively being used. If the laptop is not being used when an overheated condition is detected, a predetermined action is taken to change the air input/output air flow through an alternate exhaust path. If the laptop is being used, other actions, in terms of altering airflow, may take place, such as enabling a user to selectively choose a different airflow path from a plurality of airflow paths available within the electronic device being cooled. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130546 | USER FRIENDLY INTERFACE FOR CONTROL UNIT - A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a circular body having a large central display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated an pressed inward by a user so as to receive user input in a simple elegant fashion. Different colors can be displayed to the user to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different shades of colors can be displayed to a user to indicate an estimated amount of time and/or energy for reaching a target temperature. The thermostat is wall mountable and is made up of a head unit removeably mounted to a backplate. A locking mechanism can be provided so as to increase security against unauthorized removal of the head unit. The backplate can be adapted to be mounted on a wall so as to be level, for example by including a bubble level on the backplate. One or more vents are preferably located on the sides of the body, such as in a gap beneath the translatably mounted ring, and/or in a gap between the head unit and the backplate. The target temperature for the device can be altered in response to sensing rotation of the rotating ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to and altered by the user in response to sensing rotation of the ring and the translational movement of the ring. Historical information such as temperature and cost information can be displayed to a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating ring. One or more device settings can be displayed to and edited by a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating member and the translational movement. According to some embodiments, text characters can be entered by the user. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130547 | 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. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120136487 | MODULIZED HEAT-DISSIPATION CONTROL METHOD FOR DATACENTER - A modulized heat-dissipation control method for a datacenter is provided. In this method, a temperature sensor is used to sense inner temperatures of multiple servers and CPU temperatures in the multiple servers. If any one of the CPU temperatures is abnormal, a flow of a first coolant is adjusted. If any one of the inner temperatures is abnormal, a rotating speed of a fan module is adjusted. If the rotating speed of the fan module has reached its maximum, a flow of a second coolant is adjusted. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120150353 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR ASSESSING AND REDUCING AIR POLLUTION BY REGULATING AIRFLOW VENTILATION - Disclosed are means for monitoring the levels of air pollution in urban areas for the purpose of optimizing the conditions of airflow ventilation of buildings according to air pollution levels in their area. The invention supplies data in real time regarding local air pollution levels or relative levels, i.e. current air pollution levels in relation to previous ones. The disclosed system and method makes use of the fluctuations in air pollution levels in order to achieve optimal reduction of air pollution levels inside buildings. The system defines optimal times for ventilation in order to achieve a significant and persisting improvement of indoor air quality, in a routine manner, by using measurements of nondeterministic, continuous and effective fluctuations in air pollution levels at the surroundings of each building, specifically in locations which don't include monitoring stations. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120158188 | ELECTRONIC CONDENSATE OVERFLOW SWITCH - A non-polarized electronic condensate overflow switch uses microprocessor-controlled low-resistance MOSFETs to connect and disconnect power to an HVAC system. The condensate overflow switch derives operational power directly from an AC main and does not need an external power supply or a separate, reference ground line, and therefore does not require configuration in a particular polarity. The microprocessor controls the turning on and off of the power MOSFETs as needed when condensate overflow is detected and also provides more efficient sensing of condensate overflow and other operations, thus minimizing the power needed by the condensate overflow switch. Such a non-polarized electronic condensate overflow switch may be installed within a drain pan, in line with an outlet of the drain pan, or at a remote location away from the drain pan. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120158189 | NETWORK SYSTEM INCLUDING AN AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS - A network system is provided. The network system may include a portable terminal in communication with the Internet, and an air conditioning apparatus that communicates with the portable terminal. The air conditioning apparatus may include a communication module that at least one of communicates with the portable terminal or accesses the portable terminal through the Internet; a user registration device that registers user information of the air conditioning apparatus; a user recognition device that recognizes a user registered in the user registration device; a controller that controls operation of the air conditioning apparatus using operating conditions designated by the registered user; and a driver that drives the air conditioning apparatus using the designated operating conditions. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120165991 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING HUMIDITY OF A SERVER - A humidity control system and method controls humidity in a server by acquiring a humidity value inside of the server using a humidity detector of the server at a predetermined time interval. The method further includes disabling a dehumidifier of the server to dehumidify the inside of the server, upon the condition that the acquired humidity value is greater than a predetermined first threshold value. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120173026 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING ATMOSPHERIC PARAMETERS IN ENCLOSED SPACES - A system and method of measuring atmospheric parameters in an enclosed space using instrumented objects having measurement sensors. The instrumented objects travel through the space randomly or along defined flight paths. As the instrumented objects travel through the space, the measurement sensors measure atmospheric parameters and store the measurements to a memory. The devices periodically upload the measured atmospheric parameters to a controller circuit. By using self-propelled objects to carry measurement sensors, the system and method disclosed herein allow for periodically sampling atmospheric parameters in the interior of an enclosed space at a number of locations greater than the number of measurement devices employed. With data points taken from various locations within a volume of an enclosed space, the system and method can realize a more efficient utilization of energy by adjusting mechanical controls of an HVAC system or a ventilation system, for example. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120179297 | APPARATUS, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ONE OR MORE OUTDOOR DEVICES, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME - An apparatus, a method for controlling one or more outdoor devices, and an air conditioning system are provided. A freezing prevention function for an outdoor device may be activated or deactivated based on weather information received from an external weather information providing server or weather information input by a user, and freezing prevention may be performed using state and operation information of the outdoor device as necessary. Thus, user convenience may be improved, stability of the outdoor device and an air conditioning system having the same enhanced, and operation efficiency improved. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120179298 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT IN A BUILDING - Method for managing the energy of a building, comprising one or more occupants likely to be present therein, each determining a comfort desire for a given period, characterized in that it comprises a step for determining an overall comfort parameter for a given period on the basis of the comfort desire of each occupant present in the area of the building in the given period, this global comfort parameter being used to manage the energy on the basis of the comfort desires of the only occupants present in the building. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120179299 | AIR CONDITIONER CONTROL DEVICE, AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM, FACILITY/EQUIPMENT SYSTEM, AIR CONDITIONER CONTROL METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM STORING AIR CONDITIONER CONTROL PROGRAM - A system communicator receives from a network signals indicating the state of an air conditioner, and updates the content of an air-conditioning information memory. An automatic control rule memory stores automatic control rules which are used when an air conditioner control content is determined. An air conditioner automatic controller determines the air conditioner control content based on the content of the air-conditioning information memory and the automatic control rules recorded in the automatic control rule memory, and changes the content of the air-conditioning information memory. A rule adjustment screen generator stores, in a rule adjustment screen memory, screen creation information generated based on the content of the automatic control rule memory. A rule adjustment operator displays the content of the rule adjustment screen memory as a screen, and receives an operation to adjust the content of the automatic control rule memory. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120191252 | PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE FOR ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM - An enclosure or shelter having an HVAC/R system is configured with a photovoltaic power source and a rechargeable DC power source for power back-up to maintain substantially uninterrupted power in the case of a main power failure. The system includes one or more variable frequency drives (VFD) controlled by a VFD controller and configured to provide three-phase power to one or more three-phase AC motors and single-phase power to one or more single-phase AC motors. The system also includes a power source controller configured to select power sources based on availability of one or more power sources and other logic. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120191253 | HVAC/R SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE POWER SOURCES AND TIME-BASED SELECTION LOGIC - A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system is includes one or more variable frequency drives (VFD) controlled by one or more VFD controller, which are configured to provide three-phase power to one or more three-phase AC motors and single-phase power to one or more single-phase AC motors. The system also includes a power source controller configured to select from a plurality of power sources based on availability of one or more power sources and time so as to maximize the economic efficiency of operating the system. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120191254 | NETWORK SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A network system is provided. The network system includes an air conditioner, a terminal, a power supply source, and a power management apparatus. The air conditioner includes a first communication module so as to enable communication. The terminal includes a second communication module which is communication-connected to the firs communication module, and downloads predetermined information from a web server. The power supply source supplies power to the air conditioner. The power management apparatus manages power information supplied from the power supply source. On the basis of at least one of the power information and information on an operation of the air conditioner, the terminal displays power use information of the air conditioner. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120191255 | AIR CONDITIONER, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OUTDOOR UNITS THEREOF, AND CENTRAL CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME - Disclosed are an air conditioner, a method for controlling outdoor units thereof, and a central control system having the same. A mode conversion unit such as a boot loader is provided to perform a mode conversion between a driving control mode and an upgrade mode in a software manner, without requiring a user's visit to the site. This may allow an outdoor unit control program to be remotely upgraded. In the present disclosure, the air conditioner may return to a previous mode or previous program in the occurrence of an error on an upgrade signal or upgrade program. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120191256 | MASTERLESS CONTROL SYSTEM METHODS FOR NETWORKED WATER HEATERS - Disclosed is a masterless control system for controlling a plurality of fluidly and operably connected water heaters to meet a hot water demand such that overall efficiency is maximized and usage disparity between water heaters is minimized. There is further disclosed a method for detecting a small system demand in said network by adjusting the setting of each flow limiting valve of each water heater. There is still further disclosed a method for enabling seamless addition or removal of a heater in service and heating load distribution to water heaters. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120197444 | MANIPULATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN AN INFRASTRUCTURE - A system and method for manipulating environmental conditions in an infrastructure containing a fluid moving device are disclosed that include identifying correlations between operational settings of the fluid moving device and environmental conditions resulting from changes to the operational settings. In addition, an environmental condition detected at a location proximate to or within the plenum following supply of fluid into the plenum by the fluid moving device is received and errors between the received environmental condition and a reference environmental condition are identified. Operational settings for the fluid moving device to achieve the reference environmental condition are determined based upon the identified correlations and errors. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120203379 | USER FRIENDLY INTERFACE FOR CONTROL UNIT - A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a central electronic display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated and pressed inwardly to provide user input in a simple and elegant fashion. The current temperature and setpoint are graphically displayed as prominent tick marks. Different colors and intensities can be displayed to indicate currently active HVAC functions and an amount of heating or cooling required to reach a target temperature. The setpoint can be altered by user rotation of the ring. The schedule can be displayed and altered by virtue of rotations and inward pressings of the ring. Initial device set up and installation, the viewing of device operation, the editing of various settings, and the viewing of historical energy usage information are made simple and elegant by virtue of the described form factor, display modalities, and user input modalities of the device. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120203380 | Determining Energy Consumption in a Structure - Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for measuring the supply of a consumable product/energy source, such as electrical power, to a facility over time and analyzing the measurements to determine the consumption or supply of the product by one or more loads and/or sources in the facility, and to determine induced and residual heat flow through the facility's envelope. Various aspects compare the measured supply of the consumable product to a database of consumption signatures, which characterize access to the consumable product by particular users. Operating conditions and facility characteristics, such as temperatures, load factors, insulation factors, etc., may be further considered in determining a particular user's access of the consumable product. To aid in the controlling of energy use, thermal resistance factors of the building are determined, which are based on the induced and residual heat flow through the facility. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120209435 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROLLING DEVICE AND METHOD - Distribution data indicating the distribution of the temperatures and airflows in an air-conditioned space are calculated through forward analysis of the state of the air-conditioned space through a distributed system heat flow analysis technique by the heat flow forward analysis processing portion based on spatial condition data and state data comprising boundary condition data and heat emitting object data, and setting data comprising this distribution data that has been obtained and the target data that indicate the target temperatures at the target locations is generated by the setting data generating portion, and new air-conditioning operating quantities are back-calculated from the new blowing speeds and blowing temperatures for the conditioned air at the blowing vents through reverse analysis of the distributions of the temperatures and airflows in the air-conditioned space, and the air-conditioning system is controlled based on the new air-conditioning operating quantities obtained thereby. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120221149 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING SCHEDULING ON A WALL MODULE - The present disclosure relates generally to building control systems and, more particularly, to methods and devices for configuring and/or displaying parameters or other information such as menu screens on a programmable wall module of a building control system. In an illustrative embodiment, a configuration tool may be configured to create a number of screens for the user interface of the programmable wall module based on a number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool. In some cases, the number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool may be less than, and sometimes far less than, the number of screens that are created by the configuration tool. Regardless, with the number of screens created, the configuration tool may upload the number of screens to the programmable wall module for use on the user interface of the programmable wall module. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120221150 | Residential Solutions HVAC Monitoring and Diagnosis - A monitoring system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a residence includes a monitoring device installed at the residence and a server located remotely from the residence. The monitoring device measures an aggregate current supplied to a plurality of components of the HVAC system and transmits current data based on the measured aggregate current. The server receives the transmitted current data and, based on the received current, assesses whether a failure has occurred in a first component of the plurality of components of the HVAC system and assesses whether a failure has occurred in a second component of the plurality of components of the HVAC system. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120221151 | 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. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120232700 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ROOM AUTOMATION SYSTEM - User acceptance of energy-optimized room automation can be improved by determining a first value which is a measure of the utilization of the energy used for holding the comfort variable in the comfort band predetermined for the comfort variable in a first operating mode of a room automation system, detecting an event initiated by a user, through which the operating mode of the system is changed, determining a second value which includes a measure for change of energy utilization for keeping the comfort variable in the comfort band applicable for the comfort variable in the changed operating mode of the system, determining a comparison value through which a relationship between the first value and the second value is able to be quantified, and evaluating the comparison value and correspondingly updating information provided to the user in relation to the current utilization of the energy used for the comfort variable. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120239203 | 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. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120239204 | AIR-CONDITIONER CONTROL INTERFACE DEVICE, AIR CONDITIONER, AND AIR-CONDITIONER CONTROL SYSTEM - An air-conditioner control interface device that connects an air conditioner to an external device, including: an air-conditioner-information input/output unit that transmits or receives information to or from the air conditioner; an external-device-information input/output unit that transmits or receives information to or from the external device; an interface-control-information input/output unit that acquires interface control information, in which definitions of the information transmitted or received between the external device and the air conditioner and methods of transmitting or receiving the information, are described; and an interface controller that controls the external-device-information input/output unit and the air-conditioner-information input/output unit to transmit or receive information based on the interface control information. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120239205 | ENVIRONMENT CONTROLLER, AN ENVIRONMENT CONTROL SYSTEM AND ENVIRONMENT CONTROL METHOD - An example environment control system for a venue includes a controllable device arranged to perform at least one of heating, cooling or ventilation of the venue so as to affect the environment of the venue; a plurality of input devices disposed throughout the venue, each input device operable by a user to input environment feedback; and an environment controller arranged to control the at least one controllable device based on the environment feedback. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120239206 | METHOD FOR ASSIGNING NETWORK ADDRESSES FOR FANS - A method of assigning network addresses for ventilators ( | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120239207 | 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. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120245738 | Minimizing Aggregate Power from HVAC Cooling and IT Equipment in a Data Center - A mechanism is provided for minimizing aggregate power from HVAC cooling and IT equipment in a data center. The mechanism selects a high HVAC set point for low-utilization and selects a low HVAC set point for high utilization. For each cooling zone in a data center, the mechanism monitors the average utilization of equipment in the cooling zone and selects the appropriate HVAC set point based on utilization. The mechanism may determine efficiency to determine whether to adjust universal HVAC set points or the HVAC set points for each given cooling zone. That is, the mechanism may dynamically adjust HVAC set points for optimal efficiency. Alternatively, the mechanism may go beyond binary control and compute actual data center efficiency metrics to decide on intermediate set points. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120245739 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING AIR TEMPERATURE WITHIN A BUILDING HVAC SYSTEM - A system and method for conditioning air within an air handling system of a building is provided. The building has a hot water source and a cold water source. The conditioning system includes at least one heating-cooling unit connected to the air handling system, a primary water storage device, at least one heat pump, and a controller. The heating-cooling unit, which includes at least one chilled beam, is operable to transfer heat into or out of air passing within the air handling system of the building. The primary water storage device is operable to store a volume of water within a predetermined temperature range. The primary water storage device is in communication with the hot water source and the cold water source. The heat pump is connected to the primary water storage device and the chilled beam. The controller is adapted to selectively drive the heat pump to transfer heat between the primary water storage device and the chilled beam. The controller is also adapted to selectively control the system to transfer heat into or out of the primary water storage device to maintain the water within the primary storage device within the predetermined temperature range. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120245740 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF ENTITY - An adjusting of environmental conditions of an entity, such as a room, is described, where the entity has desired environmental conditions to be maintained and/or achieved. The environmental conditions may relate to temperature, humidity, CO2 level, lighting, etc. The adjusting is implemented by equipments based on at least one controlling parameter provided by a controlling means. The controlling means is provided with at least one environmental condition measurement data related to the entity and measured by a measuring means. In addition the controlling means is provided with at least one outer paramenter, such as weather conditions information. The controlling parameter is generated by using a neural algorithm having at least the following input: at least one measured environmental condition parameter related to the entity; and at least one outer paramenter. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120253520 | CONTROLLER FOR A CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - A system is provided for controlling at least one climate control apparatus for conditioning a space. The system includes a controller mountable to a climate control apparatus that is segregated from the space to be conditioned. The controller has a plurality of selectable setting parameters for configuring the controller to operate at least one of a plurality of climate control apparatus, and a plurality of visual indicators for visually indicating the selection of at least one selectable setting parameter. A user interface is adapted for installation in the space, and has a display for displaying selectable setting parameters for configuring the controller. The user interface includes user input controls for enabling selection of at least one displayed selectable setting parameter, where the controller responsively activates at least one visual indicator for indicating the selection of at least one selectable setting parameter by the user-interface. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120253521 | Systems and Methods For Controlling Multiple HVAC Systems - An HVAC control system has a first system controller associated with a first HVAC system and configured to control the first HVAC system and a second system controller associated with a HVAC system and configured to control the second HVAC system wherein the first system controller is selectively operable to control the second HVAC system. A method of controlling multiple HVAC systems includes providing a first HVAC system comprising a required first system controller, providing a second HVAC system comprising a required second system controller, and enabling wireless communication between the first system controller and the second system controller. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120253522 | FACILITY CONTROLLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - When, in an administering device, there has been an evaluation that a user is authorized to enter into any given controlled region, the occupant counts of a movement origin controlled region and of a movement destination controlled region are updated by an occupant count updating portion and stored in a storing portion, where the occupancy statuses specified by the individual occupant counts in the storing portion are reported to an air-conditioning controlling device. In the air-conditioning controlling device, electricity-saving control parameters corresponding to the applicable occupancy statuses are obtained from an electricity-saving control information storing portion by an air-conditioning controlling portion in response to occupancy statuses reported by the administering device, to cause air-conditioning equipment, corresponding to the applicable region, to perform electricity-saving operation based on the electricity-saving control parameters. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120253523 | INDOOR AIR QUALITY CONTROLLERS AND 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 controllers also include communication interfaces for receiving climate data. In certain embodiments, the controllers govern operation of the HVAC systems based at least in part on the climate data. Further, the controllers may display information and alerts related to the climate data. The controllers also may govern operation of air treatment devices within the HVAC systems. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120259468 | ENERGY CONSERVATION SYSTEM - An energy conservation system is provided to lower energy consumption in an unoccupied room. A master controller provides control of power consumption to an occupant of a room through an occupant action to create an occupied mode and otherwise be in an unoccupied mode. A thermostat is controlled by the master controller. A radio frequency transceiver is located within the master controller and a second radio frequency transceiver remote from the master radio frequency transceiver is provided. The second radio frequency transceiver is coupled to an electrical switching circuit responsive to a radio frequency signal received from said radio frequency transceiver. A controlled power device is coupled to the electrical switching circuit such that an energy input to the device is controlled by the master controller in the unoccupied mode. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120259469 | HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of controlling the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building, the method comprising the steps of: (a) developing an initial thermal model of the building, and continuously updating the thermal model over time; (b) utilising the thermal model to continuously develop a daily HVAC operating plan for the building; and (c) continuously examining a current HVAC operating plan and optimising the alignment of the current HVAC operation with the current HVAC operating plan. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120265350 | PREDICTIVE DAYLIGHT HARVESTING SYSTEM - In the context of a predictive daylight harvesting system data values are input regarding a plurality of variable building design parameters. The effects on a building's environmental characteristics are calculated based on the data values regarding a plurality of building design parameters. At least one of the data values is changed regarding variable building design parameters. The effects on a building's environmental characteristics are recalculated based on the data values regarding a plurality of building design parameters building heat balance. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120271460 | UNIVERSAL DEMAND-RESPONSE REMOTE CONTROL FOR DUCTLESS SPLIT SYSTEM - A universal demand-response remote-control device for controlling a control unit of a ductless, split air-conditioning system. The remote-control device includes a long-distance communications module and includes a local communications module. The remote-control device also includes a processor in electrical communication with the long-distance communications module and the local communications module. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120271461 | CAPTURING ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION - In general, a method includes receiving environmental information collected by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the environmental information being associated with one or more conditions of a data center, storing the environmental information on one or more memory devices that are accessible by the one or more computing devices, determining, based on the environmental information, that an event has occurred, and performing, by the one or more computing devices and based on determining that the event has occurred, one or more actions. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120271462 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO CONTROL ENERGY CONSUMPTION EFFICIENCY - A controller is configured to exchange information with a building automation system and includes various executable programs for determining a real time operating efficiency, simulating a predicted or theoretical operating efficiency, comparing the same, and then adjusting one or more operating parameters on equipment utilized by a building's HVAC system. The controller operates to adjust an operating efficiency of the HVAC system. An adjustment module utilized by the controller may modify the HVAC equipment parameters based on the likelihood that various HVAC equipment operates in parallel and on-line near its natural operating curve. In addition, the adjustment module may include a self-learning aspect that permits the controller to more efficiently make similar, future adjustments as needed. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120271463 | DATA AND COMMANDS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD BETWEEN VARIABLE CAPACITY COMPRESSOR AND ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT FOR A COOLING SYSTEM - The present invention refers to a data and commands communication system between compressor and electronic thermostat, particularly applied to cooling systems having variable capacity compressor (VCC), with the purpose of providing an exchange of data between said equipment which is technically more efficient and less costly compared to the solutions available today. Accordingly, there is described a data communication system between variable capacity compressor and electronic thermostat for a cooling system, the compressor comprising at least a frequency inverter unit ( | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120277916 | HEATING, VENTILATING, AND AIR CONDITIONING MODULE FOR A VEHICLE - A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) module for a vehicle includes an HVAC structure to accommodate a plurality of HVAC system components, the HVAC structure configured to be installed in a host vehicle. The HVAC module also includes an interconnect network with a first group of the HVAC system components and a hub component, wherein the hub component is coupled to a second group of the HVAC system components. An HVAC module connector is coupled to the interconnect network to establish data connectivity between the interconnect network and an electronic control module of the host vehicle. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120283880 | ECONOMIZER CONTROL - Methods for controlling an economizer of an HVAC system are disclosed. An illustrative control method may include positioning one or more controllable dampers in first and second configurations such that a mixed air stream has first and second mixing ratios of incoming outside air to return air. First and second measures related to the temperature of the mixed air stream may be recorded when the dampers are in each of the first and second configurations. Based on the recorded first and second measures, it may be determined 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. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120283881 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS 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. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120290135 | UNIFIED AND FLEXIBLE CONTROL OF MULTIPLE DATA CENTER COOLING MECHANISMS - Techniques are described for controlling the climate in a data center. Using the input of an administrator, multiple desired attributes of a data center (e.g., temperature, energy consumption, costs, or system performance) may be balanced using a utility function that maximizes the utility of the computing systems in the data center according to the administrator's preferences. Additionally, a cooling model is generated that represents the affect of a control parameter (e.g., the fan speed of a CRAC) on the desire attributes of the data center. The cooling model may then be substituted into the utility function to replace the desired attributes. Using this new utility function, the control parameters may be varied such that the maximum utility is achieved. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120290136 | SPEED ADJUSTMENT OF AN ACTUATOR FOR AN HVAC SYSTEM - An actuator for moving a component of an HVAC system includes a housing, a motor, and a hub configured to receive a shaft. The actuator also includes a processing circuit configured to temporarily shift the actuator from a first speed mode to a second speed mode that is different than the first speed mode upon receiving an input signal. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120290137 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF A BUILDING - The invention relates to a control system for adjusting environmental conditions of a building. The control system comprises a server used for accessing external services through a communication network, such as the Internet. The control system comprises controllers for controlling environmental equipment based on sensor signals. The controllers can be used for relaying communication between the server and user interface means in the usage of external services. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120296476 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM - The invention relates to an environment management system method and apparatus used to manage the environment within a structure. When implemented within a system the invention includes a plurality of peripheral devices distributed within the structure where operation of a peripheral device modifies the environment of at least one region of the structure associated with the peripheral device. The system also includes at least one network which connects the plurality of devices, and at least one controller arranged to receive signals from one or more peripheral device and to transmit a command to one or more peripheral devices using this network. The system of the invention also includes a user input system interfaced with the at least one controller where this user input system is arranged to use at least one user neural signal to provide a user command to one or more controllers. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120296477 | AUXILIARY CONTROLLER, A HVAC SYSTEM, A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A HVAC SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF STARTING THE SAME - The disclosure provides a method of starting a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, a method of manufacturing a HVAC system, a HVAC system, and an integrated controller thereof. In one embodiment, the method of starting includes: (1) receiving an initiation signal at a main system controller of the HVAC system, (2) determining if main controller application information associated with the main system controller is stored thereon, (3) querying an auxiliary controller of the HVAC system when determining the main controller application information is not stored on the main system controller, (4) sending the main controller application information to the main system controller from the auxiliary controller when the auxiliary controller includes the main controller application information and (5) initiating the HVAC system based on the initiation signal and employing the main controller application information sent to the main system controller from the auxiliary controller. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120296478 | CONTROL SYSTEM OF AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - To obtain a control system of an air conditioning system capable of easily confirming a set content of an interlocking control. A simulation device that generates simulation operation information simulating an interlock operation of facility devices based on interlock settings information, a display controller that makes a display device display a layout plan and the simulation operation information in accordance with the display of the facility devices in the layout plan. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120303164 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COMPUTER ROOM AIR CONDITIONING UNITS (CRACs) IN DATA CENTERS - Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for controlling computer room air conditioning units (CRACs) in data centers. An example embodiment includes: receiving an alert message from a reporting wireless network sensor of a plurality of wireless network sensors via a wireless sensor network, the alert message including information indicative of a modification needed to an environmental condition, the alert message including an indication of stability or instability of a computer room air conditioning unit (CRAC) in a data center; and using the information indicative of a modification needed to an environmental condition at a networked controller to command a device capable of modifying the environmental condition to modify the environmental condition in a manner corresponding to the information in the alert message, commanding the device including controlling fan speed in the CRAC to correct an indication of instability. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120310416 | REALIZATION OF ENERGY SAVINGS POTENTIAL THROUGH FEEDBACK - Feedback is provided to a user based on a setting for a set of energy consuming devices. While a user modifies a thermostat's schedule or provides user commands to adjust a setting for the set of energy consuming devices, a user interface component generates feedback to the consumer in response to an adjusted setting based on a condition for a predetermined function. A positive feedback component generates a positive feedback, such as a positive image in the user interface if the setting meets or exceeds a recommended performance metric for an operational parameter for the set of energy consuming devices. A negative feedback component generates a negative feedback, such as a negative image if the setting meets or exceeds a second condition, such as a discouraged performance metric. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120310417 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - According to one embodiment, system controls electrical apparatus installed in target area. This system includes image sensor and server. Image sensor senses target area, acquires, from sensed image of area, human information representing state of person in area and environmental information concerning environment of area for each of divided areas obtained by dividing area, and outputs human information and environmental information. Server is connected to image sensor via communication network and executes task-ambient control for electrical apparatus based on human information and environmental information for each of areas output from image sensor. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120310418 | HVAC CONTROLLER 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. In certain embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting temperature set points. In certain embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include selectable calendars for adjusting program schedules for the HVAC systems. In certain embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include screens for adjusting a nightlight feature of the controller. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120310419 | Modulating Gas Furnace - A method controls a modulating gas furnace by monitoring a differential pressure associated with the modulating gas furnace, learning an intermediate value associated with an intermediate capacity between a minimum output capacity of the gas furnace and a maximum output capacity of the gas furnace, learning one of a high value associated with the maximum output capacity and a low value associated with a minimum output capacity, establishing an estimated operating curve using either the intermediate value and the low value or using the intermediate value and the high value, and operating the gas furnace in accordance with the estimated operating curve. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120316687 | System and Method for Managing Power Consumption - In accordance with a particular embodiment, a method for managing power consumption includes receiving power rate information and receiving power usage information. The method also includes receiving a plurality of personal preference profiles. Each personal preference profile of the plurality of personal preference profiles is associated with a different user of a plurality of users and includes at least one preferred state associated with a respective user. The method further includes detecting a presence of at least one user within a room. The method additionally includes adjusting at least one state associated with the room based on the at least one preferred state associated with the at least one user within the room, the power rate information, and the power usage information. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120323374 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH COMPONENT CHANGE NOTIFICATION - HVAC methods and systems are provided for issuing a component change notification to a user when an air filter or other replaceable component should be changed. In some instances, an HVAC controller may solicit information from a user that is related to one or more features of the replaceable component (e.g. air filter) of the HVAC system. This can include, size, type, model number and/or any other suitable feature, parameter and/or property. In some cases, the time before a component change notification message is issued by the HVAC controller may be dependent on, determined by, and/or adjusted based on the received information. In some instances, the HVAC controller may display at least some of the received information in a subsequently issued component change notification message. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120323375 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A FILTER CHANGE NOTIFICATION OF AN HVAC CONTROLLER - Methods and systems are provided for monitoring the condition of an air filter of an HVAC system to provide an indication of when the air filter should be changed. An HVAC controller may be configured to include a filter change notification, wherein the HVAC controller may monitor the current condition of the air filter, and may display a filter change notification on the display when the current condition of the air filter passes a filter change threshold value. In some cases, the HVAC controller may be configured to perform, sometimes at the request of a user, one or more calibration tests on the air filter to help the user identify an appropriate filter change threshold value. Alternatively, or in addition, the HVAC controller may, through a user interface, allow a user to enter and/or change a filter change threshold value, as desired. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120323376 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLLING DEVICE AND METHOD - In an operating quantity calculating portion, an operating quantity controlling an air-conditioned space to a target air-conditioning environment is calculated for each individual air-conditioning equipment through performing CFD reverse analysis on the air-conditioning environment of the air-conditioned space; in a state estimating portion, state setting values indicate the state of the target air-conditioning environment at the measurement locations of the individual sensors provided in the air-conditioned space are estimated respectively through CFD forward analysis on these operating quantities; and, in a feedback controlling portion, a coordinating factor is calculated based on the deviations between the state setting values obtained and the state measured values that are measured by the sensors, where coordinated operating quantities are calculated through correcting each of the operating quantities by the coordinating factor, and coordinated feedback control of the air-conditioning equipment is performed through sending, to the air-conditioning system, the individual coordinated operating quantities thus obtained. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120330465 | Model Based System and Method for Estimating Parameters and States in Temperature Controlled Spaces - A method for estimating a heating/cooling load of a zone within a building may include determining a measured parameter from the zone, generating a reduced order thermodynamic model of the zone, generating an Extended Kalman Filter based on the thermodynamic model of the zone, and processing the measured parameter using the Extended Kalman Filter to estimate at least one unknown state of the zone, such as an estimated load. A similar method may be used to estimate a temperature in a cold room of a refrigeration system. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130013117 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DIFFERENTIAL ENERGY BASED AIRSIDE ECONOMIZER CHANGEOVER - Methods and apparatus for controlling an economizer in a ventilation system based upon moisture related properties of a first input air source and a second input air source to minimize energy for conditioning air in a structure. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130024028 | DEVICE COMMISSIONING IN A HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING NETWORK - An HVAC system includes first and second devices coupled via a subnet. A feature manifest stored by the second device is readable by the first device after the first device enters a commissioning process. The first device is configured to determine a value of an internal parameter based on the feature manifest. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130030574 | System and Method for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Component Detection - A method for detecting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components is provided. The method includes the steps of measuring an initial current at a current sensor in a circuit, while a relay is de-energized; energizing the relay; measuring, at a periodic interval, an energized current while the relay is energized; incrementing a counter if an absolute difference between a first voltage related to the energized current and a second voltage related to the initial current is above a threshold; and determining a HVAC component is present if the counter exceeds a pre-determined value during a pre-determined time period. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130030575 | Air Change Rate Measurement and Control - A method for controlling a system includes receiving temperature and humidity measurements of supply air to a serviced space, return air from the serviced space, and outside air, wherein the outside air includes air outside the serviced space, calculating a volumetric flow rate of the outside air entering the system using the received temperature and humidity measurements of the supply air, the return air, and the outside air, calculating an air change per hour (ACH) rate in the serviced space using the calculated volumetric flow rate of the air outside the serviced space entering the system and the volume of the serviced space, and controlling the ACH rate in the serviced space. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130030576 | Load Reduction Based on Percentage Change in Energy Price - A thermostatic controller is configured for curtailing load when energy price rate is high. One or more energy price rates received by a receiver device are stored in an electronic memory. A microprocessor is operable to select from the one or more energy price rates the lowest energy price rate received within a given time period for establishing a base energy price rate. The microprocessor is operable to 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. In response to an energy price rate that exceeds the base energy price rate by more than the first percentage or multiplier factor, the microprocessor is configured to select a first temperature offset corresponding to the first percentage or multiplier factor and change the set point temperature by the first temperature offset. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130035794 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING BUILDING ENERGY USE - In the field of building energy efficiency, an analysis and control system is provided to design, retrofit and/or manage operation of the HVAC and/or hot water systems in a building, so as to minimize energy usage. The present system is an end-to-end computer software based approach for full time commissioning of mechanical systems in a building. It uses standard and advanced fluid dynamics modeling techniques in terms of air circulation, refrigerating, heating and hot water systems. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035795 | System And Method For Using Data Centers As Virtual Power Plants - A system and method for using a data center as a virtual power plant are described. The data can be used to reduce energy consumption using pre-cooling and absorb excess energy generation. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130054033 | SYNERGISTIC INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR A BUILDING NETWORK - An interface system for a building includes at least one mobile computing device configured to read building information indicia positioned within the building, with the building information indicia defining indicia data. The at least one mobile computing device is in wireless communication with a building control system within the building. The building control system is configured to send control signals to a plurality of field devices within the building. The at least one mobile computing devices is configured to transmit indicia data defined by the building information indicia to the building control system. The building control system is configured to control the field devices based at least in part on the indicia data received from the mobile computing devices. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130060385 | HVAC CONTROLLER INCLUDING USER INTERACTION LOG - An HVAC controller is configured to log one more user interactions into a user interaction log stored in its memory such that at least some of the user interactions may be recalled from the user interaction log and displayed on the user interface of the HVAC controller in response to a request by a user. The user may use the information contained in the user interaction log as an aid in troubleshooting an HVAC system. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130066472 | 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. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130073093 | BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM CONTROL WITH MOTION SENSING - An arrangement configured to control an environmental parameter in a building space includes a building automation system. The building automation system includes a plurality of field devices configured to control the environmental parameter within the building space. The arrangement further includes a motion detector configured to determine a number of humans within the building space and a measure of movement for the number of humans. The building automation system is configured to control the field devices based at least in part on the determined number of humans and the measure of movement for the number of humans. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130085608 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SIMULATED WINDOW UTILIZING ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS OPERABLE WITHIN A BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM - A system for providing a simulated window utilizing environmental controls operable within a building automation system is disclosed. The system includes a building automation network deployed within a structure, a plurality of environmental controls in communication with the building automation network, where the plurality of automation controls are configured to control one or more environmental conditions within a space defined within the structure, a controller in communication with the plurality of environmental controls via the building automation network. The controller is configured to execute a first environmental control program to drive at least one of the plurality of environmental controls to a set point, and execute a transient environmental control program to increase an output of at least one of the plurality of environmental controls relative to the first environmental control program. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130085609 | OCCUPANCY DRIVEN PATIENT ROOM ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL - Using a real-time location system, the hospital environment is controlled locally. By categorizing individuals detected at different locations, the proper control may be provided to enhance energy savings and maintain a comfortable patient environment without sacrificing safety. By altering the environment within a room for patients and not staff and/or based on the type of patient, more optimized and localized control may be provided, such as implementing a number of air changes per hour appropriate for detected patients within rooms. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130085610 | Structure and behavior of a building automation system - A system for automating a building has an object describing a building section and at least one object describing an automation function and a functional unit having at least one open-loop and/or closed-loop control program, with the object describing a building section having an overview list, in which semantic information units for the building section concerned are able to be stored. A semantic information unit for the building section concerned identifies an automation function which is provided in the building section. The object describing the automation function has an overview list, in which semantic information units for the automation function concerned are able to be stored. The semantic information unit includes a relation to a further object. The relation is implemented such that a bidirectional exchange of data between the corresponding objects is made possible. The system may enable field devices to the replaced or assigned without the need to make modifications in the program code of the open-loop and/or closed-loop control program, since the data exchange is conducted via the describing object. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130085611 | UNIFIED AND FLEXIBLE CONTROL OF MULTIPLE DATA CENTER COOLING MECHANISMS - Techniques are described for controlling the climate in a data center. Using the input of an administrator, multiple desired attributes of a data center (e.g., temperature, energy consumption, costs, or system performance) may be balanced using a utility function that maximizes the utility of the computing systems in the data center according to the administrator's preferences. Additionally, a cooling model is generated that represents the affect of a control parameter (e.g., the fan speed of a CRAC) on the desire attributes of the data center. The cooling model may then be substituted into the utility function to replace the desired attributes. Using this new utility function, the control parameters may be varied such that the maximum utility is achieved. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130085612 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT APPARATUS - A data aggregation part | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130090767 | METHODS AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES FOR REPORTING PERFORMANCE INFORMATION FOR AN HVAC SYSTEM CONTROLLED BY A SELF-PROGRAMMING NETWORK-CONNECTED THERMOSTAT - Systems and methods are described for interactively and graphically displaying performance information to a user of an HVAC system controlled by a self-programming network-connected thermostat. The information is made on a remote display device such as a smartphone, tablet computer or other computer, and includes a graphical daily summary each of several days. In response to a user selection of a day, detailed performance information is graphically displayed that can include an indication of HVAC activity on a timeline, the number of hours of HVAC activity, as well as one or more symbols on a timeline indicating setpoint changes, and when a setpoint was changed due to non-occupancy. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130090768 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH PARAMETER CLUSTERING - 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. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130096720 | OPTIMIZATION OF SYSTEM ACOUSTIC SIGNATURE AND COOLING CAPACITY WITH INTELLIGENT USER CONTROLS - A computer-implemented method comprises accessing historical operating data for a unit of information technology equipment, wherein the historical operating data includes power consumption, fan speed, inlet air temperature, workload, and any processor throttling events at various points in time. The method further comprises receiving user input selecting a fan speed, and using the historical operating data to determine a performance impact that is expected from operating the unit at the selected fan speed, where the power consumption is a proxy for performance. The estimated performance impact of the selected fan speed and one or more alternative fan speeds is then displayed. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096721 | DATA CENTER COOLING CONTROL - A method, system, and computer program product for controlling data center cooling. In an example embodiment the method includes calculating, using a processor, an over-provisioning factor, where the over-provisioning factor is a function of a ratio of a rated cooling power to a calculated cooling power of a set of cooling units, the set of cooing units comprising at least one cooling unit. The method proceeds by adjusting the data-center cooling until the over-provisioning factor is substantially equal to a target over-provisioning factor. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096722 | RETURN FAN CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A return fan control system for an HVAC system comprises a supply fan control loop, a return fan control loop and a building pressure control system. The supply fan control loop comprises a duct pressure controller arranged to control a supply fan to a duct pressure setpoint. The return plenum pressure control loop comprises a return plenum pressure controller arranged to automatically control a return fan to a return plenum pressure setpoint determined by a setpoint reset function. The building pressure control system is operable to control a building pressure. The building pressure control system may comprise a building pressure control loop and an outside air control loop cooperatively arranged to control an exhaust damper in response to an outside air intake. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096723 | ENERGY AND INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BUILDINGS AND CAMPUSES - An elective and private incrementally deployed, incrementally modifiable, relatively inexpensive building control system that provides for a range of energy and environmental capabilities including room and building environment sensing (one or more of temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.), statistical processing software, modeling software, analysis software, information visualization software, decision support software, data logging, storage and recall, control, optimal control, and interfacing with existing building systems (HVAC, solar, valves, power systems, etc. The invention can be configured to include incremental or trial deployment of equipment and software; exploratory or special-purpose information gathering; analysis, modeling, or simulation of current, past, or ongoing energy usage, loss, or waste as well as air temperature and air quality distributions, impacts of changes to a building, facilities, policies, or operations; and design of optimal control for building operation. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130103204 | PROSPECTIVE DETERMINATION OF PROCESSOR WAKE-UP CONDITIONS IN ENERGY BUFFERED HVAC CONTROL UNIT - A thermostat includes at least a housing, a user interface, a memory, an environmental sensor, and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to operate in a wake state and a sleep state by determining wake-up conditions upon which the processor is to enter into the wake state from the sleep state that includes a threshold value associated with an environmental condition sensed by the environmental sensor, causing the wake-up conditions to be stored in the memory, operating in the sleep state during a time interval subsequent to causing the wake-up conditions to be stored in the memory, determining whether at least one of the wake-up conditions has been met, and operating in the wake state upon a determination that the at least one wake-up condition has been met. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130103205 | NETWORK SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH AIR CONDITIONER AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A network system equipped with an air conditioner and a control method may be provided. The network system may include: the air conditioner operating for air conditioning of a set space; a control device for updating set data in the air conditioner, and a control unit equipped in the air conditioner and for receiving update data from the control device. The control unit may include: an external memory for storing update data received from the control device, and an internal memory for selectively storing the update data stored in the external memory based on whether an update execute signal is received from the control device. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130103206 | SYSTEMS FOR HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING APPLICATIONS - A motor control system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications is described. The motor control system includes a thermostat and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) coupled to the thermostat. The ECM is configured to retrofit an existing non-ECM electric motor included in an HVAC application and to operate in one of a plurality of HVAC modes. The HVAC modes include at least one of a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a continuous fan mode. The HVAC mode is determined based at least partially on outputs provided by the thermostat. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130116832 | ACTUATOR HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE RUNNING TIME - An actuator system having an actuator with a rotatable shaft. The shaft may have a first running time to rotate from a first position to a second position in one direction. The shaft may have a second running time to rotate from a first position to a second position in another direction. The first and second running times may be separately adjustable. A motor may be connected through a gear train to the rotatable shaft. A processor may control a rotation of the motor and thus the running times of the shaft. The running times may be adjusted with signals to the processor from a remote controller connected to the processor via a communications bus. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130116833 | ACTUATOR HAVING AN ADDRESS SELECTOR - A system incorporating an actuator connected to a polarity-insensitive two-wire communications bus. The actuator may have an electromechanical mover, a processor connected to the electromechanical mover, and a potentiometer, having a number of address settings, connected to the processor. A setting of the number of settings of the potentiometer may be a selection of an address for the actuator on the communications bus. There may be additional actuators and a controller connected to the communications bus. Each actuator may have an address which is different from an address of the other actuators connected to the communications bus. If an actuator is substituted with a replacement actuator, then a setting of a plurality of settings on a potentiometer of the replacement actuator may be selected to obtain an address that is the same as the address of the actuator which is substituted. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130116834 | ACTUATOR WITH DIAGNOSTICS - A system incorporating an actuator. The actuator may have a motor unit with motor controller connected to it. A processor may be connected to the motor controller. A coupling for a shaft connection may be attached to an output of the motor unit. The processor may incorporate a diagnostics program. The processor may be connected to a polarity-insensitive two-wire communications bus. Diagnostic results of the diagnostics program may be communicated from the processor over the communications bus to a system controller. If the diagnostic results communicated from the processor over the communications bus to the system controller indicate an insufficiency of the actuator, then an alarm identifying the insufficiency may be communicated over the communications bus to the system controller. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130123991 | THERMOSTAT AND IRRIGATION CONTROLLER WITH REMOVABLE USER INTERFACE - Improvements in a thermostat for HVAC control and an irrigation controller for sprinkler control are constructed each with a Base Unit and a removable User Interface Unit. The dual-function Base Unit is configurable for use as either a thermostat or an irrigation controller. The Base Unit has a connector for connection to a separate User Interface (UI) Unit. The separate UI Unit has a display, controls, and I/O Connector for connection to a Base Unit or an external computer. The UI Unit adaptively operates as a thermostat interface or irrigation interface, as is appropriate for the configuration of a connected Base Unit. The UI Unit can be connected via its I/O Connector to a PC, tablet PC, or smart phone for configuration of operational control settings using application software. The configuration settings are transferred from a UI Unit to a Base Unit upon connection via the I/O Connector. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130131871 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING DEMANDS ON A PRINT SHOP - A method of estimating heat emissions for a print shop may include determining a total heat generation value associated with a print shop over the period of time by summing a non-print production heat generation value associated with the print shop over the period of time and a print production heat generation value associated with the print shop over the period of time, determining, by a computing device, a net heat emission value associated with the print shop over the period of time by reducing the total heat generation value by a heat loss rate, and displaying one or more of the non-print production heat generation value, the print production heat generation value, the total heat generation value, and the net heat emission value. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130131872 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL DEVICE, AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD AND PROGRAM - An air conditioning control device includes; a storage unit configured to store a drawing illustrating a floorplan indicating where one or more air conditioners are installed and separated areas within the floorplan; an area specifying unit configured to specify areas where the one or more air conditioners are installed on the basis of the stored drawing; a number specifying unit configured to specify the number of air conditioners within the respective specified areas; and an air conditioner control unit configured to control operation of each air conditioner within the specified areas on the basis of the specified number of air conditioners. This permits automatically specifying the positions of each air conditioner and the number of air conditioners on the basis of the drawing, thereby facilitating input setting for each air conditioner. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130138249 | METHOD OF USING AN INSTALLATION GUIDE SYSTEM TO CONFIGURE AN AIR CONDITIONER OR HVAC ARRANGEMENT - A method of using an installation guide system to configure an air conditioner or HVAC arrangement is provided. The installation guide system may include an input configured to receive inputs from a user; a memory configured to store information; a display; and a controller configured to control the input, the memory, and the display. The method may include receiving input, into the installation guide system, of installation information to be used to configure the air conditioner or HVAC arrangement; displaying on a drawing display of the display at least one image of an installation space for the air conditioner or HVAC; configuring the installation information with respect to the at least one image of the installation space; arranging apparatuses constituting an air conditioner or HVAC on the drawing display to create a design drawing for an air conditioner or HVAC arrangement based on the installation information; and inspecting the air conditioner or HVAC arrangement for errors. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130138250 | INTELLIGENT COMFORT MANAGEMENT USING NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING TO INTERFACE WITH A COMFORT SYSTEM CONTROLLER - Advantageously employing natural language processing for operating comfort systems is disclosed herein. A method of operating a comfort system for an enclosed space, a management system and a HVAC apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: ( | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130144443 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - An apparatus is described herein that includes a graphical user interface configured to receive input from a user through touch interaction a thermostat folder configured to be displayed on the graphical user interface. The thermostat folder is configured, when invoked, to initiate displaying of a thermostat screen, the thermostat screen including a temperature setting scale such that a desired temperature is set to a requested value selected by the touch interaction of the user with the temperature setting scale. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130144444 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING PARAMETERS FOR CONTROLLING AN HVCA SYSTEM - A method for determining parameters for regulating an HVAC system including thermal elements configured to be regulated by regulation loops, including: simulation in steady state of thermal and electrical behaviour of the modelled HVAC system, computing energy consumption of the modelled HVAC system for different values of physical magnitudes and different values of set points to be applied at an input of the regulation loops; determination of values of set points for which energy consumption of the modelled HVAC system is lowest; simulation in dynamic state of the thermal and electrical behaviour of the modelled HVAC system, computing values of output physical magnitudes of the thermal elements; computation of parameter values of the regulation loops, based on values of output physical magnitudes of the thermal elements and for each of the regulation loops. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130151012 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMAL LOAD AND SOURCE SCHEDULING IN CONTEXT AWARE HOMES - A controller for controlling energy consumption in a home includes a constraints engine to define variables for multiple appliances in the home corresponding to various home modes and persona of an occupant of the home. A modeling engine models multiple paths of energy utilization of the multiple appliances to place the home into a desired state from a current context. An optimal scheduler receives the multiple paths of energy utilization and generates a schedule as a function of the multiple paths and a selected persona to place the home in a desired state. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151013 | Method for Controlling HVAC Systems Using Set-Point Trajectories - A method controls a heating, ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system for a building. The system is modeled with a state space, wherein the state space includes a set of states and a corresponding action for each state, wherein the system changes from a current state to a next state based the current state, and a selected action. A set of samples is selected in the state space, and triangulated to descritize the state space into simplices, wherein each simplex has a set of nodes. For each state and a corresponding simplex, a value for each node is obtained, and then a trajectory of set-points of temperatures for the system is generated based on the values. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151014 | HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM USER INTERFACE HAVING MEMORY UPGRADE FEATURE AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A user interface for use with an HVAC system, a method of providing service reminders on a single screen of 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 display configured to provide information to a user, (2) a touchpad configured to accept input from the user, (3) a processor and memory coupled to the display and the touchpad and configured to drive the display and (4) at least one socket coupled to the processor and configured to receive a media card. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151015 | HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM USER INTERFACE HAVING SEASONAL PROGRAMS AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A user interface for use with an HVAC system, a method of providing service reminders on a single screen of 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: ( | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151016 | HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM USER INTERFACE HAVING A ONE-TOUCH AWAY FEATURE AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A user interface for use with an HVAC system, a method of controlling an HVAC system and an HVAC system incorporating the user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the user interface includes: (1) a display configured to provide information to a user, (2) a touchpad configured to accept input from the user and (3) a processor and memory coupled to the display and the touchpad and configured to drive the display and process the input, the display further configured to display a most-often displayed screen including a one-touch away button and place the HVAC system into an energy-saving operating mode based on a single press of the one-touch away button. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151017 | HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM USER INTERFACE HAVING SEPARATE PROGRAMMING AND MANUAL MODE SCREENS AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A user interface for use with an HVAC system, a method of providing service reminders on a single screen of 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 display configured to provide information to a user, (2) a touchpad configured to accept input from the user and (3) a processor and memory coupled to the display and the touchpad and configured to drive the display, the display further configured to display a manual mode screen and a programming mode screen that is separate from the manual mode screen. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151018 | HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM USER INTERFACE HAVING REMOTE PLATFORM ACCESS APPLICATION ASSOCIATED THEREWITH AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - An HVAC system and a method of communicating with an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the HVAC system includes: (1) a user interface having a touchpad configured to accept input from a user and a display configured to provide information to the user via a plurality of screens arranged in a screen structure, (2) an application executable on a general-purpose computer and configured to cause the general-purpose computer to display substantially similar counterparts of the screens arranged in the screen structure and (3) a receiver configured to communicate with the general-purpose computer. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151019 | CONTROLLING AIR TEMPERATURES OF HVAC UNITS - Systems and methods of stabilizing HVAC systems with multiple HVAC units configured to control return air temperature or discharge air temperature are provided. HVAC units that are controlled by the return air temperature compare the return air temperature to a setpoint that determines whether the HVAC unit's operation increases, decreases, or stays the same. By adjusting the setpoint of an HVAC unit based on certain criteria (e.g., a desired operational effort of an HVAC unit) the system can be stabilized. A temperature setpoint reset (TSPR) system can be included in each HVAC unit that resets the temperature setpoint (TSP) of the HVAC unit so that the HVAC unit operates within a desired operational effort (e.g. compressor speed or valve position). A master feedback loop and optimizer loop may be implemented to further control the behavior of the HVAC system. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130158714 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH USER ACTIVATED PERFORMANCE TEST - An HVAC controller may include a user activated performance test for monitoring the performance of a connected HVAC system. In some cases, the user activated tests may cause the HVAC controller to operate the HVAC system and identify a current delta T of the HVAC system. In some cases, the identified current delta T may be displayed on a display of the HVAC controller for viewing and/or evaluation by the user. In some cases, a delta T limit may be accepted from the user through the user interface of the HVAC controller. In some cases, a minimum run time may also be received via the user interface of the HVAC controller. The delta T limit and/or the minimum run time may be based, at least in part, on the current delta T identified by the user activated performance test. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130158715 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH HVAC SYSTEM FAILURE DETECTION - An HVAC controller that monitors a current performance level of an HVAC system, and determines if the current performance level falls below a minimum performance threshold level for at least a first predetermined amount of time. The HVAC controller may be configured it display an alert on the display of the HVAC controller if the HVAC controller determines that the current performance level has fallen below the minimum performance threshold level for at least the first period of time. In some cases, the HVAC controller may remove the alert from the display of the HVAC controller if the current performance level subsequently rises and remains above the minimum performance threshold level for at least a second predetermined amount of time. In some cases, the first predetermined amount of time may include a utility shutoff period component and/or a defrost cycle period component. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130158716 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH UTILITY SAVER SWITCH DIAGNOSTIC FEATURE - An HVAC controller may display a user query on the display of the HVAC controller, which queries the user as to whether a utility saver switch is installed and in use. The HVAC controller may take into account whether a utility saver switch is installed and in use when determining, logging and/or reporting out diagnostic faults of the HVAC system. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130158717 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH DELTA-T BASED DIAGNOSTICS - An HVAC controller may store a delta T limit. The delta T limit may be, or may include, a maximum and/or a minimum delta T limit. The HVAC controller may compare a measured delta T value against a delta T limit to determine if the delta T limit has been violated. If the HVAC controller determines that a delta T limit has been violated, the HVAC Controller may log the violation, and in some cases, display a user alert on a display of the HVAC controller. In some cases, different delta T limits may be stored for each operating mode (e.g. heating and cooling), and in some cases, for each stage combination within an operating mode, where appropriate. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130158718 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH FAULT SENSITIVITY - An HVAC controller may be programmed to identify one or more faults with respect to the operation of a connected HVAC system. In some cases, the HVAC controller may record a fault to a fault log and/or display an alert on the display of the HVAC controller only after a predetermined number of faults of the same fault type have been identified by the HVAC controller, sometime within a predetermined number of cycles of the HVAC system or within a predetermined amount of time. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130158719 | CONTROLLER EMPLOYING FEEDBACK DATA FOR A MULTI-STRIKE METHOD OF OPERATING AN HVAC SYSTEM AND MONITORING COMPONENTS THEREOF AND AN HVAC SYSTEM EMPLOYING THE CONTROLLER - A controller for an HVAC system, a compute-usable medium and an ERV are disclosed. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) an input terminal configured to receive feedback data from a first operating unit of the HVAC system, (2) an operation monitor configured to determine if the feedback data corresponds to a predetermined condition for the first operating unit and (3) a system director configured to operate a second operating unit of the HVAC system at a predetermined operating value corresponding to the predetermined condition and a number of occurrences of predetermined conditions associated with the first operating unit. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130158720 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH PERFORMANCE LOG - An HVAC controller is configured to log and record performance related data related to a performance of an HVAC system over a period of time in one or more performance logs stored in a memory of the HVAC controller. In some cases, the HVAC controller may be configured to retrieve at least some of the performance related data from the performance log that corresponds to a selected period of time that may be selected by a user, and display the retrieved performance related data on a display of the HVAC controller. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130158721 | HOME MONITORING SETTINGS BASED ON WEATHER FORECAST - A system may include a set-top box, associated with a customer premises, configured to receive a television signal and provide the television signal to a television and a home monitoring device configured to obtain a weather forecast for a geographic area associated with the customer premises, determine a thermostat setting for the customer premises based on the obtained weather forecast, and provide a recommendation about the determined thermostat setting to the set-top box. The set-top box may be further configured to present the recommendation about the determined thermostat setting via the television; receive a selection of the determined thermostat setting; and provide an indication of the selection to the home monitoring device; and the home monitoring device may be further configured to apply the determined thermostat setting to a thermostat controller associated with the customer premises, in response to receiving the indication from the set-top box. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130158722 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD THEREOF - An air conditioning control device and a method thereof are provided, and the air conditioning control method includes the following steps. A plurality of predetermined state information and a current state information are generated according to environment states of a physical space, and a target state information is selected form the plurality of predetermined state information according to a minimum energy consumption. Moreover, the current state information and the target state information are utilized to generate a current effective temperature value and a target effective temperature value, and a set temperature value and a return-air temperature value are extracted from an air conditioning controller. The current effective temperature value, the target effective temperature value, the set temperature value and the return-air temperature value are utilized to execute fuzzy inference to generate a temperature fine-tuning value. The temperature fine-tuning value is utilized to adjust the set temperature value. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130166073 | METHOD FOR DETECTING PHYSICAL PRESENCE OF A SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL TO CONTROL HVAC SETTINGS - A heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system includes a system controller configured to control the operation of a demand unit to maintain an environmental set point of a control zone. The system controller is further configured to control the demand unit in response to a location signal received from a location-reporting device. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130166074 | AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND AIR CONDITIONING METHOD - The present invention adjusts the discharge rate or discharge direction of air-conditioned air discharged from the discharge openings of air conditioners ( | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130173064 | USER-FRIENDLY, NETWORK CONNECTED LEARNING THERMOSTAT AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - 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. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130173065 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING LOCAL CONTROL OF A SPACE CONDITIONING LOAD DURING A DIRECT LOAD CONTROL EVENT - A system for establishing local control of a space conditioning load includes a switch for controlling a flow of energy for a space conditioning load. Control logic is operatively coupled to the switch, for receiving control parameters associated with a direct load control event from a utility provider. The control logic may also measure room temperature based on received temperature signals and determine if a room temperature is greater a comfort temperature range. The control logic may eliminate operation of a direct load control program if the room temperature is greater than or equal to the comfort temperature range. The control logic may log and signal back to the utility provider that the comfort temperature range is exceeded. The control logic may then restore local control of the switch and initiate a temperature setback control to a thermostat for the remainder of the control period. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130173066 | SMOOTHING DEVICE, SMOOTHING SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - According to an embodiment, a smoothing device includes an acquiring unit, a determining unit, and selecting unit. The acquiring unit acquires weather information of a plurality of operation areas. A facility device that performs environmental control according to a control value resulting from operation based on the weather information is installed in each of the operation areas. The determining unit determines whether or not an amount of change in weather exceeds a predetermined first threshold in each of the operation areas. The selecting unit selects at least one first operation area that is an operation area in which the amount of change exceeds the first threshold as a halt area for which the operation of the control value used by the facility device installed in the first operation area is halted when the number of first operation areas exceeds a predetermined second threshold. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130173067 | SMOOTHING DEVICE, SMOOTHING SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - According to an embodiment, a smoothing device includes a predicting unit, a calculating unit, and a control unit. The predicting unit predicts a calculation load of operation at a first time slot on the basis of weather prediction information of operation areas in which facility devices that perform environmental control according to control values resulting from the operation based on weather information are installed. The calculating unit calculates a calculation load of operation at a second time slot earlier than the first time slot on the basis of the weather information of the operation areas. The control unit controls an executing device that executes the operation so that part of the operation to be executed at the first time slot is executed at the second time slot. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130173068 | SHOWCASE CONTROL SYSTEM AND PROGRAM - A showcase control system | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130178985 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH TIME OF USE SCHEDULER - A controller for operating HVAC equipment on a premise. The controller has a processor and memory, and is adapted to regulate operation of the HVAC equipment based upon a scheduling program stored in memory. The scheduling program includes usage periods and a set point associated with each usage period. The controller is adapted to receive time of use pricing; the controller is further adapted to present a graphical representation of the scheduling program period on a display, the graphical representation providing a scheduling grid and each usage period being shown as an area on the scheduling grid; the controller is operable to display a time of use pricing overlay over the graphical representation of the scheduling program; and the controller creates at least one new usage period based upon where the time of use pricing overlay bisects the at least one usage period being presented on the display. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130178986 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH DEVICE SCHEDULING PROGRAM - A controller is provided for HVAC equipment. The controller has a processor, memory, and a RF module for a home automation network, and is operable to regulate operation of the HVAC equipment based upon a scheduling program stored in memory. The scheduling program includes at least one usage periods and at least one set point associated with each usage period. The controller is also operable to regulate operation of remote electrical devices over the home automation network; and to create a device scheduling program for the remote electrical devices, the device scheduling program including at least one device period and an operational state associated with each device period. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130178987 | Methods and Systems for Managing Air Quality and Energy Use In Air-Conditioning Systems - Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and systems of operating an HVAC system for an enclosed environment. In such embodiments, the HVAC system may be configured to at least one of heat and cool air and include an air circulation system configured to circulate air at least within the enclosed environment. The air within the enclosed environment may comprise at least the indoor air. The system may further include an outdoor air inlet for introducing at least a portion of outdoor air into the enclosed environment, where the outdoor air comprises air from outside the enclosed environment. The system may further include a scrubbing system having an adsorbent material to reduce presence of at least one gas contaminate in the indoor air. A controller system may be included for controlling the operation of at least one of the circulation system and the scrubbing system. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130178988 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM AND PROGRAM - According to a calculation | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130184874 | ENHANCED PREMISES MONITORING AND/OR CONTROL - Enhancements to premises monitor or control device (e.g., thermostats, etc) are detailed herein. For example, enhanced relating to simplification of scheduling, are described as well as other enhancements relating to reducing device costs or consumption costs, providing richer features or more robust feature sets, and/or delivering associated product or services with increased simplicity, convenience, or ease. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184875 | NEED IDENTIFYING DEVICE, AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROLLING SYSTEM, NEED IDENTIFYING METHOD, AND AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROLLING METHOD - An air-conditioning controlling system includes a need identifying device, a control plan storage device that stores, respectively for a temporary need and a persistent need, control plans that establish rules for changing a control setting value for air-conditioning in response to a need relating to air-conditioning from an informant, a control plan determining device that determines a control plan corresponding to an identification result of the need identifying device, as a control plan to be applied to an air-conditioning equipment, and an equipment controlling device that controls the air-conditioning equipment based on the determined control plan. The need identifying device includes an inputting unit that receives the need from the informant, and a need identifying unit that identifies whether the need is the temporary need or the persistent need, based on information pertaining to an activity that changes a metabolic rate of the informant. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130190930 | Energy Saving Control for Data Center - A data center includes at least one rack containing electronic devices, a data center air conditioning system (DCAC), and an environmental parameter monitoring system. At least one set of eligible environmental parameters is determined that satisfies the cooling demand of the at least one rack containing electronic devices. According to the at least one set of eligible environmental parameters and corresponding relationships between sets of setting parameters of the DCAC and corresponding sets of environmental parameters determined by an artificial neural network, plural sets of setting parameters of the DCAC are determined A power consumption of the DCAC to which each set of setting parameters in the plural sets of setting parameters corresponds is obtained. A set of setting parameters for which the corresponding power consumption satisfies a predetermined condition for energy saving is selected and us to set the DCAC. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130190931 | WIRELESS SENSORS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME - Apparatus for measuring airflow at heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC) diffusers is described. The apparatus comprises a capture hood comprising a lightweight carbon fiber frame, a fabric skirt portion supported by said frame, and a base. A grid-type probe is disposed within the capture hood. An airflow sensor module is carried by the capture hood and arranged to sense airflow data. The airflow sensor module comprises a transmitter to wirelessly transmit airflow data to a control module. The apparatus further comprises retainer apparatus to retain the capture hood in flow communication with a diffuser. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130197698 | HVAC System Fault Root Cause Self-Determination - A method for self-determining a root cause of a system fault in a heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system includes receiving a fault message indicative of a fault condition in an operating characteristic of the HVAC system; determining a causal relationship between the fault condition and a predetermined list of root causes associated with the fault condition; receiving information indicative of operating conditions of the HVAC system; and eliminating at least one root cause that is unrelated to the fault condition in response to the receiving of the information. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130197699 | AIR CONDITIONER CONTROL DEVICE, EQUIPMENT SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM - By efficiently holding only information necessary for a desired control from among information that can be obtained from equipment such as air conditioners, lighting devices and other devices, the control of the air conditioners and other devices according to the situation is obtained with small-capacity memory resources. This facilitates uploading to an air conditioner control device having a relatively small memory capacity and makes it possible to efficiently customize the installed control program. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130204439 | CONTROLLING BUILDING SYSTEMS - Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for measuring the supply of a consumable product to a facility over time and analyzing the measurements to determine the consumption or supply of the product by one or more loads and/or sources in the facility, and to determine induced and residual heat flow through the facility's envelope. Various aspects compare the measured supply of the consumable product to a database of consumption signatures. Operating conditions and facility characteristics may be further considered in determining a particular user's access of the consumable product. Thermal resistance factors of the building may be determined, which are based on the induced and residual heat flow through the facility. Finally, one or more signatures of a building system are analyzed to determine a building's overall efficiency, including determining a controllable load of a building and/or determining an efficient start time for one or more building systems. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130204440 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH USER-FRIENDLY INSTALLATION FEATURES WITH WIRE INSERTION DETECTION - A thermostat includes a housing, a user interface, and a processing system configured to control an HVAC system using setpoint temperature values. The thermostat may also include a plurality of HVAC connectors configured to receive corresponding HVAC control wires, and a connection sensing module configured to determine the identities of HVAC connectors into which corresponding wires have been inserted. The processing system is further configured to select and display one or more user inquiries using the user interface based on which connectors have wires inserted, thereby enhancing and streamlining the user installation procedure. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130204441 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR SETPOINT CREATION AND MODIFICATION - A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a body having a central electronic display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated and pressed inwardly to provide user input in a simple and elegant fashion. The thermostat can be used to graphically display a two-dimensional setpoint plot area that includes a number of setpoint symbols each being positioned according to the time of day and temperature associated with the setpoint. The user can initiate the “birth” of a new setpoint, which includes presenting an animated sequence in which a new setpoint symbol is moved to a position on the plot area associated with the time of day and temperature for the new setpoint. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130218350 | System and Method for Real-Time Controls of Energy Consuming Devices Including Tiered Architecture - A system for operating a plurality of energy consuming devices is provided that includes a plurality of device drivers coupled to respective device controllers. Each device controller is associated with a corresponding one of the energy consuming devices, and each device controller includes at least one sensor and is adapted to modulate an output setting of the corresponding energy consuming device. The system also includes a processor coupled to the plurality of device drivers and adapted to cause each of the plurality of device drivers to periodically receive data from the respective one of the device controllers. The system further includes a display interface coupled to the processor and to a display. The display interface is adapted to transmit data to the display. A non-transitory computer readable medium having recorded thereon a program is provided. An apparatus for analyzing data from a plurality of energy consuming devices is provided. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130226352 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH INDOOR AIR QUALITY SCHEDULING - An HVAC controller, such as a thermostat, may be configured to allow a user to set and/or select schedule time period in which one or more indoor quality units (e.g. humidification, dehumidification, ventilation, etc.) will or will not operate, and/or will operated but using different settings. In some cases, the schedule time periods available for selection may correspond to the time periods of a programmable temperature schedule of the HVAC controller, but this is not required. In some instances, the HVAC controller may allow a user to select which indoor air quality units will or will not operate, and/or what settings the indoor air quality units will operate, during a user's vacation. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130226353 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONFIGURING SENSOR TO CONFIGURE BUILDING ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Disclosed is an apparatus and method for automatically configuring a sensor to configure a building energy management system (BEMS). The apparatus may include an information input unit to receive input of information on a building in which a BEMS is to be built, information on a sensor used to build the BEMS, and information on a budget allocated to build the BEMS, a sensor disposition unit to calculate a position for the sensor to be disposed in the building based on the input information on the building, the sensor and the allocated budget, and a user interface unit to display the disposed position for the sensor. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130231784 | Systems, Methods and Vehicles For Controlling Home Automation - A vehicle for controlling home automation may include network interface hardware, one or more processors, and input/output hardware. The one or more processors can be communicatively coupled to the network interface hardware. The input/output hardware can be communicatively coupled to the one or more processors. The one or more processors can execute logic to receive a location signal indicative of a location of a vehicle. An input portal can be presented automatically on the input/output hardware when the location of the vehicle is within a predetermined range. An actuation signal indicative of a mechanical input can be received. A control signal can be transmitted to a home automation computing device via the network interface hardware. The control signal can be operable to actuate a function of an electrical device communicatively coupled to the home automation computing device. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130231785 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING THE THERMAL MASS OF A BUILDING - The invention comprises a system for calculating a value for the effective thermal mass of a building. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system. One or more processors receive measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than the control system and compare 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 said HVAC control system and said outside temperature measurements. The processors then calculate one or more rates of change in temperature at said first location. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130238140 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT NETWORK WITH QUICK SUBSCRIBER PROVISIONING - A method is provided for creating or updating a provisioning record for a subscriber on an energy management network. The method comprises installing a controller for HVAC equipment on a premise, the controller being adapted to communicate with an energy metering device already installed on the premise over a personal area network. The controller temporarily displays at least one controller identifier, the at least one controller identifier being associated with the premise. The at least one controller identifier is recorded on a mobile device equipped with identifier-sensing equipment. The mobile device transfers data which includes the at least one controller identifier from the mobile device to an energy management server, which creates or updates the provisioning record for the subscriber on the energy management network. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130238141 | Open Air Cooled And Locally Coolable Information Processing System And Load Allocation Method In Such System - There are provided a practical open air cooled information processing system in which a back stream or recirculation of cooling air does not occur, as well as a load allocation method in such system. A temperature sensor is provided in the cooling air inlet of each server. When increasing the number of servers in operation, checking out which one of servers out of operation, when activated, brings a result of minimizing a maximum value of the intake air temperatures of servers in operation and then activating the one of the servers are performed. Inversely, when decreasing the number of servers in operation, deactivating a server activated last is performed. It is avoided that, due to utilizing consolidation and using cooling equipment that takes in open air together, aback stream or recirculation of cooling air occurs, resulting in a fault such as an abnormal intake air temperature of a certain server. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130245836 | DYNAMIC BUILDING AIR BALANCING USING BAROMETRIC PRESSURE - A controller for dynamically balancing air pressure in a building including at least a first room, includes a receiver, a processor, and a transmitter. The receiver is configured to receive an outdoor air pressure measured by an outdoor pressure sensor, and to receive a room air pressure measured by a room pressure sensor. The processor is configured to calculate a pressure set point based on the outdoor air pressure, to determine whether the room air pressure deviates from the pressure set point by a predefined threshold, and to generate instructions for a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit to adjust the room air pressure to the first pressure set point. The transmitter is configured to transmit the instructions to the HVAC unit. A system and a process for dynamically balancing air pressure in a building including at least a first room are also provided. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130245837 | System for controlling HVAC and lighting functionality - A system for automatic setup and control of Lighting, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems comprising a set of occupancy detectors and at least one controller where the controller determines various aspects of the building control based on the input of the occupancy detectors. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130253707 | Energy Recovery Ventilation Effectiveness Calculation and Indication - This disclosure relates generally to air handling systems for buildings, more particularly to energy recovery ventilation systems, and specifically to a calculation/estimation of effectiveness which may be used for informational and maintenance purposes. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130253708 | ADAPTIVE ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AN APPLIANCE - A system includes a meter, one or more sensors, a room air conditioner (RAC) comprising one or more power-consuming features/functions and a controller configured to control the one or more power-consuming features/functions. The system further includes an accessory computing device coupled with the RAC, the meter, and the one or more sensors. The accessory computing device is configured to receive and process a signal, and in response to the signal, instruct the RAC to operate in a particular operating mode. The particular operating mode may be an energy-management mode. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130261803 | HOME ENERGY MANAGEMENT DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Home energy management devices, systems, and methods are described herein. One device includes a thermostat, wherein the thermostat is configured to control operation of an air conditioner and a furnace of a home, and the thermostat includes a multi-node communication hub configured to control operation of a number of additional energy loads associated with the home. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130261804 | INTERFACE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF PORTIONS OF A BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM - An approach for modification of settings in a building automation system (BAS) using a code that may be generated by a mobile computing device that communicates data to the BAS without having to access a data network. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130261805 | AIR-CONDITIONING MANAGEMENT DEVICE, AIR-CONDITIONING MANAGEMENT METHOD, AND PROGRAM - An air conditioning management device is mutually communicably connected to multiple air conditioners, and is equipped with: a storage that stores connection information that indicate remote control devices respectively controlling the plurality of air conditioners, the air conditioners connected thereto; a wasteful operation determiner that determines whether or not any of the plurality of air conditioners are in a wasteful operating state; and a wasteful operation notifier which, in the case where wasteful operation determiner determines that at least one of the plurality of air conditioners is in a wasteful operating state, notifies that the air conditioner is in a wasteful operating state to the remote control device connected to that air conditioner, on the basis of the connection information stored in the storage. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130268124 | DISTRIBUTION OF CALL-HOME EVENTS OVER TIME TO AMELIORATE HIGH COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTATION PEAKS IN INTELLIGENT CONTROL SYSTEM - The current application is directed to an intelligent control system that includes intelligent thermostats and remote servers that spread call-home events over time to avoid large peak computational and communications loads on intelligent-control-system servers. The spreading of call-home vents over time is effected by use of call-home splay values pseudorandomly generated for intelligent thermostats. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130268125 | CONTINUOUS INTELLIGENT-CONTROL-SYSTEM UPDATE USING INFORMATION REQUESTS DIRECTED TO USER DEVICES - The current application is directed to an intelligent control system that includes intelligent thermostats and that 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. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130268126 | AIR CONDITIONING INFORMATION ESTIMATION DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD OF AIR CONDITIONING INFORMATION ESTIMATION DEVICE, AND CONTROL PROGRAM - The air conditioning information estimation device estimates the amount of power consumed by an air conditioner which adjusts the temperature in a room based on a temperature set-point. The air conditioning information estimation device has a storage unit configured to store a temperature set-point, and a power consumption amount specification unit configured to specify the energy consumption amount of the air conditioner during a prescribed period during which the air conditioner performs air conditioning. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130268127 | CONFIGURATION OF A BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM CONTROLLER - An approach for configuration of a controller in a building automation system (BAS) using a code that may be generated by the BAS, but accessed without a network work connection. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130268128 | SHARED CONFIGURATION DATA IN A BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM CONTROLLER - An approach for configuration of a second controller in a building automation system (BAS) by sharing a code that may be generated by a first controller in a BAS, but the sharing occurs without a network work connection. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130274928 | BACKGROUND SCHEDULE SIMULATIONS IN AN INTELLIGENT, NETWORK-CONNECTED THERMOSTAT - The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that initially aggressively learn, and then continue, in a steady-state mode, to monitor, learn, and modify one or more control schedules that specify a desired operational behavior of a device, machine, system, or organization controlled by the intelligent controller. An intelligent controller generally acquires one or more initial control schedules through schedule-creation and schedule-modification interfaces or by accessing a default control schedule stored locally or remotely in a memory or mass-storage device. The intelligent controller then proceeds to learn, over time, a desired operational behavior for the device, machine, system, or organization controlled by the intelligent controller based on immediate-control inputs, schedule-modification inputs, and previous and current control schedules, encoding the desired operational behavior in one or more control schedules and/or sub-schedules. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130282183 | ENERGY REDUCING RETROFIT METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A CONSTANT VOLUME HVAC SYSTEM - An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The controller is programmed fault detection of fan fault, heat/cool (temperature-based) fault, and energy consumption fault. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130282184 | Systems, Program Code, Computer Readable Media For Planning and Retrofit of Energy Efficient Eco-Industrial Parks Through Inter-Time-Inter-Systems Energy Integration - Systems, computer readable media, and program product/code for providing enhanced energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gases for an eco-industrial park with retrofit in mind and eco-industrial park retrofit with retrofit in mind, are provided. An exemplary system includes a computer configured to perform the operations of identifying hybrid inter-time zones inter-area matching solutions through selecting best energy efficient routes, generating technically viable energy efficient eco-industrial parks alternatives, identifying best generation and allocation of energy utilities, and synthesizing a combined heat and power utility system that satisfies the eco-park demands during each time zone as well as rendering its best operating scenario at each specific time-zone. This inter-time-zones inter-area integration can include identifying the best and the second best matching solutions among processes in the eco-industrial park for spatial energy integration and the best and second best matching solutions among all time-zones for temporal energy integration and greenhouse gas emissions reduction for the optimal synthesis or retrofit of eco-industrial parks. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130282185 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL APPARATUS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL METHOD, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL PROGRAM - An environmental control apparatus that is installed in a room and is portable includes an input unit, a setting unit, a determination unit, and a recommendation unit. The input unit is input a fact that a room air environment is comfortable. The setting unit sets a range of a comfort zone. The determination unit determines whether the air environment of the room is within the range of the comfort zone. The recommendation unit recommend an improving method of improving the air environment of the room based on at least information about a determination result of the determination unit so that the air environment of the room falls within the range of the comfort zone. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130289772 | Grid Optimization Resource Dispatch Scheduling - Data comprising a request specifying a desired change in electrical load for a defined period of time is received. The electrical load is associated with a plurality of resources under control of resource agents and on a utility grid. Available capacity of resources within the control of each resource agent over the defined period of time is determined. Each available capacity is determined at least using a resource load model. Using the determined available capacity of resources over the defined period of time, resource scheduling instructions are calculated for a subset of resources. The resource scheduling instructions satisfy the desired change in electrical load of the request. Data characterizing the resource scheduling instructions is provided. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and articles are also described. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130289773 | CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD - A control device includes: a receiving unit that receives a control request signal indicating a request for controlling a total consumed power amount during a predetermined period to be equal to or lower than a predetermined limit; an obtainment unit that obtains a consumed power consumption amount; and a control unit that controls the apparatus to operate according to the control request signal and control the total power amount to be equal to or lower than the predetermined limit. The control unit determines a first time in the predetermined period based on the power consumption amount obtained by the obtainment unit, controls the apparatus to operate during a first period up to the first time with power higher than average power, and controls the apparatus to operate during a second period from the first time with power lower than the average power. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130289774 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEVICE CLUSTER DATA DISPLAY - A system and method for display of multiple data sets related to building systems is provided. A first building system includes a first sensor that generates first operating data corresponding to the first building system. A second building system includes a second sensor that generates second operating data corresponding to the second building system. A data server stores the first operating data and the second operating data. A user terminal accesses the first operating data and the second operating data, receives user input selecting the first operating data and the second operating data for display, and displays the first operating data and the second operating data together in a graphical display. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130289775 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM - According to an embodiment, provided is an air conditioning control system having a remote controller which collectively controls air conditioning facilities respectively provided in multiple buildings through a network. A building monitoring and controlling device is provided in each of the buildings. The building monitoring and controlling device monitors an air conditioning facility in a building where the building monitoring and controlling device itself is installed, and transmits operation data on the air conditioning facility to the remote controller. The remote controller calculates each operation setting value based on each set of operation data, and transmits the calculated operation setting value to the building monitoring and controlling device corresponding to the calculated operation setting value. The building monitoring and controlling device which has received the operation setting value controls the air conditioning facility by transmitting the operation setting value to the air conditioning facility. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130289776 | INCUBATOR ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED CONTROL APPARATUS THAT CONTROLS HUMIDITY RATE - An improved incubator ( | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130289777 | AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND AIR-CONDITIONING METHOD - An air-conditioning system comprises portable devices including measurement units that measure temperature or humidity. In addition, the air-conditioning system comprises a transmitter mounted in indoor equipment that transmits light or electromagnetic waves to the portable devices, and a receiver mounted in the indoor equipment that receives detected intensity information expressing the intensity of the light or the electromagnetic waves detected by the portable devices. Furthermore, the air-conditioning system comprises a detector that detects the distance from the indoor equipment to the portable devices based on the detected intensity expressed by the detected intensity information, and a controller that controls the air-blowing state of the indoor equipment based on the detected distances and the measured temperature or humidity. Thus, the temperature or the humidity at a specified location can be adjusted more accurately. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130289778 | CONTROL DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A sensor terminal location calculator calculates the location of a sensor terminal based on the distance to the sensor terminal obtained by each of a plurality of wireless adapters installed in a living space. Based on the calculated sensor terminal location and installation location information for each air-conditioning device (indoor device), a related air-conditioning device identifier identifies from among the plurality of air-conditioning devices (indoor devices), a related device that influences the environment in the vicinity of the sensor terminal. Based on the difference between the temperature detected by the identified related device and the temperature detected by the sensor, a corrected set temperature calculation unit corrects a target value for the temperature used by the related device for environmental control. A set temperature control executor controls the related device based on the corrected target value. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130297076 | 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 2417 and performs detailed analyses of energy consumption curves including derivatives and compares data to historical data on the same equipment as well as going online and acquiring manufacturers specs and comparing to that as well as the same model number equipment in the same or other locations, in order to detect anomalies, abnormal energy consumption or provide early warning of equipment failures. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130297077 | AIR CONDITIONER - An air conditioner includes: an air-conditioning control unit; a data read and write unit; a data control unit; and an operation unit. The air-conditioning control unit controls air-conditioning running based on running information; the data read and write unit to which a storage medium configured to store therein data can be removably connected; the data control unit transfers the running information and the operation setting information transmitted from the air-conditioning control unit to the data read and write unit; and the operation unit can input the operation setting information for performing an operation of the air-conditioning running. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130297078 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INTERACTING WITH AN HVAC CONTROLLER - An HVAC controller may be controlled in response to a natural language message that is not recognizable by the HVAC controller as a command, where the natural language message is translated into a command recognizable by the HVAC controller. Voice recognition software may be used to create a natural language text based message from a recorded voice message, where the natural language text based message is translated into the command recognizable by the HVAC controller. In response to the command, the HVAC controller may perform an action and/or respond with a natural language text based message. Where the HVAC controller responds to the natural language text based message, the HVAC controller may send a natural language text based message back to the user. In some cases, a user may communicate with the thermostat via an on-line social network. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130297079 | METHOD FOR TUNING A VENTILATION SYSTEM - A method includes selecting the branch of a ventilation system with the greatest pressure loss, opening a control valve in the selected branch and closing control valves in all other branches, controlling a fan to produce the desired air flow rate into the selected branch by using fan characteristic shaft power to air flow rate curves, and a shaft power estimate from the frequency converter and by adjusting the rotational speed of an electric motor to achieve the desired air flow rate, calculating the fan pressure corresponding to the desired air flow rate from fan characteristic fan pressure to air flow rate curves, saving the calculated fan pressure as a reference pressure, and adjusting the control valves in each of the remaining branches so that the desired air flow rate to each branch is delivered while the fan is controlled by the frequency converter to produce the reference pressure. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130297080 | CENTRAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SETTING CONTROL POINT THEREOF - Disclosed are a central control system and a method for setting a control point thereof. A central controller or a control point generator generates a control map in which control points are indicated, and the control points and attribute data of devices such as indoor units on the spot in actuality are automatically matched through a mobile terminal. Also, attribute data required for setting a control point is made into a database by using a dedicated tool such as the central controller or the control point generator, thus automatically setting control points. Also, the central control system can be installed by setting attribute data of the respective control points by using a wireless solution such as a mobile terminal, without having technical knowledge. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130297081 | AIR CONDITIONER - An air conditioner includes a remote controller that performs bidirectional communication using radio waves with an air-conditioner main body. The air-conditioner main body includes a main-body receiver that receives a control signal from the remote controller and a main-body transmitter that transmits operating information to the remote controller. The remote controller includes a remote-control transmitter that transmits a control signal to the main-body receiver, a remote-control receiver that receives the operating information from the main-body transmitter, a display unit that displays the operating information, a display controller that controls the display unit. The display controller displays, on the display unit, the operating information when the display controller receives the operating information from the main-body transmitter, and an indication of communication error when the display controller failes to receive the operating information, when communication between the remote controller and the air-conditioner main body is not established. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130304260 | Controllers and Methods for Accepting Multiple Different Types of Input Signals - According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of controllers and methods for accepting multiple different types of input signals. One example controller includes an input circuit including first and second input terminals for receiving an input signal and at least one programmable resistor coupled to the first terminal. A processing device is coupled to the input circuit. The processing device is configured to control a resistance of the at least one programmable resistor based on a terminal setting. The terminal setting indicates whether the input signal is a voltage signal, a current signal, or a resistance signal. The processing device is configured to interpret the input signal applied to the processing device via the input circuit. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130304261 | SIGNAL PROPERTY DETECTOR - A property of a signal may be detected by sampling a signal and determining a scalar indicator of the samples. The samples can be transformed to create a transformed signal. A scalar indicator of the transformed signal may be determined and compared to the scalar indicator of the sample. If the comparison yields a number greater than a selected threshold value then the signal that was sampled may be deemed to include the property. A property indicator signal may be driven low or high to indicate that the signal has the property. The time and duration of time that the signal is deemed to include the property may be recorded. The recorded data may be reviewed and appropriate action may be taken. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130310985 | Capacitive Touchscreens for Thermostats - Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of touchscreen devices for thermostats and other electronic devices. In an exemplary embodiment, a capacitive touchscreen device includes a touchscreen having touch regions. Each touch region is coupled with at least one first capacitor and at least one second capacitor. The second capacitors are connected in parallel and have smaller capacitance than the first capacitors. The capacitive touchscreen device may be configured to be operable in a standby mode in which the second capacitors are charged and an active mode in which the first capacitors are charged. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310986 | CLOUD BASED BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS - A control system for operating the HVAC systems within a building to control the environmental conditions within a building having an onsite component networked to a remote offsite component. The onsite component monitors the conditions within the building and operates the HVAC systems, while the offsite component can be used by the system provider to communicate updates to the onsite component and monitor the effectiveness of the control algorithms used to operate the HVAC systems. The invention includes the method of providing tailored HVAC related controls, reports, notices and diagnostic services to a client under various subscription plans. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310987 | BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM - The invention relates to a method of operation for a building automation system comprising the provision and/or collection of at least one piece of information which describes at least one time involvement and/or energy involvement provided in order to attain at least one particular building zone climate and/or at least one particular building zone climate change, using the at least one piece of information in order to ascertain at least one requisite time involvement and/or energy involvement in order to attain at least one building zone climate that is to be achieved and/or at least one building zone climate change that is to be achieved, and/or using the at least one piece of information in order to ascertain at least one measure for influencing the building zone climate, which measure can be used to attain at least one building zone climate that is to be achieved and/or at least one building zone climate change that is to be achieved in time-optimized and/or energy-optimized fashion or to attain it/them with a preference which can be prescribed by the user. The invention also relates particularly to an appropriate building automation system and an appropriate computer program. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310988 | Controller for a Climate Control System - A system is provided for controlling at least one climate control apparatus for conditioning a space. The system includes a controller mountable to a climate control apparatus that is segregated from the space to be conditioned. The controller has a plurality of selectable setting parameters for configuring the controller to operate at least one of a plurality of climate control apparatus, and a plurality of visual indicators for visually indicating the selection of at least one selectable setting parameter. A user interface is adapted for installation in the space, and has a display for displaying selectable setting parameters for configuring the controller. The user interface includes user input controls for enabling selection of at least one displayed selectable setting parameter, where the controller responsively activates at least one visual indicator for indicating the selection of at least one selectable setting parameter by the user-interface. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130317654 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM AND AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD - An air-conditioning control system is equipped with: a first client server containing a job management program that manages jobs for multiple electronic devices; a second client server that determines the required amount of cooling on the basis of the power information for the multiple electronic devices that is output from this first client server, and outputs information that controls the operation of multiple air-conditioners; an integrated management server that inputs information from the first and second client servers; and a control board that controls the operation of the air-conditioners on the basis of commands from the integrated management server. An environment optimization control program, which calculates the temperature distribution and airflow in an electronic device facility when the operation of the air-conditioners is controlled on the basis of the input power information for the electronic devices and the required amount of cooling, is installed in the integrated management server. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130317655 | PROGRAMMABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL INCLUDING AN ENERGY TRACKING SYSTEM - A programmable control unit including a system control unit configured and disposed to receive an energy characteristic from at least one environmental control device. The system control unit determines energy usage data based on the energy characteristic pertaining to operation of the at least one environmental control device. An output device is operatively connected to the system control unit. The output device is configured and disposed to communicate the energy usage data to a user. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130325189 | NEED IDENTIFYING DEVICE, AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROLLING SYSTEM, NEED IDENTIFYING METHOD, AND AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROLLING METHOD - A need identifying device includes an inputting unit and a need identifying unit. The inputting unit receives, from an informant, a need pertaining to air-conditioning. The need identifying unit identifies whether the need from the informant is a temporary need or a persistent need, based on information pertaining to an activity that stabilizes the metabolic rate of the informant. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130325190 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of managing at least one network device at a site includes providing a web-based control selector to manage a detection module to control the at least one network device at the site. The method includes enabling the detection module in response to an enabled setting of the web-based control selector, and initiating a change in an operating condition of the at least one network device at the site in response to the enabled detection module and based on a detected presence of a user at the site. The method proceeds by disabling the detection module in response to the disabled web-based control selector. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130325191 | AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - A modulator modulates a voltage signal corresponding to inputted transmission data, and outputs the signal as a voltage signal between a communication wire and a shared wire. A demodulator demodulates a voltage signal based on the potential difference between the communication wire and the shared wire, and outputs the signal as a demodulated signal. A connector connects the communication wire and the shared wire to the modulator and the demodulator by means of a high voltage capacitor that withstands voltages up to a predetermined level. A controller receives, as incoming data, serial data corresponding to a voltage signal demodulated in demodulator if the serial data includes an address of its own apparatus, monitors a demodulated signal outputted from the demodulator, and outputs transmission data that includes a destination address to the modulator if the controller determines that no signal is being transmitted in the communication wire. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130325192 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING ACTIVITY BASED ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL - A method for establishing activity based environmental control includes selecting an activity phase, associating a plurality of environmental parameters with the activity phase, defining a time period for the activity phase, and controlling at least one environmental control device to establish the plurality of environmental parameters in an environmental zone during the time periods associated with the activity phase. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130331995 | Thermostat with Selectable Embedded Preprogrammed Energy Savings Profiles - A method and/or apparatus providing for an improved user interface for controlling a complex thermostat or Energy Management System is disclosed. The invention provides for a user selection of an energy management profile from a number of preconfigured stored profiles, the selection of the profile by the user then providing setting or control of many complex control settings for an energy management system or thermostat. The profiles can be labelled and/or ordered in levels or percentages of energy savings, and/or given names meaningful in making a selection. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130338835 | Cogeneration System and Process for Determining Whether to Use Cogeneration - At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a cogeneration system configured to be coupled to an electrical input of a building and configured to be coupled to a heating system of a building. The cogeneration system can comprise a generator configured to generate electrical energy. There can be also a fluid output and a fluid input that passes through the generator and configured to absorb heat from the generator. There can also be an electrical output coupled to the electrical input of the building wherein when the generator is operational, the engine creates both heat and electricity. There can also be a processor in communication with the generator, wherein the processor controls when the generator turns on and off based upon the amount of heat needed, the cost of fuel and the existing electrical rates. These costs are obtained using communication with real time rates over the internet. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130338836 | AUTOMATED HVAC SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY TEST - Systems, methods, and mediums perform automated functionality testing for a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A method includes receiving a user input to test one of a heating or cooling functionality of the HVAC system. The method also includes identifying an amount to change a setpoint for a zone controller for the HVAC system based on the user input. The method further includes changing the setpoint for the zone controller to force the HVAC system into one of a heating mode and a cooling mode in accordance with the user input. Additionally, the method includes storing data from the HVAC system operating in the one of the heating mode and the cooling mode. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130345880 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A CHILLER PLANT FOR A BUILDING - A computerized method for controlling a chiller plant for cooling a building is provided. The chiller plant has a chiller plant load. The method includes estimating an optimal combination of chiller plant equipment for meeting the chiller plant load. Estimating the optimal combination of chiller plant equipment includes using binary optimization to determine at least two potential combinations of chiller plant equipment. Estimating the optimal combination of chiller plant equipment also includes using nonlinear optimization to determine a potential power consumption minimum for each of the at least two potential combinations. The method also includes controlling the chiller plant according to the estimated optimal combination of chiller plant equipment. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130345881 | HVAC Controls or Controllers Including Alphanumeric Displays and Push Buttons - Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a control for an HVAC system. The control has an alphanumeric display, a plurality of two position switches (e.g., push buttons, etc.), and a processor. The processor receives a current user input through at least one of the two position switches and determines a response to the current user input. The determining is performed using one or more previously received user inputs, if any, via one or more of the two position switches. The processor implements the determined response by displaying a message on the alphanumeric display and/or changing an operational parameter of the HVAC system. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130345882 | PROGRAMMABLE ENVIRONMENTAL COMFORT CONTROLLER - The programmable environmental comfort controller of the invention takes the form of a multi-functional, simple-to-use, programmable touch screen thermostat. This programmable touch screen thermostat simulates the image of a digital picture frame and may have customizable backgrounds, including the users' selected photos, and various preset themes. The controller, which is powered by a power source, will have a face plate, a touch screen, an interface, a home screen, a menu, one or more subscreens, and two or more set points. The controller may also have settings and preferences which a user may program to fit their desired settings as well as a programmable schedule. The controller will also have buttons which may be virtual buttons on a touch screen as well as virtual bars. The controller will blend aesthetically pleasing images, preferences, and settings with functionality and simplicity in use of a complex controller for HVAC systems. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130345883 | Systems and Methods for a Graphical User Interface of a Controller for an Energy-Consuming System Having Spatially Related Discrete Display Elements - Devices and methods are provided for generating and/or displaying a graphical user interface used to control an energy-consuming system, such as a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system. Such an electronic device may include, for example, a processor that generates the graphical user interface and an electronic display that displays the graphical user interface. The graphical user interface may include a menu formed from discrete display elements that, owing to the way in which the discrete display elements are shifted into and out of view on the screen, appear to be spatially related to one another. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140005836 | HVAC Systems, Controls, and Methods Including Switch Mode Power Supplies to Achieve Low Standby Power | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140005837 | THERMOSTAT USER INTERFACE | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140005838 | MANAGEMENT APPARATUS FOR AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140005839 | PROSPECTIVE DETERMINATION OF PROCESSOR WAKE-UP CONDITIONS IN ENERGY BUFFERED HVAC CONTROL UNIT | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140012422 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring Refrigerant-Cycle Systems - A monitoring system for an HVAC system including an evaporator unit device, first and second temperature sensors, and a condenser unit. The evaporator unit device includes a first current sensor that measures current provided to a circulator blower and a differential pressure sensor that measures pressure between a point prior to a filter element and a point after the filter element. The first temperature sensor measures a refrigerant temperature between a condenser and an expansion valve. The second temperature sensor measures a refrigerant temperature between an evaporator and a compressor. The condenser unit device communicates with the evaporator unit device over low-voltage control lines, wherein the condenser unit comprises a second current sensor that measures current provided to the compressor. The evaporator unit device transmits sensor data to a remote monitoring service over a data network. An efficiency of the HVAC system is calculated based on the sensor data. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140012423 | ENERGY SAVING CONTROLLING METHOD AND DEVICE OF INVERTER AIR-CONDITIONER - The present disclosure provides an energy saving controlling method of an inverter air-conditioner, including: a main controlling unit of the inverter air-conditioner receiving settings of an energy consumption and an operating time; according to the set energy consumption and the set operating time, calculating or retrieving operational parameters of the inverter air-conditioner based on that the inverter air-conditioner consumes the set energy consumption in the set operating time; and controlling the inverter air-conditioner to operate according to the calculated or retrieved operational parameters. By receiving the settings of the energy consumption and the operating time from user which can be combined with the target indoor temperature, and calculating or retrieving the corresponding operational parameters of the inverter air-conditioner, the inverter air-conditioner can operate according to the operational parameters, which allows the user to control the energy consumption and the using cost of the inverter air-conditioner directly and accurately. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140012424 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING SCHEDULING ON A WALL MODULE - The present disclosure relates generally to building control systems and, more particularly, to methods and devices for configuring and/or displaying parameters or other information such as menu screens on a programmable wall module of a building control system. In an illustrative embodiment, a configuration tool may be configured to create a number of screens for the user interface of the programmable wall module based on a number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool. In some cases, the number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool may be less than, and sometimes far less than, the number of screens that are created by the configuration tool. Regardless, with the number of screens created, the configuration tool may upload the number of screens to the programmable wall module for use on the user interface of the programmable wall module. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140025208 | Distributed Thermal Management System for Servers - An approach is provided in which a master thermal controller utilizes a primary fan manager to control fans included in a computer system to cool various devices. When the master thermal controller determines that the primary fan manager is unresponsive, the master thermal controller transfers master thermal control to a backup thermal controller. The backup thermal controller creates fan control information based upon sensor information corresponding to the various devices, and sends the fan control information to a backup fan manager. In turn, the backup fan manager adjusts the speed of the fans according to the fan control information. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140025209 | THERMOSTAT WITH ELECTRONIC IMAGE DISPLAY - A programmable controller for homes and/or buildings and their related grounds, such as thermostat, that has a display and an external interface. The external interface may be use for uploading electronic images and/or other information from an external data source, and may use the uploaded electronic images and/or other information for programming and/or updating the controller and/or for viewing the electronic images and/or other information on the display of the controller. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140031988 | WIRELESS SENSOR DEVICE WITH WIRELESS REMOTE PROGRAMMING - The disclosure relates generally to wireless sensor devices, and more particularly, to remote programming of wireless sensor devices. A wireless sensor device wirelessly may receive messages from a remotely located device to a wireless sensor device. The wireless sensor device may be programmed via the receive messages. In one example, a building controller may be programmed to wirelessly send one or more messages to a wireless sensor device in order to change the behavior of the wireless sensor device, even while the wireless sensor device and building controller are on-line and actively controlling a building control system. In some instances, a technician or installer may use a diagnostic or setup tool to send one or more messages to a wireless sensor device to change the behavior of the wireless sensor device. These are just some examples. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031989 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH WIRELESS NETWORK BASED OCCUPANCY DETECTION AND CONTROL - An HVAC controller that can detect if a user's mobile wireless device is currently connected to and recognized by a building's wireless local area network is disclosed. Depending on whether or not the user's mobile wireless device is currently connected to and recognized by the building's wireless local area network, the HVAC controller basis its control on unoccupied or occupied settings. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031990 | HVAC CONTROLLER AND A HVAC SYSTEM EMPLOYING DESIGNATED COMFORT SENSORS WITH PROGRAM SCHEDULE EVENTS - A HVAC controller, a computer program product and a HVAC system are provided that advantageously employ comfort sensors with program schedule events for operating a HVAC system. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive programming data for the controller and (2) a memory configured to associate a program schedule event for the HVAC system to at least one comfort sensor of the enclosed space according to the programming data. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031991 | METHOD OF ASSOCIATING AN HVAC CONTROLLER WITH AN EXTERNAL WEB SERVICE - A wireless thermostat may be associated with a user account of an external web service that may facilitate remote access and/or control of the wireless thermostat. A remote device may be used to access a user's account hosted by the external web service. The wireless thermostat may be identified to the external web service and associated with the user's account by one or more unique identifiers previously delivered to the remote device from the wireless thermostat. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031992 | HVAC CONTROLLER HAVING A NETWORK-BASED SCHEDULING FEATURE - A master HVAC schedule for an HVAC controller may be stored on an external server accessible over a computer network. The external server may maintain the master HVAC schedule, and may translate a portion of the master HVAC schedule into a basic HVAC schedule that is executable by an HVAC controller. The external server may deliver the basic HVAC schedule to an HVAC controller according to a predetermined schedule. In some cases, the external server may deliver an updated basic HVAC schedule to the HVAC controller in response to a user initiated change made to the master HVAC schedule or upon restoration of a lost network connection between the HVAC controller and the external server. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031993 | AUTO-CONFIGURING TIME-OF DAY FOR BUILDING CONTROL UNIT - Provided according to some embodiments is a thermostat is capable of discerning the time-of-day without external input. Should the user fail to set the time, the thermostat uses one or more sensors to determine the time-of-day through a variety of techniques. In one example, a light sensor can monitor natural light to understand the cycle of sun with respect to the installation location. From the cycle of natural light a latitude, time-of-year, time-of-day, etc. can be estimated through processing sensor information over time. Should the thermostat have its time manually set or gathered from the network, it would override the estimated time-of-day. Techniques can be used filter input from the one or more sensors to avoid confusion from other inputs, for example, man-made lighting. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140039685 | Sensor Installation in a Building Management System - A sensor is installed in a building management system by determining a sensor type of the sensor from among a plurality of supported sensor types based on information collected by a mobile device of a user; identifying configuration information required by the building management system for the determined sensor type; obtaining the required configuration information from the user using an interface on the mobile device, wherein at least a portion of the interface is generated to accommodate one or more requirements of the building management system with respect to the determined sensor type; and providing the obtained required configuration information to the building management system. The sensor type and unique identifier of the sensor can be automatically determined. Portions of the required configuration information for the determined sensor type can be automatically populated using default information for the determined sensor type. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039686 | OPTIMIZATION OF ENERGY USE THROUGH MODEL-BASED SIMULATIONS - A facility implementing systems and/or methods for achieving energy consumption/production and cost goals is described. The facility identifies various components of an energy system and assesses the environment in which those components operate. Based on the identified components and assessments, the facility generates a model to simulate different series/schedules of adjustments to the system and how those adjustments will effect energy consumption or production. Using the model, and based on identified patterns, preferences, and forecasted weather conditions, the facility can identify an optimal series or schedule of adjustments to achieve the user's goals and provide the schedule to the system for implementation. The model may be constructed using a time-series of energy consumption and thermostat states to estimate parameters and algorithms of the system. Using the model, the facility can simulate the behavior of the system and, by changing simulated inputs and measuring simulated output, optimize use of the system. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039687 | FIELD CUSTOM FREQUENCY SKIPPING - A method, system, and control system for operating a HVAC system having one or more variable-speed components is provided. The method includes running the one or more variable-speed components at a first setpoint, and determining that the first setpoint generates a response having an intensity above a threshold. The response includes a vibration, a noise, or a combination thereof. The method further includes logging the first setpoint into a list of setpoints to avoid. The method also includes, in response to determining that the first setpoint generates the response having the intensity above the threshold, adjusting the one or more variable-speed components to a second setpoint. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039688 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROLLING SOLUTION DISPLAYING DEVICE AND METHOD - An air-conditioning control solution displaying device includes an indicator calculating portion that calculates one or more indicators to evaluate similarity of the detail of air-conditioning control based on operating volumes and/or state distributions for a Pareto solution, a similarity calculating portion that calculates similarity of the Pareto solution to a reference Pareto solution, based on the indicators for the Pareto solution and the indicators for the reference Pareto solution, which is selected as a reference from Pareto solutions, a Pareto solution displaying portion that displays a plot of symbols for the individual Pareto solutions, based on evaluation values for the individual Pareto solutions, calculated by objective functions, at coordinate locations corresponding to the evaluation values on a display screen, and displays the symbols for the individual Pareto solutions differentiated in accordance with a similarity to the reference Pareto solution. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039689 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROLLING DEVICE AND METHOD - An air-conditioning controlling device includes an indicator calculating portion that calculates one or more indicators for evaluating, for each individual Pareto solution, similarity of the detail of air-conditioning control based on the operating volumes and/or the state distributions for the Pareto solution, a similarity calculating portion that calculates, for each Pareto solution, similarity of the Pareto solution to a reference Pareto solution, based on the indicators for the Pareto solution and the indicators for the reference Pareto solution, which is selected as a reference from the Pareto solutions, and an air-conditioning instructing portion that sends, to the air-conditioning system, the operating volumes of the Pareto solution with the least similarity to the reference Pareto solution from among the Pareto solutions belonging to the new air-conditioning controlling mode when there is a change, to a new air-conditioning controlling mode, of the air-conditioning controlling mode that is applied to the air-conditioned space. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039690 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING A MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE TO OPTIMIZE AN ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention comprise systems and methods for using the geographic location 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 mobile 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. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140046490 | ENERGY-RELATED INFORMATION PRESENTATION SYSTEM - A system and approach for diagnostic visualizations of, for example, building control systems data. A focus may be on a similarity metric for comparing operations among sites relative to energy consumption. Normalizing factors may be used across sites with varying equipment consumption levels to be compared automatically. There may also be a high level overview of an enterprise of sites. For instance, consumption totals of the sites may be normalized by site size and length of time of a billing period to identify such things as outlier sites. One may use a main view of geographic distribution dynamically linked to subviews showing distribution by size, by aggregated climate, and so on. With these views, one may quickly drill through the enterprise and identify sites of interest for further investigation. A key metric may be intensity which invokes viewing virtually all sites by normalized consumption for a unit amount of time. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140052300 | INHIBITING DELETERIOUS CONTROL COUPLING IN AN ENCLOSURE HAVING MULTIPLE HVAC REGIONS - The current application is related to environmental-conditioning systems controlled by intelligent controllers and, in particular, to an intelligent-thermostat-controlled HVAC system that detects and ameliorates control coupling between intelligent thermostats. Control coupling can lead to inefficient HVAC operation. When control coupling is detected, a settings-adjustment directive is sent to at least one intelligent thermostat to adjust one or more intelligent-thermostat settings, including an HVAC-cycle-initiation delay parameter, swing parameter, and a parameter that indicates whether or not an intelligent thermostat should first obtain confirmation or permission before initiating an HVAC cycle. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140058566 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL USING A CHAOTIC FUNCTION - One or more controlled environmental conditions have a characteristic thereof that varies over time at least in part in accordance with a chaotic function. Variable control, for example, may control one or more characteristics of visible lighting of the environmentally controlled space. Examples of lighting characteristics that may be controlled in such a manner include spectral content, intensity, color temperature, chromaticity difference or Delta_uv, and polarization. In addition or instead, one or more characteristics of the atmosphere in the controlled environment may be controlled based on a chaotic function. Examples of atmospheric characteristics that may be controlled in such a manner include temperature, humidity, air pressure, ionization, electromagnetic fields, precipitation, visibility, wind, smell and chemical composition. A sound system may also provide a chaotic component to the environment in the environmentally controlled space. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058567 | HVAC SCHEDULE ESTABLISHMENT IN AN INTELLIGENT, NETWORK-CONNECTED THERMOSTAT - HVAC schedules may be programmed for a thermostat using a combination of pre-existing schedules or templates and automated schedule learning. For example, a pre-existing schedule may be initiated on the thermostat and the automated schedule learning may be used to update the pre-existing schedule based on users' interactions with the thermostat. The preexisting HVAC schedules may be stored on a device or received from a social networking service or another online service that includes shared HVAC schedules. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058568 | METHOD OF MANAGING A SITE USING A PROXIMITY DETECTION MODULE - 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. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058569 | AIR-CONDITIONING MANAGEMENT DEVICE, AND PROGRAM - An device display controller ( | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140067132 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH REGRESSION MODEL TO HELP REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION - A thermal control system for a building is disclosed, which includes a regression model: Given a forecast temperature outside the building, the regression model predicts how much an HVAC system will cost to run during a day, for a given set of time-varying target temperatures for all the thermostats in the thermal control system. The thermal control system may also include an optimizer, which invokes multiple applications of the regression model. Given a forecast temperature outside the building, the optimizer predicts an optimal set of time-varying target temperatures for all the thermostats in the thermal control system. Running the HVAC system with the optimal set of time-varying target temperatures should have a reduced or a minimized cost, or a reduced or minimized total energy usage. The optimizer works by running the regression model repeatedly, while adjusting the time-varying target temperature for each thermostat between runs of the model. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067133 | Integrated Information Framework for Automated Performance Analysis of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems - A computer-implemented method includes, in one aspect, retrieving HVAC system information; converting the retrieved HVAC system information from one or more first data formats to a second data format; storing the converted HVAC system information; identifying first portions of the stored HVAC system information that pertain to a particular component; and generating one or more associations among the identified, first portions of the stored HVAC system information; receiving a request for HVAC system information that is used by a performance analysis algorithm; determining a type of component of the HVAC system that is related to the requested HVAC system information; and identifying one or more items of the stored HVAC system information that is of the requested HVAC system information; and transmitting the identified one or more items of the stored HVAC system information for use in execution of the performance analysis algorithm. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067134 | ACTUATOR WITH DIAGNOSTICS - A system incorporating an actuator. The actuator may have a motor unit with motor controller connected to it. A processor may be connected to the motor controller. A coupling for a shaft connection may be attached to an output of the motor unit. The processor may incorporate a diagnostics program. The processor may be connected to a polarity-insensitive two-wire communications bus. Diagnostic results of the diagnostics program may be communicated from the processor over the communications bus to a system controller. If the diagnostic results communicated from the processor over the communications bus to the system controller indicate an insufficiency of the actuator, then an alarm identifying the insufficiency may be communicated over the communications bus to the system controller. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067135 | AUTOMATED FUNCTIONAL DIAGNOSIS - The invention is based on an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system which comprises the following components: a) a fluid flow duct ( | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140074300 | Thermostat Classification Method and System - The disclosure provides a computer-implemented method and system of reducing commodity usage by providing tailored consumer information to the consumer. The method utilizes neural network and machine learning techniques to calculate and cluster statistical data to classify the premises for desired observable condition, including the presence of a programmed thermostat. A score is determined that corresponds to at least one of: (i) a present state of an observable condition, (ii) a non-present state of the observable condition, and (iii) a degree of a condition of the observable condition, to provide tailored consumer information associated to the consumer's usage of the commodity. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140081465 | REMOTE ACCESS GATEWAY CONFIGURABLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A remote access gateway configurable control system. There may be a series of control commands to set or adjust a gateway device's running parameters and modify the behavior of the device or start process action. There may be configuration commands for remote control of the device and server commands for unattended devices. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140081466 | GATEWAY ROUND-ROBIN SYSTEM - A round-robin system having a suspend mechanism. The system may solve a synchronization issue relative to wireless communication with several hosts. With round-robin, a gateway device may permit user communication with one host at a time. The suspend mechanism, during a round-robin sequence, may enable a user with a request via an internet cloud, or the like, to interrupt the sequence and go to one specific host. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140081467 | AIR-CONDITIONING MANAGEMENT APPARATUS - An air-conditioning management apparatus is capable of selecting an air-conditioning device that affects an air-conditioning environment at a specific position in an air-conditioned space from a plurality of air-conditioning devices. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140094972 | 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. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140100699 | Monitoring User Position to Determine a Time for Providing a Specified State at a User Premises - An embodiment directed to a method for providing a specified state at a premises to which a user travels. Comprises determining a time of operation needed by a device located at the premises to provide the specified state, after device activation. One or more positions of the user are detected when the user is within a boundary, the boundary being determined in part by the time of operation. Detected user positions are used to determine a time of arrival of the user at the premises. A time to activate the device is computed from the arrival time and time of operation, collectively, wherein activating the device at the computed time causes the specified state to be provided at a time that coincides with arrival of the user at the premises. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100700 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM, AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD AND RECORDING MEDIUM - An air conditioning control system comprises an air conditioning controller, air conditioning outdoor equipment and air conditioning indoor equipment. The air conditioning controller acquires the age of a user and causes this age to be stored in an auxiliary memory device. In addition, the air conditioning controller measures the time that has elapsed from when the user's age was acquired and calculates the current age of the user from the measured time and the user's age stored in the auxiliary memory device. In addition, the auxiliary memory device stores target values for the status of air in a room space as target value data, correlated to the age. Furthermore, the air conditioning controller accomplishes air conditioning based on the target values correlated to the calculated age. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140121842 | HVAC DESIGN AND SELECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An HVAC design and selection system includes a control unit, a database in communication with the control unit and configured to store specifications and performance characteristics for a plurality of air terminal devices available for selection, and a user input terminal in communication with the control unit for allowing a user to enter at least one user input. The control unit is configured to select one or more air terminal devices in dependence upon the at least one user input. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140121843 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EFFICIENTLY COORDINATING DATA CENTER COOLING UNITS - Methods and systems for controlling environmental maintenance modules (e.g. HVAC units) using sensors are provided. Values measured by the sensors can be used to determine a change in operation levels of the modules to keep the sensor values within a desired range. For example, a stopped module can be increased or started for more cooling when a sensor temperature is too hot. The module predicted to have the greatest effect on the temperature of hot sensor can be started. As another example, a module can be stopped (or otherwise have an operation level decreased), if the sensor temperatures are within range, and the decrease in operation level is predicted not to cause an out-of-range condition. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140142763 | HOLD MANAGEMENT IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLLER - A method for hold management in an environmental controller is provided. The controller controls heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment to environmental parameters defined by a user. The controller can follow a program schedule or operate in a schedule-free mode; however various hold events can be defined that override the schedule or schedule-free operation. The hold events can define target parameters to be maintained during the hold event. Multiple hold events can be defined where a priority of the hold events can be utilized to determine which hold event should be implemented, without cancelling the lower hold events. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140142764 | FAN ROTATIONAL SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ROTATIONAL SPEED OF FAN - A fan rotational speed control system is operable to control at least a fan and includes a baseboard management controller (BMC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a switching circuit. The BMC is operable to output a fan pulse wave signal and a Heart bit. The CPLD is operable to receive the Heart bit and determine whether the BMC is abnormal based on the Heart bit. The CPLD is operable to generate and output a switching signal and a take-over pulse wave signal when the BMC is abnormal. The switching circuit is operable to receive and output the fan pulse wave signal when the BMC is normal, and the switching circuit is operable to receive the switching signal and the take-over pulse wave signal to output the take-over pulse wave signal when the BMC is abnormal. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140148953 | DYNAMIC LOUD MODELING OF A BUILDING'S ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR DEMAND RESPONSE APPLICATIONS - A dynamic electrical load model for an HVAC chiller for use in demand response applications is described herein. A dynamic model for coupling a building's electrical and thermal characteristics is described. This allows for more accurate planning of the dispatching of load for demand side response. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140148954 | FAN CONTROL SYSTEM AND FAN CONTOL METHOD - In a fan control method, consecutive temperature values are acquired at a time interval. Whether a current temperature value is higher than a threshold is determined. A difference between the current temperature value and a previous temperature value is calculated when the current temperature value is higher than the threshold. A fan is speeded up and the time interval is greatly shortened when the temperature difference is higher than a first trigger value. Only the time interval is slightly shorten when the temperature difference falls between the first trigger value and a second trigger value less than the first trigger value. Nothing to do when the temperature difference falls between the second trigger value and a third trigger value less than the third trigger value. The fan is slowed down and the time interval is extended when the temperature difference is lower than the third trigger value. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140148955 | INSTALLATION GUIDE SYSTEM FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - Provided is an installation guide system for an air conditioner. The installation guide system may include a display that displays a user interface for designing an installation for an air conditioner, a memory that stores at least one image for a building in which the air conditioner is installed, and a controller to control a display of the stored images on the user interface. The user interface may include a first region that displays the stored image including a plurality of tubes that connect an indoor unit to an outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and a second region that displays information regarding an interference between at least two of the plurality of tubes. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140148956 | INSTALLATION GUIDE SYSTEM FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - Provided are an installation guide system for an air conditioner and a method of using the same, including a display that displays a user interface for designing an installation for an air conditioner, a memory that stores at least one image for a building, and a controller to control a display of the stored images on the user interface. The user interface may include a first region that displays information with respect to a plurality of recommended configurations of the air conditioner including configuration of plurality of tubes that connect an outdoor unit to at least one indoor unit, and a second region that displays one of the stored images for a building and including a display of the outdoor unit, the indoor unit and the plurality of tubes The displayed image may be configured based on a selected recommended configuration of the air conditioner selected in the first region. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140148957 | INSTALLATION GUIDE SYSTEM FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - Provided are an installation guide system for an air conditioner and a method of using the same. The installation guide system for an air conditioner may include a memory that stores at least one image for a building in which an air conditioner installed, and a display providing a user interface to design a disposition of the air conditioner in the building. The user interface may include a first region that provides a recommended configuration of indoor units to be installed based on a type of an indoor unit of the air conditioner or load information for a prescribed room in which the indoor unit is installed. The user interface may also include a second region that displays the stored image of the building and a graphical image for the indoor units in the image of the building based on the recommendations provided in the first region. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140148958 | Universal Apparatus and Method for Configurably Controlling a Heating or Cooling System - A system for controlling the operation of a heating or cooling system includes a system controller, a memory in which system parameter information relating to the heating or cooling system is stored, and a communication device through which the system controller is configured to transmit and receive signals to/from at least one component controller. The system controller is configured to receive via the communication device a data signal from the at least one component controller that includes information relating to operational parameters for at least one system component installed in the heating and cooling system. The system controller is configured to store in the memory the received operational parameters corresponding to the at least one system component. The stored operational parameters may be retrievable for communication to a replacement component controller in the event that the at least one component controller is replaced. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140156083 | TEMPERATURE GRADIENT REDUCTION USING BUILDING MODEL AND HVAC BLOWER - A system is provided for reducing temperature gradients within a building. For example, temperature gradients between the air temperature measured at a thermostat controlling an HVAC system and the air temperature in one or more rooms of the building can be reduced. A model of the building is created by measuring the temperature gradient between the thermostat and one or more rooms of the building. This model is used to determine the operation of the HVAC system so as to reduce one or more of such temperature gradients. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140156084 | DATA-CAPABLE BAND MANAGEMENT IN AN INTEGRATED APPLICATION AND NETWORK COMMUNICATION DATA ENVIRONMENT - Techniques for data-capable band management in an integrated application and network communication data environment are described, including receiving a first input and a second input from one or more sensors coupled to a wearable computing device, processing the first input to determine a pattern, processing the second input to determine an environmental condition, referencing the pattern against a pattern library, the pattern library indicating a threshold for the environmental condition, generating a signal indicating whether the environmental condition exceeds the threshold, and generating a control signal, the control signal configured to initiate execution of an operation if the signal indicates the environmental condition exceeds the threshold. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140156085 | RADIANT HEATING CONTROLS AND METHODS FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention describe thermostats that use model predictive controls and related methods. A method of controlling a thermostat using a model predictive control may involve determining a parameterized model. The parameterized model may be used to predicted ambient temperature values for an enclosure. A set of radiant heating system control strategies may be selected for evaluation to determine an optimal control strategy from the set of control strategies. To determine the optimal control strategy, a predictive algorithm may be executed, in which each control strategy is applied to the parameterized model to predict an ambient temperature trajectory and each ambient temperature trajectory is processed in view of a predetermined assessment function. Processing the ambient temperature trajectory in this manner may involve minimizing a cost value associated with the ambient temperature trajectory. The radiant heating system may subsequently be controlled according to the selected optimal control strategy. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140156086 | AIR CONDITIONER MANAGEMENT DEVICE, AIR CONDITIONER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM AND AIR CONDITIONER MANAGEMENT METHOD - An air conditioner management device comprises an information inputter entering schedule information presenting a schedule for operating a first air conditioner and a device controller controlling the operation of the first air conditioner based on the entered schedule information. The air conditioner management device further comprises an information communicator receiving information identifying the first air conditioner and operation state information presenting the operation state of the first air conditioner, and information identifying a second air conditioner and operation state information presenting the operation state of the second air conditioner. The air conditioner management device further comprises an information display displaying the operation state information of the first air conditioner and the operation state information of the second air conditioner. Thus, it is possible to display a change in the operation state of an air conditioner caused by the operation of another air conditioner. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140163743 | INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - An information processing device includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to obtain data including a temperature in a space where each of a plurality of air conditioning apparatuses is installed, a temperature outside the space, and power consumption of the plurality of air conditioning apparatuses, calculate a factor to obtain relationship between the temperature in the space, the temperature outside the space, and the power consumption related to each of the plurality of the air conditioning apparatuses based on the obtained data, and calculate, in a case of changing a setting temperature of the plurality of air conditioning apparatuses, a change width of each of the setting temperatures of the plurality of air conditioning apparatuses in such a manner that variation in the change width becomes a control unit using an objective function expressing a cost of a power supplier and the calculated factor. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140163744 | FAULT DETECTION IN A COOLING SYSTEM WITH A PLURALITY OF IDENTICAL COOLING CIRCUITS - In a cooling system having a plurality of identical cooling circuits, fault detection is determined by a controller if monitored operating parameters of the cooling circuits differ from each other by an appreciable amount. In an aspect, the controller uses a comparison of the operating parameters of a cooling circuit to a snapshot of the operating parameters of that cooling circuit taken after the cooling circuit is determined to be operating properly after start-up. In an aspect, the controller uses known operating parameters of a cooling circuit and a system model of the cooling circuit to calculate remaining operating parameters of the cooling circuit (system model operating parameters) and uses a comparison of the system model operating parameters to the monitored operating parameters. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140163745 | Method for Optimizing the Configuration of Distributed CCHP System - A method for optimizing the configuration of a distributed CCHP system is disclosed. The method includes: creating a digital model database containing digital models of various energy use, conversion forms in the distributed CCHP system; creating a feasible configuration solution database according to load demands, constraints and combined screening strategy, wherein the total number of the configuration solutions in the configuration solution database is set as N; performing an all-year hourly operational strategy optimization on each configuration solution in the configuration solution database, based on an annual load demand curve, until the annual operating costs, annual one-time energy consumption and annual pollutant emission of the i | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140163746 | Apparatus and Method for Determining Load of Energy Consuming Appliances Within a Premises - Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for determining and/or monitoring load of energy consuming appliances within a premises. In an exemplary embodiment, there is a thermostat for monitoring energy consumption associated with an HVAC unit having a compressor. The thermostat is configured to communicate information on energy consumption and/or information on duration of time of operation associated with the HVAC unit to a user. In another exemplary embodiment, there is a system for monitoring energy consumption for an energy consuming load in a premises that is supplied with power monitored by a utility meter. A gateway is in connection with the controller for enabling connection via the internet to a website. At least one of the gateway and the controller is configured to communicate information on energy consumption associated with the energy consuming load to an energy service provider and/or a consumer. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140163747 | STREAMING GRAPHIC METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEMS - A building system server includes a processing device executing a server program. The processing device receives a request from a remote device for information regarding a building control system. The processing device provides, responsive at least in part to the request for information, at least one software program. The remote device executes the software program to: request and receive background graphic data corresponding to the request; request and receive first data identifying at least one variable control, and a format of the at least one variable control; request and receive second data containing a building control value corresponding to the at least one variable control; and cause a compatible web browser to build a graphics page based on the graphic data, first data and second data. The processing device provides the graphics page to the remote device. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140188286 | Multifuncional environmental control unit - A novel stand alone multifunctional electro-mechanical device for sensing, monitoring, and controlling environmental conditions within an occupied space, such as thermal control, room pressure, and light levels. The device utilizes a standard VAV Diffuser, an intelligently controlled window, or an intelligently controlled shutter that would optimize functionality and satisfy the aesthetic needs of occupants, designers, and architects while utilizing energy harvesting combined with ultra-low power operations to reduce the long term operational costs and installation costs, due to its stand alone configuration. The device has the capability and versatility to perform additional functions, such as life safety monitoring, fire detection, vital sign monitoring of occupants, entertainment features such as audio and video displays in conjunction with wireless and network communication features. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140188287 | iComfort: Method to measure and control your micro-climate using a smart phone - Temperature, relative humidity and air quality define comfort indoors. Individuals judge comfort by how the environment feels and smells. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipments are used to control the indoor climate and thereby control comfort. Most homes and offices are normally equipped with just a sensor to show the temperature level. It is rare to find humidity sensors and temperature sensors in every room in homes and offices so controlling the environment locally is not possible. Air quality, another parameter that influences comfort, is measured by the presence of volatile organic compounds or particles that can now be identified using more sophisticated monitors. An invention is described here that will make it easy and affordable to measure and control the temperature, relative humidity and air quality using a smart phone, that is commonplace now, thereby controlling the comfort level. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140188288 | SMART-HOME DEVICE THAT SELF-QUALIFIES FOR AWAY-STATE FUNCTIONALITY - A control unit for controlling the operation of at least one smart-home system may include at least one occupancy sensor and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to receive readings from the at least one occupancy sensor during a trial period; compare information derived from the readings to at least one threshold criterion to establish whether the one or more occupancy sensors reliably determined occupancy of an enclosure in which the control unit is installed during the trial period; and enable an away-state feature of the control unit if it is determined that the one or more occupancy sensors reliably determined occupancy of an enclosure during the trial period. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140188289 | HVAC Motor Load Balancing - A method of motor operation includes monitoring a voltage of a power bus supplying power to the motor, determining if a power failure is occurring or has occurred based on the monitoring, and lowering an operational capacity of the motor in response to the determining. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140195058 | HVAC CONTROLLER INCLUDING USER INTERACTION LOG - An HVAC controller is configured to log one more user interactions into a user interaction log stored in its memory such that at least some of the user interactions may be recalled from the user interaction log and displayed on the user interface of the HVAC controller in response to a request by a user. The user may use the information contained in the user interaction log as an aid in troubleshooting an HVAC system. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140200718 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OF AN HVAC SYSTEM - An HVAC controller is configured to transmit a service request to a service provider over a network. In some cases, the service request may contain information that is indicative of the performance of the HVAC system. Upon receiving the service request, the service provider may send an acknowledgement that the request has been received. The acknowledgement may be delivered to as an email or text message to a user's remote device or, in some cases, may be displayed on the user interface of the HVAC controller. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140200719 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UPDATING CLIMATE CONTROL ALGORITHMS - A combined business and technical method is described in which a paid subscription service is offered to provide “premium” HVAC algorithms for a network-connected, multi-sensing learning thermostat. The users who have chosen to pay for the premium subscription service are provided with at least one additional feature, capability, and/or option that is not provided to unpaid “basic” subscribers of a cloud-based thermostat servicing system that is provided for all thermostat owners. According to some embodiments, an on-line interview process is administered to gather additional information for improving the settings of the thermostat. According to some embodiments, an active test is performed to determine thermal characteristics of the structure. According some embodiments, the user guaranteed to at least recoup the cost of the premium service through energy cost savings. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140207288 | CONTROL UNIT FOR AN HVAC SYSTEM COMPRISING AN ECONOMIZER AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH CONTROL UNIT - A control unit ( | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140207289 | HVAC SYSTEM CONFIGURED BASED ON ATMOSPHERIC DATA, AN INTERFACE FOR RECEIVING THE ATMOSPHERIC DATA AND A CONTROLLER CONFIGURED TO SETUP THE HVAC SYSTEM BASED ON THE ATMOSPHERIC DATA - A HVAC system that employs atmospheric data, a controller for an HVAC system and a graphical user interface that receives atmospheric data are provided is disclosed. In one embodiment the HVAC system includes: (1) an interface that receives atmospheric data for an installed location of the HVAC system and (2) a controller that configures the HVAC system based on the atmospheric data. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140207290 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH ROOFTOP AIR HANDLING UNITS AND OTHER HVAC COMPONENTS - A device for communicating information from a controller for a rooftop air handling unit to a portable electronic device includes a wire terminal for wiring to the controller and for receiving a signal including information from the controller. The device further includes a transceiver configured to form a direct wireless communications link between the transceiver and portable electronic device. The device yet further includes a circuit coupled to the wire terminal and the transceiver. The circuit is configured to extract the information from the signal. The circuit is further configured to format the information into a format in which the information can be presented to a user by the portable electronic device and to provide the translated information from the transceiver to the portable electronic device. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140214212 | AUTO TEST FOR DELTA T DIAGNOSTICS IN AN HVAC SYSTEM - An HVAC controller may be programmed to initiate a delta T test in response to a request received from a user. The user may initiate the delta T test at the HVAC controller or via a remote device. In some cases, the HVAC controller may be configured to automatically execute a delta T test for each valid equipment stage combination of the HVAC system without receiving further input from the user and to determine both a run time and a stabilized delta T parameter value for each equipment stage combination. The HVAC controller may also record the delta T parameter value and run time for each test in the memory of the HVAC controller. The HVAC controller may be further configured to notify the user when testing for each/all equipment stage combination is complete. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140214213 | UTILITY CONTROL OF HVAC WITH INTEGRAL ELECTRICAL STORAGE UNIT - One aspect is an HVAC grid controller that may communicate with local HVAC controllers, wherein the local HVAC controllers control the operation of local HVAC components including an integral electrical storage unit. Thus, the HVAC grid may sends appropriate control signals to local HVAC controllers to, for example, draw power from an electrical storage unit to operate local HVAC components. The local HVAC controller may also be additionally programmable by a user to select a period of time in which the HVAC unit is to be powered by a local electrical storage unit. By using an electrical storage unit to power HVAC components, a utility power provider may better manage load on its electrical grid, and a consumer may avoid peak time-of-use electricity charges. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140214214 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RAPID DISTURBANCE DETECTION AND RESPONSE - A method for detecting and responding to disturbances in a HVAC system using a noisy measurement signal and a signal filter is provided. The method includes detecting a deviation in the noisy measurement signal, resetting the filter in response to a detected deviation exceeding a noise threshold, filtering the noisy measurement signal using the signal filter to determine an estimated state value, and determining that a disturbance has occurred in response to the estimated state value crossing a disturbance threshold. In some embodiments, the method further includes performing one or more control actions in response to the detection of a disturbance. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140214215 | BUILDING INFORMATION MODEL-BASED BUILDING ENERGY MANAGEMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - Disclosed herein is a building energy management apparatus and method. The building energy management apparatus includes a Building Information Model (BIM) analysis unit for receiving and parsing BIM data and then analyzing BIM objects. A building energy object extraction unit extracts building energy objects related to building energy from the BIM objects. A building energy object database (DB) stores a building energy object data into a DB by arranging the building energy objects. A building energy management unit manages energy of a building based on the building energy object data. Accordingly, the present invention provides technology for extracting and managing objects of a building related to the energy of the building based on a BIM, thus efficiently managing building energy. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140214216 | COMMUNICATION MODULE, MULTI-TYPE AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS USING THE SAME, AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A multi-type air conditioning apparatus including an outdoor unit, indoor units, and a communication line, each of the outdoor unit and the indoor units including a communicator transmitting/receiving data through the communication line and a controller transmitting at least one preamble signal, including priority information to transmit the data using the communication line, through the communication line, and transmitting the data through the communication line when transmission of the at least one preamble signal has been completed. In the multi-type air conditioning apparatus, each of the outdoor unit and the indoor units selects a priority set time, transmits a preamble signal after the selected priority set time has elapsed, and delays data transmission when a preamble signal transmitted by another constituent unit is sensed during the priority set time, thus avoiding collision on the communication line and rapidly occupying the communication line. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140222216 | Wireless HVAC Vent - A self-contained wireless HVAC vent which can be independently controlled via a wireless communication link. The HVAC vent is capable of regulating the airflow in to a zone by using adjustable damper(s). The control settings of the HVAC can be configured in conjunction with an application and user interface (UI) via an external device. The HVAC vent also monitors the condition of the air, which may include temperature, air quality and humidity, as well as the presence of potential hazardous conditions. Lastly, the power needed to operate the HVAC vent is acquired from the environmental surrounding and converted and regulated to electrical energy. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140222217 | THERMODYNAMIC MODELING FOR ENCLOSURES - Modeling the behavior of an enclosure for use by a control system of an HVAC system is described. A model for the enclosure that describes the enclosure's behavior for use by the control system is updated based on weather forecast data. The weather forecast data can include predictions more than 24 hours in the future, and can include predictions on temperature, humidity and/or dew point, solar output, precipitation. The model for the enclosure can also be updated based on additional information and data. The model for the enclosure can be updated based also on an enclosure model stored in a database, and/or enclosure information from a user. The model can be updated based on active testing of the enclosure which can be performed automatically or in response to user input. The testing can include heating and/or cooling the enclosure at times when the enclosure is not likely occupied. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140222218 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AND/OR MONITORING AN HVAC SYSTEM - The invention relates to a method for operating and/or monitoring an HVAC system ( | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140236360 | INTELLIGENT CONTROLLER FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM - The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that continuously, periodically, or intermittently monitor progress towards one or more control goals under one or more constraints in order to achieve control that satisfies potentially conflicting goals. An intelligent controller may alter aspects of control, dynamically, while the control is being carried out, in order to ensure that goals are obtained and a balance is achieved between potentially conflicting goals. The intelligent controller uses various types of information to determine an initial control strategy as well as to dynamically adjust the control strategy as the control is being carried out. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140236361 | Scroll Compressor Differential Pressure Control Techniques - A method includes determining a pressure difference across a scroll compressor of a cooling system. The pressure difference is compared to a minimum differential pressure value. Pressure differences across the scroll compressor that are less than the minimum differential pressure value are associated with unloading the scroll compressor. Parameters including a pressure set point value and an absolute minimum pressure value are increased when the pressure difference is less than the minimum differential pressure value. Subsequent to the increasing of the parameters, the parameters are decreased when the pressure difference is greater than a sum of the minimum differential pressure value and a hysteresis value. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140244043 | COMBINATION CONTROLLER - The present invention is an interactive control device that combines both functions of lighting and temperature control in one device. The interactive control device includes a thermometer and has power connections compatible to the line voltage wiring (typically 110-120 VAC) so that it may be connected to the electrical wiring in the same manner as a standard light switch. The interactive control device may also include sensors and/or cameras, or the ability to communicate with external sensors and/or cameras. The interactive control device is further capable of wirelessly communicating with remote devices, such as smart phones and tablets, appliances, alarm systems, sound systems, and locks. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140244044 | ADAPTABLE WIRELESS POWER, LIGHT AND AUTOMATION SYSTEM - A power control unit and method of use thereof for varying the supply of electricity to an electrical apparatus using a wireless communications link between a controller and the power control unit. The power control unit is adapted to alternatively communicate with the controller using a non-peer-to-peer communications standard or a peer-to-peer communications standard such as Wi-Fi Direct. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140244045 | ADAPTABLE WIRELESS POWER, LIGHT AND AUTOMATION SYSTEM - A power control unit and method of use thereof for varying the supply of electricity to an electrical apparatus using a wireless communications link between a controller and the power control unit. The power control unit is adapted to alternatively communicate with the controller using a non-peer-to-peer communications standard or a peer-to-peer communications standard such as Wi-Fi Direct. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140244046 | MANAGING AIRFLOW PROVISIONING - In an implementation, a method for managing airflow provisioning in an area comprising a plurality of racks, wherein a plurality of fluid moving devices are to supply airflow to the plurality of racks through a plurality of adjustable vent tiles, includes accessing a model that describes airflow transport and distribution within the area, said model comprising a plurality of parameters, determining values for the plurality of parameters, and implementing the model to partition the area into a plurality of fluid moving device zones of influence with a desired level of overlapping among the plurality of fluid moving device zones of influence. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140249680 | 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. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140249681 | APPLIANCE CONTROL SYSTEM AND REMOTE CONTROLLER - An appliance control system includes: a sensor ( | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140257575 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION CONTROL, MONITORING AND ADJUSTMENT IN ENCLOSED SPACES - A system and method are provided for implementing business and operational intelligence for building owners or operators regarding energy use by climate control systems in the building. Integrated monitoring, analysis, adjustment and control are provided regarding (1) operation of environmental condition control systems; (2) operating efficiency factors associated with the environmental condition control systems; (3) operating efficiency factors associated with support components, including ducting, supporting the environmental condition control systems; and (4) operating efficiency factors associated with the operating envelope of the structures within which the environmental condition control systems are operated, including building envelope inefficiencies, operating inefficiencies, and airflow inefficiencies. The disclosed schemes accumulate data at various points in an HVAC system, HVAC system ductwork and throughout an environmentally-controlled portion of the building to support analysis of system and envelope inefficiencies. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257576 | SYSTEMS FOR HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING APPLICATIONS - A motor control system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications is described. The motor control system includes a thermostat and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) coupled to the thermostat. The ECM is configured to retrofit an existing non-ECM electric motor included in an HVAC application and to operate in one of a plurality of HVAC modes. The HVAC modes include at least one of a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a continuous fan mode. The HVAC mode is determined based at least partially on outputs provided by the thermostat. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140277756 | HVAC CONTROLLER HAVING INTEGRATED COMFORT WINDOW DISPLAY - A device configured to control one or more components of an HVAC system. The device includes a display, a controller in communication with the display, and wherein the controller is configured to receive one or more user defined environmental settings. Further, the controller communicates with one or more environmental sensors, wherein the environmental sensors detect one or more environmental conditions. In addition, the controller is further configured to provide a visual indication on the display for the detected environmental conditions with respect to the user defined environmental settings. This visual indication includes one or more bounded region having an interior space indicative of user comfort level, wherein the bounded regions have one or more borders, and wherein the borders at least partially represent the user defined environmental settings. In addition, the visual indication includes one or more icons that represents the detected environmental conditions and are displayed in relation to the bounded regions. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277757 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN ENERGY SAVING HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) CONTROL SYSTEM - Embodiments of methods and apparatus disclosed herein may employ depth, visual, or motions sensors to enable three-dimensional people counting and data mining to enable an energy saving heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control system. Head detection methods based on depth information may assist people counting in order to enable an accurate determination of room occupancy. A pattern of activities of room occupancy may be learned to predict the activity level of a building or its rooms, reducing energy usage and thereby providing a cost savings. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277758 | Remotely-Programmable Control Circuit for Single-Phase Motor - An HVAC control system, associated brushless direct current motor, and methods of operation are disclosed. One such control system includes a brushless direct current motor and an optically-isolated interface exposing control access to the brushless direct current motor. The system includes a first programmable controller electrically connected to the brushless direct current motor, the programmable controller configured to receive a control signal via the optically-isolated interface, and a second programmable controller providing the control signal to the optically-isolated interface. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277759 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ADVANCED DIGITAL ECONOMIZATION - A system and method for advanced digital economization for an HVAC system having an economizer. A digital processing unit is configured to open a damper of an economizer within a dead-band range that allows for preemptive cooling prior to a call for cooling. This economization strategy allows for free cooling (outside air) without having to pay energy costs for cooled (air-conditioned) air. The system and method can be used with or without demand control ventilation (DCV). The method also includes a “self-learning” strategy with outside air and return air sensor to regularly sense past economizer damper modifications and average out recent readings to help set the dead-band range. The method can include the ability to work in conjunction with a variable supply fan speed control, provide fault detection, self-correct, auto-configure, and report system status. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277760 | SUPERVISORY CONTROLLER FOR HVAC SYSTEMS - A supervisory controller for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is described herein. One device includes a data management module configured to receive a zone demand signal from a local controller of a zone of an HVAC system and receive a number of additional signals from a number of sensors, and a parameter identification module configured to determine, based on the zone demand signal, whether the zone is in a comfort state by loading a best model structure from a number of models and identifying parameters of the best model structure based on data received from the data management module. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277761 | CONTROLLING AN HVAC SYSTEM IN ASSOCIATION WITH A DEMAND-RESPONSE EVENT - Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for carrying out a demand response (DR) event via an intelligent, network-connected thermostat associated with a structure. The systems disclosed include an energy management system in operation with an intelligent, network-connected thermostat located at a structure. The thermostat is operable to control an HVAC system. Control during a DR event period may be performed based on an optimal control trajectory of the HVAC system, where the control trajectory is optimal in that it minimizes a cost function comprising a combination of a first factor representative of a total energy consumption during the DR event period, a second factor representative of a metric of occupant discomfort, and a third factor representative of deviations of a rate of energy consumption over the DR event period. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277762 | Energy Management Based on Location - Systems and methods of providing climate control and/or energy management in a structure having a networking thermostat. In some example embodiments the network is used to monitor a geographic location of a user device associated with a user of the structure. The monitoring may be performed to determine the location relative to a destination located apart from the structure. The network is used to control a set point of the thermostat based on the location. Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring may be performed to determine time period(s) during which the structure is unoccupied and the thermostat is set at a first set point. Energy savings that could have been realized by changing the first set point to a second set point are estimated and provided to the user. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277763 | System for Controlling Building Services Based on Occupant - A system according to an illustrative embodiment includes an energy management system and a control system. The energy management system is configured to manage energy usage within a building. The control system is configured to determine an occupancy factor associated with the building, and control the energy management system according to the occupancy factor. The occupancy factor indicates a presence of electronic devices capable of wireless communications. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277764 | ADVANCED VALVE ACTUATOR WITH INTEGRAL ENERGY METERING - An automatic control valve actuator assembly is configured to control opening and closing of the valve via positioning of a valve closure member. The valve actuator is further configured to determine the volume of fluid flowing through the valve. In an embodiment, the valve actuator includes an integral energy consumption calculation and retention module configured to calculate heat energy for energy consumption tracking. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277765 | HUMAN-BUILDING INTERACTION FRAMEWORK FOR PERSONALIZED COMFORT DRIVEN SYSTEM OPERATIONS IN BUILDINGS - A computer data processing system may provide control information for controlling how an environmental control system controls an environment within a building. The computer data processing system may receive and store reports from multiple users and/or may receive and store reports at different times from a user. Each report may provide information concerning how the user perceives the comfort level of the user's environment at the time the user supplies the information. The computer data processing system may determine and generate the control information for controlling how the environmental control system controls the environment based on the information concerning how each user perceives the comfort level of the user's environment at the time each user provides the information. In addition or instead, the computer data processing system may determine and generate such control information based on the information concerning how a user perceives the comfort level of the user's environment at the different times the user supplies the information. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140297041 | AUXILIARY CONTROLLER, A HVAC SYSTEM, A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A HVAC SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF STARTING THE SAME - The disclosure provides, in one aspect, a method of starting a HVAC system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) receiving an initiation signal at a main system controller of the HVAC system, (2) determining if main controller application information associated with the main system controller is stored thereon, (3) querying an auxiliary controller of the HVAC system when determining the main controller application information is not stored on the main system controller, (4) sending the main controller application information to the main system controller from the auxiliary controller when the auxiliary controller includes the main controller application information, and (5) initiating the HVAC system based on the initiation signal and employing the main controller application information sent to the main system controller from the auxiliary controller. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140297042 | AUXILIARY CONTROLLER, A HVAC SYSTEM, A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A HVAC SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF STARTING THE SAME - The disclosure provides, in one aspect, an integrated controller for a HVAC system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated controller includes: (1) an interface coupled to an auxiliary controller of the HVAC system and configured to communicate therewith, the auxiliary controller having an auxiliary non-volatile memory, (2) a processor, coupled to the interface and configured to direct the operation of the HVAC system, and (3) a main non-volatile memory coupled to the processor and configured to receive a copy of main controller application information associated with the main system controller via the interface and store the main controller application information, the processor further configured to automatically send a copy of the main controller application information during manufacturing of the HVAC system to the auxiliary controller of the HVAC system to store as back-up data on the auxiliary non-volatile memory of the auxiliary controller. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140297043 | ARRANGEMENT FOR MANAGING DATA CENTER OPERATIONS TO INCREASE COOLING EFFICIENCY - A method includes a step of storing in a memory efficiency characteristic information for each of a plurality of air conditioning units in a location containing a plurality of server computers, the efficiency characteristic information including information representative of an efficiency performance curve for a range of variable cooling output. The method also includes identifying a current thermal load on each of the plurality air conditioning units. The method further includes employing the stored efficiency characteristic information and the current thermal load to identify a first air conditioning unit having a least additional power consumption required to increase cooling output. One or more processing units are employed to allocate one or more processing tasks to one of the plurality of server computers based on the identified first air conditioning unit. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140303787 | HEATING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEATING A BUILDING AND/OR FOR PREPARING HOT WATER - According to various embodiments, a heating system for heating a building and/or for preparing hot water is provided. The heating system can comprise a heat distributing device; and a computer, which is coupled to the heat distributing device in such a way that the heat produced by the computer is distributed in the building by means of the heat distributing device; wherein the computer is designed in such a way that the computer produces a message for a computing load distribution computer, wherein the message contains a piece of information about the heat demand of the heating system and/or of the building. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140303788 | DYNAMIC FA ADE SYSTEM CONSISTING OF CONTROLLABLE WINDOWS, AUTOMATED SHADES AND DIMMABLE ELECTRIC LIGHTS - The disclosure of the present invention provides for a process for controlling the environmental settings of a building, including: providing a building management system capable of controlling one or more electrochromic devices at least one of (a) one or more automated window shades, and (b) one or more dimmable electric lights; receiving, at the building management system, a plurality of inputs related to (a) a time of day, (b) an occupancy status of the building, (c) a presence of a glare condition, and (d) an operating mode of an HVAC system of the building; and controlling, at the building management system, the status of at least one of the window shades, the lights and the electrochromic devices based on at least one of the plurality of inputs. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140303789 | AUTOMATED TECHNIQUE OF MEASURING ROOM AIR CHANGE RATES IN HVAC SYSTEM - An HVAC system employs a technique built around a system identification/modeling method that determines critical building loads and airflows experimentally without relying on design plans or statistical modeling approaches. Operation includes observing the dynamic response of individual room temperature, in response to a change of inlet air flow conditions (either air flow rate and/or supply air temperature). This empirically-based model enables development of an optimized control approach that minimizes conditioned airflow while meeting required ventilation, thermal, and humidification performance objectives. Building-wide performance is achieved by aggregating empirically determined room-level loads, thus ensuring that the coupled performance objectives can be achieved while minimizing energy use for every space within a building. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140309788 | System and Method with GEO Location Triggering Automatic Action - An apparatus a GPS device that tracks a current location of a user relative to a home of the user and a cloud application that tracks the current location of the user via the GPS device, the cloud application estimates a time period required for the user to travel from the current location to the home and upon detecting that the time is less than a threshold value, automatically sends an activating signal to an HVAC unit in the home of the user to activate the unit. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140309789 | Vehicle Location-Based Home Automation Triggers - Methods and systems of a vehicle control system configuring features of a home automation system. The vehicle control system includes a home automation module that can receive information from the home automation system such as a presence of occupants in a home and a state of features of the home. The home automation module can send commands to activate, deactivate, and/or change settings of one or more features of the home automation system based on user profile information. The commands can be modified based on the information received from the home automation system. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140309790 | ADJUSTING HOME AUTOMATION COMFORT BASED ON VEHICLE ASSOCIATED USER PROFILE DATA - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system that provides various outputs based on a user profile and determined context. An output provided by the present disclosure can change a configuration of a vehicle, device, building, and/or a system associated with the user profile. The configurations can include comfort and interface settings that can be adjusted based on the user profile information. Further, the user profiles can track health data related to the user and make adjustments to the configuration to assist the health of the user. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140309791 | ECONOMIZER CONTROLLER PLUG AND PLAY SYSTEM RECOGNITION WITH AUTOMATIC USER INTERFACE POPULATION - An economizer controller system having a plug and play recognition approach with an automatic user interface population mechanism. A check may be made for sensors connected to the controller. The control type of the sensors may be determined. The menu structure may be repopulated based on the control type. The user interface may then be updated. This approach may be repeated as needed. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140316581 | Systems and Methods for Energy-Efficient Control of an Energy-Consuming System - Systems and methods are provided for efficiently controlling energy-consuming systems, such as heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) systems. For example, an electronic device used to control an HVAC system may encourage a user to select energy-efficient temperature setpoints. Based on the selected temperature setpoints, the electronic device may generate or modify a schedule of temperature setpoints to control the HVAC system. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140316582 | Automated Facilities Management System having Occupant Relative Feedback - An automated facilities management system has the ability to predict occupant behavior by identifying recurring patterns in the way that people use buildings and comparing them with environmental characteristics. This technology is not limited to human behavior patterns, but extends to any mechanical systems or data points that tend to vary in recurring patterns. The data processing is carried out by rules engines triggered by relational database modifications. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140324227 | HVAC CONTROLLER HAVING A FIXED SEGMENT DISPLAY WITH AN INTERACTIVE MESSAGE CENTER - An HVAC controller may include a controller and a display operatively coupled to the controller. A first region of the display may have an array of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns for displaying an image in a dot matrix format. A second region of the display may have a plurality of predefined fixed segment graphical icons. The controller may be configured to display a list of one or more programmable options of the HVAC controller in the first region of the display for selection by a user. At least one of the one or more programmable options may be used to set settings that are used for controlling subsequent operations and/or functionality of the HVAC controller. The first region of the display may simultaneously display in a vertical direction an integer number of programmable options plus a fraction of a programmable option. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140324228 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH MULTI-REGION DISPLAY AND GUIDED SETUP - An HVAC controller including a controller and a display operatively coupled to the controller. The display may include a first region and a second region. The first region of the display may have an array of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns for displaying an image in a dot matrix format. The second region of the display may have a plurality of predefined fixed segment graphical icons. The controller may be configured to sequentially display two or more installer set up items. Illustratively, each of the installer setup items may include an installer set up item number displayed in the second region of the display, an installer setup item name that may be displayed in the first region of the display, and an installer setup item value that may be displayed in the first region of the display. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140324229 | VERSATILE HVAC CONTROLLER - An HVAC controller for providing control signals to one or more HVAC components to control one or more environmental parameters in an inside space. The HVAC Controller may include a housing for housing a controller, a wired control port, and a wireless interface for optionally wirelessly connecting the HVAC controller to HVAC components and for wirelessly providing control signals generated by the controller to the HVAC components. The wired control port may connect the HVAC controller to the HVAC components via one or more wires and for providing control signals generated by the controller to the HVAC components via the one or more wires. The controller may be programmable to include control configurations comprising controlling via only the wired control port, via only the wireless interface, or via the wired control port and the wireless interface. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140324230 | HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HOUSEHOLD CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING - An HVAC control system for a household central air conditioning, including an HVAC system controller, a centrifugal blower motor, a compressor motor, and an axial fan motor. The HVAC system controller includes an HVAC microprocessor, a sensor, an interface unit for motor control, a power supply part, and a signal processing circuit. The interface unit for motor control includes an inverter unit and a rotor position detection unit. At least one of the centrifugal blower motor, the compressor motor, and the axial fan motor is a permanent magnet synchronous motor in the absence of a motor controller. The HVAC microprocessor drives the permanent magnet synchronous motor in the absence of a motor controller via the inverter unit. The rotor position detection unit sends a rotor position signal of the permanent magnet synchronous motor in the absence of a motor controller to the HVAC microprocessor. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140324231 | AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND REMOTE CONTROLLER - An air conditioning system includes a plurality of air conditioner bodies that perform air-conditioning operation, a plurality of remote controllers that operate each of the air conditioner bodies, and pairing-setting unit. The pairing-setting unit has a main machine registration function and a sub machine registration function. A mode of operating the main machine with the remote controller is defined as a main-machine operation mode, while a mode of operating the sub machine with the remote controller is defined as a sub-machine operation mode. When the main-machine operation mode is switched to the sub-machine operation mode, the remote controller acquires operation information of all the registered sub machines. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140330438 | Intelligent hvac register - Intelligent HVAC register is an HVAC register outlet which can control the temperature in a space by operating independently. The Intelligent HVAC register works in network with other vents within the system using low power wireless technology and a smart application so that the temperature of multiple individual spaces can be controlled while operating on a single HVAC system. Intelligent HVAC register uses a solar strip to charge the battery which runs each vent's hardware. This enables more efficient use of energy as airflow to unused spaces can be blocked therefore keeping air pressure and efficiency higher in the spaces where temperature adjustments are necessary. Intelligent HVAC register can be controlled using a learning application on a smart device. By setting the time & temperature needed in each space the Intelligent HVAC smart vane will automatically open or close to keep the room at the desired temperature. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140336824 | CONTROL METHOD FOR INFORMATION APPARATUS AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - In the case where selection of a device icon representing an air conditioner among one or more target devices is sensed in a region corresponding to one room on a floor plan, an operation screen for operating the air conditioner corresponding to the selected device icon, is displayed on a display screen. This operation screen includes an image representing an air flow direction of air output from the air conditioner. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140336825 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM - An air conditioning control system adjusts a consumed energy amount of air conditioners installed in a property in an adjustment time period. The air conditioning control system includes a control apparatus and an assessment apparatus. The control apparatus performs adjustment control of the air conditioners so that the consumed energy amount is adjusted in the adjustment time period. The assessment apparatus adjusts, after the adjustment time period, a possible amount of a next adjustment control based on an environmental parameter of an air conditioned space. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140343733 | Systems And Methods For Compressor Overspeed Control - A method for controlling a system includes receiving system demand data; processing the system demand data; defining a first value of a first system operating parameter; receiving system condition data; associating the first value of the first system operating parameter with a first operating map function; determining whether the system condition data exceeds a threshold of the first operating map function; determining whether the system condition data exceeds a threshold of a second operating map function responsive to determining that the system condition data exceeds the threshold of the first operating map function; and changing the first value of the first system operating parameter to a second value associated with the second operating map function responsive to determining that the system condition data does not exceed the threshold of the second operating map function. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140350732 | DEVICE INTERFACE FOR A BUILDING APPLIANCE - A smart phone or a tablet may execute an application program code to identify a diagnostic status associated with a time-coded signal emitted by a low-cost user interface of a building appliance such as a furnace or water heater and suggest a recommended action to the user. The signal emitted by the low-cost user interface may be audio or a visual signal. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140350733 | Facilitating Installation of a Controller and/or Maintenance of a Climate Control System - Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for facilitating installation and/or connection of controllers such as thermostats. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for facilitating installation and/or connection of a controller in a climate control system generally includes a communication device configured to execute software instructions to receive user input describing a wire arrangement where the controller is to be installed for use in the climate control system. Based on the user input, the communication device identifies a configuration of the climate control system and specifies wiring connections between the wire arrangement and controller. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140350734 | COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, A HVAC SYSTEM EMPLOYING THE SAME AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A COMPONENT FOR THE HVAC SYSTEM - In one aspect, the disclosure provides an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the HVAC system includes: (1) an air handler configured to condition and circulate air for the HVAC system, and (2) an air handler controller for the HVAC system configured to control operation of the air handler, the air handler controller including interface circuitry having a predetermined coupling impedance and configured to couple the air handler controller to components of the HVAC system via a communications network of the HVAC system, wherein a total of the predetermined coupling impedance and an end node coupling impedance at each of the components is substantially a defined maximum loading impedance for the communications network and wherein the end node coupling impedance of one of said plurality of end nodes is determined based on said predetermined coupling impedance and end node coupling impedances of remaining ones of the plurality of end nodes. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140358291 | COMFORT CONTROLLER WITH USER FEEDBACK - An HVAC control system is provided that is configured to prompt a user to indicate whether or not they are comfortable under current environmental conditions. In some instances the HVAC control system may be configured to prompt the user to provide additional information regarding other factors that may affect their comfort. The HVAC control system may use the information collected from the user to control an HVAC system to achieve and/or maintain an environmental condition within a building at a level at which the user is expected to be comfortable. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140358292 | Dynamically Modifying Temperatures At Positions in a Room Having a Plurality Of Positioned People Responsive To Input Requests From Individual Positioned People - Controlling the temperature gradient in an enclosed auditorium with positioned people by initially generating, by thermal input, a level selected base temperature plane coextensive with the plane of the enclosed room. Each of the positioned people is enabled to dynamically input a request for a temperature change in the base temperature plane at a position corresponding to the position of the person in the room plane. All of the input requests of positioned people may then be correlated with the base temperature plane to convert the base temperature plane into a base temperature curvature coextensive with the plane of the enclosed room. The thermal input may then be varied responsive to the sensed temperature variations to maintain the base temperature curvature. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140358293 | THERMOSTAT USER INTERFACE - A thermostat user interface for a network-connected thermostat is described. The thermostat includes a frustum-shaped shell body having a circular cross-section and a sidewall extending between first and second ends, the second end being user-facing when the thermostat is wall-mounted; a circular rotatable ring being user rotatable for adjusting a setting of the thermostat; and a circular cover including a clear circular center portion surrounded by a painted outer portion. The clear circular center portion permits a corresponding circular portion of a non-circular dot-matrix color display element to be visible through the circular cover and the painted outer portion masks a remaining portion of the non-circular dot-matrix color display element so as to create a circular graphical user interface. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140365016 | Controlling the Heating of Rooms - In a building, electric storage heaters ( | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140365017 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMIZED HVAC OPERATION - Heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment in a building may be controlled to improve building performance and/or occupant comfort. For a building, such as a low-load building, with multiple sub-systems of an overall HVAC system that can be actuated to impact indoor environmental conditions, an operational mode used to control such HVAC equipment may be selected. The selection may be based on input data from sensors, including indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, and occupancy level in combination with multiple models. Data collected over time may be used to form multiple types of models, including predictive models of building performance, future indoor conditions, and occupancy levels, and/or energy usage. The models may be used to select a control strategy. Based on the selected strategy and user preferences, a set of rules may be applied to generate control signals that control operation of HVAC subsystems. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140365018 | INFORMATION PROVIDING METHOD AND INFORMATION PROVIDING APPARATUS - A cloud server ( | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140371917 | System and Method for Monitoring HVAC System Operation - A comfort controller in an HVAC system is provided. The comfort controller comprises a processor configured such that the comfort controller compares at least one of an actual run time of the HVAC system to a benchmark run time and an actual static pressure of the HVAC system to a benchmark static pressure. The processor is further configured such that, when at least one of the actual run time and the actual static pressure are outside a specified range of their associated benchmarks, the comfort controller determines that the HVAC system has an improper configuration. The processor is further configured such that the comfort controller displays the results of the comparison. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140371918 | CONTROLLER FOR A HVAC SYSTEM HAVING A CALIBRATION ALGORITHM - This disclosure presents a controller for use with a HVAC system that has a program stored therein that is configured to relate a torque of a fan motor of a HVAC system with an airflow rate of the HVAC system, such that a selected airflow rate will cause the fan motor to operate at a torque that will produced the selected airflow rate. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140371919 | CENTRIFUGAL REFRIGERANT VAPOUR COMPRESSORS - A centrifugal compressor for compressing a refrigerant vapour in a refrigeration cycle. The compressor comprises an impeller drive shaft ( | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140371920 | MULTI-DIMENSIONAL OPTIMIZATION FOR CONTROLLING ENVIRONMENTAL MAINTENANCE MODULES - Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for controlling an environmental maintenance system that includes a plurality of sensors and a plurality of actuators. The operation levels of the actuators can be determined by optimizing a cost function subject to a constraint, e.g., having no more than a certain number of sensors that are out of range. A predictor model can predict whether certain operation levels of the actuators violate the constraint. The search for acceptable operation levels (i.e., ones that do not violate constraints) can be performed by analyzing points on lines in an N-dimensional space, where N is the number of actuators. The subset of acceptable operation levels along with a cost function (e.g., that incorporates energy consumption information) can be used to change operation levels of the modules to keep the temperatures within a desired range while using minimal energy. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140371921 | INTELLIGENT TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT BASED ON ENERGY USAGE PROFILES AND OUTSIDE WEATHER CONDITIONS - Accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices is described, wherein the devices are coupled with a first structure. The energy usage of the devices is monitored. An energy usage rule and energy usage is then compared. The energy management policy and energy usage is also compared. Based on the comparing, an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of said device to correlate with the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energy management policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140371922 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING AND MANAGING DEVICE-LEVEL ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN A SMART-HOME ENVIRONMENT - Accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices is described, wherein the devices are coupled with a first structure. The energy usage of the devices is monitored. An energy usage rule and energy usage is then compared. The energy management policy and energy usage is also compared. Based on the comparing, an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of said device to correlate with the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energy management policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140371923 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR WEATHER-BASED PRECONDITIONING - Accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices is described, wherein the devices are coupled with a first structure. The energy usage of the devices is monitored. An energy usage rule and energy usage is then compared. The energy management policy and energy usage is also compared. Based on the comparing, an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of said device to correlate with the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energy management policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140371924 | INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE AND CONTROLLING METHOD - A processor determines a target value of a temperature of a processing unit included in the information processing system on the basis of the temperature of the processing unit when first power consumption indicates a relatively low power consumption by referring to correlation information that indicates a change in the first power consumption, which is a total sum of second power consumption of the processing unit and third power consumption of an air-conditioning machine included in the information processing system, with respect to a change in the temperature of the processing unit. Then, the processor outputs a control signal for controlling the air-conditioning machine on the basis of the target value. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140379139 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BALANCING AN ELECTRICAL GRID WITH NETWORKED BUILDINGS - An electrical power grid includes multiple, networked buildings that receive electrical power from one or more power generation sources. A networking control system communicates with a utility control center to obtain information regarding the amount of power being supplied by the power generation sources. The networking control system further obtains information from one or more building automation controllers that are controllably associated with a plurality of networked buildings. The networking control system determines whether the total amount of power being supplied exceeds a total demand load for the plurality of buildings. And if so, the networking control system commands one or more of the building automation controllers to operate one or more of the buildings a reduced energy efficiency level, which may take the form of an optimization curve. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140379140 | MODULAR SMOKE VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH SERIAL CONTROL POINTS - A smoke ventilation system ( | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150012142 | DISPLAYING DEVICE AND METHOD - A displaying device used in an air-conditioning system includes a blowing vent with a variable airflow direction, that blows conditioned air, as supply air, into a subject space that is subject to air-conditioning, an occupant location detecting unit that detects a location of an occupant within the subject space, a controller that predicts, following a guideline that has been established in advance, an arrival region for the supply air so as to include the location of an occupant detected by the occupant location detecting unit, and adjusts at least a flow direction of the blowing vent so as to include the location of an occupant detected by the occupant location detecting unit, and a display that displays simultaneously, on a screen, the occupant location detected by the occupant location detecting unit and a predicted supply air arrival region, predicted by the controller. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150012143 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL APPARATUS - An air conditioning control apparatus adjusts an amount of energy consumed by air conditioners installed in a property. The air conditioning control apparatus includes an adjustment control part that executes an adjustment control during a predetermined adjustment time period, a measurement acquisition part that acquires a measurement of the amount of energy consumed by the air conditioners, an effect estimation part that estimates an effect during the adjustment time period of the adjustment control executed, and an adjustment control content determining part that determines the adjustment control based on the estimated effect. The adjustment control is at least one of ventilation minimizing control reducing or stopping ventilation in order to minimize an accumulation of environmental loads, and sensible heat prioritizing control preferentially controlling sensible heat over latent heat in order to control a temperature of a room so that an accumulation of environmental loads is minimized. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150019022 | FLUID CONTROL MEASURING DEVICE - Systems and methods for measuring and controlling fluid flow include an orifice plate defining a variable opening. The orifice plate includes an outer assembly comprising a central opening and an inner assembly extending through the central opening. The flow device regulates high and very low volumes of fluid with precision, inexpensively, with superior acoustics, reduced energy, and simpler design. The high turndown device permits use at lower velocities, thereby reducing noise generation and eliminating need for sound-attenuating liners. The high rangeability device combines several part numbers into fewer parts, thereby streamlining product portfolios. In some cases, cost benefits associated with the flow device allow equipment to be scaled back 100:1 rather than 10:1, providing energy savings, fewer product variations, simple and more robust applications. The device meets new and old building fresh air, comfort and energy codes. The flow device can be engineered, selected, and sized without sophisticated software programs. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150019023 | HEAT PUMP SYSTEM ENERGY MANAGEMENT DEVICE - A management device manages plural heat pump systems to bring a total amount of energy consumed by the heat pump systems closer to a target value. The management device includes a request transmitting unit, a consumption information receiving unit, a database, and a learning unit. The request transmitting unit transmits requested values of energy consumption to each of the heat pump systems. The consumption information receiving unit receives actual values of energy consumption from each of the heat pump systems. The database stores response characteristics of consumers having each of the heat pump systems with respect to the requested values of energy consumption. The learning unit learns the response characteristics and reflects learning results based on past records of responses of each of the consumers with respect to the requested values of energy consumption in the database. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150019024 | Environmental Control System Including Distributed Control Elements - An apparatus may include at least one sensor and a transmitter coupled to the at least one sensor and configured send data to a gateway through a wireless communication link. The apparatus may further include a solar cell configured to provide power to the at least one sensor and the transmitter. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include an adhesive backing configured to secure the apparatus to a structure. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150019025 | Wireless Node Auto-Reset Function - A method for wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes establishing a communications link between a first automation component and a second automation component, detecting a change in the communications link at the second automation component, and initiating a reset function on the second automation component in response to the detected change in the communications link. A building automation system is further disclosed. The system includes a first automation component, a second automation component in communication with the first automation component via a communication link. The second automation component further includes a reset function stored on a memory and executable by a processor in communication with the memory, such that the reset function is activated in response to a change in the communications link. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150025690 | HIVE OF SMART DATA CENTER TILES - A smart tile system and methodology, each tile having a sensor device and control unit for monitoring an environmental condition of a room or space. A plurality of smart tiles form a hive community resulting in a tightly coupled sensor network configured to communicate in clusters and collaborate to accomplish missions. One of the missions is environmental control which is communicated to a tile in the form of a policy. The tiles around one piece of equipment in the room or space may control the regulating of cooling/heating for just that one piece of equipment allowing little to not impact of other equipment(s) in the room. The smart tile of the hive communicate over a mesh network protocol, and one or more smart tiles comprise a vent under actuator control wherein the tile is configured to receive commands to adjust the vent opening according to a desired setting. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150025691 | DYNAMIC DEVICE-ASSOCIATED FEEDBACK INDICATIVE OF RESPONSIBLE DEVICE USAGE - 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. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150025692 | TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR WATER DAMAGE MITIGATION MANAGEMENT - A telecommunication device for water damage mitigation management is described that includes a transceiver, a data input/output mechanism, a display mechanism, and a processor. The processor causes at least one of the transceiver to transmit over a telecommunication network, the data input/output mechanism to transmit through a hard-wired connection, and the display mechanism to display chamber dimension data, water damage data, and dehumidifier data. A required quantity of water to be removed from the chamber over a given period of time may be determined and displayed using at least the chamber dimension data and the water damage data. Further, whether the required quantity of water to be removed is greater than, less than, or approximately equal to an expected quantity of water to be removed by the chosen dehumidifier over the given period of time may also be determined and displayed. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150032264 | AIR QUALITY BASED VENTILATION CONTROL FOR HVAC SYSTEMS - An HVAC controller and/or server may be programmed to determine if ventilation of a building is desired based, at least in part, on the one or more user-specified air quality thresholds stored in a memory, and one or more of a measure of indoor air quality and a measure of outdoor air quality. The air quality parameter threshold may relate to an air quality index, an air pollutant concentration, a smog alert, a pollen count, a dew point, a chance of precipitation, and/or the like. In addition, the HVAC controller and/or server may take into account current or future weather conditions when determining the ventilation needs of a building. Upon determining that ventilation is needed or recommended, the HVAC controller may send or display a message to the user. The message may recommendation that the user open a window or operate a ventilation system, as desired. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150032265 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION CONTROL AND MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Environmental condition control and monitoring systems and methods are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a method includes determining a condition profile of an object. Further, the method includes identifying the object within an environment. The method also includes determining whether the environment meets a requirement defined by the condition profile of the object. The method also includes controlling environment conditioning equipment based on whether the environment meets the requirement. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150032266 | ADAPTIVE INTERIOR AIR QUALITY CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR VEHICLE COMPARTMENT - Embodiments of apparatus and methods for adaptively controlling air quality in a vehicle compartment are described. In embodiments, an apparatus may include a sensor interface configured to interface with one or more sensors, disposed at one or more locations at one or more sides or in an interior space of a vehicle compartment, and configured to measure one or more indicators of air quality at the one or more locations. The apparatus may further include one or more airflow controllers configured to adaptively control a plurality of ventilation components of the vehicle compartment to regulate airflow in the interior space, based at least in part on the measured indicators of air quality. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150032267 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL UNIT FOR THE HEATING SYSTEM IN A BUILDING - A heating control unit for a building with a heating system, which includes heat exchangers supplied by a boiler, a loop for circulating the heating fluid including a mixing valve, radiators, a return loop, and a control circuit which receives information on the indoor and outdoor conditions in order to control the mixing valve. The control unit includes elements for predicting and optimizing the heating needs of the users of the building and for providing the control circuit with modified information on the outdoor temperature likely to adjust the parameters of the heating system to the needs of the users and minimize power consumption. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150032268 | OPERATING TERMINAL FOR AIR CONDITIONER - An operating terminal that is capable of controlling an air conditioner including an indoor device and an outdoor device. The operating terminal includes a display unit that displays at least state information of an air conditioner, a memory that stores therein setting information recorded on an outdoor/indoor control substrate, a communication unit that performs information communication with the indoor device, and an information processing unit that reads setting information set in the outdoor/indoor control substrate through the communication unit, records this setting information in the memory, and causes the display unit to display the setting information. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150039134 | HEAT SOURCE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING NUMBER OF MACHINES TO BE STARTED AT TIME OF POWER RECOVERY IN HEAT SOURCE SYSTEM - To swiftly start, at the time of power recovery after a power failure, heat source machines, the number of which is equal to the number of machines before the power failure, without including an uninterruptible power supply in an apparatus for controlling the number of machines that is adapted to control the number of heat source machines. There is provided a heat source system, in which a host control device ( | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150039135 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM AND AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD - A base terminal receives the air-conditioning control information from the server, and on the basis of the received air-conditioning control information, when a power consumption value in a site is greater than the target power value for demand control, the base terminal transmits, to air-conditioning control equipment, a control instruction that sets an air conditioner to OFF, and when the temperature measured in an area is greater than the upper limit temperature when the air conditioner is performing a cooling operation, or when the temperature measured in the area is less than the lower limit temperature when the air conditioner is performing a heating operation, the base terminal transmits a control instruction that sets the air conditioner to ON. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150039136 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL - Computerized apparatus and methods useful for remotely controlling one or more environmental functions. In one embodiment, the computerized apparatus is configured to generate, based on previously stored information, displays relating to various environmental functions such as heating, cooling, temperature, and/or lighting within a building. The user of the apparatus can select the desired function(s), and the apparatus causes the selected function(s) to be activated remotely via a wireless interface with a remote networked server, such as before the user arrives. In one variant, different rooms or areas of the building can be controlled independently. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150045959 | REMOTE CONTROLLABLE THERMOSTAT - A remote controllable thermostat has an on-board power supply with batteries, a microcontroller having a timer, a temperature sensor, a temperature set point control controller and an RF receiver. The thermostat also has HVAC state control means for generating HVAC control signals in response to sensed temperatures being outside of control set point range and for periodically connecting and disconnecting the RF receiver from the power source to conserve battery power. Where the thermostat has user mode selector switches, the microcontroller is further programmed to read their state only periodically for additional battery power conversation. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045960 | PROGRAMMABLE PERIPHERAL UNIT - The embodiments describe programmable peripheral units for use in a building automation system. The programmable peripheral units communicate with controllers and other system components. The programmable peripheral units have end device components to actuate the building environment. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045961 | SUBSTRATE PROCESSING SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS WITH FACTORY INTERFACE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS - Electronic device processing systems including environmental control of the factory interface are described. One electronic device processing system has a factory interface having a factory interface chamber, a load lock apparatus coupled to the factory interface, one or more substrate carriers coupled to the factory interface, and an environmental control system coupled to the factory interface and operational to monitor or control one of: relative humidity, temperature, an amount of oxygen, or an amount of inert gas within the factory interface chamber. In another aspect, purge of a carrier purge chamber within the factory interface chamber is provided. Methods for processing substrates are described, as are numerous other aspects. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045962 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING ENERGY USE DURING A DEMAND LIMITING PERIOD - Systems and methods for limiting power consumption by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) subsystem of a building are shown and described. A feedback controller is used to generate a manipulated variable based on an energy use setpoint and a measured energy use. The manipulated variable may be used for adjusting the operation of an HVAC device. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045963 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FOR HVAC SYSTEM - A system for controlling energy consumption in a building having a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) which includes using an external application to perform HVAC energy consumption optimization algorithms and other external energy control functions and transmit application control data to a building automation system (BAS), which in turn provides hardware level equipment control for the HVAC system. The external application evaluates equipment data received from the HVAC system by way of the BAS and processes these equipment data to provide application control data back to the BAS. The application control data are calculated to achieve a desired operating efficiency for the HVAC system. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045964 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FOR HVAC SYSTEM - A system for controlling energy consumption in a building having a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) which includes using an external application to perform HVAC energy consumption optimization algorithms and other external energy control functions and transmit application control data to a building automation system (BAS), which in turn provides hardware level equipment control for the HVAC system. The external application evaluates equipment data received from the HVAC system by way of the BAS and processes these equipment data to provide application control data back to the BAS. The application control data are calculated to achieve a desired operating efficiency for the HVAC system. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045965 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FOR HVAC SYSTEM - A system for controlling energy consumption in a building having a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) which includes using an external application to perform HVAC energy consumption optimization algorithms and other external energy control functions and transmit application control data to a building automation system (BAS), which in turn provides hardware level equipment control for the HVAC system. The external application evaluates equipment data received from the HVAC system by way of the BAS and processes these equipment data to provide application control data back to the BAS. The application control data are calculated to achieve a desired operating efficiency for the HVAC system. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150051739 | AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING AN AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM - An air conditioner system and a method of controlling an air conditioner system are disclosed. The air conditioner system may include a plurality of air conditioner devices located or installed at a plurality of air conditioner sites in a decentralized fashion. A control setting having at least one of the plurality of air conditioner devices as a control device may be created irrespective of an installation position and a connection state of each air conditioner device, such that the control setting is immediately applied, or application of the control setting is released through simple manipulation, thereby providing an easy and rapid monitoring and controlling operation of the air conditioner system in a remote fashion. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150051740 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL DEVICE, AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - An air-conditioning control device includes a conversion definition information storage unit, an air-conditioning control computation unit, and a gateway unit. The conversion definition information storage unit preliminarily stores conversion definition information for converting air-conditioning control original data acquired from an external air-conditioning facility into computational data for performing an air-conditioning control computation or conversion definition information for converting air-conditioning control computation resultant data acquired as a result of the air-conditioning control computation into air-conditioning control data used for air-conditioning control at the air-conditioning facility. The air-conditioning control computation unit performs the air-conditioning control computation based on the computational data, and outputs the air-conditioning control computation resultant data. The gateway unit refers to the conversion definition information to convert the air-conditioning control original data into the computational data or to convert the air-conditioning control computation resultant data into the air-conditioning control data. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150051741 | PROCESSING AND REPORTING USAGE INFORMATION FOR AN HVAC SYSTEM CONTROLLED BY A NETWORK- CONNECTED THERMOSTAT - Systems and methods are described for interactively, graphically displaying and reporting performance information to a user of an HVAC system controlled by a self-programming network-connected thermostat. The information is made on a remote display device such as a smartphone, tablet computer or other computer, and includes a graphical daily or monthly summary each of several days or months respectively. In response to a user selection of a day, detailed performance information is graphically displayed that can include an indication of HVAC activity on a timeline, the number of hours of HVAC activity, as well as one or more symbols on a timeline indicating setpoint changes, and when a setpoint was changed due to non-occupancy. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150057810 | BUILDING ENERGY ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - This application relates to a building energy analysis and management system for measurement and verification of building performance. The system can analyze, optimize, manage, maintain, trouble shoot, and/or modify building systems, such as HVAC systems, in connection with the building energy usage. Measurements may be gathered for one or more HVAC units coupled to pressure independent valves, and sent to one or more Surge Panels that pass data to remote analysis servers, which can receive other system or external data. The analysis servers compare measurements to predicted values and can standardize the predicted values to account for external conditions. The comparison can result in difference values used to generate probable causes and optimization recommendations. The system outputs reports or other data display using a graphical user interface that can be adjusted for an anticipated user. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150057811 | COORDINATED AIR-SIDE CONTROL OF HVAC SYSTEM - A method and apparatus for controlling an HVAC system. The method may include receiving a fan speed signal from a fan control loop, and choosing among an independent mode, a first linked mode, and a second linked mode, depending on the fan speed signal. The method may also include providing a signal to a pressure control loop to reduce a speed of a supply air fan of an AHU, when the first linked mode is chosen. The method may further include providing a signal to a temperature control loop to decrease a speed of a heat exchange wheel, to decrease a flow rate of a heat exchange fluid to an evaporator coil, or both, when the second linked mode is chosen. The method may additionally include allowing the fan control loop to operate independently of the temperature and pressure control loops, when the independent mode is chosen. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150057812 | HVAC SYSTEM RELAY AUTOTUNING AND VERIFICATION - Systems and methods for autotuning a HVAC system controller. The method may include receiving a performance coefficient and providing a step-input using an autotuner relay to measure ultimate gain and ultimate period in a controlled HVAC system. The method may also include adjusting the ultimate gain and ultimate period to account for a relay hysteresis, and applying a tuning rule to derive a proportional gain and an integral time for a controller of the HVAC system control loop. The method may further include updating the controller with the proportional gain and integral time, and verifying the proportional gain and integral time. Verifying the proportional gain and integral time may include setting a performance envelope having a tightness related to the performance coefficient, applying a step-input to provoke a closed-loop response, and comparing the closed loop response with the performance envelope to determine whether the closed-loop response is within the envelope. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150066215 | Systems and Methods for HVAC and Irrigation Control - A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system has an irrigation subsystem and an HVAC system controller configured to selectively implement a drought related irrigation subsystem control scheme. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066216 | Optimizing Communication Modes in Wireless-Enabled Climate Control System Controllers - Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of system controllers and methods for controlling a climate control system. In an exemplary embodiment, a wireless-enabled climate system controller receives power from one or more power sources. A processor and memory of the controller are configured to monitor power budget availability from the power source(s) for performance of wireless communication by the climate control system controller. The processor and memory are further configured to determine power budget requirements for combinations of communication modes in which the controller is capable of performing wireless communication, and based on the monitoring and determining, configure the controller to perform wireless communication using a selected one of the communication mode combinations. A thermostat can optimize levels of operation and battery life, by determining an appropriate operating mode that could offer the most functionality while not exceeding the power budget available. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066217 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE OF A CONTROLLER OF AN ELECTRIC COMPRESSOR FOR AN AIR CONDITIONER IN A VEHICLE - A method of controlling the temperature of a controller of an electric compressor for an air conditioner in a vehicle is provided, which prevents an excessive increase in temperature of the controller under the control of an output current of the controller. The method comprises a temperature-determination stage of detecting the temperature of the controller and determining whether or not the detected temperature is equal to or lower than a reference temperature that is lower than a predefined target temperature by a specified number of degrees when an actuating signal of the air conditioner is generated in a switched-on stage of a vehicle. A current-control stage controls an output current of the controller to decrease the temperature until the detected temperature reaches the reference temperature or lower if the detected temperature is determined to be higher than the reference temperature. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066218 | AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS - An air-conditioning apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive remote control information transmitted from a remote control device, an adapter configured to receive remote information including operation details conveyed through an external network, an information outputting unit configured to output information when the adapter receives the remote information or when the receiving unit receives the remote control information, and a controller configured to control operations of the information outputting unit. The controller includes an information adjustment unit configured to cause the information outputting unit to output different information when the adapter receives the remote information and when the receiving unit receives the remote control information. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066219 | THERMAL CAPACITY MANAGEMENT - Embodiment of the present invention generally relate to the field of thermal capacity management within data centers, and more specifically, to methods and systems which provide feedback based on thermal information associated with parts of a data center. In an embodiment, the present invention is a method comprising the steps of using temperature measurements and power meter readings to provide real-time capacity usage information in a given data center and to use that information to perform moves/adds/changes with a particular level of confidence. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066220 | THERMOSTAT USER INTERFACE - A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a body having a central electronic display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated and pressed inwardly to provide user input in a simple and elegant fashion. The current temperature and setpoint temperature are graphically displayed as prominent tick marks over a range of background tick marks on the electronic display. Different colors can be displayed to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different intensities of colors can be displayed to indicate an amount of heating or cooling required to reach a target temperature. The setpoint temperature for the device can be altered by user rotation of the rotatable ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to the user and altered by the user by virtue of rotations and inward pressings of the ring. Initial device set up and installation, the viewing of device operation, the editing of various settings, and the viewing of historical energy usage information are made simple and elegant by virtue of the described form factor, display modalities, and user input modalities of the device. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066221 | AUTOMATED ENERGY-CONSCIOUS ADJUSTMENTS THAT ARE RESPONSIVE TO USER-FEEDBACK - Accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices is described, wherein the devices are coupled with a first structure. The energy usage of the devices is monitored. An energy usage rule and energy usage is then compared. The energy management policy and energy usage is also compared. Based on the comparing, an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of said device to correlate with the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energy management policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150073604 | AIR CONDITIONER PANEL SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME - An air-conditioning panel semiconductor device and an air-conditioning system including the same are provided. The device includes a controller that integrally operates analog modules and digital modules in the air-conditioning panel semiconductor device, operates a motor in an air-conditioning duct, and operates an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) to display operation state information of an air conditioner for the vehicle on the screen of an air-conditioning panel. An SPI transmits and receives signals relating to air-conditioning by connecting the controller with an external peripheral device. A LIN communication module electrically connected with a main controller to operate the air conditioner. The controller supplies power for the modules in the air-conditioning panel semiconductor device at a substantially uniform voltage by operating a voltage regulator. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150073605 | HVAC CONTROLLER INTERFACE DEVICE - A handheld controller interface device that receives communications from one or more components of an HVAC system. The controller interface device is removably secured to an enclosure of the HVAC system. When not being engaged by a user, the controller user interface may be secured within the enclosure in a mounted position. When the HVAC system is being serviced, the controller user interface may be removed from the enclosure so as to be in an unmounted position. Further, when in the unmounted position, the controller interface device still at least receives communications from one or more components of the HVAC system, including, for example, a controller. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150081106 | Systems and Methods for HVAC and Irrigation Control - A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system has an irrigation subsystem. An HVAC system controller has a processor configured to control an irrigation control system. A method includes providing an HVAC system controller and operating the HVAC system controller to at least one of receive, transmit, and display at least one of an irrigation subsystem control parameter and an irrigation subsystem monitoring parameter. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150081107 | System and Method for Crowd-Sourced Environmental System Control and Maintenance - A system and method for crowd-sourced environmental system control and building maintenance includes a server for providing selective access to building occupants and managers. Users are permitted to generate building reports in the form of (i) thermal reports using a thermal report module, and/or (ii) maintenance reports using a maintenance report module. The reports are each geo-located to locations within the building, and are then captured, stored, and aggregated at the server. The aggregated reports are sorted according to their geo-locations and comfort rules are used to (i) permit a manager at a client computer to access the server to respond, and/or (ii) automatically respond and assign a response status to particular reports. An inspection checklist interface is generated and populated to display a list of preventative maintenance tasks, each of the tasks being user-selectable to designate completion, with the updated status of the reports being stored at the server. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150081108 | AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS CONTROL SYSTEM - An air-conditioning apparatus control system includes connected devices each including a memory to sequentially store control data which is acquired during operation and is associated with control of the connected device. To back up the control data in the memory of the connected device, a backup destination is selected from the other connected devices included in a plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses constituting the air-conditioning apparatus control system on the basis of an available memory space in each of the other connected devices. The control data is backed up to the selected backup destination at time when it is determined that backup has no interference with communication for a normal operation in the air-conditioning apparatus control system. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150081109 | COMPUTATIONAL LOAD DISTRIBUTION IN AN ENVIRONMENT HAVING MULTIPLE SENSING MICROSYSTEMS - Systems, methods, and related computer program products for 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. The plurality of sensing microsystems is configured to jointly carry out at least one shared computational task. Each sensing microsystem may include a power management circuit configured to determine an amount of electrical power available for dedication to the at least one shared computational task or a heating effect generated in performing the 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 or the determined heating effect. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150088314 | 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 |
| 20150088315 | DEMAND RESPONSE METHOD AND DEMAND RESPONSE CONTROL APPARATUS - A demand response method includes: obtaining DR contracts scheduled to be implemented in a target period; determining, for each of the DR contracts, whether or not content of the adjustment of the supply and demand for electrical energy requested in the DR contract is executable; generating one or more DR scenarios each being a combination of two or more of the DR contracts executable in the target period; and extracting, from among the generated one or more DR scenarios, at least one DR scenario of which a total value of an amount of the adjustment of the supply and demand for electrical energy of the at least one appliance satisfies contract conditions of each of the two or more of the DR contracts included in the at least one DR scenario when the at least one appliance is caused to operate based on the at least one DR scenario. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150088316 | APPARATUS CONTROL DEVICE, APPARATUS CONTROL SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM - An apparatus control system includes a skin temperature measurement device configured to measure a skin temperature, and an apparatus control device that controls a heating-cooling combination apparatus. In the apparatus control device, a storage unit stores a correspondence table (correspondence relationship) between skin temperatures and control contents of the heating-cooling combination apparatus. The apparatus control unit controls the heating-cooling combination apparatus according to a control content stored in the storage unit in association with a first skin temperature that is inputted to an input unit. Thereafter, if a second skin temperature that is newly inputted to the input unit is not included in a comfortable temperature range, the update unit updates the correspondence table stored in the storage unit. In this case, the update unit changes the control content in the correspondence table such that over-control or under-control according to the control content is reduced. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150088317 | CONTACTLESS ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC SENSOR WITH MOISTURE GENERATOR - A sensor for a contactless electrocardiographic measurement of a person includes an electrode formed of a moisture-permeable material and having a measurement surface and an opposite surface. A moisture generator supplies moisture to the opposite surface, and a moisture sensor detects a moisture content of a microclimate at the measurement surface. A controller receives signals from the moisture sensor and activates the moisture generator based upon the signals to control the moisture content. The moisture generator may be a heating element heating a source of moisture; a pump activated pumping liquid from a reservoir to the electrode; an ultrasonic atomizer for atomizing liquid contained in a reservoir; an actuator varying an amount of a liquid-conducting material in contact with liquid contained in a reservoir; or a Peltier element operable to warm and thereby release moisture from a moisture-storing material adjacent to the electrode. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150088318 | 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. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150094861 | HEATING, VENTILATION, AND/OR AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLLER - A heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) controller for controlling one or more components of a 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 function selection screen to select a type of a limit function when the controller receives a command for selecting limit functions of one or more components of the HVAC system. Further, the controller may display a set-up screen to input a limit parameter on the touch screen display when a specific limit function is selected on the function selection screen, and the set-up screen may include a set-up button to input the limit parameter. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150094862 | HEATING, VENTILATION, AND/OR AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLLER - A heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) controller for controlling one or more components of a 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 to select a time for setting a schedule in a first display region of the screen, and when the time is selected in the first image, a set-up image to set a parameter may be displayed in the first image. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150094863 | HEATING, VENTILATION, AND/OR AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLLER - A heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) controller for controlling one or more components of a 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 monitoring screen to monitor usage information on the touch screen display when a command for displaying usage information of one or more components of the HVAC system is received. The monitoring screen may include a button region including a plurality of buttons to select information to be displayed, and a display region that displays usage information corresponding to a selected button when any one button is selected among the plurality of buttons. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150094864 | ENERGY REDUCING RETROFIT METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A CONSTANT VOLUME HVAC SYSTEM - An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a single zone, constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150100163 | IR TRANSLATOR PROVIDING DEMAND-CONTROL FOR DUCTLESS SPLIT HVAC SYSTEMS - An infrared translator device for controlling a control unit of a ductless split heating, ventilating, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system. The IRT device includes a long-distance communications module and includes at least one local communications module. The IRT device also includes a processor in electrical communication with the long-distance communications module and the local communications module. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150100164 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND/OR CONTROLLING RESOURCES OF BUILDING STRUCTURES VIA A DASHBOARD INTERFACE - Resources including electricity, water, gas, and/or other resources of building structures may be monitored and/or controlled by an administrator via a dashboard interface. A usage field presented via the dashboard interface may convey information associated with usage of a resource of a structure. The information conveyed by the usage field may be determined based on a selected breakdown, which may include one or more of a breakdown of resource usage by panel, by location, by usage type, by security level, and/or by other breakdowns. The information conveyed by the usage field may be determined based on a selected region, which may include one or more of a group of structures, portions of structures in a group, a single structure, a portion of a structure, a floor of a structure, a room of a structure, a hallway of a structure, a stairwell of a structure, and/or other spatial region. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150100165 | ACCURACY-OPTIMAL CONTROL DECISIONS FOR SYSTEMS - Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for controlling an environmental maintenance system that includes a plurality of sensors and a plurality of actuators. The operation levels of the actuators can be determined by optimizing a penalty function. As part of the penalty function, the sensor values can be compared to reference values. The optimized values of the operation levels can account for energy use of actuators at various operation levels and predicted differences of the sensor values relative to the reference values at various operation levels. The predicted difference can be determined using a transfer model. An accuracy of the transfer model can be determined by comparing predicted values to measured values. This accuracy can be used in determining new operational levels from an output of the transfer model (e.g., attenuating the output of the transfer model based on the accuracy). | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150105917 | CONTROL METHOD FOR AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT, PROGRAM, AND MOBILE INFORMATION TERMINAL - An air-conditioning setting screen has a coordinate space defined by a Y-axis along which temperature items are indicated in increments of one degree and an X-axis along which time-point items are indicated in increments of one hour. Operation points PT corresponding to the time-point items are arranged in the coordinate space. The air-conditioning setting screen displays time-series changes in a previous day's body-movement values such that the density of a background color is higher for times at which the body-movement value is larger and the density of a background color is lower for times at which the body-movement value is smaller. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150105918 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING INDOOR TEMPERATURE BASED ON INFORMATION ABOUT MOVING USER - A method for controlling an indoor temperature based on information about a moving user is provided. The method includes determining a temporary set temperature using weather information of user's current location and current time; and determining a final set temperature by reflecting a change in the weather information caused by movement of the user based on the temporary set temperature. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150105919 | OUTDOOR FAN AND INDOOR BLOWER CONTROLLER FOR HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - An HVAC controller, a method of operating an HVAC controller and an HVAC system employing the controller or the method. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a processor couplable to at least two refrigerant pressure sensors via separate data paths to receive input signals therefrom and further couplable to a compressor stage and a condenser fan to provide output signals thereto, and (2) memory coupled to the processor and storing a software program having program instructions capable of causing the processor to command the compressor stage or the condenser fan to turn on irrespective of a state of an input signal generated by either of the at least two refrigerant pressure sensors, and generate an error message at least partially depending upon whether or not a high pressure shutdown occurs after the processor commands the compressor stage or the fan to turn on. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150120063 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONFIGURING HVAC COMPONENTS IN AN HVAC SYSTEM - A system and method of configuring HVAC components in an HVAC system including a main system controller in operable communication with at least one auxiliary controller, wherein the main system controller and each of the at least one auxiliary controllers include a near field communication interface. The HVAC system components are configured by placing each of the at least one auxiliary controllers in close proximity to the main system controller, and operating the main system controller to initiate a pairing event. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150120064 | RETROFITTING A CONSTANT VOLUME AIR HANDLING UNIT WITH A VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE - A system and methods providing real-time monitoring, management and control of a variable frequency drive retrofit to a constant volume air handling unit without making significant mechanical or control system changes. Customers and vendors are provided with a more informative and economically attractive air handling unit. The system also provides a finer granularity of control over conditioned air properties such as temperature, humidity and air quality. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150127166 | WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The purpose of the present invention is to provide a novel management system that is highly convenient for warehouse managers. A warehouse management system ( | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127167 | REMOTE CONTRACTOR SYSTEM WITH SUMMARY DISPLAY SCREEN - A system that allows a contractor to remotely monitor and/or interact with its customers' building control systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and analyze information obtained from the building control systems over time. Such a system may help the contractor monitor and diagnosis customer building control systems, setup service calls, achieve better customer relations, create more effective marketing opportunities, as well as other functions. In some cases, the disclosed system may help a contractor pro-actively identify possible issues with its customer's building control systems. A controller of the system may populate a display screen on a remote device to display a summary display screen with selectable features for obtaining detailed information related to the selected feature. The summary display screen may display a summary of business performance data, customer performance data, and/or HVAC performance data associated with a set of log-in credentials. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127168 | REMOTE CONTRACTOR SYSTEM WITH CASE MANAGEMENT - A system that allows a contractor to remotely monitor and/or interact with its customers' building control systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and analyze information obtained from the building control systems over time. Such a system may help the contractor monitor and diagnosis customer building control systems, setup service calls, achieve better customer relations, create more effective marketing opportunities, as well as other functions. In some cases, the disclosed system may help a contractor pro-actively identify possible issues with its customer's building control systems and may output an alert related to an operation of the customer's building control systems. Within the system, the contractor may able to open a case associated with the customer's building control systems and link related alerts to the case. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127169 | REMOTE CONTRACTOR SYSTEM WITH SITE SPECIFIC ENERGY AUDIT CAPABILITY - A system that allows a contractor to remotely monitor and/or interact with its customers' building control systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and analyze information obtained from the building control systems over time. Such a system may help the contractor monitor and diagnosis customer building control systems, setup service calls, achieve better customer relations, create more effective marketing opportunities, as well as other functions. In some cases, the disclosed system may include a controller that analyzes data from HVAC systems, determines a thermal model of a space environmentally controlled by an HVAC system, and provides an energy audit of the space that is environmentally controlled by the HVAC system. The controller may output a result of the energy audit to a user. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127170 | REMOTE CONTRACTOR SYSTEM WITH SITE SPECIFIC ENERGY AUDIT CAPABILITY - A system that allows a contractor to remotely monitor and/or interact with its customers' building control systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and analyze information obtained from the building control systems over time. Such a system may help the contractor monitor and diagnosis customer building control systems, setup service calls, achieve better customer relations, create more effective marketing opportunities, as well as other functions. In some cases, the disclosed system may include a controller that analyzes data from HVAC systems, determines a thermal model of a space environmentally controlled by an HVAC system, and provides an energy audit of the space that is environmentally controlled by the HVAC system. The controller may output a result of the energy audit to a user. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127171 | REMOTE CONTRACTOR SYSTEM WITH DATA ANALYTICS FOR IDENTIFYING NEEDED PRODUCTS OR SERVICES - A system that allows a contractor to remotely monitor and/or interact with its customers' building control systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and analyze information obtained from the building control systems over time. Such a system may help the contractor monitor and diagnosis customer building control systems, setup service calls, achieve better customer relations, create more effective marketing opportunities, as well as other functions. In some cases, the disclosed system may include a controller that analyzes data from HVAC systems, determines if one or more of the HVAC systems may benefit from a particular product or service, and outputs the HVAC systems that are determined to benefit from a particular product or service. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127172 | REMOTE CONTRACTOR SYSTEM WITH DATA ANALYTICS FOR IDENTIFYING SITE SPECIFIC OPERATIONAL ABNORMALITIES - A system that allows a contractor to remotely monitor and/or interact with its customers' building control systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and analyze information obtained from the building control systems over time. Such a system may help the contractor monitor and diagnosis customer building control systems, setup service calls, achieve better customer relations, create more effective marketing opportunities, as well as other functions. In some cases, the disclosed system may help a contractor pro-actively identify possible issues with its customer's building control systems, and only then schedule maintenance as required. In some cases, based on the analysis of information obtained from the building control systems over time, the system may output indications of abnormalities in the operation of the building control systems from which information may be received. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127173 | HVAC SYSTEM CONTROLLER CONFIGURATION - A method for configuring a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system controller and an HVAC system controller are disclosed. The method includes displaying an installation profile icon on a user interface of the HVAC system controller, the installation profile icon representing an installation profile that includes one or more settings for one or more parameters. The HVAC system controller receives an input on the user interface of the HVAC system controller based on a selection of the installation profile icon. The method further includes setting the one or more parameters in a memory of the HVAC system controller based on the one or more settings for the one or more parameters in the installation profile in response to receiving the input. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127174 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR OBTAINING ACCESS TO BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS - A system that allows a contractor to remotely monitor and/or interact with its customers' building control systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and analyze information obtained from the building control systems over time. Such a system may help the contractor monitor and diagnosis customer building control systems, setup service calls, achieve better customer relations, create more effective marketing opportunities, as well as other functions. In some cases, the disclosed system may be configured to allow a user to grant or deny access to its HVAC system in response to the user receiving an electronic invitation to the system. The granting of access by a user to its HVAC system may allow for remote monitoring of the HVAC system. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127175 | INTERACTIVE NAVIGATION ENVIRONMENT FOR BUILDING PERFORMANCE VISUALIZATION - A tool for providing a visualization of a system may reveal an interactive navigation environment for building performance observation and assessment. The tool may be associated with a processor. The environment may incorporate a treemap, a graph pane, a treemap filter, a graph pane selector, a selected units box and a date/time control mechanism. A visualization of the environment, among other things, may be presented on a display. The treemap may exhibit a building geometry and/or equipment units hierarchically, along with some data information. Units may be interactively selected from the treemap and placed in the box for analysis. The graph pane may show a configuration and display of unit analysis. Selection of detailed views for units in the box may be provided by the graph pane selector. Date and time intervals for analysis may be selected by the control mechanism. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150134118 | Driving Controls and Diagnostic Methods for Communicating Motors - In exemplary embodiments, driving controls and diagnostic methods are disclosed for communicating motors. In an exemplary embodiment, a method generally includes generating a signal for sending to a communicating motor using transmitting hardware in a driving control, detecting the generated signal before it is transmitted to the communicating motor using a transmit sense circuit in the driving control, and analyzing the detected signal to verify whether the transmitting hardware in the driving control is operational. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134119 | MULTIPLE ALTERNATIVE AUTOMATION INPUT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Components and devices are provided for controlling and monitoring a machine or process using an automation controller that may be capable of receiving inputs from a digital source, an analog source, or a thermistor source. In one embodiment, an automation controller may include first, second, and third input terminals. The first and second input terminals may receive input signals from analog and digital sensors, and the second and third terminals may receive input signals from a thermistor. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134120 | ONLINE HEURISITC ALGORITHM FOR COMBINED COOLING HEATING AND POWER PLANT OPTIMIZATION - A method of real-time optimization for a Combined Cooling, Heating and Power system, including determining a first operation sequence of a plurality of chillers and at least one thermal energy storage tank in the system over a time period ( | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134121 | CONTROL UNIT FOR AIR CONDITIONER - A control unit controls a first DC motor and a second DC motor by detecting a rotational position thereof and includes first control means and second control means. The first control means performs a detection of the origin position pattern by controlling each DC motor to rotate toward one side within a detectable range. In case where the rotational position reaches one end of the detectable range, the second control means performs a detection of the origin position pattern by controlling the DC motor to rotate oppositely from the one side when the other DC motor is stopping, and performs a detection of the origin position pattern by controlling the DC motor to rotate oppositely from the one side after the rotational position of the other DC motor reaches the one end of the detectable range when the other DC motor is rotating. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134122 | RADIANT HEATING CONTROLS AND METHODS FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention describe thermostats that use model predictive controls and related methods. A method of controlling a thermostat using a model predictive control may involve determining a parameterized model. The parameterized model may be used to predicted ambient temperature values for an enclosure. A set of radiant heating system control strategies may be selected for evaluation to determine an optimal control strategy from the set of control strategies. To determine the optimal control strategy, a predictive algorithm may be executed, in which each control strategy is applied to the parameterized model to predict an ambient temperature trajectory and each ambient temperature trajectory is processed in view of a predetermined assessment function. Processing the ambient temperature trajectory in this manner may involve minimizing a cost value associated with the ambient temperature trajectory. The radiant heating system may subsequently be controlled according to the selected optimal control strategy. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150142179 | AIR-CONDITIONING MANAGEMENT DEVICE, AIR-CONDITIONING MANAGEMENT METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A standard schedule creator creates a standard schedule that makes it possible to achieve a target presented by target data. A seasonal schedule updater, monthly schedule updater, weekly schedule updater, and current day schedule updater update the created standard schedule using the corresponding weather forecast data to create an operation schedule of an air conditioner in which the weather forecast is properly reflected. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150142180 | CONTROL UNIT WITH AUTOMATIC SETBACK CAPABILITY - Methods for controlling temperature in a conditioned enclosure such as a dwelling are described that include an “auto-away” and/or “auto-arrival” feature for detecting unexpected absences which provide opportunities for significant energy savings through automatic adjustment of the setpoint temperature. According to some preferred embodiments, when no occupancy has been detected for a minimum time interval, an “auto-away” feature triggers a changes of the state of the enclosure, and the actual operating setpoint temperature is changed to a predetermined energy-saving away-state temperature, regardless of the setpoint temperature indicated by the normal thermostat schedule. The purpose of the “auto away” feature is to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when there are no occupants present to actually experience or enjoy the comfort settings of the schedule, thereby saving energy. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150142181 | STAGGERED START-UP HVAC SYSTEM, A METHOD FOR STARTING AN HVAC UNIT AND AN HVAC CONTROLLER CONFIGURED FOR THE SAME - One aspect of the disclosure describes a controller for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes an interface and a processor. In this embodiment, the interface is configured to receive a delay originating signal. In one embodiment, the processor is configured to: (1) automatically generate an offset delay value for the HVAC unit upon receipt of the delay originating signal; (2) apply the offset delay value based on an offset enabled configurable parameter; and (3) delay starting identified components of the HVAC unit based on the offset delay value. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150148963 | SETUP ROUTINE TO FACILITATE USER SETUP OF AN HVAC CONTROLLER - An HVAC controller may be programmed to execute a guided set up routine that may guide a user through configuring the thermostat to control a particular HVAC system configuration based, at least in part, on which wires from the HVAC system are connected to terminals of the HVAC controller. The guided set-up routine may be accessible through a user interface provided at a remote device that a user may utilize to interact with the HVAC controller from a remote location. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148964 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH PROXIMITY BASED MESSAGE LATENCY CONTROL - Message latency between an HVAC controller located within a building and a remote server may be reduced in response to a determination that a user is in proximity to the HVAC controller, and message latency may be increased when a user is not expected to be proximity to the HVAC controller. This may reduce the overall power consumption of an HVAC controller while still maintaining a good user experience. This can be particularly important for HVAC controllers that are powered by a local energy storage device, such as a battery. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148965 | METHOD TO CONTROL A COMMUNICATION RATE BETWEEN A THERMOSTAT AND A CLOUD BASED SERVER - A communication rate between a cloud-based server and an HVAC controller located within a building may be controlled based on the amount of power available at the HVAC controller. The cloud-based server may notify a user if the amount of power available at the HVAC controller is determined to be low. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148966 | AIR CONDITIONER TESTING SYSTEM, AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM SIMULATOR, AND PROGRAM - A test device simulator simulates the behavior of a test device to be tested on the basis of content indicating an input operation by a user, data transmitted from an air-conditioning system simulator, and device object data stored in a data storage. In the case in which the simulation generates data to transmit to the air-conditioning system simulator, the test device simulator transmits that data to the air-conditioning system simulator. The air-conditioning system simulator includes multiple simulation process sections. Each simulation process section, on the basis of content indicated by the input operation performed by the user on the device simulated by the simulation process section itself, data addressed to that device transmitted from the test device simulator, and the device object data stored in the data storage and corresponding to that device, simulates the behavior of that device. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148967 | Methods, Systems, Apparatus and Software for Controlling Local Interior Environments - Methods, systems, apparatus and software for controlling environmental conditions of an interior location, such as a room or office, are provided. In one aspect, the invention provides a computer-controlled system for determining an improved energy configuration for a structure. In some embodiments, the invention includes: an electronic memory storage device configured to store electronically encoded signals corresponding to at least one location parameter of the structure; an electronic memory storage device configured to store electronically encoded signals corresponding to at least one construction parameter of the structure; an electronic memory storage device configured to store electronically encoded signals corresponding to at least one atmospheric parameter of the structure. The invention also includes at least one electronic computer instruction processor configured to execute electronically encoded instructions to determine at least one recommendation for an improved energy configuration for the structure based at least in part on the above-mentioned parameters. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148968 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INFORMATION APPARATUS AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - In the case where selection of an icon representing an air conditioner is sensed in a region corresponding to a certain room on a floor plan, a region corresponding to the certain room on the floor plan is switched to an adjustment region for changing the set temperature of the air conditioner. In the case where it is sensed that a contact made to a touch-panel display moves within the region corresponding to the certain room, a control command for changing the set temperature of the air conditioner in accordance with a distance in which the contact moves is transmitted to the network. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148969 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INFORMATION APPARATUS AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - In the case where selection of an icon representing an air conditioner is sensed in a region corresponding to a certain room on a floor plan, an operation screen for changing the setting of the air conditioner installed in the region corresponding to the certain room is displayed as overlapped on a display screen. An effect range, in which an effect due to an operation of the air conditioner extends based on the setting contents, is displayed in the region corresponding to the certain room. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150292762 | HVAC SYSTEMS AND CONTROLS - The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods to control a HVAC system based on a state of an unloader of a compressor of the HVAC system. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150292763 | REMOTE MAINTENANCE SERVER, TOTAL MAINTENANCE SYSTEM INCLUDING THE REMOTE MAINTENANCE SERVER AND METHOD THEREOF - The present disclosure discloses a remote maintenance server for remotely maintaining at least one maintenance point provided with an air conditioner having a plurality of indoor units performing air conditioning and at least one outdoor unit connected to the indoor units to drive the indoor units including a display unit configured to display a maintenance screen for maintaining the at least one maintenance point; and a controller configured to control at least one of an operation rate, a set temperature for the plurality of indoor units and a compression capacity of a compressor contained in the air conditioner according to a control setting value, and control the display unit to display control information, which is information associated with at least one of a control state and a control result in which at least one of the control setting value, the operation rate, the set temperature and the compression capacity is controlled, in a first region on the maintenance screen. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150293540 | FACILITY EQUIPMENT OPERATION DEVICE, FACILITY EQUIPMENT OPERATION SYSTEM, FACILITY EQUIPMENT OPERATION METHOD, AND MEDIUM - A facility equipment operation device includes an affected section determiner and a mismatch detector. An affected section determiner computes an affected section that is affected by a controlled equipment that is facility equipment with a changed control parameter, by referencing data including an installation position of facility equipment in an objective space, and a capability related to an area affected by the facility equipment. The mismatch detector detects a mismatched state on the basis of whether or not an effect exerted by the controlled equipment on the affected section when the controlled equipment operates according to the changed control parameter, and an effect exerted on the affected section by a facility equipment currently operating, are in a predetermined relationship. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150293541 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH USER-FRIENDLY INSTALLATION FEATURES WITH WIRE INSERTION DETECTION - Arrangements for configuring a thermostat for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system are presented. A thermostat may receive information indicative of the HVAC system comprising an air conditioner and information indicative of the HVAC system comprising a multi-stage heat pump. The thermostat may modify configuration information of the thermostat based on the information indicative of the air conditioner and the information indicative of the multi-stage heat pump. The thermostat may then control the HVAC system in accordance with the modified configuration information. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150300671 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING HVAC EQUIPMENT SO AS TO OBTAIN A DESIRED RANGE OF A SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL AND/OR SOUND POWER LEVEL - A system and method for controlling the operation of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment so as to achieve a desired range of a sound pressure level and/or a sound power level is described. The system and method can lead to a desired range of a sound pressure level and/or a sound power level for a zone using equipment that is typically included in HVAC systems. Such control of equipment can be important for privacy and comfort requirements. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150300892 | THERMODYNAMIC MODEL GENERATION AND IMPLEMENTATION USING OBSERVED HVAC AND/OR ENCLOSURE CHARACTERISTICS - Techniques for determining and using a thermodynamic model that characterizes a thermodynamic response of an enclosure conditioned by an HVAC system are disclosed. To determine a thermodynamic model, temperature information when the HVAC system operates in a first state may first be received. A response interval may then be determined where the response interval indicates an estimated time between when the HVAC system begins operating in the first state and when the temperature within the enclosure begins to change in a direction associated with the first state. Weighting factors corresponding to basis functions may then be determined, where the weighted basis functions characterize the temperature trajectory of the enclosure in response to the HVAC system operating in the first state. The basis functions may include a first basis function that is evaluated from a time that the HVAC system begins operating in the first state until a time when the response interval ends, and a second basis function that is evaluated beginning at the time when the response interval ends. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150308702 | AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM - An air conditioning system includes air conditioning facilities with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, a dedicated transmission line, a general-purpose equipment controller, and an energy management gateway. The energy management gateway includes a dedicated transmission line that enables communication with the air conditioning facilities via the dedicated transmission line, a management controller that collects management information preregistered for managing the air conditioning facilities from among various information received via the dedicated transmission line, and a processing controller that executes computational processing related to management of the air conditioning facilities on the basis of the collected management information, and controls the air conditioning facilities. The general-purpose equipment controller receives or accepts input of running information corresponding to each of the air conditioning facilities and general-purpose equipment, and controls the general-purpose equipment on the basis of the running information. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150308704 | REMOTE MAINTENANCE SERVER, TOTAL MAINTENANCE SYSTEM INCLUDING THE REMOTE MAINTENANCE SERVER AND METHOD THEREOF - The present disclosure discloses a remote maintenance server for remotely maintaining at least one maintenance point provided with an air conditioner having a plurality of indoor units performing air conditioning and at least one outdoor unit connected to the indoor units to drive the indoor units, the remote maintenance server including a display unit configured to display a maintenance screen for maintaining the at least one maintenance point, and a controller configured to control at least one of at least one of an operation rate for the plurality of indoor units, a set temperature, and a compression capacity of a compressor contained in the air conditioner according to a control setting value, and control the display unit to display control information which is information associated with at least one of a control status and a control result in which at least one of the control setting value, the operation rate, the set temperature and the compression capacity is controlled in a first region on the maintenance screen. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150308705 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE OF A CONTROLLER FOR AN ENERGY-CONSUMING SYSTEM HAVING SPATIALLY RELATED DISCRETE DISPLAY ELEMENTS - Devices and methods are provided for generating and/or displaying a graphical user interface used to control an energy-consuming system, such as a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system. Such an electronic device may include, for example, a processor that generates the graphical user interface and an electronic display that displays the graphical user interface. The graphical user interface may include a menu formed from discrete display elements that, owing to the way in which the discrete display elements are shifted into and out of view on the screen, appear to be spatially related to one another. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150308707 | AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM - An air-conditioning system includes a general-purpose device controller which controls a general-purpose device and an air-conditioning facility. The general-purpose device controller includes a processing configuration unit which receives a first signal corresponding to the air-conditioning facility and a second signal corresponding to the general-purpose device and transmits a control signal which controls the air-conditioning facility and the general-purpose device based on the first signal and the second signal. The processing configuration unit is configured to designate the air-conditioning facility which is a first control target, with a management address which is included in the first signal and designate the air-conditioning facility, designate the general-purpose device which is a second control target, with an input/output port number which is included in the second signal and designate the general-purpose device, and transmit the control signal which performs ganged control of the first control target and the second control target. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150308708 | CONTROL METHOD OF TERMINAL DEVICE IN AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM WITH SELECTABLE OPERATING MODE ACCORDING TO TIME AND CHARGES, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM STORING A PROGRAM - Time information indicating a necessary amount of time for a room temperature to reach a set temperature, and charges information indicating electricity charges corresponding to an amount of electric power consumed that is necessary for the room temperature to reach the set temperature, are displayed correlated with each of a plurality of running buttons corresponding to each of a plurality of operating modes. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150316281 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM - An air-conditioning control system, includes: an air-conditioning apparatus constructed by connecting one or a plurality of indoor units and one or a plurality of outdoor units by refrigerant pipes; a general-purpose device controller to which a general-purpose device that operates in cooperation with the air-conditioning apparatus is connected, configured to control the general-purpose device; and an energy management gateway, which is communicably connected to the air-conditioning apparatus and the general-purpose device controller through a transmission line, configured to control a device to be controlled, based on a signal related to communication. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150316282 | STRATEGY FOR EFFICIENTLY UTILIZING A HEAT-PUMP BASED HVAC SYSTEM WITH AN AUXILIARY HEATING SYSTEM - A method, system and computer program product for efficiently utilizing a heat-pump based HVAC system with an auxiliary heating system. Possible actions (e.g., cooling, off, heat-pump heating and auxiliary heating) are selected over a period of time (e.g., three days). The effects of selecting actions are recorded in terms of a data set of tuples. A regression is fitted to model a transition function separately for each of the possible actions using the data set of tuples. A model is selected to fit a regression using regression features (e.g., historic indoor temperatures). An action (e.g., off) to take is determined using a lookahead planning approach during a don't care period (period of time occupants do not care about the inside temperature) for every time-step within the don't care period until an end of the don't care period, where the effects of the actions continue to be recorded. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150316286 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING AN HVAC CONTROLLER BASED ON A THIRD PARTY CALENDAR EVENT - A system and method of operating a controller in communication with a network to control one or more components of an HVAC system, wherein the controller operates the controller to access the network, receives a calendar event from the network, wherein the calendar event comprises data related to the occupancy of a structure environmentally controlled by the controller, stores the data from the calendar event within the controller, and operates the controller to control the one or more components of the HVAC system based on the data. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150323207 | AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is an air conditioning system. The conditioning system includes an air handling unit (AHU) configured to control outdoor air that is externally supplied, exhaust air that is outdoors discharged, and return air that is circulated indoors and supplied again, control the outdoor air or mixed air of the return air and the outdoor air at a set temperature, and supply cool/warm supply air indoors, at least one outdoor unit configured to supply a heat source for a heat exchange to the AHU, a controller configured to receive operating state data of the AHU and control an operation of the AHU through communication with the outdoor unit, and an interface unit connected to the controller and configured to output a control menu of the AHU, send data received through the control menu to the controller, and output a monitoring screen for the operating state of the AHU and the outdoor unit. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150323208 | AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - An air conditioning system includes an air handling unit (AHU) configured to control outdoor air that is externally supplied, exhaust air that is discharged from indoors to outdoors, and return air that is circulated indoors and supplied again, control the outdoor air or mixed air of the return air and the outdoor air at a set temperature, and supply cool/warm supply air indoors, at least one outdoor unit configured to supply a refrigerant to the AHU, a controller configured to control the AHU through communication with the outdoor unit, and an interface unit configured to operate as an input/output unit of the controller. The interface unit displays setting menus for devices forming the AHU, sets basis data for controlling the devices in response to data received through the setting menus, inputs the set basis data to the controller, and outputs a control menu and a monitoring menu in accordance with functions of the AHU changed according to a configuration of the plurality of devices. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150323209 | DEVICE-ASSISTED SETTINGS ADJUSTMENT FOR HVAC CONTROLLERS - In an embodiment, a method for device-assisted adjustment of a HVAC unit controller is provided. A HVAC unit controller receives a geographical location from a device over a data connection. The HVAC unit controller obtains location-specific setting information. The location-specific setting information is specific to the geographical location. The HVAC unit controller adjusts one or more settings of the HVAC unit controller in accordance with the location-specific setting information. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150330645 | COMFORT ESTIMATION AND INCENTIVE DESIGN FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY - A method for providing comfort estimation for a space includes receiving sensor data identifying an environmental condition for the space; receiving comfort data from occupants of the space combining the sensor data and comfort data to provide combined data; generating a comfort relation network in response to the combined data; and performing network analysis on the comfort relation network to identify communities within the comfort relation network. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330646 | AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS SUPPORT SYSTEM - An air-conditioning apparatus support system has a smartphone including a GPS, a camera, a communication unit that communicates with a center computer, a screen, and a control unit. When the control unit is activated at a location at which the air-conditioning apparatus is installed, the control unit executes a step of assuming a location detected by the GPS to be the location at which the air-conditioning apparatus is installed and causing the center computer to register the location, and, after registration has been made, when the control unit is activated at the location at which the air-conditioning apparatus is installed, in the case where the air-conditioning apparatus is registered in the center computer, the control unit causes the screen to display information about the air-conditioning apparatus. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330647 | HVAC CONTROLLER HAVING KEYPAD INPUT AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controller, a method of receiving signals from a keypad and an HVAC system incorporating the controller or the method. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a keypad having at least first and second banks, (2) a reference signal source configured to generate a time-varying untransformed reference signal and provide the untransformed reference signal to the first bank, (3) transformation circuitry configured to transform the untransformed reference signal into a transformed reference signal and provide the transformed reference signal to the second bank and (4) a processor having interrupt pins coupled to corresponding keys of both the first and second banks and a further interrupt pin coupled to receive one of the untransformed and transformed reference signal. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330648 | HVAC SYSTEM, AN HVAC CONTROLLER AND A METHOD OF HEATING AN LCD DISPLAY OF AN HVAC CONTROLLER - An HVAC controller, a controller for a climate control system and a climate control system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a display, (2) a display heater for the display and (3) a heater controller configured to operate the display heater based on ambient temperature and a supply voltage of the HVAC controller. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330649 | CONTROL METHOD AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A first detection unit detects a horizontal air-blowing position inputted by a user using a plan view of a room included in an operation screen. A second detection unit detects a vertical air-blowing position inputted by the user using a profile view included in the operation screen. A generation unit determines an airflow direction of an air conditioner from the horizontal air-blowing position detected by the first detection unit and the vertical air-blowing position detected by the second detection unit, and generates control data that specifies the determined airflow direction. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330650 | HVAC SYSTEM AIR FILTER DIAGNOSTICS AND MONITORING - A system and method for monitoring a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building is provided. A monitoring server, located remotely from the building, receives operating parameter data from a monitoring device at the building that measures an operating parameter of the HVAC system. The monitoring server generates a plurality of data clusters from the operating parameter data, each data cluster corresponding to operating parameter data generated during steady-state operation of the HVAC system. The monitoring server calculates an average operating parameter value for each data cluster. The monitoring server calculates normalized operating parameter values based on normalizing the average operating parameter values for the data clusters over a predetermined normalization time period. The monitoring server compares the normalized operating parameter values with a threshold. The monitoring server determine whether an air filter of the HVAC system needs to be replaced based on the comparison and generates a notification based on the determination indicating that the air filter needs to be replaced. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330651 | ACCOMMODATING CSSH FOR TANDEM COMPRESSOR TRANSITIONS - A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system comprises a plurality of sensors, a tandem compressor comprising a first compressor and a second compressor, and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and the tandem compressor. The controller is operable to operate threshold logic that turns off the tandem compressor if the tandem compressor is operating outside of a threshold range. The controller is further operable to determine a temperature demand of a structure associated with the HVAC system based on data received from at least one of the plurality of sensors and determine that the HVAC system requires a change of state to meet the temperature demand. The controller may disable the threshold logic for a pre-determined period of time in response to determining that the HVAC system requires the change of state and perform the change of state independently of the threshold logic. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330652 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE - The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method for controlling temperature in a temperature controlling system is provided. The method includes determining occupancy or non-occupancy of a user in a space subject to setback control; when the user's non-occupancy is determined, determining whether to start the setback control based on probability distribution of a non-occupancy period that are predetermined; when it is determined to start the setback control, determining the user's target temperature based on previously collected data; calculating a setback temperature based on the target temperature; and performing the setback control according to the calculated setback temperature. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330653 | ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION EFFECTIVENESS CALCULATION AND INDICATION - This disclosure relates generally to air handling systems for buildings, more particularly to energy recovery ventilation systems, and specifically to a calculation/estimation of effectiveness which may be used for informational and maintenance purposes. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150337831 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES VARIABLE SPEED COMPRESSOR - A system and method for controlling a system that includes a variable speed compressor are described. The method can provide improved accuracy in the control of a system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes a variable speed compressor, and can reduce a compressor cycling frequency of the compressor when a required capacity is below a minimum capacity of the compressor. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150338116 | CONTROL METHOD FOR AIR CONDITIONER, AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM, NAVIGATION DEVICE, AND CONTROL DEVICE - A navigation device ( | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150338117 | Temperature Control Voting System - A temperature voting system which receives votes indicating the temperature preferences of a plurality of occupants within a given HVAC zone, and adjusts a set-point temperature of a corresponding HVAC system accordingly. The votes may be received via a mobile device, an employee workstation, or from one or more biomedical devices. Each occupant may manually enter and submit a vote for their preferred set-point temperature, or a software application may be configured to automatically cast a vote for the corresponding occupant according to user-configurable preferences or current metabolic state. The received votes may be weighted according to a status of the voter, and aggregated to determine an appropriate set-point temperature. In some embodiments, near-field communication devices, GPS location technology, or other technology may be used to automatically detect the presence of an occupant within a HVAC zone and cast the occupant's vote for a corresponding HVAC zone. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150338118 | INTEGRATION OF LED LIGHTING WITH BUILDING CONTROLS - An LED-based light can be installed in a conventional light fixture. The LED-based light can include a sensor operable to output a signal indicative of whether an area of one or more of the rooms is in an occupied state or a non-occupied state, and the LED-based light can also include an LED controller operable to control at least one LED in the light in response to the signal. Additionally, the LED-based light can include a transmitter operable to output the signal indicative of whether the area is in the occupied state or the non-occupied state to a building environment regulator. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150345812 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE COMPONENTIZED THERMOSTATIC CONTROLLABLE LOADS - The present invention is directed towards a system, apparatus and method for controlling thermostatic electric loads (TELs). In one embodiment, the method comprises transmitting, from a demand response server, a demand response event signal to a plurality of energy gateways, the demand response corresponding to an efficiency requirement of a coupled grid, receiving, from the plurality of energy gateways, a load profile for each of a plurality of thermostatic electric loads (TELs) coupled to each of the plurality of energy gateways and transmitting one or more control signals to the energy gateways to control operation of the plurality of TELs to yield an efficiency corresponding to the efficiency requirement. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150345814 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TERMINAL APPARATUS THAT REMOTELY CONTROLS AIR CONDITIONER, NON-TRANSITORY RECORDING MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM EXECUTED BY TERMINAL APPARATUS, RECOMMEND METHOD EXECUTED BY TERMINAL APPARATUS, AND TERMINAL APPARATUS - The present application discloses a method for controlling a terminal apparatus that is used for an appliance control system for executing a remote operation on a plurality of air conditioners from a car. The method includes a first judgment step of causing a computer of the terminal apparatus to judge whether or not a start condition of the remote operation is satisfied; a second judgment step of causing the computer to judge whether or not the car exists in a control region defined around a building; a first display step of causing a display of the terminal apparatus to display a start instruction image for providing an instruction to start the remote operation; an output step of causing the computer to, if an instruction image region used in common to a plurality of target appliances to be operated is operated on the start instruction image, output control data to a network; and a second display step of causing the display to display a plurality of notification images indicating that the control data has been transmitted to the plurality of target appliances to be operated. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150345815 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TERMINAL APPARATUS THAT REMOTELY CONTROLS AIR CONDITIONER, NON-TRANSITORY RECORDING MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM EXECUTED BY TERMINAL APPARATUS, RECOMMEND METHOD EXECUTED BY TERMINAL APPARATUS, AND TERMINAL APPARATUS - The present application discloses a method for controlling a terminal apparatus that is used for an appliance control system for executing a remote operation on a plurality of air conditioners from a car. The method includes a first judgment step of causing a computer of the terminal apparatus to judge, based on setting information stored in a memory of the terminal apparatus, whether or not the plurality of air conditioners include a plurality of target appliances to be operated that are subjected to the remote operation; a second judgment step of causing the computer to judge whether or not the car exists in a control region; a first display step of causing a display of the terminal apparatus to display a start instruction image; an output step of causing the computer to output control data for starting the remote operation to the network; and a second display step of causing the display to display a plurality of notification images indicating that the control data has been transmitted to the plurality of target appliances to be operated. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150345817 | CONTROL DEVICE, CONTROL SYSTEM, CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A control device controls a plurality of equipment items for conditioning the environment in a room. The control device comprises an installation information memory and a space information memory configured to store information regarding the space the environment in which can be conditioned by each of the plurality of equipment items; a target setter configured to set a target location in the room and a target environment at the target location; a unit identifier configured to identify the equipment item that can condition the environment at the target location; and a controller configured to select one control pattern based on the power consumption when the control according to each control pattern is executed from among a plurality of control patterns for controlling the equipment item so as to condition the environment at the target location to the target environment and control the equipment item with the selected control pattern. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150346741 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTED CONTROL OF THERMOSTATIC ELECTRIC LOADS USING HIGH-GRANULARITY ENERGY USAGE DATA - A system, apparatus, and method for distributed control of thermostatic electric loads (TELs) including receiving at an energy gateway, a demand response event signal and receiving real-time measurements of a temperature value and a power consumption value corresponding to a temperature setting of a plurality of TELs. The method retrieving historical data from pre-determined load profiles for the TELs and comparing load profiles and real-time measurements to determine a first consumption trajectory. Further, coordinating temperature settings of at least two TELs to generate a second consumption trajectory corresponding to the demand response event signal. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150351198 | LIGHTING CONTROL ANALYZER - The present invention relates to a lighting control analyzer ( | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150355650 | Real Time Capacity Monitoring For Measurement and Verification of Demand Side Management - Systems are described that provide monitoring for control, measurement and verification of demand side management resources. Control units deployed among customer or utility premises can monitor capacity as real or reactive power that is consumed, generated or stored by resources and, in some cases, selectively alter the load consumed or energy delivered by some or all of such resources derived from load capacity and dispatch models. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150355658 | Energy Alert Power System and Method - An energy control system, helping to reduce energy consumption from an energy grid, includes a power meter which receives first power-save signal and generates a second power-save signal for receipt by a control device. The target temperature of a thermostat is changed for a period of time in response to the second power-save signal. The control device can create a third power-save signal for receipt by a power-save adapter for an associated energy-consuming unit to permit only limited operation of the energy-consuming unit. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150362206 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO MANAGE ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN AN HVAC SYSTEM - A system and method to manage energy consumption in an HVAC system including a main system controller, including a near field communication interface, and at least one HVAC component in operable communication with the main system controller; wherein the main system controller is configured to compile energy consumption data from the at least one HVAC component, and transfer said energy consumption data to an auxiliary device via the near field communication interface. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150362926 | INFORMATION EXCHANGE USING NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATIONS IN HVAC SYSTEM - A method of exchanging parametric data between at least one HVAC component including a first near field communication interface and a second device including a second near field communication interface is provided. The method includes supplying power to the first near field communication interface, and initiating a pairing event between the first near field communication interface and the second near field communication interface. The method also includes exchanging the parametric data between the first near field communication interface and the second near field communication interface. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150362927 | THERMOSTAT AND MESSAGING DEVICE AND METHODS THEREOF - Thermostat and messaging devices (TMDs) and associated platforms for providing monitor and control functionality are disclosed. A TMD can be in communication with one or more sensors to facilitate intelligent heating and cooling as well has home automation. The TMD can facilitate communication with a plurality of different networking protocols such that it can receive communication signals from a plurality of different sensors and devices that operate using varying communication techniques. The TMD can also be configured to assist with geolocating a person who is calling for emergency services. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150362928 | CONTROL DEVICE, COMPONENTS, AND MOBILE SERVICE DEVICE FOR AN HVAC SYSTEM - The invention relates to a control apparatus ( | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150362929 | USER INTERFACE FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE CONTROLLER - A temperature controller for controlling the temperature of an inside space that is serviced by one or more pieces of HVAC equipment. The temperature controller may include a controller having a control algorithm for controlling one or more pieces of HVAC equipment as well as a user interface that may be configured to display a hierarchical menu structure and to permit a user to traverse the menu structure. The user interface may be configured to display breadcrumbs that provide an indication to the user of the current location within a hierarchical menu structure, and in some cases, provide instructional information in a designated or common display area that helps instruct the user in using a particular menu or menu option. These and other features may help make the special purpose controller more intuitive to set up, program and operate. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150369502 | RESIDENTIAL HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM - An energy control system is configured for regulating consumption of an energy supply by a residential heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) device. The energy control system includes a monitoring device configured for monitoring energy consumption by the residential HVAC device; a user interface for inputting a usage plan and inputting a budget for the energy supply; and a system controller for providing a revised usage plan by adjusting the usage plan to limit the energy consumption to conform with the budget. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150369505 | BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM WITH DISTRIBUTED CONTROL - A building control system that includes a central coordinator and one or more discrete air conditioner controllers configured to communicate with one or more discrete air conditioner units. The discrete air conditioner controller may include a wireless I/O block for receiving signals in a first signal format from the central coordinator and for transmitting signals to the one or more discrete air conditioner units in a second signal format. In some instances, the discrete air conditioner controller may be configured to wirelessly transmit a signal to at least one discrete air conditioner unit in response to receiving a signal from the central coordinator. This configuration may provide a measure of distributed control of the building control system in a cost effective and efficient manner. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150369509 | METHOD AND CONTROL APPARATUS FOR SWITCHING A NIGHT MODE OF A HEATING SYSTEM AND/OR AN AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM ON AND OFF - The invention relates to a method for switching on and off a night mode of a heating and/or air conditioning system, wherein an energy consumption of the heating and/or air conditioning system is reduced when the night mode is switched on and increased when the night mode is switched off. It is provided according to the invention that with a smartphone an activity of a user of the smartphone is detected, that with program code an activity state of the user is inferred when an activity is noticed and a state of rest of the user is inferred in the absence of activity, wherein the program code is stored in a non-volatile data memory, and that electronic control means switch on or off the night mode as a function of whether a state of rest or an activity state of the user has been noticed. The invention also relates to a corresponding control apparatus. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150370269 | DC Thermostat with Low Battery Response - A battery powered thermostat senses a battery voltage drop to a low-battery voltage level. At that point, the thermostat microprocessor provides a LOW BATTERY alert message, visible on the thermostat display. If the occupant fails to replace the power cells or does not notice the LOW BATTERY message, when the battery voltage drops further the microprocessor alters the thermostat set points. This reduces the number of heating or cooling cycles per day, and reduces the number of actuations of the latching relays in the thermostat, conserving remaining battery life. At a further drop in battery voltage the set points are changed additionally. Additional functions, such as second level heat, second level cooling, and fan speed, are disabled. The change in heat or cooling cycles induces the occupant to check the thermostat where he or she will notice the LOW BATTERY message. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150370270 | DC Thermostat with Latching Relay Repulsing - A thermostat, of the type that employs latching relays to connect thermostat power to the various wires of the thermostat run, has a re-pulse feature that supplies latching pulses at a given interval, e.g., three hours, to ensure that the relays are in their proper state agreeing with the thermostat mode and the room temperature relative to the setpoint(s). In the case that the room air temperature is changing in a manner contrary to the current heating or cooling mode, which may indicate the latching relay has been knocked or bumped and needs to have its proper state re-established, the thermostat microprocessor issues pulses to the latching relay(s) more frequently, e.g., each 30 minutes, and the re-pulses may have a longer pulse width, e.g., increased from 20 ms to 25 ms. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150370615 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR USING SMART ENVIRONMENT DEVICES VIA APPLICATION PROGRAM INTERFACES - In one embodiment, a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media stores computer instructions. The computer instructions, when executed by a processor, are configured to send one or more requests including an access token to retrieve, access, view, subscribe, or modify data elements of a data model representative of one or more smart environments. The access token is associated with at least an application programming interface (API) client or API client device and one or more scopes granted to the API client or API client device. The one or more scopes provide one or more access rights to one or more of the data elements of the data model defined by a hierarchical position of the data elements in the data model represented by a respective path to the data elements. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150372831 | NETWORKED AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM, REPEATER AND PROGRAM - The lower-level information acquirer searches a lower-level network, and acquires lower-level addresses for air-conditioning devices that are connected to the lower-level network. A database generator searches an upper-level network, and generates a database of upper-level addresses of air-conditioning devices that are connected to the upper-level network. An address assigner references the database generated by the database generator, and assigns vacant addresses existing among the upper-level addresses of the upper-level network to air-conditioning devices that are connected to the lower-level network. The table generator generates an address conversion table for converting the upper-level addresses assigned by the address assigner to lower-level addresses acquired by the lower-level information acquirer. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150372834 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR USING SMART ENVIRONMENT DEVICES VIA APPLICATION PROGRAM INTERFACES - In one embodiment, one or more non-transitory, tangible, machine-readable media includes instructions to send one or more requests to retrieve, access, view, subscribe, or modify data in a data model representative of one or more smart environments. The data model includes a metadata object that includes an access token used to identify which user the data is associated with in the data model, a devices object that includes information related to one or more electronic devices, and a structures object that includes one or more references to the one or more electronic devices in the one or more smart environments. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150377505 | MANAGING ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS OF A TEST COMPUTING DEVICE - A system for controlling an atmospheric condition. The system includes: a pre-atmospheric conditioner configured to: collect ambient air and generate test air comprising the atmospheric condition for a first test computing device by modifying the ambient air. The system also includes an intake conduit, external to the first test computing device, configured to channel the test air to the first test computing device. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377506 | MANAGEMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MANAGING AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS - A remaining memory capacity of a memory is acquired in a predetermined cycle, and remaining memory capacity MR is stored in a remaining capacity database in association with an acquisition date. After that, it is determined whether or not a memory leak is present based on the remaining memory capacity and the acquisition date stored in the remaining capacity database. When it is determined that the memory leak possibly occurs, a usage limit period being a length of time to a point when a forced restart according to a usage limit threshold is performed is computed based on the remaining memory capacity and a memory decreasing rate. A restart schedule (and an all-stop period) is set within the usage limit period. On a date of the restart schedule, a management apparatus for managing an air-conditioning apparatus is restarted. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377507 | DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH COMMISSIONING AND CHECKOUT SEQUENCE CONTROL - The disclosure relates to a Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) and/or Economizer system that is capable of drawing outside air into an HVAC air stream. In some instances, the DCV and/or Economizer system may be configured to help perform one or more system checks to help verify that the system is functioning properly. In some instances, the DCV and/or Economizer system may provide some level of manual control over certain hardware (e.g. dampers) to help commission the system. The DCV and/or Economizer system may store one or more settings and or parameters used during the commissioning process (either in the factory or in the field), so that these settings and/or parameters may be later accessed to verify that the DCV and/or Economizer system was commissioned and commissioned properly. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150378373 | DATA-DRIVEN HVAC OPTIMIZATION - A system and method for data-driven HVAC optimization for outputting HVAC setpoints to a thermostat and determining a predicted HVAC usage of an HVAC unit based on the HVAC setpoints and an outdoor temperature. The system may further determine and output a predicted cost of the HVAC unit heating or cooling a structure based on the HVAC setpoints. The system may further select optimized HVAC setpoints such that the predicted cost is less than or equal to a user defined cost constraint and minimize deviation from user-preferred HVAC setpoints. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150378381 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENERGY COST OPTIMIZATION - Energy-related devices such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units, electric vehicle charging platforms, and solar panels are becoming increasingly networkable within a home or business environment. Furthermore, utility providers are offering flexible pricing schemes that adjust the cost of energy over time based on overall demand, and the energy pricing data is made publically available. Provided are exemplary techniques that utilize this pricing data as well as exploit various synergies between the networked energy-related devices to develop automated and cost-effective energy control solutions. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160003494 | ACTUATOR CONTROLLING DEVICE FOR CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND ACTUATOR CONTROLLING METHOD THEREFOR - An actuator control apparatus for a construction machine and a method for controlling the same are disclosed, which can provide a more convenient and simplified operator equipment operation environment through reduction of unnecessary switches. The actuator control apparatus for a construction machine includes a first key input means for displaying HVAC control screen information having a plurality of different pieces of HVAC mode information, a second key input means having a plurality of lower setting keys for selection of the specific HVAC mode and operator setting for a parameter of the selected HVAC mode, and a controller displaying the preset HVAC control screen information when a first key signal is input from the first key input means and differently controlling the operation of the actuator that matches the specific HVAC mode in accordance with the specific HVAC mode information selected by the second key input means and the operator setting parameter for the specific HVAC mode. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160006577 | METHOD AND DEVICE TO SET HOUSEHOLD PARAMETERS BASED ON THE MOVEMENT OF ITEMS - A system, method and device to interrogate for the presence of objects, to prevent the inadvertent separation of the objects from their owner. An owner is alerted when they are separated from the objects by determining when a trigger event occurs, such as a person leaving and/or entering a particular monitored area or location. These monitored areas can be retrofitted with an electronic interrogation device that monitors local conditions to determine whether a user is entering or leaving the monitored area to trigger an interrogation of the personal items. The interrogation device is constructed and arranged to communicate with the objects to determine whether the objects are with the owner. The interrogation device automatically determines the presence of a particular object at the monitored environment and automatically generates a notification when needed. The system further controls functionality of the objects, according to illustrative embodiments, when the object is present. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160010889 | AIR CONDITIONER AND OPERATION STATE DISPLAY DEVICE | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160012309 | ROOM INFORMATION INFERRING APPARATUS, ROOM INFORMATION INFERRING METHOD, AND AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160012340 | TEMPERATURE-BASED ESTIMATION OF BUILDING OCCUPANCY STATES | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160018124 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM AND AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD - A heat load predictor predicts a change over time of a heat amount to be processed by air-conditioning equipment, an operation plan creator previously creates an operation plan of the air-conditioning equipment to reduce an evaluation index under a first restrictive condition that a total process heat load be maintained at a same level or within a range of a predetermined amount of difference and a room temperature be maintained within a predetermined comfortable temperature range, and an operation plan corrector corrects the operation plan during controlling the air-conditioning equipment based on the operation plan. If an actually measured temperature differs from a predicted temperature predicted by the operation plan creator at the time of creating the operation plan, the operation plan creator predicts a change over time of the temperature in the room, and corrects the operation plan to minimize the evaluation index under the first restrictive condition. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160018125 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE - A method of designing an optimized heating and cooling system includes: (1) simulating energy use of a virtual heating and cooling system operating a first potential thermal source or sink under a plurality of conditions; (2) simulating energy use of the virtual heating and cooling system operating a second potential thermal source or sink under a plurality of conditions; (3) optimizing the energy use of the virtual system operating the first potential thermal source or sink or the second potential thermal source or sink using neural network optimization; and (4) designing a heating and cooling system based upon the optimization of the energy use of the virtual system. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160018832 | THERMOSTAT ECO-MODE - 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 |
| 20160018836 | Apparatus and Methods for Power Stealing by Controllers - A controller for use in a climate control system includes a power stealing circuit connectible with a control of the climate control system and configured for stealing power via a signal from a power source through the control. An overcurrent limiting circuit is configured to limit a first portion of the signal to prevent a false call for operation of the control. The overcurrent limiting circuit is further configured not to limit a second portion of the signal to prevent a false call, where the control is configured to recognize only the first portion as determinative of whether the signal is a call for operation. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160021703 | HEATING APPLIANCE - Provided is an electronic display panel for installation on devices subject to temperature fluctuations, the panel comprising a controller configured to deactivate the display panel when the temperature of the display panel is outside a preferred operational temperature range of the display panel. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160025365 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VARIABLE DESTINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM - Systems and methods for a variable destination delivery system according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a transport box having a storage space and a plurality of electrical contacts. The transport box may be configured to fit within the interior space of a delivery box. The delivery box may comprise a plurality of corresponding electrical contacts configured to be coupled to the electrical contacts of the transport box. The delivery box may further comprise an electronic lock configured to be communicatively coupled to a delivery box controller circuit configured to operate the electronic lock. The transport box may further comprise a transport box controller circuit configured to be communicatively coupled to a heating and/or cooling device. A communication interface may be established between the transport box controller circuit and the delivery box controller circuit such that information may be shared between the transport box and the delivery box. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160025366 | Facilitating Installation and/or Use of a Controller and/or Maintenance of a Climate Control System - Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for facilitating installation and/or customization of controllers, e.g., thermostats. In one embodiment, a web-based server communicates with a user communication device having a display. The server receives, from the user communication device, user input identifying a thermostat and specifying a task through which to be guided. The server sends to the user communication device, for visual depiction as images on the display and elicitation of user response thereto, steps to be performed (a) to install the thermostat in a climate control system or (b) to enter a schedule and/or other settings onto the thermostat. The user communication device performs as a conduit between the server and user to interactively and visually guide the user to change the configuration state of the thermostat by installing the thermostat and/or setting thermostat customization settings. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160025367 | AUTOMATED PRESENCE DETECTION AND PRESENCE-RELATED CONTROL WITHIN AN INTELLIGENT CONTROLLER - The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that use sensor output and electronically stored information, including one or more of electronically stored rules, parameters, and instructions, to determine whether or not one or more types of entities are present within an area, volume, or environment monitored by the intelligent controllers. The intelligent controllers select operational modes and modify control schedules with respect to the presence and absence of the one or more entities. The intelligent controllers employ feedback information to continuously adjust the electronically stored parameters and rules in order to minimize the number of incorrect inferences with respect to the presence or absence of the one or more entities and in order to maximize the efficiency by which various types of systems controlled by the intelligent controllers carry out selected operational modes. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160029513 | MOBILE SOFT DUCT SYSTEM - A Mobile Soft Duct System includes a soft duct that can be extended and retracted along a track to deliver an air supply to various locations. A vent attached to a part of the soft duct system can include a flow control element that can be adjusted to direct air to a target location. Managing a soft duct system can include monitoring an environment to detect temperature hotspots and configuring the soft duct system, in response to detection of a hotspot at a particular location, to deliver air to the particular location to mitigate the hotspot. Configuring the soft duct system can include extending the soft duct along the track and adjusting a flow control element in a vent to direct air to the particular location. Soft duct system management can be implemented by one or more computer systems. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160029574 | PLANT GROWTH SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PLANT GROWTH - The present disclosure provides a plant growth system and a method for controlling plant growth. The plant growth system includes a cabinet within which partitions are provided so as to divide an interior of the cabinet into a plurality of plant growth compartments, wherein at least one side wall of the cabinet is provided with a touchable; transparent display panel capable of being switched to black screen display. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160033153 | MANAGEMENT APPARATUS FOR AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS - A management apparatus for an air-conditioning apparatus configured to manage a plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses configured to condition air in an air-conditioning target space includes: a management-side communication unit to receive data of arrival locations and arrival times in the space transmitted from a plurality of terminal devices; and a management-side arithmetic unit configured to perform totaling based on the data of the arrival locations and the arrival times received by the management-side communication unit, and to perform a process of determining an order in which operation is started in the plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses. Operation is performed in order, and thus a steep increase in power consumption can be reduced. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160033154 | COMMUNICATION RELAY DEVICE, COMMUNICATION RELAY METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A communication relay device comprises a processor, a reception unit, and a transmission unit. The communication relay device is connected to air conditioning units via a network. The air conditioning units comprise sensors and send unit signals containing output values of the sensors to a control device controlling the air conditioning units via the communication relay device. The reception unit receives the unit signals. The processor converts the unit signals received by the reception unit to unit signals containing values used for testing the operation of the control device and different from the output values of the sensors. Then, the transmission unit sends the unit signals converted by the processor to the control device. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160033155 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING FRACTIONAL ON-TIME AND CYCLE TIME TO COMPENSATE FOR WEATHER EXTREMES AND MEET VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS - A ventilation method and system is described for providing adequate ventilation to an indoor environment while avoiding certain periods of times where ventilation air conditions or other control variables tend to be less optimal or preferable for ventilation, but while still meeting established or future ventilation air standards. The described system and method utilize incremental target cycle times determined based on a regression analysis estimating expression of fractional on time as a function of effectiveness multiplied by fractional on time for a corresponding cycle periods. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160033156 | REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE FOR AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS - A remote control device includes a flat, plate-like display to display a state of settings of the air-conditioning apparatus or a control command; a touch panel provided on or under the display to receive input of a control command for the air-conditioning apparatus through detection of a change in an electric signal, the change occurring when a display position of the display is touched; a transmitter to transmit to the air-conditioning apparatus a signal of the control command input through the touch panel; and a start/stop button provided at a position different from the touch panel and configured to trigger start of operation of or stop of operation of the air-conditioning apparatus. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160033157 | DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR OCCUPANCY DETECTION - Devices, methods, and systems for occupancy detection are described herein. One device embodiment includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to determine energy consumption data associated with a structure at a point in time, and determine whether the structure is occupied at the point in time based, at least in part, on the determined energy consumption data. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160040904 | MANAGING AIRFLOW DISTRIBUTION THROUGH ADAPTIVE VENT TILES - In an implementation, a method for managing airflow distribution through a plurality of adaptive vent tiles comprises accessing a model that correlates an environmental condition with a setting arrangement of the plurality of adaptive vent tiles and operational settings of a plurality of fluid moving devices. The method also includes calculating, through implementation of the model, a setting arrangement of the plurality of adaptive vent tiles that results in a substantially optimized metric subject to a set of constraints, wherein the setting arrangement of the plurality of adaptive vent tiles comprises an arrangement in which adaptive vent tiles in respective groups of adaptive vent tiles have substantially uniform opening levels with respect to each other. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160047567 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLIMATE CONTROL IN A BUILDING - A method for controlling a climate parameter in a room of a building, the method comprising obtaining information regarding the climate parameter, the information including room specific measurements of the climate parameter during at least one climate control process, based on the room specific measurements of the climate parameter providing or amending a correspondence indicator CI, such that the correspondence indicator comprises information indicative of a rate of change of the climate parameter within the at least one room during the at least one climate control process, obtaining climate setting information including a desired climate parameter value C and a corresponding desired time t | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160048142 | INTELLIGENT AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROLLING SYSTEM AND INTELLIGENT CONTROLLING METHOD FOR THE SAME - An intelligent air-conditioning controlling system comprises an intelligent controlling device, an air-conditioning, a plurality of sensing devices, and a cloud server. The intelligent controlling device receives environment information and user information from the plurality of sensing devices, and calculates a target temperature. The cloud server retrieves a usage record of a user according to the user information, and executes a big data analysis for generating a historical record and recommended environment temperature according to historical data and the environment information. The intelligent controlling device receives the usage record, the historical record and recommended environment temperature and a control parameter from the cloud server, and generates a control command for the air-conditioning in accordance with the target temperature, the usage record, the historical record and recommended environment temperature and the control parameter. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160048143 | INTELLIGENT CONTROL METHOD FOR AIR CONDITION DEVICE - An intelligent control method used in an intelligent control system includes an intelligent control device and an air condition device. The intelligent control device records CO2 amount value in an area continuously after the air condition device is started, and calculates a CO2 reference value based on the recorded CO2 amount value after a luminaire device in the area is turned off. Then, the intelligent control device records the CO2 amount value for a time period and calculates a CO2 compared value after the time period passes. The intelligent control device determines whether the CO2 amount value trend is varied upwardly or downwardly for choosing among keeping the current state, switching the operating mode of the air condition device or turning off the air condition device. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160054017 | AIR CONDITIONING MANAGEMENT DEVICE, AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM - An air conditioning management device is configured to manage air-conditioning in a building. The air conditioning management device includes a storage unit, a selecting unit, and an execution unit. The storage unit is configured to store a first control content and a second control content. The first control content corresponds to a first scene in which no person is active in a specific space inside the building. The second control content corresponds to a second scene in which a person is active in the specific space. The execution unit is configured to execute an operational mode of operating the air conditioning adjustment system according to the first control content when the first scene is selected. The execution unit is configured to execute a notification mode of making a notification unit such as a display device report the second control content when the second scene is selected. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160054018 | AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM CONTROL APPARATUS - An air-conditioning system control apparatus capable of, even for a room in which a humidity sensor is not installed, accurately estimating an indoor humidity and preventing an indoor temperature and humidity from deviating from comfortable ranges. The air-conditioning system control apparatus includes a thermal characteristic parameter setting unit configured to determine a thermal characteristic parameter of a building thermal model based on a heat equation, a humidity characteristic parameter setting unit configured to determine a humidity characteristic parameter of a building humidity model based on a moisture balance equation in an air-conditioned space, and a control data generation unit configured to generate control data of an air-conditioning apparatus so that a temperature and a humidity of the air-conditioned space are each within a preset range. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160054019 | Temperature Adjustment Method and Apparatus - A method and a temperature adjustment apparatus of adjusting an indoor temperature includes: predicting an temperature change pattern of a first rate time zone that is reached after an operation of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, based on an indoor temperature change pattern extracted from information stored; predicting a power consumption of the HVAC system based on the predicted temperature change pattern; and scheduling a discharging power quantity of an Energy Storage System (ESS) battery based on the predicted power consumption of the HVAC system in the first rate time zone, which is reached after the operation. The temperature adjustment method and the apparatus may schedule a discharging power quantity of the ESS battery in consideration of power consumption predicted by the temperature adjustment apparatus, external environmental factors, and characteristics of the ESS battery, thereby optimizing the rate reduction effect. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160054020 | USER LOCATION BASED CONTROL OF COMFORT DEVICES - A method of controlling a comfort device having at least one effector capable of meeting the demand of at least a user, the method includes establishing at least one zone in which at least one service of a comfort device is provided; associating the at least one effector of the comfort device with the least one zone; determining the presence of the at least one user in the at least one zone; and controlling the comfort device to meet the demand of the at least one user. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160054021 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method and an apparatus for controlling a temperature based on scheduling of an indoor temperature are provided. The apparatus obtains set temperature history information of an air handling unit from previously stored information. The set temperature history information is mapped to weather factor history information about at least one weather factor. The apparatus also obtains weather factor information regarding a scheduling target time. Based on the obtained set temperature history information and the obtained weather factor information, the apparatus schedules a set temperature of the air handling unit with regard to the scheduling target time. The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT) and may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, healthcare, digital education, smart retail, and security services. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160054022 | USER FRIENDLY INTERFACE FOR CONTROL UNIT - A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a circular body having a large central display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated an pressed inward by a user so as to receive user input in a simple elegant fashion. Different colors can be displayed to the user to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different shades of colors can be displayed to a user to indicate an estimated amount of time and/or energy for reaching a target temperature. The thermostat is wall mountable and is made up of a head unit removeably mounted to a backplate. A locking mechanism can be provided so as to increase security against unauthorized removal of the head unit. The backplate can be adapted to be mounted on a wall so as to be level, for example by including a bubble level on the backplate. One or more vents are preferably located on the sides of the body, such as in a gap beneath the translatably mounted ring, and/or in a gap between the head unit and the backplate. The target temperature for the device can be altered in response to sensing rotation of the rotating ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to and altered by the user in response to sensing rotation of the ring and the translational movement of the ring. Historical information such as temperature and cost information can be displayed to a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating ring. One or more device settings can be displayed to and edited by a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating member and the translational movement. According to some embodiments, text characters can be entered by the user. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160054025 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AIR OUTPUT VOLUME - A method for controlling air volume including: 1) inputting a target air volume into a microprocessor control unit of a motor controller; 2) starting a motor by the motor controller and allowing the motor to work in a steady state under a rotational speed; 3) recording the torque and rotational speed in the steady state, establishing a functional relation formula Q=F (T, n, V) for calculating the air volume, and calculating an air volume in the steady state; 4) comparing the target air volume with the calculated air volume; 5) re-recording a steady torque after the motor falls on a new steady state under an increased or reduced rotational speed, and recalculating the air volume in the new steady state; and 6) repeating steps 4) and 5) to adjust the rotational speed until the calculated air volume is equal or equivalent to the target air volume. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160054741 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OPENING OF A VALVE IN AN HVAC SYSTEM - For controlling the opening of a valve ( | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160056629 | LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM RESPONSIVE TO LOCATION OF AN OCCUPANT AND MOBILE DEVICES - A load control system may control an electrical load in a space of a building occupied by an occupant. The load control system may include a controller configured to determine the location of the occupant, and a load control device configured to automatically control the electrical load in response to the location of the occupant. The load control system may also include a mobile device adapted to be located on or immediately adjacent the occupant and configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The load control device may be configured to automatically control the electrical load when the mobile device is located in the space. The load control system may further comprise an occupancy sensor and the load control device may automatically control the electrical load when the occupancy sensor indicates that the space is occupied and the mobile device is located in the space. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160061468 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURING AND COMMUNICATING WITH HVAC DEVICES - An actuator in a HVAC system includes a mechanical transducer, an input data connection, a feedback data connection, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to use a master-slave detection signal communicated via the feedback data connection to select an operating mode for the actuator from a set of multiple potential operating modes including a master operating mode and a slave operating mode. The processing circuit is configured to operate the mechanical transducer in response to a control signal received via the input data connection according to the selected operating mode. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160061469 | BUILDING POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for managing building power, in one aspect, a method for managing building power includes determining values for power usage of a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system in one or more zones of a building, the values including a cost of power value, a comfort value, a weighting function between the cost of power value and the comfort value, or a thermal storage value, in which the determining the values is based on a plurality of parameters including a price of power, a time of use, a total power allocation, or random variables including weather and building occupancy factors, and determining a power level for a plurality of states based on the determined values, the plurality of states corresponding to different levels of power to operate the HVAC system in the one or more zones. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160061470 | ELECTRIC APPARATUS, AIR CONDITIONER, EXTERNAL CONTROLLER, MOBILE TERMINAL, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - The object is to obtain an electric apparatus capable of immediately using an application program at the time of installing an apparatus without causing pressure on the capacity of a storage region included in a controller of the apparatus to be controlled while reducing loads on an external server and a communication line. Also, the electric apparatus is capable of making each apparatus perform a specific function by a mobile terminal to be operated. An electric apparatus (for example, air conditioner) which is remotely operated by an operation unit included in a mobile terminal includes an application data storing unit (for example, application data storage region) for storing specific data of the electric apparatus. The operation unit includes a common operation unit having a communication driver and a screen configuration frame common to the same kind of electric apparatuses and a specific operation unit having information specific for the electric apparatus. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160061472 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING ROOM TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY - The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies. In particular, a method and device for controlling room temperature and relative humidity to which to set a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system are provided. The method for controlling temperature and humidity by a temperature and humidity control device includes acquiring at least one piece of environmental information and user biometric information, determining, based on the acquired at least one piece of the environmental information and the user biometric information, control information that determines statistical information to be within a certain range, and controlling an HVAC system based on the determined control information. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a comfortable environment to a user and save energy while maintaining comfort. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160061473 | HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR OPERATING SAME - A system and method for operating an HVAC system having a cooling system and ventilation system to vent outside air within a structure is disclosed. The method includes monitoring an interior temperature of the structure, monitoring an exterior temperature of ambient air outside of the structure, defining a first time range and a second time range, associating one or more operating parameters of the HVAC system with the first time range, associating one or more operating parameters of the HVAC system with the second time range, monitoring operational time and operational load of the cooling system for the first time range, and controlling the ventilation system during the second time range based upon the monitored operational time and operational load of the cooling system in the first time range, and the monitored interior and exterior temperatures. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160061476 | Environmental Sensor Device - An air quality sensing and/or monitoring device comprises a data bus, a multitude of sensors, at least one processing unit, a communications interface, and memory. The multitude of sensors may include particle counter(s), pressure sensor(s) and/or the like. The memory is configured to hold data and machine executable instructions. The machine executable instructions are configured to cause at least one processing unit to: collect sensor data from at least one of the multitude of sensors, generate processed sensor data from the sensor data, and generate a report of processed sensor data that exceeds at least one threshold. The communications interface is configured to communicate the report to at least one external device. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160061477 | Environmental Sensing System - An environmental sensing system comprises environmental sensing device(s) and monitoring device(s). Environmental sensing device(s) and monitoring device(s) may comprise a data bus, at least one processing unit, a communications interface, and memory. Environmental sensing device(s) may comprise a multitude of sensors comprising particle counter(s), pressure sensor(s), and/or the like. Environmental sensing device(s) may be configured to collect sensor data from sensor(s), and generate processed sensor data from the sensor data. Monitoring device(s) may be configured to collect processed sensor data from environmental sensing device(s), and report if processed sensor data exceeds at least one predetermined threshold. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160062332 | SMART HVAC - A method for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is described. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring a temperature of a first room of a building via a first thermometer placed in the first room and measuring a temperature of a second room of the building via a second thermometer placed in the second room and receiving the temperature of the first room via a first data communication device communicatively coupled to a first HVAC register in the first room and receiving the temperature of the second room via a second data communication device communicatively coupled to a second HVAC register in the second room. In some cases, the first data communication device is configured to communicate data between the first thermometer and a central automation controller and the second data communication device is configured to communicate data between the second thermometer and the central automation controller. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160069584 | HVAC INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM - A system and approach for providing information about a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. A screen of the system on a display may have a portion revealing a perspective with a view of components such as cooling and heating coils, fans, dampers, sensors, and so forth. Data modules may be shown proximate to the components on the screen and indicate certain parameters about them. As second portion of the screen may show control and information modules related to items such as temperature and pressure control, and operating mode. The screen may also reveal relationships among sub-systems, applications, zones, alarms, and other items. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160069585 | USER INTERFACE WITH ADAPTIVE EXTENT OF USER CONTROL BASED ON USER PRESENCE INFORMATION - A control device ( | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160080166 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING AUTOMATION - A system for facilitating automation is disclosed. The system includes a user interface configured for receiving at least one rule from a user, a rule of the at least one rule comprises at least one condition and at least one action, the at least one condition is based on at least one state of at least one electronic device of a plurality of electronic devices, an electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices comprises at least one of a sensor and an actuator, the at least one action comprises at least one change in a state of an actuator comprised in an electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices. The system includes a control hub configured for receiving the at least one state of the at least one electronic device and performing the at least one action based on a result of evaluating the at least one condition. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160084514 | EXTREMUM-SEEKING CONTROL FOR AIRSIDE ECONOMIZERS - A method for controlling an economizer in a building HVAC system includes providing a manipulated variable as an input to a control process, holding the manipulated variable at a first extremum during a first portion of an evaluation period, and applying a dither signal to the manipulated variable during a second portion of the evaluation period. The dither signal causes the manipulated variable to deviate from the extremum. The method further includes monitoring a variable of interest output by the control process during the first and second portions of the evaluation period and switching the manipulated variable to a second extremum opposite the first extremum in response to the variable of interest moving toward an optimal value during the second portion of the evaluation period. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160085248 | CONDITIONING AN INDOOR ENVIRONMENT - Techniques for controlling an environmental parameter of an indoor human-occupiable environment include receiving a plurality of values from a plurality of environmental sensors arranged in an indoor human-occupiable environment, the plurality of values associated with at least one environmental parameter of the indoor human-occupiable environment; generating an environmental model of the indoor human-occupiable environment based on the received plurality of values; and using the environmental model to control at least one airflow control device to deliver an airflow to the indoor human-occupiable environment to meet a desired setpoint of the environmental parameter. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160091217 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS - Disclosed are systems and methods for adjusting environmental conditions based on automatically and manually generated requests. A commissioned unit comprising at least one IP luminaire ( | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160091218 | PREFERENCE DETERMINATION APPARATUS, AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM, PREFERENCE DETERMINATION METHOD AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD - A preference determination type air conditioning control apparatus provides a preference determination component, a control plan memory component for storing a control plan, for each of a temporary preference and a continuing preference, that has stipulated a rule for changing the control setting value of the air conditioning in response to said preference for air conditioning from a submitter, a control plan decision component for deciding the control plan that corresponds to the determination result of the preference determination apparatus, as the control plan to be implemented by air conditioning equipment, and equipment control component for controlling air conditioning equipment based on the control plan. The preference determination component provides an input means for receiving a preference for air conditioning from a submitter, and a determination processing means for determining, according to a notification count, whether the preference from the submitter is a temporary preference or a continuing preference. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160091877 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL VIA WEARABLE COMPUTING SYSTEM - Various embodiments relating to controlling ambient environmental conditions to affect one or more human subjects wearing wearable computing systems are disclosed. In one example, a head-mounted computing system includes a see-through display configured to present an augmented reality image in front of an environment when viewed through the see-through display, a logic subsystem, and a storage subsystem. The storage subsystem may hold instructions executable by the logic subsystem to present the augmented reality image via the see-through display, and during presentation of the augmented reality image, send a command to control an environmental control system external to the head-mounted computing system. The command may be configured to trigger adjustment of an environmental parameter of the environment to enhance presentation of the augmented reality image. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160091902 | CONTROL SYSTEM - An entry thermopile placed outside a section and is used to acquire information about the spatial temperature distribution of a user who is using the section. A plurality of in-room thermopiles are placed respectively in a plurality of areas which virtually divide the space inside the section and obtain information about the spatial temperature distribution of the respective plurality of areas. An area specification unit is used to determine whether the spatial temperature distribution information of a user matches the spatial temperature distribution information of an area and specifies the area in the spatial temperature distribution information which has been determined as the location where the user is present by means of the in-room thermopiles. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160091903 | SAFETY AND PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC INTEGRATION SYSTEM - An integrating system incorporating a programmable logic module, input/output (I/O) modules connected to the programmable logic module, and safety device modules connected to the programmable logic module. The modules may be connected with one another with connectors on each module. The modules may talk to each other via a common communication protocol carried by wires in the connectors. The programmable logic module may monitor and/or control signals on input and output terminals of the I/O modules that are connected to the actuators and sensors in controlled equipment. The programmable logic module may control non-safety aspects of the safety devices and inputs and outputs of the safety device modules and be modeled and appear in a same context as the signals of the input and output terminals of the I/O modules. A programmable display may be incorporated by the integrating system. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160091904 | HVAC SYSTEM CONTROL INTEGRATED WITH DEMAND RESPONSE, ON-SITE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM AND ON-SITE ENERGY GENERATION SYSTEM - A thermal behavior model of a building may be constructed based on time series data. Based on the constructed thermal behavior model, forecasted zone temperature and energy usage for a next control time period may be predicted. An objective function may be constructed based on at least a dynamically priced grid energy cost, occupant comfort matrix, and one or more of: energy storage system cost and associated operational cost, and energy generation system cost and associated green house emission cost and associated operational cost. Constraints may be constructed based on at least the forecasted zone temperature values and energy usage values for the next control time period. A control profile of the HVAC system and sourcing decision of energy load of the HVAC system may be determined simultaneously based on the objective function and the plurality of constraints. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160097556 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING - A method for managing an air conditioner is provided. The method includes determining a power consumption pattern of the air conditioner while controlling the air conditioner, based on at least one power consumption factor, calculating a threshold value of power consumption according to an operating time of the air conditioner based on distribution information of the determined power consumption pattern, determining whether a current power consumption is within a threshold value range of the calculated threshold value of power consumption, and generating and transmitting a signal to a manager server if the current power consumption is not within the threshold value range. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160098026 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODS OF PERFORMING THE SAME - A temperature control system for controlling the environmental conditions in a space, the system including a temperature control unit having a memory and a processor with a program operating in the memory executing the steps of gathering indoor environmental information by the temperature control unit, gathering outdoor environmental information via a network communicatively coupled to the temperature control unit, determining a floating set point based on the indoor and outdoor conditions, determining an operational mode of the system, and controlling temperature control equipment to maintain the floating set point. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160102877 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING HEATING, VENTILATING, AND AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT - A system and process is provided for remotely monitoring and controlling an HVAC system. Data and information relating to an HVAC unit is transmitted from the HVAC unit via the internet to a remote server. The server is programmed to detect and diagnose problems with the HVAC unit and to respond by sending command signals to the HVAC unit that address the problems or modifies the operation of the HVAC unit. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160102878 | DATA MANAGEMENT PROFILE FOR A FABRIC NETWORK - Method and systems for controlling data remotely that includes connecting to a remote device within a fabric of smart devices. The remote device stores data locally. Controlling the data includes remotely controlling the data stored in the remote device from another device connected to the fabric by transmitting a message to the remote device. Moreover, the transmitted message includes a profile identifier that causes a data management entity of the remote device to perform an indicated data management action. Furthermore, the profile identifier identifies a data management profile, and the message includes a command tag that indicates the data management action to be performed. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160102879 | USING A DATABASE SYSTEM TO CAUSE AUTOMATED SYSTEM EVENTS TO BE PERFORMED IN RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL SENSING - Examples of database systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are disclosed for causing automated system events to be performed in response to environmental sensing. In some implementations, a database system can receive environmental data and location data from a computing device capable of reading environmental data using an environmental sensor. The sensor is situated at a geographic location identified by the location data. An occurrence of an environmental condition can be determined using the environmental data. A database record in a database can be created or updated to identify the environmental data and/or the environmental condition. A system event to perform can then be determined based on the creating or updating of the database record. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160103457 | Method and Apparatus For Monitoring and Troubleshooting Of HVAC Equipment - A system for monitoring operational conditions of one or more HVAC units, or other machines, with a plurality of sensors for collecting operational information data and transmitting data to a storage device and a processor for analyzing and trending the data and comparing it to a list of pre-determined set points to determine variances from the data set points and identification of one or more pre-determined events and a set of preventive maintenance alerts and/or troubleshooting instructions pertaining to the events and matching of the preventive maintenance alert and/or troubleshooting instructions to at least one of the events for display of the instructions to a user for resolving the event. The system may utilize a programmable logic array with a portable sensing unit, be capable of monitoring multiple parameters, including temperature, pressure, air flow, voltage, current, and humidity and interconnect to remote stations and SCADA systems. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160103462 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING ENERGY - A method of managing energy consumption in an enclosed spaced includes the step of providing temperature and foot traffic data to a plan generator. The method further includes the steps of generating an energy plan based on the temperature and foot traffic data and controlling one or more energy consuming devices based on the energy plan. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160109145 | AIR CONDITIONER ENERGY-SAVING OPTIMIZATION CONTROL METHOD AND DEVICE - The invention is applied to control technologies, and provides an air conditioner control method and device, including collecting and storing current operating parameters of chillers, chilled water pumps and condenser water pumps of an air-conditioning system according to preset period; determining energy consumption increment of the air-conditioning system under operating status of an operating parameter to be adjusted relative to that under current operating status according to the current operating parameters and the operating parameter to be adjusted inputted by a user; and adjusting operating status of the air-conditioning system according to the operating parameter to be adjusted when the energy consumption increment is less than zero. According to the method and device provided by the invention, the air conditioning system is adjusted according to operating parameter to be adjusted when the energy consumption increment is less than zero to implement energy saving, and the invention is easy to implement. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160109146 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - Disclosed is a control method of controlling an air conditioning system. The control method comprises steps of obtaining plural adjustment parameter groups of each of plural air conditioners contained in the air conditioning system; acquiring at least one desired environmental parameter of each of one or more control targets; selecting, based on the desired environmental parameters, one from the plural adjustment parameter groups of each of the plural air conditioners to serve as a target adjustment parameter group of the corresponding air conditioner; and respectively transmitting the plural target adjustment parameter groups to the plural air conditioners, so that the plural air conditioners respectively set their adjustment functions according to the plural target adjustment parameter groups. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160109147 | AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM CONTROL DEVICE AND AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM CONTROL METHOD - An air-conditioning system controller controls one or plural air-conditioning apparatus installed in a building, and includes a processor that determines an air-conditioning apparatus control command so that a preset evaluation index satisfies a preset condition in a preset control-target period under a preset constraint. The processor divides the control-target period into time sections, determines a room-temperature change permissible range within which a room temperature satisfies the constraint, determines a heat-load change permissible range, based on the room temperature, the room-temperature change permissible range, a heat load estimation, and a heat load to be processed by each air-conditioning apparatus, and determines, for each time section, as the air-conditioning apparatus control command, an operation frequency and start-stop of the air-conditioning apparatus, based on the heat-load change permissible range and an operation efficiency of the air-conditioning apparatus. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160109149 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR NOTIFICATION OF CONTAGION RISK CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION THEREOF - The present invention is directed to system and process for notification of contagion risk and mitigation of the risk thereof. The system comprises a meteorological history repository having meteorological data and a processor configured with an instruction set. The instruction set includes retrieving meteorological data for a selected region for a selected time window, calculating contagion risk based on the meteorological data and from at least one of a transmission risk or a susceptibility risk, calculating the transmission risk as a function of dew point change and calculating susceptibility risk as a function of relative humidity. The system generates a contagion risk indicator based thereon. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160109866 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING AN APPROPRIATE MODEL PARAMETER ORDER - A building analysis system includes a communications interface that receives energy consumption data for a building site including energy-consuming building equipment. A processing circuit of the building analysis system calculates first and second regression statistics indicating a fit of an energy use model to the energy consumption data under a null hypothesis that the energy use model has a first parameter order and an alternative hypothesis that the energy use model has a second parameter order different from the first parameter order. The processing circuit generates a test statistic indicating an improvement between the first regression statistic and the second regression statistic, compares the test statistic to a threshold value to determine whether the improvement warrants rejecting the null hypothesis, and determines an appropriate parameter order for the energy use model based on a result of the comparison. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160116178 | REAL-TIME TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT - A method for real-time temperature management is described. In one embodiment, the method includes configuring a setting to trigger a thermal sensor to capture a thermal image of an area inside a premises and capturing, via the thermal sensor, a first thermal image of the area of the premises. In some embodiments, upon detecting the trigger, the method includes capturing, via the thermal sensor, a second thermal image of the area of the premises and identifying a thermal exchange in the area of the premises by comparing the first thermal image with the second thermal image. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160116179 | APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONFIGURING ELECTRONICALLY PROGRAMMABLE HVAC SYSTEM - Apparatuses, methods and systems for configuring electronically programmable heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems are disclosed. One embodiment is a system comprising a server system in operative communication with a database, a remote client and an electronically programmable HVAC controller. The system is structured to transmit a template HVAC configuration profile to the client, receive from the client a modification of the template profile transmitted to the remote client, validate the modification, in response to a programming request from the client, transmit a programming instruction including a modified HVAC configuration profile to the HVAC controller. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160116180 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CONSTANT AIR VOLUME OF ECM MOTOR IN HVAC SYSTEM - A method for controlling constant air volume of an ECM motor in an HVAC system. The method includes: a) acquiring a target air volume Q | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160116181 | INDOOR AIR QUALITY SENSE AND CONTROL SYSTEM - An indoor air quality (IAQ) system for sensing and controlling air quality within a structure is provided. The IAQ system includes a plurality of air quality sensor modules configured to sense IAQ parameters and remotely located within the structure. The IAQ system also includes an IAQ control hub including (i) a communication interface communicatively coupling the IAQ control hub to the plurality of air quality sensor modules and (ii) memory holding instructions that cause a processor to receive the IAQ parameters from the plurality of air quality sensor modules and if one of the IAQ parameters is outside a predetermined IAQ parameter range corresponding to the one of the IAQ parameters, request adjustment of control settings of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to shift indoor air quality toward the predetermined IAQ parameter range. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160116182 | HVAC CONTROLLER - A user interface for an HVAC controller includes an electronic display and a proximity sensor for sensing a position of a user relative to the electronic display. A display controller is operably coupled to the electronic display and the proximity sensor and is configured to display one or more display elements on the electronic display. In some embodiments, a location of one or more of the display elements on the electronic display may be based, at least in part, on the position of the user sensed by the proximity sensor. In some embodiments, a size of one or more of the display elements on the electronic display may be based, at least in part, on the position of the user sensed by the proximity sensor. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160116921 | Determining Energy Consumption in a Structure - Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for measuring the supply of a consumable product/energy source, such as electrical power, to a facility over time and analyzing the measurements to determine the consumption or supply of the product by one or more loads and/or sources in the facility, and to determine induced and residual heat flow through the facility's envelope. Various aspects compare the measured supply of the consumable product to a database of consumption signatures, which characterize access to the consumable product by particular users. Operating conditions and facility characteristics, such as temperatures, load factors, insulation factors, etc., may be further considered in determining a particular user's access of the consumable product. To aid in the controlling of energy use, thermal resistance factors of the building are determined, which are based on the induced and residual heat flow through the facility. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160119162 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN HVAC SYSTEM USING A PROXIMITY AWARE MOBILE DEVICE - A mobile wireless device (e.g. smart phone) may be used to remotely control an HVAC system. A program code stored in the memory of the mobile wireless device may cause the mobile wireless device to store geographic information in the memory of the mobile wireless device, monitor a location of the mobile wireless device, and compare the stored geographic information to the location of the mobile wireless device. If the comparison meets predetermined criteria, the program code may cause the mobile wireless device to transmit a command either directly or indirectly to an HVAC controller, causing the HVAC controller to transition from a first operating state having a first temperature setpoint to a second operating state having a second temperature setpoint. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160123616 | CONTROLLED HEAT DELIVERY - A system for controlling heat delivery including at least one heating element to generate heat, at least one power regulating device to regulate the amount of energy output to the at least one heat element, at least one monitor device to measure environmental parameter data of the at least one power regulating device and the at, least one heating element, a data processing computer to process environment parameter data from the at least one monitor and initial setting data and provide operating instructions, and at least one control device to receive the operating instructions from the data processor and control the at least one power regulating device to regulate energy output to the at least one heating element. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160123618 | ENHANCED AUTOMATED ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM SCHEDULING USING A PREFERENCE FUNCTION - In an embodiment, an electronic device may include storage containing processor-executable instructions and a current setpoint schedule, and a processor configured to execute the instructions. The instructions may cause the processor to control an environmental control system based at least in part on the current setpoint schedule, and to determine the current setpoint schedule by detecting user behavior that indicates satisfaction with setpoints, based at least in part on the detected user behavior, determining a preference function that maps weights indicating user preferences for setpoints, determining candidate setpoint schedules, scoring the candidate setpoint schedules against the weights of the preference function to obtain first scores, where candidate setpoint schedules that best fit the weights of the preference function have the highest first scores, modifying the first scores to obtain second scores, and selecting the candidate setpoint schedule with the highest second score as a new current setpoint schedule. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160123619 | ENHANCED AUTOMATED CONTROL SCHEDULING - In an embodiment, an electronic device may include storage containing processor-executable instructions, a preference function that maps weights indicating likely user preferences for the range of values of a device setting in relation to a range of values of a variable, and a current automated device control schedule configured to control the device setting of the electronic device in relation to the variable, and a processor. The instructions may cause the processor to determine the current automated device control schedule based on the preference function by detecting user behavior that indicates satisfaction or dissatisfaction with values of the device setting in relation to the variable, updating the preference function based on the detected user behavior, and determining the current automated device control schedule by comparing a number of candidate device control schedules against the weights of the preference function and selecting the candidate with the highest score. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160123620 | Use of Computationally Generated Thermal Energy - In one aspect, a computing device-implemented method includes receiving at least one triggering event signal from one or more components of a heat recovery system. The method also includes determining, based in part on the at least one triggering event signal, a computation workload assignment to be executed on one or more computation devices. The method further includes sending one or more command signals to the one or more computation devices. The one or more command signals include a portion of the computation workload assignment for execution by the one or more computation devices. The method also includes initiating capture of heat energy to be stored in one or more heat reservoirs, the heat energy being generated by the one or more computation device based upon the computation workload assignment. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160123624 | UNIVERSAL CELL - A universal analog cell that has electronic circuits that can be configured with a processor using a program designed for connection to one or more of a large range of various sensor and actuator types. The cell may have just a few terminals, for example four terminals, that can be configured for a wide range of components. A sensor or actuator which inherently requires several terminals may be implemented using all the terminals of the cell, but the cell may also support multiple input or output features as long as each of these features requires less than all terminals of the cell. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125487 | OPTIMIZATION OF UTILITY CONSUMPTION FOR PROPERTY - Disclosed are various embodiments for optimizing utility usage. A computing device parses utility billing data for a property to generate utility consumption data for the property to determine a current utility consumption rate for the property. The computing device analyzes property data for the property to determine an optimum utility consumption rate for the property. The computing device determines that the current utility consumption rate for the property is greater than the optimum utility consumption rate for the property. The computing device determines a list of solutions to reduce the current utility consumption rate for the property to the optimum utility consumption rate for the property. The computing device sends an electronic message to a client computing device associated with the property, wherein the electronic message comprises the list of solutions to reduce the current utility consumption rate for the property to the optimum utility consumption rate for the property. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160131383 | GROUP DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT CONTROL - A method of conditioning an environment includes generating, by a group feedback analysis system, a first comfort limit based on a first plurality of data points corresponding to user feedback of a group of users in an environment conditioned by an environmental conditioning system to identify the first comfort limit at a first extreme; generating, by the group feedback analysis system, a second comfort limit based on a second plurality of data points corresponding to user feedback of the group of users in the environment conditioned by the environmental conditioning system to identify the second comfort limit at a second extreme, the second extreme being opposite the first extreme; identifying, by the group feedback analysis system, a comfort region defined by the first comfort limit and the second comfort limit; and controlling the environmental conditioning system to maintain at least one environmental criterion within the comfort region. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160131386 | Locator Lights - A locator light assembly comprising at least a light-emitting transducer and a current limiting resistance is connected to an unused spare digital output of equipment potentially requiring service, where the equipment is disposed behind a surface comprising a plurality of panels. The locator light is disposed in a panel of the surface such that, when illuminated, it is visible from the front side of the surface (opposite the side where the equipment is located). The locator light is illuminated by writing a value to a digital output port of the equipment that is operative to output voltage on the digital output to which the locator light is connected. Such writing may a command from a Facilities Maintenance Program (FMP), and may occur via a network linking the equipment to a processor running the FMP. By immediately identifying the proper panel to remove from the surface for access to the equipment, by seeing the illuminated locator light, the expenditure of time and effort to remove a panel at random to locate the equipment (and replace it and then remove the proper panel) are avoided. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160138819 | HVAC WORKLOAD AND COST LOGIC - A method for HVAC workload and cost logic is described. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a thermostat of an HVAC system being set to a target temperature and upon detecting the thermostat being set to the target temperature, detecting a current indoor condition and a current outdoor condition. In some embodiments, the method includes calculating an estimated runtime of an HVAC heating or cooling cycle for the target temperature. The estimated runtime is based on the target temperature, the current indoor and outdoor conditions, and on a result of querying a correlation database. The correlation database includes data points for a plurality of previous HVAC heating and cooling cycles. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160138821 | NFC Configuration of HVAC Equipment - A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) controller has near field communication (“NFC”) capability and allows communications with an NFC-enabled PC, Tablet or Smartphone device, allowing initial configuration to be performed with or without building power being supplied to the controller. The NFC transmitted information is a subset of all the configuration settings, arranged in a particular order from most commonly changed to least commonly changed. After building power has been connected, firmware on the HVAC controller then combines the NFC transmitted initial configuration information with other stored or received configuration information so the HVAC controller properly communicates and carries out applications in the HVAC network and system. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160138824 | SENSORS FOR DETECTING PRESENCE, OCCUPANCY, AND/OR MOTION AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A motion sensor assembly may include a cover plate configured to be mounted to an electrical box. The cover plate may include a front surface configured to face away from the electrical box and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The cover plate may further include an aperture configured to receive a toggle or rocker type switch. A motion sensor may be coupled to the cover plate. A power source and processor may be operably coupled to the motion sensor. Furthermore, the processor may be operably coupled to a communication device. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160139003 | System And Method For Active Control Of Wheel Dynamics - The present invention is a system for controlling the dynamic performance of wheels on an agricultural vehicle. A sensor is mounted on the agricultural vehicle that generates a signal corresponding to the deflection of the tire as the wheel is traveling along a surface. A controller receives the signal corresponding to the deflection of the tire and generates a control signal to an air regulator to either supply additional air to or remove air from the tire. An additional sensor may provide a signal corresponding to a variable load carried by the agricultural vehicle. An accelerometer may also be mounted on the agricultural vehicle and provide to the controller a signal corresponding to acceleration perpendicular to the surface. The controller is further configured to generate control the air regulator as a function of the varying load on the agricultural vehicle and/or based on the signal from the accelerometer. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160139576 | OCCUPANCY BASED DEMAND CONTROLLED UTILITY SYSTEM - To control lighting and other utilities in buildings based upon occupancy, mountable sensors are used to detect low energy radio frequencies emitted from devices, or tags, worn or carried by occupants. In a demand control system, identification (ID) codes embedded in tags worn by occupants are detected in each room by a tag sensor and may wirelessly communicate to a zonal compiler that determines zonal occupancy. The zonal occupancy count is transmitted to an interface relay that immediately adjusts the intensity and rate of the specific utility. HVAC systems may also be tied into the system to have adjustments made to the intensity and rate of ventilation as done with the lighting in this system. This system has many advantages over current systems such as not being dependent upon movement of an occupant or following the heat signature of an occupant that both may lead to false readings and delay in adjusting the specific building utility to save energy and costs. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160139582 | HVAC SCHEDULE ESTABLISHMENT IN AN INTELLIGENT, NETWORK-CONNECTED THERMOSTAT - HVAC schedules may be programmed for a thermostat using a combination of pre-existing schedules or templates and automated schedule learning. For example, a pre-existing schedule may be initiated on the thermostat and the automated schedule learning may be used to update the pre-existing schedule based on users' interactions with the thermostat. The preexisting HVAC schedules may be stored on a device or received from a social networking service or another online service that includes shared HVAC schedules. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160146491 | BUILDING THERMAL CONTROL TECHNIQUES - An algebra and differential equations model of a physical system is constructed based on available training data and physical system characteristics. A hybrid calibration process is carried out to iteratively calibrate both time-insensitive and time-sensitive parameters of the algebra and differential equations model so as to obtain parameter vectors. Vector auto-regression is applied to the parameter vectors to predict values of the parameters for a future time period. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160146492 | REMOTE CONTROLLER - A remote controller for controlling an air-conditioning apparatus including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit includes a storage unit that stores data of different types of digital objects, a touch panel display including a display unit that displays the digital objects and an operation input unit that detects an operation of the digital objects, and a control processor that controls the touch panel display. The control processor displays one of the digital objects associated with an operation expected from a surrounding environment of the indoor unit or an operation history of the operation input unit. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160146494 | BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH PROGRAMMABLE IR CODES - A discrete air conditioner controller for controlling a discrete air conditioner unit servicing a building may receive an IR code, in some cases in a raw waveform format, from a handheld remote control that is associated with the discrete air conditioner unit during a programming process. The discrete air conditioner controller may associate the IR code with the discrete air conditioner unit and store the IR code and its association in memory. In some cases, the discrete air conditioner controller may transmit the IR code and its association to a central coordinator, where the IR code may be stored in the memory of the central coordinator. The IR code may be subsequently retrieved from the memory of the central coordinator and transmitted to selected discrete air conditioner controller units for use in controlling appropriate discrete air conditioner units. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160146495 | BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH POWER EFFICIENT DISCRETE CONTROLLERS - A building control system includes a central coordinator and one or more discrete air conditioner controllers configured to communicate with one or more discrete air conditioner units servicing the building. In some instances, a discrete air conditioner controller may be configured to transition between a sleep mode and an active mode. The discrete air conditioner controller may also be configured to transmit over a mesh network in the active mode and to not transmit over the mesh network in the sleep mode. The discrete air conditioner controller may be configured to transition between the sleep mode and the active mode according to a schedule dictated by the central coordinator. Alternatively, or in addition, the discrete air conditioner controller may be configured to transition between the sleep and active modes in accordance with a beacon signal received from the central coordinator. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160146497 | MAINTAINING AN ATTRIBUTE OF A BUILDING - Methods, computer readable media, and systems for maintaining an attribute of a building are described herein. One method includes monitoring an attribute of a building, predicting a behavior of the attribute based on a weather forecast, and adjusting the attribute to maintain the attribute within a comfort range relative to a set point for the attribute during a time period based on the predicted behavior. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160150682 | CONDITIONING UNIT OF THE INDIRECT FREE COOLING TYPE, METHOD OF OPERATION OF SUCH A CONDITIONING UNIT, AND APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT SUCH METHOD - A conditioning unit of the indirect free cooling type, particularly for conditioning computing centers, of the type comprising:
| 05-26-2016 |
| 20160153674 | Method of and System for Determination of Measured Parameter Gradients for Environmental System Control | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160153675 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FOR HVAC SYSTEM | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160153676 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FOR HVAC SYSTEM | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160153677 | ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FOR HVAC SYSTEM | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160154413 | CONTROLLER FOR CONTROLLING A BUILDING COMPONENT OF A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160161136 | DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR DATA-DRIVEN ACCELERATION OF DEPLOYED SERVICES - Devices, methods, and systems for data-driven acceleration of deployed services are described herein. One system includes a database configured to store a plurality of case pairs that correspond to previously calculated models, wherein the previously calculated models are based on a number of features, and wherein each of the plurality of case pairs comprise a first value representative of the number of features and a second value representative of deployed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) resources, a ranking engine configured to rank each of the plurality of case pairs based on a performance of the deployed services, and a deployment engine configured to: receive actual feature values, and deploy HVAC resources based on a comparison between the actual feature values and the plurality of ranked case pairs. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160161137 | CONTROLLING SYSTEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMFORT DEGREE AND CONTROLLING METHOD OF THE CONTROLLING SYSTEM - A controlling method executes an auto-calculation procedure of a controlling system when a person is detected indoor. The auto-calculation procedure firstly collects current environment parameters via sensors for calculating a current comfort-index based on the sensed environment parameters. Secondly, it calculates a target temperature/humidity adjustment value for the environment to reach a best comfort-index based on the current comfort-index. Then, it controls indoor apparatuses based on the calculated target temperature/humidity adjustment value to adjust the environment to be in the best comfort-index. The controlling system can execute a learning procedure, it records the current environment parameters and a user-feedback to build a learning model. Therefore, it helps the environment to satisfy user demands quickly by using the learning model directly when the indoor environment has the environment parameters same as the learning model. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160161958 | HUMAN DETECTION SYSTEM AND HUMAN DETECTION METHOD - A human detection system includes a thermal sensor and an indoor apparatus. The thermal sensor captures a thermal image of an indoor space. The human detection system includes a human entering detection mode, a first human exiting detection mode corresponding to a state of turning off the indoor apparatus and a second human exiting detection mode corresponding to a state of turning on the indoor apparatus, wherein the human detection system executes a human entering detection procedure according to the thermal image under the first human entering detection mode, and executes a human exiting detection procedure according to the thermal image under the first human exiting detection mode or the second human exiting detection mode. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160165812 | MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLANT FACTORY BASED ON TV WHITE SPACES | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160169545 | HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CONTROLLER | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160169546 | HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CONTROLLER | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160178224 | CONDITIONING SYSTEM OF THE FREE COOLING TYPE FOR ENVIRONMENTS AND PARTICULARLY FOR COMPUTING CENTERS, METHOD OF OPERATION OF SUCH SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT SUCH METHOD | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160178225 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING AN OPERATIONAL MODE OF A BUILDING CONTROL COMPONENT | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160180220 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADAPTIVELY UPDATING EQUIPMENT MODELS | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160187018 | METHOD, MEDIUM, AND SYSTEM - A method includes: generating first information for each of a plurality of jobs based on temperature information acquired from a first information processing device that has executed each of the plurality of jobs, each of the first information indicating change amount of the temperature of the first information processing device when each of the jobs is executed by the first information processing device; generating second information for each of a plurality of second information processing devices that have executed a specific one of the plurality of jobs, the second information indicating change amount of the temperature of each of the second information processing devices which executed the specific job; and determining which one of the plurality of second information processing devices to allocate a job based on the first information, the second information and the temperature information of the plurality of second information processing devices. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160187019 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - An air-conditioning control system includes a grouping target apparatus storage unit that stores information about a plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses which are rotation group setting targets; an attribute storage unit that stores an attribute of each of the air-conditioning apparatuses; a group setting rule storage unit that stores a group setting rule for reducing, between the rotation groups, a difference in total power consumption of air-conditioning apparatuses having an identical attribute; a power consumption obtaining unit that obtains information about power consumption values of the air-conditioning apparatuses; a group determination unit that determines rotation groups to which the air-conditioning apparatuses belong in accordance with the power consumption values of the air-conditioning apparatuses and the group setting rule; and a group storage unit that stores grouping information indicating the rotation groups to which the air-conditioning apparatuses belong. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160187020 | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AIR CONDITIONER - A device for controlling an air conditioner has a remote controller which receives an alternating current voltage from a secondary side of a first transformer, a full-wave rectifier connected to a secondary side of a second transformer, and a processor which receives a current rectified by the full-wave rectifier. One of output nodes of the full-wave rectifier is connected to one terminal of the secondary side of the first transformer. The remote controller has a switch connected to the secondary side of the first transformer, and transmits information that indicates a state of the switch to the processor as the amplitude of an AC voltage on a signal line connecting the remote controller and the processor together. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160187894 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING BOILERS, HOT-WATER TANKS, PUMPS AND VALVES IN HYDRONIC BUILDING HEATING SYSTEMS - A method and controller apparatus for controlling a boiler to supply water to a water loop in a hydronic building heating system is disclosed. The water loop passes through at least one suite in the building. The method involves receiving a suite temperature reading from a temperature sensor installed inside the at least one suite, causing the boiler to heat the supply water when the suite temperature reading is lower than a target temperature by an allowed variance, the target temperature being based on an expected activity in the suite, and causing the boiler to discontinue heating the supply water when the suite temperature reading is higher than the target temperature by an allowed variance. A method and controller apparatus for controlling a boiler to supply water to a water loop is also disclosed The method involves receiving an outside temperature reading from a temperature sensor installed outside of the at least one suite, determining a boiler idle temperature based on the outside temperature reading, controlling the boiler to supply water at the idle boiler temperature in response to a determination that heating of the water within the water loop is not currently required, and controlling the boiler to supply water at a temperature above the idle boiler temperature in response to a determination that heating of the water within the water loop is currently required. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160187896 | INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT SEQUENCING - Systems and methods for sequencing HVAC equipment of an HVAC system using data recorded in situ to build a model capable of making predictions about equipment efficiency and using that information, in combination with predictions about building load, to produce an operational sequence for the HVAC equipment that promotes an improved or optimized overall energy efficiency for the HVAC system. In one embodiment, the process is automated and utilizes Bayesian computational models or algorithms to generate are initial sequence. The process reduces engineering hours and may advantageously provide a means to predict potential sequencing problems for similar types of HVAC equipment. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160187908 | MICRO DEMAND RESPONSE SCHEDULING - A method includes generating a duty cycle expression for heating, ventilation, air condition (HVAC) systems. The method includes estimating a baseline cycling percentage that maintains an indoor temperature at a particular setpoint based on the generated duty cycle expression and a curtailed cycling percentage that maintains the indoor temperature within a particular temperate interval of the particular setpoint. The method includes calculating a baseline-off-duration in which the HVAC system is in an off state during a normal operating cycle and a curtailed-on-duration implemented during a curtailment period. The method includes adjusting the curtailed-on-duration and the baseline-off-duration to satisfy a minimum-time-on and a minimum-time-off constraint of each HVAC system. The method includes identifying one or more HVAC systems to include in a micro DR event. The method includes assigning curtailment start times for the identified HVAC systems and executing the micro DR event according to the curtailment start times. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160187911 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING ENERGY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FOR BUILDING SYSTEMS - The present invention provides a method and system for optimizing building energy usage. The method comprising receiving a plurality of input values associated with a building or plurality of buildings. The method then constructs a thermal and an electrical load model based on the inputs and constructs an overall energy model, the overall energy model being based on the thermal and electrical load models. The method next generates a plurality of demand models and optimizes the demand models using complex multivariate optimization techniques, wherein optimizing is based on usage data and energy rules. Finally, the method displays recommendations based on the optimized model or generating real-time, complementary control instructions based on the optimized model, the determination based on client preferences. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160195288 | SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZATION OF BUILDING HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160195865 | Development of certain mechanical cooling profiles and their use in an automated optimization method to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings during the cooling season | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160195881 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) REMOTE CONTROL APPLICATIONS | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160197739 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR HOME AUTOMATION NETWORK COMMUNICATION | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160201930 | IMPROVEMENTS TO ELECTRIC HEATING SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160201933 | PREDICTIVELY CONTROLLING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160201934 | PREDICTIVELY CONTROLLING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM USING UPPER CONFIDENCE BOUND FOR TREES | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160202712 | INFORMATION CONTROL SYSTEM | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160252267 | COMFORT MAPPING USING WEARABLES | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160377309 | HVAC Performance And Energy Usage Monitoring And Reporting System - A system and method for monitoring a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building is provided. A monitoring server, located remotely from the building, is configured to receive power consumption data and control signal data from a monitoring device at the building and to receive energy pricing data from a customer device associated with the HVAC system or a database that stores energy pricing data. The monitoring server is configured to determine energy cost data for segments of a selected time period based on the power consumption data, the control signal data, and the energy pricing data. The monitoring server is also configured to communicate the energy cost data to the customer device for display on the customer device. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20170234558 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HANDING OFF THE CONFIGURATION OF A BUILDING DEVICE FROM A CONTRACTOR TO A CUSTOMER USING A HANG TAG OR THE LIKE | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170234566 | MOBILE DEVICE WITH CONTRACTOR ACCESSIBLE SCREENS FOR CONFIGURING A BUILDING DEVICE | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170234567 | ENHANCED PREMISES MONITORING AND/OR CONTROL | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170235290 | SMART HOME SYSTEM AND METHOD | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170237576 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HANDING OFF CONFIGURATION OF A BUILDING DEVICE FROM A CONTRACTOR TO A CUSTOMER | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170238388 | LIGHTING DEVICE OPERATING AT DIFFERENT POWER LEVELS | 08-17-2017 |
| 20180023826 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH VENTILATION REVIEW MODE | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180023828 | Environmental Control System | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180023829 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HOME AUTOMATION VIA THERMOSTAT | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180023836 | GEOFENCE PLUS SCHEDULE FOR A BUILDING CONTROLLER | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180023837 | MIGRATION OF SETTINGS FROM A NON-CONNECTED BUILDING CONTROLLER TO ANOTHER BUILDING CONTROLLER | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180023838 | SIMPLIFIED SCHEDULE PROGRAMMING OF AN HVAC CONTROLLER | 01-25-2018 |
| 20190145644 | SELF-BALANCING AIR FIXTURE | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190145645 | Data Center Management Systems and Methods for Compute Density Efficiency Measurements | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190145647 | SYSTEM, MOTOR CONTROLLER AND ASSOCIATED METHOD | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190145649 | HVAC SWITCHABLE COMMUNICATION BUS AND POWER BUS CONTROL BOARD SYSTEMS AND METHODS | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190145650 | BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC SYNCHRONIZATION OF POINT READ FREQUENCY | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190146431 | BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH GEOLOCATION-BASED FAULT NOTIFICATIONS | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190146449 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring and Troubleshooting of HVAC Equipment | 05-16-2019 |
| 20220136515 | PORTABLE PERSON TRACKING FAN SYSTEM, PROCESS, AND METHOD OF USE - A portable person tracking fan system, process, and methods of use are presented. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure provides the state of the art with a portable person tracking fan using a camera and machine learning. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure provides the state of the art with a tracking fan system which utilizes computer vision and machine learning to cause a fan to track a user in a desired way. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure provides the state of the art with an easy to set up, and easy to use, airflow cooling system for a user or users, while allowing a user or users to move about freely while the fan tracks and oscillates, via person detection, and/or moves with a user and/or users. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220136616 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A CONTROL VALVE - A method for operating a control valve using an HVAC actuator is described, the method comprises a circuit of the HVAC actuator executing the steps of: monitoring (S | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220136720 | BUILDING ENERGY ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - This application relates to a building energy analysis and management system for measurement and verification of building performance. The system can analyze, optimize, manage, maintain, trouble shoot, and/or modify building systems, such as HVAC systems, in connection with the building energy usage. Measurements may be gathered for one or more HVAC units coupled to pressure independent valves, and sent to one or more Surge Panels that pass data to remote analysis servers, which can receive other system or external data. The analysis servers compare measurements to predicted values and can standardize the predicted values to account for external conditions. The comparison can result in difference values used to generate probable causes and optimization recommendations. The system outputs reports or other data display using a graphical user interface that can be adjusted for an anticipated user. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220136723 | CHILLER PLANT WITH DYNAMIC SURGE AVOIDANCE - Systems, apparatus and methods for efficiently operating a chiller plant while minimizing or eliminating the occurrence of centrifugal compressor surge. Taking into account chiller design specifications and current operating conditions, a compressor lift point at which surge is predicted to occur is established. Minima and maxima for various chiller setpoints that avoid or eliminate the occurrence of compressor surge are imposed on setpoints provided by a conventional optimizing chiller controller. The chiller system is operated in accordance with the resultant anti-surge setpoints. Energy savings is realized by modulating coolant tower flow to enable the compressor to operate at near-surge conditions while preventing the onset of actual surge. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220136725 | Air Conditioner Control Method and Apparatus, and Computer-Readable Storage Medium - An air conditioner control method and apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium. The air conditioner control method includes: determining whether a time interval between the current moment and a preset moment at which work is started is less than or equal to the maximum early start duration; if the time interval is less than or equal to the maximum early start duration, acquiring a preliminary demand load corresponding to a central air-conditioner, and acquiring a startup combination load corresponding to the central air-conditioner; and based on the startup combination load and the preliminary demand load, determining a start moment of a host to be started. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220137578 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR EQUIPMENT DEVICE - A control system for an equipment device includes a control unit for the equipment device, and a storage unit that stores a plurality of learned general-purpose models usable to control the equipment device. The control unit selects one model usable to control the equipment device from the plurality of learned general-purpose models. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220137580 | BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM WITH LOAD CURTAILMENT OPTIMIZATION - A controller includes a processing circuit comprising one or more processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include determining a gradient of an objective function with respect to a constraint variable used to define a constraint on a control process that uses the objective function and modifying the constraint variable to have a modified value in response to determining that a trigger condition is satisfied. The trigger condition is based on the gradient. The operations include performing the control process subject to the constraint using the modified value of the constraint variable and operating equipment in accordance with a result of the control process. | 05-05-2022 |
