831results about "Control inputs involving system states" patented technology

Thermostatic HVAC and other energy management controls that are connected to a computer network. For instance, remotely managed load switches incorporating thermostatic controllers inform an energy management system, to provide enhanced efficiency, and to verify demand response with plug-in air conditioners and heaters. At least one load control device at a first location comprises a temperature sensor and a microprocessor. The load control device is configured to connect or disconnect electrical power to the an attached air conditioner or heater, and the microprocessor is configured to communicate over a network. In addition, the load control device is physically separate from an air conditioner or heater but located inside the space conditioned by the air conditioner or heater.

An environment control system for controlling the temperature in a room, the system comprises a heating and cooling system; a thermostat for monitoring the temperature within a room and controlling the heating and cooling system; a motion sensor for detecting whether a door or window to the room has been opened; a presence detector for detecting whether the room is currently occupied; and a control system in communication with the thermostat, the motion sensor, and the presence detector, the control system being configured to control the room's temperature via the thermostat based at least in part on signals received from the thermostat, the motion detector and the presence detector, the control system being configured to cause the heating and cooling system to operate in a power savings mode when the room is unoccupied based on a series of time cycles during which the heating and cooling system is turned on or off as dictated by a plurality of temperature thresholds.

A method for controlling temperature in a thermal zone within a building, comprising: using a processor, receiving a desired temperature range for the thermal zone; determining a forecast ambient temperature value for an external surface of the building proximate the thermal zone; using a predictive model for the building, determining set points for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system associated with the thermal zone that minimize energy use by the building; the desired temperature range and the forecast ambient temperature value being inputs to the predictive model; the predictive model being trained using respective historical measured value data for at least one of the inputs; and, controlling the HVAC system with the set points to maintain an actual temperature value of the thermal zone within the desired temperature range for the thermal zone.

A method for detecting faulty operation of a multi-variable system is described. The method includes receiving operational data from a plurality of components of the multi-variable system and processing the operational data in accordance with a plurality of dynamic machine learning fault detection models to generate a plurality of fault detection results. Each fault detection model uses a plurality of variables to model one or more components of the multi-variable system and is adapted to detect normal or faulty operation of an associated component or set of components of the multi-variable system. The plurality of fault detection results are output.

A fan-control device for overriding normal operation of a circulation fan delivering conditioned air through ductwork in an unconditioned space. The fan-control device includes a detection circuit and a fan relay. The detection circuit is configured to detect a cooling system control voltage and a cooling system control current and to output a fan control override signal when the cooling system control voltage is detected and the cooling system control current is absent.

An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit. The indoor blower controller responsively controls the operation of the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode or a reduced capacity mode based on the information received from the outdoor unit controller, and the outdoor unit controller responsively controls the operation of the compressor in a full capacity mode or a reduced capacity mode based on the information received from the indoor blower controller.

A thermostat assembly comprises a thermostat and a removable and replaceable first communication module physically and functionally removably connected to the thermostat. The first communication module is configured to permit information transfer between the thermostat and a first device remote from the thermostat. If more than one communication module is used to communicate with more than one device, the communication modules may operate using different communication protocols.

Provided according to one or more embodiments herein are methods, systems and related architectures for facilitating network communications between a wireless network-connected thermostat and a cloud-based management server in a manner that promotes reduced power usage and extended service life of a rechargeable battery of the thermostat, while at the same time accomplishing timely data transfer between the thermostat and the cloud-based management server for suitable and time-appropriate control of an HVAC system. The thermostat further comprises powering circuitry configured to: extract electrical power from one or more HVAC control wires in a manner that does not require a “common” wire; supply electrical power for thermostat operation; recharge the rechargeable battery (if needed) using any surplus extracted power; and discharge the rechargeable battery to assist in supplying electrical power for thermostat operation during intervals in which the extracted power alone is insufficient for thermostat operation.

An air conditioner control assembly for use with a room air conditioner having an electrical plug adapted to be plugged into an electrical socket in order to supply electrical power to the air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner control assembly includes a control unit having an electrical plug adapted to be plugged into an electrical power socket in a home, an electrical socket adapted to receive the electrical plug of the air conditioner, and a relay electrically connected between the two to selectively relay electrical power from the electrical power socket in a home to the air conditioner in response to a control signal. A thermostat located remotely from the control unit and from the air conditioner is electrically connected to the control unit, the thermostat generating the control signals to which the relay is responsive as a function of temperature sensed by the thermostat and time of day.

An integrated ventilation unit configured to provide ventilation and conditioned air to an indoor space may include a heat pump system, an energy recovery device and a control unit. The heat pump system may include a first coil located at a supply air side of the ventilation unit, a second coil located at an exhaust air side of the ventilation unit, and a compressor. The energy recovery device may be configured to transfer heat between a return air stream and a supply air stream and the control unit may be configured to control operation of the heat pump system and the energy recovery device.

A household energy management system and method for one or more appliances includes a controller for managing power consumption within a household. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of one or more energy parameters of an associated energy utility. The controller includes a user interface for receiving energy management input for at least one appliance of the one of more appliances from a user. The controller at least one of controls and operates the at least one appliance in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, in response to the input received by the user via the user interface in conjunction with the received signal.

An operation management apparatus includes an air conditioning thermal load prediction unit configured to calculate an air conditioning thermal load predicted value indicating a predicted amount of heat required to adjust temperature to a pre-set temperature on a day-of-prediction, a power generation output prediction processing unit configured to calculate power generation output prediction data indicating a generated power obtained by a generator within the day-of-prediction, and an operation planning unit configured to prepare an air conditioning heat source operation plan, and determines a purchased power and the generated power using the power generation output prediction data to thereby prepare a power facility operation plan indicating a schedule of a power output from the purchased power source and the generator, so that the purchased power per predetermined time supplied from a purchased power source of a commercial power system becomes a target value.

An apparatus and method for diagnosing a cooling system includes a first sensor operable to detect a compressor supply amperage, a second sensor operable to detect a compressor supply voltage, and a third sensor operable to detect a compressor rotational speed. A controller in communication with the first, second and third sensors communicates with a computer that compares at least two of the supply amperage, supply voltage and rotational speed with normal operating parameters, and outputs a diagnosis.

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.

The invention discloses an air conditioner indoor / outdoor unit cleaning method. The method comprises the steps of: controlling a heat exchanger to be cleaned to enter a self-cleaning mode; adjusting the operation frequency of an air conditioner, the openness of a throttling device and the rotating speed of a fan corresponding to the heat exchanger to be cleaned, and controlling the evaporation temperature of the heat exchanger to be cleaned to keep in a preset range to condense the surface of the heat exchanger to be cleaned; condensing the heat exchanger to be cleaned by t1 time; detecting if the high / low pressure difference of the air conditioner reaches preset conditions; controlling a four-way valve to change the direction to perform the defrosting switching of indoor and outdoor heat exchangers when the high / low pressure difference of the air conditioner reaches the preset conditions; and adjusting air conditioner operation parameters when the high / low pressure difference of the air conditioner dose not reach the preset conditions, and then, controlling the four-way valve to change the direction to perform the defrosting switching of the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers when the high / low pressure difference of the air conditioner reaches the preset conditions. As the direction change of the four-way valve can be controlled through detecting if the high / low pressure difference of the air conditioner reaches the preset conditions, the higher shock on the compressor caused by excessive high / low pressure difference of the air conditioner can be prevented.

A control system for controlling airflow through a vent. The system includes a vent assembly having a frame. The frame includes an opening to allow air to flow through the frame. The vent assembly also includes a movable damper for variably restricting the fluid flow through the opening in the vent assembly, a motor for controlling movement of the damper, and a sensor for determining the position of the damper. In addition, a controller is provided to control the motor to vary the position of the damper to thereby vary the airflow through the opening in the vent assembly.

Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for optimizing a schedule of setpoint temperatures used in the control of an HVAC system. The systems disclosed include an energy management system in operation with an intelligent, network-connected thermostat located at a structure. The thermostat includes a schedule of setpoint temperatures that is used to control an HVAC system associated with a structure in which the thermostat is located. The schedule of setpoint temperatures is continually adjusted by small, unnoticeable amounts so that the schedule migrates from the original schedule to an optimal schedule. The optimal schedule may be optimal in terms of energy consumption or some other terms.

A central control system of air conditioners includes a multi-type air conditioning system, a power meter and a central controller. The air conditioning system includes a plurality of indoor units for air conditioning installed in rooms of a building and an outdoor unit for circulation of refrigerant, where the indoor units share the outdoor unit. The power meter is connected to the outdoor unit to measure power consumption of the air conditioning system when the system operates. The central control unit calculates respective power consumptions of the indoor units based on both the power consumption measured by the power meter and operation information of the air conditioning system, and displays the calculated power consumptions of the indoor units. It is thus possible to determine respective power consumption patterns and electricity charges of the indoor units more accurately, thereby improving management efficiency of the entire air conditioning system.

A diagnostic monitoring system and method is employed for one or more vapor compression systems such as air conditioners and heat pumps having a compressor, an indoor air handler fan coil and an outdoor condensor. Temperature, voltage and current sensors are provided at the outdoor condensor to determine that at least one vapor compression system is operating properly. Data obtained from the sensors is wirelessly transmitted to a receiving-device for use by the systems' custodian or repair service provider and includes information concerning an occurrence of periods when one or more of the vapor compression systems are operating at an abnormal state.

A portable monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the measurements performed by the monitoring system include one or more of: an evaporator input air temperature, an evaporator output air temperature, evaporator air flow, evaporator air humidity, condenser air input temperature, condenser air output temperature sensor, electrical power. In one embodiment, the portable monitoring system receives information about the refrigerant-cycle system from either the system itself or from a computer network.

A variable speed air handling system for cooling and / or heating a room and a method of controlling the system. The system includes a fan assembly to transport air from the system into the room, the fan assembly having a substantially continuously adjustable speed within a range of speeds defined by a predetermined upper limit and a predetermined lower limit. A user interface transmits a signal in response to a desired speed of the fan assembly input by an operator via the user interface. The system further includes a control unit to substantially continuously adjust the speed of the fan assembly to a speed in the range of speeds in response to the signal transmitted by the user interface, and a climate control unit for heating and / or cooling the air to be transported from the air conditioner by the fan assembly.

The invention relates to an air-conditioning system which comprises an indoor machine and an outdoor machine, wherein the outdoor machine comprises a condenser, a condensation fan, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and a control panel, wherein the temperature sensor is used for collecting temperature; the pressure sensor is used for collecting condensation pressure; the control panel is used for detecting whether the pressure sensor and / or the temperature sensor malfunction / malfunctions, regulating the rotation speed of the condensation fan according to the condensation pressure collected by the pressure sensor when the pressure sensor does not malfunction, regulating the rotation speed of the condensation fan according to the temperature collected by the temperature sensor when the pressure sensor malfunctions but the temperature sensor does not malfunction, and controlling the rotation speed of the condensation fan according to default parameter values when both the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor malfunction. Through implementing the technical scheme provided by the invention, the control method can be automatically switched when a single control method is invalid, and the normal and efficient operation of the air-conditioning system can be ensured.

An electronic controller device for automatic control of a heating, ventilating, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system has a digital recycle counter that is capable of intercepting a thermostat command for cooling, refrigeration, or heating and replacing the thermostat command with a modulated binary signal that operates in an “on” state or “off” state, and a computer-readable storage medium that comprises a program that includes an auto-configuration mode that is capable of determining a base line performance of the HVAC&R system through a commissioning phase and is capable of determining an adjusted performance based on energy consumption, temperature regulation, humidity regulation, or power limit or any combination thereof. The program can adjust the digital recycle counter “on” and “off” states based on the adjusted performance determination to reduce energy consumption.

In an embodiment, an electronic device may include a processor that may iteratively simulate candidate control trajectories using upper confidence bound for trees (UCT) to control an environmental control system (e.g., an HVAC system). Each candidate control trajectory may be simulated by selecting a control action at each of a plurality of time steps over a period of time that has the highest upper bound on possible performance using values from previous simulations and predicting a temperature for a next time step of the plurality of time steps that results from applying the selected control action using a thermal model. The processor may determine a value of each candidate control trajectory using a cost function, update the value of each control action selected in each candidate control trajectory, and select a candidate control trajectory with the highest value using UCT to apply to control the environmental control system.

A central control system of air conditioners includes a multi-type air conditioning system, a power meter and a central controller. The air conditioning system includes a plurality of indoor units for air conditioning installed in rooms of a building and an outdoor unit for circulation of refrigerant, where the indoor units share the outdoor unit. The power meter is connected to the outdoor unit to measure power consumption of the air conditioning system when the system operates. The central control unit calculates respective power consumptions of the indoor units based on both the power consumption measured by the power meter and operation information of the air conditioning system, and displays the calculated power consumptions of the indoor units. It is thus possible to determine respective power consumption patterns and electricity charges of the indoor units more accurately, thereby improving management efficiency of the entire air conditioning system.

An air quality monitoring and management system adapted to be mounted between an existing thermostat and a wall in which the thermostat was previously mounted, or directly at the HVAC system. The air quality monitoring and management system contains various wires for connecting to both a thermostat and HVAC system, thereby effectively intercepting the signal between the thermostat and HVAC system. The air quality monitoring and management system includes air quality measuring sensors, a housing for mounting between the wall and thermostat, and a controller that supplies electrical signals to the HVAC system through use of the aforementioned wires to supplement the control of the HVAC fan in conjunction with the thermostat to help increase air flow in the affected area. The air quality monitoring and management system may include an air quality management controller mounted to an HVAC air handling unit, and wirelessly connected to sensors.

A condensate overflow prevention assembly prevents condensate overflow in an air cooling system using a fluid level sensor and a pump activated by the fluid level sensor to pump the condensate away from a drainage system when a blockage occurs in the drainage system.

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.

A system for controlling multiple air conditioners. The system includes a demand control unit configured to divide the multiple air conditioners into groups, to assign a priority level to each group, to calculate an estimated power amount used by the multiple air conditioners based on an amount of power consumed by the multiple air conditioners during a predetermined time period, and to forcibly control an operation of one or more air conditioners included in a respective group based on the priority level assigned to the respective group.