SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM

Abstract

A system and method for controlling the indoor climate of a building. The system includes one or more pieces of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, a thermostat configured to wirelessly transmit operating data, and a controller communicatively coupled to one or more pieces of equipment and to the thermostat. The controller includes a communication module configured to exchange operating data with the thermostat and a device interface configured to communicate control signals to one or more pieces of equipment to control their operation. The controller is configured to receive the operating data transmitted wirelessly from the thermostat via the communication module, determine a control plan for the operation of one or more pieces of HVAC equipment based on the operating data, and operate one or more pieces of HVAC equipment based on the control plan.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCE WITH RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 17 / 139 322, filed on December 31, 2020. This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Application No. 16 / 832 618, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AIR TEMPERATURE USING A TARGET TIME-BASED CONTROL PLAN,” filed on March 27, 2020, which is a divisional application of U.S. Application No. 15 / 043 134, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AIR TEMPERATURE USING A TARGET TIME-BASED CONTROL PLAN,” filed on February 12, 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and more specifically to an HVAC system in which the HVAC equipment is operated using a controller independent of a thermostat. The present invention also relates to methods for operating such a controller. BACKGROUND Communicating thermostats and communicating HVAC equipment generally refer to HVAC equipment that exchanges information and control signals using modern communication protocols. The increased flexibility of communicating systems provides several advantages. For example, the communicating equipment can be automatically identified, including its available capacity settings and / or the number of stages. A communicating thermostat can use this information and the flexibility of the communication protocol to issue control signals corresponding to specific capacity settings for the equipment. While the use of such protocols provides greater flexibility in the type and amount of data that can be exchanged between communicating thermostats and communicating HVAC equipment, there are significant trade-offs.First, communicating thermostats and HVAC equipment are generally more expensive than their non-communicating counterparts, making the cost of communicating systems prohibitive for many consumers. Second, communicating systems typically do not work with non-communicating equipment, older equipment, or equipment from different manufacturers. As a result, the consumer's choice is extremely limited regarding the equipment to use in a communicating system. Furthermore, this lack of interoperability limits a consumer's ability to adapt or upgrade a system without a relatively complete replacement. Finally, while many of the features and capabilities of communicating systems greatly simplify installation and configuration, many of these features have limited use for the end user. In contrast, legacy thermostats and HVAC equipment typically rely on simpler control signals, such as on / off signals (usually 24 VAC signals), for communication and control. As a result, interoperability is generally less of a concern in HVAC systems that implement only legacy equipment, and consumers have more flexibility to install equipment that best suits their specific needs and budget. As used in this document, the term “legacy” refers to equipment that has the ability to connect to a thermostat that sends 24 VAC on / off signals. In light of the above, there is a need for a system that provides the enhanced degree of control offered by a communicating system while also allowing the use of a wide range of thermostats and other HVAC equipment within the system. Ideally, the system would accommodate both communicating and non-communicating legacy equipment, and device detection and configuration processes would occur using various methods, either alone or in combination. These methods might include reading or retrieving information provided by an installer, customer, or other user; reading or retrieving information available in a remote database; reading or retrieving information directly from the HVAC equipment; or learning the properties of the HVAC equipment using a trial-and-error approach. COMPENDIUM Examples of systems and methods for controlling the air temperature in a building are provided. For example, examples of systems and methods for operating an HVAC system according to a control plan based on a target time are given. The control plan can be designed to achieve a desired air temperature in a building within the target time. The system may include a controller that is coupled to indoor and / or outdoor HVAC units. The controller may include equipment terminals for controlling communicating or non-communicating HVAC units. The controller may be coupled to communicate with a thermostat. The controller may also include sensing terminals that can be coupled to communicate with one or more air temperature sensors. The controller may also include accessory terminals for connecting devices such as indoor air quality equipment, dampers, and other zoning equipment. The controller may include a communication module. This module can be connected to a computer via a wired or wireless connection. The communication module can be used to send and receive performance and operational data related to the HVAC system. The computer can then use this performance and operational data to analyze the HVAC system, enabling optimized maintenance and performance. The computer can also be used to input control plan parameters, such as target time and desired temperature. The method for controlling the air temperature in a building may include detecting connected devices. The method may also include determining a target time and an initial control plan. The control plan may involve operating one or more HVAC units in a variety of capacity or stage configurations to achieve high performance or efficiency ratings. The control plan can then be executed by a controller in response to a heating / cooling request. The controller can then determine a satisfaction time based on the time it takes to fulfill the heating / cooling request using the control plan. The actual satisfaction time can then be compared to the target time and used to update the control plan. The method can then be repeated using the updated control plan when a new heating / cooling request is received. These and several other features and advantages will become apparent from the detailed description and figures that follow, together with the accompanying claims. While the embodiments of this disclosure have been illustrated and described and are defined by reference to illustrative embodiments in the description, such references do not imply a limitation of the disclosure, nor shall any such limitations be inferred. The subject matter described may be subject to substantial modifications, alterations, and equivalents in form and function, as will be evident to those skilled in the relevant art who benefit from this disclosure. The embodiments depicted and described in this disclosure are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The modalities of the present and their advantages can be more fully understood by referring to the following description together with the attached figures, in which similar reference numbers indicate similar characteristics. FIG. 1 shows an HVAC system that incorporates an existing thermostat, according to some modalities. FIG. 2 shows an HVAC system without a thermostat, according to some modalities. FIG. 3 is an illustrative representation of a controller for use in an HVAC system. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating one modality of a method for controlling the air temperature of a building using a control plan based on a target time. DESCRIPTION This disclosure generally refers to a system for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and methods for controlling HVAC equipment in the HVAC system. For the purposes of this disclosure, an HVAC system refers to any system that provides one or more heating, cooling, or ventilation functions to an environment, such as a building. The building may be, but is not limited to, a residential building such as a house, apartment, condominium, or similar. An HVAC system may include one or more pieces of HVAC equipment to provide heating, cooling, or ventilation. HVAC equipment includes, but is not limited to, furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, blowers, air handlers, and dehumidifiers. HVAC equipment may operate in a single stage of operation (i.e., single-stage), in one of several discrete stages of operation (i.e., multi-stage), or along a continuum of operating points, such as with modulating furnaces or reverse air conditioning units. HVAC equipment may also operate on gas, electricity, or any other suitable energy source. This disclosure pertains to an HVAC system comprising a controller. In certain embodiments, the controller is incorporated into one or more HVAC system components, such as a thermostat or other HVAC equipment, and is communicatively coupled to other HVAC system components. In other embodiments, the controller is a standalone unit communicatively coupled to HVAC system components. The controller operates by attempting to satisfy heating or cooling requests within a specified target time. To do this, the controller determines an initial control plan to meet the heating / cooling request within that target time and then operates the HVAC system based on that plan. The controller then compares the actual time required to meet the heating / cooling request with the target time and adjusts the control plan accordingly. The revised control plan can then be implemented in the next heating / cooling cycle. Based on the results of comparing the actual time to the target time in the subsequent cycle, the control plan can be adjusted again.This process can be repeated continuously, gradually converging into a control plan that satisfies the heating / cooling plan as close as possible to the target time. The control plan outlines the settings at which the HVAC equipment will operate to meet the heating / cooling demand. The control plan may include instructions for one or more pieces of equipment to be operated, the operating time for each piece of equipment, and, if the equipment can operate at more than one stage or capacity, the stage or capacity at which it will operate. For example, if an HVAC system includes a three-stage air conditioner and is required to meet a cooling demand within a target time of 20 minutes, the control plan might include instructions to operate the air conditioner at the second stage for 15 minutes and at the first stage for 5 minutes. In certain modes, the control plan can be adjusted if the actual satisfaction time is longer or shorter than the target time. For example, if the actual satisfaction time is longer than the target time, the current control plan parameters are generally inadequate to provide sufficient heating or cooling. Consequently, the controller can change the operating equipment, timing, or capacity parameters of the control plan to provide more heating or cooling as needed. Conversely, if the actual satisfaction time is shorter than the target time, the current control plan parameters can be assumed to be too aggressive. Consequently, the controller can change the operating equipment, timing, or capacity parameters of the control plan to provide less heating or cooling. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to one or more embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The description that follows sets forth various specific details in order to provide a complete understanding of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented without some or all of these specific details. In other cases, known process steps and / or structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure. Furthermore, although the disclosure is described in conjunction with particular embodiments, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the disclosure to the embodiments described. Rather, the description is intended to encompass alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an HVAC system 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. As depicted, the HVAC system 100 is incorporated into a building 101. The HVAC system 100 includes a controller 102. The controller 102 is depicted as incorporated into and communicatively coupled with an indoor unit 104. The indoor unit 104 may comprise, but is not limited to, heating equipment such as a furnace. The controller 102 is also communicatively coupled to an outdoor unit 106, which may comprise, but is not limited to, cooling equipment such as an air conditioner. Other examples of indoor and outdoor units include, but are not limited to, air handlers and heat pumps, respectively. The controller 102 is further communicatively coupled to a thermostat 108. During operation, controller 102 receives heating or cooling requests from thermostat 108. Specifically, sensors within thermostat 108 determine whether the current temperature inside building 101 rises above (in the case of cooling) or falls below (in the case of heating) a temperature setpoint. If either of these events occurs, thermostat 108 sends a heating or cooling request to controller 102. In response, controller 102 can send control signals to one or more pieces of HVAC equipment, including indoor unit 104 and outdoor unit 106. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, thermostat 108 performs several functions. First, thermostat 108 senses the temperature inside building 101. Second, in response to the temperature inside building 101 being above or below a desired setpoint, thermostat 108 provides a signal to controller 102 to request cooling or heating, respectively. Once the desired temperature is reached, the heating / cooling request is canceled. In certain configurations, one or more of these functions may be performed by the thermostat or by other components of the HVAC system. Thermostat 108 can also provide signals to enable or disable other optional equipment, including, but not limited to, humidifiers and fans (not shown). In the configuration shown in FIG.2, for example, a thermostat is not required and the functions described are performed by a temperature sensor alone or in combination with a controller. Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of an HVAC system 200 according to this description. The HVAC system 200, which is incorporated into building 201, includes an indoor unit 204 and an outdoor unit 206 communicatively coupled to a controller 202. The indoor unit 204 may comprise, but is not limited to, heating equipment such as a furnace. The outdoor unit 206 may comprise, but is not limited to, cooling equipment such as an air conditioner. Other examples of indoor and outdoor units include, but are not limited to, air handlers and heat pumps, respectively. In contrast to the embodiment in Figure 1, where the controller 102 is incorporated into the indoor unit 104, the controller 202 is represented as a separate unit. The mode in FIG. 2 also includes a temperature sensor 210 to determine the temperature inside building 201. In certain modes, the temperature sensor 210 can be configured to determine one or more of the actual temperature inside building 201 or whether the current temperature inside building 201 is above or below a temperature set point. Controller 202 can receive and analyze temperature-based signals and data from temperature sensor 210. For example, controller 202 can generate control signals to operate HVAC equipment, such as indoor unit 204 and outdoor unit 206, based at least in part on the temperature-based signals received from temperature sensor 210. In certain modes, sensor 210 can transmit temperature readings to controller 202. Controller 202 can monitor the temperature readings provided by sensor 210 to determine if the temperature in building 201 exceeds or falls below a temperature setpoint, causing controller 202 to generate a heating / cooling request. In response to the heating / cooling request, controller 202 can issue appropriate control signals to at least one of the indoor unit 204 and the outdoor unit 206.In other configurations, sensor 210 can transmit a signal indicating that the air temperature in building 201 is above or below a set temperature. Controller 202 can then generate a heating / cooling request and issue control signals to operate HVAC equipment such as indoor unit 204 and outdoor unit 206 in response to this signal. In certain configurations, temperature readings from temperature sensor 210 can also be stored in a memory module of controller 202. Controller 202 can use these stored temperature readings to determine temperature trends, response times to control signals, and other metrics to refine a control plan implemented by controller 202. In one or more aspects, the 108 thermostat is configured to accept operational data as user input. This operational data may include, but is not limited to, one or more temperature setpoints, one humidity setpoint, and a target rate of temperature change. The 108 thermostat may include a user interface, such as one or more buttons, a touch-sensitive display, or a combination thereof, through which a user can input the operational data. In one aspect, the 108 thermostat may be capable of wireless communication using one or more wireless protocols. Such wireless protocols may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee protocols. In such a case, the 108 thermostat may connect wirelessly to a computing device (e.g., a computer).(e.g., a smartphone) and can receive operating data from the computing device as user input. For example, a user can enter operating data on a smartphone using a smartphone application, where the operating data can be wirelessly communicated from the smartphone to the thermostat 108. In one aspect, the thermostat 108 can be configured to transmit operating data, including one or more temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, and target rate of temperature change, to one or more pieces of HVAC system equipment or a controller (e.g., controller 102) configured to control one or more pieces of HVAC equipment. In one or more aspects, the 108 thermostat may include, in addition to temperature sensing, features such as humidity sensing, occupancy detection, geofencing, and compatibility with remote wireless sensors. To provide one or more of these features, the 108 thermostat may include additional sensors, including but not limited to a humidity sensor and an occupancy detection sensor (e.g., a motion sensor). The 108 thermostat can be configured to communicate temperature measurements, humidity measurements, and occupancy data collected using the respective sensors to one or more pieces of HVAC system equipment or a controller (e.g., the 102 controller) configured to control one or more pieces of HVAC equipment. In one or more aspects, the 102 controller can determine a control plan based on operating data to operate one or more pieces of HVAC system equipment to achieve optimal operating efficiency and user convenience. In one or more aspects, the HVAC system (e.g., 100 or 200) may include a plurality of thermostats, a plurality of temperature sensors, a plurality of humidity sensors, a plurality of occupancy sensors (e.g., motion sensors), or any combination thereof, wherein one or more of the thermostats and sensors may communicate via wired and / or wireless communication with other devices in the HVAC system, including other thermostats, other sensors, HVAC equipment, and the controller (e.g., controller 102). In one aspect, a thermostat (e.g., thermostat 108) or a temperature sensor (temperature sensor 210) may be placed in each of a plurality of designated areas in a building (e.g., building 101 or 201). For example, a thermostat or a temperature sensor may be placed in each room of a residential building.Each of the thermostats and temperature sensors can have wireless communication capability using one or more wireless protocols and can wirelessly transmit ambient temperature readings to one or more pieces of HVAC system equipment or a controller (e.g., the 102 controller) configured to control one or more pieces of HVAC equipment. In one aspect, the HVAC system (e.g., HVAC system 100) may have a master thermostat (e.g., thermostat 108) and a plurality of remote temperature sensors (e.g., temperature sensor 210) in the building, where each remote temperature sensor is placed in a different designated area of ​​the building. Each of the remote temperature sensors can wirelessly communicate its respective temperature readings to the master thermostat. The master thermostat can collect all the temperature readings from the various remote sensors, including its own temperature reading, and can transmit the temperature readings to a central controller (e.g., controller 102) via a wired connection or a wireless interface.The central controller can determine a control plan based on temperature readings from various areas of the building, so that one or more pieces of HVAC system equipment can be operated to prevent hot or cold spots. Alternatively, one or more designated areas of the building can include, or be supplemented by, a remote humidity sensor, a remote occupancy detection sensor (e.g., motion sensor), a remote secondary thermostat, or a combination thereof. Each of these additional sensors and thermostats can transmit its respective data (e.g., humidity measurements, detected motion, temperature or humidity setpoints entered into a secondary thermostat) to the main thermostat for reporting to the central controller.Alternatively, each of the thermostats (including any secondary thermostats) and sensors can transmit their respective data directly to the central controller using a wired connection or a wireless interface. Alternatively, one or more of the thermostats and sensors (including temperature, humidity, and occupancy sensors) located in the building can connect to the internet and upload their data to a cloud service. This data may include, but is not limited to, operational data such as temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, target rate of temperature change, ambient temperature readings, ambient humidity readings, and occupancy data. In this context, the controller can also connect to the internet and download operational data from the same cloud service. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the 300 controller according to one embodiment of this disclosure in which the 300 controller is configured to receive signals from a legacy thermostat. As noted above, the 300 controller may be incorporated into an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, or a thermostat, or it may be part of a separate component. The 300 controller may include a 301A processing unit and a 301B memory module. Because the 300 controller is designed for use with a legacy thermostat, it includes a 302 terminal block for connecting the controller to such a thermostat. The 302 terminal block may include terminals corresponding to one or more output terminals on the legacy thermostat. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the 302 terminal block includes a 24 VAC supply line terminal (R) 303A, a common ground terminal (C) 303B, a cooling call terminal (Y) 303C, a heating request terminal (W) 303D, a fan terminal (G) 303E, a reversing valve terminal (O) 303F, and a dehumidifier terminal (Deshum) 303G. In other configurations, one or more of the 303A–G terminals may be omitted, or additional terminals may be added.For example, if a thermostat is capable of emitting control signals corresponding to multiple stages of heating or cooling requests (e.g., Y2 or W2 terminals), the controller can include corresponding terminals to receive such signals. The 300 controller can also include one or more equipment terminals for communicating with indoor and / or outdoor units. For example, the 300 controller can include an RS485 interface (304) suitable for communicating data and control signals to communicating HVAC equipment. The 300 controller can also include components for controlling non-communicating equipment using other signals, such as 24 V AC signals. For example, the 300 controller includes a refrigeration relay (306) and a corresponding refrigeration terminal block (308) for connecting the 300 controller to a non-communicating air conditioning unit. The 300 controller can also include interfaces for receiving data or signals from other HVAC system components. For example, the 300 controller includes sensor interfaces 310A and 310B for receiving data from a return air (RA) sensor and a supply air (SA) sensor, respectively. The 300 controller can also include an accessory interface 311 for communication with other HVAC system components, including, but not limited to, indoor air quality equipment, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, ventilation controllers, and other zoning equipment. The 300 controller can also include a 312 communication module for communicating with a computing device. The 312 communication module can include a wired interface. For example, in certain configurations, the 312 communication module can include, among others, one or more of a Universal Serial Bus, Ethernet, FireWire, Thunderbolt, RS-232, or a similar interface. Instead of, or in addition to, a wired interface, the 312 communication module can include a wireless interface for communicating with a computing device. Such wireless interfaces can include, among others, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee. In certain configurations, the 312 communication module can be configured to connect the 300 controller directly to the computing device.It is also possible to configure the 312 communication module to connect the 300 controller to the computer device via a computer network that includes, but is not limited to, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet. The 312 communication module typically allows the 300 controller to exchange data with the computer. In certain configurations, the data exchanged between the 300 controller and the computer may include system configuration data. System configuration data may include information about the HVAC system in which the 300 controller is installed, including information about any HVAC equipment or components included in the system. Configuration data may include general information about the basic types of equipment included in an HVAC system, but it may also include specific details about particular pieces of HVAC equipment. For example, if an HVAC system includes a multi-stage air conditioner, the configuration data may include product details such as the brand, model, product number, and serial number of the unit.Configuration data may also include performance details, including the number of stages and the corresponding capacities of the air conditioner. The 312 communication module can also be configured to send and / or receive operating parameters. As discussed previously, the 300 controller typically operates by developing and executing a control plan to meet heating and cooling requests to achieve a desired temperature setpoint as close as possible to a target time. During operation, the 312 communication module can be used to send or receive operating parameters such as the temperature setpoint and target time to establish or retrieve the HVAC system's operating objectives. In one or more aspects, the operating parameters exchanged between the 300 controller and a computer device may include a target rate of temperature change to be achieved in a building during a cooling or heating operation.The 300 controller can develop and execute a control plan in response to a heating or cooling request to achieve and maintain the target rate of temperature change in the building. The 312 communication module can also be used to exchange historical performance data with a computer. For example, the 300 controller can store temperature readings received from an HVAC system temperature sensor in the 301B memory module and transmit or make the temperature data available to a computer. The 300 controller can also transmit historical performance data that can be used to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the system and to determine if maintenance may be required. For example, the controller can provide data on the amount of time a particular piece of HVAC equipment is operated. Such usage information can be used to determine the likely lifespan of HVAC equipment components and develop a corresponding maintenance schedule. In one or more aspects, the 312 communication module of the 300 controller can be configured to send and / or receive operational data from multiple devices, including but not limited to one or more thermostats, one or more sensors, one or more computing devices, or a combination thereof. The 312 communication module can be configured to exchange operational data with one or more of these devices using either its wired or wireless interface. Operational data may include, but is not limited to, temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, target rate of temperature change, ambient temperature readings, ambient humidity readings, and occupancy data.In one respect, the 312 communication module can wirelessly exchange data with one or more of these devices using a peer-to-peer wireless connection, via a local private area network, over the Internet, or a combination thereof. The 300 controller can determine a control plan based on the operational data received from one or more devices to operate one or more pieces of HVAC system equipment to achieve optimal operational efficiency and / or user comfort. In one or more aspects, the 312 communication module can be configured to receive operational data from multiple thermostats and / or sensors located in various designated areas within a building. These sensors may include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, occupancy sensors, or a combination thereof. In one aspect, the 300 controller can be communicatively coupled to a thermostat via the 302 terminal block, as well as via the 312 communication module using either its wired or wireless interface. This allows the 300 controller to receive legacy 24 V AC signals from the thermostat, while also enabling it to receive operational data from the thermostat using the 312 communication module.This feature of the 300 controller can be particularly useful since most commercially available smart thermostats connect to the HVAC system via legacy 24V AC wiring and are also capable of wireless communication. In one or more aspects, the 300 controller can connect to the Internet using the wired interface (e.g., Ethernet interface) or the wireless interface (e.g., Wi-Fi interface) of the 312 communication module. The 300 controller can be configured to connect to a cloud service via the Internet to access and download operating data uploaded to the cloud service by one or more thermostats and / or one or more sensors located in the building. Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a general method for operating an HVAC system in accordance with this disclosure. In one or more embodiments, any one or more of the steps described may be omitted. In other embodiments, any one or more of the steps depicted may be performed in any suitable order or combination. The method begins at stage 402 with the controller initiating device detection. Device detection generally refers to the process of identifying the equipment present in an HVAC system and may include determining one or more of the type, capacity, number of stages, or other characteristics of that equipment. Device discovery can occur using various methods, alone or in combination, and may include reading or retrieving information provided by an installer, customer, or other user. For example, in certain modes, the user can configure a series of DIP switches located on a controller, thermostat, piece of HVAC equipment, or any other suitable location within the HVAC system to indicate the characteristics of one or more pieces of HVAC equipment within the system. During device discovery, a controller or other suitable equipment in the system can read the DIP switches to determine the characteristics of the installed HVAC equipment. In certain configurations, device discovery data can be stored and retrieved from memory. For example, device discovery data can be stored locally in the memory of an HVAC system controller. In other configurations, device discovery data can be stored in a remote location, such as a remote server. In either configuration, the device discovery process may involve executing instructions to retrieve the device discovery data from memory, regardless of the memory location. Device detection data can be stored in read-only memory. For example, the memory might include device detection data set during the HVAC system's manufacturing process. In certain configurations, the read-only memory can store default information corresponding to a specific HVAC system, allowing an installer or other user to reset the HVAC system to its default settings if a fault, system failure, or other problem is encountered. In certain configurations, the memory can be reprogrammed by a user. In such configurations, the user can input information pertaining to the HVAC system to be stored in the memory. Any suitable method can be used to program the memory. For example, the user can use a software application to configure the HVAC system and input device data. Such software can run on any suitable platform. For example, in certain configurations, device data can be entered using a panel or terminal specifically designed for the HVAC system. In other configurations, a user can use a computing device with a program or application installed that allows them to input or modify device data. Such general computing devices may include, but are not limited to, laptops, tablets, smartphones, netbooks, and desktop computers.Device data can be entered by directly connecting a computer to the HVAC system using any suitable interface or by providing the device data remotely, including via a wired or wireless connection. For example, in certain modes, a user can enter device data by directly connecting a computer to a device in the HVAC system using a wired connection, which may include, but is not limited to, one or more universal serial bus, Ethernet, FireWire, Thunderbolt, RS-232, or similar interfaces. In other modes, the user can provide device data to the HVAC system via the internet or any suitable wireless technology, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee. In certain configurations, device data can be stored in and retrieved from a database. The database can be stored locally in memory connected to the HVAC system or accessed remotely from a server or other remote data source. In some configurations, device data for a specific part of the HVAC system can be retrieved from the database based on information provided by a user or by the HVAC system components. For example, in certain modes, information can be provided to a database regarding a specific piece of HVAC equipment for inclusion in an HVAC system. Depending on the information provided, one or more database entries can be returned. For instance, if a product name or product ID corresponding to a specific piece of HVAC equipment is provided, the device data for that particular product can be returned. Alternatively, if more generic information is provided (e.g., heating or cooling, number of stages, capacity, etc.), multiple entries can be returned, allowing for further selection or refinement of the retrieved data. Device data can also be reported to the HVAC system by connected equipment. In certain configurations, a piece of HVAC equipment can automatically report its device data to the HVAC system when it is first connected. HVAC equipment can also provide its device data in response to a device data request received from other components of the HVAC system. In certain scenarios, the characteristics of a device can also be determined using a trial-and-error approach. For example, if a cooling command is issued and the temperature does not decrease, the attached equipment is likely a furnace or other heating equipment. A similar approach can be used to determine if a piece of HVAC equipment is capable of operating in multiple capacities or stages. For example, after determining that a refrigeration unit is connected, a cooling command can be issued, requesting the HVAC equipment to provide cooling in a first stage and a second stage corresponding to different capacities. If the cooling following the command occurs more rapidly when operating in one stage or the other, the connected HVAC unit is likely a two-stage unit. Conversely, if no change is observed or if no cooling occurs, the HVAC unit is likely a single-stage unit.Once detection has occurred, the controller determines the desired target time (404). The target time can be entered directly by a user or installer or can be determined automatically based on user preferences. For example, a user might specify a preference for the system to operate to maximize performance, maximize user comfort, maximize efficiency, or achieve a preferred balance of performance, comfort, and efficiency. In response, the controller can automatically determine an appropriate target time corresponding to these preferences. For example, if a user prioritizes performance over efficiency, the controller might apply a short target time so that the HVAC equipment operates at a relatively high capacity for a shorter period.On the other hand, if a user prioritizes efficiency over performance, the controller can select a longer target time so that the HVAC equipment operates at a lower capacity for a longer period. In some configurations, the user can enter the desired target temperature directly into a thermostat that is communicatively coupled to the HVAC system controller. In other configurations, the HVAC system controller may have a means of directly entering the desired target temperature. In still other configurations, the user can enter the desired target temperature by directly connecting a computing device to the HVAC system using any suitable interface or by remotely providing device data, including via a wired or wireless connection. Such general computing devices may include, but are not limited to, laptops, tablets, smartphones, netbooks, and desktop computers. A suitable wired connection may include, but is not limited to, one or more universal serial bus, Ethernet, FireWire, Thunderbolt, RS232, or similar interfaces.A suitable wireless connection may include, among others, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee. Once a target time has been determined, the controller develops an initial control plan (406) to operate the HVAC equipment to meet a heating / cooling request as close as possible to the target time. Establishing the initial control plan can occur in several ways and may differ depending on whether the equipment being controlled is stepped, and therefore has discrete capacity levels, or modulating, and therefore is capable of a continuous range of capacities. In certain systems where equipment is controlled in stages, the initial control plan can be established by determining the satisfaction times for each of one or more stages. A satisfaction time is generally the time required for the HVAC equipment to operate at a particular stage or capacity to meet a heating / cooling request. Based on these satisfaction times, the controller can determine at which stage or stages one or more pieces of HVAC equipment should operate and approximate the time required to operate at each stage to meet a subsequent heating / cooling request as close as possible to the target time. In certain configurations, the actual satisfaction time for any given capacity setting or stage can be determined by running the equipment at that stage until the heating / cooling demand is met. This approach can be repeated for each stage of the HVAC equipment to determine the full range of satisfaction times. In certain modalities, determining satisfaction times may involve determining the satisfaction time for a subset of stages and then calculating, estimating, looking up, or otherwise determining the satisfaction times for any remaining stages based on the satisfaction times of the subset of stages. For example, the satisfaction time for the maximum capacity of an HVAC unit can be determined as described above. Once the satisfaction time for the maximum capacity has been determined, the satisfaction times for the remaining stages or capacity settings can be calculated, estimated, looked up, or otherwise determined based on the satisfaction time for the maximum capacity. Doing so eliminates the need to operate the HVAC unit at each stage or capacity setting to establish the satisfaction times. In certain configurations where satisfaction times are determined from a subset of satisfaction times, a proportional capacity map can be applied to the known satisfaction times to determine the satisfaction times for any remaining stages or capacity adjustments. One such method is to apply a proportional capacity map that determines satisfaction times based on the relative capacities of the stages to the capacities of the stages for which an actual satisfaction time has been determined. For example, a system with a first, second, and third stage corresponding to 40%, 60%, and 100% (i.e., maximum capacity) can operate first at maximum capacity, achieving a corresponding maximum capacity satisfaction time of 10 minutes.Applying a capacity-based proportional capacity map can result in first and second stage satisfaction times of 25 minutes and 17 minutes, respectively. More sophisticated mapping can also be implemented. For example, instead of, or in addition to, stage capacity ratios, the capacity map can be based on a model that considers thermodynamic effects, equipment characteristics, room characteristics, or any other factor that might affect the time a given piece of HVAC equipment can meet a heating / cooling demand. In certain modalities, the capacity map can be created based wholly or partially on empirical data, which may include data generated during testing of the HVAC equipment or similar units, or data collected during actual operation after installation. Because a low-capacity stage may not be able to satisfy a heating / cooling request within a reasonable time, or at all, certain modalities may include a timeout if a heating / cooling request is not satisfied within a specified time. In modalities that implement a timeout, the process of determining the initial control plan can be shortened by not determining satisfaction times for any stage with capacities lower than those of a stage with an expired timeout. Based on the satisfaction times, the controller can establish an initial control plan that includes instructions for the HVAC system, specifying, among other things, which equipment to operate, at what capacity the equipment should operate, and for how long. As a result, the initial control plan is the best estimate of how to operate the HVAC equipment to meet a heating / cooling request as close as possible to the target time. In one approach, the initial control plan is established by first determining the minimum stage capable of meeting the heating / cooling demand in less than the target time. Because the minimum satisfactory stage will not adequately meet the heating / cooling demand within the target time, the target time can be more closely approximated by operating the HVAC equipment at the minimum satisfactory time for an initial period and then switching the HVAC equipment to the next higher stage for a second period. The lengths of the first and second periods can be based on the satisfactory times of the two stages. For example, if a target time is 10 minutes, a third stage meets the demand in 6 minutes, a second stage meets it in 8 minutes, and a first stage meets it in 16 minutes, then the second stage is the minimum satisfactory stage.Consequently, the second stage and the first stage are used in the initial control plan. Based on these specific figures, the initial operating time would be 2.5 minutes for the first stage and 7.5 minutes for the second stage. After determining the initial control plan, the controller receives a heating / cooling request on port 408. In certain modes, the heating / cooling request may originate from a legacy thermostat communicatively coupled with the controller. In other modes, it may originate from a communicating thermostat coupled with the controller. In still other modes, the heating / cooling request may be generated by the controller itself in response to a temperature signal received from a communicatively coupled air temperature sensor. In response to the heating / cooling request, the controller operates the HVAC equipment according to the current control plan until the heating / cooling demand is met.In certain configurations, the controller can be programmed to time out if the heating / cooling request is not met within a specific time period. This prevents situations where the initial control plan fails to meet a heating / cooling request, thus avoiding situations where the request cannot be met within a reasonable time or at all. Once the heating / cooling request is satisfied, the controller determines the actual satisfaction time using the current control plan in 412. The controller then compares the actual satisfaction time with the target time in 414. Based on whether the actual satisfaction time is greater or less than the target time and, in certain modes, by how much the target time and satisfaction time differ, the controller updates the control plan in 416. When the controller receives a subsequent heating / cooling request, the controller implements the updated control plan, determines the satisfaction time according to the updated control plan, compares the satisfaction time according to the updated control plan with the target time, and updates the control plan again to account for any differences.This process can be repeated continuously with the controller updating the control plan after each heating / cooling cycle. As mentioned previously, the control plan can be updated based on whether the heating / cooling request was met in more or less time than the target and, in certain modes, the degree to which it deviated from the target time. If the heating / cooling request is met in more time than the target, the control plan is adjusted to provide additional heating / cooling accordingly. To do this, the controller can adjust the control plan in several ways, including changing one or more of the HVAC equipment used in the control plan, the stages or capacities at which a piece of HVAC equipment operates, and the duration for which a piece of HVAC equipment operates. As an example, one modality of current disclosure might include a controller communicatively coupled to a two-stage air conditioner that implements a control plan comprising operating the air conditioner in the first stage for a first period of time and in the second stage for a second period of time. After implementing the control plan, the controller might determine that the time required to satisfy a cooling request is greater or less than the target time. In response, the controller might adjust the first and second time periods to account for any discrepancy between the actual satisfaction time and the target time. For example, if the cooling request was not met within the target time, the control plan might be adjusted to increase the amount of time the air conditioner operates in the second stage. To the extent that the controller is configured to adjust timing, the operating times of the HVAC equipment, or the operating times of the HVAC equipment at particular stages or capacities, can be adjusted by a fixed amount. For example, the timing can be adjusted by a certain number of seconds in favor of the lower stage if the heating / cooling demand is met too quickly, or by the same number of seconds in favor of the upper stage if the heating / cooling demand is not met within the target time. In other configurations, timing settings can be variable. For example, one or more equations can be used to calculate the new time after each heating / cooling cycle. Such equations can adjust the time based on the degree to which the satisfaction time for the most recently completed cycle differs from the target time. An example of such an equation is as follows: / Target time \ New lower stage time = Current lower stage time χ —------¡----—---— x CF \Satisfaction time / As shown in the equation, the new run time for the lower stage is based on the current run time of the lower stage and the ratio between the target run time and the actual completion time for the current cycle. An optional correction factor (CF) can also be included in the equation to account for nonlinearity and other adjustments to the newly calculated run time. In certain configurations, the control plan can be adjusted by changing the capacity at which one or more pieces of HVAC equipment operate. Capacity adjustment may involve changing the stage at which the HVAC equipment operates or, in the case of modulating HVAC equipment capable of operating across a continuum of capacities, changing the operating point of the modulating HVAC equipment. Capacity adjustments can be made in addition to, or instead of, time adjustments. In certain modes where the control plan is adjusted by changing capacities, determining the initial control plan (406) may involve determining an initial capacity. The initial capacity may be the minimum capacity that will satisfy a heating / cooling request as close as possible to the target time. Determining the initial capacity can be accomplished in several ways. For example, in certain modes, the controller may complete multiple heating / cooling cycles at various capacities and determine the actual time required to satisfy the heating / cooling request at each capacity. The capacity with a satisfaction time that deviates least from the target time can then be selected as the initial capacity. In other scenarios, the HVAC equipment may operate at a test capacity, and the initial capacity for the control plan may be estimated, calculated, or otherwise determined based on the time it takes to satisfy that test capacity. For example, in certain scenarios, the test capacity may be the maximum capacity of the HVAC equipment. Consequently, if a target time is 20 minutes and the heating / cooling demand is met in 15 minutes when operating at maximum capacity, the initial capacity for the control plan may be determined to be 75%. After determining the initial capacity, the controller can implement a control plan based on that initial capacity in response to a heating / cooling cycle. Once the heating / cooling demand is met, the time of satisfaction is compared to the target time, and the control plan is adjusted. Generally, if the time of satisfaction is less than the target time, the capacity parameters for the control plan are reduced. Conversely, if the time of satisfaction is less than the target time, the capacity parameters of the control plan are increased. In certain systems, this process is repeated, continuously adjusting the HVAC equipment capacity to fine-tune the target time. In certain configurations, capacity adjustments can occur in fixed increments. For example, capacity can be adjusted by a fixed percentage of the total HVAC equipment capacity, a fixed volumetric output, and a fixed energy output (e.g., watts or BTU / h). In other configurations, capacity adjustments can be variable. For example, one or more equations can be used to calculate the new capacity after each heating / cooling cycle. These equations can adjust the capacity based on the degree to which the satisfaction time for the most recently completed cycle differs from the target time. Rt? / / nn / O7n7 / R / viAi An example of such an equation is the following: New capacity = Current capacity Satisfaction time Target time x CF As shown in the equation, the new capacity for the subsequent cycle is based on the current capacity and the ratio between the target time and the actual satisfaction time for the current cycle. An optional correction factor (CF) can also be included in the equation to account for nonlinearity and other adjustments to the newly calculated time. Notification that a heating / cooling request has been fulfilled can occur in several ways depending on the system equipment. For example, in systems with legacy thermostats, the notification might correspond to the thermostat canceling a heating or cooling request. In systems that include temperature sensors, the notification might be generated in response to a temperature sensor detecting that a temperature setpoint has been reached. In some configurations, the notification might be generated by the temperature sensor itself. In others, the controller might generate a notification internally based on temperature readings received from the temperature sensor(s). Alternatively, the sensor itself might generate a signal indicating that the temperature setpoint has been reached. In certain configurations, the HVAC system described herein is not limited to a single sensor. The system may include multiple sensors located within a building. In some configurations, the sensors may be located in the building's rooms. In still other configurations, the sensors may be located within the HVAC system's ductwork. It should also be understood that the sensors described herein are not limited to temperature sensors. Examples of sensors may include, but are not limited to, temperature and humidity sensors. The HVAC system controller may incorporate all information received from these sensors, such as temperature and humidity readings, into the control plan. Furthermore, information from any of these sensors may be sent to a computer device, as previously discussed, for direct control by a user or another system. In certain configurations, additional inputs or data, such as temperature setpoints and real-time temperature readings, can be used to adjust the timing or capacity settings of the control plan. Such data can be useful for determining the effectiveness of a particular control plan or for developing a more suitable control plan in fewer cycles than would be required without the additional data. For example, if a sensor provides real-time temperature data, a rate of temperature change associated with particular stages or capacities can be determined. This rate of change can then be used to correct or refine the timing or stage capacity determinations. In certain modes, the control plan does not require a time-to-satisfy period to operate. If the building temperature is provided to the controller, the controller can design a control plan using an algorithm that does not require calculating a time-to-satisfy period. In certain modes, the controller can determine an initial control plan based on the building temperature, available HVAC equipment, and user preferences. The controller can then monitor the building temperature and update the control plan based on the user's desired performance, comfort, and efficiency preferences. As discussed earlier, the control plan is typically established by determining the initial control plan parameters, which may include time and / or capacity settings, and iteratively adjusting these parameters to develop a plan that satisfies a heating / cooling request at a target time as close to the target time as possible. Because of this iterative process, a controller operating in a relatively steady-state environment with a consistent temperature and target time setpoint will generally converge on a particular control plan. In other words, the degree of adjustment required for the time and capacity settings will eventually decrease as more heating / cooling cycles are performed. However, the environment in which the HVAC system operates and the HVAC system's operating parameters can change during operation.For example, the environment controlled by the HVAC system may be subject to temperature changes caused by, for instance, opening a window or door, changes in the outside temperature, or the use of heating appliances. System operating parameters, such as the desired temperature setpoint and / or target time, may also be changed. In general, the approach described above will adapt to such changes and converge into a new control plan that takes into account the modified conditions, provided the HVAC equipment is capable of meeting the resulting heating / cooling demands. However, under certain circumstances, such as when the changes are particularly sudden or drastic, it may be more efficient for the system to start with a new initial control plan than to adjust the current control plan over the course of multiple heating / cooling cycles. In certain configurations, the control plan can recognize when an unexpected change in performance can be ignored. For example, if a control plan is repeatedly fulfilling a cooling request based on a target time of 20 minutes, and an unexpected event, such as a door opening, causes the next cooling request to be fulfilled in 10 minutes, then the control plan would recognize that this was not a permanent change in the building's cooling requirements and would not adjust the control plan accordingly. The restart of the control process by determining a new initial control plan can be triggered by various conditions and events. In certain modes, for example, the controller can restart from a new initial control plan based on the degree to which the satisfaction time or the most recent heating / cooling cycle differs from the penultimate heating / cooling cycle. Large differences in satisfaction times for consecutive heating / cooling cycles may indicate that a significant change has occurred in one or more of the controlled environment or operating parameters. Consequently, in response to discrepancies in satisfaction times, the system can be configured to restart from a new initial control plan. A restart from a new initial control plan can also be triggered by a timeout event caused by the currently implemented control plan failing to satisfy a heating / cooling request within a specified time. The timeout can be based on an absolute time, such as a particular number of minutes. Alternatively, it can be based on a different parameter, such as a target time. For example, a timeout might occur if the current control plan fails to satisfy a heating / cooling request within twice the target time. Implementing a timeout can be particularly useful in multi-stage machines. For example, if a three-stage air conditioner is being operated using only the first and second stages, sufficient heat input can prevent the air conditioner from meeting a corresponding cooling demand within the target time, even if the second stage were to operate continuously. To prevent continuous operation in the second stage, a timeout can be implemented to halt the current control plan and generate a new initial control plan, which may include operating the air conditioner in the second and third stages. Alternatively, a timeout can cause the system to increase or decrease the current operating stages of the equipment without requiring a new initial control plan. Existing HVAC platforms typically rely on an external thermostat to initiate cooling or heating operation. An HVAC controller (e.g., the 300 controller) configured to control one or more HVAC units initiates cooling or heating operation only when the external thermostat sends a 24V signal and stops operation when the external 24V signal is removed. The controller typically lacks access to operational data, such as the current temperature and / or humidity in the building or the setpoints for temperature and / or humidity. As a result, controllers in existing HVAC systems are primarily limited to starting and operating heating or cooling equipment at fixed capacities based on the thermostat's 24V on / off signals.Some HVAC controllers are configured to run "runtime learning algorithms" and / or learning algorithms based on feedback from return and supply air temperature. While control schemes based on these two algorithms can be effective, they cannot account for frequent changes in heating and cooling loads, user-defined temperatures, dehumidification setpoints, and similar real-time factors. Furthermore, most commercially available 24V smart thermostats have intelligent features including occupancy detection, geofencing, and remote wireless sensor data. Current HVAC controllers lack the means to access and leverage all this information to improve equipment efficiency and user comfort. The HVAC 300 controller described above, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure, can be connected to a thermostat and / or other sensors (e.g., temperature sensor, humidity sensor, occupancy sensor, etc.) and can receive operating data from the thermostat and / or other sensors. This allows the controller 300 to utilize the operating data and determine control plans to improve equipment efficiency and user comfort. In one or more aspects, when a thermostat is Wi-Fi compatible (e.g., a smart thermostat), information can be exchanged between the 300 controller and the thermostat over the internet using a cloud-based application programming interface (API). As described earlier, the controller can connect to the internet via a wired connection (e.g., Ethernet) or a wireless interface (e.g., Wi-Fi). The thermostat can upload operating data (e.g., sensor information and user settings) to a cloud service over the internet. A link can be established between the controller and a cloud service over the internet, and the controller can download operating data from the cloud service using a cloud API. In one or more aspects, the 300 controller and a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat can exchange operating data via a local wireless private area network. Alternatively, the controller and thermostat can exchange operating data wirelessly using other wireless interfaces, including but not limited to Bluetooth and Zigbee. In one or more aspects, the 300 controller can leverage operational data from thermostats and other sensors to efficiently operate one or more HVAC systems and enhance user comfort. For example, the controller can track temperature trends in a building region and adjust heating / cooling in real time. The controller can track occupancy based on occupancy data recorded by the thermostat or occupancy sensors, and can increase, decrease, or maintain heating or cooling in occupied areas of a building. The controller can make adjustments to the capabilities at which one or more HVAC units operate in response to detecting changes in temperature / humidity set points. The controller can provide better dehumidification support by tracking indoor humidity trends and initiating and adjusting dehumidification as needed. The controller can further monitor a unit's dehumidification efficiency by tracking absolute humidity trends during a dehumidification cycle. The controller can use this information to prioritize dehumidification over cooling, and vice versa, when necessary. The controller can initiate and adjust control plans based on temperature / humidity setpoints and current ambient temperature / humidity readings provided by the thermostat. Many HVAC installations include a thermostat that was incorrectly positioned during initial construction. Many older buildings, and some newer ones, experience problems with hot and / or cold spots in certain areas. For example, hot and / or cold spots may appear in a living space of a residential building where the thermostat located in a living room cannot account for extreme temperature changes in other rooms. In this case, the thermostat heats and cools according to the living room's temperature, while other rooms may be uncomfortably hot or cold. Furthermore, in many cases, various factors, including but not limited to proximity to an exterior door, a busy hallway, and an air register directly above, can cause the thermostat to read inaccurate temperature and humidity levels.Most commercially available thermostats require 24V low-voltage thermostat wiring, which means the thermostat is fixed in a building's location. This means that relocating the thermostat to a different room or location within the building requires installing new low-voltage wiring through the building's wall. Such relocation can be a costly process requiring professional assistance. The aspects of this disclosure address this problem by enabling a thermostat to communicate wirelessly with an HVAC device or controller (e.g., the 300 controller) configured to control one or more HVAC devices. As described above, a thermostat with wireless communication capability can exchange operating data with the controller's wireless interface. This eliminates the need to connect the thermostat to the HVAC system using low-voltage wiring. Because the thermostat does not need to be connected to the HVAC system via low-voltage wiring, it can be placed anywhere within the building and relocated as needed to avoid hot and cold spots. In one or more aspects, a plurality of thermostats, a plurality of temperature sensors, a plurality of humidity sensors, a plurality of occupancy sensors (e.g., motion sensors), or any combination thereof can be placed in multiple locations within the building (e.g., every room in a residential building), where each thermostat and sensor wirelessly communicates operating data to the HVAC system's 300 controller. Having access to current ambient temperature / humidity data and temperature / humidity setpoint data from multiple areas of a building allows the 300 controller to determine, initiate, and adjust a control plan to manage one or more HVAC units to prevent hot and cold spots in the building. In one aspect, when multiple thermostats are placed in a building, a user can designate any of the thermostats as a master thermostat.The 300 controller can be configured to initiate and adjust control plans based on operating data received from the designated master thermostat. In this document, "or" is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. Therefore, in this document, "A or B" means "A, B, or both," unless expressly stated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. Furthermore, "and" is both joint and several, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. Therefore, in this document, "A and B" means "A and B, jointly or separately," unless expressly stated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. The scope of this disclosure covers all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example modalities described or illustrated herein that would be understood by a person skilled in the art. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the example modalities described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, although this disclosure describes and illustrates the respective modalities herein that include particular components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps, any of these modalities may include any combination or permutation of any of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated anywhere herein that would be understood by a person skilled in the art.Furthermore, the reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system that is adapted, arranged for, capable of, configured for, enabled for, operable or operational for performing a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, switched on or unlocked, provided that such apparatus, system or component is adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable or operational.

Claims

1. A system for controlling the climate inside a building, comprising: one or more pieces of equipment associated with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; a thermostat configured to wirelessly transmit operating data; and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more pieces of equipment and the thermostat; wherein the controller comprises: a communication module configured to exchange operating data with the thermostat; and a device interface configured to communicate control signals to the one or more pieces of equipment to control the operation of the one or more pieces of equipment; wherein the controller is configured to: receive the operating data transmitted wirelessly from the thermostat using the communication module; determine, based on the operating data, a control plan to operate one or more pieces of equipment of the HVAC system; and operate the one or more pieces of equipment of the HVAC system based on the control plan.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the operating data comprises one or more of the current ambient temperature in the building, current ambient humidity in the building, occupancy data, a temperature set point, a humidity set point, and a target rate of temperature change.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein: the thermostat is configured to: connect wirelessly to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network and upload operating data to a cloud service via the Internet; the controller's communication module comprises one or more of: a wired interface capable of connecting the controller to the Internet via a wired connection, and a wireless interface capable of wirelessly connecting the controller to the Internet via the Wi-Fi network; the controller is further configured to: connect to the Internet using at least one of the wired or wireless interfaces, and download operating data from the cloud service via the Internet.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein: the controller communication module comprises a wireless interface capable of connecting the controller to a wireless local area network (LAN), the thermostat is configured to connect wirelessly to the wireless LAN, and the controller wirelessly receives operating data from the thermostat via the wireless LAN.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: one or more additional thermostats, wherein each of the one or more additional thermostats is configured to wirelessly transmit operating data and wherein the controller is configured to receive operating data from the one or more additional thermostats.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to receive an indication that one of the additional thermostats is a priority thermostat.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: one or more sensors for recording at least a portion of the operating data, wherein the portion includes one or more of a current ambient temperature, a current ambient humidity, and the occupancy in the building, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to wirelessly transmit the respective portion of the operating data, and wherein the controller is configured to receive the portion of the operating data from one or more sensors.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein: the controller comprises a terminal block communicatively coupled to the thermostat by means of a wired connection, the controller is configured to receive 24-volt control signals from the thermostat via the wired connection.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein: the controller communication module comprises a wireless interface capable of communicating wirelessly with one or more computing devices, the controller is configured to wirelessly receive at least a portion of the operating data from the one or more computing devices.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the computing device includes at least one laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, smartwatch, netbook, or desktop computer.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more pieces of equipment comprise at least one of one or more ovens, one or more air conditioners, one or more air controllers, or one or more heat pumps.

12. A controller for controlling a climate inside a building, comprising: a communication module configured to exchange operating data with a thermostat configured to wirelessly transmit the operating data; a device interface configured to communicate control signals to one or more pieces of equipment in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to control the operation of the one or more pieces of equipment; and a processing unit communicatively coupled to the communication module and the device interface, wherein the processing unit is configured to: receive the operating data transmitted wirelessly from the thermostat using the communication module; determine based on the operating data a control plan to operate one or more pieces of equipment in the HVAC system; and operate the one or more pieces of equipment in the HVAC system based on the control plan.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the operating data comprises one or more of the current ambient temperature in the building, current ambient humidity in the building, occupancy data, a temperature set point, a humidity set point, and a target rate of temperature change.

14. The controller of claim 12, wherein: the controller communication module comprises one or more of: a wired interface capable of connecting the controller to the Internet via a wired connection, and a wireless interface capable of wirelessly connecting the controller to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network, the processing unit is further configured to: connect to the Internet using at least one of the wired or wireless interfaces, and download operational data from a cloud service via the Internet.

15. The controller of claim 12, wherein: the controller communication module comprises a wireless interface capable of connecting the controller to a wireless local area network (LAN), and the processing unit is configured to wirelessly receive operating data from the thermostat via the wireless LAN.

16. The controller of claim 12, wherein the processing unit is further configured to receive operating data from one or more additional thermostats in the building, wherein each of the one or more additional thermostats is configured to wirelessly transmit the operating data.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the processing unit is configured to receive an indication that one of the additional thermostats is a priority thermostat.

18. The controller of claim 12, wherein: the controller comprises a terminal block communicatively coupled to the thermostat by means of a wired connection, the controller is configured to receive 24-volt control signals from the thermostat via the wired connection.

19. A method for controlling the climate inside a building, comprising: receiving operational data transmitted wirelessly from a thermostat using a communication module configured to exchange the operational data with the thermostat; determining based on the operational data a control plan to operate one or more pieces of equipment in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system; and operating the one or more pieces of equipment in the HVAC system based on the control plan.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the operating data comprises one or more of the current ambient temperature in the building, current ambient humidity in the building, occupancy data, a temperature set point, a humidity set point, and a target rate of temperature change.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein: the communication module comprises one or more of: a wired interface capable of connecting to the internet via a wired interface and a wireless interface capable of connecting wirelessly to the internet via a Wi-Fi network, further comprising: connecting to the internet with at least one of the wired interface and the wireless interface, and downloading operational data from a cloud service via the internet.

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