Method and system for controlling operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for controlling operation of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Embodiments of the present disclosure describe methods and systems for controlling operation of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The HVAC system includes a thermostat and a first HVAC unit coupled via a power line. The method includes receiving, by a first control device of a first HVAC unit, an HVAC signal associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system from a thermostat through a power line, where the power line is configured to communicate a power signal and a data signal. The method further includes determining, by the first control device, whether the HVAC signal received through the power line indicates a power signal or a data signal. The method further includes triggering, by the first control device, a control action associated with the HVAC system upon determining that the HVAC signal indicates the data signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and more particularly to methods and systems for controlling the operation of an HVAC system based on power line communications. Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, an HVAC system includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit and the outdoor unit may be controlled via a thermostat. For the operation of the indoor and outdoor units, wiring is installed between the thermostat, the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit. The wiring may correspond to an operating function to be performed by the indoor unit and / or the outdoor unit.

[0003] refer to Figure 1 , depicts an arrangement 100 of a thermostat 102 and an HVAC unit 104 according to the prior art. The unit 104 may be an indoor unit or an outdoor unit. The thermostat 102 is coupled to the unit 104 in that a plurality of lines 106 are installed between the thermostat 102 and the unit 104. In particular, each conductor of the lines 106 may correspond to a certain operating function of the unit 104. For example, functions W1, W2, G, Y2, O / B, and ACC1 may each have a corresponding conductor between the thermostat 102 and the unit 104. When a certain function is to be activated on the unit 104, the thermostat 102 activates the corresponding conductor.

[0004] Today, there is a growing interest in installing additional units such as heat pumps. Already installed HVAC systems generally rely on a two-wire interface (Y and C wires) to control the unit 104. In addition, the number of signal connectors (lines) is set in the already installed HVAC units. The installation of additional units with additional signal connectors may require the installation of lines for the additional signal connectors. However, installing lines in an already installed HVAC system is inconvenient and time consuming. For example, the installation of new lines may require the removal of walls, digging under walls, or other time consuming activities to ensure that the appropriate electrical control signals are available for the new unit being installed.

[0005] Additionally, the time-consuming installation task is inconvenient for the technician. As the demand for more energy-efficient equipment (heat pumps, multi-stage air conditioners, furnaces, etc.) increases, the need for additional wiring will also increase.

[0006] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a solution that overcomes the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the invention

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the present disclosure. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the present disclosure nor to be used to determine the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] A method for controlling the operation of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is disclosed herein. The HVAC system includes a thermostat and a first HVAC unit coupled via a power line. The method includes: receiving, by a first control device of the first HVAC unit, an HVAC signal associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system from the thermostat via the power line, wherein the power line is configured to transmit power signals and data signals. The method further includes: determining, by the first control device, whether the HVAC signal received via the power line indicates a power signal or a data signal. The method further includes: upon determining that the HVAC signal indicates a data signal, triggering, by the first control device, a control action associated with the HVAC system.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, triggering the control action includes: determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal. In addition, the method includes: generating a switch signal to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more terminals associated with the first HVAC unit to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, triggering the control action includes determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal.In addition, the method includes causing at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more relays in a first set of relays associated with a first HVAC unit.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the HVAC system includes a second HVAC unit. To trigger the control action, the method includes: determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal. In addition, the method includes: causing at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more relays in a second set of relays associated with the second HVAC unit.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, triggering the control action includes: determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal. In addition, the method includes: converting the data signal into another data signal indicating a command for a second HVAC unit. In addition, the method includes: transmitting the other data signal to a second control device of the second HVAC unit via the power line. In addition, the method includes: enabling the second control device to at least one of activate or deactivate one or more terminals associated with the second HVAC unit based on the other data signal to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, triggering a control action includes: receiving, by a first control device and a second control device, an HVAC signal associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system simultaneously over a power line. In addition, the method includes: generating, by the first control device and the second control device, a first switching signal and a second switching signal, respectively, to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more corresponding terminals associated with the first HVAC unit and the second HVAC unit to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the power line is associated with a powered state and a non-powered state. In one or more embodiments, the power line is configured to communicate data signals in the powered state and in the non-powered state.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the first HVAC unit is an indoor unit (IDU) associated with the HVAC system, and the second HVAC unit is an outdoor unit (ODU) associated with the HVAC system.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the power line includes at least one of a common (C) line and an outdoor activation (Y) line.

[0017] Also disclosed herein is a system for controlling the operation of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The system includes a thermostat and a first HVAC unit coupled to the thermostat via a power line. The first HVAC unit includes a first control device, the first control device being configured to receive an HVAC signal associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system from the thermostat via the power line. The power line is configured to transmit a power signal and a data signal. The first control device is further configured to determine whether the HVAC signal received via the power line indicates a power signal or a data signal. The first control device is further configured to trigger a control action associated with the HVAC system upon determining that the HVAC signal indicates a data signal.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, to trigger the control action, the first control device is further configured to: determine, based on the data signal, an operation to be performed by the HVAC system. In addition, the first control device is configured to: generate a switch signal to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more terminals associated with the first HVAC unit to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, to trigger the control action, the first control device is further configured to: determine an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal. In addition, the first control device is configured to: cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more relays in a first set of relays associated with the first HVAC unit.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, to trigger the control action, the first control device is further configured to: determine an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal. In addition, the first control device is configured to: cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more relays in a second set of relays associated with a second HVAC unit.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the HVAC system includes a second HVAC unit associated with a second control device. To trigger a control action, the first control device is configured to determine an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on a data signal. In addition, the first control device is configured to convert the data signal into another data signal indicating a command for the second HVAC unit. In addition, the first control device is configured to transmit the other data signal to the second control device of the second HVAC unit via a power line. In addition, the first control device is configured to enable the second control device to at least one of activate or deactivate one or more terminals associated with the second HVAC unit based on the other data signal to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, to trigger the control action, the first control device is further configured to: receive an HVAC signal associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system via the power line, and generate a first switch signal to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more corresponding terminals associated with the first HVAC unit to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system. In addition, the second control device is configured to: simultaneously receive an HVAC signal associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system via the power line, and generate a second switch signal to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more corresponding terminals associated with the second HVAC unit to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the power line is associated with a powered state and a non-powered state. In one or more embodiments, the power line is configured to communicate data signals in the powered state and in the non-powered state.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the first HVAC unit is an indoor unit (IDU) associated with the HVAC system, and the second HVAC unit is an outdoor unit (ODU) associated with the HVAC system.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the power line includes at least one of a common (C) line and an outdoor activation (Y) line.

[0026] In order to further illustrate the advantages and features of these methods, systems and devices, a more specific description of these methods, systems and devices will be presented by reference to their specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It is to be appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope thereof. The accompanying drawings will be used to describe and illustrate the present disclosure with additional specificity and detail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, and in which:

[0028] Figure 1 shows an arrangement of a thermostat and HVAC unit according to the prior art;

[0029] Figure 2 An environment is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the environment including a system for controlling operation of an HVAC system associated with one or more HVAC units;

[0030] Figure 3A-3B shows a block diagram depicting components of a first control device and a second control device, respectively, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4-7 shows a schematic representation of an HVAC system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 8A A process flow depicting a method for controlling operation of an HVAC system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0033] Figure 8B A process flow depicting a method for triggering a control action according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the drawings are shown for simplicity and may not necessarily be drawn to scale. For example, a flow chart illustrates a method in terms of the most salient steps involved to help promote understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, with respect to the construction of an apparatus, one or more components of the apparatus may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to bury the drawings in details that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] To promote an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe these embodiments. It will be understood, however, that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is intended thereby, and such changes and further modifications in the illustrated systems, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein are deemed to be what would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0037] References throughout this specification to "aspect," "another aspect," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in an embodiment," "in another embodiment," "some embodiments," "one or more embodiments," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0038] The terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that includes a series of steps does not include only those steps, but may include other steps that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components beginning with "includes ... a" do not exclude the presence of other devices or other subsystems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional subsystems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components without more constraints.

[0039] In addition to overcoming the challenges associated with the installation of new wiring, the present disclosure provides a system that allows the control board to perform all the functions of a multi-wire HVAC system using only a three-wire power line between the thermostat and the first HVAC unit and a two-wire power line between the first HVAC unit and the second HVAC unit. Thus, a modern, efficient, multi-stage HVAC system can be implemented using existing wiring. There is no need to pull additional wiring to connect new units, and installation time is significantly reduced.

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 2An environment 200 is shown that includes a system 202 for controlling the operation of an HVAC system associated with one or more HVAC units. The system 202 includes a thermostat 204, a first HVAC unit 206, and a second HVAC unit 208. The thermostat 204 may be coupled to the first HVAC unit 206 and the second HVAC unit 208 via a power line 210. In an embodiment, the power line 210 may be configured to transmit power signals as well as data signals. In an embodiment, the power line 210 may include a 24V wire. In an embodiment, communication over the power line 210 may be referred to as power line communication (PLC).

[0042] In an embodiment, the power line 210 includes a common (C) line and an outdoor activation (Y) line. In an embodiment, the power line 210 includes a C line, a Y line, and a power (R) line. In an embodiment, the power line 210 between the thermostat 204 and the first HVAC unit 206 may include C, Y, and R lines, and the power line 210 between the first HVAC unit 206 and the second HVAC unit 208 includes C and Y lines. In an embodiment, the power line 210 may be in a powered state and a non-powered state. The power line 210, in particular the Y line, may be enabled to transmit 24V AC power when needed. The power line 210 may further be enabled to transmit data signals in the powered state and in the non-powered state of the power line 210. Regardless of the state of the power line 210, that is, in the powered state and in the non-powered state of the power line 210, the Y line may be enabled to transmit data or commands.

[0043] In an embodiment, the R wire may be used to provide power to the HVAC system, such as via a transformer. In an embodiment, the C wire may be used to provide a common connection between the thermostat and one or more components of the HVAC system.

[0044] In an embodiment, the first HVAC unit 206 may be an indoor unit (IDU) associated with the HVAC system, and the second HVAC unit 208 may be an outdoor unit (ODU) associated with the HVAC system. In an embodiment, the HVAC system may include additional components such as a thermostat, a zone panel, an A2L panel, a defrost panel, and the like.

[0045] In an embodiment, the first HVAC unit 206 includes a first control device 212, and the functionality of the first HVAC unit 206 may be provided by the first control device 212. The first control device 212 may be an on-device unit integrated with the first HVAC unit 206. Alternatively, the first control device 212 may be a server-based unit or a cloud-based unit. In some embodiments, one or more components of the first control device 212 may be provided on the cloud, while one or more components of the first control device 212 may be provided locally on the first HVAC unit 206.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the first control device 212 may include one or more processors 302, a memory 304, and a communication interface 306. Figure 3A as shown in .

[0047] The one or more processors 302 may be configured to communicate with the memory 304 to execute programmable instructions stored in the memory 304. The programmable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors 302, cause the one or more processors 302 to provide the functionality of the first control device 212, as discussed in the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors 302 may be one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers. The one or more processors 302 may include one or more processors, which may further include one or more general-purpose processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), etc., a graphics processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or an artificial intelligence (AI) dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0048] In some embodiments, the memory 304 may store data and instructions executable by the processor(s) 302 to perform method steps for controlling the operation of the HVAC system, as discussed throughout the present disclosure herein. The memory 304 may further include, but is not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, tape or disk, optical media, and the like. In addition, the non-transitory computer-readable storage media of the memory 304 may include executable instructions in the form of modules and databases storing data. These modules may include instruction sets that may be executed to cause the one or more processors 302 to perform any one or more of the methods disclosed throughout the present disclosure herein. In one or more embodiments, these modules may be configured to use the data stored in the database of the memory 304 to perform the steps of the present disclosure for controlling the operation of the HVAC system.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, communication interface 306 may include a transceiver and may be configured to communicate with thermostat 204 and second control device 214 via power line 210. Communication interface 306 may include standard specific electronic circuitry that may enable communication over power line 210.

[0050] The first control device 212 can be configured to receive an HVAC signal from the thermostat 204 via the power line 210. The HVAC signal can be associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system (e.g., the first HVAC unit 206, the second HVAC unit 208, and other components of the HVAC system). The operation can include, for example, single-stage cooling, single-stage heating, multi-stage cooling, multi-stage heating, a fan, etc.

[0051] As described above, the power line 210 is configured to transmit power signals and data signals. The first control device 212 can be configured to determine whether the HVAC signal received via the power line 210 indicates a power signal or a data signal. In an embodiment, the HVAC signal can be a power signal that provides power to the first HVAC unit 206 and / or other components of the HVAC system. In an embodiment, the HVAC signal can be a data signal that includes details of an operation to be performed by the HVAC system, such as an operation to be performed by the first HVAC unit 206. In an embodiment, the data signal can be received via the Y line.

[0052] The first control device 212 can be configured to determine that the HVAC signal is indicative of a data signal, and upon determining that the HVAC signal is indicative of a data signal, the first control device 212 can be configured to trigger a control action associated with the HVAC system. That is, the first control device 212 can be configured to monitor various HVAC signals from the thermostat 204, such as signals for cooling, heating, fans, etc.

[0053] refer to Figure 4 , depicts a schematic representation of an HVAC system in which a first HVAC unit 206 communicates with a thermostat 204 via power lines 210 (such as Y, C, and R lines). In an embodiment, data signals may be received via the Y line. The first HVAC unit 206 includes a first control device 212 configured to receive the HVAC signal from the thermostat 204.

[0054] In an embodiment, the first HVAC unit 206 may include a group of relays 402 associated with corresponding functions of the first HVAC unit 206. The group of relays 402 (which may be referred to as a 'first group of relays') may be associated with a cooling function, a heating function, a fan function, etc. of the first HVAC unit 206. Each relay in the group of relays may be switched between an open state and a closed state. When the corresponding relay is in the closed state, the first HVAC unit 206 may perform the corresponding function. When the corresponding relay is in the open state, the first HVAC unit 206 may not perform the corresponding function.

[0055] As described above, the first control device 212 may be configured to trigger a control action associated with the HVAC system. In an embodiment, the control action may include activation or deactivation, i.e., closing or opening, of the set of relays 402. The first control device 212 may be configured to determine an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal. Then, the first control device 212 may be configured to cause activation or deactivation of one or more relays in the set of relays 402 of the first HVAC unit 206. Thus, based on the received data signal, the corresponding functionality of the first HVAC unit 206 may be activated or deactivated by controlling the set of relays 402. For example, the HVAC signal over the power line may include a data signal indicating a command for first stage cooling. In an embodiment, the data signal may be received over the Y line. The first control device 212 may detect the HVAC signal and decode the data (command for first stage cooling). Then, the first control device 212 may activate the corresponding relay in the set of relays 402, thereby activating the first stage cooling performed by the first HVAC unit 206.

[0056] In an embodiment, the first control device 212 may include a set of terminals corresponding to the functions of the first HVAC unit 206. The first control device 212 may be configured to determine the operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the received data signal. Then, the first control device 212 may be configured to control the set of terminals to perform the operation through the function of the first HVAC unit 206. In particular, the first control device 212 may be configured to generate a switch signal to cause activation or deactivation of one or more terminals in the set of terminals. Based on the activation or deactivation of one or more terminals, the corresponding function of the first HVAC unit 206 may be executed or stopped. For example, the HVAC signal through the power line 210 may include a data signal indicating a command for multi-stage cooling. In an embodiment, the data signal may be received through the Y line. The first control device 212 may detect the HVAC signal and decode the data (the command for multi-stage cooling). Then, the first control device 212 may excite the corresponding terminal, thereby activating the multi-stage cooling performed by the first HVAC unit 206.

[0057] As described above, the first control device 212 can be configured to trigger a control action associated with the HVAC system. In an embodiment, the control action can include controlling the operation of the second HVAC unit 208. Figure 5 , depicting another schematic representation of an HVAC system. A first HVAC unit 206 communicates with a thermostat 204 via power lines 210 (such as Y, C, and R lines). The first HVAC unit 206 can communicate with a second HVAC unit 208 via power lines 210 (such as Y and C lines).

[0058] The second HVAC unit 208 may include a set of relays 502 associated with corresponding functions of the second HVAC unit 208. The set of relays 502 (which may be referred to as 'second set of relays') may be associated with a cooling function, a heating function, a fan function, etc. of the second HVAC unit 208. Each relay in the set of relays 502 may be switched between an open state and a closed state. Similar to the set of relays 402 described above, when the corresponding relay is in the closed state, the second HVAC unit 208 may perform the corresponding function, and when the corresponding relay is in the open state, the second HVAC unit 208 may not perform the corresponding function.

[0059] The first control device 212 may be configured to determine an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the received data signal. The first control device 212 may be configured to decode the data signal and determine an operation to be performed by the second HVAC unit 208. The first control device 212 may be configured to cause activation or deactivation of one or more relays in the set of relays 502 of the second HVAC unit 208 based on the data signal.

[0060] In an embodiment, the second HVAC unit 208 may include a set of screw terminals instead of the set of relays 502, and the details provided above regarding the set of relays also apply to the set of screw terminals. In an embodiment, the set of screw terminals may be configured to facilitate electrical connection via electrical conductors.

[0061] Thus, based on the received data signal, the first HVAC unit 206 may control the corresponding functionality of the second HVAC unit 208. That is, the first HVAC unit 206 may decode the received data and control the activation or deactivation of the corresponding function of the second HVAC unit by controlling the set of relays or the set of screw terminals of the second HVAC unit 208. For example, the HVAC signal through the power line may indicate a command for the first stage cooling. In an embodiment, the command may be received through the Y line. The first control device 212 may detect the HVAC signal and decode the data (the command for the first stage cooling). Then, the first control device 212 may activate the corresponding relay in the set of relays 502, thereby activating the first stage cooling performed by the second HVAC unit 208.

[0062] In an embodiment, the second HVAC unit 208 includes a second control device 214, and the functionality of the second HVAC unit 208 may be provided by the second control device 214. The second control device 214 may be an on-device unit integrated with the second HVAC unit 208. Alternatively, the second control device 214 may be a server-based unit or a cloud-based unit. In some embodiments, one or more components of the second control device 214 may be provided on the cloud, while one or more components of the second control device 214 may be provided locally on the second HVAC unit 208.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the second control device 214 may include one or more processors 312, a memory 314, and a communication interface 316, such as Figure 3B It is to be appreciated that the details provided above with respect to the one or more processors 302 , the memory 304 , and the communication interface 306 are equally applicable to the one or more processors 312 , the memory 314 , and the communication interface 316 .

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the communication interface 316 may include a transceiver and may be configured to communicate with the thermostat 204 and the first control device 212 via the power line 210. For example, the communication interface 316 may enable the second control device 214 to receive a data signal from the first control device 212. The communication interface 316 may include standard-specific electronic circuitry that may enable communication over the power line 210.

[0065] As described above, the first control device 212 can be configured to receive an HVAC signal including a data signal from the thermostat 204. In an embodiment, the first control device 212 can trigger a control action to control the operation of the second HVAC unit 208. The first control device 212 can be configured to determine an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal. For example, the operation may include first stage cooling, where it may be necessary to activate corresponding functions of the first HVAC unit 206 and the second HVAC unit 208. The first control device 212 can be configured to activate / energize the corresponding relay or terminal to enable the first HVAC unit 206 to perform the corresponding function (in this example, first stage cooling).

[0066] Since the second HVAC unit 208 is also required to perform a function (first stage cooling), the first control device 212 can be configured to convert the data signal into another data signal indicating a command for the second HVAC unit 208. The first control device 212 can be configured to transmit another data signal to the second control device 214 via the power line 210. In an embodiment, the power line 210 between the first HVAC unit 206 and the second HVAC unit 208 may include a Y line and a C line. In an embodiment, the various HVAC signals from the thermostat 204 may refer to energized or de-energized signals, and the another data signal may refer to a digital representation of the energized or de-energized signal.

[0067] Based on another data signal received from the first control device 212, the second control device 214 can be configured to activate or deactivate one or more terminals associated with the second HVAC unit 208. That is, the first control device 212 enables the second control device 214 to activate or deactivate one or more terminals to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system (in this example, the first stage of cooling). Therefore, based on the data signal received from the thermostat 204, the first HVAC unit 206 and the second HVAC unit 208 can perform the desired functions.

[0068] In an embodiment, the first control device 212 and the second control device 214 may be configured to simultaneously receive an HVAC signal from the thermostat 204. The HVAC signal may be received via the power line 210 and may be associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system. Based on the received HVAC signal, the first control device 212 may be configured to generate a first switch signal to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more corresponding terminals associated with the first HVAC unit 206. In addition, based on the received HVAC signal, the second control device 214 may be configured to generate a second switch signal to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more corresponding terminals associated with the second HVAC unit 208. That is, the corresponding switch signals may be generated by the first control device 212 and the second control device 214 to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more corresponding terminals associated with the first HVAC unit 206 and the second HVAC unit 208 to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

[0069] refer to Figure 6 , which shows another schematic representation of an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first HVAC unit 206 may include a first set of relays 602 (corresponding to Figure 4 402), and the second HVAC unit 208 may include a second set of relays 604 (corresponding to Figure 5 A group of relays 502 in FIG. Figure 6 As seen in FIG. 2 , an HVAC signal may be received from the thermostat 204. The HVAC signal may include a data signal or a power signal. The first control device 212 may be configured to receive the HVAC signal and determine an operation to be performed. The first control device 212 may be configured to control a first set of relays 602 associated with a corresponding function of the first HVAC unit 206 based on the operation to be performed by the HVAC system. In an embodiment, the first control device 212 may be configured to generate a first switch signal to activate or deactivate the first set of relays 602. For example, the operation may be the activation of a first stage of cooling. The first control device 212 may activate a corresponding relay of the first set of relays 602 to cause the first HVAC unit 206 to perform an operation of a first stage of cooling.

[0070] In an embodiment, the first control device 212 may be configured to send another data signal to the second control device 214, the other data signal indicating a command for the second control device 214. Based on the received another data signal, the second control device 214 may control the second group of relays 604 associated with the corresponding function of the second HVAC unit 208 based on the operation to be performed by the HVAC system. According to the example mentioned above, the second control device 214 may activate the corresponding relay in the second group of relays 604 to cause the second HVAC unit 208 to perform the operation of the first stage cooling.

[0071] In an embodiment, the second control device 214 may simultaneously receive an HVAC signal from the thermostat 204 via the power line 210. The second control device 214 may be configured to generate a second switch signal to activate or deactivate the second set of relays 604. According to the above example, the operation may be activation of the first stage cooling, and the second control device 214 may activate a corresponding relay in the second set of relays 604 to cause the second HVAC unit 208 to perform the operation of the first stage cooling.

[0072] It is to be appreciated that although the present invention has been described with reference to the set of relays 602, 604, Figure 6 , but the details apply to embodiments in which the first HVAC unit 206 and the second HVAC unit 208 include corresponding sets of terminals that are energized and deenergized by the first control device 212 and the second control device 214.

[0073] In an embodiment, the HVAC system may include a thermostat 204 and a first HVAC unit 206. A new second HVAC unit may be retrofitted to the HVAC system. Figure 7, another schematic representation of an HVAC system is depicted, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A new second HVAC unit 216 may communicate with a first HVAC unit 206 and / or a thermostat 204. The thermostat 204 may be configured to transmit a standard 24v signal as well as a data signal to the first HVAC unit 206. The first control device 212 may be configured to convert the signal from the thermostat 204 into a digital signal or another data signal indicating a command for the new second HVAC unit 216. In an embodiment, the new second HVAC unit may require an additional number of signals for operation. When the first control device 212 generates another data signal, the second control device 214 of the new second HVAC unit 216 may receive the another data signal and control the operation of the new second HVAC unit 216. As a result, even if the new second HVAC unit requires an additional number of signals beyond what the installed wiring can provide, if a system as detailed herein is employed, commands may be sent to the new second HVAC unit 216 via the power line 210, and the operation of the new second HVAC unit 216 may be performed without the need to install additional wiring. In a non-limiting example, the new second HVAC unit 216 may be a heat pump. In an embodiment, the new second HVAC unit 216 may be a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air purifier, or the like.

[0074] Fig. 8A A process flow is shown depicting a method 800 for controlling the operation of an HVAC system that includes a thermostat 204 and a first HVAC unit 206 coupled via a power line 210. The method 800 may be described with reference to the first HVAC unit 206, and a skilled person will appreciate that the method may be performed for multiple units within the HVAC system. In an embodiment, the method 800 may be performed by the first control device 212 of the first HVAC unit 206.

[0075] At step 802, method 800 includes receiving an HVAC signal associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system from a thermostat via power line 210. Power line 210 may be configured to communicate power signals and data signals.

[0076] At step 804 , method 800 includes determining whether the HVAC signal received via power line 210 indicates a power signal or a data signal.

[0077] At step 806 , the method includes triggering a control action associated with the HVAC system upon determining that the HVAC signal is indicative of the data signal.

[0078] In some embodiments, triggering the control action includes causing activation or deactivation of a set of terminals associated with the first HVAC unit 206. In some embodiments, triggering the control action includes controlling a set of relays associated with the HVAC unit 206. In some embodiments, triggering the control action includes causing activation or deactivation of a set of terminals associated with the second HVAC unit 208.

[0079] In some embodiments, during the triggering of the control action, the method 800 includes sub-steps 806A-806D, such as Figure 8B At step 806A, method 800 includes determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal.

[0080] At step 806B, the method 800 includes converting the data signal into another data signal indicative of a command for the second HVAC unit 208 .

[0081] At step 806C, method 800 includes transmitting another data signal to second control device 214 of second HVAC unit 208 via power line 210 .

[0082] At step 806D, method 800 includes enabling second control device 214 to at least one of activate or deactivate one or more terminals associated with second HVAC unit 208 based on another data signal to facilitate an operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

[0083] In some embodiments, triggering the control action includes: simultaneously receiving, by the first control device 212 and the second control device 214, an HVAC signal associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system over the power line 210. In some embodiments, triggering the control action further includes: generating, by the first control device 212 and the second control device 214, corresponding switching signals to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more corresponding terminals associated with the first HVAC unit 206 and the second HVAC unit 208 to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

[0084] Although shown and described in a particular order Figures 8A-8B However, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, these steps may occur in an order different from the order described. Figures 8A-8B The detailed description of each step is covered in Figure 2-7 The relevant description is omitted here for the sake of brevity.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first control device 212 and / or the second control device 214 may be configured to execute instructions included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be implemented on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer program product may include instructions that, when executed by the first control device 212 and / or the second control device 214, cause the first control device 212 and / or the second control device 214 to execute a reference Figures 8A-8B Detailed description of the method steps.

[0086] The present disclosure provides a virtualized HVAC system, which includes HVAC units, such as a first HVAC unit and a second HVAC unit. The virtualization of the HVAC system is characterized by HVAC units controlled via signals (including 24vac power excitation or de-excitation of the Y line), PLC communication carried by the Y line, or both (either separately or simultaneously). One or both of the first HVAC unit and the second HVAC unit can be virtualized. Through virtualization, the HVAC units can be backward compatible with standard 24v devices. For example, a virtualized IDU can communicate with a standard ODU, a virtualized ODU can communicate with a standard IDU, and both the IDU and the ODU can be virtualized.

[0087] A control device such as the first control device can monitor the HVAC signal from the thermostat. The control device can send data via the Y line to any of the following: 1) A second control device of a virtualized second HVAC unit. 2) A second control device integrated with a standard second HVAC unit.

[0088] The present disclosure allows new HVAC units to be added to an already installed HVAC system without requiring new wiring. For example, single-stage, two-stage, and multi-stage heat pump units can be added using only the already installed wiring of the HVAC system. As a result, installation time is significantly reduced.

[0089] For example, W / W1, W2, Y / Y1, Y2, G, O / B, ACC1, ACC2, DEHUM, and other signals can be virtualized. These signals can be activated and deactivated based on the data received through the Y line. In addition, when a new unit requiring additional signals is to be attached to an existing HVAC system, the need to install separate lines for the additional signals is eliminated. This is because the additional signals can be directed to the corresponding terminals of the control device(s) based on the signals from the Y line.

[0090] Furthermore, without requiring connection to a standard conventional unit, the relays may be eliminated and the HVAC signals may be directed to corresponding terminals of the control device(s).

[0091] The control board (first control board and / or second control board) of the HVAC system can thus perform all the functions of a multi-wire HVAC system using only three wires between the thermostat and the first HVAC unit and only two wires between the first HVAC unit and the second HVAC unit. Thus, a modern, efficient, multi-stage HVAC system can be implemented using existing wiring. No additional wiring needs to be pulled to connect new units.

[0092] Furthermore, the number of signal connectors on the first HVAC unit and / or the second HVAC unit can be easily and dynamically increased or decreased. With only three wires (Y, C, and R wires), the entire HVAC system can be virtualized. Integrating the control device(s) onto the HVAC unit reduces the number of wires required for the entire system to only three wires.

[0093] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various possible modifications may be made to the methods disclosed herein in order to implement the inventive concepts as taught herein.

[0094] In addition, the actions of any flowchart need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the actions described need to be performed. Moreover, those actions that do not depend on other actions can be performed in parallel with other actions.

[0095] The accompanying drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that one or more of the elements described may be well combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be segmented into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of the processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein.

[0096] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any (one or more) components that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to appear or become more significant are not to be construed as key, required, or essential features or components of any or all claims.

[0097] Although specific language has been used to describe the subject matter, it is not intended to create any limitation therefrom. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various feasible modifications may be made to the method to realize the inventive concept as taught herein. The accompanying drawings and the foregoing description provide examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the elements described may be well combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, some elements may be divided into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

1. A method for controlling operation of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the system comprising a thermostat and a first HVAC unit coupled via a power line, the method comprising: receiving, by a first control of the first HVAC unit, an HVAC signal associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system from the thermostat over the power line, wherein the power line is configured to communicate power signals and data signals; determining, by the first control device, whether the HVAC signal received via the power line indicates the power signal or the data signal; and Upon determining that the HVAC signal is indicative of the data signal, a control action associated with the HVAC system is triggered by the first control device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Triggering the control action includes: determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal; and A switching signal is generated to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more terminals associated with the first HVAC unit to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Triggering the control action includes: determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal; and At least one of activation or deactivation of one or more relays in a first set of relays associated with the first HVAC unit is caused.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The HVAC system includes a second HVAC unit, and wherein triggering the control action includes: determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal; and At least one of activation or deactivation of one or more relays in a second set of relays associated with the second HVAC unit is caused.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The HVAC system includes a second HVAC unit associated with a second control device, and wherein triggering the control action includes: determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal; converting the data signal into another data signal indicative of a command for the second HVAC unit; transmitting the other data signal to the second control device of the second HVAC unit via the power line; and Based on the other data signal, the second control device is enabled to at least one of activate or deactivate one or more terminals associated with the second HVAC unit to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The HVAC system includes a second HVAC unit associated with a second control device, and wherein triggering the control action includes: receiving, by the first control device and the second control device simultaneously over the power line, the HVAC signal associated with the operation to be performed by the HVAC system; and A first switching signal and a second switching signal are generated by the first control device and the second control device, respectively, to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more corresponding terminals associated with the first HVAC unit and the second HVAC unit so as to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The power line is associated with a powered state and a non-powered state, and The power line is configured to communicate the data signal in the powered state and in the unpowered state.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The first HVAC unit is an indoor unit (IDU) associated with the HVAC system, and the second HVAC unit is an outdoor unit (ODU) associated with the HVAC system.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The power line includes at least one of a common (C) line and an outdoor activation (Y) line.

10. A system for controlling the operation of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising: Thermostat; as well as a first HVAC unit coupled to the thermostat via a power line, the first HVAC unit comprising a first control device, the first control device being configured to: receiving an HVAC signal associated with an operation to be performed by the HVAC system from the thermostat via the power line, wherein the power line is configured to communicate power signals and data signals; determining whether the HVAC signal received over the power line indicates the power signal or the data signal; and Upon determining that the HVAC signal is indicative of the data signal, a control action associated with the HVAC system is triggered.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: In order to trigger the control action, the first control device is configured to: determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal; as well as A switching signal is generated to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more terminals associated with the first HVAC unit to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

12. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In order to trigger the control action, the first control device is configured to: determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal; and At least one of activation or deactivation of one or more relays in a first set of relays associated with the first HVAC unit is caused.

13. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The HVAC system comprises a second HVAC unit, and wherein, to trigger the control action, the first control device is configured to: determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal; and At least one of activation or deactivation of one or more relays in a second set of relays associated with the second HVAC unit is caused.

14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The HVAC system comprises a second HVAC unit associated with a second control device, and wherein, to trigger the control action, the first control device is configured to: determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on the data signal; converting the data signal into another data signal indicative of a command for the second HVAC unit; transmitting the other data signal to the second control device of the second HVAC unit via the power line; and Based on the other data signal, the second control device is enabled to at least one of activate or deactivate one or more terminals associated with the second HVAC unit to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The HVAC system includes a second HVAC unit associated with a second control device, Wherein, in order to trigger the control action, the first control device is configured to: receiving the HVAC signal associated with the operation to be performed by the HVAC system over the power line, and generating a first switching signal to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more corresponding terminals associated with the first HVAC unit so as to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system, and Wherein, the second control device is configured to: simultaneously receiving, via the power line, the HVAC signals associated with the operations to be performed by the HVAC system, and A second switching signal is generated to cause at least one of activation or deactivation of one or more corresponding terminals associated with the second HVAC unit to facilitate the operation to be performed by the HVAC system.

16. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The power line is associated with a powered state and a non-powered state, and The power line is configured to communicate the data signal in the powered state and in the unpowered state.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein: The first HVAC unit is an indoor unit (IDU) associated with the HVAC system, and the second HVAC unit is an outdoor unit (ODU) associated with the HVAC system.

18. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The power line includes at least one of a common (C) line and an outdoor activation (Y) line.

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