Selective air conditioning in response to electricity price

Abstract

The invention relates to selective air conditioning in response to electricity price. A method of providing selective air conditioning in an air conditioning system including a plurality of zones, each zone having a respective air conditioning device associated therewith. The method includes determining that there is a need for selective air conditioning; upon determining that there is a need for selective air conditioning, sending a notification to the user device; receiving, at the user device, a selection of an area to be enabled of the plurality of areas and / or a selection of an area to be disabled of the plurality of areas; transmitting a selection of a region to be enabled and / or a selection of a region to be disabled of the plurality of regions to the controller; and the controller sends a command to each of the air conditioning devices, the command being configured to enable or disable the air conditioning device in each respective area.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 627,655, filed on January 31, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 684,689, filed on August 19, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] The embodiments described herein relate to air - conditioning systems.

[0003] Electric power drives a large number of devices and equipment in commercial, industrial, residential applications, and data centers. For example, electric power drives lights, motors, household appliances, medical equipment, computers, air - conditioning systems, electric vehicle charging stations, data center processing and cooling needs, and many other electrical devices. In most regions, power utilities generate and distribute electricity (through an AC power grid). Shortages and / or increased costs associated with factors such as the use of fossil fuels, the intermittency of renewable resources, power demand and supply variability, and increasing energy demand significantly impact the power cost and continuous availability for consumers and businesses. Generally, shortages and / or increased costs often occur during peak demand times. Peak demand can occur based on the time of day, such as in the morning or in the evening. On a more random basis, peak demand (or demand greater than available supply) may occur due to natural disasters or during extended periods of, for example, cloudiness (if power from the grid comes from solar energy) or wind variability (if power from the grid comes from wind turbines). For example, a hurricane or earthquake may damage the generators and / or power grid of a power utility, resulting in a significant loss of electrical power to commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Repair of these damaged lines and generators may take hours, days, or weeks. Various sites may also lose power from the grid for other reasons, including maintenance. During these times of lost power, the sites may be unable to continue operating. Additionally, an increasing number of data centers significantly increase the demand for energy from the grid.

[0004] Often, during peak demand times, electrical power from the grid is more expensive. For example, power utilities may use low - cost generators during periods of minimum demand and further use high - cost generators during peak demand periods. Unfortunately, existing infrastructure does not adequately address these different costs associated with peak demand and minimum demand. Thus, commercial, industrial, data center, and residential applications typically draw power from the grid during peak demand times, regardless of the higher cost associated with its generation.

[0005] Some energy consumers, such as commercial, industrial, data center, and residential users, may be driven by factors other than cost, such as the desire to support sustainable energy options (as further described below). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments relate to a method for providing selective air conditioning in an air conditioning system including a plurality of zones, each zone having a corresponding air conditioning device associated therewith. The method includes determining a need for selective air conditioning; sending a notification to a user device when it is determined that there is a need for selective air conditioning; receiving, at the user device, a selection of zones to be enabled and / or a selection of zones to be disabled among the plurality of zones; sending the selection of zones to be enabled and / or the selection of zones to be disabled among the plurality of zones to a controller; and the controller sending commands to each of the air conditioning devices in the air conditioning system, the commands being configured to enable or disable the air conditioning devices in each corresponding zone.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, additional embodiments may include determining the need for selective air conditioning in response to electricity prices.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, additional embodiments may include determining the need for selective air conditioning in response to electricity prices being high or medium.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, additional embodiments may include where the air conditioning system is a duct system, and where each of the air conditioning devices includes a damper.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, additional embodiments may include where the commands from the controller to the air conditioning devices in each corresponding zone include a command to an actuator to close the damper to disable the air conditioning device or a command to an actuator to allow the damper to move to enable the air conditioning device.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, additional embodiments may include where the air conditioning system is a split system, and where each of the air conditioning devices includes a valve for controlling fluid flow through a local heat exchanger.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include where commands from the controller to the air conditioning devices in each respective zone include commands to close valves to disable the air conditioning devices or commands to open valves to enable the air conditioning devices.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include where the air conditioning system is a split system, where each of the air conditioning devices includes a fan for passing air over a local heat exchanger.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include where commands from the controller to the air conditioning devices in each respective zone include commands to stop the fans to disable the air conditioning devices or commands to allow operation of the fans to enable the air conditioning devices.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include presenting a user interface on a user device to initiate selective air conditioning control, where the user interface includes a list of all zones.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include where the user interface includes a power forecast for each zone.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include where the user interface includes icons for turning zones on and off.

[0018] Another embodiment relates to a system configured to provide selective air conditioning. The system includes: an air conditioning system including a plurality of zones, each zone having a respective air conditioning device associated therewith; a remote system configured to determine a need for selective air conditioning; a user device configured to receive a notification of the need for selective air conditioning; a controller in communication with the user device, the controller being configured to receive from the user device a selection of zones to be enabled among the plurality of zones and / or a selection of zones to be disabled among the plurality of zones; and the controller sending commands to each of the air conditioning devices, the commands being configured to enable or disable the air conditioning devices in each respective zone.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include determining the need for selective air conditioning in response to electricity prices.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include determining a need for selective air conditioning in response to the electricity price being high or medium.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include an air conditioning system being a duct system, wherein each air conditioning device of the air conditioning devices includes a damper.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include that commands from the controller to the air conditioning devices in each respective zone include commands to an actuator to close the damper to disable the air conditioning device or commands to an actuator to allow the damper to move to enable the air conditioning device.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include an air conditioning system being a split system, wherein each air conditioning device of the air conditioning devices includes a valve for controlling fluid flow through a local heat exchanger.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include that commands from the controller to the air conditioning devices in each respective zone include commands to close the valve to disable the air conditioning device or commands to open the valve to enable the air conditioning device.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include an air conditioning system being a split system, wherein each air conditioning device of the air conditioning devices includes a fan for passing air through a local heat exchanger.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include that commands from the controller to the air conditioning devices in each respective zone include commands to stop the fan to disable the air conditioning device or commands to allow operation of the fan to enable the air conditioning device.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or alternatively, further embodiments may include that a user device generates a user interface to initiate selective air conditioning control, wherein the user interface includes a list of all zones and associated air conditioning devices.

[0028] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include where the user interface includes a power forecast for each zone.

[0029] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include where the user interface includes icons for turning zones on and off.

[0030] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Given the following description and drawings, these features and elements and their operation will become more apparent. However, it should be understood that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and non - limiting. Description of the Drawings

[0031] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0032] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0033] Figure 1 The system in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0034] Figure 2 The controller in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0035] Figure 3A The electrical architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0036] Figure 3B The electrical architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0037] Figure 4A The electrical architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0038] Figure 4B The electrical architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0039] Figure 5A The electrical architecture of a constant - speed compressor with a DC architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0040] Figure 5B The electrical architecture of a constant - speed compressor with an AC architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0041] Figure 5C The electrical architecture of a variable - speed compressor with a DC architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0042] Figure 5D Depicts the electrical architecture of a variable speed compressor with an AC architecture in an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 6 Depicts the electrical architecture of a compressor powered by a multilevel inverter in an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Figure 7 Depicts a phase leg of a five-level multiphase inverter in an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figure 8 Depicts the communication between a controller, a thermostat, and a remote system in an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 9 Depicts a control process in an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] Figure 10 Depicts an air conditioning system that provides selective air conditioning in an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] Figure 11 Depicts an air conditioning system that provides selective air conditioning in an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Figure 12 Depicts an air conditioning system that provides selective air conditioning in an exemplary embodiment.

[0050] Figure 13 Depicts an air conditioning system that provides selective air conditioning in an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] Figure 14 Depicts networked components for providing selective air conditioning in an exemplary embodiment.

[0052] Figure 15 Depicts a user interface configured to control selective air conditioning in an exemplary embodiment.

[0053] Figure 16 Depicts a control process for providing selective air conditioning in an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0054] For current global electrification and decarbonization efforts, there is an encouragement to use efficient, optimized all-electric air conditioning systems that provide comfort while being dispatchable (on-off, adjustable, or variable) under different pricing conditions or after receiving a utility signal. By way of example, the utility signal can be received from an electrical AC grid and can include an Independent System Operator (ISO), which can include an independent, federally regulated entity established to coordinate regional transmission in a non-discriminatory manner and ensure the reliability and security of the power system; or a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), which can operate most of the large electric power systems across a geographic area and is generally an independent, membership-based non-profit organization that ensures reliability and optimizes supply and demand bids for wholesale electric power or from a virtual power plant, which is generally considered to include a connected aggregation of distributed energy (DER) technologies that provide demand flexibility and renewable energy. References to a utility refer to one or more entities involved in power generation, transmission, and / or distribution.

[0055] The embodiments described herein relate to an air conditioning system that includes an electrical energy storage system (e.g., a battery, a supercapacitor) to provide the level of dispatchability required for interconnection with the power grid.

[0056] Figure 1 System 100 in an example embodiment is depicted. System 100 includes components of an air conditioning system. The phrase “air conditioning” is intended to include one or more of heating, cooling, ventilation, humidification, dehumidification, refrigeration, hot water heating, chilled water or fluid, air filtration, and other known air handling operations, or any combination of the operations described above. The air conditioning system can include known types of systems such as heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, chillers, split systems, packaged systems, unitary systems, etc. Air conditioning system 100 includes a first unit 200 and one or more second units 250. Depending on the nature of the air conditioning system, the first unit 200 and the (one or more) second units 250 can be located separately (indoors or outdoors) or co-located (indoors or outdoors). For example, in a split system, the first unit 200 is an outdoor unit (e.g., a compressor and a heat exchanger), and the (one or more) second units 250 are indoor units (e.g., an expansion mechanism, a heat exchanger). In a packaged system (e.g., rooftop or ground-mounted), the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 are co-located within a single footprint outside of a building. In a chiller, the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 can be co-located (indoors or outdoors) or located separately. Some unitary systems can have the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 co-located inside a building.

[0057] In Figure 1In the example shown, the first unit 200 can be an outdoor unit of a split system located on the ground plane next to the building 102, on the roof of the building 102, or at any other location. The (one or more) second units 250 can be located inside the building 102 (as is common for split systems). It should be understood that Figure 1 is an example, and the embodiments are not limited to split systems.

[0058] System 100 includes a controller 220, a power converter 230, and an energy storage device (ESD) 240. Figure 1 is an example embodiment, and the locations of the components are not limited to Figure 1 the locations shown. For example, the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the controller 220 can be separate from the first unit 200 that houses the compressor 242, the drive 244, the fan 246, and the (one or more) loads 248. The first unit 200 can include a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the first unit 200. This allows the components of the described embodiments to be retrofitted into an existing first unit 200 of an air conditioning system and / or an existing second unit 250 of an air conditioning system. One or more of the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the controller 220 can be located in the first unit 200. One or more of the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the controller 220 can be located outside the first unit 200 or adjacent to the first unit 200. One or more of the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the controller 220 can be located in the building 102.

[0059] The first unit 200 can include a heat exchanger (not shown) that serves as a condenser / gas cooler and / or serves as an evaporator as part of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0060] In the figures, the locations of all components in the drawings are examples, and the embodiments include modifications to the locations of the components shown in the drawings. For example, a component shown as being connected to the first unit 200 can be a retrofit component added to an existing first unit 200. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] The controller 220 can communicate with an air conditioning controller system controller and / or an energy storage device controller. In some embodiments, a single controller can implement all the functions of the controller 220, the air conditioning controller, and the energy storage device controller. The controller 220 communicates with the components of the described system using wired and / or wireless connections that are not shown in the drawings.

[0062] Figure 1 The system and its embodiments described herein allow one or more components of the air conditioning system and other loads not associated with the air conditioning system to be powered solely by the AC grid, solely by the energy storage device 240, and by a combination of the AC grid and the energy storage device 240. The one or more components of the air conditioning system include components in the first unit 200 and components in the second unit 250.

[0063] Figure 2 Depicts a controller 220 according to an embodiment. The controller 220 includes a sensor interface 222, which can obtain operating parameters of the air conditioning system, such as pressure, temperature, etc. As is known in the art, the controller 220 can adjust the operation of the air conditioning system based on the sensed operating parameters. The controller 220 includes a processor 224 that controls the operation of the control system 100. The processor 224 can be implemented using a general-purpose microprocessor that executes a computer program stored on a storage medium to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, the processor 224 can be implemented in hardware (e.g., ASIC, FPGA) or in a combination of hardware / software. The processor 224 allows the controller 220 to perform local calculations, also known as edge computing. The processor 224 can send commands to other components of the air conditioning system 100 based on the results of the local calculations.

[0064] The controller 220 includes a memory 226, which can store computer programs, reference data, sensor data, etc. that can be executed by the processor 224. The memory 226 can be implemented using known devices, such as random access memory. The controller 220 includes a communication unit 228 that allows the controller 220 to communicate with other components of the system 100, such as the first unit 200, the second unit 250, and the thermostat 260. The communication unit 228 can be implemented using a wired connection (e.g., LAN, Ethernet, twisted pair, etc.) and / or a wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi, near field communication (“NFC”), Bluetooth, etc.).

[0065] In some embodiments, the communication unit 228 may provide high-speed data communication through an existing wiring system and / or provide communication with newer devices having high-speed buses while maintaining communication with existing devices (e.g., having an RS-485 communication bus). In some embodiments, the HVAC device may include four lines for data communication: power supply, ground, data +, and data -. Among these lines, data + and data - are used to carry low-speed standard RS-485 data. The power supply line is used to power the wall control and comes from the second unit 250. This same power supply line is carried to the first unit 200, although it is generally not used. The ability to use the power supply line and the ground line of the four-wire system (referred to as "power line communication" (PLC) technology) allows digital / data signals to be sent through the power supply line. In some embodiments, PLC technology may allow data transfer at gigabit rates or near gigabit rates using standard two-wire cabling. This includes the two lines represented by the power supply and ground of the HVAC device. It should be appreciated that other data transfer speeds are possible. In some embodiments, the communication unit 228 of the present disclosure may be configured such that when PLC high-speed communication is occurring through the power supply line and the ground line of the four-wire system, low-speed RS-485 communication may also be occurring on the data + line and the data - line. In some embodiments, the ability to use high-speed communication or a combination of high-speed and low-speed communication enables the controller 220 to utilize machine learning (ML)- or artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms. In some embodiments, high-speed and low-speed communication may occur approximately simultaneously (e.g., within a few milliseconds of each other). This may allow the standard HVAC line to communicate with both RS-485 controlled devices and HVAC devices containing additional PLC transceivers. This may be advantageous because both new high-speed HVAC devices and existing RS-485 HVAC devices can coexist on the existing wiring in a building.

[0066] Reference Figure 1 , the power converter 230 is used to perform any necessary power conversion, including one or more of AC-AC, AC-DC, DC-AC, and DC-DC. The power converter 230 may include several power converters at different locations in the system 100. The (one or more) power converters 230 may operate in a bidirectional manner such that one or more power conversions are bidirectional. As Figure 1As shown, the power converter 230 is connected to an AC and / or DC power source and / or load. The power converter 230 can also supply power to loads in the building 102, including the second unit 250 (if in the building 102), the thermostat 260, and the load 270. In a normal mode, the loads in the building 102 would receive AC power directly from the AC grid. The controller 220 can select whether the power will come from the AC grid or from the power converter 230. Example embodiments of the power converter 230 are described herein.

[0067] The energy storage device 240 is configured to provide at least a portion of the power to operate one or more of the components of the air conditioning system, such as the first unit 200, the second unit(s) 250, along with the indoor load(s) 270 and any other loads, under certain circumstances. The energy storage device 240 can be implemented using devices for storing electrical energy, including, for example, one or more of batteries, battery modules, battery cells, supercapacitors, etc. The battery 240 can include several cells in a modular form or as a standalone multi-cell array. The battery 240 can be made of a single or multiple self - contained systems, battery modules, or individual cells. The battery 240 (such as a complete plug and play battery) can include a case, wires, cells, and modules. For example, the battery 240 can include a set of cells configured as a self - contained mechanical and electrical unit. The energy storage device 240 can include other components (e.g., an ESD management system (ESDMS)), which is electrically coupled to the energy storage device 240 and can be adapted to communicate with the controller 220 directly or through the ESDMS.

[0068] The first unit 200 also includes components that serve as part of the air conditioning system and includes a compressor 242, one or more drives 244, a fan 246, and other loads 248, as well as a control unit (not shown). The heat exchanger (not shown) in the first unit 200 can act as an evaporator or a condenser / gas cooler. These components are described in more detail herein when relevant to the embodiments.

[0069] In a split system, inside the building 102, one or more second units 250 are positioned to condition one or more zones of the building 102. A variety of known second units can be used for the second unit 250, including variable air volume (VAV) units, liquid - cooled second units, fan - coil units, furnaces, air handlers, etc., which typically include a heat exchanger. In other types of systems (e.g., packaged systems or chiller systems), the second unit(s) 250 can be located outdoors and include any form of heat exchanger, such as a cooling tower, etc.

[0070] The optional thermostat 260 provides a user interface for the air conditioning system 100 and allows a user to input the operating mode of the air conditioning system 100, input set points for the various zones of the system 100, etc. The indoor load 270 may be supplied with electrical power by the first unit 200. The indoor load 270 includes various loads such as appliances, lighting, electric vehicle chargers, etc. The thermostat 260 is not required, and other techniques may be used for the control of the air conditioning system.

[0071] Figure 3A An electrical architecture in an example embodiment is depicted. Figure 3A The locations of the components in are an example, and any of the components may be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows for the retrofitting of components to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, elements may be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0072] As Figure 3A shown, the AC grid 302 is connected to the first unit 200 via a grid disconnect device 304 under the control of the controller 220. This allows the first unit 200 to be powered by the energy storage device 240 independently of the AC grid 302. The first unit 200 may also be powered by both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240 in combination. The disconnect device 304 may also be implemented as a mechanical switch (e.g., controlled by the controller 220) or implemented using software (by the controller 220 by controlling one or more power converters).

[0073] The AC grid 302 is connected to an indoor AC load 308 (such as an air handler, or any fixture in a residential, commercial, industrial building, or data center). The AC grid 302 is also provided to an AC / AC converter 310, which supplies regulated AC power to the compressor drive 244A of the compressor 242 and the fan 246. The AC / AC converter 310 may control the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the AC power supplied to the compressor drive 244A of the compressor 242 and the fan 246.

[0074] The AC power grid 302 can also be connected to one of the unidirectional or bidirectional AC / DC converters 312 that interface the AC power bus 305 with the DC power bus 313. The DC power bus 313 supplies power to the DC load 248 that may be located in the first unit 200. Under certain conditions, the DC power bus 313 supplies power to one or more components in the components of the air conditioning system (e.g., the compressor 242 and the fan 246) through the bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 and the AC / AC converter 310. This allows one or more components in the components of the air conditioning system to operate independently of or in combination with the AC power grid 302. The bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 also allows the power from the DC bus 313 to be directed to the AC power grid 302.

[0075] The DC power bus 313 can be powered by the energy storage device 240. In the charging mode, the DC power bus 313 is used to charge the energy storage device 240 (charger not shown). The DC power bus 313 can also be powered by one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, such as solar DC power, wind DC power, geothermal DC power, fuel cells, etc. The DC / DC converter 316 can be used to couple the auxiliary DC source 314 to the DC power bus 313. The DC power bus 313 can supply power to the indoor DC load 318. The DC / DC converter 320 can be used to couple the indoor DC load 318 to the DC power bus 313. The DC / AC converter 347 can be used to couple the DC power bus 313 to the indoor AC load 308 (through the disconnect device 348). In some operating modes, the energy storage device 240 is used to supply power to the indoor AC load 308. The AC / AC converter 310, the AC / DC converter 312, the DC / DC converter 320, the DC / DC converter 316, and the DC / AC converter 347 can be Figure 1 implementations of the medium power converter 230. In some embodiments, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 are connected to the AC power bus 305 through a DC / AC converter (not shown). In other embodiments, the one or more auxiliary power sources provide AC power, which is connected to the AC bus 305 and / or the DC bus 313 through an appropriate AC / AC converter or AC / DC converter.

[0076] The compressor drive 244A can be implemented in various ways. In one embodiment, the compressor drive 244A is a switch, such as a contactor or a relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the output of the AC / AC converter 310. In other embodiments, the compressor drive 244A can be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter.

[0077] An optional DC / DC converter 241 can provide power conversion between the energy storage device 240 and the DC power bus 313. The DC / DC converter 241 can be a bidirectional converter for boosting or reducing the DC voltage, such that the energy storage device 240 can power the DC power bus 313 and the DC power bus 313 can charge the energy storage device 240. The DC / DC converter 241 can be part of the energy storage device 240 or can be a component separate from the energy storage device 240.

[0078] Figure 3A The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls the various power converters. Other loads such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308 can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity price, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 Example conditions are discussed.

[0079] Figure 3B depicts the electrical architecture in an example embodiment. Figure 3B The location of the components in is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows components to be retrofitted into an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 3B Similar to Figure 3A, except that the AC / AC converter 310 is eliminated. The compressor 242 is powered from the compressor drive 244A. The compressor drive 244A can be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the AC power bus 305. In other embodiments, the compressor drive 244A can be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter. The compressor drive 244A can be controlled by the controller 220.

[0081] The fan 246 is powered from the fan drive 244B. The fan drive 244B can be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay, that connects the fan 246 to the AC power bus 305. In other embodiments, the fan drive 244B can be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter. The fan drive 244B can be controlled by the controller 220.

[0082] Figure 3B The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308, can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors, such as utility status, utility electricity price, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 Example conditions are discussed.

[0083] Figure 4A depicts the electrical architecture in another example embodiment. Figure 4AThe position of the components in is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows components to be retrofitted to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be added to sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0084] In Figure 4A , the compressor drive 244A and the fan 246 are DC-powered, and thus there is no need for an AC / AC converter 310. The bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 allows the energy storage device 240 to supply power to one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or feed power from the DC bus 313 to the AC grid 302 (under certain conditions). The bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 connects the AC power bus 305 to the DC power bus 313 through an interface.

[0085] The compressor drive 244A can be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the DC power bus 313. In other embodiments, the compressor drive 244A can be a power converter, such as a DC / AC converter or a DC / DC converter. The compressor drive 244A can be controlled by the controller 220.

[0086] Figure 4A The electrical architecture of allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308, can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors, such as utility status, utility electricity rates, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 are discussed.

[0087] Figure 4B depicts an electrical architecture in another exemplary embodiment. Figure 4B The positions of the components in are an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows components to be retrofitted into an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] Figure 4B Similar to Figure 4A , except that the fan 246 includes a fan drive 244B. The fan drive 244B can be a switch that connects the fan 246 to the DC power bus 313, such as a contactor or a relay. In other embodiments, the fan drive 244B can be a power converter, such as a DC / AC converter or a DC / DC converter. The fan drive 244B can be controlled by the controller 220.

[0089] Figure 4B The electrical architecture of allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads, such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308, can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors, such as utility status, utility electricity rates, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 discusses exemplary conditions.

[0090] Figure 5A depicts the DC electrical architecture of a constant speed first unit 200 in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5AThe position of the components in the middle is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows components to be retrofitted to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be added to sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] For purposes of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in conjunction with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected (via a DC bus) to the energy storage device 240 to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240. As Figure 5A shown, AC power from the AC grid 302 is supplied to the power converter 230 through the grid disconnect device 304. The power converter 230 includes an AC / DC converter 370 and a DC / AC converter 372. The output of the DC / AC converter 372 is provided to the compressor 242 through the compressor drive 244A. Since the compressor 242 is a constant speed compressor, the compressor drive 244A can be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay.

[0092] Both the AC / DC converter 370 and the DC / AC converter 372 operate under the control of the controller 220. Between the AC / DC converter 370 and the DC / AC converter 372 is a DC link 371, which is optionally connected to the energy storage device 240 through a DC / DC converter 241. Under this arrangement, the energy storage device 240 can be charged by the power converter 230. Alternatively, the energy storage device 240 can supply DC power to the DC link 371 to power the DC / AC converter 372 and the compressor 242. This allows the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302 or in combination with the AC grid 302. The AC / DC converter 370 can be bidirectional to allow the energy storage device 240 to supply power to the AC grid 302 and to charge from the AC grid 302.

[0093] The controller 220, the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, the DC / DC converters 320 and 316, and the DC / AC converter 347 and the DC / DC converter 241 can be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system to enable the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302 or to operate under the power from both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240. It also allows auxiliary power sources to be added in a modular manner.

[0094] Figure 5A The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308 can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) and / or other loads either alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity price, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 discusses example conditions.

[0095] Figure 5B depicts the AC electrical architecture of the constant speed first unit 200 in an example embodiment. Figure 5B The location of the components in is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows components to be retrofitted to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in combination with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected (via a DC bus) to the energy storage device 240 to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0097] In Figure 5BIn this, the power converter 230 includes a DC / DC converter 241 coupled to an energy storage device 240 and an AC / DC converter 370. The AC / DC converter 370 can be bidirectional to allow the energy storage device 240 to supply power to the AC grid 302 and to be charged from the AC grid 302. Since the compressor 242 is a constant speed, the compressor drive 244A can be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay.

[0098] The controller 220, the power converter 230, and the energy storage device 240 can be retrofitted to the existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system to enable the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302 or to operate under power from both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240.

[0099] Figure 5B The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls the various power converters. Other loads, such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308, can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power, alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240, one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) and / or other loads. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors, such as utility status, utility electricity rates, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 Example conditions are discussed below with reference to

[0100] Figure 5C depicts the DC electrical architecture of the variable speed first unit 200 in an example embodiment. Figure 5C The location of the components in this is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of one or more second units 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or one or more second units 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0101] Figure 5C Similar to Figure 5A , except that the compressor drive 244A provides variable speed operation of the compressor 242. Other loads 248 of the first unit 200 can be powered from the output of the DC / AC converter 372.

[0102] The controller 220, the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the DC / DC converter 241 can be retrofitted to an existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system to enable the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302, or to operate under power from both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240.

[0103] For purposes of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in combination with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected (via a DC bus) to the energy storage device 240 to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0104] Figure 5C The electrical architecture of allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls the various power converters. Other loads such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308 can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by a combination of the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power, alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240, one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) and / or other loads. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity rates, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 are discussed.

[0105] Figure 5D Depicts the DC electrical architecture of the variable speed first unit 200 in an example embodiment. Figure 5DThe position of the components in the middle is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to an existing air conditioning system. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements can be added to sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] Figure 5D Similar to Figure 5B , except that the compressor drive 244A provides variable speed operation of the compressor 242. Other loads 248 of the first unit 200 can be powered from the AC power bus 305.

[0107] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in combination with the embodiments described above or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected (via a DC bus) to the energy storage device 240 to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0108] The controller 220, the power converter 230, and the energy storage device 240 can be retrofitted to an existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system to enable the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302 or operate under power from both the AC grid and the energy storage device 240.

[0109] Figure 5DThe electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302 in combination. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by a controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308 can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit(s) 250) and / or other loads either alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity rates, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to Figure 9 Example conditions are discussed.

[0110] Figure 6 An electrical architecture with a variable speed compressor drive in an example embodiment is depicted, which includes a multilevel inverter. For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. Figure 6 The location of the components in is an example, and any of the components can be positioned as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or positioned separately from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows components to be retrofitted into existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, elements can be incorporated into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system (indoors or outdoors) without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0111] As Figure 6 As shown in, AC power from the AC grid 302 is supplied to the power converter 230 through the grid disconnect device 304. The power converter 230 includes an AC / DC converter 380 and a multilevel inverter 382. The output of the multilevel inverter 382 is provided to the compressor 242. The output of the multilevel inverter 382 can be a multiphase multilevel waveform configured to drive the multiphase motor of the compressor 242. In an example embodiment, the multilevel inverter 382 is a five-level three-phase inverter. In another example embodiment, the multilevel inverter 382 is a three-level three-phase inverter.

[0112] The multilevel inverter 382 synthesizes a sinusoidal current waveform to operate and control the compressor 242. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by a two-level inverter. Integration with the energy storage device 240 allows for a natural progression to higher-order inverters. Three-level and five-level inverters require independent power supplies to set the voltage levels. In Figure 6 the embodiment of, the energy storage device 240 can set the voltage levels. The energy storage device 240 can include internally connected battery modules in series. The multilevel inverter 382 directly uses the battery modules for each required voltage level, thereby enabling the benefits of a multilevel inverter. The multilevel inverter 382 benefits from lower harmonic output and lower dv / dt device stress. The multilevel inverter 382 increases reliability through its ability to reconfigure to a lower number of levels (by the integration of relays or back-to-back switches to connect or disconnect the battery modules) after a fault has occurred.

[0113] Figure 7 A phase leg of a five-level multiphase inverter in one embodiment of the multilevel inverter 382 is shown. The energy storage device 240 includes at least four battery modules 240A, 240B, 240C, and 240D connected in series. The combination of the battery modules 240A, 240B, 240C, and 240D and the neutral point n provides five voltage levels for creating a sinusoidal output waveform on one phase. Generally, using N battery module voltages provides an N + 1 level output waveform for each phase. The switches S1 - S4 and S1' - S4' are controlled by the controller 220 to generate a sine wave as known in the art. By the integration of relays or back-to-back switches to connect or disconnect the battery modules, the multilevel inverter 382 can be reconfigured to fewer levels.

[0114] The voltage levels used in the multilevel inverter 382 do not need to be supplied by separate battery modules. The voltage levels for creating the sinusoidal output waveform can be created using one battery module (by splitting the battery voltage with a capacitor, for example).

[0115] Reference Figure 6, both the AC / DC converter 380 and the multilevel inverter 382 operate under the control of the controller 220. Between the AC / DC converter 380 and the multilevel inverter 382 is a DC link 381, which is connected to the energy storage device 240. Under this arrangement, the energy storage device 240 can be charged by the power converter 230. Alternatively, the energy storage device 240 can supply DC power to the DC link 381 to power the multilevel inverter 382 and the compressor 242. This allows the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC grid 302 or under power from both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240. The AC / DC converter 380 can be bidirectional to allow the energy storage device 240 to supply power to the AC grid and charge from the AC grid.

[0116] [[ID= The electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) to be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302 in combination. The power supplied by the AC grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls the various power converters. Other loads such as the indoor DC load 318 and the indoor AC load 308 can be powered only by the AC grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or one or more second units 250) and / or other loads alone or in combination with the AC grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether the power is supplied from the AC grid 302, the energy storage device 240, the one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on various factors such as utility status, utility electricity price, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Example conditions are discussed below with reference to ​ discussed.

[0117] In the above embodiments, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be used to provide DC power. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can include sources such as solar DC power, wind DC power, geothermal DC power, fuel cells, etc.

[0118] ​Depicts the communication between the controller 220, the thermostat 260, and the remote system 410 in an example embodiment. As noted above, the controller 220 can be integrated as part of an air conditioning controller and / or a battery controller, or be standalone and communicate with an air conditioning controller and / or an energy storage controller. The controller 220 communicates with the thermostat 260 via a local link 400. The local link 400 can be a wired connection (e.g., twisted pair, four-wire, power line communication, Modbus, CAN bus, etc.) and / or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi, radio, or Bluetooth, NFC, etc.). The thermostat 260 can also be implemented using a software application operating on a user device (e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer). The thermostat 260 can also provide occupancy, past performance, and weather information to the controller 220.

[0119] One or both of the controller 220 and the thermostat 260 can communicate with the remote system 410 via a network 406. The network 406 can be a long-distance network and can be implemented via various communication protocols. The network 406 can be implemented via one or more networks, such as but not limited to one or more of the following networks: WiMax, local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), personal area network (PAN), campus area network (CAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless wide area network (WWAN), or any broadband network, and is further capable of implementing the following technologies, such as (by way of example): Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Personal Communications Service (PCS), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Matter, fixed wireless data, 2G, 2.5G, 3G (e.g., 3G network based on UMTS / WCDMA), 4G, IMT-Advanced, pre-4G, LTE-Advanced, 5G, 6G, Mobile WiMax, WiMax2, Wireless MAN Advanced Network, Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced GPRS, iBurst, UMTS, HSPDA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, UMTS-TDD, 1xRTT, EV-DO, messaging protocols, such as TCP / IP, SMS, MMS, Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), etc., Instant Messaging and Presence Protocol (IMPP), instant messaging, USSD, IRC, or any other wireless data network, broadband network, or messaging protocol.

[0120] The remote system 410 can be embodied as any type of processor-based computing or computer device capable of performing the functions described herein, including but not limited to computers, servers, workstations, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, mobile computing devices, wearable computing devices, network devices, web devices, distributed computing systems (such as cloud computing), processor-based systems, and / or consumer electronic devices. The remote system 410 provides information used by the controller 220 and / or the thermostat 260 to implement energy management routines that control how the one or more components of the air conditioning system and the load 270 consume power. The information provided by the remote system 410 can include utility pricing (which indicates the cost of electricity on the AC grid 302) and weather information (which can be used to predict future utility pricing and the use of the one or more components of the air conditioning system). Utility pricing and weather can be pushed to or pulled by the remote system 410 using known networking techniques. Utility pricing and / or weather can be determined in real time or be a forecast of future conditions.

[0121] In the embodiments described above, the controller 220 communicates with the components of the described system using wired and / or wireless connections (which are not illustrated in the figures). Depending on the power source used in the operating mode (e.g., one or more of AC grid power, energy storage device power, auxiliary power source, etc.), the controller 220 sends command signals to various system components (e.g., AC / DC converters 310, 312, DC / AC converter 347, DC / DC converters 320, 316, 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / AC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380, and / or multilevel inverter 382, AC disconnect 304, etc.) to route power to one or more components of the air conditioning system, such as the first unit 200, the second unit(s) 250, along with the indoor load(s) 270 and any other load.

[0122] ​Illustrates the energy management process in an exemplary embodiment. This process can be executed by the controller 220 and / or by the thermostat 260. At 600, the controller 220 determines whether there is a request to reduce energy usage, or whether there are any other communication signals, such as a change in energy pricing, or an incentive. A utility provider may request a reduction in energy usage during a specific time period to avoid service disruptions (e.g., brownouts) or other penalties or incentives, such as a change in pricing. A request to reduce energy usage may be accompanied by an incentive (e.g., a $5 credit on the next energy bill). A request for reduction may also originate from an energy consumer, such as a data center, where the data center needs to maintain its processing and / or cooling load and encourages other users to reduce their consumption to ensure energy availability.

[0123] If there is a request to reduce energy usage, the process proceeds to 602, where the user (e.g., a customer of the utility) can approve or reject the request to reduce energy usage. The approval or rejection determination can be pre-established by the user and pre-programmed into the controller 220 and / or the thermostat 260. For example, the user may wish to always reduce energy consumption regardless of the terms. The user may wish to never reduce energy consumption regardless of the terms. The user may wish to reduce energy consumption only when the utility offers an incentive. The approval or rejection determination at 602 can also be real-time, where the user inputs approval or rejection of the reduction in energy consumption through the thermostat 260 or through a mobile device.

[0124] If the user approves of reducing energy usage at 602, the process proceeds to 604, where one or more components of the air conditioning system (if needed) and / or other loads are at least partially powered by the energy storage device 240. This may involve opening the AC disconnect device 304 (e.g., the power from the AC grid 302 is zero), and only using the energy storage device 240 to power one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads. Operating one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads may also include using both the AC grid 302 and the energy storage device 240 in combination to power the one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads. The controller 220 may limit the amount of power drawn from the AC grid 302 by controlling the various power converters 230 in the system (e.g., AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, DC / AC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / DC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380, and / or multilevel inverter 382) to reduce the amount of AC power drawn from the AC grid. The energy storage device 240 and the AC grid 302 are used in combination to power one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or one or more loads.

[0125] Using the energy storage device 240 to operate the one or more components of the air conditioning system may also include limiting the amount of power used from the AC grid 302 to a power limit (e.g., 1 kW over a 2-hour period). The controller 220 may limit the amount of power drawn from the AC grid 302 by controlling the various power converters 230 in the system (e.g., AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, DC / AC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / DC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380, and / or multilevel inverter 382) to reduce the amount of AC power drawn from the AC grid 302. At 604, other loads may be powered by the energy storage device 240, and the other loads include the (one or more) indoor loads 270, which may include the (one or more) indoor DC loads 318 and / or the (one or more) indoor AC loads 308. The process returns to 600.

[0126] At some point, the energy storage device 240 will lack sufficient charge such that one or more components of the air conditioning system will need to be powered solely by the AC grid 302. The controller 220 can detect when the state of the energy storage device 240 (such as state of charge (SOC), state of health (SoH), voltage, temperature, etc.) is not within acceptable limits for powering one or more components of the air conditioning system or other loads. If the state of the energy storage device 240 is not within acceptable limits, then one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads need to be powered by the AC grid 302. This results in interrupting the discharge of the energy storage device 240 and / or initiating charging of the energy storage device 240.

[0127] If the utility or some other source has not requested a reduction in energy usage at 600, the process proceeds to 606 where the controller 220 determines whether the system 100 should use power from the energy storage device 240. An example of a situation where the system 100 should use power from the energy storage device 240 occurs when the utility power is at peak price, near grid capacity, or at least one of in grid capacity. This determination can be made in real time or can be made in advance using a forecast and communicated from the utility to the air conditioning system. Peak price does not necessarily require the price of electricity to be at a maximum, but is generally known in the art as a period with a higher than average energy cost. Whether the utility is at peak price can be determined by utility pricing obtained from the remote system 410 or current or future weather information obtained from the remote system 410. This information can also be stored locally in the controller 220. If the utility is at peak price, near grid capacity, or at least one of in grid capacity, the process proceeds to 604 where one or more components of the air conditioning system and the load 270 (including the indoor AC load 308 and / or other loads) are powered by the energy storage device 240 alone or in combination with the AC grid 302. As noted above, the controller 220 can limit the amount of power drawn from the AC grid 302 by controlling various power converters 230 in the system. When determining that the system should use power from the energy storage device 240, peak price and grid capacity of the utility power are not the only factors that can be relied upon.

[0128] Regarding grid capacity, information about grid capacity and current grid load can be obtained from a remote system such as a source of utility pricing. If the AC grid 302 is at grid capacity or near grid capacity (e.g., within a threshold range of grid capacity and optionally increasing), it may be prudent to use power from the energy storage device 240 to avoid a power interruption.

[0129] Another example of a situation where the system should use power from the energy storage device 240 occurs when the user requests a reduction in energy usage. The user can use the thermostat 260 to put the system 100 into a reduced energy usage mode (e.g., an eco-friendly mode), which causes the system to use power from the energy storage device 240 to power one or more components of the air conditioning system.

[0130] In another example, based on data from block 602 (e.g., user consent) or based on data from block 600 (e.g., a request to reduce energy usage), the system can use power from the energy storage device 240 based on machine learning (ML) and / or artificial intelligence (AI) control algorithms implemented by the controller 220.

[0131] If, at 606, the system should not use power from the energy storage device 240, the process proceeds to 608, where the energy storage device 240 uses the AC grid 302 to charge. At 610, the controller 220 determines whether the battery state is within acceptable limits, including the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SoH), temperature, voltage, or a state that exceeds safety and / or operating limits. If so, the process returns to 600. At 610, the controller 220 can detect parameters of the energy storage device 240 to confirm that parameters such as the health state of the battery, operating range, temperature range, voltage, capacity, etc. are within valid limits.

[0132] It should be noted that the energy storage device 240 can be charged even when the utility power is at peak price. This can include fault modes, test modes, etc. Therefore, charging the energy storage device 240 is not limited to off-peak utility power price times.

[0133] If, at 610, the energy storage device has a state that is not within acceptable limits, the process proceeds to 612, where the energy storage device 240 can be charged (if the SoC is low) or can be completely disconnected (if the energy storage device 240 is not operating within safety and / or operating limits).

[0134] Although ​ involves operating one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads to reduce power consumption, other techniques can also be used to reduce power consumption, such as using a variable speed drive to reduce the compressor speed, changing the thermostat set point, etc. In other embodiments, the utility can request an increase in energy usage. The request can be a real-time request or a future request based on predicted conditions. Increasing energy usage can include charging the energy storage device 240.

[0135] If the thermostat 260 is equipped with a processor 261, then ​One or more operations of the process may be performed by the thermostat 260. The processor 261 may be implemented using a general-purpose microprocessor that executes a computer program stored on a storage medium to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, the processor 261 may be implemented in hardware (e.g., ASIC, FPGA) or in a combination of hardware / software. The controller 220 and the thermostat may perform all or some of the operations ​ in the operations.

[0136] In other embodiments, the controller 220 and / or the thermostat 260 perform system enhancement routines to improve the performance of the overall air conditioning system based on optimization (including model predictive control) or machine learning techniques, considering carbon impact, energy performance, energy cost, life cycle cost, impact on the life of the equipment, reliability. The system enhancement routines may operate with or without information such as weather, occupancy, historical usage, customer preferences, equipment performance maps (HVAC, battery), likelihood of energy outage, etc. Machine learning techniques regarding customer preferences, usage, flexibility in temperature decisions, cost, environmental issues, etc. may be used to improve control logic and optimization. Other control strategies with advantages regarding cost, performance, efficiency, environment, comfort, reliability (such as pre-cooling and pre-heating) may be implemented by the controller 220 and / or the thermostat 260.

[0137] The generation of renewable energy is highly variable, and this may be reflected in the time-of-use (TOU) electricity price, which is high during the "on-peak" period, medium during the "mid-peak" period, and relatively low during the "off-peak" period. During time periods with "on-peak" and "mid-peak" electricity prices, homeowners need a way to benefit them by restricting the heating or cooling supplied by their HVAC system to areas in their home rather than heating or cooling the entire home at great cost. Outside of TOU time periods, for example, during a demand response event, the electricity price may also be high. Demand response events may be more random than TOU electricity prices.

[0138] ​Embodiments are directed to methods and air conditioning systems that enable a homeowner to prioritize direct heating or cooling of specific areas of a home when time-of-use electricity rates are high. The methods and systems can operate with ducted systems (e.g., packaged systems) and multi-split systems. In the case of a ducted system, registers or dampers are used to exclude heating or cooling from a room, while fans are used at a fraction of their capacity to direct conditioned air to the room(s) of interest. The temperature, humidity, and air velocity in the target area are comfortable for the homeowner. In the case of a multi-split system, a similar effect is achieved by distributing the refrigerant flow only where it is needed. The homeowner realizes the benefit by using a graphical user interface, which can also be programmed to enable automatic switching to a low power configuration upon receiving a signal from a local utility company or aggregator.

[0139] ​ An air conditioning system providing selective air conditioning in an example embodiment is depicted. The system includes a first unit 200 (e.g., an outdoor unit) having a compressor 242, an outdoor heat exchanger 241, and an expansion device 243 (e.g., an electronic expansion valve or EEV). The first unit 200 may include a ​ Any of the elements and configurations described.

[0140] The second unit 250 (eg, indoor unit) includes a fan 251 (eg, air handler) and an indoor heat exchanger 253. The building includes a plurality of areas 8001 to 800 N , where each area includes individually controllable air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N .exist ​ In the embodiment of FIG. 8 , the air conditioning system is a duct system including a supply duct 806 and a return duct 808. The individually controllable air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N The ventilation devices may be equipped with dampers that are controlled by actuators to allow or prevent air flow through the ventilation devices. In operation, as described in further detail herein, a user may selectively enable or disable the individually controllable air conditioning devices 8021 to 8022 in response to notifications regarding electricity prices from the AC power grid 302. N .

[0141] ​ An air conditioning system providing selective air conditioning in an exemplary embodiment is depicted. The system includes a first unit 200 having a compressor 242, an outdoor heat exchanger 241, and an expansion device 243 (e.g., an electronic expansion valve or EEV). The first unit 200 may include the ​Any of the described components and configurations.

[0142] The second unit 250 includes an indoor manifold 257 for directing refrigerant to the zones. The building includes a plurality of zones 8001 to 800 N , where each zone includes individually controllable air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N . In ​ embodiments, the air conditioning system is a split system including a refrigerant supply line 810 and a refrigerant return line 812. The individually controllable air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N can be local heat exchangers that cool air by evaporating the refrigerant therein. The individually controllable air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N can include fans for circulating air over the local heat exchangers. The fans can be enabled or disabled. The individually controllable air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N can include valves for allowing or blocking the flow of refrigerant through the local heat exchangers. Although ​ refrigerant flow to each individually controllable air conditioning device 8021 to 802 N is shown, the system can also circulate water or another fluid known in the art. In operation, as described in further detail herein, the user can selectively enable or disable the individually controllable air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N .

[0143] ​ An air conditioning system providing selective air conditioning in an example embodiment is depicted. ​ The system of ​ is similar, where a reversing valve 820 is added in the first unit 200. The reversing valve 820 allows the system to operate in both cooling and heating modes. An indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor 822 can communicate with the supply duct 806. Low indoor air quality may necessitate allowing outside air to enter the system. A controller 824 communicates with the first unit 200, the second unit 250, and the IAQ sensor 822 to control the operation of the air conditioning system. In operation, as described in further detail herein, the user can selectively enable or disable the individually controllable air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N .

[0144] ​ An air conditioning system providing selective air conditioning in an example embodiment is depicted. ​ The system of​ The system in which a reversing valve 820 is added in the first unit 200. The reversing valve 820 allows the system to operate in both a cooling mode and a heating mode. In operation, as described in further detail herein, the user can selectively enable or disable the individually controllable air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 in response to a notice regarding electricity prices from the AC power grid 302. N .

[0145] ​ Depicts components for providing selective air conditioning in an example embodiment. The remote system 410 can be embodied as any type of processor-based computing or computer device capable of performing the functions described herein, including but not limited to computers, servers, workstations, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, mobile computing devices, wearable computing devices, network devices, web devices, distributed computing systems (such as cloud computing), processor-based systems, and / or consumer electronic devices. The remote system 410 provides information used by the user device 830 to achieve selective air conditioning. The information provided by the remote system 410 can include utility pricing, indicating the cost of electricity on the AC power grid and weather information, which can be used to predict future utility pricing and usage of the first unit 200. Utility pricing and weather can be pushed to or pulled by the remote system 410 using known networking techniques.

[0146] The user device 830 communicates with the remote system 410 via the network 406, which can be similar to ​ the network 406 in. The controller 220 (e.g., similar to ​ the controller in) also communicates with the user device 830. The user device can communicate with the controller 220 via the network 406 or a smaller local network (such as a radio network (e.g., Bluetooth) or a local wireless network (e.g., WIFI)). The controller 220 communicates with the air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N via a local network, which is such as a radio network (e.g., Bluetooth) or a local wireless network (e.g., WIFI) or a separate network (e.g., a serial bus, CAN bus, etc.).

[0147] The controller 220 controls the air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 in response to commands from the user device 830. N The controller 220 can enable or disable each of the air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 in a selective manner. N in. ​Depicts a user interface that can be presented on user device 830, which in an example embodiment is configured to control selective air conditioning. During times with "peak" and / or "mid-peak" electricity rates, the user interface is presented on user device 830 to initiate selective air conditioning control. The user interface may include a list of all zones 800 and associated air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N . The user interface may also include a power forecast for each zone (e.g., measured in kilowatts). The user can then, via user device 830, select via a toggle icon in the user interface which zones should be enabled (e.g., "on") or disabled (e.g., "off").

[0148] Commands for enabling or disabling each of air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N are sent to controller 220. Controller 220 can then enable or disable each of air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N . For a ventilation device having a damper, controller 220 can command the actuator to close the damper to disable the air conditioning device, or command the actuator to allow the damper to move to enable the air conditioning device. For a fan coil unit, controller 220 can command the valve (transmitting the cooling fluid) to close to disable the air conditioning device, or command the valve to open to enable the air conditioning device. For a fan coil unit, controller 220 can command the fan to stop to disable the air conditioning device, or allow the fan to operate to enable the air conditioning device.

[0149] ​ Depicts a control process for providing selective air conditioning in an example embodiment. At 900, a determination is made as to whether there is a need for selective air conditioning. The determination indicating that the electricity rate is high or medium can be made by remote system 410, such as during "peak" or "mid-peak" periods respectively. If there is no need for selective air conditioning at 900, the process proceeds to 902, where the controller sends commands to all air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N to enable air conditioning. This does not mean that air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N all immediately operate to condition their respective zones. Instead, air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N are not disabled from providing air conditioning in their respective zones.

[0150] If there is a need for selective air conditioning at 900, the process proceeds to 904, where a notification is sent to user device 830. The notification can initiate on user device 830 ​user interface. At 906, the user identifies the areas to be enabled and / or disabled via the user interface on the user device 830. The user selection is sent to the controller 220. At 908, the controller 220 sends commands to one or more of the air conditioning devices 8021 to 802 N to enable or disable air conditioning in each corresponding area. The process returns to 900.

[0151] The embodiments described herein allow users to reduce a large portion of their load on the power grid when electricity prices are high or medium (such as during "peak" or "mid-peak" periods respectively). This represents significant cost savings. When the load of a homeowner is aggregated with the loads of others to meet minimum requirements, the user can participate in value stacking by receiving compensation for demand reduction by the local utility or independent system operator.

[0152] As described above, embodiments may take the form of processor-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes (such as the controller 220 and / or the thermostat 260). Embodiments may also take the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in a tangible medium, such as a network cloud storage device, an SD card, a flash drive, a floppy disk, a CD ROM, a hard drive, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the embodiment. The apparatus for executing the computer program code may be a computer, a server, a workstation, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a mobile computing device, a wearable computing device, a network device, a web device, a distributed computing system (e.g., cloud computing), an edge computing component, and / or a consumer electronic device. Embodiments may also take the form of computer program code that is, for example, stored in a storage medium, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted via a transmission medium (such as via a wire or cable, via an optical fiber, or via electromagnetic radiation), wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the embodiment. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

[0153] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0154] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features of a particular embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereby. On the contrary, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements that were not previously described but are commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be regarded as being limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for providing selective air conditioning in an air conditioning system including a plurality of zones, each zone having a corresponding air conditioning device associated therewith, the method comprising: Determining a need for selective air conditioning; When determining the need for selective air conditioning, sending a notification to a user device; Receiving, at the user device, a selection of zones to be enabled and / or a selection of zones to be disabled among the plurality of zones; Sending the selection of zones to be enabled and / or the selection of zones to be disabled among the plurality of zones to a controller; And The controller sending commands to each of the air conditioning devices in the air conditioning system, the commands being configured to enable or disable the air conditioning devices in each corresponding zone.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining the need for selective air conditioning in response to an electricity price.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein Determining the need for selective air conditioning in response to the electricity price being high or medium.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The air conditioning system is a duct system, wherein each of the air conditioning devices includes a damper.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The commands from the controller to the air conditioning devices in each corresponding zone include a command to an actuator to close the damper to disable the air conditioning device or a command to the actuator to allow the damper to move to enable the air conditioning device.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The air conditioning system is a split system, wherein each of the air conditioning devices includes a valve for controlling fluid flow through a local heat exchanger.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The commands from the controller to the air conditioning devices in each corresponding zone include a command to close the valve to disable the air conditioning device or a command to open the valve to enable the air conditioning device.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The air conditioning system is a split system, wherein each of the air conditioning devices includes a fan for passing air through a local heat exchanger.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The commands from the controller to the air conditioning devices in each corresponding zone include a command to stop the fan to disable the air conditioning device or a command to allow operation of the fan to enable the air conditioning device.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises presenting a user interface on the user device to initiate selective air conditioning control, wherein, The user interface includes a list of all the zones.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The user interface includes a power forecast for each zone.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The user interface includes icons for turning zones on and off.

13. A system configured to provide selective air conditioning, the system comprising: An air conditioning system including a plurality of zones, each zone having a corresponding air conditioning device associated therewith; A remote system configured to determine a need for selective air conditioning; A user device configured to receive a notification of the need for selective air conditioning; A controller in communication with the user device, the controller being configured to receive from the user device a selection of zones to be enabled and / or a selection of zones to be disabled among the plurality of zones; The controller sends commands to each air conditioning device in the air conditioning system, and the commands are configured to enable or disable the air conditioning device in each corresponding zone.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein, Determine the need for selective air conditioning in response to the electricity price.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, Determine the need for selective air conditioning in response to the electricity price being high or medium.

16. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The air conditioning system is a duct system, wherein each air conditioning device in the air conditioning system includes a damper.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein, The commands from the controller to the air conditioning devices in each corresponding zone include commands to an actuator to close the damper to disable the air conditioning device or commands to the actuator to allow the damper to move to enable the air conditioning device.

18. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The air conditioning system is a split system, wherein each air conditioning device in the air conditioning system includes a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a local heat exchanger.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein, The commands from the controller to the air conditioning devices in each corresponding zone include commands to close the valve to disable the air conditioning device or commands to open the valve to enable the air conditioning device.

20. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The air conditioning system is a split system, wherein each air conditioning device in the air conditioning system includes a fan for passing air through a local heat exchanger.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein The commands from the controller to the air conditioning devices in each corresponding zone include commands to stop the fan to disable the air conditioning device or commands to allow the operation of the fan to enable the air conditioning device.

22. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The user device generates a user interface to initiate selective air conditioning control, wherein the user interface includes a list of all the zones and the associated air conditioning devices.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The user interface includes a power forecast for each zone.

24. The system according to claim 22, wherein The user interface includes icons for turning zones on and off.

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