Method and apparatus for reducing condensation

Abstract

A method and apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions and reducing condensation is disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a first sensor system for measuring a first temperature in a first area and a second sensor system for measuring a second temperature in a second area adjacent to the first area. The first area is separated from the second area by a door. A controller has at least one memory, instructions, and a processor circuit that executes the instructions to at least compare the first temperature and the second temperature, determine whether a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a temperature threshold, and deactivate a fan located in the first area in response to determining that the temperature difference does not exceed the temperature threshold.

Description

Related Applications

[0001]

[0001] This patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 185,864, which was filed on May 7, 2021, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Field of the Disclosure

[0002]

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to doors, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions and reducing condensation.

[0003]

[0003] Industrial facilities may have indoor areas that may be exposed to a variety of environmental conditions. In some cases, the environmental conditions may cause undesirable condensation on interior surfaces of the industrial facility. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example industrial facility having an example monitoring system constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

[0005] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another example industrial facility having another example monitoring system disclosed herein.

[0006] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example fan controller of the example monitoring system of FIG. 1 and / or FIG.

[0007] [Figure 4] 4-7 are flowcharts representing example machine-readable instructions and / or example operations for implementing the example fan controller of FIG. 3 to analyze environmental data and operate the example fan of the example monitoring system of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 4-7 are flowcharts representing example machine-readable instructions and / or example operations for implementing the example fan controller of FIG. 3 to analyze environmental data and operate the example fan of the example monitoring system of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 4-7 are flowcharts representing example machine-readable instructions and / or example operations for implementing the example fan controller of FIG. 3 to analyze environmental data and operate the example fan of the example monitoring system of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 4-7 are flowcharts representing example machine-readable instructions and / or example operations for implementing the example fan controller of FIG. 3 to analyze environmental data and operate the example fan of the example monitoring system of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2.

[0008] [Figure 8]

[0008] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary processing platform including a processor circuit configured to execute the exemplary machine-readable instructions and / or exemplary operations of FIGS. 4-7 to implement the exemplary fan controller of FIG. 3.

[0009] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary implementation of the processor circuit of FIG.

[0010] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another exemplary implementation of the processor circuit of FIG.

[0011] [Figure 11]

[0011] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary software distribution platform (e.g., one or more servers) for distributing software (e.g., software corresponding to the exemplary machine-readable instructions of FIGS. 4-7) to client devices associated with end users and / or consumers (e.g., for licensing, sale, and / or use), retailers (e.g., for sale, resale, license, and / or sublicense), and / or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) (e.g., for inclusion in products to be distributed to retailers and / or other end users, such as direct buy customers).

[0012]

[0012] The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Generally, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawing(s) and the accompanying written description to refer to the same or similar parts. As used herein, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) can include intermediate members between and / or relative movement between the elements referenced by the connection reference, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, a connection reference does not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and / or in a fixed relationship with respect to each other. As used herein, a statement that any part is "in contact" with another part is defined to mean that there are no intermediate parts between the two parts.

[0013]

[0013] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "above" describes the relationship of two portions to the Earth. A first portion is above a second portion if the second portion has at least one portion between the Earth and the first portion. Similarly, as used herein, a first portion is "below" a second portion if the first portion is closer to the Earth than the second portion. As described above, a first portion can be above or below a second portion with one or more of the following conditions: there is another portion between the first portion and the second portion, there is no another portion between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion and the second portion are in contact, or the first portion and the second portion are not in direct contact with each other.

[0014]

[0014] As used in this patent, a statement that any part (e.g., a layer, film, area, region, or plate) is in some way in (e.g., positioned, disposed, installed, formed, etc.) on another part indicates that the part being referenced is in contact with the other part, or that the part being referenced is on top of the other part, thereby having one or more intermediate part(s) disposed between them.

[0015]

[0015] Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as "first," "second," "third," etc. are used herein without implying or otherwise indicating any sense of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or ordering in any way, but are merely used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish between elements to facilitate understanding of the disclosed examples. In some instances, the descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in the claims with a different descriptor, such as "second" or "third." In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used only to clearly distinguish between elements that may otherwise share the same name, for example.

[0016]

[0016] As used herein, "approximately" and "about" modify their subject / values ​​to recognize the potential existence of variations that occur in real-world applications. For example, "approximately" and "about" can modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real-world imperfections, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "approximately" and "about" can indicate that such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of + / - 10%, unless otherwise specified in the following description. As used herein, "substantially real-time" refers to occurrence in a near-instantaneous manner, recognizing that there may be real-world delays in terms of computing time, transmission, and the like. Thus, unless otherwise specified, "substantially real-time" refers to real-time + / - 1 second.

[0017]

[0017] As used herein, a "processor circuit" is defined to include (i) one or more dedicated electrical circuits (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors) configured to perform a particular operation(s), including one or more semiconductor-based logic devices, and / or (ii) one or more general-purpose semiconductor-based electrical circuits (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors) that are programmable with instructions to perform a particular operation, including one or more semiconductor-based logic devices. Examples of processor circuits include integrated circuits such as programmable microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) capable of instantiating instructions, central processor units (CPUs), graphics processor units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), XPUs, or microcontrollers, and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). For example, an XPU can be implemented by a heterogeneous computing system that includes multiple types of processor circuitry (e.g., one or more FPGAs, one or more CPUs, one or more GPUs, one or more DSPs, etc., and / or combinations thereof) and application programming interface(s) (API(s)) that can allocate computing task(s) to any one(s) of the multiple types of processor circuitry that is / are best suited to perform the computing task(s). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018]

[0018] Industrial facilities, such as warehouses, material handling facilities, retail spaces, and / or other industrial environments, are often exposed to a variety of weather and / or environmental conditions. As a result, fluctuations in environmental conditions can cause undesirable condensation to form on one or more interior surfaces (e.g., doors, floors, walls, etc.) of the industrial facility. For example, condensation can form on the interior surfaces of an industrial facility when those surfaces are exposed to large temperature differences. For example, condensation is more likely to form when warmer, moisture-laden air comes into contact with a cooler surface.

[0019]

[0019] As the temperature of the air adjacent to a surface (e.g., an interior surface) in an industrial facility decreases (e.g., becomes colder), the colder air can hold less moisture. And when the air adjacent to a surface cools to a temperature (e.g., dew point temperature) where the air can no longer hold moisture, condensation or water forms on the surface. Thus, condensation can form on a surface if the temperature of the surface drops below the dew point temperature of the air in the volume directly exposed to the surface.

[0020]

[0020] As used herein, dew point means the temperature at which water vapor in any static or moving column of air condenses into water. In other words, at this temperature, the air is saturated and can no longer hold moisture. If the air temperature falls below the dew point of the air, the excess moisture will be released in the form of condensation.

[0021] Typically, to reduce or prevent the accumulation of condensation, industrial facilities employ heating and / or cooling equipment, such as air conditioners, heaters, dehumidifiers, and / or other devices. However, such equipment can be relatively expensive to install and / or maintain, and can significantly increase the energy costs of an industrial facility. In some instances, industrial facilities often employ low-cost, low-energy fans. For example, some geographic locations have significant (e.g., large) changes in temperature, humidity, dew point temperature, and / or other environmental condition(s), and thus fans may not be needed during the winter. For example, a first area can be configured as a freezer and / or cooler that can be kept at a freezing or cold temperature, and a second area adjacent to the first area can be kept at room temperature (e.g., a warmer temperature). To reduce and / or eliminate condensation from forming on the door, some known freezer and / or cooler applications often employ fans to provide airflow across the door. However, such known defrost fans typically operate continuously (e.g., 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) even during environmental conditions (e.g., during the summer) when the defrost fan may not be needed. Operating the fan during conditions where condensation is not likely to occur significantly increases the energy waste and thus the operating costs of the industrial facility. Furthermore, operating the fan continuously can result in warm (e.g., room temperature) air from a warmer room being blown into a cooler room when a door between the rooms is opened, thereby reducing the efficiency with which the cooler room is maintained at its cooler temperature.

[0022]

[0022] Examples disclosed herein employ a control system that monitors environmental conditions to identify whether an interior surface (e.g., door, wall, floor, etc.) may be susceptible to frost and / or condensation when exposed to a particular environmental condition. In particular, industrial partitions and / or doors are used to separate an area into two or more smaller areas and / or to separate an interior area from an exterior area. For example, some warehouses, retail areas, etc. employ industrial doors to separate freezers (e.g., having temperatures below freezing or 32 degrees Fahrenheit (°F)) from warmer or room temperature areas (e.g., having temperatures above freezing or above 32°F). The exemplary control system disclosed herein operates one or more fans during conditions that may cause condensation formation on the interior surface (e.g., door, partition, floor, etc.) and deactivates one or more fans during conditions that may not cause condensation formation on the interior surface. Additionally, in some disclosed examples, fans are shut off when a door between rooms maintained at different temperatures is opened, reducing forced air exchange between the two rooms. In this manner, the exemplary control systems disclosed herein reduce energy waste and / or reduce operational costs.

[0023] 1 illustrates an example industrial facility 100 having an example monitoring system 102 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The illustrated example industrial facility 100 includes a first area 104 (e.g., a first room) and a second area 106 (e.g., a second room) adjacent to the first area 104. A partition 108 (e.g., a wall) separates the first area 104 from the second area 106. The illustrated example partition 108 includes a door 112 for selectively blocking and unblocking a passageway 110 between the first area 104 and the second area 106. The illustrated example door 112 is movable between a closed position for preventing access between the first area 104 and the second area 106 and an open position for allowing access between the first area 104 and the second area 106. The illustrated example door 112 includes insulation (e.g., having an insulating R-value between R-13 and R-21) to reduce (e.g., minimize) heat transfer between the first area 104 and the second area 106. Examples of doors with which the example door 112 of FIG. 1 may be implemented include, but are not limited to, power doors, roll-up panels (e.g., flexible or pliable sheets), rigid panels, pliable panels, flexible panels, vertically translating panels, horizontally translating panels, translating and tilting panels, swing panels, segmented articulating panels, panels with multiple folding segments, multi-layered insulating panels, and / or various combinations thereof, and / or any other suitable door or door panel and / or door panels for selectively blocking and unblocking access between the first area 104 and the second area 106.

[0024] In the illustrated example, the first area 104 and the second area 106 are maintained at different temperatures. For example, the first area 104 can have a first temperature that can generally be higher than the second temperature of the second area 106. For example, the first area 104 in the illustrated example is configured to have an ambient room temperature condition, and the second area 106 in the illustrated example is configured to have a freezing point temperature condition. For example, the second area 106 in the illustrated example is configured as a freezer 114. For example, the freezer 114 can include a cooling unit 116 to maintain and / or adjust the second temperature of the second area 106 within a freezer temperature range (e.g., between 32° F. and 0° F.). In some cases, the second area 106 can be configured as a combination chiller and freezer. For example, in some instances, the cooling unit 116 can be set to maintain a second temperature in the second area 106 within a freezer temperature range to store a product (e.g., meat, etc.) for a first duration (e.g., one month), and then set to maintain the second temperature in the second area 106 within a refrigerator temperature range for a second duration (e.g., two days) to thaw the product stored in the second area 106 before using (e.g., shipping or selling) the product.

[0025] In some examples, the first area 104 can be configured as a cooler having a cooling unit (e.g., cooling unit 116 and / or a different cooling unit) for maintaining and / or adjusting the first temperature within a refrigerator temperature range (e.g., between 33° F. and 65° F.). In some examples, the first area 104 and the second area 106 can be configured as a dual cooler. For example, the first area 104 can be configured as a first cooler having a first cooling unit (e.g., cooling unit 116) for maintaining the first temperature of the first area 104 within a refrigerator temperature range (e.g., between 33° F. and 65° F.), and the second area 106 can be configured as a cooler (e.g., via cooling unit 116) for maintaining the second temperature of the second area 106 within a refrigerator temperature range (e.g., between 33° F. and 65° F.).

[0026]

[0026] Due to the different temperatures between the first area 104 and the second area 106, the partition 108 and / or door 112 (and / or other interior surfaces) of the illustrated example may be exposed to a potential (e.g., significant) temperature difference. Specifically, the first side 120 (e.g., first panel) of the door 112 and the second side 122 (e.g., second panel) of the door 112 may be exposed to different temperatures simultaneously. For example, the first side 120 of the door 112, which is oriented toward the first area 104, may be exposed to a first temperature (e.g., ambient / room temperature), and the second side 122 of the door 112, which is opposite the first side 120 and oriented toward the second area 106, may be exposed to a second temperature (e.g., freezing temperature below 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Temperature differences across the door 112 may cause condensation to form on the door 112 and / or on the first area 104 during certain environmental conditions in the first area 104 and / or the second area 106. In particular, condensation may form on the warmer temperature side (e.g., first side 120) of the door 112 if the surface temperature of the door 112 exposed to the warmer temperature side falls below the dew point of the area (e.g., first area) having the warmer temperature. In other words, condensation may form on the door 112 if the surface 124 of the door 112 is at or below the dew point of the current environment in which the door 112 is installed or placed. In the illustrated example, condensation may occur on the first side 120 of the door 112 when the first temperature in the first area 104 is higher than the second temperature in the second area 106 and at least one of the following cases: (1) the difference between the first dew point in the first area and the second dew point in the second area is higher than a dew point threshold, (2) the first temperature is lower than the second dew point, or (3) the surface temperature of the first side 120 of the door 112 is lower than the first dew point.

[0027]

[0027] To detect environmental conditions that may cause condensation to form on interior surfaces of the industrial facility 100, the illustrated example industrial facility 100 includes a monitoring system 102. For example, to reduce or prevent condensation from forming on the surface 124 of the door 112, the illustrated example monitoring system 102 monitors one or more environmental conditions of the first area 104 and the second area 106, including, but not limited to, temperature, relative humidity, dew point, and surface temperature. For example, to detect environmental conditions that may cause condensation to form on the door 112, the illustrated example monitoring system 102 monitors and / or identifies a first temperature, a first relative humidity, and a first dew point of the first area, a second temperature, a second relative humidity, and a second dew point of the second area, and a surface temperature of the first side 120 of the door 112. In some examples, the monitoring system 102 can be configured to measure or identify any other suitable environmental condition(s), such as, for example, weather patterns, etc.

[0028]

[0028] The monitoring system 102 of the illustrated example includes a fan controller 126 and one or more sensor(s) 128 that provide one or more signal(s) 130 for interpretation and / or processing by the monitoring system 102 to sense an environmental condition for operating the fan 132 or to sense an environmental condition for deactivating the fan 132. In other words, the fan controller 126 operates the fan 132 based on data (e.g., signal(s) 130) provided by the sensor(s) 128. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the fan 132 is positioned toward and / or adjacent to the door 112 to blow air, and the fan 132 is activated and / or deactivated based on the status of the door 112 (e.g., open, partially open, closed, partially closed, etc.). The fan controller 126 of the illustrated example may operate the fan 132 between an activation mode and a deactivation mode and / or may vary (e.g., increase or decrease) the rotational speed of the fan 132 when the fan 132 is in the activation mode. For example, the fan controller 126 may be communicatively coupled to a motor 134 associated with the fan 132 and control the operation (e.g., activation and / or speed) of the motor 134 via an output signal 136. In some examples, a drive unit for the fan 132 may provide data or feedback signals to the fan controller 126 to indicate the status (e.g., rotational speed, current draw, rotational position (e.g., as indicated by an encoder), etc.) of the motor 134 and / or associated components.In some examples, the fan controller 126 may be remote from the sensor(s) 128, the first area 104, and / or the industrial facility 100 and may receive signal(s) 130 from the sensor(s) 128 and / or transmit one or more command signals (e.g., output signal 136) over a wireless network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth®, etc.).

[0029] In the illustrated example, the monitoring system 102 of the illustrated example includes a first temperature sensor 140 for measuring a first temperature of the first area 104 and a second temperature sensor 142 for measuring a second temperature of the second area 106. For example, the first temperature sensor 140 of the illustrated example measures a dry bulb temperature of the first area 104 and provides a feedback signal 140a representative of the measured first temperature to the fan controller 126, and the second temperature sensor 142 of the illustrated example measures a dry bulb temperature of the second area 106 and provides a feedback signal 142a representative of the measured second temperature to the fan controller 126. In addition, the monitoring system 102 of the illustrated example includes a first relative humidity sensor 144 for measuring a first relative humidity of the first area 104 and a second relative humidity sensor 146 for measuring a second relative humidity of the second area 106. The first relative humidity sensor 144 in the illustrated example provides a feedback signal 144a representative of a measured first relative humidity, and the second relative humidity sensor 146 in the illustrated example provides a feedback signal 146a representative of a measured second relative humidity.

[0030] In some examples, the humidity sensors 144, 146 can be configured to measure relative humidity for any temperature. In other words, the humidity sensors 144, 146 are not limited or restricted to measuring relative humidity based on the temperature of the first area 104 or the second area 106, respectively. Thus, the humidity sensors 144, 146 can be configured to measure relative humidity when the air temperature is at any temperature.

[0031]

[0031] In some examples, the humidity sensors 144, 146 can be configured to measure relative humidity when the air temperature in the respective first area 104 or second area 106 exceeds a predefined temperature value (e.g., an air temperature greater than 32 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., above freezing temperature)). For air temperatures that do not exceed a predefined temperature value (e.g., the air temperature is 32 degrees or less (e.g., below freezing), the system 102, 202 (FIG. 2) receives an estimated relative humidity. For example, the fan controller 126 may obtain, retrieve, and / or receive an estimated relative humidity when the air temperature in the first area 104 and / or the second area 106 does not exceed a predefined temperature value. For example, the estimated relative humidity may be provided in a database (e.g., as a look-up table). In some examples where the air temperature is below a predefined temperature value (e.g., the air temperature is below freezing), 90 percent, 95 percent, and / or any other value may be provided for any temperature below the predefined temperature value. A default relative humidity of other relative humidity values ​​may be provided. In some examples, for temperatures below a predefined temperature value, each temperature and / or a particular temperature range may have a corresponding estimated relative humidity. In some examples, only a single estimated relative humidity value is provided for all temperatures not exceeding a predefined temperature value. The fan controller 126 of the illustrated example determines (e.g., calculates) a first dew point of the first area 104, a second dew point of the second area 106, and a surface temperature of the door 112 (e.g., surface 124 of the first side 120 of the door 112) based on inputs (e.g., signal(s) 130) received from the first temperature sensor 140, the first relative humidity sensor 144, the second temperature sensor 142, and the second relative humidity sensor 146.

[0032] Alternatively, the monitoring system 102 may include sensors (e.g., dew point meters, dew point thermometers, etc.) for detecting or measuring the first dew point of the first area 104 and / or the second dew point of the second area 206. For example, the monitoring system 102 may include a first dew point sensor for measuring the first dew point of the first area 104, providing a feedback signal to the fan controller 126 representative of the measured first dew point of the first area 104, and / or a second dew point sensor for measuring the second dew point of the second area 106, providing a feedback signal to the fan controller 126 representative of the measured second dew point of the second area 106. For example, the first dew point sensor may replace the first relative humidity sensor 144, and the second dew point sensor may replace the second relative humidity sensor 146. The fan controller 126 can then be configured to calculate a first relative humidity in the first area 104 and / or a second relative humidity in the second area 106 based on the first temperature, the first dew point, the second temperature, and / or the second dew point. In some examples, the monitoring system 102 can include a first temperature sensor 140, a first relative humidity sensor 144, and a first dew point sensor to measure the first temperature, the first relative humidity, and the first dew point, respectively, of the first area 104. Similarly, in some examples, the monitoring system 102 can include a second temperature sensor 142, a second relative humidity sensor 146, and a second dew point sensor to measure the second temperature, the second relative humidity, and the second dew point, respectively, of the second area 106.

[0033] Additionally, to determine the surface temperature of the door 112, the monitoring system 102 of the illustrated example determines (e.g., calculates) the surface temperature of the door 112 based on the first temperature, the first relative humidity, the second temperature, and / or the second relative humidity. However, in some examples, the monitoring system 102 may include a surface temperature sensor 148 (e.g., an infrared temperature sensor directed toward the surface 124 of the door 112) that provides a feedback signal 148a to the fan controller 126 that is representative of the surface temperature of the door 112.

[0034] To reduce or prevent condensation formation during certain environmental conditions detected by the monitoring system 102, the monitoring system 102 of the illustrated example includes a fan 132. The fan 132 of the illustrated example provides airflow across the first side 120 of the door 112 to reduce or eliminate condensation formation on the first side 120 of the door 112. The airflow provided by the fan 132 displaces cooler air adjacent the surface 124 of the door 112 to reduce the formation of condensation. In some examples, the airflow allows air of a warmer temperature (e.g., air having a first temperature) to flow adjacent the surface 124 of the door 112 to increase the surface temperature of the surface 124, thus reducing or preventing condensation. In some cases, the airflow provided by the fan 132 can dry condensation that occurs on the surface 124 of the door 112 more quickly as compared to areas of the industrial facility that do not include the fan 132.

[0035] In operation, to selectively operate the fan 132 during certain environmental conditions sensed by the fan controller 126 that may cause condensation on the door 112, the monitoring system 102 of the illustrated example commands operation of the fan 132 via an output signal 136 based on a signal(s) 130 received from the sensor(s) 128. For example, the monitoring system 102 of the illustrated example operates the fan 132 based on a first temperature acquired by a first temperature sensor 140, a first relative humidity acquired by a first relative humidity sensor 144, a second temperature acquired by a second temperature sensor 142, a second relative humidity acquired by a second relative humidity sensor 146, a calculated first dew point of the first area 104, a calculated second dew point of the second area 106, and a calculated surface temperature of the door 112 (e.g., the first side 120 of the door 112).

[0036]

[0036] As a result, the monitoring system 102 of the illustrated example activates operation of the fan 132 during environmental conditions that may cause condensation formation and deactivates operation of the fan 132 during environmental conditions that do not present a risk of condensation formation. For example, some geographic locations may have significant (e.g., large) changes in temperature, humidity, dew point temperature, and / or other environmental condition(s), and thus a defrost fan may not be needed during certain environmental conditions (e.g., winter). Operating the fan 132 only during conditions in which the fan is needed significantly reduces energy waste and thus operational costs.

[0037] In some examples, the door 112 is an automatic door operated and / or controlled by an exemplary door controller 150. More specifically, in some examples, the door 112 can be a vertically translating door, a horizontally translating door, a roll-up door, and / or any other suitable type of automatic door that can be mechanically actuated to move between an open position and a closed position. In some examples, the door controller 150 is accessible on both sides of the door 112. In some examples, the door controller 150 is accessible on only one side of the door 112. In some examples, a separate door controller 150 is located on either side of the door. In some examples, the door controller 150 opens the door 112 in response to a signal from a sensor that detects approaching traffic. In some examples, the signal is based on feedback from one or more motion or presence sensors that monitor the area adjacent to the door 112. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the signal is generated by a user entering a command via a user interface associated with the door controller 150.

[0038]

[0038] As depicted in the illustrated example of Figure 1, the door controller 150 is separate from and in communication with the fan controller 126. In some examples, the fan controller 126 and the door controller 150 are integrated into a single controller. In some examples, the door controller 150 transmits or provides a status signal 152 to the fan controller 126 indicating the status of the door 112. For example, in response to detecting a signal indicating that the door 112 is to be opened, the door controller 150 transmits a status signal 152 to the fan controller to indicate that the door is about to open. In some examples, the status signal 152 indicates an impending change in the status of the door. For example, in some examples, the status signal 152 indicates that the door is about to open. In some examples, instead of the door controller 150 providing the status signal 152 to the fan controller 126, signals from sensors (e.g., motion sensors, presence sensors, etc.) used by the door controller 150 to determine when to open the door 112 (or otherwise change the status of the door 112) are provided directly to the fan controller 126. In such examples, the fan controller 126 determines when the door 112 will open or close (or otherwise change status) independently from the door controller 150.

[0039]

[0039] In some examples, the fan controller 126 deactivates the fan 132 whenever the door is at least partially open to reduce the amount of warm air in the first area 104 that is blown into the cooler second area 106. When the fan 132 is deactivated, due to the momentum of the fan 132, the fan 132 may not immediately stop rotating. Thus, in some examples, there is a time delay between when the door 112 is identified as being opened and when the door 112 begins to open. In some examples, the fan controller 132 deactivates the fan 132 as soon as the door is identified as being opened, allowing the fan 132 to slow down during the time delay before the door 112 actually opens. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, in response to receiving a status signal 152 indicating that the door 112 is open, the fan controller 126 activates a brake coupled to the fan 132 and / or associated motor 134 to relatively quickly stop rotation of the fan 132. In response to a status signal 152 indicating that the door 112 has returned to a closed position, the fan controller 126 can cause the fan 132 to turn on again if necessary (e.g., based on temperature, humidity, and dew point measurements as discussed above).

[0040]

[0040] Figure 2 is another example industrial facility 200 including another example monitoring system 202 disclosed herein. Components of the example industrial facility 200 of Figure 2 that are substantially similar or the same as the components of the industrial facility 100 described above and have substantially similar or the same functions as those of the components will not be described in detail again hereafter. Instead, interested readers are referred to the corresponding descriptions above. To facilitate this process, similar reference numbers will be used for similar structures. For example, the illustrated example industrial facility 200 includes a monitoring system 202 having a door 112, a fan controller 126, a fan 132, a motor 134, a first temperature sensor 140, a first relative humidity sensor 144, a second temperature sensor 142, and a second relative humidity sensor 146.

[0041] The industrial facility 200 includes a first area 204 and a second area 206. The second area 206 is an exterior area 208 of the industrial facility 200, such as a loading dock 210. A doorway 212 allows access between a vehicle 214 located at the loading dock 210 and an interior 216 of the industrial facility 200 defined by the first area 204.

[0042] The monitoring system 202 of the depicted example includes a fan controller 126 that receives signal(s) 130 for interpretation and / or processing by the monitoring system 202 for purposes of sensing environmental conditions to selectively operate a fan 132. In other words, the fan controller 126 operates the fan 132 based on the signal(s) 130.

[0043] Alternatively, the fan controller 126 of the illustrated example can be configured to receive environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, dew point, etc.) of the second area 206 (e.g., an outdoor environment) from a third party source (e.g., the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). For example, the fan controller 126 can be communicatively coupled to the third party source via a wireless network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth, a cellular network, a satellite network, etc.) to receive the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, dew point, etc.) of the second area 206. For example, the fan controller 126 receives a second temperature (e.g., dry bulb temperature) of the second area 206, a second relative humidity of the second area 206, and / or a second dew point of the second area 206. For example, the fan controller 126 can employ a location sensor (e.g., a GPS sensor) to receive the environmental conditions of the second area 206 based on the geographic location of the second area 206. In some such instances, the monitoring system 202 of the illustrated example does not include the second temperature sensor 142 and the second relative humidity sensor 146 .

[0044] Given a particular geographic location, the second temperature of the second area 206 may be lower than the first temperature of the first area 204, and other environmental conditions may exist that may cause condensation formation on the first side 120 of the door 112 that is directed toward the first area 204. For example, some geographic locations have significant changes (e.g., large changes) in temperature, humidity, dew point, and / or other environmental condition(s), and thus the fan 132 may be needed during some seasons (e.g., spring and fall) and not needed during other seasons (e.g., winter, summer, etc.). The monitoring system 202 of FIG. 2 functions substantially similarly to the monitoring system 102 of FIG. 1 to selectively operate the fan 132 to reduce or prevent condensation during certain detected environmental conditions and to deactivate the fan 132 when the detected environmental conditions do not cause condensation on the surface 124 of the door 112.

[0045]

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a fan controller 126 of the example monitoring system 102, 202 of Figures 1 and / or 2. The fan controller 126 of Figure 3 can be instantiated (e.g., instantiated, made to last any length of time, embodied, implemented, etc.) by a processor circuit, such as a central processing unit executing instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the fan controller 126 of Figure 3 can be instantiated (e.g., instantiated, made to last any length of time, embodied, implemented, etc.) by an ASIC or FPGA that is configured to perform operations corresponding to instructions. It should be understood that some or all of the circuits of Figure 3 can therefore be instantiated at the same or different times. Some or all of the circuits can be instantiated, for example, simultaneously on hardware and / or in one or more threads that execute sequentially on hardware. Moreover, in some examples, some or all of the circuits of Figure 3 can be implemented by one or more virtual machines and / or containers executing on a microprocessor. The illustrated example fan controller 126 includes an example temperature analyzer circuit 302, an example relative humidity analyzer circuit 304, an example dew point determiner circuit 306, an example surface temperature determiner circuit 308, an example fan manager circuit 310, and an example comparator circuit 312, which are communicatively connected using an example communication bus 314. The fan controller 126 is communicatively coupled to a data store 316.

[0046]

[0046] The temperature analyzer circuit 302 of the illustrated example receives, acquires, and / or analyzes data (e.g., from the signal(s) 130) to detect a first temperature of the first area 104, 204 and a second temperature of the second area 106, 206. For example, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 of the illustrated example receives, acquires, and / or analyzes data emitted or captured by the first temperature sensor 140 (e.g., feedback signal 140a) to detect the first temperature of the first area 104 and / or receives, acquires, and / or analyzes data emitted or captured by the second temperature sensor 142 (e.g., feedback signal 142a) to detect the second temperature of the second area 106. Alternatively, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 of the illustrated example can receive a temperature signal from the network representing the second temperature of the second area 206. The feedback signal 140a and / or the feedback signal 142a (and / or the temperature signal from the network) can be a digital signal, an analog signal, a voltage value, a current value, and / or any other type of signal representative of the measured temperature. In some examples where the temperature data includes analog data, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 includes an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog data to digital data.

[0047] In some examples, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 of the illustrated example determines whether a measured first temperature of the first area 104, 204 is greater than a measured second temperature of the second area 106, 206. For example, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 compares, via a comparator circuit 312, a feedback signal 140a associated with the first temperature sensor 140 and a feedback signal 142a associated with the second temperature sensor 142 to determine whether a measured first temperature of the first area 104, 204 is greater than a measured second temperature of the second area 106, 206. In some examples, if the temperature analyzer circuit 302 determines that the first temperature does not exceed the second temperature, the fan manager circuit 310 can instruct the fan 132 to deactivate. In some examples, if the temperature analyzer circuit 302 determines that the first temperature exceeds the second temperature, the fan controller 126 analyzes other environmental conditions (e.g., relative humidity, surface temperature, dew point, etc.) to determine whether the fan manager circuit 310 should activate the fan 132. In some examples, the fan manager circuit 310 is instantiated by a processor circuit executing fan manager instructions and / or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0048] The exemplary relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 of the illustrated example receives, accesses, and / or analyzes relative humidity data for the first area 104, 204 and the second area 106, 206. For example, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 of the illustrated example receives, accesses, and / or analyzes a signal (e.g., feedback signal 144a) associated with the first relative humidity sensor 144 to sense the measured relative humidity of the first area 104, 204 and / or a signal (e.g., feedback signal 146a) associated with the second relative humidity sensor 146 to sense the measured relative humidity of the second area 106, 206. Alternatively, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 can receive, access, and / or analyze a relative humidity signal from the network representing a second relative humidity of the second area 206.

[0049] In some examples, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 can obtain estimated relative humidity values, which can be stored, for example, in the data store 316. For example, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 can obtain estimated humidity values ​​that correlate with temperature values ​​provided by the temperature analyzer circuit 302. For example, in the examples of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the humidity sensors 144, 146 can be configured to measure relative humidity for temperatures that are higher than a predefined temperature value (e.g., above freezing and / or higher than 32 degrees Fahrenheit). For temperatures that do not exceed the predefined temperature value (e.g., are equal to or lower than the predefined temperature value), the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 obtains estimated relative humidity values ​​(e.g., from a lookup table stored in the data store 316). In some examples, the lookup table includes a list of estimated humidity values ​​that correlate with each temperature that does not exceed the predefined temperature value. In some examples, the lookup table includes estimated relative humidity values ​​(e.g., a single value) for all temperature values ​​that do not exceed the predefined temperature value. In some examples, the lookup table includes a list of various temperature ranges, each with a corresponding estimated relative humidity value. Of course, if the humidity sensors 144, 146 are configured to measure relative humidity at any temperature (i.e., above and below a predefined temperature value), the estimated relative humidity value can be omitted.

[0050] The feedback signal 144a can be a digital signal, an analog signal, a voltage value, a current value, and / or any other type of signal representative of the measured relative humidity of the first area 104, 204. Similarly, the feedback signal 146a (and / or the relative humidity signal from the network) can be a digital signal, an analog signal, a voltage value, a current value, and / or any other type of signal representative of the measured relative humidity of the second area 106, 206. In some examples where the relative humidity data includes analog data, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 includes an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog data to digital data. In some examples, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 is instantiated by a processor circuit executing relative humidity analyzer instructions and / or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 4-7.

[0051] The dew point determiner circuit 306 of the illustrated example identifies or calculates a first dew point of the first area 104, 204 and / or a second dew point of the second area 106, 206. For example, to calculate the first dew point of the first area 104, 204, the dew point determiner circuit retrieves, obtains, and / or analyzes a measured first temperature of the first area 104, 204 provided by the temperature analyzer circuit 302 and a measured first relative humidity of the first area 104, 204 provided by the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304. Similarly, to calculate a second dew point for the second area 106, 206, the dew point determiner circuit 306 retrieves, obtains, and / or analyzes the measured second temperature of the second area 106, 206 provided by the temperature analyzer circuit 302 and the measured second relative humidity of the second area 106, 206 provided by the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304.

[0052] The dew point determiner circuit 306 may employ any one of the following equations to identify or calculate the first dew point of the first area 104, 204 and / or the second dew point of the second area 106, 206. For example, the dew point may be calculated using one of the following equations taken from the 2009 ASHRAE Handbook-Fundamentals 1.13 (Eq. 39) published in 2009 by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers: EQ1: For t≧32°F (0°C) and <200°F (approximately 93°C), d =C 14 +C 15α +C 16α 2 +C 17α 3 +C 18 (p water ) 0.1984 EQ2: for t<32°F d =90.12+26.142α+0.8927α 2 , where C 14 =100.45;C 15 =33.193;C 16 =2.319;C 17 =0.17074;C 18 = 1.2063, where EQ3: α = ln(p water ), where ln is the natural logarithm based on Euler's constant, and (p water ) is the partial pressure of water. The partial pressure of water can be calculated by the following equation: EQ4:(p water )=(RH / 100%)*p vapor , Here, (p water ) is the partial pressure of water, RH is the first relative humidity measured, and p vapor is the saturation vapor pressure of water at the measured temperature.

[0053] The dew point determiner circuit 306 of the illustrated example receives, retrieves, or obtains a saturated vapor pressure from a data store 316 (e.g., a look-up table) associated with a measured temperature. For example, to calculate a first dew point, the dew point determiner circuit 306 receives, retrieves, or analyzes a measured first temperature of the first area 104, 204 from the temperature analyzer circuit 302 and calculates a saturated vapor pressure (p vapor ) associated with the measured first relative humidity from the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304. The dew point determiner circuit 306 also retrieves, obtains, or has access to ... vapor ), the dew point determiner circuit 306 determines the partial pressure of water (p water ) for the measured first temperature and the measured first relative humidity of the first area 104, 204. water ), the dew point determiner circuit 306 calculates the variable alpha (α) using Equation 3 described above.

[0054] To determine the first dew point of the first area 104, 204, the dew point determiner circuit 306 of the illustrated example employs Equation 1 if the measured first temperature of the first area 104 is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold (e.g., 32°F) or Equation 2 if the measured first temperature of the first area 104 is less than the temperature threshold (e.g., 32°F). For example, to determine whether the measured first temperature of the first area 104 exceeds the temperature threshold, the dew point determiner circuit 306 compares the measured first temperature of the first area 104, 204 provided by the temperature analyzer circuit 302 to the temperature threshold via the comparator circuit 312. In some examples, the comparator circuit 312 is instantiated by the processor circuit executing comparator instructions and / or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 4-7.

[0055] Similarly, to calculate the second dew point of the second area 106, 206, the dew point determiner circuit 306 receives, retrieves, or analyzes the measured second temperature of the second area 106, 206 from the temperature analyzer circuit 302 and retrieves, retrieves, or analyzes the vapor pressure corresponding to the measured second temperature of the second area 106, 206 from a look-up table stored in the data store 316. In addition, the dew point determiner circuit 306 receives, retrieves, or analyzes the measured second relative humidity of the second area 106, 206 from the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304. After obtaining the measured second relative humidity and the saturation vapor pressure associated with the measured second temperature, the dew point determiner circuit 306 calculates the partial pressure of water (p water ) for the measured second temperature and the measured second relative humidity of the first area 104, 204. water), the dew point determiner circuit 306 calculates the variable alpha (α) using Equation 3 described above. To identify or calculate the second dew point of the second area 106, 206, the dew point determiner circuit 306 in the illustrated example employs Equation 1 if the measured second temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold (e.g., 32° F.) or Equation 2 if the measured second temperature is less than the temperature threshold (e.g., 32° F.). Alternatively, the dew point determiner circuit 306 can employ other equations to identify or calculate the dew point.

[0056]

[0056] Alternatively, in some examples, the dew point determiner circuit 306 receives, accesses or obtains a first signal from a dew point sensor located in the first area 104 representing the dew point of the first area 104, and / or a second signal from a second dew point sensor located in the second area 106, 206 representing the dew point of the second area 106, 206, without having to calculate the first dew point and / or the second dew point (e.g., using equations 1-4 described above).

[0057] Additionally, the dew point determiner circuit 306 of the illustrated example determines a difference (e.g., delta dew point) between the first dew point and the second dew point. For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 of the illustrated example compares the delta dew point to a dew point threshold via a comparator circuit 312. For example, the dew point threshold can be a dew point value or a dew point range stored in a data store 316. The dew point determiner circuit 306 and / or the comparator circuit 312 can receive, obtain, and / or retrieve the dew point threshold from the data store 316. For example, in response to the dew point determiner circuit 306 determining that the delta dew point exceeds the dew point threshold, the dew point determiner circuit 306 can cause the fan manager circuit 310 to command the fan 132 to activate (e.g., turn on). For example, in response to the dew point determiner circuit 306 determining that the delta dew point does not exceed the dew point threshold, the dew point determiner circuit 306 may cause the fan manager circuit 310 to command the fan 132 to deactivate (e.g., turn off). In some examples, the dew point determiner circuit 306 is instantiated by a processor circuit executing a dew point determiner instruction and / or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0058]

[0058] The surface temperature determination circuit 308 of the illustrated example identifies the surface temperature of a surface associated with the industrial facility 100. For example, the surface temperature determination circuit 308 of the illustrated example calculates the surface temperature of the surface 124 on the first side 120 of the door 112. To calculate the surface temperature of the surface 124, the surface temperature determination circuit 308 of the illustrated example employs the measured first temperature and the measured second temperature from the temperature analyzer circuit 302 and calculates a temperature adjustment based on various conditions including, for example, the insulation rating of the door 112 (e.g., R-value assessment), the air flow conditions in the first areas 104, 204 adjacent to the surface 124, and / or any other adjustment parameters. The temperature adjustment of the illustrated example includes one or more constant values. For example, the surface temperature determination circuit 308 can retrieve, obtain, or access one or more constant values stored in the data store 316 (e.g., via a look-up table). For example, the door constant can be based on the measured first temperature, the measured second temperature, the delta temperature, and / or any combination thereof. For example, to identify the surface temperature (e.g., t door ) of the surface 124 of the door 112, the surface temperature determination circuit 308 can employ the following formula. EQ5: Δt = |t1 - t2| EQ6: t adjustment = m door *Δt + b door EQ7: For t1 ≤ t2, t door = t2 - t adjustment EQ8: For t2 < t1, t door = t1 - t adjustment Here, t1 is the measured first temperature of the first areas 104, 204, t2 is the measured second temperature of the second areas 106, 206, m door is the measured door differential temperature gradient, and b door is the measured door differential temperature offset or intercept.

[0059]

[0059] The door temperature gradient value (mdoor ) and the door intercept value (b door ) is a door constant based on the insulation rating (R-value) of the door 112 and the measured first temperature, the measured second temperature, the delta temperature, and / or any combination thereof. The door temperature gradient value (m door ) and the door intercept value (b door ) are pre-identified and stored in the data store 316.

[0060] In operation, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 retrieves, obtains, or accesses the first measured temperature and the second measured temperature from the temperature analysis circuit 302 and identifies a delta temperature representing the difference between the first measured temperature and the second measured temperature. The surface temperature determiner circuit 308 retrieves, obtains, or accesses the door temperature gradient value (m ) from the data store 316 based on one or more of the first measured temperature, the second measured temperature, and / or the delta temperature. door ) and the door intercept value (b door ) to retrieve, obtain, and / or access the door temperature gradient value (m door ) and the door intercept value (b door ), the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 calculates a temperature adjustment (see EQ6). Depending on whether the measured first temperature is less than or equal to the measured second temperature or whether the first temperature is greater than the measured second temperature, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 of the illustrated example calculates the surface temperature of the surface 124 of the door 112 using either Equation 7 or Equation 8 described above. For example, if the measured first temperature is greater than the measured second temperature, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 of the illustrated example calculates an adjustment temperature (t ) determined from Equation 6 from the measured first temperature provided by the temperature analyzer circuit 302. adjustment8 to calculate the surface temperature of the door 112 by subtracting (A) from (B). Alternatively, in some examples, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 receives, acquires, or analyzes a feedback signal 148a from a surface temperature sensor 148 (e.g., an infrared sensor) representing the surface temperature of the surface 124 of the door 112 if the monitoring system employs a surface temperature sensor 148. In some such examples, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 is able to determine the surface temperature without requiring the use of Equations 5-8 described above. In some examples, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 is instantiated by a processor circuit executing surface temperature determiner instructions and / or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 4-7.

[0061]

[0061] The fan manager circuit 310 in the illustrated example commands operation of the fan 132 based on conditions reported by one or more of the temperature analyzer circuit 302, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304, the dew point determiner circuit 306, and / or the surface temperature determiner circuit 308. For example, the fan manager circuit 310 may issue a command signal to deactivate operation of the fan 132 in response to (1) the measured first temperature of the first area 104, 204 not exceeding the measured second temperature of the second area 106, 206; (2) the measured first temperature exceeds the measured second temperature and the first dew point of the first area 104, 204 is equal to or greater than the measured second temperature; or (3) the measured first temperature of the first area 104, 204 exceeds the measured second temperature of the second area 106, 206 and the surface temperature of the surface 124 is greater than the first dew point of the first area 104, 204. In some examples, the fan manager circuit 310 may issue a command signal to activate operation of the fan 132 in response to (1) a first measured temperature of the first area 104, 204 exceeding a second measured temperature of the second area 106, 206, (2) the first measured temperature exceeding the second measured temperature and a first dew point of the first area 104, 204 being less than the second measured temperature, or (3) the first measured temperature of the first area 104, 204 exceeding the second measured temperature of the second area 106, 206 and a surface temperature of the surface 124 being less than or equal to the first dew point of the first area 104, 204. Some example decisions for generating and issuing command signals via the fan manager circuit 310 are described in connection with the flow charts of FIGS.

[0062]

[0062] The fan manager circuit 310 of the illustrated example issues a command (e.g., output signal 138) to operate (e.g., activate or deactivate) the motor 134 of the fan 132. In some examples, the fan manager circuit 310 of the illustrated example issues a command signal to the motor 134 to change or adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) the rotational speed of the fan 132. The command signal (e.g., output signal 136) provided by the fan manager circuit 310 can be a binary signal (e.g., having a value of "1" representing activation of the fan 132 and a value of "0" representing deactivation of the fan 132). In some examples, the command signal can be an analog signal, a voltage signal, a current signal, etc., and / or any type of signal for turning off and / or on the motor 134 and / or changing the speed of the motor 134. In some examples, the fan manager circuit 310 is instantiated by a processor circuit executing fan manager instructions and / or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 4-7.

[0063]

[0063] The data store 318 in the illustrated example stores temperature values ​​(e.g., a first measured temperature, a second measured temperature value, a calculated delta temperature value from the temperature analyzer circuit 302, and / or a surface temperature, an adjusted temperature, a delta temperature, etc. from the surface temperature determiner circuit 308), relative humidity values ​​(e.g., a first measured relative humidity, a second measured relative humidity) from the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304, dew point values ​​(e.g., a first dew point, a second dew point from the dew point determiner circuit 306), threshold values ​​(e.g., a temperature threshold, a dew point threshold), constant values ​​(e.g., a door temperature gradient value (m door ), door temperature intercept value (b door) issued by the fan manager circuit 310, and / or any signals associated with one or more of the sensors 128, 140, 142, 144, 146. The data store 316 may be implemented with volatile memory (e.g., synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), RAMBUS dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), etc.) and / or non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, etc.). The data store 320 may additionally or alternatively be implemented with one or more double data rate (DDR) memories, such as DDR, DDR2, DDR3, mobile DDR (mDDR), etc. The data store 316 may additionally or alternatively be implemented by one or more mass storage devices, such as hard disk drive(s), compact disk drive(s), digital versatile disk drive(s), and the like. In the illustrated example, the data store 316 is shown as a single database, however, the data store 316 may be implemented by any number and / or type(s) of database(s). Furthermore, the data stored in the data store 316 may be in any data format, such as, for example, binary data, comma delimited data, tab delimited data, Structured Query Language (SQL) structures, and the like. In some examples, the data store 316 may be accessed via a graphical user interface (GUI) to store constants, thresholds, and / or any other pre-specified values.

[0064] In some examples, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 may implement a means for analyzing the temperature in the first area 104, 204 and / or the second area 106, 206. For example, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 may implement a means for analyzing or measuring a first temperature in the first area 104, 204 provided by the first temperature sensor 140 and / or a second temperature in the second area 106, 206 provided by the second temperature sensor 142. In some examples, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 and / or the comparator 302 provide a means for analyzing a delta temperature by determining a difference between a measured first temperature and a measured second temperature. In some examples, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 and / or the comparator circuit 312 provide a means for comparing the first temperature and the second temperature and / or a means for determining whether the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a temperature threshold. In some examples, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 may implement a means for analyzing or determining the relative humidity of an area of ​​the industrial facility 100. For example, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 may implement a means for sensing, measuring, or determining a first relative humidity of the first area 104, 204 provided by the first relative humidity sensor 144 and / or a second relative humidity of the second area 106, 206 provided by the second relative humidity sensor 146. In some examples, the dew point determiner circuit 306 provides a means for calculating the dew point of the first area 104, 204 and / or the second area 106, 206. For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 provides a means for sensing or measuring a first dew point in the first area 104, 204 (e.g., based on a measured first temperature and first relative humidity) and a second dew point in the second area 106, 206 (e.g., based on a measured second temperature and second relative humidity). In some examples, the dew point determiner circuit 306 and / or the comparator circuit 312 provide a means for comparing or determining whether the first dew point is lower than the second temperature.In some examples, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 provides a means for determining or calculating a surface temperature of a surface of the industrial facility 100. For example, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 provides a means for calculating a surface temperature of the surface 124 of the door 112 (e.g., based on the measured first temperature, the measured second temperature, and one or more constant values). In some examples, the fan manager circuit 310 provides a means for controlling the operation of the fan 132. In some examples, the fan manager circuit 310 provides a means for deactivating and / or activating the fan 132 located in the first area 204. In some examples, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 provides a means for determining a delta temperature corresponding to an absolute difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, provides a means for determining one or more door constants, provides a means for calculating an adjusted temperature based on the delta temperature and the one or more door constants, and / or provides a means for calculating the surface temperature by subtracting the adjusted temperature from the second temperature or identifying the difference therebetween.

[0065]

[0065] An exemplary manner of implementing the fan controller 126 of Figures 1 and / or 2 is illustrated in Figure 3, although one or more of the elements, processes, and / or devices illustrated in Figure 3 may be combined, separated, rearranged, omitted, deleted, and / or implemented in any other manner. Additionally, the example temperature analyzer circuit 302, the example relative humidity analyzer circuit 304, the example dew point determiner circuit 306, the example surface temperature determiner circuit 308, the example fan manager circuit 310, the example comparator circuit 312, the example data store 316, and / or, more generally, the example fan controller 126 of Figure 3 may be implemented solely by hardware or by hardware in combination with software and / or firmware. Thus, for example, any of the example temperature analyzer circuit 302, the example relative humidity analyzer circuit 304, the example dew point determiner circuit 306, the example surface temperature determiner circuit 308, the example fan manager circuit 310, the example comparator circuit 312, the example data store 316, and / or, more generally, the example fan controller 126 may include processor circuitry, analog circuit(s), digital circuit(s), logic circuit(s), programmable processor(s), programmable microcontroller(s), programmable logic circuit ... The microprocessor may be implemented by a microcomputer, a microcomputer-based processor, or a multi-core processor (CPU), a graphics processing unit(s) (GPU(s)), a digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), an application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), a programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), and / or a field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)) such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA).Further still, the example fan controller 126 of Figure 3 can include one or more elements, processes, and / or devices in addition to or instead of those shown in Figure 3 and / or can include a plurality of any or all of the elements, processes, and devices shown. As used herein, the phrase "in communication," including variations thereof, encompasses direct communication and / or indirect communication through one or more intermediate components and does not require direct physical (e.g., wired) communication and / or continuous communication, but rather further includes selective communication at periodic intervals, scheduled intervals, aperiodic intervals, and / or one-time events.

[0066]

[0066] In some examples, the fan controller 126 includes a means for analyzing temperature. For example, the means for analyzing temperature can be implemented by a temperature analyzer circuit 302. In some examples, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 can be instantiated by a processor circuit, such as the example processor circuit 812 of FIG. 8. For example, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 can be instantiated by the example microprocessor 900 of FIG. 9 executing machine-executable instructions, such as those implemented by at least blocks 406, 408, 410 of FIG. 4. In some examples, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 can be instantiated by a hardware logic circuit, which can be implemented by the ASIC, XPU, or FPGA circuit 1000 of FIG. 10 configured to perform operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 can be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuits, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, FPGAs, ASICs, XPUs, comparators, operational amplifiers (opamps), logic circuits, etc.) configured to execute some or all of the machine-readable instructions and / or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions without executing software or firmware, although other structures are suitable as well.

[0067]

[0067] In some examples, the fan controller 126 includes a means for analyzing or determining the relative humidity. For example, the means for analyzing or determining the relative humidity can be implemented by a relative humidity analyzer circuit 304. In some examples, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 can be instantiated by a processor circuit, such as the example processor circuit 812 of FIG. 8. For example, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 can be instantiated by the example microprocessor 900 of FIG. 9 executing machine-executable instructions, such as those implemented by at least blocks 406, 408 of FIG. 4. In some examples, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 can be instantiated by a hardware logic circuit, which can be implemented by the ASIC, XPU, or FPGA circuit 1000 of FIG. 10 configured to perform operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 can be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 can be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuits, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, FPGAs, ASICs, XPUs, comparators, operational amplifiers (opamps), logic circuits, etc.) configured to execute some or all of the machine-readable instructions and / or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions without executing software or firmware, although other structures are suitable as well.

[0068] In some examples, the fan controller 126 includes a means for determining or calculating a dew point. For example, the means for determining or calculating a dew point may be implemented by a dew point determiner circuit 306. In some examples, the dew point determiner circuit 306 may be instantiated by a processor circuit, such as the example processor circuit 812 of FIG. 8. For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 may be instantiated by the example microprocessor 900 of FIG. 9 executing machine-executable instructions, such as those implemented by at least block 416 of FIG. 4, blocks 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512 of FIG. 5, and blocks 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612 of FIG. 6. In some examples, the dew point determiner circuit 306 may be instantiated by hardware logic circuitry, which may be implemented by the ASIC, XPU, or FPGA circuit 1000 of FIG. 10 configured to perform operations corresponding to machine-readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the dew point determiner circuit 306 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuits, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, FPGAs, ASICs, XPUs, comparators, operational amplifiers (op-amps), logic circuits, etc.) configured to execute some or all of the machine-readable instructions and / or to execute some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions without executing software or firmware, although other structures are suitable as well.

[0069] In some examples, the fan controller 126 includes a means for determining or calculating a surface temperature. For example, the means for determining or calculating a surface temperature may be implemented by a surface temperature determiner circuit 308. In some examples, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 may be instantiated by a processor circuit, such as the example processor circuit 812 of FIG. 8. For example, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 may be instantiated by the example microprocessor 900 of FIG. 9 executing machine-executable instructions, such as those implemented by at least block 424 of FIG. 4 and blocks 702, 704, 706, 708, 710 of FIG. 7. In some examples, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 may be instantiated by a hardware logic circuit, which may be implemented by the ASIC, XPU, or FPGA circuit 1000 of FIG. 10 configured to perform operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 can be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 can be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuits, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, FPGAs, ASICs, XPUs, comparators, operational amplifiers (opamps), logic circuits, etc.) that are configured to execute some or all of the machine-readable instructions and / or to execute some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions without executing software or firmware, although other structures are suitable as well.

[0070] In some examples, the fan controller 126 includes a means for controlling the operation of the fan 132. For example, the means for controlling the operation of the fan 132 may be implemented by a fan manager circuit 310. In some examples, the fan manager circuit 310 may be instantiated by a processor circuit, such as the example processor circuit 812 of FIG. 8. For example, the fan manager circuit 310 may be instantiated by the example microprocessor 900 of FIG. 9 executing machine-executable instructions, such as those embodied by at least blocks 426, 428 of FIG. 4. In some examples, the fan manager circuit 310 may be instantiated by a hardware logic circuit, which may be implemented by the ASIC, XPU, or FPGA circuit 1000 of FIG. 10 configured to perform operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the fan manager circuit 310 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the fan manager circuit 310 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuits, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, FPGAs, ASICs, XPUs, comparators, operational amplifiers (op amps), logic circuits, etc.) that are configured to execute some or all of the machine-readable instructions and / or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions without executing software or firmware, although other structures are suitable as well.

[0071]

[0071] In some examples, the fan controller 126 includes a means for comparing the dew point and the temperature. For example, the means for comparing the dew point and the temperature can be implemented by a comparator circuit 312. In some examples, the comparator circuit 312 can be instantiated by a processor circuit, such as the example processor circuit 812 of FIG. 8. For example, the comparator circuit 312 can be instantiated by the example microprocessor 900 of FIG. 9 executing machine-executable instructions, such as those implemented by at least block 508 of FIG. 5 and block 608 of FIG. 6. In some examples, the comparator circuit 312 can be instantiated by a hardware logic circuit, which can be implemented by the ASIC, XPU, or FPGA circuit 1000 of FIG. 10 configured to perform operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the comparator circuit 312 can be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the comparator circuit 312 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuits, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, FPGAs, ASICs, XPUs, comparators, operational amplifiers (opamps), logic circuits, etc.) configured to execute some or all of the machine-readable instructions and / or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine-readable instructions without executing software or firmware, although other structures are suitable as well.

[0072]

[0072] Flowcharts illustrating example hardware logic circuits, machine readable instructions, hardware implemented state machines, and / or any combination thereof for implementing the fan controller 126 of Figure 3 are shown in Figures 4-7. The machine readable instructions may be one or more executable programs or portion(s) of executable programs for execution by a processor circuit, such as the processor circuit 812 shown in the example processor platform 800 discussed below in connection with Figure 8 and / or the example processor circuit discussed below in connection with Figures 9 and / or 10. The program may be embodied in software stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as a compact disc (CD), a floppy disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SDD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk, or a volatile memory (e.g., any type of random access memory (RAM) or the like) associated with the processor circuitry, or a non-volatile memory (e.g., Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), Flash memory, HDD, SSD, or the like), although the entire program and / or portions thereof may alternatively be executed by one or more hardware devices other than the processor circuitry 812 and / or may be embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. The machine-readable instructions may be distributed across multiple hardware devices and / or executed by more than one hardware device (e.g., a server and a client hardware device). For example, a client hardware device may be implemented by an end-point client hardware device (e.g., a hardware device associated with a user) or an intermediate client hardware device (e.g., a Radio Access Network (RAN) gateway that may facilitate communication between a server and an end-point client hardware device).Similarly, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include one or more media located in one or more hardware devices. Additionally, although the exemplary program is described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4-7, many other ways of implementing the exemplary fan controller 126 may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and / or some of the described blocks may be changed, eliminated, or combined. Additionally or alternatively, any or all of the blocks may be implemented by one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuits, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, FPGAs, ASICs, comparators, operational amplifiers (op-amps), logic circuits, etc.) configured to perform the corresponding operations without executing software or firmware. The processor circuitry may be distributed across various network locations and / or may be local to one or more hardware devices (e.g., a single core processor (e.g., a single core central processing unit (CPU)), a multi-core processor in a single machine, multiple processors distributed across multiple servers in a server rack, multiple processors distributed across one or more server racks, CPUs and / or FPGAs located in the same package (e.g., in the same integrated circuit (IC) package, or in two or more separate housings, etc.).

[0073]

[0073] The machine-readable instructions described herein can be stored in one or more of a compressed format, an encrypted format, a fragmented format, a compiled format, an executable format, a packaged format, and the like. The machine-readable instructions described herein can be stored as data or data structures (e.g., as portions of instructions, code, representations of code, and the like) that can be utilized to create, produce, and / or generate machine-executable instructions. For example, the machine-readable instructions can be fragmented and stored in one or more storage devices and / or computing devices (e.g., servers) located in the same or separate locations of a network or collection of networks (e.g., in a cloud, among edge devices, and the like). The machine-readable instructions may require one or more of installation, modification, adaptation, updating, combination, supplementation, configuration, decryption, decompression, decompression, distribution, reallocation, compilation, and the like to make them directly readable, interpretable, and / or executable by computing devices and / or other machines. For example, the machine-readable instructions may be stored in multiple portions that may be individually compressed, encrypted, and / or stored on separate computing devices, and that when decoded, decompressed, and / or combined, form a set of machine-executable instructions that perform one or more operations that together form a program, such as the programs described herein.

[0074]

[0074] In another example, machine-readable instructions may be stored in a manner that allows them to be read by a processor circuit, but require the addition of a library (e.g., a dynamic link library (DLL)), a software development kit (SDK), an application programming interface, or the like, to execute the machine-readable instructions on a particular computing device or other device. In another example, machine-readable instructions may need to be configured (e.g., settings to be stored, data to be entered, network addresses to be recorded, etc.), after which the machine-readable instructions and / or corresponding program(s) can be executed in whole or in part. Thus, as used herein, a machine-readable medium may include machine-readable instructions and / or program(s), regardless of the particular format or state of the machine-readable instructions and / or program(s) when stored or otherwise stationary or mobile.

[0075]

[0075] The machine-readable instructions described herein may be expressed by any past, present, or future instruction language, scripting language, programming language, etc. For example, the machine-readable instructions may be expressed using any of the following languages: C, C++, Java, C#, Perl, Python, JavaScript, HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Structured Query Language (SQL), Swift, etc.

[0076]

[0076] As mentioned above, the exemplary processes of Figures 4-7 can be implemented using executable instructions (e.g., computer and / or machine readable instructions) stored on one or more non-transitory computer and / or machine readable media, such as optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, HDDs, flash memories, read-only memories (ROMs), CDs, DVDs, caches, any type of RAM, registers, and / or any other storage devices or storage disks in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for long time periods, permanently, for short instances, for temporary buffering, and / or for caching of information). As used herein, the terms non-transitory computer readable medium, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, non-transitory machine readable medium, and non-transitory machine readable storage medium are expressly defined to include any type of computer readable storage device and / or storage disk, and to exclude propagating signals, and to exclude transmission media. As used herein, the terms "computer-readable storage device" and "machine-readable storage device" are defined to include any physical (mechanical and / or electrical) structure for storing information, but to exclude propagating signals, and to exclude transmission media. Examples of computer-readable storage devices and machine-readable storage devices include any type of random access memory, any type of read-only memory, solid-state memory, flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, disk drives, and / or redundant array of independent disks (RAID) systems. As used herein, the term "device" refers to a physical structure, such as mechanical and / or electrical equipment, hardware, and / or circuitry, that may or may not be configured with computer-readable instructions, machine-readable instructions, etc., and / or that may or may not be manufactured to execute computer-readable instructions, machine-readable instructions, etc.

[0077]

[0077] "Including" and "comprising" (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein as open-ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any form of "include" or "comprise" (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within any type of claim recitation, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc. can be present without going outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as a transitional term, for example in the preamble of a claim, the phrase is open-ended in the same way that the terms "comprising" and "including" are open-ended. The term "and / or," when used in the form of, for example, A, B, and / or C, refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C, such as (1) A only, (2) B only, (3) C only, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, or (7) A with B and with C. When used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to embodiments including either (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, when used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to embodiments including either (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.When used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of a process, instruction, action, activity, and / or step, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to an embodiment that includes either (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, when used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of a process, instruction, action, activity, and / or step, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to an embodiment that includes either (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0078]

[0078] As used herein, singular references (e.g., "a", "an", "first", "second", etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term "a" or "an" object, as used herein, refers to one or more of that object. The terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more", and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, multiple means, elements, or method actions, although individually recited, can be performed, for example, by the same entity or object. In addition, although individual features may be included in separate examples or claims, these features can in some cases be combined, and the inclusion of the features in separate examples or claims does not imply that a combination of the features is not feasible and / or advantageous.

[0079] The example machine-readable instructions and / or example operations 400 of FIG. 4 begin when the fan controller 126 determines whether the door 112 is open or about to open (block 402). For example, the fan manager circuit 310 makes this determination based on a status signal (e.g., status signal 152) provided by the door controller 150 and / or a separate sensor associated with the door 112. In response to the fan controller 126 determining that the door 112 is open or about to open, the fan controller 126 stops the fan 132 (block 404). In some examples, the fan manager circuit 310 stops the fan 132 by deactivating the fan 132. In some examples, the fan manager circuit 310 stops the fan 132 by activating a brake associated with the fan 132. In some situations, the fan 132 may already be stopped, such that no action is taken at block 404. Control then returns to block 402 to continue monitoring whether the door is open or about to open (or close). In this manner, the fan 132 remains stopped as long as the door 112 is open. In some examples, blocks 402, 404 are omitted.

[0080] In response to the fan controller 126 determining (at block 402) that the door 112 is not open and not about to open (e.g., the door 112 is closed), control proceeds to block 406, where the fan controller 126 receives a first temperature and a first relative humidity on a first side of the door 112. For example, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 receives a first temperature (e.g., feedback signal 140a) from a first temperature sensor 140 in the first area 104, 204, and the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 receives a first relative humidity (e.g., feedback signal 144a) from a first relative humidity sensor 144 in the first area 104, 204.

[0081] The fan controller 126 receives the second temperature and the second relative humidity at the second side of the door 112 (block 408). For example, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 receives the second temperature (e.g., feedback signal 142a) from the second temperature sensor 142 in the second area 106, 206, and the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 receives the second relative humidity (e.g., feedback signal 146a) from the second relative humidity sensor 146 in the second area 106, 206. In some examples, the fan controller 126 receives a feedback signal representative of the second dew point of the second area 206 from a third party application over the network. As described above, in some examples where the second temperature of the second area 106 does not exceed a predefined temperature value, the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304 obtains, retrieves, and / or otherwise receives an estimated relative humidity value, for example, from the data store 316.

[0082] After receiving the first temperature and the second temperature, the fan controller 126 determines whether the first temperature exceeds the second temperature (block 410). For example, the temperature analyzer circuit 302 compares the first temperature and the second temperature via the comparator circuit 312 to determine whether the first temperature is higher than the second temperature (e.g., exceeds the second temperature) or whether the first temperature is less than or equal to the second temperature (e.g., does not exceed the second temperature).

[0083] In response to the fan controller 126 determining in block 408 that the first temperature exceeds the second temperature, the fan controller 126 obtains a first dew point (block 412). Further details regarding the implementation of block 412 are provided below in connection with FIG. 5. Control then proceeds to block 414. Alternatively, in some examples, the fan controller 126 receives a feedback signal representative of the first dew point from a first dew point sensor located in the first area 104, 204.

[0084] Similarly, the fan controller 126 obtains the second dew point (block 414). Further details regarding the implementation of block 414 are provided below in connection with FIG. 6. Control then proceeds to block 416. Alternatively, in some examples, the fan controller 126 receives a feedback signal representative of the second dew point from a second dew point sensor located in the second area 106, 206. In some examples, the fan controller 126 receives a feedback signal representative of the second dew point of the second area 206 from a third party application over a network.

[0085]

[0085] The fan controller 126 compares the first dew point and the second dew point to determine a delta dew point value (block 416). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 compares the first dew point obtained in block 408 and the second dew point obtained in block 410 via the comparator circuit 312 to determine a difference between the first dew point and the second dew point to obtain a delta dew point. For example, the delta dew point can be the absolute value of the difference between the first dew point and the second dew point.

[0086] The fan controller 126 then determines whether the delta dew point exceeds a dew point threshold (block 418). For example, the fan controller 126 retrieves a dew point threshold from the data store 316 and compares the delta dew point to the dew point threshold. For example, the dew point threshold may be zero. In some examples, the dew point threshold may be a value greater than zero (e.g., an integer (e.g., 1, 2, 5, etc.), a decimal (0.2, 0.75, etc.), etc.).

[0087] If the fan controller 126 determines that the delta dew point exceeds the dew point threshold, the fan controller 126 determines whether the first dew point in the first area 104, 204 is less than the second temperature in the second area 106, 206 (block 420). For example, the fan controller 126 compares the first dew point to the second temperature via the comparator circuit 312.

[0088]

[0088] If the fan controller 126 determines in block 420 that the first dew point is lower than the second temperature, the fan controller 126 obtains the surface temperature of the door 112 (block 422). Further details regarding the implementation of block 422 are provided below in connection with FIG. 7. Control then proceeds to block 424. In some examples, the fan controller 126 receives a signal (e.g., feedback signal 148a) representative of the surface temperature of the door 112 from a surface temperature sensor 148 disposed in the first area 104, 204.

[0089] After obtaining the surface temperature in block 422, the fan controller 126 determines whether the surface temperature exceeds the first dew point temperature (block 424). For example, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 compares the surface temperature to the first dew point provided by the dew point determiner circuit 306 via the comparator circuit 312. If the fan controller 126 determines that the surface temperature of the door 112 is equal to or lower than the first dew point, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 determines that the surface temperature does not exceed the first dew point. If the fan controller 126 determines that the surface temperature of the door 112 is higher than the first dew point, the fan controller 126 determines that the surface temperature exceeds the first dew point.

[0090]

[0090] If, at block 424, the fan controller 126 determines that the surface temperature does not exceed the first dew point, the fan manager circuit 310 activates the fan 132 (block 424).

[0091] Returning to block 420, if the fan controller 126 determines in block 420 that the first dew point is not less than the second temperature (e.g., the first dew point is greater than or equal to the second temperature), control proceeds to block 426, where the fan controller 126 activates the fan 132. For example, the fan manager circuit 310 initiates a command (e.g., output signal 138) to activate (e.g., turn on) the fan 132. For example, the output signal 138 may provide current or power to the motor 134. Control returns to block 430.

[0092] Returning to block 410, in response to the fan controller 126 determining in block 410 that the first temperature does not exceed the second temperature, the fan controller 126 deactivates the fan 132 (block 428). For example, if the temperature analyzer circuit 302 determines that the first temperature is less than or equal to the second temperature, the fan manager circuit 310 commands the motor 134 (e.g., via the output signal 138) to turn off or to deactivate. For example, the output signal 138 may remove the current or power to the motor 134. Control then returns to block 430.

[0093] Returning to block 418, if the fan controller 126 determines at block 418 that the delta dew point does not exceed the dew point threshold, the program returns to block 428 where the fan controller 126 and / or fan manager circuit 310 commands the fan 132 to deactivate. Control then returns to block 430.

[0094] Returning to block 424, if the fan controller 126 determines at block 424 that the surface temperature exceeds (e.g., is greater than) the first dew point, the program returns to block 428 and the fan manager circuit 310 commands the fan to deactivate. Control then returns to block 430.

[0095]

[0095] At block 430, the program 400 determines whether to continue. If so, control returns to block 406. If not, the example program 400 of Figure 4 ends.

[0096]

[0096] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an example implementation of block 412 of Figure 4. The example machine readable instructions and / or example operations 500 of Figure 5 begin at block 502, where the dew point determiner circuit 306 retrieves a first temperature and a first relative humidity (block 502). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 retrieves or receives the first temperature from the temperature analyzer circuit 302 and the first relative humidity from the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304. The dew point determiner circuit 306 obtains a partial pressure of water associated with the first temperature (block 504). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 retrieves a saturation vapor pressure from the data store 316 (e.g., a look-up table) associated with the first temperature. The dew point determiner circuit 306 employs the relative humidity and saturation vapor pressure associated with the first temperature to calculate the partial pressure of water (e.g., see equation (EQ4) above). The dew point determiner circuit 306 then determines the natural logarithm of the partial pressure of the water (block 506). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 employs the exemplary equation (EQ3) described above to determine the natural logarithm of the partial pressure of the water. The dew point determiner circuit 306 determines whether the first temperature is less than a temperature threshold (block 508). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 retrieves the temperature threshold from the data store 316 and employs the comparator circuit 312 to compare the first temperature to the temperature threshold.

[0097] If, at block 508, the dew point determiner circuit 306 determines that the first temperature is not less than the temperature threshold, then the dew point determiner circuit 306 determines a first dew point based on the first equation (block 510). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 may select a constant from the data store 316 (e.g., C14 ~C 18 ) and uses those constants, the partial pressure of water, and the natural logarithm of the partial pressure of water to identify the first dew point (see equation (EQ1) above). The example program 500 of FIG. 5 then returns.

[0098] Returning to block 508, if the dew point determiner circuit 306 determines that the first temperature is less than the temperature threshold, then the dew point determiner circuit 306 determines the first dew point based on a second equation (block 512). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 determines the first dew point based on the natural logarithm of the partial pressure of water (see equation (EQ2) above). The example program 500 of FIG. 5 then returns.

[0099]

[0099] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an example implementation of block 414 of Figure 4. The example machine readable instructions and / or example operations 600 of Figure 6 begin at block 602, where the dew point determiner circuit 306 retrieves a second temperature and a second relative humidity (block 602). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 retrieves or receives the second temperature from the temperature analyzer circuit 302 and the second relative humidity from the relative humidity analyzer circuit 304. The dew point determiner circuit 306 obtains a partial pressure of water associated with the second temperature (block 604). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 retrieves a saturation vapor pressure from the data store 316 (e.g., a look-up table) associated with the second temperature. The dew point determiner circuit 306 employs the relative humidity and saturation vapor pressure associated with the second temperature to calculate the partial pressure of water (e.g., see equation (EQ4) above). The dew point determiner circuit 306 then determines the natural logarithm of the partial pressure of the water (block 606). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 employs the exemplary equation (EQ3) described above to determine the natural logarithm of the partial pressure of the water. The dew point determiner circuit 306 determines whether the second temperature is less than the temperature threshold (block 608). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 retrieves the temperature threshold from the data store 316 and employs the comparator circuit 312 to compare the second temperature to the temperature threshold.

[0100]

[0100] If, at block 608, the dew point determiner circuit 306 determines that the second temperature is not less than the temperature threshold, then the dew point determiner circuit 306 determines a second dew point based on the first equation (block 610). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 may select a constant from the data store 316 (e.g., C 14 ~C 18 ) and uses those constants, the partial pressure of water, and the natural logarithm of the partial pressure of water to determine the second dew point (see equation (EQ1) above). The example program 600 of FIG. 6 then returns.

[0101] Returning to block 608, if the dew point determiner circuit 306 determines that the second temperature is less than the temperature threshold, the dew point determiner circuit 306 determines a second dew point based on a second equation (block 612). For example, the dew point determiner circuit 306 determines the second dew point based on the natural logarithm of the partial pressure of water (see equation (EQ2) above). The example program 600 of FIG. 6 then returns.

[0102] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example implementation of block 422 of FIG. 4. The example machine readable instructions and / or example operations 700 of FIG. 7 begin at block 702, where the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 obtains a first temperature and a second temperature (block 702). For example, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 retrieves or receives the first temperature and the second temperature from the temperature analyzer circuit 302. The surface temperature determiner circuit 308 determines a delta temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature (block 704). For example, to determine the delta temperature, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 calculates the absolute value of the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. The surface temperature determiner circuit 308 then determines a door constant(s) (block 706). For example, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 determines the door constant(s) (e.g., m based on the R value and other characteristics of the door 112). door and b door ) from the data store 316. The surface temperature determiner circuit 308 then determines the adjusted temperature (t adjustment 7 returns (block 708). The surface temperature determiner circuit 308 then calculates the surface temperature by calculating the difference between the second temperature and the adjusted temperature (block 710). For example, the surface temperature determiner circuit 308 employs the equations (EQ5-EQ8) described above. The example program 700 of FIG. 7 then returns.

[0103]

[0103] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary processor platform 800 configured to execute and / or instantiate the machine-readable instructions and / or operations of Figures 4-7. The processor platform 800 can be, for example, a server, a personal computer, a workstation, a self-learning machine (e.g., neural networks), a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet such as an iPad), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, or any other type of computing device.

[0104] The illustrated example processor platform 800 includes a processor circuit 812. The illustrated example processor circuit 812 is hardware. For example, the processor circuit 812 can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, FPGAs, microprocessors, CPUs, GPUs, DSPs, and / or microcontrollers from any desired family or manufacturer. The processor circuit 812 can be implemented by one or more semiconductor-based (e.g., silicon-based) devices. In this example, the processor circuit 812 implements the example temperature analyzer circuit 302, the example relative humidity analyzer circuit 304, the example dew point determiner circuit 306, the example surface temperature determiner circuit 308, the example fan manager circuit 310, the example comparator circuit 312, the example data store 316, and / or more generally the example fan controller 126.

[0105]

[0105] The processor circuitry 812 of the illustrated example includes a local memory 813 (e.g., cache, registers, etc.). The processor circuitry 812 of the illustrated example is in communication with a main memory including a volatile memory 814 and a non-volatile memory 816 via a bus 818. The volatile memory 814 can be implemented by synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), RAMBUS® Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM®), and / or any other type of RAM device. The non-volatile memory 816 can be implemented by flash memory and / or any other desired type of memory device. Access to the main memories 814, 816 is controlled by a memory controller 817.

[0106] The processor platform 800 of the depicted example also includes an interface circuit 820. The interface circuit 820 can be implemented by hardware according to any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Bluetooth interface, a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) interface, and / or a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interface.

[0107] In the illustrated example, one or more input devices 822 are connected to the interface circuitry 820. The input device(s) 822 allow a user to input data and / or commands into the processor circuitry 812. The input device(s) can be implemented, for example, by an audio sensor, a microphone, a camera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touch screen, a trackpad, a trackball, an isopoint device, and / or a voice recognition system.

[0108]

[0108] One or more output devices 824 are also connected to the interface circuitry 820 of the illustrated example. The output device(s) 824 can be implemented, for example, by a display device (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an in-place switching (IPS) display, a touch screen, etc.). The interface circuitry 820 of the illustrated example therefore typically includes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip, and / or a graphics processor circuit such as a GPU.

[0109]

[0109] The interface circuitry 820 of the depicted example also includes communications devices such as transmitters, receivers, transceivers, modems, residential gateways, wireless access points, and / or network interfaces to facilitate communication of data with external machines (e.g., any type of computing device) over the network 826. Communications may be via, for example, an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection, a telephone line connection, a coaxial cable system, a satellite system, a high and low line wireless system, a cellular telephone system, an optical connection, etc.

[0110]

[0110] The processor platform 800 of the illustrated example also includes one or more mass storage devices 828 for storing software and / or data. Examples of such mass storage devices 828 include magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, floppy disk drives, HDDs, CDs, Blu-ray disk drives, Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) systems, flash memory devices and / or solid-state storage devices such as SSDs, and DVD drives.

[0111]

[0111] The machine-readable instructions 832 (which may be implemented by the machine-readable instructions of Figures 4-7) may be stored in the mass storage device 828, in the volatile memory 814, in the non-volatile memory 816, and / or on a removable non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD.

[0112] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the processor circuit 812 of FIG. 8. In this example, the processor circuit 812 of FIG. 8 is implemented by a microprocessor 900. For example, the microprocessor 900 can be a general-purpose microprocessor (e.g., a general-purpose microprocessor circuit). The microprocessor 900 executes some or all of the machine-readable instructions of the flowcharts of FIGS. 4-7 to effectively instantiate the circuit of FIG. 3 as a logic circuit for performing operations corresponding to those machine-readable instructions. In some such examples, the circuit of FIG. 3 is instantiated by the hardware circuit of the microprocessor 900 in combination with the instructions. For example, the microprocessor 900 can be implemented by a multi-core hardware circuit such as a CPU, DSP, GPU, XPU, etc. Although the multi-core hardware circuit can include any number of exemplary cores 902 (e.g., one core), the microprocessor 900 of this example is a multi-core semiconductor device including N cores. The cores 902 of the microprocessor 900 may operate independently or cooperate to execute machine-readable instructions. For example, a firmware program, an embedded software program, or machine code corresponding to a software program may be executed by one of the cores 902 or may be executed by multiple of the cores 902 at the same or different times. In some examples, the firmware program, the embedded software program, or machine code corresponding to a software program is partitioned into multiple threads and executed in parallel by two or more of the cores 902. The software program may correspond to some or all of the machine-readable instructions and / or operations represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 4-7.

[0113]

[0113] The cores 902 can communicate by a first exemplary bus 904. In some examples, the first bus 904 can be implemented by a communication bus for achieving communication associated with one (or more) of the cores 902. For example, the first bus 904 can be implemented by at least one of an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus, a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus, a PCI bus, or a PCIe bus. Additionally or alternatively, the first bus 904 can be implemented by any other type of computing bus or electrical bus. The cores 902 can obtain data, instructions, and / or signals from one or more external devices by the exemplary interface circuitry 906. The cores 902 can output data, instructions, and / or signals to one or more external devices by the interface circuitry 906. The cores 902 in this example include an exemplary local memory 920 (e.g., a level 1 (L1) cache that may be partitioned into an L1 data cache and an L1 instruction cache), but the microprocessor 900 also includes an exemplary shared memory 910 (e.g., a level 2 (L2) cache) that may be shared by the cores for fast access to data and / or instructions. Data and / or instructions may be transferred (e.g., shared) by writing to and / or reading from the shared memory 910. The local memories 920 of each of the cores 902 and the shared memory 910 may be part of a hierarchy of multiple storage devices, including multiple levels of cache memories and main memories (e.g., main memories 814, 816 of FIG. 8). Typically, memories at higher levels in the hierarchy exhibit shorter access times and have smaller storage capacities than memories at lower levels. Changes at various levels of the cache hierarchy are managed (e.g., coordinated) by a cache coherency policy.

[0114] Each core 902 may be referred to as a CPU, DSP, GPU, etc., or any other type of hardware circuit. Each core 902 includes a control unit circuit 914, an arithmetic logic (AL) circuit (sometimes referred to as an ALU) 916, a number of registers 918, a local memory 920, and a second exemplary bus 922. Other structures may be present. For example, each core 902 may include a vector unit circuit, a single instruction multiple data (SIMD) unit circuit, a load / store unit (LSU) circuit, a branch / jump unit circuit, a floating point unit (FPU) circuit, etc. The control unit circuit 914 includes semiconductor-based circuitry configured to control (e.g., coordinate) data movement within the corresponding core 902. The AL circuitry 916 includes semiconductor-based circuitry configured to perform one or more mathematical and / or logical operations on data within the corresponding core 902. Some example AL circuits 916 perform integer-based operations. In other examples, the AL circuitry 916 also performs floating-point operations. In yet other examples, the AL circuitry 916 may include a first AL circuit that performs integer-based operations and a second AL circuit that performs floating-point operations. In some examples, the AL circuitry 916 may be referred to as an arithmetic logic unit (ALU). The registers 918 are semiconductor-based structures for storing data and / or instructions, such as results of one or more of the operations performed by the AL circuitry 916 of the corresponding core 902. For example, the registers 918 may include vector register(s), SIMD register(s), general purpose register(s), flag register(s), segment register(s), machine specific register(s), instruction pointer register(s), control register(s), debug register(s), memory management register(s), machine check register(s), etc. The registers 918 may be arranged in banks as shown in FIG.Alternatively, the registers 918 may be organized in any other arrangement, format, or structure, including being distributed throughout the core 902 to reduce access time. The second bus 922 may be implemented by at least one of an I2C bus, an SPI bus, a PCI bus, or a PCIe bus.

[0115] Each core 902 and / or, more generally, the microprocessor 900 may include additional and / or alternative structures to those shown and described above. For example, there may be one or more clock circuits, one or more power supplies, one or more power gates, one or more cache home agents (CHAs), one or more converged / common mesh stops (CMSs), one or more shifters (e.g., barrel shifter(s)), and / or other circuits. The microprocessor 900 is a semiconductor device that is fabricated to include many transistors interconnected to implement the above-described structures in one or more integrated circuits (ICs) contained in one or more packages. The processor circuitry may include and / or cooperate with one or more accelerators. In some examples, the accelerators are implemented by logic circuits to perform certain tasks more quickly and / or efficiently than can be done by a general-purpose processor. Examples of accelerators include ASICs and FPGAs, such as those discussed herein. The accelerator may be a GPU or other programmable device. The accelerator may be on the substrate of the processor circuit, in the same chip package as the processor circuit, and / or in one or more packages separate from the processor circuit.

[0116]

[0116] Figure 10 is a block diagram of another exemplary embodiment of the processor circuit 812 of Figure 8. In this example, the processor circuit 812 is implemented by an FPGA circuit 1000. For example, the FPGA circuit 1000 can be implemented by an FPGA. The FPGA circuit 1000 can be used to execute corresponding machine-readable instructions to perform operations that could otherwise be performed by the exemplary microprocessor 900 of Figure 9 without using the FPGA circuit 1000. However, once configured, the FPGA circuit 1000 can instantiate the machine-readable instructions in hardware and therefore execute those operations faster than the operations could be executed by a general-purpose microprocessor executing corresponding software in many cases.

[0117]

[0117] More specifically, in contrast to the microprocessor 900 of FIG. 9 described above (which is a general-purpose device whose interconnects and logic circuits are fixed once manufactured, although it can be programmed to execute some or all of the machine-readable instructions represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 4-7), the example FPGA circuit 1000 of FIG. 10 includes interconnects and logic circuits that can be configured to instantiate some or all of the machine-readable instructions represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 4-7 and / or interconnected in various ways after manufacture to do so. In particular, the FPGA circuit 1000 can be thought of as an array of logic gates, interconnects, and switches. The switches can be programmed to change how the logic gates are interconnected by the interconnects, effectively forming one or more dedicated logic circuits (unless and until the FPGA circuit 1000 is reprogrammed). The configured logic circuits allow the logic gates to cooperate in various ways to perform various operations on data received by the input circuits. Those operations may correspond to some or all of the software represented by the flowcharts of Figures 4-7. Thus, FPGA circuit 1000 may be constructed to effectively instantiate some or all of the machine-readable instructions of the flowcharts of Figures 4-7 as special purpose logic circuitry to perform the operations corresponding to those software instructions in a dedicated manner similar to an ASIC. Thus, FPGA circuit 1000 may perform the operations corresponding to some or all of the machine-readable instructions of Figures 4-7 faster than a general purpose microprocessor could perform those operations.

[0118] In the example of FIG. 10, the FPGA circuit 1000 is constructed to be programmed (and / or reprogrammed one or more times) by an end user with a hardware description language (HDL) such as Verilog. The FPGA circuit 1000 of FIG. 10 includes an example input / output (I / O) circuit 1002 for obtaining and / or outputting data from an example configuration circuit 1004 and / or external hardware 1006. For example, the configuration circuit 1004 can be implemented by an interface circuit capable of obtaining machine-readable instructions for configuring the FPGA circuit 1000 or a portion(s) thereof. In some such examples, the configuration circuit 1004 can obtain those instructions from a user, a machine (e.g., a hardware circuit (e.g., a programmed or dedicated circuit) capable of implementing an artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) model to generate machine-readable instructions), etc. In some examples, the external hardware 1006 can be implemented by an external hardware circuit. For example, the external hardware 1006 can be implemented by the microprocessor 900 of FIG. 9. The FPGA circuit 1000 also includes an exemplary logic gate circuit 1008, a plurality of exemplary configurable interconnects 1010, and an array of exemplary storage circuits 1012. The logic gate circuit 1008 and the configurable interconnects 1010 can be configured to instantiate one or more operations that can correspond to at least some of the machine-readable instructions of FIGS. 4-7 and / or other desired operations. The logic gate circuit 1008 shown in FIG. 10 is fabricated in groups or blocks. Each block includes semiconductor-based electrical structures that can be configured into logic circuits. In some examples, the electrical structures include logic gates (e.g., And gates, Or gates, Nor gates, etc.) that provide the basic building blocks for logic circuits.Electrically controllable switches (e.g., transistors) are present in each of the logic gate circuits 1008 to allow a configuration of electrical structures and / or logic gates to form a circuit to perform a desired operation. The logic gate circuits 1008 can include other electrical structures such as look-up tables (LUTs), registers (e.g., flip-flops or latches), multiplexers, etc.

[0119]

[0119] The configurable interconnect 1010 in the illustrated example is a conductive path, wire, via, etc. that may include electrically controllable switches (e.g., transistors) whose state can be changed by programming (e.g., using an HDL instruction language) to activate or deactivate one or more connections between one or more of the logic gate circuits 1008 to program a desired logic circuit.

[0120]

[0120] The storage circuits 1012 in the illustrated example are constructed to store one or more results (one or more) of the operations performed by the corresponding logic gates. The storage circuits 1012 can be implemented by registers or the like. In the illustrated example, the storage circuits 1012 are distributed among the logic gate circuits 1008 for ease of access and to increase the execution speed.

[0121]

[0121] The example FPGA circuit 1000 of FIG. 10 also includes an example dedicated operation circuit 1014. In this example, the dedicated operation circuit 1014 includes dedicated circuit 1016 that can be called upon to perform commonly used functions to avoid the need to program them in the field. Examples of such dedicated circuit 1016 include memory (e.g., DRAM) controller circuit, PCIe controller circuit, clock circuit, transceiver circuit, memory, and multiplier / accumulator circuit. Other types of dedicated circuitry may be present. In some examples, the FPGA circuit 1000 may also include an example general-purpose programmable circuit 1018, such as an example CPU 1020 and / or an example DSP 1022. Other general-purpose programmable circuitry 1018, such as a GPU, XPU, etc., that can be programmed to perform other operations may additionally or alternatively be present.

[0122] 9 and 10 show two exemplary implementations of the processor circuit 812 of FIG. 8, many other approaches are possible. For example, as mentioned above, modern FPGA circuits can include an on-board CPU, such as one or more of the exemplary CPUs 1020 of FIG. 10. Thus, the processor circuit 812 of FIG. 8 can also be implemented by combining the exemplary microprocessor 900 of FIG. 9 and the exemplary FPGA circuit 1000 of FIG. 10. In some such hybrid examples, a first portion of the machine-readable instructions represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 4-7 can be executed by one or more of the cores 902 of FIG. 9, a second portion of the machine-readable instructions represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 4-7 can be executed by the FPGA circuit 1000 of FIG. 10, and / or a third portion of the machine-readable instructions represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 4-7 can be executed by an ASIC. It should be understood that some or all of the circuits of Figure 3 may therefore be instantiated at the same or different times. Some or all of the circuits may be instantiated, for example, in one or more threads that execute simultaneously and / or sequentially. Moreover, in some examples, some or all of the circuits of Figure 3 may be implemented within one or more virtual machines and / or containers that execute on a microprocessor.

[0123]

[0123] In some examples, the processor circuit 812 of FIG. 8 can be in one or more packages. For example, the microprocessor 900 of FIG. 9 and / or the FPGA circuit 1000 of FIG. 10 can be in one or more packages. In some examples, an XPU can be implemented by the processor circuit 812 of FIG. 8, and the processor circuit 812 can be in one or more packages. For example, the XPU can include a CPU in one package, a DSP in another package, a GPU in yet another package, and an FPGA in yet another package.

[0124] A block diagram illustrating an exemplary software distribution platform 1105 for distributing software, such as the exemplary machine-readable instructions 832 of FIG. 8, to hardware devices owned and / or operated by third parties is shown in FIG. 11. The exemplary software distribution platform 1105 can be implemented by any computer server, data facility, cloud service, etc. capable of storing and transmitting software to other computing devices. The third party may be a customer of the entity that owns and / or operates the software distribution platform 1105. For example, the entity that owns and / or operates the software distribution platform 1105 may be a developer, seller, and / or licensor of software, such as the exemplary machine-readable instructions 832 of FIG. 8. The third party may be a consumer, user, retailer, OEM, etc. that purchases and / or licenses the software for use and / or resale and / or sublicensing. In the illustrated example, the software distribution platform 1105 includes one or more servers and one or more storage devices. The storage device stores machine readable instructions 832, which may correspond to the example machine readable instructions of Figures 4-7 described above. One or more servers of the example software distribution platform 1105 are in communication with an example network 1110, which may correspond to any one or more of the Internet and / or any of the example networks 826 described above. In some examples, the one or more servers respond to requests to transmit the software to a requesting party as part of a business transaction. Payment for distribution, sale, and / or licensing of the software may be handled by the one or more servers of the software distribution platform and / or by a third party payment entity.The server enables purchasers and / or licensors to download machine readable instructions 832 from the software distribution platform 1105. For example, software (which may correspond to the example machine readable instructions of FIGS. 4-7) may be downloaded to the example processor platform 800, which executes the machine readable instructions 832 to implement the fan controller 126. In some examples, one or more servers of the software distribution platform 1105 periodically provide, transmit, and / or force updates to the software (e.g., the example machine readable instructions 832 of FIG. 8) to ensure that improvements, patches, updates, etc. are distributed and applied to the software at the end user devices.

[0125] It will be appreciated from the foregoing that exemplary methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed that employ a control and / or monitoring system 102, 202 to monitor environmental conditions and identify whether an interior surface (e.g., door, wall, floor, etc.) may be susceptible to frost and / or condensation when exposed to a particular environmental condition. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and products improve the efficiency of using a computing device by operating one or more fans during detected conditions that may cause condensation formation on the interior surface (e.g., door, partition, floor, etc.) and deactivating one or more fans during detected conditions that may not cause condensation formation on the interior surface. Additionally, examples disclosed herein deactivate or otherwise stop operation of a fan associated with a door when the door is open or about to open to reduce forced airflow between areas on either side of the door. In this manner, the exemplary control system disclosed herein reduces energy waste and / or reduces operational costs. The disclosed method, apparatus, and article of manufacture are thus directed to one or more improvement(s) in the functionality of a computer.

[0126]

[0126] At least some of the foregoing examples include one or more features and / or advantages, including, but not limited to, the following.

[0127] In some examples, an exemplary apparatus includes a first sensor system for measuring a first temperature in a first area and a second sensor system for measuring a second temperature in a second area adjacent to the first area. The first area is separated from the second area by a door. The apparatus has at least one memory, instructions, and a processor circuit. The processor circuit executes the instructions to compare the first temperature to the second temperature, determine whether a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a temperature threshold, and deactivate a fan located in the first area in response to determining that the temperature difference does not exceed the temperature threshold.

[0128]

[0128] In some examples, the processor circuit is configured to calculate a first dew point for the first area and a second dew point for the second area, and to determine whether the first dew point is lower than the second temperature.

[0129]

[0129] In some examples, the processor circuit is to deactivate the fan in response to determining that the first dew point is less than the second temperature.

[0130]

[0130] In some examples, the processor circuit is responsive to the first dew point being not less than the second temperature to obtain the surface temperature.

[0131]

[0131] In some examples, the processor circuit determines a delta temperature corresponding to an absolute difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, determines one or more door constants, calculates an adjusted temperature based on the delta temperature and the one or more door constants, and calculates a surface temperature by subtracting the adjusted temperature from the second temperature.

[0132]

[0132] In some examples, the processor circuitry performs at least one of deactivating the fan in response to determining that the surface temperature is greater than the first dew point, and activating the fan in response to determining that the surface temperature is not greater than the first dew point.

[0133]

[0133] In some examples, in response to a signal indicating that the door is open or about to be opened, the processor circuit will shut off the fan.

[0134]

[0134] In some examples, the processor circuitry stops the fan by deactivating the fan.

[0135]

[0135] In some examples, the processor circuitry stops the fan by activating a brake associated with the fan.

[0136]

[0136] In some examples, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor to at least compare a first temperature measured in a first area with a second temperature measured in a second area adjacent to the first area, the first area and the second area being separated by a door; determine whether a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a temperature threshold; and, in response to determining that the temperature difference does not exceed the temperature threshold, deactivate a fan located in the first area.

[0137]

[0137] In some examples, the instructions further cause the at least one processor to obtain a first relative humidity in the first area and obtain a second relative humidity in the second area.

[0138]

[0138] In some examples, the instructions further cause the at least one processor to calculate a first dew point for the first area and a second dew point for the second area, and determine whether the first dew point is lower than the second temperature.

[0139]

[0139] In some examples, the instructions further cause the at least one processor to deactivate the fan in response to determining that the first dew point is lower than the second temperature.

[0140]

[0140] In some examples, the instructions further cause the at least one processor to obtain a surface temperature in response to the first dew point being not less than the second temperature.

[0141]

[0141] In some examples, the instructions further cause the at least one processor to identify a delta temperature corresponding to an absolute difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, identify one or more door constants, calculate an adjusted temperature based on the delta temperature and the one or more door constants, and calculate a surface temperature by subtracting the adjusted temperature from the second temperature.

[0142] In some examples, the instructions further cause the at least one processor to at least one of deactivate the fan in response to determining that the surface temperature is greater than the first dew point, and activate the fan in response to determining that the surface temperature is not greater than the first dew point.

[0143]

[0143] In some examples, in response to a signal indicating that the door is open or about to open, the instructions cause at least one processor to stop the fan by at least one of deactivating the fan or activating a brake associated with the fan.

[0144]

[0144] In some examples, the method includes the steps of comparing a first temperature measured in a first area with a second temperature measured in a second area adjacent to the first area, the first area and the second area being separated by a door; determining whether a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a temperature threshold; and in response to determining that the temperature difference does not exceed the temperature threshold, deactivating a fan located in the first area.

[0145]

[0145] In some examples, the method includes obtaining a first relative humidity in a first area and obtaining a second relative humidity in a second area.

[0146]

[0146] In some examples, the method includes calculating a first dew point in a first area and a second dew point in a second area, and determining whether the first dew point is lower than the second temperature.

[0147]

[0147] In certain examples, the method includes deactivating the fan in response to determining that the first dew point is less than the second temperature.

[0148]

[0148] In certain examples, the method includes obtaining a surface temperature in response to the first dew point being not less than the second temperature.

[0149]

[0149] In some examples, the method includes the steps of identifying a delta temperature corresponding to an absolute difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, identifying one or more door constants, calculating an adjusted temperature based on the delta temperature and the one or more door constants, and calculating the door temperature by subtracting the adjusted temperature from the second temperature.

[0150]

[0150] In some examples, the method further includes at least one of the steps of deactivating the fan in response to determining that the surface temperature is greater than the first dew point, and activating the fan in response to determining that the surface temperature is not greater than the first dew point.

[0151]

[0151] In some examples, the method further includes stopping the fan by at least one of deactivating the fan or activating a brake associated with the fan in response to a signal indicating that a door is open or about to be opened.

[0152] In some examples, an apparatus includes a temperature analyzer circuit for detecting a first temperature in a first area and a second temperature in a second area adjacent to the first area, the first area being separated from the second area by a door. The apparatus includes a comparator circuit for comparing the first temperature to the second temperature to determine whether a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a temperature threshold. The apparatus includes a fan manager circuit for deactivating a fan located in the first area in response to determining that the temperature difference does not exceed the temperature threshold.

[0153]

[0153] In some examples, the apparatus includes a relative humidity analyzer circuit for determining a first relative humidity in the first area and a second relative humidity in the second area.

[0154]

[0154] In some examples, the dew point determiner circuit calculates a first dew point for a first area and a second dew point for a second area and determines whether the first dew point is lower than the second temperature.

[0155]

[0155] In some examples, the fan manager circuit deactivates the fan in response to the dew point determiner circuit determining that the first dew point is less than the second temperature.

[0156]

[0156] In some examples, the surface temperature determiner circuit obtains a surface temperature of the door in response to the dew point determiner circuit determining that the first dew point is not less than the second temperature.

[0157]

[0157] In some examples, the temperature analyzer circuit determines a delta temperature corresponding to an absolute difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, determines one or more door constants, calculates an adjusted temperature based on the delta temperature and the one or more door constants, and calculates a surface temperature by subtracting the adjusted temperature from the second temperature.

[0158]

[0158] In some examples, the fan manager circuit deactivates the fan in response to the temperature analyzer circuit identifying a surface temperature greater than the first dew point.

[0159]

[0159] In some examples, the fan manager circuit activates the fan in response to the temperature analyzer circuit determining that the surface temperature is not greater than the first dew point.

[0160]

[0160] In some examples, in response to a signal indicating that a door is open or about to be opened, the fan manager circuit stops the fan by at least one of deactivating the fan or activating a brake associated with the fan.

[0161]

[0161] Although certain exemplary methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture that fairly fall within the scope of the claims of this patent.

[0162]

[0162] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description by reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

Claims

1. a first sensor for measuring a first temperature in a first area; a second sensor for measuring a second temperature in a second area adjacent to the first area, the first area being separated from the second area by a door; At least one memory; With orders, Processor circuit and wherein the processor circuitry executes the instructions to: comparing the first temperature to the second temperature; determining whether a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a temperature threshold; in response to determining that the temperature differential does not exceed the temperature threshold, deactivating a fan disposed in the first area; An apparatus for performing the above.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first sensor obtains a first relative humidity of the first area and the second sensor obtains a second relative humidity of the second area.

3. The processor circuitry comprises: Calculating a first dew point in the first area and a second dew point in the second area; determining whether the first dew point is less than the second temperature; The apparatus according to claim 2 ,

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the processor circuit deactivates the fan in response to determining that the first dew point is less than the second temperature.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the processor circuit is responsive to the first dew point being not less than the second temperature to obtain a surface temperature of the door.

6. The processor circuitry comprises: identifying a delta temperature corresponding to an absolute difference between the first temperature and the second temperature; Identifying one or more door constants; calculating an adjustment temperature based on the delta temperature and the one or more door constants; calculating the surface temperature by subtracting the adjusted temperature from the second temperature; The apparatus according to claim 5,

7. The processor circuitry comprises: deactivating the fan in response to identifying the surface temperature as greater than the first dew point; and activating the fan in response to determining that the surface temperature is not greater than the first dew point. The apparatus of claim 6 , which performs at least one of the following:

8. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein in response to a signal indicating that the door is open or about to be opened, the processor circuit stops the fan.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processor circuit stops the fan by deactivating the fan.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the processor circuit stops the fan by activating a brake associated with the fan.

11. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed, perform at least: comparing a first temperature measured in a first area with a second temperature measured in a second area adjacent to the first area, the first area and the second area being separated by a door; determining whether a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a temperature threshold; in response to determining that the temperature differential does not exceed the temperature threshold, deactivating a fan disposed in the first area; A computer-readable medium for causing at least one processor to:

12. 12. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions further cause the at least one processor to obtain a first relative humidity in the first area and obtain a second relative humidity in the second area.

13. The instructions further include: Calculating a first dew point in the first area and a second dew point in the second area; determining whether the first dew point is less than the second temperature; 13. The computer readable medium of claim 12, further comprising:

14. 14. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the instructions further cause the at least one processor to deactivate the fan in response to determining that the first dew point is lower than the second temperature.

15. 14. The computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the instructions further cause the at least one processor to obtain a surface temperature of the door in response to the first dew point being not less than the second temperature.

16. The instructions further include: identifying a delta temperature corresponding to an absolute difference between the first temperature and the second temperature; Identifying one or more door constants; calculating an adjustment temperature based on the delta temperature and the one or more door constants; calculating the surface temperature by subtracting the adjusted temperature from the second temperature; 20. The computer readable medium of claim 15, further comprising:

17. The instructions further include deactivating the fan in response to determining that the surface temperature is greater than the first dew point, and activating the fan in response to determining that the surface temperature is not greater than the first dew point.

20. The computer readable medium of claim 16, further comprising: a processor configured to:

18. In response to a signal indicating that the door is open or about to be opened, the instructions stop the fan by at least one of deactivating the fan or activating a brake associated with the fan. The computer-readable medium of claim 11 , further comprising:

19. comparing a first temperature measured in a first area with a second temperature measured in a second area adjacent to the first area, the first area and the second area being separated by a door; determining whether a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a temperature threshold; in response to determining that the temperature differential does not exceed the temperature threshold, deactivating a fan disposed in the first area; The method includes:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising obtaining a first relative humidity in the first area and obtaining a second relative humidity in the second area.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: calculating a first dew point in the first area and a second dew point in the second area; and determining whether the first dew point is lower than the second temperature.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of deactivating the fan in response to determining that the first dew point is less than the second temperature.

23. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising obtaining a surface temperature in response to the first dew point being not less than the second temperature.

24. identifying a delta temperature corresponding to an absolute difference between the first temperature and the second temperature; identifying one or more door constants; calculating an adjustment temperature based on the delta temperature and the one or more door constants; calculating the surface temperature by subtracting the adjusted temperature from the second temperature; 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

25. deactivating the fan in response to determining that the surface temperature is greater than the first dew point, and activating the fan in response to determining that the surface temperature is not greater than the first dew point.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising at least one of:

26. deactivating the fan or activating a brake associated with the fan in response to a signal indicating that the door is open or about to be opened.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of stopping the fan by at least one of:

27. a temperature analyzer circuit for sensing a first temperature in a first area and a second temperature in a second area adjacent to the first area, the first area being separated from the second area by a door; a comparator circuit for comparing the first temperature to the second temperature to determine whether a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a temperature threshold; a fan manager circuit for deactivating a fan located in the first area in response to determining that the temperature differential does not exceed the temperature threshold; An apparatus comprising:

28. 30. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a relative humidity analyzer circuit for determining a first relative humidity in the first area and a second relative humidity in the second area.

29. Calculating a first dew point in the first area and a second dew point in the second area; determining whether the first dew point is less than the second temperature; 30. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising a dew point determiner circuit for performing:

30. 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the fan manager circuit deactivates the fan in response to the dew point determiner circuit determining that the first dew point is less than the second temperature.

31. 30. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising a surface temperature determiner circuit for obtaining a surface temperature of the door in response to the dew point determiner circuit determining that the first dew point is not less than the second temperature.

32. The temperature analyzer circuit includes: identifying a delta temperature corresponding to an absolute difference between the first temperature and the second temperature; Identifying one or more door constants; calculating an adjustment temperature based on the delta temperature and the one or more door constants; calculating the surface temperature by subtracting the adjusted temperature from the second temperature; 30. The apparatus of claim 29,

33. the fan manager circuit deactivates the fan in response to the temperature analyzer circuit identifying that the surface temperature is greater than the first dew point; the fan manager circuit activating the fan in response to the temperature analyzer circuit determining that the surface temperature is not greater than the first dew point.

33. The apparatus of claim 32.

34. in response to a signal indicating that the door is open or about to be opened, the fan manager circuit deactivates the fan or activates a brake associated with the fan.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the fan is stopped by at least one of:

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