Thermostat with particulate sensor

Abstract

To provide a thermostat with a particulate sensor.SOLUTION: A thermostat for residential and commercial buildings with a particulate sensor. A standard thermostat device comprises at least one temperature sensor, and at least one heater and / or cooler with an on-board particulate sensor. The particulate information may simply be displayed, or may be used in controlling filter or air-handling equipment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 700,208, filed September 12, 2012, entitled "THERMOSTAT WITH INTEGRATED PARTICLE SENSOR," inventors David Pariseau et al. (Attorney Docket No. PPI-001PRV), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Thermostats have long been used in residential and commercial buildings as devices for regulating temperature. With growing public health concerns due to environmental issues, including airborne particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and atmospheric carbon dioxide-induced oxygen levels, the potential exists for creating better living environments by monitoring and regulating airborne particulate matter. Furthermore, as the cost of these monitoring devices has fallen due to factors such as large-scale integrated circuits, it has become more economical to produce more intelligent thermostats. Therefore, a need has arisen for systems and methods for monitoring airborne particulate matter along with temperature.

[0003] (Abstract) In accordance with various aspects and teachings of the present invention, a constant temperature system incorporating a suspended particulate matter sensor and including a temperature control device and other features is disclosed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a thermostatic device taught by the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the thermostat of FIG. 1 according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the inside of the thermostat of FIG. 2 with various functional blocks as taught by the present invention. [Figure 4]4 is a diagram showing the display contents and push buttons of the thermostatic device of FIG. 2 taught by the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating two constant temperature systems in communication with each other as taught by the present invention.

[0005] Description of the Invention Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary thermostatic system is shown incorporating a block 100 having at least one temperature sensor (101), at least one actuator control device (102), and a suspended particulate matter sensor (103). The temperature sensor (101) can utilize a variety of sensors, such as a PTC thermistor, an NTC thermistor, a thermocouple, or a silicon-based temperature sensor. The actuator can utilize a relay, transistor, FET, or the like. The suspended particulate matter sensor (103) utilizes, at least in part, a light source through a cavity through which air is pumped, and uses light interception or light scattering measurement of particles. According to various aspects of the present invention, the suspended particulate matter sensor (103) can count total particles. According to other aspects of the present invention, the suspended particulate matter sensor (103) can count particles by size bin. According to still other aspects of the present invention, the suspended particulate matter sensor (103) can measure particle mass concentration or even convert information about particles into another format.

[0006] According to various aspects of the present invention, the actuator controller (102) may be an on-board microcontroller or processor capable of processing various information, including at least temperature and particulate matter information, and controlling at least one actuator. According to various aspects of the present invention, the actuator controller (102) may be a relay, transistor, FET, solenoid, valve, optical isolator, galvanic isolator, or other applicable device. According to various aspects of the present invention, the actuator controller (102) communicates with an external air and temperature handler (001), which is often used for central heating and / or central cooling in residential or commercial buildings. Nevertheless, according to other aspects of the present invention, the ANDRA (001) may be a free-standing unit installed near or distal to a constant temperature system.

[0007] According to various aspects of the present invention, various options, such as a display or indicator (104), may be added to enhance the system's functionality. This may use LEDs, LCDs, or a variety of other graphic display technologies, either alone or in combination. An input device (105) may be added in the form of a button, a graphic touchscreen display, a touch-sensitive button, a dial, or a control knob. Multiple gas sensors (106) may be used, including one or more sensors for detecting the presence and concentration of volatile organic compounds, as well as separate sensors for measuring carbon dioxide or oxygen deficiency, or a combination of both functions. According to various aspects of the present invention, the thermostatic system may also include a relative humidity sensor (107). According to various aspects of the present invention, additional actuators (108) may be used to provide specific control for various conditions, including:

[0008] A) Activate the heater and fan together when the temperature drops below a specified setpoint. B) When the temperature rises above a specified setpoint, the air conditioner and fan operate together. C) The fan and filter operate together when the amount of suspended particulate matter exceeds a specified set point. D) Activate the blower and filter together when the amount of volatile organic compounds exceeds a specified setpoint. E) Activate the air exchanger when the carbon dioxide concentration exceeds a specified setpoint. F) Activate the dehumidifier when the relative humidity exceeds a specified setpoint. G) Activate the humidifier when the relative humidity drops below a specified setpoint.

[0009] Other actuation and control combinations are possible according to various aspects of the invention and are generally easily configurable through a user interface. The combination of sensor values ​​may be considered holistically. Weighting the results may result in better control outcomes.

[0010] According to various aspects of the present invention, the temperature control system may also include an external communications unit (109). By connecting the external interface and external input / output block (002) to the external communications unit (109) via wired or wireless means, the temperature control system can be remotely controlled, including retrieving temperature control system data and adjusting controls via a web interface. The web interface can also be used to record data for later analysis, such as for power usage optimization, system optimization, or long-term monitoring of the environmental conditions of an occupied area. Additionally, an interface for a removable memory module containing the above-mentioned data recording functions, desired setpoints, or control algorithms may also be included. According to various aspects of the present invention, the external communications unit (109) may be external or remote to the system.

[0011] According to various aspects of the present invention, the temperature control system extends to at least one of handle sensors (110) and actuators (111) installed in multiple areas. The devices can be connected to the temperature control system either by wire or wirelessly via a wireless external communication unit (109), according to one aspect of the present invention. For example, according to one aspect of the present invention, two or more temperature control systems or units communicate with each other via wire or wireless methods. The various temperature control systems communicate with a main temperature control system, which also communicates with a central temperature control system. Thus, sensors installed in multiple areas or zones can be utilized to make better overall decisions regarding environmental management. As described above, the external communication unit (109) is installed distally and combines signals from the sensors (110) and the actuators (111). Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the external communication unit (109) can provide power and a communication link, acting as a central point or hub for multiple thermostatic devices. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the communication link provides connectivity between sensors or actuators. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the external communication link can collect data from multiple intelligent thermostatic devices and sensors, manage the actuators according to a global strategy based on certain rules, schedules, or remote access (e.g., via a web interface or similar), and control the thermostatic system from a global perspective. Thus, through wireless or wired connections, each thermostatic device can provide data to a central location, depending on the type of sensor. The scope of the above sensors in the present invention is not limited. For example, sensors capable of detecting motion can be installed, and depending on whether motion is present, environmental control rules or policies can be used to activate heating, cooling, or filtering in the environment monitored by the thermostatic device. Furthermore, rules and settings can be determined and controlled using an application on a personal device or radio connected to the temperature control facility through the external input / output block (002).

[0012] The thermostatic system or unit (200) shown in Figure 2 is one embodiment of the present invention, and includes an enclosure (201), a graphical user interface, display, or touch screen (202), a particulate matter sensor inlet (203), and an exhaust vent (204). The unit (200) is wall-mounted, with actuator wires and power cords (not shown) located at the rear of the unit (200).

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates the device of FIG. 2, including the display (202), enclosure (201), and various functional blocks installed therein. The enclosure (201), screen (202), particulate matter sensor inlet (203), and exhaust vent (204) are shown. Additionally, the wiring entry port (212) shown in the center of the unit is typically a cord hole on the back of the unit (200). The back of a typical unit (200) also has a mounting hole for easily mounting the unit (200) on a wall. The power supply and signal lines for the actuators are connected to a wiring block or connector (208), which then connects the signal lines for the actuators to a circuit board. The circuit board includes a microcontroller for the thermostat and a display controller (207). According to one aspect of the present invention, the above functions may be integrated into a single chip. According to another aspect of the present invention, the above functions may be implemented by a combination of multiple chips or microprocessors.

[0014] The unit 200 also includes a temperature sensor 209. The temperature sensor 209 provides the unit 200 with local temperature information, and the particulate matter sensor 205 provides particulate matter counts, possibly in various size bins. The unit 200 is equipped with a blower 206. The blower 206 provides airflow to the particulate matter sensor 205. According to various aspects of the present invention, advanced versions may include a pressure sensor or a flow sensor to verify that the expected airflow is present. Additional sensors 210 may include a volatile organic compound sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a relative humidity sensor, or other sensors. According to at least one aspect of the present invention, the external communication interface 211 is utilized as a wireless interface, such as Wi-Fi or ZigBee.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an OR unit (400) for a thermostatic system according to various embodiments of the present invention. The unit (400) is housed in a low-cost plastic enclosure (301). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the scope of the present invention is not limited by the material of the enclosure (301). The enclosure (301) houses a custom LCD segment display (302) made of glass. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the glass display (302) may be printed with several predefined parameter names (306). The display (302) also displays the mode (307) and temperature (308). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the unit (400) may include buttons (321, 322, 323, 324). The buttons (321, 322, 323, 324) may be made of a variety of materials, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the materials used. For example, in one aspect of the present invention, plastic caps or carbon rubber keys may be used as the buttons described above to perform basic operations on unit 400. Nevertheless, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the association of buttons and their functions.

[0016] The user can press the operation mode selector button (321) to switch between several operating modes. A mode indicator (307) indicates the current operating mode on the display (302). Modes include stop, heat, cool, and automatic. The unit (400) contains a temperature sensor (305). The temperature (308) is calculated by the internal temperature sensor (305) and is continuously displayed regardless of the mode.

[0017] The display (302) shows the set temperature (309). When in the "Stop" state, the set temperature (309) is not displayed and all temperature activation signals are suspended. When set to "Heating" mode, the set temperature (309) can be adjusted using the up button (323) or down button (324). The unit (400) internally compares it to the actual temperature (308) calculated based on the internal temperature sensor (305). If the actual temperature (308) falls below the set temperature (309) and the unit (400) is set to heating mode, the unit (400) sends a heating activation signal (312) to the external heating unit. This process is repeated each time the actual temperature (308) falls below the set temperature (309). The unit (400) may also send an external fan activation signal to ensure proper heat distribution. The activation signals to the heating and fan do not have to be sent simultaneously. By delaying the fan activation signal after the heater activation signal, the fan blows preheated air and continues to operate for a while after the heater has been turned off. To reduce cycling, it is typical to introduce hysteresis into the setpoint temperature of the thermostat.

[0018] In the cooling mode, the operation is the same, but the temperature comparison is reversed. When the "cooling" mode is selected with the operation selector button (321), the mode indicator (307) will indicate that the cooling mode is in effect. Temperature settings may be made after mode selection. Once set, the unit (400) will engage the external air conditioner with the appropriate external activation signal (312). If the actual temperature (308) exceeds the set temperature (309), the external activation signal (312) will be sent to the external air conditioner. The activation signal to the fan in the cooling mode functions the same as in the heating mode.

[0019] The "Auto" mode may have additional intelligence added so that the unit can control both the heating and cooling units. For a number of reasons, the "Auto" mode tends to cycle between heating and cooling, which may not be desirable for energy conservation, but by adding intelligent algorithms, the above "Auto" mode may be viable.

[0020] The unit 400 also analyzes the ambient airborne dust or particulate matter. The user selects a filter mode with the filter button 322. In some embodiments of the present invention, this may be a circle representing stop, run, or automatic mode. A mode indicator 307 indicates the selected mode. The current particulate matter value 310 is displayed by the unit 400. The particulate matter value 310 is calculated by the internal particulate matter sensor 313 and continues to be displayed regardless of the mode 307 selected by the user. In this example, the unit 400 displays particulate matter concentration, but the above concept can also be used to display other particulate matter values. When in the stop mode, the filter is uncontrollable, and the particulate matter target value 311 is no longer displayed on the display 302. When in the run mode, the filter 312 is activated by the filter activation signal 312 and continues to operate as long as the unit 400 is in the run mode. According to one aspect of the present invention, the particulate matter target value (311) may not be displayed.

[0021] In automatic mode, the user sets the target particulate matter value (311) using the up button (323) or down button (324). In automatic mode, if the current particulate matter value (310) exceeds the target value (311), the filter activation signal (312) is continuously asserted until the particulate matter value (310) falls below the target value (311). To reduce filter cycling, a hysteresis is typically implemented. When the particulate matter value (310) falls below the target value (311), the filter deactivation signal is asserted.

[0022] It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the individual components and features described in each aspect of the invention disclosed above may be used individually or in any combination to form various embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. All methods described herein can be carried out in the order described or in any other logically possible sequence.

[0023] Unless otherwise noted, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the particular methods and materials are currently described.

[0024] All publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference. Each publication and patent is specifically and individually indicated herein by reference or to disclose and / or describe the methods and / or systems related to the publication. The reference herein to a publication is for purposes of disclosure prior to its filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention precedes such publication. Further, the dates of publication provided herein may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

[0025] Additionally, all equivalents, currently known or hereafter discovered, that perform a similar function, regardless of structure, are contemplated. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described herein.

[0026] In accordance with the teachings of this invention, computers and computing devices are articles of manufacture, as are electronic components residing on a motherboard, a server, a mainframe computer, or a special-purpose computer having one or more processors (e.g., central processing units, graphics processing units, or microprocessors) configured to execute computer-readable program code (e.g., algorithms, hardware, firmware, or software) and used to receive, transfer, store data, or perform a method.

[0027] An article of manufacture (e.g., a computer or computing device) includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium or storage having a sequence of instructions, such as computer-readable program steps or encoded code, stored therein. According to certain aspects of the present invention, the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes one or more data repositories. Thus, in certain embodiments according to aspects of the present invention, computer-readable program code (or code) is encoded on a non-transitory computer-readable medium of a computing device. A processor in turn executes the computer-readable program code to create or modify computer-aided design functions using tools. In other embodiments of the present invention, the creation or modification of computer-aided design functions is implemented as a web-based software application. In the web-based software application, data related to computer-aided design, tools, and computer-readable program code are received and transferred to a host computing device.

[0028] According to various aspects of the present invention, an article of manufacture or system may be implemented in a variety of ways: as having one or more various processors or microprocessors, volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and peripheral devices or peripheral controllers; as a microcontroller having a processor, local volatile and / or non-volatile memory, peripheral devices, and input / output pins; as a discrete logic device that executes a particular version of the article of manufacture or system; and as a programmable logic device that executes the article of manufacture or system such that it can be programmed through a local or remote interface. Logic, as used herein, can refer to the execution of a series of instructions performed by a control system, logic, or soft processor.

[0029] Therefore, while the above examples illustrate various aspects and principles of the present invention, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can imagine various configurations that are not disclosed herein but that utilize the principles of the present invention and are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, all examples and conditional statements mentioned herein are intended to help readers more easily understand the principles of the present invention and the concepts proposed by the inventors to promote the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these examples and conditions. Furthermore, all statements relating to the principles, aspects, embodiments, and examples of the present invention mentioned herein are intended to include structural and functional equivalents of the present invention. Furthermore, equivalents to the present invention should be understood to include all currently known equivalents of the present invention and all future equivalents that perform similar functions, regardless of structure. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be understood to be limited to the various aspects mentioned and described herein. Rather, the scope and spirit of the present invention are embodied in the following claims.

Claims

1. at least one temperature sensor; a control unit in communication with the at least one temperature sensor; and at least one airborne dust sensor in communication with and transmitting information to a control unit.

2. 10. The thermostat of claim 1, further comprising an airborne particulate sensor having a gas sensor for measuring volatile organic compounds.

3. 10. The incubator of claim 1, further comprising a second sensor in communication with the control unit for measuring oxygen concentration.

4. 10. The thermostat of claim 1, further comprising a humidity sensor in communication with the control unit for measuring relative humidity.

5. 10. The incubator of claim 1, further comprising a display coupled to the control unit for displaying information.

6. The thermostat of claim 1 , further comprising an input unit coupled to the control unit for allowing a user to input information.

7. a volatile organic compound sensor coupled to the control unit for measuring organic compounds in the air; an oxygen sensor coupled to the control unit for measuring an oxygen concentration; a humidity sensor coupled to the control unit for measuring moisture; The thermostat of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of actuators, each coupled to the control unit, for communicating with at least one external device.

8. 8. The thermostat of claim 7, wherein each sensor controls one of the actuators based on a pre-setting or user setting.

9. 8. The thermostat of claim 7, wherein a plurality of sensors controls a plurality of actuators based on pre-settings or user settings.

10. A constant temperature control system includes a first constant temperature device that measures environmental information, and a second constant temperature device that communicates with the first constant temperature device and measures the environmental information. In addition, the above two constant temperature systems are a control unit with an external communication module; A temperature sensor; a temperature sensor and a particulate matter sensor in communication with a control unit; The control unit of the second incubator sends signals to the control unit of the first incubator regarding the temperature and particle information collected by the second incubator.

11. 11. The thermostatic device according to claim 10, wherein the signal output from the second thermostatic device and the signal output from the first thermostatic device are multiplexed by a multiplexing unit to send a control signal to an external device.

12. 11. The thermostat according to claim 10, further comprising a heating unit as an external device that can be operated by a control signal.

13. 11. The thermostat of claim 10, further comprising an external device, a cooling unit, which can be operated by a control signal.

14. 11. The thermostat according to claim 10, further comprising a filter unit as an external device that can be operated by a control signal.

Images