1417 results about "Operating energy" patented technology

A system for remotely controlling an ambient temperature in a building is provided. The system comprises a thermostat, a computing device, and a thin client. The thermostat has one or more settings and is equipped for wireless communication. The computing device is equipped for wireless communication with the thermostat. The thin client device is remotely located from the thermostat and operatively coupled to the computing device through a wide area network. The thin client device permits manipulation of the one or more settings which are wirelessly communicated from the computing device to the thermostat such that the ambient temperature of the building is remotely controlled.

The present invention is related to the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). More particularly, the present invention is related to methods and systems for controlled heating and cooling in order to reduce costs and the carbon footprint of said heating and cooling by optimizing the use of fresh air ventilation. The present invention is directed to mathematical algorithms incorporated into a controller and a method of determining control signals that are dependent on said mathematical algorithms and user programming that integrates information from multiple sensors, thermostats as well as weather information. Used in any home or building, the controller controls heating, cooling and ventilation systems in order to reduce costs and the carbon footprint of said heating and cooling by optimizing the use of fresh air ventilation. The controller works with typical HVAC systems generally in buildings and homes. The Smart-Stat algorithms are programmed into the controller and enable the controller to identify user-determined set-points alongside data from one or multiple internal temperature sensors. The user-determined set-points are also linked to time of day and day of week in a manner typical for typical thermostat devices available today. In such typical thermostat devices the controller will call for cooling or heating depending on the set points and conditions determined by the sensors in the building. The present invention is capable of interrupting the call for cooling or heating depending on whether the mathematical algorithms identify suitable outside weather conditions that permit the use of outside air cooling or outside air heating. Thus the call for heating or cooling can be redirected to call for ventilation instead of heating or cooling.

A security network containing multiple controller functions that communicate using wireless communications. The controller functions are contained within base units. One controller function may be the master controller. Other controller functions may receive a copy of the configuration data contained within the master controller. If the master controller fails, another controller function may become the master controller. The controller functions may use encryption keys to encrypt and / or authenticate communications. Some base units may contain a telecommunications interface. Controller units may relay communications between themselves to reach a telecommunications interface. Controller functions located in different buildings may communicate. Controller functions may each receive wireless communications from a transponder and combine the received communications to reduce errors.

A local area network within a residence or other building, including both wired and non-wired segments. The wired segments are based on new or existing wires in the building, wherein access to the wires is provided by means of outlets, such as a telephone system, electrical power distribution system, or cable television wiring system. The non-wired segments are based on communication using propagated waves such as radio, sound, or light (e.g. infrared). The wired and non-wired segments interface in the outlet, using a module which serves as mediator between the segments. The module can be integrated into the outlet, partially housed in the outlet, or attached externally to the outlet. Such a network allows for integrated communication of data units connected by wires and data units connected without wires.

The present invention is directed to providing systems and methods for remotely monitoring sites to provide real time information which can readily permit false alarms to be distinguished, and which can identify and track the precise location of an alarm. In exemplary embodiments, monitoring capabilities such as intrusion / fire detection and tracking capabilities, can be implemented through the use of multistate indicators in a novel interface which permits information to be transmitted using standard network protocols from a remote site to a monitoring station in real-time over preexisting communication networks, such as the Internet. A wireless network can also be established using browser encapsulated communication programs (for example, active X control, Java applets, and so forth) to transmit data packets which comply with any standard wireless local area network protocol. Communications can thereby be established between a web server embedded in a centrally located host monitoring station and a separate security panel deployed in each of the buildings to be remotely monitored. In exemplary embodiments, communications can be handed off from the centrally located host monitoring station to a mobile monitoring station (for example, to a laptop computer in a responding vehicle, such as a police or fire vehicle). The handoff can be such that direct communications are established between a security panel site being monitored and the laptop, or over, for example, a cellular network or indirect communications can be established via the host monitoring station.

A light emitting diode lighting device and system that can be used for illuminating the interior and / or exterior of vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, signage or buildings is provided. It includes a voltage feedback constant current power supply circuitry and high power LEDs. The printed circuit assemblies are firmly mounted onto a continuous or semi-continuous mounting channel case that also works as a heat sink. By this means, it not only increases the reliability of the LED lighting tube but also it provides sufficient heat dissipation capability for the heat generated by the LEDs. Since the operating temperature of the LEDs is controlled and stays in cool condition, it dramatically increases the LED's lifetime and efficiency. The end caps of this LED lighting device are fully compatible with existing conventional fluorescent light fixtures and can directly replace those fluorescent lighting tubes in vehicles, mass-transit, watercrafts, aircrafts, signage or buildings with minimal modifications.

A system for commissioning ballasts comprising a wireless device that can be easily transported to any location served by an addressable lighting system. The wireless device allows a user to cycle through a list of uncommissioned ballasts and send a command to a control system to flash the lights connected to each of the ballasts on the list one by one. When a light is observed to flash by the user, the user of the wireless device may then commission the correct ballast with the wireless device. In addition, the user may assign the ballast to a group. In this way, the commissioning of ballasts in, for example, a building is greatly facilitated.

A method for locating a user in a wireless network is disclosed. A mobile computer seeking to determine its location within a building detects the signal strength of one or more wireless base stations placed at known locations throughout the building. The mobile computer uses this measured signal strength to determine its location via a signal-strength-to-location table look-up. A table of known locations within the building and the base station signal strength at those locations is searched to find the most similar stored signal strength to the signal strength detected. The location corresponding to the most similar stored signal strength is determined to be the current location of the mobile computer. Alternatively, a number of signal strengths from the table can be used and the corresponding locations can be spatially averaged to determine the location of the mobile computer. The table can be derived empirically, by placing a mobile computer at the known locations and detecting the signal strength of the wireless base stations at those locations, or the table can be derived mathematically by taking into account a reference signal strength, the distance between the reference point and the known location, and the number of walls between the reference point and the known location. As an alternative, the base stations can detect the signal strength of the mobile computer. In such a case, the table would relate a known position of the mobile computer to the signal strength of the mobile computer at that location as detected by the one or more base stations.

Systems and methods for energy monitoring and for providing the user with contextual information on the energy usage of a building area are disclosed. The methods may comprise performing an energy audit of a building and using the audit data and a building physics simulator to construct a computational model of the building's energy usage. An energy budget may be derived based on the computational model. The building's actual energy usage is reported with contextual information on energy usage from the computational model, the energy budget, historical data on energy usage, and other sources. The systems generally include energy monitoring hardware, a building physics simulator engine, and an interface. The interface may be implemented in hardware or software. The components of the system may be located in one building, or a central monitoring station with a building physics simulator engine may communicate with energy monitoring hardware in several buildings.

A load control system for a building having a lighting load, a window, and a heating and cooling system comprises a lighting control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to the lighting load, a motorized window treatment comprising a window treatment fabric for covering the window, a temperature control device for controlling a setpoint temperature of the heating and cooling system to thus control a present temperature in the building, and a dynamic keypad comprising a visual display and operable to receive a user input. The dynamic keypad allows a user to select, adjust, and monitor a plurality of energy-savings modes of the load control system. For example, the dynamic keypad allows the user to enable and adjust a setback temperature of the temperature control device on-the-fly.

A method and system for airport or other building security where passengers or persons entering a building approach a check-in point or check-in counter and must undergo a positive identification (ID) by fingerprint scan, retinal scan, or an other means of positive identification. A digital photograph can then be taken of the person. This data plus the positive ID data and optional data about the person including a scan of a government supplied ID like a drivers license or passport is entered in a database and checked against various law enforcement databases such as FBI or others for law enforcement interest in the person. The person is given an electronic smartcard that has wireless capability. The person carries the smartcard while in the airport or building. The system is notified when the person enters a secure gate area, boards or leaves an aircraft, etc. In addition, the system can determine if a person is carrying more than one smartcard or if a card has been abandoned. The system detects and tracks any undesirable person in the airport or building an provides a means for apprehending the person by security or law enforcement personnel. In addition, immigration or customs can be notified about any undesirable person arriving in an airport. The system allows airline personnel and security personnel to know when an unexpected or unwanted event or person is in the system.

A system, electronic monitor and method are provided that utilize impulse radio technology to alert medical personnel when a patient needs medical assistance. In addition, the present invention includes a system, electronic monitor and method that utilize the communication capabilities and positioning capabilities of impulse radio technology to enable medical personnel to monitor one or more vitals signs of a patient and / or to enable medical personnel to determine a current a position of a patient in a building such as a hospital, nursing home or their home.

A system for and method of modeling thermal performance characteristics of HVAC components in a building uses the building power or other meter to measure power consumed by the components. The models are used to test the components, preferably during off hours, to ensure proper and efficient operation. Preferably, the testing software is written in a high-level interpretive language that is independent of the HVAC component being modeled. The models are adaptively maintained by periodically ensuring that their measured output matches the predicted output. When the two do not match, the model parameters are updated. These models can also be used to generate reports comparing costs and cost savings for different temperature and other environmental settings within selected zones in the building.

Disclosed herein are a wireless terminal-interoperable home network system and a method for controlling the same. A home server is linked with a security device and camera installed in a building to, when the security device senses entrance / exit of an outsider into / from the building, acquire an internal image of the building from the camera and send the acquired image to a wireless terminal of a user to enable the user to monitor the internal situation of the building in real time. The user can access the home server over a wireless communication network from a remote place outside of the building without separate access to the Internet to receive the internal image of the building and check the internal situation of the building on the basis of the received internal image, resulting in an increase in convenience of use.

Systems, methods, and modes for on-demand rendering of a three-dimensional building management system visualization of a building. The system comprises a database configured for storing geometry elements and spatial elements. The geometry elements are mapped to spatial elements, wherein the geometry elements define three-dimensional geometrical representation of a building's structure, and the spatial elements define three-dimensional representation of spaces in the building. The spatial elements are associated with respective space nodes that identify the spaces located within the building, and the space nodes are associated with respective electronic devices installed within the spaces in the building. The system further comprises at least one processor configured for selectively recalling the geometry elements and spatial elements from the database, and rendering a three dimensional building visualization of the building via a user interface, wherein the three-dimensional building visualization comprises a status information visualization of at least one electronic device.

A computerized system and method for benchmarking energy performance in a building are provided. The method includes receiving utility use data for the building, receiving weather data for the building, and computing a best thermodynamic break-even temperature for the building based on the utility use data and the weather data.

Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for controlling a climate in a building. Sensed data is received at a local processor in the building. The sensed data is associated with the climate in the building, weather outside the building and / or occupants of the building. The received sensed data is compared at the local processor with corresponding predictive data associated with the climate in the building, weather outside the building and / or occupants of the building. One or more parameters associated with the climate of the building is adjusted at the local processor based on a result of the comparison of the received sensed data and the predictive data.

To reduce energy costs in buildings where there is an input of natural light, a method of maintaining an ambient light intensity in a building area at a predetermined level is proposed. It comprises obtaining an ambient light intensity level for the building area; comparing the ambient level to the predetermined level of light intensity; if the ambient level differs from the predetermined level, calculating an artificial lighting input to be generated in the building area to attain the predetermined level. It can further comprise generating the artificial lighting input in the building area and carrying out the steps of obtaining, comparing and calculating a second time to determine a quality of the calculating and modify the generating.

A comfort control system for controlling the comfort level in a building includes a comfort control unit and a remote control unit. The remote control unit communicates with the comfort control unit from a remote location. In one illustrative embodiment, the remote control unit includes a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient air temperature near the remote control unit, and a measure related to the sensed temperature may be communicated to the comfort control unit. A detection block may be included in the remote control unit for detecting when the ambient air temperature sensed by the temperature sensor in the remote control unit is likely to be influenced by a user or other undesirable condition. The comfort control unit may take this into account when controlling the comfort control system of the building.

A thermostat system is provided that comprises a base thermostat for providing basic thermostat control and a portable information display (PID) unit, or dockable display, that provides an improved user interface. The PID unit can be docked to the base thermostat by being releasably mounted on top of a front portion of the base thermostat. The base thermostat provides control of an environmental control system, allowing the regulation of the temperature in a building. The PID unit may be used when it is mounted to the base thermostat or un-mounted from the base thermostat. The PID unit provides an improved user interface and experience over the base thermostat.

Map data are managed by use of map file names representing given areas. In each map file name, the first character denotes a map structure code; the second character represents a zoom level for a zoom-in or zoom-out operation of the map on display; and the third through the fifth character stand for an X-direction unit code and the sixth through the eighth character for a Y-direction unit code, indicating where the map in question is located on the same zoom level. The eight-byte file name plus a three-byte extension constitutes each map file name. Furthermore, map data are managed by use of floor file names representing floors in buildings. In each floor file name, the first through the third character denote a building ID code; the fourth and the fifth character represent a floor code for identifying a floor inside the building; the sixth character code stands for a zoom level for a zoom-in or zoom-out operation of the displayed floor map; and the seventh and the eighth character represent an X- and a Y-direction unit code respectively, indicating where the floor map in question is located on the same zoom level. The eight-byte file name plus a three-byte extension constitutes each floor file name.

Structural cement panel for resisting transverse and shear loads equal to transverse and shear loads provided by plywood and oriented strain board, when fastened to framing for use in shear walls, flooring and roofing systems. The panels provide reduced thermal transmission compared to other structural cement panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from curing an aqueous mixture of calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, coated expanded perlite particles filler, optional additional fillers, active pozzolan and lime. The coated perlite has a particle size of 1-500 microns, a median diameter of 20-150 microns, and an effective particle density (specific gravity) of less than 0.50 g / cc. The panels are reinforced with fibers, for example alkali-resistant glass fibers. The preferred panel contains no intentionally added entrained air. A method of improving fire resistance in a building is also disclosed.

A load control system for a building having a lighting load, a window, and a heating and cooling system comprises a lighting control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to the lighting load, a daylight control device (such as a motorized window treatment) for adjusting the amount of natural light to be admitted through a window, and a controller for adjusting a setpoint temperature of the heating and cooling system to thus control a present temperature in the building. In response to receiving a demand response command, the controller controls the lighting control device, the daylight control device, and the heating and cooling system so as to decrease a total power consumption of the load control system. The load control system may comprise a controllable switching device for disconnecting power to or disconnecting the control lines to one or more components of the heating and cooling system.

A building controller for controlling the comfort level in a building is described. The building controller may include a thermostat and wireless remote controller for communicating with the thermostat from a remote location. The thermostat may have access to a first temperature sensor for sensing a first temperature, sometimes at or near the thermostat. The remote controller may likewise have a second temperature sensor for sensing a second temperature, sometimes at or near the remote controller. Under some conditions, the thermostat may use the second temperature sensed by the remote controller to control the comfort level in a building unless or until a predetermined condition is detected, after which the thermostat may use a different temperature, such as the first temperature at or near the thermostat, to control the comfort level in a building.

A computer data processing system may provide control information for controlling how an environmental control system controls an environment within a building. The computer data processing system may receive and store reports from multiple users and / or may receive and store reports at different times from a user. Each report may provide information concerning how the user perceives the comfort level of the user's environment at the time the user supplies the information. The computer data processing system may determine and generate the control information for controlling how the environmental control system controls the environment based on the information concerning how each user perceives the comfort level of the user's environment at the time each user provides the information. In addition or instead, the computer data processing system may determine and generate such control information based on the information concerning how a user perceives the comfort level of the user's environment at the different times the user supplies the information.

A load control system for a building having a lighting load, a window, and a heating and cooling system comprises a lighting control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to the lighting load, a motorized window treatment comprising a window treatment fabric for covering the window, a temperature control device for controlling a setpoint temperature of the heating and cooling system to thus control a present temperature in the building, and a dynamic keypad comprising a visual display and operable to receive a user input. The dynamic keypad allows a user to select, adjust, and monitor a plurality of energy-savings modes of the load control system. For example, the dynamic keypad allows the user to enable and adjust a setback temperature of the temperature control device on-the-fly.

A light emitting diode lighting device and system that can be used for illuminating the interior and / or exterior of vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, signage or buildings is provided. It includes a voltage feedback constant current power supply circuitry and high power LEDs. The printed circuit assemblies are firmly mounted onto a continuous or semi-continuous mounting channel case that also works as a heat sink. By this means, it not only increases the reliability of the LED lighting tube but also it provides sufficient heat dissipation capability for the heat generated by the LEDs. Since the operating temperature of the LEDs is controlled and stays in cool condition, it dramatically increases the LED's lifetime and efficiency. The end caps of this LED lighting device are fully compatible with existing conventional fluorescent light fixtures and can directly replace those fluorescent lighting tubes in vehicles, mass-transit, watercrafts, aircrafts, signage or buildings with minimal modifications.

A safety / security system that includes a central control station and a plurality of remote stations suitable for installation in residential and business buildings. The central control station receives public emergency warnings, notifications and advisories and transmits alert messages to select remote stations based on geographic or other criteria. Each remote station includes an identifier, a visual display, a user interface, and electronics for receiving the alert message from the central control center, processing the alert message to determine if the remote station is an intended recipient of the message by ascertaining if the alert message includes the remote station identifier and, if the remote station is an intended recipient of the alert message, utilizing the display to display information related to the alert message. The remote station also transmits an acknowledgement message to the central control station when a user of the remote station actuates the user interface to verify receipt of the information displayed on the display related to the alert message.

A system for testing and documenting the electrical wiring in a building, for example, comprises a Portable Circuit Analyzer (PCA) that is connected to the building's Load Center through an umbilical cord. The PCA is in wireless communication with a hand-held computer device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) as now widely available, provided with custom software according to the invention. The electrician connects the PCA in succession to each circuit in the building, operating each switch, and each fixture or appliance, while recording the test results of the circuit element on the PDA. The PCA measures the resistance and length of each circuit thus established. When the test process is completed, the PDA is enabled to generate a complete schematic diagram of the building, including, for example, an identification of the branch circuit to which each fixture, outlet, appliance, or other load or connection point is connected.