Abstract: A system for communicating across conventional HVAC wiring is provided. The system includes a communication device having a communication module capable of inducing low power, high frequency current signals into a single control wire coupling, for example, a thermostat with a compressor. The communication module includes a power supply module that draws power sufficient to operate the communication module from the existing HVAC wiring, so as to eliminate any need for batteries or external power sources. A second communication module may be coupled to the single control wire. The second communication module operates as a transceiver sending communication signals to, and receiving communication signals from, the communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is disposed within a building, for example coupled to an electronic thermostat, while the second communication module is disposed outside the building near the compressor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 13, 2005
Date of Patent:
January 16, 2007
Assignees:
Comverge, Inc., Emerson Electric, Inc.
Inventors:
John F. Rossi, Paul Michael Huddleston, Mark Lee Barton, Bradley A. Smith, Howard Ng, Carl J. Mueller, James P. Garozzo, Cecil H. Barrett, Russell Thomas House