Abstract: A sound level control system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The sound level control system comprises an outdoor unit with a compressor, an outdoor fan, and an outdoor controller and a communication device located at a predefined distance from the outdoor unit. The communication device measures sound levels in response to operating the outdoor unit. The outdoor controller is configured to receive a first noise level limit for a predefined time period, receive an instruction related to selective control of the outdoor unit, selectively control both of the compressor to rotate at a first compressor speed and the outdoor fan to rotate at a first fan speed based on the noise level limit for the predefined time period, and receive information related to whether a sound pressure level at a predefined location exceeds the first noise level limit for the predefined time period.

Abstract: A sound level control system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The sound level control system comprises an outdoor unit with a compressor, an outdoor fan, and an outdoor controller and a communication device located at a predefined distance from the outdoor unit. The communication device measures sound levels in response to operating the outdoor unit. The outdoor controller is configured to receive a first noise level limit for a predefined time period, receive an instruction related to selective control of the outdoor unit, selectively control both of the compressor to rotate at a first compressor speed and the outdoor fan to rotate at a first fan speed based on the noise level limit for the predefined time period, and receive information related to whether a sound pressure level at a predefined location exceeds the first noise level limit for the predefined time period.

Abstract: A sound level control system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The sound level control system comprises an outdoor unit with a compressor, an outdoor fan, and an outdoor controller and a communication device located at a predefined distance from the outdoor unit. The communication device measures sound levels in response to operating the outdoor unit. The outdoor controller is configured to receive a first noise level limit for a predefined time period, receive an instruction related to selective control of the outdoor unit, selectively control both of the compressor to rotate at a first compressor speed and the outdoor fan to rotate at a first fan speed based on the noise level limit for the predefined time period, and receive information related to whether a sound pressure level at a predefined location exceeds the first noise level limit for the predefined time period.

Abstract: A method of operating a diagnostic data collection device and a diagnostic data bus for an HVAC system are disclosed. In an embodiment, the diagnostic data collection device includes a diagnostic communication interface and a flexible interface module. The interface module measures electrical properties associated with an HVAC component. Electrical properties may include a sensor output and may include analog and digital signals. The diagnostic data collection device generates an exception message if the sensed property is out of specification. Evaluation rules are provided to detect various types of failures, including transient failures, steady state failures, and trending failures. The diagnostic data collection device self-calibrates by recording electrical properties during normal operation of the HVAC equipment. A plurality of diagnostic data collection devices may be coupled by a diagnostic data bug independent of the HVAC system's control bus, to ensure operational integrity of the diagnostic system.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for configuring electronically programmable heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems are disclosed. One embodiment is a system comprising a server system in operative communication with a database, a remote client and an electronically programmable HVAC controller. The system is structured to transmit a template HVAC configuration profile to the client, receive from the client a modification of the template profile transmitted to the remote client, validate the modification, in response to a programming request from the client, transmit a programming instruction including a modified HVAC configuration profile to the HVAC controller.

Abstract: A sound level control system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The sound level control system comprises an outdoor unit with a compressor, an outdoor fan, and an outdoor controller and a communication device located at a predefined distance from the outdoor unit. The communication device measures sound levels in response to operating the outdoor unit. The outdoor controller is configured to receive a first noise level limit for a predefined time period, receive an instruction related to selective control of the outdoor unit, selectively control both of the compressor to rotate at a first compressor speed and the outdoor fan to rotate at a first fan speed based on the noise level limit for the predefined time period, and receive information related to whether a sound pressure level at a predefined location exceeds the first noise level limit for the predefined time period.

Abstract: A method of operating a diagnostic data collection device and a diagnostic data bus for an HVAC system are disclosed. In an embodiment, the diagnostic data collection device includes a diagnostic communication interface and a flexible interface module. The interface module measures electrical properties associated with an HVAC component. Electrical properties may include a sensor output and may include analog and digital signals. The diagnostic data collection device generates an exception message if the sensed property is out of specification. Evaluation rules are provided to detect various types of failures, including transient failures, steady state failures, and trending failures. The diagnostic data collection device self-calibrates by recording electrical properties during normal operation of the HVAC equipment. A plurality of diagnostic data collection devices may be coupled by a diagnostic data bug independent of the HVAC system's control bus, to ensure operational integrity of the diagnostic system.

Abstract: A system configured for automatic replacement of peripheral components of a heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) system is provided. The system includes a thermostat in operable communication with at least one peripheral component of the HVAC system and a server in operable communication with the thermostat and a manufacturer for providing the manufacturer with a status of the at least one peripheral component.

Abstract: A control device includes a graphical user interface for an automated schedule. The automated schedule may include multiple schedule periods. Schedule parameters may be adjusted by selecting a portion of one of the schedule periods, for example, on a touchscreen display. The control device may be a thermostat to control temperature in a building.

Abstract: A diagnostic data collection device and a diagnostic data bus are disclosed. In an embodiment, the diagnostic data collection device includes a diagnostic communication interface and a flexible interface module. The interface module is configurable to measure one or more electrical properties associated with an HVAC component, such as voltage, current, resistance. Electrical properties may include a sensor output and may include analog and digital signals. The diagnostic data collection device generates an exception message if the sensed property is out of specification. Evaluation rules are provided to detect various types of failures, including transient failures, steady state failures, and trending failures. The diagnostic data collection device self-calibrates by recording electrical properties during normal operation of the HVAC equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system include a server identifying a fault and one or more predicted causes of the fault based on measurements of operational parameters from the HVAC system. The server also receives and utilizes information associated with the reported fault from service technicians who service the HVAC to correct the reported fault condition. The information includes details of the corrective measures successfully implemented by the technicians to correct the fault, and a determination of whether the server correctly identified the actual fault. The information is implemented by the server to improve the accuracy of the FDD algorithms based on measured parameters of the HVAC system.

Abstract: A diagnostic data collection device and a diagnostic data bus are disclosed. In an embodiment, the diagnostic data collection device includes a diagnostic communication interface and a flexible interface module. The interface module is configurable to measure one or more electrical properties associated with an HVAC component, such as voltage, current, resistance. Electrical properties may include a sensor output and may include analog and digital signals. The diagnostic data collection device generates an exception message if the sensed property is out of specification. Evaluation rules are provided to detect various types of failures, including transient failures, steady state failures, and trending failures. The diagnostic data collection device self-calibrates by recording electrical properties during normal operation of the HVAC equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and diagnosing faults in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a remote server receiving data from sensors associated with the HVAC system. The data received includes measured sensor data, from both HVAC equipment and co-located sensors, and identifying criteria for identifying the piece of equipment associated with the sensor and/or identifying a location of the sensor, which may or may not be on or in the HVAC equipment. A probability that a fault exists and/or a likelihood of occurrence of a fault in one of the pieces of the equipment is calculated based on the data received, and an alert is generated in accordance with an analysis thereof, which may include comparison of the probability and/or likelihood with predetermined threshold(s).

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for configuring electronically programmable heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems are disclosed. One embodiment is a system comprising a server system in operative communication with a database, a remote client and an electronically programmable HVAC controller. The system is structured to transmit a template HVAC configuration profile to the client, receive from the client a modification of the template profile transmitted to the remote client, validate the modification, in response to a programming request from the client, transmit a programming instruction including a modified HVAC configuration profile to the HVAC controller.

Abstract: A control device includes a graphical user interface for an automated schedule. The automated schedule may include multiple schedule periods. Schedule parameters may be adjusted by selecting a portion of one of the schedule periods, for example, on a touchscreen display. The control device may be a thermostat to control temperature in a building.

Abstract: A forced airflow air conditioning system includes a humidifier which is operable to humidify air bypassed from a supply air plenum to a return air duct or vice versa, the humidifier airflow being controlled by a damper closure member which is operably connected to a bimetal spring actuator or to an electric motor, both responsive to temperature of air flowing through the system. One embodiment includes an electric motor connected to the damper closure member and in circuit with a humidistat for opening the damper when humidification is required.