Abstract: A system of controllers act as nodes on a network. One controller is identified as a supervisory node and the remaining controllers are identified as client nodes with the supervisory node and each client node broadcasting a default identifier, created at the time of manufacture, in a default domain. The default identifiers from the client nodes are received and ranked at the supervisory node according to a characteristic in the identifier. A network address is created at the supervisory node for each client node and broadcast in the default domain to all client nodes. The client nodes receive all network addresses but only recognize and internalize the network address corresponding to a specific client node. Control information is then communicated between nodes utilizing subnet and node addressing.

Abstract: A method for controlling energy systems such as multiple boiler systems to meet an energy need includes a controller configured as a sequencer with the remaining controllers act as individual boiler controllers which periodically send status messages to the sequencer. The energy need is determined by measurements at the sequencer which maintains runtimes of the boilers. The sequencer periodically sends control commands to the boiler controllers to add or delete boilers. The control commands give consideration to the run times of the boilers.

Abstract: A first sensor provides a demand for heat signal to a condensing boiler or water heater for control of the variable firing rate. A second sensor controls a bypass valve to allow a portion of water leaving the primary heat exchanger to reenter the primary heat exchanger. The bypass valve is controlled to maintain the temperature of water entering the primary heat exchanger above a minimum. When the boiler is operating at a reduced firing rate based on the demand for heat and an increase in firing rate is needed to maintain the temperature of water entering the primary heat exchanger above the minimum, the variable firing rate is increased.

Abstract: A method of analyzing information from a boiler control system includes providing a series of status modes with each status mode represented as an input condition to be tested. A relative priority structure is established among the status modes and a unique message is associated with each status mode having an input condition that is true. Individual status modes are then tested in an order defined by the priority structure until a status mode in a true condition is found. The unique message associated with the status mode found to be true is displayed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a variable airflow apparatus to prevent processor overflow and underflow, with the variable airflow apparatus including an airflow sensor for providing an airflow sensor signal, a stored relationship between the airflow sensor signal and an airflow value, a damper for varying airflow, and an actuator for positioning the damper. The method includes energizing the airflow controller, determining either a minimum allowed airflow value based on the stored relationship between the airflow signal and an airflow value, or determining a maximum allowed airflow value based on the stored relationship, and periodically positioning the damper to provide an airflow value within a range limited by the minimum allowed airflow value or the maximum allowed airflow value in response to a signal from the airflow controller.

Abstract: A method for operating a boiler including sensing a demand for heat and generating and ignition request to a flame safety controller. An ordered succession of evaluation modes compares normal operation to actual operation of control devices through the step of controlled ignition and transitions to a failure mode if an evaluation mode is not successfully completed. In addition, a series of status modes with each status mode being represented as an input condition are tested. A relative priority structure is established among the status modes and a unique message is associated with each status mode having an input condition that is true. Testing of the individual status modes proceeds in a predefined order until a status mode in a true condition is found and the unique message is displayed.

Abstract: A system of controllers act as nodes on a network. One controller is identified as a supervisory node and the remaining controllers are identified as client nodes with the supervisory node and each client node broadcasting a default identifier, created at the time of manufacture, in a default domain. The default identifiers from the client nodes are received and ranked at the supervisory node according to a characteristic in the identifier. A network address is created at the supervisory node for each client node and broadcast in the default domain to all client nodes. The client nodes receive all network addresses but only recognize and internalize the network address corresponding to a specific client node. Control information is then communicated between nodes utilizing subnet and node addressing.

Abstract: A method for controlling energy systems such as multiple boiler systems to meet an energy need includes a controller configured as a sequencer with the remaining controllers act as individual boiler controllers which periodically send status messages to the sequencer. The energy need is determined by measurements at the sequencer which maintains runtimes of the boilers. The sequencer periodically sends control commands to the boiler controllers to add or delete boilers. The control commands give consideration to the run times of the boilers.

Abstract: A method for operating a boiler including sensing a demand for heat and generating and ignition request to a flame safety controller. An ordered succession of evaluation modes compares normal operation to actual operation of control devices through the step of controlled ignition and transitions to a failure mode if an evaluation mode is not successfully completed. In addition, a series of status modes with each status mode being represented as an input condition are tested. A relative priority structure is established among the status modes and a unique message is associated with each status mode having an input condition that is true. Testing of the individual status modes proceeds in a predefined order until a status mode in a true condition is found and the unique message is displayed.

Abstract: A method of analyzing information from a boiler control system includes providing a series of status modes with each status mode represented as an input condition to be tested. A relative priority structure is established among the status modes and a unique message is associated with each status mode having an input condition that is true. Individual status modes are then tested in an order defined by the priority structure until a status mode in a true condition is found. The unique message associated with the status mode found to be true is displayed.