Abstract: Devices and methods for assessing the performance and efficiency of an HVAC system using a tuple including a percentage of runtime over a lookback window coupled with a ?T value for the difference between the HVAC setpoint and the outdoor temperature. The performance monitoring may be done using a device that is independent of the HVAC thermostat or may be incorporated within a smart thermostat. Trends in measured tuples over time can warn of system degradation.

Abstract: An example system includes at least one acoustic sensor and one optical sensor to monitor a thermal spray system controlled by a plurality of control parameters and performing a process associated with a plurality of process outputs. The system includes a computing device including a machine learning module and a control module. The machine learning module is configured to determine, based on at least the plurality of control parameters, an at least one time-dependent acoustic data signal, an at least one image data signal, and the plurality of process outputs, a relationship between the plurality of control parameters and the plurality of process outputs by machine learning. The control module is configured to control the thermal spray system to adjust the plurality of process outputs toward a plurality of respective operating ranges.

Abstract: A method for alerting component efficacy declining of HVAC apparatus includes: continually recording working time of a fan of an HVAC apparatus and controlling a pressure-difference transmitter arranged on both sides of a filter of the HVAC apparatus for calculating current pressure difference; calculating a first-stage slope based on a first pressure-difference condition, an initial pressure difference, and an accumulated working time of the fan when the current pressure difference reaches the first pressure-difference condition; calculating a second-stage slope based on a second pressure-difference condition, the first pressure-difference condition, and the accumulated working time of the fan when the current pressure difference reaches the second pressure-difference condition; predicting a remaining lifetime of the filter based on the first-stage slope if a comparison result between the two slopes is smaller than or equal to a threshold; otherwise, predicting the remaining lifetime of the filter based on t

Abstract: A climate control unit configured to control a heating unit and a cooling unit. The climate control unit includes a temperature sensor configured to measure a current dry bulb temperature, a humidity sensor configured to measure a current relative humidity, a processor, and a storage medium operably coupled to the processor. The storage medium has software instructions stored therein, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine a current apparent temperature based on the current dry bulb temperature and the current relative humidity, receive a user-selected desired apparent temperature, activate a heating mode when the current apparent temperature is below a lower apparent temperature threshold, and activate a cooling mode when the current apparent temperature is above an upper apparent temperature threshold. The software instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to automatically switch between the heating mode and the cooling mode.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing heat from an integrated circuit package. Fluid coolant is provided from a fluid inlet of a fluid routing device through channels in the fluid routing device to absorb heat generated by first and second integrated circuit dies in the integrated circuit package. The fluid routing device is mounted on a surface of each of the first and second integrated circuit dies. The fluid coolant is provided from the channels to a fluid outlet of the fluid routing device. A flow of the fluid coolant through the fluid routing device is adjusted to reduce a temperature of the first integrated circuit die in response to an increase in a workload of the first integrated circuit die.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle thermal management system which is separately provided with the final heat dissipation unit of a cooling system for cooling electronic components required for the autonomous driving of a vehicle, optimizes the modularization of units, and thereby promotes the reduction of a package.

Abstract: A heat source integrated air conditioner, which includes a freezer, a cooling tower, and a device for heating and is integrated up to heat source supply equipment to be capable of supplying cooling and heating as well as dehumidification, humidification, and ventilation is provided. The heat source integrated air conditioner is formed on an upper side of one frame and installed outside or on a rooftop of a building, thereby reducing time and cost for manufacturing, installation and maintenance, increasing utilization of a space inside a building, reducing heat loss and appliance costs by minimizing piping distance, and creating a pleasant indoor environment, and also enhancing utilization of a space inside the building and maximizing energy saving during operation of cooling/heating.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element comprising a thermoelectric conversion section and electrodes, wherein the thermoelectric conversion section includes at least: a thermoelectric conversion material section or a thermoelectric conversion material layer which is formed of a thermoelectric conversion material; and a charge transport section or a charge transport layer which is formed of a charge transport material having at least both semiconducting electric conduction properties and metallic electric conduction properties.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a trans-seasonal cold-storage heat-storage system, comprising an ice-source heat pump, an ice-making machine set, a trans-seasonal energy-storage tank, an exergonic heat exchanger, an air conditioning pump and a cooling heat-storage pump, wherein the condenser in the ice-source heat pump communicates sequentially with the cooling heat-storage pump and the cooling tower via a circulation pipeline, the condenser in the ice-source heat pump further communicates sequentially with the cooling heat-storage pump and the trans-seasonal energy-storage tank via a circulation pipeline, the condenser in the ice-source heat pump further communicates sequentially with the air conditioning pump and the air conditioning cold and heat terminal via a circulation pipeline, to form a circulation loop for supplying heat to the air conditioning cold and heat terminal in winter.

Abstract: A vehicle climate system includes a blower and a controller. The controller is configured to, responsive to input of a particular user selected climate setting, operate the blower with an initial power having a predetermined value corresponding to the climate setting provided that cabin temperature is outside a predetermined range. The controller is also configured to operate the blower with an initial power having a value less than the predetermined value provided that the cabin temperature is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus cools a drinking liquid utilizing the Peltier effect, and optionally includes a system of gasification for gasifying the drinking liquid, once cooled. The cooling system in turn includes: a first cooling circuit, in which an operating fluid circulates, associated with a hot side of a Peltier cell; and a second cooling circuit, in which the drinking liquid circulates, associated with a cold side of the Peltier cell. The Peltier cell is integrated in a cooling unit exhibiting a special sandwich structure which integrates, as well as the Peltier cell, a first and a second heat exchanger, apt respectively to exchange directly the heat between the operating fluid which circulates in the first cooling circuit and the hot side of the Peltier cell and between the drinking liquid which circulates in the second cooling circuit and the cold side of the Peltier cell to cool the drinking liquid.

Abstract: An environmental system is disclosed. The environmental system is configured to provide varying degrees of ventilation and shading. In addition, the environmental system can include provisions for collecting rainwater and holding greenery. The system can includes a mounting structure, a set of frames, a plurality of bars, skins, beams, and optionally one or more plants.

Abstract: A multi-mode, bi-directional cascade heat pump system, according to some examples, includes at least two chillers each being part of a unidirectional refrigerant circuit. The system includes heat exchangers each of which are dedicated to operate as just a condenser or as just an evaporator, regardless of the system's operating mode. In some modes, a secondary fluid transfers heat between the condenser of one chiller and the evaporator of another chiller before the fluid returns to a secondary fluid source such as, for example, a geothermal borefield or a conventional water source. In some embodiments, fluid is withdrawn from a borefield by way of a pump having a speed that varies to maintain a desired fluid temperature and/or a desired heat transfer rate at the borefield. The heat pump system includes means for minimizing flow through the borefield and for minimizing unnecessary mixing of relatively high and low temperature fluid.

Abstract: An air-conditioning control method for calculating an optimum operation amount of an air-conditioning blower in an air-conditioning system of a vehicle includes: determining a heater heat quantity after an engine of the vehicle is started under a maximum heating condition of the air-conditioning system and the air-conditioning system is turned on according to current vehicle state information and air-conditioning information; determining a lost heat quantity discharged outside the vehicle during a current air-conditioning mode; determining an effective heating energy efficiency by calculating a difference between the heater heat quantity and the lost heat quantity; calculating the optimum operation amount of the air-conditioning blower where the effective heating energy is maximized; and controlling operation of the air-conditioning blower according to the determined optimum operation amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a more efficient chafing dish basin or Bain Marie for the hotel/catering and hospitality industry, that has a first exterior basin with a heating element, a second basin comprising an insulating base, one or more heat conductive layers and a third food basin. The first exterior basin has a heating element that extends through the insulation base, and heat conductive layer(s) to contact the bottom of the food basin. The heating element can be heated by naked flames or electrically. Sufficient heat is transferred to the food basin to obviate the need for water or allows for significantly less water to be used, increasing the safety profile of these chafing dishes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise microfluidic devices, instrumentation interfacing with those devices, processes for fabricating that device, and methods of employing that device to perform PCR amplification. Embodiments of the invention are also compatible with quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (“qPCR”) processes. Microfluidic devices in accordance with the invention may contain a plurality of parallel processing channels. Fully independent reactions can take place in each of the plurality of parallel processing channels. The availability of independent processing channels allows a microfluidic device in accordance with the invention to be used in a number of ways. For example, separate samples could be processed in each of the independent processing channels. Alternatively, different loci on a single sample could be processed in multiple processing channels.

Abstract: Enclosures for use in hazardous areas include heat exchangers for active thermal management. The enclosures are coupled to a device having heat transfer capabilities. Equipment within the enclosures produces heat within the enclosure. The heat exchanger removes heat produced from the equipment and manages the internal temperature of the enclosures to a level suitable for hazardous locations. The enclosures can be actively cooled or heated using the device.

Abstract: An aircraft galley chiller is disclosed characterized by a cassette that inserts into the galley compartment above the beverage cart and houses an air return duct, a heat exchanger, a fan, and an air supply outlet. The chiller further includes a control valve for controlling the amount of air passing through the heat exchanger, and an electronic control box for control over the chiller, where the cassette is disposed between the beverage cart and a galley work deck.

Abstract: A method of absorbing heat from two or more devices can employ a two-phase cooling apparatus that pumps low-pressure coolant through two or more fluidly-connected and series-connected heat sink modules. A flow of subcooled single-phase liquid coolant can be provided to an inlet of a first heat sink module in thermal communication with a first device. Within the first heat sink module, the flow of subcooled single-phase liquid coolant can absorb a first amount of heat from the first device as sensible heat. The flow of subcooled single-phase liquid coolant can be transported from an outlet of the first heat sink module to an inlet of a second heat sink module. Within the second heat sink module, the flow of subcooled single-phase liquid coolant can absorb a second amount of heat from the second device partially as sensible heat and partially as latent heat and thereby transform to two-phase bubbly flow.

Abstract: A computing device may detect an ambient temperature and receive temperature information for a location of the computing device. The computing device may select a thermal profile for the computing device based on the ambient temperature. The computing device may modify the thermal profile based on the received temperature information.

Abstract: A water-and-air-cooled thermoelectric device includes water inlet pipes disposed in parallel at an upper side of the thermoelectric device and including a first hot water pipe and a first cool water pipe. Water outlet pipes are disposed in parallel at a lower side of the thermoelectric device and include a second hot water pipe and a second cool water pipe. A plurality of cool water tubes connect the first cool water pipe and the second cool water pipe. Hot water tubes are adjacent to the cool water tubes and connect the first hot water pipe and the second hot water pipe. Thermoelectric elements are disposed between the cool water tubes and the hot water tubes and convert an energy obtained by heat exchange into an electrical energy. A plurality of heat pipes are spaced apart and extend in a direction perpendicular to the hot water tubes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a wireless control apparatus including a communication module and a control system including the same. The wireless control apparatus includes a module unit to generate a control signal for controlling an operation of an electronic appliance; and a communication module detachably coupled to the module unit to receive the control signal generated from the module unit and transmit the received control signal to the electronic appliance through a communication network.

Abstract: The invention provides an exhaust heat utilization device for a combustion engine with an exhaust heat utilization circuit, in which a working medium circulates. An evaporator is arranged in the exhaust heat utilization circuit for evaporating the working medium, which can be supplied with exhaust gas of the combustion engine, with an expansion machine arranged in the exhaust heat utilization circuit downstream of the evaporator for expanding the working medium. A condenser is arranged in the exhaust heat utilization circuit downstream of the expansion machine for condensing the working medium. A delivery device is arranged in the exhaust heat utilization circuit downstream of the condenser for driving the working medium in the exhaust heat utilization circuit and with a heat storage unit. The device is given an improved functionality when the heat storage unit is incorporated in the exhaust heat utilization circuit and can be supplied with working medium.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an HVAC system having a cooling system and ventilation system to vent outside air within a structure is disclosed. The method includes monitoring an interior temperature of the structure, monitoring an exterior temperature of ambient air outside of the structure, defining a first time range and a second time range, associating one or more operating parameters of the HVAC system with the first time range, associating one or more operating parameters of the HVAC system with the second time range, monitoring operational time and operational load of the cooling system for the first time range, and controlling the ventilation system during the second time range based upon the monitored operational time and operational load of the cooling system in the first time range, and the monitored interior and exterior temperatures.

Abstract: Each vehicle in a fleet comprises a climate controller having an auto mode. The auto mode controls climate actuators in response to a model relating sensed climate conditions to respective settings for the actuators. The vehicle has a buffer memory periodically storing sample vectors comprised of actuator/operation settings and sensed climate conditions. A user interface in the vehicle is responsive to a user override commands to modify respective operation settings while in auto mode. Each vehicle has a wireless communication system for sending data packages to a remote server when the user generates the override.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for manipulating the temperature of a surface are provided. Devices of the present disclosure may include a thermal adjustment apparatus, such as a controller in electrical communication with one or more thermoelectric materials, placed adjacent to the surface of skin. The device may generate a series of thermal pulses at the surface, for providing an enhanced thermal sensation for a user. The thermal pulses may be characterized by temperature reversibility, where each pulse includes an initial temperature adjustment, followed by a return temperature adjustment, over a short period of time (e.g., less than 120 seconds). The average rate of temperature change upon initiation and upon return may be between about 0.1° C./sec and about 10.0° C./sec. In some cases, the average rate of the initial temperature adjustment is greater in magnitude than the average rate of the return temperature adjustment.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the storage and preparation of a container of milk for feeding is disclosed. The system employs collected information associated with the infant or the caregiver to initiate controls of the temperature of the milk without the user's interaction.

Abstract: A rotary type heat exchange apparatus with automatic flow rate exchange modulation includes unidirectional pumps for pumping fluid through a heat exchange rotating disk in two different directions. The heat exchange apparatus may further be installed with at least one temperature detecting device, humidity detecting device and/or gaseous or liquid state fluid composition detecting device for generating temperature, humidity, and/or composition detection signals. The temperature humidity, and/or composition detection signals may be used as references for modulating the pumping flow rate of exchange fluid, or for modulating the operating timing of the fluid flow by controlling the rotating speed of the heat exchange rotating disk.

Abstract: An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The controller is programmed fault detection of fan fault, heat/cool (temperature-based) fault, and energy consumption fault. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time.

Abstract: A temperature control system includes a heat transfer medium supply configured to supply a first heat transfer medium of a first temperature into a heat transfer medium path; at least one heat transfer medium storage provided between the heat transfer medium path and the heat transfer medium supply and configured to store a second heat transfer medium of a second temperature higher than the first temperature; a heat transfer medium supply control device provided between the heat transfer medium supply and the heat transfer medium path and between the heat transfer medium storage and the heat transfer medium path and configured to stop a supply of the first heat transfer medium into the heat transfer medium path from the heat transfer medium supply and to supply the second heat transfer medium into the heat transfer medium path from the heat transfer medium storage when a heating unit generates heat.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for controlling one or more HVAC systems using a distributed arrangement of wirelessly connected sensing microsystems are described. A plurality of wirelessly communicating sensing microsystems is provided, each sensing microsystem including a temperature sensor and a processor, at least one of the sensing microsystems being coupled to an HVAC unit for control thereof. The plurality of sensing microsystems is configured to jointly carry out at least one shared computational task associated with control of the HVAC unit. Each sensing microsystem includes a power management circuit configured to determine an amount of electrical power available for dedication to the at least one shared computational task. The at least one shared computational task is apportioned among respective ones of the plurality of sensing microsystems according to the amount of electrical power determined to be available for dedication thereto at each respective sensing microsystem.

Abstract: A system for cooling a heat generating device comprises a heat sink and a plurality of ion emitter elements that form an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) air flow device. The heat sink has a base disposed in thermal communication with a heat generating device, such as a processor. A plurality of heat sink fins is coupled to electrical ground to form ion collectors. Ion emitter elements are disposed in a non-planar pattern along first ends of the plurality of fins so that each ion emitter element is equidistant from the first end of a nearest fin. A power supply applies an electrical potential between the plurality of ion emitter elements and the plurality of fins to induce a flow of ions that cause airflow across the heat sink. It is preferable to have at least three ion emitter elements that are equidistant from each fin of the heat sink.

Abstract: A method for operating an HVAC system is provided. The method includes providing a model for an indoor temperature, y, of a building, providing predicted future outdoor temperatures, and calculating an activation time or an adjustment time interval for the HVAC system utilizing at least the model for y and the predicted future outdoor temperatures. Operation of the HVAC system can be improved with the activation time or the adjustment time interval.

Abstract: An air conditioner and a controlling method thereof are provided. The controlling method may include determining an initial operation temperature based on a received external input or setting, cooling or heating a room at the determined initial operation temperature for a preset initial operation time period, and thereafter increasing or decreasing the room temperature at a preset time interval.

Abstract: A centralized-monitoring apparatus, which centralized monitors a device including a storage, a temperature sensor to detect a temperature therein, and a temperature-variable device to cool or heat inside the storage such that the temperature reaches a set object-preservation temperature, comprises: an input device to be input with first information indicative of a time zone in which the temperature-variable device performing power-saving operation and second information indicative of a set temperature of the time zone; a storage device to store the first-and-second information from the input device; a timing device to measure a current time; and a control device to control the temperature-variable device, based on the first-and-second information and current time, so as to start operation of turning the temperature to the set temperature when the current time reaches a starting time of the time zone, and terminate the operation when the current time reaches an ending time thereof.

Abstract: A computer and a control method for smart fan thereof are provided, wherein the computer includes a processor configured to control a smart fan under an UETFI bios mode. A sensed temperature value from a temperature sensor, and a current speed value of the smart fan are acquired. A real-time temperature curve and a real-time speed curve are traced in a dynamic updating zone of a graphical interface respectively according to the current temperature and the current speed value. A first control point and a second control point, which correspond to the smart fan, are obtained via a control zone of the graphical interface. A control curve is traced in the graphical interface according to the first and second control points. The speed of the smart fan is controlled according to the control curve.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, relative humidity, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for connecting thermal elements to one another and an external circuit in series, in parallel or according to a mixed configuration which limits the risk of leakage and the number of connections. The heat exchanger includes calorie-emitting and negative calorie-emitting thermal elements, and a conduit which passes through each of the thermal elements and has inlet and outlet orifices that are connected to one another and to at least one thermal fluid circuit by an interface plate. The interface plate includes two supply orifices and two discharge orifices for connecting the interface circuits to external hot and cold circuits for using the calories and the negative calories recovered from the thermal fluid.

Abstract: A method for regulating the temperature of a datacenter within an optimum temperature range includes predicting, using a computing device, a thermal load from a workload scheduler containing information on machines assembled in the datacenter to be turned on and/or off during a particular time period, and the thermal load of the datacenter associated with the work of the machines within the particular time period; and controlling at least one cooling system of the datacenter based upon the predicted thermal load within the particular time period under consideration of the thermal inertia of the datacenter by at least one of activating, controlling, and deactivating cooling resources of the cooling system in advance to maintain the temperature of the datacenter within the optimum temperature range.

Abstract: A disclosure describes a heat storage apparatus to store heat generated by a heat generator via a medium includes: a first circuit closed to circulate the medium therethrough in a direction; a heat exchanger to exchange the heat; a heat storage tank including a phase change material to exchange heat with the medium; a first measurement unit to measure a temperature of the medium; a cooling unit to cool the medium when the temperature of the medium is higher than a predetermined target temperature and to set the temperature of the medium to be approximately equal to the target temperature; a count unit to count an elapsed time from when the phase change material exchanges heat with the medium and starts a phase change; and a determination unit to determine whether the phase change material is allowed to be supercooled or not based on the elapsed time.

Abstract: A thermostat method and apparatus has one or more demand circuits, an energy storage device; a DC regulator connected to the energy storage device, and a thermostat control connected to the DC regulator and to the energy storage device. Current is drawn from the one or more demand circuits when demand associated with the demand circuits is not active and the energy storage device is charged with the current drawn from the one or more demand circuits. If energy stored in the energy storage device is below the first predetermined threshold, activity in the thermostat is reduced and if energy stored in the energy storage device is above the second predetermined threshold, activity in the thermostat is allowed to increase.

Abstract: An apparatus for the conditioning, storage and transportation of tennis balls. The tennis ball conditioning, storage, and transportation apparatus is used to condition tennis balls, primarily by heating to a desired operating temperature. Conditioning modifies the internal pressure of the balls and warms the composition of the balls to the desired playing temperature. The tennis ball conditioning, storage, and transportation apparatus includes a housing which may have handles and which has an interior which contains heating and/or cooling elements and which functions as a conditioning and storage chamber. The chamber is divided by a screen upon which the balls rest. A thermostatically controlled heater, cooler and fan achieve the desired temperature then stabilizes the balls at the desired temperature.

Abstract: Thermally responsive walls can be formed of wall panels made from different materials and having staggered conduits with respect to each other when coupled together (e.g., pancaked or layered) to form a wall at one temperature. The staggered conduits in the different wall panels are configured such that they become aligned at a second temperature due to differences in expansion coefficients. The wall panels can be designed using a computing system that processes an algorithm that accounts for various parameters, such as the different thermal expansion coefficients.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a processing chamber; a support base; an electrostatic chuck; a chiller; a first channel; a second channel; a bypass channel; and a flow rate control valve. The first channel connects the chiller and a coolant entrance of the support base and the second channel connects the chiller and a coolant exit of the support base. The bypass channel branches from a midway of the first channel and is connected to a midway of the second channel. The flow rate control valve controls a flow rate of coolant flowing through the bypass channel.

Abstract: A phase change material (PCM) heat exchanger device comprising heat exchanger cells (1a, 1b) operating on the regenerative countercurrent principle, one or more phase change material (PCM) accumulators (2, 3) provided in the heat exchanger cells and one or more vortex tubes (6, 7, 8). When the directions of the air, gas and liquid flows are cyclically reversed in the apparatus, energy is recovered into the heat exchanger cell and the PCM accumulator, and during the subsequent cycle, the energy is released from the heat exchanger cell and PCM accumulator. While one heat exchanger cell and PCM accumulator is being charged, the other heat exchanger cell and PCM accumulator is simultaneously discharged. Warm air exits a first outlet port while cold air exits a second outlet port of the one or more vortex tubes. The fluid flows heat or cool the heat exchanger cells and associated PCM accumulators.

Abstract: A temperature control device includes an estimator that estimates the outlet temperature of fluid at an outlet of heating tanks to which no outlet temperature sensor is provided. The temperature control device includes a control unit. For a heating tank to which an outlet temperature sensor is provided, the control unit determines a manipulated variable on the basis of the outlet temperature which has been measured and an individual target temperature. For a heating tank to which no outlet temperature sensor is provided, the control unit determines a manipulated variable on the basis of the estimated temperature estimated by the estimator and an individual target temperature. The control unit controls the outlet temperature of the heating tanks on the basis of the manipulated variables.

Abstract: A system for generating power from a low grade heat source includes a heat source inlet, heat sink inlet, heat exchanger unit, and a heat engine. The heat source inlet conveys a flow of a heated fluid into the system. The heat sink inlet conveys a flow of a cooled fluid into the system. The heat exchanger unit is configured to rotate. A portion of the heat exchanger unit alternates between thermal contact with the heated fluid and thermal contact with the cooled fluid in response to being rotated. The heat engine is configured to generate power in response to the heat exchanger unit being rotated.

Abstract: A fan control system for a computer system is provided. The fan control system includes a power sensor and a controller. The power sensor detects the power dissipated by a target device in the computer system. The controller calculates a suggested airflow speed required for the target device and thus outputs a control signal for controlling a fan within the computer system according to at least the dissipated power.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for controlling one or more HVAC systems using a distributed arrangement of wirelessly connected sensing microsystems are described. A plurality of wirelessly communicating sensing microsystems is provided, each sensing microsystem including a temperature sensor and a processor, at least one of the sensing microsystems being coupled to an HVAC unit for control thereof. The plurality of sensing microsystems is configured to jointly carry out at least one shared computational task associated with control of the HVAC unit. Each sensing microsystem includes a power management circuit configured to determine an amount of electrical power available for dedication to the at least one shared computational task. The at least one shared computational task is apportioned among respective ones of the plurality of sensing microsystems according to the amount of electrical power determined to be available for dedication thereto at each respective sensing microsystem.

Abstract: Heat pumps that heat or cool a space and that also heat water, refrigerant management systems for such heat pumps, methods of managing refrigerant charge, and methods for heating and cooling a space and for heating water. Various embodiments deliver refrigerant gas to a heat exchanger that is not needed for transferring heat, drive liquid refrigerant out of that heat exchanger, isolate that heat exchanger against additional refrigerant flowing into it, and operate the heat pump while the heat exchanger is isolated. The heat exchanger can be isolated by closing an electronic expansion valve, actuating a refrigerant management valve, or both. Refrigerant charge can be controlled or adjusted by controlling how much liquid refrigerant is driven from the heat exchanger, by letting refrigerant back into the heat exchanger, or both. Heat pumps can be operated in different modes of operation, and segments of refrigerant conduit can be interconnected with various components.