Multiple Zones Patents (Class 700/277)
-
Patent number: 8744629Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and methods of use of an HVAC graphical interface dashboard. In various embodiments, the dashboard includes a weather tab, wherein invoking the weather tab advances to a weather screen. The dashboard also includes an indoor humidity tab. A programs tab and a home tab are also provided. The indoor humidity tab can further be used to set current indoor humidity setpoints.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventors: Timothy E. Wallaert, Thomas G. Pavlak, Timothy H. Thorson, Muhammad Ali Mirza, Suresh Kumar Devineni
-
Patent number: 8725299Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit and controller with memory provisions for storing, receiving, and transmitting customer equipment profiles. The controller may include a plurality of profiles that allows a selection thereof for restoration. A method for configuring HVAC equipment, including a customer profile database and efficiently transmitting unique customer and factory profiles, is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Lennox Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Hess, Richard A. Mauk, John G. Thomas
-
Patent number: 8725298Abstract: The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment the network includes a subnet controller, a system device and a gateway. The controller is configured to publish control messages over a data bus. The system device is configured to receive the messages and to provide an HVAC service in response to the messages. A gateway is configured to provide access by a remote user to the network. The access includes operating the network to generate diagnostic data and retrieving the diagnostic data via the gateway.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Lennox Industries, Inc.Inventor: Timothy E. Wallaert
-
Patent number: 8706270Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, David Sloo, Michael James Matas, Michael Plitkins
-
Patent number: 8698616Abstract: A monitor control system includes a focused information database and a report determination part. The focused information database is configured to store focused information that is information associating a focused item focused by each operator with the operator with respect to actual plant information. The report determination part outputs report determination information independently for each operator based on the actual plant information and the focused information. The determination information indicates a measured value, an alert, and a set value that are coincident with the focused items focused by a certain operator and additionally that is determined to need to be reported.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yohei Ueno, Tadashi Oi, Kazuyuki Mori, Akira Kobashi
-
Patent number: 8694175Abstract: A fan array fan section in an air-handling system includes a plurality of fan units arranged in a fan array and positioned within an air-handling compartment. One preferred embodiment may include an array controller programmed to operate the plurality of fan units at peak efficiency. The plurality of fan units may be arranged in a true array configuration, a spaced pattern array configuration, a checker board array configuration, rows slightly offset array configuration, columns slightly offset array configuration, or a staggered array configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Huntair, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence G. Hopkins
-
Patent number: 8694164Abstract: The disclosure includes systems and methods of use of an HVAC graphical interface dashboard. In various embodiments the dashboard includes a weather tab, wherein invoking the weather tab advances to a weather screen. The dashboard also includes an indoor humidity tab, wherein invoking the indoor humidity tab advances to a humidity screen which displays at least a current indoor humidity. The dashboard further includes an alerts tab, wherein invoking the alerts tab advances to an alerts screen. The dashboard still further includes a help tab, wherein invoking the help tab advances to a help screen that provides context sensitive help that presents at least one dialog box related to a function of a current screen. A programs tab and a home tab are also provided, and a subnet controller informs said dashboard to display a specific screen and instructs it how to fill in data.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Lennox Industries, Inc.Inventors: Wojciech Grohman, Darko Hadzidedic
-
Patent number: 8676397Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Giuseppe Longobardi, Scot MacLellan, Giulio Santoli
-
Patent number: 8676545Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to determine pliable air duct configurations are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves determining a first quantity of adjustable air outlet duct sections to configure an air delivery duct system when an operating mode identifier is received. The operating mode identifier is associated with an amount of air delivered by the air delivery duct system into targeted areas. The first quantity of adjustable air outlet duct sections is based on an airflow rate value and the operating mode identifier. The airflow rate value is indicative of airflow through an air delivery duct system. Each adjustable air outlet duct section includes at least one adjustable air outlet having at least one size-adjustable orifice.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Nicholas L. Kaufmann, Brenda L. Ritt, Cary Pinkalla, Kevin J. Gebke, Frank Heim, William A. Niehaus, Matthew Lux
-
Patent number: 8670871Abstract: A load processing balance setting apparatus includes first and second air-conditioners for targeted first and second areas, a calculating unit, a determining unit and an adjusting unit. The first area is included within the second area. The calculating unit calculates a sum of an air-conditioning load for the first and second air-conditioners. Preferably, the determining unit determines a first and second processing throughputs for the first and second air-conditioners so that a COP (Coefficient of Performance) for the sum of the air-conditioning loads calculated by the calculating unit is maximized or is equal to or greater than a predetermined level, or so that a power consumption level for the sum of the air-conditioning loads calculated by the calculating unit is minimized or is equal to or less than a predetermined level. The adjusting unit controls the first and second air-conditioners based on the first and second processing throughputs.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Nishino, Satoshi Hashimoto
-
Patent number: 8660704Abstract: Demand Flow operates chilled water plants at substantially improved efficiency, regardless of plant load conditions. In general, Demand Flow utilizes an operating strategy which controls chilled and condenser water pumping according to a constant Delta T line, which is typically near or at design Delta T. This reduces or eliminates Low Delta T Syndrome and reduces energy usage by chilled and condenser water pumps for given load conditions. Operation of chilled water pumps in this manner creates a synergy which generally balances flow rates throughout the plant, reducing undesirable bypass mixing and energy usage at air handler fans and other components of the chilled water plant. At plant chillers, application of Demand Flow increases the refrigeration effect through refrigerant sub-cooling and superheating, while preventing stacking. Demand Flow includes a critical zone reset feature which allows the constant Delta T line to be reset to adjust to changing load conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Robert Higgins
-
Patent number: 8650420Abstract: In an information processing system comprising an information processing equipment group and a facility equipment group, both an increase in performance and a reduction in power consumption are obtained, thereby achieving an efficient and flexible operational management. The plurality of information processing equipments are divided into a plurality of groups, each of which includes power feed equipments and cooling equipments.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Kato, Tatsuya Saito, Jun Okitsu, Yoko Shiga, Tadakatsu Nakajima, Yoshihiro Kondo
-
Patent number: 8649886Abstract: An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Ameritech Services, Inc.Inventor: Raymond W. Bennett
-
Patent number: 8644999Abstract: A method and system is disclosed that includes a controller that determines a sleep schedule for reduced function devices on a home network. The devices have various sleep schedules in which to operate in an active state or a reduced function state. The controller determines the different schedules by sending communication messages to each device via a communication module. A timer is used to determine a sleep schedule for reduced function devices (RFDs) on the network. The sleep schedule is used to monitor when the devices are communicating on the network and are no longer able to communicate with the controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeff Donald Drake, Robert Marten Bultman, William Anthony Watts
-
Patent number: 8626345Abstract: Techniques are described that may be implemented in an adaptive control device to regulate multiple zone environmental units based upon multiple temperature values and multiple airflow values, where each temperature value and each airflow value is related to the temperature and the airflow in a specific zone. In an implementation, the input interface of the adaptive control device is configured to receive multiple temperature values and multiple air flow values from multiple zone sensors. The adaptive control device may calculate multiple operational values based on the multiple temperature values and the multiple air flow values. An operational value indicates a power state (e.g. power on/power off) for a zone environmental unit's fan, compressor, heater, exhaust fan, and damper. The adaptive control device's output interface is operable to transmit multiple sequencing commands to the plurality of zone environmental units.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Nutech Ventures, Inc.Inventor: Haorong Li
-
Patent number: 8620476Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling climate within a building. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a smart climate unit for (i) obtaining distributed generator (DG) information pertaining to operation of a DG that generates power for the building, and (ii) controlling at least one climate condition within the building based on at least one of the DG information, local input, or remote input.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.Inventors: Leesa Lee, Ilen Zazueta-Hall, Magnus Asbo
-
Patent number: 8615327Abstract: A humidity estimation device connected with an air-conditioner includes a charge airflow rate estimation (CARE) unit, a charge air absolute humidity estimation (CAAHE) unit, an indoor generated vapor amount estimation (IGVAE) unit, and an indoor absolute humidity estimation (IAHE) unit. The CARE unit calculates an estimated charge airflow rate (ECAR) of the air-conditioner based on operation control information of the charge fan and a preset fan differential pressure. The CAAHE unit calculates an estimated charge air absolute humidity (ECAAH) of the air-conditioner based on a charge air temperature and a preset charge air relative humidity. The IGVAE unit calculates an estimated indoor generated vapor amount (EIGVA) based on an indoor temperature, the number of persons in the room and activity index values of the persons. The IAHE unit calculates an estimated absolute humidity in the room based on the ECAR, the ECAAH and the EIGVA.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yasuo Takagi, Koichi Ikeda, Yukio Hiraoka, Hisashi Kobayashi, Akihiro Fujii
-
Patent number: 8606554Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide a Heat Flow Model (HFM) graph modeling methodology. Embodiments automatically translate formal HVAC system descriptions from a Building Information Model (BIM) into HFM graphs, and compile the graphs into executable FDD systems. During an engineering phase, a user interface is used to enter parameters, conditions, and switches not found in the BIM. During a runtime phase, real-time data from an HVAC control system is input to the generated FDD system (HFM graph) for fault detection and diagnosis.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gerhard Zimmermann, Yan Lu, George Lo
-
Publication number: 20130325193Abstract: A method for establishing a set back temperature for an environmental control system includes entering an energy saver control phase having a predetermined time period, determine an effective thermal load for an environmental control zone, calculating a set-back temperature based on the effective thermal load for the environmental control zone and the predetermined time period, operating an environmental control device to establish and maintain the set-back temperature for a portion of the predetermined time period, and operating the environmental control device to establish a desired temperature substantially by an end of the predetermined time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventor: Rajendra K. Shah
-
Patent number: 8600560Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for controlling computer room air conditioning units (CRACs) in data centers. An example embodiment includes: receiving an alert message from a reporting wireless network sensor of a plurality of wireless network sensors via a wireless sensor network, the alert message including information indicative of a modification needed to an environmental condition, the alert message including an indication of stability or instability of a computer room air conditioning unit (CRAC) in a data center; and using the information indicative of a modification needed to an environmental condition at a networked controller to command a device capable of modifying the environmental condition to modify the environmental condition in a manner corresponding to the information in the alert message, commanding the device including controlling fan speed in the CRAC to correct an indication of instability.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: SynapSense CorporationInventors: Garret Smith, Raju Pandey, Ray Pfeifer
-
Patent number: 8600557Abstract: A first communication section in an optical communication interface communicates with outdoor units and indoor units using a first communication method. A central management controller communicates with the optical communication interface using the first communication method and manages the outdoor units and the indoor units according to the first communication method. A second method communication section in a second communication method indoor unit of a different manufacturer communicates with a second method communication section in a second communication method outdoor unit using a second communication method. The optical communication interface and the second communication method indoor unit exchange information by optical communication with each other using respective optical communication sections.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Hirotaka Masui, Hidesuke Hayakawa
-
Patent number: 8600562Abstract: A household energy management system uses measurements of the household electricity supply to identify and to determine the energy consumption of individual household appliances. From these measurements, models can be built of the behavior of the occupants of the house, the thermal properties of the house and the efficiency of the appliances. Using the models, the household appliances—in particular heating and cooling appliances—can be controlled to optimize energy efficiency; and maintenance programs for the appliances and for the house itself can be recommended to the householder or arranged with a service company.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Alertme.com LtdInventor: James Ian Oswald
-
Patent number: 8600564Abstract: A method of managing a site includes monitoring an activation of a proximity detection function of a plurality of sites, with each site having a first zone as a home zone and a second zone having a boundary that is away from the first zone. The method proceeds by displaying an indicator within a web-based GUI enabling each user of each site to activate and deactivate use of the proximity detection function. Each site can include multiple users associated with each respective site. The method proceeds by detecting the multiple users as being home or away using the proximity detection function and then altering an operating condition of a network device located at at least one of the plurality of sites in response to a last user of the multiple users leaving the first zone.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Allure Energy, Inc.Inventors: Kevin R. Imes, James Hollister, John F. Cottrell
-
Patent number: 8596079Abstract: A system for regulating gas flow for a computer room containing computer components includes vents configured to direct gas from a gas supply toward the computer components, sensors disposed and configured to provide information regarding at least a first property associated with the computer components, and a controller coupled to the sensors and the vents and configured to effect a change in gas flow through a second one of the vents in accordance with a first value of the first property associated with a first of the computer components.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventor: Jeffrey S. Beam
-
Patent number: 8594849Abstract: A method and a device for regulating the temperature inside a building having walls that include an inner microporous wall separated from a thermally insulating outer wall by a sheet of air, the device having a data processor configured to drive and control the circulation of outside air between the double walls of the building so as to act as a function of climatic conditions to regulate the temperature and the hygrometry inside the building by evaporating and condensing a fraction of the humidity of the microporous inner wall of the double walls of the building.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Inventors: Edouard Serras, Jean-Marie Gaillard
-
Patent number: 8594850Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing software updates to client devices. A client device (such as a thermostat) executes software to perform one or more functionalities of the device. Upon receiving an indicating that a software update is available, the device waits to download the software update until pre-download conditions are satisfied. Once the software update is downloaded, the device then waits to install the software update until pre-install conditions are satisfied. If the software update is non-critical and received during an initial installation of the device, the software update may not be installed until after installation of the device is complete. If the device is a thermostat, the device may delay installation of the software update until a controlled HVAC system in inactive. Control of the HVAC system may be disabled during installation of the software update.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.Inventors: Alastair Robert Gourlay, David A. Bourne, Grant M. Erickson, Richard J. Schultz, David Sloo, Jonathan Solnit
-
Patent number: 8594857Abstract: A modulized heat-dissipation control method for a datacenter is provided. In this method, a temperature sensor is used to sense inner temperatures of multiple servers and CPU temperatures in the multiple servers. If any one of the CPU temperatures is abnormal, a flow of a first coolant is adjusted. If any one of the inner temperatures is abnormal, a rotating speed of a fan module is adjusted. If the rotating speed of the fan module has reached its maximum, a flow of a second coolant is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Inventec CorporationInventors: Chih-Chien Lin, Chien-An Chen
-
Patent number: 8583288Abstract: A method and system for managing an energy supply of a utility provider include calibrating one or more climate controlled spaces for a controller. The calibrating may include calculating a heating/cooling ratio for the one or more climate controlled spaces. After this calibration occurs, the system may determine if an energy supply surplus exists. If an energy supply surplus exists, then the system may start using the one or more climate controlled spaces as energy sinks for expending energy according to the heating/cooling ratio. The system may also determine if an energy supply deficit exists and if an energy supply deficit exists, then the system may start using the one or more climate controlled spaces as energy “sources,” in which a direct load control algorithm is used to reduce energy consumption by the one or more climate controlled spaces.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Comverge, Inc.Inventors: John Rossi, Wendell Miyaji
-
Patent number: 8583481Abstract: Disclosed is a portable interactive modular selling room that recreates the home environment in a retail business location to help educate the user for sales and training purposes. The plug and play selling system utilizes standard electrical connectors to allow for seamless integration within a store without the need of electricians or construction contractors. Encompassing all five senses in an interactive environment develops an intellectual and emotional connection with the user which allows the product implementation to demonstrate features and value in a more meaningful and engaging manner over traditional retail environments. The computer system implemented inside of the system encompasses an interaction engine which utilizes sensors and monitoring equipment to record and analyze the user to provide real-time responses and also feedback to a central database for future interaction development.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Inventors: Walter Viveiros, Howard Sharfe, Daniar Hussain, Gregg Kulback
-
Patent number: 8579205Abstract: An HVAC system includes a grid of intersecting ducts having one or more inlets, outlets, and intersections. Air may be received into the inlets and directed through the outlets into one or more zones of a building. One or more HVAC units may be connected to the inlets and mechanical valves may be located at the intersections to control the air flow through the grid. A control system may be provided to control the temperature of each zone by adjusting the mechanical valves (and/or turning selected HVAC units “on” or “off”). In certain embodiments, the HVAC system includes at least one reading device to read temperature preference information associated with an occupant of a zone. The control system may then align the temperature of the zone with the temperature preference information when the occupant is inside the zone. A corresponding method and apparatus are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Leonardo Rangel Augusto, Lucas Goncalves Franco, Carlos Eduardo Seo
-
Patent number: 8571717Abstract: A group management apparatus is configured to manage a plurality of air conditioning facilities installed in a plurality of buildings as a plurality of groups. The group management apparatus includes an obtaining section configured to obtain operational data of the air conditioning facilities through a plurality of control units disposed in the buildings on a one-to-one basis, and an extracting section configured to extract one or more groups satisfying predetermined conditions from the groups based on a plurality of assessment perspectives. The control units are configured to control the air conditioning facilities within the buildings. A group management system includes the group management apparatus and the control units.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Nishino, Satoshi Hashimoto, Toshiyuki Miki, Shigesada Omoto, Takashige Kai
-
Publication number: 20130282186Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a controller for a HVAC system having an economizer with a damper and pressure sensors on opposing sides of the economizer. The controller comprise a diagnostics controller having a program configured to use pressure difference sensor data to determine if a pressure difference across the economizer is outside an operational design parameter of the HVAC system, and generate an error signal when the pressure difference is outside the operational design parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Jonathan Douglas, Herman M. Thomas
-
Publication number: 20130274929Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a customizable bio-manufacturing system which includes a manufacturing space having a first air handling system for providing supply air and a second air handling system for handling exhaust air, the supply air system being optionally provided with at least one of filtration, heating, cooling and or humidity control and a plurality of portable modules provided within the manufacturing space. At least one module having an interior capable of being interconnected with another module interior and each module's interior includes one or more components to perform at least one specific task of a biological, chemical, and/or pharmaceutical manufacturing process. At least one module includes an on-board environmental control system for controlling an environment within the module and a connection means for interconnecting the module interior with another module interior.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: GEOFFREY L. HODGE, PARRISH M. GALLIHER, MICHAEL FISHER
-
Patent number: 8560126Abstract: An approach for providing setpoint optimization for air handling units. An area for such optimization may incorporate choosing a thermal comfort level index, finding a zone air properties target area and computing a supply air properties target area. Beyond the present approach, an outdoor air portion may be optimized, a feasible psychrometric path found, supply airflow versus temperature optimized, and a controller run to meet setpoints.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Jiri Vass, Jiri Rojicek, Jana Trojanova
-
Patent number: 8548640Abstract: A server computer may be located at a home or business and may be used for heating the home or business. The server computer may operate a distributed cloud based application and may generate heat in response to application load. The server computer may have an air or water based heat exchanger that may integrate into various heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to use the heat generated by the server. In some embodiments, a thermostat may regulate the application load on the server computer as controlled by a cloud based controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Christian L. Belady, Sean James, Jie Liu
-
Patent number: 8548631Abstract: A method and system provide for the cooperative powering of unitary air conditioners. The method and system includes coordinating powering of unitary air conditioners in a multiunit building or other low level of aggregation in a power grid. Multiple unitary air conditioners can use a power line communication (PLC) communication module for communicating with other air conditioners that are within the same multiunit building. According to one aspect of the method and system, by using power line communications, multiple unitary air conditioners within a single building can form self-contained local area networks. The LAN can also support a token ring network. According to this token ring network, a predetermined number of tokens can be assigned within the token ring network.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Comverge, Inc.Inventors: John Rossi, Wendell Miyaji
-
Patent number: 8538584Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for controlling environmental conditions in a data center using wireless mesh networks. An example embodiment includes receiving an alert message from a reporting wireless network sensor of a plurality of wireless network sensors via a wireless sensor network, the alert message including information indicative of a modification needed to an environmental condition; and using the information indicative of a modification needed to an environmental condition at a networked controller to command a device capable of modifying the environmental condition to modify the environmental condition in a manner corresponding to the information in the alert message.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Synapsense CorporationInventors: Raju Pandey, Ray Pfeifer
-
Patent number: 8538588Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to building control systems and, more particularly, to methods and devices for configuring and/or displaying parameters or other information such as menu screens on a programmable wall module of a building control system. In an illustrative embodiment, a configuration tool may be configured to create a number of screens for the user interface of the programmable wall module based on a number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool. In some cases, the number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool may be less than, and sometimes far less than, the number of screens that are created by the configuration tool. Regardless, with the number of screens created, the configuration tool may upload the number of screens to the programmable wall module for use on the user interface of the programmable wall module.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Gary P. Kasper
-
Publication number: 20130238142Abstract: A building control network may have a first central device, a second central device and one or more peripheral devices. An illustrative method may include placing the second central device into an associate mode, and sending an associate command from a perimeter device to associate the perimeter device with the second central device. The associate command may be received by the first central device. The first central device may send one or more commands to the second central device, where the one or more commands may cause the second central device to be taken out of its associate mode and to reconfigure the second central device to a perimeter device. The first central device may then be put in an associate mode, and both the second central device and the perimeter device may be associated as perimeter devices with the first central device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Steve C. Nichols, Cary Leen, Jeffrey Boll, Stan Zywicki
-
Patent number: 8532838Abstract: System and method for controlling energy consumption in a data center. An embodiment includes: segregating hot air from cold air by preventing hot air exhausted from hot aisles from flowing into cold aisles; measuring temperature and relative humidity values of the segregated hot and cold air; detecting temperature and relative humidity values of outside air; mixing the segregated hot air with a volume of the outside air, the volume of the outside air depending on a result of the measuring and the detecting; measuring temperature and relative humidity values of the mixed air; comparing the temperature and relative humidity values of the mixed air and the temperature and relative humidity values of the segregated cold air to IT specifications; cooling the mixed air based on a result of the comparison; and providing the cooled mixed air in the cold aisles.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Frederic Allard, Jean-Marc Legrand, Jean-Louis Veran
-
Publication number: 20130231786Abstract: An engineering device includes a template producing unit that produces a template that defines monitoring point information and control point information as information for an object that is an equipment subject to monitoring/control, a system defining unit that defines system information for each equipment of a facility that is subject to monitoring/control, a physical entity deploying unit that produces monitoring point information and control point information for each individual equipment by deploying the template, for each individual equipment within the facility, following the system information, and a modification processing unit that regenerates the monitoring point information and control point information for each individual equipment, by deploying, to each individual equipment within the facility, a post-modification template, following the system information, when a modification has been made to the template.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: AZBIL CORPORATIONInventor: Takashi Noguchi
-
Patent number: 8521332Abstract: An actuator for an HVAC system having a stored model definition defining an HVAC control application, and an element library including a variety of stored model elements and controller modules (D, E) having instructions for controlling a processor of the actuator. The controller modules (D, E) include model elements and are configured to control the sequential order of their execution. The controller modules (D, E) are further configured to propagate any external data input (S66?, S68?) to their model elements prior to executing their first model element, and to propagate any data output (S63, S65, S67, S69) to external components after executing their last model element. The controller modules (D, E) are instantiated in different threads of execution, so that data is interchanged asynchronously between instantiated controller modules (D, E) and neither temporal dependencies nor change of value links are imposed on components of the HVAC control application.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: BELIMO Holding AGInventors: Dirk Tiemann, Urs Gort
-
Patent number: 8521333Abstract: An improved method and system for flue gas recirculation (FGR) from the ID Fan located downstream of a scrubber (or other Air Quality Control Equipment including cyclones, baghouses, etc., hereafter “AQC equipment”) back to the scrubber (or other AQC Equipment) inlet to maintain the minimum required flue gas throughput during low-load conditions, thereby eliminating the need for a separate booster fan. A flue gas recirculation duct is connected from downstream of the ID Fan to the inlet of the scrubber (or other AQC Equipment). A variable flow restrictor is placed in the duct downstream of the ID Fan for controlling pressure of the recirculated flue gas. The flow restrictor is controlled in accordance to a function of boiler load or flue gas flow to produce the required backpressure that enables the flue gas to flow through the recirculation duct back to the inlet of the scrubber (or other AQC Equipment) at low loads.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Andritz Environmental SolutionsInventors: Mark Richman, Michael Hoeg Nielsen, Ralph Joseph Lebron
-
Patent number: 8515586Abstract: A control model updating device includes a control model calculating unit that calculates a control model using analysis data, a control model updating unit that updates by accepting the control model, and a data suitability evaluating unit that evaluates the suitability of analysis data. The data suitability evaluating unit has a function characteristic prior knowledge storing unit that stores prior knowledge regarding a characteristic obtained in advance regarding the subject of control, a quadratic polynomial calculating unit that calculates a quadratic polynomial wherein the analysis data is approximated by a quadratic function, and a characteristic evaluating unit that compares a characteristic of the quadratic polynomial, calculated by the quadratic polynomial calculating unit, to prior knowledge stored in the function characteristic prior knowledge storing unit. The control model updating unit updates the control model if the two match in the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Azbil CorporationInventors: Junya Nishiguchi, Tomohiro Konda
-
Patent number: 8511576Abstract: A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit configured to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The powering circuit has a power extraction circuit configured to extract electrical power from one or more of the plurality of received HVAC control wires up to a first level of electrical power, a rechargeable battery, and a power control circuit. The power control circuit is configured to provide the electrical load power using power from the power extraction circuit and the rechargeable battery.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Adam Warren, Hugo Fiennes, Jonathan Alan Dutra, David Bell, Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Ian C. Smith, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Jr., Joseph E. Palmer, Grant M. Erickson, Andrea Mucignat
-
Publication number: 20130184876Abstract: Managing power consumption in a user space that includes user devices and motion detectors includes monitoring user presence within the space including: monitoring the user devices for user activity, where user activity indicates user presence within the space; and monitoring the motion detectors for user movement, where user movement indicates user presence within the space; if the user devices and motion detectors indicate no user presence within the space, setting one or more environmental control devices to a reduced power consumption state; and if the user devices and motion detectors indicate user presence within the space, setting the one or more environmental control devices to operate in a user-present power consumption state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Waseem A. Roshen, Nadeem Malik
-
Patent number: 8489243Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.Inventors: Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, David Sloo, Michael J. Matas, Michael Plitkins
-
Patent number: 8479099Abstract: A group management apparatus manages, as a plurality of groups, numerous installation devices installed in a plurality of buildings. The group management apparatus includes an acquiring component, a summarizing component and a screen generating component. The Acquiring component acquires operating data of the numerous installation devices via controllers. The controllers are placed in the buildings and control the numerous installation devices inside the buildings. The summarizing component summarizes, per group, operating data values that are values represented by the operating data. The screen generating component generates a screen in which results, with respect to the plurality of groups, of the operating data values having been summarized by the summarizing component are juxtaposed.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Toshiyuki Miki
-
Patent number: 8478447Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Yoky Matsuoka, Matthew Lee Rogers, David Sloo
-
Publication number: 20130166075Abstract: Various embodiments provide an HVAC system that includes first and second controllers. The first controller is configured to control a first demand unit to maintain a setpoint temperature of a first portion of a conditioned space. A second HVAC controller is configured to control a second demand unit to maintain a setpoint temperature of a second portion of the conditioned space. The control provided by the second controller is dependent on a load metric of the first demand unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventors: Daniel Castillo, Sunil Khiani