Abstract: A method and system for intelligent demand response by a load controller device connected to a load is provided. Demand response events generated by utilities can generate energy conservation however they can provide demand subpeaks during the event and can impact user comfort. In order to improve the energy profile and user comfort one or more event parameters from the DR event are generated. One or more temperature setpoints of the load controller device are modified to provide smooth setpoint transition between temperature setpoints using the generated one or more event parameters to shape electricity demand of the load to reduce an expected demand subpeak during the DR event. The modified one or more temperature setpoints can be applied at an associated time to control the load.

Abstract: A method and system for intelligent demand response by a load controller device connected to a load is provided. Demand response events generated by utilities can generate energy conservation however they can provide demand subpeaks during the event and can impact user comfort. In order to improve the energy profile and user comfort one or more event parameters from the DR event are generated. One or more temperature setpoints of the load controller device are modified to provide smooth setpoint transition between temperature setpoints using the generated one or more event parameters to shape electricity demand of the load to reduce an expected demand subpeak during the DR event. The modified one or more temperature setpoints can be applied at an associated time to control the load.

Abstract: A ground wire adaptor for operatively connecting a low-voltage control unit (e.g. a thermostat) requiring a three-wire connection to a three-wire system-under-control (e.g. a HVAC system) using a two-wire conductor. A ground terminal and an output control signal of the control unit are interconnected such that the output control signal, in the form of a half-wave rectified signal, is superimposed on the ground. The ground wire adaptor detects the half-wave rectified signal superimposed on the ground connection and generates a control output signal to be provided to the system-under-control responsive to the presence of the half-wave rectified signal (i.e. the control signal from the control unit). In another aspect of the invention the ground wire adaptor can be used to connect an ‘N’ function control unit to an ‘N’ function system-under-control using a two-wire conductor.

Abstract: A solid state switch that employs a controller driven input and MOSFET power switching devices is disclosed. The controller can test for a short-circuit on the load side of the MOSFET power switching devices before putting the switch in a sustained conductive state.

Abstract: A method for increasing the resolution of analog to digital conversion made by a microcontroller. A resistive-capacitive network is connected between an input/output port of the microcontroller and a sense voltage to be converted. The sense voltage is measured (i.e. converted) using the port in input mode to obtain a nominal voltage. The port is then switched to output mode and driven high (or alternatively low) for a period of time to modify the sense voltage by an amount equal to a desired fractional resolution step size. The port is switched back to input mode and the modified voltage is measured. The steps of driving the port in output mode and measuring the modified voltage can be repeated with the modification to the sense voltage increasing in successively larger multiples of the desired fractional resolution step size. In one embodiment of the method, the successive measurements can be summed to give the converted original sense voltage expressed in fractional resolution step size.