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

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for independently controlling the climate within a primary zone and at least one secondary zone of a building. The system comprises a primary packaged unit comprising a primary indoor coil and a primary variable speed indoor fan blowing over the primary indoor coil to serve the primary zone of the building. The system further comprises a secondary unit comprising a secondary indoor coil circulating the refrigerant and a secondary variable speed indoor fan blowing over the secondary indoor coil to serve a secondary zone of the building. The primary unit and the at least one secondary unit shares a common variable speed compressor, outdoor coil, and an outdoor fan that are disposed within the primary unit. First and second solenoid valves in the primary unit selectively control refrigerant flow to the primary and secondary units to enable independent control of the zones.

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

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for independently controlling the climate within a primary zone and at least one secondary zone of a building. The system comprises a primary packaged unit comprising a primary indoor coil and a primary variable speed indoor fan blowing over the primary indoor coil to serve the primary zone of the building. The system further comprises a secondary unit comprising a secondary indoor coil circulating the refrigerant and a secondary variable speed indoor fan blowing over the secondary indoor coil to serve a secondary zone of the building. The primary unit and the at least one secondary unit shares a common variable speed compressor, outdoor coil, and an outdoor fan that are disposed within the primary unit. First and second solenoid valves in the primary unit selectively control refrigerant flow to the primary and secondary units to enable independent control of the zones.

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

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for predicting an energy savings resulting from the replacement of existing equipment with new equipment. In the example embodiments, the energy saving prediction is utilized to create a customized warranty for an individual customer of an HVAC system or subcomponent thereof. Historical energy usage, historical climate data, old and new equipment parameters, and customer use data is input to a predictive modeling algorithm, which determines an energy savings prediction. Alternative models may be employed and a weighting factor applied to each to arrive at an improved energy savings prediction. The energy savings prediction is utilized to warranty to the customer an estimated dollar savings that will result from the installation of the new equipment. The warranty provides that, in the event the predicted energy savings is not realized, the customer is entitled to receive a dollar amount representing the shortfall in warranted energy savings.

Abstract: An HVAC system comprises an air flow path, a heat exchanger in the air flow path, a blower in the air flow path to move air through the heat exchanger, and at least one Helmholtz resonator in the air flow path. The Helmholtz resonator may be placed in numerous places throughout the air flow path. The Helmholtz resonator may be adjustable. The Helmholtz resonator further may be automatically adjustable. The automatic adjustment may be based on a characteristic of at least one of the blower or the air in the air flow path. Characteristics of air moving through the air flow path may include airspeed, absolute pressure, a pressure change through a portion of the HVAC system, or an audio characteristic. The automatic adjustment may be based on a feedback pressure or an electrical signal from a sensor. The system may have multiple Helmholtz resonators.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a fuel cell configured to generate electricity and rejected heat, a hydronic coil, and a circulatory loop configured to selectively circulate a fluid between the fuel cell and the hydronic coil.