Abstract: An integrated unitary internet protocol (IP) control system with a rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP), multi-port high speed switch, supervisor, web display and/or an expansion plant input/output (IO) capabilities. The system may have communication modules associated with encrypted file subsystems integrated with an IO network. A resulting secure IP based communication network may be connected between a software framework and the hardware IO network.

Abstract: A system for optimizing usage of energy converting stages. It may have a stage driver, and stage driver adds as needed. The system may control the on-times of the stages according to a pattern that optimizes energy usage, processing and memory. The pattern may control the stages according to lead lag, rotating or runtime. The pattern may incorporate modulating. The system may be scalable and have a small memory footprint. The system may be implemented with function blocks of a function block engine. Network variables may be incorporated for input and output connections of the system.

Abstract: A system having a graphical compiler connected to a function block engine. The graphical compiler may convert graphical information to non-graphical information. A resources allocation module may be connected to the function block engine and the compiler. Also, a function block execution list may be connected to the compiler and the function block engine. A user interface may be connected to the compiler.

Abstract: A thermostat providing modulated or analog control of valves or dampers of an air management system. This permits operating a single cooling or heating stage with partially open valves or dampers as needed, since one full stage that is either fully on or off may not be easy to manage for effective air management of a particular type of building, zone or facility. The thermostat may also provide non-modulated control of multi-stage cooling and heating systems. The thermostat may even be used to control a modulated system having more than one stage of cooling or heating.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling multi-stage boiler systems. In one illustrative embodiment, the number of stages to be used is determined in a staging control sequence in response to a heating load, and in some cases, the individual stages are modulated to meet a heating load. In some embodiments, the staging control sequence may include observation of both heating load and the rate of change of the heating load. In another illustrative embodiment, the staging control observes compares a measured temperature to a setpoint and monitors changes in the measured temperature to make staging decisions. Various control methods are also provided to help achieve improved stability and efficiency, as desired.

Abstract: Methods and Systems for controlling boiler systems are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a derivative action control is used reduce the likelihood of overshoot from a newly activated boiler. When a newly activated boiler becomes active, the boiler is held at a low firing rate for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time may be cut short or even entirely eliminated under certain conditions. The methods and devices are further adapted for use in multi-stage boiler systems. In one embodiment, only the first stage of a multi-stage boiler system that becomes active is held at the low firing rate.

Abstract: A thermostat providing modulated or analog control of valves or dampers of an air management system. This permits operating a single cooling or heating stage with partially open valves or dampers as needed, since one full stage that is either fully on or off may not be easy to manage for effective air management of a particular type of building, zone or facility. The thermostat may also provide non-modulated control of multi-stage cooling and heating systems. The thermostat may even be used to control a modulated system having more than one stage of cooling or heating.