Abstract: A controller controls operation of a HVAC&R device to reduce an interior humidity level for a structure to provide comfort for occupants of the structure. The controller includes a first sensor for sensing a temperature inside a structure and a second sensor for sensing a humidity level inside the structure. A controller is responsive to the first and second sensors for the HVAC&R device operating in a cooling mode to reduce the humidity level inside the structure. The controller calculates a temperature correction to a predetermined temperature setting for the HVAC&R device, the temperature correction calculation being obtained by subtracting the sensed humidity level from a predetermined humidity level and dividing the result by a predetermined factor. The controller initiates operation of the HVAC&R device when the sum of the sensed temperature and the temperature correction is greater than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A controller controls operation of a HVAC&R device, bringing the temperature inside a structure from a first temperature to a second temperature at a predetermined time each day. Sensors sense the temperature both inside and outside the structure. A recovery time is calculated based upon a previously calculated air treatment rate of temperature recovery for the HVAC&R device to drive the temperature of the structure through a temperature change, the recovery time calculation being obtained by multiplying the difference between the sensed temperature inside the structure and the second temperature by the previously calculated air treatment rate. A correction factor is calculated based upon a relationship between the sensed outside temperature and a previously sensed outside temperature, the correction factor being added to obtain a corrected recovery time. The HVAC&R device is initiated at a time defined by the predetermined time subtracted from the corrected recovery time.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for gathering and packetizing data from networked building automation equipment, and for transmitting data packets as instant messages to remotely located users. An instant messaging (IM) server-based system is provided to facilitate communication between networked building equipment and a remotely located service contractor. When a registered router is operated, the router establishes a continuous pass-through communication link with the IM server and with building equipment connected to the router. The router automatically polls connected building equipment for alarms, faults and system failures, and also receives, processes, and responds to user requests for specific data from particular items of building equipment. Data gathered by the router is packetized, and the packets are then encapsulated into an instant message that is transmitted to the IM server.

Abstract: A humidity control method is provided for a multi-stage cooling system having two or more refrigerant circuits. A hot gas re-heat circuit having a hot gas re-heat coil, an evaporator and a compressor, such as the evaporator and compressor utilized in one of the refrigerant circuits, is provided. The hot gas re-heat coil is placed in fluid communication with the output airflow from the evaporator of the re-heat circuit. Humidity control is performed during cooling operations and ventilation operations. During a first stage cooling operation using only one refrigerant circuit and having a low cooling demand, the request for humidity control activates the hot gas re-heat circuit for dehumidification and activates a second refrigerant circuit to provide cooling capacity. During a second stage cooling operation using multiple refrigerant circuits and having a high cooling demand, the request for humidity control is suspended until completion of the second stage cooling demand.