SWITCHING APPARATUS FOR HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEMS

Some present aspects provide a switching device for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises. The switching device includes a transceiver configured to receive a command from a remote control panel; one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system; and one or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the remote control panel.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/451,866, entitled “SWITCHING APPARATUS FOR HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEMS” and filed on Mar. 13, 2023, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in the entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In an aspect, a switching device for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises is provided. The switching device includes a transceiver configured to receive a command from a remote control panel. The switching device further includes one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system. The switching device further includes one or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the remote control panel.

In another aspect, a method for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises is provided. The method includes receiving, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel. The method further includes controlling, by one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.

In a further aspect, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media stores instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, individually or in combination, cause the one or more processors to control a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, individually or in combination cause the one or more processors to receive, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, individually or in combination, further cause the one or more processors to control, by the one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.

In another aspect, a system comprises a central control panel and a plurality of switching devices configured to control a plurality of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Each switching device is configured to control a respective HVAC system. Each switching device comprises a transceiver configured to receive a command from the central control panel. Each switching device further comprises one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the respective HVAC system. Each switching device further comprises one or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the central control panel.

In a further aspect, an apparatus for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises is provided. The apparatus comprises one or more memories storing instructions; and one or more processors communicatively coupled with the one or more memories. The one or more processors, individually or in combination, are configured to execute the instructions to receive, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel. The one or more processors, individually or in combination, are further configured to execute the instructions to control, by the one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example system including a thermostat for controlling an HVAC system, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example system including a switching box and a control panel for controlling an HVAC system, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram providing further details of the example switching box of FIG. 3, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example system including a central control panel for controlling multiple HVAC systems using multiple switching boxes, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example computing device which may implement a component in the example systems of FIGS. 1-5, according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example method of controlling an HVAC system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a switching box that implements a simple and low cost solution for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises by taking advantage of user interface (UI), communication components, and/or other functionalities of another control panel of another system at the premises (e.g., a security panel, a fire panel, a home automation control panel, etc.). In some aspects, for example, the switching functionality of the switching box, in combination with UI, communication, and/or other functionalities of the other control panel of the other system, provides the functionality of a thermostat for the HVAC system. In these aspects, the other control panel and the switching box are connected, e.g., via a wired or wireless communication link, to perform at least the traditional thermostat functionality. The switching box may be a simple and low cost relay box configured to switch various components of the HVAC system, such as furnace, boiler, compressor, air-handler, evaporator, etc., while the UI features and/or other resources of the other control panel (e.g., display, buttons, memory, computing and algorithm power, communication, etc.) fulfill the same/similar functionalities provided by a conventional thermostat of the HVAC system.

Accordingly, the present aspects split the functionality of a conventional thermostat into two parts by placing the switching functionality of the thermostat in a switching box that includes one or more switching relays, and placing UI and other features of the thermostat in another existing/available control panel of another system.

In some aspects, the other control panel may include a communication component for communication on the Internet. In some aspects, the other control panel may include a wireless communication component for communication according to a wireless technology, for example, Bluetooth, etc. In some aspects, the other control panel may include/execute a mobile application (app). In some aspects, the other control panel may be provided by a user device, such as a mobile device, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart speaker, a home assistant, a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a smart watch, an entertainment device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.

Turning now to the figures, example aspects are depicted with reference to one or more components described herein, where components in dashed lines may be optional.

Referring to FIG. 1, an HVAC system 100 for a premises 10 (e.g., a home, building, etc.) is disclosed. The HVAC system 100 may include an HVAC unit 110 configured to control an ambient condition of one or more rooms of the premises 10 based on information from one or more sensors 150. In an example, an ambient condition may be a temperature and/or a humidity level.

In some aspects, the sensors 150 may include one or more Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) sensors to enable the HVAC system 100 to manage a wide range of gases, such as but not limited to, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), etc. For example, the HVAC system 100 may communicate with an IAQ sensor configured to detect CO2. If the sensor indicates that the level of CO2 is above an acceptable threshold level, the HVAC system 100 may increase ventilation to lower the level of CO2.

In some aspects, the sensors 150 may include, for example, a temperature/humidity sensor which may be embedded in other type of devices that can send temperature/humidity information to the HVAC system 100. For example, in some non-limiting aspects, a temperature sensor in a mobile phone may send information (e.g., via Bluetooth communication) to a control panel of the HVAC system 100, thus performing the functionality of a sensor 150.

As shown in FIG. 1, the HVAC unit 110 may be external to the premises 10. In an aspect, one or more components (e.g., air conditioning (A/C) unit 112, furnace 114, blower 116, heat pump (not shown), communications component 130, or controller 140) may be located in different locations including inside the premises 10. The premises 10 may be a home, office, or any other structure, and the HVAC system 100 may be configured for controlling one or more ambient conditions of the structure.

In an aspect, the HVAC system 100 may include supply ducts 120 and return ducts 124 installed within the premises 10 and coupled with the HVAC unit 110. The supply ducts 120 may supply air to the premises 10, and the return ducts 124 may return air from the premises 10. The supply ducts 120 may receive supply air through one or more of intakes 128 that provide outside air to the HVAC system 100 and/or may recycle return air from the return ducts 124. The supply ducts 120 may output the supply air at one or more of the rooms of the premises 10 via one or more supply vents 122. The return ducts 124 may receive return air from the premises 10 to balance air within the premises 10. The return air may be input into the return ducts 124 via one or more return vents 126.

The HVAC unit 110 may include one or more of an A/C unit 112, a furnace 114, a blower 116, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, a heat pump, or any other components for adjusting an ambient condition of a room of the premises 10. The A/C unit 112 may be configured to cool the supply air by passing the supply air through or around one or more cooled pipes (e.g., chiller pipes) to lower a temperature of the supply air. The furnace 114 may be configured to warm the supply air by passing the supply air through or around one or more warmed pipes (e.g., heating coils) to raise a temperature of the supply air. The blower 116 may be configured to blow the supply air through the supply ducts 120 to the premises 10 and pull the return air from the premises 10. The humidifier may be configured to add moisture to the supply air.

The dehumidifier may be configured to reduce moisture in the supply air.

The HVAC unit 110 may also include a communications component 130 configured to communicate with the one or more sensors 150. In an aspect, the communications component 130 may communicate with the one or more sensors 150 via one or more communications links 132. In an example, the communications component 130 may include one or more antennas, processors, modems, radio frequency components, and/or circuitry for communicating with the sensors 150. The one or more communications links 132 may be wired and/or wireless communication links.

The HVAC system 100 may also include the one or more sensors 150 located within one or more rooms of the premises 10 and/or within or near the supply vents 122. The one or more sensors 150 may be configured to detect an ambient condition such as a temperature and/or a humidity level of the rooms where the sensors 150 are located. Each of the sensors 150 may provide sensor information 180 to the HVAC unit 110. Examples of a sensor 150 may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or any sensor configured to detect an ambient condition of one or more rooms of the premises 10.

The HVAC system 100 may also include a wall-mounted conventional thermostat 160 that allows a user to control the operation of the HVAC system 100, e.g., by communicating with the controller 140 of the HVAC unit 110. In an aspect, for example, the user may use the conventional thermostat 160 to adjust/select one or more user priorities/preferences that cause the controller 140 to control one or more of the AC unit 112, the furnace 114, the blower 116, the humidifier, the dehumidifier, the heat pump, or any other components for adjusting an ambient condition of a room of the premises 10. Accordingly, the HVAC system 100 may operate according to instructions/settings received from the conventional thermostat 160.

In an aspect, for example, the conventional thermostat 160 may be configured to display, adjust, and store setpoint information indicating desired user settings for one or more rooms of the premises 10. In an example, the setpoint information may include heating/cooling settings indicating one or more desired temperatures (e.g., minimum and/or maximum room temperatures) for one or more rooms of the premises 10 and/or humidity settings indicating a desired humidity level for one or more rooms of the premises 10 and/or an IAQ setting indicating one or more desired air quality levels (e.g., a maximum CO2 level) for one or more rooms of the premises 10. The conventional thermostat 160 may provide the setpoint information to the HVAC unit 110.

The HVAC unit 110 may also include a controller 140 configured to control the A/C unit 112, the furnace 114, the blower 116, the humidifier, and the dehumidifier, based on the sensor information 180 received from the sensors 150 and the setpoint information received from the conventional thermostat 160. The controller 140 may communicate with the communications component 130, the A/C unit 112, the furnace 114, the blower 116, the humidifier, and/or the dehumidifier via a communications bus 134. The controller 140 may include logic to determine when to initiate the blower 116 along with one of the A/C unit 112 or the furnace 114, and/or when to initiate a humidifier or a dehumidifier, based on the sensor information 180 and the setpoint information. The controller 140 may also include logic to determine a time and/or a speed to run the blower 116 along with a time or power level to run one of the A/C unit 112 or the furnace 114 based on the sensor information 180 and the setpoint information.

Referring to FIG. 2, in some aspects, a conventional thermostat 50 may be used to control the operation of an HVAC system 80 based on sensing the environment temperature in order to maintain the environment temperature at or around a desired range/setpoint. The conventional thermostat 50 may include temperature/humidity sensing/measurement components/sensors 58, a user interface (UI) 52, including, for example, a display 40, one or more buttons 42 for user input, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 44, etc. The conventional thermostat 50 may further include one or more processors 59 (e.g., one or more microcontrollers) and one or more memories 57 configured, individually or in combination, to implement control logic, a power supply 54, and one or more relays 56 connected to output wiring to the HVAC system devices (to a HVAC controller 46 to control heat 48, cool 41, fan 43, pump 45, etc.). The one or more processors 59, individually or in combination, have the logic algorithm software to control/manage the relays 56 that turn the HVAC system devices ON and OFF. In some cases, e.g., in residential or small office environments, the conventional thermostat 50 connects to the HVAC system 80 which may be located in the basement or outside the premises. The conventional thermostat 50 may be configured, for example, on a wall near a living room or corridor or in another place of the premises.

As used herein, a processor, at least one processor, and/or one or more processors, individually or in combination, configured to perform or operable for performing a plurality of actions is meant to include at least two different processors able to perform different, overlapping or non-overlapping subsets of the plurality actions, or a single processor able to perform all of the plurality of actions. In one non-limiting example of multiple processors being able to perform different ones of the plurality of actions in combination, a description of a processor, at least one processor, and/or one or more processors configured or operable to perform actions X, Y, and Z may include at least a first processor configured or operable to perform a first subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., to perform X) and at least a second processor configured or operable to perform a second subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., to perform Y and Z). Alternatively, a first processor, a second processor, and a third processor may be respectively configured or operable to perform a respective one of actions X, Y, and Z. It should be understood that any combination of one or more processors each may be configured or operable to perform any one or any combination of a plurality of actions.

As used herein, a memory, at least one memory, and/or one or more memories, individually or in combination, configured to store or having stored thereon instructions executable by one or more processors for performing a plurality of actions is meant to include at least two different memories able to store different, overlapping or non-overlapping subsets of the instructions for performing different, overlapping or non-overlapping subsets of the plurality actions, or a single memory able to store the instructions for performing all of the plurality of actions. In one non-limiting example of one or more memories, individually or in combination, being able to store different subsets of the instructions for performing different ones of the plurality of actions, a description of a memory, at least one memory, and/or one or more memories configured or operable to store or having stored thereon instructions for performing actions X, Y, and Z may include at least a first memory configured or operable to store or having stored thereon a first subset of instructions for performing a first subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., instructions to perform X) and at least a second memory configured or operable to store or having stored thereon a second subset of instructions for performing a second subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., instructions to perform Y and Z). Alternatively, a first memory, and second memory, and a third memory may be respectively configured to store or have stored thereon a respective one of a first subset of instructions for performing X, a second subset of instruction for performing Y, and a third subset of instructions for performing Z. It should be understood that any combination of one or more memories each may be configured or operable to store or have stored thereon any one or any combination of instructions executable by one or more processors to perform any one or any combination of a plurality of actions. Moreover, one or more processors may each be coupled to at least one of the one or more memories and configured or operable to execute the instructions to perform the plurality of actions. For instance, in the above non-limiting example of the different subset of instructions for performing actions X, Y, and Z, a first processor may be coupled to a first memory storing instructions for performing action X, and at least a second processor may be coupled to at least a second memory storing instructions for performing actions Y and Z, and the first processor and the second processor may, In combination, execute the respective subset of instructions to accomplish performing actions X, Y, and Z. Alternatively, three processors may access one of three different memories each storing one of instructions for performing X, Y, or Z, and the three processor may in combination execute the respective subset of instruction to accomplish performing actions X, Y, and Z. Alternatively, a single processor may execute the instructions stored on a single memory, or distributed across multiple memories, to accomplish performing actions X, Y, and Z.

The UI 52 enables system configuration through the display 40, the buttons 42, the LEDs 44, etc. in the UI 52. The conventional thermostat 50 may include one or more temperature/humidity sensors 58 to enable HVAC control. The one or more memories 57 are included for storage of HVAC system data history, and/or for other functionality such as, for example, system logic, memory space to perform OTA updates, etc. A mains supply 54 may be connected to a supply power for providing power to the components of the conventional thermostat 50.

Some present aspects split the features of a conventional thermostat into multiple parts, including: (A) UI and logic (which may be implemented in an existing control panel such as a security control panel or a home automation control panel, on a computer, cell phone, router, etc.); and (B) one or more relays (which may be implemented in a switching box) to operate the HVAC system components. Since the UI and logic are not part of the switching box, a mains supply is no longer required for powering the switching box. In some aspects, for example, a mains supply may no longer be required in the switching box due to another form of power to the switching box. In some optional non-limiting implementations, a mains supply may still be provided as an alternative source of power for the switching box, though not a preferable source of power. In some optional non-limiting implementations, a part of the UI may still remain on the switching box and may include, for example, one or more of: a master power switch, an emergency button, a reset button, one or more manual control switches, etc.

Referring to FIG. 3, in one non-limiting aspect, for example, a conventional thermostat may be replaced with a switching box 60 and a control panel 20. In some non-limiting example aspects, the control panel 20 may already be available in the premises where the HVAC system 80 is located. For example, the control panel 20 may be an existing security panel, an existing automation panel, an existing computer, etc., at the premises where the HVAC system 80 is located. Alternatively, in some other non-limiting aspects, for example, in order to replace a conventional thermostat at the premises where the HVAC system 80 is located, a user may install/configure a new control panel 20 and a switching box 60.

The control panel 20 includes a UI 22, as well as one or more memories 29 and one or more processors 28 to, individually or in combination, implement HVAC control logic. The control panel 20 may also include HVAC operational parameters (e.g., default setup parameters), maintenance information, logs of accumulated operational data from different HVAC parts/components (e.g., logs of a fan speed over time, etc.), and/or other data.

The control panel 20 communicates with the switching box 60 via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the control panel 20 may include a wireless communication module 26 and may communicate with the switching box 60 via the wireless communication module 26. The UI 22 of the control panel 20 may enable configuration (and set up) of HVAC parameters, and the configuration is transferred (e.g., wirelessly) to the switching box 60.

In some aspects, temperature (and/or humidity) measurement may be separately implemented by temperature sensing devices (e.g., 94) located throughout a premises.

In some aspects, the control panel 20, the switching box 60, and the temperature sensors may communicate with each other wirelessly. Alternatively or additionally, temperature (and/or humidity) measurement may be implemented in the switching box 60 and/or in the control panel 20, and/or on HVAC system 80 devices.

In some aspects, the control panel 20 may include a cloud interface 24 and may be connected to the Internet and/or to a wireless device (e.g., a cellular phone), and the UI 22 may be implemented by use of a computer or a phone app. The cloud interface 24 may enable remote user configuration and software updates (e.g., over-the-air (OTA) updates).

Optionally, the control panel 20 may include or may communicate with one or more wireless security sensors 92, one or more wireless temperature/humidity/IAQ sensors 94, and/or other wireless devices 96 (e.g., wireless HVAC devices such as dampers, etc.). In some aspects, for example, HVAC control may be based on temperature and/or humidity data received from wireless security sensors 92, wireless temperature/humidity/IAQ sensors 94, and/or other wireless HVAC or other wireless devices 96 such as humidifiers, IAQ sensors, smoke detectors, blowers, etc. In some alternative or additional aspects, the control panel 20 may use temperature and/or humidity data sent from the switching box 60 using on-board sensors in the switching box 60 (e.g., temperature/humidity sensors 76 in FIG. 4 described below). Alternatively or additionally, the temperature and/or humidity data may be received from wired devices.

In some aspects, HVAC control algorithm software may be run by the one or more processors 28 (e.g., one or more CPUs) of the control panel 20 instead of the switching box 60.

In some aspects, the one or more memories 29 enable storage/logging of HVAC system activation history including, for example, temperature and/or humidity data.

In some aspects, the switching box 60 activates one or more relays (e.g., relays 66 in FIG. 4 described below) according to commands received from the control panel 20, and HVAC wires 78 connect the relays 66 of the switching box 60 to a controller 82 of the HVAC system 80. The controller 82 of the HVAC system 80 includes high-power actuators that activate HVAC loads according to the signaling/commands received from the switching box 60.

Referring to FIG. 4, in one non-limiting aspect, for example, the switching box 60 may include a wireless communication module 62 to communicate with the control panel 20. In one non-limiting example aspect, the wireless communication module 62 may include, for example, a wireless PowerG Plus radio.

The switching box 60 may further include one or more processors 64 (one or more microcontrollers) that wirelessly receive commands via the wireless communication module 62, and operate the relays 66 in the switching box 60, and optionally receive temperature/humidity data from one or more optional temperature/humidity sensors 76 in the switching box 60.

The relays 66 switch the HVAC system assemblies (such as furnace, heater, compressor, etc.) ON and OFF. The relays 66 may be latch type relays which draw relatively low current as compared to other types of relays. The relays 66 are connected to HVAC wires 78 which are connected to HVAC system controller 82 for switching the HVAC loads.

In some aspects, the switching box 60 may be battery-operated and may include a battery 67 that powers the switching box 60 without requiring a C-wire from the HVAC system 80. In one non-limiting aspect, for example, the battery 67 may be a CR123A 3 Volts lithium battery that enables a battery life of, e.g., 3 years, before requiring replacement.

Optionally, the switching box 60 may include a C-wire connection 70 that can provide power to the switching box 60 from the HVAC system 80. The C-wire 70 is the common wire which allows the switching box 60 to be powered from the HVAC system 80.

Optionally, the switching box 60 may include a mains supply 68.

In some aspects, the switching box 60 may be compatible with conventional HVAC systems (e.g., gas, oil, or electric furnace, and A/C system) and heat pump systems. For example, the switching box 60 may be compatible with single stage conventional systems (1 stage heat and 1 stage cool), two stage heating conventional systems (2 stage heat and 1 stage cool), single stage heat pump systems (1 stage heat and 1 stage cool), single stage heat pump systems with auxiliary heating (2 stage heat and 1 stage cool), and/or other HVAC systems such as dual-fuel heat pumps, boiler systems, and/or systems with more than 2 stages of heat.

In some aspects, the switching box 60 may allow for maintenance/software updates, for example, over-the-air (OTA) updates.

In some optional aspects, the switching box 60 may include a tamper protection device to prevent unauthorized handling/interference with proper functionality of the switching box 60, and/or to signal to the control panel 20 that the switching box 60 has been opened (e.g., for checking, maintenance, repair, etc.).

In some optional aspects, the switching box 60 may include an LED display 74, or another form of display, to monitor or provide feedback regarding the status of the switching box 60 (e.g., power ON/OFF, operative/malfunction/trouble, etc.).

Although the control panel 20 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is in communication with one switching box 60 that controls one HVAC system 80, the present aspects are not so limited, and the control panel 20 may communicate with multiple switching boxes, where each switching box is configured to control a respective HVAC system.

For example, referring to FIG. 5, in some alternative or additional aspects, a central control panel 20 may communicate with multiple switching boxes 60-1, 60-2, . . . , 60-n to control multiple HVAC systems 80-1, 80-2, . . . , 80-n. Specifically, for example, the central control panel 20 may communicate with the switching box 60-1 to control the HVAC system 80-1 which is connected to the switching box 60-1. Similarly, the central control panel 20 may communicate with the switching box 60-2 to control the HVAC system 80-2 which is connected to the switching box 60-2, and so on. Accordingly, the present aspects enable better HVAC and temperature control at lower cost with one centralized location for control. In some aspects, for example, the present aspects implement a dispersed system that provides thermostat logic and control in the central control panel 20, and switching functionality and temperature/humidity/IAQ detection in one or more of the switching boxes 60-1, 60-2, . . . , 60-n.

Referring to FIG. 6, a computing device 500 may implement all or a portion of the functionality described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 above or with reference to FIG. 7 below (e.g., via execution of a HVAC system control component 512 including a receiving component 514 and a controlling component 516 as described below with reference to FIG. 7). For example, the computing device 500 may be or may include or may implement at least a portion of the HVAC system 100, the HVAC unit 110, the thermostat 160, the thermostat 50, the HVAC system 80, 80-1, 80-2, . . . , 80-n, the control panel 20, the switching box 60, 60-1, 60-2, . . . , 60-n, or any other component described herein with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 above or with reference to FIG. 7 below. The computing device 500 includes one or more processors 502 which, individually or in combination, may be configured to execute or implement software, hardware, and/or firmware modules that perform some or all of the functionality described herein with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 above or with reference to FIG. 7 below. For example, the one or more processors 502, individually or in combination, may be configured to execute or implement software, hardware, and/or firmware modules that perform some or all of the functionality described herein with reference to the HVAC system 100, the HVAC unit 110, the thermostat 160, the thermostat 50, the HVAC system 80, 80-1, 80-2, . . . , 80-n, the control panel 20, the switching box 60, 60-1, 60-2, . . . , 60-n, or any other component/system/device described herein with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 above or with reference to FIG. 7 below

The one or more processors 502 may include a micro-controller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or may include a single or multiple set of processors or multi-core processors. Moreover, the one or more processors 502 may be implemented as an integrated processing system and/or a distributed processing system. The computing device 500 may further include one or more memories 504, such as for storing local versions of applications being executed by the one or more processors 502, related instructions, parameters, etc. The one or more memories 504 may include a type of memory usable by a computer, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), tapes, magnetic discs, optical discs, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. Additionally, the one or more processors 502 and the one or more memories 504 may include and execute an operating system executing on the one or more processors 502, one or more applications, display drivers, etc., and/or other components of the computing device 500. Further, the computing device 500 may include a communications component 506 that provides for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more other devices, parties, entities, etc. utilizing hardware, software, and services. The communications component 506 may carry communications between components on the computing device 500, as well as between the computing device 500 and external devices, such as devices located across a communications network and/or devices serially or locally connected to the computing device 500. In an aspect, for example, the communications component 506 may include one or more buses, and may further include a transceiver. For example, the communications component 506 may include transmit chain components and receive chain components associated with a wireless or wired transmitter and receiver, respectively, operable for interfacing with external devices. Additionally, the computing device 500 may include a data store 508, which can be any suitable combination of hardware and/or software, that provides for mass storage of information, databases, and programs. For example, the data store 508 may be or may include a data repository for applications and/or related parameters not currently being executed by one or more processors 502. In addition, the data store 508 may be a data repository for an operating system, application, display driver, etc., executing on the one or more processors 502, and/or one or more other components of the computing device 500.

The computing device 500 may also include a user interface component 510 operable to receive inputs from a user of the computing device 500 and further operable to generate outputs for presentation to the user (e.g., via a display interface to a display device). The user interface component 510 may include one or more input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a number pad, a mouse, a touch-sensitive display, a navigation key, a function key, a microphone, a voice recognition component, or any other mechanism capable of receiving an input from a user, or any combination thereof. Further, the user interface component 510 may include one or more output devices, including but not limited to a display interface, a speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, a printer, any other mechanism capable of presenting an output to a user, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method 600 of operation of the computing device 500 for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises. The method 600 may implement the functionality described herein with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 above, and may be performed by one or more components of the computing device 500 or the switching box 60, 60-1, 60-2, . . . , 60-n as described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-6 above. In some aspects, for example, the method 600 may be performed by one or more components of the switching box 60, 60-1, 60-2, . . . , 60-n, the processors 64, the computing device 500, the processors 502, the memories 504, the HVAC system control component 512, the receiving component 514, and/or the controlling component 516.

At 602 the method 600 includes receiving, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel. For example, in an aspect the switching box 60, 60-1, 60-2, . . . , 60-n, the processors 64, the computing device 500, the processors 502, the memories 504, the HVAC system control component 512, and/or the receiving component 514 may be configured to or may comprise means for receiving, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel.

For example, in an aspect, the switching box 60 may receive, by a transceiver (including a transmit chain and a receive chain) in the wireless communication module 62, a command from the control panel 20.

At 604 the method 600 includes controlling, by one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system. For example, in an aspect the switching box 60, 60-1, 60-2, . . . , 60-n, the processors 64, the computing device 500, the processors 502, the memories 504, the HVAC system control component 512, and/or the controlling component 516 may be configured to or may comprise means for controlling, by one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.

For example, in an aspect, the switching box 60 may control, by the processors 64, an operation of one or more of the relays 66 in response to the command received from the control panel 20, where the relays 66 each have an output for coupling with the HVAC system 80.

In some implementations, receiving the command may comprise receiving using a wired or wireless interface (e.g., by a transceiver in the wireless communication module 62 of the switching box 60).

In some implementations, the switching device 60 may be powered by power drawn from the HVAC system (e.g., power drawn by HVAC wires 78 from the HVAC system 80 which is itself powered by AC mains supply).

In some implementations, the switching device 60 may further comprise a battery 67 configured to be charged using power drawn from the HVAC system 80.

In some implementations, the switching device 60 may further comprise a primary battery 67 that is unrechargeable (e.g., a replaceable battery).

In some implementations, controlling the operation of the one or more switching relays 66 may further be based on the data received from one or more sensors (e.g., temperature/humidity sensors 76 in the switching box 60 and/or other sensors in the control panel 20, in the HVAC system 80, and/or in or around a premises).

In some implementations, the one or more sensors may comprise a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor or an indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor.

In some implementations, each of the one or more switching relays 66 may comprise a latching (latch type) relay including a coil and an actuation component and having the output coupled with at least one component of the HVAC system 80 (e.g., coupled with a furnace, boiler, compressor, air-handler, evaporator, etc.).

In some implementations, the operation of the one or more switching relays 66 may control a respective operation of at least one of a heating mode or a cooling mode of the HVAC system 80.

Some further aspects include the below clauses.

    • 1. A switching device for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises, the switching device comprising:
    • a transceiver configured to receive a command from a remote control panel;
    • one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system; and
    • one or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the remote control panel.
    • 2. The switching device of clause 1, wherein the transceiver is configured to receive the command using a wired or wireless interface.
    • 3. The switching device of clause 1 or 2, wherein the switching device is powered by power drawn from the HVAC system.
    • 4. The switching device of any one of the above clauses, further comprising a battery configured to be charged using power drawn from the HVAC system.
    • 5. The switching device of any one of the above clauses, further comprising a primary battery that is unrechargeable.
    • 6. The switching device of any one of the above clauses, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the operation of the one or more switching relays based on data received from one or more sensors.
    • 7. The switching device of clause 6, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor or an indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor.
    • 8. The switching device of any one of the above clauses, wherein each of the one or more switching relays comprises a latching relay including a coil and an actuation component and having the output coupled with at least one component of the HVAC system.
    • 9. The switching device of any one of the above clauses, wherein the operation of the one or more switching relays controls a respective operation of at least one of a heating mode or a cooling mode of the HVAC system.
    • 10. A method for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises, the method comprising:
    • receiving, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel; and
    • controlling, by one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.
    • 11. The method of clause 10, wherein receiving the command comprises receiving using a wired or wireless interface.
    • 12. The method of clause 10 or 11, wherein the switching device is powered by power drawn from the HVAC system.
    • 13. The method of any one clauses 10 to 12, wherein the switching device further comprises a battery configured to be charged using power drawn from the HVAC system.
    • 14. The method of any one of clauses 10 to 13, further comprising a primary battery that is unrechargeable.
    • 15. The method of any one of clauses 10 to 14, wherein controlling the operation of the one or more switching relays is further based on data received from one or more sensors.
    • 16. The method of clause 15, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor or an indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor.
    • 17. The method of any one of clauses 10 to 16, wherein each of the one or more switching relays comprises a latching relay including a coil and an actuation component and having the output coupled with at least one component of the HVAC system.
    • 18. The method of any one of clauses 10 to 17, wherein the operation of the one or more switching relays controls a respective operation of at least one of a heating mode or a cooling mode of the HVAC system.
    • 19. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, individually or in combination, cause the one or more processors to control a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises, including:
    • receiving, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel; and
    • controlling, by the one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.
    • 19-1. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of clause 19, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, individually or in combination, further cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any one of clauses 1 to 18.
    • 20. A system comprising:
    • a central control panel; and
    • a plurality of switching devices configured to control a plurality of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, wherein each switching device is configured to control a respective HVAC system, wherein each switching device comprises:
    • a transceiver configured to receive a command from the central control panel;
    • one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the respective HVAC system; and
    • one or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the central control panel.
    • 20-1. The system of clause 20, wherein each switching box is further configured to perform the method of any one of clauses 1 to 18.
    • 21. An apparatus for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises, the apparatus comprising:
    • one or more memories storing instructions; and
    • one or more processors communicatively coupled with the one or more memories and, individually or in combination, configured to execute the instructions to:
    • receive, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel; and
    • control, by the one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.
    • 21-1. The apparatus of clause 21, wherein the one or more processors, individually or in combination, are further configured to execute the instructions to perform the method of any one of clauses 1 to 18.
    • 22. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any one of clauses 1 to 18.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words “module,” “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” and the like may not be a substitute for the word “means.” As such, no claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

Claims

1. A switching device for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises, the switching device comprising:

a transceiver configured to receive a command from a remote control panel;
one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system; and
one or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the remote control panel.

2. The switching device of claim 1, wherein the transceiver is configured to receive the command using a wired or wireless interface.

3. The switching device of claim 1, wherein the switching device is powered by power drawn from the HVAC system.

4. The switching device of claim 1, further comprising a battery configured to be charged using power drawn from the HVAC system.

5. The switching device of claim 1, further comprising a primary battery that is unrechargeable.

6. The switching device of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, individually or in combination, are further configured to control the operation of the one or more switching relays based on data received from one or more sensors.

7. The switching device of claim 6, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor or an indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor.

8. The switching device of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more switching relays comprises a latching relay including a coil and an actuation component and having the output coupled with at least one component of the HVAC system.

9. The switching device of claim 1, wherein the operation of the one or more switching relays controls a respective operation of at least one of a heating mode or a cooling mode of the HVAC system.

10. A method for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises, the method comprising:

receiving, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel; and
controlling, by one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein receiving the command comprises receiving using a wired or wireless interface.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the switching device is powered by power drawn from the HVAC system.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the switching device further comprises a battery configured to be charged using power drawn from the HVAC system.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising a primary battery that is unrechargeable.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein controlling the operation of the one or more switching relays is further based on data received from one or more sensors.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor or an indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more switching relays comprises a latching relay including a coil and an actuation component and having the output coupled with at least one component of the HVAC system.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the operation of the one or more switching relays controls a respective operation of at least one of a heating mode or a cooling mode of the HVAC system.

19. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, individually or in combination, cause the one or more processors to control a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises, including:

receiving, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel; and
controlling, by the one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.

20. A system comprising:

a central control panel; and
a plurality of switching devices configured to control a plurality of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, wherein each switching device is configured to control a respective HVAC system, wherein each switching device comprises: a transceiver configured to receive a command from the central control panel; one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the respective HVAC system; and one or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the central control panel.

21. An apparatus for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises, the apparatus comprising:

one or more memories storing instructions; and
one or more processors communicatively coupled with the one or more memories and, individually or in combination, configured to execute the instructions to: receive, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel; and control, by the one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.
Patent History
Publication number: 20240310070
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 13, 2024
Publication Date: Sep 19, 2024
Inventors: Yigal BUTBUL (Raanana), Roman ZIV (Ramat Gan), Yehuda SHVIKI (Rishon-Le-Zion), Daniel Aron RETTIG (Kfar Saba), Michael LAHAT (Kiryat Ono)
Application Number: 18/604,074
Classifications
International Classification: F24F 11/67 (20060101); F24F 11/56 (20060101); F24F 110/10 (20060101);