Abstract: A heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a headless thermostat device and an adapter unit. The headless thermostat device includes one or more circuits configured to receive a control input from a user device via a local wireless network and generate a control signal for HVAC equipment based on the control input. The adapter unit includes one or more circuit configured to receive the control signal from the headless thermostat device via the local wireless network and provide the control signal to the HVAC equipment for operation of the HVAC equipment in accordance with the control input.

Abstract: A method for determining an energy score for a guest room of a hotel having a plurality of guest rooms includes identifying two or more energy saving conditions associated with the guest room under which there is an opportunity to save energy when controlling the guest room without sacrificing guest comfort. The guest room is controlled in a designated energy savings mode when one or more of the energy savings room conditions are detected, and controlling the guest room in a guest comfort mode when none of the energy savings room conditions are detected. An energy score for the guest room is determined based at least in part on a measure of reliability of detecting the two or more energy savings conditions of the guest room, and thus the ability to take advantage of the opportunities to save energy when controlling the guest room.

Abstract: Devices for retrofitting existing, manual airflow registers are described that convert a manual register with blades into a motorized damper. The devices include a support structure attached to the register and having a motor that moves a linking apparatus. The linking apparatus is coupled with a lever of the register that itself is coupled with the blades such that movement of the lever rotates the blades and therefore control the amount of airflow through the register. By moving the linking apparatus via a motor, the lever can also be moved allowing the manual airflow register to be automatically controlled with the need to replace the existing register.

Abstract: A thermostat for includes a processing circuit configured to operate the building equipment to control an environmental condition within a building including a first zone and second zones and receive a first time-series data set for a parameter of a first piece of the building equipment associated with the first zone. The processing circuit is configured to receive second time-series data sets for the parameter of second pieces of building equipment associated with the second zones. The processing circuit is configured to perform a comparison including comparing the first time-series data set with the second time-series data sets and generate recommendations for improving the performance of the first piece of building equipment based on the comparison of the first time-series data set with the second time-series data sets.

Abstract: An engine control method for heating of a hybrid electric vehicle, includes collecting information for air conditioning control by a sensor during an operation of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) device in the hybrid electric vehicle in which forced engine driving for heating is performed, determining whether a condition that requires pre-engine driving as driving in a separate mode from forced engine driving is satisfied based on the collected information, upon determining that the condition that requires the pre-engine driving is required is satisfied, determining whether a condition for allowing the pre-engine driving is satisfied based on engine efficiency and hybrid system efficiency information, and upon determining that the condition for allowing the pre-engine driving is satisfied, performing the pre-engine driving for driving an engine to manage engine coolant temperature.

Abstract: A control device for a ceiling fan may have a motor drive circuit configured to control a rotational speed of a motor of the ceiling fan, an occupancy sensing circuit, and a control circuit configured to adjust the rotational speed of the motor in response to a detected occupancy or vacancy condition. The control circuit may process the signals generated by the occupancy sensing circuit to eliminate the effects of vibrations and/or wobbling of the ceiling fan. The control circuit may control the motor drive circuit to adjust the rotational speed of the motor in response to an accelerometer to minimize the magnitude of the wobble of the ceiling fan. The control circuit may be configured to learn a preferred rotational speed for the motor. The control circuit may also be configured to control the rotational speed of the motor to affect a thermal comfort level of an occupant.

Abstract: A computing device configured for determining a node status is described. The computing device includes a processor and instructions in memory. The computing device determines a representative node corresponding to a network group with multiple nodes. The computing device also sends a status retrieval directive to the representative node. The status retrieval directive includes a directive for retrieval of the node status of a target node. The computing device also receives the node status of the target node from the representative node and stores the node status on a database.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising: an indoor HVAC unit configured to operate a first HVAC zone in accordance with an HVAC control signal; at least one piece of environmental equipment configured to control at least one environmental parameter in accordance with at least one environmental control signal; and an HVAC adapter configured to receive operational parameters over a communication network at system setup, provide the at least one environmental control signal to the at least one piece of environmental equipment.

Abstract: A temperature control system for an engine of a vehicle including a fan configured to generate airflow for cooling the engine. A fan motor is configured to rotate the fan at a first speed and a second speed that is greater than the first speed. A booster is in cooperation with the fan motor and is operable to increase power to the fan motor to increase rotation of the fan from the first speed to the second speed to increase airflow to the engine.

Abstract: A system and method of home automation comprising one or more remote thermostats each having an environmental sensor array configured to sense temperature and humidity and at least one thermostat controller in electrical communication with an HVAC system. Intelligent fans are along-side or integrated with the remote thermostats. The thermostat controller receives, over the local area network, computer-readable environmental data from the remote thermostats corresponding to the temperature and said humidity in the location where the remote thermostat is installed. The thermostat controller conditionally controls the intelligent fans and HVAC system based on the environmental data received from the remote thermostats, allowing for more precise and accurate environmental control of the entire home or building. Operation of the fans permits more precise control of environmental conditions in a particular room or locations and augments the performance of the HVAC system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a programmable thermostat are described herein. One or more system embodiments include a programmable thermostat having a first management profile; a data acquisition subsystem; and a data analysis subsystem. The data acquisition subsystem is configured to receive thermostat data from the programmable thermostat, and the data analysis subsystem is configured to receive the thermostat data from the data acquisition subsystem, and determine a second management profile for the programmable thermostat based, at least in part, on the thermostat data.

Abstract: Thermostat and messaging devices (TMDs) and associated platforms for providing monitor and control functionality are disclosed. A TMD can be in communication with one or more sensors to facilitate intelligent heating and cooling as well has home automation. The TMD can facilitate communication with a plurality of different networking protocols such that it can receive communication signals from a plurality of different sensors and devices that operate using varying communication techniques. The TMD can also be configured to assist with geolocating a person who is calling for emergency services.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes refrigerant systems that each include an outdoor unit and indoor units and that air-condition a single room, and circulators for making a temperature distribution in the room uniform. The air-conditioning apparatus determines a load on each of the two refrigerant systems in operation, and, if it is determined that improvement of operating efficiency is possible on the basis of the determination result, performs a system-selective operation in which operation of one of the refrigerant systems determined to be under a low load is stopped and the other refrigerant system determined to be under a high load is selectively performed, and causes the circulators to transport blown air blown from the indoor units of the refrigerant system determined to be under a high load to an air-conditioned zone of the refrigerant system determined to be under a low load.

Abstract: A motor control device of a motor includes voltage acquisition circuitry that acquires a drive voltage of the motor; rotational speed acquisition circuitry that acquires a rotational speed of the motor; setting circuitry that sets a rotational speed instruction value of the motor; calculation circuitry that calculates a rotational speed threshold value of the motor; change circuitry that changes the rotational speed instruction value; and storage circuitry that stores reference data. The reference data includes at least three types of reference value sets each including a reference drive voltage value, a reference rotational speed instruction value, and a reference rotational speed threshold value. The calculation circuitry performs a proportional calculation, a current rotational speed instruction value, and the reference value set to calculate the rotational speed threshold value.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a validation platform computer may interpret at least one received data packet to identify a control command for a controller of an industrial asset control system. The at least data packet being might be received, for example, from a network associated with a current operation of the industrial asset control system. The control command may then be introduced into an industrial asset simulation executing in parallel with the industrial asset control system. A simulated result of the control command from the industrial asset simulation may be validated, and, upon validation of the simulated result, it may be arranged for the control command to be provided to the controller of the industrial asset control system. Additionally, in some embodiments failed validation of a simulated result will prompt a threat-alert signal as well as prevent the command (e.g., data packet) from continuing to the controller.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit connecting a compressor, a heat source-side heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a use-side heat exchanger to each other by connecting pipes, an outside air temperature sensor configured to detect an outside air temperature, and a controller configured to operate the refrigeration cycle apparatus and to switch between a normal operation mode for controlling the refrigerant circuit based on an operation load of the use-side heat exchanger and a refrigerant amount determining mode for determining whether or not an amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is appropriate. The controller is configured to switch the normal operation mode to the refrigerant amount determining mode when the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor is within a set temperature range.

Abstract: A system for controlling at least one heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning unit to increase efficiency while maintaining comfort. The system comprises at least one computer. The at least one computer is configured to receive an indication of measured occupant load. The at least one computer is further configured to send a control signal to the at least one heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning unit. The at least one computer may receive the indication of the measured occupant load by receiving from at least one sensor node at least a zone occupant quantity and a zone temperature. The at least one computer may send the control signal to the at least one heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning unit by sending a signal that controls at least one variable air volume box to set a supply air flow rate and a supply air temperature based on the measured occupant load.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an indoor device that is controlled by a remote controller and an outdoor device that is connected to the indoor device. The outdoor device is configured to include an outdoor-device state-quantity acquisition unit (a compressor-data acquisition unit and a heat-exchanger-data acquisition unit) that acquires an outdoor-device state quantity indicating a state quantity, acquired during maintenance and during a test run, of a component included in the outdoor device. The indoor device is configured to include an indoor-device state-quantity acquisition unit (a heat-exchanger-data acquisition unit) that acquires an indoor-device state quantity indicating a state quantity, acquired during maintenance and during a test run, of a component included in the indoor device, and a storage unit that stores therein the outdoor-device state quantity and the indoor-device state quantity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a programmable thermostat are described herein. One or more system embodiments include a programmable thermostat having a first management profile; a data acquisition subsystem; and a data analysis subsystem. The data acquisition subsystem is configured to receive thermostat data from the programmable thermostat, and the data analysis subsystem is configured to receive the thermostat data from the data acquisition subsystem, and determine a second management profile for the programmable thermostat based, at least in part, on the thermostat data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-channel air-conditioner (10) for the climate control of a number of rooms (44, 46, 48) and/or room zones, having an air inlet device (52) in every room (44, 46, 48) to be climate controlled, having at least one pair of supply air channels (20, 22) wherein at least one supply channel (20, 22) comprises a cooling and/or heating register (32, 34; 58, 60) having at least one temperature regulator for each room (44, 46, 48) to be climate controlled, which keeps the room (44, 46, 48) to be climate controlled at a room temperature (Troom target) which can be set, having valve units (54, 72), which connect the supply air channels (20, 22) to the air inlet device (52). The invention is characterized in that it allows switching, the cooling or heating register (32, 34; 58, 60) is only opened as needed if the temperature in at least on of the supply air channels (20,22) is insufficient for cooling or heating the room (44, 46, 48) to be climate controlled.

Abstract: An air conditioning system and a controlling method of the same are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for using multiple ClimateTalk™ compliant thermostats in a zoned HVAC system are provided. The system may include a first ClimateTalk™ thermostat in a first zone, a second ClimateTalk™ thermostat in a second zone, a third ClimateTalk or 24v AC thermostat in a third zone, and a ClimateTalk™ HVAC unit and/or 24v AC HVAC unit, for servicing the demands in the first, second and third zones. A controller in the zoned HVAC system may establish a ClimateTalk™ network between the controller and the HVAC unit, where the controller may identify itself as the sole ClimateTalk™ thermostat in this network. The controller may also establish additional ClimateTalk™ networks between the controller and each of the first, second and third thermostats, by identifying the controller as a distinct ClimateTalk™ HVAC unit in each of the respective additional networks.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the network includes a system device and a subnet controller. The system device is coupled to a data bus and configured to locally store feature or parameter data related to an operation of the system device. The subnet controller is configured to publish a message via the data bus directing the device to publish a message including the feature or parameter data to the network.

Abstract: Systems and related methods utilizing one or more mote-related content indexes.

Abstract: An operation management apparatus includes an air conditioning thermal load prediction unit configured to calculate an air conditioning thermal load predicted value indicating a predicted amount of heat required to adjust temperature to a pre-set temperature on a day-of-prediction, a power generation output prediction processing unit configured to calculate power generation output prediction data indicating a generated power obtained by a generator within the day-of-prediction, and an operation planning unit configured to prepare an air conditioning heat source operation plan, and determines a purchased power and the generated power using the power generation output prediction data to thereby prepare a power facility operation plan indicating a schedule of a power output from the purchased power source and the generator, so that the purchased power per predetermined time supplied from a purchased power source of a commercial power system becomes a target value.

Abstract: A multiple heating/cooling zone control system is disclosed. A heating/cooling system control device continuously monitors heating/cooling zone demand and matches the heating/cooling device output capacity to the total space or heat input required. Within the calculated heating/cooling device output capacity the heating/cooling device is modulated based on zone temperature setpoint to further adjust heating/cooling device output. As heat/cooling loss is increased heating/cooling device capacity and modulation are increased. Should heat/cooling loss decrease heating/cooling device capacity and modulation are decreased. Since heat/cooling output is adjusted based on the heat loss(gain) the heating/cooling device can be immediately adjusted to the proper or matching heating/cooling rate even before water/air temperature based adjustments can be made.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes an HVAC unit having a cooling mode and a heating mode for conditioning the air in an inside space, and a programmable thermostat located remotely from the HVAC unit. The HVAC unit may have an onboard controller configured to control when the HVAC unit is in the cooling mode or heating mode, and whether the HVAC unit is activated or not. In some cases, the onboard controller of the HVAC unit may use a common temperature setpoint when controlling in the cooling mode and the heating mode. The programmable thermostat may have a programmable schedule with a plurality of time periods, where each time period has a heating setpoint and a cooling setpoint separated by a dead band. The onboard controller of the HVAC unit may be configured to accept input signals from the remotely located thermostat.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus according to the present invention includes at least indoor heat exchangers. In response to a request to increase heat exchange performance from the indoor heat exchanger, the air-conditioning apparatus decreases a heat exchange capacity of an outdoor heat exchanger and controls an opening degree of an expansion valve corresponding to the indoor heat exchanger a to decrease a flow rate of a refrigerant that flows through the indoor heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method of improving a comfort level of a participant in a demand-response program for a facility. The method includes providing a sensor to a participant of a demand-response program, the sensor for sensing a comfort indicator at a facility, the comfort indicator including at least an air temperature; providing instructions for installing the sensor at a facility of the participant; and causing a load-control event communicated to the LCD to be modified, the modification causing the comfort indicator to increase or decrease at the facility, thereby improving the comfort level of the participant in the demand-response program.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide is disclosed that improves the hydrolyzing capacity of a polysaccharide hydrolase such as cellulase, is capable of binding to a polysaccharide, is deficient in polysaccharide hydrolase activity, and includes a GH45 or a pollen-allergen domain. Methods of hydrolyzing polysaccharides using the isolated polypeptide are also disclosed.

Abstract: A building controller for controlling the comfort level in a building is described. The building controller may include a thermostat and wireless remote controller for communicating with the thermostat from a remote location. The thermostat may have access to a first temperature sensor for sensing a first temperature, sometimes at or near the thermostat. The remote controller may likewise have a second temperature sensor for sensing a second temperature, sometimes at or near the remote controller. Under some conditions, the thermostat may use the second temperature sensed by the remote controller to control the comfort level in a building unless or until a predetermined condition is detected, after which the thermostat may use a different temperature, such as the first temperature at or near the thermostat, to control the comfort level in a building.

Abstract: Regarding rooms other than a room being targeted, a controller controls the rooms in energy-saving conditioning mode when a person is not detected in the rooms, even when the rooms are scheduled to be controlled in ordinary conditioning mode in a temperature control schedule. At this time, when the controller judges that the person has exited the room, the controller controls the targeted room in energy-saving conditioning mode, in rapid conditioning mode. As a result, the room is rapidly conditioned such that the temperature changes from an energy-saving temperature t to an ordinary set temperature by the time the person who has exited the room enters the room. As a result, unnecessary conditioning of the room set to be conditioning in ordinary conditioning mode can be reduced, and energy consumption can be reduced. In addition, comfort of the person entering the room can be ensured by prediction of the movement of the person.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for regulating temperature in a system comprises receiving, at a building management system, information concerning a degree of opening of a plurality of control valves. Each of the plurality of control valves is associated with at least one terminal that is in communication with a supply header line of a system, and is operable to open or close according to its own logic based on the demand of the associated terminal or terminals. A determination is made, based on the degree of opening of the plurality of control valves, as to whether changes need to be made to the operating parameters of production equipment of the system. The changes to the production equipment operation of the system are operable to change at least one parameter of a fluid being supplied to the supply header line of the system. An initiation of changes is made if it is determined that the change needs to be made.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multiple zone climate control system which includes a HVAC unit that supplies conditioned air to more than one zone, a zone controller in each zone, a central controller, one or more air flow rate regulating devices in each zone, and a digital wireless network connecting the air flow rate regulating devices, zone controllers and the central controller. The multiple zone climate control system is capable of energy efficiently regulating temperature in each zone independently as well as providing other air conditioning functions such as humidifying, cleaning and filtering air in each zone independently. The multiple zone climate control system can be installed in a single zone climate control system to convert it into a multiple zone climate control system.

Abstract: A control system for controlling delivery of either heated or cooled water over a common water line to a plurality of heat exchangers. The control system includes a hydronic system controller which polls the heating or cooling demands of zone controllers controlling the respective delivery of water to the individual heat exchangers. The hydronic system controller is operative to implement a changeover between delivery of heated water to delivery cooled water or vice versa. The implemented changeover preferably includes checking the temperature of the water being returned to the source or sources for heating or cooling the water as well as defining a changeover time period which must occur in the event that the temperature of the water in the return line is not within a predefined range.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a multi-air conditioner and a group-unit control method thereof, wherein a plurality of indoor units can be controlled on a group basis. The method comprises the step of grouping the indoor units into a plurality of groups, the step of if an air conditioning operation condition of a specific one of the indoor units is changed, sending, by the specific indoor unit, the changed operation condition to all the other indoor units according to a predefined communication protocol, and the step of by each of the indoor units, receiving an air conditioning operation condition sent from a different one of the indoor units in the same group and performing an air conditioning operation based on the received operation condition. According to the invention, the plurality of indoor units can be more efficiently controlled on a group basis through inter-indoor unit data communication. Further, the group-unit control is not restricted by whether a controller is used or not.

Abstract: An apparatus situated in a space for controlling an air terminal device to affect at least one environmental condition in the space includes: (a) at least one sensor unit for presenting at least one sensed indication related with at least one respective environmental condition of the at least one environmental condition; and (b) a local control unit coupled with the air terminal device and coupled with at least one respective sensor unit of the at least one sensor unit. The local control unit responds to a relationship of at least one predetermined requirement with the at least one sensed indication to effect the controlling.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a wireless temperature control system or a method for controlling an HVAC unit from a central location may include a control transmitter for sending programming data. One or more thermostats, each wired to an associated HVAC unit or units, have a wireless component for receiving the programming data from the control transmitter via a localized wireless network. The one or more thermostats of the system are not dependent upon the control transmitter or the localized wireless network for continued operation. Using this apparatus or method, a user may, among other things, transmit programming data to one or more HVAC units from one central location.

Abstract: A climate control system having a heating and cooling unit is provided that includes one or more remote temperature sensors for transmitting sensed temperature, a combustion air blower, a burner, an igniter, a gas valve, a compressor relay and circulating air blower. A control mounted on the heating and cooling unit has a receiver for receiving the transmitted information, a plurality of switching devices for switching power to the combustion air blower, igniter, gas valve and circulating air blower to establish heating operation, and a plurality of switching devices for switching power to the compressor relay and circulation air blower to establish cooling operation. The control responsively controls the plurality of switching devices to establish heating operation where the sensed temperature of at least one remote sensor is below the heating set point, or to establish cooling operation when at a sensed temperature is above the cooling set point.

Abstract: A wireless air-volume damper control system for regulating air balance in a ducted network, the damper control system having one damper or more damper units installable in the ducted network at locations where air flow in the terminal can be adjusted, the damper units each having a damper blade with a motor to pivot the blade, a power source for powering the motor and pivoting the blade, a receiver and electronic circuitry that operates the motor in response to signals received by the receiver with a portable remote controller having inputs controls and a transmitter that transmits signals to the receiver for operation of the damper unit and a flow volume measuring device for measuring the volume of air flowing in the terminal, the airflow being adjusted by signals from the transmitter of the remote controller in response to measurements from the flow volume measuring device.

Abstract: An appliance diagnostic display and interface system providing a centralized user interface for appliance diagnostic information and control of system self-tests is provided. This centralized user interface is provided via an intelligent thermostat that includes an LCD display. The intelligent thermostat interfaces, via wireless or wired communications, with the appliances installed in the home. The intelligent thermostat then generates and displays various user interface screens that allow particular appliances to be selected. Separate appliance specific screens are then generated that allow the user to access the diagnostic information in system test functionality provided by the individual appliance. Soft function keys provided on the intelligent thermostat allow multi-functional access to the features of the invention depending on which screen is currently being displayed.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a climate control system for a dwelling 12 comprised of main air conditioning unit 36 and a plurality of thermostats 14 and vents 16. Each of the thermostats 14 is positioned within a zone 18 which can be a single room, controlling one or more vents 16 within the zone. In the preferred embodiment, a thermostat 14 is positioned within a room 18 controlling the opening and closing of the vent(s) 16. Once the desired room temperature is reached the thermostat 14 will close the vent 16. The air conditioner 36 will continue to operate as long as one thermostat 14 setting has not been cooled to the desired temperature. Once the desired temperature is reached, the main air conditioner 36 will turn off and all vents 16 will open until the temperatures of all of the area involved in the system begin to drop or rise and the central air will then turn on again.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying cooling air to electronic equipment from ones of at least two sources. A detector detects whether the quality, such as the temperature of the cooling air from a source, is satisfactory and if not shuts the damper to that source and opens the damper to another source. A main controller provides additional control signals for controlling the dampers to protect the electronic equipment, or for shutting down the electronic equipment.

Abstract: A system and method allows occupants in various locations to provide indications as to their respective levels of comfort. The indications as to comfort level are provided to a network computer. The network computer is operative to compute overall levels of comfort for each location by using a weighting factor for that location in combination with the indications as to levels of comfort These overall levels of comfort are sent to an HVAC control for further analysis prior to controlling the HVAC system that is to provide conditioned air to the locations. The resulting control of the HVAC system is influenced by the over weighting or under weighting factors used in computing the comfort levels for the locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a color space quantization descriptor structure for performing quantization of a color space in order to search a multimedia based on contents when multimedia feature information is color information, particularly when the multimedia feature information is the color information and the search is about a moving image or a still image, the color space quantization descriptor structure according to the present invention has a tree structure divided into a plurality steps of superior color spaces and subordinate color spaces, and the tree structure recursively comprises a plurality of subordinate color spaces. Accordingly, the present invention can improve performance of a still image and a moving image search apparatus, perform the quantization of a n dimensional color space such as a H, S, V, RGB, HMMD color space etc., and perform the different step quantization corresponding to each feature.

Abstract: Provided are an air conditioning plant control method by which an air conditioning plant can be operated in a most desirable state, and an air conditioning plant so controlled. An air conditioning plant is controlled, which has at least one air conditioner, a refrigerating machine supplying cold water to the air conditioner and a cooling tower supplying cooling water to the refrigerating machine. Within an extent satisfying set conditions of air conditioning, setpoints of the draft temperature of the at least one air conditioner, the cold water temperature of the refrigerating machine and the temperature of cooling water from the cooling tower are altered and optimized so as to minimize energy consumption, operating cost or carbon dioxide emission of the air conditioning plant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structure which uses a communication system which comprises a communication initialization apparatus and communication terminals, such as an air conditioner and a humidifier, which mutually communicate with each other through a network. In the system, the communication initialization apparatus updates installation place information at predetermined timing and checks states of addresses of the communication terminals based on setting-regarding information which consists of the addresses of the communication terminals and equipment type information, whereby initial communication setting is updated. This allows communication between the communication terminals even when a communication terminal to communicate with is changed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling delivery of conditioned water to a plurality of heat exchangers includes a system controller which gathers information as to the current and future demands for conditioned water by a plurality of zone controllers associated with the plurality of heat exchangers. The system controller is operative to provide conditioned water to the heat exchangers even though current demands for conditioned water may not be sufficient to require the provision of conditioned water to the heat exchangers. The system controller analyzes current demands for conditioned water in combination with future demands for conditioned water to determine if the combined demands exceed a minimum level or number of demands necessary to authorize provision of conditioned water to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method for programming a thermostat, comprising the steps of providing a thermostat programmed to convert programming codes into time-temperature schedules; determining a desired time-temperature schedule; developing a programming code corresponding to the desired time-temperature schedule; and entering the programming code into the thermostat, whereby the programming code is translated into the desired time-temperature schedule. The schedule and programming code can advantageously be determined by a user by accessing a server via computer network, on a suitably programmed personal computer, by telephone, or by any other suitable method of allowing the user access to software for determining the schedule and developing the desired code.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a power supply for providing appropriate current and voltage to modules of the control apparatus. A user interface microprocessor module provides the necessary architecture to handle user inputs as well as programmable control logic. Furthermore, there is a communications microprocessor module initiating data traffic signals among all control apparatus modules through a wireless transceiver module. Finally, a remote control node module through a transceiver interprets and acts upon wireless traffic signals to control an operation. A method of operating a control apparatus where the user operates the apparatus by energizing a power supply for providing appropriate current and voltage to modules of the control apparatus. The user interacts with a user interface microprocessor module that provides the necessary architecture to handle user inputs as well as programmable control logic.