Abstract: A supply ventilation system controller for locating at an interior of a building. The controller comprises circuitry for receiving a signal representative of exterior air temperature and circuitry for receiving a signal representative of exterior relative humidity. The controller also comprises circuitry for establishing at least a first range of acceptable temperature and circuitry for establishing at least a first range of acceptable relative humidity. The circuitry for providing an enable/disable signal to a fan is responsive to at least one of: (i) the signal representative of exterior air temperature indicating satisfaction of the first range of acceptable temperature; or (ii) the signal representative of exterior relative humidity indicating satisfaction of the first range of acceptable relative humidity.

Abstract: A network translation computing device for processing consolidated messages is disclosed. The network translation computing device receives a web-based authentication response including a plurality of data elements in a web-based format. The network translation computing device translates the plurality of data elements from the web-based format to a network-based format. The network translation computing device generates a network-format authorization request message including the plurality of data elements in the network-based format. The network translation computing device transmits the network-format authorization request message to an issuer of the transaction card to initiate an authorization process of the transaction.

Abstract: A method of modifying a programmable schedule for a controller and a controller are disclosed having a user interface. The method includes the steps of providing, simultaneously or sequentially, two or more schedule override choices to a user via the user interface, accepting a selection of one of the two or more schedule override choices from the user via the user interface, and modifying temporarily the schedule based on the user responses provided by the user interface.

Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes an air conditioning pack; a first medium; a second medium; a first mixing point located outside the air conditioning pack and configured to mix the first medium with the second medium; and a second mixing point located inside the air conditioning pack and configured to mix the first medium with the second medium.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for providing cooled air to a plurality of galley compartments. The refrigeration system includes a plurality of galley compartments configured to receive therein at least one galley cart, a refrigeration unit configured to supply cooled air to the plurality of galley compartments, and an airflow supply and return system coupling the refrigeration unit to the plurality of compartments.

Abstract: An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a memory configured to store operating conditions for previously run conditioning events. The thermostat further includes a controller configured to receive first temperature data from a first temperature sensor indicative of a current indoor ambient temperature inside; receive second temperature data from a second temperature sensor indicative of a current outdoor ambient temperature outside; receive a temperature setpoint for a desired indoor ambient temperature of the building; determine a severity of a call for conditioning based on at least one of the current indoor ambient temperature, the current outdoor ambient temperature, and the temperature setpoint; and operate the multi-stage HVAC system in one of the plurality of stages for a current conditioning event based on the severity of the call for conditioning and the operating conditions for a similar previously run conditioning event to drive the current indoor ambient temperature towards the temperature setpoint.

Abstract: A valve box for irrigation systems is described, comprising a box-shaped body closed by a lid, and a plurality of electrovalves contained in an inner compartment of said box-shaped body and adapted to allow a fluid from a supply conduit to flow towards a plurality of outlet conduits, each being controlled by an electrovalve. The valve box comprises a single programmable drive and control module of said electrovalves which is contained in a containment box releasably secured above said compartment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, environmental control system, and aircraft are provided. Environmental operating conditions data for a heat exchanger is received. Measured values from sensors measuring parameters of the heat exchanger are also received. An operating model for the heat exchanger based on the received environmental operating conditions is retrieved from a first data structure. The retrieved model includes estimated values for the sensors. A difference between the estimated values and the measured values is calculated. The calculated differences are compared to at least one threshold value. Upon the differences exceeding the at least one threshold value, the calculated differences are compared to abnormal operation models in an abnormal operation library data structure. Upon the calculated difference matching an abnormal operation model in the abnormal operation library data structure, outputting an abnormal operation identity associated with the abnormal operation model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting power consumption by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) subsystem of a building are shown and described. A feedback controller is used to generate a manipulated variable based on an energy use setpoint and a measured energy use. The manipulated variable may be used for adjusting the operation of an HVAC device.

Abstract: The object of this invention a regulation method for regulating an air conditioning system suitable for independently regulating the temperature of a plurality of zones. The air conditioning system comprises a thermal cycle machine. According to various embodiments, the thermal cycle machine is capable of delivering a cold airflow, a hot airflow or both. This flow is divided into smaller flows supplied to each of the zones to be regulated. The method according to the invention allows regulating these smaller flows as well as the operating conditions of the thermal cycle machine. According to various embodiments, the method additionally incorporates more complex variants involving variables such as pressure or thermal inertia. Likewise, according to one embodiment the air conditioning system incorporates a particular distributor configuration simplifying the installation of said regulation system.

Abstract: A zoned HVAC system comprises an HVAC unit including a climate control system and an air mover. In addition, the system comprises a supply air duct in fluid communication with the outlet of the HVAC unit. Further, the system comprises a return air duct in fluid communication with the inlet of the HVAC unit. Still further, the system comprises a plurality of zones positioned between the supply air duct and the return air duct. Moreover, the system comprises a bypass duct extending between the supply air duct and the return air duct. The bypass duct includes an active bypass damper having an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of partially opened positions. The system also comprises a control device configured to control the position of the bypass duct.

Abstract: A zoned HVAC system comprises an HVAC unit including a climate control system and an air mover. In addition, the system comprises a supply air duct in fluid communication with the outlet of the HVAC unit. Further, the system comprises a return air duct in fluid communication with the inlet of the HVAC unit. Still further, the system comprises a plurality of zones positioned between the supply air duct and the return air duct. Moreover, the system comprises a bypass duct extending between the supply air duct and the return air duct. The bypass duct includes an active bypass damper having an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of partially opened positions. The system also comprises a control device configured to control the position of the bypass duct.

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: A system for regulating gas flow for a computer room containing computer components includes vents configured to direct gas from a gas supply toward the computer components, sensors disposed and configured to provide information regarding at least a first property associated with the computer components, and a controller coupled to the sensors and the vents and configured to effect a change in gas flow through a second one of the vents in accordance with a first value of the first property associated with a first of the computer components.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a grid of intersecting ducts having one or more inlets, outlets, and intersections. Air may be received into the inlets and directed through the outlets into one or more zones of a building. One or more HVAC units may be connected to the inlets and mechanical valves may be located at the intersections to control the air flow through the grid. A control system may be provided to control the temperature of each zone by adjusting the mechanical valves (and/or turning selected HVAC units “on” or “off”). In certain embodiments, the HVAC system includes at least one reading device to read temperature preference information associated with an occupant of a zone. The control system may then align the temperature of the zone with the temperature preference information when the occupant is inside the zone. A corresponding method and apparatus are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A cooling system for providing conditioned air to a facility includes a chiller or other cooling subsystem, a cooling tower subsystem and one or more air handling units or process cooling units. The cooling subsystem may advantageously include one or more chillers (e.g., variable speed chillers, constant speed chillers, absorption chillers, etc.) and chilled fluid pumps. The cooling tower subsystem includes one or more cooling tower units and condenser fluid pumps. In some implementations, the air handling unit has a cooling coil and a variable volume fan. In some implementations, direct expansion (DX) cooling systems comprise compressors, evaporators and air-cooled, water-cooled or evaporatively-cooled condensing systems. Such systems can be controlled to reduce energy waste, improve occupant comfort and/or improve the thermal characteristics of the process cooling unit.

Abstract: A passenger aircraft includes a cabin subdivided into a plurality of cabin zones supplied with feed air from respective supply lines, a plurality of temperature sensors, and an electronic control unit coupled to the plurality of temperature sensors. The plurality of temperature sensors measures a plurality of individual ambient temperature values associated with different locations in at least one of the plurality of cabin zones. The electronic control unit derives a derived ambient temperature value for the at least one cabin zone from the plurality of individual ambient temperature values. The electronic control unit then controls a temperature of the feed air supplied to the at least one cabin zone based on the difference between the derived ambient temperature value and a room temperature target value for the at least one cabin zone.

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: Methods and apparatus provide for a demand limiting controller. The demand limiting controller obtains at least one temperature condition and at least one temperature modification rate associated with at least one respective zone from multiple zones of a confined area. The demand limiting controller determines when to modify a current temperature of the respective zone with respect to an upcoming event by processing the temperature condition according to the temperature modification rate while minimizing the opportunity for all zones to be energized simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for performing a prioritized determining of a climate conditioning to be provided to a zone in a multiple zone structure. In one embodiment of the invention, the determining of a climate conditioning to be provided to a zone is to be a prioritized determining, where a climate control condition is determined to satisfy a priority condition of the first zone. In another embodiment, the first priority condition associated with the first zone is based at least in part on an assigning of a first priority to the first zone.

Abstract: A method for providing energy-efficient temperature and humidity control with uniform ventilation air distribution in a constant-volume zoned heating and cooling systems. The method utilizes an air-to-air heat exchanger that regulates the temperature of the supply air to a space, using the temperature differential between supply air and return (room) air and regulating the flow of return air through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system includes an air-conditioning unit that is switchable between local air-conditioning and overall air-conditioning, a data acquisition unit configured to acquire state quantity data of a requester, and a control unit. The control unit calculates comfort assessment values for both the requester and a neighbor, and controls the air-conditioning unit so that the local air-conditioning is performed to an extent whereby the comfort assessment value of the neighbor is kept in a comfort range and the comfort assessment value of the requester can be within the comfort range.

Abstract: An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured to have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones and provides heating and cooling to the various zones according to a cost budget.

Abstract: In a multi-zone control system for central forced air HVAC systems where the minimum conditioned airflow produced by the HVAC equipment significantly exceeds the airflow capacity to many of the zones, the invention is an energy saving method for choosing non-calling zones to receive excess airflow in. When satisfying calls for conditioning from one or a few zones, excess conditioned airflow is directed to non-calling zones. The method chooses occupied non-calling zones using a priority that provides comfort, and chooses unoccupied non-calling zones using a different priority that provides energy savings. Limits are provided for each zone to prevent excessive over conditioning in non-calling zones.

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 controller for an HVAC system having a plurality of zones and having a multiple stage fluid temperature conditioning device. The controller is configured to receive a plurality of thermostat signals and to transmit a signal to control one of a plurality of flow control devices in response to a call for conditioning in one of the plurality of zones. The controller also includes one or more timers that are connected to the thermostat terminals, where the one or more timers are configured to initiate a separate timing count upon each call for conditioning in any one of the plurality of zones. In addition, the controller includes one or more staging terminals for transmitting staging signals to control a multiple stage fluid temperature conditioning device, where the transmission of the staging signals determines whether the conditioning device will operate at a relatively higher output stage.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a plurality of wireless microsystems and a central data processor. Each microsystem is operable to measure a plurality of indoor environmental quality-related parameters and is operable to communicate first information pertaining to the measured parameters wirelessly to a network device. The central data processor is operably coupled to receive the first information from the network device, and further configured to generate a metric value of an indoor environmental quality of at least a first space based at least in part on the first information, the metric value dependent upon each of the measured parameters of at least a first of the plurality of microsystems.

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 system for regulating the temperature of multiple areas within a facility using multiple energy savings devices (ESD) that each regulate the temperature of individual rooms or areas within a facility having a central heating and cooling plant. The device includes a fan and thermostats to control the temperature in each room. A first thermostat is located within the energy savings device to activate a fan only when a baseboard-heating element, cooling element or conduit provides a pre-selected sufficient temperature level range to activate a fan. Another thermostat is located remotely in each room and communicates to each ESD to deactivate the fan when the temperature in any room exceeds or is less than the desired temperature level. The desired temperature level may be higher or lower than a main thermostat setting that controls the central heating and cooling plant, in accordance with a heating or cooling mode, respectively.

Abstract: A zone climate control system and method of its operation. A zone can be a single room. A method for determining which zones' vents are to be closed, and which are to be opened, in performing heating or cooling, circulation to heat or cool a zone by mixing its air with air from another zone, circulation to reduce excessive conditioning of a zone by mixing its air with air from another zone, or circulation to maintain air quality. Airflow, thermal capacity, heating or cooling requirements, and other parameters are developed for each zone by measurement and/or derivation. Plenum pressure is predicted and managed.

Abstract: A cooling system is configured to supply individually metered amounts of cooling fluid to heat generating components, e.g., processors, micro-controllers, high speed video cards, disk drives, semi-conductor devices, and the like, of an electronic system. The cooling system includes at least one variable speed fan, e.g., blower, configured to supply fluid through a centralized plenum and thereafter through a plurality of nozzles to the components of the electronic system. Each of the nozzles contains a valve to control the amount of fluid flow through the each of the nozzles. A controller is provided to control the operation of the variable speed fan and the operation of each of the valves is also controlled by a controller.

Abstract: A method and controller for controlling the operation of a zoned climate control system including a primary heat source, a secondary heat source, a cooling unit, and a humidifier unit. The controller is configured to receive both heating demand signals and cooling demand signals from a plurality of zone thermostats positioned throughout the residence. Upon receiving a heating demand signal, the controller operates the primary heat source to provide heat to the zone issuing the heating demand signal. The controller determines whether the primary heat source satisfies the heating demand signal within a maximum heating period. If the heating demand is not satisfied within this period, the controller activates the secondary heat source to supplement the heat being supplied by the primary heat source.

Abstract: A ventilation and air-conditioning system uses a first variable-air-volume system to cool and dehumidify fresh outside air and deliver it through a first duct to a mixing box located downstream. The system also uses a second variable-air-volume system to further cool and dehumidify recycled air and deliver it through a second duct to the mixing box where the fresh and recycled air are able to mix prior to ventilation into a room or office. The system uses a carbon dioxide sensor and a temperature sensor to provide feedback signals to a control system, which in turn regulates fan speeds and damper openings in order to provide optimal cooling and ventilation and to conserve energy when cooling and ventilation requirements are low.

Abstract: An energy savings device (ESD) for regulating the temperature of individual rooms or areas within a facility having a central heating and cooling plant. The device includes a fan and thermostats to control the temperature in each room. A first thermostat is located within the energy savings device to activate a fan only when a baseboard-heating element, cooling element or conduit provides a pre-selected sufficient temperature level range to activate a fan. Another thermostat is located remotely in each room and communicates to each ESD to deactivate the fan when the temperature in any room exceeds or is less than the desired temperature level. The desired temperature level may be higher or lower than a main thermostat setting that controls the central heating and cooling plant, in accordance with a heating or cooling mode, respectively.

Abstract: A ventilation and air-conditioning system uses a first variable-air-volume system to cool and dehumidify fresh outside air and deliver it through a first duct to a mixing box located downstream. The system also uses a second variable-air-volume system to further cool and dehumidify recycled air and deliver it through a second duct to the mixing box where the fresh and recycled air are able to mix prior to ventilation into a room or office. The system uses a carbon dioxide sensor and a temperature sensor to provide feedback signals to a control system, which in turn regulates fan speeds and damper openings in order to provide optimal cooling and ventilation and to conserve energy when cooling and ventilation requirements are low.

Abstract: A method utilizing a controller for controlling the operation of a zoned climate control system including a primary heat source, a secondary heat source, a cooling unit, and a humidifier unit. The controller is configured to receive both heating demand signals and cooling demand signals from a plurality of zone thermostats positioned throughout the residence. Upon receiving a heating demand signal, the controller operates the primary heat source to provide heat to the zone issuing the heating demand signal. The primary heat source is a radiant heating system. The controller determines whether the primary heat source satisfies the heating demand signal within a maximum heating period. If the heating demand is not satisfied within this period, the controller activates the secondary heat source to supplement the heat being supplied by the primary heat source. The secondary heat source is a forced air HVAC system which also includes the cooling unit.

Abstract: An energy savings device (ESD) for regulating the temperature of individual rooms or areas within a facility having a central heating and cooling plant. The device includes a fan and thermostats to control the temperature in each room. A first thermostat is located within the energy savings device to activate a fan only when a baseboard-heating element, cooling element or conduit provides a pre-selected sufficient temperature level range to activate a fan. Another thermostat is located remotely in each room and communicates to each ESD to deactivate the fan when the temperature in any room exceeds or is less than the desired temperature level. The desired temperature level may be higher or lower than a main thermostat setting that controls the central heating and cooling plant, in accordance with a heating or cooling mode, respectively.

Abstract: A strategy for controlling an air side economizer of an HVAC system uses a model of the airflow through the system to estimate the load in two modes when minimum and maximum amounts of outdoor air are being introduced into the building. Transitions between minimum outdoor air and maximum outdoor air usage occur based on those estimated loads, which in a preferred embodiment are cooling loads. The second embodiment of this economizer control strategy uses the model and a one-dimensional optimization routine to determine the fraction of outdoor air that minimizes the load on the HVAC system.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for individual adjustment of an operating parameter of a plurality of environmental control devices, such as VAV devices (27, 29) in an HVAC system. The process includes the step of connecting at least one of computers (34) for input of a parameter control set point based signal and a unique VA device identifying signal through an Internet website (71) to the plurality of HVAC devices (27, 29). The computer (34) is, for example, connected to the VAV devices (27, 29) such that the computer (34) can be used to adjust the temperature set point of only one of the plurality of VAV devices (27, 29), most typically the device located in the same space (22) as the communicating computer (34). Such computer (34) can be wired or wireless, and use the global computer network website (71) to connect to the VAV devices (27, 29) through a building computer (24) and local area network (32).

Abstract: A system controls the pressure at which conditioned is to be provided to one or more zones to be heated or cooled by the conditioned air. The system actively computes a setpoint for the pressure with a location in a duct system upstream of where any of the conditioned air is to be provided to the zones. The setpoint is computed as a function of the positional statuses of dampers within the duct system that regulate the flow of the conditioned air to the respective zones. The actively computed setpoint is compared with a sensed pressure in the duct system in order to determine whether the pressure in the duct system needs to be changed.