Abstract: The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC System comprising a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of input control areas. A microprocessor is provided for control on the display screen. Buttons are pressed in order to program set-points of the thermostat so that seven days may be programed simultaneously. The display includes a seven-day icon so that the user can program the thermostat set-points rapidly (e.g. setting time and temperature settings with minimal steps). The user may activate a first programming mode wherein the activating occurs by depressing a programming-mode button for a first pre-selected duration in order to select a first day for setting the conditioning mode.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for estimating the rate of change in temperature inside a structure. At least one thermostat located is inside the structure and is used to control an climate control system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The processor uses the relationship between the inside temperature and the outside temperature to determine whether the climate control system is “on” or “off”.

Abstract: An HVAC system for conditioning air of an associated room includes one or more power consuming features/functions including at least one temperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the HVAC system in one of a plurality or operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the HVAC system in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: A method for controlling a controlled variable of a building zone to minimize an error between the controlled variable and a setpoint includes receiving an input at a first interface regarding the controlled variable from a sensor provided in the building. The method further includes using a processing circuit to determine a sign of the error based on the input and the setpoint. The method yet further includes using the processing circuit to cause a controller configured to affect the controlled variable to respond to the error at a first rate when a first sign of the error is present. The method further includes using the processing circuit to cause the controller to respond to the error at a second rate when a second sign of the error is present, the first rate being slower than the second rate. The first sign of the error can be associated with a high energy expenditure required to minimize the error relative to an energy expenditure required to minimize the error relative to the second sign.

Abstract: An HVAC controller may include a user interface, along with a memory for storing a recurring programmable schedule having two or more time periods. The user interface may be configured to allow manual modification by a user of the recurring schedule stored in the memory, wherein the user can associate an HVAC-off control mode with any of the two or more time periods. In the HVAC-off control mode, the HVAC controller may not cycle the HVAC unit on regardless of the temperature of the air in the inside space. The HVAC controller further may include an output that is configured to issue operational commands to the HVAC unit in accordance with the programmable schedule.

Abstract: An appliance for conditioning air of an associated room and an associated method for controlling an air conditioner are disclosed, the controller selectively adjusting operation of the air conditioning appliance based on historical operating data. The controller adjusts a set-point of the appliance for a preselected period of time in response to the historical operating data of the appliance when the appliance operates in an energy savings mode. In one arrangement, the controller is configured to receive and process data regarding whether the appliance has been operating over a predetermined time period before a utility demand state signal is received. The controller is configured to receive and process data relating to similar time periods of operation, and more particularly may include receiving data from the last two consecutive days where similar time periods of those days are analyzed. The controller may be configured to receive and process data relating to the rate of change in the temperature.

Abstract: An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for evaluating changes in the operational efficiency of an HVAC system over time. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system, and status of said HVAC system. One or more processors receives measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than said HVAC system and compares said temperature measurements from said first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for ramping setpoints on thermostats controlling HVAC systems. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The remote processor ramps the setpoint on the thermostat so as to reduce the average spread between inside temperature and outside temperature in order to reduce energy consumption with affecting comfort. The remote processor takes into account the effect of weather conditions and occupant preferences in determining whether and when to ramp setpoints.

Abstract: A method for nighttime pre-cooling of a building comprising inputting one or more user settings, lowering the indoor temperature reading of the building during nighttime by operating an outside air ventilation system followed, if necessary, by a vapor compression cooling system. The method provides for nighttime pre-cooling of a building that maintains indoor temperatures within a comfort range based on the user input settings, calculated operational settings, and predictions of indoor and outdoor temperature trends for a future period of time such as the next day.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for estimating the rate of change in temperature inside a structure. At least one thermostat located is inside the structure and is used to control an climate control system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The processor uses the relationship between the inside temperature and the outside temperature over time to derive a first estimation for the rate of change in inside temperature assuming that the operating status of the climate control system is “on”.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for verifying the occurrence of a change in operational status for climate control systems. The climate control system measures temperature at least a first location conditioned by the climate control system. One or more processors also receive measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than the climate control system, and compares the temperature measurements from the first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements obtained by the climate control system and the outside temperature measurements. A server transmits changes in programming to the climate control system based at least in part on the comparison of the temperature measurements with the expected temperature measurements.

Abstract: A thermostat is provided that is capable of reliably reducing the operation of an air conditioner and other systems to provide energy cost savings to the consumer and load reduction to a utility provider. The thermostat includes at least one sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and a memory for storing at least one temperature offset value associated with a request for reduced heating or reduced cooling operation. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, which is configured to periodically determine a temperature value for the space and to control heating or cooling of the space until the determined temperature value has substantially reached the set-point temperature.

Abstract: A centralized-monitoring apparatus, which centralized monitors a device including a storage, a temperature sensor to detect a temperature therein, and a temperature-variable device to cool or heat inside the storage such that the temperature reaches a set object-preservation temperature, comprises: an input device to be input with first information indicative of a time zone in which the temperature-variable device performing power-saving operation and second information indicative of a set temperature of the time zone; a storage device to store the first-and-second information from the input device; a timing device to measure a current time; and a control device to control the temperature-variable device, based on the first-and-second information and current time, so as to start operation of turning the temperature to the set temperature when the current time reaches a starting time of the time zone, and terminate the operation when the current time reaches an ending time thereof.

Abstract: A system is provided for use in a multi-unit building by which an occupant of a unit of the multi-unit building controls an appliance associated with the unit and includes an actuator which is accessible to the occupant, a processing unit to control the appliance, operative in the first mode, based on occupant instructions, to change the mode of the appliance based on an actuation of the actuator and to control the appliance, operative in the second mode, according to a preselected schedule, and a networking unit to inform, via communications, a monitor of the multi-unit building as to when the appliance operates in the second mode.

Abstract: A controller equipped with a user interface having multiple-day programming capabilities, including methods of programming such devices, are disclosed. The user interface may include one or more menus or screens that can be used to program a schedule for one or more selected days during the week. An illustrative method of programming the controller may include the steps of entering a scheduling routine, selecting multiple days for schedule modification, changing the schedule parameters for one or more periods during the selected days, and then exiting the scheduling routine.

Abstract: A graphical user interface system for a thermal comfort controller. The user interface system has a central processing unit coupled to a memory and a touch sensitive display unit. The memory stores a temperature schedule data structure and perhaps a temperature history data structure. The temperature schedule data structure is made up of at least one set-point. The temperature history data structure is made up of at least one Actual-Temperature-Point. The display presents the set-points and/or the Actual-Temperature-Points. One representation of the display is a graphical step-function. The user uses a finger or stylus to program the set-points by pointing and dragging a portion of the step-function.

Abstract: New service that allows climate to be set to time in vehicle. Meaning you Set time and climate setting and heat, air conditioning, etc and the climate Comes on.

Abstract: A controller equipped with a user interface having multiple-day programming capabilities, including methods of programming such devices, are disclosed. The user interface may include one or more menus or screens that can be used to program a schedule for one or more selected days during the week. An illustrative method of programming the controller may include the steps of entering a scheduling routine, selecting multiple days for schedule modification, changing the schedule parameters for one or more periods during the selected days, and then exiting the scheduling routine.

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

Abstract: A control system with a communication function wherein: a central unit communicates 30 with a plurality of devices 11, 12, . . . , monitors and manages the operations of the devices; and each of the devices includes an input section for entering position data thereof. The central unit receives the position data and an identification data of each device, and includes a unit for making the identification data correspond to the position data for each device.

Abstract: A digital programmable thermostat comprising up and dowm temperature adjustment buttons, an LCD display, and a Program button, which a user can simply press once to initiate a single set-back program that sets back the last user selected temperature setting during a predetermined setback time period. The thermostat can also automatically set the current time and date, to allow the user to initiate the program without having to set the current time and date.

Abstract: A digital programmable thermostat comprising up and down temperature adjustment buttons, an LCD display, and a Program button, which a user can simply press once to initiate a single setback program that sets back the last user selected temperature setting during a predetermined setback time period. The thermostat can also automatically set the current time and date, to allow the user to initiate the program without having to set the current time and date.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device (104) which includes both heating and cooling operating modes provides an easy-to-use interface (110) for selecting the operating parameters of the device (104). The interface (110) allows the input of a setpoint temperature at which the HVAC device (104) conditions the ambient temperature of a space (102). A mode switch-over algorithm (200) uses the setpoint temperature, the sensed temperature from the conditioned space, and prestored threshold values that depend on the device's operating capacities, to determine when to change the device between heating and cooling modes. Also, within each of the respective modes, a heating (300) or cooling (400) algorithm controls the engaging and disengaging of the heating and cooling elements of the device (104) to maintain the temperature of the conditioned space (102) within a desired comfort zone.

Abstract: A set back timer for an air conditioner is provided with a display screen (15) for the representation of information about normal and set back operations of the air conditioner, wherein a normal operation time period display (53) indicating a time period of the day during which period a normal operation is carried out and a set back time period display (64) indicating a time period in the normal operation time period during which period a set back operation is carried out are displayed independently of each other on the display screen (15). Such arrangement enables an air conditioner user to easily and correctly confirm, at a glance, the relationship between a normal operation time period and a set back operation time period in the normal operation time period for the day, and the contents of a setting can be confirmed remarkably easily, thereby contributing to improvements in air conditioner operability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus defines (302) a time period Ps following a completion of a demand for one of heating and cooling, the time period sufficient to allow a sensed room temperature Tr measured (309) by a thermostat (500) to stabilize after the completion of the demand; and records (310) an evaluation temperature Te equal to the sensed room temperature measured at an end of the time period. The method and apparatus determines (318, 320, 324, 326), at a future time after recording the evaluation temperature, whether to allow an automatic changeover between heating and cooling modes, based upon a comparison of the evaluation temperature and the sensed room temperature measured at the future time.

Abstract: A thermostat is operative to note the current temperature at time of entering into a setback of one or more previously established setpoints. The thermostat is also operative to note any newly defined setpoints. The thermostat also notes whether the setback is to occur in a heating or cooling mode of operation. The thermostat maintains a record of the aforementioned entry conditions mount of time the thermostat participates in a requested setback. The thermostat also preferably notes one or more setpoints and sensed temperature occurring at the end of an implemented setback as well as the ending heating or cooling mode of operation. A record of temperature conditions, mode of operation and elapsed time for each setback is stored for retrieval by a remotely located entity in communication with the thermostat. The entity is usually an energy provider. This record is available for retrieval at any time, including a time when the thermostat is presently implementing a setback.

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 graphical user interface system for a thermal comfort controller. The user interface system has a central processing unit coupled to a memory and a touch sensitive display unit. The memory stores a temperature schedule data structure and perhaps a temperature history data structure. The temperature schedule data structure is made up of at least one set-point. The temperature history data structure is made up of at least one Actual-Temperature-Point. The display presents the set-points and/or the Actual-Temperature-Points. One representation of the display is a graphical step-function. The user uses a finger or stylus to program the set-points by pointing and dragging a portion of the step-function.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the purchase of fine-grained resource purchases, such as utility resources or access to limited highway lanes. Real time pricing based upon current demand and/or usage is periodically determined. Access to that real time pricing information is obtained by individual users via a distributed computing network or radio frequency broadcast system and utilization of those resources is then locally controlled based upon that pricing information. Access to limited highway lanes may be priced based upon current actual utilization and pricing information is then broadcast, permitting users to selectively access those lanes based upon real time pricing decisions by those users.

Abstract: A digital programmable thermostat comprising up and down temperature adjustment buttons, an LCD display, and a Program button, which a user can simply press once to initiate a single setback program that sets back the last user selected temperature setting during a predetermined setback time period. The thermostat can also automatically set the current time and date, to allow the user to initiate the program without having to set the current time and date.

Abstract: A thermostat system for controlling space conditioning equipment includes a temperature sensor for providing an electrical signal indicative of the temperature of a conditioned space and a processor having a central processing unit, a memory for storing program and data information and an input/output unit. The input/output unit has a temperature sensor input, a control output sending control signals to the space conditioning equipment and also an electrical device interface adapted to establish communications between the processor and a plurality of addressable electrical devices. In operation, when the system is in a vacation mode the processor issues a pattern of commands to the devices to provide the illusion of ongoing occupancy. In one preferred embodiment, communications between the processor and the devices takes place over the local line power system.

Abstract: A method for cooking food in a refrigerated oven comprising a cool cycle, bake cycle, and warm cycle. The cool cycle maintains the food placed in the refrigerated oven at a temperature suitable to prevent the spoiling of the food prior to the initiation of the bake cycle. The food is cooked during the bake cycle. The warm cycle maintains the cooked food at a temperature suitable for serving on removal from the cooking chamber. In optional cool cycle can precede the warm cycle.

Abstract: A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one setpoint normally used by the thermostat is changed. The thermostat is operative to compute the integral of change in setpoint temperature over time during each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is also operative to maintain a running total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time in order to respond to any request for such computed integrals. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time equal to zero in response to a request to clear the total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time.

Abstract: A user enters a thermal perception level or a temperature set point in a perception level and temperature entry portion. Then, a clock portion calculates, by clocking, the time of entry to the perception level and temperature entry portion, and the entered temperature set point is stored as a temperature set point of an individual time interval in a temperature set point memory portion. When no entry is available to the perception level and temperature entry portion, air conditioning power is controlled in accordance with a temperature that has been already stored in the temperature set point memory portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus defines (302) a time period Ps following a completion of a demand for one of heating and cooling the time period sufficient to allow a sensed room temperature Tr measured (309) by a thermostat (500) to stabilize after the completion of the demand; and records (310) an evaluation temperature Te equal to the sensed room temperature measured at an end of the time period. The method and apparatus determines (318, 320, 324, 326), at a future time after recording the evaluation temperature, whether to allow an automatic changeover between heating and cooling modes, based upon a comparison of the evaluation temperature and the sensed room temperature measured at the future time.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing the energy usage of an energy consuming system adapted to determine the energy of a controlled space, the energy consuming system including a plurality of operating components having on and off states and a plurality of differing noise levels when making transitions between the on and off states. The method includes determining the noise levels of the components of the energy consuming system, selecting a relatively low noise level component of the energy consuming system to provide a selected noise masking component, and causing a relatively high noise level component of the energy consuming system differing from the selected noise masking component to make a transition between on and off states. The method further includes causing the selected noise masking component to make a transition between its on and off states after the transition of high noise level component.

Abstract: In a radiant energy heating system having one or more types of radiant energy heating sub-systems, a control system comprising a solid state electronic control panel pre-programmed to control two or more of the types of radiant heating sub-systems, wherein the control panel controls one or more of the types of sub-systems.

Abstract: A set back timer for an air conditioner is provided with a display screen (15) for the representation of information about normal and set back operations of the air conditioner, wherein a normal operation time period display (53) indicating a time period of the day during which period a normal operation is carried out and a set back time period display (64) indicating a time period in the normal operation time period during which period a set back operation is carried out are displayed independently of each other on the display screen (15). Such arrangement enables an air conditioner user to easily and correctly confirm, at a glance, the relationship between a normal operation time period and a set back operation time period in the normal operation time period for the day, and the contents of a setting can be confirmed remarkably easily, thereby contributing to improvements in air conditioner operability.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device (104) which includes both heating and cooling operating modes provides an easy-to-use interface (110) for selecting the operating parameters of the device (104). The interface (110) allows the input of a setpoint temperature at which the HVAC device (104) conditions the ambient temperature of a space (102). A mode switch-over algorithm (200) uses the setpoint temperature, the sensed temperature from the conditioned space, and prestored threshold values that depend on the device's operating capacities, to determine when to change the device between heating and cooling modes. Also, within each of the respective modes, a heating (300) or cooling (400) algorithm controls the engaging and disengaging of the heating and cooling elements of the device (104) to maintain the temperature of the conditioned space (102) within a desired comfort zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of, reducing cycling of heating and cooling systems by varying the deadband of a thermostat. The deadband is varied such that it does not impact human comfort significantly. The deadband is kept narrow (at its current normal value) during peak heating/cooling period, while it is made wider during periods of non-occupancy, shoulder months with low heating/cooling requirements, and set-back periods. The variation of deadband can be based on an internal clock/calender, an outdoor temperature sensor or a combination of both. The apparatus may be an electronic thermostat which may be programmable.

Abstract: An air-conditioning operation management company provides control information concerning air-conditioning equipments to a plurality of semiconductor manufacturing factories. The air-conditioning operation management company stores a measured result of an outside-air condition measuring unit in a past outside-air condition record database and obtains forecasted maximum temperature information on that day from a weather forecast providing system. An outside-air condition transition forecasting unit forecasts a transition of the outside-air condition on that day on the basis of the forecasted maximum temperature information. Information stored in an air-conditioning thermal load database, an air-conditioning equipment characteristic database and a set-temperature-and-humidity-of-air-conditioning-equipment database are employed to provide an optimum operation method of the air-conditioning equipments to the semiconductor manufacturing factories.

Abstract: A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one setpoint normally used by the thermostat is to be changed at a stipulated start time for each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is operative to enter into a requested setback mode of operation at a time following the requested start time in the event there has been a delay in receiving the request to enter into a setback mode of operation. The thermostat is furthermore operative to track the time that elapses during each setback mode of operation and to report the total accumulated time that has elapsed in response to a request to do so. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total accumulated time to zero in response to a request to initialize the total accumulated time.

Abstract: A user enters a thermal perception level or a temperature set point in a perception level & temperature entry portion (15). Then, a clock portion (16) calculates, by clocking, the time of entry to the perception level & temperature entry portion (15), and the entered temperature set point is stored as a temperature set point of an individual time interval in a temperature set point memory portion (18). When no entry is available to the perception level & temperature entry portion (15), air conditioning power is controlled in accordance with a temperature that has been already stored in the temperature set point memory portion (18).

Abstract: This invention provides a novel, inexpensive, universal energy control computing accessory module for altering at programmed times the operation of existing adjunct thermal/ventilation systems. In the module, interactive programming of control timing permits the accessory to be easily adapted for different types of adjunct installations to produce timed control signals particularly adapted for control of the particular installed system. One typical mode of operation is to turn on or off cyclically the thermal/ventilation system to run at a prescribed timing duty cycle. The invention may be used for diverse utility modes of operation, such as providing periodic ventilation controls for an unattended beach vacation home or for providing semi-automatic control of installed heating or air conditioning systems during occupancy of hotel rooms, dwellings, or stations within commercial buildings, as sensed by auxiliary detection means.

Abstract: A wireless programmable digital thermostat system includes multiple transmitter units and at least one receiver/controller unit. Each of the transmitter units is adapted to received programming inputs from users and to generate and transmit input signals over a wireless medium. The receiver unit is adapted to receive the input signals and to generate control signals in response to the input signals from only one of the transmitter units at a time. The receiver/controller unit receives and processes the input signals and is adapted to be programmable in response to the input signals according to a basic programming mode, and economy programming mode and an advanced programming mode.

Abstract: An air conditioner or heat pump system is equipped with a thermostat control which includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor and an algorithm to control the low voltage signals to the indoor blower section and the compressor to control operation of each in response to the indoor temperature and humidity conditions and the desired temperature and humidity setpoints.

Abstract: A thermostat which is configurable to be used with conventional fossil fuel furnaces, electric furnaces, heat pumps and other air conditioning equipment and fans. A setup program is included which requires an installer to enter data specific to the type of HVAC plant installed in the building with the thermostat.

Abstract: An electronic programmable thermostat having a program set made up of a plurality of program start times and program temperature values for a daily time period which can be automatically vacated upon initiation by the thermostat user. The user may initiate a temporary reset of the program time/temperature values whereby a microprocessor sets a new temperature value corresponding to a comfort temperature value obtained from one of the program temperature values. Preferably, the system automatically sets a temperature value equal to the highest temperature value of the program set temperatures, when in a heating mode, or the lowest temperature value when in a cooling mode. The system maintains such reset values until the beginning of one of the program start times depending upon when the reset feature was selected by the user.

Abstract: An indoor environmental condition control and energy management system includes a plurality of inputs. A user input receives user input parameters including a desired indoor environmental condition range for at least one energy unit price point. An indoor environmental condition input receives a sensed indoor environmental condition. An energy price input receives a schedule of projected energy unit prices per time periods. A processor, coupled to the inputs, computes an environmental condition deadband range for multiple energy unit price points based on the user input parameters and controls at least one energy-consuming load device to maintain the indoor environmental condition within the computed deadband range for a then-current energy unit price point. In an embodiment, the environmental condition includes at least temperature and the at least one load device includes a heating and cooling system.