Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for monitoring air quality and controlling air purification in an environment are described herein. The method can include receiving from a device a plurality of air quality parameters for the environment and receiving an indication representing a potential change in occupancy in the environment. In response to the indication of a potential change in occupancy, the method can include determining an air quality target that is based at least in part on at least one air quality parameter in the plurality of air quality parameters and the potential change in occupancy. The air quality parameter can be representative of the quality of air to be achieved in the environment for the change in occupancy. The method can include transmitting instructions to control purification in the environment based at least in part on the air quality target.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control device configured to generate the machine learning model using the first set of weights and the second set of weights. The machine learning model is configured to output a probability that a user is present at the space based on an input that identifies a day of the week and a time of a day. The device is further configured to determine a probability that a user is present at the space for a predicted occupancy schedule using the machine learning model, to determine an occupancy status based on a determined probability that a user is present at the space, and to set a predicted occupancy status in the predicted occupancy schedule based on a determined occupancy status for each time entry. The device is further configured to output the predicted occupancy schedule.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for measuring the concentration of multiple nucleic acid sequences in a sample. The nucleic acid sequences in the sample are simultaneously amplified, for example, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the presence of an array of nucleic acid probes. The amount of amplicon corresponding to the multiple nucleic acid sequences can be measured in real-time during or after each cycle using a real-time microarray. The measured amount of amplicon produced can be used to determine the original amount of the nucleic acid sequences in the sample.

Abstract: An air conditioner controller for an air conditioner is configured to obtain a first value of a performance value from a predetermined component of the air conditioner, and estimate a total cost. The controller is configured to estimate the total cost including an operation cost and a renewal cost of the air conditioner based on the first value of the performance variable obtained from the predetermined component of the air conditioner and a second value of the performance variable estimated by an operational model of the air conditioner. The total cost is a total cost of operating and renewing the air conditioner for a time period after a time at which the first value of the performance variable is obtained. The controller is configured to output the total cost via a user interface.

Abstract: The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that use sensor output and electronically stored information to determine whether or not one or more types of entities are present within an area, volume, or environment monitored by the intelligent controllers. The intelligent controllers select operational modes and/or modify control schedules with respect to the presence and absence of the one or more entities. The intelligent controllers selectively carry out scheduled control operations during periods of time when one or more types of entities are determined not to be in a controlled environment.

Abstract: A remote control unit for interacting with one or more thermostats controlling an HVAC system may be mounted on wall near a point of entry to a building. The remote control unit may include a first selectable mode option corresponding to a first operating mode of the thermostat and a second selectable mode option corresponding to a second operating mode of the thermostat. The remote control unit may wirelessly send one or more commands to a thermostat to operate in one or more modes at a predetermined temperature associated with that mode.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrical systems and electronic devices. An electrical system includes an electronic device. The electronic device is configured to receive external power from an external power source, the external power sufficient to support normal mode operation of the electronic device. The electronic device includes control circuitry programmed to operate in the normal mode while receiving external power, and transition to one of a low power mode and a pre-shutdown mode responsive to sensor inputs. An electronic device includes an internal power source configured to provide internal power sufficient to support low power requirements of the electronic device operating in a low power mode, but not sufficient to support normal power requirements of a normal mode. The electronic device includes control circuitry programmed to transition from the low power mode to a hibernate mode while powered by only the internal power source.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a control unit, a central controller coupled to the control unit via a first two-conductor wireline structure, and a plurality of HVAC system components coupled to the central controller via a second two-conductor wireline structure. The central controller is configured to receive, via the first two-conductor wireline structure, control information corresponding to an enclosed space, generate control data, and transmit, via the first two-conductor wireline structure, the control data to at least one of the plurality of HVAC system components to regulate operations thereof.

Abstract: A method for displaying state parameters using an integrated controller. The integrated controller includes: a central control microprocessor, an LED display, an inquiry button, and a plurality of state parameter detecting units. The method includes: 1) detecting data of a plurality of monitoring points by the plurality of state parameter detecting units, and sending the data to the central control microprocessor; 2) receiving an order from the inquiry button by the central control microprocessor, and actively scanning state parameters of the monitoring points by the central control microprocessor by turns; and 3) transmitting the state parameters from the central control microprocessor to the LED display in accordance with the order input from the inquiry button, and sequentially displaying the state parameters on the LED display in a rolling mode.

Abstract: In a multi-sensing, wirelessly communicating learning thermostat that uses power-harvesting to charge an internal power source, methods are disclosed for ensuring that the battery does not become depleted or damaged while at the same time ensuring selected levels of thermostat functionality. Charge status is monitored to determine whether the present rate of power usage needs to be stemmed. If the present rate of power usage needs to be stemmed, then a progression of performance levels and/or functionalities can be scaled back according to a predetermined progressive power conservation algorithm. In one embodiment, a wake-on-proximity function that activates a user interface based on readings from the proximity sensor may be altered while still allowing a HVAC control circuitry to operate as normal.

Abstract: An electrical appliance includes a communication unit receiving energy related information from the outside; a control unit receiving the energy related information from the communication unit; an energy consumption component operating by the control unit; and an input unit receiving a command for selecting an operation mode of the energy consumption component. The operation mode of the energy consumption component includes a first power saving mode in which the operation of the energy consumption component is restricted on a basis of the energy related information, and a second power saving mode in which the operation of the energy consumption component is restricted irrespective of the energy related information. One of the first and second power saving modes is selected through the input unit.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for device-assisted adjustment of a HVAC unit controller is provided. A HVAC unit controller receives a geographical location from a device over a data connection. The HVAC unit controller obtains location-specific setting information. The location-specific setting information is specific to the geographical location. The HVAC unit controller adjusts one or more settings of the HVAC unit controller in accordance with the location-specific setting information.

Abstract: A combined air-conditioning and hot-water supply system that, if a temperature that is set in a hot-water supply unit is higher than a temperature of refrigerant discharged from a compressor when the combined air-conditioning and hot-water supply system is in a heating operation cycle state, increases a target condensing temperature of an outdoor unit above the target condensing temperature that has been set, and controls an opening degree of an indoor expansion device to be less than the opening degree that has been set, such that a heating load of an indoor unit is maintained constant.

Abstract: In an air-conditioning system, during precooling or preheating control, a setting temperature is controlled such that a first temperature difference between the setting temperature and an indoor temperature is not less than a temperature difference at which a compressor performs operation, and the setting temperature is controlled to be changed to a target temperature when a second temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is less than the first temperature difference. Since the compressor can be operated in the range from a low capacity to a medium capacity, operation efficiency of the air-conditioning apparatus can be increased, and the energy-saving operation with less power consumption can be realized. Since the operation capacity of the compressor can be readily suppressed with adjustment of the setting temperature, control is facilitated and the precooling control can be incorporated in various types of air-conditioning apparatuses.

Abstract: A circulating cooling system and a method for controlling the circulating cooling system are disclosed in this disclosure. Wherein, the circulating cooling system is divided into three parts: an internal cooling circulation device, a plate heat exchanger and an external cooling circulation device, wherein the internal cooling circulation device is adapted to perform circulating cooling on a heat-generating device; the plate heat exchanger is adapted to perform heat exchange between external cooling water in the external cooling circulation device and the internal cooling water in the internal cooling circulation device; the external cooling circulation device is adapted to cool the external cooling water. Also, the external cooling primary circulation pump, the cold accumulation water pool, the water-air plate-wing heat exchanger, the cold accumulation air cooler, the first valve and the second valve may be controlled, respectively.

Abstract: A control system for providing thermal management of electronic equipment housed in a cabinet enclosure. The system can include a plurality of sensors in proximity to the cabinet enclosure for monitoring a temperature, a pressure and a humidity associated with the electronic equipment; and a controller in communication with the sensors for receiving data from the sensors, where the controller adjusts the temperature, the pressure and the humidity associated with the electronic equipment.

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: The present disclosure provides a method for operating a utility-powered HVAC system for conditioning inside air of a building. In an illustrative but non-limiting example, a nominal schedule is maintained by a local HVAC controller, where the nominal schedule has a number of days and one or more time periods for each of at least some of the days. The nominal schedule also has at least one setpoint associated with each of the time periods. The local HVAC controller is configured to accept manual input from a user via a user interface. The manual input may include accepting entry of a utility pricing schedule that corresponds to scheduled price changes of a utility. The utility pricing schedule may include at least one enhanced pricing time period. Entry of at least one utility price level setpoint may also be accepted to correspond to each of the enhanced pricing time periods.

Abstract: A system controller of a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is configured to control the operation of a demand unit to maintain a comfort characteristic setpoint of a conditioned space. The controller includes a setback calculation module that is configured to calculate a setback value of the setpoint as a function of a recovery time from the setback value to the setpoint.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in connection with an air handling unit includes a controller and a processing circuit. The controller is configured to control a device within an air handler unit, which includes at least a first coil. The processing circuit is configured to receive first information representative of a maximum liquid flow rate through the first coil and second information representative of a maximum air flow rate of the first coil. The processing circuit is further configured to generate a time constant estimate, based on the first information and second information, for use in the controller in performing control of the device.

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 heat exchanger includes a first regenerator core and a second regenerator core and a four-way valve coupled to a cold section of the first regenerator core and to a cold section of the second regenerator core. The four-way valve directs input air to the first regenerator core or to the second regenerator core. A high-temperature passive check valve is coupled to a hot section of the first regenerator core and to a hot section of the second regenerator core. The high-temperature passive check valve comprises an inlet header coupled to the hot section of the first regenerator core or the second regenerator core, a valve poppet coupled to a valve stem and a valve seat located on a surface parallel to a surface of the valve poppet. Air entering the inlet header moves the valve poppet away from the valve seat, creating an opening through which air passes.

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: An air-conditioning system with thermal storage system for storing cooling capacity. The storage system comprises a quantity of fill material that preferably comprises water or similar liquid that is located in a cavity in the ground. The fill material may also include a bed of gravel with the pool of liquid filling the void spaces in the gravel. Sidewalls of the cavity are preferably supported primarily by the mechanical properties of the earth and the fill material. The lower boundary of the cavity is impermeable liner. A cover that blocks solar radiation and preferably with thermal insulation covers the top of the fill material. A chiller and a pump supply cooled liquid during night or other times of reduced electrical costs and liquid from the storage flows through a liquid-to-air heat exchanger during peak demand periods.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing system includes a control section that refers to recipe information on a process sequence, thereby detects that a processing apparatus will shift from an ordinary operation state to a long idle state, and switches thermo-medium circulation apparatus from an ordinary mode to an energy-saving mode after the shift to the long idle state. The control section refers to recipe information on the process sequence or another process sequence, thereby detects that the processing apparatus will shift from the long idle state to the ordinary operation state, and switches the thermo-medium circulation apparatus from the energy-saving mode to the ordinary mode before the shift to the ordinary operation state. A thermo-medium is circulated at a first flow rate and at a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate in the ordinary mode and the energy-saving mode, respectively.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing system includes a control section that switches a thermo-medium circulation apparatus between an ordinary mode and an energy-saving mode in correspondence with an ordinary operation state and a long idle state of a processing apparatus, respectively. The long idle state is an idle state of the processing apparatus longer than a predetermined threshold time period. A thermo-medium is circulated at a first flow rate and at a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate in the ordinary mode and the energy-saving mode, respectively. The control section refers to recipe information on a process sequence, thereby detects that the processing apparatus will shift from the ordinary operation state to the long idle state, and switches the thermo-medium circulation apparatus from the ordinary mode to the energy-saving mode after the processing apparatus shifts to the long idle state.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner is controlled to directly lower the temperature of the interior equipment before a driver enters a vehicle, using an airflow from an air outlet. The air outlet can be placed on and/or against the interior equipment. The interior equipment can be an instrument panel, a steering wheel or a seat.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for automatically controlling the heating element(s) of an electric hot water heater to minimize electric energy consumption over a prolonged time period by projecting the future need for hot water based on it's use in prior time periods as well as by monitoring the use of hot water during current periods. The device saves energy by switching the heater “off” during times when the projected and current need for hot water is low or nonexistent thereby reducing the tank temperature and therefore energy losses to the ambient, while detecting the instantaneous requirement for hot water through utilization of a flow sensor arrangement, one of which is the utilization of thermistors on the exit pipe and on the tank or body of the heater. The device leaves all existing controls intact and may be adapted by end users to existing heaters or by manufacturers of original equipment (OEMs).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of regulating cycles of a burner in a forced air heating system. A control unit uses a sensor at an output of a heat exchanger to make measurements of a temperature of air output from the heat exchanger. The control unit observes temperature measurements, after the burner has turned on. It initializes a confirmation interval when two consecutive temperature measurements are the same. If the temperature is the same at an end of the confirmation interval. The invention interrupts firing of the burner for an interrupt interval. The interrupt interval is insufficient to allow the heat exchanger to cool below a temperature useful for heating below which the circulation fan would shut off.

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: A programmed temperature controller including a difference detector which detects a temperature difference .DELTA.T between a quick-response temperature TC2 and a slow-response temperature TC3 at a quickly-responding portion and a slowly-responding portion of a workpiece (e.g., on the surface and core portions thereof). Also included is a comparator which compares the temperature difference .DELTA.T against an allowable difference limit preset by a difference setter. When the temperature difference .DELTA.t is found to be outside the allowable difference limit, a slope operator is actuated by the comparator, so as to calculate a slope of temperature change with respect to time of a program pattern PP which keeps the temperature difference .DELTA.t within the allowable limit. The above-mentioned slope in the program pattern PP is modified to the calculated value, and the temperature difference .DELTA.T is maintained within the allowable difference limit.

Abstract: The invention is a method for programming a programmable thermostat having a default program set and one or more pre-programmed program sets, wherein each pre-programmed program set has a plurality of times and a plurality of temperatures. The method includes the steps of selecting one of the plurality of pre-programmed program sets; programming the programmable thermostat with the times and temperatures of the selected pre-programmed program set; and altering the times and temperatures of the selected pre-programmed program set to create a tailored program set. An auto-programmable thermostat may include a first memory having a default program set which receives at least one of a plurality of pre-programmed program sets, wherein each pre-programmed program set includes a plurality of times and at least a plurality of temperatures.

Abstract: A temperature program pattern PP for desired change of surface temperature TC1 of a work 11 with time is set by a temperature setter 31. Work temperature-difference .DELTA.t.sub.pv between the surface temperature TC1 and inside temperature TC2 of the work 11 is determined by a difference detector 34. Set value of the above temperature-difference .DELTA.t.sub.sp is given by a difference setter 35 in the form of a difference pattern DP of its change with the above surface temperature TC1. For each actual surface temperature TC1, the work temperature-difference .DELTA.t.sub.pv is compared against its set value on the difference pattern DP by a comparator 36. A slope operator 37 responds to the output from the comparator 36 and modifies slope of the temperature program pattern PP so as to cause the work temperature-difference .DELTA.t.sub.pv to follow the difference pattern DP.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a programmable thermostat which includes a programming device for generating programs and a temperature comparison device to operate a temperature-modifying device, such as a furnace or air-conditioning system. This programming device may include a microprocessor which is capable of generating at least one weekday program and weekend program. The programming device of the present invention is also capable of generating a signal indicative of at least the current time of day, which signal can be used by the programming device in establishing its programs. The present invention also includes a rotatable, settable controller which controls the operation of the programming device. The rotatable controller includes a position for setting at least one weekday program, setting at least one weekend program, setting the current time, and controlling the temperature-modifying device.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit, and method of operating same, having a compressor driven by a prime mover. The prime mover is selectively operable in either a continuous mode which includes heating and cooling cycles, or in start-stop cycling mode which includes cooling and null cycles, to control the temperature of a conditioned space relative to a predetermined set point temperature. In one embodiment, the cycle mode is operable only when the set point temperature is in a predetermined temperature range, the limits of which are selectable. The prime mover is operated in the continuous mode, notwithstanding the selection of the cycle mode, when the set point temperature is not within the temperature range authorized for cycle operation.