Abstract: A method includes obtaining an optimized setpoint schedule for a time period, identifying a pre-cooling or pre-heating segment of the time period of the optimized setpoint schedule, adjusting the optimized setpoint schedule based on a characteristic of the pre-cooling or pre-heating segment to obtain an adjusted setpoint schedule, and operating the building equipment in accordance with the adjusted setpoint schedule.

Abstract: A method for controlling HVAC equipment for a building includes generating, based on historical building data, a discomfort tolerance defining an acceptable amount of occupant discomfort, determining a first value of an environmental condition at which the occupant discomfort is predicted to exceed the discomfort tolerance in a first direction, determining a second value of the environmental condition at which the occupant discomfort is predicted to exceed the discomfort tolerance in a second direction opposite the first direction, and controlling the HVAC equipment to maintain the environmental condition between the first value and the second value.

Abstract: Techniques for heating and/or cooling a structure including are described. The system may determine that a current indoor temperature is higher than both the current outdoor temperature and the target indoor temperature. Based on the determination, the system (in a cooling mode) may determine that a window opening criteria is met for opening one or more windows. Responsive to determining that the window opening criteria has been met, the system may instruct a window control mechanism to modify a state of the window from (a) a closed position that prevents airflow through the window to (b) an open position that allows for airflow through the window to cool a structure. Similarly, the system in a heating mode may open one or more windows when the current indoor temperature is lower than both the target indoor temperature and the current outdoor temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control for heat recovery (WRG) in a compressor system with liquid injection comprising a fluid circuit of the fluid which is to be injected with control valve, this fluid passing through at least one heat exchanger with control valve to the WRG and upstream of the compressor (13) of the compressor system there being a compressor-side control valve (6) and downstream of the heat exchanger (9) of the WRG there being a WRG-side control valve (7), one electronic control unit (11) controlling at least one of these control valves (6 and/or 7) by means of an algorithm, and the required temperatures for the mass flows [4, 5] of the WRG being able to be input as parameters into the control unit [11].

Abstract: An electrical room housing electrical and electronic apparatus for operating and controlling electrical motors of an industrial equipment is disclosed. The electrical room includes a cooling device with a first heat exchanger which is arranged with a first set of channels through which is conducted a first flow of air drawn from inside the electrical room. Warm air from inside the electrical room is circulated through the first heat exchanger of the cooling device and returned to the electrical room in a closed loop, and the air temperature in the electrical room is controlled dependent on a setpoint of between 24-40° C. A method for controlling the cooling device to cool the electrical room and one or more computer programs arranged for controlling the cooling device are also described.

Abstract: A data center cooling system includes a data center having electronic equipment that is supported in multiple racks; a cooling fluid source; multiple cooling units in the data center, where each cooling unit is configured to cool air warmed by a sub-set of the electronic equipment in the data center; multiple control valves, including a control valve associated with a particular cooling unit of the cooling units; and a controller arranged to modulate the control valve associated with a particular cooling unit, to open or close the control valve to substantially maintain an approach temperature set point of the particular cooling unit.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a heat pump having a refrigerant radiator, a gas furnace unit having a heating section to heat passing air, a blower generating air flow through the radiator and the heating section, and a controller controlling operation of the heat pump unit, the gas furnace unit, and the blower. The controller has a first operating mode in which the gas furnace unit operates alone as a heat source unit, a second operating mode in which the heat pump unit operates alone as a heat source unit, and a third operating mode in which the gas furnace unit and the heat pump unit operate at the same time as a heat source unit. The controller is configured to select the operating modes based on a parameter relating to outside air temperature that is the temperature of outside air.

Abstract: A cabinet temperature control system comprises a cabinet and an underground temperature control unit. The cabinet comprises an air discharging chamber and an air introducing chamber which are in communication with each other inside the cabinet. The underground temperature control unit comprises an air discharging chamber and an air introducing chamber which are in communication with each other inside the underground temperature control unit. The air discharging chamber of the cabinet and the air introducing chamber of the underground temperature control unit, and the air discharging chamber of the underground temperature control unit and the air introducing chamber of the cabinet, are in communication with each other respectively, so that the cabinet and the underground temperature control unit form an air circulating circuit. The underground temperature control unit further comprises a radiator arranged in the air circulating circuit. The system also has fans controlled by a control module.

Abstract: An air conditioning system of a vehicle including a controller and sensors in communication with the controller. The sensors include an interior temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the vehicle interior and an inner surface temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the inner surface of the vehicle's windshield. The controller determines a dew-point for the vehicle interior based on the sensed interior temperature. The controller adjusts the dew-point or the inner surface temperature based on a correction value, and performs a defogging operation when the temperature of the inner surface of the windshield is less than the dew-point, wherein the dew-point or the inner surface temperature is adjusted.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle HVAC system to automatically defog a windshield glass and to prevent fogging or condensation of the windshield glass. In-cabin air temperature and relative humidity are measured and used to determine a dewpoint. Further, ambient or outside temperature is measured. If windshield wipers are being used or if the cabin air temperature is less than a predetermined temperature, the ambient air temperature value is used as a glass temperature, otherwise the glass temperature is determined from the ambient air temperature and vehicle speed. A fog margin, which is a measure of the likelihood of fog formation, is based upon the difference between dewpoint and the windshield glass temperature. The fog margin is used to control the HVAC system to anticipate and respond to potential fogging conditions.

Abstract: A climate control system and method for optimizing energy consumption in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is provided. By varying evaporator temperatures based on occupant settings and environmental conditions, electric compressor speed can be optimized to provide the necessary cooling capacities resulting in energy savings. Determining the impact that increasing or decreasing engine cooling fan speed has on the overall energy consumption of the climate control system without affecting target discharge air temperature provides for energy saving opportunities. Optimizing energy consumption according to the provided strategy provides for improved fuel economy without sacrificing passenger comfort.

Abstract: In an energy efficient building, a thermostatic controller receives temperature and humidity input signals indicative of an inside, outside and air mass buffer. According to one or more algorithms, the thermostatic controller controls the operations of various actuators, such as blower speed, a fresh air intake vent damper, an exhaust vent and a heat pump, so as to adjust the internal climate of the energy-efficient building towards a control point (e.g., an inside temperature and humidity comfort level).

Abstract: Sensing, actuation of apparatus, and a control algorithm for use in automatically controlling an air-conditioning system by sensing multiple conditions and responding by actuating the mechanical components of the air-conditioning system to optimize the temperature of the coolant fluid, provide improved zone temperature control, provide status of system components, and provide an alert if there is overheating of a supply side system mechanical component.

Abstract: Reversible thermal rectifiers for selectively controlling the direction of heat flow include a plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects disposed in a fluid medium, wherein each of the plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects include a refractive side and a reflective side such that heat flows past the plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects when approaching from the refractive side, and heat is reflected from the plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects when approaching from the reflective side, and a bidirectional field actuator system that selectively orients the plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects between a first orientation, wherein the reflective sides of the plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects face a first direction, and a second orientation, wherein the reflective sides of the plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects face a second direction, substantially opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An air conditioner control apparatus capable of suppressing electric power consumed by an air conditioner which is for cooling the interior of a room, as well as a cooling system and an air conditioner control program, are provided. An air conditioner control apparatus 13 according to a first embodiment makes control to carry out a dehumidifying operation for removing moisture present in the interior of a room prior to execution of a cooling operation for cooling the interior of the room in which an indoor unit 11 is installed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling an HVAC system in a building are provided. The apparatus may include: (a) sensors provided at different locations inside and outside of the building each providing an electrical output signal representative of a measured condition, wherein the sensors sense two or more of the following conditions: temperature, carbon dioxide and volatile organic compound conditions; (b) an embedded computer receiving the electrical output signals of the sensors and based upon which provides a plurality of output control signals; and (c) HVAC actuators operating in accordance with the output control signals, wherein the HVAC actuators affect a climatic condition or an air quality condition at one or more locations where the sensors are located.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling and heating of buildings comprising an integrated assembly of devices, including a variable speed air handler, hot water heating coil, outside air damper, controller, and optional compressor-based air conditioner. During the summer the system utilizes nighttime outside air for cooling and uses air temperature predictions to provide information about optimal control settings and to maintain comfort. During the winter the system varies airflow with heating demand and ventilates with outside air to maintain indoor air quality.

Abstract: When a front-passenger seat occupant detecting sensor indicates absence of an occupant in a front-passenger seat, an air conditioning control ECU adjusts a temperature measurement measured with a non-contacting temperature sensor for measuring a surface temperature of the occupant in the front-passenger seat and controls air conditioning state around the front-passenger seat based on the adjusted temperature measurement associated with the front-passenger seat.

Abstract: A system for defrosting an air-to-air heat pump system is disclosed. A bypass loop transfers refrigerant at a higher temperature and pressure than is normally cycled through the outdoor unit to an outdoor coil to defrost ice on the outdoor coil. The bypass loop includes a valve movable between closed and open positions. A sensor monitors a preselected condition indicative of outdoor coil performance. A controller communicates with the valve and the sensor. Once the controller determines that a preselected set point of a preselected condition indicative of deteriorating performance has been reached, the controller sends a signal to open the valve, allowing warm refrigerant to bypass expansion valves and flow to the outdoor unit to defrost the outdoor unit. Once defrosting is accomplished, the valve can be moved to a closed position to resume normal operation of the heat pump unit.

Abstract: A filtering device and a projector utilizing the same. The filtering device receives an electronic device therein, and includes a housing, a filter, a fan, a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a circuit board, and an alarm. The first temperature sensor detects a first temperature outside the housing. The second temperature sensor detects a second temperature inside the housing. The circuit board includes a controller to be coupled to the fan, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor. When the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor exceeds the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, the voltage of the fan is increased by the controller to increase the rotation speed of the fan. The alarm is coupled to the controller. When the voltage of the fan exceeds a critical value, the alarm is actuated to indicate that the filter needs to be changed.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system uses a non-contact temperature sensor for feedback control of the temperature of the air blown out from a blowing opening. The degrees of opening of an air mix damper and a bypass open/close damper are controlled by actuators that respond in accordance with a temperature detected by the non-contact sensor so the blowing temperature will ultimately approach a target value. Air conditioning control is achieved as desired by this feedback control of the blowing temperature without providing wiring for a temperature sensor near the blowing opening.

Abstract: A refrigerator adapted for use in low ambient temperature conditions such as in an unheated garage or outdoors on a deck or patio. The refrigerator is provided with a low ambient heater to add heat to the refrigerated space when ambient temperatures outside the refrigerator are low enough that items stored in the refrigerator could freeze. The low ambient heater is controlled by an ambient thermostat located to sense temperatures outside the refrigerator. The low ambient heater and ambient thermostat are connected in the refrigerator control so that the ambient heater can not be energized when the cooling system is operating.

Abstract: An improvement in defrosting an air-to-air heat pump system when in the heating mode. A bypass loop transfers refrigerant at a higher temperature and pressure than is normally cycled through the outdoor unit to an outdoor coil to defrost ice on the outdoor coil, The bypass loop includes a valve movable between closed and open positions. A sensor monitors a preselected condition indicative of outdoor coil performance. A controller communicates with the valve and the sensor. Once the controller determines that a preselected set point of a preselected condition indicative of deteriorating performance has been reached, based on received sensor signals, the controller sends a signal to open the valve, allowing warm refrigerant to bypass expansion valves and flow to the outdoor unit to defrost the outdoor unit. Once defrosting is accomplished, the valve can be moved to a closed position to resume normal operation of the heat pump unit.

Abstract: A hybrid cascade Model-Based Predictive control (MBPC) and conventional control system for thermal processing equipment of semiconductor substrates, and more in particular for vertical thermal reactors is described. In one embodiment, the conventional control system is based on a PID controller. In one embodiment, the MBPC algorithm is based on both multiple linear dynamic mathematical models and non-linear static mathematical models, which are derived from the closed-loop modeling control data by using the closed-loop identification method. In order to achieve effective dynamic linear models, the desired temperature control range is divided into several temperature sub-ranges. For each temperature sub-range, and for each heating zone, a corresponding dynamic model is identified. During temperature ramp up/down, the control system is provided with a fuzzy control logic and inference engine that switches the dynamic models automatically according to the actual temperature.

Abstract: A shell and coil type heat exchanger evaporator provides cooling for industrial coolants characterized by high viscosity and a poor heat transfer coefficient. A large heat transfer surface area is provided within a limited volume, and without a high coolant pressure drop. A short initial cool down period is provided due to minimized heat exchanger mass and minimized volume of liquid coolant in the heat exchanger during initial cool down.

Abstract: A bipartite cooling system comprises a first set of cooling equipment that provides for closed cooling air circulation inside a cabinet and a second set of cooling equipment that provides for open cooling air circulation inside the cabinet. For most of the year, cooling of the cabinet can be handled with the first set of cooling equipment, which consists of an air-to-air heat exchanger. For the short period of time that the heat exchanger alone cannot ensure sufficient cooling of the air inside the cabinet, the second set of cooling equipment provides through-flow air circulation. This is achieved by drawing air into the cabinet through a filter and blowing warmed-up air out.

Abstract: An improvement in defrosting an air-to-air heat pump system when in the heating mode. A bypass loop transfers refrigerant that is at a higher temperature and pressure than refrigerant normally cycled through the outdoor unit and transfers it to the outdoor coil. This higher temperature refrigerant can then defrost the outdoor coil and any ice that has been formed on the outdoor coil by heating it as the refrigerant passes through it. The bypass loop includes a valve that is capable of being controlled remotely, the valve being movable from a closed position to an open position. A sensor is positioned to monitor a preselected condition indicative of performance of the outdoor unit. The performance of the outdoor unit is an effective way of determining whether icing is inhibiting its operation. A controller is in communication with both the valve and the sensor.

Abstract: A thermal regulator stabilizes the temperature within an internal cavity of an instrument. The thermal regulator includes a circulator that draws ambient medium surrounding the instrument and recirculated medium within the internal cavity, into a duct. The circulator forms a mixture of the drawn ambient medium and recirculated medium. An adjustable heater intercepts the mixture and controls the temperature of the mixture to be within a temperature range that is less than a temperature range of the ambient medium in which the instrument is surrounded.

Abstract: An air conditioning system using enthalpy of the outside air controls automatically the opening rates of the outside air inflow damper and the inside air discharge damper to control automatically an amount of air flowing from the outside of a building to the inside and an amount of the air discharging from the inside to the outside depending on the difference between enthalpy of the outside air and enthalpy of an discharge air, and an amount of CO2 detected the inside of the building. All of the control status is identified and grasped at sight by controlling all of the driving devices and setting them in a central main control system.

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 apparatus and method for cooling enclosures containing electronic equipment. More particularly, one aspect of the present invention comprises a low cost passive heat removal system that utilizes a plurality of flat tubing or low profile extrusions. The flat tubing or low profile extrusions are arranged in parallel to create an air-to-air passive heat exchanger which may be incorporated into an air conditioning apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention. The flat tubes or low profile extrusions offer a greater surface area and more efficient cooling than conventional folded fin designs having the same overall dimensions or volume. Moreover, the flat tubes or low profile extrusions may be manufactured with dimples, fins, or other surface enhancements with little additional labor or manufacturing steps. The air-to-air passive heat exchanger may be arranged in various configurations including cross flow, counterflow or concurrent flow.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling and heating of buildings consisting of an integrated assembly of devices, including a variable speed air handler, hot water heating coil, outside air damper, controller, and optional compressor-based air conditioner. During summer the system utilizes nighttime outside air for cooling and uses air temperature predictions to provide information about optimal control settings and to maintain comfort. During winter the system varies airflow with heating demand and ventilates with outside air to maintain indoor air quality.

Abstract: A cooling system for a test and measurement instrument including a variable-speed fan, useful with different instruments having different configurations, employs a plurality of sensors disposed at predetermined locations within an enclosure of the instrument, and is software programmable with predetermined parameters of each particular configuration of each particular instrument. At least one of the sensors measures the temperature of a component that dissipates power at a substantially constant rate, and at least one of the sensors does not include a heat source to provide heat for measurement.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the temperature of a vehicle seat (14) based on a variety of factors, including vehicle interior temperature, outside temperature, sunload, and user set point. Each of these readings is sent to a controller (30) where they are weighted by a formula to arrive at a target temperature. Based on that target temperature, a seat level is calculated and then transmitted to a heated seat controller (48) to apply the appropriate temperature to the vehicle seats (14).

Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle which accurately estimates a thermal load to enhance inside temperature controllability. The air conditioner comprises a first surface temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of an internal surface region of a vehicle compartment which varies with a temperature of an external surface of a vehicle, and a second surface temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a surface region which varies with an intensity of solar radiation intruding into the vehicle compartment. A target blowout air temperature is calculated using input signals including surface temperature signals detected by these sensors. Thus, intrusion heat (thermal load) due to a difference between an inside air temperature and a compartment internal surface temperature can be directly estimated to enable accurate thermal load calculation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing operational modes of a transport refrigeration unit, where the unit is capable of operating in a continuous heating/cooling mode or an automatic start/stop heating/cooling mode. A supply air temperature sensor measures the temperature of the air exiting the unit, a return air temperature sensor measures the temperature of the air returning to the unit, and an ambient air temperature sensor measures the temperature of the ambient air outside the unit. A controller electrically connected to the sensors determines if the ambient air temperature is above or below a pre-determined setpoint temperature, determines if the temperature differential across the return and supply air sensors is above or below a pre-determined upper threshold or a pre-determined lower threshold, and then changes the operational mode of the unit based upon such determinations and the prior operational mode of the unit.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling cabin air temperature T.sub.CBN in an aircraft having a cabin and a mixed air delivery system. The mixed air delivery system provides a flow of mixed air having an actual mixed air temperature into the cabin. The mixed air delivery system comprises a hot bleed air sub-system for providing a flow of hot bleed air, a cool air sub-system for providing a flow of cool air, and an ambient air sub-system for providing a flow of ambient air. The method comprises the steps of defining a selected cabin air temperature T.sub.CBN SEL, and then controlling the flow of hot bleed air, the flow of cool air, and the flow of ambient air such that the mixed air temperature is driven toward a target mixed air temperature defined as k(T.sub.CBN SEL -T.sub.CBN)+T.sub.CBN SEL, wherein k is a gain factor.

Abstract: Method and system for predicting air discharge temperature in a control system which controls an automotive HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system using a model. The model is based on signals generated by various climate control sensors and actuation outputs to predict air discharge temperature without the need for an additional sensor. The model allows the avoidance of uncomfortable air discharge temperatures to thereby increase passenger comfort.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing operational modes of a transport refrigeration unit, where the unit is capable of operating in a continuous heating/cooling mode or an automatic start/stop heating/cooling mode. A supply air temperature sensor measures the temperature of the air exiting the unit, a return air temperature sensor measures the temperature of the air returning to the unit, and an ambient air temperature sensor measures the temperature of the ambient air outside the unit. A controller electrically connected to the sensors determines if the ambient air temperature is above or below a pre-determined setpoint temperature, determines if the temperature differential across the return and supply air sensors is above or below a pre-determined upper threshold or a pre-determined lower threshold, and then changes the operational mode of the unit based upon such determinations and the prior operational mode of the unit.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for an automobile having an evaporator, in a refrigerating circuit, and a heater core which is located downstream from the evaporator in a duct having an inlet for introduction of air and an outlet for discharging the air into a cabin, and an air mix damper for controlling the ratio of the amount of air into the heater core and the amount of air by-passing the heater core. The degree of the opening of the air mix damper is controlled in accordance with the cooling capacity at the evaporator sensed by an after-evaporator temperature sensor so that a target value of the temperature of the air discharged into the cabin is obtained. A correction of the degree of opening of the air mix damper is done by estimating an actual temperature at the after-evaporator sensor during a transient state of the system between the ON and OFF conditions of a compressor, so that a desired setting of the air conditioning state is maintained.