Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for use within a seating system of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-valve damper which divides a section of an airflow duct into at least two airflow sections. The damper has a plug body having a proximal end and a distal end. The plug body is adapted to separate a section of an airflow duct into at least two airflow sections. At least two damper blades may be mounted on the distal end of the plug body, each of the damper blades controlling airflow in a respective airflow section. At least one airflow sensor may be provided in each of the airflow sections for controlling the respective damper blades. An actuator mechanism responsive to the sensors may be provided for opening and closing the damper blades. At least one of the proximal end and the distal end of the plug body may have an aerodynamic shape.

Abstract: An HVAC remote controller for use in an HVAC system is described. In some instances, the HVAC remote controller may include a wireless interface for communicating with one or more HVAC controllers and/or other HVAC devices. The HVAC remote control unit may be configured to display two or more option on a display, wherein the user may be allowed to select one of the two or more options resulting in a selected option. The HVAC remote control unit may display a visual cue for the selected option that visually distinguishes the selected option from the remaining options. The visual cue may include a different border for the selected option than the remaining options and/or a marker within or adjacent to the border. It is also contemplated that a similar visual cue may be used in conjunction with an HVAC controller display, if desired.

Abstract: An HVAC remote controller for use in an HVAC system is described. In some instances, the HVAC remote controller may include a wirelessly interface for communicating with one or more HVAC controllers and/or other HVAC devices. The HVAC remote controller may be configured to automatically determine whether the HVAC system is a zoned HVAC system or a non-zoned HVAC system, and operate accordingly.

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: 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: An example vehicle cabin temperature control arrangement includes a sensor and a controller module operatively connected to the sensor. An actuator is operatively connected to the controller, which is configured to initiate the actuator to move a component to vent a vehicle cabin in response to a signal from the sensor.

Abstract: An air conditioning system to improve indoor air quality (“IAQ”) comprises an air conditioner to receive indoor air from an indoor space and to heat or cool the air, the air conditioner to then return conditioned air to the indoor space. An IAQ option board (“IOB”), electrically coupled to the air conditioner control board, is configured to accept electrical inputs from at least one IAQ sensor. A fresh air damper is electrically connected to the IOB, the IOB controlling the position of the fresh air damper valve. An air purifier is situated such that air from the indoor space passes through the purifier. The operation of state of operation of the purifier is based at least in part on the input from at least one IAQ sensor to improve the IAQ of the indoor space.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system for a multi-level space is provided that comprises at least one lower level return air duct and at least one upper level return air duct, and a thermostat for controlling the operation of the heating or cooling system through either a low voltage cooling activation signal or a low voltage heating activation signal.

Abstract: An operation unit includes: a plurality of operation members provided in an air conditioning system for conditioning air inside a passenger compartment of a vehicle in such a manner as to be operated to control the air conditioning system; a first rear-side member provided on a rear side of one of the plurality of operation members; at least one second rear-side member provided on a rear side of the operation members on which the first rear-side member is not provided; and an electrical functioning portion which is provided on the first rear-side member and has electrical functions for the operation member on which the rear-side member is provided and the operation members on which the second rear-side member is provided.

Abstract: In a building which has at least two floors, an apparatus for controlling and regulating room temperature having a hierarchical structure includes a predictive device on the top level, that provides optimal control of the use of at least one free energy source, and at least one device on a lower level which is used for feedback regulation of at least one additional energy source. The predictive device uses a building model and repeatedly optimizes the energy requirement or the energy costs. The regulation strategy of the predictive device uses characteristics of a passive heat accumulator of the building.

Abstract: A climate control system (10) includes an outdoor unit (14) and an indoor unit (12) having at least two fans (26,28). The fans (26,28) include control wiring (38,40) that is interchangeably connected to a control system (20), and feedback wiring (42,44) that is also interchangeably connected to the control system (20). The control system (20) is capable of automatically detecting the wiring configuration of the control wiring (38,40) and the feedback wiring (42,44). The climate control system (10) operates the fans (26,28) according to the detected wiring configuration to heat or cool an interior space.

Abstract: A fan controller reduces the percentage of time that fans used in a heat exchanger of an outdoor cabinet that houses electronics and power source must operate to provide required cooling to the electronics and power source. The fan controller can also reverse operation of a fan of the heat controller to help reduce clogging of air intakes as well as to clean the interior of the cabinet. In an embodiment, the controller operates the fans in the heat exchanger according to operating temperature ranges. Thermostats can be used to provide the operating temperature ranges. Depending on the state of the thermostats and the ambient temperature, the fan controller causes one fan to operate in the reverse direction while the other fan is idle, causes one fan to operate in the forward direction while the other fan is idle, or causes both fans to operate in the forward direction.

Abstract: An automatic climate control system for a vehicle determines actual sun load and a virtual sun load based on prescribed virtual heat load data and the external air temperature. A controller is configured to compare the actual sun load to the virtual sun load to obtain an optimized sun load value, and to control the system based on this optimized sun load value. A method for automatically controlling the climate includes determining measured sun load, determining external air temperature, comparing the measured sun load to the virtual sun load based on prescribed virtual heat load data and the external air temperature to obtain an optimized sun load value, and controlling the system based on the optimized sun load value. The virtual sun load and/or the measured sun load are used to determine the optimized sun load value depending on lighting conditions.

Abstract: New ecological operating mode that limits ventilation and air conditioning in the cabin (3) of the aircraft when the ecological operating mode has been selected, the aircraft is stationed on the ground, the engines are off, the engines' start up system has not been activated, the pneumatic or electrical energy supply system that typically controls ventilation and air conditioning in the aircraft has been activated and is supplying air, to provide a new method of operating at an established minimum limit independent of the difference between the selected temperature and the temperature measured, saving energy, and reducing pollutant emissions and noise.

Abstract: A method of calculating a control parameter for a component in an HVAC system includes receiving a plurality of input signals, and calculating a value of the control parameter using a control parameter equation having a plurality of predetermined coefficients and a plurality of variables, each variable corresponding to one of the input signals. This equation is stored in and subsequently fetched from memory associated with a component of the HVAC system, such as a blower motor controller or a system controller. In some embodiments, the equation is stored in a device for interfacing a system controller with a blower motor assembly.

Abstract: A refrigerator unit is configured for a container in which it is possible to know the quantity of air that is ventilated. The refrigerator unit is equipped with a ventilation mechanism, an opening degree detecting mechanism, and a recording unit. The ventilation mechanism ventilates the air inside the container. The opening degree detecting mechanism acquires ventilation data related to the quantity of air ventilated by the ventilation mechanism. The recording unit records the ventilation data acquired by the opening degree detecting mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically operating an HVAC fan for an automotive vehicle is provided where the vehicle includes an occupant detection system and an HVAC system including an HVAC computer. The user sets the heating/cooling temperature of the HVAC system to maximum and then sets the HVAC system to an automatic mode. The occupant detection system determines if there is at least one occupant inside the vehicle. The HAVC computer then automatically operates the HVAC fan based on a response from the occupant detection system.

Abstract: The climate in a primary space within a building having a secondary space open to and above the primary space is controlled by creating a primary microclimate within the primary space that is resistant to convection phenomena in the primary and secondary spaces. When the temperature in the secondary space is higher than the temperature in the primary space, air is drawn from the secondary space and discharged into the primary space at an initial air exchange rate which causes the temperature in the primary space to rise and the temperature in the secondary space to fall. When the temperature in the primary space is greater than or equal to the temperature in the secondary space, the air exchange rate is set at a primary microclimate maintenance rate such that the temperature in the primary space remains equal to or greater than the temperature in the secondary space, thereby establishing the primary microclimate in the primary space.

Abstract: An improved thermostat is provided that comprises a first wall disposed within the thermostat, which partitions off a portion of the interior space to form a compartment along a side wall of the thermostat that is separated from the rest of the thermostat's interior space. The thermostat includes a second wall that is adjacent to and spaced from the first wall, so as to define an insulating space between the compartment and the rest of the interior space. The thermostat further includes a first aperture that permits communication of airflow in a lower portion of the compartment, and a second aperture that permits communication of airflow at an upper portion of the compartment. A temperature sensing element is disposed within the compartment defined by the first wall. The temperature sensing device is thermally insulated from heat generated in the interior of the thermostat by the insulating space between the compartment and interior space.

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

Abstract: A system for controlling one or more components of a climate control system is provided that includes one or more controllers in connection with low voltage power lines for powering the one or more controllers. The controllers are further capable of transmitting one or more communication signals via the low voltage waveform. The system includes a thermostat controller, at least one system controller for a heating or cooling system, and a controller for a circulating air blower. The thermostat controller, system controller and circulating air blower controller are connected to each other only through each controller's individual connection to the hot and common low voltage power transmission lines. Each controller is capable of transmitting one or more signals that are superimposed onto the low-frequency low-voltage waveform and include information identifying a destination controller that the signals are intended for.

Abstract: An exhaust air removal system and method for use with a rack or enclosure containing equipment is provided. The system and method are configured for removal of exhaust air vented from equipment during operation to thereby remove heat from the equipment. In one aspect, the system includes a fan unit preferably configured to serve as a back door of an equipment rack or enclosure and configured to provide access to an interior of the rack or enclosure. The fan unit provides multiple fans coupled to internal exhaust ducts that are arranged to draw and to remove exhaust air vented from rack-mounted equipment. The fan unit is further configured to vent exhaust air to an area external to a rack or enclosure, such as an external exhaust duct or plenum. Removal of hot and warm exhaust air vented from rack-mounted equipment enables the equipment to operate effectively, drawing sufficient amounts of cooling air to meet its cooling requirements.

Abstract: A thermostat is provided that includes a temperature sensor for sensing ambient temperature, and a switching device that is configured to apply electrical power to a heating element when the switching device is activated. The thermostat further includes a processor that is configured to periodically determine for a finite switching time period a temperature delta value indicative of the difference between the sensed temperature and a desired set point temperature. The processor is further configured to calculate a duty cycle ratio of the switch activation time relative to the total switching time period. The calculated duty cycle ratio for determining the switch activation time is determined as a function of the temperature delta value, a duty cycle offset and a heat dissipation offset. The duty cycle offset and the heat dissipation offset are based on an average of a predetermined number of prior duty cycle ratios.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, a first air-conditioning control value is calculated based on a surface temperature detected by a non-contact temperature sensor in a temperature detection area of a passenger compartment. When it is determined that an obstacle exists between the temperature detection area and the non-contact temperature sensor, a second air-conditioning control value is calculated according to a temperature information that is influenced less by the obstacle than the detected surface temperature. When it is determined that the obstacle does not exist, an air conditioning state of the passenger compartment is controlled based on the first air-conditioning control value. When it is determined that the obstacle exists, the first air-conditioning control value is corrected to approach the second air-conditioning control value to calculate a corrected air-conditioning control value, so that the air conditioning state can be controlled satisfactorily.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a protective construction ventilation register and a methodology of operating same. One possible version of the register could comprise of a framework having a peripheral flange attached to an overlying flange, the peripheral flange further defining an air passage; a grid work attached to the overlying flange and located within at least a portion of the air passage; a set of two flexible flaps overlaying the grid work, each flap having an attached edge securing the flap to the overlying flange and unattached edge; a set of deflectors located under grid work that directs the forced air from the underneath the grid work towards unattached edges; wherein the flaps can move from a first closed position covering the grid work to a second open position that has an angle that is less then perpendicular to the plane of the overlying flange.

Abstract: A small windmill is provided upstream of a damper in an air duct. When air flows in the duct it rotates the windmill. The windmill shaft is connected by a cable to the damper operator through a transmission means, such that, as the shaft turns, it takes-up the cable an opens the damper.

Abstract: A head-side inflow/outflow unit (60) and a foot-side inflow/outflow unit (70), which have a respective outlet opening (61, 71) for providing a supply of conditioned air to a sleeping compartment (11) within a capsule main body (20) and a respective inlet opening (62, 72), associated with the outlet opening (61, 71), for drawing in internal air of the sleeping compartment (11), are provided. The air-conditioning capacity of conditioned air supplied through each of the outlet openings (61, 71) is controlled such that the temperature of conditioned air supplied through the outlet opening (61) of the head-side inflow/outflow unit (60) falls below the temperature of conditioned air supplied through the outlet opening (71) of the foot-side inflow/outflow unit (70).

Abstract: An improved building protection system in a building having an inlet air duct for bringing an atmospheric air steam into the building, a damper in such air duct operable to regulate atmospheric air stream passing through the duct, a return air duct with a damper in such duct operable to regulate the return air stream mixed with the inlet air stream and a fan system means operable to suck an atmospheric air stream into the air duct and the return air stream into a return duct, an improved building protection system employing paired sensors for the same toxic agent in the ducts, logic means monitoring the outputs of the paired sensors operable to determine the parity of such outputs, logic means monitoring the outputs of the paired sensor operable to indicate the presence of such toxic agent and control means connected to the logic means operable to shut down the building's HVAC system only when the outputs have substantial parity and presence of such toxic agent is detected by said sensors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for determining a temperature of a component that requires a maximum level of cooling apparatus operation. The system monitors the component's temperature, then may add a compensation offset to account for variations in the manufacture of the component, and then adds a compensation offset to account for variation in the system in which the component is installed. The result is used to determine when the system's cooling apparatus needs to be operated at a maximum level of operation. The sum may be compared to a threshold to make this determination. This same mechanism may be used to determine various other cooling system trigger points, both when to increase cooling as well as decrease cooling.

Abstract: Unheated external air is drawn into an electronic component housing (200). The external air is selectively heated to form heated air (209) and the extent of the heating is based at least in part upon the temperature within the electronic component housing (200). The heated air (209) or the unheated external air (206) is drawn across at least one electronic component (210) positioned within the electronic component housing (200). A first flow (222) of either the heated air or the unheated external air is selectively exhausted from the electronic component housing (200). A first amount of the first flow (222) is based at least in part upon the temperature within the electronic component housing. A second flow (216) of either the heated air or the unheated external air is selectively re-circulated within the housing. A second amount of the second flow (216) is based at least in part upon the temperature within the housing (200).

Abstract: A preassembled flow control unit includes a plenum, a flow controller mounted to the plenum, and a flow control sensor mounted to the plenum. An isolation valve selectively blocks the flow of air between the plenum and the flow controller. An optional thermal coil is also mounted to the plenum to control the temperature of air flowing therethrough. In a particular embodiment, the thermal coil is mounted to an open end of the plenum opposite the flow controller, and the fluid lines serving the thermal coil are also mounted to the plenum, with an automatic valve in at least one of the fluid lines. An optional protective bracket protects the automatic valve from incidental damage during transportation an installation of the flow control unit. An electrical disconnect and a power converter are also mounted on the plenum.

Abstract: A thermal capacitor cools servers when an active cooling system fails. The thermal capacitor includes cold insulation passages, fans, temperature sensors, and a control unit. The cold insulation passages each have a plurality of air flow channels obtained by dividing the air flow path into a plurality of air flow paths with different air flow path cross-sectional areas. The fan is mounted in each air flow path and the fan controls the air flow of each air flow channel. A temperature sensor is mounted in each outlet of the cold insulation passages. When a detected temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control unit controls air flow so that the ratio of air flow by air flow passage with larger air flow path diameter to overall air flow of all air flow channel increases.

Abstract: It is aimed to provide a control system which can automatically control air-conditioners and other devices according to the temperatures inside and outside the room, thereby keeping the interior temperature to a comfortable level. A top light T1, a ceiling fan T2 and an air-conditioner T3 are installed in or on a house 1. A controller C controls the interior temperature by performing computing, and selectively opening and closing the top light T1, selectively rotating the ceiling fan T2 in one or the opposite direction, and selectively activating and deactivating the air-conditioner T3, based on signals from a temperature sensor D1 provided at an upper portion of the room, a temperature sensor D2 provided at a lower portion of the room, and a temperature sensor D3 provided outside the room.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system for a multi-level space is provided that comprises at least one lower level return air duct and at least one upper level return air duct, and a thermostat for controlling the operation of the heating or cooling system through either a low voltage cooling activation signal or a low voltage heating activation signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for meeting a fresh air ventilation threshold in a controlled space. In particular, and in some embodiments, a minimum ventilation threshold is met by using normal air handler fan cycles to minimize the energy cost of supplying the ventilation. Prediction methods may be employed to determine whether the air handler and damper need to be activated to meet a minimum ventilation threshold, even when the HVAC system is not currently calling for normal air handler fan cycles. In some cases, the past history of air handler fan run cycles is used to determine whether a fan should be operated now to provide additional fresh air ventilation. Alternatively, or in addition, predictions of future air handler cycles are used to determine whether a fan should be operated now to provide additional fresh air ventilation.

Abstract: The disclosed climate zone control system separates a building into separate climate zones, which allows a user to select the desired temperature of each zone. In a single zone, the climate zone controlling system controls the temperature of the single zone where an existing thermostat controls the temperature of air exiting an air handler and the remote thermostat controls the temperature of the designated zone of the building by controlling airflow from the vents. In a multiple zone system, there is a master thermostat that controls the air handler and multiple remote thermostats for multiple designated zones where the remote thermostat controls both the temperature and the airflow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining an acceptable level of outside air exchange rate in a structure. The natural ventilation rate is determined as a function of the outdoor air temperature, and the amount of mechanically induced ventilation that is used to supplement the natural air ventilation is controlled such that the sum of the natural occurring ventilation and the mechanically induced ventilation is maintained by a substantially constant predetermined level. One approach is to use a stepper motor to modulate the position of the damper, while another approach is to use an on/off motor damper and to close the damper at outdoor temperatures below a threshold level and to otherwise leave the damper open and use the regular on/off cycle of the system blower to control the flow of outdoor air, with provision for allowing the fan to remain on for a calculated period of time after the system is cycled off to thereby maintain the desired level of ventilation.

Abstract: A refrigerator unit is configured for a container in which it is possible to know the quantity of air that is ventilated. The refrigerator unit is equipped with a ventilation mechanism, an opening degree detecting mechanism, and a recording unit. The ventilation mechanism ventilates the air inside the container. The opening degree detecting mechanism acquires ventilation data related to the quantity of air ventilated by the ventilation mechanism. The recording unit records the ventilation data acquired by the opening degree detecting mechanism.

Abstract: In a method for regulating an air-conditioning system of a vehicle whose top is open, air whose temperature and mass flow rate are regulated as a function of at least the control variables of the setpoint temperature of the passenger compartment and the actual temperature of the passenger compartment being fed to a passenger compartment of the vehicle via a plurality of vent openings. The speed of the vehicle is measured and, when it increases, the air-mass flow rate, which is fed to the passenger compartment through vent openings at lower positions, is reduced and the air-mass flow rate, which is fed to the passenger compartment through vent openings at higher positions, is increased.

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

Abstract: A sensor module includes a MEMs sensor device and a processing circuit. The MEMs sensor device is operable to determine a fluid flow induced mechanical force on a first flow control device connective element. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive fluid flow induced mechanical force information based on the determined fluid flow induced mechanical force. The processing circuit is configured to generate a fluid flow measurement value based on the fluid flow induced mechanical force information and position information representative of a position of a flow control device coupled to the first flow control connective element.

Abstract: An HVAC control system configured to control the environment of a building zone includes a means for determining a number of people occupying the building zone and a means for determining properties of other heat transferring objects located within the building zone. The HVAC control system may also include a controller, the controller being configured to compute a projected heat gain in a building zone based on the determined number of people occupying the building zone and the determined properties of the other heat transferring objects located within the building zone. The controller may use the computed projected heat gain to determine a zone ventilation setpoint for the building zone.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a reversible fan of an electronic module that rotates in a clockwise direction if the electronic module is communicatively coupled in a first position and a counterclockwise direction if the electronic module is communicatively coupled in a second position.

Abstract: Supervisory controllers, and methods, for use in a coordinated IAQ and economizer system. Various control objectives are defined and met. Some illustrative control objectives include economizer control, sequencing of economizer free cooling with compressor driven cooling, indoor air quality and FAV aims, demand ventilation settings, system protection from low temperatures, and smoke, supervisory and fault tolerance commands. The controller may be self configuring. A tiered fault tolerant controller is also provided. An illustrative controller is configured to determine whether various system sensors and devices are operational. The illustrative controller is also configured to perform a first method when all system sensors and/or devices are functioning, and at least a second method in response to sensor or device failures. The supervisory controller may include integrated economizer control, or may be configured as a separate controller.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the delivery of air in a forced air distribution system having a source of air under pressure (4), a duct system to deliver the air, and a plurality of ports (8) in the duct system with each port defining an air delivery zone (16). The apparatus includes a vent member (20) associated with each of the ports which is movable between an open position to admit air to the zone and a closed position to block air from the zone. Independent actuator units (50) are provided to move the vent member between the open and closed positions controlled by a central control system. Thermostats in each air delivery zone communicate with the central control system (80) to control operation of the actuators units and the source of air under pressure which generally comprises heating or cooling equipment such as a furnace or air conditioning unit.

Abstract: A register assembly for augmenting the flow of conditioned air from a central air-conditioning unit to a room includes a fan, a temperature sensor, and a processing means. The fan is operably positioned for increasing air flow through the register assembly. The temperature sensor is for measuring a temperature of air in the register assembly and for outputting a measured temperature signal. The processing means is for: receiving the measured temperature signal; using the measured temperature signal in determining whether the central air-conditioning unit is providing conditioned air to the room; and activating the fan to augment the conditioned air flow if the central air-conditioning unit is providing conditioned air to the room. The processing means also provides drift compensation to prevent unwanted operation of the fan due to temperature drifts.

Abstract: A heat dissipation method is described. A fan module is provided to circulate airflows towards a heat-generating source within a fan speed range. A current temperature of the heat-generating source is measured, wherein the current temperature varies within a temperature range including a lowest critical temperature. The temperature range is divided into a plurality of unique temperatures. The fan speed range is divided into a plurality of unique fan speeds. Each unique fan speed is initially assigned, from low to high, to each unique temperature, from low to high. When the current temperature is lower than the lowest critical temperature, the fan module is driven to rotate at the unique fan speed initially assigned to the current temperature. When the current temperature is higher than the lowest critical temperature, a desired fan speed is dynamically assigned to the current temperature based on a specific mechanism.

Abstract: A remote performance monitor to acquire monitoring data concerning an air-conditioning system of a monitoring target building and to determine an operating condition of the air-conditioning system, the remote performance monitor comprises a monitoring data receiver (11), a characteristic function calculator (12) and an operating condition calculator (13). The monitoring data receiver (11) receives monitoring data from a monitoring data collecting apparatus in the monitoring target building. The monitoring data is data concerning performance characteristics of air-conditioning machines installed in the air-conditioning system of the monitoring target building. The characteristic function calculator (12) calculates a characteristic function for the monitoring target building and for each of the air-conditioning machines based on the monitoring data.

Abstract: A zone control panel for use with an HVAC system having zone control and a variable speed blower, and a method for controlling a fluid temperature conditioning device. In one aspect, the zone control panel includes a plurality of thermostat terminals for receiving thermostat signals, a plurality of damper terminals for transmitting damper control signals, and one or more terminals for transmitting signals to control a fluid temperature conditioning device having a variable speed blower. The zone control panel also includes a blower terminal for transmitting a signal to a dehumidification terminal associated with the fluid temperature conditioning device, where the dehumidification terminal is labeled or indicated for use with a dehumidification operating mode or for initiating a dehumidification operating mode of the variable speed blower.