Abstract: This invention integrates energy saving lighting with energy saving HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning). This system is termed by the inventor “ILAC” (Integrated Lighting and Air Conditioning). An ILAC system includes light fixtures mounted in a ceiling and, emitting lamp heat into a plenum and visible light into a room. A central computer controls both lighting and HVAC systems. In a COOL mode an HVAC unit cools the room through a supply air duct and return air duct, and the lamp heat exits the plenum through an exhaust duct. In a HEAT mode the HVAC heats the room through the same supply air duct, a ceiling-to-plenum duct carries the heated room air into the plenum, and an HVAC return air duct carries room and plenum heat back into the HVAC unit that uses less power to heat the lamp-warmed return air. In a thermostat-controlled OFF mode, warm room air convects through the ceiling duct into the plenum and exhausts through a plenum exhaust duct along with lamp-heated plenum air.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method, system, and apparatus to provide thermal management control. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, by a control mechanism, a plurality of temperature representative signals from a plurality of temperature sensors, receiving a command signal from the control mechanism by an output weighting matrix mechanism, and controlling at least one thermal cooling device with at least one weighted output signal from the output weighting matrix mechanism.

Abstract: A dual port pneumatic fitting apparatus for use with a controller for an HVAC system includes a generally planar body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The apparatus also includes a first port having an internal passageway extending through the body from the first surface to second surface and a second port having an internal passageway extending through the body from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: A method of controlling a cooling element in order to decrease the thermal load on animals includes the step: —to start the cooling element when the air temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold value and/or a parameter, dependent on the relative humidity of air, exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A flow control device and a related cooled electronic system are provided. The electronic system comprises a first heat dissipation component and a second heat dissipation component. The flow control device controls an amount of an air flow to the first heat dissipation component and the second heat dissipation component. In one illustrative embodiment, the flow control device comprises: a memory metal component coupled to the first heat dissipation component and the second heat dissipation component and a movable component comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to a point between two ends of the memory metal component and the second end is movable with respect to the first end. In response to a temperature difference between the first heat dissipation component and the second heat dissipation component, the second end approaches the first heat dissipation component or the second heat dissipation component.

Abstract: In a system that employs multiple air movers (e.g., fans) within an enclosure, the air movers are controlled in an attempt to optimize cooling efficiency of the system. In some aspects, current cooling efficiency is indicated based on one or more characteristics of an acoustic signature in the enclosure. In particular, a reduction in cooling efficiency may be indicated by spreading of an acoustic peak of the acoustic signature. Accordingly, improved cooling efficiency may be achieved by controlling the air movers in a manner that reduces spreading of such an acoustic peak.

Abstract: A system configured to provide cooling of electronic equipment in a shelter in combination with an air conditioning (A/C) system. The system includes one or more blowers for drawing air into the shelter, a damper arrangement for controlling air exhaust. The system further includes a DC powered controller coupled to the one or more blowers, the damper arrangement, and the A/C system. The controller is configured to receive at least a first analog input signal associated with a shelter-interior temperature, a second analog input signal associated with a shelter-exterior temperature, and a plurality of alarm input signals and to generate the one or more first control signals to control blower rotational speed, the second control signal to open/close the damper arrangement, and a third control signal to inhibit/activate the A/C system based on at least the first analog input signal, or the second analog input signal, or a plurality of alarm input signals, or a combination of these.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy efficient air conditioner that can provide a continuous supply of air at dew point that is several degrees Celsius below zero, without requiring a defrost cycle. The air conditioner in accordance to present invention comprises a plurality of cooling coils with interconnecting refrigerant piping, refrigeration circuit consisting of compressor and condenser coils, control circuit and one or more electric motor driven centrifugal fan. The present invention uses two cooling systems. The first cooling system having single coil cools the air to a temperature just above zero deg. C., say four deg. C. so that the second stage gets a steady supply of cold air. The second stage has two coils, each being half the size of the first stage coil, thus taking half the air from it so that all the air from stage 1 passes through stage 2. In operation, only one coil of the second stage is active arid chills the air going through it to say minus 14 Deg. C.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a ventilation system is provided based on a determination of local dew point and automatically activating an exhaust fan before condensate appears on structure and objects and ideally before visible condensation forms in the air of an enclosed area. Firmware in the control circuit detects the presence of hardware components 1 and operates a control circuit in one of a plurality of modes based on the detected hardware components that are coupled to the control circuit.

Abstract: Individual VAV controllers send, to an air-conditioner controller, current cooling/heating requirement information for the controlled area that is controlled by that VAV controller. If there is a mixing of a cooling requirement and a heating requirement in the cooling/heating requirement information that is received, the air-conditioner controller establishes a cold air temperature setting value and a hot air temperature setting value that can handle the cooling requirements and the heating requirements at that time, to perform alternating switching of a supply air temperature setting value. If a VAV controller that requires heating is supplied cold air, it blocks the supply of air to the controlled area. If a VAV controller that requires cooling is supplied hot air, it blocks the supply of air to the controlled area.

Abstract: A system for controlling the aeration of a grain bin storage device. The system comprises a grain bin storage device, a ventilation fan, a variable fan drive motor, and a controller configured to receive user input and grain bin storage device parameters. The system controls operation of the ventilation fan at various speeds to maintain a desired volumetric flow rate per bushel of grain. The controller monitors the static pressure within the grain bin storage device and adjusts the speed of the ventilation fan based on an optimal static pressure derived from the user input and grain bin storage device parameters.

Abstract: A method for managing the power consumption of an information handling system including a processor and an associated cooling system. The method may include providing power to the cooling system based on a performance/power balance setting, accepting a user input to adjust the performance/power balance setting, and adjusting the power provided to the cooling system based on the adjusted performance/power balance setting. The performance/power balance setting may define a balance between performance of the processor and power consumption of the associated cooling system.

Abstract: The controlling of a plurality of smoke and heat evacuation and ventilation (SHEV) devices is shown, in which the devices are connected to field wiring that also includes fire detection devices and alarms. A constant limited current (705) is supplied in a first direction for fire detection. A non-limited voltage is applied to supply alarm current 708 in a second direction for sounding alarms and opening the SHEV DEVICES. A non-limited positive voltage 712 is applied to supply reset current in the first direction for closing the SHEV devices.

Abstract: A system for adjusting components in an automobile to compensate for impinging sunlight includes a solar data generator configured to generate solar data concerning a current location, heading, date and time of a vehicle. A solar data calculator is coupled to the solar data generator and configured to receive solar data and determine a vehicle component affected by impinging sunlight. A body control manager is coupled to the solar data calculator and operable to control the vehicle component to compensate for impinging sunlight.

Abstract: To provide a positioning system that clearly defines a disposition of a base station for identifying a position of a radio set. While a wireless base station 1 that transmits and receives a distance-measuring signal to and from a terminal 2 to be measured by wireless communication is disposed at each corner forming an equilateral triangular, the length of each side of the equilateral triangle is made to be a maximum communication distance of the wireless base station 1.

Abstract: A method of controlling an HVAC system including programming a thermostat of the HVAC system to define a temperature set point, a temperature differential around the temperature set point, and a number of cycles per hour for a temperature control source of the HVAC system. The method also includes sensing a temperature, executing a cycling control algorithm that includes the temperature, the temperature set point, and the number of cycles per hour as inputs to determine a duty cycle, and running the temperature control source according to the duty cycle when the temperature is within the temperature differential. The method further includes executing a deadband algorithm to turn on the temperature control source when the temperature is outside of the temperature differential at one extreme and to turn off the temperature control source when the temperature is outside the temperature differential at the opposite extreme.

Abstract: An actuator for moving a component of an HVAC system includes a housing, a motor, and a hub configured to receive a shaft. The actuator also includes a processing circuit configured to temporarily shift the actuator from a first speed mode to a second speed mode that is different than the first speed mode upon receiving an input signal.

Abstract: A temperature controller for a positive pressure room air purification unit is provided with a sensor for ambient room air temperature and supply duct air temperature. Based on the desired temperature, supply duct air may be drawn or drawn and heated.

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

Abstract: An LED-based light can be installed in a conventional light fixture. The LED-based light can include a sensor operable to output a first signal indicative of whether an area of one or more of the rooms is in an occupied state or a non-occupied state, and the LED-based light can also include an LED controller operable to control at least one LED in the light in response to the first signal. Additionally, the LED-based light can include a transmitter operable to output a second signal indicative of whether the area is in the occupied state or the non-occupied state to a building environment regulator.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an automated self-powered HVAC diffuser system having a central control unit that determines room-specific temperature. The system fits within a standard HVAC diffuser through a housing rod having a front side, a rear side and a middle portion. A central rod perpendicularly attached to the front side of the housing rod maintains an expandable damper fan through a damper head. A micro-motor attaches to the expandable damper fan through a drive shaft which expands and contracts the expandable damper fan to regulate conditioned air flowing out of the HVAC diffuser based upon instructions from the central control unit. In addition, a sensory board affixed to the rear end of the housing rod includes an infrared that communicates with the central control unit. A rechargeable battery stores energy, created by an airflow prop rotating through contact with conditioned air, creates electricity via a generator.

Abstract: A damper for determining and regulating amount of airflow admitted into a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) duct of a building from the ambient includes a variable position gate. The gate is configured to generate a continuous access opening into the duct from the ambient. The damper also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the gate between and inclusive of fully opened and fully closed and a first sensor configured to sense a velocity of the airflow admitted into the duct. The selected position of the gate determines an area of the continuous access opening and regulates the amount of airflow admitted into the duct. Additionally, when the continuous access opening is not fully closed, the airflow admitted into the duct by the gate is substantially uniform. An HVAC system employing the damper and a method for controlling a temperature inside the building are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for managing a fan system in an information handling system (IHS) is disclosed. The method includes providing the fan system comprising a first fan and at least one subsequent fan, wherein the first fan is associated with a first fan speed, the at least one subsequent fan is associated with the at least one subsequent fan speed and the fan system is associated with a system fan speed. The method also includes generating a system fan speed request, adjusting the first fan speed to avoid a critical range when the system fan speed request falls within the critical range, and adjusting the system fan speed to meet the system fan speed request.

Abstract: A system to control energy consumption in a building having a plurality of rooms with a wireless data transceiver; an occupancy sensor; a temperature sensor; a processor coupled to the wireless data transceiver, the occupancy sensor and the temperature sensor; and an air register including a motor coupled to the processor, the motor opening or closing one or more air vents in response to sensed motion or room temperature.

Abstract: A dual air cavity roof has a continuous upper cavity which is cooled by fans, while the lower cavity is generally sealed. Preferably the cavities are separated by a radiant barrier. The fans are preferably powered by one or more photovoltaic cells that are also disposed on the roof. The roof can be pre-cooled with cooler night air and fans only activated when necessary to remove heat from the solar load on the upper cavity. When it is desirable to remove heat, the fan speed is optimized in each zone of the roof to enhance the natural convective flow to the optimum level. A radiant barrier can also cover the roof substrate, which is optionally an existing roof that is in need of repair. The roof structure is preferably assembled in parallel modules using insulating support brackets that support the outer surface and the barrier that separates the upper and lower cavity.

Abstract: An air conditioning controller includes a supply air temperature controller controlling a temperature of supply air provided to an air conditioner so a supply air temperature measurement value matches a supply air temperature setting value; a total air volume device measuring/calculating a total supply air volume value that is the total of the air volumes to each individual variable air volume unit; a supply air volume controller controlling an air volume of supply air to the air conditioner, depending on the total air volume value; an air volume insufficiency evaluator evaluating if the air volume is insufficient by comparing the total air volume value to a total air volume lower limit value; and a supply air temperature setter changing the supply air temperature setting value in a direction that the variable air volume unit increase the air volume, when there is an evaluation that the air volume is insufficient.

Abstract: A ventilator control optimizer allowing the control of a ventilator without the need for manual input. The ventilator control optimizer analyzes trends in indoor environmental conditions (dew point, relative humidity, etc.) and makes decisions based on these trends. The ventilator control optimizer is able to change ventilator fan speeds depending on the detected trends. This will prevent the ventilator from operating under conditions which might aggravate the humidity problem indoors. The ventilator control optimizer also allows auxiliary systems (dehumidifier, etc.) to be controlled automatically to deal with high humidity conditions.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for controlling cooling unit operational settings according to power dissipation levels in sub-equipment. The method and system includes an adaptive cooling controller which uses system configuration information to associate a particular cooling unit with particular sub-equipment, and further uses configuration information to associate cooling unit activity with respective sensors. At a given cooling unit setting, the adaptive cooling controller determines from sensor readings in the associated sub-equipment whether a cooling unit setting change is required according to the configuration information for the sub-equipment. The sensor readings may include both temperature and power dissipation readings. The method and system is particularly useful for overcoming the difficulty with accommodating sub-equipment changes of cooling unit controllers known in the art.

Abstract: A ventilation system utilizing fans to bring air into a building and exhaust air out of the building using solar panels that can be quickly and easily mounted on the building, such as on roof vents, windows, and the like, with quick application fasteners adjacent to the fans. A sensor may be operatively connected to a controller or logic circuit to measure environmental factors to determine whether to activate the fans. The ventilation system is configured to be a modular device with versatile fasteners for easy installment in windows or attics without the need for modification of the building, such as cutting holes.

Abstract: Adaptive intelligent circulation control methods and systems are used to help increase the comfort and/or reduce energy usage and equipment wear. In one illustrative embodiment, the circulation and/or ventilation time is adjusted based on one or more environmental conditions inside or outside the building structure. In another illustrative embodiment, the circulation and/or ventilation time may be adjusted based on the current time of day, current time of year, and/or the current schedule period. In another illustrative embodiment, the circulation and/or ventilation time is randomized over time. The start time, end time, and/or length of a circulation and/or ventilation cycle may be randomly set.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a wireless sensor in conjunction with a host controller are described. An illustrative system can include a host controller, a wireless sensor device, and a decoder in communication with the wireless sensor device and the host controller. The host controller may include a remote sensor input that normally would be connected to a wired remote sensor having an expected sensor characteristic. The decoder may receive a wireless signal from the wireless sensor device, and may provide an output signal to the remote sensor input of the host controller that replicate or mimic signals that would be provided by a wired remote sensor having the expected sensor characteristic.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method, system, and apparatus to provide thermal management control. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, by a control mechanism, a plurality of temperature representative signals from a plurality of temperature sensors, receiving a command signal from the control mechanism by an output weighting matrix mechanism, and controlling at least one thermal cooling device with at least one weighted output signal from the output weighting matrix mechanism.

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: An amount of time that air has been delivered from an air handler to a space is tracked, and based on the tracked amount of time, at least one turn-on time or one turn-off time of the delivery of air from the air handler to the space is controlled. Other features relate, among other things, to controlling a replacement air vent, and to user interfaces.

Abstract: An air conditioning controlling device controlling the volume of a thermal medium that is supplied to an air conditioner through the degree of opening of a control valve, has a room temperature setting value obtaining portion obtaining a room temperature setting value for a controlled area; a supply air temperature measured value obtaining portion obtaining a measured value for a temperature of supply air that is supplied to the controlled area from the air conditioner; a supply air temperature changing portion changing the supply air temperature setting value in accordance with a change in the room temperature setting value; an operating quantity calculating portion calculating an operating quantity based on a deviation between the supply air temperature measured value and the supply air temperature setting value; and an operating quantity outputting portion outputting an operating quantity to a control valve to control the degree of opening of the control valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a control for activating and deactivating heating, cooling and fan recirculate modes having an interval timer switchable between a timer on (TON) state and a timer off (TOFF) state, both the TON and TOFF state durations are variable according to comparisons between room temperature and a set point temperature of the control and the control activating the fan recirculate mode when the room temperature deviates from the set point temperature of the control. An interval spacer is provided to prevent back to back fan on states.

Abstract: A temperature control system and methods that remove dust or debris from inside an electrical equipment chassis are provided. One or more fans are placed in or near the exterior of the chassis. The fans are operated either in reverse, forward, pulsing, or reverse pulsing modes to create turbulent air flow through the chassis. The change in air flow pattern helps dislodge dust and particles. Once airborne, the fans can exhaust the dust and particles. Further, some embodiments provide vanes or other elements to further direct air flow. The temperature control system can be used in any electrical equipment that is ventilated with fans. The temperature control system provides the advantage of a low cost and efficient method for ensuring that dust does not accumulate on components within an enclosure.

Abstract: A fan controller device runs the cooling and heating system fan in between cycles, thus maintaining all rooms of a building at a more even temperature. The fan controller device includes a plurality of sensors, a timing controller device operatively connected to the plurality of sensors, and a fan relay device operatively connected to the timing controller device. The fan controller device is adapted to be connected to a thermostat on a heating and air conditioning system.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes a temperature sensor for detecting a heat exchanger temperature or an inlet air temperature, a controller that performs variable control of the direction of the indoor unit air blow vane or the air flow speed or rate of the blower fan, and a remote controller that remote-controls indoor unit operation, wherein temperatures set via the remote controller are divided into two set temperature ranges and during heating operation the controller sets at least the air blow vane to a horizontal or downward direction on the basis of the two set temperature ranges and the heat exchanger temperature or the inlet air temperature.

Abstract: A temperature regulation system for air inside of a vehicle regardless of the on/off state of the vehicle's ignition or engine includes a rechargeable battery for supplying power to an air moving system and a heat exchanger in accordance with demand signals from a thermostat. A motor-generator has a motor mode wherein electrical energy from the battery is converted into rotational kinetic energy and coupled to an AC compressor, and a generator mode wherein rotational kinetic energy from the engine is converted into electrical energy to recharge the battery. A control circuit is electrically connected with the motor-generator and adapted to activate the motor mode when the engine is off and the air temperature inside the vehicle exceeds the desired temperature range, the motor-generator otherwise being in the generator mode. Alternate embodiments includes a motor-compressor that replaces the stock compressor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A temperature conditioning system for outdoor digital signage and method thereof comprises a central control module, a system temperature sensor, a fan temperature sensor, a digital signage control module, an internal power supply module, a display module, a heating module and an external fan, wherein the central control module is responsible for receiving temperature signals detected by the system temperature sensor and the fan temperature sensor; in case the detected temperature is lower than a certain range, the central control module activates the heating module, the external fan and the display module in order to start and display the warm-up process of the outdoor digital signage.

Abstract: An active air cleaning controller is connected to a forced air heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The active air cleaning controller uses call signals from a thermostat to the HVAC system and/or sensor signals to determine when, and for how long, the blower of the HVAC system has been active and whether to independently activate the blower. The active air cleaning controller uses at least the collected information regarding the blower run time to determine when to activate the blower, in addition to its use within the HVAC system, to cycle and thus clean the air in a living environment independently of call signals used to activate heating and/or cooling functions of the HVAC system.

Abstract: A control method is provided for an air conditioning control system which includes determining whether either a desired discharge temperature from an air-conditioning system to maintain the internal temperature of a vehicle at a desired internal cabin temperature and a desired evaporator temperature that is temperature of an evaporator satisfies a heater operating condition. The heater is then operated in accordance with temperature and traveling conditions of the vehicle to output a desired discharge temperature when the heater operating conditions are satisfied. When, however, a heater discharge temperature from the heater is greater than or equal to a reference heater or the heater discharge temperature is greater than the desired discharge temperature by at least a predetermined temperature or more, then the heater is turned off to prevent over consumption of electricity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining flow rate of air or other gas through a conduit independently of conduit cross sectional area include providing apparatus for and measuring temperature of the air or other gas at a first position along the conduit; providing apparatus for and heating the air or other gas in the conduit of the location downstream from the first position by application of a known power level to the air or other gas in the conduit; providing apparatus for and measuring air or other gas temperature at a second position downstream of the heating position along the conduit; providing apparatus for and subtracting air or other gas temperature at the second position from air or other gas temperature at the first position to obtain a temperature difference and thereafter providing apparatus for and dividing power applied to heat the air or other gas by the product of the temperature difference and the specific heat of the air or other gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of a modular air conditioning (AC) unit include a base unit, a blower mounted to the base unit, and at least one heat exchanger module assembled to the base unit and communicatively coupled to the blower to form a modular AC circuit. The modular AC unit also includes a controller communicatively coupled to at least one component of the modular AC circuit and adapted to independently control operation of each of the components of the modular AC circuit.

Abstract: This invention patent is a utility type of car fan controller. The controller has a housing and inside the housing is a circuit. The housing has a top cover forming a cavity and flat bottom plate. The circuit has a circuit board and an adjustment device with other electronic components. The circuit board has a socket connector and a wire harness connector. The top cover has socket connector aligned with socket connector opening. The top cover also has a wire harness connector aligned to wire harness connector socket. The modular practical new type of invention design facilitates faster assembly and more convenient flexible use.

Abstract: An adaptive-fan-control (AFC) communicating thermostat for controlling an electrical load and controlling an HVAC circulation fan during a load control event. The thermostat interrupts and overrides an occupant-selected fan setting of the thermostat. The AFC communicating thermostat includes a controller in communication with a temperature sensor and the occupant-selectable fan control.

Abstract: A ventilation system comprising a fan to bring air into a building or exhaust air out of the building, a rechargeable battery to power the fan in the absence of an alternative energy source, and an alternative energy harnessing device to power the fan and to recharge the rechargeable battery in the presence of an alternative energy source. A sensor may be operatively connected to a controller or logic circuit to measure environmental factors, wherein the controller utilizes the measured environmental condition to select the power source with which to activate the fan. The ventilation system is configured to be a modular device with versatile fasteners for easy installment in windows or attics without the need for modification of the building, such as cutting holes.

Abstract: A laundry transport apparatus and method includes a container defining an interior area configured to accommodate a plurality of laundry carts, the container having a door movable between closed and open configurations to selectively allow access to said interior area. The container is a trailer configured to be moved by a vehicle. The apparatus includes a ventilation network to pass air to and from the interior area, the ventilation network including an intake duct for channeling air to the interior area and an outlet duct for channeling air from the interior area. At least a portion of the intake and outlet ducts are immediately adjacent one another to influence temperature of air passing through each duct, warmer air passing through one of the intake duct or the outlet duct becoming cooler and cooler air passing through another of the intake duct or the outlet duct becoming warmer.

Abstract: A basement ventilator for use in a building to reduce basement humidity and increase basement air circulation, the basement ventilator includes a household inlet duct for receiving and ducting household air of the building; an interior exhaust vent in communication with the household inlet duct for venting the household air into the basement; a basement air inlet duct for receiving humid air from a lower region of the basement of the building; an exterior exhaust vent in communication with the basement air inlet duct and the outside of the building for venting the humid air from the basement of the building to the outside; and a fan device in communication with the household inlet duct, the interior exhaust vent, the basement air inlet duct and the exterior exhaust vent for drawing household air into the household inlet duct and exhausting the household air into the basement through the interior exhaust vent and for drawing air from the lower region of the basement into the basement air inlet duct and exhaust