Abstract: A mobile refrigerator unit is operated remotely via wireless technology using a system with a local maintenance switch. A local override switch turns the refrigerator unit on and off, but keeps it on in the event of failure of the maintenance switch.

Abstract: An air-conditioning controlling device sends to an air-conditioning system, which controls air-conditioning equipment that is provided in an air-conditioned space, a control setting value, to control the air-conditioned space to an arbitrary air-conditioning environment.

Abstract: Remote control of energy consumption is realized using a readily installable, flexible approach. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a remote source communicates with a wireless controller for executing energy usage control. The remote source sends signals to the wireless controller via a gateway located near or, in one implementation, forming part of the wireless controller. In response to the signals, the wireless controller sets control settings for operating one or more of a variety of equipment types, such as a furnace, air conditioner, water heater or heat pump. With this approach, wired connections from the gateway to energy-consuming equipment do not necessarily need to be made in order to affect remote energy-consumption control. For instance, when used in connection with a controller wired to the energy-consuming equipment, the gateway need only communicate wirelessly with the controller and does not necessarily need to be coupled to the energy-consuming equipment.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes an HVAC unit having a cooling mode and a heating mode for conditioning the air in an inside space, and a programmable thermostat located remotely from the HVAC unit. The HVAC unit may have an onboard controller configured to control when the HVAC unit is in the cooling mode or heating mode, and whether the HVAC unit is activated or not. In some cases, the onboard controller of the HVAC unit may use a common temperature setpoint when controlling in the cooling mode and the heating mode. The programmable thermostat may have a programmable schedule with a plurality of time periods, where each time period has a heating setpoint and a cooling setpoint separated by a dead band. The onboard controller of the HVAC unit may be configured to accept input signals from the remotely located thermostat.

Abstract: An environmental control system includes at least one of a security monitoring system, or a building automation control system. A thermostat coupled to the at least one system, where the thermostat provides feedback as to output signals therefrom to evaluate functioning of the thermostat. The output signals would be coupled to a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system.

Abstract: A programmable central server wirelessly communicates with a plurality of temperature sensors. The temperature sensors are positioned within spaced apart zones within a building. The temperature sensors sense the temperature within the zone in which the temperature sensor is located. Each of the temperature sensors periodically and wirelessly reports a temperature in the zone of the building in which the individual sensor is assigned and located. The temperature sensors instruct the central server to activate or deactivate a heating and air conditioning device and instruct associated dampers to open or close, based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensors, and based upon the desired temperature programmed into the central server, thus maintaining a required temperature in virtual zones.

Abstract: A method and/or thermostat apparatus incorporating an infrared sensor or infrared imaging device and utilizing one or more images or measurements of infrared energy from the infrared sensor or imaging device in determining control of a Heating Ventilation and/or Air Conditioning (HVAC) system serving a conditioned space. The invention further optionally includes pattern recognition for locating one or more people within the conditioned space and utilizing a measurement of infrared energy radiated by the one or more people in determining control of the HVAC.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit. The air conditioner further includes an indoor unit located in a building and configured to distribute cool air to a space within the building. The air conditioner further includes an antenna unit configured to sense (i) movement of human bodies within the space or (ii) presence of human bodies located in the space and determine a number of human bodies based on the sensed presence, where the antenna unit includes a housing and a plurality of antenna arrays located on an outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: A HVAC system is provided. In one embodiment, the HVAC system includes (1) a sensor being configured to measure a body condition of a user and having a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit body condition information, and (2) a HVAC controller having a receiver configured to receive the body condition information and being configured to adjust a current conditioning set point of the HVAC system to a temporary conditioning set point based on the body condition information.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat is described that includes a head unit, a rotatable ring, a backplate, an electronic display that is viewable by a user in front of the thermostat, a printed circuit board, and a daughter circuit. The daughter circuit is coupled to the printed circuit board, and senses motion of the rotatable ring and includes a first temperature sensor. A second temperature sensor separated from the first temperature sensor, are both used to calculate ambient temperature. The first temperature sensor is positioned at least partially within a cavity formed between a front surface of the head unit and the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a unitary room air conditioner and for reducing peak loads can comprise a communications transceiver coupled to a relay or switch. This relay or switch can control the flow of electricity to a compressor of the air conditioner. The communications transceiver can receive signals which may direct the communications transceiver to open or close the relay or switch. In this way, the compressor can be controlled independent of the air conditioner's control logic. In other words, the operation of the compressor can be controlled with signals which originate outside of the unitary air conditioner and independent of the air conditioner's own internal control logic.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments or implementations are disclosed of systems for drying materials and control apparatus and methods relating to material drying systems. In an exemplary embodiment, a control apparatus for a material drying system is configured to select one or more heat sources from a plurality of heterogeneous heat sources for drying the material. The selecting is performed based on one or more sensor inputs. The control apparatus controls the selected heat source(s) to provide heat to dry the material. In some configurations, a material drying system operates as a typical heat pump only when more cost-effective auxiliary heat cannot be provided to maintain a drying temperature.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors including a connection to at least one call relay wire. The thermostat may also include a powering circuit, including a rechargeable battery, which is configured to provide electrical power to the thermostat by power stealing from a selected call relay wire. The power stealing may comprise an active power stealing mode, in which power is taken from the same selected call relay wire that is used to call for an HVAC function, and an inactive power stealing mode in which, in which no active call is being made. The powering circuit may be configured to substantially suspend (or at least reduce the level of) power stealing for at least a first time period following each transition of the thermostat from between operating states.

Abstract: An indoor unit and an air conditioning system using the same include a first communication module to communicate with a wired remote controller, a power switch connected to a power terminal of one or the other side of the first communication module, a ground switch connected to a ground terminal of one or the other side of the first communication module to constitute a pair with the power switch, and an indoor unit controller to turn on the power switch and the ground switch when an indoor unit supplies power to the wired remote controller, and to turn off the power switch and the ground switch when another indoor unit supplies power to the wired remote controller.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system and related systems, methods, and computer program products for facilitating user-friendly installation of the thermostat are described. For one embodiment, automated installation verification is performed by the thermostat by automatically sensing which wires have been inserted, selecting a candidate HVAC operating function (e.g., heating or cooling) that is consistent with a subset of HVAC signal types indicated by the inserted wires, applying control signals to the HVAC system to invoke that HVAC operating function, and processing a time sequence of acquired temperature readings to determine whether that HVAC operating function was successfully carried out. For one embodiment, the initial automated testing of the heating and cooling functions are only carried out at times for which such heating or cooling function would normally be invoked during normal operation of the thermostat. Automated determination of a heat pump call convention is also described.

Abstract: Intelligent HVAC register is an HVAC register outlet which can control the temperature in a space by operating independently. The Intelligent HVAC register works in network with other vents within the system using low power wireless technology and a smart application so that the temperature of multiple individual spaces can be controlled while operating on a single HVAC system. Intelligent HVAC register uses a solar strip to charge the battery which runs each vent's hardware. This enables more efficient use of energy as airflow to unused spaces can be blocked therefore keeping air pressure and efficiency higher in the spaces where temperature adjustments are necessary. Intelligent HVAC register can be controlled using a learning application on a smart device. By setting the time & temperature needed in each space the Intelligent HVAC smart vane will automatically open or close to keep the room at the desired temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus, methods and systems for an independent air register vent assembly having a register frame assembly, louver components, and a means to adjust the register frame assembly and louver components to a range of lengths and/or widths. A length and/or width adjustable grill assembly covers the register frame assembly. A removable motor-receiver is attached to operate the louver components. The motor-receiver places the louvers into open, closed, and one or more intermediate positions. The louvers may also be manually operated. A remote transmitter controls the motor-receiver. An optional digital thermometer on the transmitter passively displays the room temperature. Low battery and re-powering conditions move the louvers into fully open positions. The air register vent assembly is installable in one or more configurations: manual only, with motor-receiver, and/or with remote transmitter, depending on the option selected. The register vent assembly option can be changed in the field.

Abstract: A thermostat may include one or more temperature sensors that provide temperature sensor measurements, a humidity sensor that provides humidity sensor measurements, an occupancy sensing system that may be used to characterize an occupancy status of an enclosure in which the thermostat is installed from among a plurality of possible occupancy statuses including an occupied state and an away state; and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to activate a cooling function of an HVAC system to reduce a humidity level in the enclosure based on a first set of conditions when the occupancy status is in the occupied state, or based on a second set of conditions when the occupancy status is in the away state.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for interactively and graphically interfacing with a user on an HVAC system controlled by a thermostat. The user interface is implemented on a touch screen display on a remote wirelessly connected device such as smartphone or a tablet PC. The interface displays a screen that mimics the display on the thermostat including allowing one or more input methods that are analogous to input methods used on the thermostat. Touch screen gestures such as touch and drag, touch and hold and tapping are used in an intuitive way. The user experience is enhanced by allowing large-scale changes while reducing the risk of sudden unintended changes. The control signals are judiciously tailored to protect the HVAC equipment from unwarranted over-controlling, reduce unnecessary network traffic, and prevent the waste of energy.

Abstract: Remote control of energy consumption is realized using a readily installable, flexible approach. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a remote source communicates with a wireless controller for executing energy usage control. The remote source sends signals to the wireless controller via a gateway located near or, in one implementation, forming part of the wireless controller. In response to the signals, the wireless controller sets control settings for operating one or more of a variety of equipment types, such as a furnace, air conditioner, water heater or heat pump. With this approach, wired connections from the gateway to energy-consuming equipment do not necessarily need to be made in order to effect remote energy-consumption control. For instance, when used in connection with a controller wired to the energy-consuming equipment, the gateway need only communicate wirelessly with the controller and does not necessarily need to be coupled to the energy-consuming equipment.

Abstract: A controller which receives a signal from an external associated energy utility indicative of a forthcoming rate increase period, and controls the rate of temperature change of a refrigerator from a user selected setpoint to a first targeted setpoint below the user selected setpoint. During the rate increase the controller establishes a second target setpoint above the user selected setpoint. After the rate increase period the controller reduces the temperature to the user selected setpoint at a constant rate defined by a number of degrees per minute.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for generating and implementing thermodynamic models of a structure. Thermostats disclosed herein are operable to control an HVAC system. In controlling the HVAC system, a need to determine an expected indoor temperature profile for a particular schedule of setpoint temperatures may arise. To make such a determination, a thermodynamic model of the structure may be used. The thermodynamic model may be generated by fitting weighting factors of a set of basis functions to a variety of historical data including time information, temperature information, and HVAC actuation state information. The set of basis functions characterize an indoor temperature trajectory of the structure in response to a change in HVAC actuation state, and include an inertial carryover component that characterizes a carryover of a rate of indoor temperature change that was occurring immediately prior to the change in actuation state.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a controller for controlling the thermostat, a battery supplying power for the thermostat, and a wireless transceiver for receiving control information from a remote device and for transmitting information to the remote device. The controller sets a default time schedule for enabling the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems and methods for power stealing for a wireless-enabled thermostat. In an exemplary embodiment, a wireless-enabled thermostat generally includes a control having a wireless network interface that intermittently connects the thermostat in a wireless network in accordance with a duty cycle, the duty cycle having a connect time in which the thermostat is connected in the wireless network and a sleep time in which the thermostat is not connected in the wireless network. A power stealing circuit of the thermostat steals power through an “on-mode” load of a climate control system to charge a capacitor or other energy storage device to provide the power for the wireless network interface. The control adjusts at least the sleep time in accordance with a time for charging the capacitor or other energy storage device to a threshold voltage.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an air-conditioner body performing air-conditioning operation, and a remote controller to operate the air-conditioner body. The air-conditioner body includes control unit that performs operation control of the air-conditioner body, and body receiving unit that receives a transmission signal from the remote controller. The remote controller includes temperature detecting unit for detecting temperatures around the remote controller, and remote-controller transmission unit. At the time of cooling operation, the control unit compares the detected temperature received from the remote controller and a preset temperature predetermined.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air conditioner control device, air conditioning system, and air conditioner control method. The air conditioner control device of the present invention comprises a base and a controller. The base senses a temperature or humidity of a first environment. The controller can be optionally combined with or detached from the base. When the controller is detached from the base, the controller senses a temperature or humidity of a second environment and communicates with the base using a wireless network protocol. By doing so, the output of an air conditioner can be flexibly adjusted depending on the environment that a user is in.

Abstract: A system for providing monitoring of HVAC systems includes a database comprising a plurality of computing device records, and a plurality of technician records. The system further includes a computing device connected to the HVAC system, the computing device comprising a network interface device, an optical sensor located adjacent to one or more light emitting devices of the HVAC system, and a processor for reading the sensor data from the optical sensor and transmitting the sensor data to a server. The system further includes a server for receiving the sensor data, finding a technician within the vicinity that can service the HVAC system and sending a message to the technician including the sensor data and the contact information for the owner of the HVAC system, so that the technician may service the HVAC system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise systems and methods for using the geographic location of networked consumer electronics devices as indications of occupancy of a structure for purposes of automatically adjusting the temperature setpoint on a thermostatic HVAC control. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one mobile electronic device is used to indicate the state of occupancy of the structure. The state of occupancy is used to alter the setpoint on the thermostatic HVAC control to reduce unneeded conditioning of unoccupied spaces.

Abstract: An auxiliary hardware box is described that can be installed at or near the HVAC system. The auxiliary box includes a large number of wiring terminals, for example 16 or more, for connecting to a relatively large number of HVAC control wires. The auxiliary box can include a “train map” type graphic display that is visible to the installer and provides a graphical indication as to which relays or switches are currently open and which are currently closed. A small sleek visually pleasing thermostat is also described that can be connected either directly to an HVAC system or to the auxiliary box, and can automatically detect an purpose the connected wires according to which it is connected to.

Abstract: An air-conditioning information storer (13) stores data received by a communicator (11) from air conditioners (2) and sensors (3) as air-conditioning information. A controller (10) executes control programs including at least a PLC program, determines control details for each air conditioner (2) in accordance with the air-conditioning information stored in the air-conditioning information storer (13), and stores the determined control details as air-conditioning information in the air-conditioning information storer (13). Furthermore, the controller (10) transmits control data based upon the determined control details to the corresponding air conditioner (2) via the communicator (11). Moreover, the controller (10) updates the PLC program on the basis of an operation performed by the user. Air-conditioning information is stored at a predetermined address within the air-conditioning information storer (13) in accordance with the type and content of the corresponding equipment.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle temperature regulation system regulates and/or adjusts a cabin temperature based in part on a separation distance between a user and an associated vehicle. The system includes a portable transceiver, a fixed transceiver provided in the associated vehicle and configured to communicate with the portable transceiver, a temperature adjusting system configured to perform operations which adjust a temperature within a vehicle cabin, and a controller in communication with the fixed transceiver and the temperature adjusting system. The controller determines a distance between the portable transceiver and the fixed transceiver, and variably controls the temperature adjusting system based on the determined distance between the portable transceiver and the fixed transceiver.

Abstract: An air conditioner including a humidifier and an air conditioning system. The humidifier is modularized within the air conditioner so that the air conditioner performs humidifying together with air conditioning. Further, the humidifier may be linked in operation to the air conditioner.

Abstract: An air conditioning equipment having an in-room unit connected to one end of the refrigerant pipes and an out-room unit connected to the other end of the refrigerant pipes. The air conditioning equipment includes signal coupling portions which are respectively disposed at both end parts of the refrigerant pipes. Each of the signal coupling portions couples an alternating current (AC) control signal to the refrigerant pipes and exhibits a predetermined impedance with respect to an AC electric signal. The configuration of the air conditioning equipment brings forth the advantages that the electrical insulation devices used in the prior art are dispensed with, and the signal transmissions between the in-room unit and the out-room unit can be performed by a simple apparatus configuration.

Abstract: An outdoor air temperature information acquisition section acquires the outdoor air temperature, a room temperature information acquisition section that acquires room temperature, an air conditioner state information acquisition section that acquires information on the state of heat exchange type air conditioners and the outdoor air cooler, an estimated value calculating section for room temperature during outdoor air cooling calculating the estimated value for room temperature after switching to the complete outdoor air cooling mode that stops the heat exchange type air conditioner and carries out room temperature control by only increasing or decreasing the effect of the outdoor air cooler from the cooling mode mainly using the heat exchange type air conditioner.

Abstract: A secure wireless thermostat and system comprising the thermostat are described and taught. The temperature control unit replaces the traditional thermostat by attaching to the wall and using the existing wiring from the traditional thermostat. This temperature control unit has no display or programming buttons, rather a user interacts with the temperature control unit via electronic devices such as smart phones, laptop computers, and desktop computers. The settings of the system can be modified by the user from these access ports. If the user opts to interact with the system via a third party IP server, a local DHCP web server can be employed to store data safely and securely.

Abstract: A GPS-based energy management system for a home network is provided that includes a plurality of energy consuming devices. The system comprises a central controller operatively connected to each energy consuming device, and one or more GPS-enabled devices configured to communicate with the central controller. The central controller is programmed to modify the behavior of the energy consuming devices based on the location of at least one member of a home network.

Abstract: An indoor climate control system is configured to adjust a first temperature of a first room within a structure. The indoor climate control system has a receiver mechanically coupled to an HVAC unit configured to turn the HVAC unit on and off. A portable wireless thermostat communicatively coupled to the receiver. The portable wireless thermostat transmits a desired climate information to the receiver which then engages the HVAC unit to adjust the first temperature of the first room.

Abstract: An apparatus, methods and systems for an independent air register vent assembly having means to adjust register frame and louver components, rotatable and non-rotatable, to match standard length and width openings in a manner that arranges the entire assembly to conform to all common standard size vent boot outlets. In one example, the main register frame assembly has a small programmable wireless receiver attached to an electric battery motorized to self-regulate the air register assembly, an adjustable housing frame, and adjustable louvers in the housing frame regulating the air flow volume, with a separate wireless remote controlled linear sliding potentiometer transmitter plate, a digital thermometer fixed to a wireless transmitter device, indicating changes in room temperatures as a result of adjusting the degree of the remote controlled adjustable louvers.

Abstract: Portable Digital Thermostat, consist of a base unit suitable for wall mounting in a location suitable for such purpose in a manner similar to a conventional thermostat. Included in the system is a conventional rechargeable battery powered remote control unit that incorporates all aspects of a modern digital thermostat, including programming functions, clock, displays, controls and sensors. Designed to promote energy conservation and climate control where needed, this invention allow repositioning of the remote control unit any where within the building. The remote control unit allows automatic control of the HVAC system based on the temperature at any selected location without the hassle of rewiring and repositioning the base unit.

Abstract: A wireless damper control and test system comprising a wireless controller for communicating with a wireless interface using an identifier whereby actuation timing of a damper actuator is transmitted by signal, the wireless interface connected to a damper to be controlled or tested using the transmitted signal, the wireless controller transmits the signals to the wireless interface for operational verification of the damper and damper actuator, and the wireless interface detects a damper state by contacts mounted on the damper and communicates the damper state to the wireless controller.

Abstract: An HVAC system that obtains demand specific data from an outdoor unit thereof is provided. An indoor unit controller, an outdoor unit controller and an outdoor unit of the HVAC system are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the outdoor unit controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive a request for a second portion of demand data from an indoor controller of the HVAC system, wherein the request includes a first portion of the demand data that corresponds to the second portion and (2) a processor configured to respond to the request by determining the second portion based on the first portion and sending the second portion of the demand data to the indoor controller of the HVAC system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless diagnostic equipment. HVAC equipment is configured with wireless technologies that are enabled to communicate diagnostic data with a wireless communications device, such as a smart phone, tablet, laptop or other wireless communications device. Software on the wireless communications device is enabled to receive the diagnostic data and to perform various operations based on the diagnostic data and other data at the wireless communications device. Furthermore, the software is enabled to remotely configure and operated the HVAC equipment.

Abstract: A motor control system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications is described. The motor control system includes a thermostat and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) coupled to the thermostat. The ECM is configured to retrofit an existing non-ECM electric motor included in an HVAC application and to operate in one of a plurality of HVAC modes. The HVAC modes include at least one of a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a continuous fan mode. The HVAC mode is determined based at least partially on outputs provided by the thermostat.

Abstract: A method of automated sensing of an electrical anomaly associated with a thermostat may include switching a switching circuit within the thermostat to an on state. The switching circuit may be configured to activate an HVAC function when switched to the on state. The method may also include monitoring one or more electrical properties associated with the switching circuit. The method may additionally include determining if an electrical anomaly is associated with the switching circuit based at least in part on the monitored one or more electrical properties. The method may further include switching the switching circuit to an off state if an electrical anomaly is detected.

Abstract: A printed board arranged within an upper case and having a hole, a partition portion arranged within the upper case so as to be substantially orthogonal to the printed board and provided with a cut, and a temperature sensor arranged within the upper case and having a covered wire, a soldered portion provided at an end of the covered wire, and a temperature detection portion provided at another end of the covered wire, are provided. The temperature sensor is fixed such that the soldered portion is soldered to a surface of the printed board, the covered wire is inserted through the hole and engaged with the cut to be fixed, and the temperature detection portion is located near an inner surface of the upper case.

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.

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.

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.

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.