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: A wireless device may be used to communicate with and control one or more components of an HVAC system from a remote location. The wireless device may be configured to display two or more icons on the display of the device, wherein each icon executes a function that aids the user in controlling one or more components of the HVAC system. The wireless device may dynamically order the two or more icons on the display of the device, each according to a dynamic ranking algorithm. The dynamic ranking algorithm may be based on a number of factors including, for example, a relative frequency of selection of each of the two or more icons by a user, the current time of day, the current time of year, the current temperature, the current location of the wireless device, and/or the like.

Abstract: An equipment interface module that can operate one or more pieces of HVAC equipment in accordance with instructions received from a properly operating thermostat, yet can also operate the HVAC equipment when communications between the thermostat and the HVAC controller are lost due to, for example, low battery power at the thermostat, malfunctioning thermostat sensor(s), malfunctioning communication and/or thermostat circuitry, electrical interference, and the like. In some instances, the equipment interface module may regulate the HVAC equipment in accordance with a signal from a remote sensor when communication with the thermostat is lost.

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: Provided according to one or more embodiments is a thermostat having a housing, the housing including a forward-facing surface, the thermostat comprising a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor disposed inside the housing for sensing occupancy in the vicinity of the thermostat. The PIR motion sensor has a radiation receiving surface and is able to detect the lateral movement of an occupant in front of the forward-facing surface of the housing. The thermostat further comprises a grille member having one or more openings and included along the forward-facing surface of the housing, the grille member being placed over the radiation receiving surface of the PIR motion sensor. The grille member is configured and dimensioned to visually conceal and protect the PIR motion sensor disposed inside the housing, the visual concealment promoting a visually pleasing quality of the thermostat, while at the same time permitting the PIR motion sensor to effectively detect the lateral movement of the occupant.

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: A method and apparatus for solar fan controller have been disclosed. In one version a solar fan controller (SFC) uses inputs about temperature, humidity, weather, and fan status to control a fan.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of determining, at a point during shipment, whether the solid phase refrigerant in a shipment is sufficient to preserve the shipment cargo, which is blood or other biological products, for the remaining shipment period, by: monitoring the temperatures encountered to said point and estimating the temperatures likely to be encountered during the remaining shipment period; determining the likelihood that the remaining refrigerant can maintain the shipment cargo within a specified temperature range during the remaining shipment period; and if the risk that the remaining refrigerant cannot maintain the shipment cargo within said range during the remaining shipment period is above a cut-off level, then taking action to preserve the value of the cargo.

Abstract: A system for management of access rights to operating data and/or control data of buildings or building complexes can include a communications release service running on a first server. This release service releases a communication of a user, who is registered with an identity, with the buildings or building complexes filed for him or her in a list when his or her identity corresponds with an identity filed in the list. Also, after release of the communication has taken place by the communications release service, a building authorization service running on a second server releases specific access rights for the user to operating data and/or control data of the building or building complex on the basis of access rights filed in an authorization databank.

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: In a thermostat having a plurality of demand circuits and a thermostat controller, a method of controlling devices connected to the demand circuits. One or more demand circuits in a thermostat are connected to devices in an HVAC system. The thermostat is configured to associate each connected demand circuit with the device to which it is connected and control signals are routed from the thermostat controller to the one or more demand circuits to control devices associated with the demand circuits.

Abstract: The disclosure includes an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment the network includes a duct, a blower and a controller. The blower is configured to receive a control message from a data bus. The duct is configured to direct air flow from the blower. The controller is configured to publish the control message to the data bus. The controller thereby commands the blower to provide air to the duct at an initial volume rate and to increase the volume rate until the controller detects onset of a cutback mode of the blower.

Abstract: Techniques are described that may be implemented in an adaptive control device to regulate multiple zone environmental units based upon multiple temperature values and multiple airflow values, where each temperature value and each airflow value is related to the temperature and the airflow in a specific zone. In an implementation, the input interface of the adaptive control device is configured to receive multiple temperature values and multiple air flow values from multiple zone sensors. The adaptive control device may calculate multiple operational values based on the multiple temperature values and the multiple air flow values. An operational value indicates a power state (e.g. power on/power off) for a zone environmental unit's fan, compressor, heater, exhaust fan, and damper. The adaptive control device's output interface is operable to transmit multiple sequencing commands to the plurality of zone environmental units.

Abstract: Distributed nodes, such as intelligent register controllers, of a heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system wirelessly communicate with each other on a peer-to-peer basis, forming a network, and collectively control the HVAC system, without a central controller. The intelligent register controllers collectively control the amount of conditioned air introduced into each region. Each node may base its operation at least in part on information about one or more (ideally all) of the other nodes. Each intelligent register controller automatically determines how much conditioned air to allow into its region, or how much return air to allow to be withdrawn from its region. Each register controller automatically determines when and to what extent to operate its respective controllable damper.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for connecting split HVAC systems (and/or for providing such connectivity) to networks and/or smart meters, thereby allowing a split HVAC system to be controllable via the Internet and/or a smart meter. An exemplary embodiment includes a system for use with a split HVAC system having at least one outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit having a receiver. In this exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a control having connectivity to a network and/or a smart utility meter. An equipment interface module is configured for wireless communication with the receiver of the at least one indoor unit and the control. The equipment interface module is operable for communicating instructions from the control to the receiver of the at least one indoor unit, thereby allowing operation of the at least one indoor unit to be controllable via the network and/or smart utility meter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for incorporating manual changes to the setpoint for a thermostatic controller into long-term programming of the thermostatic controller. For example, one or more of the exemplary systems compares the actual setpoint at a given time for the thermostatic controller to an expected setpoint for the thermostatic controller in light of the scheduled programming. A determination is then made as to whether the actual setpoint and the expected setpoint are the same or different. Furthermore, a manual change to the actual setpoint for the thermostatic controller is compared to previously recorded setpoint data for the thermostatic controller. At least one rule is then applied for the interpretation of the manual change in light of the previously recorded setpoint data.

Abstract: An advanced electric water heater control system that interfaces with a high temperature cut-off thermostat and an upper regulating thermostat. The system includes a control module that is electrically connected to the high-temperature cut-off thermostat and the upper regulating thermostat. The control module includes a switch to open or close the high-temperature cut-off thermostat and the upper regulating thermostat. The control module further includes circuitry configured to control said switch in response to a signal selected from the group of an autonomous signal, a communicated signal, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a grid of intersecting ducts having one or more inlets, outlets, and intersections. Air may be received into the inlets and directed through the outlets into one or more zones of a building. One or more HVAC units may be connected to the inlets and mechanical valves may be located at the intersections to control the air flow through the grid. A control system may be provided to control the temperature of each zone by adjusting the mechanical valves (and/or turning selected HVAC units “on” or “off”). In certain embodiments, the HVAC system includes at least one reading device to read temperature preference information associated with an occupant of a zone. The control system may then align the temperature of the zone with the temperature preference information when the occupant is inside the zone. A corresponding method and apparatus are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention features a multizone conversion system for converting a single zone system into a multizone system. The multizone conversion system is designed to require minimal renovations and does not require extensive new wiring. Each room within the new multizone system has its own thermostat controls and each room can be set to its own specific temperature. The multizone conversion system does not require new piping to and from the boiler. Each thermostat is equipped with a temperature sensing device, temperature setting controls, an LCD monitor or display and an RF circuit that includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver. Each heating element within the room is outfitted with an input device that contains an RF circuit, a switching valve and a battery compartment. The thermostat communicates wirelessly with the output device located in the room and control the flow of the heated water through the existing heating element or alternatively through a bypass pipe if heat is not required.

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 operation unit for a vehicle air conditioner includes a display device, a setting input portion of a control parameter of the air conditioner other than a set temperature, an obtaining portion configured to obtain a present set value of the control parameter, and an operating state identification portion configured to identify whether an air-conditioning operating state is in a plurality of predetermined operating states of the air conditioner. In the operation unit, a moving pattern of a pointer of the display device is changed according to the operating state of the air conditioner. For example, a pointer operation control portion can be configured to control an operation of a pointer driving motor such that the pointer moves on a dial of the display device at different moving speeds according to the air-conditioning operating state.

Abstract: An air conditioning management device is mutually communicably connected to multiple air conditioners, and is equipped with: a storage that stores connection information that indicate remote control devices respectively controlling the plurality of air conditioners, the air conditioners connected thereto; a wasteful operation determiner that determines whether or not any of the plurality of air conditioners are in a wasteful operating state; and a wasteful operation notifier which, in the case where wasteful operation determiner determines that at least one of the plurality of air conditioners is in a wasteful operating state, notifies that the air conditioner is in a wasteful operating state to the remote control device connected to that air conditioner, on the basis of the connection information stored in the storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user activated hot water heater and control system for processing hot water to hot water output locations, e.g. faucet, shower, or the like, such that temperature fluctuations and delays in hot water delivery are reduced. Additionally, the temperature of the hot water delivered is adjusted to a predetermined value determined by a user signature constructed from a potential user physical attributes such as height, weight, and the like. The user activated feature of the present invention will provide an energy savings resulting from the smart, upon demand, activation of internal and/or external recirculation systems. Additionally, in preferred embodiments incorporating tank-less water heaters, the hot water maximum temperature, T(maximum) is dependent on the preference setting or default value of the detected general category user or unique individual user.

Abstract: An electric heating system controlled with a remote thermostat. The system may incorporate wireless technology and a line voltage equipment interface sub-system. The sub-system may have a line voltage relay and an antenna. The relay may be mounted within an electric heater enclosure. The antenna may be mounted directly on the enclosure. The antenna may receive temperature control signals from a transmitter of the thermostat. The signals may be processed to control a connection of the heater to power with a relay receiving the processed control signals. The control of power to the heater may maintain a temperature approximately equal to a thermostat temperature setting. The antenna and relay electronics may provide a backup control of the heater in the event of, for example, a loss of signals from the thermostat. The backup control may prevent the temperature proximate to equipment interface sub-system from approaching a freezing point.

Abstract: An energy control system, helping to reduce energy consumption from an energy grid, includes a power meter which receives first power-save signal and generates a second power-save signal for receipt by a control device. The target temperature of a thermostat is changed for a period of time in response to the second power-save signal. The control device can create a third power-save signal for receipt by a power-save adapter for an associated energy-consuming unit to permit only limited operation of the energy-consuming unit.

Abstract: A thermostat assembly comprises a thermostat and a removable and replaceable first communication module physically and functionally removably connected to the thermostat. The first communication module is configured to permit information transfer between the thermostat and a first device remote from the thermostat. If more than one communication module is used to communicate with more than one device, the communication modules may operate using different communication protocols.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The system includes an integrated motor including a plurality of operating speeds and an input for selecting one of the plurality of operating speeds. The system further includes a system controller and an adjustment module. The adjustment module includes a plurality of operating modes each associated with one of the plurality of operating speeds and the ability to manually vary associations between the plurality of operating modes and the plurality of operating speeds. The adjustment module selects one of the plurality of operating modes on the basis of control commands received from the system controller and setting programmed or manually entered into and stored in the adjustment module and controls the integrated motor according to the operating speed associated with the selected operating mode.

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: An HVAC controller, a method determining a location of a HVAC unit with respect to a site where the HVAC unit is installed and a HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive location data indicating a position of said HVAC unit with respect to the earth, (2) a memory coupled to said interface and configured to store said location data and a processor configured to retrieve said location data from said memory, wherein said retrieved location data is employed to determine a location of said HVAC unit with respect to a site where said HVAC unit is installed.

Abstract: A fireplace assembly with an integrated burn control system includes a variety of features that provide an elegant, revolutionary, and highly-efficient way to heat a residence or other environment. The fireplace assembly may be used in combination with gas-burning fireplaces, stoves, and fireplace inserts. The fireplace assembly includes, but is not limited to: a control panel; a concealment door that conceals the control panel when the concealment door is closed; automatic control panel lighting that is activated when the concealment door is open; a split flow or dual burner assembly that simulates a natural wood burning fire; and an intermittent pilot ignition system that allows a pilot flame to run continuously or intermittently. The fireplace assembly can be manually controlled via the control panel or automatically and/or remotely controlled via a remote control device.

Abstract: A temperature moderation system with temperature difference considerations between indoors and outdoors for facilitating an air conditioner in operation control, includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit connected with each other. The outdoor unit has an outdoor temperature detection element. The indoor unit has a processor for generating and sending a target temperature to the air conditioner for operation control. The target temperature is one selected from the indoor setting temperature and a pre-set temperature; according to which temperature is closest to the outdoor temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a dwelling is provided. The system includes a plurality of wireless thermostats disposed throughout multiple zones within the dwelling and operable to control climate conditions in the corresponding zones. The system further includes a primary power source operable to supply power to thermostats for operating in a high-power mode when operatively connected thereto. The thermostats each include a secondary power source operable to supply power to the thermostats for operating in a low-power mode when the corresponding thermostat is not powered by the primary power source. Thermostats operating in the high-powered mode and are operable to receive and repeat signals originating from one or more thermostats operating in the low-power mode.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media for remotely managing an environmental control and monitoring device are provided. Remote management of an environmental control and monitoring device may be implemented by receiving, via a network, a device action including notification of at least one of an environmental, maintenance, repair or usage status of an environmental control and monitoring device. A management action is determined based on the device action, and the management action is transmitted, wherein the management action includes a command to execute an operation of the environmental control and monitoring device.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus includes a processor operable to manage energy use at a site wherein the processor is configured to detect a user interaction with the apparatus and create a personalized schedule automatically in response to the user interaction. The apparatus can also include a first profile accessible to the processor, wherein the first profile includes a first personalized schedule, and a second profile accessible to the processor, wherein the second profile is different from the first profile and includes a second personalized schedule. In addition, the processor can be configured to determine when to use the first profile or the second profile, initiate an outgoing message using the first or second personalized schedule, and update the first or second profile in response to a user interaction with an interface of the apparatus during use of the first or second personalized schedule.

Abstract: A local thermostat for controlling an HVAC unit may include a controller programmed to execute a remote access function for remotely accessing and communicating with at least one remote thermostat over a communication channel. The remote access application may be configured to display at least one thermostat setting of at least one of the remote thermostats on the display of the user interface of the local thermostat. In some cases, the remote access application may allow a user to change one or more thermostat settings of at least one remote thermostat using the user interface of the local thermostat.

Abstract: A heating ventilation and cooling system includes a cooling source and/or a heating source, and a controller. The cooling and/or heating sources are configured to respectively cool and heat an enclosed space. The controller is configured to receive an apparent temperature set point. The controller is further configure to operate the cooling and/or heating sources to maintain an absolute air temperature that is different from the apparent temperature set point.

Abstract: A remote controlled air vent register having a mounting plate with a hole; a rotating assembly disposed within the hole, the rotating assembly having a bottom plate and one or more louvers disposed within the bottom plate; a motor statically mounted to a duct-side face of the mounting plate, the motor having a drive shaft and a drive shaft gear mounted to the drive shaft, the drive shaft gear being in geared communication with a geared surface on said rotating assembly; a processor in communication with the motor and powered by a power source; and a receiver within the processor, the receiver being configured to receive a signal from a remote control.

Abstract: In some examples, a wireless controller is utilized within a wireless mesh network. The wireless controller includes a control module configured to manage at least one energy device via a pneumatic pressure line based on one or more parts of an energy profile; and a network interface module configured to transmit energy data to a management server and receive the one or more parts of the energy profile from the management server.

Abstract: A wireless radial damper system includes at least one radial damper having a motor connected thereto to rotate the radial damper between an open position and a closed position inside a duct. A receiver is connected to the motor for communicating with the motor via a wireless signal. A wireless thermostat remote from the receiver sends the wireless signal to the receiver which in turn operates the motor to control the radial damper. The wireless thermostat allows for the radial damper to be temperature controlled rather than user controlled. A wireless remote controller, a wireless wand or some other type of wireless device may be used in place of a wireless thermostat.

Abstract: A thermostat assembly comprises a thermostat and a removable and replaceable first communication module physically and functionally removably connected to the thermostat. The first communication module is configured to permit information transfer between the thermostat and a first device remote from the thermostat. If more than one communication module is used to communicate with more than one device, the communication modules may operate using different communication protocols.

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 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: A cell phone location-based system is described that determines the occupancy of a home and controls home energy consumption such that energy is saved when the home is unoccupied. Occupancy is determined according to cell phone locations, occupant behavior patterns, or burglar alarm status. When an occupant is determined to be returning to their unoccupied home, the heating or cooling apparatus is activated to return the temperature in the home to a comfortable level by the time the occupant arrives.

Abstract: A wireless user interface for an HVAC controller, a method of operating a wireless user interface for an HVAC controller and an HVAC system incorporating the wireless user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the wireless user interface includes: (1) a chassis having a display and at least one control button and containing a temperature sensor and wireless communication circuitry and (2) a microcontroller configured to cause the wireless communication circuitry to generate outbound data packets for wireless transmission to the HVAC controller containing temperature readings from the temperature sensor and when the at least one control button is pressed and receive inbound data packets from the HVAC controller that determine a content of the display.

Abstract: An HVAC unit includes a transformer and a system controller. The transformer is configured to receive power from a first and a second phase of a three-phase power source and to produce a first reduced-voltage waveform therefrom. The system controller is adapted to sample the reduced voltage waveform to determine a figure of merit of the three-phase power source. The controller is further configured to operate the HVAC unit in response to the figure of merit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a programmable thermostat are described herein. One or more system embodiments include a programmable thermostat having a first management profile; a data acquisition subsystem; and a data analysis subsystem. The data acquisition subsystem is configured to receive thermostat data from the programmable thermostat, and the data analysis subsystem is configured to receive the thermostat data from the data acquisition subsystem, and determine a second management profile for the programmable thermostat based, at least in part, on the thermostat data.

Abstract: The water heating control system and method tracks, monitors and controls energy consumed by systems and/or equipment including, but not limited to, hot water, HVAC, pools, and spas. The system and method controls a given device by utilizing historical and real-time information collected from a system of similar devices at the same and similar locations, as inputs to control processes which, utilizing the blended real-time and historical data, improve device management, including energy savings and maintenance of the entire system of devices over time.

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: An actuator includes at least one drive arrangement configured to generate output mechanical power from input electrical power. The actuator also includes a communication line input port and a control unit. The communication line input port is configured to connect to a communication line, and is configured to obtain electrical power from the communication line. The control unit is configured to obtain first information from the communication line via the communication line input port, and is further configured to adjust the operation of the at least one drive arrangement based on the first information and based upon information identifying electrical power available for use as input electrical power.

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.