Abstract: A vehicle includes a power connector configured to mate with an electrical power grid receptacle and receive a grid power therefrom and a heating and cooling system electrically connected to the power connector to receive grid power therefrom and configured to modify a temperature the vehicle cabin. The vehicle also includes a temperature control loop configured to selectively activate and control the heating and cooling system and a controller configured to receive a first input signal comprising a desired vehicle activation time and a second input signal comprising a starting vehicle cabin temperature and a desired vehicle cabin temperature. The controller determines a temperature control loop activation time based on the first and second input signals that is prior to the desired vehicle activation time and transmits an activation signal to the temperature control loop at the temperature control loop activation time to activate the heating and cooling system.

Abstract: HVAC apparatus is configured to include a control system with a controller which may be connected directly to a personality module for transferring information stored in the controller related to historic operating conditions of the apparatus to the module, or information may be transferred to the controller from the module to configure the controller for operation of the apparatus at selected operating conditions of temperature, pressure and blower motor speed, for example. The personality module includes a memory circuit and a connector for releasably connecting the module to the control system of the apparatus for transferring information between the module and the controller.

Abstract: A building controller is configured to designate one or more stored parameters as local or global. Parameters that are designated as global may be selectively communicated to remote devices and, parameters that are designated as local, may remain local to the building controller. In some instances, the remote devices may be selectable by a user, include all the other devices on the network, and/or include devices that share a common wireless accessory (e.g. an outdoor temperature sensor).

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a system for controlling a vehicle climate control system in response to starting an engine with a remote start operation is provided. The system includes a first sensor for generating a cabin temperature signal indicative of a temperature within the vehicle. The system further includes a controller for controlling idle speed of the engine in response to the cabin temperature signal such that the controlled idle speed enables the climate control system to achieve a desired temperature.

Abstract: An Intelligent Thermostat (IT) device and method of use for the retrieval and display of real-time energy demand and energy pricing. The IT device is configured to perform automatic adaptation of energy conservation based on real-time fluctuations in the energy pricing from a Utility Company. The IT device controls a multicolor backlight to immediately notify the user of real-time fluctuations in the energy pricing.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to thermostats that assist users in monitoring and/or controlling their utility consumption habits and patterns. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a thermostat that includes a housing and a controller located within the housing. The controller may be adapted to implement a control algorithm that permits the controller to operate one or more components of an HVAC system. The thermostat may include a display and a receiver that is configured to receive messages from a utility. In some cases, the controller may provide, on the display, an indication of a measure of utility usage during a first time period (e.g. during a current month) and an indication of a measure of utility usage during a second time period (e.g. during the same month one year ago) that may be after the first time period.

Abstract: A transport unit including a container defining a cargo space. The transport unit includes position detection apparatus coupled to the container, and adapted to determine a geographic location of the container and to generate a signal indicative of the geographic location. The transport unit also includes a refrigeration system in communication with the cargo space, and a control system including route data that defines a plurality of potential destinations of the container. The control system is programmed to predict a container route defined by at least two potential destinations of the container based on the geographic location and the route data, and to determine a proximity of the container relative to at least one potential destination of the route. The control system is in communication with the refrigeration system to control the refrigeration system based on the proximity of the container relative to the at least one potential destination.

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: A management center is configured to communicate with a refrigeration system controller for a refrigeration system at a remote location. The management center is configured to receive ambient temperature data corresponding to an ambient temperature at the remote location, to calculate a projected energy consumption value for at least one component of the refrigeration system based on the ambient temperature data, and to receive an actual energy consumption value for the at least one component from the refrigeration system controller. The management center is also configured to compare the actual energy consumption value with the projected energy consumption value and to generate an output based on the comparison.

Abstract: A remote climate control system is for an electric vehicle without a combustion engine and having a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical Ventilation blower selectively powered thereby, a sensor associated with the rechargeable electrical power source, and a data communications bus extending throughout the hybrid vehicle. At least one of the electrical Ventilation blower and the sensor is coupled to the data communications bus. The remote climate control system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver to be positioned at the hybrid vehicle for receiving signals from said remote transmitter. A vehicle remote climate controller cooperates with said receiver and to be coupled to the data communications bus extending within the hybrid vehicle for communication thereover to selectively operate the electrical Ventilation blower responsive to the sensor and said remote transmitter.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system operable at different states employs a control unit including a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is connected electrically to a switching device for a compressor of the air-conditioning system. The compressor is installed at a remote location exterior to a building. The receiver is responsive to an encoded radio signal to provide an electronic control signal for actuating the switching device. The transmitter is installed within the building and is electrically connected to a thermostat within the building that responds to temperature changes to provide a temperature control signal. The transmitter upon receipt of the temperature control signal transmits to the remote location the encoded radio signal for operating the air-conditioning system at one of the different states.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely monitoring and/or controlling a demand control ventilation system are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a demand control ventilation device having a damper and a controller are provided. The damper may have a range of damper positions for controlling a flow of outside air into the building. The controller controls the damper positions such that a desired flow of outside air is drawn through the damper and into the building. A remote monitoring device may also be provided. The remote monitoring device may be located remotely from the demand control ventilation device, but in communication with or part of the controller. In some instances, the remote monitoring device may have a user interface for remotely monitoring and/or controlling at least certain aspects of the demand control ventilation system from the remote location.

Abstract: The present invention includes a frame that is quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. The frame may be used for supporting a portable forced air heater, or other similar equipment. Handles, supports, and optionally a wheel assembly is assembled to two core members using snap lock buttons. In a preferred embodiment, the portable forced air heater includes a maintenance clock for measuring and recording operational parameters of a portable forced air heater, and for notifying a user that maintenance is required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a receiver unit for receiving information required for every day life, a control unit for determining information a user is in need from the information required for every day life, and a display unit for displaying the information the user is in need to an outside of the refrigerator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for manually balancing the volume of air supplied through at least one duct to a conditioned space the system including a damper rotatably mounted within the air duct by a damper shaft having a first and second ends, an electronic pulse actuator responsive to an electronic pulse being associated with the first end, a housing associated with the electronic pulse actuator is generally adapted for operably connecting the electronic pulse actuator to the air duct and a remote positioning unit in electric communication with the electronic pulse actuator where the damper is rotated between an open and a closed position for manually balancing the conditioned space to receive the desired volume of air.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a person-sensitive sensor is provided. The person-sensitive sensor has a Doppler sensor module, a storage unit, a signal intensity comparison unit, a variance value comparison unit and a presumption unit. The storage unit stores signal intensities of a signal outputted from the Doppler sensor module. The signal intensity comparison unit compares whether or not a value of the signal intensities is greater than a first threshold value. The variance value comparison unit compares whether or not a variance value of a part of the signal intensities is greater than a second threshold value. The presumption unit presumes a state of person in a space in which the Doppler sensor module is installed, based on comparison results.

Abstract: A thermostatic control system having a configurable lock mechanism. The mechanism may be for preventing unauthorized or unintended operation of the thermostatic control system. The system may have a manual or an automatic lock out. If the manual or automatic lock out is not effected, the system may be configured to automatically effect a lock out after a certain period of time. To remove the lock out may require a coded entry. The lock out may be full or partial with respect to the functionality of the system. The lock out mechanism may be applicable to a wireless remote control of a thermostatic system; however, it may also be applicable, for instance, to a wall module thermostat.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, provided is an air conditioning control system having a remote controller which collectively controls air conditioning facilities respectively provided in multiple buildings through a network. A building monitoring and controlling device is provided in each of the buildings. The building monitoring and controlling device monitors an air conditioning facility in a building where the building monitoring and controlling device itself is installed, and transmits operation data on the air conditioning facility to the remote controller. The remote controller calculates each operation setting value based on each set of operation data, and transmits the calculated operation setting value to the building monitoring and controlling device corresponding to the calculated operation setting value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of degradation in climate control system performance, in particular to the detection of degradation in heating system performance or air-conditioning system performance that is an indicator of impending heating system failure or air-conditioning system failure in domestic properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling climate within a building. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a smart climate unit for (i) obtaining distributed generator (DG) information pertaining to operation of a DG that generates power for the building, and (ii) controlling at least one climate condition within the building based on at least one of the DG information, local input, or remote input.

Abstract: An air conditioning system can automatically increase or decrease a desired temperature of an indoor unit at a variable gradient smaller than the variable gradient per predetermined time of an outdoor temperature. Hence, the user does not have to directly change the desired temperature, thus increasing user's convenience. Also, in the event of a significant diurnal range in temperature, air conditioning sickness can be prevented since an optimum indoor temperature can be maintained. Moreover, the variable gradient of the desired temperature of a room is smaller than the variable gradient of an outdoor temperature, thus keeping the room pleasant.

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: Methods, systems, and devices for managing energy consumption in multi-room facilities are provided. In particular, intelligent mechanisms for determining a room occupancy state and then for managing energy settings of that room are provided. Some logic for implementing these mechanisms may be provided in an in-room device, such as a motion detector, thermostat, door, lock, television, set top box, etc.

Abstract: A regulation control system of air conditioning equipment is provided according to the present invention; the regulation control system mainly interconnects an entrance guarding device and/or a human body movement detecting device with an air conditioning control device, by this way, data of air conditioning usage surroundings condition are generated by the entrance guarding device and/or the human body movement detecting device, and then an air conditioning control device executes regulation and control over the air conditioning equipment based on the data of air conditioning usage surroundings condition with referring to a set of preset regulation parameters; thereby providing the air conditioning equipment with proper regulation and control to operate in preset conditions, and further achieving objective of energy management of the air conditioning equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an outdoor unit of air conditioner comprising a main body and an electrical component box, a fan motor, a compressor and a condenser which are all installed in the main body. The electrical component box comprises an electrical box cover, an electrical box, and a circuit board on which electrical components and a radiator are installed. The circuit board is disposed in the electrical box, the electrical box cover is installed on top of the electrical box, and a baffle box is disposed between the electrical box and the fan motor. In the outdoor unit of air conditioner of the present invention, the baffle box is disposed between the electrical box and the fan motor, and encloses the electrical box from the fan motor, which keeps the electrical box and the fan motor apart, prevents the fan motor from burning resulting from the fire source in the electrical box and further protects the outdoor unit of air conditioner from burning.

Abstract: System (10) for remotely controlling and monitoring a food refrigerator (1), and its content, of the type intended to be given in rental or in free loan from a manufacturer to a vendor of cold products, comprising a control unit (2) for checking and storing a plurality of functioning parameters of the food refrigerator (1), an RFID reader (3) intended to read data stored in a plurality of RFID tags attached to the cold products, a communication unit (4) for interconnecting an external device, the RFID reader (3) comprising means for retrieving data from said RFID tags when the cold products are still stocked inside the food refrigerator (1) and the communication unit (4) localization means for transmitting information to the external device about a geographical localization of the food refrigerator (1). System (10) according to claim 1 wherein said means produce a radio frequency signal at predetermined time intervals for activating said RFID tags.

Abstract: An integrated management system for controlling multi-type air conditioners can use a remote integrated management system to securely and automatically back up setting information for a local controller provided in at least one air conditioner system, which is disposed in a room or office and is being operated, thereby allowing an improvement of stability of the integrated management system.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated control of A/C service tools for use during A/C servicing tasks. The apparatus including hardware and software to run the automation programs, connectors to connect with the service tools to allow passage of vapors and liquids between the service tools and the A/C system, and power ports to plug the service tools into the apparatus so that it may control the power to the service tools. Further, the apparatus may include sensors and valves so that it might sense pressure within a system of connected service tools and the A/C system, and so that it might be able to control the flow of vapors and liquids between components of the system based on the automation programs and the readings from the sensors.

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 control system that accommodates and/or facilitates control from a remote location. The HVAC control system may include a web-enabled building control appliance with a controller, a first port and a second port. The controller may implement a web server that is coupled to the first port for serving up one or more web pages on a first network and for receiving a number of responses. The controller may be coupled to the second port so as to communicate with one or more communicating thermostats via a second network. The web server may provide one or more web-pages via the first port that solicit and receive information pertaining to one or more remote sensors that are to be connected to one of the one or more thermostats. The web server may provide a wiring diagram for the one or more remote sensors that is dependent on the received information pertaining to one or more remote sensors.

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: The present disclosure pertains generally to thermostats that are adapted to assist utilities in communicating with its customers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a thermostat having a display, a controller and a receiver that is coupled to the controller. The receiver is adapted to receive messages from a utility, and the controller is adapted to display one or more related display messages on the display.

Abstract: The system includes a boiler, and multiple radiators connected to the boiler via a network of pipes. It includes a central processor for monitoring and control, air vent controllers that control the flow of steam through the radiators and a boiler control which turns the boiler on and off. The radiators are divided into groups. The central controller communicates with the air vent controllers to determine the conditions in the various groups. Based at least in part on the conditions, central controller may determine that the group requires heat. If heat is required and other parameters agree, central processor determines the state of the boiler. If off, the boiler is instructed to turn on and the air vent controllers in the group are instructed to open. Each air vent controller in that heat zone will then open allowing air to flow through the radiator and heat to be provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling multiple air conditioners. The system includes a demand control unit configured to calculate an estimated power amount to be used by the multiple air conditioners based on an amount of power consumed by the multiple air conditioners during a predetermined time period, and to forcibly control an operation rate of one or more air conditioners based on a priority level assigned to the one or more air conditioners.

Abstract: A thermostat system with a thermostat control program is disclosed for controlling a Heating Ventilation and/or Air Conditioning (HVAC) system which incorporates a mechanism for detecting activity or occupancy in a room, area or conditioned space served by the HVAC system. The thermostat control program analyzes levels, counts or other aspects of activity detected in the conditioned space, with an operating sequence which may include pattern recognition techniques. The operating sequence of the thermostat control program may further depend upon time of day, and upon periods of time identified as being periods for special handling of occupancy, or the recognition of occupancy. These factors may then be utilized by the thermostat control program to influence determination of the temperature setpoint, or to select from alternative programming provided either by the user of the thermostat, or by factory programming, with purpose of balancing energy savings and comfort.

Abstract: A remote climate control system for a vehicle includes a remote climate controller to be positioned at a vehicle for starting an electrically powered climate control system based upon a remote climate control handheld unit and causing the electrically powered climate control system to run for a run time period before shutting it off. The remote climate controller is resettable based upon the remote climate control handheld unit to cause the electrically powered climate control system to run for an additional run time period before shutting it off. The remote climate control handheld unit has an indicator for providing an indication to a user prior to expiration of the run time period to permit a user to reset the run time period while the electrically powered climate control system is still running and before shutting off the electrically powered climate control system.

Abstract: A preheating backwater device comprises a tank body fabricated with a pump, a control module, a Y-pipe and a plurality of pipes inside. The device is assembled with a general hot-water heater and existing hot water and water supply pipes in a building. Users can activate the device either by pressing wire-linked buttons or using a wireless remote control. Lower temperature water in the hot water pipes can be pumped out and recirculated to the hot-water heater of the backwater device for a preset amount of time. If the automatic control module fails and preheating is not stopped automatically, an overheat protection device activates to guide the hot water to a cold water pipe via a backwater gate. A pressure control device installed in one end of a three-port connector of the overheat protection device stabilizes the pressure in the pipes. The design can prevent dangerous overheating situations.

Abstract: A humidifier for adding humidity to an air stream of an HVAC system during a call for humidity includes an air intake configured to fluidically interface with an HVAC duct, a humidifier pad, a valve for controlling delivery of water from a water source to the humidifier pad, and a controller for controlling the valve. The controller may be configured to cause the valve to deliver a variable amount of water over a particular call for humidity. For example, and in some instances, the controller may cause the valve to deliver water to the humidifier pad for substantially less than all of the time for a particular call for humidity.

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: Exemplary embodiments are directed to heating or cooling with wireless power. A device may comprise a wireless power receiver having at least one associated receive antenna. The device may further include a thermoelectric element operably coupled to the wireless power receiver and configured to heat or cool at least a portion of the device upon receipt of wireless power.

Abstract: A comfort control system for controlling the comfort level in a building includes a comfort control unit and a remote control unit. The remote control unit communicates with the comfort control unit from a remote location. In one illustrative embodiment, the remote control unit includes a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient air temperature near the remote control unit, and a measure related to the sensed temperature may be communicated to the comfort control unit. A detection block may be included in the remote control unit for detecting when the ambient air temperature sensed by the temperature sensor in the remote control unit is likely to be influenced by a user or other undesirable condition. The comfort control unit may take this into account when controlling the comfort control system of the building.

Abstract: A HVAC system for a vehicle that includes a propulsion system, a frame, a passenger compartment, and a door coupled to the frame. The HVAC system includes a refrigeration circuit that selectively controls the temperature of the passenger compartment based on a sensed temperature within the passenger compartment. The refrigeration circuit includes an exterior heat exchanger, a first air moving device coupled to the exterior heat exchanger, an interior heat exchanger, a second air moving device coupled to the interior heat exchanger, and a compressor. The HVAC system also includes a controller that is operable to detect a condition of the vehicle that includes at least one of a position of the door, a location of the vehicle, and a load of the propulsion system. The controller is programmed to adjust the refrigeration circuit in response to the sensed passenger compartment temperature and the detected vehicle condition.

Abstract: A temperature moderation system with temperature difference considerations between indoors and outdoors for facilitating an air conditioner in operation control, comprises 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, which is more approximated to the outdoor temperature.

Abstract: A system for communication between one or more indoor and one or more outdoor units. The system has a furnace apparatus spatially disposed within a building structure. In a specific embodiment, the furnace comprises a furnace control and an energy generation region. The furnace control is configured for at least a first direct current operation. The system also has an air conditioning unit spatially disposed outside of the building structure. The air conditioning unit comprises a compressor device and an air conditioning control configured for at least at least a second direct current operation. The system has a first powerline module configured to communicate with the furnace control and a second powerline module configured to communicate with the air conditioning control. A powerline network is configured to communicate between the first powerline module and the second powerline module.

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: The invention provides an indoor environment regulating system with excellent energy efficiency. The indoor environment regulating system of the invention is provided with an indoor surface structural member 300, 400 constructed of a material comprising a far-infrared emitting substance that emits and absorbs far-infrared rays and has a far-infrared emissivity of 0.

Abstract: A vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system includes front and rear HVAC systems. A controller receives data from front and rear control panels and controls the front and rear HVAC systems. Actuating a rear manual button on the front control panel allows control of the rear HVAC system via the rear control. Engine coolant temperature is used to judge if the vehicle has been inoperative for a long time. If the vehicle has not been inoperative for long, and the rear manual button was actuated prior to the vehicle shut down, rear manual control over the rear HVAC system is enabled. If the vehicle has been inoperative for a long time, or if the rear manual button was not actuated immediately prior to vehicle shut down, rear manual control is not enabled, thereby preventing operation of the rear HVAC system by the rear control panel.

Abstract: In a method for operating a fluid moving device, the fluid moving device is operated under one of a local mode where the fluid moving device operates autonomously and a global mode where the fluid moving device operates based upon instructions received from a global controller, and where the fluid moving device is operated under the local mode as a fail-safe operation to the global mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a method of operating the same. The air conditioner includes a human body detection unit configured to rotatably operate and to detect a person within an indoor area, a position determination unit configured to determine a position of the person using data detected by the human body detection unit and to set a reference area to which a current of air will be provided according to a frequency of detection on the person, and a control unit configured to control the human body detection unit so that the human body detection unit detects the person by a reference frequency or more and to control the current of air based on the determination results by the position determination unit so that the current of air is discharged toward the reference area.

Abstract: A system for controlling multiple air conditioners. The system includes a demand control unit configured to calculate an estimated power amount used by the multiple air conditioners based on an amount of power consumed by the multiple air conditioners during a predetermined time period, and to forcibly control an operation of one or more air conditioners based on a size of the estimated power amount. Further, the demand control unit is connected to the multiple air conditioners and communicates with the multiple air conditioners using a serial data communication protocol.