Abstract: As disclosed herein, a preservation system for perishable products in a display case comprises a control valve for connection to a water supply. A pressure regulator is connected to the control valve for reducing water pressure. A plurality of piezoelectric transducer nebulizers are operatively mounted to the display case in spaced apart relation to one another and are fluidically connected in series with an output of the pressure regulator to emit a dry fog. A control system comprises a controller for controlling a duty cycle of a pulse signal to vibrate the piezoelectric transducers in the plurality of nebulizers, and a timer for alternately generating an on and an off signal to periodically control the valve to supply water to the pressure regulator and to enable the controller whereby the nebulizers emit the dry fog to maintain desired relative humidity level throughout the display case.

Abstract: Refrigeration management includes determining an optimal operational schedule to control a refrigeration system for a cold storage facility. Various approaches can be used to determine an operational schedule with an optimal operational outcome that satisfies constraints representative of a range of factors, such as thermal characteristics of a refrigeration management system, energy cost, and environmental factors external to the system, which can affect refrigeration management of a cold storage facility.

Abstract: A thermostatic garment being heated and cooled by a power supply and includes a thermostatic garment body. A first heat exchange water pipe network and a second heat exchange water pipe network are arranged on the thermostatic garment body in a laying manner. A thermoelectric cooler, an electric heating sheet, a controller, a power supply, a first water pump, a second water pump, a first heat conducting water tank, and a second heat conducting water tank are arranged outside the thermostatic garment body. The first heat conducting water tank is provided with a first temperature sensor, and the first temperature sensor is electrically connected to an input end of the controller. Output ends of the controller is further electrically connected to the thermoelectric cooler, the electric heating sheet and the water pump respectively. The electric heating sheet is connected to the first heat conducting water tank.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes a main circuit in which a compressor, a load side heat exchanger, a first pressure reducing device, and a plurality of parallel heat exchangers connected in parallel with each other are connected by pipes, a bypass pipe diverting a portion of refrigerant discharged by the compressor, a flow switching unit connecting a parallel heat exchanger to be defrosted to the bypass pipe, a plurality of flow rate control devices controlling flow rates of refrigerant flowing through the plurality of parallel heat exchangers, and a controller which controls, in the heating-defrosting operation mode or in the heating operation mode after execution of the heating-defrosting operation mode, the flow rate control devices to control, in accordance with a frost state of a parallel heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator among the plurality of parallel heat exchangers, the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the parallel heat exchanger.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator including a cabinet, a storage compartment provided in the cabinet to form a single space in which a storage item is stored, a single door for opening or closing the space formed by the storage compartment, a first cold air supply duct and a second cold air supply duct provided respectively on left and right sides of the single storage compartment, the first cold air supply duct and the second cold air supply duct supplying different amounts of cold air, and a storage unit for being pushed into or pulled from the storage compartment in a front-and-rear direction along with the door.

Abstract: A method that determines whether at least one condition indicating a likelihood of one or more high refrigerant pressures within a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is present. The method includes generating a first control signal configured to switch a first valve from an open to a closed position in response to determining that at least one condition indicating a likelihood of one or more high refrigerant pressures within the HVAC system is present and upon expiration of a defined first period of time. The method further includes generating a second control signal configured to switch the first valve from a closed to an open position following generation of the first control signal and upon expiration of a defined second period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking appliance comprising: a cabinet defining a cooking chamber; a heating means installed on the cabinet and formed so as to heat the inside of the cooking chamber; an air pump installed on an outer side extends into the cooking chamber; a cooking pack arranged selectively inside the cooking chamber and formed so as to accommodate an object to be cooked; and a control unit for controlling the heating means and the air pump, wherein one side of the cooking pack is detachable from a free end of the tube. According to the present invention, sous vide cooking is enabled by, within a single plate, vacuum treating the space where the object to be cooked is accommodated and controlling the temperature inside the cooking chamber during cooking.

Abstract: A food storage cabinet may comprise a main body, an inert gas cylinder, a vacuum unit and a storage container. The main body has a controller which is electrically connected to a motor, and the motor further comprises a spindle connected to a measuring rod to achieve dropping stored food to a scale. The scale is also electrically connected to the controller such that when the preset amount of stored food on the scale is met, the controller is configured to automatically stop the motor. The inert gas cylinder and the vacuum unit are used for maintaining the inner space of the storage container in vacuum and filled with inert gas respectively, thereby keeping the stored food fresh. Also, an operating unit is installed adjacent to the measuring rod of the storage container to drive the measuring rod for dropping stored food manually.

Abstract: In an approach, a processor predicts a thermal load caused by a door opening event in at least part of a cargo space of a refrigerated transport vehicle based on, at least, an external ambient condition, environmental factors within the cargo space, and a duration of the door opening event. A processor obtains pre-cooling profile information describing cargo space temperature performance with a pre-cooling operation under conditions corresponding to, at least, the predicted thermal load caused by the door opening event. A processor determines a distribution path for the refrigerated transport vehicle based on the predicted thermal load caused by the door opening event and the obtained pre-cooling profile information, wherein the distribution path is associated with the pre-cooling operation.

Abstract: Refrigeration management includes determining an optimal operational schedule to control a refrigeration system for a cold storage facility. Various approaches can be used to determine an operational schedule with an optimal operational outcome that satisfies constraints representative of a range of factors, such as thermal characteristics of a refrigeration management system, energy cost, and environmental factors external to the system, which can affect refrigeration management of a cold storage facility.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method for time shifting when a cold storage facility is cooled that includes determining a thermal model of a cold storage facility, obtaining an energy cost model that describes a schedule of variable energy costs over a predetermined period of time in the future, determining an operational schedule for at least a portion of a refrigeration system based on the thermal model, the energy cost model, and a maximum allowed temperature, and powering on the portion the refrigeration system based on the operational schedule, cooling, by the powered portion of the refrigeration system to a temperature below the maximum allowed temperature, reducing power usage of the powered portion of the refrigeration system based on the operational schedule, and permitting the facility to be warmed by ambient temperatures toward the maximum allowed temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner comprising a heat pump device including a compressor that compresses refrigerant, first and second heat exchangers disposed inside the vehicle cabin within an interior air-conditioning unit, and a pressure reducing valve. The vehicle air conditioner further comprises an air-conditioning controller which controls the heat pump device and interior air-conditioning unit, an exterior heat exchanger temperature sensor and a degree-of-heating requested detecting section. If the quantity of heat absorbed by the exterior heat exchanger has decreased, the controller operates the heat pump device to operate in a mode in which a refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the first and second heat exchangers, bypasses the exterior heat exchanger, and then is sucked into the compressor, and a second mode in which the refrigerant is flow throughs the first heat exchanger and is bypassed around the second and exterior heat exchanger after pressure has been reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, apparatus, computer readable storage medium, and method to perform a context inference for a mobile device. In one embodiment, a data processing system includes a processor and a storage device configurable to store instructions to perform a context inference for the data processing system. Data may be received from at least a first sensor, and a first classification of the data from the sensor may be performed. Confidence for the first classification can be determined and a second sensor can be activated based on a determination that the confidence fails to meet a confidence threshold. A data sample classification from the activated second sensor may be classified jointly with the data from first sensor.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for controlling a network video camera with physical privacy feedback are provided. For example, computing device, a method, and a computer-program product may be provided. The computing device may include one or more lenses and one or more blocking mechanisms, wherein the one or more blocking mechanisms are configured to selectively block the one or more lenses from capturing video images, and wherein the one or more blocking mechanisms include a physical body that provides visible feedback that the one or more lenses are blocked. The computing device, method, and computer-program product may include detecting an occurrence of an event, and activating the one or more blocking mechanisms to block the one or more lenses from capturing video images, wherein the one or more blocking mechanisms are activated to block the one or more lenses when the occurrence of the event is detected.

Abstract: A remote climate control system is for a hybrid vehicle having a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical heater 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 heater 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 heater responsive to the sensor and said remote transmitter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a diagnostic method of a refrigerator using the same, and according to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a diagnostic method of the refrigerator, and the method may include sensing power supplied thereto; determining whether or not a power failure has occurred based on the sensed power; storing power failure occurrence information when it is determined that the power failure has occurred; referring to the power failure occurrence information when the power supply is resumed; storing power failure end information when the power failure occurrence information is found; and providing the power failure occurrence and power failure end information.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods can provide a damper assembly for transport refrigeration systems. One embodiment can include a damper assembly including a damper door configured to operate in a first position (e.g., closed), a second position (e.g., open), and at least one intermediate position. In one embodiment, a plurality of intermediate positions can be used to controllably vary a capacity of the transport refrigeration unit, or at least one component thereof. Embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods can provide a damper assembly that can be accessed though an ambient portion of transport refrigeration systems or components.

Abstract: A method for conditioning one or more aspects of a vehicle, where a user may customize their vehicle by providing desired departure times and conditioning preferences so that the vehicle automatically wakes up, performs the requested conditioning, and is ready for operation by the requested departure time. Some examples of potential conditioning events include activating: a heated or cooled seat, a heated steering wheel, a heated engine block, a heated mirror, a cabin heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, a heating or cooling element for a battery pack, a heating or cooling element for a battery charger, and a heating or cooling element for a fuel cell, to name a few.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is disclosed. An electrical sensor measures an electrical quantity indicative of power consumption of a component of the refrigerant-cycle system. A processing system selectively identifies a condition indicative of an airflow restriction through the refrigerant-cycle system based on the power consumption of the component.

Abstract: Methods for controlling temperature in a conditioned enclosure such as a dwelling are described that include an “auto-away” and/or “auto-arrival” feature for detecting unexpected absences which provide opportunities for significant energy savings through automatic adjustment of the setpoint temperature. According to some preferred embodiments, when no occupancy has been detected for a minimum time interval, an “auto-away” feature triggers a changes of the state of the enclosure, and the actual operating setpoint temperature is changed to a predetermined energy-saving away-state temperature, regardless of the setpoint temperature indicated by the normal thermostat schedule. The purpose of the “auto away” feature is to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when there are no occupants present to actually experience or enjoy the comfort settings of the schedule, thereby saving energy.

Abstract: An appliance for conditioning air of an associated room and an associated method for controlling an air conditioner are disclosed, the controller selectively adjusting operation of the air conditioning appliance based on historical operating data. The controller adjusts a set-point of the appliance for a preselected period of time in response to the historical operating data of the appliance when the appliance operates in an energy savings mode. The controller is configured to receive and process data relating to the rate of change in the temperature. Further, an override feature may be included to maintain operation of the appliance in a normal operation mode if ambient temperature reaches a predetermined threshold value. Another feature is that the controller determines whether the compressor has been operational less than a preselected period of time and, if so, the compressor is operated until such time period has elapsed.

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: 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: Various thermostat embodiment are provided that includes at least a first sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and at least a second sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the humidity within the space. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least first and second sensors, for controlling the thermostat's operation. The controller is configured to operate in a first mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature of the space is above a temperature set-point or when the sensed humidity level is above the humidity set-point. The controller is further configured to operate in a second mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature is below a set-back temperature set-point, or when the sensed humidity is above a set-back humidity set-point.

Abstract: Intelligent refrigerator system for storing pharmaceutical product containers, such as vials, ampules, syringes, bottles, medication tubes, blister packs and cartons, at the point of dispensing. Embodiments of the invention use product identification technology, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and readers, to uniquely identify containers as they are added to or removed from the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator, and automatically retrieve from a local or remote database a variety of details associated with the containers and their contents, such as manufacturing data, expiration dates, time out of refrigeration, inventory levels, safety information, usage statistics, known contraindications and warnings, etc. If the details indicate that there is a problem with a particular pharmaceutical (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing operation of refrigerating machines controls defrosting of evaporators of refrigeration cycles. Each of the refrigeration cycles uses a compressor, a condenser, a decompressor, and the evaporator, and is formed for a corresponding one of cooling/heating devices installed in a single store. The apparatus obtains a total estimated power consumption in a case of a pull-down operation using power consumptions necessary for the pull-down operation performed for the cooling/heating devices after defrosting is performed and using a power consumption of the store that includes at least the power consumptions of the refrigeration cycles and that is estimated for each of predetermined time periods. The apparatus changes defrosting start times or defrosting end times of the cooling/heating devices so that the total estimated power consumption does not exceed an upper limit value of a power consumption set in advance by the store.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system includes a controller that initially controls operation of a compressor to switch between inactive and active states in response to detecting that an operating condition is equal to or surpasses a first operation threshold. The controller determines a first time delay occurring between initiating the switch from one of the inactive and active states to the other of the compressor, and an actual change in the operating condition. The controller subsequently defines a first limit that is offset from the first operation threshold such that the controller controls the operation of the compressor to subsequently switch from the one of inactive and active states to the other in response to detecting that the operating condition is equal to or surpasses the first limit.

Abstract: A cooling tunnel includes an infeed port for feeding objects, a discharge port for discharging objects, successive treatment stations for treating the objects with a cooling medium, and a conveyor system for transporting the objects to be cooled from the infeed port to the discharge port, with the conveyor system travelling through the individual treatment stations. The conveyor system has a first section running through several treatment stations, the first section extending from the infeed port to a turnaround station, a second section running through several treatment stations, the second section extending from the turnaround station to the discharge port, as well as a return section, which is arranged before the discharge port and connects a discharge-side zone of the second section with an infeed-side zone of the first section, to selectively either discharge objects or to cool them further. A method for operating a cooling tunnel is also provided.

Abstract: A cooking system is provided to improve the safety and the reliability of the cooking system, and the convenience of a user. The cooking system includes at least one RF tag, a cooking appliance with an RF reader detecting the RF tag approaching, and an RF tag recognition button in a manipulation unit of the cooking system. The cooking appliance initiates a predetermined mode when the RF tag is detected. The RF tag recognition button determines whether the RF reader initiates an RF tag reading operation to recognize the RF tag.

Abstract: Rapid chilling apparatus for beverages including a receptacle (2) accommodating beverage containers (3) of differing length, and cooling structure cooling said receptacle (2), wherein said receptacle (2) includes a plurality of electrodes (4), an inner surface (5) supporting a container (3) such that the electrodes (4) turn out as being distributed along the whole length of the container (3), the electrodes (4) being connected to circuit structure (6) detecting and measuring the capacitance value on each electrode (4) due to the presence of a container (3) made of a conductive or non-conductive material in proximity of the same electrode (4) so as to determine the actual length of the container (3), control structure (7) operating said cooling structure in response to the capacitance values detected by said circuit structure (6) for a period of time, the duration depending on the so determined length of the container (3).

Abstract: A compressor inlet pressure estimation apparatus for a refrigeration cycle system is disclosed. An electronic control unit 14 answers YES by judging that the command to start a compressor 2 is issued when an air-conditioning switch is turned on in step S100. After that, the electronic control unit 14 answers NO in the case where a timer count time Tc is shorter than a predetermined time T1 in step S120. At the same time, Tefin_C is set to 15° C. in step S130. The lower one of Tefin_C and Tefin determined in this way is determined as Tefin_d (step S150). After that, Tefin_d is input to the first-order lag function to acquire Tefin_AD(N). Then, the control proceeds to step S170, where the estimated value Ps_es(N) of the refrigerant inlet pressure of the compressor 2 is determined using Tefin_AD(N) and Gr.

Abstract: A compressor drive torque estimating device to be adapted for a system provided with a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is circulated by a compressor driven by a drive source mounted in a vehicle, comprising heat load detecting means for detecting a heat load of the refrigeration cycle, a storage unit storing a plurality of estimated drive torque characteristics establishing correlation between a drive torque change characteristic of the compressor and an elapsed time from a time of start of operation of the compressor, an estimated drive torque characteristic selecting means for selecting the one of the plurality of estimated drive torque characteristics stored in the storage unit based on detected values detected by the heat load detecting means, and an estimated drive torque calculating means for calculating an estimated drive torque of the compressor based on the estimated drive torque characteristic selected by the estimated drive torque characteristic selecting means.

Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet; a first compartment; and a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment are separated by a vertical mullion. The cabinet also typically includes a coolant system that has: a single compressor for regulating a temperature of the first compartment and a temperature of the second compartment operably connected to at least one evaporator; a shared coolant fluid connection system; and a coolant fluid spaced within the shared coolant fluid connection system used to regulate both the temperature of the first compartment and the second compartment. The compressor can provide the shared coolant at at least two different pressures to at least one evaporator using the shared coolant fluid connection circuit. The ratio of the substantially steady state heat gain for the first compartment to the substantially steady state total heat gain for the overall cabinet is about 0.65:1 or greater.

Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet; a first compartment; and a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment are separated by a horizontal mullion. The cabinet also typically includes a coolant system that has: a single compressor for regulating a temperature of the first compartment and a temperature of the second compartment operably connected to at least one evaporator; a shared coolant fluid connection system; and a coolant fluid spaced within the shared coolant fluid connection system used to regulate both the temperature of the first compartment and the second compartment. The compressor can provide the shared coolant at at least two different pressures to at least one evaporator using the shared coolant fluid connection circuit. The ratio of the substantially steady state heat gain for the first compartment to the substantially steady state total heat gain for the overall cabinet is about 0.65:1 or greater.

Abstract: An air conditioner that can present information on a predicted value of stored energy usage per unit time, a predicted value of the electricity charge per unit time, and a predicted value of the amount of CO2 emission per unit time, at the start of operation.

Abstract: An auxiliary control device is adapted to an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system includes a main machine and several vents. The auxiliary control device includes a vent unit and a sub-control unit. The vent unit has valves corresponding disposed on the vents, and a driver for actuating the valve to adjust an opening size of the vent through the valve. The sub-control unit includes a sub-memory for storing a control time table, a sub-timer for generating the time information, and a sub-controller for controlling the driver to adjust the opening size according to the control time table and the time information. Accordingly, the auxiliary control device is easily adapted to an air conditioning system existing in a user place and controls opening size of the vents in accordance with the control time table previously set by the user.

Abstract: An air conditioning control device for a vehicle has an air conditioner for conditioning air in a vehicle interior, an input receiving unit for receiving inputs of both planned departure time of the vehicle and a target temperature in the vehicle interior, a pre-air-conditioning control unit for starting operation of the air conditioner at an air conditioning start time before the planned departure time so that the temperature in the vehicle interior at the planned departure time becomes the target temperature, and an outdoor air temperature acquisition unit for acquiring outdoor air temperature. The pre-air-conditioning control unit changes the air conditioning operation start time based on the outdoor air temperature acquired by the outdoor air temperature acquisition unit.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in connection with an air handling unit includes a controller and a processing circuit. The controller is configured to control a device within an air handler unit, which includes at least a first coil. The processing circuit is configured to receive first information representative of a maximum liquid flow rate through the first coil and second information representative of a maximum air flow rate of the first coil. The processing circuit is further configured to generate a time constant estimate, based on the first information and second information, for use in the controller in performing control of the device.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes a first power supply, a second power supply, and a power switching control unit configured to switch a power supply from the first power supply to the second power supply near the time when the temperature of a compartment starts decreasing.

Abstract: Provided is a water-cooled air compressor which is capable of restraining lowering of the performance of a plate type compressor for heat-exchanging compressed air from a compressor body, with cooling water due to clogging of gaps between plates in the heat-exchanger by dust or the like, incorporating a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve connected respectively in a cooling water supply pipe line and a cooling water discharge pipe line of the heat-exchanger, an air feed pipe line connecting between a compressed air supply pipe line on the outlet side of the heat-exchanger and the cooling water discharge pipe line, a third solenoid valve and a check valve connected in the air feed pipe line, a discharge pipe line connected in a discharge pipe line 18 so as to branch therefrom, a fourth solenoid valve connected in the discharge pipe line, and a control device for controlling opening and closing of the first to fourth solenoid valves.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for monitoring a system pressure to infer whether a high pressure cut out (HPCO) switch has opened disabling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) compressor. A system and method are also provided for determining whether to disable the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) compressor based on a status of a low pressure cut out (LPCO) switch, an ambient temperature, and system mode state. The systems and methods may be used interchangeably with the appropriate adjustments to decision limits, such as where the LPCO may be monitored to infer status and the HPCO status may be directly used with temperature and system mode state.

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

Abstract: A 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: The present invention relates to a malfunction preventing device and a method thereof, which ignores an input signal produced by electricity capacity variation because of moisture to prevent a malfunction of a refrigerator. A malfunction preventing device for a refrigerator includes an inputting part in which a static electricity switch is provided to produce an input signal, and a controlling part that ignores a first input signal inputted in a wait mode, wherein there is no inputted signal from the inputting part for a predetermined delaying time period in the wait mode. A method for preventing a malfunction of a refrigerator includes performing a wait mode in that there is no input signal produced by static electricity for a predetermined delay time period, and ignoring a first input signal inputted in the wait mode.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a computer readable medium is encoded with instructions for directing a processor to receive at least one model defining the energy consumption of at least one vending machine as a function of at least one parameter, receive at least one goal comprising a plurality of parameter values within which the at least one vending machine is to operate, and utilize the at least one model and the at least one goal to determine an operation regime for the at least one vending machine.

Abstract: A compressor inlet pressure estimation apparatus for a refrigeration cycle system is disclosed. An electronic control unit 14 uses Tefin_lag(N) as an actual corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) during a period Tp1 included in the timing t1 to t2. During a period Tp2 included in the timing t1 to t2, Tefin_fwd(N) is used as the actual corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N). Thus, a highly accurate corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) can be determined over the on period (t1 to t2) of a compressor 2. In addition, Tefin_fwd(N) is used as the actual corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) during the off period (t2 to 3) of the compressor 2. As a result, a highly accurate corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) can be determined over the whole period including the on and off periods of the compressor 2. In this way, a highly accurate estimated value Ps_es(N) of the refrigerant inlet pressure of the compressor 2 can be determined.

Abstract: A method for managing access to a confined space which is cooled by the direct injection of a cryogenic fluid, comprising at least one system for closing the confined space, which can prevent access to said confined space and can be opened/closed to a variable and controllable degree, and a data acquisition and processing device. The device can: control the open or closed state of the closure system; set and control the degree to which the closure system is open/closed; ensure that a time delay (TP) is respected every time the closure system is closed, after which time delay the injection of cryogenic fluid into the space resumes; and, at the request of a user, implement the cycle for opening the closure system. The device determines the time that has elapsed (TE) in the closed position since the last closure cycle of the closure system and compares TE to TP. If TE=TP the device immediately authorizes the opening of the closure system.

Abstract: A method of controlling an HVAC system to more effectively cool a vehicle cabin when the solar azimuth is large. A solar azimuth, an outside air temperature, a set temperature, a cabin temperature, and an ignition time are communicated to a controller that determines how to best operate the HVAC system. When the vehicle has only been running for a short period of time, the cabin temperature is elevated, and the solar azimuth is large, the measured solar azimuth is corrected to a corrected solar azimuth. The corrected solar azimuth is smaller than the measured solar azimuth and yields a large sun temperature. The controller then calculates a TAO based upon the large sun temperature and the TAO is used to control the HVAC system.

Abstract: Methods of controlling air conditioning and HVAC units using a thermostat for a discrete-speed unit that include changing speed based on how long the unit operates at a particular speed. Speed may be increased if a unit operates for longer than a predetermined time at a particular speed, and speed may be reduced if the unit operated for less than a specific amount of time during the prior run. In different embodiments, single-stage thermostats may control units that operate at three speeds, and two-stage thermostats may control units that operate at three to five or more speeds. In addition, in some embodiments, outdoor coil temperature may be measured and considered in determining speed. Further, in some embodiments, maintaining continuous or repeated operation at a boost speed may be avoided. Energy savings and noise reduction may result.

Abstract: A method for nighttime pre-cooling of a building comprising inputting one or more user settings, lowering the indoor temperature reading of the building during nighttime by operating an outside air ventilation system followed, if necessary, by a vapor compression cooling system. The method provides for nighttime pre-cooling of a building that maintains indoor temperatures within a comfort range based on the user input settings, calculated operational settings, and predictions of indoor and outdoor temperature trends for a future period of time such as the next day.