Abstract: A system for cooling portable facilities which include heat generating electronics, interior fans, a heat sink integrally serving as part of a wall or ceiling, and an outer heat pipe assembly in thermal communication with the heat sink allowing for heat dissipation. External fans pull external air over the outer heat pipe assembly. A first transducer monitors inner air temperature within the portable building, a second transducer monitors the outer heat pipe assembly, and a third transducer is secured proximate to a fin side of the heat sink. A controller is connected to the transducers, fans, and power supply. Computer instructions monitor temperatures from the transducers, compare the temperatures to preset limits, and individually or simultaneously actuate, regulate, or turn off the fans when monitored temperatures meet or exceed preset limits.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe thermostats that use model predictive controls and related methods. A method of controlling a thermostat using a model predictive control may involve determining a parameterized model. The parameterized model may be used to predicted ambient temperature values for an enclosure. A set of radiant heating system control strategies may be selected for evaluation to determine an optimal control strategy from the set of control strategies. To determine the optimal control strategy, a predictive algorithm may be executed, in which each control strategy is applied to the parameterized model to predict an ambient temperature trajectory and each ambient temperature trajectory is processed in view of a predetermined assessment function. Processing the ambient temperature trajectory in this manner may involve minimizing a cost value associated with the ambient temperature trajectory.

Abstract: A multi-pressure-quantity fan control system for a computer system is provided. The multi-pressure-quantity fan control system includes a controller. The controller provides a pressure-quantity control signal to a fan of the computer system, in order to set the fan to operate in one of a first pressure-quantity setting and a second pressure-quantity setting, wherein under a predetermined rotating speed, the fan has a first pressure-quantity curve for the first pressure-quantity setting and a second pressure-quantity curve for the second pressure-quantity setting.

Abstract: An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The controller is programmed fault detection of fan fault, heat/cool (temperature-based) fault, and energy consumption fault. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time.

Abstract: A controller is provided for HVAC equipment. The controller has a processor, memory, and a RF module for a home automation network, and is operable to regulate operation of the HVAC equipment based upon a scheduling program stored in memory. The scheduling program includes at least one usage periods and at least one set point associated with each usage period. The controller is also operable to regulate operation of remote electrical devices over the home automation network; and to create a device scheduling program for the remote electrical devices, the device scheduling program including at least one device period and an operational state associated with each device period.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a building in some cases includes a main HVAC blower for moving temperature-conditioned air through the building plus a smaller ventilation blower for providing fresh air. A controller regulates the ventilation blower's speed to provide a target ventilation flow rate regardless of changes in the pressure differential between the indoor and outdoor air. To ensure that the target rate is appropriate for a particular building, the target flow rate is determined based on a ventilation setting that reflects a specified number of bedrooms and a specified amount of floor space of the building.

Abstract: An air-conditioning control device includes a conversion definition information storage unit, an air-conditioning control computation unit, and a gateway unit. The conversion definition information storage unit preliminarily stores conversion definition information for converting air-conditioning control original data acquired from an external air-conditioning facility into computational data for performing an air-conditioning control computation or conversion definition information for converting air-conditioning control computation resultant data acquired as a result of the air-conditioning control computation into air-conditioning control data used for air-conditioning control at the air-conditioning facility. The air-conditioning control computation unit performs the air-conditioning control computation based on the computational data, and outputs the air-conditioning control computation resultant data.

Abstract: An air conditioner system and a method of controlling an air conditioner system are disclosed. The air conditioner system may include a plurality of air conditioner devices located or installed at a plurality of air conditioner sites in a decentralized fashion. A control setting having at least one of the plurality of air conditioner devices as a control device may be created irrespective of an installation position and a connection state of each air conditioner device, such that the control setting is immediately applied, or application of the control setting is released through simple manipulation, thereby providing an easy and rapid monitoring and controlling operation of the air conditioner system in a remote fashion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for interactively, graphically displaying and reporting performance information to a user of an HVAC system controlled by a self-programming network-connected thermostat. The information is made on a remote display device such as a smartphone, tablet computer or other computer, and includes a graphical daily or monthly summary each of several days or months respectively. In response to a user selection of a day, detailed performance information is graphically displayed that can include an indication of HVAC activity on a timeline, the number of hours of HVAC activity, as well as one or more symbols on a timeline indicating setpoint changes, and when a setpoint was changed due to non-occupancy.

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

Abstract: A climate control system for a building includes air conditioning systems and ventilation (HVAC) systems. The system is controlled by determining sensible cooling and heating rates using temperature differences at inlets and outlets at evaporators, as well as moisture absorption, moisture desorption, ventilation influences, human activities, and condensation at the evaporator. Humidity differences and temperature differences are determined as driving forces for moisture absorption, desorption, and temperatures and humidities of interior fabrics. The differences are obtained from a thermal circuit model. A latent cooling rate is determined using the humidity differences. The model integrates a temperature model and a humidity model for jointly predicting temperatures and humidities for operating the HVAC systems using a mass transfer process.

Abstract: The embodiments describe programmable peripheral units for use in a building automation system. The programmable peripheral units communicate with controllers and other system components. The programmable peripheral units have end device components to actuate the building environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting power consumption by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) subsystem of a building are shown and described. A feedback controller is used to generate a manipulated variable based on an energy use setpoint and a measured energy use. The manipulated variable may be used for adjusting the operation of an HVAC device.

Abstract: A remote controllable thermostat has an on-board power supply with batteries, a microcontroller having a timer, a temperature sensor, a temperature set point control controller and an RF receiver. The thermostat also has HVAC state control means for generating HVAC control signals in response to sensed temperatures being outside of control set point range and for periodically connecting and disconnecting the RF receiver from the power source to conserve battery power. Where the thermostat has user mode selector switches, the microcontroller is further programmed to read their state only periodically for additional battery power conversation.

Abstract: A system for controlling energy consumption in a building having a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) which includes using an external application to perform HVAC energy consumption optimization algorithms and other external energy control functions and transmit application control data to a building automation system (BAS), which in turn provides hardware level equipment control for the HVAC system. The external application evaluates equipment data received from the HVAC system by way of the BAS and processes these equipment data to provide application control data back to the BAS. The application control data are calculated to achieve a desired operating efficiency for the HVAC system.

Abstract: A system for controlling energy consumption in a building having a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) which includes using an external application to perform HVAC energy consumption optimization algorithms and other external energy control functions and transmit application control data to a building automation system (BAS), which in turn provides hardware level equipment control for the HVAC system. The external application evaluates equipment data received from the HVAC system by way of the BAS and processes these equipment data to provide application control data back to the BAS. The application control data are calculated to achieve a desired operating efficiency for the HVAC system.

Abstract: A system for controlling energy consumption in a building having a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) which includes using an external application to perform HVAC energy consumption optimization algorithms and other external energy control functions and transmit application control data to a building automation system (BAS), which in turn provides hardware level equipment control for the HVAC system. The external application evaluates equipment data received from the HVAC system by way of the BAS and processes these equipment data to provide application control data back to the BAS. The application control data are calculated to achieve a desired operating efficiency for the HVAC system.

Abstract: Electronic device processing systems including environmental control of the factory interface are described. One electronic device processing system has a factory interface having a factory interface chamber, a load lock apparatus coupled to the factory interface, one or more substrate carriers coupled to the factory interface, and an environmental control system coupled to the factory interface and operational to monitor or control one of: relative humidity, temperature, an amount of oxygen, or an amount of inert gas within the factory interface chamber. In another aspect, purge of a carrier purge chamber within the factory interface chamber is provided. Methods for processing substrates are described, as are numerous other aspects.

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

Abstract: Computerized apparatus and methods useful for remotely controlling one or more environmental functions. In one embodiment, the computerized apparatus is configured to generate, based on previously stored information, displays relating to various environmental functions such as heating, cooling, temperature, and/or lighting within a building. The user of the apparatus can select the desired function(s), and the apparatus causes the selected function(s) to be activated remotely via a wireless interface with a remote networked server, such as before the user arrives. In one variant, different rooms or areas of the building can be controlled independently.

Abstract: A base terminal receives the air-conditioning control information from the server, and on the basis of the received air-conditioning control information, when a power consumption value in a site is greater than the target power value for demand control, the base terminal transmits, to air-conditioning control equipment, a control instruction that sets an air conditioner to OFF, and when the temperature measured in an area is greater than the upper limit temperature when the air conditioner is performing a cooling operation, or when the temperature measured in the area is less than the lower limit temperature when the air conditioner is performing a heating operation, the base terminal transmits a control instruction that sets the air conditioner to ON.

Abstract: To swiftly start, at the time of power recovery after a power failure, heat source machines, the number of which is equal to the number of machines before the power failure, without including an uninterruptible power supply in an apparatus for controlling the number of machines that is adapted to control the number of heat source machines. There is provided a heat source system, in which a host control device (20) includes a nonvolatile first storage unit (22) that stores the number of heat source machines in operation immediately before the power failure. When power is recovered, control on the number of heat source machines at the time of power recovery is performed in accordance with the number of heat source machines stored in the first storage unit (22).

Abstract: An HVAC controller, a method of operating an HVAC controller and an HVAC system employing the controller or the method. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a processor couplable to at least two refrigerant pressure sensors via separate data paths to receive input signals therefrom and further couplable to a compressor stage and a condenser fan to provide output signals thereto and (2) memory coupled to the processor and configured to store a software program capable of causing the processor to command the compressor stage and the condenser fan to turn on irrespective of a state of an input signal generated by either of the at least two refrigerant pressure sensors and generate alternative error messages at least partially depending upon whether or not a high pressure shutdown occurs after the processor commands the compressor stage and the fan to turn on.

Abstract: Temperature is controlled in a refrigerated transport container comprising a transport volume, a control unit, a cooling space, one or more fans providing air flow through the cooling space, where air passing through the cooling space passes a return air temperature sensor, a cooling unit, and a supply air temperature sensor. Supply air temperature (Tsup) is controlled to bring temperatures in the transport volume within a desired temperature range around a first temperature set point (Tset). The supply air temperature (Tsup) or a time-averaged function thereof is controlled to reach a temperature below the set point (Tset) during a first limited time period; and the supply air temperature (Tsup) is increased during a second limited time period following said first time period, so that the supply air temperature (Tsup) or a time-averaged function thereof at the end of said second time period is within said desired temperature range.

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: There are provided an electric energy meter with a transmission device that generates a pulse signal for measuring electric energy supplied to an outdoor unit, an input circuit for an external signal that receives the pulse signal, and a control unit that measures electric energy on the basis of the pulse signal, wherein the control unit includes a determination unit that determines, as an input port for the pulse signal, one of input ports that are not in use from among a plurality of input ports forming the input circuit for an external signal, and a calculation unit that calculates electric power, electric energy consumption, and energy consumption efficiency on the basis of the pulse signal.

Abstract: A tool for providing a visualization of a system may reveal an interactive navigation environment for building performance observation and assessment. The tool may be associated with a processor. The environment may incorporate a treemap, a graph pane, a treemap filter, a graph pane selector, a selected units box and a date/time control mechanism. A visualization of the environment, among other things, may be presented on a display. The treemap may exhibit a building geometry and/or equipment units hierarchically, along with some data information. Units may be interactively selected from the treemap and placed in the box for analysis. The graph pane may show a configuration and display of unit analysis. Selection of detailed views for units in the box may be provided by the graph pane selector. Date and time intervals for analysis may be selected by the control mechanism.

Abstract: A heating control unit for a building with a heating system, which includes heat exchangers supplied by a boiler, a loop for circulating the heating fluid including a mixing valve, radiators, a return loop, and a control circuit which receives information on the indoor and outdoor conditions in order to control the mixing valve. The control unit includes elements for predicting and optimizing the heating needs of the users of the building and for providing the control circuit with modified information on the outdoor temperature likely to adjust the parameters of the heating system to the needs of the users and minimize power consumption.

Abstract: Environmental condition control and monitoring systems and methods are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a method includes determining a condition profile of an object. Further, the method includes identifying the object within an environment. The method also includes determining whether the environment meets a requirement defined by the condition profile of the object. The method also includes controlling environment conditioning equipment based on whether the environment meets the requirement.

Abstract: An HVAC controller and/or server may be programmed to determine if ventilation of a building is desired based, at least in part, on the one or more user-specified air quality thresholds stored in a memory, and one or more of a measure of indoor air quality and a measure of outdoor air quality. The air quality parameter threshold may relate to an air quality index, an air pollutant concentration, a smog alert, a pollen count, a dew point, a chance of precipitation, and/or the like. In addition, the HVAC controller and/or server may take into account current or future weather conditions when determining the ventilation needs of a building. Upon determining that ventilation is needed or recommended, the HVAC controller may send or display a message to the user. The message may recommendation that the user open a window or operate a ventilation system, as desired.

Abstract: An operating terminal that is capable of controlling an air conditioner including an indoor device and an outdoor device. The operating terminal includes a display unit that displays at least state information of an air conditioner, a memory that stores therein setting information recorded on an outdoor/indoor control substrate, a communication unit that performs information communication with the indoor device, and an information processing unit that reads setting information set in the outdoor/indoor control substrate through the communication unit, records this setting information in the memory, and causes the display unit to display the setting information.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus and methods for adaptively controlling air quality in a vehicle compartment are described. In embodiments, an apparatus may include a sensor interface configured to interface with one or more sensors, disposed at one or more locations at one or more sides or in an interior space of a vehicle compartment, and configured to measure one or more indicators of air quality at the one or more locations. The apparatus may further include one or more airflow controllers configured to adaptively control a plurality of ventilation components of the vehicle compartment to regulate airflow in the interior space, based at least in part on the measured indicators of air quality. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A thermostat may include a memory and a processing system. The processing system may operate by determining a set of wake-up conditions for the processor to enter into a second operating state from a first operating state, the set of wake-up conditions including at least one threshold value associated with at least one environmental condition; causing the set of wake-up conditions to be stored in the memory; operating in a first mode in which the processor is in the first operating state during a time interval subsequent to causing the set of wake-up conditions to be stored in the memory; determining, while the processor is in the first operating state, whether at least one of the set of wake-up conditions has been met; and then operating in a second mode in which the processor is in the second operating state.

Abstract: A secondary pump-type heat source system includes: heat sources connected in parallel; a load system in which the heat source water flows; a primary pump supplying the heat source water to the load system; a secondary pump provided for each heat source and supplies the heat source water subjected to heat exchange in the load system to the heat source; and a heat source controller calculating flow quantity of the heat source water flowing in the heat source side and flow quantity of the heat source water flowing in the load system side by assigning a result from measurement by a water temperature sensor detecting heat source temperature to an operating characteristic of each heat source and controlling operation of the secondary pumps based on the calculation result.

Abstract: A monitoring system capable of being operationalized. Power consumption in electrical devices is monitored by the use of new and innovative consumption power monitoring device in accordance with the present invention. Power consumption information is collected by an intelligent power hub that is communicatively coupled to a remote server that presents overall power usage displays. A method of operationalizing a power usage monitoring system comprises powering up an energy pump device when the energy pump device is plugged into a first power socket, setting the energy pump device automatically to a SET mode to acquire new monitoring devices, and discovering the presence of a power consumption monitoring device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by a thermostat are provided. Input can be received from a user via a thermostat, the input being indicative of an adjustment of an HVAC-related setting. On a real-time basis, the HVAC-related setting that is being adjusted can be compared against a feedback criterion designed to indicate a circumstance under which feedback is to be presented to the user. The circumstance can be indicative of an achievement of a HVAC-related setting of a predetermined responsibility level with respect to an energy usage of the HVAC system. Upon a real-time determination that the feedback criterion is satisfied, visual feedback can be caused to be presented to the user in real-time. The real-time feedback can include a visual icon having a visual appeal corresponding to a desirability of the satisfaction of the feedback criterion.

Abstract: A smart tile system and methodology, each tile having a sensor device and control unit for monitoring an environmental condition of a room or space. A plurality of smart tiles form a hive community resulting in a tightly coupled sensor network configured to communicate in clusters and collaborate to accomplish missions. One of the missions is environmental control which is communicated to a tile in the form of a policy. The tiles around one piece of equipment in the room or space may control the regulating of cooling/heating for just that one piece of equipment allowing little to not impact of other equipment(s) in the room. The smart tile of the hive communicate over a mesh network protocol, and one or more smart tiles comprise a vent under actuator control wherein the tile is configured to receive commands to adjust the vent opening according to a desired setting.

Abstract: A telecommunication device for water damage mitigation management is described that includes a transceiver, a data input/output mechanism, a display mechanism, and a processor. The processor causes at least one of the transceiver to transmit over a telecommunication network, the data input/output mechanism to transmit through a hard-wired connection, and the display mechanism to display chamber dimension data, water damage data, and dehumidifier data. A required quantity of water to be removed from the chamber over a given period of time may be determined and displayed using at least the chamber dimension data and the water damage data. Further, whether the required quantity of water to be removed is greater than, less than, or approximately equal to an expected quantity of water to be removed by the chosen dehumidifier over the given period of time may also be determined and displayed.

Abstract: A management device manages plural heat pump systems to bring a total amount of energy consumed by the heat pump systems closer to a target value. The management device includes a request transmitting unit, a consumption information receiving unit, a database, and a learning unit. The request transmitting unit transmits requested values of energy consumption to each of the heat pump systems. The consumption information receiving unit receives actual values of energy consumption from each of the heat pump systems. The database stores response characteristics of consumers having each of the heat pump systems with respect to the requested values of energy consumption. The learning unit learns the response characteristics and reflects learning results based on past records of responses of each of the consumers with respect to the requested values of energy consumption in the database.

Abstract: An apparatus may include at least one sensor and a transmitter coupled to the at least one sensor and configured send data to a gateway through a wireless communication link. The apparatus may further include a solar cell configured to provide power to the at least one sensor and the transmitter. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include an adhesive backing configured to secure the apparatus to a structure.

Abstract: A method for wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes establishing a communications link between a first automation component and a second automation component, detecting a change in the communications link at the second automation component, and initiating a reset function on the second automation component in response to the detected change in the communications link. A building automation system is further disclosed. The system includes a first automation component, a second automation component in communication with the first automation component via a communication link. The second automation component further includes a reset function stored on a memory and executable by a processor in communication with the memory, such that the reset function is activated in response to a change in the communications link.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and controlling fluid flow include an orifice plate defining a variable opening. The orifice plate includes an outer assembly comprising a central opening and an inner assembly extending through the central opening. The flow device regulates high and very low volumes of fluid with precision, inexpensively, with superior acoustics, reduced energy, and simpler design. The high turndown device permits use at lower velocities, thereby reducing noise generation and eliminating need for sound-attenuating liners. The high rangeability device combines several part numbers into fewer parts, thereby streamlining product portfolios. In some cases, cost benefits associated with the flow device allow equipment to be scaled back 100:1 rather than 10:1, providing energy savings, fewer product variations, simple and more robust applications. The device meets new and old building fresh air, comfort and energy codes.

Abstract: A method for detecting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components is provided. The method includes the steps of measuring an initial current at a current sensor in a circuit, while a relay is de-energized; energizing the relay; measuring, at a periodic interval, an energized current while the relay is energized; incrementing a counter if an absolute difference between a first voltage related to the energized current and a second voltage related to the initial current is above a threshold; and determining a HVAC component is present if the counter exceeds a pre-determined value during a pre-determined time period.

Abstract: A displaying device used in an air-conditioning system includes a blowing vent with a variable airflow direction, that blows conditioned air, as supply air, into a subject space that is subject to air-conditioning, an occupant location detecting unit that detects a location of an occupant within the subject space, a controller that predicts, following a guideline that has been established in advance, an arrival region for the supply air so as to include the location of an occupant detected by the occupant location detecting unit, and adjusts at least a flow direction of the blowing vent so as to include the location of an occupant detected by the occupant location detecting unit, and a display that displays simultaneously, on a screen, the occupant location detected by the occupant location detecting unit and a predicted supply air arrival region, predicted by the controller.

Abstract: An air conditioning control apparatus adjusts an amount of energy consumed by air conditioners installed in a property. The air conditioning control apparatus includes an adjustment control part that executes an adjustment control during a predetermined adjustment time period, a measurement acquisition part that acquires a measurement of the amount of energy consumed by the air conditioners, an effect estimation part that estimates an effect during the adjustment time period of the adjustment control executed, and an adjustment control content determining part that determines the adjustment control based on the estimated effect. The adjustment control is at least one of ventilation minimizing control reducing or stopping ventilation in order to minimize an accumulation of environmental loads, and sensible heat prioritizing control preferentially controlling sensible heat over latent heat in order to control a temperature of a room so that an accumulation of environmental loads is minimized.

Abstract: A system and method for maximizing the value of power generated by a residential power generator. A home energy manager device is configured to implement a minimum energy usage profile during a peak demand event such that a maximum amount of power generated by the consumer can be sold back to the utility. For renewable energy sources such as solar cells, peak demand events often correspond with peak output of the renewable energy source. For example, hot sunny summer days are conducive to maximum solar power output and, typically, also result in maximum power demand for powering air conditioners.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling an economizer in a ventilation system based upon moisture related properties of a first input air source and a second input air source to minimize energy for conditioning air in a structure.

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 energy management system includes a controller that receives a signal representative of current electrical generation. A storage source stores energy from the current electrical generation associated with the controller. The controller predicts the amount of storage of energy in said storage source over time, receives pricing information, includes a model of a temperature system of a building, and includes a comfort model of a user. The controller selects a desirable temperature based upon the current electrical generation, the stored energy, the pricing information, the building model, and the comfort model.