Abstract: A system is provided for controlling at least one climate control apparatus for conditioning a space. The system includes a controller mountable to a climate control apparatus that is segregated from the space to be conditioned. The controller has a plurality of selectable setting parameters for configuring the controller to operate at least one of a plurality of climate control apparatus, and a plurality of visual indicators for visually indicating the selection of at least one selectable setting parameter. A user interface is adapted for installation in the space, and has a display for displaying selectable setting parameters for configuring the controller. The user interface includes user input controls for enabling selection of at least one displayed selectable setting parameter, where the controller responsively activates at least one visual indicator for indicating the selection of at least one selectable setting parameter by the user-interface.

Abstract: A detector detects a remaining power of a battery. A calculator calculates a demand load of air-conditioning based on at least one of a preset temperature set for air in a passenger compartment of an electric vehicle and an outside temperature of air outside of the electric vehicle. A switching portion switches a mode of air-conditioning between a battery mode and an engine mode based on the calculated demand load and the detected remaining power of the battery. The battery mode causes the battery to supply electric power for air-conditioning, and the engine mode causes an engine of the electric vehicle to supply combustion energy for air-conditioning.

Abstract: A novel stand alone multifunctional electro-mechanical device for sensing, monitoring, and controlling environmental conditions within an occupied space, such as thermal control, room pressure, and light levels. The device utilizes a standard VAV Diffuser, an intelligently controlled window, or an intelligently controlled shutter that would optimize functionality and satisfy the aesthetic needs of occupants, designers, and architects while utilizing energy harvesting combined with ultra-low power operations to reduce the long term operational costs and installation costs, due to its stand alone configuration. The device has the capability and versatility to perform additional functions, such as life safety monitoring, fire detection, vital sign monitoring of occupants, entertainment features such as audio and video displays in conjunction with wireless and network communication features.

Abstract: A method of motor operation includes monitoring a voltage of a power bus supplying power to the motor, determining if a power failure is occurring or has occurred based on the monitoring, and lowering an operational capacity of the motor in response to the determining.

Abstract: A control unit for controlling the operation of at least one smart-home system may include at least one occupancy sensor and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to receive readings from the at least one occupancy sensor during a trial period; compare information derived from the readings to at least one threshold criterion to establish whether the one or more occupancy sensors reliably determined occupancy of an enclosure in which the control unit is installed during the trial period; and enable an away-state feature of the control unit if it is determined that the one or more occupancy sensors reliably determined occupancy of an enclosure during the trial period.

Abstract: Temperature, relative humidity and air quality define comfort indoors. Individuals judge comfort by how the environment feels and smells. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipments are used to control the indoor climate and thereby control comfort. Most homes and offices are normally equipped with just a sensor to show the temperature level. It is rare to find humidity sensors and temperature sensors in every room in homes and offices so controlling the environment locally is not possible. Air quality, another parameter that influences comfort, is measured by the presence of volatile organic compounds or particles that can now be identified using more sophisticated monitors. An invention is described here that will make it easy and affordable to measure and control the temperature, relative humidity and air quality using a smart phone, that is commonplace now, thereby controlling the comfort level.

Abstract: An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user.

Abstract: A system for controlling a bedroom environment includes an environmental data collector configured to collect environmental data relating to the bedroom environment; a sleep data collector configured to collect sleep data relating to a person's state of sleep; an analysis unit configured to analyze the collected environmental data and the collected sleep data and to determine an adjustment of the bedroom environment that promotes sleep of the person; and a controller configured to effect the adjustment of the bedroom environment. A method for controlling a bedroom environment includes collecting environmental data relating to the bedroom environment; collecting sleep data relating to a person's state of sleep; analyzing the collected environmental data and the collected sleep data; determining an adjustment to the bedroom environment that promotes sleep; and communicating the adjustment to a device that effects the bedroom environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling grille aperture ratios of a plurality of air transfer grilles which are installed in a room, includes a determining unit for determining target grille air volumes of air blowing to the racks, for determining simulation air volumes of air blowing from the air transfer grilles on the basis of the target grille air volumes so that each of air of the target grille air volumes are blown to the racks, and for determining grille aperture ratios for each of the air transfer grilles on the basis of the plurality of simulation air volumes so that each of the amounts of air blowing from the air transfer grilles is replaced by each of the simulation air volumes, and a controller for controlling each of the grille aperture ratios of the air transfer grilles on the basis of each of the determined grille aperture ratios.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling the electric power usage of electric thermal storage heaters and systems are based on: 1) current and recorded measurements local to the heater and building; 2) current measurements external to the heater and building; 3) forecasts communicated to the apparatus. The method also includes sending out communications about power use as well as various other local measurements. The apparatus has local controls on the electric thermal storage, including but not limited to the relays that control flow of power into the heating elements, a logic module that integrates the local controls, as well as communication channels that extend outside the building to entities capable of providing automatic forecasts and potentially other types of information not available locally.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an a system and method of backing up operating control data about a device connected to a controller in a network. In an embodiment, the network includes a storage system for the data about the device is in the controller; a first subsystem for determining that the data should be transferred to the device; and a second subsystem for transferring the data to the device for use.

Abstract: A controller in communication with one or more energy consuming appliances for a premises includes a transmitter device for transmitting wireless signals to a utility meter to request an energy consumption reading, and a receiver device to receive wireless signals including energy consumption information. The controller is configured to receive a signal from an energy consuming appliance indicating the appliance was actuated, and to responsively transmit a signal to the utility meter to request an energy consumption reading and thereafter receive a signal including an energy consumption value. Following deactivation of the appliance, the controller is configured to transmit a signal to the utility meter to request an energy consumption reading, and thereafter receive a signal from the meter including another energy consumption value. The controller is configured to determine from a difference between the energy consumption values an estimate of the energy consumption level associated with the appliance.

Abstract: The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that continuously, periodically, or intermittently calculate and display the time remaining until a control task is projected to be completed by the intelligent controller. In general, the intelligent controller employs multiple different models for the time behavior of one or more parameters or characteristics within a region or volume affected by one or more devices, systems, or other entities controlled by the intelligent controller. The intelligent controller collects data, over time, from which the models are constructed and uses the models to predict the time remaining until one or more characteristics or parameters of the region or volume reaches one or more specified values as a result of intelligent controller control of one or more devices, systems, or other entities.

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

Abstract: An HVAC system includes first and second devices coupled via a subnet. A feature manifest stored by the second device is readable by the first device after the first device enters a commissioning process. The first device is configured to determine a value of an internal parameter based on the feature manifest.

Abstract: An HVAC controller and a method of controlling an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) a processor couplable to at least one indoor air quality sensor to receive values therefrom representing at least three levels of indoor air quality and (2) memory coupled to the processor and configured to store a software program capable of causing the processor to control an HVAC system based on magnitudes of the values.

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 mathematical linear operator is found that transforms the unused or deferred cooling power usage of the HVAC system based on pre-determined temperature settings to a target cooling power usage. The mathematical operator is applied to the temperature settings to create a temperature setpoint trajectory expected to provide the target cooling power usage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for determining and/or monitoring load of energy consuming appliances within a premises. In an exemplary embodiment, there is a thermostat for monitoring energy consumption associated with an HVAC unit having a compressor. The thermostat is configured to communicate information on energy consumption and/or information on duration of time of operation associated with the HVAC unit to a user. In another exemplary embodiment, there is a system for monitoring energy consumption for an energy consuming load in a premises that is supplied with power monitored by a utility meter. A gateway is in connection with the controller for enabling connection via the internet to a website. At least one of the gateway and the controller is configured to communicate information on energy consumption associated with the energy consuming load to an energy service provider and/or a consumer.

Abstract: A building system server includes a processing device executing a server program. The processing device receives a request from a remote device for information regarding a building control system. The processing device provides, responsive at least in part to the request for information, at least one software program. The remote device executes the software program to: request and receive background graphic data corresponding to the request; request and receive first data identifying at least one variable control, and a format of the at least one variable control; request and receive second data containing a building control value corresponding to the at least one variable control; and cause a compatible web browser to build a graphics page based on the graphic data, first data and second data. The processing device provides the graphics page to the remote device.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the configuration of a distributed CCHP system is disclosed.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to obtain data including a temperature in a space where each of a plurality of air conditioning apparatuses is installed, a temperature outside the space, and power consumption of the plurality of air conditioning apparatuses, calculate a factor to obtain relationship between the temperature in the space, the temperature outside the space, and the power consumption related to each of the plurality of the air conditioning apparatuses based on the obtained data, and calculate, in a case of changing a setting temperature of the plurality of air conditioning apparatuses, a change width of each of the setting temperatures of the plurality of air conditioning apparatuses in such a manner that variation in the change width becomes a control unit using an objective function expressing a cost of a power supplier and the calculated factor.

Abstract: In a cooling system having a plurality of identical cooling circuits, fault detection is determined by a controller if monitored operating parameters of the cooling circuits differ from each other by an appreciable amount. In an aspect, the controller uses a comparison of the operating parameters of a cooling circuit to a snapshot of the operating parameters of that cooling circuit taken after the cooling circuit is determined to be operating properly after start-up. In an aspect, the controller uses known operating parameters of a cooling circuit and a system model of the cooling circuit to calculate remaining operating parameters of the cooling circuit (system model operating parameters) and uses a comparison of the system model operating parameters to the monitored operating parameters.

Abstract: An energy management system includes a controller receiving electrical pricing information from an electrical utility company, measuring electrical power usage of a customer, and providing the electrical power usage to the electrical utility company. The controller is suitable to receive information regarding energy storage of a customer's electrical power storage and receive power information regarding a power generation source of the customer. The controller modifies the power usage of the energy management system based upon the pricing information, the electrical power usage, the energy storage, the power information, wherein the pricing information includes a plurality of temporal pricing levels and a temporal peak pricing level.

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

Abstract: A method for control a temperature of a computing device detects a first CPU temperature TN1 using a thermal sensor, controls the fan to swivel from an angle corresponding to the initial cooling location to an angle corresponding to a new cooling location according to a preset swiveling angle of the fan to cool the CPU according to a preset initial rotational speed if the TN1 is not less than a preset maximum temperature Tmax of the CPU, detects a second CPU temperature TN2 using the thermal sensor if the cooling time of the fan at the initial rotational speed is equal to the preset cooling time. The method controls the fan to swivel from the angle corresponding to the new cooling location to the angle corresponding to the initial cooling location according to the swiveling angle of the fan if the TN2 is less than the Tmax.

Abstract: Techniques for data-capable band management in an integrated application and network communication data environment are described, including receiving a first input and a second input from one or more sensors coupled to a wearable computing device, processing the first input to determine a pattern, processing the second input to determine an environmental condition, referencing the pattern against a pattern library, the pattern library indicating a threshold for the environmental condition, generating a signal indicating whether the environmental condition exceeds the threshold, and generating a control signal, the control signal configured to initiate execution of an operation if the signal indicates the environmental condition exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: An air conditioner management device comprises an information inputter entering schedule information presenting a schedule for operating a first air conditioner and a device controller controlling the operation of the first air conditioner based on the entered schedule information. The air conditioner management device further comprises an information communicator receiving information identifying the first air conditioner and operation state information presenting the operation state of the first air conditioner, and information identifying a second air conditioner and operation state information presenting the operation state of the second air conditioner. The air conditioner management device further comprises an information display displaying the operation state information of the first air conditioner and the operation state information of the second air conditioner. Thus, it is possible to display a change in the operation state of an air conditioner caused by the operation of another air conditioner.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing temperature gradients within a building. For example, temperature gradients between the air temperature measured at a thermostat controlling an HVAC system and the air temperature in one or more rooms of the building can be reduced. A model of the building is created by measuring the temperature gradient between the thermostat and one or more rooms of the building. This model is used to determine the operation of the HVAC system so as to reduce one or more of such temperature gradients.

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 system and method for manipulating environmental conditions in an infrastructure containing a fluid moving device are disclosed that include identifying correlations between operational settings of the fluid moving device and environmental conditions resulting from changes to the operational settings. In addition, an environmental condition detected at a location proximate to or within the plenum following supply of fluid into the plenum by the fluid moving device is received and errors between the received environmental condition and a reference environmental condition are identified. Operational settings for the fluid moving device to achieve the reference environmental condition are determined based upon the identified correlations and errors.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring atmospheric parameters in an enclosed space using instrumented objects having measurement sensors. The instrumented objects travel through the space randomly or along defined flight paths. As the instrumented objects travel through the space, the measurement sensors measure atmospheric parameters and store the measurements to a memory. The devices periodically upload the measured atmospheric parameters to a controller circuit. By using self-propelled objects to carry measurement sensors, the system and method disclosed herein allow for periodically sampling atmospheric parameters in the interior of an enclosed space at a number of locations greater than the number of measurement devices employed. With data points taken from various locations within a volume of an enclosed space, the system and method can realize a more efficient utilization of energy by adjusting mechanical controls of an HVAC system or a ventilation system, for example.

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 disclosure provides systems and methods of use of an HVAC graphical interface dashboard. In various embodiments, the dashboard includes a weather tab, wherein invoking the weather tab advances to a weather screen. The dashboard also includes an indoor humidity tab. A programs tab and a home tab are also provided. The indoor humidity tab can further be used to set current indoor humidity setpoints.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (12) for an engine-independent heater (3) that heats a liquid heat transfer medium of a heat transfer medium circuit (1) especially for motor vehicles. Said control device (12) reduces a heater (3) capacity when an actual temperature gradient ((dT/dtIst) of the heat transfer medium is equal to or exceeds a temperature gradient threshold value ((dT/dt)Schwell). The control device (12) determines the temperature gradient threshold value ((dT/dt)Schwell) dynamically in accordance with a difference in temperature (??) between a target temperature (?Soll) of the heat transfer medium and an actual temperature (?Ist) of the heat transfer medium. The invention further relates to a heater (3), a heating system (1), and a method for controlling the inventive heater (3).

Abstract: A dynamic electrical load model for an HVAC chiller for use in demand response applications is described herein. A dynamic model for coupling a building's electrical and thermal characteristics is described. This allows for more accurate planning of the dispatching of load for demand side response.

Abstract: Provided are an installation guide system for an air conditioner and a method of using the same, including a display that displays a user interface for designing an installation for an air conditioner, a memory that stores at least one image for a building, and a controller to control a display of the stored images on the user interface. The user interface may include a first region that displays information with respect to a plurality of recommended configurations of the air conditioner including configuration of plurality of tubes that connect an outdoor unit to at least one indoor unit, and a second region that displays one of the stored images for a building and including a display of the outdoor unit, the indoor unit and the plurality of tubes The displayed image may be configured based on a selected recommended configuration of the air conditioner selected in the first region.

Abstract: Provided are an installation guide system for an air conditioner and a method of using the same. The installation guide system for an air conditioner may include a memory that stores at least one image for a building in which an air conditioner installed, and a display providing a user interface to design a disposition of the air conditioner in the building. The user interface may include a first region that provides a recommended configuration of indoor units to be installed based on a type of an indoor unit of the air conditioner or load information for a prescribed room in which the indoor unit is installed. The user interface may also include a second region that displays the stored image of the building and a graphical image for the indoor units in the image of the building based on the recommendations provided in the first region.

Abstract: In a fan control method, consecutive temperature values are acquired at a time interval. Whether a current temperature value is higher than a threshold is determined. A difference between the current temperature value and a previous temperature value is calculated when the current temperature value is higher than the threshold. A fan is speeded up and the time interval is greatly shortened when the temperature difference is higher than a first trigger value. Only the time interval is slightly shorten when the temperature difference falls between the first trigger value and a second trigger value less than the first trigger value. Nothing to do when the temperature difference falls between the second trigger value and a third trigger value less than the third trigger value. The fan is slowed down and the time interval is extended when the temperature difference is lower than the third trigger value.

Abstract: A controller for a private unit in a multi-unit building is provided. The controller operates the private unit's HVAC equipment, and includes a processor, output display, memory, and a RF module for communication. The controller is operable to receive temperature or flow values of a fluid passing through the HVAC equipment. Using the received temperature values of the fluid passing through the HVAC equipment, the controller calculates a measured value of HVAC usage of the HVAC equipment. The measured value can be in units of energy or in dollars.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a heating or cooling system includes a system controller, a memory in which system parameter information relating to the heating or cooling system is stored, and a communication device through which the system controller is configured to transmit and receive signals to/from at least one component controller. The system controller is configured to receive via the communication device a data signal from the at least one component controller that includes information relating to operational parameters for at least one system component installed in the heating and cooling system. The system controller is configured to store in the memory the received operational parameters corresponding to the at least one system component. The stored operational parameters may be retrievable for communication to a replacement component controller in the event that the at least one component controller is replaced.

Abstract: Provided is an installation guide system for an air conditioner. The installation guide system may include a display that displays a user interface for designing an installation for an air conditioner, a memory that stores at least one image for a building in which the air conditioner is installed, and a controller to control a display of the stored images on the user interface. The user interface may include a first region that displays the stored image including a plurality of tubes that connect an indoor unit to an outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and a second region that displays information regarding an interference between at least two of the plurality of tubes.

Abstract: HVAC systems and methods are shown which use volumetric air flow and static pressure calculations that correct for different air densities encountered at different altitudes. With respect to the volumetric airflow rate, the systems and methods disclosed herein adjust the calculation of airflow rate to better match the BTU content of de-rated natural gas used at higher elevations, and therefore they are usable in HVAC systems that combust natural gas. The adjusted static pressure calculations may be used in any type of HVAC system.

Abstract: A thermostatic controller is configured for curtailing load when energy price rate is high. One or more energy price rates received by a receiver device are stored in an electronic memory. A microprocessor is operable to select from the one or more energy price rates the lowest energy price rate received within a given time period for establishing a base energy price rate. The microprocessor is operable to determine if the energy price rate for a present time period exceeds the base energy price rate by more than a first percentage or multiplier factor of the base energy price rate. In response to an energy price rate that exceeds the base energy price rate by more than the first percentage or multiplier factor, the microprocessor is configured to select a first temperature offset corresponding to the first percentage or multiplier factor and change the set point temperature by the first temperature offset.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring the condition of a new air filter installed in an HVAC system are disclosed. In one example, an input that indicates a new air filter has been installed may be accepted, and in response, the HVAC system may be automatically operated in an air filter verifying mode, in which the fan of the HVAC system is activated to drive air through the new air filter. While in the air filter verifying mode, a measure related to an amount of flow restriction presented by the new air filter may be received. A status of the new air filter may be determined based, at least in part, on the received measure related to the amount of flow restriction presented by the air filter of the HVAC system. Once the status of the new air filter is determined, an indication may be displayed on a display, which may communicate the determined status of the new air filter to a user.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for estimating the rate of change in temperature inside a structure. At least one thermostat located is inside the structure and is used to control an climate control system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The processor uses the relationship between the inside temperature and the outside temperature to determine whether the climate control system is “on” or “off”.

Abstract: A fan rotational speed control system is operable to control at least a fan and includes a baseboard management controller (BMC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a switching circuit. The BMC is operable to output a fan pulse wave signal and a Heart bit. The CPLD is operable to receive the Heart bit and determine whether the BMC is abnormal based on the Heart bit. The CPLD is operable to generate and output a switching signal and a take-over pulse wave signal when the BMC is abnormal. The switching circuit is operable to receive and output the fan pulse wave signal when the BMC is normal, and the switching circuit is operable to receive the switching signal and the take-over pulse wave signal to output the take-over pulse wave signal when the BMC is abnormal.

Abstract: A method for hold management in an environmental controller is provided. The controller controls heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment to environmental parameters defined by a user. The controller can follow a program schedule or operate in a schedule-free mode; however various hold events can be defined that override the schedule or schedule-free operation. The hold events can define target parameters to be maintained during the hold event. Multiple hold events can be defined where a priority of the hold events can be utilized to determine which hold event should be implemented, without cancelling the lower hold events.

Abstract: In a method for determining a substantially optimized fluid flow distribution in a structure configured to be cooled by a fluid moving device, an indication to activate the fluid moving device according to a reference temperature setpoint of a plurality of sensors is outputted. In addition, conditions detected in multiple areas of the structure with the plurality of sensors are received, a master sensor among the plurality of sensors based upon the detected conditions is identified; and a master reference temperature setpoint for the master sensor that substantially optimizes fluid flow distribution in the structure based upon conditions detected by the plurality of sensors in response to changes in a characteristic of fluid flow supplied to the plurality of sensors is determined.

Abstract: An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for building automation system management are shown and described. The systems and methods relate to fault detection via abnormal energy monitoring and detection. The systems and methods also relate to control and fault detection methods for chillers. The systems and methods further relate to graphical user interfaces for use with fault detection features of a building automation system.