Abstract: A combined heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (“HVACR”) system including an HVAC sub-system and a refrigeration sub-system. The HVAC sub-system is in communication with an open space of an indoor environment and includes a first condenser, a first evaporator, and a first compressor at least partially defining a first refrigerant circuit circulating a first refrigerant for selectively conditioning an airflow within the HVAC sub-system that conditions the open space. The refrigeration sub-system is in communication with an enclosed space within the indoor environment and includes a second condenser, a second evaporator, and a second compressor and at least partially defining a second refrigerant circuit circulating a second refrigerant for selectively conditioning the enclosed space. Heat from the second refrigerant is selectively transferred to the airflow within the second condenser to reheat the airflow prior to the airflow being discharged into the open space.

Abstract: An air anomaly alarming method, an air anomaly alarming device and a storage medium are provided. The method includes: air composition information of an indoor environment is acquired; the air composition information of the indoor environment is compared with corresponding air composition information in a pre-acquired air change pattern; and an alarming message is sent to preset target equipment when a difference between the air composition information of the indoor environment and the corresponding air composition information in the air change pattern is greater than a first preset air threshold value.

Abstract: A method for measuring HVAC efficiency is used to test various elements within the HVAC system to determine whether any element, such as a cooling coil or heating coil, is operating at an acceptable efficiency when compared to design specifications or previously established standards. The method may also be used to easily determine volumetric flow rate of air through the system at various points.

Abstract: An enclosure diagnostic and control system is described herein. The system can include a controller having a storage repository, where the storage repository includes at least one threshold value and at least one algorithm. The system can also include an enclosure communicably coupled to the controller and electrically coupled to a field device. The system can further include a number of sensors communicably coupled to the controller, where the sensors measure a number of field values of a number of parameters associated with the field device. The controller can evaluate the field values using the at least one algorithm to generate an evaluated value. The controller can output a control signal based on the evaluated value.

Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The electric motor is configured to drive a blower to generate an airflow. The motor controller includes a memory and a processor coupled thereto. The memory is configured to store a speed-to-airflow ratio associated with an airflow restriction on the blower. The processor is configured to receive a command for a calibrating airflow and operate the electric motor in a constant airflow mode to generate the calibrating airflow at a calibrating speed. The processor is further configured to write the calibrating speed and the calibrating airflow to the memory as the speed-to-airflow ratio.

Abstract: A control system for a HVAC system includes a user interface configured to present information to a user and receive inputs from the user, a temperature sensor configured to measure an air temperature inside of the building space, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a user-preferred temperature setpoint, compare the user-preferred temperature setpoint to the measured air temperature, project an energy usage amount for the user-preferred energy setpoint, generate a user comfort score for the user-preferred energy setpoint, generate an overall score for the user-preferred temperature setpoint, and present, by the user interface, the user with a setpoint scoring interface including the overall score.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for interactively and graphically displaying 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 summary each of several days. 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: Methods, devices, computer readable medium, and systems are described for sending from a thermostat device to a server device climate system usage information and settings, and receiving from the server device ecorank information wherein the ecorank information is derived from a comparison of energy consumed by the climate system controlled by the thermostat device in comparison to energy consumed by a comparison group, the comparison group comprising other climate systems controlled by other thermostat devices. The comparison group is determined based on profile information comprising information describing the dwelling, dwelling size, dwelling location, occupants, and climate system technology. The ecorank information is one or more of a numerical score, percentage, graphic, icon, color, letter, trend indicator, audio item, and a video item. The energy consumed by the climate systems may be reported by an associated energy measurement device or inferred by heating and cooling hours.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer readable medium are described for receiving from a thermostat device at a server device climate system usage information and settings and sending from the server device ecorank information, wherein the ecorank information is derived from a comparison of usage of climate systems controlled by the thermostat device in comparison to a comparison group, the comparison group comprising other climate systems controlled by other thermostat devices. The comparison group is determined based on profile information describing the dwelling, dwelling size, dwelling location, dwelling occupants, climate system technology, and related information. In some embodiments, the ecorank information may be one or more of a numerical score, percentage, graphic, icon, color, letter, and an audio item. In some embodiments, the energy consumed by the climate systems may be reported by an associated energy measurement device or estimated by heating and cooling usage hours.

Abstract: Aspects direct to systems and methods for regulating illumination and temperature levels in a designated area. The system includes an internet of things (IoT) based entrance having an IoT device. The IoT device receives authentication information from an identification device, and authenticates the identification device. In response to determining the identification device to be authenticated, the IoT device controls the IoT based entrance to grant access to the user of the identification device. The IoT device also generates personnel access information of the user, and updates personnel information corresponding to the designated area using the personnel access information of the user. Then the IoT device may control lighting and heating/cooling systems based on the personnel information corresponding to the designated area and lighting and temperature rules.

Abstract: A method of controlling an air conditioning system for a vehicle enables a user to recognize whether economical heating is available, while a vehicle travels. The method includes: (A) when starting of the vehicle is in an on state, confirming a heating condition and a waste heat source state while the vehicle travels, and predicting power consumption of an electric heater; and (B) comparing a power consumption reference value of the electric heater with a power consumption prediction value of the electric heater, displaying that economical heating is available or unavailable on the display unit, determining whether to turn off the starting of the vehicle, and terminating a control.

Abstract: Described is a method of reducing multitudes of input data signals to a manageable plurality of input data signals and using the manageable plurality of input data signals to obtain response data that is provided to the semiconductor wafer, packaging, or design facility.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprising: (a) receiving a set of physiological data associated with at least one health condition of an animal subject; (b) receiving a set of environmental data associated with one or more environment conditions to which the subject is or has been exposed; (c) determining a set of operating parameters for at least one environmental device based at least partially on at least a portion of the set of physiological data and at least a portion of the set of environmental data; and (d) transmitting the set of operating parameters to the at least one environmental device to at least partially control at least one controlled environmental condition to which the subject is exposed to thereby at partially control the at least one health condition.

Abstract: A facility containing electronic components can be cooled by one or more automated cooling units. One or more automated cooling units are automatically deployed to respond to temperature events at one or more electronic components by moving the automated cooling unit to the electronic component and operating a cooling assembly to pass air through an affected component, or by moving the automated cooling unit to a designated air handler or air source and supplementing a flow of air generated by the air handler. Multiple automated cooling units can be employed at the same time.

Abstract: A seat box for connection to an electrical power supply of a vehicle for making power available through power controlled outlets for PEDs. The seat box including ports each configured to connect to an outlet, distribution circuitry for distributing power among the ports from the vehicle for supply to an outlet connected to the port; a processor in communication with each port configured to receive and send data to an outlet connected to the port; and a power load manager executed on the processor. The power load manager receives data from each controlled power outlet connected to one of the ports, indicating power supplied from the outlet and requests for power. The power load manager when receiving a request for power from an outlet for which there is insufficient power available to meet the request, controlling the outlet drawing the most power to reduce power, and supplying at least some power to the controlled power outlet from which the request was received.

Abstract: A network system and a method for controlling the same include where a power consumption amount of an electrical appliance is monitored based on an operation of the electrical appliance. If a demand response (DR) signal for requesting power saving is received, it is determined whether a user is to participate in a DR event for a power-saving operation of the electrical appliance. If it is determined that the user is to participate in the DR event, the power-saving operation of the electrical appliance is performed based on previously mapped information on a discomfort caused by the power-saving operation of the electrical appliance.

Abstract: A decision support tool to assist decision-making in the operation of a facility. The decision support tool allows a user to perform operational programming of the facility so that the analysis of specific operational events is flexible and “on-demand.” This is achieved by allowing the user to set scope and timeframe of the analysis according to business needs. As a result, the organization can make better-informed judgments whether to add operational activities and how to adjust the ones already formulated in the program. The decision support tool can also allow for the application of strategies to communicate intent behind the programming instructions and to improve the quality of business decisions.

Abstract: A thermostat may include one or more memory devices comprising a stored setpoint schedule, one or more temperature sensors configured to provide temperature sensor measurements, and a processing system configured to be in operative communication the one or more memory devices to determine a setpoint temperature, and in still further operative communication with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to control the HVAC system based at least in part on the setpoint temperature and the temperature sensor measurements. The processing system may be configured to control the HVAC system by receiving an indication that a total instantaneous energy usage rate for a structure in which the thermostat is installed is projected to exceed a threshold amount; and altering the stored setpoint schedule to reduce an energy usage rate of the HVAC system.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a communication module configured to receive first sensing information from at least one first sensor located in a first area, and to receive second sensing information from at least one second sensor out of a plurality of sensors located in a second area, and a processor configured to control at least one air control device located in the first area to condition air in the first area based on the first sensing information and the second sensing information, wherein the processor is configured to select the second sensor based on a location of the electronic device.

Abstract: An area abnormality detecting system includes multiple apparatuses, multiple sensors and a detecting server. The system is adopted in a space, which is segmented into several blocks with same size. Multiple areas of the space are defined by the blocks separately. The apparatuses are respectively corresponding to each area for providing environmental improving services. The sensors are respectively corresponding to each area for sensing indoor environment of each area. After an abnormality occurs, the detecting server determines an abnormal area and an occurring time corresponding to the abnormality, and obtains apparatus parameters of apparatuses corresponding to the abnormal area that are recorded at the occurring time, so as to determine the occurring reason for the abnormality based on the apparatus parameters.

Abstract: The disclosure reveals a system for optimizing control devices in a clean room environment with intelligent flow curve tools. The system may incorporate a controller and one or more valves for airflow control in a space, connected to the controller. The controller may incorporate a user interface that has a display and a control mechanism. The controller may contain one or more airflow tables corresponding to the one or more valves, respectively. Also, the controller may have a curve tool that can provide an airflow table on the display in one or more formats.

Abstract: Disclosed aspects relate to managing a group of geometric objects. The group of geometric objects are correlated to a set of spatial zones associated with an architectural layout. A first geometric object of the group of geometric objects is detected. The first geometric object has a first geometric object size value. By comparing the first geometric object size value with a threshold geometric object size value, it is determined to convert the first geometric object. Based on proximity, a group of conversion candidates is identified from the group of geometric objects. Based on the first geometric object and the group of conversion candidates, a second geometric object is determined using a geometric criterion. Using the second geometric object, a design-model of the architectural layout is established.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method and system that enable consumers to have deliveries made and services performed safely and securely when they are not at the location at which the delivery is made or service is performed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for determining occupancy with user provided information. According to at least one embodiment, a method for determining occupancy with user provided information includes using at least one sensor to detect occupancy in a building over time, determining a predictive schedule based on the occupancy detected with the at least one sensor, and requesting information relevant to the predictive schedule from a user.

Abstract: A thermostat is described that includes a rechargeable battery, a graphical user interface and a wireless network communication capabilities. During installation, in cases where the rechargeable battery is below a first threshold, the installation procedure is limited so as to avoid energy intensive installation steps which may not be supported by the low battery level. An example of an installation step that is avoided due to low battery level is set up of wireless communication. According to some embodiments, if the battery level is very low during initial installation, the installation process is halted while the battery is charged. An indication such as a flashing LED may be displayed so as to indicate to the user that the battery is being charged.

Abstract: A multi-zone vapor compression system (MZ-VCS) includes a compressor connected to a set of heat exchangers controlling environments in a set of zones. A supervisory controller includes a processor configured for optimizing a cost function subject to constraints on an operation of the MZ-VCS to produce a set of values of the thermal capacity requested for the set of heat exchangers to achieve setpoint temperatures in the corresponding zones. The supervisory controller is a model predictive controller for determining the set of control inputs using a model of the MZ-VCS including a linear relationship between the thermal capacity of each heat exchanger and the temperature in a corresponding zone controlled by the heat exchanger. A set of capacity controllers, wherein there is one capacity controller for each heat exchanger, such that each capacity controller is configured for controlling the corresponding heat exchanger to achieve the requested thermal capacity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing power supplied over an electric power grid by an electric utility and/or other market participants to multiplicity of grid elements and devices for supply and/or load curtailment as supply, each of which having a Power Supply Value (PSV) associated with its energy consumption and/or reduction in consumption and/or supply, and wherein messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements and devices, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: An identification system includes an input device and a verification device. A plurality of photovoltaic panels of the input device cooperatively receive light reflected off an object that is illuminated by a lighting module. Each photovoltaic panel converts light energy of the light received thereby into electricity. The input device further includes an electrical measurement unit to measure electrical quantities of the electricity generated by the photovoltaic panels, and an encoding unit to convert the electrical quantities into code parameters and to compose an input code using the code parameters. The verification device communicates with the input device, and verifies the input code.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus capable of entering a power saving state includes a detection unit configured to detect an object, a determination unit configured to determine whether there is a human hand in a position higher than a predetermined height based on a detection result of the detection unit, and a control unit configured to, if the determination unit determines that there is a human hand in the position higher than the predetermined height, make the image processing apparatus return from the power saving state.

Abstract: A system for remote servicing of customers includes an interactive display unit at the customer location providing two-way audio/visual communication with a remote service/sales agent, wherein communication inputted by the agent is delivered to customers via a virtual Digital Actor on the display. The system also provides for remote customer service using physical mannequins with interactive capability having two-way audio visual communication ability with the remote agent, wherein communication inputted by the remote service or sales agent is delivered to customers using the physical mannequin. A web solution integrates the virtual Digital Actor system into a business website. A smart phone solution provides the remote service to customers via an App. In another embodiment, the Digital Actor is instead displayed as a 3D hologram. The Digital Actor is also used in an e-learning solution, in a movie studio suite, and as a presenter on TV, online, or other broadcasting applications.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for sending a prompt message. The apparatus receives a status of a movable article corresponding to a sensor. The apparatus obtains a working status of an air cleaner bound with the sensor when the movable article corresponding to the sensor is in an open status. The apparatus detects whether the working status of the air cleaner is an on status. The apparatus sends the prompt message in a predetermined manner when it is detected that the working status of the air cleaner is the on status, in which the prompt message is configured to indicate to close the movable article in a room containing the air cleaner or to turn off the air cleaner.

Abstract: In one example, a system for a data visualization includes a generation engine to link data to corresponding objects within a three-dimensional (3-D) visualization of an area, a level engine to display the corresponding objects at a selected level of detail, a data engine to alter a setting of the corresponding objects upon a selection of the corresponding objects, and a simulation engine to generate a simulation of the corresponding objects within the area based on the altered setting.

Abstract: A controller for a thermal appliance configured to heat or cool an area of a premises. The controller comprises: a communications interface, configured to communicate over a communications network; a data store comprising information regarding a transport infrastructure; and a processor coupled to the data store and to the first communications interface. The processor is configured to obtain an estimate of the time for a user carrying a mobile device to return to the premises via the transport infrastructure.

Abstract: A control apparatus is configured to control a control target device among load devices for which power supply from an electricity storage apparatus is controlled based on total power consumption of the load devices. The control apparatus includes a power monitor and a device controller. The power monitor is configured to acquire a value of the total power consumption of the load devices. The device controller is configured to control the control target device to change the power consumption of the control target device so that the value of the total power consumption changes to a value having a level where the electricity storage apparatus supplies the power to the load devices when the value of the total power consumption acquired by the power monitor is at a level where the power is not supplied from the electricity storage apparatus to the electrical devices.

Abstract: A storage unit stores threshold data indicating first and second thresholds. A heater control determination unit reads the threshold data from the storage unit, enables a heater control when an outdoor air temperature is equal to or lower than the first threshold, and disables the heater control when the outdoor air temperature is equal to or higher than the second threshold. A heater operation control unit sets a heater operation to be always-off when the heater control is disabled, and ON/OFF controls the heater operation based on a relation between an indoor temperature and a set temperature when the heater control is enabled. A reception unit receives a threshold designation signal input by a user and designating at least one of the first and second thresholds. A threshold setting unit sets, based on designation by the received threshold designation signal, the threshold data stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A controlling method executes an auto-calculation procedure of a controlling system when a person is detected indoor. The auto-calculation procedure firstly collects current environment parameters via sensors for calculating a current comfort-index based on the sensed environment parameters. Secondly, it calculates a target temperature/humidity adjustment value for the environment to reach a best comfort-index based on the current comfort-index. Then, it controls indoor apparatuses based on the calculated target temperature/humidity adjustment value to adjust the environment to be in the best comfort-index. The controlling system can execute a learning procedure, it records the current environment parameters and a user-feedback to build a learning model. Therefore, it helps the environment to satisfy user demands quickly by using the learning model directly when the indoor environment has the environment parameters same as the learning model.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-readable media, for controlling a display screen brightness level for an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device determines a first ambient light level and associates the first ambient light level with a first priority weight value. The electronic device further determines a second ambient light level and associates the second ambient light level with a second priority weight value. A display controller within the electronic device sets the display screen brightness level based, at least in part, on the first ambient light level, the second ambient light level, and at least one of the first and second priority weight values.

Abstract: A power management system comprises a plurality of HEMSs 10 and a CEMS 40. The CEMS 40 transmits, to a power company 60, configuration information of the plurality of consumers 70 managed by the CEMS 40. The power curtailment signal (DR; Demand Response) transmitted from the power company 60 to the CEMS 40 is determined in accordance with the configuration information. The upper power management apparatus transmits, to each HEMS 10, reduction information including an amount of power that should be reduced in each consumer 70 in response to a power curtailment signal transmitted from the power company 60 after transmitting the configuration information.

Abstract: A method of controlling electrical power supply through at least one electrical power supply output of an electrical switching device includes receiving switching time and/or duration data. The received switching time and/or duration data are processed with one or more of clock times and calendar dates to provide switching time and/or duration comprising at least one supply on period and at least one supply off period. Electrical power supply through the at least one electrical power supply output is controlled in accordance with the switching time and/or duration and in accordance with a position of a manual switch of the electrical switching device.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention describe a nonhomogeneous server deployment in which different classes of servers are placed within a data center unit, such as a rack or chassis. In one aspect, the cooling capacity for the unit is intentionally sized to be incapable of providing enough cooling to maintain an acceptable operational temperature for the servers, if all servers in the rack are simultaneously in an active processing mode. The control fabric maintains an acceptable operating temperature within the unit by assigning workloads to only a portion of the servers within the unit at a given point in time. In one aspect, servers are arranged within a data center unit according to anticipated peak periods of usage. Units can be arranged to be adjacent to servers optimized for a specialized workload having a peak period of usage that differs from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a technical apparatus in which a time profile (E(t)) for a power requirement (E) for the technical apparatus is ascertained over at least one period and an operating state of the technical apparatus is matched to the ascertained power requirement (E) on the basis of time.

Abstract: Modeling the behavior of an enclosure for use by a control system of an HVAC system is described. A model for the enclosure that describes the enclosure's behavior for use by the control system is updated based on weather forecast data. The weather forecast data can include predictions more than 24 hours in the future, and can include predictions on temperature, humidity and/or dew point, solar output, precipitation. The model for the enclosure can also be updated based on additional information and data. The model for the enclosure can be updated based also on an enclosure model stored in a database, and/or enclosure information from a user. The model can be updated based on active testing of the enclosure which can be performed automatically or in response to user input. The testing can include heating and/or cooling the enclosure at times when the enclosure is not likely occupied.

Abstract: In a method of controlling energy consumption from an electrical power distribution system by energy storage devices, a first electrical load range for a first period in the future is communicated to the electrical power distribution system using a controller comprising a processor. A plurality of commands from the electrical power distribution system are received during the first period using the controller. A rate of electrical energy consumption by the group of energy storage devices is adjusted during the first period to a value within the first electrical load range responsive to each of the commands using the controller. A portion of the energy consumed by the group of energy storage devices is then stored in energy storage mediums of the devices during the first period.

Abstract: A method of minimizing compressor use in an HVAC system for an IT space includes configuring an HVAC system to cool an IT space, providing a control system to operate the HVAC system, the control system having software configured to calculate economization mode minimum achievable X-Factor for a predetermined period of time, providing at least one parameter to the control system, the at least one parameter including X-Factor history and period weather forecast(s), setting temperature set points for each forecast interval, and analyzing the temperature set points according to maximum and minimum temperature parameters for the IT space, with intervals with set points violating the maximum temperature parameter being designated as intervals for which the compressor will operate while intervals with set points violating the minimum temperature parameter are assigned the minimum temperature set point.

Abstract: A home appliance includes a main body having a storage compartment, a door that opens or closes the storage compartment, a detection unit to detect an opening or closing of the door, a display unit disposed on the main body or the door to display information, and a control unit to control the display unit on the basis of the detection by the detection unit. The control unit changes a display on the display unit from a main screen to a function management screen in response to a command inputted on the main screen when the main screen is displayed on the display unit, and the control unit changes a display on the display unit from the main screen to the function management screen in response to the opening or closing of the door detected by the detection unit when the main screen is displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A process for calculating feasibility of an electrical energy consumption management system (CMS) includes receiving a first historical energy consumption profile of an energy consumer for a first time period and a second historical energy consumption profile of the energy consumer for a second time period, wherein the second time period is after the first time period. The process may also include determining a setpoint for a CMS, wherein the CMS has hardware specifications, and wherein the setpoint is based on the first historical energy consumption profile and the hardware specifications. Next, an energy savings that would be produced by the CMS over the second time period is determined and a feasibility rating is assigned to the CMS based on the first energy savings and the first hardware specifications. A customer may thereby determine or optimize the effectiveness of a CMS at his site before it is purchased and installed.

Abstract: The examples herein offer an improved, more integrated implementation of lighting control and building management control, e.g. within the same gateway or cloud computing/control element(s), via an integrated software architecture. A visualization platform of the software architecture provides an integrated user interface via network communication of the computing element with a user terminal device. The integrated user interface offers the user an integrated view of status of building automation control (BAC) appliances and luminaires within the premises, as well as integrated access to control operations of the BAC appliances and the luminaires. For example, the overall system of integrated lighting and building management control may offer a ‘single pane of glass’ type user interface for lighting and other managed operations in the premises.

Abstract: Accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices is described, wherein the devices are coupled with a first structure. The energy usage of the devices is monitored. An energy usage rule and energy usage is then compared. The energy management policy and energy usage is also compared. Based on the comparing, an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of said device to correlate with the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energy management policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for computing a schedule for central air conditioning. Inputs are received, including: a monetary budget relative to a predetermined time period; an occupancy profile relative to the predetermined time period; and at least one of: electricity rates relative to the predetermined time period, and technical specifications of the central air conditioning. A target indoor temperature is determined based on the received inputs, with respect to different timepoints within the predetermined time period. An air conditioning schedule is determined for the different timepoints within the predetermined time period, wherein this determining includes reducing a quantitative measure relating to discomfort. Other variants and embodiments are broadly contemplated herein.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are presented herein for providing lower level physical-layer gateway functionalities and upper-level application functionalities; a system designed with flexible configurations in order to support a wide range of connected applications. The system includes a processor that executes machine instructions to perform operations. The operations comprise: receiving sensor data from a sensor device located in a building; converting the sensor data from a raw state to a physical measurement; and activating an abatement device situated in the building as a function of the physical measurement.