Abstract: Information regarding a user's personal schedule is received at an electronic computing device. Information regarding current and future utility costs is received. The information regarding the user's personal schedule, the information regarding the user's location and the information regarding the current and future utility costs is used to determine at least one financial impact based on a temperature setting. The at least one financial impact includes estimated costs for time intervals and historical billing cycles. A temperature effecting device or an energy effecting device in the home of the user is controlled using the at least one financial impact.

Abstract: An aspect receiving a new weather forecast. A temporally coherent analog modeling process is performed to identify a historical weather forecast that matches the new weather forecast. The new weather forecast is updated based on historical weather observations at points in time in the historical weather forecast. The updating includes: shifting a point in time in the historical weather forecast based on a factor determined by a previously executed dynamic time warping (DTW) of the historical weather forecast and the historical weather observations; and modifying the new weather forecast based on the historical weather observations at the shifted point in time. The updated new weather forecast is output.

Abstract: A mobile device that is configured for wireless communication may be configured to operate as a remote control device in a lighting control system, controlling one or more lighting control devices of the lighting control system. The remote control device may control the light intensity in a space, for instance at a location of the remote control device, in response to an ambient light intensity measured at the remote control device. The remote control device may define a user interface for receiving an input that indicates a desired light intensity at the location. The remote control device may measure the ambient light intensity at the location via a light detector, compare the measured ambient light intensity to the desired light intensity, and cause the one or more lighting control devices to adjust the ambient light intensity at the remote control device until it agrees with the desired light intensity.

Abstract: This disclosure describes computer-implemented techniques that enable users to control and coordinate a set of network-enabled home automation devices. Users may generate, customize, and share home automation device dashboards. These dashboards may include user interface elements, such as tiles, that users may use to determine that status of home automation devices and send commands to the home automation devices. In some examples, users may use timeline-based user interfaces to schedule actions to be performed by home automation devices.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing load across a portion of a power grid. The system (400) includes an access manager device (200) that forms part of a local power management network (600) and is configured for communication with a smartphone (10) and a smartmeter (300).

Abstract: Method, system and product for assessments of an operation of an Heating Ventilation or Air-Conditioning (HVAC) unit. In module for receiving, directly or indirectly, information from at least one sensor; and a power consumption determination component for indirectly assessing power consumption of an HVAC unit from the information received from the at least one sensor. In another embodiment, the apparatus being configured to receive a set of physical measurements over time from a physical location that is affected by the HVAC unit; fitting the set of physical measurements on a predetermined curve using parametric fit, wherein the predetermined curve has an horizontal asymptote, wherein the predetermined curve has a decreasing slope over time; and comparing a target measurement of the HVAC unit with a location of the horizontal asymptote to determine whether the HVAC unit is expected to reach the target measurement.

Abstract: The instruction device according to the present invention is used in an air conditioning system. In a case where evaluation information concerning comfort of an air environment of an indoor space for person(s) in the indoor space corresponds to discomfort and a difference between first data on the air environment of the indoor space and second data on an air environment of an outdoor space is not less than a prescribed value, the instruction device creates setting information to use only a first air conditioning device for causing movement of air between the indoor and outdoor spaces when determining that the comfort can be improved by the first air conditioning device, and creates setting information to use a second air conditioning device for controlling the air environment of the indoor space by consuming energy resource when determining that the comfort cannot be improved by the first air conditioning device.

Abstract: A mobile wireless device (e.g. smart phone) may be used to remotely control an HVAC system. A program code stored in the memory of the mobile wireless device may cause the mobile wireless device to store geographic information in the memory of the mobile wireless device, monitor a location of the mobile wireless device, and compare the stored geographic information to the location of the mobile wireless device. If the comparison meets predetermined criteria, the program code may cause the mobile wireless device to transmit a command either directly or indirectly to an HVAC controller, causing the HVAC controller to transition from a first operating state having a first temperature setpoint to a second operating state having a second temperature setpoint.

Abstract: A Smart Register Vent (“SRV”) device having at least one memory configured to store instructions, a processor coupled to the at least one memory, at least one electronically adjustable louver, the processor configured to cause the at least one louver to move based on instructions stored on the at least one memory, a network module configured to couple the SRV device to a local wireless network, and at least one sensor for detecting environmental conditions and features and enabling image recognition technology or voice recognition technology, the SRV may include a magnetically couplable faceplate for attaching register faceplates of various colors and designs, a sensor cover, and a magnetic body or plate for coupling to a wall or ceiling.

Abstract: A power generation amount output device configured to output a power generation amount of a photovoltaic panel having been installed in a vehicle to a display unit, includes a power generation amount obtainment unit configured to obtain the power generation amount of the photovoltaic panel; a fluctuation reduction unit configured to reduce a fluctuation of the power generation amount to be output by the display unit, depending on a vehicle state of the vehicle; and a power generation amount output unit configured to output the power generation amount having the fluctuation reduced by the fluctuation reduction unit to the display unit.

Abstract: A disclosed air conditioning control system includes: a flow path through which cooling air discharged from an exhaust surface of an electronic apparatus is returned to an intake surface thereof, a damper provided in the flow path, a temperature measuring unit for measuring the real temperature of the cooling air, a humidity measuring unit for measuring the real humidity of the cooling air, a target value changing unit for changing target temperature and humidity in accordance with the real temperature and humidity, and a controlling unit for predicting future predicted values of the real temperature and humidity, and controlling the opening extent of the damper such that the predicted temperature and humidity become close to the target temperature and humidity, respectively. The target value changing unit sets the target temperature and humidity such that the real temperature and humidity are raised and lowered in the opposite directions.

Abstract: A remote control device of a heat pump system is useable to switch an operating state of the heat pump system. The remote control device includes a touch screen and physical keys provided separately from the touch screen. The touch screen is configured and arranged to display a plurality of touch keys displayed by words, graphics, or symbols associated separately with any of a plurality of set items. The physical keys include at least two function keys. A number of the function keys is fewer than a number of the set items and a number of the touch keys. The function keys are assigned a common function utilized when the operating state is switched. Same functions as when the touch keys are inputted are enacted by inputting the function keys.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using multi-criteria state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The multi-criteria state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on sensor data values, hush events, and transition conditions. The transition conditions can define how a state machine transitions from one state to another. The hazard detection system can use a dual processor arrangement to execute the multi-criteria state machines according to various embodiments. The dual processor arrangement can enable the hazard detection system to manage the alarming and pre-alarming states in a manner that promotes minimal power usage while simultaneously promoting reliability in hazard detection and alarming functionality.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise systems and methods for using the geographic location of networked consumer electronics devices as indications of occupancy of a structure for purposes of automatically adjusting the temperature setpoint on a thermostatic HVAC control. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one mobile electronic device is used to indicate the state of occupancy of the structure. The state of occupancy is used to alter the setpoint on the thermostatic HVAC control to reduce unneeded conditioning of unoccupied spaces.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include determining an amount of power of heat transfer between at least one information handling resource and an enclosure housing the at least one information handling resource based on an intake temperature associated with an intake of heat-rejecting media thermally coupled to the at least one information handling resource for transferring heat generated by the at least one information handling resource from the intake to an exhaust associated with the heat-rejecting media and an exhaust temperature associated with the exhaust. The method may also include controlling at least one of an operating frequency of the at least one information handling resource and a flow rate of fluid proximate to the heat-rejecting media based on the amount of power of heat transfer.

Abstract: A single-pass HVAC systems to isolate zones and to maintain a required clean air quality standard is provided that operates by producing a positive pressure in all zones, while exhausting on a minimal quantity of air required by law. The zones are kept clean by a recirculating fan filter in each zone. The exhaust air is used to exchange heat with incoming air to conserve energy further.

Abstract: An HVAC controller may include a housing that is mountable on a vertical surface and a printed circuit board that is disposed within the housing. The printed circuit board may include a light source operably secured to the printed circuit board. A light guide may be secured relative to the printed circuit board such that light from the light source enters the light guide and propagates along the light guide. The light guide includes a light input pocket configured to receive light from the light source, a bifurcated inlet section optically coupled to the light input pocket, a light guide body extending from the bifurcated inlet section, and an output surface extending along a rear facing surface of the light guide body such that light exiting the output surface is projected onto the vertical surface to which the housing is mountable.

Abstract: A procedure for forecasting building energy consumption by evaluating performance of variable base degree and variable based enthalpy models. Dynamic weights are computed for the variable base degree and variable based enthalpy models and used in making future energy prediction based on weather forecast data. The weather forecast data may be corrected for bias. The variable base degree and variable based enthalpy models may be calibrated based on outlier removed historic energy consumption data and historic ambient air temperature data.

Abstract: A control strategy for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) units used to condition the environment in data centers and other commercial buildings such as retail stores with an open-plan design is provided to coordinate the operation of the actuators of the HVAC units. A supervisory controller receives feedback signals from a plurality of environmental sensors and uses a set of references values to determine control signals to the actuators of the HVAC units. A pseudoinverse of a transfer function matrix G may be used to determine the control signals from errors in the feedback signals relative to the reference signals.

Abstract: Controllers and methods for controlling operation of a climate control appliance for heating and/or cooling a space are provided. One example controller includes a memory for storing at least one temperature offset and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive the reduced operation request from at least one of a utility provider and a user of the controller, to receive a sensed temperature from at least one sensor disposed within the space, and to determine an artificial temperature based on the sensed temperature and the at least one temperature offset associated with the reduced operation request. The processor is configured to, in response to the reduced operation request, operate the climate control appliance based on a comparison of the set-point temperature and artificial temperature during a reduced operation interval, to thereby reduce operation of the climate control appliance in response to the reduced operation request.

Abstract: A mobile device that is configured for wireless communication may be configured to operate as a remote control device in a lighting control system, controlling one or more lighting control devices of the lighting control system. The remote control device may control the light intensity in a space, for instance at a location of the remote control device, in response to an ambient light intensity measured at the remote control device. The remote control device may define a user interface for receiving an input that indicates a desired light intensity at the location. The remote control device may measure the ambient light intensity at the location via a light detector, compare the measured ambient light intensity to the desired light intensity, and cause the one or more lighting control devices to adjust the ambient light intensity at the remote control device until it agrees with the desired light intensity.

Abstract: The invention is based on the idea that a lighting system can utilize its sensing and control functionalities to offer dynamic load management (e.g. demand response) services in an electrical grid. The present invention optimizes dimming levels of lighting sources of a lighting system by determining a solution for an optimization problem directed to determining new dimming levels such that power consumption of the lighting devices is reduced. During the determining the solution for the optimization problem, the present invention may take into account specific guarantees on illumination rendering, acceptable to different users, and differing illumination requirements in different spaces or rooms. By the lighting control of the present invention, predictable and effective load reductions may be achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is an HVAC system having one or more air ionization devices for increasing operating efficiency and reduces overall cost by reducing the level of volatile organic compounds in recirculated building air. Also disclosed are combinations of heat exchangers operating in conjunction with ionization to further reduce operating costs. Included are various control sequences for a controller useful for managing air quality using CO2, VOC and other sensors to maintain air quality at reduced cost.

Abstract: A motorized vent covering for an air vent of the environment control system, the motorized vent covering comprising an air flow restrictor for controlling air flow through the vent; and an actuator, the actuator including a motor configured to drive the air flow restrictor to control the flow of air from the vent, and a controller in communication with the motor, the controller configured to provide operating instructions to the motor to open or close the air flow restrictor to adjust the flow of air through the air vent.

Abstract: A configurable wall module having selectable home screens, custom menu navigation, and incorporating functional design. The display utilizes fixed segments. menu navigation and configuration which may be facilitated with soft keys having indicative labels associated with them. The parameters may be accessed from categories by soft keys via two-level menu navigation. Certain parameter value and setpoint entries may be effected with up/down keys. Module configuration may be performed by a user. To provide such user capability, the module may be programmed and configured by an installer with a software configuration tool used in connection with the building automation system associated with the module.

Abstract: A gas filter clogging detection system for monitoring filter performance and condition based on indicators of the accumulation of dirt and other particles on a filter positioned in a gas conduit, in which a notification system provides alerts and reports when the amount of clogging reaches a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: A media player/recorder includes a wireless receiver to receive a signal representing media data, a storage device to store the media data, a storage controller to retrieve the media data from the storage device, and an output circuit to output the media data. The storage device stores a list of identifiers of desired media selections. The wireless receiver receives a signal representing an identifier of an offered media selection. The storage device stores the offered media selection when the identifier of the offered media selection corresponds to the identifier of one of the desired media selections.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as a biofuel heating system for converting biofuel to heat energy to be delivered to a load comprising a combustion chamber defining a combustion zone, an under-fire zone, and an over-fire zone. A controller operates at least one of a fan, an under-fire damper, and an over-fire damper based on at least one operating parameter such that air flows along a flow path extending from at least one of an under-fire port and an over-fire port, through the combustion chamber, through a burn-out port, through a burn-out chamber, through a heat exchange port, through a heat exchange chamber, and out of an exhaust port. The heat exchange system transfers heat energy from air flowing through the heat exchange chamber to the working fluid.

Abstract: A cooling management system including component racks, a cooling system, pressure measurement devices, and a computing system within a structure. Each component rack includes an exothermic apparatus. The structure includes warm air aisle spaces and cold air aisle spaces located between the component racks. The cooling system feeds cold air into each cold air aisle space. The cold air flows through the component racks resulting in displacement of warm air from each exothermic apparatus. The warm air flows into the warm air aisle spaces and is directed back to the cooling system. The pressure measurement devices measure differential pressure values between the cold air aisle spaces and the warm air aisle spaces. The computing system monitors the differential pressure values, perform calculations associated with the differential pressure values, and control a fan speed of at least one fan within the cooling system based on the calculations.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a processor includes a first domain with at least one core to execute instructions and a second domain coupled to the first domain and including at least one non-core circuit. These domains can operate at independent frequencies, and a power control unit coupled to the domains may include a thermal logic to cause a reduction in a frequency of the first domain responsive to occurrence of a thermal event in the second domain. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A controller for a temperature management system for heating and/or cooling a room in accordance with a schedule of set point temperatures over a control period as a data processor arrangement (10). A signal indicative of the current temperature of the room is received at a temperature input (9) for receiving a signal indicative of the current temperature in the room and a control output (18) for supplying control signals to the system. The controller has at least one electronic memory for storing said schedule of set point temperatures, a relationship, based on known heating or cooling characteristics of the room, between the energy supplied to the system in a portion of the control period and the predicted temperature of the room during that portion and subsequent portions of the control period.

Abstract: An operation management apparatus includes an air conditioning thermal load prediction unit configured to calculate an air conditioning thermal load predicted value indicating a predicted amount of heat required to adjust temperature to a pre-set temperature on a day-of-prediction, a power generation output prediction processing unit configured to calculate power generation output prediction data indicating a generated power obtained by a generator within the day-of-prediction, and an operation planning unit configured to prepare an air conditioning heat source operation plan, and determines a purchased power and the generated power using the power generation output prediction data to thereby prepare a power facility operation plan indicating a schedule of a power output from the purchased power source and the generator, so that the purchased power per predetermined time supplied from a purchased power source of a commercial power system becomes a target value.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes an HVAC unit having a cooling mode and a heating mode for conditioning the air in an inside space, and a programmable thermostat located remotely from the HVAC unit. The HVAC unit may have an onboard controller configured to control when the HVAC unit is in the cooling mode or heating mode, and whether the HVAC unit is activated or not. In some cases, the onboard controller of the HVAC unit may use a common temperature setpoint when controlling in the cooling mode and the heating mode. The programmable thermostat may have a programmable schedule with a plurality of time periods, where each time period has a heating setpoint and a cooling setpoint separated by a dead band. The onboard controller of the HVAC unit may be configured to accept input signals from the remotely located thermostat.

Abstract: The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that initially aggressively learn, and then continue, in a steady-state mode, to monitor, learn, and modify one or more control schedules that specify a desired operational behavior of a device, machine, system, or organization controlled by the intelligent controller. An intelligent controller generally acquires one or more initial control schedules through schedule-creation and schedule-modification interfaces or by accessing a default control schedule stored locally or remotely in a memory or mass-storage device. The intelligent controller then proceeds to learn, over time, a desired operational behavior for the device, machine, system, or organization controlled by the intelligent controller based on immediate-control inputs, schedule-modification inputs, and previous and current control schedules, encoding the desired operational behavior in one or more control schedules and/or sub-schedules.

Abstract: The technology described in this document is embodied in a method that includes processing data in a first dataset that represents time-varying information about at least one pulse pressure wave propagating through blood in a subject acquired at a location of the subject. The method also includes providing information related to the data to a remote device.

Abstract: There is provided a control method for an information terminal device having a display and controlling an air conditioner over a network. The control method makes the information terminal device perform processing including: displaying a temperature setting screen where an air conditioner temperature is settable for each of a plurality of time periods; calculating a first time period preset temperature using a first preset temperature at a boundary time and a second preset temperature at a go-to-bed time; calculating a second time period preset temperature using the first preset temperature and a third preset temperature at a wake-up time; displaying the first time period preset temperature and second time period preset temperature; and outputting to the network a control command corresponding to the first preset temperature and second preset temperature when the first time period preset temperature and second time period preset temperature have been fixed.

Abstract: The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC System comprising a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of input control areas. A microprocessor is provided for control on the display screen. Buttons are pressed in order to program set-points of the thermostat so that seven days may be programmed simultaneously. The display includes a seven-day icon so that the user can program the thermostat set-points rapidly (e.g. setting time and temperature settings with minimal steps). The user may activate a first programming mode wherein the activating occurs by depressing a programming-mode button for a first pre-selected duration in order to select a first day for setting the conditioning mode.

Abstract: Property-management or lock-setting thermostats have maximum and minimum set points locked in to prevent abuse of management-provided heating and/or air conditioning. An ePROM or similar internal memory device stores heating and cooling limit parameters that are set in by a technician at the time of installation. A plug-in flash memory module contains an unlock code to match the unlock code stored in said ePROM, to unlock the thermostat and allow the settings to be adjusted; when said flash memory module is removed the thermostat reverts to its lock condition. The thermostat can also respond to unusual rates of change of temperature to block furnace or A/C operation temporarily.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a climate control system of a smart-home environment that includes a plurality of smart devices are provided. One method includes detecting, with a hazard detector of the smart devices, a level of carbon monoxide (CO) at the hazard detector that exceeds a threshold CO level at a location of the hazard detector, determining, by one of the smart devices, that the climate control system includes a combustion based heat source, and in response to the detecting and the determination, transmitting, by a system controller of the climate control system, a first signal to turn off at least one aspect of the climate control system.

Abstract: Various embodiments involving a smart-home device are presented. It may be determined that the power supply interface has ceased receiving power from the structure's wired electrical system. In response to determining that a power supply interface of the smart-home device has ceased receiving power from a structure's wired electrical system, a power loss indication may be stored that comprises a timestamp. A network connection may be determined to be available. A notification may be transmitted of information from the stored power loss indication to a remote server via the available network connection.

Abstract: A computerized method for controlling a chiller plant for cooling a building is provided. The chiller plant has a chiller plant load. The method includes estimating an optimal combination of chiller plant equipment for meeting the chiller plant load. Estimating the optimal combination of chiller plant equipment includes using binary optimization to determine at least two potential combinations of chiller plant equipment. Estimating the optimal combination of chiller plant equipment also includes using nonlinear optimization to determine a potential power consumption minimum for each of the at least two potential combinations. The method also includes controlling the chiller plant according to the estimated optimal combination of chiller plant equipment.

Abstract: The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that continuously, periodically, or intermittently monitor progress towards one or more control goals under one or more constraints in order to achieve control that satisfies potentially conflicting goals. An intelligent controller may alter aspects of control, dynamically, while the control is being carried out, in order to ensure that goals are obtained and a balance is achieved between potentially conflicting goals. The intelligent controller uses various types of information to determine an initial control strategy as well as to dynamically adjust the control strategy as the control is being carried out.

Abstract: A sleek, low-profile wall-mountable thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described. The thermostat includes a ring-shaped controller that rotates about a central axis, and an optical sensor directed away from the central axis and toward a radially inward-facing surface of the ring-shaped controller so as to accurately detect optical signals indicating controller's rotational movement.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing software updates to client devices. A client device (such as a thermostat) executes software to perform one or more functionalities of the device. Upon receiving an indicating that a software update is available, the device waits to download the software update until pre-download conditions are satisfied. Once the software update is downloaded, the device then waits to install the software update until pre-install conditions are satisfied. If the software update is non-critical and received during an initial installation of the device, the software update may not be installed until after installation of the device is complete. If the device is a thermostat, the device may delay installation of the software update until a controlled HVAC system in inactive. Control of the HVAC system may be disabled during installation of the software update.

Abstract: An HVAC controller that monitors the performance of an HVAC system during its operating by comparing a monitored parameter value (e.g. delta T) to a pre-determined limit stored in the HVAC controller memory in order to determine if a performance limit has been violated. In some cases, the HVAC controller may display on a display of the HVAC controller a user alert for at least some of the detected violations. In some instances, the HVAC controller may display or otherwise provide a user alert only after a pre-determined number of performance violations are detected by the HVAC controller. Alternatively, or in addition, the HVAC controller may accept one or more conditions that indicate when a user alert for a detected violation is not to be displayed on the display of the HVAC controller.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) controller for controlling one or more components of the HVAC system or monitoring a state thereof is provided. The HVAC controller may include a touch screen display configured to receive a parameter setting command input by a user's touch, and a controller connected with the touch screen display to display a screen on the touch screen display. The controller may display a first image having one or more parameters to be monitored in a monitoring region on the screen and display a second image having one or more parameters to be set in a main input region on the screen, and the controller may display a parameter selected on the touch screen display or delete the parameter by a user's selection on the touch screen display.

Abstract: A method and/or computer program product automatically adjusts room temperature in a data center room. A processor in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system receives a throttle threshold temperature for each of multiple computing devices that are within a data center room, which is climate-controlled by the HVAC system. The processor in the HVAC system monitors a real-time temperature of at least one of the multiple computing devices. In response to the real-time temperature of said at least one of the multiple computing devices exceeding the throttle threshold temperature, an ambient air temperature in the data center room is decreased by adjusting a hardware thermostat in the HVAC system.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are disclosed for automating control of energy consuming devices. In an exemplary embodiment, a method generally includes analyzing wireless signal patterns inside a structure to detect motion, determining occupancy of the structure and occupant activity level based on the detected motion, and controlling operation of an energy consuming device based on the determined occupancy and occupant activity level.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to perform a thermal analysis of a data center and overlay the thermal analysis on a map of the data center to provide an overlaid thermal analysis. Additionally, the computer executable code is operable to dynamically control at least one partition in the data center based on the overlaid thermal analysis.

Abstract: A thermostat management system facilitates an automatic pairing of a thermostat with a thermostat communication account. The thermostat management system receives a public network address associated with a computer device on a private network accessing the thermostat management account. The system retrieves the thermostat metadata including a public network address associated with a registration of the thermostat with the thermostat management system. The public network address registered with the thermostat metadata is provided by a router on the private network and therefore should match the public network address used by computer devices on the private network. The thermostat management account is paired with the thermostat if the thermostat has the same public network address as the computer device accessing the thermostat management account.