Thermostat having default curtailment temperature settings
First Claim
1. A thermostat for controlling the operation of one or more systems and restricting operation to a desired level, the thermostat comprising:
- a receiver means for receiving a usage rate schedule signal transmitted by a utility provider;
a memory means for storing the transmitted usage rate schedule information, and a plurality of control set points for each system for each of the usage rate schedule periods; and
a processor that looks up the appropriate control set point for each system for the current usage rate schedule period, and controls each system using the appropriate set point to maintain a desired operating level for each system during each usage rate schedule period.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A thermostat capable of receiving signals transmitted by a utility provider communicating a usage rate schedule or a request for a load curtailment period, and controlling one or more systems based on the information communicated by the utility. The thermostat changes the set point for each system to the stored predetermined control set point corresponding to the current usage rate schedule period or the curtailment mode period when requested. The thermostat is further capable of discontinuing operation of one or more systems for a minimum predetermined time period during following a request for a load curtailment period.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A thermostat for controlling the operation of one or more systems and restricting operation to a desired level, the thermostat comprising:
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a receiver means for receiving a usage rate schedule signal transmitted by a utility provider;
a memory means for storing the transmitted usage rate schedule information, and a plurality of control set points for each system for each of the usage rate schedule periods; and
a processor that looks up the appropriate control set point for each system for the current usage rate schedule period, and controls each system using the appropriate set point to maintain a desired operating level for each system during each usage rate schedule period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A thermostat capable of controlling the operation of one or more systems and restricting system operation to a desired level, the thermostat comprising:
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a receiver means for receiving signals transmitted by a utility provider communicating a usage rate schedule or a request for curtailment mode;
a memory means for storing the transmitted usage rate schedule or curtailment request information, and for storing a control set point for each system for each of the rate schedule periods;
a processor that looks up the appropriate control set point for each system for the current usage rate schedule period, and controls each system using the appropriate set point for maintaining a desired operating level for each system during each rate schedule period; and
where in response to a request for curtailment mode of operation the processor responsively discontinues operation of one or more systems for a first predetermined time period. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An improved digital thermostat capable of receiving signals transmitted by a utility provider communicating a usage rate period schedule or a request for a load curtailment period, the improvement comprising:
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a memory means for storing a predetermined set point temperature for each usage rate period;
a processor that changes the control set point for controlling the operation of a climate control system to the stored predetermined set point temperature corresponding to the current usage rate period, wherein the processor discontinues thermostat operation for a minimum predetermined time period upon receiving a request for a load curtailment period from a utility provider. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for controlling the energy usage of one or more systems that are controlled by a thermostat having a control set point for each of a plurality of usage rate periods, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving a signal transmitted by a utility communicating a usage rate schedule;
storing the usage rate schedule information in memory;
looking up a stored control set point for the climate control system corresponding to the current usage rate schedule period;
changing the thermostat'"'"'s control set point for controlling a climate control system to the stored control set point corresponding to the current usage rate schedule period.
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20. The method of claim 30, further comprising the steps of:
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receiving a signal transmitted by a utility communicating a request for a load curtailment period; and
responsively discontinuing operation of one or more systems for a first predetermined time period. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification