HVAC Communication System
11 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for communicating across conventional HVAC wiring is provided. The system includes a communication device having a communication module capable of inducing low power, high frequency current signals into a single control wire coupling, for example, a thermostat with a compressor. The communication module includes a power supply module that draws power sufficient to operate the communication module from the existing HVAC wiring, so as to eliminate any need for batteries or external power sources. A second communication module may be coupled to the single control wire. The second communication module operates as a transceiver sending communication signals to, and receiving communication signals from, the communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is disposed within a building, for example coupled to an electronic thermostat, while the second communication module is disposed outside the building near the compressor. The communication signals are RF modulated signals between 5 and 50 MHz so as to take advantage of and pass across parasitic capacitances found inherent in transformers or other coils disposed within HVAC loads.
13 Citations
41 Claims
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34. A method of communicating across an HVAC system, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. providing a communication device coupled serially with at least one wire of the HVAC system; and
b. inducing a current in the at least one wire;
wherein the current comprises an AC current having a frequency of between 5 and 50 MHz. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38)
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Specification