HVAC Communication System
13 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.
135 Citations
41 Claims
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24. A HVAC system comprising:
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a. at least one HVAC load;
b. an air handler coupled to the at least one HVAC load; and
c. a communication device coupled between the at least one HVAC load and the air handler, the communication device comprising;
i. an input terminal electrically coupled to the air handler;
ii. a Y-terminal electrically coupled to the HVAC load;
iii. a power supply module coupled to the input terminal;
iv. a communication module coupled to the power supply module;
v. a first signal transformer coupled to the communication module, wherein one winding of the first signal transformer is coupled serially with the Y-terminal; and
vi. a switch, wherein when the switch is closed, the HVAC load actuates. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification