HVAC CONTROL WITH PROGRAMMED RUN-TEST SEQUENCE

• US 20070208461A1
• Filed: 02/23/2007
• Published: 09/06/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Original Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: CHASE, Thomas Dale
• Application Number:
  US11/678,172
• Publication Number:
  US 20070208461A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/276
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/30 for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/49 ensuring correct operation, e.g. by trial operation or configuration checks
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/64 using pre-stored data

Abstract

An HVAC control system is disclosed that includes an HVAC unit and a control device for controlling operation of the HVAC unit. The control device has a plurality of terminals configured to receive or transmit control signals for the HVAC unit, a memory device storing a run-test initiation code and instructions for executing a run-test sequence and a microprocessor configured to receive a plurality of control signals corresponding to the run-test initiation code at least one terminal of the plurality of terminals. The microprocessor is configured to execute the instructions for executing the run-test sequence in response to receiving the plurality of control signals corresponding to the run-test initiation code.

Claims

1. A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control system comprising:

an HVAC unit; and

a control device for controlling operation of the HVAC unit, the control device comprising;

a plurality of terminals configured to receive or transmit control signals for the HVAC unit;

a memory device storing a run-test initiation code and instructions for executing a run-test sequence; and

a microprocessor configured to receive a plurality of control signals corresponding to the run-test initiation code at at least one terminal of the plurality of terminals and further configured to execute the instructions for executing the run-test sequence in response to receiving the plurality of control signals corresponding to the run-test initiation code.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the memory device is an EEPROM memory device.

3. The control system of claim 1, wherein the control device further comprises a visual indicator configured to indicate execution of the run-test sequence.

4. The control system of claim 1, wherein the HVAC unit is at least one component selected from the group consisting of a furnace, a heat pump, an air conditioner and an air handler.

5. The control system of claim 1, wherein the run-test initiation code corresponds to a predetermined electrical short in at least one terminal of the plurality of terminals.

6. The control system of claim 1, wherein the instructions for executing a run-test sequence stored by the memory device include instructions for executing at least two different HVAC unit operations.

7. The control system of claim 1, wherein the control device includes at least one terminal connectable to a data collection station during execution of the run-test sequence.

8. A method for controlling an HVAC unit having an HVAC control device comprising:

transmitting control signals to an HVAC control device;

comparing the transmitted control signals to a run-test initiation code stored in a memory of the HVAC control device; and

executing a run-test sequence stored in the memory of the HVAC control device in response to the transmitted control signals matching the run-test initiation code.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

transmitting run-test data to a data collection station as a result of execution of the run-test sequence; and

analyzing the transmitted run-test data.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the analyzing of the transmitted run-test data comprises comparing the transmitted run-test data to expected results.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein transmitting run-test data to the data collection station comprises transmitting run-test data via at least one wire.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

providing a visual signal indicating that the run-test sequence is being executed.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein providing a visual signal includes illuminating an LED.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the steps of transmitting control signals and executing the run-test sequence are performed prior to installation of the HVAC unit.

15. The method of claim 8, wherein the steps of transmitting control signals and executing the run-test sequence are performed subsequent to installation of the HVAC unit.

16. The method of claim 8, wherein executing the run test sequence occurs in the absence of a timer external the HVAC unit.

17. The method of claim 8, wherein executing the run test sequence comprises executing at least two different unit operations of the HVAC unit.

18. The method of claim 8, wherein transmitting control signals comprises applying a short to a plurality of thermostat connections provided on the HVAC unit.

19. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of transmitting control signals comprises transmitting control signals from a data collection station.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein step of transmitting control signals from a data collection station comprises transmitting control signals from a data collection station external the HVAC unit.