FAN COIL THERMOSTAT WITH ACTIVITY SENSING
First Claim
1. A fan coil thermostat for use with a fan coil system, the fan coil thermostat comprising:
- a controller implementing a control algorithm that is adapted to at least partially control one or more components of the fan coil system, the control algorithm including an unoccupied temperature setting;
a timer controlled by the controller; and
a user interface comprising one or more buttons, the user interface adapted to provide a signal to the controller when one or more of the buttons are operated, the signal providing the controller with a user-chosen temperature setting and also providing the controller with an indication of occupancy;
wherein the controller temporarily changes the temperature setpoint from the unoccupied temperature setting to the user-chosen temperature setting, and, in response to the indication of occupancy, initiates the timer, the controller returning the temperature setpoint to the unoccupied temperature setting once the timer expires.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Fan coil thermostats can provide energy savings by, for example, not unnecessarily heating and/or cooling an unoccupied room or other space. Fan coil systems employing such a fan coil thermostat may be more energy efficient. A fan coil system may include a fan coil that is configured for fluid communication with a source of heated fluid and/or a source of cooled fluid, a valve that controls fluid flow through the fan coil, a fan that blows air across the fan coil and a fan coil thermostat. The fan coil thermostat may include a controller that implements a control algorithm that may include an unoccupied temperature setting. The controller may be programmed to permit a user to enter a user-chosen temperature setting. In response, the controller may initiate a timer, and may automatically return to the unoccupied temperature setting once the timer has expired.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A fan coil thermostat for use with a fan coil system, the fan coil thermostat comprising:
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a controller implementing a control algorithm that is adapted to at least partially control one or more components of the fan coil system, the control algorithm including an unoccupied temperature setting; a timer controlled by the controller; and a user interface comprising one or more buttons, the user interface adapted to provide a signal to the controller when one or more of the buttons are operated, the signal providing the controller with a user-chosen temperature setting and also providing the controller with an indication of occupancy; wherein the controller temporarily changes the temperature setpoint from the unoccupied temperature setting to the user-chosen temperature setting, and, in response to the indication of occupancy, initiates the timer, the controller returning the temperature setpoint to the unoccupied temperature setting once the timer expires. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A fan coil system, comprising:
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a fan coil configured for fluid communication with a source of heated fluid and/or a source of cooled fluid; a valve that controls fluid flow through the fan coil; a fan that blows air across the fan coil; and a fan coil thermostat, the fan coil thermostat including a user interface and a controller that is adapted to maintain a temperature set point by controlling the valve and/or the fan; wherein the controller is programmed to accept a user-chosen temperature setting via the user interface, the controller temporarily changing the temperature set point from an unoccupied temperature setting to the user-chosen temperature setting, the controller maintaining the user-chosen temperature setting for a predetermined length of time before automatically returning to the unoccupied temperature setting. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of operating a fan coil system comprising a fan coil accommodating fluid flow therethrough and a fan adapted to blow air across the fan coil, the method comprising the steps of:
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controlling fluid flow through the fan coil and/or regulating the fan speed in accordance with an unoccupied temperature setting; accepting a temporary temperature set point; initiating a timer in response to accepting the temporary temperature set point; controlling fluid flow through the fan coil and/or regulating the fan speed in accordance with the temporary set point; and automatically reverting to the unoccupied temperature setting point once the timer expires. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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Specification