Direct Load Control System and Method with Comfort Temperature Setting
First Claim
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1. An HVAC control system, comprising:
- a local controller having a communication connection configured to receive load control signals from a remote source, wherein the load control signals comprise local load interrupt information;
a switch coupled to the local controller, the switch being capable of actuating a local load;
a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature coupled to the local controller;
a memory coupled to the local controller configured to store a maximum temperature set point; and
an analysis module, operable with the local controller, configured to modify the load control signals based upon the ambient temperature relative to the maximum temperature set point.
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Abstract
A method (700) and system (100) for facilitating direct load control in an HVAC system while maintaining customer comfort is provided. A local controller (101) coupled to a HVAC system, receives direct load control signals from a remote source (111), such as an energy provider or utility. An analysis module (106) concurrently monitors the ambient temperature at the customer location. Where the ambient temperature reaches or exceeds a maximum temperature set point, the analysis module (106) modifies the load control signals to cause a local load (102), such as an air conditioner or heat pump, to maintain a customer comfort level.
68 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An HVAC control system, comprising:
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a local controller having a communication connection configured to receive load control signals from a remote source, wherein the load control signals comprise local load interrupt information; a switch coupled to the local controller, the switch being capable of actuating a local load; a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature coupled to the local controller; a memory coupled to the local controller configured to store a maximum temperature set point; and an analysis module, operable with the local controller, configured to modify the load control signals based upon the ambient temperature relative to the maximum temperature set point. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of controlling a local HVAC load, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving a load control signal from a remote source, wherein the load control signal comprises local load interrupt information; detecting a local ambient temperature; retrieving a temperature set point; comparing the local ambient temperature to the temperature set point; and modifying the local load interrupt information by a factor based upon the local ambient temperature relative to the temperature set point. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification