HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING AN HVAC SYSTEM
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A thermostat comprising:
- a first communication connection, the first communication connection in communication with at least one condition sensor;
a second communication connection, the second communication connection in communication with a climate control system;
a user communication connection, the user communication connection configured to receive an input from a user requesting a change in operating parameters of the thermostat;
one or more processor units in communication with the first and second communication connections and the user communication connection; and
one or more computer-readable media comprising computer-executable instructions which when executed by the one or more processing units cause the thermostat to perform steps comprising;
receiving a communication from the user communication connection to reduce a cost of operating the climate control system;
receiving communication through the first communication connection pertaining to the at least one condition sensor;
determining at least one operating parameter of the climate control system to be changed to reduce the cost of operating the climate control system; and
communicating through the second communication connection with the climate control system to alter the at least one operating parameter of the climate control system to achieve a reduction in the cost of operating the climate control system.
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Abstract
A control system is configured to improve the efficiency of the heating and/or cooling equipment, and to aid in cutting costs associated with the running of the heating and/or cooling equipment. That is, to save the user on utility costs, while maintaining comfort within the space that is controlled. It is another objective to facilitate advanced programming of the system as well as scheduling conflict resolution. The control system generally comprises a control unit 12 and a remote controller 14 (which may comprise a smartphone, a computer or the like).
52 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A thermostat comprising:
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a first communication connection, the first communication connection in communication with at least one condition sensor; a second communication connection, the second communication connection in communication with a climate control system; a user communication connection, the user communication connection configured to receive an input from a user requesting a change in operating parameters of the thermostat; one or more processor units in communication with the first and second communication connections and the user communication connection; and one or more computer-readable media comprising computer-executable instructions which when executed by the one or more processing units cause the thermostat to perform steps comprising; receiving a communication from the user communication connection to reduce a cost of operating the climate control system; receiving communication through the first communication connection pertaining to the at least one condition sensor; determining at least one operating parameter of the climate control system to be changed to reduce the cost of operating the climate control system; and communicating through the second communication connection with the climate control system to alter the at least one operating parameter of the climate control system to achieve a reduction in the cost of operating the climate control system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A thermostat comprising:
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a first communication connection, the first communication connection in communication with at least one condition sensor; a second communication connection, the second communication connection in communication with a climate control system; a user communication connection, the user communication connection configured to receive an input from a user as to a timing schedule for the operation of the climate control system; one or more processor units in communication with the first and second communication connections and the user communication connection; and one or more computer-readable media comprising computer-executable instructions which when executed by the one or more processing units cause the thermostat to perform steps comprising; receiving a timing schedule from a user; determining if the timing schedule from the user conflicts with an existing timing schedule; and performing a conflict resolution to determine an operating timing schedule based on the timing schedule from the user and the existing timing schedule. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. A method of operating a thermostat comprising the steps of:
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receiving a communication from a user communication connection to reduce a cost of operating a climate control system; receiving communication through a first communication connection pertaining to the at least one condition sensor; determining at least one operating parameter of the climate control system to be changed to reduce the cost of operating the climate control system; and communicating through a second communication connection with the climate control system to alter the at least one operating parameter of the climate control system to achieve a reduction in the cost of operating the climate control system; receiving a timing schedule from a user; determining if the timing schedule from the user conflicts with an existing timing schedule; and performing a conflict resolution to determine an operating timing schedule based on the timing schedule from the user and the existing timing schedule. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification