Backup control for HVAC system
First Claim
1. An equipment interface module configured to communicate with a wireless thermostat and a temperature sensor, the equipment interface module also configured to provide instructions to an HVAC system to affect the temperature of an inside space of a building, the equipment interface module comprising:
- a sensor input port for receiving an output signal from a temperature sensor;
a wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals from a wireless thermostat, wherein the wireless thermostat is located remotely from the equipment interface module;
a controller in communication with the sensor input port and the wireless receiver, the controller programmed to determine if the equipment interface module loses communication with the wireless thermostat, and if not, provides instructions to the HVAC system in accordance with and in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless thermostat, and if so, provides instructions to the HVAC system without input from the wireless thermostat but in accordance with and in response to the output signal from the temperature sensor.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An equipment interface module that can operate one or more pieces of HVAC equipment in accordance with instructions received from a properly operating thermostat, yet can also operate the HVAC equipment when communications between the thermostat and the HVAC controller are lost due to, for example, low battery power at the thermostat, malfunctioning thermostat sensor(s), malfunctioning communication and/or thermostat circuitry, electrical interference, and the like. In some instances, the equipment interface module may regulate the HVAC equipment in accordance with a signal from a remote sensor when communication with the thermostat is lost.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An equipment interface module configured to communicate with a wireless thermostat and a temperature sensor, the equipment interface module also configured to provide instructions to an HVAC system to affect the temperature of an inside space of a building, the equipment interface module comprising:
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a sensor input port for receiving an output signal from a temperature sensor; a wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals from a wireless thermostat, wherein the wireless thermostat is located remotely from the equipment interface module; a controller in communication with the sensor input port and the wireless receiver, the controller programmed to determine if the equipment interface module loses communication with the wireless thermostat, and if not, provides instructions to the HVAC system in accordance with and in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless thermostat, and if so, provides instructions to the HVAC system without input from the wireless thermostat but in accordance with and in response to the output signal from the temperature sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An HVAC system comprising:
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an HVAC component having an HVAC controller; a remotely located wireless thermostat; an equipment interface module in wireless communication with the wireless thermostat and in wired communication with the HVAC controller, the equipment interface module is configured to provide instructions to the HVAC controller in accordance with and in response to signals received from the wireless thermostat; and wherein the equipment interface module is also configured to provide instructions to the HVAC controller without input from the thermostat if the equipment interface module loses communication with the wireless thermostat. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of operating an HVAC system having an HVAC component and an HVAC controller, an equipment interface module in wired communication with the HVAC component, a wireless thermostat in wireless communication with the equipment interface module, and a sensor in communication with the equipment interface module, the method comprising:
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controlling the HVAC component using the equipment interface module in accordance with signals provided by the wireless thermostat; determining if transmission of valid signals between the wireless thermostat and the equipment interface module has failed; and if it is determined that transmission of valid signals between the wireless thermostat and the equipment interface module has failed, controlling the HVAC component using the equipment interface module and the sensor until it is determined that transmission of valid signals between the wireless thermostat and the equipment interface module has been reestablished. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification