INDOOR AIR QUALITY CONTROLLERS AND USER INTERFACES

• US 20100070086A1
• Filed: 09/15/2009
• Published: 03/18/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Original Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Harrod, Gregory Ralph, Beers, Bradley A., Carmichael, Grant E., Bentz, Jedidiah O.
• Granted Patent: US 8,219,249 B2
• 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 11/52 Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/042 using digital processors G05B19/05 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/34 Graphical or visual programming
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 30/70 Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating

Abstract

Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The controllers also include communication interfaces for receiving climate data. In certain embodiments, the controllers govern operation of the HVAC systems based at least in part on the climate data. Further, the controllers may display information and alerts related to the climate data. The controllers also may govern operation of air treatment devices within the HVAC systems.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

receiving weather forecast data;

adjusting an operating parameter of a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system based on the weather forecast data; and

operating the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system based on the adjusted operating parameter.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving weather forecast data comprises receiving weather forecast data through a network communication interface.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving weather forecast data comprises receiving a really simple syndication (RSS) feed.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting an operating parameter comprises adjusting a temperature set point.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting an operating parameter comprises adjusting a defrost cycle for a heat pump.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting an operating parameter comprises adjusting a transition temperature for switching between a heat pump and a furnace.

7. The method of claim 1, comprising processing the weather forecast data to identify the weather forecast data that corresponds to a specified geographical location.

8. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying the weather forecast data.

9. A method comprising:

receiving air quality data;

adjusting an operating parameter of a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system based on the air quality data; and

operating the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system based on the adjusted operating parameter.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the air quality data comprises allergen information, pollen information, or duct cleanliness information, or a combination thereof.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the air quality data comprises an allergen or pollen forecast.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein adjusting an operating parameter comprises adjusting operation of an electronic air cleaner.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein adjusting an operating parameter comprises selectively enabling operation of ultraviolet lamps.

14. The method of claim 9, comprising requesting verification from a user prior to adjusting the operating parameter.

15. A control device, comprising:

a communication interface suitable for operable connection to an air treatment device that directs an air treatment substance into conditioned air of a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system;

a display capable of displaying one or more selectable graphical elements defining operating parameters for the air treatment device;

a graphical user interface comprising the selectable graphical elements and capable of receiving a user input that selects one or more operating parameters for the air treatment device via the selectable graphical elements; and

a processor capable of controlling operation of the air treatment device based on the selected operating parameters and capable of operating the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system.

16. The control device of claim 15, wherein the selectable graphical elements correspond to cartridges disposed within the air treatment device.

17. The control device of claim 15, wherein the selectable graphical elements define an air treatment time, frequency, duration, or strength, or combinations thereof.

18. The control device of claim 15, wherein the air treatment substance comprises a fragrance, a neutralizer, or a disinfectant.

19. The control device of claim 15, wherein the processor is capable of detecting a level of the air treatment substance within the air treatment device and wherein the display is capable of displaying the level.

20. The control device of claim 15, wherein the communication interface comprises a wireless network connection.

21. An air treatment device for a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system, the air treatment device comprising:

an enclosure for receiving a removable cartridge of an air treatment substance;

a communication interface suitable for operable connection to a controller of the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system; and

a dispenser for expelling the air treatment substance from the cartridge in response to receiving a signal from the controller.

22. The air treatment device of claim 21, wherein the air treatment substance comprises a fragrance, a neutralizer, or a disinfectant.

23. The air treatment device of claim 21, wherein the enclosure comprises a mounting assembly for disposing the air treatment device within ductwork of the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system.

24. The air treatment device of claim 21, wherein the air treatment device comprises a sensor for detecting an amount of the air treatment substance within the cartridge.

25. The air treatment device of claim 21, wherein the air treatment device comprises a plurality of receptacles for receiving a plurality of removable cartridges.