U.S. patent application number 13/304165 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-22 for shape memory alloy damper/register unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to MOUNTAINLOGIC, INC.. Invention is credited to Scott Elliott.
Application Number | 20120072031 13/304165 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45349897 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120072031 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elliott; Scott |
March 22, 2012 |
SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY DAMPER/REGISTER UNIT
Abstract
A HVAC controls system for zone controls that is comprised of
one or more Wall Sensor Units (WSU) and zero or more
Damper/Register Units (DRUs). The invention is a low networked cost
solution for residential and light commercial that is easy to
install in new and existing building. The WSUs detect, log and use
occupancy data to predict where in a building HVAC conditioning is
needed and to save energy where it is not needed. The DRU use shape
memory alloy wires to control the opening and closing of a damper
plate with very little power allowing batter operation.
Inventors: |
Elliott; Scott; (Snoqualmie
Pass, WA) |
Assignee: |
MOUNTAINLOGIC, INC.
Snoqualmie Pass
WA
|
Family ID: |
45349897 |
Appl. No.: |
13/304165 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12284795 |
Sep 25, 2008 |
8086352 |
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13304165 |
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60997426 |
Oct 4, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/277 ;
700/276 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 2219/2642 20130101;
G05D 23/1921 20130101; G05D 23/1934 20130101; F24F 11/30 20180101;
F24F 2110/10 20180101; G05B 15/02 20130101; F24F 11/70 20180101;
F24F 2120/10 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/277 ;
700/276 |
International
Class: |
G05D 23/00 20060101
G05D023/00 |
Claims
1. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control
system for zone control, comprising: one or more HVAC automated
damper/register units, each HVAC automated damper/register unit
having: two shape memory alloy wires; two push pieces; a processor
unit; and network communications capabilities.
2. The HVAC control system of claim 1, further comprising: one or
more zone sensor units, each zone sensor unit having: a thermal
sensor; an occupancy sensor; a processor unit; and network
communications capabilities.
3. The HVAC control system of claim 2 comprising at least one
processor configured as a system coordinator, the system
coordinator configured to perform occupancy logging and an
occupancy prediction algorithm.
4. The HVAC control system of claim 3 wherein the system
coordinator is configured to receive occupancy data from at least
one zone sensor unit, the system coordinator further configured to
control at least one HVAC automated damper/register unit based on
the occupancy prediction algorithm.
5. The HVAC control system of claim 1 wherein at least one HVAC
automated damper/register unit is configured to receive a command
over a network from a system coordinator, the command receivable by
the processor unit and arranged to direct a current through at
least one of the two shape memory alloy wires.
6. The HVAC control system of claim 4 wherein the occupancy
prediction algorithm directs the at least one HVAC automated
damper/register unit to direct a first current through a first one
of the two shape memory alloy wires when a room is predicted to be
occupied and the occupancy prediction algorithm directs the at
least one HVAC automated damper/register unit to direct a second
current through a second one of the two shape memory alloy wires
when a room is predicted by the occupancy prediction algorithm to
be unoccupied.
7. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control
system automated damper/register unit, comprising: a plurality of
shape memory alloy wire segments; a plurality of push pieces, each
push piece coupled to a respective one of the shape memory alloy
wire segments; a processor unit; and a network communications
circuit.
8. The HVAC control system automated damper/register unit of claim
7, further comprising: a current source coupled to the processor
unit and the plurality of shape memory alloy wire segments, the
processor unit configured to direct the current source to supply
current to the plurality of shape memory alloy wire segments.
9. The HVAC control system automated damper/register unit of claim
7, further comprising: a functional unit coupleable to at least one
of the plurality of push pieces, the functional unit moveable via
the at least one push piece when a current is passed through the at
least one shape memory alloy wire segment coupled to the push
piece.
10. The HVAC control system automated damper/register unit of claim
9 wherein the functional unit is configured to rest in at least two
fixed positions, the functional unit configured to rest in a first
one of the fixed positions when the automated damper/register unit
is open and the functional unit configured to rest in a second one
of the fixed positions when the automated damper/register unit is
closed.
11. The HVAC control system automated damper/register unit of claim
9 wherein the processor is configured to receive commands through
the network communication circuit, the commands arranged to direct
the functional unit.
12. The HVAC control system automated damper/register unit of claim
9, further comprising: a memory, the memory coupled to the
processor unit and configured to store position information related
to the position of the functional unit wherein the processor unit
is configured to communicate the position information via the
network communications circuit.
13. The HVAC control system automated damper/register unit of claim
9 wherein the network communications circuit communicates via a
wireless protocol.
14. A computer readable storage device having thereon a plurality
of computer instructions, the computer instructions arranged to
direct a processing unit to perform acts in a heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning (HVAC) damper/register unit, the acts
comprising: applying a current to at least one shape memory alloy
wire segment, the at least one shape memory alloy wire segment
coupled to a functional unit operable to permit and restrict air
flow through the HVAC damper/register unit.
15. The computer readable storage device of claim 14 wherein the
computer instructions are arranged to direct the processing unit to
perform acts that further comprise: stopping application of the
current from the at least one shape memory alloy wire segment to
permit the at least one shape memory alloy wire segment to move to
an at-rest state and to permit a spring to move the functional unit
to an at-rest position.
16. The computer readable storage device of claim 14 wherein the
computer instructions are arranged to direct the processing unit to
perform acts that further comprise: storing position information
related to the functional unit in a memory; and communicating the
position information via a networking circuit to a system
coordinator.
17. The computer readable storage device of claim 14 wherein the
computer instructions are arranged to direct the processing unit to
perform acts that further comprise: receiving commands via a
networking circuit from a system coordinator, the commands arranged
to direct movement of the functional unit.
18. The computer readable storage device of claim 16 wherein the
computer instructions are arranged to direct the processing unit to
perform acts that further comprise: receiving commands via a
networking circuit from a system coordinator, the commands arranged
to direct movement of the functional unit based on the position
information stored in the memory.
19. The computer readable storage device of claim 14 wherein the
computer instructions are arranged to direct the processing unit to
perform acts that further comprise: storing position information
related to the functional unit in a memory; predicting whether or
not a room will be occupied based on the position information
stored in the memory; and directing movement of the functional unit
based on the prediction.
20. The computer readable storage device of claim 14 wherein the
computer instructions are arranged to direct the processing unit to
perform acts that further comprise: receiving commands via a
networking circuit from a system coordinator, the commands arranged
to direct movement of the functional unit based on position
information of a functional unit of at least one other HVAC
damper/register unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/284,795, filed Sep. 25, 2008, now pending,
which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/997,426, filed on Oct. 4, 2007, which
application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The technical field of this invention relates to zoned
residential Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and
lighting controls that employ embedded systems and wireless
communications. HVAC systems use a large proportion of a building's
energy usage and need to be optimized for both environmental and
economic reasons.
[0003] There is a long history of invention and research associated
with HVAC technology. Programmable Thermostats: Programmable
setback thermostats that can be set by the occupant for set point,
reset point and schedule have been available on the market for a
number of years [EnergyStar]. In spite of favorable engineering
analysis for prospective energy savings, field studies show that
real-world field performance is no better than manual thermostats
[Sachs] [Shiller] [Cross and Judd]. These studies have been
suggested a number of causes including, dead band gap, difficulty
of programming, and comfort issues, with the most likely cause
being user overriding the energy saving features.
[0004] Residential and Light Commercial Zoning: Modern forced air
zone control and VAV (Variable Air Volume) extends back decades.
The most extensive use to date has been for commercial and
industrial applications. There is substantial ongoing research,
including that at the CEC as shown in "Advanced Variable Air Volume
System Design Guide"[CEC] and Natural Resources. Canada's CANMET
Energy Technology Centre (CETC) is currently involved in an ongoing
residential zoned research project[CANMET Natural Resources Canada]
with the company Ecologix [Ecologix Heating Technologies, Inc].
Home Comfort Zone teaches a basic version of zoned HVAC
control[Alles]. Zone HVAC controls and systems are also taught in
the patents of [Alles] [Girmado] [Parker] [Jackson] and [Nelson].
These systems, have several failures: 1) they are expensive to
install, 2) are even more expensive to retrofit and 3) they make
use of a barometric bypass damper that recycles conditioned
overpressure air back into the return system causing reduced
performance of the central HVAC plant.
[0005] Automated diagnostics, performance monitoring and continuous
commissioning: The importance of initial commissioning and ongoing
monitoring has long been established in
buildings[ASHRAE][Bushby][SoCal-Edison]. According to Brambley,
"Performance monitoring, automated fault detection and diagnosis,
commissioning, optimal control and the use of development
environments, design tools and trainers are complementary, and in
some respects synergistic technologies that have strong potential
to realize significant energy savings and other performance
improvements in commercial buildings, including existing buildings.
There is a significant body of previous R&D relating to these
technologies that indicates their potential, both generically and
for specific approaches and methods. In a significant number of
cases, there is the opportunity to establish R&D programs and
projects that leverage this existing work in order to move
relatively quickly to tools that can be deployed in the
marketplace."
[0006] Actuated register/damper design: Actuated dampers and
registers are very common in commercial and industrial HVAC
installations and are occasionally seen in residential use. There
are ongoing efforts to advance dampers such as pneumatic bladders
[Alles], the technology offered by Zone Comfort as a retrofit
option and the ratcheted Nitinol Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) based
devices described by [Patel, et al].
[0007] Wired Network Technology: Wired electrical communication has
been used for decades in residential HVAC controls. The most common
use is the simple closure of a 24 VAC circuit to signal a central
HVAC plant to turn on. Serial data links, Power Line Communication
(PLC) and true networks are common in commercial HVAC application,
but have seen limited use in residential HVAC. An example of a
serial protocol is RS-232C. Examples of a of a wired network used
in HVAC are BACNET and GANNET.
[0008] Wireless Technology: IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee[IEEE][ZigBee
Alliance] was essentially designed for sensor, command and control
application such as residential HVAC. Other wireless technologies
such as Z-Wave and Bluetooth are also in the marketplace.
[0009] Occupancy Sensors: Industrial and commercial HVAC systems
have long used occupancy sensors and some limited use has been seen
in residential settings [Seymour] [Simmions] [Keating] [Disser]
[Bilger] [Gutta] [Gua] [Mozer].
[0010] Occupancy Prediction While scheduled occupancy has been wide
spread for both residential and commercial use (see programmable
thermostats above), sensor based predictive occupancy has not seen
commercial success. Mozer teaches a concept of a Neurothermostat in
his prototype "Adaptive Control of Home Environment," system that
includes HVAC, domestic hot water and lighting control. The
Neurothermstat makes use of a PC based neural network and X10
sensors and controls. Mozer reports that the X10 communication
protocol adds too much latency for his application. The Mozer
design uses standard neuro-network train with energy use and
occupancy error as feed back values.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Modern life has patterns centered around work and play. The
system takes advantage of these realities in the home and predicts
where energy is needed for maximum comfort and efficiency. Using
integrated sensors, the embodiment learns the rhythms of the
homeowners, what time they wake on a workday, what time they use
the kitchen or what time they go to bed; and heats or cools
individual rooms before they enter to the desired temperature. By
learning how a family uses a home, the system greatly reduces the
energy used in areas that are vacant, resulting in maximum comfort
and efficiency. When a room is entered unexpectedly, the system
rapidly brings the room to the desired temperature as the system
focuses resources on real use. A combination of home zone controls,
sensors and advanced learning software provide homeowners with a
highly cost effective means of increasing comfort and reducing
greenhouse emissions.
[0012] The system is intended to be very low cost in mass
production and is designed for optional installation by the
homeowner. The potential energy savings from advanced residential
predictive HVAC zone controls is substantial. A first order
analysis suggests that a savings of about 50% of HVAC energy usage
versus a fixed manual thermostat can be expected, depending on
resident usage patterns and climate. If, for example, just 10% of
California homes were to implement a system that was able to
achieve just a 10% air conditioning electricity savings, California
could see a reduction of 111.54 mega Watts of peak demand as
demonstrated by [Cal Energy Peak Loads]
[0013] Existing programmable EnergyStar thermostats' failure to
perform [EnergyStar] in the field as well as anticipated is largely
due to their complex user interface. The proposed system does not
require complex user programming, but simply learns when a resident
occupies a room and with a simple up/down button their preferred
temperature setting. By having the room properly conditioned
(heated or cooled) before a resident enters a room the system
delivers a much higher acceptance of temperature setback than
EnergyStar systems have been able to achieve. The proposed system
includes wireless duct register/damper units (DRUs) that control
airflow into a room and wireless wall sensor units (WSU) that
measure room temperature and occupancy. Each existing HVAC register
is replaced with the new design and a wall sensor unit is placed in
each room. In retrofits the existing HVAC thermostat is replaced
with a special version of the wall sensor that can also control the
central heat pump or furnace. Once installed the system will record
the occupancy of each room and the preferred temperature. The
system then reviews occupancy data and predicts if a room will be
occupied and conditions the room appropriately. If an occupant
unexpectedly enters a room the occupancy sensors detect entrance
and focus the HVAC system onto that room to quickly condition
it.
[0014] The system has great potential to integrate into other long
term energy efficiency efforts beyond immediate energy savings.
This smart residential HVAC system can easily be integrated with
fresh air economizers such as the one demonstrated in the
California Department of Energy's PIER Night Breeze project and
indeed extended by opportunistically over cooling expected
unoccupied rooms when cool outside air is available. The system
also easily integrates future opportunities, including smart grid
interfaces for on-demand load shedding, dynamic cost response
changes to set points and time of day load shifting.
[0015] Advantages of the invention include a low manufacturing
cost, a low installation cost, very high energy use efficiency,
high user acceptance, high comfort level and a low error rate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting example of components for
a single zone that includes a wall sensor unit and one or more
automated dampers units.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limiting example of a block diagram
of certain electronic and mechanical components that comprise an
example installation.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a non-limiting example of a block diagram
of certain electronic components that comprise a typical wall
sensor unit.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a non-limiting example of a block diagram
of certain electronic components that comprise a typical
damper/register unit.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a non-limiting example of certain data
structures.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a non-limiting example of a weighting
summation function for a Decaying Occupancy Temporal (DOT)
Algorithm
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a non-limiting example of a weighting
function.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a non-limiting example of a flowchart for
evaluating a weighing. function.
[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a non-limiting example of a block diagram
showing the triggering of multiple zones by an occupant.
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a non-limiting example of communication
paths between certain electronic components that comprise an
example installation.
[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a non-limiting example of a flowchart
for opening dampers and controlling the central HVAC plant.
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a non-limiting exploded view of the
preferred embodiment of a Damper/Register Unit (RDU)
[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates a non-limiting example of a side
sectional view of certain electrical and mechanical components that
comprise the actuator mechanism the DRU in FIG. 12
[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates a non-limiting example of a side
sectional view of certain electrical and mechanical components that
comprise the actuator mechanism the DRU in FIG. 12 in the closed
position.
[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates a non-limiting example of a side
sectional view of certain electrical and mechanical components that
comprise the actuator mechanism the DRU in FIG. 12 in the open
position.
[0031] FIG. 16 illustrates a non-limiting example of a top
sectional view of certain electrical, electronic and mechanical
components that comprise the actuator mechanism the DRU in FIG.
12
[0032] FIG. 17 illustrates a non-limiting example of a side
sectional view of certain electrical and mechanical components that
comprise the actuator mechanism the DRU in FIG. 12 showing the
damper plate in the closed position and certain surface detail.
[0033] FIG. 18 illustrates a non-limiting example of an alternative
embodiment of a Wall Sensor Unit (WSU) that includes buttons for
controlling lighting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Referring in particular to FIG. 1, Wall Sensor Unit, 100 is
representative of a device that includes a display sub system such
as a LCD 102, one or more button, 103, an environmental sensor
subsystem composed of temperature and humidity sensors, 105, an
acoustic sensor, 106, a motion sensor, 107, and a light sensor,
109. Also in FIG. 1 is a representation of a register/damper unit,
101, that acts as a terminal unit and includes vent holes, 110, a
duct skirt, 111, and one or more optional mounting holes for
screws, 112.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows block drawing of an embodiment of the system
with four zones, 97, with each zone having a Wall Sensor Unit, 100,
a register/damper unit, 101, supply duct work 89, and a furnace or
other HVAC plant, 99. Not shown in the drawing is a return duct to
the HVAC plant, 99. A wired connection from a single wall sensor
unit is shown to the HVAC plant, 93 or as an alternate embodiment a
system controller 92. A duct pressure or flow sensor is shown 94. A
fresh-air economizer is shown, 91, in the return air duct with a
wireless control unit 92, controlling the flow direction. An
outside air enthalpy sensor is shown, 90.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows the electronic components of a preferred
embodiment of the wall sensor unit shown in FIG. 1 that includes a
display system sub system such as a LCD 102, one or more buttons,
103, an environmental sensor subsystem composed of temperature and
humidity sensors, 105, an acoustic sensor, 106, a motion sensor,
107, a light sensor, 109, a RF antenna, 113, one or more batteries,
114, one or more persistent data storage devices such as FLASH,
battery backed SRAM, a hard disk drive or other persistent data
storage device for holding the program and data, 115, a relay,
solid state relay, direct logic level output or other digital
interface for signaling HVAC devices, 116, analog signal
conditioning and buffering circuits such as a transistor or MOSFT,
116, for controlling the HVAC interface, 116, the connection points
such as a screw or push terminal to the HVAC equipment, 119, and
one or more CPUs that support a wireless communication protocol,
such as a ZigBee, and can support the basic control and I/O
functions of an embedded processor.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows the electronic components of a preferred
embodiment of the damper register unit shown in FIG. 1 that
includes an actuator such as a DC motor, a solenoid, a shape memory
alloy device, 121, a RF antenna, 113, one or more batteries, 114,
one or more persistent data storage devices such as FLASH, battery
backed SRAM, a hard disk drive or other persistent data storage
device for holding the program and data, 115, a pair of analog
signal conditioning and buffering circuits such as a transistor or
MOSFT, 120, for controlling the actuator, 121 and one or more CPUs
that support a wireless communication protocol, such as a ZigBee,
and can support the basic control and I/O functions of an embedded
processor.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a data structure for storing
occupancy events. Each bit stores a history for a 15 minute block
of time with each byte representing 8 15 minute time blocks or 2
hours of time. A value of 1 in a bit represents occupancy during
that block of time and a 0 represents non-occupancy. The bytes are
arranged continuously in chronological order with 17,531 bytes used
to represent 4 calender years, 214. This calendar includes a leap
year day. The calendar is arranged starting with January 1 in the
first byte and with leap year as the last year. This calendar is
stored in persistent memory for each zone such as is shown in 115
in FIG. 3. Occupancy is recorded in 15 minute increments and 8
samples (2 hours) are combined into a byte. A day requires 12 bytes
(4 samples/hour, 24 hours per day=4*24=96 samples/day/8 bits=12
bytes). On a bit level data is recoded working from the MSb to the
Lsb; that is, for the first sample of leap year the datum would
occupy bit 7 of byte 0, the second sample would occupy bit 6 of
byte 0, the eighth sample would occupy bit 0 of byte 0 and the 9th
sample would occupy bit 7 of byte 1. Temperature Set/Reset Point
Record Structure, 215, data is recorded as unsigned 8 bit data in
0.5 deg. F. with 0 representing a null record. Therefore, a record
of 1 represents 0.5 F, 2-117, 144=72F. The data is recored linearly
every 15 minutes starting with 00:00 h Sunday and ending with 23:45
Saturday and wrapped as needed. A null (0x00) value indicates that
no value has been entered yet and the last valid value should be
used, if none use the building default. A total of 672 bytes are
reserved for this use. Error Log Record Structure, 216, The error
log indicates if occupancy was not as calculated. It is recorded in
a format similar to occupancy, but is only recorded for the
previous 4 weeks in 2688 bytes. FIG. 6 indicates the function to
parse & weigh likelihood of occupancy. As indicated in FIG. 7
this function is called with a string command where the first 16
bit unsigned integer (uintl6), 210, is the number of weight code
value pairs following (excluding the size of the length value).
Following the length value are pairs of 8 bit unsigned integers
(uint8s), 211, that indicate the weight function shown as a
hexadecimal number, 212, and weight value shown as a hexadecimal
number, 213. The weight value, 213, is optimized by a genetic
algorithm working in the background using the history of occupancy,
214, and the error log, 215, to evaluate the fitness of the
existing population (weight values) and the new population.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of one embodiment of an algorithm for
calculating a likelihood of an occupancy occurring during a given
time slot. The input values are the initial date-time, DATE, and
offset between previous dates-times, Offset, initial values are
initiated to 0 with j used as a iteration counter and X used as a
working value to build the result, 225, the value X is shifted left
one bit, 226, the number of iterations is indicated by n, the
boolean that represents the date-time indicated by Date is located
in the data base, 228, and added to the working value X, 227, the
date-time is decremented by the value indicated by the input,
Offset, and wrapped around to the far end of the database if the
date-time is less than the start of the database, 229, the
iteration counter j is incremented, 230, if the iteration counter
is greater than zero then we branch to 226, but when the iteration
counter reaches zero the function terminates by returning the
working value X, 231. Typical values for n would be 4 and for
Offset would be 15 minutes, hour, day, month or year. Additionally,
the Offset can be date logical, for example, decrementing by
weekday such that that decrementing from a Monday would result in
the previous Friday or decrementing by weekend-day such that that
decrementing from a Sunday would result in the previous
Saturday.
[0040] FIG. 9 represents a pattern of motion by an occupant. At the
building level the system looks for multi-room patterns of usage.
The system coordinator, 95 or 100, runs a background process to
poll the occupancy records of each wall sensor unit for the
previous 28 days looking for reproduced sequences of events that
occur at approximately the same time. The system coordinator
builds, maintains and stores a list of these events such that if an
occupancy event occurs the subsequent zones are conditioned to the
set point temperature.
[0041] FIG. 10 represents the data flow in an installation. The
damper/registers, 101-A, 101-B, 101-C, 101-D, furnace
sensors/controls, 92, 94, 95 and outside sensors 90, act as limited
function end device, the wall sensor units, 100-A, 100-B and 100-C
all act as at least a routers. In the displayed configuration
either wall sensor 100A or furnace control 95 would act as the
network coordinator. In a retrofit where an adequate existing
control wire, 93, exists from the furnace/AC to a suitable location
on the wall, a furnace control unit would not be needed. The arrows
show how a network can form and how data can be routed through
different nodes. These communication routes would be different
according to the number of nodes required per building, the
locations of the nodes and the RF characteristics of each building.
The communication routes will change over time because of changes
in the RF characteristics of the building. A link to a PC or other
networking device, 91, allows for a web interface for displaying to
the homeowner the current status of the system and to allow for
dynamic load shedding and setback/set point changes, support of
real-time metering and smart grid functions. As an alternative
embodiment, the wireless communication between all or come of the
wireless links can be replaced with a wired link such as
CANBUS.
[0042] FIG. 11 represents the process that the coordinator goes
through when a conditioning request arrives from a wall sensor or
from the coordinator itself. When a request for conditioning
arrives at the coordinator each of the other wall sensor units are
required to determine their likelihood of requiring conditioning.
Enough damper/registers are opened according to the likelihood of
each zone requiring conditioning until enough open cross section is
provided to allow for efficient energy transfer from the central
plant, to keep noise to a minimum and to prevent damage to the duct
work.
[0043] FIG. 12 represents an exploded view of the preferred
embodiment of the damper/register. A top cover, 300, that has a
plurality of vent holes for the passage of air, 303, and a
plurality of screw mount holes, 304. A functional unit, 301, that
has a plurality of vent holes for the passage of air, 303, that
attaches to the bottom of the top cover has a duct skirt, 306 and a
top mount, 305. The damper plate, 302, that has a plurality of vent
holes for the passage of air, 303, and push tabs, 308 and 316.
[0044] FIG. 13 represents the mechanism that opens and closes the
register/damper in FIG. 12. There are two metal pushers, 309 and
317, that pivot on studs 311 and 321 respectively. Two Shape Memory
Alloy (SMA) wires, 310 and 320, are attached to the respective
metal pushers and anchor points, 318 and 312. The SMA wires have
lead wires, 319, 313, respectively. There is a metallic spring,
315, that is connected to each of the pushers on the opposite side
of the pivot from where the SMA wires are attached with a lead
wire, 314, attached to the spring. A SMA wire contracts when heated
and in this embodiment a current is run through the SMA wire lead,
319 or 313 through the respective SMA wire and pusher to the
spring, 315 and out to the spring wire lead, 314. The relationship
between the pushers and the damper plate, 302, and push tabs 308
and 316 is shown with a partial display of the damper plate. The
damper plate in this figure is shown in an intermediate open/close
position.
[0045] FIG. 14 represents the same components as shown in FIG. 13,
but shows SMA wire 310 actively contracting and damper plate 302 in
the open position.
[0046] FIG. 15 represents the same components as shown in FIG. 13,
but shows SMA wire 320 actively contracting and damper plate 302 in
the closed position.
[0047] FIG. 16 is a section view from above of the main
register/damper piece, 301 at the level of the section shows the
duct skirt, 306, from FIG. 13. Included in this figure are
batteries, 322, the pivots 311 and 321, the anchor points, 312 and
318, the SMA wires, 319 and 320, the printed circuit board for the
electronics, 323 and an internal mounting support 324. Not seen at
this section level is the spring, 315 and the lead wires, 314, 313
and 319.
[0048] FIG. 17 represents a section view from the side of the
register/damper from FIG. 12. The top cover, 300, the functional
unit 301, and skirt 306, and the damper plate, 302, with push tabs
308 and 316, the batteries 322 and printed circuit board 323. The
damper plate is shown in the closed position. The surfaces of the
damper plate and functional unit that meet are roughed sufficiently
to prevent uncommanded motion of the damper plate as indicated in
the enlarged view indicated by 324.
[0049] FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of the wall sensor
unit, 100 from FIG. 1. As in FIG. 1 this embodiment includes a
display sub system such as a LCD 102, one or more button, 103, an
environmental sensor subsystem composed of temperature and humidity
sensors, 105, an acoustic sensor, 106, a motion sensor, 107, and a
light sensor, 109. Also included in this embodiment are the
addition of three momentary switches 351, 352, 353 that are used
for raising, toggling and dimming respectively a remote ZigBee
light. The form factor is able to fit into a standard dual position
modem style mud plate, 354 and standard two position junction
box.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] In the following description, for purposes of explanation
and non-limitation, specific details are set forth, such as
particular nodes, functional entities, techniques, protocols,
standards, etc. in order to provide an understanding of the
described technology. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art
that other embodiments may be practiced apart from the specific
details disclosed below. In other instances, detailed descriptions
of well-known methods, devices, techniques, etc. are omitted so as
not to obscure the description with unnecessary detail. Individual
function blocks are shown in the figures. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the functions of those blocks may be
implemented using individual hardware circuits, using software
programs and data in conjunction with a suitably programmed
microprocessor or general purpose computer, using applications
specific integrated circuitry (ASIC), and/or using one or more
digital signal processors (DSPs). Generally speaking, the systems,
methods, and techniques described herein may be implemented in
digital electronic circuitry, computer hardware, firmware,
software, or in combinations of these elements. Apparatus embodying
these techniques may include appropriate input and output devices,
a computer processor, and a computer program product tangibly
embodied in a machinereadable storage device for execution by a
programmable processor. A process embodying these techniques may be
performed by a programmable processor executing a program or script
of instructions to perform desired functions by operating on input
data and generating appropriate output. The techniques may be
implemented in one or more computer programs or scripts that are
executable on a programmable system including at least one
programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions
from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage
system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.
Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and
special purpose microprocessors. Generally, a processor will
receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a
random access memory. Storage devices suitable for tangibly
embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms
of volatile and non-volatile memory, including by way of example
semiconductor memory devices, such as Erasable Programmable
Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable
Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices; magnetic disks
such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical
disks; and Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM). Any of the
foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in,
specially-designed ASICs (application-specific integrated
circuits). The computer program instructions or scripts may also be
provided as data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other
propagation medium via a communication link (e.g., a modem or wired
or wireless network connection).
[0051] This invention provides highly efficient, low cost and easy
to install zoned HVAC controls for residential use. The system
includes Wall Sensor Units (WSU) that superficially appear to be
programmable thermostats, but include temperature/humidity,
occupancy sensors, advanced software, processor, FLASH memory for
recording occupancy information and a ZigBee wireless network
capability. The system also includes ZigBee based wireless battery
operated Damper/Register Units (DRUs) that are actuated by Shape
Memory Alloy (SMA) wires. The preferred embodiment for the DRU
includes two SMAs that when commanded each actuate a pusher that in
turn each presses on a push tab on the damper plate, and a single
shared return spring. Also included in the system are additional
components including ZigBee wireless outside air enthalpy sensors,
ZigBee wireless duct pressure/flow sensors and HVAC plant
controller where needed by the installation. Each of the components
have an embedded MCU and ZigBee support. The system is intended to
support zoned control and as each building the system is installed
into is likely to be different the number and configuration of each
installation will be different. Residential HVAC zones typical are
based on a room that has a door that closes. There are some places
where rooms are connected without doors that close such as is often
found between kitchens and living rooms in open plan homes. In
these cases where the air between rooms communicates well they may
be treated as one zone. There are special cases in very large or
unique rooms where the temperate difference between different
places in the room can become uncomfortable, such as a long narrow
room with large window only at one end, can be broken into more
than one zone if there are HVAC supplies at each end that can be
individually controlled. In each of these zones a WSU is placed on
the wall and at least one DRU is placed at the exit of the HVAC
source duct into the zone. If there is more that one HVAC outlet in
a zone then each HVAC outlet has its own DRU. An exception to this
is the case of a home, such as a studio, that is functionally a
single zone then DRUs are not needed. The WSU in a zone controls
each DRU in a zone via wireless ZigBee communication. Most
communication between the WSU and DRU is from the WSU to the DRU
ordering the DRU to open or close. The DRU will communicate back to
the WSU open/close state confirmation, temperature, low battery and
fault data. The DRUs act as a ZigBee End Device (ZED). Most WSU's
function as ZigBee Router (ZR), but one WSU will act as a ZigBee
coordinator (ZC) unless a HVAC central controller is present in
which case the HVAC central controller acts as the ZC.
[0052] The WSU redundant occupancy sensors are able determine if
the room is occupied. Redundant sensors are used because often one
time of sensor will not be able to determine if a human is present.
For example, PIR sensors can only detect humans when they move and
microphones can only detect their presence when they make noise.
Conversely, occupancy sensor often have false positives. By
combining the inputs from multiple sensor and filtering, a much
more accurate picture of occupancy can be obtained. Each WSU
records the occupancy of its zone in its FLASH memory in 15 minute
increments with a rolling record for 4 years. The occupancy record
is used to predict future occupancy. The occupancy record is
examined using a Decaying Occupancy Temporal (DOT) Algorithm by
looking at periodic occupancy records with decaying impact from
older records. Occupancy is recorded as 1 if occupied and 0 in
unoccupied. For example if looking at the past four days then eight
times the occupancy value the same time one day before the target
record is added with four time sthe occupancy value from two days
before plus two times the value of occupancy record from three days
before plus the occupancy value from four days before. This
algorithm can be used over different time intervals such as past n
15 minutes, past n hours, past n days, past n months, past n years
or time-logical intervals such as past n week days, past n weekend
days, same day of month past n months. These various occupancy
interval measurements are weighted and summed and compared against
a user configurable economy/comfort threshold. The weighing values
for the various occupancy interval measurements are determined by a
genetic algorithm running in the background that uses the uses the
weighing values as the genetic representation and performance with
recent occupancy history as a fitness function to select the
weighting values. Each WSU also keeps a record of set points, reset
points and ventilation rates in FLASH in 15 minute increments based
on a one week calendar that can be altered by the occupants.
[0053] If the occupancy sensors or thermal sensors in a WSU are
triggered a request is sent to the ZC. Every 15 minutes the ZC
sends a command to the WSUs to execute the occupancy prediction
algorithm and returns any conditioning results to the ZC. If there
is a conditioning request pending the ZC opens a sufficient number
of DRUs to keep the pressure of the ducts low enough to maintain a
high enough air flow for heat transfer, HVAC central plant safety
and to prevent damage to the duct system. The DRUs to open is
determined by current HVAC needs and by near future HVAC needs by
the ZC querying the WSUs that will run their respective prediction
algorithms for current and near future occupancy as well as
distance from current set/setback point. From these values, the ZC
opens the next most likely DRUs to open until enough are opened to
provide adequate air flow in the duct network and to also provide
minimum building ventilation. The WSU contain a full set of
algorithms for setback, pre-cooling, fresh air economizers, load
shedding, economic/comfort trade-offs and time of day meters
optimization. The ZC also contains a full set of algorithms for
controlling all standard HVAC plant types as well as relays for
signaling the central HVAC plant.
[0054] The various embodiments described above can be combined to
provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent
application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign
patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications
referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application
Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ
concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to
provide yet further embodiments.
[0055] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in
light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the
following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit
the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification and the claims, but should be construed to include
all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents
to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not
limited by the disclosure.
* * * * *