U.S. patent application number 13/918222 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for hvac system configured to obtain demand specific data from a remote unit thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lennox Industries Inc.. Invention is credited to Pete Hrejsa, Takeshi Sakai.
Application Number | 20140202188 13/918222 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50002499 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140202188 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hrejsa; Pete ; et
al. |
July 24, 2014 |
HVAC SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO OBTAIN DEMAND SPECIFIC DATA FROM A REMOTE
UNIT THEREOF
Abstract
An HVAC system that obtains demand specific data from an outdoor
unit thereof is provided. An indoor unit controller, an outdoor
unit controller and an outdoor unit of the HVAC system are also
disclosed. In one embodiment, the outdoor unit controller includes:
(1) an interface configured to receive a request for a second
portion of demand data from an indoor controller of the HVAC
system, wherein the request includes a first portion of the demand
data that corresponds to the second portion and (2) a processor
configured to respond to the request by determining the second
portion based on the first portion and sending the second portion
of the demand data to the indoor controller of the HVAC system.
Inventors: |
Hrejsa; Pete; (Richardson,
TX) ; Sakai; Takeshi; (Carrollton, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lennox Industries Inc. |
Richardson |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50002499 |
Appl. No.: |
13/918222 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61754936 |
Jan 21, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/228.1 ;
236/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20180101;
Y02B 30/743 20130101; Y02B 30/746 20130101; Y02B 30/70 20130101;
F24F 11/77 20180101; F25B 2600/112 20130101; F25B 49/02 20130101;
F25B 49/022 20130101; F24F 11/63 20180101; F25B 2600/025 20130101;
F24F 11/62 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/228.1 ;
236/51 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/02 20060101
F25B049/02 |
Claims
1. A controller for a multispeed outdoor unit of a heating,
ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising: an
interface configured to receive a request for a second portion of
demand data from an indoor controller of said HVAC system, wherein
said request includes a first portion of said demand data that
corresponds to said second portion; and a processor configured to
respond to said request by determining said second portion based on
said first portion and sending said second portion of said demand
data to said indoor controller of said HVAC system.
2. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein said first portion
is an operating speed of said compressor that corresponds to a
thermostat call of said HVAC system and said second portion is a
blower volume for said circulating fan that corresponds to said
operating speed for said compressor.
3. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein said first portion
is a blower volume for said circulating fan that corresponds to a
thermostat call of said HVAC system and said second portion is an
operating speed of said compressor that corresponds to said blower
volume.
4. The controller as recited in claim 1 further comprising a memory
having stored thereon said demand data, wherein said processor
employees said first portion to determine said second portion from
said memory.
5. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein said processor is
configured to determine said second portion by interpolating
between entries of said demand data stored on a memory of said
controller.
6. The controller as recited in claim 1 further comprising a memory
having stored thereon a data table having multiple entries of
demand data for operating speeds of said compressor and
corresponding blower volumes.
7. The controller as recited in claim 6 wherein at least some of
said multiple entries differ for different operating modes of said
HVAC system.
8. A controller for an indoor unit of a heating, ventilating and
air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising: an interface configured
to receive a thermostat call; and a processor configured to send a
request for demand data that corresponds to said thermostat call to
a controller of an outdoor unit of said HVAC system, wherein said
requested demand data is a blower volume for a circulating fan of
said HVAC system.
9. The controller as recited in claim 8 wherein said controller is
a thermostat of said HVAC system.
10. The controller as recited in claim 8 wherein said outdoor unit
includes a compressor.
11. The controller as recited in claim 8 wherein said processor is
configured to request said blower volume when said operating speed
is known from said thermostat call.
12. The controller as recited in claim 8 wherein said interface is
further configured to receive a blower control signal and said
processor is configured to send a known blower volume to said
controller of said outdoor unit.
13. The controller as recited in claim 8 wherein said request
includes an operation mode of said HVAC system.
14. The controller as recited in claim 8 wherein said interface is
further configured to receive a response from said outdoor unit in
reply to said request, said response including either said blower
volume or said operating speed.
15. A multispeed outdoor unit of a HVAC system, comprising: a
compressor; and an outdoor unit controller configured to direct
operations of said compressor, said outdoor unit controller
including: an interface configured to receive a request for a
second portion of demand data from an indoor controller of said
HVAC system, wherein said request includes a first portion of said
demand data that corresponds to said second portion; and a
processor configured to respond to said request by determining said
second portion based on said first portion and sending said second
portion of said demand data to said indoor controller of said HVAC
system.
16. The multispeed outdoor unit as recited in claim 15 wherein said
first portion is an operating speed of said compressor that
corresponds to a thermostat call of said HVAC system and said
second portion is a blower volume for said circulating fan that
corresponds to said operating speed for said compressor.
17. The multispeed outdoor unit as recited in claim 15 wherein said
first portion is a blower volume for said circulating fan that
corresponds to a thermostat call of said HVAC system and said
second portion is an operating speed of said compressor that
corresponds to said blower volume.
18. The multispeed outdoor unit as recited in claim 15, wherein
said controller further includes a memory having stored thereon
said demand data, wherein said processor employees said first
portion to determine said second portion from said memory.
19. The multispeed outdoor unit as recited in claim 15 wherein said
processor is configured to determine said second portion by
interpolating between entries of said demand data stored on a
memory of said controller.
20. The multispeed outdoor unit as recited in claim 15 further
comprising a memory having stored thereon a data table having
multiple entries of demand data for operating speeds of said
compressor and corresponding blower volumes.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/754,936, filed by Pete Hrejsa, et al., on
Jan. 21, 2013, entitled "METHOD FOR OBTAINING DEMAND SPECIFIC DATA
FROM A REMOTE UNIT," which is currently pending and incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This application is directed, in general, to heating,
ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and, more
specifically, to demand data for HVAC systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] HVAC systems can be used to regulate the environment within
an enclosure. Typically, a thermostat call initiates operation of
an HVAC system that results in a circulating fan pulling air from
the enclosure into the HVAC system through ducts and pushing the
air back into the enclosure through additional ducts after
conditioning the air (e.g., heating or cooling the air). Some
circulating fans move air through the HVAC system at different
volumes that can vary based on the operating mode (e.g., heating,
cooling, dehumidification) of the HVAC system and the requested
compressor capacity or speed per the thermostat call.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, a controller for a multispeed outdoor unit of
a HVAC system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the outdoor unit
controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive a
request for a second portion of demand data from an indoor
controller of the HVAC system, wherein the request includes a first
portion of the demand data that corresponds to the second portion
and (2) a processor configured to respond to the request by
determining the second portion based on the first portion and
sending the second portion of the demand data to the indoor
controller of the HVAC system.
[0005] In another aspect, a controller for an indoor unit of a HVAC
system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the indoor unit controller
includes: (1) an interface configured to receive a thermostat call
and (2) a processor configured to send a request for demand data
that corresponds to the thermostat call to a controller of an
outdoor unit of the HVAC system, wherein the requested demand data
is a blower volume for a circulating fan of the HVAC system.
[0006] In still yet another aspect, a multispeed outdoor unit of a
HVAC system is provided. In one embodiment, the multispeed outdoor
unit includes: (1) a compressor and (2) an outdoor unit controller
configured to direct operations of the compressor, the outdoor unit
controller including (2A) an interface configured to receive a
request for a second portion of demand data from an indoor
controller of the HVAC system, wherein the request includes a first
portion of the demand data that corresponds to the second portion
and (2B) a processor configured to respond to the request by
determining the second portion based on the first portion and
sending the second portion of the demand data to the indoor
controller of the HVAC system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0007] Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level block diagram of an
embodiment of a HVAC system constructed according to the principles
of the disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an
outdoor unit controller of an HVAC system constructed according to
the principles of the disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an
indoor unit controller of an HVAC system constructed according to
the principles of the disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a
method of operating an HVAC system carried out according to the
principles of the disclosure; and
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of
another method of operating an HVAC system carried out according to
the principles of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The blower volumes for a circulating fan are usually stored
in an indoor controller of a HVAC system. The blower volume is the
airflow capacity (often expressed in terms of cubic feet per
minute, or CFM) of the circulating fan. Typically, storing the
blower volume in a controller of the indoor unit has been
convenient since the blower volume for a compressor speed is fairly
constant and universal for different types of compressors. In some
HVAC systems, modulating compressor is used that operates more
efficiently compared to conventional single stage units and reduces
energy costs.
[0014] When operating the modulating compressor there are often
specific blower volumes that correspond to each compressor speed.
The relationship between blower volume and compressor speed is
non-linear and unique for each type of compressor. As such,
maintaining the blower volume for each compressor capacity of every
thermostat call can require a large portion of memory for an indoor
controller of an HVAC system. Additionally, upgrading the indoor
controller with new blower volumes for compressor speed data can be
cumbersome.
[0015] Accordingly, the disclosure provides a system and scheme
that does not require a HVAC indoor controller to store the desired
blower volumes to deliver for operating speeds of an outdoor unit.
Instead, the disclosed HVAC system stores the demand blower volumes
in the outdoor unit and requests the specific blower volume from
the outdoor unit for a particular operating speed. An outdoor unit
controller can be used to store the corresponding operating
compressor speeds and blower volumes. The values for each can be
stored in a data table in a memory of the outside unit controller.
In one embodiment, a look-up table is used.
[0016] Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein relieve the indoor
controller from the burden of knowing each outdoor unit's blower
volume to demand relationship. Additionally, the embodiments allow
an existing indoor unit to be compatible with new outdoor units of
the HVAC system. The new outdoor units can even be currently
undeveloped outdoor units.
[0017] In addition to modulating compressors, some HVAC systems
also use zone controls. A zone controlled system allows a user to
independently control the temperature in various designated zones
of an enclosure, such as a house. A zone control panel or zone
controller manages the movement of conditioned air to the various
zones using electronic dampers and thermostats dedicated to each of
the zones. Harmony III.TM. Zone Control System available from
Lennox Industries, Inc. of Richardson, Tex., is an example of a
zoning system that manages the distribution of conditioned air to
designated zones.
[0018] In a zone controlled system, a zone controller generates a
blower control signal to control the operating speed of a
circulation fan. As such, the blower control signal is used to
control the blower volume of the circulation fan. The blower
control signal typically changes in a zone controlled system when
demand changes to different or more zones. For example, a
thermostat in a first zone may demand heat. As such, the furnace
initiates and provides heat for the first zone based on the heating
call and an operating speed for the circulation fan for the first
zone. A thermostat for a second zone then demands heat.
Accordingly, the furnace continues to provide heat with an
operating speed of the circulation fan based on the blower control
signal generated by the zone controller for both the first and
second zones. The blower control signal is typically an electrical
signal generated by a zoning control panel in response to
thermostat demands from different zones. The blower control signal
can be an analog or a digital signal. Considering the Harmony
III.TM. Zone Control System, a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal
is used for a blower control signal and a change in the duty cycle
of the PWM signal indicates a change in the operating speed of the
circulation fan. In other embodiments, the blower control signal
can be a data signal including a messaging protocol signal, such as
a controller area network (CAN) signal, or an output of a
transducer.
[0019] In these embodiments, the blower volume is known from the
blower control signal and does not need to be requested by the
indoor unit controller from the outdoor unit controller. Instead,
the indoor unit controller can send the known blower volume to the
outdoor unit controller that can determine the corresponding
operating speed of the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit controller
can then send the demand level, or percent demand of the outdoor
unit that corresponds to the blower volume, back to the indoor unit
controller so that it knows the level of demand to send. Thus,
known data from the indoor unit controller can be used by the
outdoor unit controller to determine either portion of the demand
data not known.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of an embodiment of a
HVAC system 100 constructed according to the principles of the
disclosure. In one embodiment, the HVAC system 100 is configured to
provide ventilation and therefore includes one or more circulation
fans 110. In an alternative embodiment, the ventilation includes
one or more dampers 115 to control air flow through air ducts (not
shown.) Such control may be used in various embodiments in which
the HVAC system 100 is a zoned system. In the context of a zoned
HVAC system 100, the one or more dampers 115 may be referred to as
zone controllers 115.
[0021] The zone controller 115 is configured to manage conditioned
air for designated zones of a conditioned space. A zone is a
portion of a HVAC system that includes at least one demand unit,
such as the furnace 120, and includes at least one user interface,
such as a thermostat. The zone controller 115 operates electronic
dampers to control air flow to zones of the conditioned space. The
zone controller 115 generates a blower control signal to request a
blower volume for the circulation fan 110. In some embodiments, the
zone controller 115 is configured to provide greater air flow to
different zones to compensate for greater heating load or air flow
requirements. As such, the blower control signal requests a greater
blower volume with respect to, for example, a heating call for a
first zone than a second zone. The zone controller 115 can be a
conventional controller for delivering conditioned air to
designated zones of a conditioned space. For example, the zone
controller 190 can be a Harmony III.TM. Zone Controller.
[0022] In some embodiments, the HVAC system 100 is configured to
provide heating and therefore includes one or more furnaces 120,
typically associated with the one or more circulation fans 110. In
an alternative embodiment, the HVAC system 100 is configured to
provide cooling and therefore includes one or more refrigerant
evaporator coils 130, typically associated with the one or more
circulation fans 110. Such embodiment of the HVAC system 100 also
includes one or more compressors 140 and associated condenser coils
142, which are typically associated in one or more so-called
"outdoor units" 144. The one or more compressors 140 and associated
condenser coils 142 are typically connected to an associated
evaporator coil 130 by a refrigerant line 146.
[0023] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the HVAC system 100 may
include one or more heat pumps in lieu of or in addition to the one
or more furnaces 120, and one or more compressors 140. One or more
humidifiers or dehumidifiers may be employed to increase or
decrease humidity.
[0024] The HVAC system 100 can be configured to provide
ventilation, heating and cooling, wherein the one or more
circulation fans 110, furnaces 120 and evaporator coils 130 are
associated with one or more "indoor units" 148, e.g., basement or
attic units.
[0025] One or more indoor unit controllers 150 control one or more
of the one or more circulation fans 110, the one or more furnaces
120 and/or the one or more compressors 140 to regulate the
temperature of the premises, at least approximately. The indoor
unit controller 150 may be an integrated controller or a
distributed controller that directs operation of the HVAC system
100. The indoor unit controller 150 may include an interface to
receive thermostat calls and a blower control signal, and a
processor, such as a microprocessor, to direct the operation of the
HVAC system 100. The indoor unit controller 150 may include a
memory section having a series of operating instructions stored
therein that direct the operation of the indoor unit controller 150
(e.g., the processor) when initiated thereby. The series of
operating instructions may represent algorithms that are used to
obtain blower volumes for the circulation fans 110 and operating
speeds of the compressors 140. For example, the algorithms can
implement the method illustrated in FIG. 4. The indoor unit
controller 150 can be a central HVAC controller or a thermostat. A
thermostat can generate thermostat calls based on temperature
settings. The thermostat calls include, for example, heating calls,
cooling calls and dehumidifying calls.
[0026] In various embodiments, the one or more displays 170 provide
additional functions such as operational, diagnostic and status
message display and an attractive, visual interface that allows an
installer, user or repairman to perform actions with respect to the
HVAC system 100 more intuitively. Herein, the term "operator" will
be used to refer collectively to any of the installer, the user and
the repairman unless clarity is served by greater specificity. The
displays 170 can be part of the indoor unit controllers 150.
[0027] One or more separate comfort sensors 160 may be associated
with the one or more indoor unit controller 150 and may also
optionally be associated with one or more displays 170. The one or
more comfort sensors 160 provide environmental data, e.g.
temperature and/or humidity, to the one or more indoor control
units 150. An individual comfort sensor 160 may be physically
located within a same enclosure or housing as the control unit 150.
In such cases, the commonly housed comfort sensor 160 may be
addressed independently. However, the one or more comfort sensors
160 may be located separately and physically remote from the one or
more indoor control units 150. Also, an individual control unit 150
may be physically located within a same enclosure or housing as a
display 170. In such embodiments, the commonly housed control unit
150 and display 170 may each be addressed independently. However,
one or more of the displays 170 may be located within the HVAC
system 100 separately from and/or physically remote to the indoor
control units 150. The one or more displays 170 may include a
screen such as a liquid crystal display (not shown).
[0028] A data bus 180, which in the illustrated embodiment is a
serial bus, couples the one or more circulation fans 110, the one
or more furnaces 120, the one or more evaporator coils 130, the one
or more condenser coils 142 and compressors 140, the one or more
indoor control units 150, the one or more remote comfort sensors
160 and the one or more displays 170 such that data may be
communicated therebetween or thereamong. As will be understood, the
data bus 180 may be advantageously employed to convey one or more
alarm messages or one or more diagnostic messages. A conventional
cable and contacts may be used to couple the indoor unit controller
150 to the various components. In some embodiments, a wireless
connection may also be employed to provide at least some of the
connections. The data bus 180 can also be a wired-connection.
[0029] At least one of the circulation fans 110 operates at
different capacities, i.e., motor speeds, to circulate air through
the HVAC system 100, whereby the circulated air is conditioned and
supplied to the conditioned space. The circulating fan moves the
air at a certain capacity according to the blower volume. Different
blower volumes correspond to various operating speeds of the
compressor 140. The compressor 140 operates within a range from a
minimum to a maximum capacity and the operating speed of the
compressor is denoted as a percentage of the maximum operating
capacity. The relationship between the blower volumes and the
operating speeds is represented by a non-linear curve. In some
embodiments, the relationships between operating speeds of the
compressor 140 and the blower volumes of the circulating fan are
stored in a memory of the outdoor unit controller 148. In one
embodiment, the related blower volumes and operating speeds are
stored in a data table in the memory. The data table can include
entries for the values on the curve at 1% intervals of the
operating capacity of the compressor 140. The number of entries in
the data table is based on a balance between storage space and
look-up speed. The outdoor unit controller 148 is configured to
interpolate a requested demand data value if there are no
corresponding entries in the table. For example, the indoor unit
controller 150 can receive a thermostat call with a percent demand
(operating speed) of 21.5%. If the data table includes entries at
one percent (1%) increments between the minimum and maximum
operating capacity and includes entries at 21% and 22%, then the
outdoor unit controller 148 interpolates between the corresponding
blower volume values for the 21% and 22% operating capacities of
the compressor 140. The outdoor unit controller 148 can then send
the interpolated blower volume value to the indoor unit controller
150.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an
outdoor unit controller 200 constructed according to the principles
of the disclosure. The outdoor unit controller 200 is configured to
direct the operation of an outdoor unit of a HVAC system.
Additionally, the outdoor unit controller 200 is configured to
determine a blower volume that corresponds to an operating speed of
the outdoor unit. In some embodiments, the outdoor unit controller
200 is also configured to determine an operating speed based on a
received blower volume. As such, the outdoor unit controller 200 is
configured to generate control signals that are transmitted to an
indoor unit controller of the HVAC system to employ in directing
the operation of the HVAC system. The outdoor unit controller 200
can generate a reply to the indoor unit controller that includes
the needed demand data, i.e., blower volumes or operating speeds,
which was asked for in a request from the indoor unit
controller.
[0031] The outdoor unit controller 200 includes an interface 210
that is configured to receive and transmit the demand data to the
indoor unit controller. The interface 210 may be a conventional
interface that is used to communicate (i.e., receive and transmit)
data for a controller, such as a microcontroller.
[0032] The outdoor unit controller 200 also includes a processor
220 and a memory 230. The memory 230 may be a conventional memory
typically located within a controller, such as a microcontroller,
that is constructed to store data and computer programs. The memory
230 may store operating instructions to direct the operation of the
processor 220 when initiated thereby. The operating instructions
may correspond to algorithms that provide the functionality of the
operating schemes disclosed herein. For example, the operating
instructions may correspond to the algorithm or algorithms that
implement the method illustrated in FIG. 4. The processor 220 may
be a conventional processor such as a microprocessor. The interface
210, processor 220 and memory 230 may be coupled together via
conventional means to communicate information. The outdoor unit
controller 200 may also include additional components typically
included within a controller for an outdoor unit, such as a power
supply or power port. The outdoor unit can be a compressor for
cooling or for heating.
[0033] The memory 220 is configured to store demand data for the
HVAC system. The demand data includes operating speeds of the
outdoor unit and blower volumes that correspond to the operating
speeds. In one embodiment, the stored blower volumes correspond to
blower volumes represented by blower control signals. The stored
blower volumes and operating speeds correspond to a non-linear
curve that represents the relationship therebetween. The stored
values can be pre-programmed in the memory 220 during manufacturing
or installation and can be based on the model or type of outdoor
unit. A table or tables, such as a look-up table, may store the
various demand data.
[0034] The processor 230 is configured to operate the outdoor unit
at an operating speed received from the indoor unit controller. The
processor 230 is also configured to employ the received operating
speed to look-up the corresponding blower volume from the memory
220. The processor 230 is also configured to transmit the
determined blower volume to the indoor unit controller.
[0035] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit controller 200 does
not receive an operating speed from the indoor unit controller but
instead receives a blower volume. As such, the processor 230 is
configured to determine the proper operating speed from the look-up
table employing the blower volume. If needed, the processor 230 can
interpolate the operating speed from the look-up table. Whether
received or determined, the processor 230 directs the operation of
the compressor based on control signals that correspond to the
operating speed. In one embodiment, the processor 230 is configured
to operate according to the method illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an
indoor unit controller 300 of an HVAC system constructed according
to the principles of the disclosure. The indoor unit controller 300
is configured to direct the operation of or at least part of the
operation of the HVAC system, such as the HVAC system 100. As such,
the indoor unit controller 300 is configured to generate control
signals that are transmitted to the various components to direct
the operation thereof. The indoor unit controller 300 may generate
the control signals in response to feedback data and/or operating
data that is received from various sensors and/or components of the
HVAC system. For example, indoor unit controller 300 can generate a
control signal to operate a circulating fan of the HVAC system. The
indoor unit controller 300 includes an interface 310 that is
configured to receive and transmit the feedback data, operating
data, control signals and demand data. The operating data received
by the interface 310 includes a blower control signal and a
thermostat call. The interface 310 may be a conventional interface
that is used to communicate (i.e., receive and transmit) data for a
controller, such as a microcontroller.
[0037] The indoor unit controller 300 also includes a processor 320
and a memory 330. The memory 330 may be a conventional memory
typically located within a controller, such as a microcontroller,
that is constructed to store data and computer programs. The memory
330 may store operating instructions to direct the operation of the
processor 320 when initiated thereby. The operating instructions
may correspond to algorithms that provide the functionality of at
least some of the operating schemes disclosed herein. For example,
the operating instructions may correspond to the algorithm or
algorithms that implement the method illustrated in FIG. 5. The
processor 320 may be a conventional processor such as a
microprocessor. The interface 310, processor 320 and memory 330 may
be coupled together via conventional means to communicate
information. The indoor unit controller 300 may also include
additional components typically included within a controller for a
furnace, such as a power supply or power port.
[0038] The memory 320 is configured to store operating instructions
for the HVAC system. Unlike conventional indoor unit controllers,
the memory 320 does not include operating speeds for an outdoor
unit of the HVAC system and the corresponding blower volumes for a
circulating fan of the HVAC system.
[0039] The processor 330 is configured to operate the HVAC system
according to the feedback data, operating data and demand data to
provide conditioned air in response to the received thermostat
calls and, in some embodiments, the blower control signal. In one
embodiment, the processor 330 is configured to operate the HVAC
system according to the method illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a
method 400 of operating a HVAC system carried out according to the
principles of the disclosure. The outdoor unit controller 148 of
FIG. 1 or the outdoor unit controller 200 of FIG. 2 may be used to
perform the method 400. The method 400 includes determining the
blower volume for a circulating fan of the HVAC system. The method
400 begins in a step 405.
[0041] In a step 410, a blower volume request is received. The
blower volume request can be generated by an indoor unit controller
in response to a thermostat call. The blower volume request
includes a mode of operation and the percent demand (operating
speed) needed by the outdoor unit according to a thermostat call.
The mode of operation includes, for example, cooling normal,
cooling comfort, cooling efficiency, heating mode, etc.
[0042] An operating mode of the outdoor unit is set in a step 410.
The operating mode is set based on the received blower volume
request. The outdoor unit remains in the set mode until receiving
another blower volume request message that sets a different
operating mode. In some embodiments, the outdoor unit remains in
the set operating mode until receiving a demand that does not match
the current operating mode. For example, a heating demand is
received when the current operating mode that is set is a cooling
demand.
[0043] In a step 430, a blower volume is determined in response to
the blower volume request. In one embodiment, the blower volume is
determined from a look-up table employing the percent demand from
the blower volume request. In some embodiments, the blower volume
is calculated by interpolating between values of the look-up
table.
[0044] In a step 440, a response to the blower volume request is
generated. The response, referred to in some embodiments as the
blower volume response, is a message that includes the requested
mode and the blower volume required of the indoor unit for the
percent demand sent in the blower volume request. A reply to the
blower volume request is sent in a step 450 that includes the
response. In one embodiment, the reply is sent from the outdoor
unit controller to the indoor unit controller of the HVAC system.
The method 400 ends in a step 460.
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a
method 400 of operating a HVAC system carried out according to the
principles of the disclosure. The indoor unit controller 150 of
FIG. 1 or the indoor unit controller 300 of FIG. 3 may be used to
perform the method 300. The method 500 includes determining demand
data for the HVAC system. The method 300 begins in a step 505.
[0046] In a step 510, a thermostat call is received. The thermostat
call can be a conventional request for heating or cooling demands
of the HVAC system. The thermostat can be associated with a zone
controller of the HVAC system.
[0047] In a step 520, a blower volume request is generated. The
blower volume request is generated in response to the thermostat
call. For system demands, such as heating and cooling demands, the
indoor unit operates its circulation fan at the blower volume
required by the outdoor unit. As such, an indoor unit controller
can generate the blower volume request. The blower volume request
includes the percent demand needed by the outdoor unit and the
operating mode of operation.
[0048] In a step 530, a reply to the blower volume request is
received. The reply includes the requested mode of operation and
the blower volume required of the indoor unit for the percent
demand sent in the blower volume request. The reply can be sent by
the outdoor unit controller of the HVAC system.
[0049] The circulation fan of the HVAC system is operated according
to the received blower volume in a step 540. In one embodiment, the
indoor unit controller of the HVAC system generates control signals
to direct the operation of the circulation fan according to the
received blower volume. The method 500 ends in a step 550.
[0050] The above-described methods may be embodied in or performed
by various conventional digital data processors, microprocessors or
computing devices, wherein these devices are programmed or store
executable programs of sequences of software instructions to
perform one or more of the steps of the methods, e.g., steps of the
method of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5. The software instructions of such
programs may be encoded in machine-executable form on conventional
digital data storage media that is non-transitory, e.g., magnetic
or optical disks, random-access memory (RAM), magnetic hard disks,
flash memories, and/or read-only memory (ROM), to enable various
types of digital data processors or computing devices to perform
one, multiple or all of the steps of one or more of the
above-described methods, e.g., one or more of the steps of the
method of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5. Additionally, an apparatus, such as
indoor unit controller or an outdoor unit controller, may be
designed to include the necessary circuitry or programming to
perform each step of a method of disclosed herein.
[0051] Portions of disclosed embodiments may relate to computer
storage products with a non-transitory computer-readable medium
that have program code thereon for performing various
computer-implemented operations that embody a part of an apparatus,
system, carry out the steps of a method set forth herein or provide
a single user interface screen as disclosed. Non-transitory used
herein refers to all computer-readable media except for transitory,
propagating signals. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable
media include, but are not limited to: magnetic media such as hard
disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as
CD-ROM disks; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and
hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute
program code, such as ROM and RAM devices. Examples of program code
include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and
files containing higher level code that may be executed by the
computer using an interpreter.
[0052] Those skilled in the art to which this application relates
will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions,
substitutions and modifications may be made to the described
embodiments.
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