U.S. patent application number 14/724616 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-17 for hvac filter monitoring.
The applicant listed for this patent is Google Inc.. Invention is credited to Anthony Michael Fadell, Yoky Matsuoka, Matthew Lee Rogers, David Sloo.
Application Number | 20150260424 14/724616 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46063215 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150260424 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fadell; Anthony Michael ; et
al. |
September 17, 2015 |
HVAC FILTER MONITORING
Abstract
A method is described for identifying faults relating to an HVAC
system, such a clogged filter. Sensor data is used to estimate HVAC
system efficiency. Trends in system efficiency are then used to
identify faults such as clogged filters. The sensor(s) can include
one or more of the following types: optical sensor, temperature
sensor, pressure sensor, acoustic transducer, humidity sensor,
resistive sensor, capacitive sensor, and infrared sensor. The
efficiency estimation can also be based on conditions external to
the building, such as data from exterior sensors and/or data
gathered from third parties such as government or private weather
stations. The efficiency estimation can also be based on
performance metrics such as the time used to reach a set point
temperature. The fault identification includes filtering out
non-fault related events.
Inventors: |
Fadell; Anthony Michael;
(Portola Valley, CA) ; Matsuoka; Yoky; (Los Altos
Hills, CA) ; Rogers; Matthew Lee; (Los Gatos, CA)
; Sloo; David; (Menlo Park, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Google Inc. |
Mountain View |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46063215 |
Appl. No.: |
14/724616 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12987257 |
Jan 10, 2011 |
9092040 |
|
|
14724616 |
|
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|
|
61415771 |
Nov 19, 2010 |
|
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61429093 |
Dec 31, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
236/1C ; 96/417;
96/420; 96/421 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/52 20180101;
F24F 11/61 20180101; B01D 46/0086 20130101; F24F 11/62 20180101;
G05D 23/1917 20130101; H01R 9/2416 20130101; Y02B 10/20 20130101;
F24F 11/32 20180101; G05B 15/02 20130101; F24F 2120/10 20180101;
F24F 2120/20 20180101; Y02D 70/144 20180101; Y02D 70/162 20180101;
F24F 11/64 20180101; F24F 2130/40 20180101; F24F 2140/60 20180101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; F24D 19/10 20130101; F24F 11/30 20180101;
G05D 23/19 20130101; F24F 11/89 20180101; Y02B 10/70 20130101; F24F
11/56 20180101; G05D 23/1902 20130101; F24F 11/39 20180101; Y02D
30/70 20200801; F24F 11/63 20180101; F24F 2110/00 20180101; F24D
19/1084 20130101; H04W 4/70 20180201; F24F 2110/10 20180101; F24F
11/47 20180101; G05B 13/0265 20130101; F24F 11/46 20180101; Y02D
70/122 20180101; Y02D 70/142 20180101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00; B01D 46/00 20060101 B01D046/00 |
Claims
1. An air filter for use with an HVAC system comprising: a housing;
filtering media housed within the housing, the filtering media
being adapted to remove unwanted material from air passing through
the HVAC system; a sensor housed within the housing so as to be
positioned adjacent the filtering media, the sensor being of a type
that senses conditions associated with the filtering media such
that an estimate of filter condition is determinable based at least
in part on data provided by the sensor; a wireless communication
device housed within the housing, the wireless communication device
being adapted to transmit data from the sensor to a receiver; and a
power harvester positioned adjacent the filter and being adapted to
generate power from air passing through the filter.
2. The air filter of claim 1, wherein data is transmitted from the
sensor to the receiver via the wireless communication device only
when sufficient power is available via the power harvester.
3. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the power harvester includes
one or more piezoelectric elements.
4. The air filter of claim 1, further comprising a power storage
device adapted to store power generated by the power harvester.
5. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the sensor is of a type
selected from a group consisting of: optical sensor, temperature
sensor, pressure sensor, acoustic transducer, humidity sensor,
resistive sensor, capacitive sensor, and infrared sensor.
6. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the sensor is of a type such
that an HVAC system fault is identifiable based at least in part on
data provided by the sensor.
7. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the air filter is
disposable.
8. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the HVAC system is installed
in building used primarily for residential or light-industrial
purposes.
9. An HVAC system comprising: a thermostat device configured to
receive input from a user; a processing system communicatively
coupled with the HVAC system and thermostat, the processing system
being configured to control the HVAC system to condition a room or
space within a building or structure based on said input received
from said user; and an air filter disposed within the HVAC system,
the air filter comprising: a housing; filtering media housed within
the housing, the filtering media being adapted to remove unwanted
material from air passing through the HVAC system; a sensor housed
within the housing so as to be positioned adjacent the filtering
media; a wireless communication device housed within the housing,
the wireless communication device being adapted to transmit data
from the sensor to a receiver; and a power harvester positioned
adjacent the filter and being adapted to generate power from air
passing through the filter.
10. The HVAC system of claim 9, wherein the sensor is of a type
that senses conditions associated with the filtering media and
wherein the processing system is configured to estimate HVAC system
performance based at least in part on data received from the
sensor.
11. The HVAC system of claim 9, wherein data is transmitted from
the sensor to the receiver via the wireless communication device
only when sufficient power is available via the power
harvester.
12. The HVAC system of claim 9, wherein the power harvester
includes one or more piezoelectric elements.
13. The HVAC system of claim 9, wherein the air filter further
comprises a power storage device adapted to store power generated
by the power harvester.
14. The HVAC system of claim 9, wherein the sensor is of a type
selected from a group consisting of: optical sensor, temperature
sensor, pressure sensor, acoustic transducer, humidity sensor,
resistive sensor, capacitive sensor, and infrared sensor.
15. An HVAC system comprising: an air filter disposed within the
HVAC system, the air filter comprising: a housing; filtering media
disposed within the housing, the filtering media being adapted to
remove unwanted material from air passing through the HVAC system;
a sensor disposed within the housing and positioned adjacent the
filtering media; a wireless communication device disposed within
the housing, the wireless communication device being adapted to
transmit data from the sensor to a receiver; and a power harvester
disposed adjacent the air filter, the power harvester being adapted
to generate power from air passing through the air filter; and a
processing system communicatively coupled with the HVAC system to
control the HVAC system based on input received from a user, the
processing system being configured to receive data from the sensor
via the receiver and being further configured to: estimate a
performance of the HVAC system using the data received from the
sensor and to; determine an efficiency of the air filter using the
estimated performance of the HVAC system.
16. The HVAC system of claim 15, wherein the processing system is
further configured to estimate a time to reach a setpoint
temperature based on the efficiency of the air filter.
17. The HVAC system of claim 16, wherein the processing system is
further configured to estimate a cost associated with the
efficiency of the air filter based on the time to reach the
setpoint temperature.
18. The HVAC system of claim 17, wherein the processing system is
further configured to: generate a visual icon for a display on an
electronic display of a thermostat device, wherein the visual icon
provides an indication of the estimated cost associated with the
efficiency of the air filter; and display the visual icon on the
electronic display of the thermostat device.
19. The HVAC system of claim 15, wherein data is transmitted from
the sensor to the receiver via the wireless communication device
only when sufficient power is available via the power
harvester.
20. The HVAC system of claim 15, wherein the air filter further
comprises a power storage device that is adapted to store power
generated by the power harvester.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/987,257 filed Jan. 10, 2011 which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/415,771 filed
Nov. 19, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/429,093 filed
Dec. 31, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference, for all purposes, as if fully set forth
herein.
COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may
contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by
anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records,
but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This invention generally relates to filters in HVAC systems.
More particularly, embodiments of this invention relate to
techniques for estimating filter status, estimating HVAC
characteristics, and sensors relating to filters in HVAC
systems.
[0004] Many HVAC systems utilize a filter for cleaning the air,
which is heated or cooled by the HVAC system. In the case of
residential and/or light industrial buildings, these filters
require cleaning or replacement, usually by the occupants, after a
period of use. A dirty filter restricts airflow through the HVAC
unit, which inhibits the HVAC system's ability to force air through
the ductwork and interchange the air in the building. Often,
replacement of the filter is neglected by the user, and the
performance of the system consequentially degrades. When the
performance of the system degrades, not only dues the system become
less effective in terms of the time needed to raise or lower the
temperature--leading to less comfort for the occupants, the
degraded performance can also be also a significant source of
wasted energy resources and money. Thus, it is desirable to have an
indication of HVAC filter status, and in particular an indication
of when the HVAC filter is sufficiently clogged that it should be
cleaned or replaced.
[0005] Various attempts have been discussed at determining HVAC
filter status. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2007/0228183 discusses the determination of a clogged filter via
airflow sensors located in various locations. A number of
techniques rely on fan motor speed monitoring. For example, U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0234746 discusses comparing
a historical calculated airflow restriction with a current as a
possible indicator of a clogged filter. The airflow restriction is
calculated using a static pressure drop, which can be calculated as
a function of delivered airflow, and from sensed fan motor speed.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,414 discusses detecting a clogged filter using
static pressure, which can be derived as a function of delivered
air flow and sensing the fan motor speed. U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,762
discusses detecting a clogged filter based on system resistance
determined using fan speed and power. Finally, U.S. Pat. No.
7,188,482 discusses detecting faults, including filter plugging, in
a duct free heat pump system known as a multi-modular split system
(MMS) by utilizing various sensors located within the heating
system.
[0006] Another problem that sometime arises is during installation
and/or setup of a new thermostat, the HVAC system capacity may not
be known by the installer or building occupant in the case of
residential and/or light industrial buildings. Thus it is desirable
to provide a technique of estimating HVAC system capacity from
other available information.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to some embodiments a method for identifying
conditions relating to an HVAC system fault, such a clogged filter,
is provided. The method includes receiving sensor data representing
readings from one or more sensors; estimating HVAC system
performance based on the received sensor data; and identifying a
condition relating to the HVAC system fault based on the estimated
HVAC system performance. According to some embodiments, the HVAC
system performance is HVAC system efficiency. The sensor(s) can
include one or more of the following types: optical sensor,
temperature sensor, pressure sensor, acoustic transducer, humidity
sensor, resistive sensor, capacitive sensor, and infrared
sensor.
[0008] According to some embodiments the efficiency estimation is
based in part on conditions external to the building, such as data
from exterior sensors and/or data gathered from third parties such
as government or private weather stations. According to some
embodiments, the efficiency estimation is based on performance
metrics such as the time used to reach a set point temperature.
According to some embodiments, the fault identification includes
filtering out non-fault related events. According to some
embodiments, the building in which the HVAC system is installed is
used primarily for residential or light-industrial purposes.
According to some embodiments the identified condition, and/or a
cost associated with the condition is displayed to a user.
[0009] According to some embodiments, an air filter for use with an
HVAC system is provided. The air filter includes a housing;
filtering media adapted to remove unwanted material from air
passing through the HVAC system; and a sensor. According to some
embodiments the air filter is disposable. According to some
embodiments, the sensor is positioned and is of a type such that an
estimate of filter condition can be made based in part on the
sensor.
[0010] According to some embodiments the filter also includes one
or more of the following: a wireless communication device adapted
to transmit data from the sensor to a receiver; a power harvester
(e.g. using piezoelectric elements) positioned and adapted to
generate power from air passing through the filter; and a power
storage device adapted to store power generated by the power
harvester. The sensor(s) can include one or more of the following
types: optical sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor,
acoustic transducer, humidity sensor, resistive sensor, capacitive
sensor, and infrared sensor.
[0011] According to some embodiments, a method is provided for
estimating HVAC system capacity. The method includes receiving
input from a user representing characteristics of an air filter
used in the HVAC system; and estimating HVAC system capacity based
on the input received from the user. The characteristics of the air
filter can include physical dimensions of the air filter, or the
manufacturer's part number associated with the air filter.
According to some embodiments, characteristics of the HVAC system
are modeled based in part on the estimated HVAC system
capacity.
[0012] As used herein the term "HVAC" includes systems providing
both heating and cooling, heating only, cooling only, as well as
systems that provide other occupant comfort and/or conditioning
functionality such as humidification, dehumidification and
ventilation.
[0013] As used herein the term "residential" when referring to an
HVAC system means a type of HVAC system that is suitable to heat,
cool and/or otherwise condition the interior of a building that is
primarily used as a single family dwelling. An example of a cooling
system that would be considered residential would have a cooling
capacity of less than about 5 tons of refrigeration (1 ton of
refrigeration=12,000 Btu/h).
[0014] As used herein the term "light commercial" when referring to
an HVAC system means a type of HVAC system that is suitable to
heat, cool and/or otherwise condition the interior of a building
that is primarily used for commercial purposes, but is of a size
and construction that a residential HVAC system is considered
suitable. An example of a cooling system that would be considered
residential would have a cooling capacity of less than about 5 tons
of refrigeration.
[0015] It will be appreciated that these systems and methods are
novel, as are applications thereof and many of the components,
systems, methods and algorithms employed and included therein. It
should be appreciated that embodiments of the presently described
inventive body of work can be implemented in numerous ways,
including as processes, apparata, systems, devices, methods,
computer readable media, computational algorithms, embedded or
distributed software and/or as a combination thereof. Several
illustrative embodiments are described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The inventive body of work will be readily understood by
referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an enclosure in which environmental
conditions are controlled, according to some embodiments;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an HVAC system, according to some
embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic of controller having a processing
system used to estimate HVAC system conditions, such as filter
status, according to some embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system for
identifying system faults, such as filter status based on changes
or trends in system efficiency, according to some embodiments;
[0021] FIG. 5 is graph plotting HVAC efficiency versus time,
according to some embodiments;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing steps in identifying system
faults, according to some embodiments;
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates an HVAC filter having one or more built
in sensors, according to some embodiments;
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a user interface in which the user enters
an HVAC filter size, according to some embodiments;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating step in estimating HVAC
capacity using filter size, according to some embodiments; and
[0026] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate a thermostat adapted to display
information relating to HVAC filter efficiency, according to some
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] A detailed description of the inventive body of work is
provided below. While several embodiments are described, it should
be understood that the inventive body of work is not limited to any
one embodiment, but instead encompasses numerous alternatives,
modifications, and equivalents. In addition, while numerous
specific details are set forth in the following description in
order to provide a thorough understanding of the inventive body of
work, some embodiments can be practiced without some or all of
these details. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, certain
technical material that is known in the related art has not been
described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
inventive body of work.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an enclosure in which environmental
conditions are controlled, according to some embodiments. Enclosure
100, in this example is a single-family dwelling. According to
other embodiments, the enclosure can be, for example, a duplex, an
apartment within an apartment building, a light commercial
structure such as an office or retail store, or a structure or
enclosure that is a combination of the above. Thermostat 110
controls HVAC system 120 as will be described in further detail
below. According to some embodiments, the HVAC system 120 is has a
cooling capacity less than about 5 tons. According to some
embodiments, a remote device 112 wirelessly communicates with the
thermostat 110 and can be used to display information to a user and
to receive user input from the remote location of the device 112.
According to some embodiments, the device 112 can be located
outside of the enclosure 100.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an HVAC system, according to some
embodiments. HVAC system 120 provides heating, cooling,
ventilation, and/or air handling for the enclosure, such as a
single-family home 100 depicted in FIG. 1. The system 120 depicts a
forced air type heating system, although according to other
embodiments, other types of systems could be used. In heating,
heating coils or elements 242 within air handler 240 provide a
source of heat using electricity or gas via line 236. Cool air is
drawn from the enclosure via return air duct 246 through filter
270, using fan 238 and is heated heating coils or elements 242. The
heated air flows back into the enclosure at one or more locations
via supply air duct system 252 and supply air grills such as grill
250. In cooling an outside compressor 230 passes gas such a Freon
through a set of heat exchanger coils to cool the gas. The gas then
goes to the cooling coils 234 in the air handlers 240 where it
expands, cools and cools the air being circulated through the
enclosure via fan 238. According to some embodiments a humidifier
254 is also provided. Although not shown in FIG. 2, according to
some embodiments the HVAC system has other known functionality such
as venting air to and from the outside, and one or more dampers to
control airflow within the duct systems. The system is controlled
by algorithms implemented via control electronics 212 that
communicate with a thermostat 110. Thermostat 110 controls the HVAC
system 120 through a number of control circuits. Thermostat 110
also includes a processing system 260 such as a microprocessor that
is adapted and programmed to controlling the HVAC system and to
carry out the techniques described in detail herein.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic of controller having a processing
system used to estimate HVAC system conditions, such as filter
status, according to some embodiments. According to some
embodiments, controller 310 is circular shaped thermostat and has a
large display area 346 which can display graphical and textual
information to a user such as with large central numerals 320. User
input can be received through touch screen, or with an outer
rotating ring 348. A processing system 350 is used to perform much
of the functionality described herein. Processing system 350
includes one or more central processing units 344, storage system
342, and a power supply system 340 that can include capability of
using available HVAC system power in the form of common wire power
if available or power harvesting from one or more control circuits,
in the case controller 310 is a wall-mounted thermostat that is
hard-wired to the HVAC system. According to some embodiments, power
supply system 340 includes one or more disposable or rechargeable
batteries. According to some embodiments, controller 310 includes
one or more sensors such as temperature sensor 312, pressure sensor
314, humidity sensor 316, audio transducer 318 and/or infrared
sensor 322. According to some embodiment, one or more other types
of sensors are included that may be helpful in identifying system
faults such as a particle sensor.
[0031] According to some embodiments, controller 310 is not a
hard-wired thermostat, but rather is able to control HVAC
functionality, interact with a user and make measurements from a
remote location, such as a table-top, or non-hard-wired wall mount.
In such cases the controller 310 communicates with another
controller and/or with other HVAC system components via wireless
connection a low power digital radio technology such as Wi-Fi, or a
low-rate wireless personal area network protocol such as ZigBee.
According to some embodiments, controller 310 is equipped to
communicate with other controllers or HVAC system components while
located outside of the building, such as using mobile phone network
capability or via Internet connection.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system for
identifying system faults, such as filter status based on changes
or trends in system efficiency, according to some embodiments.
System faults identifier 410 is preferably used to model the system
behavior based on various inputs and output identified system
faults 440, such as HVAC filter status information. System faults
identifier is preferably carried out in a processing system such as
processing system 350 as shown and described with respect to FIG.
3. According to some embodiments, the identifier makes use of a
system identification module such as shown and described in
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/881,463 entitled
"Thermodynamic Modeling for Enclosures," filed on Sep. 14, 2010
(hereinafter "the '463 application"), and which is incorporated by
reference herein. According to some embodiments, the system faults
identifier 410 relies on temperature measurements 420 made within
the controller/thermostat in order to identify a clogged filter
status. According to this simple example, the system faults
identifier 410 uses temperature measurements 420 and system status
information, such as during which time the various HVAC functions
(e.g. heating and cooling) are in the "on" and "off" states. The
identifier 410 determines trends in HVAC efficiency and compares
this with historical trends in order to identify a likely status
such as a clogged HVAC filter. In particular, a clogged filter can
generally be identified by a relatively slow and steady decline in
HVAC efficiency. Other events that can significantly effect HVAC
efficiency, such as opening and/or closing doors and windows, duct
work failures, etc. are likely to result in a more rapid, less
steady, decrease (or increase) in HVAC efficiency.
[0033] According to some embodiments, the inputs 420 from sensors
located within the thermostat or controller used by identifier 410
also include static pressure and/or humidity. Measuring static
pressure can be used, in combination with other measurements, for
example, to estimate air flow through certain regions of the
system. According to some embodiments, other examples of sensor
data that can be used by identifier 410 include an optical sensors,
a microphones or other acoustic transducers, infrared sensors,
resistivity/conductivity sensor, and particulate sensor.
[0034] According to some embodiments, inputs 422 to identifier 410
include information regarding conditions outside the building, or
outside the region of space in which the environment is being
controlled by the HVAC system. For example, inputs 422 can include
measurements from a temperature sensor mounted on the outside of
the building which is being conditioned by the HVAC system. In
general, however the outside weather condition information 422 can
come for one or more sources. According to some embodiments, the
external conditions input 422 includes weather conditions such as
temperature, humidity, dew point, solar output, precipitation, wind
and natural disasters. The external condition information can be
measured with sensors in, on or around the building and/or obtained
from third party sources such as government agencies, private
source and/or nearby private weather stations.
[0035] According to some embodiments, identifier 410 also relies on
building information 424. The building information 424 can come
from various sources, such as building plans, which can be entered
manually for example at the time of installation or at other times.
According to some embodiments, building information can come from
online sources such as online real estate databases or other
databases or online services that collect publically available
information.
[0036] According to some embodiments, identifier 410 also relies on
sensor readings 426 from other indoor locations. Examples of indoor
sensors not located in the controller/thermostat includes sensors
located in other HVAC system components, such as one or more
sensors located in the HVAC filter, as will be described in greater
detail below. For example, an optical sensor on the filter itself
can be used by identifier 410. According to some embodiments,
measurements of fan speed (such as by measuring voltage and/or
current associated with the HVAC fan (such as fan 238 as shown in
FIG. 2). The fan speed can be used as an indication of air
restriction due to filter clogging status. Another example of
sensors in other locations are readings from sensors located in
remote or non hard-wired locations, such as described with respect
to FIG. 3. For example, there may be one hard-wired thermostat and
one or more additional non-hard wired thermostats and communicate
with the hard-wired thermostat wirelessly. By having sensor
readings such as temperature or static pressure, in two or more
locations, the temperature gradient, and/or airflow (based on
spatial pressure differential) can be estimated.
[0037] According to some embodiments the other sensor readings 426
used by identifier 410 can include information from other household
system such as a home security system that may have information as
to the opening and closing of doors and/or windows.
[0038] According to some embodiments, performance metrics 430 are
calculated and input to identifier 410. Example of performance
metrics that are useful in calculating HVAC efficiency includes the
time to reach a set point temperature, and the amount of HVAC
operation time is used in maintaining a given temperature given
certain outdoor conditions (e.g. from external conditions 422). In
general the performance metrics 430 are based on the amount of
energy input or used to produce certain results (i.e. system
performance). For further details regarding time to reach, or
maintain, set point or target temperature, see co-pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/984,602 entitled "Temperature
Controller With Time To Target Display" filed on Jan. 4, 2011,
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0039] According to some embodiments, examples of other outputs 440
from identifier 410 include other filter status information (e.g.
high level of pollen in filter), and/or other faults such as
ducting problems and/or coolant recharge requirements.
[0040] FIG. 5 is graph plotting HVAC efficiency versus time,
according to some embodiments. Curve 510 is calculated by the
identifier 410 shown in FIG. 4 based on one or more of the inputs
as described. As can be seen in this example, there is a steady
trend in decreasing HVAC efficiency over time. There are two
regions during the time period shown in which there is a noticeable
increase in HVAC efficiency, namely at event 512 and at event 518.
The increase at event 512 is due to an event such as a significant
change in position of adjustable shutter dampers on air diffusers,
or the position of certain doors and/or windows. For example, a
door or window that used be left open which caused a decrease in
HVAC efficiency is kept closed at event 512, thus resulting in a
measurable increase in HVAC efficiency. According to some
embodiments the door and/or window status is known from information
gathered, such as from a home security system. However, according
to some embodiments, the magnitude of the increase in efficiency
indicates to the identifier that this is not an event that is
related to the status of the HVAC. However at event 518, there is a
significant increase in the HVAC efficiency. Additionally, the
trend slope in the region 520 just before the event 518 is very
similar to the trend slope of the region 522 just following the
event 518 indicates that event 518 has a high likelihood of being
related to HVAC filtering, and in particular is likely to represent
a replacement of an old clogged filter with a new clean filter.
Thus, in this way, slow changes over time can be tracked as an
indication of inefficiency caused by the filter condition. This is
in contrast to some prior techniques that detect only more serious
faults and clogs of the filter. As is discussed in further detail
below with respect to FIG. 10A, according to some embodiments, the
filter efficiency can be displayed textually and/or graphically to
the user.
[0041] According to some embodiments, the system queries the user
as to whether a door/window position is changed, or if a filter has
been replaced, so that the system can learn the characteristics of
different events. In this case the trained identifier can more
accurately identify system faults.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing steps in identifying system
faults, according to some embodiments. In step 610 the inputs as
described with respect to FIG. 4 are received by the system faults
identifier. In step 612 the HVAC efficiency is determined and
recorded over time. According to some embodiments the modeling and
system identification techniques described in the '463 application
are used in determining the HVAC efficiency. In step 614
significant changes in HVAC efficiency are identified, such as
events 512 and 518 in FIG. 5. In step 616, a filtering process is
undertaken to remove unwanted events. As mentioned above, the
filtering can be based in part on the magnitude of the change in
efficiency, such that smaller events are removed. According to some
embodiments, the filtering relies in part on the performance
metrics as described in FIG. 4, in order to distinguish different
types of events. In step 618, an identified condition is displayed
to the user. For example, if it is determined that the filter is
clogged, such as just in the region 520 of FIG. 5, a notification
that the filter is clogged is displayed to the user. According to
some embodiments, a new filter can automatically be ordered using
an on-line ordering system, when a sufficiently clogged filter is
determined. According to other embodiments, a service company can
be notified if a likely fault or other condition is identified that
will likely require a service call.
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates an HVAC filter having one or more built
in sensors, according to some embodiments. Filter unit 710 is sized
to fit as a standard replacement filter in an HVAC system. The
filter unit 710 includes a rigid frame 712 to fit securely in the
HVAC systems and one or more layers of v-shaped pleated filter
media 714 to maximize air-flow and enhance particular capture. Two
sensors 716 and 718 are provided to take a verity of readings
according to various embodiments. The types of sensors include, but
are not limited to: optical, infrared, temperature, pressure,
microphone or other acoustic transducer, resistive and capacitive.
According to some embodiments, more than one sensor of the same
type can be included. For example, a pressure sensor can be mounted
on both sides of the filter to detect pressure drop and allowing
for a determination of air-flow. The sensors 716 and 718 are
connected via one or more wires to a controller and communication
unit 720. Unit 720 includes a processor, a memory, and a wireless
communication system. According to some embodiments, a low power
digital radio technology such as Wi-Fi, or a low-rate wireless
personal area network protocol such as ZigBee is used. Power is
generated from a piezo power harvesting element 724 which is
mounted so as to be exposed to air-flow. The power is stored in a
rechargeable battery 722. According to some embodiments,
transmissions are only made when sufficient power is available.
According to some embodiments, the components shown in FIG. 7 are
supplied already installed in the filter unit 710, and the sensors
and other components are low-cost and disposable (or recyclable)
along with the filter unit. Although a pleated type filter is shown
in FIG. 7, according to other embodiments, other types of HVAC
filters can be equipped as shown in FIG. 7. For example, the filter
710 can be a ring panel/link panel design, a fiberglass filter,
and/or an electrostatic filter.
[0044] According to some embodiments, sensor data from the
sensor-equipped filter 710 is used to aid in detecting the status
of the filters--such as clogging. For example, an optical sensor
can be used to detect color or tone changes in the filtering media.
According to another example, one or more pressure sensors can be
used to determine air flow, thereby indicating filter condition.
According to some embodiments, the sensors within filter 710 can be
used for detecting other types of faults, such as ducting problems
and/or coolant level problems.
[0045] According to the some embodiments, the sensor data from the
sensor-equipped filter 710 is used for other purposes. For example,
sensors on the filter 710 are located in close proximity to the
furnace and/or air conditioner unit, so they can be used to
indicate how much heating or cooling is being generated when those
functions are active. This data can then be used, for example in a
system identification module, such as described in the '463
application. According to some embodiments, a microphone or other
acoustic transducer can be used to detect other types of HVAC
faults.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates a user interface in which the user enters
an HVAC filter size, according to some embodiments. Knowing the
HVAC system heating and/or cooling capacity can be very useful for
a number of applications. For example, for purposes of modeling of
thermodynamic characteristics of a building having an HVAC system
installed, the HVAC capacity is very useful. For further details of
system identification and thermodynamic modeling for enclosures,
see the '463 application. However, a typical user of a residential
and/or light-industrial HVAC system may not know the HVAC capacity.
If the user knows or can find out the HVAC filter size, the filter
size can be used to estimate the capacity of the HVAC systems since
there is in general a correlation between filter size and HVAC
capacity. The controller 810 is of a type as described with respect
to FIG. 3, having a outer rotating ring 848 and a large display
area 846. The user is being asked to enter the HVAC filter size.
The filter size is usually a combination of 3 dimensions. The size
is entered by the user in the three fields 820, 822 and 824 using
the rotating ring and/or a touch screen.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating step in estimating HVAC
capacity using filter size, according to some embodiments. In step
910, the user inputs the HVAC filter size using for example, an
interface as shown in FIG. 8. In step 912, optionally, building
data, such as number of rooms, square footage, number of floors,
etc. is downloaded, for example from online sources such as online
real estate databases or other databases or online services that
collect publically available information. In step 914, the HVAC
capacity if estimated based on the filter size and the building
information. In step 916, the estimated HVAC capacity is used for
modeling system behavior, such as is described in the '463
application.
[0048] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate a thermostat adapted to display
information relating to HVAC filter efficiency, according to some
embodiments. FIG. 10A shows a thermostat 1010 that is wall mounted
and has circular in shape and has an outer rotatable ring 1012 for
receiving user input. Thermostat 1010 has a large frontal display
area 1014. According to some embodiments, thermostat 1010 is
approximately 80 mm in diameter. The outer ring 1012 allows the
user to make adjustments, such as selecting a new target
temperature. For example by rotating the outer ring 1012 clockwise,
the target temperature can be increased, and by rotating the outer
ring 1014 counter-clockwise, the target temperature can be
decreased. A selection can be made by pushing the front portion of
the thermostat inward towards the wall. According to some
embodiments, the large central numbers 1020 can be used to display
the current temperature to users, as is shown in FIG. 10A. As
described herein, the thermostat can track filter efficiency over
time. The estimated filter efficiency is displayed in terms of a
percentage in textual display 1022, in which 100% represents a
brand new clean filter. According to some embodiments a graphical
display of the filter efficiency can also be displayed as shown by
bars 1024.
[0049] FIG. 10B shows a thermostat 1010 when the filter efficiency
has dropped to 9% and the textual display 1022 is flashing to draw
attention to the user of the condition. According to some
embodiments, the filter efficiency is only displayed to the user
when the user asks or when the filter efficiency drops below a
certain threshold percentage.
[0050] FIG. 10C shows a thermostat 1010 displaying in textual form
1032 an estimated cost associated with the inefficiency. According
to some embodiments the cost could be displayed in terms of
additional energy used and or additional time required to reach a
target temperature. According to some embodiments a graphical
display 1034 is also used to indicate to the user the cost
associated with the filter inefficiency. According to some
embodiments, a textual warning 1030 can be used to notify the use
the a filter change is recommended. According to some embodiments
the textual and/or graphical information shown in FIGS. 10A-10C can
be displayed to a user on a remote device, such as a personal
computer or a smart phone.
[0051] Although the foregoing has been described in some detail for
purposes of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the principles
thereof. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of
implementing both the processes and apparatuses described herein.
Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as
illustrative and not restrictive, and the inventive body of work is
not to be limited to the details given herein, which may be
modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended
claims.
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