U.S. patent application number 14/701031 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-21 for integrated thermal comfort control system utilizing circulating fans.
The applicant listed for this patent is David R. Banks, James M. Desmet, Christian R. Taber. Invention is credited to David R. Banks, James M. Desmet, Christian R. Taber.
Application Number | 20160018119 14/701031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50628060 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160018119 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Desmet; James M. ; et
al. |
January 21, 2016 |
INTEGRATED THERMAL COMFORT CONTROL SYSTEM UTILIZING CIRCULATING
FANS
Abstract
A system for providing thermal comfort for a person within a
space comprising a plurality of interconnected zones, such as a
single room in a residence, commercial establishment, or industrial
location. At least one fan is positioned in each zone, which may be
an overhead fan mounted to a ceiling common to two or more of the
zones, and a sensor is provided for sensing a condition in at least
one of the zones. A controller is adapted for controlling the fan
in the at least one zone independent of another fan based on the
sensed condition in the at least one zone including the controlled
fan. Related aspects of a thermal comfort control system and
methods are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Desmet; James M.;
(Louisville, KY) ; Taber; Christian R.;
(Lexington, KY) ; Banks; David R.; (Lexington,
KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Desmet; James M.
Taber; Christian R.
Banks; David R. |
Louisville
Lexington
Lexington |
KY
KY
KY |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50628060 |
Appl. No.: |
14/701031 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/US2013/067828 |
Oct 31, 2013 |
|
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|
14701031 |
|
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61720679 |
Oct 31, 2012 |
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61755627 |
Jan 23, 2013 |
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61807903 |
Apr 3, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
165/237 ;
165/244; 236/1C |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 30/70 20130101;
F24F 2110/20 20180101; F24F 11/30 20180101; F24F 2130/20 20180101;
F04D 25/088 20130101; F24F 11/77 20180101; F24F 7/007 20130101;
F24F 2120/10 20180101; F24F 2110/10 20180101; F04D 27/004 20130101;
F24F 2120/20 20180101; F24F 2110/00 20180101; F04D 29/601 20130101;
F24F 11/0001 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00; F04D 27/00 20060101 F04D027/00; F04D 25/08 20060101
F04D025/08 |
Claims
1. A system for providing thermal comfort in a space, comprising: a
fan located in the space for circulating air in the space; an HVAC
system for delivering conditioned air to the space; a controller
for adapted for controlling the fan and the HVAC system; a first
sensor for sensing an environmental condition within the space, the
sensed environmental condition being used by the controller for
controlling both the fan and the HVAC system; and a second sensor
for sensing whether the space is occupied, the sensed occupancy
condition being used by the controller for controlling the fan and
the HVAC system.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fan comprises an overhead fan
mounted to a ceiling associated with the space.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a mobile
controller.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a light
switch.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is selected from
the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or
a light sensor.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first sensor comprises a
light sensor for sensing a light level in the space, and further
including an artificial lighting, wherein when the light level
exceeds a predetermined or programmed level, the artificial
lighting may be dimmed until the light level reaches the
predetermined or programmed level.
7. The system of claim 1, further including at least one automated
blind adapted for being opened or closed depending upon a light
level in the space.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the HVAC system comprises at
least one automated damper for diverting air to the space when
occupied.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is adapted to
operate the fan when the space is unoccupied.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is adapted to
operate the fan at a first level when the space is occupied and a
second level when the space is unoccupied.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is adapted to
cause the fan to operate prior to activating the HVAC system.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the occupancy sensor is
connected to the fan.
13. The system of claim 1, further including a thermostat adapted
to receive information from and/or control the controller, the HVAC
system, the fan, or the first or second sensors.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is associated
with an Internet gateway, a security system, an audio component or
speaker, a camera, an air purifier, an air humidifier or
dehumidifier, a scent generator, or a water heater.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/720,679, 61/755,627, and
61/807,903, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference. This application is a continuation of International
Patent Application PCT/US2013/067828, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A variety of fan systems have been made and used over the
years in a variety of contexts. For instance, various ceiling fans
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,284,960, entitled "Fan Blades,"
issued Oct. 23, 2007; U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,821, entitled "Low Speed
Cooling Fan," issued Jun. 12, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,108,
entitled "Cooling Fan with Reinforced Blade," issued Sep. 6, 2005;
and U.S. Pat. No. D607,988, entitled "Ceiling Fan," issued Jan. 12,
2010. The disclosures of each of those U.S. patents are
incorporated by reference herein. Additional exemplary fans are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2008/0008596, entitled "Fan
Blades," published Jan. 10, 2008; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0208333,
entitled "Ceiling Fan System with Brushless Motor," published Aug.
20, 2009; and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0278637, entitled "Ceiling
Fan with Variable Blade Pitch and Variable Speed Control,"
published Nov. 4, 2010, the disclosures of which are also
incorporated by reference herein. It should be understood that
teachings herein may be incorporated into any of the fans described
in any of the above-referenced patents, publications, or patent
applications.
[0003] It should also be understood that a fan may include sensors
or other features that are used to control, at least in part,
operation of a fan system. For instance, such fan systems are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0097975, entitled "Ceiling Fan
with Concentric Stationary Tube and Power-Down Features," published
Apr. 16, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0162197, entitled "Automatic
Control System and Method to Minimize Oscillation in Ceiling Fans,"
published Jun. 25, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0291858, entitled
"Automatic Control System for Ceiling Fan Based on Temperature
Differentials," published Nov. 18, 2010, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein; and U.S. Provisional Patent App.
No. 61/165,582, entitled "Fan with Impact Avoidance System Using
Infrared," filed Apr. 1, 2009, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, any other suitable
control systems/features may be used in conjunction with
embodiments described herein.
[0004] Automatic control devices for heating, ventilation and air
conditioning systems ("HVAC") in homes and other structures may be
used to activate or deactivate an air heating or cooling system and
its associated air delivery blowers in response to commands from a
control module/logic executing an procedure based on data from one
or more air dry bulb (and/or wet bulb) temperature sensors located
within the structure. The addition of ceiling fans may improve the
efficiency of an HVAC system by circulating the air, thus
preventing the formation of pockets of heated or cooled air in
locations that do not benefit the occupants, or in which an
increased difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures across
an exterior wall and roof increases the rate of heat transfer
through the surface. Another added benefit of ceiling fans, is that
when the circulating air created by the fans comes into contact
with human skin, the rate of heat transfer away from the human body
increases, thus generating a cooling effect which allows for more
efficient use of the HVAC system during periods of cooling.
However, in general practice, the circulating fans operate
independently of the HVAC system, rather than automatically working
in close coordination with it. The fans may be operated
continuously, or alternately they may be turned on and off
manually; the result can be either that the fans continue to
operate and consume power when they are not needed, or that they
remain idle at times when their operation might improve the
efficiency of the HVAC system.
[0005] The examples described herein comprise an integrated thermal
comfort control system that utilizes both air circulating fans and
an HVAC system in a coordinated fashion, so as to obtain the
desired effect of acceptable levels of occupant thermal comfort and
adjustment in a manner that minimizes power consumption for any
given condition.
[0006] While a variety of climate control systems have been made
and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has
made or used a thermal comfort control system as described
herein.
SUMMARY
[0007] One aspect of the disclosure pertains to a system for
providing thermal comfort in a space comprising a plurality of
interconnected zones. The system comprises at least one fan
positioned in each zone of the space, and a sensor for sensing a
condition in at least one of the zones. A controller is adapted for
controlling the fan in the at least one zone independent of another
fan based on the sensed condition in the one zone including the
controlled fan.
[0008] In one embodiment, the fan comprises an overhead fan mounted
to a ceiling in a room including the space comprising the plurality
of interconnected zones. The sensor may comprise a sensor selected
from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, an occupancy
sensor, a light sensor, a humidity sensor, a physiological sensor,
or any combination thereof. The controller may comprise a master
controller for controlling each fan in the space, and the system
may also or alternatively include an individual controller for
controlling at least one of the fans. For example, the controller
may optionally comprise a handheld device controlled by a person in
the space.
[0009] The system may include an HVAC system for conditioning the
space, which HVAC system may be controlled by the controller. The
system may further include a plurality of sensors, each for sensing
a condition in at least one of the zones. Each sensor may be
connected to at least one fan in the zone. Each sensor may be
fixedly mounted within the zone other than to the fan.
[0010] At least one of the fans further includes a light, and the
controller may be adapted to control the light. The system may
further include an automated blind, and the controller may be
adapted for controlling the automated blind. The fan may include
any one or more of a wireless signal booster, a camera, a speaker,
a sound generator, an air purifier, a scent generator, or any
combination thereof.
[0011] The sensor may be adapted for detecting the presence of a
particular individual. A device may be carried by an individual and
adapted for being detected by the sensor. An individual user may be
allowed to control the fan in the at least one zone by transmitting
a code to the controller.
[0012] The controller may be adapted to determine a control
response based upon an average or a particular temperature set
range and a thermal and/or occupancy condition in each individual
zone. The controller may be adapted to activate or shutdown a fan
in any zone depending upon a sensed thermal and/or occupancy
condition. The controller may be adapted for controlling an HVAC
system for supplying air to the space, and further including one or
more automated dampers for automatically diverting air to occupied
zones and away from unoccupied zones.
[0013] A further aspect of the disclosure pertains to a system for
providing thermal comfort for a person within a room comprising a
plurality of interconnected zones. The system comprises at least
one fan positioned in each zone of the room, and a sensor for
sensing a condition in at least one of the zones. A controller is
adapted for controlling the fan in the at least one zone
independent of another fan based on the sensed condition in the at
least one zone including the controlled fan.
[0014] The system may include a heat load in the at least one zone.
A cooling source may also be provided in the at least one zone. The
room may include a ceiling, and each fan may comprise an overhead
fan mounted to the ceiling. In any embodiment, the controller may
be adapted for controlling a first fan in a first zone and a second
fan in a second zone based upon an occupancy condition of the
respective zone. Likewise, the controller may be adapted for
controlling a first fan in a first zone and a second fan in a
second zone based upon a temperature of the respective zone.
[0015] A further aspect of this disclosure pertains to a room
comprising a plurality of interconnected zones with at least one
fan positioned in each zone of the room. An improvement comprises a
sensor for sensing a condition in at least one of the zones, and a
controller adapted for controlling the fan in the at least one zone
independent of another fan based on the sensed condition in the at
least one zone including the controlled fan. The at least one zone
may include a heat load or a cooling source. The room may include
at least four walls separating the room from an outdoor
environment, and at least one of the zones includes a portal
through at least one of the walls. The room may include a ceiling,
and each fan may comprise an overhead fan mounted to the ceiling in
the room.
[0016] A related method relates to creating a microclimate in a
plurality of zones within a space, each zone including an
independently controlled fan. The method comprises sensing a first
condition in a first zone including a first fan, controlling the
first fan based on the first condition, sensing a second condition
in a second zone including a second fan, and controlling the second
fan based on the sensed condition. The sensing steps may be
performed based on sensors in different zones within in a single
room serving as the space. The method may include the step of
sensing the first condition comprises sensing a temperature in the
first zone. The step of sensing may comprise temperature,
occupancy, humidity, or any combination thereof.
[0017] Still a further aspect of the disclosure pertains to a
system for controlling the thermal comfort of a person. The system
may comprise a sensor for sensing a physiological condition of the
person, and a fan adapted for being controlled based on the sensed
physiological condition. The sensor may be selected from the group
consisting of a wristband, armband, belt, watch, glasses, clothing
accessory, an object adapted for being ingested by or embedded in
the person, and any combination thereof. The fan may comprise an
overhead fan, and the physiological condition may be selected from
the group consisting of metabolic equivalent of task (MET), heart
rate, pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, respiration, weight,
perspiration, blood oxygen level, galvanic skin response, and
combinations thereof.
[0018] The sensor may be adapted for transmitting data about the
physiological condition directly to a controller or via an
intermediate device, and the controller may be adapted to determine
a comfort control setting based a condition selected from the group
consisting of external temperature, room occupancy, and/or time of
day. The controller may include control settings selected from the
group consisting of occupied heating, unoccupied heating, occupied
cooling, and unoccupied cooling. The control setting may comprise a
programmable temperature set range and/or an option to operate the
fan as a part of a sequence of operations of an HVAC system in
response to the temperature being outside the set range.
[0019] Still another aspect of the disclosure relates to a system
for controlling the thermal comfort of a person. The system
comprises a sensor for sensing a light level, a fan having a fan
speed, and a controller for regulating the fan speed based on the
sensed light level. The sensor may be connected to the fan, or a
light switch.
[0020] Yet another aspect of the disclosure pertains to a system
for controlling the thermal comfort of a person. The system
comprises a sensor for sensing a light level, and a fan for
circulating air. A controller is provided for starting the fan
based on the sensed light level. In other words, the fan is
actuated from a stationary condition when the light level is at or
above a pre-determined amount.
[0021] A further aspect of this disclosure relates to a system for
controlling the climate in a space. The system comprises a fan for
circulating air within the space, a ventilator for supplying air to
the space, and a controller adapted for controlling the fan for
circulating air within the space and the ventilator for supplying
air to the space. The space may comprise a plurality of zones, and
the system may further includes one or more automated dampers
controlled by the controller for automatically diverting air from
the ventilator to one zone and away from another zone. Each zone
may include a fan and an occupancy sensor, and the dampers are
controlled to automatically divert air from the ventilator to an
occupied zone and away from an unoccupied zone.
[0022] This disclosure also pertains to a system for controlling
the climate in a space. The system comprises a fan for circulating
air within the space, and a controller adapted for actuating the
fan when (but not only when) the space is determined to be
unoccupied (in anticipation of later being occupied). The occupancy
sensor may be provided for sensing the presence of a person in the
space. The controller may control the actuation of the fan based on
a predicted time of occupancy.
[0023] Also forming a part of this disclosure is a system for
controlling the climate in a space, comprising a fan located in the
space for circulating air within the space, and a controller
adapted for operating the fan based on a predicted occupancy of the
space. The controller may be adapted for actuating the fan at a
time prior to the predicted occupancy. The controller may be
adapted to operate the fan at a minimal level from the time prior
to the predicted occupancy until at least occupancy being detected
by an occupancy sensor. The controller may also be adapted to
activate a device for cleaning air within the space prior to the
predicted occupancy.
[0024] Another aspect of this disclosure is a system for
controlling the climate in multiple zones. The system comprises a
first fan for circulating air in a first zone, a first occupancy
sensor for sensing an occupancy condition of the first zone, a
second fan for circulating air in a second zone, and a second
occupancy sensor for sensing occupancy in the second zone. A single
controller is provided for controlling the first fan and the second
fan based on the sensed occupancy of the first and second zones.
The controller may be adapted to control the first fan to operate
when the first zone is occupied, and to control the second fan not
to operate when the second zone is unoccupied. The controller may
also be adapted to control the first and second fans to operate
based on a time of day.
[0025] This disclosure also pertains to a system for controlling
the climate in a space. The system comprises a fan for circulating
air within the space, a ventilator for supplying air to the space,
and a controller for controlling the ventilator. The controller may
be adapted for actuating the fan prior to controlling the
ventilator supplying air to the space. The ventilator may comprise
an HVAC system connected to a sensor, the fan comprises an overhead
fan positioned in the space, and the controller is adapted for
communicating with the sensor to operate the fan in advance of the
actuation of the HVAC system.
[0026] Also part of this disclosure is a system for controlling the
climate in a space, comprising a fan for circulating air within the
space, and a conditioner for conditioning air in the space. A
controller is provided for controlling the conditioner, the
controller further adapted for actuating the fan prior to the
conditioner conditioning the air. The conditioner may, for example,
comprise a heater.
[0027] A further aspect of this disclosure is a system for
controlling the climate in a space. The system comprises a fan
located in the space for circulating air within the space, and a
controller adapted for monitoring the energy consumption of the
fan. The controller may be adapted for regulating the operation of
fan based on an energy price at a given time. The controller may
also be adapted for providing a warning if an amount of energy
consumption is exceeded.
[0028] The disclosure also relates to a system for providing
security information to a device of a user relating to a space in
which the climate is controlled. The system comprises a fan for
circulating air within the space, and a security device associated
with the fan and adapted for generating an indication of an event
on the user's device relating to the security of the space. The
security device may comprise an occupancy sensor, or possibly a
camera (in which case the indication may comprise one or more video
images of the space obtained from the camera for display on the
user's device).
[0029] Methods form other aspects of the disclosure, such as for
example a method for controlling the thermal comfort of a person.
The method comprises sensing a light level and regulating the speed
of a fan based on the sensed light level. The regulating step may
comprise increasing the speed from a first speed to a second speed
when the light level increases from a first level to a second
level. The regulating step may comprise decreasing the speed from a
first speed to a second speed when the light level decreases from a
first level to a second level.
[0030] A method for controlling the thermal comfort of a person is
provided. The method comprises sensing a light level. The method
further comprises actuating a fan based on the sensed light
level.
[0031] A related method to the disclosure comprises controlling the
climate in a space by circulating air within the space using a fan,
conditioning the air in the space, and controlling both the
circulation and conditioning of the air using a single controller.
The controlling step may comprise controlling one of the fan or a
ventilator for supplying conditioned air to the space based on a
sensed condition in the space. The controlling step may comprise
controlling one of the fan or a heater for heating air in the space
based on a sensed condition in the space. The controlling step may
comprise controlling the fan to operate prior to the ventilator
based on a sensed condition in the space. The method may further
include the step of using the controller to open one or more
dampers to control the supply of air to the space. In the case
where an occupancy sensor is provided, the method comprises
diverting air from an occupied zone to an unoccupied zone of the
space.
[0032] A related aspect of the disclosure pertains to a method for
controlling the climate in a space. The method comprises
determining whether a space is occupied and, following a
determination that the space is unoccupied, actuating a fan for
circulating air in the space. The method may further include the
step of actuating the fan based on a predicted time of
occupancy.
[0033] A related method for controlling the climate in a space
comprises actuating a fan for circulating air in the space based on
a predicted time of occupancy of the space by a person. The method
may further include the step of actuating the fan at a
predetermined time prior to the predicted occupancy. The method may
further include the step of operating the fan at a first speed from
the time prior to the predicted occupancy until at least occupancy
being detected, and then operating the fan at a second, higher
speed. Any disclosed method may include the step of cleaning a
portion of the air, including, for example, prior to the predicted
occupancy.
[0034] A further disclosed method for controlling the climate in a
space comprises providing a fan for circulating air within the
space, and providing a ventilator for supplying air to the space.
The method comprises providing a controller adapted for actuating
the fan prior to actuating the ventilator for supplying air to the
space.
[0035] Still a further aspect of the disclosure relates to a method
for controlling the climate in a space. The method comprises
providing a fan located in the space for circulating air within the
space, monitoring the energy consumption of the fan, and regulating
the fan based on the monitored energy consumption. The regulating
step may comprise regulating the operation of fan based on an
energy price at a given time. The method may further include the
step of a warning when a pre-determined amount of energy
consumption is exceeded.
[0036] A method for providing security information to a device of a
user relating to a space in which the climate is controlled is also
disclosed. The method comprises providing a fan for circulating air
within the space, providing a security device associated with the
fan, and generating an indication on the user's device relating to
the security device. The security device may comprise one of an
occupancy sensor or a camera, and the method may further include
the step of transmitting a signal from the security device to the
user's device to provide the indication.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] While the specification concludes with claims which
particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is
believed the present invention will be better understood from the
following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals
identify the same elements and in which:
[0038] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary fan having
a motor assembly, a hub assembly, a support, a plurality of fan
blades, and a mounting system coupled with joists;
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of an exemplary
fan;
[0040] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary thermal
comfort control system utilizing circulating fans;
[0041] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of
a thermal comfort control system utilizing circulating fans;
[0042] FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary thermal
comfort control process, that utilizes the climate control system
of FIG. 3;
[0043] FIG. 6 depicts a detailed flow diagram of the exemplary
thermal comfort control process of FIG. 4 in which the master
control system has automatically chosen the "Occupied Heating"
mode;
[0044] FIG. 7 depicts a detailed flow diagram of the exemplary
thermal comfort control process of FIG. 4 in which the master
control system has automatically chosen the "Unoccupied Heating"
mode;
[0045] FIG. 8 depicts a detailed flow diagram of the exemplary
thermal comfort control process of FIG. 4 in which the master
control system has automatically chosen the "Occupied Cooling"
mode;
[0046] FIG. 9 depicts a detailed flow diagram of the exemplary
thermal comfort control process of FIG. 4 in which the master
control utilizes the "Occupied Cooling" mode according to a second
embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 10 depicts a detailed flow diagram of the exemplary
thermal comfort control process of FIG. 4 in which the master
control system has automatically chosen the "Unoccupied Cooling"
mode;
[0048] FIG. 11 depicts a thermal comfort control system including
independently controlled fans positioned in multiple zones in a
common space, such as a room.
[0049] FIG. 12 depicts a detailed perspective view of the exemplary
fan of FIG. 1 having an occupancy sensor mounted to it.
[0050] FIG. 13 depicts a detailed perspective view of the exemplary
fan of FIG. 1 having a camera mounted to it;
[0051] FIG. 14 depicts a detailed perspective view of the exemplary
fan of FIG. 1 having a WI-FI device mounted to it; and
[0052] FIG. 15 depicts a detailed perspective view of the exemplary
fan of FIG. 1 having an audio feature mounted to it.
[0053] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and
it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be
carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not
necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings
incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate
several aspects of the present invention, and together with the
description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it
being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] The following description of certain examples of the
invention should not be used to limit the scope of the claimed
invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and
advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following description, which includes by way of
illustration, one or more of the best modes contemplated for
carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is
capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without
departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and
descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not
restrictive.
[0055] I. Exemplary Fan Overview
[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, a fan (110) of the present example
comprises a motor assembly (112), a support (114), a hub assembly
(116), and a plurality of fan blades (118). In the present example,
fan (110) (including hub assembly (116) and fan blades (118)) has a
diameter of greater than about 3 feet and, more specifically,
approximately 8 feet. In other variations, fan (110) has a diameter
between approximately 6 feet, inclusive, and approximately 24 feet,
inclusive. Alternatively, fan (110) may have any other suitable
dimensions, such as a 3-7 foot overhead fan having an ornamental
design for use in commercial or residential spaces (see FIG. 2),
and having a support (114) mounted to the ceiling (C). The
particular type of fan (110) used is not considered important to
controlling thermal comfort, but the concepts disclosed may have
particular applicability to the types of fans for circulating air
within a space or room, such as overhead ceiling fans depending
from a ceiling with exposed, rotating blades, as shown in the
drawings. Any embodiment disclosed herein may be considered to
operate in connection with such overhead ceiling fan(s), at a
minimum.
[0057] Support (114) is configured to be coupled to a surface or
other structure at a first end such that fan (110) is substantially
attached to the surface or other structure. As shown in FIG. 1, one
such example of a structure may be a ceiling joist (400). Support
(114) of the present example comprises an elongate metal tube-like
structure that couples fan (110) to a ceiling, though it should be
understood that support (114) may be constructed and/or configured
in a variety of other suitable ways as will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. By way
of example only, support (114) need not be coupled to a ceiling or
other overhead structure, and instead may be coupled to a wall or
to the ground. For instance, support (114) may be positioned on the
top of a post that extends upwardly from the ground. Alternatively,
support (114) may be mounted in any other suitable fashion at any
other suitable location. This includes, but is not limited to, the
teachings of the patents, patent publications, or patent
applications cited herein. By way of example only, support (114)
may be configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat.
Pub. No. 2009/0072108, entitled "Ceiling Fan with Angled Mounting,"
published Mar. 19, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein. As yet another alternative, support (114) may
have any other suitable configuration. Furthermore, support (116)
may be supplemented in numerous ways. One merely illustrative
example is described in detail below, while other examples and
variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
in view of the teachings herein.
[0058] Motor assembly (112) of the present example comprises an AC
induction motor having a drive shaft, though it should be
understood that motor assembly (112) may alternatively comprise any
other suitable type of motor (e.g., a permanent magnet brushless DC
motor, a brushed motor, an inside-out motor, etc.). In the present
example, motor assembly (112) is fixedly coupled to support (114)
and rotatably coupled to hub assembly (100). Furthermore, motor
assembly (112) is operable to rotate hub assembly (116) and the
plurality of fan blades (118). By way of example only, motor
assembly (112) may be constructed in accordance with at least some
of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0208333, entitled
"Ceiling Fan System with Brushless Motor," published Aug. 20, 2009,
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
Furthermore, fan (110) may include control electronics that are
configured in accordance with at least some of the teachings of
U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0278637, entitled "Ceiling Fan with
Variable Blade Pitch and Variable Speed Control," published Nov. 4,
2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
Alternatively, motor assembly (112) may have any other suitable
components, configurations, functionalities, and operability, as
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of
the teachings herein.
[0059] Hub assembly (116) may be constructed in accordance with at
least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0278637,
entitled "Ceiling Fan with Variable Blade Pitch and Variable Speed
Control," published Nov. 4, 2010, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, hub assembly (116)
may be constructed in accordance with any of the teachings or other
patent references cited herein. Still other suitable ways in which
hub assembly (116) may be constructed will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It
should also be understood that an interface component (not shown)
may be provided at the interface of each fan blade (118) and hub
assembly (116). By way of example only, such an interface component
may be configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat.
Pub. No. 2009/0081045, entitled "Aerodynamic Interface Component
for Fan Blade," published Mar. 26, 2009, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein. Of course, such an interface
component may be omitted if desired.
[0060] Fan blades (118) may further be constructed in accordance
with some or all of the teachings of any of the patents, patent
publications, or patent applications cited herein. For example, fan
blades (118) may be configured in accordance with the teachings of
U.S. Pat. No. 7,284,960, entitled "Fan Blades," issued Oct. 23,
2007; U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,821, entitled "Low Speed Cooling Fan,"
issued Jun. 12, 2001; and/or U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,108, entitled
"Cooling Fan with Reinforced Blade," issued Sep. 6, 2005. The
disclosures of each of those U.S. patents are incorporated by
reference herein. As another merely illustrative example, fan
blades (118) may be configured in accordance with the teachings of
U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2008/0008596, entitled "Fan Blades," published
Jan. 10, 2008, the disclosure of which is also incorporated by
reference herein. As yet another merely illustrative example, fan
blades (118) may be configured in accordance with the teachings of
U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0104461, entitled "Multi-Part Modular
Airfoil Section and Method of Attachment Between Parts," published
Apr. 29, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein. Alternatively, any other suitable configurations for fan
blades (118) may be used in conjunction with the examples described
herein. In the present example, fan blades (118) are formed of
aluminum through an extrusion process such that each fan blade has
a substantially uniform cross section along its length. It should
be understood that fan blades (118) may alternatively be formed
using any suitable material, or combination of materials, by using
any suitable technique, or combination of techniques, and may have
any suitable cross-sectional properties or other properties as will
be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0061] Fan blades (118) of the present example may further include
a variety of modifications. By way of example only, fan blade (118)
of the present example further comprises a winglet (120) coupled to
the second end (122) of fan blade (118). Winglets (120) may be
constructed in accordance with some or all of the teachings of any
of the patents, patent publications, or patent applications cited
herein. For instance, winglets (120) may be configured in
accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No.
7,252,478, entitled "Fan Blade Modifications," issued Aug. 7, 2007,
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. As
another merely illustrative example, winglets (120) may be
configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. Pub. No.
2008/0014090, entitled "Cuffed Fan Blade Modifications," published
Jan. 17, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein. As yet another merely illustrative example, winglets (120)
may be configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No.
D587,799, entitled "Winglet for a Fan Blade," issued Mar. 3, 2009,
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Of
course, any other suitable configuration for winglets (120) may be
used as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in
light of the teachings herein.
[0062] It should also be understood that winglet (120) is merely
optional. For instance, other alternative modifications for fan
blades (118) may include end caps, angled airfoil extensions,
integrally formed closed ends, or substantially open ends. By way
of example only, an angled extension may be added to the free end
of each fan blade (118) in accordance with the teachings of U.S.
Pat. Pub. No. 2008/0213097, entitled "Angled Airfoil Extension for
Fan Blade," published Sep. 4, 2008, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein. Other suitable structures that
may be associated with second end (122) of each fan blade (118)
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of
the teachings herein.
[0063] II. Exemplary Thermal Comfort Control System
[0064] It may be desirable to utilize exemplary fan (110) disclosed
above to improve the efficiency of a typical climate control
system, thereby creating a thermal comfort control system (100).
Exemplary fan (110) described above would improve the efficiency of
a typical climate control system by circulating the air, thus
preventing the formation of pockets of heated or cooled air in
locations that do not benefit the occupants, or in which an
increased difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures across
an exterior wall and roof increases the rate of heat transfer
through the surface. Another added benefit of exemplary fan (110),
is that when the circulating air created by fan (110) comes into
contact with human skin, the rate of heat transfer away from the
human body increases, thus generating a cooling effect which allows
for more efficient use of the HVAC system during periods of
cooling. By way of example only, an otherwise standard climate
control system may further include at least one exemplary fan
(110), at least one low-elevation sensor (130), at least one
high-elevation sensor (140), at least one occupancy sensor (150),
at least one master control system (160), at least one HVAC system
(170), and optionally at least one external sensor (180) as shown
in FIG. 3.
[0065] While exemplary thermal comfort control system (100) is
shown as including fan (110) as described above, it should be
understood that any other type of fan may be included in exemplary
thermal comfort control system (100), including combinations of
different types of fans. Such other fans may include pedestal
mounted fans, wall mounted fans, or building ventilation fans,
among others. It should also be understood that the locations of
sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) as shown in FIG. 3 are merely
exemplary. Sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) may be positioned at any
other suitable locations, in addition to or in lieu of the
locations shown in FIG. 3. By way of example only high-elevation
sensor (140) may be mounted to a joist, to the fan, to the upper
region of a wall, and/or in any other suitable location(s). Various
suitable locations where sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) may be
located will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the teachings herein. Furthermore, it should be understood
that sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) themselves are mere examples.
Sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) may be modified or omitted as
desired.
[0066] Furthermore, various other kinds of sensors may be used as
desired, in addition to or in lieu of one or more of sensors (130,
140, 150, 180). For example, a physiological sensor (190)
associated with a user may be used to sense a physiological
condition of the user, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The sensed
physiological condition may relate to the user's metabolic
equivalent of task (MET), heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, body
temperature, respiration, weight, perspiration, blood oxygen level,
galvanic skin response, or any other physiological condition. By
way of example, the physiological sensor (190) may comprise a
wearable sensor such as a wristband, armband, belt, watch, glasses,
clothing accessory, or any other sensor capable of being worn by
the user or attached to the user's body. Additionally, the
physiological sensor (190) may comprise an internal sensor, such as
a sensor that has been embedded in the user or ingested by the
user.
[0067] In any embodiment, the physiological sensor (190) may be
capable of transmitting data about the user's physiological
condition either directly to the master control system (160), or
indirectly to the master controller system (160) via an
intermediate device. Communication between the physiological sensor
(190) and the master controller (160) may be wireless, such as
through the use of RF transmissions, Bluetooth, WIFI, or infrared
technology. In the case of communication via an intermediate
device, said device may comprise a computer or a portable computing
device such as a tablet computer, smartphone, or any other device
capable of receiving data from the physiological sensor (190) and
transmitting said data to the master controller (160).
[0068] Furthermore, system (100) may receive information from one
or more other sources, including but not limited to online sources.
For instance, system (100) may receive one or more temperature
values, other values, procedures, firmware updates, software
updates, and/or other kinds of information via the internet,
through wire or wirelessly. Various suitable ways in which system
(100) may communicate with the internet and/or other networks, as
well as various types of information that may be communicated, will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
teachings herein.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 4, in such an exemplary thermal comfort
control system (100), master control system (160) may determine an
appropriate comfort control setting (450) based a number of
conditions which may include external temperature, room occupancy,
and/or time of day, among other factors which may exist. As merely
an example of such a comfort control setting determination (450),
master control system (160) may choose between "Heating" or
"Cooling" based upon the internal and/or external sensed
temperature, the master control system may then choose between
"Occupied" or "Unoccupied" based upon the sensed occupancy. These
conditions, as well as others, may be communicated to master
control system (160) by the sensors mentioned above (130, 140, 150,
180, 190) and in a manner described below. Although the appropriate
comfort control setting is determined by master control system
(160) in exemplary thermal comfort control system (100) described
above, other configurations of a thermal comfort control system
(100) may allow for an occupant to choose between multiple comfort
control settings. The comfort control settings may include, among
other settings: "Occupied Heating" mode (458), "Unoccupied Heating"
mode (456), "Occupied Cooling" mode (454), and "Unoccupied Cooling"
mode (452). Each setting may have a programmable temperature set
range associated with it, as well as the option to operate fan
(110) as a part of a sequence of operations of HVAC system (170),
both in response to the temperature being outside the relevant set
range, and also, where appropriate, in response to other conditions
such as a difference between the high-elevation temperature and the
low-elevation temperature in a particular room as described
below.
[0070] High-elevation sensor(s) (140) and low-elevation sensor(s)
(130) will sense the temperature at various locations throughout a
room. The sensors may sense the air-dry bulb temperature, or wet
bulb temperature, but do not necessarily have to sense either.
High-elevation sensor(s) (140) and low-elevation sensor(s) (130)
may also sense relative humidity, air speed, light levels, or other
conditions which may exist. Of course, separate dedicated sensors
may also be used to sense such other conditions which may
exist.
[0071] In some versions, detected light levels may factor into
control procedures by indicating whether it is sunny outside. For
instance, a light sensor (such as, for example, a photocell) may
capture ambient light within a room during daylight hours.
Accounting for any light from a man-made light source, system (100)
may react to light levels indicating significant sunlight reaching
a room through one or more windows, such as by increasing cooling
effects (such as by regulating the fan speed (e.g., increasing the
speed based on more light being detected) and/or activating the
HVAC system) during summer time or by reducing heating effects
during winter time under the assumption that the sunlight itself
will provide at least a perceived heating effect on occupants of
the room.
[0072] As another merely illustrative example, a light sensor may
indicate whether a room is occupied at night (e.g., a lit room at a
time associated with night indicates current occupancy or expected
occupancy of the room). As yet another merely illustrative example,
detected light levels may trigger automated raising or lowering of
blinds at windows of a room. Other suitable ways in which light
levels may be factored into a control procedure for system (100)
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of
the teachings herein. Of course, some versions of system (100) may
simply lack light sensing capabilities.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 3, high-elevation sensor(s) (140) may be
located on fan (110), ceiling (200), or elsewhere in a room.
Low-elevation sensor(s) (130) may be located at or near the level
in which the room will be occupied. Optionally, the exemplary
thermal comfort control system may include external sensors (180)
that will sense the temperature, relative humidity, barometric
pressure, or other conditions that may exist external to the
building envelope. Finally, occupancy sensor(s) (150) will sense
the presence of occupants within a room. Occupancy sensor(s) (150)
may be placed throughout a room, but may be especially effective in
places of entry, as shown in FIG. 3. Sensors (130, 140, 150, 180)
may be placed in a single room or zone, or may be placed in
multiple rooms or zones. Measurements from high-elevation sensor(s)
(140), low-elevation sensor(s) (130), external sensor(s) (180), and
occupancy sensor(s) (150) may be communicated to the master control
system (160). As a merely illustrative example, temperature sensors
(130, 140) described above may be configured in accordance with the
teachings of U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0291858, entitled "Automatic
Control System For Ceiling Fan Based On Temperature Differentials,"
published Nov. 18, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein. Of course, the locations of sensors (130, 140,
150, 180) described above and shown in FIG. 3, are merely
exemplary, and any other suitable location may be utilized.
[0074] Master control system (160) may include a processor capable
of interpreting and processing the information received from
sensors (130, 140, 150, 180, 190) to determine when the temperature
is outside the relevant set range and also to identify temperature
differentials that may exist throughout a room. The processor may
also include control logic for executing certain control procedures
in order to effectuate an appropriate control response based upon
the information (temperature, air speed, relative humidity, etc.)
communicated from sensors (130, 140, 150, 180, 190) and the setting
automatically chosen by master control system (160) or manually
chosen by the occupant. An appropriate control response may be
carried out through commands communicated from master control
system (160) to fan(s) (110) and/or HVAC system (170) based on the
control procedures. By way of example only, fan(s) (110) may be
driven through a control procedure that varies fan speed as a
function of sensed temperature and humidity. Some such versions may
provide a control procedure like the one taught in U.S. Pat. Pub.
No. 2010/0291858, the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein. In some settings, varying fan speed as a function
of sensed temperature and humidity may assist in avoiding
condensation on objects within the same room as fan(s) (110);
and/or may provide other effects.
[0075] As a merely illustrative example, the basis of the control
logic may be derived from the thermal comfort equations in ASHRAE
Standard 55-2010 and/or other relevant comfort related theory or
research. The air speed and perceived temperature, as described
below, may be derived from the SET method of ASHRAE Standard
55-2010 and/or other relevant comfort related theory or research.
The control logic may incorporate such factors as temperature,
relative humidity, air speed, light levels, physiological condition
of a user, and/or other conditions which may exist; to determine
how to most efficiently achieve acceptable levels of occupant
thermal comfort. Master control system (160) may learn the thermal
preferences of the occupants during an initial "learning period."
Master control system (160) may then apply the control logic to the
thermal preferences of the occupant to reduce the energy
consumption of HVAC system (170) and fan(s) (110). In the case of
the master control system (160) utilizing a measured physiological
condition of the user, such as MET, the derivation of relevant
parameters according to the SET method and/or other relevant
comfort related theory or research may utilize real-time
physiological measurements of the user(s) in the space, rather than
default settings chosen during an initial set-up period.
Accordingly, these derivations may be performed more quickly and
more accurately through a more accurate assessment of the
environment and system.
[0076] Communication between master control system (160), HVAC
system (170), fan(s) (110), and various sensors (130, 140, 150,
180, 190) may be accomplished by means of wired or wireless
connections, RF transmission, infrared, Ethernet, or any other
suitable and appropriate mechanism. Master control system (160) may
also be in communication with additional devices (which may include
computers, portable telephones or other similar devices) via the
Local Area Network, internet, cellular telephone networks or other
suitable means, permitting manual override control or other
adjustments to be performed remotely. Thermal comfort control
system (100) may be controlled by wall-mounted control panels
and/or handheld remotes. In some versions, thermal comfort control
system (100) may be controlled by a smart light switch, an
application on a smart phone, other mobile computing device, or a
ZigBee.RTM. controller by ZigBee Alliance of San Ramon, Calif. Such
an application may include on/off, dimming, brightening, and
Vacation Mode among other options.
[0077] A smart light switch could include sensors (130, 140, 150,
180). Such a smart light switch could be retrofitted within a space
to provide information from sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) to master
control system (160). A smart light switch may also comprise master
control system (160) in addition to or in lieu of sensors (130,
140, 150, 180). Such a smart light switch could be retrofitted
within a space to operate as master control system (160) of
exemplary thermal comfort control system (100) by controlling any
existing HVAC system (170), fan(s) (110), and/or any other climate
and environmental control products.
[0078] As a merely illustrative example, suppose that master
control system (160) had automatically chosen and/or the occupant
had manually chosen "Occupied Heating" mode (458), and set the
temperature at 70.degree. F. As shown in FIG. 4, if the
high-elevation temperature is warmer than the low-elevation
temperature, the fan speed may be increased to "Winter Maximum
Speed" (512) to circulate the warmer air throughout the room.
"Winter Maximum Speed" is 30% of the maximum fan speed (512) in the
present example, though it should be understood that any other
suitable speed may be used. If however, the high-elevation
temperature is cooler than the low-elevation temperature, the fan
speed may remain constant at "Winter Minimum Speed" (514) to
prevent air pockets from forming throughout the room. The "Winter
Minimum Speed" is 15% of the maximum fan speed (514) in the present
example, though it should be understood that any other suitable
speed may be used. If at any time, low-elevation temperature
sensor(s) (130) communicates to master control system (160) that
the temperature has fallen to 69.5.degree. F. (520), master control
system (160) may first compare the high-elevation temperature and
low-elevation temperature (510); and if the high-elevation
temperature is warmer than the low-elevation temperature, the fan
speed may be increased to "Winter Maximum Speed" (512) to circulate
the warmer air throughout the room prior to activating HVAC system
(170). After allowing suitable time for the warm air to circulate
the room, the temperature may again be measured, or continuous
measurements may be taken as part of a continuous feedback loop,
and an appropriate control response may then be taken by mater
control system (160). If at any time, low-elevation temperature
sensor(s) (130) communicates to master control system (160) that
the temperature has fallen to 69.degree. F. (530), master control
system (160) will activate HVAC system (170) (532). Of course, any
other suitable temperature values may be used in "Occupied Heating"
mode (458).
[0079] As another merely illustrative example, suppose that master
control system (160) had automatically chosen and/or the occupant
had manually chosen "Unoccupied Heating" mode (456), and set the
temperature at 55.degree. F. As shown in FIG. 6, if the
high-elevation temperature is warmer than the low-elevation
temperature, the fan speed may be increased to "Winter Maximum
Speed" (612) to circulate the warmer air throughout the room.
"Winter Maximum Speed" is 30% of the maximum fan speed (612) in the
present example, though it should be understood that any other
suitable speed may be used. If however, the high-elevation
temperature is cooler than the low-elevation temperature, the fan
speed may remain constant at "Winter Minimum Speed" (614) to
prevent air pockets from forming throughout the room. The "Winter
Minimum Speed" is 15% of the maximum fan speed (614) in the present
example, though it should be understood that any other suitable
speed may be used. If at any time, low-elevation temperature
sensor(s) (130) communicates to master control system (160) that
the temperature has fallen to 54.5.degree. F. (620), master control
system (160) may first compare the high-elevation temperature and
the low-elevation temperature (610); and if the high-elevation
temperature is warmer than the low-elevation temperature, the fan
speed may be increased to "Winter Maximum Speed" (612) to circulate
the warmer air throughout the room prior to activating HVAC system
(170).
[0080] After allowing suitable time for the warm air to circulate
the room, the temperature may again be measured, or continuous
measurements may be taken as part of a continuous feedback loop,
and an appropriate control response may then be taken by mater
control system (160). If at any time, low-elevation temperature
sensor(s) (130) communicates to master control system (160) that
the temperature has fallen to 54.degree. F. (630), master control
system (160) will activate HVAC system (170) (632). Of course, any
other suitable temperature values may be used in "Unoccupied
Heating" mode (456).
[0081] As yet another merely illustrative example, suppose that
master control system (160) had automatically chosen and/or the
occupant had manually chosen "Occupied Cooling" mode (454), and set
the temperature at 80.degree. F. and master control system (160)
determined the optimum relative humidity to be 55%. As shown in
FIG. 7, if low-elevation sensor(s) (130) communicates to master
control system (160) that the low-elevation temperature has raised
to a point within 5.degree. F. of set temperature (710), master
control system may activate fan(s) (110). Master control system
(160) may increase the speed of fan(s) (110) as the low-elevation
temperature approaches set temperature (712, 714, 716, 718, 720,
722) until the fan speed reaches 100% of the maximum fan speed
(722), as shown in FIG. 6. The air movement created by fan(s) (110)
creates a lower perceived temperature by increasing the rate of
heat transfer from the body.
[0082] Master control system (160) may adjust the set temperature
to a higher actual set temperature that accounts for the perceived
cooling effect (724), while maintaining a perceived temperature at
the original set temperature, 80.degree. F. The control logic
utilized by master control system (160) to determine the perceived
temperature may be derived from the SET method of the ASHRAE
Standard 55-2010 and/or other relevant comfort related theory or
research. The perceived temperature may be based upon the
temperature, relative air humidity, and/or air speed, among other
conditions which may exist. If the perceived temperature rises
above original set temperature (730), then master control system
(160) may activate HVAC system (170) (732). If the relative
humidity level rises above the optimum relative humidity (740),
then master control system (160) may also activate HVAC system
(170) (742) (i.e. regardless of what the actual or perceived
temperature may be). Of course, any other suitable temperature
and/or relative humidity level values and/or fan speeds may be used
in "Occupied Cooling" mode (454).
[0083] In a similar illustrative example as shown in FIG. 8, the
master control system (16) may have automatically chosen and/or the
occupant may have manually chosen "Occupied Cooling" mode (454),
and set the temperature at 80.degree. F. and master control system
(160) may have determined the optimum relative humidity to be 55%.
In this embodiment, a physiological sensor (190) may communicate to
the master control system (160) a value of a physiological
condition of a user, such as MET. The physiological sensor (190)
may alternately measure one or more of heart rate, pulse, blood
pressure, body temperature, respiration, weight, perspiration,
blood oxygen level, galvanic skin response, or an accelerometer, or
any combination of the foregoing. The sensor may be wearable, and
may be positioned on a wristband, armband, belt, watch, glasses,
clothing, clothing accessory (e.g., a hat, earring, necklace), or
any combination thereof. Alternatively, the sensor may be embedded
or ingested.
[0084] When the physiological sensor (190) communicates to the
master control system (160) that the user's condition has exceeded
a minimum threshold, such as MET.gtoreq.1.2 (750), the master
controller system may activate fan(s) (110). Master control system
(160) may increase the speed of fan(s) (110) as the user's measured
MET increases (752, 754, 756, 758, 760, 762) until the fan speed
reaches 100) of the maximum fan speed (762), as shown in FIG. 9.
The air movement created by fan(s) (110) creates a lower perceived
temperature by increasing the rate of heat transfer from the
body.
[0085] Master control system (160) may adjust the set temperature
to a higher actual set temperature that accounts for the perceived
cooling effect (724), while maintaining a perceived temperature at
the original set temperature, 80.degree. F. The control logic
utilized by master control system (160) to determine the perceived
temperature may be derived from the SET method of the ASHRAE
Standard 55-2010 and/or other relevant comfort related theory or
research. The perceived temperature may be based upon the
temperature, relative air humidity, and/or air speed, as well as
the user's physiological condition, among other conditions which
may exist. If the perceived temperature rises above original set
temperature (730), then master control system (160) may activate
HVAC system (170) (732). If the relative humidity level rises above
the optimum relative humidity (740), then master control system
(160) may also activate HVAC system (170) (742) (i.e. regardless of
what the actual or perceived temperature may be). The use of data
from a physiological sensor (190) may be utilized by the master
control system (160) alone or in combination with data from any
other sensor (130, 140, 150, 180) in adjusting fan speed to account
for a change in perceived temperature.
[0086] As yet another merely illustrative example, suppose that
master control system (160) had automatically chosen and/or the
occupant had manually chosen the "Unoccupied Cooling" mode (452),
and set the temperature at 90.degree. F. As shown in FIG. 10, fan
(110) may remain off even if HVAC system (170) has been activated
by master control system (160), because the cooling effect of the
air is not useful in an unoccupied room. If the temperature rises
above the original set temperature (810), then master control
system (160) may activate HVAC system (170) (812). Of course, any
other suitable temperature and/or relative humidity level values
may be used in "Unoccupied Cooling" mode (452).
[0087] Thermal comfort control system (100) could be used in
combination with a radiant heating system (e.g. radiant heat
flooring, steam pipe radiator systems, etc.) in addition to or in
lieu of being used with HVAC system (170). Thermal comfort control
system (100) may operate as discussed above to determine and change
or maintain the temperature at the level of occupancy within a
room. Fans (110) may be utilized to evenly distribute heat from the
radiant heat source throughout the entire space. This may improve
energy efficiency and decrease warm-up and/or cool-down time within
the space.
[0088] Thermal comfort control system (100) may be programmed to
learn preferences of the occupant over a period of time. As an
example of such a capability, master control system (160) may
determine, as a result of the occupant' s preferences over time,
that the occupant prefers a certain relative humidity level in
combination with a particular fan speed and/or temperature setting,
or vice versa. Such preferences may be established for particular
periods of time, for instance during particular times of the year
such that master control system (160) may establish different
occupancy preferences for different times during the year; or such
preferences may be established for particular external conditions
which may exist as discussed above such that master control system
(160) may establish different occupancy preferences for different
external conditions.
[0089] A further benefit of exemplary thermal comfort control
system (100) is that it may provide zone-based thermal control
whereas traditionally an HVAC system (170) is controlled across a
multitude of rooms or zones. Sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) may be
placed in multiple rooms or zones and the occupant may establish an
average temperature set range to be used throughout all the rooms
or zones, or the occupant may establish individual temperature set
ranges particular to each room or zone.
[0090] Master control system (160) may determine appropriate
control responses based upon the average or particular temperature
set range and the thermal and/or occupancy conditions which may
exist in each individual room or zone in which sensors (130, 140,
150, 180) are located. Master control system (160) may activate or
shutdown particular fans (110) and/or may activate or shutdown HVAC
system (170) in a particular zone or room depending upon the sensed
thermal and/or occupancy conditions. Thus, while the average
temperature across a zone may not exceed the set range to activate
HVAC system (170), fans (110) in occupied rooms may be activated by
master control system (160) to increase comfort in those rooms
while fans (110) in unoccupied rooms remain idle to reduce power
consumption. Automated dampers may also be included within HVAC
system (170) to rebalance HVAC system (170) by automatically
diverting air to occupied zones and away from unoccupied zones.
Such dampers would allow master control system (160) to divert air
that would otherwise be wasted on unoccupied zones to those zones
which are occupied. The automated dampers may be driven by motors,
solenoids, etc. that are in communication with master control
system (160). Master control system (160) may be capable of
maintaining a lower temperature (in winter) or higher temperature
(in summer) in those rooms that are unoccupied, for instance by
varying the temperature limit by 2.degree. F.-3.degree. F. until a
room becomes occupied. As described in more detail below, master
control system (160) may be integrated with other thermal control
products in each room or zone to facilitate more efficient climate
control.
[0091] A more specific iteration of zone-based control involves the
regulation of the operation of multiple fans co-located within a
particular space (S) in a building (G) based on a sensed condition
relating to the immediate subspace in which the fan is positioned.
Thus, for example, and with reference to FIG. 11, a single space
such as a room in a residence, a commercial location (such as a
restaurant, retail space), or an industrial location (e.g., a
warehouse, manufacturing facility, or the like), may be divided
into a plurality of zones (four shown as (Z1), (Z2), (Z3), and
(Z4)), each having an associated overhead circulating fan (110a,
110b, 110c, 110d) that may be associated with a separate control
(either individually or though a master controller (160)). Two or
more of the zones (Z1), (Z2), (Z3), and (Z4) may each be within
view of each other by a person in any one of them, and may be
bounded by walls (W) (such as external walls), a ceiling (not
shown), and a floor (F). The fans may, thus, for example, be
mounted to the same ceiling or wall in the space (S).
[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, it can be appreciated that at
least one wall (W) is common to at least two of the zones (Z1),
(Z2), (Z3), and (Z4), but this is not considered to limit the
disclosure. Furthermore, partitions may be provided between the
zones (Z1), (Z2), (Z3), and (Z4), but for purposes of this aspect
of the disclosure, a zone-based control for a single space is not
considered to comprise two spaces separated by walls, such as
different rooms in a home, apartments in a building, or like
arrangements. In one particular embodiment, both the fans and the
corresponding zones are located in a single room, but in other
embodiments the zones may be in different rooms (such as, for
example, the situation where the fans are controlled to operate or
not based on detected occupancy within a particular room).
[0093] The fans (110a-110d) may be associated with one or more
sensors, such as occupancy sensors, and thus may be activated and
deactivated based on occupancy in the zone. In a more particular
example, the fans (110a-110d) are each associated with sensors for
sensing one or more environmental conditions, such as ambient
temperature (e.g., a thermostat). The sensors may be directly
connected to the fan itself, or may be mounted within the
particular zone in which the fan is located (note sensor (R) apart
from fan in zone (Z1) of FIG. 11).
[0094] Thus, when one of the fans, such as fan (110a), is
associated with an active heat load indicated by reference
character (H) (which may be a heating element, stove, oven, coffee
maker, or other type of machine (e.g., a welder)), its actuation
and/or speed may be regulated by a master control system (160)
(which may be in wired or wireless communication) in order help
comfort any person (P) or persons in the particular zones, or
otherwise help to improve the sensed temperature in the zone (such
as through destratification). In another zone, such as close to an
entrance or exit of the space (S) where outside or unconditioned
air may enter, an associated fan (110b) may be independently
regulated based on the output of an associated sensor, such as one
for detecting local temperature in the zone, or instead based on
occupancy (including possibly someone passing through the entrance
(E)) or even ambient light (such as that projecting through the
entrance or exit (E) aperture or another port or window in the
zone). The fans (110c, 110d) in other zones (Z3), (Z4) may also be
regulated based on sensed conditions within the particular zones,
including possibly based on the temperature difference created by
presence of a cooling source, such as a register, open cooler
(electric or ice bath), or the like.
[0095] As should be appreciated, this zone-based control allows for
a microclimate to be maintained in each zone in which one or more
fans is located based on locally sensed conditions associated with
the particular zone. Accordingly, different fans in different zones
may be independently regulated, including possibly using a common
master control, to help regulate the conditions within the zone. By
way of master controller (160), this feature may also be coupled
with the HVAC system (170) to provide for the introduction of
conditioned air (hot or cold) to the particular zones using dampers
or the like, and may also be coupled with the other features
described herein (such as, for example, automated blinds), in order
to further optimize these sensed temperature in the zone, and thus
assure comfort based on the users.
[0096] The master control (160) may include a module, such as a
display, for allowing for the control to be undertaken as well. The
control (160) may allow for the user to override the independent
control of the fans in the space, or require the fans to operate in
a certain sequence over time based on sensed condition. The control
(160) may also allow for the sensed condition that triggers
adjustments in the fan regulation to be controlled, including
possibly by causing the fan(s) in the zone(s) to turn on when a
certain condition is sensed, turn off when a certain condition is
sensed (time, temperature, light, etc.), or otherwise regulate the
speed based on sensed conditions.
[0097] The comfort control by zones may also be used in connection
with individual control, whereby a person in the zone may control
the conditions therein, such as by controlling one or more fans in
the particular zone. For instance, a person (P) may have a device
(D), such as a smart phone, adapted to communicate with either the
fan (110) in a particular zone, or with the master controller (160)
(but potentially limited to control of a particular fan or fans in
the associated zone). Other users in different zones would be
similarly able to control the particular zone in which they are
positioned, thus ensuring comfort.
[0098] While this approach is envisioned primarily in connection
with residential or industrial space where a resident, visitor, or
worker, is frequently present in the same part of the zone and may
thus desired to regulate the temperature, it may also be achieved
in commercial spaces, such as for example patrons in a restaurant
or coffee shop. To prevent unwanted interference, the person may
need to be qualified to implement the control, such as by being
provided a code for implementing the control upon registering for
such access (possibly as part of a loyalty program). The fan or
fans in the zone may then also be used to detect the presence of
the person based on the implementation of control (whether code
based or otherwise), which can then be used by the establishment to
assess the frequency of visits, or perhaps even offer rewards or
the like to the customer based on their presence and loyalty.
[0099] Another benefit of the exemplary thermal comfort control
system (100) is that it may provide scheduled thermal control,
whereas traditionally an HVAC system (170) ran around the clock.
Master control system (160) may be programmed to operate fans (110)
and/or HVAC system (170) only during particular times. An example
of such a time may be when the occupant is typically at work.
Master control system (160) may also be programmed to determine
appropriate control responses based upon different settings or
temperature set ranges during particular times. An example of such
a time may be when the occupant is sleeping; thermal control system
(160) may be programmed to a lower temperature set range (during
winter) or a higher temperature set range (during summer) during
this time, and then may begin to raise (during winter) or lower
(during summer) the temperature at a time just before the occupant
typically awakens.
[0100] Master control system (160) may also be programmed to
operate fans (110) and/or HVAC system (170) only during particular
times based on a "room name" that is programmed into master control
system (160) and associated with a particular room and a typical
occupancy of such a room. As an example of such an operation, a
room may be programmed into master control system (160) as
"bedroom" and master control system (160) may automatically
determine that fans (110) and/or HVAC system (170) need only be
operated during typical occupancy periods of a bedroom, for
instance, at night when the occupants are typically sleeping.
Master control system (160) may also be capable of learning the
occupancy habits within particular spaces. For instance, master
control system (160) may determine that the occupant typically only
uses a particular space during a particular period of time, and
therefore only operate fans (110) and/or HVAC system (170) during
that particular time to save energy. Finally, master control system
(160) may be programmed to only operate fans (110) or HVAC system
(170) within occupied zones regardless of the arbitrary location of
sensors (130, 140), which may or may not be the same location as
the occupied zone.
[0101] Thermal comfort control system (100) may also be used to
improve the perceived indoor environmental quality (IEQ) by
providing efficient air movement during a period of non-occupancy
or for a period of time prior to occupancy. Master control system
(160) may operate fans (110) and/or HVAC system (170) at a minimal
level during the programmed or learned period of non-occupancy. For
instance, master control system (160) may be programmed to provide
approximately 0.3 m/s (or any other suitable rate) of air movement
during the programmed or learned period of non-occupancy. Of
course, a 0.3 m/s rate of air movement is just one merely
illustrative example, and it should be understood that any other
suitable rate of air movement may be provided. There is no intent
that system (100) be limited to an air movement rate of 0.3 m/s.
Also, master control system (160) may be programmed to begin
operation of fans (110) and/or HVAC system (170) for a programmed
period of time prior to the programmed or learned period of
occupancy begins. For instance, master control system (160) may
begin operating fans (110) and/or HVAC system (170) fifteen minutes
before the programmed or learned occupancy period begins (e.g.
fifteen minutes before master control system (160) expects the
space to be occupied, based on typical occupancy periods
established for that space). Also, master control system (160) may
be programmed to activate a device for cleaning air within a space,
such as through an air purifier (e.g., a filtering apparatus, a UV
light generator, etc).
[0102] Thermal comfort control system (100) may also be utilized to
assist in improving the efficiency of artificial lighting within a
particular space. Light sensors may be incorporated on or within
fans (110) and/or sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) to measure a light
level within a particular space. Master control system (160) may be
integrated with the artificial lighting within a particular space,
and when the light level of a particular space exceeds a
predetermined or programmed level, the artificial lighting may be
dimmed until the light level reaches the predetermined or
programmed level. As discussed below, master control system (160)
may be integrated with automated blinds within a particular space,
and when the light level of a particular space falls below the
predetermined or programmed level, master control system (160) may
open the automated blinds to utilize natural lighting, and if
necessary, master control system (160) may brighten the artificial
lighting until the light level reaches the predetermined or
programmed level. Automated blinds could also be automatically
opened to assist with heating in winter during the day; or be
automatically closed to reduce the cooling load in the summer
during the day. Other suitable ways in which automated blinds may
be integrated with system (100) will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
[0103] Thermal control system (100) may also be programmed for less
routine events, such as vacation ("Vacation Mode"), when, as
described above, thermal control system (100) may shutdown fans
(110) and/or HVAC system (170) or determine appropriate control
responses based upon different settings or temperature set ranges.
Such a Vacation Mode or other less routine operations may be
manually triggered by the occupant and/or automatically triggered
by thermal control system (100) after a lack of occupancy is sensed
for an established threshold period. During Vacation Mode, master
control system (160) may increase energy efficiency by not
operating HVAC system (170) and/or fan(s) (110), or by operating
HVAC system (170) and/or fan(s) (110) at more efficient energy
levels. As discussed below, such operations may be tied into other
any number of climate control products. In addition, system (100)
may reset or otherwise reduce power consumption by a water heater
and/or other equipment capable of such control during a Vacation
Mode.
[0104] A further added benefit of thermal comfort control system
(100) is that as more utilities companies begin to utilize "peak
demand pricing structures"--where the utility will charge various
electric rates throughout the day, based on electric grid system
demand--thermal comfort control system (100) will be able to
receive and react to changes in the utility pricing, based on user
defined schedules thereby saving the user money. Master control
system (160) may also be programmed to meter or monitor the energy
consumption of each fan (110) and HVAC system (170). Master control
system (160) may then warn the occupant if HVAC system (170) and/or
any particular fan (110) begins to use an atypical amount of
energy. In addition or in the alternative, system (100) may
generate monthly reports on operating hours and energy use per day,
per week, per month, and/or on any other suitable basis. Various
other suitable ways in which system (100) may be used to provide
energy consumption monitoring and/or metering will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings
herein.
[0105] Thermal comfort control system (100) may be utilized as or
integrated with a security system. Occupancy sensors (150), placed
on fan (110) as shown in FIG. 12, or in other places within a space
as shown in FIG. 1 or 11, may be utilized to detect the presence of
a person(s) within a certain range of fan(s) (110), and then
trigger a warning signal indicating occupancy. (It should be
understood that occupancy sensor (150) could be located anywhere on
fan (110), and the representation in FIG. 12 is merely a
schematic.) Such a warning may be sent by master control system
(160) to a computer and/or smart phone, such as that of the owner
of the location where the fan (110) is present. Occupancy sensors
(150) may provide the owner with detailed information of a possible
intruder's movements by providing the owner with occupancy
information in each separate space. Existing occupancy sensors
(150) of an existing security system could be utilized by master
control system (160) and integrated into thermal comfort control
system (100) as discussed above. In addition or in the alternative,
occupancy sensors (150) of thermal comfort control system (100) may
be utilized by a security system. As discussed below, audio
components and/or speakers may be integrated with fans (110) and/or
sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) to provide sound and recording
capabilities within the space as well. Such capabilities may be
utilized during vacation mode only, when the user selects a
Security Mode, or all the time. Cameras (910) capable of
transferring live video streams via WI-FI may be incorporated on or
within fans (110) and/or sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) as shown in
FIG. 13. Such cameras (910) would provide the owner with real time
video surveillance of each space. Cameras (910) may also be tied
into the security system to be utilized as occupancy sensors and/or
may be triggered for transmission or recordation of video when the
security system detects an occupant. (It should be understood that
camera (910) could be located anywhere on fan (110) and/or sensors
(130, 140, 150, 180), and the representation in FIG. 13 is merely a
schematic.)
[0106] Thermal comfort control system (100) may be integrated with
a NEST.TM. thermostat system by Nest Labs, Inc. of Palo Alto,
Calif. Such integration may allow for the NEST.TM. thermostat
system to receive information from and/or control the components of
thermal comfort control system (100); including HVAC system (170),
fan(s) (110) and/or sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) among others.
Fan(s) (110) and/or sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) may also serve as
a gateway into other devices and bring all of those points back to
the NEST.TM. thermostat system. As merely an example of other
devices, smart plugs for advanced energy monitoring may be coupled
with the NEST.TM. thermostat system via fans (110) and/or sensors
(130, 140, 150, 180). Integration may also allow the programmed or
learned periods of occupancy discussed above to be included in the
NEST.TM. thermostat system. Master control system (160) may
communicate energy usage to the NEST.TM. thermostat system. Master
control system (160) may also be programmed to operate as a
NEST.TM. thermostat controller in addition to or in lieu of a
NEST.TM. thermostat controller. Fan (110) energy usage, as
discussed above, may be communicated to the NEST.TM. thermostat
system. Finally, the operating hours of fan(s) (110), as determined
by the programmed or learned period of occupancy as discussed
above, may be included in the data logging of the NEST.TM.
thermostat system. As yet another merely illustrative example,
thermal comfort control system (100) may be integrated with an
IRISTM system by Lowe's Companies, Inc. of Mooresville, N.C. Other
suitable systems and/or components that may be combined with system
(100) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the teachings herein.
[0107] The components of exemplary thermal comfort control system
(100) (e.g. fans (110) and/or sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) may also
be utilized to perform less traditional functions. For example,
fans (110) and/or sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) may serve as an
access point or signal booster (912) for Wi-Fi networks within the
space as shown in FIG. 14. (It should be understood that access
point or signal booster (912) could be located anywhere on fan
(110) and/or sensors (130, 140, 150, 180), and the representation
in FIG. 14 is merely a schematic.) Such a use may be particularly
beneficial in spaces with weak or no Wi-Fi signal. As another
example, audio feature(s) (914) may be integrated with fans (110)
and/or sensors (130, 140, 150, 180) to provide sound and recording
capabilities as shown in FIG. 15. (It should be understood that
audio features (914) could be located anywhere on fan (110) and/or
sensors (130, 140, 150, 180), and the representation in FIG. 15 is
merely a schematic.) Such audio features may include: speakers,
microphones, amplifiers, and/or transceivers among others. Audio
features (914) may be in communication with an audio program (e.g.
iTunes.TM. by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., etc.) to play
music, etc. Audio features (914) may also be in communication with
a security system, to emit audio alarms and/or record audio in
response to detection of an intruder, etc.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 3, exemplary thermal comfort control system
(100) described above may be combined with any number of climate
and environmental control products, and the capabilities and
operations discussed above may be configured to include any number
of climate and environmental control products. An example of such
an additional product would be automated blinds (920) that may be
opened or closed depending upon the light levels being introduced
into the space at any particular moment. Another example of such a
product would be an air purifier (922) that may be utilized to
improve the air quality within a room based upon air quality
measurements taken by sensors (130, 140) described above. Yet
another example of such a product would be an air humidifier or
dehumidifier (924) to control the relative humidity within a room
based upon the relative humidity measurements taken by sensors
(130,140). Yet another example of such a product would be a water
heater (926). Yet another example of such a product would be a
scent generator (928) which may include an air freshener to
distribute aromatic scents throughout all the spaces or only
particular spaces. Master control system (160) may also be
integrated with other network systems that will allow for
additional features to be controlled such as lighting and music
among others.
[0109] Having shown and described various embodiments of the
present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems
described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications
by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the
scope of the present invention. Several of such potential
modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments,
geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like
discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly,
the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of
claims that may be presented, and is understood not to be limited
to the details of structure and operation shown and described in
the specification and drawings.
* * * * *