JP2016533468A - Infrared repeater providing demand control for a ductless separated HVAC device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is an infrared repeater (IRT) for controlling the control unit of a separate ductless heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning (HVAC) device. The IRT includes a long range communication module and at least one local communication module. In addition, the IRT includes a processor in electrical communication with the long range communication module and the local communication module.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to electrical load management and control. More specifically, the present invention uses an infrared repeater or an infrared repeater having an infrared disk disposed in an infrared (IR) receiving eye of a wall unit, and is separated from the duct. The present invention relates to managing and controlling the electrical load of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning (HVAC) device, or the electrical load of a heating and ventilation device and / or an air conditioning device of a separate type without a duct. The infrared repeater receives a message from the main control unit, the local area network, or a remote control device, retransmits or appropriately modifies the message, and further transmits the message to the separated device to control the device. Let it run.

  Utilities need to match power generation to load or supply to demand. Traditionally, this has been done on the supply side using automatic power generation control (AGC). When loads are added to the power system and demand increases, the power company increases the output of existing generators to cope with the increase in demand. In order to solve the continuing long-term demand problem, power companies plan to invest in additional generators to match the increasing demand. If the load level is reduced, the generator output may be reduced to some extent to match the reduced demand, or may be taken offline. Such techniques are still in use and still solve the problem of matching supply and demand to some extent, but as the total demand for electricity increases, power plants and facilities that operate only to meet peak demand The additional cost makes these techniques extremely expensive. Furthermore, the time required to increase the generator output or to bring the generator online and take the generator offline results in a time lag and subsequent inconsistency between supply and demand. Let

  In response to AGC restrictions, power companies are developing solutions and incentives aimed at reducing both commercial and residential power demand. In the case of office buildings, factories, and other commercial facilities with relatively large individual loads, the utility will install a locally controlled load management system that will reduce the on-site demand to the owners, so Encourage by. Any individual large-scale load reduction by such a load management system will have a significant impact on the total demand of connected systems.

  In the case of individual houses with relatively small electrical loads, power companies encourage some consumers to control high load equipment such as air conditioning (AC) compressors, water heaters, pool heaters, etc. , Allowing power companies to introduce demand control or demand response technology into their homes. Such technology helps power companies by mitigating demand during the duration of maximum use.

  Conventional demand control techniques used to manage loads controlled by a thermostat, such as an air conditioning compressor, typically consist of a demand-controlled thermostat or a load control relay (LCR) device. Conventionally, such a demand control type device has received a command via a long-distance communication network and controlled an electric load. Demand controlled thermostats generally control the operation of a load by manipulating room temperature or other settings to control the operation. The LCR device is connected to a power line of an air conditioning compressor or other electric load, and cuts off power to the load when controlling the load.

  Such demand-controlled and demand-responsive thermostats, LCR devices, and other known demand-controlled devices are commonly used in single-family homes in the United States for a wide range of ducted thermostat controlled heating and ventilation. And designed to be used with air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Usual ducted HVAC devices in the United States use those that are readily available to connect to demand-controlled devices such as separate and separate thermostat devices, circulation fan control devices, electrical contactors, switches, and the like. In addition, most control logic relies on analog control voltages for operation. For example, 24V alternating current (AC) is often used for thermostat control. Thus, demand-controlled devices are designed to work with such devices and can be installed in most ducted thermostatically controlled HVAC devices.

  However, for various reasons, this type of demand control and demand response technology cannot be easily applied to a ductless split HVAC device. Ductless separated HVAC devices, such as mini-split and multi-split devices, are installed in houses including basements that contain air treatment ducts and apartment buildings without attics. It is often used to cool a relatively small space such as a room. Such small separable and multiple separable devices may include, for example, an outdoor condensing unit with an air conditioning compressor connected to an indoor, fan-equipped evaporation unit often installed on a wall. The operation of the small-separation type and the multi-separation type unit is generally controlled locally by a user operating a hand-held infrared remote controller. This unit may or may not include a temperature sensor or thermostat device.

  Due to the small size of the ductless separated HVAC device and the various digital control schemes utilized by various manufacturers, conventional demand controlled devices can be used for this type of ducted separated HVAC device. Can not. As a result, in areas where separated ductless HVAC devices are generally used, electric power companies cannot provide users with demand-controlled devices, and realize a program that matches energy supply and demand. I can't.

  In one embodiment, the present invention provides an infrared repeater (IRT) for controlling an infrared response control unit of a ductless separated HVAC device or a ductless separated heating ventilation and / or air conditioning device (separated device). ) Is included. The IRT includes a long-range communication module that includes a long-range receiver that is connected to a long-range communication network that transmits a load control message for controlling an electrical load of a separate device in a building. I will provide a. The IRT also includes a first local communication module that communicates with the user who operated the remote control device. The IRT also includes a second local communication module for bi-directional communication with the local area network. The IRT further includes a processor that is in electrical communication with the long-range communication module, the first local communication module, and the second local communication module. The processor is further in electrical communication with an infrared transmitter that communicates with the separable wall unit.

  In one embodiment, an infrared repeater is disclosed to control an infrared response control unit of a ductless separated air conditioner, the infrared repeater including a long distance communication module including a long distance transceiver, This long-distance communication module provides a network connection to the main control unit via a long-distance communication network that transmits a load control message for controlling the electrical load of the ductless separation type air conditioner in the building. In one embodiment, the processor may be in electrical communication with the long range communication module. An infrared transmitter may be in electrical communication with the processor, which transmits an infrared signal to the infrared response control unit of the ductless separated air conditioner to control the operation of the electrical load. And the infrared signal can be a command associated with the received load control message. In one embodiment, the load control message may be formatted according to the Expresscom® protocol.

  In one embodiment, the infrared repeater further includes a first local communication module capable of electrical communication with the processor, the first local communication module receiving infrared signals for receiving infrared signals from the remote control device. And a transceiver that transmits commands related to the received message to the processor.

  In one embodiment, the infrared repeater may further include a second local communication module in electrical communication with the processor. The second local communication module can facilitate short-range local bi-directional communication, and the second local communication module can also include a receiver and a transceiver for receiving and transmitting radio signals. Good.

  In one embodiment, a system for controlling a plurality of ductless separated air conditioners is provided. This system includes a main control unit and a local control unit that communicates with the main control unit via a long-distance communication network. The long-distance communication network can transmit a load control message for controlling an electrical load of a plurality of ductless separation type air conditioners in a building. A plurality of infrared repeaters can perform electrical communication with a plurality of ductless separation type air conditioners, wherein each of the infrared repeaters can communicate with at least one of the plurality of ductless separation type air conditioning apparatuses. it can. Each of the plurality of infrared repeaters includes a long-distance transceiver and a local control unit via a long-distance communication network that transmits a load control message for controlling the electrical load of the ductless separated air conditioner in the building A long-distance communication module providing a network connection to the processor, a processor in electrical communication with the long-distance communication module, and a ductless separation type air conditioner for performing electrical communication with the processor and controlling the operation of the electrical load. An infrared transmitter for transmitting an infrared signal to the infrared response control unit, wherein the infrared signal can be a command associated with the received load control message.

  In one embodiment, a system provided for controlling a plurality of ductless separated air conditioners may include a first local communication module in electrical communication with a processor. The first local communication module can include an infrared receiver for receiving an infrared signal from the remote control device and a transceiver for transmitting a command related to the received message to the processor.

  In one embodiment, each of the plurality of infrared repeaters may include a second local communication module in electrical communication with the processor, the second local communication module facilitating short range local bi-directional communication. The second local communication module may also include a receiver and a transceiver for receiving and transmitting wireless signals.

  In one embodiment, a method is provided for controlling the electrical load of a ductless separated air conditioner that is external to a building and controlled by an infrared repeater located within the building. An infrared repeater having a long-distance communication module and a local communication module is attached to the infrared receiving eye of the infrared response control unit in the building, and the long-distance communication module is configured to be compatible with the long-distance communication network. The local communication module is configured to communicate in a building with a remote control device of a ductless separation type air conditioner having an external unit with an electrical load. In addition, a load control message is transmitted to the long-distance communication module of the infrared repeater arranged inside the building via the long-distance communication network, and the ductless separation type air conditioner is connected to the infrared repeater by the load control message. A load control command is transmitted to the internal control unit in the room, thereby controlling the power to the electric load.

The embodiments disclosed herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings.
While the content of this specification is capable of various modifications and alternative forms, those details are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the contents of the specification to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter herein.
Communicates with the main control unit that communicates with the infrared repeater of the wall unit via the long-distance communication network, the local communication network that communicates with the infrared repeater of the wall unit via the local network, and the infrared repeater of the wall unit, It is a figure of the demand control system which concerns on embodiment of this invention which has a remote control operated by a user. 1 is a block diagram of an infrared repeater having an arbitrary infrared disk according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a local demand control system that communicates with a main control unit via an intermediate or local control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. Fig. 4 shows a load control message formatted according to the Expresscom (R) protocol, according to an embodiment of the invention. 4 shows an example of a control payload of a temperature adjustment set value according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the structure and control of an infrared repeater based on embodiment of this invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a demand control system 100 for controlling a ductless separated HVAC device (separated device) is shown. In an embodiment of the present invention, the ductless device may be a heating and ventilating device and / or an air conditioning device. The system 100 includes an infrared repeater (IRT) 101, and the infrared disk connected to the IRT 101 or the IRT 101 is attached to the infrared receiving eye of the separation wall unit 103 of the separation type apparatus 110 in one building. It has been. The IRT 101 receives messages from various devices over the communication link and resends the messages to the system or modifies the messages to facilitate system demand control. The IRT 101 is provided with one-way and two-way communication options. Although the internal unit 103 is described as a wall unit 103, it will be understood that the internal unit 103 may be similar to that attached to the floor or ceiling.

  Each building can include a remote control device 108 that controls the separable device 110. The remote controller 108 is an initial wireless remote controller 108 provided by a manufacturer, and provides a control function that a user inputs to the IRT 101 via the communication network 114. Each building may include a long distance communication network having a main control unit 102 that communicates with the IRT 101 via the communication network 104. Further, each building may include a user-owned local network (an example of which is a WiFi system) 109 that communicates with the IRT 101 via the local communication network 115. The power source 122 supplies power to the IRT 101.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each of the separate devices 110 is connected to an indoor evaporation unit (wall unit) 103 electrically and mechanically (see 116), an outdoor condensation unit 112. Can be included. In one embodiment of the present invention, the separation type device 110 includes a small separation type air conditioner without a duct. In other embodiments of the present invention, the separated device 110 may be a multi-separated heating and ventilation and / or cooling device without a duct, a small separated air conditioning device, a heat pump, or other similar ductless separated heating and / or cooling device. Alternatively, a cooling device may be provided. It should be understood that “separated devices” as used herein covers all types and configurations of HVAC and heating or air conditioning equipment as known in the art.

  Some buildings may include a plurality of multi-split devices 110 with one or more remote control devices 108 in a single building. In some embodiments, system 100 may also include multiple buildings, including known demand control devices for controlling conventional HVAC devices, rather than ductless heating or cooling devices. . In such an example, the main control unit 102 may communicate with both a known demand control device and the plurality of IRTs 101 in the embodiment of the present invention.

  The separable devices 110 can be placed in buildings that house single-family homes, multiple buildings with multiple sections, or any other type of building, or a ductless separable HVAC device. A building may be included. While embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to a single separable device 110 and separable wall unit 103, embodiments of the present invention apply equally to multiple separable devices 110 and wall units 103. It is known to those skilled in the art.

  The remote control device 108 communicates with the separation type device 110 by one-way transmission of data via the infrared communication link 114. The remote control device 108 is used by a user to change the setting of the separation type device 110. The settings that can be changed may include on / off of the remote device 110, temperature increase / decrease, temperature setting, fan operation control, time display setting, operation programming, and other such known control functions. However, it is not necessarily limited to these. The remote control device 108 does not have a function for changing the setting of the demand control system 100. In another embodiment of the invention, remote control device 108 communicates with remote device 110 by bidirectional transmission of data via infrared communication link 114.

  The main control unit 102 may be arranged at a substation of a control base of a power company that is centrally arranged or at another base. One main control unit 102 can communicate with a large number of IRTs 101, and these IRTs 101 may be arranged in a large number of remote places or buildings. In general and as described further below, the main control unit 102 communicates with the IRT 101 via the communication network 104 to control the demand control system 100. The communication network 104 is a long-distance communication network that facilitates one-way transmission of data from the main control unit 102 to the IRT 101. In another embodiment of the present invention, the communication network 104 is a long-range communication network that facilitates bidirectional transmission of data between the main controller 102 and the IRT 101. Data is often transmitted in the form of load control messages and commands using various known wireless communication interfaces and protocols, including power line communication (PLC), radio frequency (RF) communication, cellular communication, and others. Is done. In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication network 104 includes an RF communication network, and the network 104 includes various, including, for example, 900 MHz Flex paging, VHF POCSAG paging, or radio data system (RDS). It can be realized using a communication interface.

  The main control unit 102 transmits a load control message to the IRT 101. The IRT 101 operates based on the received load control message when the command is transmitted to the infrared receiving unit of the wall unit 103, and operates the operation of the separation type apparatus 110. The load control message can include, but is not limited to, for example, a command to turn on or off the separable device 110 or to raise or lower the room temperature.

  Load control messages on the communication network 104 may be formatted according to various networking techniques and protocols. In one embodiment of the present invention, the load control message may be formatted according to a Yukon web standard based on protocol programming. In one embodiment of the present invention, the load control message may be formatted according to a dedicated protocol, such as the Expresscom® protocol, which was assigned to the present successor, both of which are “Utility Load Control Management”. US Pat. Nos. 7,702,424 and 7,869,904 entitled “Communications Protocol” are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, except for claims and clear definitions. It is.

  The implementation of one such protocol includes the steps of selecting at least one target for load control, assigning at least one target address to the at least one target, and using a power company control system, a communication protocol Forming one variable length load control message in accordance with The load control message includes at least one target address and a plurality of uniquely concatenated command messages as part of one variable length load control message. Each of the plurality of uniquely connected command messages includes a command message having a predetermined message type and a fixed-length message defined for the predetermined message type, and a predetermined message type and the predetermined message type. And a command message having a variable length message corresponding to a value in a specified command message control flag. One variable length load control message is sent to at least one target via long distance communication network 104 or other network as disclosed herein to execute the variable length load control message. The The at least one target can include a separate IRT 101 and the at least one target address includes a device level address.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a local network 109 owned by a user (such as a WiFi system) communicates with the IRT 101 via the local bi-directional communication network 115. The network 109 can be configured to be accessed by a power company to control the demand control system 100. The user can also remotely access the network 109 to change specific controls. For example, the user may turn on or off the remote device 110 remotely from a mobile phone, or if possible, the room temperature may be at a comfortable level when the user arrives at the building. In addition, the temperature can be adjusted.

  The IRT 101 of the system 100 supports bi-directional communication such as ZigBee (registered trademark), Z-Wave (registered trademark), WiFi, and the like. By including bi-directional communication, the system 100 can benefit from the added utility of operation and maintenance, as obtained from other Yukon-supported bi-directional demand controllers. In one embodiment of the present invention, device 110 runtime data may be saved, for example, for real cycle control or M & V logging. As described above, information from the separation-type device 110 can be transmitted to the power company via the network 109. Such information can include, but is not limited to, local state information, runtime data, and data related to the operational state of the wall unit 103.

  Referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment of IRT 101 is shown. In this embodiment, the IRT 101 includes a long-range communication module 130, a first local communication module 132, an optional second local communication module 134, an infrared transmitter 136, a processor 138, and an optional display unit 140. It will be appreciated that the IRT 101 may also include other suitable electronic components and circuits, such as memory devices, power supplies and conditioning circuits. Various parts of the IRT 101 are surrounded by a housing 142, which in one embodiment of the invention is suitable for being mounted and attached over the infrared receiver of the wall unit 103. Have the right size and shape.

  In addition, FIG. 2 shows an optional infrared disk 152 that is electrically connected to the infrared transmitter 136 via wiring 154. A part of the infrared disk 152 and the wiring 154 is outside the housing 142. The infrared disk 152 transmits and receives messages from the infrared transmitter 136 to the wall unit 103 or from the wall unit 103 to the infrared transmitter 136, and a housing 142 that accommodates other components is adjacent to the wall unit 103. At the same time, it has an appropriate size and shape such that it is mounted and attached over the infrared receiving part of the wall unit 103.

  The long-range communication module 130 is connected to the long-range communication network 104, and various hardware components that allow the IRT 101 to receive communication from the long-range communication network 104 including communication from the main control unit 102. Hardware and software components. Thus, the long distance communication module 130 provides a network interface for all types of long distance communication networks 104 described above, such as PLC, RF, including cellular and paging. Communication over the long distance communication network 104 is unidirectional. In another embodiment of the present invention, communication over long distance communication network 104 is bidirectional.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the components of the long-range communication module 130 include a receiver 146, an antenna 148, other components such as a memory device that stores a computer software program, and other electronic circuits. Including. In the bi-directional communication network embodiment, the long-range communication module 130 includes a transceiver. The receiver 146 allows one-way communication, or two-way communication when it is a transceiver. The long distance communication module 130 may also include a protocol software stack for decoding and encoding. Such a software stack may include a commercially available stack or a dedicated stack used in the dedicated Expresscom® protocol described above. Long distance communication module 130 is in electrical communication with processor 138. In one embodiment of the invention, processor 138 includes a protocol software stack for decoding and encoding.

  The first local communication module 132 allows the remote control device 108 to communicate locally and wirelessly with the remote device 110 via the IRT 101 via the infrared communication link 114. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first local communication module 132 receives a wireless signal locally and then sends a signal to the wall unit 103 via the processor 138 and the infrared transmitter 136 or any infrared disk. Includes various hardware components and software programs for transmission. Module 132 may include a receiver 150, a transceiver in some embodiments, other components such as a memory device that stores computer software, and other electronic circuitry.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the first local communication module 132 includes an infrared (IR) module and receives an IR signal. In such an embodiment, the receiver 150 of the first local communication module 132 may include an infrared sensitive phototransistor for receiving signals. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first local communication module 132 may include an infrared sensitive phototransistor transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. In this embodiment, the first local communication module 132 includes an infrared light emitting diode (LED) for transmitting a signal.

  Further, the first local communication module 132 may include a protocol software stack. The first local communication module 132 is in electrical communication with the processor 138. In one embodiment of the invention, processor 138 may include a protocol software stack.

  Further, the IRT 101 may include a second local communication module 134. The second local communication module 134 enables short-distance local two-way communication in the building 106. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second local communication module 134 further includes various hardware components and software programs for locally transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Module 134 may include transceiver 150 and other components and other electronic circuits such as memory devices that store computer software.

  Such a stack may include a dedicated stack, but in one embodiment of the invention may include one of various commercially known software stacks. Such known third party stacks may include, for example, IrDA stacks provided by implantation, commercially available WiFi 802.11 stacks, commercially available ZigBee® stacks, and the like. The second local communication module 134 includes an RF module that operates with any of a variety of short range wireless protocols, including ZigBee®, Z-Wave®, WiFi, or other wireless protocols. . In such an embodiment, the transceiver 150 may comprise a wireless transceiver or receiver and a wireless antenna. The second local communication module 134 is in electrical communication with the processor 138. In one embodiment of the invention, processor 138 may further include a protocol software stack.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first local communication module 132 comprises an IR module for transmitting a one-way command to the wall unit 103 of the separation-type device 110 after receiving a radio signal, The second local communication module 134 includes a module that enables one-way or two-way wireless communication with a wireless access point or a local area network (for example, WiFi). It will be appreciated that any combination of short range wireless communication technologies may be implemented in modules 132 and 134, including those described above. Furthermore, although the local communication modules 132 and 134 are depicted as two physically separate, separate modules, they may be integrated into a single package.

  The processor 138 in the IRT 101 electrically and communicates with the long-distance communication module 130, the first local communication module 132, the second local communication module 134, the IR transmitter 136, and the optional display unit 140. It is connected. In some embodiments of the invention, the processor 138 may be a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, or other such known computer processor. The processor 138 may include a memory device including any of various volatile memories including RAM, DRAM, SRAM, and the like, and nonvolatile memory including ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash, and the like. Alternatively, it may be connected to such a memory device. Such a memory device may store programs, software, and instructions relating to the operation of the IRT 101.

  The infrared transmitter 136 receives a command or message from the processor 138 and transmits the command or message to the control unit of the wall unit 103. Except for the case where the IRT 101 is in the demand control control mode, a received message, for example, a message from the remote control 108 is preferentially passed as it is. Demand control messages from the power company that are received via the communication module 130 or the second communication module 134 and that may be modified by the processor 138 are passed to the control unit of the wall unit 103 via the infrared transmitter 136. . Furthermore, the infrared transmitter 136 receives a message from the control unit of the wall unit 103 and sends this message to the processor to operate accordingly.

  An optional display 140 connected to the processor 138 displays information to the user, such as set temperature, space temperature, time, energy cost, demand control mode, load control status, and other such information. In some embodiments of the present invention, the display 140 may be an LED.

  In some embodiments of the invention, the IRT 101 may include a temperature sensor (not shown). In another embodiment of the invention, the IRT 101 monitors and uses temperature sensors within the wall unit 103. The temperature sensor may be used to execute a load control or demand control program based on the temperature. Further, if the IRT 101 includes or uses a temperature sensor, the IRT 101 may include a programmable temperature regulation function similar to a standard programmable thermostat. Such additional features include the ability to program the IRT 101 to raise and lower the set temperature at different times of the day, different days of the week, and other this related to known programmable thermostats. Such functions are included.

  In some embodiments of the invention, the IRT 101 may further include a humidity sensor (not shown). In another embodiment of the invention, the IRT 101 monitors and uses humidity sensors within the wall unit 103. The humidity sensor may be used to execute a load control or a demand control program based on humidity. In other embodiments of the present invention, the humidity sensor can be linked to the temperature sensor to determine an optimal comfort level and to execute load control and demand control programs based on past comfort levels. Also, if the IRT 101 includes or uses a humidity sensor, the IRT 101 can program the IRT 101 to raise and lower the comfort humidity level at different times of the day, different days of the week, and a known Programmable functions may be further included, including other such functions related to programmable humidity control.

  In other embodiments of the present invention, the IRT 101 may further include an occupancy sensor (not shown). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, occupancy sensors generally sense the presence of a person in a space (eg, a room) based on motion detected by IR or acoustic signals. In the case of IRT 101, the addition of occupancy sensors enhances the system's energy saving capabilities.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the IRT 101 includes an occupancy sensor and automatically initiates some sort of control over the separable device 110. Such control can be performed by turning on the separation device 110 as soon as someone enters the room to start cooling the room, or at a specific temperature after a predetermined period of time since the absence of a person in the room or space. Alternatively, it may include turning off the separable device 110.

  Such control may additionally or alternatively include allowing the set temperature to be drifted by a predetermined frequency. In one such embodiment that includes a temperature control function programmable in IRT 101 or separable device 110, in addition to setting temperature settings and parameters related to waking up, going out, returning home, and sleeping time, the user can: Set additional parameters for empty spaces. In one embodiment of the present invention, when there is no person in the space, the temperature of the absent space is adjusted by an offset frequency (for example, 2 degrees) so that the set temperature set by the user is changed by a predetermined drift or offset. (Drifting) may be set. In one embodiment of the present invention, the user sets the morning wake-up temperature to, for example, 23.3 ° C. (74 ° F.), but the user does not wake up and moves around by a preset time. When the absence is sensed by the occupancy sensor, the wake-up temperature can drift upward by an offset, for example, 24.4 ° C. (76 ° F.).

  In one embodiment of the present invention, if the power company's total power generation (mix) is a condition where the power company has to reduce renewable generation, the power company will adjust the drift instead. Thus, the load may be turned on so that the load matches the available amount.

  In a building 106 with multiple separated devices 110, such as a hotel or a residence with multiple rooms, occupancy sensors are used in each room or space to monitor the absence or presence of people. Commands stored to control device 110 based on whether it is a room or not may be sent from multiple IRTs 101 to multiple separate devices 110.

  The occupancy sensor and occupancy status may also be used to send stored commands to other devices on the local communication system. For example, when the occupancy sensor detects that there is no person in the space, the IRT 101 transmits a radio signal via the second local communication module 134 to control the pseudo load and other non-important loads. The devices plugged into the selected wall outlet may be turned off, and when they sense that a person has entered the space again, they may be turned back on or in a specified order. You may turn it back on.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, another function may include interrupting a demand control or load control event when a person enters the room. Further, occupancy data may be collected and analyzed to improve, modify or reschedule future load control events based on occupancy patterns.

  The IRT 101 is powered by the power source 122. In one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply 122 is a “wall-wart” style power supply with a box-type housing that plugs directly into a wall outlet. In another embodiment of the present invention, the IRT 101 may be wired to the internal power supply of the wall unit 103. The power supply 122 and the plug-in type power supply are configured to operate with various power supply voltage and frequency characteristics such as 110 to 120 V / 60 Hz commonly used in the United States and 220 to 240 V / 50 Hz commonly used in Europe and Asia. be able to. In one embodiment of the invention, the IRT 101 is powered by a 5V DC power supply 122.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a local demand control system 170 is illustrated that operates in communication with the main control unit 102 via the long distance communication network 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 170 communicates with the main controller 102 via an intermediate or local controller 172. Such an intermediate control unit 172 may include a substation control unit, a neighborhood control unit, a business-width control unit, or other such intermediate level control unit. In an embodiment related thereto, the intermediate controller 172 may communicate locally with the system 170 without the benefit of the main controller 102.

  The local demand control system 170 includes one or more IRTs 101, one or more internal units 103 of the separable device 110, and one or more outdoor units 112 of the separable device 110. During operation, the main control unit 102 transmits a load control message to a plurality of buildings via the long-distance communication network 104 using an intermediate control unit 172 as shown in FIG.

  The load control message may include a variety of different commands related to controlling the electrical load of the separable device 110, which may be an air conditioning compressor. In some load control schemes, the operating time of the separable device 110 is limited and may be set as a duty cycle rate. For example, during peak energy consumption, separable device 110 may only be allowed to operate at 45 minutes per hour, i.e., at a 75% duty cycle.

  In another load control scheme, the IRT 101 senses local room temperature or receives temperature data to turn off the separable device 110 to increase room temperature, or alternatively, a temperature adjustment function. In the separation type apparatus 110 having the above, a command for increasing the room temperature setting is transmitted to the separation type apparatus 110 to reduce the amount of time for which the separation type apparatus 110 operates.

  In one embodiment of the invention where the IRT 101 includes a temperature sensor, the IRT 101 controls room temperature under normal conditions and during load control events by cycling the on / off of the separable device 110. Such cycling will be achieved by the IRT 101 sensing room temperature and then sending an appropriate on or off command to the internal unit 103 (114) and its control unit. Other related commands may include a fan operation command following the end of the operation cycle of the load control event. In dry areas, this additional fan operating time at the end of the cooling cycle will re-evaporate the condensate on the heat exchanger and, if practicable, will provide an evaporative cooling effect. In such an embodiment, the user may be prompted to initialize the separable device 110 always on or always off before taking over the temperature control to the IRT 101.

  The load control message is received via the long distance communication network 104 by the long distance communication module 130 of the IRT 101. In another embodiment of the present invention, the load control message is transmitted from the main controller 102 via the Internet and received by a building-based local area network (eg, a wireless LAN) and then the second local of the IRT 101. It is transmitted to the communication module 134. In another embodiment of the present invention, the long-range communication module 130 can transmit and receive communication and load control messages to and from the main control unit 102 that transmitted via the Internet. It can be configured to communicate with a base local area network. These load control messages may include messages such as scheduled control messages, circulation control messages, recovery control messages, temperature adjustment setting control messages, etc., some of which are described in US Pat. No. 7,702,424 as described above. And No. 7,869,904. Other load control messages may request response data, such as confirmation of message reception, energy usage data, local state data, etc., via the second local communication module 134. In another embodiment of the present invention, response data such as confirmation of message reception, energy usage data, local state data, etc. is transmitted over a bi-directional link between the long-range communication module 130 and the main controller 102. be able to.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the IRT 101 implements a load control scheme based on a critical fee or a maximum fee received via the long distance communication network 104. The highest rate command may be stored in the IRT 101 so that it is executed when the received rate information indicates an energy rate that exceeds a marginal rate point. In one embodiment of the present invention, control commands such as setting a marginal fee point or determining commands such as temperature rise or separation device 110 off may be executed automatically. In a system with more than one separable device 110, different separable devices 110 may execute different commands according to received fee information based on pre-programmed settings.

  The processor 138 receives the load control message and its data payload (including the load control command). The processor 138 analyzes the data and determines and sends the appropriate command. The processor 138 may also convert the load control message or command into a format or protocol that can be used by the separable device 110. However, in some embodiments of the present invention, any one or all of the communication modules 130, 132, 134 may perform all or part of any necessary protocol conversion.

  As described above, in one embodiment of the invention, the load control message may be formatted according to a dedicated protocol such as the Expresscom® protocol. The Expresscom (R) message 200 is provided as a byte integer, the length of which is defined by the transport layer. As shown in FIG. 4, the message 200 may include an addressing field 202 and one or more payload fields 204, 206, 208. The length of each field 202, 204, 206, 208 is at least 1 byte, but the length of each field may be greater than 1 byte. Until that particular field is analyzed, the number of fields is unknown. After parsing, any remaining bytes are included in the next field. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, three payload fields 204, 206, 208 are shown. However, the number of payload fields is not limited to three, and it is known to those skilled in the art that more or fewer payload fields may be provided.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the control payload 204 of the temperature adjustment set value. The control payload can have the following segments: payload type 222, control flags 224, 226, delay time to execution 228, temperature change 230, and temperature hold time 232. In the following, the definition of these segment and byte fields will be described in detail.
• 0x0B = Payload type setting • 0x0106 = Control flag (applies only to delta temperature, Fahrenheit, cooling mode, includes segments D and E)
0x00 = T _D (an embodiment such as shown in FIG. 5 indicates a time of 0 minutes such that the change is performed immediately without a transition period)
0x04 = Δ _D (the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5 shows a 4 ° increase)
0xF0 = T _E (the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5 shows a 240 minute stagnation time)

  In the illustrated embodiment, it is desirable to increase the cooling temperature setpoint by 4 ° in 4 hours. In this embodiment, segment 230 is selected to increase the temperature setpoint in synchronization with FIG. 4, but the other segments can function equally well. In segments 228, 230, the temperature is increased 4 ° at 0 minutes (immediately without delay), and this temperature is held at segment 232 for 240 minutes. At the end of 240 minutes, the temperature setpoint is returned to its uncontrolled value.

  In embodiments of the present invention, the IRT 101 can provide universal control for any manufacturer or universal control for a particular unit. Control can be provided by providing a lookup table corresponding to the separable device 110 provided by various manufacturers and specific units. In embodiments of the present invention, lookup table updates can be provided over a communication link. In an embodiment of the invention, such updates include revised data or new data for a revised or new manufacturer model.

  In addition, the processor 138 may transmit information on execution, status, or status related to the control of the separation type apparatus 110 to the display unit 140 for displaying to the user.

  A demand control operation command for controlling the separation type device 110 is transmitted from the communication module 130 or 134 to the wall unit 103 of the separation type device 110 via the processor 138 and the infrared transmitter 136 or the optional infrared disk 152. . These demand control operation commands are associated with a load control message received from the main control unit 102 or the power company, for example, to execute a load control scheme for “turning off” the separable device 110. However, the typical wall unit 103 has not been modified for the demand control system, has no special demand control hardware or software, and the sensor provided at the time of shipment is originally provided. A user operation command is received from the remote controller 108 that can be operated. In general, such sensors are used to receive IR signals and input from the user during normal operation of the separable device 110 (eg, simply turn on the separable device 110 to cool the building). And an infrared (IR) response control unit including a phototransistor for responding to a user's operation of the remote control device 108. Thus, the operation of the demand control system 100 provides for the sensor to receive commands and messages received from the IR transmitter 136 housed in the IRT 101 and the wall unit 103 to respond thereto, where The IRT 101 is a command signal transmitted by the main control unit 102 or by an electric power company that provides a load control or demand control message to the IRT 101, and a command from a user that provides a user operation command to the remote control device 108. To distinguish.

  The separation-type device 110 may be controlled by a non-demand control type control of the separation-type device 110 by a user operating the remote control device 108 in a normal state. Since it may be controlled by the device 102, inconsistencies may arise. The IRT 101 may be set by the power company to include a conflict rule that determines how the segregated device 110 is controlled if a conflict occurs.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the power company chooses to program the IRT 101 to follow the load control message sent by the power company without considering input from the user during a load control event. Also good. Such an arrangement is believed to prevent the user from disabling control of the separable device 110 by the power company. In such an arrangement, when a temperature sensor is present in the remote device 110 or remote control device 108, the room temperature of the building may be allowed to rise to a maximum set temperature during a load control event. Such an arrangement may be appropriate for any program, including based on participation in the program, where the utility will reimburse the user on a regular basis, perhaps monthly.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, the user may always be able to disable control of the separable device 110 using the remote control device 108. In such an arrangement, the user allows the power company to control the separable device 110 during a load control event and does not invalidate the operation of the IRT 101 based on program fee credits, You can receive a reduction in the amount charged.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, the IRT 101 may be configured by a power company to include a tamper detection system (not shown) for monitoring the security and compliance of the demand control program. In one embodiment of the present invention, a pressure switch that opens (or closes) when the IRT 101 or the infrared disk 152 is removed from the wall unit 103 may be provided on the IRT 101 or the infrared disk 152. Due to such a state change of the circuit, a falsification message is transmitted to the main control unit 102 or transmitted to the processor 138 of the IRT 101 and stored for future recovery. In other embodiments of the present invention, the falsification detection system may attempt to monitor the power state of the demand control system 100 or to overwrite software control.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, prior to and during a load control event, display 140 may indicate that a load control event is imminent, occurring, or next to the user. You may inform the control state of the separation type apparatus 110 including whether it is scheduled. In addition, details regarding load control information, energy usage, energy costs, and other such energy and load control information may be presented to the user.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 140 may be configured to allow a user to input related data to the IRT 101 and monitor the operation of the separation type apparatus 110. The data input by the user may be related to the local situation of the building, such as a request for temperature rise or switching on / off of the separable device 110, but both via the communication network 115. In one embodiment involving directed communication, the user may provide information directly to the power company. Such information may include information on the local situation of the building, runtime data, local power supply voltage, local power frequency, participation in a power company provided demand control program, and the like. In some embodiments of the present invention, such information is received from the inner wall unit 103, including data regarding the operational state of the inner wall unit 103, connection confirmation to the inner wall unit 103, or other such data and information. Information may be further included.

  Further, referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart summarizing the operating characteristics of the IRT 101 is shown. In step 180, the user inputs a command to the remote control 108. In step 182, IRT 101 intercepts the message from remote control 108. In step 184, the message is processed inside the IRT 101, and this processing is performed by the processor 138 or the first communication module 132. If it is determined that the message is not temperature related, the message is sent to the infrared transmitter 136 in a command manner, and the infrared transmitter 136 sends the command to the separable device 110 in step 190. . If it is determined at step 184 that the message is related to temperature, then at step 186, an inquiry is initiated as to whether the power company has issued a demand control event. If a demand control event has not been issued, the system moves to step 190. If a demand control control event has been issued, the system proceeds to step 188, where the IRT 101 issues a command to change the temperature if the user enters a temperature rise, and the user temperature If a drop is entered, issue a command to maintain the temperature. This command is transmitted to the infrared transmitter 136, and then the infrared transmitter 136 transmits the command to the separable device 110 for execution.

  In the illustrated embodiment, if the wall unit 103 includes a thermostat at step 188, a temperature based load control scheme may be performed using the temperature setpoint and offset. When the wall unit 103 does not include a thermostat, a load control method such as a load control method based on the duty cycle time may be executed using on / off control of the wall unit 103. The duty cycle can be determined in a number of ways, as described above for the particular load control scheme. Although the load control scheme can be configured to execute with a simple timer-based duty cycle, any load control scheme that turns on / off internal units as part of the load control scheme is disclosed in the disclosed embodiments. Should be understood to be encompassed by. Further, in some embodiments, even when the wall unit 103 does not include a thermostat, if the IRT 101 includes a temperature sensor, the temperature is performed via on / off control of the wall unit 103. Setting type or offset type control may be utilized in step 188.

  When temperature setting or offset control is used, a load control command is received. An appropriate command or control code is sent from the IRT 101 to the wall unit 103. The transmitted control code may instruct the wall unit 103 to increase (or decrease) the temperature set value by a predetermined frequency, set the temperature to a predetermined set value, or the like.

  When the load control event is complete and the IRT 101 no longer actively controls or commands the wall unit 103, control of the wall unit 103 is returned to the user. At this point, the user can operate the remote control device 108 to control the wall unit 103 as desired.

  Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, a user may be able to override the execution of load control events. In other embodiments of the invention, control may simply be returned to the user when the load control event ends, when a critical temperature is reached, or under other predetermined circumstances.

  When the wall unit 103 does not include a thermostat, the wall unit 103 may repeat ON / OFF as a means for realizing a load control event. In order to execute a duty cycle based load control command as described above, a load control command requiring on / off control of the wall unit 103 is received. In the illustrated embodiment, the load control command executes a timer-based, duty cycle-based load control command or command set.

  In one such embodiment of the present invention that relies on a timer, following activation of the timer, a command code that turns the wall unit 103 on or off is transmitted, turning the wall unit 103 on or off for a predetermined period of time. In an embodiment, the duty cycle may be 50% so that the wall unit 103 is turned off for 30 minutes per hour. In this timer-based embodiment, the wall unit 103 continues the on / off cycle while the time does not expire, and when the time expires, the control of the wall unit 103 is controlled by the user and / or the wall unit 103. Returned to the unit.

  A large number of IRTs 101 may be used in a building with more than one separable device 110 and each separable device 110 may be associated with a separate IRT 101. In a complex unit building with separate multiple dwellings and multiple billing units, the main controller 102 can communicate directly with individual IRTs 101, in comparison with an independent single unit building. There is no operational distinction between any one unit with one separable device 110. In such a system, each IRT 101 can be independently controlled during a load control event by the main controller 102, another controller, or another method by the user.

  However, in another embodiment, it may be beneficial to coordinate the control of multiple segregated devices 110 in a single building during a load control event. For example, a demand control system in a first building has a first separation type apparatus 110 that includes an external unit 112 and a wall unit 103, and a second that also includes a second external unit 112 and a second wall unit 103. Of the separation type device 110. In this embodiment, the main control unit 102 transmits individual communication signals to the first separable device 110 and the second separable device 110. Each IRT 101 of each device 110 includes a communication module 130 in order to receive a communication signal for each of those separable devices 110 from the main control unit 102.

  In one embodiment, the main controller 102 communicates with the module 130 by transmitting an RF paging signal that utilizes a dedicated communication protocol, and each of the IRTs 101 of the first and second separable devices 110 receives an IR command. Signals are transmitted to the control units of the first and second separable devices 110, respectively.

  The second local communication module 134 transmits real-time data and log data to the power company when provided as such. Data received at the power company is stored and recorded in memory. The recorded data may have been analyzed by the power company to determine or improve the load control scheme. In certain embodiments, the average duty cycle of the external unit 112 is determined based on the sensed data. The data is then used to determine a period for controlling the load on the external unit 112, including determining a period for de-energizing the electrical load. Such analysis is performed remotely at the power company.

  Furthermore, such data is useful to verify that the segregated device 110 is controlled by the IRT 101 as intended. If the user disables the IRT 101 or if a radio signal commanding load control of the separable device 110 is not received by the control unit of the separable device 110, to verify that the load control event succeeded or failed In addition, the data may be analyzed. Another embodiment may include other analytical techniques that provide feedback to the utility company in the execution of load control events.

  Furthermore, such data can facilitate load control schemes such as those cited above and incorporated by reference, as described in the US patent literature.

  In other embodiments, the system 100 may further include additional electrical loads and / or monitoring devices that communicate with the main controller 102. Additional electrical loads can include hot water heaters, electrical heaters, fans, appliances, and other such devices having electrical loads. Each of these additional loads may include a processor and a local communication module.

  It is anticipated and understood that various one-way and two-way communication schemes can be used in the system 100 as described herein. Each of the communication links 104, 114, 115 can be configured one-way or two-way, and appropriate protocols, software, and hardware are provided. In addition, it is anticipated that the remote control device 108 may be replaced to allow bi-directional communication.

  While the present invention has been described in terms of various embodiments, numerous changes have been made in the implementation, arrangement, or external form of the components of the invention without departing from the intended scope of the invention. It will be appreciated that may be performed. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the claims disclosed.

  For purposes of understanding the claims of the present invention, unless the specific terms "means for" or "step for" are listed in the claims, the provisions of 35 USC 112, paragraph 6 Is clearly intended not to be incorporated.

101: Infrared repeater (IRT), 102: Main control unit, 103: Internal unit (wall unit), 104: Long-distance communication network, 106: Building, 108: Remote control, 110: Separate type device (separate type without duct) 122: power supply, 130: long-distance communication module, 132: first local communication module, 134: second local communication module, 136: infrared transmitter, 138: processor, 140: display unit, 142: housing, 146: Receiver, 150: Receiver (transceiver), 152: Infrared disk, 172: Local control unit (intermediate control unit)

Claims (20)

An infrared repeater for controlling an infrared response control unit of a ductless separation type air conditioner,
Long-distance communication including a long-distance transceiver and providing network connection to the main control unit via a long-distance communication network that transmits a load control message for controlling the electrical load of a ductless separated air conditioner in a building Module,
A processor in electrical communication with the long distance communication module;
An infrared transmitter for transmitting an infrared signal to an infrared response control unit of the ductless separation type air conditioner to perform electrical communication with the processor and control the operation of the electrical load;
The infrared repeater according to claim 1, wherein the infrared signal is a command related to the load control message received by the long distance communication module. A housing enclosing the long-range communication module, the processor and the infrared transmitter;
The infrared repeater according to claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to be attached to an infrared receiving eye of the infrared response control unit.   The infrared repeater according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit that performs electrical communication with the processor and is visible to the outside of the housing. A first local communication module in electrical communication with the processor;
The first local communication module includes: an infrared receiver that receives an infrared signal from a remote control device; and a transceiver that transmits a command related to the received infrared signal to the processor. The infrared repeater according to 1. A second local communication module in electrical communication with the processor;
2. The infrared relay according to claim 1, wherein the second local communication module promotes short-distance local two-way communication, and includes a receiver and a transceiver for receiving and transmitting a radio signal. vessel.   The infrared repeater according to claim 5, wherein the second local communication module communicates with a device other than a control unit of the ductless separation type air conditioner.   6. A power sensor adapted to sense power at the electrical load and communicate data related to power at the electrical load with the second local communication module. The infrared repeater described.   The infrared repeater according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply and a monitoring device that communicates with the processor and provides data related to power quality of a power supply to the infrared repeater. And an infrared disk that is in electrical communication with the infrared transmitter,
The infrared repeater according to claim 1, wherein the infrared disk is configured to be attached to the infrared receiving eye of the infrared response control unit.   The infrared repeater according to claim 2, further comprising an in-room sensor.   The infrared repeater according to claim 2, further comprising a temperature sensor.   The infrared repeater according to claim 2, further comprising a humidity sensor.   The infrared repeater according to claim 1, wherein the load control message is formatted according to an Expresscom (registered trademark) protocol. A system for controlling a plurality of ductless separation type air conditioners,
A main control unit;
A local control unit that communicates with the main control unit via a long-distance communication network that transmits a load control message for controlling an electrical load of the plurality of ductless separation type air conditioners in a building;
A plurality of infrared repeaters in electrical communication with the plurality of ductless separated air conditioners, each communicating with one of the plurality of ductless separated air conditioners;
Each of the plurality of infrared repeaters is
Long distance providing a network connection to the local control unit via a long distance communication network including a long distance transceiver and transmitting a load control message for controlling an electrical load of a ductless separated air conditioner in a building A communication module;
A processor in electrical communication with the long distance communication module;
An infrared transmitter for transmitting an infrared signal to an infrared response control unit of the ductless separation type air conditioner to perform electrical communication with the processor and control the operation of the electrical load;
The system, wherein the infrared signal is a command related to the load control message received by the long distance communication module. Each of the plurality of infrared repeaters further includes a first local communication module in electrical communication with the processor;
The first local communication module includes: an infrared receiver that receives an infrared signal from a remote control device; and a transceiver that transmits a command related to the received infrared signal to the processor. 14. The infrared repeater according to 14. Each of the plurality of infrared repeaters further includes a second local communication module in electrical communication with the processor.
15. The infrared relay according to claim 14, wherein the second local communication module promotes short-distance local bidirectional communication, and includes a receiver and a transmitter / receiver for receiving and transmitting a radio signal. vessel. A method for controlling the electrical load of a ductless separated air conditioner that is external to a building and controlled by an infrared repeater located inside the building,
An infrared repeater including a long-distance communication module and a local communication module is attached to an infrared receiving eye of an infrared response control unit inside the building, and the long-distance communication module is configured to be compatible with a long-distance communication network. And the local communication module is configured to communicate in the building with a remote control device of a ductless separation type air conditioner having an external unit with an electrical load,
A load control message is transmitted to the long-distance communication module of the infrared repeater disposed inside the building via the long-distance communication network, and the ductless separation is performed on the infrared repeater by the load control message. A method of transmitting a load control command to an internal control unit in a room of a type air conditioner, thereby controlling electric power to an external unit including the electric load.   18. The method of claim 17, wherein when transmitting a load control message over the long distance communication network, the load control message is transmitted over a radio frequency (RF) long distance communication network.   18. The infrared repeater is configured to transmit a load control command using an infrared (IR) signal to an internal control unit in a room of the ductless separation type air conditioner. the method of. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving data related to energy consumption of the electrical load transmitted from the remote control device via the long distance communication network.

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