WO2017125824A1 - A system for controlling an air-conditioning unit - Google Patents

A system for controlling an air-conditioning unit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017125824A1
WO2017125824A1 PCT/IB2017/050031 IB2017050031W WO2017125824A1 WO 2017125824 A1 WO2017125824 A1 WO 2017125824A1 IB 2017050031 W IB2017050031 W IB 2017050031W WO 2017125824 A1 WO2017125824 A1 WO 2017125824A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
controller
air
conditioning unit
controlling
power
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2017/050031
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bernard Christopher Emby
Original Assignee
Zernet Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Zernet Limited filed Critical Zernet Limited
Publication of WO2017125824A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017125824A1/en

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05BCONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B15/00Systems controlled by a computer
    • G05B15/02Systems controlled by a computer electric
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/62Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05BCONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00Programme-control systems
    • G05B19/02Programme-control systems electric
    • G05B19/04Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
    • G05B19/042Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05DSYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D23/00Control of temperature
    • G05D23/19Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D23/1917Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means using digital means
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/56Remote control
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/56Remote control
    • F24F11/58Remote control using Internet communication
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05BCONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/20Pc systems
    • G05B2219/26Pc applications
    • G05B2219/2614HVAC, heating, ventillation, climate control
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05BCONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/20Pc systems
    • G05B2219/26Pc applications
    • G05B2219/2642Domotique, domestic, home control, automation, smart house

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Fuzzy Systems (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a system for controlling an air-conditioning unit, more particularly the present invention relates to a system for controlling an air-conditioning unit via a radio frequency controller comprising a main power supply (11); and a controller (12) connected to the main power supply (11) for controlling the air-conditioning unit (13) via internet and radio frequency controllers.

Description

A SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a system for controlling an air-conditioning unit, more particularly the present invention relates to a system for controlling an air- conditioning unit via a radio frequency controller. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
The implementation of smartphones to control electrical appliances has been widespread, and such control approach has been used for controlling air-conditioners. However, the technology that is currently available, replaces the remote controls that are used to control the air-conditioning units. The shortcoming of such controlling method is that smartphones are very much dependent on its operation, and more often than not the control of the air-conditioning units is affected and cumbersome in the event the smartphones become unusable or unavailable.
There are several prior arts that disclose a system and a method for controlling an air- conditioning unit. US 5,224,648 discloses a building automation system, wherein the building automation system includes means for managing the operation of the conditioning means, the distributing means, and the sensing means, and means, using wireless two-way transmissions, for operably linking the managing means, the conditioning means, the distributing means, and the sensing means.
US 6,980,080 discloses a wireless home automation system having a controller for controlling a broad variety of functions via two ways communication with a plurality of devices. More specifically, the invention relates to systems having two or more controllers for controlling devices, wherein information related to the system can be shared between controllers, e.g. by updating a second controller with the newly learned information of a first controller, or by replicating a controller by making a second controller a complete copy of a first controller. The information can be shared by, in a first controller, generating and transmitting signals comprising device identifiers of devices controlled by the first controller, receiving said signals at a second controller, and storing said device identifiers in an organized data structure in a memory of the second controller. This function proves advantageous when new controllers are introduced in the system or if a controller is lost, worn out, or destroyed.
US 8,064,935 discloses a thermostat control system for monitoring and controlling environmental characteristics of a building includes a base station unit and a remote access unit continuously interfacing through instant wireless private direct connectivity. The system also includes a plurality of sensors that measure the environmental characteristics and provide the thermostat unit with the measurements.
The prior arts however are incapable of addressing the problem of controlling air- conditioning units in the event the smartphone control becomes unusable.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention aims to provide a system that is capable of controlling air- conditioning units in the absence of a designated control for the air-conditioning units.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for controlling an air- conditioning unit comprising a main power supply and a controller connected to the main power supply for controlling the air-conditioning unit.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for controlling an air- conditioning unit comprising a controller that is configured to transmit and receive data to and from an internet enabled control device, and transmit and receive signals to and from a radio frequency enabled remote-controller.
It is yet an object of the present invention to provide a controller for controlling an air- conditioning unit comprising at least a sensor for sensing signal from the air-conditioning unit, at least a signal transmitter for transmitting signal to the air-conditioning unit, and a user interface for receiving input from a user and displaying information.
The system and the controller of the present invention therefore overcome the problem of controlling air-conditioning units in the event the smartphone control becomes unusable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of the system architecture of the preferred system according to the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the controller according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each of the following preferred embodiments describes an example not limiting in any aspect.
Referring to Figure 1, a schematic representation of the system architecture of the preferred system according to the present invention is illustrated, wherein the system is for controlling an air-conditioning unit. The system for controlling an air-conditioning unit according to the present invention is shown in Figure 1 comprising a main power supply (11), and a controller (12) for controlling the air-conditioning unit. The controller (12) is configured with a universal control that controls operational state, operational mode and controls power state of the air-conditioning unit.
The preferred controller (12) of the present invention is capable of uniting control functions with power management and power state control. The operational state of the air-conditioning unit herein refers to the state of the air- conditioning unit when the power state of the air-conditioning unit is switched ON. The operational states of the air-conditioning units are preferably but not limited to in a standby state, in-use state, in a sleep state, or in a monitoring state.
The operational mode of the air-conditioning unit herein refers to the modes of the air- conditioning unit when the power state of the air-conditioning unit is switched ON. The operational modes of the air-conditioning units are preferably but not limited to temperature or humidity modes for air-conditioning units, or fan speed for ceiling fans in such related application.
The power state of the air-conditioning unit is characteristically switched ON or OFF.
The preferred embodiment of the controller (12) of the present invention is ultimately configured to transmit and receive data to and from an internet enabled control device (14), and transmit and receive signals to and from a radio frequency enabled remote- controller (15).
Referring to Figure 2, a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention is illustrated. The controller (12) and air-conditioning unit shown in Figure 2 are preferably but not limited to a split-system air-conditioning unit controller and the split-system air-conditioning unit respectively.
The air-conditioning unit (31) is shown connected to the controller (12), and the controller is connected to a main power supply (11) of a 220V mains input, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Prevalent conventional split-system air-conditioning units (31) are often provided with in-wall ON or OFF main power switch, and with an infra-red remote control that is mounted in a cradle on a wall. The controller (12) of the present invention eliminates the need for an infra-red remote control.
Also, there are contributory problems of the conventional split-system air-conditioning units (31), such as limited intelligence of split-system air-conditioning systems, no ability to perform remote connectivity, no ability to control temperature in an advanced manner, limited or no ability to perform occupancy detection, no remote diagnostics, no ability to measure performance, and no ability to determine timeliness of servicing. The present invention replaces the existing controllers of the split-system air-conditioning units (31) with a controller (12) that provides universal control capability in the technological field of any home automation and building automation. As described in the foregoing, the controller (12) of the present invention is configured with a universal control that controls operational state and operational mode, and controls power state of the air-conditioning unit, and senses power drawn by the air-conditioning unit. In this case, the controller (12) is capable of controlling operational state, operational mode and power state of the split-system air-conditioning unit (31), and sensing power drawn by the split-system air-conditioning unit (31) via an infra-red activity sensor. The universal control provides overall control of the split-system air-conditioning unit (31), such that a remote control for controlling operational states and operational modes of the air-conditioning unit (31) is no longer required. The controller (12) is capable of uniting control functions with power management and power state control. The operational state of the air-conditioning unit (31) herein refers to the state of the air- conditioning unit (31) when the power state of the air-conditioning unit (31) is switched ON. The operational states of the air-conditioning units are preferably but not limited to in a standby state, in-use state, in a sleep state, or in a monitoring state. The operational state of the air-conditioning unit (31) herein refers to the modes of the air-conditioning unit (31) when the power state of the air-conditioning unit (31) is switched ON. The operational modes of the air-conditioning unit (31) are preferably but not limited to temperature mode, humidity mode, or environment mode. The power state of the air-conditioning unit (31) is characteristically switched ON or OFF. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller (12) is configured with a reciprocal communication capacity, such that the controller (12) provides a two-way communication system between the controller (12) and the air-conditioning unit (31). Further to that, the preferred controller (12) of the present invention is configured to learn energy consumption, and that the controller (12) further comprises a power measurement function, a power detector function, a remote controller function, and a main switch function. These functions are integrated in such a manner that provides the controller (12) with the capability of universal control of the air-conditioning unit (31). This integration eliminates the need for devices to control the main switch, and separate controls for controlling operational state of operational mode of the air-conditioning unit (31).
The power measurement function is capable of measuring power being drawn by the air- conditioning unit (31) and to determine the operational states and operational modes of the air-conditioning unit (31). The power detector function is capable of sensing power being drawn by the air-conditioning unit (31) and to determine power state of the air- conditioning unit (31).
For example, if no power is being used, then the air-conditioning unit (31) is switched OFF. If power is being used, then the air-conditioning unit (31) is switched ON. The controller (12) will sense the amount of power being drawn by the air-conditioning unit (31). Preferably, the power being drawn is sensed via an infra-red activity sensor. It should be noted that the sensing of power being drawing is via processing of receipted control commands from the air-conditioning unit that allow interpretation of expected power levels
Expanding on this, the controller will also be able to determine if an infra-red code is successfully received. When an infra-red code is transmitted, the controller (12) looks for a change in power consumption of the air-conditioning unit (31), and a change will indicate that the infra-red code was successfully received. Also, the controller (12) includes a highly accurate power measurement chipset that will learn the operational state of the air-conditioning unit (31) such that the learning capability of the controller (12) allows the air-conditioning unit to operate at optimum levels. The controller (12) of the present invention for use with split-system air-conditioning unit (31) is preferably configured to sense temperature and to control temperature, to sense humidity, to sense electromagnetic radiation, and to sense motion. The electromagnetic radiation can be visible such as light, or invisible such as infra-red.
The configuration to sense temperature and to sense humidity is effective to provide a well-balanced and a comfortable climate to a user, by maintaining the right temperature in an environment and with an effective cooling effect to the user. The configuration to sense light is effective to sense as to whether or not there is light in an environment, or whether or not there is daylight, so that the air-conditioning unit (31) can be switched ON or OFF according to predetermined requirements to conserve energy. The configuration to sense motion is effective to sense occupancy of a user in a room environment, such that the air-conditioning unit (31) is switched OFF if there is no one in the room.
In addition, the controller (12) of the present invention for use with split-system air- conditioning unit (31) is preferably configured with predetermined schedules, and is configured with flexibility to predetermine operational state of the split-system air- conditioning unit (31) such as sleep and operating times. The controller (12) is importantly enabled with a user interface for receiving input from a user, and for displaying multiple information of the air-conditioning unit (31). The user interface is preferably but not limited to a colour liquid-crystal display (LCD) touch screen display.
These features are not limited to the split-system air-conditioning unit (31) or any air- conditioning unit (31) as the controller (12) of the present invention can be made or used for ceiling fan units, wall fan units, tower fan units, or for heating, ventilating and air- conditioning (HVAC) systems, with easy installation to the existing ones. The controller (12) of the present invention can be powered by either 2-wire or 3-wire circuits. The controller (12) can also fit inside and onto British standard and Australian electrical wall boxes.
Referring to Figure 3, a schematic representation of an embodiment of the controller (12) according to the present invention is illustrated. The preferred controller (12) of the present invention preferably comprising at least a sensor (51) for sensing signal from the air-conditioning unit, at least a signal transmitter (53) for transmitting signal to the air-conditioning unit, and a user interface (54) for displaying information, wherein, the controller is configured to receive wireless signals.
The controller (12) is preferably configured to receive radio frequency signals, and is configured with network connection, and further a power detector function for sensing power being drawn by the air-conditioning unit.
It is also preferred that the controller (12) is configured to allow accessibility from a remote system, such that the system of the present invention is configured with network support, preferably but not limited to wireless networks. Platform network printed circuit board (PCB) can be added to the controller (12) for support of WiFi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth or the like, that provides full access to the air-conditioning unit (31) from a remote device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.
The controller (12) is shown a box-like device with a screen, buttons and sensors. The controller (12) in a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises at least a sensor (51) for sensing signal from the air-conditioning unit, at least a signal transmitter (53) for transmitting signal to the air-conditioning units, and a user interface (54) for receiving input from a user and displaying information, wherein the controller (12) is configured with a remote controller function and a main switch function. The controller (12) is built with at least an infra-red transmitter, LCD colour display, function buttons, and mechanical base plate, and is further configured to sense motion, temperature, light and humidity.
As discussed in the foregoing description, the infra-red transmitter transmits and received signals from an air-conditioning unit. The LCD colour display is a user interface for receiving input from a user, and for displaying multiple information of the air- conditioning unit. The sensor facilitates the configuration to sense temperature and to sense humidity, to sense light, and to sense motion. The mechanical base plate provides support to the controller of the present invention.
In as much as the present invention is subject to many variations, modifications and changes in detail, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A system for controlling an air-conditioning unit comprising:
a main power supply (11); and
a controller (12) connected to the main power supply (11) for controlling the air-conditioning unit (13);
characterized in that the controller (12) is configured to transmit and receive data to and from an internet enabled control device (14), and transmit and receive signals to and from a radio frequency enabled remote-controller (15).
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the controller (12) is a split-system air- conditioning unit controller.
3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the air-conditioning unit (13) is a split- system air-conditioning unit.
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the communication between the controller (12) and the air-conditioning unit (13) is a two-way communication system.
5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the controller (12) comprises at least a sensor (21) for sensing signals from the air-conditioning unit (13).
6. A system according to claim 5, wherein said at least a sensor (51) is an infra-red activity sensor for sensing power being drawn from the air-conditioning unit (13).
7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the controller (12) comprises at least a signal transmitter for transmitting signals to the air-conditioning unit (13).
8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the controller (12) comprises a user interface for receiving input from a user and displaying information.
9. A controller (12) for controlling an air-conditioning unit comprising:
at least a sensor (51) for sensing signal from the air-conditioning unit; at least a signal transmitter (53) for transmitting signal to the air- conditioning unit; and
a user interface (54) for displaying information;
wherein, the controller (12) is configured to receive wireless signals.
10. A controller (12) according to claim 9, wherein the controller (12) is configured to receive radio frequency signals.
11. A controller (12) according to claim 9, wherein the controller (12) is configured with network connection.
12. A controller (12) according to claim 9, wherein the controller (12) is configured with a power measurement function for measuring power being drawn by the air- conditioning unit.
13. A controller (12) according to claim 9, wherein the controller (12) comprises a power detector function for sensing power being drawn by the air-conditioning unit.
14. A controller (12) according to claim 9, wherein said at least a sensor (51) is capable of sensing any one or a combination of motion, temperature, light and humidity.
15. A controller (12) according to claim 9, wherein said at least a signal transmitter (53) transmits infra-red signals.
PCT/IB2017/050031 2016-01-18 2017-01-05 A system for controlling an air-conditioning unit WO2017125824A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MYPI2016700178 2016-01-18
MYPI2016700178A MY192506A (en) 2016-01-18 2016-01-18 A system for controlling an air-conditioning unit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017125824A1 true WO2017125824A1 (en) 2017-07-27

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WO (1) WO2017125824A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120271460A1 (en) * 2011-04-22 2012-10-25 Rognli Roger W Universal demand-response remote control for ductless split system
EP2674822A1 (en) * 2012-06-15 2013-12-18 Emerson Electric Co. Connecting split HVAC systems to the internet and/or smart utility meters
US20140245765A1 (en) * 2013-03-04 2014-09-04 Shu-Te University Air-conditioning system integrated with app of smart portable device
WO2016083902A1 (en) * 2014-11-25 2016-06-02 Tricklestar Limited A system for management of an air-conditioning unit

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120271460A1 (en) * 2011-04-22 2012-10-25 Rognli Roger W Universal demand-response remote control for ductless split system
EP2674822A1 (en) * 2012-06-15 2013-12-18 Emerson Electric Co. Connecting split HVAC systems to the internet and/or smart utility meters
US20140245765A1 (en) * 2013-03-04 2014-09-04 Shu-Te University Air-conditioning system integrated with app of smart portable device
WO2016083902A1 (en) * 2014-11-25 2016-06-02 Tricklestar Limited A system for management of an air-conditioning unit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MY192506A (en) 2022-08-24

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