CA2590235A1 - Enhanced diagnostics for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning control system and an associated method of use - Google Patents
Enhanced diagnostics for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning control system and an associated method of use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2590235A1 CA2590235A1 CA002590235A CA2590235A CA2590235A1 CA 2590235 A1 CA2590235 A1 CA 2590235A1 CA 002590235 A CA002590235 A CA 002590235A CA 2590235 A CA2590235 A CA 2590235A CA 2590235 A1 CA2590235 A1 CA 2590235A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- controller
- heating
- ventilation
- air conditioning
- data
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
- F24F11/32—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies
- F24F11/38—Failure diagnosis
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
- F24F11/52—Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B23/00—Testing or monitoring of control systems or parts thereof
- G05B23/02—Electric testing or monitoring
Abstract
A heating, ventilation and air conditioning diagnostic system and associated method of use is disclosed. The system includes a controller for operating a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, a plurality of sensors for monitoring various parameters associated with the operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller, at least one input device that is in electronic communication with the controller, wherein the at least one input device is able to modify variables utilized by the controller to improve performance of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; and at least one output device that is in electronic communication with the controller. The variables can include non-safety timing values and text-based information. The system may include counters that can be read-only, reset to zero and overwritten through the plurality of input devices. Historical data can be recorded, reviewed and selectively analyzed.
Description
ENHANCED DIAGNOSTICS FOR A HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL
SYSTEM AND AN ASSOCIATED METHOD OF USE
DESCRIPTION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[Para 1] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/637,170 filed December 17, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[Para 2] A major problem associated with current heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC") systems is that it is very difficult to customize non-safety timing values once a controller for an HVAC system is installed in the field for a particular application.
[Para 3] Examples of such timing values include, but are not limited to, the temperature differential for water heater applications and air circulator blower delay times for furnace applications.
[Para 4] Although the ability to ascertain real-time data from an HVAC system as well as view historical data, it is very difficult to quickly ascertain exactly when certain problems and defaults have occurred without going back through a tremendous amount of data. It is the timed pattern of problems and defaults that typically provide clues as to causation. By having a service technician forced to look at a tremendous amount of recorded historical data will prevent him or her from readily diagnosing malfunctions and problems.
[Para 5] Another problem involving HVAC systems is the need for the service technician to obtain pertinent information to complete the task at hand without disturbing building owners or building operators. Also, there may be a need to perform research by the service technician to complete his or her job. Information of this nature can include the end user, the service company, the HVAC system manufacturer and information regarding a controller for the HVAC system.
[Para 6] An example of a furnace diagnostic system having the above deficiencies is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,658,372, which issued on December 2, 2003, to Robertshaw Controls Company, incorporated herein by reference, and also U.S. Patent No.
6,535,838, which issued on March 18, 2003, to Robertshaw Controls Company, incorporated herein by reference.
[Para 7] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[Para 8] In one aspect of this invention, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning diagnostic system is disclosed. This system includes a controller for operating a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, a plurality of sensors for monitoring various parameters associated with the operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller, at least one input device that is in electronic communication with the controller, wherein the at least one input device is able to modify variables utilized by the controller to improve performance of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and at least one output device that is in electronic communication with the controller.
SYSTEM AND AN ASSOCIATED METHOD OF USE
DESCRIPTION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[Para 1] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/637,170 filed December 17, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[Para 2] A major problem associated with current heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC") systems is that it is very difficult to customize non-safety timing values once a controller for an HVAC system is installed in the field for a particular application.
[Para 3] Examples of such timing values include, but are not limited to, the temperature differential for water heater applications and air circulator blower delay times for furnace applications.
[Para 4] Although the ability to ascertain real-time data from an HVAC system as well as view historical data, it is very difficult to quickly ascertain exactly when certain problems and defaults have occurred without going back through a tremendous amount of data. It is the timed pattern of problems and defaults that typically provide clues as to causation. By having a service technician forced to look at a tremendous amount of recorded historical data will prevent him or her from readily diagnosing malfunctions and problems.
[Para 5] Another problem involving HVAC systems is the need for the service technician to obtain pertinent information to complete the task at hand without disturbing building owners or building operators. Also, there may be a need to perform research by the service technician to complete his or her job. Information of this nature can include the end user, the service company, the HVAC system manufacturer and information regarding a controller for the HVAC system.
[Para 6] An example of a furnace diagnostic system having the above deficiencies is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,658,372, which issued on December 2, 2003, to Robertshaw Controls Company, incorporated herein by reference, and also U.S. Patent No.
6,535,838, which issued on March 18, 2003, to Robertshaw Controls Company, incorporated herein by reference.
[Para 7] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[Para 8] In one aspect of this invention, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning diagnostic system is disclosed. This system includes a controller for operating a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, a plurality of sensors for monitoring various parameters associated with the operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller, at least one input device that is in electronic communication with the controller, wherein the at least one input device is able to modify variables utilized by the controller to improve performance of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and at least one output device that is in electronic communication with the controller.
[Para 91 Another aspect of this invention is that a heating, ventilation and air conditioning diagnostic system is disclosed. The system includes a controller for operating a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, a plurality of sensors for monitoring various parameters associated with the operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller, wherein data from the plurality of sensors can be recorded in the controller, at least one input device that is in electronic communication with the controller, wherein the at least one input device is able to modify variables utilized by the controller to improve performance of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and at least one output device that is in electronic communication with the controller.
[Para 10] Yet another aspect of this invention is that a heating, ventilation and air conditioning diagnostic system is disclosed. The system includes a controller for operating a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and the controller is in electronic communication with a plurality of counters, a plurality of sensors for monitoring various parameters associated with the operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller, wherein data from the plurality of sensors can be recorded in the controller, at least one input device that is in electronic communication with the controller, wherein the at least one input device is able to modify variables utilized by the controller to improve performance of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and at least one output device that is in electronic communication with the controller.
[Para 1 1] In yet another aspect of this invention, a method for utilizing a heating, ventilation and air conditioning diagnostic system is disclosed. The method includes utilizing a controller for operating a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, monitoring various parameters from a plurality of sensors associated with an operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller, providing electronic communication between at least one input device and the controller, providing electronic communication between at least one output device and the controller, and modifying variables utilized by the controller with the at least input device to improve performance of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
[Para 12] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for utilizing a heating, ventilation and air conditioning diagnostic system is disclosed. The method includes utilizing a controller for operating a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that is in electronic communication with a plurality of counters, monitoring various parameters from a plurality of sensors associated with an operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller, recording data from the plurality of sensors in the controller, providing electronic communication between at least one input device and the controller, providing electronic communication between at least one output device and the controller, and modifying variables utilized by the controller with the at least input device to improve performance of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
[Para 13] These are merely some of the innumerable aspects of the present invention and should not be deemed an all-inclusive listing of the innumerable aspects associated with the present invention. These and other aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the following disclosure and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[Para 14] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
[Para 10] Yet another aspect of this invention is that a heating, ventilation and air conditioning diagnostic system is disclosed. The system includes a controller for operating a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and the controller is in electronic communication with a plurality of counters, a plurality of sensors for monitoring various parameters associated with the operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller, wherein data from the plurality of sensors can be recorded in the controller, at least one input device that is in electronic communication with the controller, wherein the at least one input device is able to modify variables utilized by the controller to improve performance of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and at least one output device that is in electronic communication with the controller.
[Para 1 1] In yet another aspect of this invention, a method for utilizing a heating, ventilation and air conditioning diagnostic system is disclosed. The method includes utilizing a controller for operating a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, monitoring various parameters from a plurality of sensors associated with an operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller, providing electronic communication between at least one input device and the controller, providing electronic communication between at least one output device and the controller, and modifying variables utilized by the controller with the at least input device to improve performance of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
[Para 12] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for utilizing a heating, ventilation and air conditioning diagnostic system is disclosed. The method includes utilizing a controller for operating a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that is in electronic communication with a plurality of counters, monitoring various parameters from a plurality of sensors associated with an operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller, recording data from the plurality of sensors in the controller, providing electronic communication between at least one input device and the controller, providing electronic communication between at least one output device and the controller, and modifying variables utilized by the controller with the at least input device to improve performance of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
[Para 13] These are merely some of the innumerable aspects of the present invention and should not be deemed an all-inclusive listing of the innumerable aspects associated with the present invention. These and other aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the following disclosure and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[Para 14] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
[Para 151 FIG. l is a block diagram of a diagnostic system for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) in accordance with the present invention;
[Para 16] FIG. 2 is a graphical user interface screen that illustrates various system inputs and outputs for a controller of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) in accordance with the present invention; and [Para 17] FIG. 3 is a graphical user interface screen that visually illustrates a component, e.g., furnace, of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) and associated inputs and outputs in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[Para 18] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as to obscure the present invention.
[Para 19] Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to an electronic control system 10 for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC") system. For the purposes of this patent application an HVAC system is broadly defined as system of heating, ventilation, evaporative cooling and/or air conditioning components, water heaters, as well as any combination thereof.
[Para 20] The electronic control system 10 includes at least one component of an HVAC
system, e.g., furnace, which is generally indicated by numeral 20. A
controller is generally indicated by numeral 30. The controller 30 can include a single processor or a whole series of processors and any variant of a processor such as a computer or a programmable logic controller.
[Para 21 ] The controller 30 is connected to at least one component 20, e.g., plurality of components, through any form of electronic communication 100. Also, the controller 30 can be an integral aspect of a particular component 20, e.g., furnace. This can include a hardwired connection indicated by solid lines or wireless communication indicated by dotted lines. This can also include a computer network. Preferably, the computer network is local in nature such as a local area network (LAN). However, a wide area network (WAN) and other types of computer networks are possible.
[Para 22] When using a LAN networking environment, the controller 30 is connected to the LAN through a network interface or adapter. When using a WAN networking environment, the controller 30 typically includes a modem or other means for establishing communications over the WAN, such as a global computer network e.g., the Internet. The WAN network permits communication to other points or systems with a more comprehensive computer network. The computer network is capable of communicating in a wide variety of methods including, but not limited to, point-to-point, star, mesh or star-mesh architecture. The protocols utilized can include, but are not limited to, proprietary, Internet, contention and polled protocols and their derivatives. Communication protocols can also include, but are not limited to, RS485 and RS232.
[Para 23] As an optional embodiment, additional processing capability 52 can be connected in electronic communication to the controller 30. An illustrative, but nonlimiting example, of this type of additional processing capability 52 includes a daughter board. This electronic communication 100 can be in the form of either hard-wired, wireless-type communication and any variant thereof.
[Para 24] Each component 20 preferably, but not necessarily, is in electronic communication 100 with a plurality of inputs 62, e.g., sensors. There are input and/or output devices 50, 40 in electronic communication 100 with the electronic control system 10. This can include an input and/or output device 50 that is connected via hardwired connections to the controller 30. Optionally, the input and/or output device 40 that is connected via wireless communication to the controller 30.
[Para25] Although a thermostat is preferred, the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can , include virtually any type of electronic output device. Preferably, but not necessarily, the electronic output device includes an electronic display 102, as shown in FIG.
2. Although a liquid crystal diode display is preferred for the electronic display 102, a cathode ray tube, a plasma screen and virtually any other type of electronic display will suffice.
The electronic display 102 can be hard wired, portable or in wireless connection with the controller 30 and any combination thereof.
[Para 26] The input and/or output devices 50, 40 can also include an alarm to detect abnormal operating conditions or failures on part of the subsystems that can be visual or audible or both visual and audible. The alarm can be both local or over a computer network. If the alarm is over a computer network then nodes on the computer network will be able to visually or audibly indicate the alarm condition through controlled systems, subsystems and processes. Use of a wide area network, WAN, will permit safety and lower level alarm conditions to reach nodes that can provide an emergency response, monitoring services, owners, operators, repair and servicing organizations, and so forth.
In premise nodes, such as that found on a local area network, LAN, the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can include, in addition to a thermostat, appliances, messaging terminals, personal computers, televisions, auxiliary smoke and fire monitors, and alarm mechanisms, and so forth.
[Para 27] Moreover, the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can include any type of pushbutton entry system including, but not limited to, a keyboard, voice recognition, and so forth. This can include, but is not limited to, a television set interface, and a security alarm display. Specifically the wireless input and/or output devices 40 can include, but are not limited to global computer network enabled appliance, e.g., web appliance, telephone (wired or wireless), personal digital assistant ("PDA"), laptop computer, home control interface and a wide variety of devices that use Wireless Application Protocol ("WAP"). WAP
is a secure specification that allows users to access information instantly via handheld wireless devices. Wireless communication can also include infra-red communications.
[Para 28] Information from the plurality of inputs 62, e.g., sensors, can be recorded as historical data in the controller 30 as well as accessed and viewed in real-time with the input and/or output device 50, 40. Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of this type of read-only data includes: status of a thermostat or a plurality of terminals for a thermostat and associated fuse status; a pressure switch input status; a high limit switch input status; a rollout switch input status; an inducer relay status; a gas valve relay status; a circulation blower relay status; a circulatiort blower heat relay status; a circulation blower cool relay status; an igniter triac status; a current mode for the controller 30; an igniter active line counts; and a time left auto-reset timer. A listing of these preferred inputs are listed below in Table 1. The access indication "R" means that the user through the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can only view the status of an input or output devices 50, 40 for the controller 30 and cannot change it.
[Para 29] Table 1 Access Inputs and Outputs for Controller 30 R Thermostat (Terminal W) Status R Thermostat (Terminal Y) Status R Thermostat (Terminal G) Status R Thermostat (Terminal R) Status and Fuse Status R Pressure Switch Input Status R High Limit Switch Input Status R Rollout Switch Input Status R Inducer Relay Status R Gas Valve Relay Status R Circulation Blower Relay Status R Circulation Blower Heat Relay Status R Circulation Blower Cool Relay Status R Igniter Triac Status R Current Mode of Controller 30 R Igniter Active Line Counts R Time Left Auto-Reset Timer [Para 30] An aspect of the present invention is information that can be stored in memory for the controller 30 and either accessed and in some instances accessed and modified through the input and/or output devices 50, 40. Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of read-only data of this type includes: controller 30 information, e.g., manufacturing identification of the controller 30, model number of the controller 30, serial number of the controller 30, software revision of the controller 30, and a date code for the controller 30, e.g., date of origination for the controller 30, and system manufacturing information for the controller 30.
[Para 31] Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of this type of data that can be read as well as modified includes: dealer information for the component 20, e.g., furnace.
Nonlimiting examples of this type of information includes name of a dealer, phone number of a dealer, installation date for the component 20, e.g., furnace, and service dates for the component 20, e.g., furnace, and customer information, e.g., customer's name, address and zip code.
[Para 32] A listing of this data is provided below in Table 2. The access indication "R"
means that the user through the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can only view the value and cannot change it. Access indication "W" indicates that the user through the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can alter the value to any desired value.
[Para 33] Table 2 Access Command Purpose R, W Customer Name, Address and Zip Code Information R Controller Manufacturing Identification, Model Information Number, Serial Number, Software Revision, and Date Code R, W Dealer Information Name, Phone Number, Installation and Service Date R System System Manufacturing Information Manufacturing Information [Para 34] Another aspect of this Invention is that information from the plurality of inputs 62, e.g., sensors, can be tallied or summed through counting-type electronic devices, e.g., counters.
[Para 35] Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of this type of summed or tallied read-only data includes: a total number of heating cycles from flame detected to the flame not being present; a current mode of the controller 30; a total number of cooling cycles from when cooling is detected to when cooling is no longer present (such as found by detecting electrical power to the compressor from a specific terminal on the thermostat); and a current time stamp for the electronic control system 10.
[Para 36] Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of this type of summed or tallied data that can be read as well as the counter, timer or event tally reset to zero (0) includes: a total number of the heating cycles since the counter or tally is cleared; a total number of the cooling cycles since the counter or tally is cleared; a number of pressure switch openings after a flame is sensed since the counter or tally is cleared; a number of high limit switch openings since the counter or tally is cleared; a number of rollout switch openings since the counter or tally is cleared; a number of internal resets since the counter or tally is cleared;
an average time for a heating cycle; an average time for a cooling cycle; an average number of reset commands since the system has been cleared; and a failure history with a previous predetermined number, e.g., 20, of failures indicated with a time stamp.
[Para 37] Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of this type of summed or tallied data that can be read as well as set to a desired value by the user, includes: at least one timing delay for turning the heat on; at least one timing delay for turning the heat off; at least one timing delay for turning the cooling on; and at least one timing delay for turning the cooling off.
[Para 38] A listing of this timer data is provided below in Table 3. The access indication "R" means that the user through the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can only view the value and cannot change it. Access indication "W" indicates that the user through the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can alter the value to any desired value. The access indication "Z" means that the user through the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can reset the counter, timer or event tally to zero (0).
[Para 39] Table 3 Access Property Name R Total Number of Heating Cycles (Flame Detected To Not Flame Present) R Total Number of Cooling Cycles (Power to Terminal Y Detected To Power Applied to Terminal Y Not Present) R, Z Total Number of Heating Cycles Since Cleared R, Z Total Number of Cooling Cycles Since Cleared R Current Mode of the Controller 30 R, Z Number of Pressure Switch Openings After a Flame is Sensed R, Z Number of High Limit Switch Openings R, Z Number of Rollout Switch Openings R, Z Number of Internal Resets R, Z Average Time for a Heating Cycle R, Z Average Time for a Cooling Cycle R, Z Number of Reset Commands Since the System Has Been Cleared R, W Heat On Delay Timing R, W Heat Off Delay Timing (Number 1) R, W Heat Off Delay Timing (Number 2) R, W Heat Off Delay Timing (Number 3) R, W Heat Off Delay Timing (Number 4) R, W Cool On Delay Timing R, W Cool Off Delay Timing (Number 1) R, W Cool Off Delay Timing (Number 2) R Current System Time Stamp R, Z Failure History - Previous Predetermined Number of Errors With Time Stamp [Para 40] Referring now to FIG. 2, the electronic display 102 can provide a graphical user interface screen 104 that provides a significant amount of visual information for the user.
In an illustrative, but nonlimiting example, a graphical user interface screen 104 for a furnace system is depicted. There are click-on tabs for the graphical user interface screen 104 for the user to access other portions of the software with examples being a file function 108, a configure function 1 10, a data function 112 and a help function 114.
[Para 41] There is a listing of running counters indicated by numeral 120.
Illustrative, but non(imiting examples of these counters include: a total number of heating cycles from flame detected to the flame not being present 122; a total number of cooling cycles from when cooling is detected to when cooling is no longer present (such as found by detecting electrical power to the compressor from a specific terminal on the thermostat) 124; a total number of the heating cycles since the counter or tally is cleared 126; a total number of the cooling cycles since the counter or tally is cleared 128; a number of pressure switch openings after a flame is sensed since the counter or tally is cleared 130; a number of high limit switch openings since the counter or tally is cleared 132; a number of rollout switch openings since the counter or tally is cleared 134; a number of internal resets since the counter or tally is cleared 136; an average time for a heating cycle 138; an average time for a cooling cycle 140; an average number of external reset commands since the system has been cleared 142; an number of time the ignition retried 144 and the number of ignition recycles 146. There is verbiage indicating whether the counters are to be displayed on the graphical user interface screen 160 and an associated visual indicator 161.
[Para 42] There is a display for inputs indicated by numeral 162.
Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of these inputs include: an indication that a pressure switch is activated 164; an indication that a rollout switch is activated 166; an indication that a high limit switch is activated 168; an indication of power being applied to a particular terminal, e.g., "R", for a thermostat 172; an indication of power being applied to a particular terminal, e.g., "G", for a thermostat 1 74; an indication of power being applied to a particular terminal, e.g., "Y", for a thermostat 176; and an indication of power being applied to a particular terminal, e.g., "W'", for a thermostat 178. There is also a graphical indication of a series of delay timers being on or off as indicated by numeral 180.
[Para 43] There is a display for outputs indicated by numeral 182.
Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of these outputs include: a circulation blower for heating being operational 184; a circulation blower for cooling being operational 186; a circulation blower being operational at a low level 188; an indication that a gas valve is operational 190; an indication that an inducer is operational 192; and an indication of an igniter state 194.
[Para 44] There is a display for general information indicated by numeral 200.
Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of this type of information includes: a control mode 201, e.g., monitor a burner; igniter line counts 202, e.g., 40; and reset time remaining 204, e.g., zero.
[Para 45] There is a display representing an indication of furnace flame strength indicated by numeral 222. There is a graphical representation of a meter indicated by numeral 224. There is also verbiage that indicates that a weak flame is below a certain predetermined value, e.g., 226.
[Para 46] There is a display for communication settings indicated by numeral 150. This includes a visual display as to whether the screen update feature 152 is indicated as being on or off 154. There is a visual indication 156 that indicates whether a controller 30 is in electronic communication 100 with an input and/or output devices 50, 40.
[Para 47] Also present on the graphical user interface screen 104 is a device for reviewing historical data from the electronic control system 10 that is generally indicated by numeral 205. This includes a graphical interface pushbutton for a fast rewind of the historical data 206, a graphical interface pushbutton to stop playing the historical data 208, a graphical interface pushbutton to play the historical data 210, a graphical interface pushbutton to pause recording the historical data 216 and a graphical interface pushbutton for recording of the historical data 218. There is also a visual indicator for the specific function that is currently activated 212, e.g., stop, rewind, play, pause, fast forward or record. There is a graphical user interface pushbutton 220 to seek a particular hour of recorded historical data. There is also a multiplier function 214 to speed or slow down the recording and playback of historical data from the electronic control system 10 by a predetermined factor.
[Para 48] Information from the plurality of inputs 62, e.g., sensors, viewed in real-time with the input and/or output devices 50, 40, shown in FIG. 1, is preferably, but not necessarily, displayed with a graphical user interface screen 160 that replicates at least one component 20, e.g., furnace, and at least one of the plurality of inputs 62, e.g., sensors in FIG. 3. This graphical user interface screen 160 is generally indicated by numeral 300.
There is a visual indicator 304 providing connection status between the controller 30 and an input and/or output devices 40, 50. There is a visual indicator 306 signifying if a pressure switch is open or closed. Also, there is a visual indicator 308 signifying if a high limit switch is open or closed. Furthermore, there is a visual indicator 310 signifying if a rollout switch is open or closed.
[Para 49] There is also a graphical representation of at least one component 20, e.g., furnace, indicated by numeral 302. Components of an illustrative furnace may include a first air circulator blower 312, an air duct 314, a gas valve 316, igniters 318 and a second air circulator blower 322. There is an icon for obtaining system information 324 and an icon for saving data 336. There is also a graphical representation of a control circuitry 320 for the at least one component 20, e.g., furnace.
[Para 50] In addition, there is the previous system for reviewing historical data from the electronic control system 10 (as shown in FIG. 1) that is generally indicated by numeral 205.
This includes a graphical interface pushbutton for a fast rewind of the historical data 206, a graphical interface pushbutton to stop playing the historical data 208, a graphical interface pushbutton to play the historical data 210, a graphical interface pushbutton to pause recording the historical data 216 and a graphical interface pushbutton for recording of the historical data 218. There is also a visual indicator for the specific function that is currently activated 212, e.g., stop, rewind, play, pause, fast forward or record. There is also a multiplier function 214 to speed or slow down the recording and playback of historical data from the electronic control system 10 by a predetermined factor, e.g., 64.
[Para 51] In addition in FIG. 3, there is a visual representation 332 of an input and/or output devices 50, 40. An illustrative, but nonlimiting, example of an input and/or output devices 50, 40 includes a digital thermostat 332. There is a visual indicator 330 signifying whether heating is operational, a visual indicator 328 signifying whether cooling is operational and a visual indicator 326 signifying whether a fan is operational. Also, there is a visual indicator 334 indicating whether electrical power has been applied to the input and/or output devices 50, 40, e.g., digital thermostat 332.
[Para 52] The preferred embodiment of the present invention and the method of using the same has been described in the foregoing specification with considerable detail, it is to be understood that modifications may be made to the invention which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims and modified forms of the present invention performed by others skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be considered infringements of this invention when those modified forms fall within the claimed scope of this invention.
[Para 16] FIG. 2 is a graphical user interface screen that illustrates various system inputs and outputs for a controller of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) in accordance with the present invention; and [Para 17] FIG. 3 is a graphical user interface screen that visually illustrates a component, e.g., furnace, of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) and associated inputs and outputs in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[Para 18] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as to obscure the present invention.
[Para 19] Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to an electronic control system 10 for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC") system. For the purposes of this patent application an HVAC system is broadly defined as system of heating, ventilation, evaporative cooling and/or air conditioning components, water heaters, as well as any combination thereof.
[Para 20] The electronic control system 10 includes at least one component of an HVAC
system, e.g., furnace, which is generally indicated by numeral 20. A
controller is generally indicated by numeral 30. The controller 30 can include a single processor or a whole series of processors and any variant of a processor such as a computer or a programmable logic controller.
[Para 21 ] The controller 30 is connected to at least one component 20, e.g., plurality of components, through any form of electronic communication 100. Also, the controller 30 can be an integral aspect of a particular component 20, e.g., furnace. This can include a hardwired connection indicated by solid lines or wireless communication indicated by dotted lines. This can also include a computer network. Preferably, the computer network is local in nature such as a local area network (LAN). However, a wide area network (WAN) and other types of computer networks are possible.
[Para 22] When using a LAN networking environment, the controller 30 is connected to the LAN through a network interface or adapter. When using a WAN networking environment, the controller 30 typically includes a modem or other means for establishing communications over the WAN, such as a global computer network e.g., the Internet. The WAN network permits communication to other points or systems with a more comprehensive computer network. The computer network is capable of communicating in a wide variety of methods including, but not limited to, point-to-point, star, mesh or star-mesh architecture. The protocols utilized can include, but are not limited to, proprietary, Internet, contention and polled protocols and their derivatives. Communication protocols can also include, but are not limited to, RS485 and RS232.
[Para 23] As an optional embodiment, additional processing capability 52 can be connected in electronic communication to the controller 30. An illustrative, but nonlimiting example, of this type of additional processing capability 52 includes a daughter board. This electronic communication 100 can be in the form of either hard-wired, wireless-type communication and any variant thereof.
[Para 24] Each component 20 preferably, but not necessarily, is in electronic communication 100 with a plurality of inputs 62, e.g., sensors. There are input and/or output devices 50, 40 in electronic communication 100 with the electronic control system 10. This can include an input and/or output device 50 that is connected via hardwired connections to the controller 30. Optionally, the input and/or output device 40 that is connected via wireless communication to the controller 30.
[Para25] Although a thermostat is preferred, the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can , include virtually any type of electronic output device. Preferably, but not necessarily, the electronic output device includes an electronic display 102, as shown in FIG.
2. Although a liquid crystal diode display is preferred for the electronic display 102, a cathode ray tube, a plasma screen and virtually any other type of electronic display will suffice.
The electronic display 102 can be hard wired, portable or in wireless connection with the controller 30 and any combination thereof.
[Para 26] The input and/or output devices 50, 40 can also include an alarm to detect abnormal operating conditions or failures on part of the subsystems that can be visual or audible or both visual and audible. The alarm can be both local or over a computer network. If the alarm is over a computer network then nodes on the computer network will be able to visually or audibly indicate the alarm condition through controlled systems, subsystems and processes. Use of a wide area network, WAN, will permit safety and lower level alarm conditions to reach nodes that can provide an emergency response, monitoring services, owners, operators, repair and servicing organizations, and so forth.
In premise nodes, such as that found on a local area network, LAN, the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can include, in addition to a thermostat, appliances, messaging terminals, personal computers, televisions, auxiliary smoke and fire monitors, and alarm mechanisms, and so forth.
[Para 27] Moreover, the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can include any type of pushbutton entry system including, but not limited to, a keyboard, voice recognition, and so forth. This can include, but is not limited to, a television set interface, and a security alarm display. Specifically the wireless input and/or output devices 40 can include, but are not limited to global computer network enabled appliance, e.g., web appliance, telephone (wired or wireless), personal digital assistant ("PDA"), laptop computer, home control interface and a wide variety of devices that use Wireless Application Protocol ("WAP"). WAP
is a secure specification that allows users to access information instantly via handheld wireless devices. Wireless communication can also include infra-red communications.
[Para 28] Information from the plurality of inputs 62, e.g., sensors, can be recorded as historical data in the controller 30 as well as accessed and viewed in real-time with the input and/or output device 50, 40. Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of this type of read-only data includes: status of a thermostat or a plurality of terminals for a thermostat and associated fuse status; a pressure switch input status; a high limit switch input status; a rollout switch input status; an inducer relay status; a gas valve relay status; a circulation blower relay status; a circulatiort blower heat relay status; a circulation blower cool relay status; an igniter triac status; a current mode for the controller 30; an igniter active line counts; and a time left auto-reset timer. A listing of these preferred inputs are listed below in Table 1. The access indication "R" means that the user through the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can only view the status of an input or output devices 50, 40 for the controller 30 and cannot change it.
[Para 29] Table 1 Access Inputs and Outputs for Controller 30 R Thermostat (Terminal W) Status R Thermostat (Terminal Y) Status R Thermostat (Terminal G) Status R Thermostat (Terminal R) Status and Fuse Status R Pressure Switch Input Status R High Limit Switch Input Status R Rollout Switch Input Status R Inducer Relay Status R Gas Valve Relay Status R Circulation Blower Relay Status R Circulation Blower Heat Relay Status R Circulation Blower Cool Relay Status R Igniter Triac Status R Current Mode of Controller 30 R Igniter Active Line Counts R Time Left Auto-Reset Timer [Para 30] An aspect of the present invention is information that can be stored in memory for the controller 30 and either accessed and in some instances accessed and modified through the input and/or output devices 50, 40. Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of read-only data of this type includes: controller 30 information, e.g., manufacturing identification of the controller 30, model number of the controller 30, serial number of the controller 30, software revision of the controller 30, and a date code for the controller 30, e.g., date of origination for the controller 30, and system manufacturing information for the controller 30.
[Para 31] Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of this type of data that can be read as well as modified includes: dealer information for the component 20, e.g., furnace.
Nonlimiting examples of this type of information includes name of a dealer, phone number of a dealer, installation date for the component 20, e.g., furnace, and service dates for the component 20, e.g., furnace, and customer information, e.g., customer's name, address and zip code.
[Para 32] A listing of this data is provided below in Table 2. The access indication "R"
means that the user through the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can only view the value and cannot change it. Access indication "W" indicates that the user through the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can alter the value to any desired value.
[Para 33] Table 2 Access Command Purpose R, W Customer Name, Address and Zip Code Information R Controller Manufacturing Identification, Model Information Number, Serial Number, Software Revision, and Date Code R, W Dealer Information Name, Phone Number, Installation and Service Date R System System Manufacturing Information Manufacturing Information [Para 34] Another aspect of this Invention is that information from the plurality of inputs 62, e.g., sensors, can be tallied or summed through counting-type electronic devices, e.g., counters.
[Para 35] Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of this type of summed or tallied read-only data includes: a total number of heating cycles from flame detected to the flame not being present; a current mode of the controller 30; a total number of cooling cycles from when cooling is detected to when cooling is no longer present (such as found by detecting electrical power to the compressor from a specific terminal on the thermostat); and a current time stamp for the electronic control system 10.
[Para 36] Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of this type of summed or tallied data that can be read as well as the counter, timer or event tally reset to zero (0) includes: a total number of the heating cycles since the counter or tally is cleared; a total number of the cooling cycles since the counter or tally is cleared; a number of pressure switch openings after a flame is sensed since the counter or tally is cleared; a number of high limit switch openings since the counter or tally is cleared; a number of rollout switch openings since the counter or tally is cleared; a number of internal resets since the counter or tally is cleared;
an average time for a heating cycle; an average time for a cooling cycle; an average number of reset commands since the system has been cleared; and a failure history with a previous predetermined number, e.g., 20, of failures indicated with a time stamp.
[Para 37] Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of this type of summed or tallied data that can be read as well as set to a desired value by the user, includes: at least one timing delay for turning the heat on; at least one timing delay for turning the heat off; at least one timing delay for turning the cooling on; and at least one timing delay for turning the cooling off.
[Para 38] A listing of this timer data is provided below in Table 3. The access indication "R" means that the user through the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can only view the value and cannot change it. Access indication "W" indicates that the user through the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can alter the value to any desired value. The access indication "Z" means that the user through the input and/or output devices 50, 40 can reset the counter, timer or event tally to zero (0).
[Para 39] Table 3 Access Property Name R Total Number of Heating Cycles (Flame Detected To Not Flame Present) R Total Number of Cooling Cycles (Power to Terminal Y Detected To Power Applied to Terminal Y Not Present) R, Z Total Number of Heating Cycles Since Cleared R, Z Total Number of Cooling Cycles Since Cleared R Current Mode of the Controller 30 R, Z Number of Pressure Switch Openings After a Flame is Sensed R, Z Number of High Limit Switch Openings R, Z Number of Rollout Switch Openings R, Z Number of Internal Resets R, Z Average Time for a Heating Cycle R, Z Average Time for a Cooling Cycle R, Z Number of Reset Commands Since the System Has Been Cleared R, W Heat On Delay Timing R, W Heat Off Delay Timing (Number 1) R, W Heat Off Delay Timing (Number 2) R, W Heat Off Delay Timing (Number 3) R, W Heat Off Delay Timing (Number 4) R, W Cool On Delay Timing R, W Cool Off Delay Timing (Number 1) R, W Cool Off Delay Timing (Number 2) R Current System Time Stamp R, Z Failure History - Previous Predetermined Number of Errors With Time Stamp [Para 40] Referring now to FIG. 2, the electronic display 102 can provide a graphical user interface screen 104 that provides a significant amount of visual information for the user.
In an illustrative, but nonlimiting example, a graphical user interface screen 104 for a furnace system is depicted. There are click-on tabs for the graphical user interface screen 104 for the user to access other portions of the software with examples being a file function 108, a configure function 1 10, a data function 112 and a help function 114.
[Para 41] There is a listing of running counters indicated by numeral 120.
Illustrative, but non(imiting examples of these counters include: a total number of heating cycles from flame detected to the flame not being present 122; a total number of cooling cycles from when cooling is detected to when cooling is no longer present (such as found by detecting electrical power to the compressor from a specific terminal on the thermostat) 124; a total number of the heating cycles since the counter or tally is cleared 126; a total number of the cooling cycles since the counter or tally is cleared 128; a number of pressure switch openings after a flame is sensed since the counter or tally is cleared 130; a number of high limit switch openings since the counter or tally is cleared 132; a number of rollout switch openings since the counter or tally is cleared 134; a number of internal resets since the counter or tally is cleared 136; an average time for a heating cycle 138; an average time for a cooling cycle 140; an average number of external reset commands since the system has been cleared 142; an number of time the ignition retried 144 and the number of ignition recycles 146. There is verbiage indicating whether the counters are to be displayed on the graphical user interface screen 160 and an associated visual indicator 161.
[Para 42] There is a display for inputs indicated by numeral 162.
Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of these inputs include: an indication that a pressure switch is activated 164; an indication that a rollout switch is activated 166; an indication that a high limit switch is activated 168; an indication of power being applied to a particular terminal, e.g., "R", for a thermostat 172; an indication of power being applied to a particular terminal, e.g., "G", for a thermostat 1 74; an indication of power being applied to a particular terminal, e.g., "Y", for a thermostat 176; and an indication of power being applied to a particular terminal, e.g., "W'", for a thermostat 178. There is also a graphical indication of a series of delay timers being on or off as indicated by numeral 180.
[Para 43] There is a display for outputs indicated by numeral 182.
Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of these outputs include: a circulation blower for heating being operational 184; a circulation blower for cooling being operational 186; a circulation blower being operational at a low level 188; an indication that a gas valve is operational 190; an indication that an inducer is operational 192; and an indication of an igniter state 194.
[Para 44] There is a display for general information indicated by numeral 200.
Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of this type of information includes: a control mode 201, e.g., monitor a burner; igniter line counts 202, e.g., 40; and reset time remaining 204, e.g., zero.
[Para 45] There is a display representing an indication of furnace flame strength indicated by numeral 222. There is a graphical representation of a meter indicated by numeral 224. There is also verbiage that indicates that a weak flame is below a certain predetermined value, e.g., 226.
[Para 46] There is a display for communication settings indicated by numeral 150. This includes a visual display as to whether the screen update feature 152 is indicated as being on or off 154. There is a visual indication 156 that indicates whether a controller 30 is in electronic communication 100 with an input and/or output devices 50, 40.
[Para 47] Also present on the graphical user interface screen 104 is a device for reviewing historical data from the electronic control system 10 that is generally indicated by numeral 205. This includes a graphical interface pushbutton for a fast rewind of the historical data 206, a graphical interface pushbutton to stop playing the historical data 208, a graphical interface pushbutton to play the historical data 210, a graphical interface pushbutton to pause recording the historical data 216 and a graphical interface pushbutton for recording of the historical data 218. There is also a visual indicator for the specific function that is currently activated 212, e.g., stop, rewind, play, pause, fast forward or record. There is a graphical user interface pushbutton 220 to seek a particular hour of recorded historical data. There is also a multiplier function 214 to speed or slow down the recording and playback of historical data from the electronic control system 10 by a predetermined factor.
[Para 48] Information from the plurality of inputs 62, e.g., sensors, viewed in real-time with the input and/or output devices 50, 40, shown in FIG. 1, is preferably, but not necessarily, displayed with a graphical user interface screen 160 that replicates at least one component 20, e.g., furnace, and at least one of the plurality of inputs 62, e.g., sensors in FIG. 3. This graphical user interface screen 160 is generally indicated by numeral 300.
There is a visual indicator 304 providing connection status between the controller 30 and an input and/or output devices 40, 50. There is a visual indicator 306 signifying if a pressure switch is open or closed. Also, there is a visual indicator 308 signifying if a high limit switch is open or closed. Furthermore, there is a visual indicator 310 signifying if a rollout switch is open or closed.
[Para 49] There is also a graphical representation of at least one component 20, e.g., furnace, indicated by numeral 302. Components of an illustrative furnace may include a first air circulator blower 312, an air duct 314, a gas valve 316, igniters 318 and a second air circulator blower 322. There is an icon for obtaining system information 324 and an icon for saving data 336. There is also a graphical representation of a control circuitry 320 for the at least one component 20, e.g., furnace.
[Para 50] In addition, there is the previous system for reviewing historical data from the electronic control system 10 (as shown in FIG. 1) that is generally indicated by numeral 205.
This includes a graphical interface pushbutton for a fast rewind of the historical data 206, a graphical interface pushbutton to stop playing the historical data 208, a graphical interface pushbutton to play the historical data 210, a graphical interface pushbutton to pause recording the historical data 216 and a graphical interface pushbutton for recording of the historical data 218. There is also a visual indicator for the specific function that is currently activated 212, e.g., stop, rewind, play, pause, fast forward or record. There is also a multiplier function 214 to speed or slow down the recording and playback of historical data from the electronic control system 10 by a predetermined factor, e.g., 64.
[Para 51] In addition in FIG. 3, there is a visual representation 332 of an input and/or output devices 50, 40. An illustrative, but nonlimiting, example of an input and/or output devices 50, 40 includes a digital thermostat 332. There is a visual indicator 330 signifying whether heating is operational, a visual indicator 328 signifying whether cooling is operational and a visual indicator 326 signifying whether a fan is operational. Also, there is a visual indicator 334 indicating whether electrical power has been applied to the input and/or output devices 50, 40, e.g., digital thermostat 332.
[Para 52] The preferred embodiment of the present invention and the method of using the same has been described in the foregoing specification with considerable detail, it is to be understood that modifications may be made to the invention which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims and modified forms of the present invention performed by others skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be considered infringements of this invention when those modified forms fall within the claimed scope of this invention.
Claims (8)
1. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning diagnostic system (10) comprising:
a controller (30) for operating a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system;
a plurality of sensors (62) for monitoring various parameters associated with the operation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller (30), wherein data from the plurality of sensors (62) are recorded in the controller (30);
at least one input device (40, 50) that is in electronic communication with the controller (30), wherein the at least one input device (40, 50) is able to modify variables utilized by the controller (30) to improve performance of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system; and at least one output device (40, 50) that is in electronic communication with the controller (30).
a controller (30) for operating a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system;
a plurality of sensors (62) for monitoring various parameters associated with the operation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller (30), wherein data from the plurality of sensors (62) are recorded in the controller (30);
at least one input device (40, 50) that is in electronic communication with the controller (30), wherein the at least one input device (40, 50) is able to modify variables utilized by the controller (30) to improve performance of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system; and at least one output device (40, 50) that is in electronic communication with the controller (30).
2. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning diagnostic system (10) of claim 1 wherein the data from the plurality of sensors (62) recorded in the controller (30) can be manipulated by an action selected from; the group consisting of. playing back data, rewinding data, fast forwarding data, and pausing data with selected data displayed on at least one output device (40, 50).
3. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning diagnostic system (10) of claim 2 wherein the manipulation of data can occur at speeds that are multiplied by a predetermined factor.
4. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning diagnostic system (10) of claim 1 wherein predetermined events in the recorded data are collected.
5. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning diagnostic system, (10) of claim 4 wherein the collected predetermined events in the recorded data are time stamped.
6. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning diagnostic system (10) of claim 1 wherein the data from the plurality of sensors (62) recorded in the controller (30) are analyzed with respect to selected time periods.
7. A method for utilizing a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning diagnostic system (10), the method comprising:
utilizing a controller (30) for operating a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that is in electronic communication with a plurality of counters;
monitoring various parameters from a plurality of sensors (62) associated with an operation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller (30);
recording data from the plurality of sensors (62) in the controller (30);
providing electronic communication (100) between at least one input device (40, 50) and the controller (30);
providing electronic communication (100) between at least one output device (40, 50) and the controller (30); and modifying variables utilized by the controller (30) with the at least one input device (40, 50) to improve performance of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
utilizing a controller (30) for operating a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that is in electronic communication with a plurality of counters;
monitoring various parameters from a plurality of sensors (62) associated with an operation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller (30);
recording data from the plurality of sensors (62) in the controller (30);
providing electronic communication (100) between at least one input device (40, 50) and the controller (30);
providing electronic communication (100) between at least one output device (40, 50) and the controller (30); and modifying variables utilized by the controller (30) with the at least one input device (40, 50) to improve performance of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
8. The method of utilizing a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning diagnostic system (10) of claim 7 wherein the data from the plurality of sensors (62) recorded in the controller (30) can be manipulated by an action selected from the group consisting of:
playing back data, rewinding data, fast forwarding data, and pausing data with selected data displayed on at least one output device (40, 50).
playing back data, rewinding data, fast forwarding data, and pausing data with selected data displayed on at least one output device (40, 50).
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US63717004P | 2004-12-17 | 2004-12-17 | |
| US60/637,170 | 2004-12-17 | ||
| US10/906,526 US20060130496A1 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2005-02-23 | Enhanced diagnostics for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning control system and an associated method of use |
| US10/906,526 | 2005-02-23 | ||
| PCT/US2005/045165 WO2006065858A1 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2005-12-14 | Enhanced diagnostics for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning control system and an associated method of use |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2590235A1 true CA2590235A1 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
Family
ID=36096237
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002590235A Abandoned CA2590235A1 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2005-12-14 | Enhanced diagnostics for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning control system and an associated method of use |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20060130496A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2008524548A (en) |
| BR (1) | BRPI0519522A2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2590235A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2436476A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2006065858A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7513438B2 (en) * | 2005-08-16 | 2009-04-07 | Emerson Electric Co. | Control for a heating and/or cooling unit |
| KR100844326B1 (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2008-07-07 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Demand control system and demand control method for multi-air conditioner |
| KR100844325B1 (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2008-07-07 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Demand control system for multi-air conditioner |
| DE102007029930A1 (en) * | 2007-06-28 | 2009-01-02 | Dürr Systems GmbH | Method and device for monitoring a technical installation |
| US20100011067A1 (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2010-01-14 | Allstrom Peter E | Transmitter Instant Messaging Interface in a Distributed Control System |
| US8091795B1 (en) | 2008-07-15 | 2012-01-10 | Home Automation, Inc. | Intelligent thermostat device with automatic adaptable energy conservation based on real-time energy pricing |
| JP4980407B2 (en) * | 2009-10-21 | 2012-07-18 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Air conditioner control device, refrigeration device control device |
| CN101976050B (en) * | 2010-11-09 | 2012-02-01 | 田利 | Air-condition constant temperature operation energy-conservation control system |
| US9851103B2 (en) * | 2011-12-15 | 2017-12-26 | Honeywell International Inc. | Gas valve with overpressure diagnostics |
| CN102711414B (en) * | 2012-04-20 | 2015-07-08 | 华为技术有限公司 | Liquid cooling device |
| US9459033B2 (en) * | 2012-08-02 | 2016-10-04 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Multi air-conditioning apparatus |
| US10520211B1 (en) | 2013-05-24 | 2019-12-31 | Joe Sclafani | Thermostat based control system and method for use with water-cooled air conditioning unit to effect automatic reset of refrigerant pressure switches |
| US9494333B2 (en) * | 2013-11-08 | 2016-11-15 | Emerson Electric Co. | Driving controls and diagnostic methods for communicating motors |
| US9946239B2 (en) * | 2015-09-02 | 2018-04-17 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Furnace control board architecture |
| US20220299229A1 (en) * | 2017-06-16 | 2022-09-22 | Emerson Electric Co. | Systems and methods for wirelessly configuring climate control system controls |
| DE102018106871A1 (en) * | 2018-03-22 | 2019-09-26 | Thyssenkrupp Ag | Method for diagnosing functionality with discrete values or discrete classes of values on the input or output side |
Family Cites Families (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5761083A (en) * | 1992-03-25 | 1998-06-02 | Brown, Jr.; Robert J. | Energy management and home automation system |
| US6385510B1 (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 2002-05-07 | Klaus D. Hoog | HVAC remote monitoring system |
| US6405103B1 (en) * | 1998-12-18 | 2002-06-11 | Comfort Systems, Inc. | Building control system |
| US6556950B1 (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2003-04-29 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Diagnostic method and apparatus for use with enterprise control |
| AU778003B2 (en) * | 2000-01-28 | 2004-11-11 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Furnace diagnostic system |
| JP2001280674A (en) * | 2000-03-29 | 2001-10-10 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Remote control system for air conditioners |
| JP3493547B2 (en) * | 2000-05-11 | 2004-02-03 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Service system for air conditioner and server system for monitoring center |
| US6756998B1 (en) * | 2000-10-19 | 2004-06-29 | Destiny Networks, Inc. | User interface and method for home automation system |
| JP3590891B2 (en) * | 2001-04-20 | 2004-11-17 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Service system for monitoring center and air conditioner |
| US6658373B2 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2003-12-02 | Field Diagnostic Services, Inc. | Apparatus and method for detecting faults and providing diagnostics in vapor compression cycle equipment |
| US6741915B2 (en) * | 2001-08-22 | 2004-05-25 | Mmi Controls, Ltd. | Usage monitoring HVAC control system |
| US6826454B2 (en) * | 2001-09-19 | 2004-11-30 | Louis E. Sulfstede | Air conditioning diagnostic analyzer |
| US6701727B2 (en) * | 2001-10-12 | 2004-03-09 | Hitachi Building Systems Co., Ltd. | Apparatus and method for managing heat source unit for air conditioner |
| US6978627B2 (en) * | 2002-01-31 | 2005-12-27 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Air conditioner control system, central remote controller, and facility controller |
| US7383158B2 (en) * | 2002-04-16 | 2008-06-03 | Trane International Inc. | HVAC service tool with internet capability |
| US7212887B2 (en) * | 2004-01-20 | 2007-05-01 | Carrier Corporation | Service and diagnostic tool for HVAC systems |
-
2005
- 2005-02-23 US US10/906,526 patent/US20060130496A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-12-14 GB GB0710472A patent/GB2436476A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-12-14 JP JP2007546843A patent/JP2008524548A/en active Pending
- 2005-12-14 BR BRPI0519522-5A patent/BRPI0519522A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-12-14 WO PCT/US2005/045165 patent/WO2006065858A1/en active Application Filing
- 2005-12-14 CA CA002590235A patent/CA2590235A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BRPI0519522A2 (en) | 2009-02-10 |
| US20060130496A1 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
| WO2006065858B1 (en) | 2006-11-02 |
| GB2436476A (en) | 2007-09-26 |
| WO2006065858A1 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
| GB0710472D0 (en) | 2007-07-11 |
| JP2008524548A (en) | 2008-07-10 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US20060130496A1 (en) | Enhanced diagnostics for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning control system and an associated method of use | |
| US10534383B2 (en) | HVAC controller with performance log | |
| US20130238142A1 (en) | Systems and methods for associating wireless devices of an hvac system | |
| EP2944888B1 (en) | Air conditioning system | |
| US7523872B2 (en) | Air conditioner control system, central remote controller, and facility controller | |
| US9002523B2 (en) | HVAC controller with diagnostic alerts | |
| US10094585B2 (en) | Auto test for delta T diagnostics in an HVAC system | |
| US8902071B2 (en) | HVAC controller with HVAC system fault detection | |
| US10533761B2 (en) | HVAC controller with fault sensitivity | |
| US10747243B2 (en) | HVAC controller with HVAC system failure detection | |
| US7225054B2 (en) | Controller with programmable service event display mode | |
| US9500366B2 (en) | Furnace control with safety circuit and non-volatile memory | |
| US20130158716A1 (en) | Hvac controller with utility saver switch diagnostic feature | |
| EP2012288A2 (en) | Network-based air-conditioning equipment remote monitoring and management system | |
| JP2005341080A (en) | Heating equipment and information communications system thereof | |
| KR101657559B1 (en) | Air-conditioner system | |
| US11788993B2 (en) | Sound-based prognostics for a combustion air inducer | |
| US20230392810A1 (en) | Time-based and sound-based diagnostics for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning burner assembly | |
| US20230258353A1 (en) | Time-based and sound-based diagnostics for restrictions within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system | |
| US20220381469A1 (en) | Time-based and sound-based prognostics for restrictions within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system | |
| US20220381463A1 (en) | Sound-based diagnostics for a combustion air inducer | |
| JP2001235170A (en) | Fault diagnosis supporting apparatus and method for central heating system | |
| JP3499185B2 (en) | Failure diagnosis device and failure diagnosis method for gas equipment system | |
| CN111795485A (en) | Air-conditioning box control system |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |