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(11) | EP 4 170 248 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | DETECTION OF WINDOWS LEFT OPENED |
| (57) Detection of windows left opened. A controller (3) comprising a processor and a memory,
the processor being configured to: read a predetermined percentage and values indicative
of a temperature set point and indicative of an idle temperature and of a temperature
threshold and of an outside temperature as designed and of a position threshold from
the memory; compare the value indicative of the temperature set point to the value
indicative of the idle temperature; produce a first indication if the value indicative
of the temperature set point is the same or substantially the same as the value indicative
of the idle temperature; compare the value indicative of the outside temperature as
designed to the value indicative of the temperature threshold; produce a second indication
if the value indicative of the outside temperature as designed is less than the value
indicative of the temperature threshold.
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Background
[0001] The present disclosure deals with control of systems for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (HVAC). More specifically, the instant disclosure deals with control of such systems wherein the system comprises one or more hopper windows and/or one or more sash windows.
[0002] Installations for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning are commonly made up of a plurality of circuits. Each circuit comprises one or more terminal units to provide heating and/or cooling to various parts of a building. Terminal units can be heating devices and/or cooling devices. A terminal unit of a domestic heating system can be a heat exchanger such as a radiator.
[0003] A terminal unit is commonly controlled by a valve. That is, a valve controls the flow of a coolant and/or heating medium through the terminal unit. The valve can be in operative communication with the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning. More specifically, a local controller of the valve can be in operative communication with a system controller.
[0004] The communication between the system controller and the controller of the valve can be digital. The communication between the system controller and the controller of the valve preferably involves a digital communication bus. The communication between the system controller and the controller of the valve advantageously involves a digital communication protocol.
[0005] The system controller needs not be on-site. Instead, the system controller can be a remote controller such as a cloud controller. The digital communication protocol can, by way of non-limiting example, comprise a TCP/IP protocol. The digital communication protocol can, by way of another non-limiting example, comprise an OSI/ISO protocol.
[0006] The controller of the valve can then receive signals indicative of its position and/or signals indicative of a set point from the system controller. The controller of the valve can also send signals indicative of its position to the system controller. To that end, the valve can provide one or more sensors for recording a position of the valve. These one or more sensors are in operative communication with the controller of the valve. The controller of the valve receives one or more signals from the one or more sensors. The controller of the valve advantageously converts the one or more signals into a value indicative of a position of the valve.
[0007] A position of the valve can also be estimated based on a calibrated model. That is, one or more signals indicative of movements of the valve are received either by a valve controller or by a system controller. The valve controller or the system controller uses the calibrated model to estimate a position of the valve as a function of the one or more signals indicative of movements. The model can, by way of example, be calibrated by comparing estimates derived using the model to known positions. More specifically, the model can be calibrated by comparing such estimates to closed positions or open positions.
[0008] A position of the valve can also be determined based on a calibrated model. That is, one or more signals indicative of movements of the valve are received either by a valve controller or by a system controller. The valve controller or the system controller uses the calibrated model to determine a position of the valve as a function of the one or more signals indicative of movements. The model can, by way of example, be calibrated by comparing determines derived using the model to known positions. More specifically, the model can be calibrated by comparing such determines to closed positions or open positions.
[0009] Sensor assemblies and/or microswitch assemblies are available to monitor doors and/or windows within HVAC installations. Those assemblies typically send a signal to a central controller of a HVAC system when a window has been left open for a predefined period. It is, in principle, possible to fit such sensor assemblies and/or microswitch assemblies also to hopper windows and/or sash windows. That said, sensor assemblies and/or microswitch assemblies are rarely fitted to hopper windows and/or sash windows for many reasons. Most of those assemblies are battery-operated. Consequently, a battery of such a sensor assembly and/or microswitch assembly must be removed from time to time. If the battery is non-removeable, the entire assembly may need replacement.
[0010] Also, hopper windows and/or sash windows are often difficult to access. It may even be necessary to bring in trained personnel to fit sensor assemblies and/or microswitch assemblies to hopper windows and/or to sash windows. It may also be necessary to bring in trained personnel to remove batteries of such an assembly. It may further be necessary to bring in trained personnel to remove the assembly.
[0011] The problem is further exacerbated because those additional door sensors and/or window sensors add to the complexity of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning. The door sensors and/or window sensors and their sensor assemblies are prone to failure. In the event of a failed sensor fitted to a hopper window and/or to a sash window, the failure analysis may become an even more arduous task. The failure analysis may turn into an arduous task because those hopper windows and/or sash windows are difficult to access.
[0012] The instant disclosure deals with a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning, the system controlling one or more terminal units. The one or more terminal units are controlled to minimise losses of power due to open hopper windows and/or open sash windows. In so doing, the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning dispenses with door sensors and/or window sensors. Instead, the system leverages readings of valve positions and/or of valve strokes to detect windows left opened. The system can also leverage other indications such as
- mean values of valve positions within a zone,
- mean values of valve positions derived from a plurality of zones,
- comparisons of key performance indicators with outside temperatures,
- key performance indicators derived from models using self-directed learning.
Summary
[0013] The present disclosure focuses on the detection of open windows such as open hopper windows and/or open sash windows. Advantageously, no sensors such as window switches or door switches are required to detect open windows in accordance with the present disclosure. Instead, it is inferred from valve positions and from changes of valve positions over time that a window can be open. Due to the absence of additional sensors, the detection of open windows in accordance with the instant disclosure can easily be applied in legacy buildings. Also, a detection of open windows such as open hopper windows and/or open sash windows is alleviated in legacy systems for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning.
[0014] The detection of open windows as described herein can be applied in locally controlled systems for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning. That is, the detection of open windows can be applied via local valve controllers such as local valve controllers having thermostat functionality.
[0015] The detection of open windows as described herein can be applied in centrally or remotely controlled systems for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning. That is, the detection of open windows can be applied in systems for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning that are controlled via a cloud computer.
[0016] The present disclosure affords detection of open windows in systems having valve controllers as thin clients. A valve controller implemented as a thin client forwards signals to a central entity such as a central thermostat and/or a cloud computer. A valve controller implemented as a thin client needs not process such signals. Ideally, a valve controller implemented as a thin client does not even convert signals indicative of valve positions into measured values.
[0017] The instant disclosure enables largely agnostic of any protocols and/or busses connecting valve controllers to system controllers. That is, the protocols and/or the busses need to transfer signals from the valve controllers to the central controllers and/or to the cloud computers. It is immaterial how the signals are transferred so long as the signals arrive at the central controller and/or at the cloud computer.
[0018] Certain parameters of the open window detection as disclosed herein can ideally be tuned. That is, the detection of open windows can be tuned to window types and/or to the specific needs of legacy systems. The detection of open windows can be tuned via certain parameters in locally controlled environments and also in centrally controlled environments.
Brief description of the drawings
[0019] Various features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosed non-limiting embodiments. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
FIG 1 schematically shows various terminal units and a system controller of a heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning system.
FIG 2 illustrates positions of a valve of a terminal unit versus time.
Detailed description
[0020] FIG 1 shows a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1. The system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1 comprises a system controller 3. The system controller 3 can be arranged at a site 2 that is controlled by the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1. More specifically, the system controller 3 can be arranged inside a building 2 that controlled by the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1.
[0021] The system controller 3 can also be located remotely from a site 2 that is controlled by the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1. More specifically, the system controller 3 can be located remotely from a building 2 that is controlled by the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1. The system controller 3 can, by way of non-limiting example, be located more than one kilometer from the site or from the building 2. The system controller 3 can, by way of another non-limiting example, be located more than ten kilometers from the site or from the building 2. The system controller 3 can, by way of yet another non-limiting example, be located more than one hundred kilometers from the site or from the building 2.
[0022] The system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1 comprises at least one terminal unit 4 - 8. The system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1 preferably comprises a plurality of terminal units 4 - 8. More specifically, a site 2 can comprise at least one terminal unit 4 - 8. The site 2 preferably comprises a plurality of terminal units 4 - 8. More specifically, a building 2 can comprise at least one terminal unit 4 - 8. The building 2 preferably comprises a plurality of terminal units 4 - 8.
[0023] At least one terminal unit 4 - 8 comprises a valve. The valve controls flow of a coolant and/or of a heating medium through the at least one terminal unit 4 - 8. According to an aspect of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1, every terminal unit 4 - 8 comprises a valve. These valves control flows of a coolant and/or of a heating medium through their respective terminal units 4 - 8.
[0024] It is envisaged that one or more terminal units 4 - 8 comprise a heating device such as a radiator. It is also envisaged that one or more terminal units 4 - 8 comprise cooling devices such as chilled beams.
[0025] One or more of the terminal units 4 - 8 comprise a valve having a valve controller. The valve controller advantageously comprises a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor. In an embodiment, the valve controller is a microcontroller and/or is a microprocessor. The valve controller preferably comprises a memory such as a non-volatile memory.
[0026] The valve controller ideally is or comprises an inexpensive and/or low-power system-on-a-chip microcontroller having integrated wireless connectivity. In a special embodiment, the system-on-a-chip microcontroller has a memory not exceeding one mebibyte.
[0027] The valve controller is in operative communication with the system controller 3. A connection between the valve controller and the system controller 3 can be bidirectional. A bidirectional connection affords flexibility. A connection between the valve controller and the system controller 3 can also be unidirectional. Communication from the valve controller to the system controller 3 is facilitated by such a unidirectional connection. A unidirectional connection reduces complexity.
[0028] A communication link between the valve controller and the system controller 3 can, for example, rely on wireless solutions such as WLAN and/or KNX® RF. A communication link between the valve controller and the system controller 3 can, for example, also rely on wireless solutions such as Thread and/or Zigbee and/or EnOcean®. The wireless communication link preferably involves a digital communication bus. The wireless communication link preferably involves a digital communication protocol.
[0029] A communication link between the valve controller and the system controller 3 can, for example, also rely on hard-wired connections such as Ethernet® cables and/or on KNX® cables. The hard-wired communication link preferably involves a digital communication bus. The hard-wired communication link preferably involves a digital communication protocol.
[0030] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, all the terminal units 4 - 8 comprise a valve having a valve controller. The valve controllers advantageously each comprise a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor. In an embodiment, the valve controllers are microcontrollers and/or microprocessors. The valve controllers preferably each comprise a memory such as a non-volatile memory.
[0031] The valve controllers ideally are or comprise inexpensive and/or low-power system-on-a-chip microcontrollers, each system-on-a-chip microcontroller having integrated wireless connectivity. In a special embodiment, the system-on-a-chip microcontrollers each have a memory not exceeding one mebibyte.
[0032] The valve controllers are in operative communication with the system controller 3. Connections between the valve controllers and the system controller 3 can be bidirectional. Bidirectional connections afford flexibility. Connections between the valve controller and the system controller 3 can also be unidirectional. Communication from the valve controllers to the system controller 3 is facilitated by such unidirectional connections. Unidirectional connections reduce complexity.
[0033] In an embodiment, the valve controllers connect to the system controller 3 in a hub and spoke topology. Alternatively, a network having a mesh topology connects the valve controllers to the system controller 3. In a special embodiment, the valve controllers and the system controller 3 form a full-mesh topology network.
[0034] A network comprising the valve controllers and the system controller 3 can, for example, rely on wireless solutions such as WLAN and/or KNX® RF and/or Thread. A network comprising the valve controllers and the system controller 3 can, for example, also rely on wireless solutions such as Zigbee, and/or EnOcean®. Any communication within the wireless network preferably involves a digital communication bus. Any communication within the wireless network preferably involves a digital communication protocol.
[0035] A network comprising the valve controllers and the system controller 3 can, for example, also rely on hard-wired connections such as Ethernet® cables and/or on KNX® cables. Any communication within the hard-wired network preferably involves a digital communication bus. Any communication within the hard-wired network preferably involves a digital communication protocol.
[0036] It is envisaged that the system controller 3 can identify valve controllers of terminal units 4 - 8. Identification can, by way of example, take place based on machine addresses of such valve controllers. That is, the valve controllers and/or the memories of the valve controllers store such machine addresses. The system controller 3 will then use a lookup table to identify the controllers of the terminal units 4 - 8. Identification can, by way of another example, take place based on vendor identities and/or product identities of such valve controllers. That is, the valve controllers and/or the memories of the valve controllers store such vendor identities and/or product identities. Accordingly, the valve controllers send their vendor identities and/or product identities to the system controller 3 for identification purposes.
[0037] Advantageously, the system controller 3 is operable to configure one or more of the valve controllers of the terminal units 4 - 8. In so doing, the system controller 3 can provide the one or more valve controllers data such as baud rates and/or logical addresses. The system controller 3 can also provide the one or more valve controllers data such as set points for room temperatures. The system controller 3 can further provide the one or more valve controllers data such as set points for temperatures within a zone.
[0038] Where the valve controllers are battery-operated, the valve controllers are preferably operable to receive signals indicative of the charging levels of their respective batteries. The valve controllers then produce measures of charging levels based on these signals. Where a charging level is less than a threshold such as a predefined threshold, a low-battery alarm signal can be sent to the system controller 3.
[0039] Now turning to FIG 2, the process of detecting open windows such as open hopper windows and/or open sash windows is illustrated. FIG 2 shows a plot of a valve position 9 of one of the valves of one of the terminal units 4 - 8 versus time 10. A horizontal line 11 in FIG 2 indicates a predefined valve position.
[0040] In an embodiment, the horizontal line 11 indicates of a predefined valve position of or substantially of ninety percent. That is, the valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 has a closed position obturating flow through the valve. The valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 also has an open position enabling flow, especially full nominal flow, through the valve. The closed position corresponds to a valve position of zero percent. The open position corresponds to a valve position of one hundred percent. A valve characteristic determines flow through the valve as a function of valve position. In an embodiment, the valve characteristic is linear. Thus, a ninety percent valve position enables ninety percent of nominal flow through the valve. In an alternate embodiment, the valve characteristic is logarithmic. The valve characteristic can also be linear in the vicinity of the closed position and logarithmic otherwise.
[0041] In another embodiment, the horizontal line 11 indicates a predefined valve position of or substantially of ninety-five percent. That is, the valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 has a closed position obturating flow through the valve. The valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 also has an open position enabling flow, especially full nominal flow, through the valve. The closed position corresponds to a valve position of zero percent. The open position corresponds to a valve position of one hundred percent. A valve characteristic determines flow through the valve as a function of valve position. In an embodiment, the valve characteristic is linear.
[0042] Thus, a ninety-five percent valve position enables ninety-five percent of nominal flow through the valve. In an alternate embodiment, the valve characteristic is logarithmic. The valve characteristic can also be linear in the vicinity of the closed position and logarithmic otherwise.
[0043] In yet another embodiment, the horizontal line 11 indicates a predefined valve position of or substantially of eighty percent. That is, the valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 has a closed position obturating flow through the valve. The valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 also has an open position enabling flow, especially full nominal flow, through the valve. The closed position corresponds to a valve position of zero percent. The open position corresponds to a valve position of one hundred percent. A valve characteristic determines flow through the valve as a function of valve position. In an embodiment, the valve characteristic is linear. Thus, an eighty percent valve position enables eighty percent of nominal flow through the valve. In an alternate embodiment, the valve characteristic is logarithmic. The valve characteristic can also be linear in the vicinity of the closed position and logarithmic otherwise.
[0044] At least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 is operable to record signals indicative of positions of the valve. More specifically, at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 is operable to record signals indicative of strokes of the valve. Preferably, the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 is operable to record a series of signals. The signals of the series are indicative of positions of the valve. More specifically, the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 is operable to record a series of signals. The signals of the series are indicative of strokes of the valve.
[0045] At least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 is advantageously operable to record signals indicative of positions of the valve. The signals indicative of positions of the valve are recorded together with time stamps for these signals. More specifically, at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 is operable to record signals indicative of strokes of the valve. The signals indicative of strokes of the valve are recorded together with time stamps for these signals. Preferably, the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 is operable to record a series of signals. The signals of the series are indicative of positions of the valve. Each of the signals of the series of signals indicative of positions is accompanied by a time stamp for the signal. The series of signals indicative of positions ideally comprises a series of time stamps. More specifically, the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 is operable to record a series of signals. The signals of the series of signals are indicative of strokes of the valve. Each of the signals of the series of signals indicative of strokes of the valve is accompanied by a time stamp for the signal. The series of signals indicative of strokes of the valve ideally comprises a series of time stamps.
[0046] In an embodiment, the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 produces measures of positions of the valve. The measures of positions of the valve are produced from the recorded signals. More specifically, the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 produces measures of strokes of the valve. The measures of strokes of the valve are produced from the recorded signals. Preferably, the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 produces a series of measures of positions of the valve. The series of measures of positions of the valve is produced from the recorded series. More specifically, the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 produces a series of measures of strokes of the valve. The series of measures of strokes of the valve is produced from the recorded series.
[0047] The at least one controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 can also be operable to produce time stamps. The time stamps are produced as the measures of positions of the valves are produced. The at least one controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 associates the time stamps with the produced measures of positions of the valve. More specifically, the at least one controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 can be operable to produce time stamps. The time stamps are produced as the measures of strokes of the valves are produced. The at least one controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 associates the time stamps with the produced measures of strokes of the valve. Preferably, the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 produces time stamps for each measure of position of the valve. The time stamps for each measure of position of the valve are produced together with the series of measures of positions of the valve. More specifically, the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 produces time stamps for each measure of valve stroke. The time stamps for each measure of valve stroke are produced together with the series of measures of valve strokes.
[0048] In an integrated embodiment, the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 comprises an analog-to-digital converter. The analog-to-digital converter provides conversion of analog signals indicative of valve positions into (digital) measures. More specifically, the analog-to-digital converter can provide conversion of analog signals indicative of valve strokes into (digital) measures.
[0049] The analog-to-digital converter can be an integral part of the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8. That is, the analog-to-digital converter and the at least one valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 are arranged on the same system-on-a-chip.
[0050] In another integrated embodiment, the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 comprises a sigma-delta converter. The sigma-delta converter provides conversion of analog signals indicative of valve positions into (digital) measures. More specifically, the sigma-delta converter provides conversion of analog signals indicative of valve strokes into (digital) measures.
[0051] The sigma-delta converter can be an integral part of the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8. That is, the sigma-delta converter and the at least one valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 are arranged on the same system-on-a-chip.
[0052] The at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 can comprise a clock such as an internal clock. The clock can, by way of non-limiting example, be implemented by a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor of the at least one valve controller. The clock can, by way of another non-limiting example, be implemented by a complementary-symmetry metal-oxide-semiconductor of the at least one valve controller.
[0053] The clock of the at least one valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 preferably produces the time stamps as set out above. To that end, the clock is in operative communication with a microcontroller and/or with a microprocessor. The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor is a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor of the at least one valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8.
[0054] Ideally, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to record signals indicative of positions of the valves. More specifically, all the valve controllers of the valve of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to record signals indicative of strokes of the valves. Advantageously, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to record series of signals indicative of positions of the valves. More specifically, all the valve controllers of the valve of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to record series of signals. The signals of the series of signals are indicative of strokes of the valves.
[0055] All the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are ideally operable to record signals indicative of positions of the valves. The signals indicative of positions of the valves are recorded together with time stamps for these signals. More specifically, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to record signals indicative of valve strokes. The signals indicative of valve strokes are recorded together with time stamps for these signals. Preferably, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to record series of signals indicative of valve positions. Each of the signals of the series of signals indicative of valve positions is accompanied by a time stamp for the signal. The series of signals indicative of valve positions ideally comprise series of time stamps. More specifically, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to record series of signals indicative of valve strokes. Each of the signals of the series of signals indicative of valve strokes is accompanied by a time stamp for the signal. The series of signals indicative of valve strokes ideally comprise series of time stamps.
[0056] In an embodiment, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 each produce measures of respective positions of the valve. The measures of respective positions of the valve are produced from the recorded signals. More specifically, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 each produce measures of valve strokes. The measures of valve strokes are produced from the recorded signals. Preferably, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 each produce a series of measures of positions of the valve. The series of measures of positions of the valve is produced from the recorded series. More specifically, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 each produce a series of measures of valve strokes. The series of measures of valve strokes is produced from the recorded series.
[0057] The controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can also be operable to produce time stamps when producing measures of positions of the valves. The controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 then associate the time stamps with the produced measures of positions of the valves. More specifically, the controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can be operable to produce time stamps when producing measures of valve strokes. The controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 then associate the time stamps with the produced measures of valve strokes. Preferably, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 produce time stamps for each measure of valve position. The time stamps for each measure of valve position are produced together with the series of measures of valve positions. More specifically, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 produce time stamps for each measure of valve stroke. The time stamps for each measure of valve stroke are produced together with the series of measures of valve strokes.
[0058] In an integrated embodiment, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 comprise analog-to-digital converters. The analog-to-digital converters provide conversion of analog signals indicative of valve positions into (digital) measures. More specifically, the analog-to-digital converters can provide conversion of analog signals indicative of valve strokes into (digital) measures.
[0059] The analog-to-digital converters can be integral parts of the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8. That is, the analog-to-digital converters and the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are arranged on the same systems-on-a-chip.
[0060] In another integrated embodiment, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 comprise sigma-delta converters. The sigma-delta converters provide conversion of analog signals indicative of valve positions into (digital) measures. More specifically, the sigma-delta converters provide conversion of analog signals indicative of valve strokes into (digital) measures.
[0061] The sigma-delta converters can be integral parts of the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8. That is, the sigma-delta converters and the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are arranged on the same systems-on-a-chip.
[0062] All the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can comprise clocks such as internal clocks. The clocks can, by way of non-limiting examples, be implemented by complementary metal-oxide-semiconductors of the valve controllers. The clocks can, by way of other non-limiting examples, be implemented by complementary-symmetry metal-oxide-semiconductors of the valve controllers.
[0063] The clocks the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are preferably employed to produce the time stamps as set out above. To that end, the clocks are in operative communication with microcontrollers and/or with microprocessors of the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8.
[0064] As illustrated in the example shown in FIG 2, a position of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 starts to increase. More specifically, a valve stroke of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 starts to increase. At a first point in time 12, the position of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 reaches the valve position indicated by the horizontal line 11. The position of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 then crosses the valve position indicated by the horizontal line 11. More specifically, the valve stroke of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 reaches the valve stroke indicated by the horizontal line 11. The valve stroke of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 reaches the valve stroke at a first point in time 12. The valve stroke of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 then crosses the valve stroke indicated by the horizontal line 11.
[0065] The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 records a first signal indicative of a valve position. The first signal indicative of a valve position is recorded as the position of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 reaches a position threshold. Alternatively, the first signal indicative of a valve position is recorded as the position of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 crosses a position threshold. The position threshold is indicated by the horizontal line 11. More specifically, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 records a first signal indicative of a valve stroke. The first signal indicative of a valve stroke is recorded as the valve stroke of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 reaches a stroke threshold. Alternatively, the first signal indicative of a valve position is recorded as the stroke of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 crosses a stroke threshold. The stroke threshold is indicated by the horizontal line 11.
[0066] In a locally controlled system 1, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 produces a first measure of valve position. The first measure of valve position is produced from the first recorded signal. More specifically, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 can produce a first measure of valve stroke from the first recorded signal.
[0067] In an embodiment having a local clock, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 can also produce a first time stamp. The first time stamp is produced as the position of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 reaches or crosses a position threshold. The position threshold is indicated by the horizontal line 11. The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 is operable to compare the first signal indicative of valve position to the position threshold. The position threshold is indicated by the horizontal line 11. The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 preferably associates the first time stamp with the first signal indicative of a valve position. More specifically, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 can produce a first time stamp. The first time stamp is produced as the valve stroke of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 reaches or crosses a stroke threshold. The stroke threshold is indicated by the horizontal line 11. The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 is preferably operable make a comparison. It is operable to compare the first signal indicative of valve stroke to the stroke threshold. The stroke threshold is indicated by the horizontal line 11. The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 preferably associates the first time stamp with the first signal indicative of a valve stroke.
[0068] It is also envisaged that the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 produces the first time stamp. The first time stamp is produced as the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 produces a first measure of valve position. The first measure of valve position is produced from the first recorded signal. That is, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 produces a first measure of valve position. The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 then compares the produced first measure to the threshold. If the first produced measure of valve position reaches or crosses the position threshold indicated by the horizontal line 11, the first time stamp will be produced. More specifically, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 can produce the first time stamp. The first time stamp is produced as the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 produces a first measure of valve stroke. The first measure of valve stroke is produced from the first recorded signal. That is, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 produces a first measure of valve stroke. The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 then compares the first produced measure to the threshold. If the first produced measure of valve stroke reaches or crosses the stroke threshold indicated by the horizontal line 11, the first time stamp will be produced.
[0069] In an embodiment, the valve position indicated by the horizontal line 11 is stored in a memory. The memory can be a non-volatile memory of the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8. According to an aspect of the system 1, all valve controllers of valves of terminal units 4 - 8 store the valve position indicated by the horizontal line 11. The valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 preferably store such valve positions in their memories. The valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 preferably store such valve positions in their non-volatile memories.
[0070] In a remotely controlled system 1, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 sends the first signal indicative of the valve position. The first signal indicative of the valve position is sent to the system controller 3. The system controller 3 receives the first signal indicative of the valve position sent by the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8. The system controller 3 produces a first measure of valve position from the first received signal. More specifically, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 can send the first signal indicative of the valve stroke. The first signal indicative of the valve stroke is sent to the system controller 3. The system controller 3 receives the first signal indicative of the valve stroke sent by the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8. The system controller 3 produces a first measure of valve stroke from the first received signal.
[0071] The system controller 3 can also comprise a clock such as an internal clock. The clock can, by way of non-limiting example, be implemented by a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor of the system controller 3. The clock can, by way of another non-limiting example, be implemented by a complementary-symmetry metal-oxide-semiconductor of the system controller 3.
[0072] The clock the system controller 3 is preferably employed to produce the one or more time stamps as set out below. To that end, the clock of the system controller 3 is in operative communication with a microcontroller and/or with a microprocessor of the system controller 3.
[0073] In the remotely controlled system 1, the system controller 3 can produce the first time stamp. The first time stamp is produced as the first measure of valve position reaches or crosses a value. The value corresponds to a position threshold. That position threshold is indicated the horizontal line 11 in FIG 2. To that end, the system controller 3 is preferably operable to compare the first measure of valve position to the threshold. More specifically, the system controller 3 can produce the first time stamp. The first time stamp is produced as the first measure of valve stroke of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 reaches or crosses a value. The value corresponds to a stroke threshold. That stroke threshold is indicated the horizontal line 11 in FIG 2. To that end, the system controller 3 is preferably operable to compare the first measure of valve stroke to the threshold.
[0074] It is also envisaged that the system controller 3 produces the first time stamp. The first time stamp is produced as the system controller 3 produces a first measure of valve position from the first received signal. That is, the system controller 3 produces a first measure of valve position and compares the first produced measure to the threshold. If the first produced measure of valve position reaches or crosses the threshold, the first time stamp will be produced. The system controller 3 preferably associates the first time stamp with the first measure of valve position. More specifically, the system controller 3 can produce the first time stamp. The first time stamp is produced as the system controller 3 produces a first measure of valve stroke from the first received signal. That is, the system controller 3 produces a first measure of valve stroke and compares the first produced measure to the threshold. If the first produced measure of valve stroke reaches or crosses the threshold, the first time stamp will be produced. The system controller 3 preferably associates the first time stamp with the first measure of valve stroke.
[0075] In an embodiment, the threshold is stored in a memory such as a non-volatile memory of system controller 3. The system controller 3 advantageously is in operative communication with this memory. Consequently, the system controller 3 can read the threshold and/or a signal indicative of the threshold from the memory. More specifically, a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor of the system controller 3 is in operative communication with this memory. Consequently, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor of the system controller 3 can read the threshold and/or a signal indicative of the threshold from the memory.
According to an aspect of the system 1, the thresholds can differ amongst the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8. The system controller 3 advantageously stores thresholds and/or threshold values for at least two valve controllers of valves of terminal units 4 - 8. The system controller 3 stores such thresholds and/or such threshold values in its memory, preferably in its non-volatile memory. The system controller 3 ideally stores thresholds and/or threshold values for every valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8. The system controller 3 stores these thresholds and/or these threshold values in its memory, preferably in its non-volatile memory.
[0076] The valve positions of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 as shown in FIG 2 remain above horizontal line 11 for some time. That is, the valve positions of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 remain above the threshold and/or above the threshold value for some time. More specifically, the valve strokes of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 as shown in FIG 2 remain above horizontal line 11 for some time. That is, the valve strokes of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 remain above the threshold and/or above the threshold value for some time.
[0077] The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 records a second signal indicative of a valve position. The second signal indicative of a valve position is recorded at a second point in time 13. More specifically, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 records a second signal indicative of a valve stroke. The second signal indicative of a valve stroke is recorded at a second point in time 13.
[0078] In a locally controlled system 1, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 produces a second measure of valve position. The second measure of valve position is produced from the second recorded signal. More specifically, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 can produce a second measure of valve stroke. The second measure of valve stroke is produced from the second recorded signal.
[0079] In an embodiment having a local clock, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 can also produce a second time stamp. The second time stamp is produced as the second signal indicative of a position of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 is recorded. The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 preferably associates the second time stamp with the second signal. The second signal is indicative of a position of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8. More specifically, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 can produce a second time stamp. The second time stamp is produced as the second signal indicative of a valve stroke of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 is recorded. The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 preferably associates the second time stamp with the second signal. The second signal is indicative of a valve stroke of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8.
[0080] It is also envisaged that the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 produces the second time stamp. The second time stamp is produced as the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 produces a second measure of valve position. The second measure of valve position is produced from the second recorded signal. The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 preferably associates the second time stamp with the second measure of valve position. More specifically, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 can produce the second time stamp. The second time stamp is produced as the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 produces a second measure of valve stroke. The second measure of valve stroke is produced from the second recorded signal. The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 preferably associates the second time stamp with the second measure of valve stroke.
[0081] In a remotely controlled system 1, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 sends the second signal indicative of the valve position. The second signal indicative of the valve position is sent to the system controller 3. The system controller 3 receives the second signal indicative of the valve position sent by the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8. The system controller 3 produces a second measure of valve position from the second received signal. More specifically, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 can send the second signal indicative of a valve stroke. The second signal indicative of a valve stroke is sent to the system controller 3. The system controller 3 receives the second signal indicative of the valve stroke sent by the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8. The system controller 3 produces a second measure of valve stroke from the second received signal.
[0082] In the remotely controlled system 1, the system controller 3 can produce the second time stamp. The second time stamp is produced as the second measure of position of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 is produced. More specifically, the system controller 3 can produce the second time stamp. The second time stamp is produced as the second measure of valve stroke of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 is produced.
[0083] It is also envisaged that the system controller 3 produces the second time stamp as it produces a second measure of valve position from the second received signal. The system controller 3 preferably associates the second time stamp with the second measure of valve position. More specifically, the system controller 3 can produce the second time stamp as it produces a second measure of valve stroke from the second received signal. The system controller 3 preferably associates the second time stamp with the second measure of valve stroke.
[0084] At a third point in time 14, the position of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 again reaches the valve position indicated by the horizontal line 11. The position of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 again crosses the valve position indicated by the horizontal line 11 in FIG 2. More specifically, the valve stroke of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 reaches the valve stroke indicated by the horizontal line 11. The valve stroke indicated by the horizontal line 11 is reached at a third point in time 14. The valve stroke of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 again crosses the valve stroke indicated by the horizontal line 11 in FIG 2.
[0085] In a locally controlled system 1, the valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 is operable to compare time stamps. In so doing, the second time stamp is compared to the first time stamp. More specifically, the valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 is operable to estimate a difference. A difference is estimated between the second time stamp and the first time stamp. Advantageously, the valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 is operable to determine a difference. A difference is determined between the second time stamp and the first time stamp. Ideally, the valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 is operable to calculate a difference. A difference is calculated between the second time stamp and the first time stamp. It is envisaged that the valve controller comprises a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor having an arithmetic logic unit. The arithmetic logic unit affords the estimate and/or the determination and/or the calculation as set out above.
[0086] The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 then compares the difference to a predetermined period. In an embodiment, the predetermined period is two hours. In another embodiment, the predetermined period is four hours. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined period is eight hours. It is envisaged that the predetermined period lasts longer than one hour, preferably longer than two hours or even longer than four hours.
[0087] The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 advantageously stores the predetermined period in its memory such as in its non-volatile memory. The valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 advantageously is in operative communication with this memory. Consequently, the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 can read the predetermined period and/or a signal indicative of the predetermined period. The predetermined period and/or the signal indicative of the predetermined period can be read from the memory. More specifically, a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor of the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 is in operative communication with this memory. Consequently, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor of the valve controller of the valve of the terminal unit 4 - 8 can read the predetermined period and/or a signal. The signal is indicative of the predetermined. The predetermined period and/or the signal indicative of the predetermined period can be read from the memory.
[0088] It is envisaged that all the valve controllers of the valve of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to compare time stamps. In so doing, the respective second time stamps are compared to the respective first time stamps. More specifically, the valve controllers of the valve of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to estimate differences. Differences are estimated between the respective second time stamps and the respective first time stamps. Advantageously, the valve controllers of the valve of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to determine differences. Differences are determined between the respective second time stamps and the respective first time stamps. Ideally, the valve controllers of the valve of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to calculate differences. Differences are calculated between the respective second time stamps and the respective first time stamps. It is envisaged that the valve controllers comprise microcontrollers and/or microprocessors, the microcontrollers and/or the microprocessors having arithmetic logic units. The arithmetic logic units afford the estimates and/or the determinations and/or the calculations as set out above.
[0089] The valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 then compare the differences to the predetermined period as set out above.
[0090] All the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 advantageously store the predetermined period in their respective memories. These memories can, by way of non-limiting examples, be non-volatile memories. All the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 advantageously are in operative communication with their respective memories. Consequently, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can read the predetermined periods and/or signals indicative of the predetermined periods. All the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can read these periods and/or signals from their respective memories. More specifically, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can have microcontrollers and/or microprocessors in operative communication with such memories. Consequently, the microcontrollers and/or the microprocessors of the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can read the predetermined period. The microcontrollers and/or the microprocessors of the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can also read signals. The signals are indicative of the predetermined period. This period and/or these signals are read from such memories.
[0091] In a remotely controlled system 1, the system controller 3 is operable to compare the second time stamp to the first time stamp. More specifically, the system controller 3 is operable to estimate a difference between the second time stamp and the first time stamp. Advantageously, the system controller 3 is operable to determine a difference between the second time stamp and the first time stamp. Ideally, the system controller 3 is operable to calculate a difference between the second time stamp and the first time stamp. It is envisaged that the system controller 3 comprises a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor having an arithmetic logic unit. The arithmetic logic unit affords the estimate and/or the determination and/or the calculation as set out above.
[0092] The system controller 3 then compares the difference to a predetermined period. In an embodiment, the predetermined period is two hours. In another embodiment, the predetermined period is four hours. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined period is eight hours. It is envisaged that the predetermined period lasts longer than one hour, preferably lasts longer than two hours or even longer than four hours.
[0093] The system controller 3 advantageously stores the predetermined period in its memory such as in its non-volatile memory. The system controller 3 advantageously is in operative communication with this memory. Consequently, the system controller 3 can read the predetermined period and/or a signal indicative of the predetermined period from the memory. More specifically, a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor of the system controller 3 is in operative communication with this memory. Consequently, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor of the system controller 3 can read the predetermined period and/or a signal indicative of the predetermined period from the memory.
[0094] As explained above, one or more valve controllers of valves of terminal units 4 - 8 and/or the system controller 3 are operable to produce series of measured values. In a locally controlled system 1, one or more valve controllers of valves of terminal units 4 - 8 produce one or more series of measures of valve positions. The one or more series of measures of valve positions cover a time span that is at least as long as the predetermined period.
[0095] At the second point in time 13, one or more valve controllers of valves of terminal units 4 - 8 estimate one or more means. The one or more estimated means can, by way of non-limiting examples, be arithmetic means or geometric means. They can be arithmetic means or geometric means of one or more series of measures of valve positions. Advantageously, one or more valve controllers of valves of terminal units 4 - 8 determine one or more means. The one or more determined means can, by way of non-limiting examples, be arithmetic means or geometric means. They can be arithmetic means or geometric means of one or more series of measures of valve positions. Ideally, one or more valve controllers of valves of terminal units 4 - 8 calculate one or more means. The calculated one or more means can, by way of non-limiting examples, be arithmetic means or geometric means. They can be arithmetic means or geometric means of one or more series of measures of valve positions.
[0096] The one or more second measures of valve positions are then compared to the one or more estimated and/or determined and/or calculated means. That is, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 make estimates. They estimate whether the one or more second measures of valve positions exceed the one or more estimated means by a predetermined percentage. Advantageously, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 make determinations. They determine whether the one or more second measures of valve positions exceed the one or more determined means by the predetermined percentage. Ideally, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 perform calculations. They calculate whether the one or more second measures of valve positions exceed the one or more calculated means by the predetermined percentage.
[0097] In an embodiment with valve strokes, one or more valve controllers of valves of terminal units 4 - 8 produce one or more series of measures. The one or more series of measures are one or more series of measures of valve strokes. The one or more series of measures of valve strokes cover a time span that is at least as long as the predetermined period.
[0098] At the second point in time 13, one or more valve controllers of valves of terminal units 4 - 8 estimate one or more means. The one or more estimated means can, by way of non-limiting examples, be arithmetic means or geometric means. They can be arithmetic means or geometric means of one or more series of measures of valve strokes. Advantageously, one or more valve controllers of valves of terminal units 4 - 8 determine one or more means. The one or more determined means can, by way of non-limiting examples, be arithmetic means or geometric means. They can be arithmetic means or geometric means of one or more series of measures of valve strokes. Ideally, one or more valve controllers of valves of terminal units 4 - 8 calculate one or more means. The calculated one or more means can, by way of non-limiting examples, be arithmetic means or geometric means. They can be arithmetic means or geometric means of one or more series of measures of valve strokes.
[0099] The one or more second measures of valve strokes are then compared to the one or more estimated and/or determined and/or calculated means. That is, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 make estimates. They estimate whether the one or more second measures of valve strokes exceed the one or more estimated means by a predetermined percentage. Advantageously, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 make determinations. They determine whether the one or more second measures of valve strokes exceed the one or more determined means by the predetermined percentage. Ideally, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 perform calculations. They calculate whether the one or more second measures of valve strokes exceed the one or more calculated means by the predetermined percentage.
[0100] The one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 advantageously store the predetermined percentage in their respective memories. These memories can, by way of non-limiting examples, be non-volatile memories. The one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 advantageously are in operative communication with their respective memories. Consequently, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can read the predetermined percentage and/or signals. The signals are indicative of the predetermined percentage. The predetermined percentage and/or the signals are read from their respective memories. More specifically, the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 have microcontrollers and/or microprocessors. The microcontrollers and/or microprocessors of the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are in operative communication with such memories. Consequently, the microcontrollers and/or the microprocessors of the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can read the predetermined percentage. The microcontrollers and/or the microprocessors of the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can also read signals. The signals are indicative of the predetermined percentage. The predetermined percentage and/or the signals indicative of the predetermined percentage are read from such memories.
[0101] In a remotely controlled system 1, the system controller 3 produces one or more series of measures of valve positions. The one or more series of measures of valve positions cover a time span that is at least as long as the predetermined period.
[0102] At the second point in time 13, the system controller 3 estimates one or more means. The one or more estimated means can, by way of non-limiting examples, be arithmetic means or geometric means. They can be arithmetic means or geometric means of one or more series of measures of valve positions. Advantageously, the system controller 3 determines one or more means. The one or more determined means can, by way of non-limiting examples, be arithmetic means or geometric means. They can be arithmetic means or geometric means of one or more series of measures of valve positions. Ideally, the system controller 3 calculates one or more means. The calculated one or more means can, by way of non-limiting examples, be arithmetic means or geometric means. They can be arithmetic means or geometric means of one or more series of measures of valve positions.
[0103] The one or more second measures of valve positions are then compared to the one or more estimated and/or determined and/or calculated means. That is, the system controller 3 estimates whether the one or more second measures of valve positions exceed the one or more estimated means by a predetermined percentage. Advantageously, the system controller 3 determines whether the one or more second measures of valve positions exceed the one or more determined means by the predetermined percentage. Ideally, the system controller 3 calculates whether the one or more second measures of valve positions exceed the one or more calculated means by the predetermined percentage.
[0104] In an embodiment having valve strokes, the system controller 3 produces one or more series of measures of valve strokes. The one or more series of measures of valve strokes cover a time span that is at least as long as the predetermined period.
[0105] At the second point in time 13, the system controller 3 estimates one or more means. The one or more estimated means can, by way of non-limiting examples, be arithmetic means or geometric means. They can be arithmetic means or geometric means of one or more series of measures of valve strokes. Advantageously, the system controller 3 determines one or more means. The one or more determined means can, by way of non-limiting examples, be arithmetic means or geometric means. They can be arithmetic means or geometric means of one or more series of measures of valve strokes. Ideally, the system controller 3 calculates one or more means. The calculated one or more means can, by way of non-limiting examples, be arithmetic means or geometric means. They can be arithmetic means or geometric means of one or more series of measures of valve strokes.
[0106] The one or more second measures of valve strokes are then compared to the one or more estimated and/or determined and/or calculated means. That is, the system controller 3 estimates whether the one or more second measures of valve strokes exceed the one or more estimated means by a predetermined percentage. Advantageously, the system controller 3 determines whether the one or more second measures of valve strokes exceed the one or more determined means by the predetermined percentage. Ideally, the system controller 3 calculates whether the one or more second measures of valve strokes exceed the one or more calculated means by the predetermined percentage.
[0107] The system controller 3 advantageously stores the predetermined percentage in its memory such as in its non-volatile memory. The system controller 3 advantageously is in operative communication with this memory. Consequently, the system controller 3 can read the predetermined percentage and/or a signal indicative of the predetermined percentage from the memory. More specifically, a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor of the system controller 3 is in operative communication with this memory. Consequently, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor of the system controller 3 can read the predetermined percentage and/or a signal indicative of the predetermined percentage from the memory.
[0108] The predetermined percentage can, by way of non-limiting examples, be at least five percent or at least ten percent. It is also envisaged that the predetermined percentage is at least twenty percent or even twenty-five percent.
[0109] In a locally controlled system 1, one or more valve controllers of valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 store an outside temperature as designed. The one or more valve controllers of valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can also store a value indicative of an outside temperature as designed.
[0110] The outside temperature as designed is an outside temperature for the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1. The outside temperature as designed is typically set at the design stage and/or during commissioning of the system 1. The outside temperature as designed can also be an outside temperature for the site 2. The outside temperature as designed is typically set at the design stage and/or during commissioning of the site 2. More specifically, the outside temperature as designed can also be an outside temperature of the building 2. The outside temperature as designed is typically set at the design stage and/or during commissioning of the building 2.
[0111] The one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 advantageously store the outside temperature as designed in their respective memories. These memories can, by way of non-limiting examples, be non-volatile memories. The one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 advantageously are in operative communication with their respective memories. Consequently, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can read the outside temperature as designed and/or signals. The signals are indicative of the outside temperature as designed. This temperature and/or these signals are read from their respective memories. More specifically, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 have microcontrollers and/or microprocessors. The microcontrollers and/or microprocessors of the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are in operative communication with memories. Consequently, they can read the outside temperature as designed and/or signals. The signals are indicative of the outside temperature as designed. This temperature and/or these signals are read from such memories.
[0112] The one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to make comparisons. They compare the outside temperature as designed to an outside temperature threshold. More specifically, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to make determinations. They determine if the outside temperature is less than the outside temperature threshold. It is envisaged that the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 have one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors. The one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors are operable to make comparisons. They compare the outside temperature as designed to the outside temperature threshold. More specifically, the one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors are operable to make determinations. They determine if the outside temperature is less than the outside temperature threshold.
[0113] The outside temperature threshold can, by way of non-limiting example, be five degrees centigrade. That is, the outside temperature threshold is approximately forty-one degrees Fahrenheit. The outside temperature threshold can, by way of another non-limiting example, be ten degrees centigrade. That is, the outside temperature threshold is approximately fifty degrees Fahrenheit. The outside temperature threshold can, by way of yet another non-limiting example, be fifteen degrees centigrade. That is, the outside temperature threshold is approximately fifty-nine degrees Fahrenheit.
[0114] The one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 also store one or more set point temperatures. The one or more valve controllers of valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can also store values indicative of set point temperatures.
[0115] The one or more set point temperatures are stored by the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8. The one or more set point temperatures normally apply to a zone of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1. The one or more set point temperatures can also apply to a room of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1. The one or more set point temperatures can also apply to a zone of the site 2. More specifically, the one or more set point temperatures can apply to a room of the site 2. The one or more set point temperatures can also apply to a zone of the building 2. More specifically, the one or more set point temperatures can apply to a room of the building 2.
[0116] The one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 advantageously store the one or more set point temperatures. The one or more set point temperatures are stored in their respective memories. These memories can, by way of non-limiting examples, be non-volatile memories. The one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 advantageously are in operative communication with their respective memories. Consequently, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can read the one or more set point temperatures and/or signals. The signals are indicative of the one or more set point temperatures. The set point temperatures and/or the signals are read from their respective memories. More specifically, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 have microcontrollers and/or microprocessors. The microcontrollers and/or microprocessors of the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are in operative communication with such memories. Consequently, these microcontrollers and/or microprocessors can read the one or more set point temperatures and/or signals. The signals are indicative of the one or more set point temperatures. The set point temperatures and/or the signals are read from such memories.
[0117] According to an aspect of the present system 1, a valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 receives a signal. The signal is indicative of a set point temperature and is received from the system controller 3.
[0118] The valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 receives a signal indicative of a set point temperature. The valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 produces a measure of set point temperature and/or a set point temperature from the signal. The valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 stores the measure of set point temperature and/or the set point temperature in its memory. The memory is preferably non-volatile. More specifically, the valve controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 has a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor. The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor receives a signal indicative of a set point temperature from the system controller 3. The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor receives the signal indicative of a set point temperature. The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor produces a measure of set point temperature and/or a set point temperature from the signal. The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor stores the measure of set point temperature and/or the set point temperature in its memory. The memory is preferably in its non-volatile.
[0119] According to another aspect of the present system 1, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 receive signals. The signals are indicative of set point temperature and are received from the system controller 3. All the valve controllers of the valve of the terminal units 4 - 8 receive signals indicative of set point temperatures. They produce measures of set point temperature and/or set point temperatures from the signals. All the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 store the measures of set point temperature and/or the set point temperatures. The measures of set point temperature and/or the set point temperatures are stored in their respective memories. The respective memories are preferably non-volatile. More specifically, all the valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 have microcontrollers and/or microprocessors. The microcontrollers and/or the microprocessors receive signals indicative of set point temperatures from the system controller 3. The microcontrollers and/or the microprocessors receive the signals indicative of set point temperature and produce measures of set point temperature and/or set point temperatures from the signals. The microcontrollers and/or the microprocessors store the measures of set point temperature and/or the set point temperatures in their respective memories. The respective memories are preferably non-volatile.
[0120] The one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to make comparisons. They compare the one or more set point temperatures to an idle temperature. More specifically, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to make determinations. They determine if the one or more set point temperatures are the same as the idle temperature. Ideally, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 are operable to make determinations. They determine if the one or more set point temperatures are substantially the same as the idle temperature. Substantially the same means that the one or more set point temperatures deviate from the idle temperature by less than one degree centigrade. Substantially the same can also mean that the one or more set point temperatures deviate from the idle temperature by less than two degrees centigrade.
[0121] It is envisaged that the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 have one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors. The one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors are operable to make comparisons. They compare the one or more set point temperatures to the idle temperature. More specifically, the one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors are operable to make determinations. They determine if the one or more set point temperatures are the same as the idle temperature. Ideally, the one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors are operable to make determinations. They determine if the one or more set point temperatures are substantially the same as the idle temperature. Substantially the same means that the one or more set point temperatures deviate from the idle temperature by less than one degree centigrade. Substantially the same can also mean that the one or more set point temperatures deviate from the idle temperature by less than two degrees centigrade.
[0122] The one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 advantageously store the idle temperature in their respective memories. These memories can, by way of non-limiting examples, be non-volatile memories. The one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 advantageously are in operative communication with their respective memories. Consequently, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 can read the idle temperature and/or signals. The signals are indicative of the idle temperature. The idle temperature and/or the signals indicative of the idle temperature are read from their respective memories. More specifically, the one or more valve controllers of the valves of the terminal units 4 - 8 have microcontrollers and/or microprocessors. These microcontrollers and/or microprocessors are in operative communication with such memories. Consequently, these microcontrollers and/or these microprocessors can read the idle temperature and/or signals indicative of the idle temperature from such memories.
[0123] An idle temperature is a temperature of a zone or of a plurality of zones, wherein the zone or the plurality of zones are not inhabited. The zone or the plurality of zones can, by way of non-limiting example, be vacant. The zone or the plurality of zones can, by way of non-limiting example, be unoccupied.
[0124] In a remotely controlled system 1, the system controller 3 stores an outside temperature as designed. The system controller 3 can also store a value indicative of an outside temperature as designed.
[0125] The outside temperature as designed is an outside temperature for the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1. The outside temperature as designed is typically set at the design stage and/or during commissioning of the system 1. The outside temperature as designed can also be an outside temperature for the site 2. The outside temperature as designed is typically set at the design stage and/or during commissioning of the site 2. More specifically, the outside temperature as designed can also be an outside temperature for the building 2. The outside temperature as designed is typically set at the design stage and/or during commissioning of the building 2.
[0126] The system controller 3 advantageously stores the outside temperature as designed in its memory. This memory can, by way of non-limiting example, be a non-volatile memory. The system controller 3 advantageously is in operative communication with its memory. Consequently, the system controller 3 can read the outside temperature as designed and/or signals indicative of the outside temperature as designed from its memory. More specifically, microcontrollers and/or microprocessors of the system controller 3 are in operative communication with such memory. Consequently, the microcontrollers and/or the microprocessors of the system controller 3 can read the outside temperature as designed and/or signals indicative of the outside temperature. The outside temperature as designed and/or the signals indicative of the outside temperature as designed are read from such memory.
[0127] The system controller 3 is operable to compare the outside temperature as designed to an outside temperature threshold. More specifically, the system controller 3 is operable to determine if the outside temperature is less than the outside temperature threshold. It is envisaged that the system controller 3 has one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors. The one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors are operable to compare the outside temperature as designed to the outside temperature threshold. More specifically, the one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors are operable to determine if the outside temperature is less than the outside temperature threshold.
[0128] The outside temperature threshold can, by way of non-limiting example, be five degrees centigrade. That is, the outside temperature threshold is approximately forty-one degrees Fahrenheit. The outside temperature threshold can, by way of another non-limiting example, be ten degrees centigrade. That is, the outside temperature threshold is approximately fifty degrees Fahrenheit. The outside temperature threshold can, by way of yet another non-limiting example, be fifteen degrees centigrade. That is, the outside temperature threshold is approximately fifty-nine degrees Fahrenheit.
[0129] The system controller 3 also stores one or more set point temperatures. The system controller 3 can also store values indicative of a set point temperatures.
[0130] The one or more set point temperatures stored by the system controller 3 normally apply to a zone of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1. The one or more set point temperatures stored by the system controller 3 can also apply to a room of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning 1. The one or more set point temperatures stored by the system controller 3 can also apply to a zone of the site 2. More specifically, the one or more set point temperatures stored by the system controller 3 can apply to a room of the site 2. The one or more set point temperatures stored by the system controller 3 can also apply to a zone of the building 2. More specifically, the one or more set point temperatures stored by the system controller 3 can apply to a room of the building 2.
[0131] The system controller 3 advantageously stores the one or more set point temperatures in its memory. This memory can, by way of non-limiting example, be a non-volatile memory. The system controller 3 advantageously is in operative communication with its memory. Consequently, the system controller 3 can read the one or more set point temperatures and/or signals indicative of the one or more set point temperatures. The one or more set point temperatures and/or the signals indicative of the one or more set point temperatures are read from its memory. More specifically, microcontrollers and/or microprocessors of the system controller 3 are in operative communication with such memory. Consequently, the microcontrollers and/or the microprocessors of the system controller 3 can read the one or more set point temperatures and/or signals. The signals are indicative of the one or more set point temperatures. The one or more set point temperatures and/or the signals indicative of the one or more set point temperatures are read from such memory.
[0132] The system controller 3 is operable to compare the one or more set point temperatures to an idle temperature. More specifically, the system controller 3 is operable to determine if the one or more set point temperatures are the same as the idle temperature. Ideally, the system controller 3 is operable to determine if the one or more set point temperatures are substantially the same as the idle temperature. Substantially the same means that the one or more set point temperatures deviate from the idle temperature by less than one degree centigrade. Substantially the same can also mean that the one or more set point temperatures deviate from the idle temperature by less than two degrees centigrade.
[0133] It is envisaged that the system controller 3 has one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors. The one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors are operable to compare the one or more set point temperatures to the idle temperature. More specifically, the one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors are operable to make determinations. They determine if the one or more set point temperatures are the same as the idle temperature. Ideally, the one or more microcontrollers and/or microprocessors are operable to make determinations. They determine if the one or more set point temperatures are substantially the same as the idle temperature. Substantially the same means that the one or more set point temperatures deviate from the idle temperature by less than one degree centigrade. Substantially the same can also mean that the one or more set point temperatures deviate from the idle temperature by less than two degrees centigrade.
[0134] The system controller 3 advantageously stores the idle temperature in its memory. This memory can, by way of non-limiting example, be a non-volatile memory. The system controller 3 advantageously is in operative communication with its memory. Consequently, the system controller 3 can read the idle temperature and/or signals indicative of the idle temperature from its memory. More specifically, microcontrollers and/or microprocessors of the system controller 3 are in operative communication with such memory. Consequently, the microcontrollers and/or the microprocessors of the system controller 3 can read the idle temperature and/or signals indicative of the idle temperature from such memory.
[0135] When an open window such as an open hopper window and/or an open sash window is detected, the system can search for patterns. The system can, by way of non-limiting example, acquire a series of signals indicative of an open window and correlate the series with time. That way, the system can detect whether windows are left open every Thursday after a gym class. Advantageously, such correlations are presented to a user and/or to an operator by way of a graphical user interface.
[0136] Preferably, a system controller 3 and/or a controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 comprises a display having a graphical user interface and is configured to:
acquire a series of signals indicative of an open window;
correlate the series of signals indicative of an open window with time;
produce an alert signal based on the correlation; and
show the alert signal to a user and/or to an operator using the graphical user interface.
[0137] A system controller 3 and/or a controller of a valve of a terminal unit 4 - 8 ideally comprises a display having a graphical user interface and is configured to:
acquire a series of signals indicative of an open window;
search the series of signals for one or more predetermined patterns;
if the one or more patterns matches the series of signals:
produce an alert signal based on the one or more patterns matching the series of signals; and
show the alert signal to a user and/or to an operator using the graphical user interface.
[0138] Any steps carried out by a controller 3 according to the present disclosure can be embodied in hardware and/or in a software module executed by a processor and/or in a software module executed by a processor inside a container using operating system level virtualisation and/or in a cloud computing arrangement, or in a combination thereof. The software may include a firmware and/or a hardware driver run by the operating system and/or an application program. Thus, the disclosure also relates to a computer program product for performing the operations presented herein. If implemented in software, the functions described may be stored as one or more instructions on a computer-readable medium. Some examples of storage media that can be used include random access memory (RAM) and/or read only memory (ROM) and/or flash memory and/or EPROM memory and/or EEPROM memory and/or registers and/or a hard disk and/or a removable disk and/or other optical disks and/or any available media that can be accessed by a computer or any other IT equipment and appliance.
[0139] As described in detail herein, the present disclosure deals with a controller (3) comprising a processor and a memory, the processor being in operative communication with the memory and being configured to:
read a predetermined percentage and values indicative of a temperature set point and indicative of an idle temperature and indicative of a temperature threshold and indicative of an outside temperature as designed and indicative of a position threshold (11) from the memory;
compare the value indicative of the temperature set point to the value indicative of the idle temperature and produce a first indication if the value indicative of the temperature set point is the same as or substantially the same as the value indicative of the idle temperature;
compare the value indicative of the outside temperature as designed to the value indicative of the temperature threshold and produce a second indication if the value indicative of the outside temperature as designed is less than the value indicative of the temperature threshold;
record a first signal indicative of a valve position and produce a first measure from the first signal;
compare the first measure to the value indicative of the position threshold (11);
if the first measure is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11):
record a series of signals indicative of valve positions during a predetermined period and produce a series of measures from the series of signals and estimate a mean of the series of measures;
after the predetermined period, record a second signal indicative of a valve position and produce a second measure from the second signal;
compare the second measure to the value indicative of the position threshold (11) and produce a third indication if the second measure is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11);
compare the second measure to the mean and produce a fourth indication if the second measure is larger than the mean by the predetermined percentage; and
if at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, produce and transmit a signal indicative of an open window.
[0140] As also described in detail herein, the present disclosure deals with a controller (3) comprising a processor and a memory, the processor being in operative communication with the memory and being configured to:
read a predetermined percentage and values indicative of a temperature set point and indicative of an idle temperature and indicative of a temperature threshold and indicative of an outside temperature as designed and indicative of a position threshold (11) from the memory; and
compare the value indicative of the temperature set point to the value indicative of the idle temperature and produce a first indication if the value indicative of the temperature set point is the same as or substantially the same as the value indicative of the idle temperature; and/or
compare the value indicative of the outside temperature as designed to the value indicative of the temperature threshold and produce a second indication if the value indicative of the outside temperature as designed is less than the value indicative of the temperature threshold; and
record a first signal indicative of a valve position and produce a first measure from the first signal; and
compare the first measure to the value indicative of the position threshold (11); and
if the first measure is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11):
record a series of signals indicative of valve positions during a predetermined period and produce a series of measures from the series of signals and estimate a mean of the series of measures; and
after the predetermined period, record a second signal indicative of a valve position and produce a second measure from the second signal; and
compare the second measure to the value indicative of the position threshold (11) and produce a third indication if the second measure is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11); and
compare the second measure to the mean and produce a fourth indication if the second measure is larger than the mean by the predetermined percentage; and
if at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, produce and transmit a signal indicative of an open window.
[0141] The controller (3) can comprise a controller (3) for a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). More specifically, the controller (3) can be a controller (3) for a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) comprises a system controller (3) for a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). According to a special aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) is a system controller (3) for a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) comprises a valve controller for a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). According to a special aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) is a valve controller for a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) comprises a valve controller for a terminal unit (4 - 8) for a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). According to a special aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) is a valve controller for a terminal unit (4 - 8) for a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1).
[0142] The controller (3) can also comprise a controller (3) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). More specifically, the controller (3) can be a controller (3) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) comprises a system controller (3) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). According to a special aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) is a system controller (3) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) comprises a valve controller of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). According to a special aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) is a valve controller of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) comprises a valve controller of a terminal unit (4 - 8) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1). According to a special aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) is a valve controller of a terminal unit (4 - 8) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1).
[0143] The instant disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), wherein the processor is configured to:
produce the first indication if the value indicative of the temperature set point is the same as the value indicative of the idle temperature or deviates from the value indicative of the idle temperature by less than two degrees centigrade.
[0144] The present disclosure further deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), wherein the processor is configured to:
produce the first indication if the value indicative of the temperature set point is the same as the value indicative of the idle temperature or deviates from the value indicative of the idle temperature by less than one degree centigrade.
[0145] The instant disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), wherein the processor is in operative communication with a valve of a terminal unit (4 - 8) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1) and is configured to:
record the first signal indicative of the valve position from the valve of the terminal unit (4 - 8) of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1).
[0146] The present disclosure further deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), wherein the processor is in operative communication with a valve of a terminal unit (4 - 8) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1) using a predetermined and/or digital communication protocol and is configured to:
record the first signal indicative of the valve position from the valve of the terminal unit (4 - 8) of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1) using the predetermined and/or digital communication protocol.
[0147] The instant disclosure still deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3),
wherein the processor is in operative communication with a valve of a terminal unit (4 - 8) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1);
wherein the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1) comprises a digital communication bus; and
wherein the processor is configured to:
record the first signal indicative of the valve position from the valve of the terminal
unit (4 - 8) of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning
(1) via the digital communication bus of the system for heating and/or ventilation
and/or air-conditioning (1).
[0148] The present disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), wherein the processor is in operative communication with a valve of a terminal unit (4 - 8) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1) and is configured to:
record the series of signals indicative of valve positions from the valve of the terminal unit (4 - 8) of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1).
[0149] The instant disclosure further deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), wherein the processor is in operative communication with a valve of a terminal unit (4 - 8) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1) using a predetermined and/or digital communication protocol and is configured to:
record the series of signals indicative of valve positions from the valve of the terminal unit (4 - 8) of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1) using the predetermined and/or digital communication protocol.
[0150] The present disclosure still deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3),
wherein the processor is in operative communication with a valve of a terminal unit (4
- 8) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1);
wherein the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1) comprises a digital communication bus; and
wherein the processor is configured to:
record the series of signals indicative of valve positions from the valve of the terminal
unit (4 - 8) of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning
(1) via the digital communication bus of the system for heating and/or ventilation
and/or air-conditioning (1).
[0151] It is envisaged that the processor is configured to estimate an arithmetic or geometric mean of the series of measures.
[0152] The instant disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), wherein the processor is configured to:
determine a mean of the series of measures.
[0153] More specifically, the processor can be configured to determine an arithmetic
or geometric
mean of the series of measures ai.
[0154] The present disclosure further deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), wherein the processor is configured to:
calculate a mean of the series of measures.
[0155] More specifically, the processor can be configured to calculate an arithmetic
or geometric
mean of the series of measures ai.
[0156] The instant disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), wherein the processor is in operative communication with a valve of a terminal unit (4 - 8) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1) and is configured to:
record the second signal indicative of the valve position from the valve of the terminal unit (4 - 8) of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1).
[0157] The present disclosure further deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), wherein the processor is in operative communication with a valve of a terminal unit (4 - 8) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1) using a predetermined and/or digital communication protocol and is configured to:
record the second signal indicative of the valve position from the valve of the terminal unit (4 - 8) of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1) using the predetermined and/or digital communication protocol.
[0158] The instant disclosure still deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3),
wherein the processor is in operative communication with a valve of a terminal unit (4 - 8) of a system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1);
wherein the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning (1) comprises a digital communication bus; and
wherein the processor is configured to:
record the second signal indicative of the valve position from the valve of the terminal
unit (4 - 8) of the system for heating and/or ventilation and/or air-conditioning
(1) via the digital communication bus of the system for heating and/or ventilation
and/or air-conditioning (1).
[0159] It is envisaged that the processor is a processor of a microcontroller and/or of a microprocessor. Ideally, the controller (3) comprises a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor having the processor. In a special embodiment, the controller (3) comprises a microprocessor, the microprocessor being the processor.
[0161] In an embodiment, the first indication comprises a first flag. Advantageously, the first indication is a first flag. As the first indication is produced, the first flag is set. In an embodiment, the second indication comprises a second flag. Advantageously, the second indication is a second flag. As the second indication is produced, the second flag is set. In an embodiment, the third indication comprises a third flag. Advantageously, the third indication is a third flag. As the third indication is produced, the third flag is set. In an embodiment, the fourth indication comprises a fourth flag. Advantageously, the fourth indication is a fourth flag. As the fourth indication is produced, the fourth flag is set.
[0162] In a special embodiment, the first indication comprises a first flag of the processor. Advantageously, the first indication is a first flag of the processor. As the first indication is produced, the first flag of the processor is set. In a special embodiment, the second indication comprises a second flag of the processor. Advantageously, the second indication is a second flag of the processor. As the second indication is produced, the second flag of the processor is set. In a special embodiment, the third indication comprises a third flag of the processor. Advantageously, the third indication is a third flag of the processor. As the third indication is produced, the third flag of the processor is set. In a special embodiment, the fourth indication comprises a fourth flag of the processor. Advantageously, the fourth indication is a fourth flag of the processor. As the fourth indication is produced, the fourth flag of the processor is set.
[0163] It is envisaged that the first indication is a first positive determination. It is also envisaged that the second indication is a second positive determination. It is still envisaged that the third indication is a third positive determination. It is still further envisaged that the fourth indication is a fourth positive determination.
[0164] The instant disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), wherein the processor is configured to:
if at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, produce and transmit a signal indicative of an open hopper window and/or indicative of an open sash window.
[0165] The present disclosure further deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), wherein the processor is configured to:
produce and transmit a signal indicative of an open hopper window and/or indicative of an open sash window.
[0166] The instant disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), the processor being configured to:
if the first indication and a least two indications of the second to fourth indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
[0167] The present disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3) wherein a determination is made if at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, the processor being configured to:
if the third and the fourth indications and a least one indication of the first to second indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
[0168] The instant disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), the processor being configured to:
if the first to fourth indications are all produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
[0169] The present disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), the processor being configured to:
compare each measure of the series of measures to the value indicative of the position threshold (11) and produce a fifth indication if each measure of the series of measures is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11); and
if the fifth indication and at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
[0170] In an embodiment, the fifth indication comprises a fifth flag. Advantageously, the fifth indication is a fifth flag. As the fifth indication is produced, the fifth flag is set.
[0171] In a special embodiment, the fifth indication comprises a fifth flag of the processor. Advantageously, the fifth indication is a fifth flag of the processor. In a special embodiment, the fifth indication comprises a fifth flag of the processor. As the fifth indication is produced, the fifth flag of the processor is set.
[0173] The instant disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3) processing a fifth indication,
if the first and fifth indications and a least two indications of the second to fourth indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
[0174] The present disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3) processing a fifth indication and wherein a determination is made if the fifth indication and at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced,
if the third and the fourth and the fifth indications and a least one indication of the first to second indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
[0175] The instant disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3) processing a fifth indication,
if the first to fifth indications are all produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
[0176] The present disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), display in operative communication with the processor, the processor being configured to:
transmit the signal indicative of the open window to the display;
the display being configured to:
receive the signal indicative of the open window; and
in response to receiving the signal indicative of the open window, show an alert indicative of the open window to a user.
[0177] The instant disclosure also deals with any of the aforementioned controllers (3) having a display, the display being configured to:
receive the signal indicative of the open window; and
in response to receiving the signal indicative of the open window, show a message indicative of the open window to a user.
[0178] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) having a display comprises a thermostat having the display. According to a special aspect of the instant disclosure, the controller (3) having a display is a thermostat having the display. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the controller (3) having a display comprises a smart thermostat having the display. According to a special aspect of the instant disclosure, the controller (3) having a display is a smart thermostat having the display.
[0179] The instant disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3), the controller (3) comprising a network interface, the processor being configured to:
communicate with a mobile handheld device via the network interface; and
transmit the signal indicative of the open window to the mobile handheld device via the network interface.
[0180] The present disclosure also deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3) having a network interface, the processor being configured to:
communicate with the mobile handheld device via the network interface using a predetermined and/or digital communication protocol; and
transmit the signal indicative of the open window to the mobile handheld device via the network interface and using the predetermined and/or digital communication protocol.
[0181] The instant disclosure further deals with any one of the aforementioned controllers (3) having a network interface, the processor being configured to:
communicate with the mobile handheld device via the network interface and via a digital communication bus; and
transmit the signal indicative of the open window to the mobile handheld device via the network interface and via the digital communication bus.
[0182] The present disclosure also deals with a method of detecting an open window, the method comprising the steps of:
comparing a value indicative of a temperature set point to a value indicative of an idle temperature and producing a first indication if the value indicative of the temperature set point is the same as or substantially the same as the value indicative of the idle temperature;
comparing a value indicative of an outside temperature as designed to a value indicative of a temperature threshold and producing a second indication if the value indicative of the outside temperature as designed is less than the value indicative of the temperature threshold;
recording a first signal indicative of a valve position and producing a first measure from the first signal;
comparing the first measure to the value indicative of a position threshold (11);
if the first measure is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11):
recording a series of signals indicative of valve positions during a predetermined period and producing a series of measures from the series of signals and estimating a mean of the series of measures;
after the predetermined period, recording a second signal indicative of a valve position and producing a second measure from the second signal;
comparing the second measure to the value indicative of the position threshold (11) and producing a third indication if the second measure is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11);
comparing the second measure to the mean and producing a fourth indication if the second measure is larger than the mean by a predetermined percentage; and
if at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, producing and transmitting a signal indicative of the open window.
[0183] The present disclosure also deals with a method of detecting an open window, the method comprising the steps of:
comparing a value indicative of a temperature set point to a value indicative of an idle temperature and producing a first indication if the value indicative of the temperature set point is the same as or substantially the same as the value indicative of the idle temperature; and/or
comparing a value indicative of an outside temperature as designed to a value indicative of a temperature threshold and producing a second indication if the value indicative of the outside temperature as designed is less than the value indicative of the temperature threshold; and
recording a first signal indicative of a valve position and producing a first measure from the first signal; and
comparing the first measure to the value indicative of a position threshold (11); and
if the first measure is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11):
recording a series of signals indicative of valve positions during a predetermined period and producing a series of measures from the series of signals and estimating a mean of the series of measures; and
after the predetermined period, recording a second signal indicative of a valve position and producing a second measure from the second signal; and
comparing the second measure to the value indicative of the position threshold (11) and producing a third indication if the second measure is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11); and
comparing the second measure to the mean and producing a fourth indication if the second measure is larger than the mean by a predetermined percentage; and
if at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, producing and transmitting a signal indicative of the open window.
[0184] The instant disclosure further deals with any one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the step of:
if the first indication and a least two indications of the second to fourth indications are produced, producing and transmitting the signal indicative of the open window.
[0185] The present disclosure further deals with any one of the aforementioned methods wherein a determination is made if at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, the method comprising the step of:
if the third and the fourth indications and a least one indication of the first to second indications are produced, producing and transmitting the signal indicative of the open window.
[0186] The instant disclosure further deals with any one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the step of:
if the first to fourth indications are all produced, producing and transmitting the signal indicative of the open window.
[0187] The instant disclosure further deals with any one of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps of:
comparing each measure of the series of measures to the value indicative of the position threshold (11) and producing a fifth indication if each measure of the series of measures is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11); and
if the fifth indication and at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, producing and transmitting the signal indicative of the open window.
[0188] It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of the disclosure and that numerous changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims. It should also be understood that the disclosure is not restricted to the illustrated embodiments and that various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
Reference numerals
1. A controller (3) comprising a processor and a memory, the processor being in operative
communication with the memory and being configured to:
read a predetermined percentage and values indicative of a temperature set point and indicative of an idle temperature and indicative of a temperature threshold and indicative of an outside temperature as designed and indicative of a position threshold (11) from the memory; and
compare the value indicative of the temperature set point to the value indicative of the idle temperature and produce a first indication if the value indicative of the temperature set point is the same as or substantially the same as the value indicative of the idle temperature; and/or
compare the value indicative of the outside temperature as designed to the value indicative of the temperature threshold and produce a second indication if the value indicative of the outside temperature as designed is less than the value indicative of the temperature threshold; and
record a first signal indicative of a valve position and produce a first measure from the first signal; and
compare the first measure to the value indicative of the position threshold (11); and
if the first measure is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11):
record a series of signals indicative of valve positions during a predetermined period and produce a series of measures from the series of signals and estimate a mean of the series of measures; and
after the predetermined period, record a second signal indicative of a valve position and produce a second measure from the second signal; and
compare the second measure to the value indicative of the position threshold (11) and produce a third indication if the second measure is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11); and
compare the second measure to the mean and produce a fourth indication if the second measure is larger than the mean by the predetermined percentage; and
if at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, produce and transmit a signal indicative of an open window.
2. The controller (3) according to claim 1, the processor being configured to:
if the first indication and a least two indications of the second to fourth indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
if the first indication and a least two indications of the second to fourth indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
3. The controller (3) according to claim 1, the processor being configured to:
if the third and the fourth indications and a least one indication of the first to second indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
if the third and the fourth indications and a least one indication of the first to second indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
4. The controller (3) according to any of the claims 1 to 3, the processor being configured
to:
if the first to fourth indications are all produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
if the first to fourth indications are all produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
5. The controller (3) according to any of the claims 1 to 4, the processor being configured
to:
compare each measure of the series of measures to the value indicative of the position threshold (11) and produce a fifth indication if each measure of the series of measures is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11); and
if the fifth indication and at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
6. The controller (3) according to claim 5,
if the first and fifth indications and a least two indications of the second to fourth indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
if the first and fifth indications and a least two indications of the second to fourth indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
7. The controller (3) according to claim 5,
if the third and the fourth and the fifth indications and a least one indication of the first to second indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
if the third and the fourth and the fifth indications and a least one indication of the first to second indications are produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
8. The controller (3) according to any of the claims 5 to 7, the processor being configured
to:
if the first to fifth indications are all produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
if the first to fifth indications are all produced, produce and transmit the signal indicative of the open window.
9. The controller (3) according to any of the claims 1 to 8, the controller (3) comprising
a display in operative communication with the processor, the processor being configured
to:
transmit the signal indicative of the open window to the display;
the display being configured to:
transmit the signal indicative of the open window to the display;
the display being configured to:
receive the signal indicative of the open window; and
in response to receiving the signal indicative of the open window, show an alert indicative of the open window to a user.
10. The controller (3) according to any of the claims 1 to 9, the controller (3) comprising
a network interface, the processor being configured to:
communicate with a mobile handheld device via the network interface; and
transmit the signal indicative of the open window to the mobile handheld device via the network interface.
11. A method of detecting an open window, the method comprising the steps of:
comparing a value indicative of a temperature set point to a value indicative of an idle temperature and producing a first indication if the value indicative of the temperature set point is the same as or substantially the same as the value indicative of the idle temperature; and/or
comparing a value indicative of an outside temperature as designed to a value indicative of a temperature threshold and producing a second indication if the value indicative of the outside temperature as designed is less than the value indicative of the temperature threshold; and
recording a first signal indicative of a valve position and producing a first measure from the first signal; and
comparing the first measure to the value indicative of a position threshold (11); and
if the first measure is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11):
recording a series of signals indicative of valve positions during a predetermined period and producing a series of measures from the series of signals and estimating a mean of the series of measures; and
after the predetermined period, recording a second signal indicative of a valve position and producing a second measure from the second signal; and
comparing the second measure to the value indicative of the position threshold (11) and producing a third indication if the second measure is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11); and
comparing the second measure to the mean and producing a fourth indication if the second measure is larger than the mean by a predetermined percentage; and
if at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, producing and transmitting a signal indicative of the open window.
12. The method according to claim 11, the method comprising the step of:
if the first indication and a least two indications of the second to fourth indications are produced, producing and transmitting the signal indicative of the open window.
if the first indication and a least two indications of the second to fourth indications are produced, producing and transmitting the signal indicative of the open window.
13. The method according to claim 11, the method comprising the step of:
if the third and the fourth indications and a least one indication of the first to second indications are produced, producing and transmitting the signal indicative of the open window.
if the third and the fourth indications and a least one indication of the first to second indications are produced, producing and transmitting the signal indicative of the open window.
14. The method according to any of the claims 11 to 13, the method comprising the step
of:
if the first to fourth indications are all produced, producing and transmitting the signal indicative of the open window.
if the first to fourth indications are all produced, producing and transmitting the signal indicative of the open window.
15. The method according to any of the claims 11 to 14, the method comprising the steps
of:
comparing each measure of the series of measures to the value indicative of the position threshold (11) and producing a fifth indication if each measure of the series of measures is larger than or equal to the value indicative of the position threshold (11); and
if the fifth indication and at least three indications of the first to fourth indications are produced, producing and transmitting the signal indicative of the open window.