System and method for fan speed control

Claim 1

A method for improving the energy efficiency of a building environmental control system comprising modulating fan speed in response to actual thermal load upon the system.

Claim 2

A method for improving the energy efficiency of a building environmental control system comprising modulating fan speed in response to actual thermal load upon the system.

Claim 6

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and cooling system with reference to a predetermined desired ambient temperature, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) substracting said predetermined desired ambient temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (C) setting said fan speed at a rotational speed corresponding to said temperature differential; and (D) repeating steps A through C.

Claim 7

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and cooling system with reference to a predetermined desired ambient temperature, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) substracting said predetermined desired ambient temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (C) setting said fan speed at a rotational speed corresponding to said temperature differential; and (D) repeating steps A through C.

Claim 8

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and cooling system, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) testing the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (D) setting said fan speed at a rotational speed corresponding to said temperature differential; and (E) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 9

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and cooling system, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) testing the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (D) setting said fan speed at a rotational speed corresponding to said temperature differential; and (E) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 10

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and heating system with reference to a predetermined desired ambient temperature, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) subtracting said predetermined desired ambient temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (C) setting said fan speed at a rotational speed corresponding to said temperature differential; and (D) repeating steps A through C.

Claim 11

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and heating system with reference to a predetermined desired ambient temperature, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) subtracting said predetermined desired ambient temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (C) setting said fan speed at a rotational speed corresponding to said temperature differential; and (D) repeating steps A through C.

Claim 12

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and heating system, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) testing the air exiting the heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (C) subtracting said return air temperature from said heating air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (D) setting said fan speed at a rotational speed corresponding to said temperature differential; and (E) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 13

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and heating system, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) testing the air exiting the heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (C) subtracting said return air temperature from said heating air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (D) setting said fan speed at a rotational speed corresponding to said temperature differential; and (E) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 14

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and cooling system with reference to first and second predetermined control variables, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the air entering the cooling unit to determine the return air temperature; (B) testing the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (D) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said second predetermined control variable; and (E) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 15

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and cooling system with reference to first and second predetermined control variables, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the air entering the cooling unit to determine the return air temperature; (B) testing the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (D) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said second predetermined control variable; and (E) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 16

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and heating system with reference to first and third predetermined control variables, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the air entering the heating unit to determine the return air temperature; (B) testing the air exiting the heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (C) subtracting said return air temperature from said heating air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (D) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said third predetermined control variable; and (E) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 17

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and heating system with reference to first and third predetermined control variables, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the air entering the heating unit to determine the return air temperature; (B) testing the air exiting the heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (C) subtracting said return air temperature from said heating air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (D) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said third predetermined control variable; and (E) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 18

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and dehumidification system with reference to first and fourth predetermined control variables, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the air entering the cooling unit to determine the dehumidification air temperature; (B) testing the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said dehumidification air temperature to; obtain the temperature differential; (D) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said fourth predetermined control variable; and (E) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 19

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and dehumidification system with reference to first and fourth predetermined control variables, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the air entering the cooling unit to determine the dehumidification air temperature; (B) testing the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said dehumidification air temperature to; obtain the temperature differential; (D) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said fourth predetermined control variable; and (E) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 20

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation system wherein return air passes through a heating unit and a cooling unit, comprising the following steps: (A) determining the operational mode of said system; (B) if said system is operating in a heating mode then; (1) determining the temperature differential across said heating unit; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount according to the value of said temperature differential; (C) if said system is operating in a cooling mode then; (1) determining the temperature differential across said cooling unit; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount according to the value of said temperature differential; (D) if said system is operating in an off mode then; (1) reducing said fan speed; (E) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 21

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation system wherein return air passes through a heating unit and a cooling unit, comprising the following steps: (A) determining the operational mode of said system; (B) if said system is operating in a heating mode then; (1) determining the temperature differential across said heating unit; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount according to the value of said temperature differential; (C) if said system is operating in a cooling mode then; (1) determining the temperature differential across said cooling unit; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount according to the value of said temperature differential; (D) if said system is operating in an off mode then; (1) reducing said fan speed; (E) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 22

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation system with reference to first, second and third predetermined control variables wherein return air passes first through a cooling unit and second through a heating unit, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the air exiting said heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (B) testing the air in exiting said cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) comparing said heating air temperature with said cooling air temperature, if said heating air temperature is greater than said cooling air temperature then; (1) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said heating air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said third predetermined control variable; otherwise; (1) testing the air entering said cooling unit to determine the return air temperature; (2) comparing said cooling air temperature with said return air temperature, if said cooling air temperature is equal to said return air temperature, then; (a) decrementing said fan speed by a predetermined value; (b) comparing said fan speed with a predetermined minimum speed, if said fan speed is less than said predetermined minimum speed, then; (i) setting set fan speed at said predetermined minimum speed; otherwise; (a) subtracting said return air temperature from said cooling air temperature to obtain said temperature differential; (b) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said second predetermined control variable; (D) repeating steps A through C.

Claim 23

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation system with reference to first, second and third predetermined control variables wherein return air passes first through a cooling unit and second through a heating unit, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the air exiting said heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (B) testing the air in exiting said cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) comparing said heating air temperature with said cooling air temperature, if said heating air temperature is greater than said cooling air temperature then; (1) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said heating air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said third predetermined control variable; otherwise; (1) testing the air entering said cooling unit to determine the return air temperature; (2) comparing said cooling air temperature with said return air temperature, if said cooling air temperature is equal to said return air temperature, then; (a) decrementing said fan speed by a predetermined value; (b) comparing said fan speed with a predetermined minimum speed, if said fan speed is less than said predetermined minimum speed, then; (i) setting set fan speed at said predetermined minimum speed; otherwise; (a) subtracting said return air temperature from said cooling air temperature to obtain said temperature differential; (b) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said second predetermined control variable; (D) repeating steps A through C.

Claim 24

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation system with reference to first, second and third predetermined control variables wherein return air passes first through a heating unit and second through a cooling unit, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the air exiting said heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (B) testing the air entering said heating unit to determine the return air temperature; (C) comparing said heating air temperature with said return air temperature, if said heating air temperature is greater than said return air temperature then; (1) subtracting said return air temperature from said heating air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said third predetermined control variable; otherwise; (1) testing the air exiting said cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (2) comparing said cooling air temperature with said heating air temperature, if said cooling air temperature is equal to said heating air temperature, then; (a) decrementing said fan speed by a predetermined value; (b) comparing said fan speed with a predetermined minimum speed, if said fan speed is less than said predetermined minimum speed, then; (i) setting set fan speed at said predetermined minimum speed; otherwise; (a) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said heating air temperature to obtain said temperature differential; (b) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said second predetermined control variable; (D) repeating steps A through C.

Claim 25

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation system with reference to first, second and third predetermined control variables wherein return air passes first through a heating unit and second through a cooling unit, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the air exiting said heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (B) testing the air entering said heating unit to determine the return air temperature; (C) comparing said heating air temperature with said return air temperature, if said heating air temperature is greater than said return air temperature then; (1) subtracting said return air temperature from said heating air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said third predetermined control variable; otherwise; (1) testing the air exiting said cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (2) comparing said cooling air temperature with said heating air temperature, if said cooling air temperature is equal to said heating air temperature, then; (a) decrementing said fan speed by a predetermined value; (b) comparing said fan speed with a predetermined minimum speed, if said fan speed is less than said predetermined minimum speed, then; (i) setting set fan speed at said predetermined minimum speed; otherwise; (a) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said heating air temperature to obtain said temperature differential; (b) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said second predetermined control variable; (D) repeating steps A through C.

Claim 26

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation system which may operate in either a heating mode, a cooling mode, a dehumidification mode or an off mode, wherein return air passes through a heating unit and a cooling unit, comprising the following steps: (A) determining whether the said system is operating in said heating mode, said cooling mode, said dehumidification mode or said off mode; (B) if said system is operating in said heating mode then: (1) determining the temperature differential across said heating unit; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount according to the value of said temperature differential; (C) if said system is operating in said cooling mode then; (1) determining the temperature differential across said cooling unit; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount according to the value of said temperature differential; (D) if said system is operating in said dehumidification mode then; (1) determining the temperature differential across said cooling unit; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount according to the value of said temperature differential; (E) if said system is operating in said off mode then; (1) reducing said fan speed; (F) repeating steps A through E.

Claim 27

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation system which may operate in either a heating mode, a cooling mode, a dehumidification mode or an off mode, wherein return air passes through a heating unit and a cooling unit, comprising the following steps: (A) determining whether the said system is operating in said heating mode, said cooling mode, said dehumidification mode or said off mode; (B) if said system is operating in said heating mode then: (1) determining the temperature differential across said heating unit; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount according to the value of said temperature differential; (C) if said system is operating in said cooling mode then; (1) determining the temperature differential across said cooling unit; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount according to the value of said temperature differential; (D) if said system is operating in said dehumidification mode then; (1) determining the temperature differential across said cooling unit; (2) adjusting said fan speed by an amount according to the value of said temperature differential; (E) if said system is operating in said off mode then; (1) reducing said fan speed; (F) repeating steps A through E.

Claim 28

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation system with reference to first, second, third, and fourth predetermined control variables wherein return air passes first through a cooling unit and second through a heating unit, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the air exiting said heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (B) testing the air exiting said cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) comparing said heating air temperature with said cooling air temperature, if said heating air temperature is greater than said cooling air temperature then; (1) testing said return air to determine the return air temperature; (2) comparing said cooling air temperature with said return air temperature, if said cooling air temperature is greater than said return air temperature then; (a) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (b) setting the target temperature differential to the value of said fourth predetermined control variable; otherwise; (a) subtracting said return air temperature from said heating air temperature to obtain said temperature differential; (b) setting the target temperature differential to the value of said third predetermined control variable; (3) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said target temperature differential; otherwise; (1) comparing said cooling air temperature with said return air temperature, if said cooling air temperature is equal to said return air temperature, then; (a) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said return air temperature to obtain said temperature differential; (b) adjusting said fan speed by an amount egual to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said second predetermined control variable; otherwise; (a) decrementing said fan speed by a predetermined value; (b) comparing said fan speed with a predetermined minimum fan speed, if said fan speed is less than said predetermined minimum fan speed, then; (i) setting set fan speed at said predetermined minimum fan speed; (D) repeating steps A through C.

Claim 29

A method for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation system with reference to first, second, third, and fourth predetermined control variables wherein return air passes first through a cooling unit and second through a heating unit, comprising the following steps: (A) testing the air exiting said heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (B) testing the air exiting said cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) comparing said heating air temperature with said cooling air temperature, if said heating air temperature is greater than said cooling air temperature then; (1) testing said return air to determine the return air temperature; (2) comparing said cooling air temperature with said return air temperature, if said cooling air temperature is greater than said return air temperature then; (a) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (b) setting the target temperature differential to the value of said fourth predetermined control variable; otherwise; (a) subtracting said return air temperature from said heating air temperature to obtain said temperature differential; (b) setting the target temperature differential to the value of said third predetermined control variable; (3) adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said target temperature differential; otherwise; (1) comparing said cooling air temperature with said return air temperature, if said cooling air temperature is equal to said return air temperature, then; (a) subtracting said cooling air temperature from said return air temperature to obtain said temperature differential; (b) adjusting said fan speed by an amount egual to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said second predetermined control variable; otherwise; (a) decrementing said fan speed by a predetermined value; (b) comparing said fan speed with a predetermined minimum fan speed, if said fan speed is less than said predetermined minimum fan speed, then; (i) setting set fan speed at said predetermined minimum fan speed; (D) repeating steps A through C.

Claim 30

A method for controlling a forced air ventilation system to efficiently redistribute heated air which has risen to the ceiling of a heating zone, comprising the following steps: (A) determining whether said heated air has risen to said ceiling; (B) if said heated air has risen to said ceiling; then (1) redistributing said heated air by modulating the air velocity within the ventilation system; (C) repeating steps A through B.

Claim 31

A method for controlling a forced air ventilation system to efficiently redistribute heated air which has risen to the ceiling of a heating zone, comprising the following steps: (A) determining whether said heated air has risen to said ceiling; (B) if said heated air has risen to said ceiling; then (1) redistributing said heated air by modulating the air velocity within the ventilation system; (C) repeating steps A through B.

Claim 33

A method for lowering the peak electric power consumed by a building environmental control system comprising reducing said fan speed during cyclical intervals.

Claim 34

A method for lowering the peak electric power consumed by a building environmental control system comprising reducing said fan speed during cyclical intervals.

Claim 37

A method for lowering the peak electric power consumed by the fan of a building environmental control system with reference to fifth and sixth predetermined control variables, comprising the following steps: (A) comparing said fifth predetermined control variable with zero; (B) comparing said sixth predetermined control variable with zero; (C) if said fifth predetermined control variable is greater than zero and said sixth predetermined control variable is equal to zero, then; (1) setting said fan speed at a predetermined minimum speed; otherwise; (2) if said fifth predetermined control variable is equal to zero, then; (a) setting said fifth predetermined control variable at a value equal to the duration of the time window used by the supplying electric utility to determine peak usage rates; (b) setting said sixth predetermined control variable at a value equal to the duration of the time window used by the supplying electric utility to determine peak usage rates minus a predetermined slow speed interval; (D) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 38

A method for lowering the peak electric power consumed by the fan of a building environmental control system with reference to fifth and sixth predetermined control variables, comprising the following steps: (A) comparing said fifth predetermined control variable with zero; (B) comparing said sixth predetermined control variable with zero; (C) if said fifth predetermined control variable is greater than zero and said sixth predetermined control variable is equal to zero, then; (1) setting said fan speed at a predetermined minimum speed; otherwise; (2) if said fifth predetermined control variable is equal to zero, then; (a) setting said fifth predetermined control variable at a value equal to the duration of the time window used by the supplying electric utility to determine peak usage rates; (b) setting said sixth predetermined control variable at a value equal to the duration of the time window used by the supplying electric utility to determine peak usage rates minus a predetermined slow speed interval; (D) repeating steps A through D.

Claim 39

A method for setting back the performance of a building environmental control system which may operate in a setback mode through the adjustment of fan speed comprising determining the operational mode of said system and modulating said fan speed in accordance with said operational mode.

Claim 40

A method for setting back the performance of a building environmental control system which may operate in a setback mode through the adjustment of fan speed comprising determining the operational mode of said system and modulating said fan speed in accordance with said operational mode.

Claim 47

A system for improving the energy efficiency of a building environmental control system comprising means for modulating fan speed in response to actual thermal load upon the system.

Claim 48

A system for improving the energy efficiency of a building environmental control system comprising means for modulating fan speed in response to actual thermal load upon the system.

Claim 49

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and cooling system with reference to a predetermined desired ambient temperature, comprising: (A) means for testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) means for comparing said desired ambient temperature to said return air temperature; and (C) means for setting said fan speed at a rotational speed in response to the result of said comparison.

Claim 50

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and cooling system with reference to a predetermined desired ambient temperature, comprising: (A) means for testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) means for comparing said desired ambient temperature to said return air temperature; and (C) means for setting said fan speed at a rotational speed in response to the result of said comparison.

Claim 51

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and cooling system, comprising: (A) means for testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) means for testing the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) means for comparing said cooling air temperature to said return air temperature; and (D) means for setting said fan speed at a rotational speed in response to the result of said comparison.

Claim 52

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and cooling system, comprising: (A) means for testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) means for testing the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) means for comparing said cooling air temperature to said return air temperature; and (D) means for setting said fan speed at a rotational speed in response to the result of said comparison.

Claim 53

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and cooling system with reference to first and second predetermined control variables, comprising; (A) means for testing the air entering the cooling unit to determine the return air temperature; (B) means for testing the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) means for subtracting said cooling air temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (D) means for adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said second predetermined control variable.

Claim 54

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and cooling system with reference to first and second predetermined control variables, comprising; (A) means for testing the air entering the cooling unit to determine the return air temperature; (B) means for testing the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) means for subtracting said cooling air temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (D) means for adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said second predetermined control variable.

Claim 55

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and heating system with reference to a predetermined desired ambient temperature, comprising: (A) means for testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) means for comparing said desired ambient temperature to said return air temperature; and (C) means for setting said fan speed at a rotational speed in response to the result of said comparison.

Claim 56

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and heating system with reference to a predetermined desired ambient temperature, comprising: (A) means for testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) means for comparing said desired ambient temperature to said return air temperature; and (C) means for setting said fan speed at a rotational speed in response to the result of said comparison.

Claim 57

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and heating system, comprising: (A) means for testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) means for testing the air exiting the heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (C) means for comparing said heating air temperature to said return air temperature; and (D) means for setting said fan speed at a rotational speed in response to the result of said comparison.

Claim 58

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and heating system, comprising: (A) means for testing the ambient air to determine the return air temperature; (B) means for testing the air exiting the heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (C) means for comparing said heating air temperature to said return air temperature; and (D) means for setting said fan speed at a rotational speed in response to the result of said comparison.

Claim 59

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and heating system with reference to first and third predetermined control variables, comprising: (A) means for testing the air entering the heating unit to determine the return air temperature; (B) means for testing the air exiting the heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (C) means for subtracting said heating air temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (D) means for adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature dif ferential minus said third predetermined control variable.

Claim 60

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and heating system with reference to first and third predetermined control variables, comprising: (A) means for testing the air entering the heating unit to determine the return air temperature; (B) means for testing the air exiting the heating unit to determine the heating air temperature; (C) means for subtracting said heating air temperature from said return air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; (D) means for adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature dif ferential minus said third predetermined control variable.

Claim 61

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and dehumidification system, comprising: (A) means for testing the temperature of the air entering the cooling unit to determine the dehumidification air temperature; (B) means for testing the temperature of the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) means for comparing said dehumidification air temperature to said cooling air temperature; and (D) means for setting said fan speed at a rotational speed in response to the result of said comparison.

Claim 62

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and dehumidification system, comprising: (A) means for testing the temperature of the air entering the cooling unit to determine the dehumidification air temperature; (B) means for testing the temperature of the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) means for comparing said dehumidification air temperature to said cooling air temperature; and (D) means for setting said fan speed at a rotational speed in response to the result of said comparison.

Claim 63

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and dehumidification system with reference to first and fourth predetermined control variables, comprising: (A) means for testing the air entering the cooling unit to determine the dehumidification air temperature; (B) means for testing the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) means for subtracting said cooling air temperature from said dehumidification air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; and (D) means for adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said fourth predetermined control variable.

Claim 64

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation and dehumidification system with reference to first and fourth predetermined control variables, comprising: (A) means for testing the air entering the cooling unit to determine the dehumidification air temperature; (B) means for testing the air exiting the cooling unit to determine the cooling air temperature; (C) means for subtracting said cooling air temperature from said dehumidification air temperature to obtain the temperature differential; and (D) means for adjusting said fan speed by an amount equal to said first predetermined control variable multiplied by the difference between said temperature differential minus said fourth predetermined control variable.

Claim 65

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation system wherein return air passes through a heating unit and a cooling unit, comprising: (A) means for determining the operational mode of said system; (B) means for determining the temperature differential across the heating unit; (C) means for determining the temperature differential across the cooling unit; (D) means for adjusting said fan speed in response to said operational mode and said temperature differential.

Claim 66

A system for controlling the fan speed of an air circulation system wherein return air passes through a heating unit and a cooling unit, comprising: (A) means for determining the operational mode of said system; (B) means for determining the temperature differential across the heating unit; (C) means for determining the temperature differential across the cooling unit; (D) means for adjusting said fan speed in response to said operational mode and said temperature differential.

Claim 68

A system for controlling a forced air ventilation system to efficiently redistribute heated air which has risen to the ceiling of a heating zone, comprising means for redistributing said heated air by modulating the air velocity within the ventilation system.

Claim 69

A system for controlling a forced air ventilation system to efficiently redistribute heated air which has risen to the ceiling of a heating zone, comprising means for redistributing said heated air by modulating the air velocity within the ventilation system.

Claim 72

A system for lowering the peak electric power consumed by a building environmental control system comprising means for reducing said fan speed during cyclical intervals.

Claim 73

A system for lowering the peak electric power consumed by a building environmental control system comprising means for reducing said fan speed during cyclical intervals.

Claim 76

A system for setting back the performance of a building environmental control system which may operate in a setback mode through the adjustment of fan speed comprising means for determining the operational mode of said system and means for modulating said fan speed in accordance with said operational mode.

Claim 77

A system for setting back the performance of a building environmental control system which may operate in a setback mode through the adjustment of fan speed comprising means for determining the operational mode of said system and means for modulating said fan speed in accordance with said operational mode.