US6557771B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Integrated temperature and humidity controller with priority for humidity temperature control
Assignee: Ademco Inc
•
Filing: 2000-12-21
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Granted: 2003-05-06
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Expires: 2020-12-21
Abstract
Abstract A controller for a climate control system has a humidity temperature sensor as well as a dry-bulb temperature sensor. A humidity temperature value is used in connection with a dry-bulb temperature value to generate an error signal that is a function of either the dry-bulb or the humidity temperature values. This permits control of both enclosure temperature and enclosure humidity without abnormal cycling of the climate control system. The humidity temperature can synthesized from the relative humidity and dry-bulb temperature within the enclosure.
Inventors
- 👤 Dipak J. Shah
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:13
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D27/00; G05D27/02; F; F24; F24F; F24F11/00; F24F11/0008; G05D22/00; G05D22/02; G05D23/00; G05D23/19; G05D23/1919
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
An apparatus for cooperating with a controller for a climate control system, said controller activating the climate control system responsive to a composite error value encoded in a composite error signal falling within a preselected range of error values, said apparatus comprising: a humidity sensor providing a humidity temperature signal encoding at least one of the wet-bulb temperature and the dew point temperature; a temperature sensor providing an air temperature signal encoding the dry-bulb temperature value; a memory recording a dry-bulb temperature set point value and a humidity temperature set point value, and providing a set point signal encoding the dry-bulb and humidity temperatures set point values; a calculator receiving the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signals, the calculator then computing the composite error value as a function of the values encoded in the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signals, and for encoding the composite error value in the composite error signal; and wherein the composite error value is determined by: i) when the humidity temperature is less than zero, the composite error equals the dry-bulb temperature error, and ii) when the humidity temperature error is greater than zero the composite error equals the humidity temperature error.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
205 words
An apparatus for cooperating with a controller for a climate control system, said controller activating the climate control system responsive to a composite error value encoded in a composite error signal falling within a preselected range of error values, said apparatus comprising: a humidity sensor providing a humidity temperature signal encoding at least one of the wet-bulb temperature and the dew point temperature; a temperature sensor providing an air temperature signal encoding the dry-bulb temperature value; a memory recording a dry-bulb temperature set point value and a humidity temperature set point value, and providing a set point signal encoding the dry-bulb and humidity temperatures set point values; a calculator receiving the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signals, the calculator then computing the composite error value as a function of the values encoded in the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signals, and for encoding the composite error value in the composite error signal; and wherein the composite error value is determined by: i) when the humidity temperature is less than zero, the composite error equals the dry-bulb temperature error, and ii) when the humidity temperature error is greater than zero the composite error equals the humidity temperature error.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an error processor for receiving the composite error signal and for providing a demand signal during intervals determined as a function of the composite error value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
97 words
The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the memory further comprises a storage for storing a limit dry-bulb temperature value and for providing a signal encoding the limit dry-bulb temperature value in a limit temperature signal, and wherein the error processor further comprises an evaluator for receiving the limit temperature signal and the sensed air dry-bulb temperature signal, for comparing the limit dry-bulb temperature with the value encoded in the sensed air dry-bulb temperature signal, and for suppressing the demand signal responsive to a predetermined relationship between the limit dry-bulb temperature value and the dry-bulb temperature value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the humidity sensor comprises a) a relative humidity sensor providing a relative humidity signal encoding the value of the ambient relative humidity; and b) a calculator for receiving the air dry-bulb temperature signal and the relative humidity signal, for computing a humidity temperature approximation value, and for encoding the humidity temperature approximation value in the humidity temperature signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the memory further comprises a recorder to maintain a relative humidity set point value and the dry-bulb temperature set point value for computing the humidity temperature set point value as a function of the relative humidity set point value and the dry-bulb temperature set point value, and for providing a signal encoding the computed humidity temperature set point value.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
136 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the memory further comprises: i) a relative humidity set point value recorder; ii) a computed set point recorder for recording a computed humidity temperature set point value encoded in a computed humidity temperature set point value signal, and iii) an encoder for encoding the computed humidity temperature set point value as the humidity temperature set point value in the set point signal; and wherein the controller further comprises a unit for receiving the relative humidity set point value and the dry-bulb temperature set point value for computing the humidity temperature set point value as a function of the relative humidity set point value and the dry-bulb temperature set point value, and for providing the signal encoding the computed humidity temperature set point value to the computed set point recorder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the calculator further comprises i) a unit for providing an initial error signal encoding the humidity temperature error and the dry-bulb temperature error; and ii) an evaluator for sensing the composite error and for encoding in the composite error signal.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
204 words
A method of controlling the operation of a climate control system comprising: sensing the humidity temperature to provide a humidity temperature signal encoding at least one of the wet-bulb temperature and the dew point temperature; sensing the air temperature to provide an air temperature signal encoding a dry-bulb temperature value; recording a dry-bulb temperature set point value and a humidity temperature set point value; providing a set point signal encoding the dry-bulb and humidity temperatures set point values; receiving the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signals, for computing a composite error value as a function of the values encoded in the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signals, and for encoding the composite error value in the composite error signal; determining the composite error value by: i) when the humidity temperature is less than zero, the composite error equals the dry-bulb temperature error, and ii) when the humidity temperature error is greater than zero the composite error equals the humidity temperature error; and activating the climate control system responsive to the composite error value encoded in a composite error signal falling within a preselected range of error values to adjust the operation of the climate control system.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
204 words
A method of controlling the operation of a climate control system comprising: sensing the humidity temperature to provide a humidity temperature signal encoding at least one of the wet-bulb temperature and the dew point temperature; sensing the air temperature to provide an air temperature signal encoding a dry-bulb temperature value; recording a dry-bulb temperature set point value and a humidity temperature set point value; providing a set point signal encoding the dry-bulb and humidity temperatures set point values; receiving the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signals, for computing a composite error value as a function of the values encoded in the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signals, and for encoding the composite error value in the composite error signal; determining the composite error value by: i) when the humidity temperature is less than zero, the composite error equals the dry-bulb temperature error, and ii) when the humidity temperature error is greater than zero the composite error equals the humidity temperature error; and activating the climate control system responsive to the composite error value encoded in a composite error signal falling within a preselected range of error values to adjust the operation of the climate control system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 8 further comprising: providing a relative humidity signal encoding the value of the ambient relative humidity; and computing a humidity temperature approximation value.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising: computing the humidity temperature set point value as a function of the relative humidity set point value and the dry-bulb temperature set point value.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of controlling the operation of a climate control system comprising: sensing the humidity temperature to provide a humidity temperature signal; sensing the air temperature to provide an air dry-bulb temperature signal; recording a dry-bulb temperature set point value and a humidity temperature set point value; providing a set point signal encoding the dry-bulb and humidity temperature set point values; determining a composite error value wherein: i) when the humidity temperature is less than zero, the composite error equals the dry-bulb temperature error, and ii) when the humidity temperature error is greater than zero the composite error equals the humidity temperature error; and modifying the operation of climate control system responsive to the composite error value.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of controlling the operation of a climate control system comprising: sensing the humidity temperature to provide a humidity temperature signal; sensing the air temperature to provide an air dry-bulb temperature signal; recording a dry-bulb temperature set point value and a humidity temperature set point value; providing a set point signal encoding the dry-bulb and humidity temperature set point values; determining a composite error value wherein: i) when the humidity temperature is less than zero, the composite error equals the dry-bulb temperature error, and ii) when the humidity temperature error is greater than zero the composite error equals the humidity temperature error; and modifying the operation of climate control system responsive to the composite error value.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
84 words
A comfort controller for controlling the temperature and humidity within an enclosure, comprising: a humidity sensor; a temperature sensor; and a processor, wherein the processor determines a composite error value by: i) if the humidity temperature is less than zero, the composite error equals the dry-bulb temperature error, and ii) if the humidity temperature error is greater than zero the composite error equals the humidity temperature error; and wherein the controller adjusts a heating and air conditioning system responsive to the composite error value.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
84 words
A comfort controller for controlling the temperature and humidity within an enclosure, comprising: a humidity sensor; a temperature sensor; and a processor, wherein the processor determines a composite error value by: i) if the humidity temperature is less than zero, the composite error equals the dry-bulb temperature error, and ii) if the humidity temperature error is greater than zero the composite error equals the humidity temperature error; and wherein the controller adjusts a heating and air conditioning system responsive to the composite error value.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
132 words
The comfort controller of claim 12 including a memory having: a relative humidity set point value recorder; a computed set point recorder for recording a computed humidity temperature set point value encoded in a computed humidity temperature set point value signal; and an encoder for encoding the computed humidity temperature set point value as the humidity temperature set point value in the set point signal; and wherein the controller further comprises a unit for receiving the relative humidity set point value and the dry-bulb temperature set point value for computing the humidity temperature set point value as a function of the relative humidity set point value and the dry-bulb temperature set point value, and for providing the signal encoding the computed humidity temperature set point value to the computed set point recorder.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
238 words
An apparatus for cooperating with a controller for a climate control system, said controller activating the climate control system responsive to a composite error value encoded in a composite error signal falling within a preselected range of error values, said apparatus comprising: a humidity sensor providing a humidity temperature signal encoding at least one of the wet-bulb temperature and the dew point temperature; a temperature sensor providing an air temperature signal encoding the dry-bulb temperature value; a memory recording a dry-bulb temperature set point value and a humidity temperature set point value, and providing a set point signal encoding the dry-bulb and humidity temperatures set point values; a calculator receiving the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signals, the calculator then computing the composite error value as a function of the values encoded in the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signals, and for encoding the composite error value in the composite error signal; and wherein the composite error value is determined by: i) when the humidity temperature is less than zero, the composite error equals the dry-bulb temperature error, ii) when the humidity temperature error is greater than zero the composite error equals the humidity temperature error, and iii) when both the humidity temperature error and the dry-bulb temperature error are less than zero, the composite error equals the numerically larger of the humidity temperature error and the dry-bulb temperature error.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
238 words
An apparatus for cooperating with a controller for a climate control system, said controller activating the climate control system responsive to a composite error value encoded in a composite error signal falling within a preselected range of error values, said apparatus comprising: a humidity sensor providing a humidity temperature signal encoding at least one of the wet-bulb temperature and the dew point temperature; a temperature sensor providing an air temperature signal encoding the dry-bulb temperature value; a memory recording a dry-bulb temperature set point value and a humidity temperature set point value, and providing a set point signal encoding the dry-bulb and humidity temperatures set point values; a calculator receiving the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signals, the calculator then computing the composite error value as a function of the values encoded in the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signals, and for encoding the composite error value in the composite error signal; and wherein the composite error value is determined by: i) when the humidity temperature is less than zero, the composite error equals the dry-bulb temperature error, ii) when the humidity temperature error is greater than zero the composite error equals the humidity temperature error, and iii) when both the humidity temperature error and the dry-bulb temperature error are less than zero, the composite error equals the numerically larger of the humidity temperature error and the dry-bulb temperature error.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising an error processor for receiving the composite error signal and for providing a demand signal during intervals determined as a function of the composite error value.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
93 words
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the memory further comprises a storage for storing a limit dry-bulb temperature value and for providing a signal encoding the limit dry-bulb temperature value in a limit temperature signal, and wherein the error processor further comprises an evaluator for receiving the limit temperature signal and the air temperature signal, for comparing the limit dry-bulb temperature with the value encoded in the air temperature signal, and for suppressing the demand signal responsive to a predetermined relationship between the limit dry-bulb temperature value and the dry-bulb temperature value.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the humidity sensor comprises a) a relative humidity sensor providing a relative humidity signal encoding the value of the ambient relative humidity; and b) a calculator for receiving the air temperature signal and the relative humidity signal, the calculator then computing a humidity temperature approximation value, and for encoding the humidity temperature approximation value in the humidity temperature signal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the memory further comprises a recorder to maintain a relative humidity set point value and the dry-bulb temperature set point value for computing the humidity temperature set point value as a function of the relative humidity set point value and the dry-bulb temperature set point value, and for providing a signal encoding the computed humidity temperature set point value.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
199 words
A thermostat comprising: a humidity sensor providing a humidity temperature signal encoding at least one of the wet-bulb temperature and the dew point temperature; a temperature sensor providing an air temperature signal encoding the dry-bulb temperature value; a memory recording a dry-bulb temperature set point value and a humidity temperature set point value, and providing a set point signal encoding the dry-bulb and humidity temperatures set point values; a calculator receiving the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signal, the calculator then computing a composite error value as a function of the values encoded in the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signal, and for encoding the composite error value in a composite error signal; and wherein the composite error value is determined by: i) when the humidity temperature is less than zero, the composite error equals the dry-bulb temperature error, ii) when the humidity temperature error is greater than zero the composite error equals the humidity temperature error, and iii) when both the humidity temperature error and the dry-bulb temperature error are less than zero, the composite error equals the numerically larger of the humidity temperature error and the dry-bulb temperature error.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
199 words
A thermostat comprising: a humidity sensor providing a humidity temperature signal encoding at least one of the wet-bulb temperature and the dew point temperature; a temperature sensor providing an air temperature signal encoding the dry-bulb temperature value; a memory recording a dry-bulb temperature set point value and a humidity temperature set point value, and providing a set point signal encoding the dry-bulb and humidity temperatures set point values; a calculator receiving the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signal, the calculator then computing a composite error value as a function of the values encoded in the humidity and air temperature signals and the set point signal, and for encoding the composite error value in a composite error signal; and wherein the composite error value is determined by: i) when the humidity temperature is less than zero, the composite error equals the dry-bulb temperature error, ii) when the humidity temperature error is greater than zero the composite error equals the humidity temperature error, and iii) when both the humidity temperature error and the dry-bulb temperature error are less than zero, the composite error equals the numerically larger of the humidity temperature error and the dry-bulb temperature error.
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-05-05 | 2006-11-04 | 2007-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-05-05 | 2010-11-04 | 2011-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
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