PDA diagnosis of thermostats

Abstract

A system PDA-based on line diagnostics for automatically discovering a thermostat configuration, turning off normal controller delays, temporary overriding sensor inputs and set points, and verifying proper output action including the monitoring the discharge air temperature for the resulting temperature behavior based on the equipment stages activated. The diagnosis may include the testing of sensors, set points, the fan, cooling equipment, heating equipment and the wiring connecting the controls with the fan, and the cooling and heating equipment. Problems discovered may be reported, automatically recorded and the original operating parameters may be restored.

Description

BACKGROUND The present invention pertains to thermostats and particularly to the control of air management systems. More particularly, it pertains to the testing and diagnosis of programmable thermostat operation in conjunction with the air management systems. Commissioning, testing and diagnosis of thermostat systems may be time consuming and confusing. The thermostat configuration must first be understood and then the commissioning process may be run through valid operational modes with inputs and set points temporarily manipulated while waiting for the delays built into the controller to verify operation. The setting and adjusting of air management system thermostats, especially programming thermostats, to control air conditioning, heating, humidity, volume of moved air, and the like, may have settings and conditions that determine which equipment is turned on or off, and for when and what duration. Many commercial and residential places may have complex and confusing controls ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention simplifies the process of configuring, testing, and diagnosing a thermostat system by using a personal digital assistant (PDA) and an infrared interface. The PDA acts as a personal assistant, reducing the complexity of the user interface and making it easier for technicians to set and adjust the parameters of the air management system. The PDA can also automatically discover the thermostat configuration, override sensor inputs, and set the system. The technical effect of this invention is to minimize the time and expertise required for configuring and adjusting thermostats, making it more convenient for technicians to install and troubleshoot air management systems.

Problems solved by technology

Commissioning, testing and diagnosis of thermostat systems may be time consuming and confusing.

Many commercial and residential places may have complex and confusing controls for air management systems which have features such as programmable thermostats.

However, they may have frustrations with the adjusting and operating those kinds of systems and often stop trying to take advantage of certain control features of the systems.

An installer may initially set a system up and get it operating satisfactorily; however, the adjusting and setting the system may not be easy for the new recipient or owner of the system because of the apparent complexity, user unfriendliness, and the lack of convenient and sufficient time to learn, set and adjust various parameters of the system for controlling, for instance, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC).

Images