Shape memory alloy damper/register unit

Abstract

A HVAC controls system for zone controls that is comprised of one or more Wall Sensor Units (WSU) and zero or more Damper / Register Units (DRUs). The invention is a low networked cost solution for residential and light commercial that is easy to install in new and existing building. The WSUs detect, log and use occupancy data to predict where in a building HVAC conditioning is needed and to save energy where it is not needed. The DRU use shape memory alloy wires to control the opening and closing of a damper plate with very little power allowing batter operation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 284,795, filed Sep. 25, 2008, now pending, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 997,426, filed on Oct. 4, 2007, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The technical field of this invention relates to zoned residential Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and lighting controls that employ embedded systems and wireless communications. HVAC systems use a large proportion of a building's energy usage and need to be optimized for both environmental and economic reasons.[0003]There is a long history of invention and research associated with HVAC technology. Programmable Thermostats: Programmable setback thermostats that can be set by the occupant for set point, reset point and schedule have been available on the market for a number of years [EnergyStar]. In spi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]Modern life has patterns centered around work and play. The system takes advantage of these realities in the home and predicts where energy is needed for maximum comfort and efficiency. Using integrated sensors, the embodiment learns the rhythms of the homeowners, what time they wake on a workday, what time they use the kitchen or what time they go to bed; and heats or cools individual rooms before they enter to the desired temperature. By learning how a family uses a home, the system greatly reduces the energy used in areas that are vacant, resulting in maximum comfort and efficiency. When a room is entered unexpectedly, the system rapidly brings the room to the desired temperature as the system focuses resources on real use. A combination of home zone controls, sensors and advanced learning software provide homeowners with a highly cost effective means of increasing comfort and reducing greenhouse emissions.

[0012]The system is intended to be very low cost in mass production and is designed for optional installation by the homeowner. The potential energy savings from advanced residential predictive HVAC zone controls is substantial. A first order analysis suggests that a savings of about 50% of HVAC energy usage versus a fixed manual thermostat can be expected, depending on resident usage patterns and climate. If, for example, just 10% of California homes were to implement a system that was able to achieve just a 10% air conditioning electricity savings, California could see a reduction of 111.54 mega Watts of peak demand as demonstrated by [Cal Energy Peak Loads]

[0013]Existing programmable EnergyStar thermostats' failure to perform [EnergyStar] in the field as well as anticipated is largely due to their complex user interface. The proposed system does not require complex user programming, but simply learns when a resident occupies a room and with a simple up / down button their preferred temperature setting. By having the room properly conditioned (heated or cooled) before a resident enters a room the system delivers a much higher acceptance of temperature setback than EnergyStar systems have been able to achieve. The proposed system includes wireless duct register / damper units (DRUs) that control airflow into a room and wireless wall sensor units (WSU) that measure room temperature and occupancy. Each existing HVAC register is replaced with the new design and a wall sensor unit is placed in each room. In retrofits the existing HVAC thermostat is replaced with a special version of the wall sensor that can also control the central heat pump or furnace. Once installed the system will record the occupancy of each room and the preferred temperature. The system then reviews occupancy data and predicts if a room will be occupied and conditions the room appropriately. If an occupant unexpectedly enters a room the occupancy sensors detect entrance and focus the HVAC system onto that room to quickly condition it.

[0014]The system has great potential to integrate into other long term energy efficiency efforts beyond immediate energy savings. This smart residential HVAC system can easily be integrated with fresh air economizers such as the one demonstrated in the California Department of Energy's PIER Night Breeze project and indeed extended by opportunistically over cooling expected unoccupied rooms when cool outside air is available. The system also easily integrates future opportunities, including smart grid interfaces for on-demand load shedding, dynamic cost response changes to set points and time of day load shifting.

[0015]Advantages of the invention include a low manufacturing cost, a low installation cost, very high energy use efficiency, high user acceptance, high comfort level and a low error rate.

Problems solved by technology

Existing programmable EnergyStar thermostats' failure to perform [EnergyStar] in the field as well as anticipated is largely due to their complex user interface.

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