Methods and systems for controlling appliances
US10527307B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24F2140/40
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to methods and systems for controlling appliances, particularly climate control appliances such as air conditioning units used in buildings. Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems which provide a framework of semi-autonomous sensors and actuators which can achieve climate control without the need for centralised or explicit coordination. In certain embodiments, the climate control system is capable of identifying suitable pairings of sensors and actuators and taking into account actions of other actuators. The embodiments have particular application in buildings where large numbers of individual sensors and actuators are deployed in an ad-hoc or unplanned manner over time, but can communicate with each other. The embodiments of the invention can provide improved efficiency, reduced infrastructure costs, improved flexibility and can be deployed across multiple sites.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.