Method and apparatus for conserving peak load fuel consumption and for measuring and recording fuel consumption
US5816491A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24F11/65
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and control apparatus are described for limiting peak-load contribution by HVAC systems and other systems, and for measuring the effect of energy-conservation expedients. The control apparatus reduces the percentage of on-time and thus fuel and power consumption and demand for utility capacity to a predetermined extent during peak-load periods, by inhibiting fuel-on signals from the thermostat of each HVAC system to the furnace, fuel-pump, or air conditioner of the HVAC system, or other system, so that the total on-time during a load-measuring interval is reduced to a predetermined amount. During non-peak periods, the control apparatus is inactive and the thermostat controls the HVAC system. The measurement aspect of the invention measures and records on and off state time intervals for the HVAC system, and temperatures associated with such intervals. The invention can be used to retrofit an already installed thermostat, incorporated into a new thermostat installation, or incorporated into a thermostat as it is manufactured.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.