Thermostat incorporating a carbon dioxide sensor suitable for reading using potentiostat techniques, and environmental control system incorporating such thermostat
US6578770B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/70
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for monitoring and modifying the quality and temperature of air within a conditioned space includes a blower unit, an optional damper unit for selectively admitting outside air into the conditioned space, a temperature moderating unit and a control unit. The control unit includes a thermostat and conventional temperature control apparatus for selectively activating the temperature moderating unit to maintain the desired temperature in the conditioned space. The control unit also incorporates CO2 concentration measuring and control apparatus which employs a small CO2 sensor. The CO2 sensor includes upper and lower electrodes with an intermediate solid electrolyte. A voltage having a cyclic waveform is applied across the upper and lower electrodes, and the current through the CO2 sensor is read at at least one predetermined voltage representing a CO2 peak. The measured current is representative of the CO2 concentration. CO2 concentration modifying apparatus is responsive to sensing a first predetermined CO2 concentration for turning on the blower unit and, optionally, to sensing a second, higher, predetermined CO2 concentration for actuating the damper unit to admit outside …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.