Controller for two-stage heat source usable with single and two stage thermostats
US7731096B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF23N2223/08
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A controller for a two-stage heat source is provide, which may be connected to either a single stage or a two-stage thermostat to provide low stage heating for a variable time period before switching to high stage heating. The controller includes at least a first terminal for receiving a signal requesting heating from a single-stage thermostat or a two-stage thermostat connected to the first terminal. A microcontroller in communication with the first terminal determines a duty cycle value for a heating cycle based on the duration in which a signal at the first terminal is present relative to the duration of the heating cycle. The microcontroller determines a low stage time limit from the duty cycle, and provides low stage heating when a signal is present at the first terminal for a time period not more than the time limit, and switches to high stage heating after the time limit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.