Serial communicating HVAC system
US7775452B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24F11/54
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An HVAC system is provided with control communication over a serial data bus. In this manner, the hard wired controls of the prior art are eliminated. A thermostat includes a central control microprocessor that communicates control signals to and from a microprocessor at an indoor unit. The indoor unit may be a furnace or a fan/heater combination. The microprocessor on the indoor unit is operable to receive signals from the central control microprocessor and control the indoor unit accordingly. Moreover, the microprocessor at the indoor unit is operable to pass control signals on to an outdoor unit such as an air conditioner or heat pump. Most preferably, this outdoor unit is provided with its own microprocessor. Further, other peripheral units may be incorporated to be controlled over the same data bus from the thermostat. Installation and updating of HVAC systems is greatly simplified by this control arrangement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.