CA1202403A - Apparatus for power load-shedding with auxiliary commandable thermostat - Google Patents
Apparatus for power load-shedding with auxiliary commandable thermostatInfo
- Publication number
- CA1202403A CA1202403A CA000425767A CA425767A CA1202403A CA 1202403 A CA1202403 A CA 1202403A CA 000425767 A CA000425767 A CA 000425767A CA 425767 A CA425767 A CA 425767A CA 1202403 A CA1202403 A CA 1202403A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- thermostat
- space
- auxiliary
- auxiliary thermostat
- control
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D23/00—Control of temperature
- G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
- G05D23/1902—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the use of a variable reference value
- G05D23/1905—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the use of a variable reference value associated with tele control
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An apparatus for power load-shedding is disclosed which has an auxiliary thermostat disposed in the conditioned space for controlling the ON-OFF cycling function of a space conditioning apparatus during a load-shedding interval. The auxiliary thermostat includes an external communication signal receiver and a transmitter for transmitting control signals to a space conditioner control which controls the connection of available power to the space conditioner. The thermostat utilized during normal operation of the space conditioning means is disconnected during the load-shedding interval. The auxiliary thermostat is adapted to be supplied with line voltage as by plugging into a conventional outlet.
An apparatus for power load-shedding is disclosed which has an auxiliary thermostat disposed in the conditioned space for controlling the ON-OFF cycling function of a space conditioning apparatus during a load-shedding interval. The auxiliary thermostat includes an external communication signal receiver and a transmitter for transmitting control signals to a space conditioner control which controls the connection of available power to the space conditioner. The thermostat utilized during normal operation of the space conditioning means is disconnected during the load-shedding interval. The auxiliary thermostat is adapted to be supplied with line voltage as by plugging into a conventional outlet.
Description
~2~Z4~)3 . . .
APPARATUS FCR POWER LOAD-SHEDDING
WITH AUXILIARY CGMMANDABLE THERMOSTAT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to controlling the peak power demand in an electrical power distribution network by controlling the power consumption of individual loads such as air conditioning loads and, more particularly, to a system for remotely overriding the thermostats of individual space conditioning apparatus to control the temperature in the space in a predetermined manner based on external commands but without the necessity of changing or modifying the existing thermostat.
Description of the Prior Art One of the most serious problems confronting ; electrical utility companies today is the great variance r in total electrical demand on a network between peak and off-peak times during the dayO Peak demand periods are intervals of very high dem~nd on the power generating equipment where load shedding may be necessary to maintain proper service to the network. Ihese occur, for example/
during hot summer days occasioned by the wide spread simultaneous usage of electrical air conditioning devices or during the coldest winter months in areas where the usage o~ electrical heating equipment is prevalent.
Electric utility companies have turned to load shedding as a means o controlling peak demand and this has led to the use of the term "load-shedding interval".
It is desirâble that â load-shedding device reduce power demand uniformly over the entire load-shedding interval because the actual peak of power demand on the total utility . ~
APPARATUS FCR POWER LOAD-SHEDDING
WITH AUXILIARY CGMMANDABLE THERMOSTAT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to controlling the peak power demand in an electrical power distribution network by controlling the power consumption of individual loads such as air conditioning loads and, more particularly, to a system for remotely overriding the thermostats of individual space conditioning apparatus to control the temperature in the space in a predetermined manner based on external commands but without the necessity of changing or modifying the existing thermostat.
Description of the Prior Art One of the most serious problems confronting ; electrical utility companies today is the great variance r in total electrical demand on a network between peak and off-peak times during the dayO Peak demand periods are intervals of very high dem~nd on the power generating equipment where load shedding may be necessary to maintain proper service to the network. Ihese occur, for example/
during hot summer days occasioned by the wide spread simultaneous usage of electrical air conditioning devices or during the coldest winter months in areas where the usage o~ electrical heating equipment is prevalent.
Electric utility companies have turned to load shedding as a means o controlling peak demand and this has led to the use of the term "load-shedding interval".
It is desirâble that â load-shedding device reduce power demand uniformly over the entire load-shedding interval because the actual peak of power demand on the total utility . ~
2~3 grid could occur at any time during the load-shedding interval.
In the prior art it is known to send signals either over the power lines or by utilizing a radio~type signal emanating from the utility to disconnect or interrupt the use of certain selected electric loads such as airconditioning compressors when the de~and has reached a certain limit.
One such system is illustrated and described i~
U.S. Patent 4,228,511 to Simcoe et al dated Cctober 14, 1~0. ~hat application illustrates and describes the method of controlling the electrical power demand which includes assuming control of the setpoint function of the space-conditioning thermostat associated with the load at 1~ the beginning of a load-shedding interval. Ihis may be in response to a radio signal. The overriding control functions to cause the setpoint to change at a constant fixed rate in a direction toward less power consumption to achieve load shedding over the load-shedding interval.
In this manner the temperature is ramped at a preset fixed ramping rate.
Such systems provide satisfactory methods for the control of power consumption during load-shedding intervals. However, all such systems require either the replacement of the existing thermostat in the conditioned space with one specifically designed to accommodate the overriding control or the installation of a control module auxiliary to the existing thermostat in the conditioned space. These replacements or modifications mayalso require expensive additional wiring in existing installations.
Thus, there exists a definite need for a low cost, simple system which can accomplish much of the function of the more elaborate systems ~ithout the need for expensive ~f~ 3 modification or replacement of existing tempera-ture control equipment.
~UMMARY OF THE INVENTION
By means of the present invention, there is provi,ded an auxiliary temperature sensor in the conditioned space which transmits the sensed temperature and contrcl data via powerline carrier, or the like, -to provide the control temperature during a load-shedding interval. The system includes a radio frequency or other receiver to receive external command signals as from the electric power supplier ambient temperature sensor, control device for utilizing command sensed information and initiating transmission of data, such as a microprocessor, and a powerline carrier or similar transmitting device. The unit is self-contained and may simply be plugged into a wall outlet. Also, it does not require a separate adjustable setpoint function as with conventional thermostats.
In response to a message received from the utility or power company indicating -the inception of a load-shedding interval, the setpoint function of the -thermostat associated with the load is then overridden by the auxiliary thermostat which is then utilized to control the compressor or other load function in the manner prescribed for the load shedding interval.
Thus, in the cooling mode, the temperature setpoin-t may be raised, for example, in a ramping fashion with the operation of the air conditioning compressor controlled from the auxiliary thermostat in communication with the control system via powerline carrier, or the like.
In accordance with the presen-t invention, there is provided an apparatus for controlling the operation of a -thermo-statically controlled space-conditioning means comprising:
-3a-auxiliary thermostat means disposed in a condi-tioned space for controlling the ON-OFF cycling function of a space condi-tioning means during a load~-shedding interval; space conditioning control means in communication wi-th said auxiliary thermostat means for connecting and disconnecting power to said space conditioning means in response to communications from said auxiliary thermostat means; disconnect means connected to said space conditioning control means for disconnecting -the thermo-stat utilized during normal operation of the space conditioning means for the interval of control by said auxiliary thermostat means; and communication means including transmitter means associated with said auxiliary thermostat means for sending control signals to said space conditioning control means and receiving means associated with said space condi-tioning control means for receiving said control signals.
In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided an apparatus for controlling the operation of a thermostatically controlled space conditioning means comprising:
auxiliary thermostat means, adapted to operate with input power from a line voltage input, disposed in the conditioned space for controlling the ON-OFF cycling function of a space conditioning means during a load shedding interval, said auxiliary thermostat means further comprising; an auxiliary thermostat, communication receiving means for receiving external con-trol commands directed to the load-shedding function, data processing means for con-trolling said auxiliary thermostat in response to temperature sensed in said conditioned space by said auxiliary -thermostat and said external control commands; and transmi-tter means for sending control signals to a space conditioner control means;
space conditioner con-trol means connected to said space -3b-conditioning means, said space conditioner means further comprising; communication receiving means Eor receiviny control signals from said auxi.liary thermostat means, data processiny means for utilizing said received control signals for controlling the operation of said space conditioning rneans, means for connecting and disconnecting power to said space conditioning means in response to said control signals; and means for dis-connecting the thermostat utilized during normal operation of said space conditioning means for the interval of control by said auxiliary thermostat in response to control signals from the said auxiliary thermostat~
Brief Description of the Drawings -In the drawings wherein like numerals are utilized to designate like parts throughout the same:
1~ )3 Figure 1 is a represen~a~ion of a Iypical ins~alla~ion using ~he auxiliary ~hermos~al con~rol of ~he presen~ invenlion;
Figure 2 is a block diagram of ~he sys~em of Figure l;
Figure 3 is an elec~rical schemalic drawing of Ihe syslem showing Ihe overriding conlrol func~ion in accordance wilh Ihe invention; and Figure 4 is a flow charl o~ a possible rou~ine associa~ed wi~h ~he presen~ invenlion.
DESCRIPTICN OF THE PREFERRED EMBCDIMENT
.
Figure 1 illus~ra~es a convenlional dwelling a 10 having an air condilioning compressor 11 connected by a low vollage con~rol wire shown by Ihe dashed line at 12 ~o a conventional Ihermos~al 13. In addi~ion, a powerline carrier Iransmission receiver/con~rol uni~ 14 is shown in comunica~ion with ~an ~auxiliary lempera~ure sensing and con~rol sys~em 15~also in communica~ion wilh che u~ y via radio Iransmission from ~ransmil~er 16. Ihe syslem 15 communica~es wilh ~he receiver 14 via home powerlines shown dashed al 17.
The basic funclions of ~he sys~em of ~he inven~ion are shown in somewha~ more de~ail in ~he block diagram of Figure 2. As can be seen from Iha~ diagram, ~he sys~em 15 fur~her includes a radio receiver 20 for receiving ex~ernal con~rol commands from Ihe urilily company via radio frequency communicarion~ a room lempera~ure sensor which provides an inpu~ 21, and a microprocessor or olher sys~em dala uliliza~ion and con~rol means 22. A powerline carrier ~ransmil~er shown al 23 is provided which communicales over ~he powerline wilh Ihe powerline carrier ~Z~2~)3 receiver 14. As shown in Ihe diagram ~he operarion of ~he compressor 11 may be conlrolled in eilher of ~wo modes ~hrough a relay inlerconne,c~ 24.
Figure 3 shows the conrrol circui~ry in grea~er de~ail. A convenlional 24Q vol~ service inpu~ is shown ar. 30 which supplies power for the compressor powerline carrier communicarion systems, low vol~age rhermos~a~
conrrol sysrem, e~c. A Iransformer 31 provides low vol~age 24 volt conlrol power ~o ~he ~hermoslal 13 and~ when Ihe chermosla~ swir,ch 32 closes in response ~o Ihe lempera~ure of ~he condi~ioned space rising above rhe conlrol selpoinl, ~his causes a relay coil 33 IO become energized rhereby closing associa~ed normally open con~ac~s 34 and allowing rhe compressor 11 ro run as long as rhe ~hermosla~ swi~ch 32 remains close~. When rhe sensed remperalure of rhe condilioned space drops lo Ihe se~poinl, swi~ch 32 opens and rhe compressor is shu~ off in, a ,well.known manner, The syscem cycles in ~his way during ~he normal mode of operacion.
The PLC receiver/conlrol unil al~o conr,ains an addi~ional coil 35 wilh associa~ed normally closed conlac~
36 and a co'il 37 wirh associa~ed normally open con~ac~s 38 which are ulilized in ~he overriding con~rol sys~em associa~ed wi~h ~he presen~ inven~ion. ~hen an exlernal command signal is received via ~he radio receiver 20 from ~he uliliry or power company which indica~es the beginning o~ a load-shed inlerval,conlrol is swi~ched IO Iheauxiliary overriding mode from r.he normal con~rol mode. In ~his mode che ~empera~ure is sense`d by ~he auxiliary lempera~ure sensor 21a an~ is used by ~he microprocessor conlroller 2~ which ~ransmi~s informalion based on Ihe sensed ~emperalure, exlernal commands, and load-shed program via ~he powerlines ~o Ihe PLC receiver uni~ 39 in ~he PLC
receiver/conlroller 14. When Ihesys~em is under ~he conlrol -of ~he auxiliary commandable Ihermosla~ of the inven~ion rather than the ~hermoslat 13, Ihe coil 35 i5 activated by che microprocessor unil associated wilh receiver 39 such ~ha~ i~ opens contacc 36 overriding ~he normal Ihermosla~ic con~rol during Ihe power load-shedding inlerval. In addition, as concrolled by tempera~ure sensor 21 along wilh microprocessor 22, Ihe coil 37 with assosialed - contacts 38 is ulilized to turn the compressoe 11 on and off according to Ihe control desired during lOad shedding inlerval.
Figure 4 illustra~es a flow char~ associa~ed wilh Ihe power load-shedding control in accordance wi~h the presen~ invention. ~he ex~ernal command radio signal is received a~ 40 and may be a command which ~ells ~he system to commence, concinue or discontinue load shed at 41. If Ihe signal calls for no load shed then the signal exi~s via 42 to re~urn ~he sys~em to the ~onlrol of Ihe convenrional Ihermosta~ al 43~ If, however, Ihe signal indicates ~ha~ load shed should proceed il exits lo block 2~ ~4, which delermines whelher ini~ializalion should occur immediately or al some delayed time. If initializa~ion is lo be delayed, it exits via 450 If ini~iali~ation is ~o occur immedia~ely via 46 co 47 wherein Ihe cycle lime may be monitored, for example, for Iwo comple~e cycles and Ihe information then s~ored at 48 if; for examplet ~he cycle limes are ~o be used for load-shed control or fu~ure reference. The parlicular mode of operation illus~ra~ed at ~8 includes deriving che lo~al cycle time and ~he percen~ CN lime. ~he ERR measuremen~ of percen~
time ON ~imes 3 F is a measuremen~ which is designed to accounl for the Iypical Ihermos~at''droop'' or na~ural offse~
which occurs wi~h such devices and is well known lo those skilled i~ the ar~. In Ihe last dala line in 48 ~he reference temperature to be used for load-shedding is corrected for the droop factor.
When load shed is initiated as at ~l9 control is through the auxiliary temperature sensing control and transmitting unit as previously described in regard to Figures 2 and 3. The thermostat function is emulated at 50 in the desired manner. This control continues until the receipt of another radio signal at 51 which as shown at 52 may cause the load-shed interval to continue or be discontinued at which tirne the command is returned to the conventional thermostat. Normally, such signals may be received periodically during the load-shed interval.
The load-shed function associated with the control by the auxiliary thermostat system may be substantially similar to that illustrated and described in greater detail in United States Patent 4,341,345 issued July 27, 1982 which is assigned to the same assignee as the present inven-tion. In this manner the conditioned space temperature sensing and com-pressor cycle control function associated with the control thermostat 13 in the normal mode is replaced by that of the auxiliary thermostat, in the load-shed mode.
The auxiliary thermostat is preferably a self-contained module that plugs into a conventional outlet in the conditioned space as shown in Figure 1. The low voltage AC, if required for control, along with any DC
power required to operate electronic components may be derived from the line voltage in a well-known manner. There is no need to install any additional wiring. Also eliminated is the need for any modification of the conven-tional control thermostat or the necessity for replacing that thermostat with an entire new unit having the desired load-shedding interval control function. The auxiliary thermostat does not require a separate adjustable se~poinc as chis funclion is derived from ~he sensed cempera~ureO
While ~he presenc invencion has been described wi~h regard specifically co che compressor of an air condi~ioning or cooling means, ic can readily be seen cha~ such can also be u~ilized wich regard co any eleccric hea~ing means, heac pump conlrol or ~he like.
In the prior art it is known to send signals either over the power lines or by utilizing a radio~type signal emanating from the utility to disconnect or interrupt the use of certain selected electric loads such as airconditioning compressors when the de~and has reached a certain limit.
One such system is illustrated and described i~
U.S. Patent 4,228,511 to Simcoe et al dated Cctober 14, 1~0. ~hat application illustrates and describes the method of controlling the electrical power demand which includes assuming control of the setpoint function of the space-conditioning thermostat associated with the load at 1~ the beginning of a load-shedding interval. Ihis may be in response to a radio signal. The overriding control functions to cause the setpoint to change at a constant fixed rate in a direction toward less power consumption to achieve load shedding over the load-shedding interval.
In this manner the temperature is ramped at a preset fixed ramping rate.
Such systems provide satisfactory methods for the control of power consumption during load-shedding intervals. However, all such systems require either the replacement of the existing thermostat in the conditioned space with one specifically designed to accommodate the overriding control or the installation of a control module auxiliary to the existing thermostat in the conditioned space. These replacements or modifications mayalso require expensive additional wiring in existing installations.
Thus, there exists a definite need for a low cost, simple system which can accomplish much of the function of the more elaborate systems ~ithout the need for expensive ~f~ 3 modification or replacement of existing tempera-ture control equipment.
~UMMARY OF THE INVENTION
By means of the present invention, there is provi,ded an auxiliary temperature sensor in the conditioned space which transmits the sensed temperature and contrcl data via powerline carrier, or the like, -to provide the control temperature during a load-shedding interval. The system includes a radio frequency or other receiver to receive external command signals as from the electric power supplier ambient temperature sensor, control device for utilizing command sensed information and initiating transmission of data, such as a microprocessor, and a powerline carrier or similar transmitting device. The unit is self-contained and may simply be plugged into a wall outlet. Also, it does not require a separate adjustable setpoint function as with conventional thermostats.
In response to a message received from the utility or power company indicating -the inception of a load-shedding interval, the setpoint function of the -thermostat associated with the load is then overridden by the auxiliary thermostat which is then utilized to control the compressor or other load function in the manner prescribed for the load shedding interval.
Thus, in the cooling mode, the temperature setpoin-t may be raised, for example, in a ramping fashion with the operation of the air conditioning compressor controlled from the auxiliary thermostat in communication with the control system via powerline carrier, or the like.
In accordance with the presen-t invention, there is provided an apparatus for controlling the operation of a -thermo-statically controlled space-conditioning means comprising:
-3a-auxiliary thermostat means disposed in a condi-tioned space for controlling the ON-OFF cycling function of a space condi-tioning means during a load~-shedding interval; space conditioning control means in communication wi-th said auxiliary thermostat means for connecting and disconnecting power to said space conditioning means in response to communications from said auxiliary thermostat means; disconnect means connected to said space conditioning control means for disconnecting -the thermo-stat utilized during normal operation of the space conditioning means for the interval of control by said auxiliary thermostat means; and communication means including transmitter means associated with said auxiliary thermostat means for sending control signals to said space conditioning control means and receiving means associated with said space condi-tioning control means for receiving said control signals.
In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided an apparatus for controlling the operation of a thermostatically controlled space conditioning means comprising:
auxiliary thermostat means, adapted to operate with input power from a line voltage input, disposed in the conditioned space for controlling the ON-OFF cycling function of a space conditioning means during a load shedding interval, said auxiliary thermostat means further comprising; an auxiliary thermostat, communication receiving means for receiving external con-trol commands directed to the load-shedding function, data processing means for con-trolling said auxiliary thermostat in response to temperature sensed in said conditioned space by said auxiliary -thermostat and said external control commands; and transmi-tter means for sending control signals to a space conditioner control means;
space conditioner con-trol means connected to said space -3b-conditioning means, said space conditioner means further comprising; communication receiving means Eor receiviny control signals from said auxi.liary thermostat means, data processiny means for utilizing said received control signals for controlling the operation of said space conditioning rneans, means for connecting and disconnecting power to said space conditioning means in response to said control signals; and means for dis-connecting the thermostat utilized during normal operation of said space conditioning means for the interval of control by said auxiliary thermostat in response to control signals from the said auxiliary thermostat~
Brief Description of the Drawings -In the drawings wherein like numerals are utilized to designate like parts throughout the same:
1~ )3 Figure 1 is a represen~a~ion of a Iypical ins~alla~ion using ~he auxiliary ~hermos~al con~rol of ~he presen~ invenlion;
Figure 2 is a block diagram of ~he sys~em of Figure l;
Figure 3 is an elec~rical schemalic drawing of Ihe syslem showing Ihe overriding conlrol func~ion in accordance wilh Ihe invention; and Figure 4 is a flow charl o~ a possible rou~ine associa~ed wi~h ~he presen~ invenlion.
DESCRIPTICN OF THE PREFERRED EMBCDIMENT
.
Figure 1 illus~ra~es a convenlional dwelling a 10 having an air condilioning compressor 11 connected by a low vollage con~rol wire shown by Ihe dashed line at 12 ~o a conventional Ihermos~al 13. In addi~ion, a powerline carrier Iransmission receiver/con~rol uni~ 14 is shown in comunica~ion with ~an ~auxiliary lempera~ure sensing and con~rol sys~em 15~also in communica~ion wilh che u~ y via radio Iransmission from ~ransmil~er 16. Ihe syslem 15 communica~es wilh ~he receiver 14 via home powerlines shown dashed al 17.
The basic funclions of ~he sys~em of ~he inven~ion are shown in somewha~ more de~ail in ~he block diagram of Figure 2. As can be seen from Iha~ diagram, ~he sys~em 15 fur~her includes a radio receiver 20 for receiving ex~ernal con~rol commands from Ihe urilily company via radio frequency communicarion~ a room lempera~ure sensor which provides an inpu~ 21, and a microprocessor or olher sys~em dala uliliza~ion and con~rol means 22. A powerline carrier ~ransmil~er shown al 23 is provided which communicales over ~he powerline wilh Ihe powerline carrier ~Z~2~)3 receiver 14. As shown in Ihe diagram ~he operarion of ~he compressor 11 may be conlrolled in eilher of ~wo modes ~hrough a relay inlerconne,c~ 24.
Figure 3 shows the conrrol circui~ry in grea~er de~ail. A convenlional 24Q vol~ service inpu~ is shown ar. 30 which supplies power for the compressor powerline carrier communicarion systems, low vol~age rhermos~a~
conrrol sysrem, e~c. A Iransformer 31 provides low vol~age 24 volt conlrol power ~o ~he ~hermoslal 13 and~ when Ihe chermosla~ swir,ch 32 closes in response ~o Ihe lempera~ure of ~he condi~ioned space rising above rhe conlrol selpoinl, ~his causes a relay coil 33 IO become energized rhereby closing associa~ed normally open con~ac~s 34 and allowing rhe compressor 11 ro run as long as rhe ~hermosla~ swi~ch 32 remains close~. When rhe sensed remperalure of rhe condilioned space drops lo Ihe se~poinl, swi~ch 32 opens and rhe compressor is shu~ off in, a ,well.known manner, The syscem cycles in ~his way during ~he normal mode of operacion.
The PLC receiver/conlrol unil al~o conr,ains an addi~ional coil 35 wilh associa~ed normally closed conlac~
36 and a co'il 37 wirh associa~ed normally open con~ac~s 38 which are ulilized in ~he overriding con~rol sys~em associa~ed wi~h ~he presen~ inven~ion. ~hen an exlernal command signal is received via ~he radio receiver 20 from ~he uliliry or power company which indica~es the beginning o~ a load-shed inlerval,conlrol is swi~ched IO Iheauxiliary overriding mode from r.he normal con~rol mode. In ~his mode che ~empera~ure is sense`d by ~he auxiliary lempera~ure sensor 21a an~ is used by ~he microprocessor conlroller 2~ which ~ransmi~s informalion based on Ihe sensed ~emperalure, exlernal commands, and load-shed program via ~he powerlines ~o Ihe PLC receiver uni~ 39 in ~he PLC
receiver/conlroller 14. When Ihesys~em is under ~he conlrol -of ~he auxiliary commandable Ihermosla~ of the inven~ion rather than the ~hermoslat 13, Ihe coil 35 i5 activated by che microprocessor unil associated wilh receiver 39 such ~ha~ i~ opens contacc 36 overriding ~he normal Ihermosla~ic con~rol during Ihe power load-shedding inlerval. In addition, as concrolled by tempera~ure sensor 21 along wilh microprocessor 22, Ihe coil 37 with assosialed - contacts 38 is ulilized to turn the compressoe 11 on and off according to Ihe control desired during lOad shedding inlerval.
Figure 4 illustra~es a flow char~ associa~ed wilh Ihe power load-shedding control in accordance wi~h the presen~ invention. ~he ex~ernal command radio signal is received a~ 40 and may be a command which ~ells ~he system to commence, concinue or discontinue load shed at 41. If Ihe signal calls for no load shed then the signal exi~s via 42 to re~urn ~he sys~em to the ~onlrol of Ihe convenrional Ihermosta~ al 43~ If, however, Ihe signal indicates ~ha~ load shed should proceed il exits lo block 2~ ~4, which delermines whelher ini~ializalion should occur immediately or al some delayed time. If initializa~ion is lo be delayed, it exits via 450 If ini~iali~ation is ~o occur immedia~ely via 46 co 47 wherein Ihe cycle lime may be monitored, for example, for Iwo comple~e cycles and Ihe information then s~ored at 48 if; for examplet ~he cycle limes are ~o be used for load-shed control or fu~ure reference. The parlicular mode of operation illus~ra~ed at ~8 includes deriving che lo~al cycle time and ~he percen~ CN lime. ~he ERR measuremen~ of percen~
time ON ~imes 3 F is a measuremen~ which is designed to accounl for the Iypical Ihermos~at''droop'' or na~ural offse~
which occurs wi~h such devices and is well known lo those skilled i~ the ar~. In Ihe last dala line in 48 ~he reference temperature to be used for load-shedding is corrected for the droop factor.
When load shed is initiated as at ~l9 control is through the auxiliary temperature sensing control and transmitting unit as previously described in regard to Figures 2 and 3. The thermostat function is emulated at 50 in the desired manner. This control continues until the receipt of another radio signal at 51 which as shown at 52 may cause the load-shed interval to continue or be discontinued at which tirne the command is returned to the conventional thermostat. Normally, such signals may be received periodically during the load-shed interval.
The load-shed function associated with the control by the auxiliary thermostat system may be substantially similar to that illustrated and described in greater detail in United States Patent 4,341,345 issued July 27, 1982 which is assigned to the same assignee as the present inven-tion. In this manner the conditioned space temperature sensing and com-pressor cycle control function associated with the control thermostat 13 in the normal mode is replaced by that of the auxiliary thermostat, in the load-shed mode.
The auxiliary thermostat is preferably a self-contained module that plugs into a conventional outlet in the conditioned space as shown in Figure 1. The low voltage AC, if required for control, along with any DC
power required to operate electronic components may be derived from the line voltage in a well-known manner. There is no need to install any additional wiring. Also eliminated is the need for any modification of the conven-tional control thermostat or the necessity for replacing that thermostat with an entire new unit having the desired load-shedding interval control function. The auxiliary thermostat does not require a separate adjustable se~poinc as chis funclion is derived from ~he sensed cempera~ureO
While ~he presenc invencion has been described wi~h regard specifically co che compressor of an air condi~ioning or cooling means, ic can readily be seen cha~ such can also be u~ilized wich regard co any eleccric hea~ing means, heac pump conlrol or ~he like.
Claims (11)
1. An apparatus for controlling the operation of a thermostatically controlled space-conditioning means comprising:
auxiliary thermostat means disposed in a conditioned space for controlling the ON-OFF cycling function of a space conditioning means during a load-shedding interval;
space conditioning control means in communication with said auxiliary thermostat means for connecting and disconnecting power to said space conditioning means in response to communications from said auxiliary thermostat means;
disconnect means connected to said space conditioning control means for disconnecting the thermostat utilized during normal operation of the space conditioning means for the interval of control by said auxiliary thermostat means; and communication means including transmitter means associated with said auxiliary thermostat means for sending control signals to said space conditioning control means and receiving means associated with said space conditioning control means for receiving said control signals.
auxiliary thermostat means disposed in a conditioned space for controlling the ON-OFF cycling function of a space conditioning means during a load-shedding interval;
space conditioning control means in communication with said auxiliary thermostat means for connecting and disconnecting power to said space conditioning means in response to communications from said auxiliary thermostat means;
disconnect means connected to said space conditioning control means for disconnecting the thermostat utilized during normal operation of the space conditioning means for the interval of control by said auxiliary thermostat means; and communication means including transmitter means associated with said auxiliary thermostat means for sending control signals to said space conditioning control means and receiving means associated with said space conditioning control means for receiving said control signals.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising external communication receiving means associated with said auxiliary thermostat means for receiving external control commands directed to the load-shedding function.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said external command receiving means is a radio frequency receiver.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said auxiliary thermo-stat means further comprises:
an auxiliary thermostat; and data processing means associated with said auxiliary thermostat for con-trolling and said auxiliary thermostat and said associated trans-mitting means in response to the temperature sensed in said condi-tioned space by said auxiliary thermostat.
an auxiliary thermostat; and data processing means associated with said auxiliary thermostat for con-trolling and said auxiliary thermostat and said associated trans-mitting means in response to the temperature sensed in said condi-tioned space by said auxiliary thermostat.
5. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said auxiliary thermo-stat means further comprises:
an auxiliary thermostat; and data processing means associated with said auxiliary thermostat for con-trolling said auxiliary thermostat and said associated transmitt-ing means in response to the temperature sensed in said condi-tioned space by said auxiliary thermostat and said external com-mand signals received by said external communication receiving means.
an auxiliary thermostat; and data processing means associated with said auxiliary thermostat for con-trolling said auxiliary thermostat and said associated transmitt-ing means in response to the temperature sensed in said condi-tioned space by said auxiliary thermostat and said external com-mand signals received by said external communication receiving means.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein communications between said auxiliary thermostat means in said space conditioning control means are by powerline carrier.
7. The apparatus according to any of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said auxiliary thermostat means is adapted to operate with input power from line voltage.
8. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said auxiliary thermostat means is adapted to operate with input power from line voltage.
9. The apparatus according to either of claims 1 or 6 further comprising data processing means associated with said space conditioning control means for controlling said space conditioning control means and said means for disconnecting the conventional thermostat in response to signals communicated from said auxiliary thermostat means.
10. An apparatus for controlling the operation of a thermostatically controlled space conditioning means comprising:
auxiliary thermostat means, adapted to operate with input power from a line voltage input, disposed in the conditioned space for controlling the ON-OFF cycling function of a space conditioning means during a load-shedding interval, said auxiliary thermostat means further comprising;
an auxiliary thermostat, communication receiving means for receiving external control commands directed to the load-shedding function, data processing means for controlling said auxiliary thermostat in response to tem-perature sensed in said conditioned space by said auxiliary thermostat and said external control commands; and transmitter means for sending control signals to a space conditioner control means;
space conditioner control means connected to said space conditioning means, said space conditioner means further comprising;
communication receiving means for receiving control signals from said auxiliary thermostat means, data processing means for utilizing said received control signals for controlling the operation of said space conditioning means, means for connecting and disconnecting power to said space conditioning means in response to said control signals; and means for disconnecting the thermostat utilized during normal operation of said space conditioning means for the interval of control by said auxiliary thermo-stat in response to control signals from the said auxiliary thermostat.
auxiliary thermostat means, adapted to operate with input power from a line voltage input, disposed in the conditioned space for controlling the ON-OFF cycling function of a space conditioning means during a load-shedding interval, said auxiliary thermostat means further comprising;
an auxiliary thermostat, communication receiving means for receiving external control commands directed to the load-shedding function, data processing means for controlling said auxiliary thermostat in response to tem-perature sensed in said conditioned space by said auxiliary thermostat and said external control commands; and transmitter means for sending control signals to a space conditioner control means;
space conditioner control means connected to said space conditioning means, said space conditioner means further comprising;
communication receiving means for receiving control signals from said auxiliary thermostat means, data processing means for utilizing said received control signals for controlling the operation of said space conditioning means, means for connecting and disconnecting power to said space conditioning means in response to said control signals; and means for disconnecting the thermostat utilized during normal operation of said space conditioning means for the interval of control by said auxiliary thermo-stat in response to control signals from the said auxiliary thermostat.
11. The apparatus according to either of claims 4 or 6 wherein said auxiliary thermostat means is adapted to operate with input power from line voltage.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/368,487 US4389577A (en) | 1982-04-14 | 1982-04-14 | Apparatus for power load-shedding with auxiliary commandable thermostat |
| US368,487 | 1982-04-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1202403A true CA1202403A (en) | 1986-03-25 |
Family
ID=23451435
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000425767A Expired CA1202403A (en) | 1982-04-14 | 1983-04-13 | Apparatus for power load-shedding with auxiliary commandable thermostat |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4389577A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1202403A (en) |
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| US4333002A (en) * | 1980-09-02 | 1982-06-01 | A. O. Smith Corporation | Multiple device control apparatus |
-
1982
- 1982-04-14 US US06/368,487 patent/US4389577A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1983
- 1983-04-13 CA CA000425767A patent/CA1202403A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4389577A (en) | 1983-06-21 |
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