GB2294828A - Control of heating/cooling systems - Google Patents
Control of heating/cooling systems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2294828A GB2294828A GB9521818A GB9521818A GB2294828A GB 2294828 A GB2294828 A GB 2294828A GB 9521818 A GB9521818 A GB 9521818A GB 9521818 A GB9521818 A GB 9521818A GB 2294828 A GB2294828 A GB 2294828A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- thermostat
- heating
- controller
- warning signal
- cooling system
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
- H02H3/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection
- H02H3/24—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to undervoltage or no-voltage
-
- 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
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
- H02H3/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection
- H02H3/02—Details
- H02H3/04—Details with warning or supervision in addition to disconnection, e.g. for indicating that protective apparatus has functioned
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
- H02H3/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection
- H02H3/24—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to undervoltage or no-voltage
- H02H3/247—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to undervoltage or no-voltage having timing means
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Control Of Temperature (AREA)
Abstract
A programmable thermostat 10 for controlling the actuation of, for example, a central heating system, in dependence upon temperature, is battery powered so that there is no need to connect the thermostat to a mains supply. The control of the central heating system is by way of a switching circuit 22 which has a first position in which the central heating system is energised and a second position in which the system is deenergised. The thermostat 10 has a processor unit 12 which monitors the level of the batteries powering it. If the power level remains below a preset value for a preset period of time a warning signal is generated. If the user takes no action in response to the warning signal, the thermostat 10 switches off the central heating system before the batteries become too drained to perform the switching operation. <IMAGE>
Description
IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO
HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS
The present apparatus relates to a method of controlling a heating/cooling system and to a system controlled thereby. In particular, the invention relates to a thermostat for use with a heating/cooling system.
It is known to control a central heating system, for example, using a battery powered thermostat. However, problems can arise if the power level of batteries powering the thermostat falls. For example, there can come a point where the power level is too low to effect switching of the thermostat. If this occurs, for example, when the central heating system is on, the system will remain on. If the central heating system is in a domestic environment and the occupants of the premises are away for an extended period, the circumstances described above can lead to the central heating system being continually energised for a prolonged period.
The present invention seeks to provide a method of control in which the problems identified above are reduced or obviated.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling a heating/cooling system having a controller for actuating heating/cooling apparatus, and at least one battery powered thermostat arranged to selectively energise and deenergise said controller in dependence upon measured and desired temperatures, the method comprising the steps of monitoring the power level of a battery or batteries powering said thermostat and generating a warning signal when the power level is below a predetermined value, and, a predetermined time after the generation of said warning signal, causing said thermostat to deenergise the controller and maintain it deenergised.
A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention avoids the risk of the system, for example, a central heating system, remaining powered when the power level of the batteries of the thermostat falls below the predetermined value.
In an embodiment, the thermostat is arranged to deenergise the controller and maintain it deenergised shortly after the warning signal is given. For example, the system may be effectively shut down by maintaining the controller deenergised seconds or milliseconds only after the generation of the warning signal. However, in practice, it is generally preferred to provide a "battery low" warning signal for a prolonged period, for example, of several days to enable the replacement of the battery or batteries. Accordingly, it is generally preferred that the controller is only maintained deenergised when several days have elapsed since the generation of said warning signal.
Generally, it is also required to ensure that the controller is not deenergised if the warning signal has been generated in error, and/or if the batteries have been replaced. Thus, it is preferably arranged that said thermostat is caused to maintain the controller deenergised only if the power level remains generally at or below said predetermined value for a second predetermined time.
In general, it is required that once the battery power levels begin to fall, there is a warning signal to enable replacement of the batteries. If the batteries are not replaced it is wished to ensure that the controller is deenergised and maintained deenergised by the thermostat before the failing power to the thermostat becomes too low to cause switching of the thermostat.
However, it is also useful not to have to continuously and/or periodically monitor the actual power levels available. This can be achieved by allowing the warning signal to start a timing sequence to close down the system unless higher power levels are detected.
In an embodiment, the method is for controlling a central heating system provided with a controller in the form of a programmer for selectively actuating heating means therefor. Such programmers can be provided with processor means and memory. If required, means for monitoring the thermostat battery power levels and for causing the thermostat to maintain the programmer deenergised may be provided in the programmer. However, in a presently preferred embodiment, the thermostat is itself provided with processor means arranged to cause the thermostat to maintain the programmer deenergised.
Preferably, transfer of data from programmable memory of said thermostat to a non volatile memory thereof is caused a predetermined time after the generation of said warning signal. This enables data in the programmable memory to be saved even when the battery power to the thermostat is failing or has failed.
In current systems, the controller or programmer is wired to the or each thermostat to be controlled thereby, and in such circumstances the thermostat may be provided with a latching relay arranged to open or close at least one switch to energise or deenergise the controller circuit. However, it is also possible to provide the necessary switch or switches in the controller such that the thermostat produces only output control signals for setting the position of the switches. In this circumstance, although the thermostat and the controller may be physically connected, it may be preferred for communication between the two devices to be by transmitting and receiving means, for example, by way of a radio frequency (RF) link.
The present invention also extends to a heating/cooling system, a controller for actuating said heating/cooling apparatus, and at least one battery powered thermostat arranged to selectively energise and deenergise said controller in dependence upon measured and desired temperatures, said heating/cooling system further comprising processor means for monitoring the power level of a battery or batteries powering said thermostat and generating a warning signal when the power level is below a predetermined value, said processor means being arranged, a predetermined time after the generation of said warning signal, to cause said thermostat to deenergise said controller and maintain it deenergised.
The processor means for monitoring the power level may be provided in the controller, in the thermostat, in a separate unit, or distributed between any of those locations. However, in a preferred embodiment, the processor means are comprised in said battery powered thermostat.
In a preferred embodiment, said processor means is arranged to initiate a timing sequence to denergise the controller after said predetermined time period unless higher power levels are detected by said processor means.
In an embodiment, said thermostat comprises programmable memory and a non volatile memory, and wherein said processor means is arranged, a predetermined time after the generation of said warning signal, to cause the transfer of data from said programmable memory to said non volatile memory.
Preferably, said heating/cooling system comprises a central heating system provided with said controller for selectively actuating the heating apparatus therefor.
In an embodiment, the controller or programmer is wired to the or each thermostat to be controlled thereby, and the or each said thermostat may be provided with a latching relay arranged to open or close at least one switch to energise or deenergise the controller. However, it is also possible to provide the necessary switch or switches in the controller such that the thermostat produces only output control signals for setting the position of the switches. In this circumstance, although the thermostat and the controller may be physically connected, it may be preferred for communication between the two devices to be by transmitting and receiving means, for example, by way of a radio frequency (RF) link.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a thermostat comprising a switching circuit arranged to produce control signals for selectively energising and deenergising a controlled circuit, and processor means for controlling the operation of said switching circuit, wherein said thermostat is arranged to be powered by one or more batteries, and said processor means is arranged to monitor the power level of the battery or batteries to generate a warning signal when the power falls below a predetermined level, and wherein said processor means is arranged to latch said switching circuit into a condition producing circuit deenergising control signals a predetermined time after said warning signal is generated.
In one embodiment, said switching circuit produces output signals for causing energisation and deenergisation of the controlled circuit. In this respect, the circuit to be controlled may be connected to the switching circuit to receive the output signals therefrom or may receive the signals by transmission from said switching circuit.
Additionally and/or alternatively, said switching circuit may be arranged to selectively take up one of two conditions, the first condition being a circuit energising condition, and the second condition being a circuit deenergising condition. For example, the switching circuit may be a normally open or normally closed switch.
Preferably, the switching circuit comprises a latching relay which is bistable and thereby has two conditions, for example, a first one in which contacts of the relay are closed, and a second one in which contacts of the relay are open.
In an embodiment, the processor means is arranged to latch said switching circuit, shortly after the warning signal is generated. That is, said predetermined time may be seconds or milliseconds. However, in a preferred embodiment, it is generally preferred to provide a "battery low" warning for a prolonged period to enable the replacement of the battery. For example, said predetermined time may extend for several days after the generation of said warning signal.
It is preferably arranged that said processor means is caused to latch said switching circuit only if the power level remains generally at or below said predetermined value for a second predetermined time.
In a preferred embodiment, the generation of said warning signal is arranged to initiate a timing sequence in said processor means to latch said switching circuit after said predetermined time unless higher power levels are detected.
Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows schematically the circuit diagram of a programmable thermostat of an embodiment of the present invention.
The present invention is described below with particular reference to the provision of a programmable thermostat in a central heating system having a programmer to control the system. Such systems are widely used in the
United Kingdom.
However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to a central heating system, and neither is it limited to the type of central heating system commonly installed in the United Kingdom. The control methods of the invention may be utilised in the control of any heating/cooling system. Furthermore, whilst the invention is described by way of the specific example of a programmable thermostat, it will be appreciated that the control arrangements described herein may be undertaken by a dedicated control circuit incorporated in, or separated from, the thermostat.
In the Figure there is shown a circuit diagram of a programmable thermostat 10. The thermostat has a processor unit 12 which incorporates a memory 14 and a microprocessor 16. A clock circuit 18 provides a measure of real time to the processor unit 12. As is well known, the clock circuit 18 may comprise a crystal oscillator connected to a divider chain.
The thermostat 10 also includes a temperature measuring device 20. This temperature measuring device 20 may be of any appropriate structure. The device 20 is required to provide an indication of the actual measured temperature at the location thereof and to supply that information to the processor unit 12.
In known manner there is stored in the memory 14 software routines for controlling the thermostat 10. In addition, the memory 14 also stores the desired temperature it is required that the central heating system, with which the thermostat 10 is to be used, attain. In this respect, the stored temperature may be a single temperature.
Alternatively, a number of different temperatures desired at different times or in different circumstances may be stored. In one implementation of a programmable thermostat it is preferred to store within the memory 14 indications not only of temperatures desired, but also of the time at which each temperature is required. This enables the processor unit 12 to identify at any time, given by the clock 18, the desired temperature. The information will generally have been preprogrammed in the memory by the user. The desired temperature is then compared with the actual measured temperature provided by the temperature measuring device 20. In this respect, the actual quantities compared by the processor may be temperatures or functions or signals representative of temperatures, for example.
It will be appreciated that if the thermostat 10 determines that the ambient or actual temperature as measured by the measuring device 20 is lower than the desired temperature, there is a need to energise the central heating system to raise the actual temperature to that desired. Furthermore, once the desired temperature has been attained, it will be required to switch off the heating system. The control of the central heating system is by way of a switching circuit 22 arranged to produce an output signal, indicated at 24. Preferably, the switching circuit 22 is a bistable latching relay. The switching circuit 22 may be arranged to provide signals to a controller or programmer of the central heating system.
For example, the switching circuit 22 may be controlled to energise or deenergise the controller, and hence the central heating system. Alternatively, the switching circuit 22 may incorporate physical contacts, such as relay contacts, connected to control the central heating programmer.
Irrespective of the nature of its output, the thermostat, which controls the actuation of the heating system in dependence upon temperature, is battery powered.
Battery power is preferred as there is then no need to connect the thermostat to a mains supply, for example, and this simplifies installation. However, it will be appreciated that batteries can run down causing difficulties. A thermostat of the present invention is designed to avoid problems traditionally associated with thermostats utilising battery power.
The switching circuit 22 has, as described above, a first position in which the central heating system is energised and a second position in which the system is deenergised. The switching circuit 22 is controlled to take up either of these positions by the operation of the microprocessor 16. In fact, as there may be a possibility that the switching circuit 22 can take up a position other than that requested, the microprocessor 16 is arranged periodically to send reaffirming control signals to the switching circuit 22 so that it can be ensured that the switching circuit 22 is in the chosen position.
Continually and/or periodically the microprocessor 16 monitors the level of the batteries (not shown) powering the thermostat 10. The power level of the batteries is compared with a preprogrammed or preset value and if the power level falls below this value a warning signal is generated. Of course, the warning signal may be of any type. It is currently preferred that the thermostat be provided with indicator means, for example, in the form of a display and that the low voltage signal is a flashing "battery low" indication.
The voltage level at which a battery low warning is generated is preferably chosen to be one which enables the thermostat to continue to operating effectively for several days. By this means, it is hoped that the user will notice the warning signal and replace the batteries whereby the thermostat is reset and normal operation continues.
If the user takes no action, for example, because of absence, the thermostat is arranged to switch off the central heating system before the batteries become too drained to perform the switching operation. In this manner, it can be ensured, for example, that if the occupier of the premises is away for a period he does not come back to a situation where the heating system has remained on for a prolonged period.
As it is preferred not to have to monitor the actual battery level during the run down period, the microprocessor 16, on generating the warning signal, initiates a timing sequence to monitor the time elapsed.
When the elapsed time reaches a predetermined value, preferably of several days as discussed above, the processor 16 actuates the switching circuit 22 to turn off the central heating system. Furthermore, it is ensured that the relay of the switching circuit 22 is latched off, that no power can be applied thereto, and that the rest of the thermostat 10 is closed down, except that the "battery low" indicator changes state. For example, if the battery low warning was given by way of a flashing LED or other illumination, on close down that illumination is switched on permanently. Other than the illumination of the warning, the thermostat is now in a condition in which any further activity is prevented until the batteries have been replaced. This "shut down" condition can continue for some time as the illuminated warning is arranged to utilise very little power.It is hoped that the illuminated warning will still be retained, to inform the user of the nature of the problem, when he returns.
It will be appreciated that if a programmable thermostat is put in a "shut down" condition, data stored in the programmable memory 14 will be lost. This means that the user will need to reprogram the device after installing new batteries. This can be avoided by providing in the thermostat a non volatile memory such as a NOVRAM (not shown) and providing for data stored in the memory 14 to be written to the NOVRAM before the thermostat 10 is closed down. Thus, the data transfer may be initiated by the processor 16 when the elapsed time reaches the predetermined value. This may be initiated simultaneously or consecutively with the actuation of the switching circuit 22. Thereafter, the thermostat is closed down.
The invention has been described above specifically with reference to the provision of a programmable thermostat in a central heating system. However, the invention can be utilised in any control system for any heating or cooling system.
Other modifications or variations may be made to the invention as illustrated and described within the scope of the present application.
Claims (26)
1. A method of controlling a heating/cooling system having a controller for actuating heating/cooling apparatus, and at least one battery powered thermostat arranged to selectively energise and deenergise said controller in dependence upon measured and desired temperatures, the method comprising the steps of monitoring the power level of a battery or batteries powering said thermostat and generating a warning signal when the power level is below a predetermined value, and, a predetermined time after the generation of said warning signal, causing said thermostat to deenergise the controller and maintain it deenergised.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermostat is arranged to deenergise the controller and maintain it deenergised for a prolonged period after the generation of said warning signal.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said predetermined time is a prolonged period of several days.
4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising causing said thermostat to maintain the controller deenergised only if the power level has remained generally at or below said predetermined value for a second predetermined time.
5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising the step of causing the warning signal to start a timing sequence and causing said thermostat to deenergise the controller at the completion of said timing sequence unless higher power levels are detected.
6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising the step of transferring data from programmable memory of said thermostat to a non volatile memory thereof a predetermined time after the generation of said warning signal.
7. A heating/cooling system comprising a controller for actuating heating/cooling apparatus, and at least one battery powered thermostat arranged to selectively energise and deenergise said controller in dependence upon measured and desired temperatures, said heating/cooling system further comprising processor means for monitoring the power level of a battery or batteries powering said thermostat and generating a warning signal when the power level is below a predetermined value, said processor means being arranged, a predetermined time after the generation of said warning signal, to cause said thermostat to deenergise said controller and maintain it deenergised.
8. A heating/cooling system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said processor means for monitoring the power level are comprised in said battery powered thermostat.
9. A heating/cooling system as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said processor means is arranged to initiate a timing sequence to deenergise the controller after said predetermined time period unless higher power levels are detected by said processor means.
10. A heating/cooling system as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, wherein said thermostat comprises programmable memory and a non volatile memory, and wherein said processor means is arranged, a predetermined time after the generation of said warning signal, to cause the transfer of data from said programmable memory to said non volatile memory.
11. A heating/cooling system as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the controller is wired to the or each thermostat to be controlled thereby, and the or each said thermostat is provided with a latching relay arranged to open or close at least one switch to energise or deenergise the controller.
12. A heating/cooling system as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, wherein a switch or switches are provided in the controller, and the thermostat is arranged to produce output control signals for setting the position of the switches.
13. A heating/cooling system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the thermostat and the controller are arranged to communicate by transmitting and receiving means.
14. A heating/cooling system as claimed in any of claims 7 to 13, wherein said heating/cooling system comprises a central heating system provided with said controller for selectively actuating the heating apparatus therefor.
15. A central heating system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said controller is in the form of a programmer, and wherein said thermostat is provided with processor means arranged to cause the thermostat to maintain the programmer deenergised a predetermined time after the generation of said warning signal.
16. A thermostat comprising a switching circuit arranged to produce control signals for selectively energising and deenergising a controlled circuit, and processor means for controlling the operation of said switching circuit, wherein said thermostat is arranged to be powered by one or more batteries, and said processor means is arranged to monitor the power level of the battery or batteries to generate a warning signal when the power falls below a predetermined level, and wherein said processor means is arranged to latch said switching circuit into a condition producing circuit deenergising control signals a predetermined time after said warning signal is generated.
17. A thermostat as claimed in claim 16, wherein said switching circuit produces output signals for causing energisation and deenergisation of the controlled circuit.
18. A thermostat as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein said switching circuit is arranged to selectively take up one of two conditions, the first condition being a circuit energising condition, and the second condition being a circuit deenergising condition.
19. A thermostat as claimed in claim 18, wherein the switching circuit comprises a latching relay which is bistable and has two conditions.
20. A thermostat as claimed in claim 19, wherein the processor means is arranged to latch said switching circuit a prolonged period after the generation of said warning signal.
21. A thermostat as claimed in claim 20, wherein said predetermined time is a prolonged period of several days.
22. A thermostat as claimed in any of claims 16 to 21, wherein said processor means is caused to latch said switching circuit only if the power level remains generally at or below said predetermined value for a second predetermined time.
23. A method of controlling a heating/cooling system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
24. A heating/cooling system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
25. A central heating system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
26. A thermostat substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9521818A GB2294828B (en) | 1994-11-07 | 1995-10-25 | Improvements in or relating to heating/cooling systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9422447A GB9422447D0 (en) | 1994-11-07 | 1994-11-07 | Improvements in or relating to heating/cooling systems |
| GB9521818A GB2294828B (en) | 1994-11-07 | 1995-10-25 | Improvements in or relating to heating/cooling systems |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9521818D0 GB9521818D0 (en) | 1996-01-03 |
| GB2294828A true GB2294828A (en) | 1996-05-08 |
| GB2294828B GB2294828B (en) | 1998-10-28 |
Family
ID=26305943
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9521818A Expired - Fee Related GB2294828B (en) | 1994-11-07 | 1995-10-25 | Improvements in or relating to heating/cooling systems |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2294828B (en) |
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| US9092039B2 (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2015-07-28 | Google Inc. | HVAC controller with user-friendly installation features with wire insertion detection |
| US9175868B2 (en) | 2011-10-21 | 2015-11-03 | Google Inc. | Thermostat user interface |
| US9494332B2 (en) | 2010-09-14 | 2016-11-15 | Google Inc. | Thermostat wiring connector |
| US9612031B2 (en) | 2015-01-07 | 2017-04-04 | Google Inc. | Thermostat switching circuitry robust against anomalous HVAC control line conditions |
| US9618223B2 (en) | 2004-10-06 | 2017-04-11 | Google Inc. | Multi-nodal thermostat control system |
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| US9494332B2 (en) | 2010-09-14 | 2016-11-15 | Google Inc. | Thermostat wiring connector |
| US9696734B2 (en) | 2010-09-14 | 2017-07-04 | Google Inc. | Active power stealing |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2294828B (en) | 1998-10-28 |
| GB9521818D0 (en) | 1996-01-03 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 732E | Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977) | ||
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20101025 |