Automatically Balancing Register for HVAC Systems

摘要

Distributed nodes, such as intelligent register controllers, of a heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system wirelessly communicate with each other on a peer-to-peer basis, forming a network, and collectively control the HVAC system, without a central controller. The intelligent register controllers collectively control the amount of conditioned air introduced into each region. Each node may base its operation at least in part on information about one or more (ideally all) of the other nodes. Each intelligent register controller automatically determines how much conditioned air to allow into its region, or how much return air to allow to be withdrawn from its region. Each register controller automatically determines when and to what extent to operate its respective controllable damper.

主权项

1. A method for operating an intelligent controlled HVAC vent of a plurality of intelligent controlled HVAC vents, at least one intelligent controlled HVAC vent of the plurality of intelligent controlled HVAC vents operating without an externally set temperature goal, the method comprising, at each intelligent controlled HVAC vent that has no externally set temperature goal:
measuring a temperature of a location fed by the intelligent controlled HVAC vent; automatically wirelessly coordinating among all intelligent controlled HVAC vents of the plurality of intelligent controlled HVAC vents that have no externally set temperature goals, with an aim toward achieving equal temperatures at all locations fed by the intelligent controlled HVAC vents that have no externally set temperature goals; ascertaining an extent to which the intelligent controlled HVAC vent is open; wirelessly receiving first information indicating, respectively, an extent to which each other intelligent controlled HVAC vents is open; and automatically adjusting the extent to which the intelligent controlled HVAC vent is open, such that when a comparable adjustment is made by all intelligent controlled HVAC vents of the plurality of intelligent controlled HVAC vents, at least one intelligent controlled HVAC vents of the plurality of intelligent controlled HVAC vents is fully open.