Multi-nodal thermostat control system

摘要

An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.

主权项

1. A multi-nodal thermostat control system for a structure comprising:
a central control system configured to control a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the structure; and a plurality of remote wireless sensor nodes to be located in a plurality of areas within the structure, each remote wireless sensor node of the plurality of the remote wireless sensor nodes comprising: a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature in an area of the plurality of areas within the structure in which the remote wireless sensor node is located; an occupant sensor for sensing one or more persons in the area of the plurality of areas within the structure in which the remote wireless sensor node is located; a wireless radio frequency (RF) communication module for bidirectional communication between the remote wireless sensor node and the central control system; a controller in communication with the temperature sensor, the occupant sensor, and the wireless RF communication module, the controller being configured to transmit, via the wireless RF communication module, at least data received from the occupant sensor and the temperature sensor to the central control system; and a power source for powering the controller, the temperature sensor, the occupant sensor, and the wireless RF communication module; wherein: the central control system comprises: a wireless RF communication module for wirelessly communicating with the plurality of remote wireless sensor nodes; and a controller configured to use a priority schedule to prioritize temperature control among the plurality of areas of the structure, and prioritization of temperature control among the plurality of areas using the priority schedule is determined by the controller of the central control system at least partially based on a time of day.