Avoidance of network interference between thermostats in a plurality of proximate wireless mesh networks

摘要

An apparatus and/or method is described providing for expansion of the number of nodes in an HVAC thermostat control network utilizing a wireless mesh network beyond the limits of a single mesh network by utilizing a synchronization signal to offset periods of high wireless mesh network traffic.

主权项

1. An energy management system incorporating a plurality of thermostats, each thermostat incorporating an apparatus for functioning as a wireless mesh network node, the energy management system comprising:
A) a first wireless mesh network; B) a second wireless mesh network; C) a first group of the plurality of thermostats incorporated as first thermostat nodes in the first wireless mesh network; D) a second group of the plurality of thermostats incorporated as second thermostat nodes in the second wireless mesh network; E) a first root node serving as a controller for the first mesh network; F) a second root node serving as a controller for the second mesh network; G) wherein the first root node is operatively coupled to an internet server, the internet server providing time of day data to the first root node; H) wherein the second root node is also operatively coupled to the internet server, the internet server also providing the time of day data to the second root node; I) the first root node transmitting a first synchronization signal to the first group of thermostat nodes in the first wireless mesh network; J) the second root node transmitting a second synchronization signal to the second group of thermostat nodes in the second wireless mesh network; K) wherein the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal are both pulse waveforms and substantially identical with a time offset; and L) the first and second root nodes utilizing the first and second synchronization signals respectively so as to schedule a period for transmission of wireless mesh network traffic on the first wireless mesh network, and a period for transmission of wireless mesh network traffic on the second wireless mesh network, such that the first and second periods for transmission of wireless mesh network traffic on the first wireless mesh network and on the second wireless mesh network are based on the time offset so as to reduce interference between the first wireless mesh network and the second wireless mesh network.