SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING A WIRELESS DEVICE AS A SENSOR FOR AN ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

摘要

The invention comprises systems and methods for detecting the use of networked consumer electronics devices as indications of occupancy of a structure for purposes of automatically adjusting the temperature setpoint on a thermostatic HVAC control. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one networked electronic device is used to indicate the state of occupancy of the structure. The state of occupancy is used to alter the setpoint on the thermostatic HVAC control to reduce unneeded conditioning of unoccupied spaces.

主权项

1. A method for varying temperature setpoints for an HVAC system comprising:
storing at least a first HVAC temperature setpoint and at least a second HVAC temperature setpoint; monitoring an activity status of at least one wireless device associated with one or more occupants of said structure, wherein said wireless device comprises a graphic user interface, wherein use of said wireless device comprises at least one of cursor movement, keystrokes or other user interface actions intended to alter a state of said wireless device; determining a probability that the specific activity status of said wireless device is associated with the use of said wireless device by a specific occupant or occupants of said structure; determining whether a current HVAC temperature setpoint associated with said HVAC system is set to said first HVAC temperature setpoint or said second temperature setpoint; prompting said one or more users, wherein said prompting sends a message to said wireless device recommending a change to said current HVAC temperature setpoint for said HVAC system; in response to said prompting, receiving input from said one or more users; and keeping said current HVAC temperature setpoint based upon said input from said one or more users.