Broadcast controller for communication with independent units

摘要

A load control system 100 for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to a plurality of electrical loads includes a plurality of independent units 110, 112, responsive to a broadcast controller 180. The independent units 110, 112 may be installed, for example, in separate and at least partially-enclosed rooms in a common building and may be adjacent to each other. Each independent unit 110, 112 includes at least one commander and at least one energy controller for controlling at least one of the electrical loads in response to a control signal received from the commander. The energy controllers (i.e., load control devices) of the first independent unit 110 may comprise, for example, a dimmer switch 210, a plug-in load control device 220, a temperature control device 230, and a contact-closure output pack 240. The commanders of the first independent unit 110 may comprise a remote controller 250, an occupancy sensor 260, and a temperature sensor 270. The energy controllers of the second independent unit 112 may comprise a digital ballast controller 310, a motorized window treatment 320, and a temperature control device 330. The commanders (i.e., wireless transmitters) of the second independent unit 112 may comprise a battery-powered remote control 350, an occupancy sensor 360, and a daylight sensor 370. The broadcast controller 180 transmits wireless signals to the energy controllers of the independent units. The energy controllers operate in different operating modes in response to the wireless signals transmitted by the broadcast controller and are configured to prioritize signal received from the broadcast controller over the signal received from a commander. The operating modes may correspond to demand response compliance requirements received by the broadcast controller from an electric utility 183 or from a demand response remote control 186.