BATTERY CHARGING BY MECHANICAL IMPELLER AT FORCED AIR VENT OUTPUTS

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 system for controlling an environmental condition of an environmental zone, comprising:
a local controller associated with the environmental zone and configured to control an HVAC system operable to modify the environmental condition of the environmental zone; a fan proximate to a vent opening in the environmental zone, the fan being arranged to receive airflow generated by the HVAC system and passed through the vent opening, the fan being configured to generate power from the received airflow; and a rechargeable power source coupled to the local controller and the fan and configured to store the power generated by the fan; wherein the local controller is powered at least in part by the rechargeable power source.