| 摘要 |
A method and control apparatus (14) are described for limiting peak-load contribution by HVAC systems (24) and other systems. The control apparatus (14) reduces the percentage of on-time and thus fuel and power consumption and demand for utility capacity to a predetermined extent during peak-load periods, by inhibiting fuel-on signals from the thermostat (12) of each HVAC system to the furnace, fuel-pump, or air conditioner of the HVAC system (24), or other system, so that the total on-time during a load-measuring interval is reduced to a predetermined amount. During non-peak periods, the control apparatus (14) is inactive and the thermostat (12) controls the HVAC system (24). The invention can be used to retrofit an already installed thermostat, incorporated into a new thermostat installation, or incorporated into a thermostat as it is manufactured. |
