Air conditioning system

Abstract

A duct type air conditioning system with a variable capacity blower in which the maximum blower capacity is established at initialization of the system at the optimum blower capacity. The optimum capacity is established by varying the capacity of the blower and measuring the air flow volume and air flow noise. The optimum capacity is inputted into the control system through a central thermostat which has a liquid crystal display associated therewith. The system installer interfaces with the control system by a dialog which occurs through the liquid crystal display. The optimum capacity of the blower is stored in a memory device, and the control system variably controls the capacity of the blower so as not to exceed the optimum capacity.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a duct-type air conditioning system with a variable capacity fan, and especially relates to the control of fan speed and/or air pressure of said system. The invention also relates to a unique method and apparatus for inputting information to the air conditioning control system.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In traditional central air conditioning systems which distribute temperature controlled air to each room through air ducts, the required capacity of the fan differs according to each particular installation. The relationship between the total amount of air flow and static pressure in the duct in a single zone system is shown in FIG. 11. The air path resistance varies according to the length and cross-sectional area of the ducts, the shape of the duct branches, the size and shape of diffusers, etc., which vary in each installation.

In the past, a plurality of switching taps are attached to the fan motor which is installed in the heat source unit such as a gas furnace, heat pump, air conditioner, etc. The air conditioning installer determines the optimum setting of the fan speed by measuring the amount of air blown out of the diffuser and the noise level at the diffuser outlet at trial settings; then, the wiring is connected to the tap corresponding to such optimum speed setting.

There are cases wherein the optimum amount of air flow may differ between cooling and heating when the same fan unit is used for both cooling and heating. To respond to such cases, some systems automatically switch taps between cooling and heating by means of the control circuit in the air conditioning system.

The above examples relate to air conditioning systems which air condition an entire house as a single zone ("the single zone system"). On the other hand, there are systems called "multi-zone systems" which divide a house into a plurality of zones and control the temperature by zone. U.S. Pat. No. 4,406,397 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,395 are examples of multi-zone control systems.

In traditional multi-zone systems, the static pressure in the ducts is controlled at a constant level so that open dampers of one room will not have an effect on the other rooms. Unless the static pressure is so controlled, the air flow into air conditioned rooms having open dampers will increase when the number of open dampers decreases so that unpleasant conditions will occur such as the increase in the velocity of air flow and increase in noise.

Traditionally, the speed of the motor is varied according to the number of open dampers by either switching the taps of the motor by a phase controller or by controlling the power-source frequency and voltage by means of an inverter. Also, as a means to directly control the static pressure in the duct, a pressure sensor is used to control the speed of the motor so that the static pressure will be controlled at a constant level. A further simple method is to install a duct which bypasses the fan, and control the opening of a bypass damper which is installed in the bypass duct so that the static pressure will be controlled.

A control method similar to single zone systems wherein the fan capacity is automatically switched between cooling and heating is available to multi-zone systems. Further, control methods have been proposed wherein the static pressure in the duct is varied according to the thermal load in a room so that a large amount of air will be supplied to rooms having a large thermal load, and a small amount of air will be supplied to rooms having a small thermal load.

At what level the fan speed or the static duct pressure should be set is an important matter common to both single zone systems, and multi-zone systems. If the fan speed is too low, the amount of air flow is low and the efficiency of the heat source unit is not optimized. Thus, it takes a long time to reach the desired room temperature. If the fan speed is too high, the air flow from the diffuser becomes too strong creating drafts. Thus, the comfort level of the room is adversely affected as well as there being an increase in noise due to the increased rate of air flow.

A problem incurred where the fan speed is controlled only in steps by switching taps on the motor is that the optimum air flow cannot be obtained for the house. Even if the fan speed can be controlled on a continuous basis, it is a problem to easily set the optimum fan speed and resulting air flow volume.

Traditional heating systems, whether single or multi-zone, generally utilized a single heat source. Heat pump installations at times were supplemented by electric resistance heaters. If the user required more heat, he would turn on the supplemental electric heaters. Such systems did not provide for automatic selection of the heat source based upon energy costs for various energy sources or based upon ambient temperature. Thus, there was no means to optimize the heating operation if several heat sources were available in the installation.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the subject invention is to provide an air conditioning system wherein the optimum speed and resulting air volume of the fan can be easily input, and the fan can be variably controlled based upon the speed and volume which has been so input.

Another object is to provide a central thermostat device that is used to input the air conditioning system parameters to a central controller. The central thermostat is designed to interact with the system installer by requesting information in natural language sentence format which is displayed on the central thermostat. It is a related object to store such inputted data in a non-volatile memory so that the information will be saved even in the event of a loss of power.

Yet another object is to provide an air conditioning system with several heat sources, the particular heat source activated depending upon the initial parameters inputted into the central thermostat so that the most economical heat source is automatically selected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a unique method of determining and setting the optimum fan capacity in a single zone or multi-zone air conditioning installation. A variable speed fan is connected to the heating/air conditioning source. Air distribution ducts are connected to the heating/air conditioning source to distribute the conditioned air throughout the system. The inventive device includes a control system having a main thermostat which is connected to the heating/air conditioning source, fans, and which is equipped with an operator actuated switch means which, at initialization of the system, helps the installer set the optimum capacity of the fan by varying the speed of the fan and comparing the air flow noise and air volume until an optimum setting is found. This optimum setting is then input through the thermostat and stored in a non-volatile memory in the control system as the maximum value.

The main thermostat is engineered to interact with the installer whereby the installer communicates with the control system through the thermostat in native language sentences.

Furthermore, the present invention enables the control system to select the heat source in systems having more than one heat source available. The selection is automatically done by the control system based upon information inputted through the main thermostat by the installer. Such information includes the energy costs and heat sources available. The control system will then select the most economical heat source based upon the energy costs, efficiencies of the heating units, and ambient temperature.

In a multi-zone system, the air conditioning system further provides a pressure sensor placed in the output air duct for sensing the air pressure in the main air duct. Once the optimum initial setting is achieved, the pressure sensor signal corresponding to such pressure is stored in the memory of the controller. In a multi-zone system, with the dampers to one or more zones being individually controlled, the capacity of the fan will be variably controlled depending upon the operating pressure in the main air duct so that the operating pressure is kept at the pre-set value that was initially input into the system upon initialization.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall system structure of a prior art air conditioning system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic and block diagram showing the overall system structure of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the control system of the present invention in a multi-zone system.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a central controller circuit.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a central thermostat with a liquid crystal display used in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the internal circuits of the central thermostat shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6a is a schematic diagram of the central thermostat and microprocessor circuits.

FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram of the liquid crystal display circuit.

FIG. 6c is a schematic diagram of the input switches of the central thermostat.

FIG. 6d is a schematic diagram of the lighted output diodes of the central thermostat.

FIG. 6e is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor circuit with an analog to digital converter.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the microcomputer program in the central thermostat for initialization of the system.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the read only memory in the control system for receiving initial input data.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for blower control during normal operation of the system.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the static pressure in the duct and the output signals of the pressure sensor.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are graphs showing the relationship between the total amount of air flow and static pressure in single and multi-zone systems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning first to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a schematic system diagram of an air conditioning system of the prior art. In FIG. 1, each of the rooms 10 are to be air conditioned. In the Figure, four such rooms are illustrated. An indoor unit 12 is an in-house unit installed in the ceiling above the rooms 10. It is composed of a heat exchanger 14 and a blower 16. The heat exchanger may also be provided with an air filter (not illustrated). A main duct 18 is connected to an air supply opening at the in-house unit 12. There are four branch ducts 20 from the main duct 18, each branch duct leading to one of the rooms 10. There is a diffuser 22 placed in the end of each of the branch ducts 20 on the surface of the ceiling of each of the rooms 10. A damper assembly 24 is mounted within each of the branch ducts 20 to provide a throttle type VAV unit. A grill 26 is installed in each of the doors leading to the rooms 10 to allow air to enter the room. A return grill 28 is connected to a return duct 30 which is connected to the in-house unit 12.

There is a central controller 32 located adjacent the unit 12 for operating and controlling a heat source unit 34. A central thermostat 35 is located in one of the rooms 10 to provide an input device for programming the system and to provide a temperature measuring device for that room. A plural number of zone thermostats 36 are provided for each of the other rooms 10. A pressure sensor 38 and a temperature sensor 40 are attached within the main duct 18 and connected to the central controller 32.

The above described system is applicable for use in a multi-zone system. By eliminating the variable dampers 24 and all of the room thermostats 36, the system would be applicable for a single zone system. Applicant's invention is applicable to either a single zone or multi-zone system, but for illustrative purposes, the more complex multi-zone system is described herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic and block diagram of the entire system illustrated in FIG. 1. A fan capacity setting means 42 is installed on the central thermostat 35. A fan capacity memory means 44 is installed in the control system 32 and memorizes the output signals of the pressure sensor 38 which correspond to the fan capacity already input and set by the fan capacity setting means 42 as a constant. A fan capacity control means 46 consists of inverters which variably control the speed of the blower 16 (and therefore its capacity) so that the pressure in the main duct 18 will equal the set value based upon the value which has been saved by the fan capacity memory means 44.

FIG. 3 shows the overall relationship of the central thermostat 35 and the central controller 32. It also shows the relationship between the central controller 32 and the heat sources. In FIG. 3 it can be seen that the central thermostat 35 has a communication modem 46 which receives digital signals and serially transmits the signals to a modem 48 in the central controller 32 over a two-wire bus 49. The central thermostat 35 has a random access memory (RAM) 50 to store data which is initially input to it. The central thermostat 35 also has a microcomputer 52 which will be more fully explained later.

The central controller 32 has a microcomputer 54 that communicates with the central thermostat 35 through the modem 48. A buffer 56 interfaces between the microcomputer 54 and a relay panel 58 which controls damper motors 60 which in turn control the dampers 24. Another buffer 62 interfaces between the microcomputer 54 and the heat sources and pressure sensor 38 and air temperature sensor 40. It also interfaces with the blower 16 and a heat pump consisting of an indoor unit 66 and an outdoor unit 68. The outdoor unit 68 also communicates with the microcomputer 54 through a modem 70 in the central controller 32. An outdoor temperature sensor 72 is connected to the outdoor unit 68 of the heat pump. Input data used to initialize the system is stored in an electrically eraseable programable read only memory 74 (EEPROM) which is a non-volatile memory. Thus, in the event of a power failure, the initialized input data will be saved. This minimizes the possibility of having to initialize the system each time in the event of a power failure.

The central controller circuits are illustrated in FIG. 4. Communication modem 46 receives the initial digital signals from the central thermostat 35 via the serial signal input/output terminals 76. The information is saved in the EEPROM 74. The microcomputer 54 has a read only memory (ROM) 78 as part of the central controller 32. The microcomputer 54 is also connected to the blower 16. The speed and capacity of the blower 16 is controlled by a controller having an inverter circuit 80. The maximum capacity of the blower 16 is controlled so as not to exceed the initialized maximum capacity which has been predetermined as will be explained later. The particular heat source that will be utilized (if there is more than one heat source available) will be chosen by the microcomputer 54 and controlled via buffer 62. A random access memory (RAM) 82 is also located in the central controller 32 and is part of the microcomputer 54.

The indoor unit 66 and outdoor unit 68 of the heat pump communicate with the microcomputer 54 via the communication modem 70. Microcomputer 54 also is connected to receive signals from the pressure sensor 38 by means of a pressure sensor signal converter circuit 84. The diaphragm displacement of the static pressure sensor 38 is converted into an electric frequency by means of the circuit 84. The microcomputer 54 receives varying signals from the change in frequency which correspond to pressure changes. The main duct air temperature sensor 40 is connected to the microcomputer 54 by an analog to digital converter 86.

FIG. 5 shows the appearance of the central thermostat 35. The operational modes are selected by means of a system key 88. A series of lighted electrical diodes (LED's) 90 are used to display the several modes being HEAT, AUTOMATIC, COOL, OFF, and FAN, all of which correspond to operations of the system key 88. There are a plurality of function keys 92 through 96 for inputting information. A "SAVE" key 92 is used to enter the information. A "TEMPERATURE" key 94 is used to raise or lower the inputted temperature. A "YES" key 96 and "NO" key 98 are used for input and dialog and are also used to control the time input to the thermostat 35. A schedule key 100 is used to select the scheduled air conditioning, manual air conditioning, and change schedule modes which are indicated by lighted electrical diodes (LED's) 102. A graphic display 104 graphically illustrates the schedule on a liquid crystal display (LCD).

By using the keys 94-98, temperature lines 105, 107 can be created. The temperature line 105 shows the air conditioning settings for various times throughout a 24 hour cycle. It can be seen that at 12:00 o'clock midnight, the temperature is set for 80.degree.. At 6:00 a.m. the temperature is set to be reduced to 76.degree.. This temperature is to remain constant until 6:00 p.m. when it is allowed to raise to 80.degree. once more. The heating line 107 can be similarly followed. Once the lines 105 and 107 are established using keys 94-98, the SAVE key 92 enters the data.

FIG. 6 illustrates the internal circuits of the central thermostat 35. The microcomputer 52 is equipped with an input unit 106 which receives input signals from the temperature detector 40, a system key 88, and other input keys 92 through 100. The input is transmitted to a central processing unit 108 which has a memory 110 in which control programs and calculation results from the central processing unit 108 and other data are saved. A clock 112 is also connected to the central processing unit 108. Output unit 114 and communication modem 46 are connected to the central processing unit 108. The output unit 114 is connected with the mode-displaying LED's, 90 and 102, as well as with the LCD 104, via a driver circuit which is not illustrated in the Figure. The communication modem 46 is connected to the central controller 32.

The central thermostat 35 is an interface between the system user and the air conditioning system. It allows the user to visually program the temperature and enables the user to interact with the control system in English sentences using a question and answer format.

FIG. 6a illustrates the electronic circuitry of the central thermostat 35 and related components. The membrane switches 88, 92, 94, 96, 98 and 100 as previously described are used to input signals to the microcomputer 52. As seen in FIG. 6b, as one or more of the switches are closed, a signal is sent along connections SW0 through SW6 to the microcomputer 52. The LED's 90 and 102 on the front of the central thermostat 35 are energized in response to output signals L0, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6 and L7 generated by the microcomputer 52 (FIGS. 6a and 6c).

FIG. 6e illustrates a temperature sensor circuit 170 which senses the ambient temperature at the central thermostat 35 by means of a thermistor 171. An analog to digital converter 172 converts the signal to a digital signal which is read every second and inputted into the microcomputer 52 at input connectors TOUT, TCLK and TCS.

FIG. 6a also illustrates several other circuits. There is a power conditioning circuit 174 that permits non-polarized connection of 14 volts d.c. and provides high frequency filtering. The power conditioning circuit 174 is seen to be comprised of a diode bridge. A 5 volt power supply 176 generates a regulated +5 volts d.c. A -10 volt power supply 178 generates a regulated -10 volts d.c. for the graphic display 104. A communications circuit 180 modulates and demodulates 62.5 KHz on the power line for the transmission of data. A reset circuit 182 generates a reset signal on power-up of the system and oscillator circuit 184 provides a 4 MHz oscillator for the microcomputer 52.

As previously stated, there is a random access memory 50 having 2 kilobytes of read/write memory for the initially inputted data. Once the data is inputted and is to be saved, it is stored in the microcomputer 54 in the central controller 32. As the data is required, it is transferred back to its memory 50. There is also a read only memory (ROM) 186 which has 16 kilobytes of memory for the storage of programs and tables.

A connector 188 is connected to connector 189 (FIG. 6a) to provide the interconnection between the central thermostat 35 and the liquid crystal graphic display 104. A column integrated circuit 190 and row integrated circuit 192 are connected to the display 104 to provide not only the temperature lines 105 and 107 but to provide alpha numeric communication with the user.

The display is a 32 by 64 (2048) dot display. A 256 byte buffer in RAM is a copy of the display. This buffer is transferred to the display 10 times a second (every 100 ms). When the system is heating or cooling, the display indicates the set temperature and the actual room temperature. When operating from a schedule these values are displayed graphically, also indicating the time. If the system is "off" then the time and temperature is displayed.

The display is also used for setting the clock, programming schedules, installing and servicing the system, and alerting the user of any malfunctions. These operations are interactively performed by displaying questions and waiting for a response from the user.

There are only two external connections 76a and 76b, which are used for connecting the thermostat to the main controller 32. These two connections are non-polarized eliminating the possibility of miswiring. This connection provides power to the thermostat 35 and also provides a means for transferring data between the thermostat 35 and the main controller 32. Data is transferred every 3 or 4 seconds. This allows the main controller 32 to receive the room temperature and any other information the user may enter by pushing the buttons on the thermostat. Also, the main controller sends any necessary information to the thermostat.

The switches 88, 92, 94, 96, 98 and 100 in combination with the central thermostat provide a user interface with the air conditioning system. Not only can the user program the temperature, but the display 104 can be used to give the status and other information about the system. For example, a service person can run diagnostic tests and enter the service code at the central thermostat 35. When the service person enters the service mode through the central thermostat 38, a signal is sent to the central controller 32. The central controller 32 upon receiving the signal enters the service mode. From that time until the end of the service mode, the central controller 32 and central thermostat 35 communicate in a special mode by a configuration unique to the service mode. Dynamic tests allow the service person to directly control the heat source, blower, dampers, air cleaner and humidifier. The heat source and blower speed can thus be controlled at the central thermostat 35 by the service person and the results displayed on LCD 104.

When a fault occurs in the system, the fault count is read from the EEPROM 74 and sent to the central thermostat 35 via the microcomputer 54. The fault count is displayed on the LCD display 104. The operator after taking appropriate corrective steps will clear all the faults.

In a similar manner, static tests are performed and will display certain conditions on display 104. For example, the central thermostat 35 sends a test code to the central controller 32 and in return the central controller sends data bytes to the central thermostat which are interpreted by the central thermostat and displayed. These static tests display ambient temperature sensed by the outdoor temperature sensor 72. They also display the duct pressure from the pressure sensor 38, the duct temperature, the status of the dampers, the status of local room thermostats 36 and the coil temperature of the heat pump.

FIG. 7 shows the software flow chart of the microcomputer 52 in the central thermostat 35. During initialization the installer interfaces with the system by means of the central thermostat 35 and particularly the liquid crystal display 104. The program permits the installer to communicate with the system in natural language sentence format. The information input by the installer at initialization is stored in the read-only memory which is part of the memory 110 in the microcomputer 52.

It is possible to enter the initialization mode by pressing a combination of keys in accordance with the specific procedure. Usually, the system is initialized by the installer. At step 116, "initial configuration?" will be displayed on the LCD 104. If the installer answers yes by pressing key 96, the next questions displayed on LCD 104 are the various heat sources that may be available. For instance, at step 118, the installer is asked if there is a heat pump. At step 120, if the installer responds with a positive reply, the response is stored at step 121 and further questions are asked such as electrical power charges. At step 122, the installer is asked if there is a gas furnace. If there is a positive response at step 124, it is filed at step 125 and gas charges are input. At step 126, the installer is asked if there is an electric heater, and his response is made at step 128. If there is a yes response, power input charges are entered at step 129.

In an alternate embodiment, steps 120 through 129 are replaced with questions relating to the heat sources and a crossover temperature where one heat source will be more economical than the other. In this embodiment the electric and gas charges are not input.

At step 130, the number of zones are input. All dampers are then opened in step 132 if it is a multi-zone system. If it is a single zone system, there are no dampers to be opened or closed, and in effect, all dampers are opened. In step 134, the blower 16 is initially operated at a certain pre-determined frequency (for example, at 40 Hz which is the mean of a frequency control range of 20 to 60 Hz). The command is conveyed to the central controller 32 via the communication modem 46 in the central thermostat 35, thereby operating the blower 16 via the inverter circuit 80. Concurrently, in step 134, the characters "40 Hz OK?" are displayed on the LCD 104 of the central thermostate 35. This character information has been saved in memory 110 in advance. In place of the display "40 Hz,""67%" can be used by replacing "0 to 60 Hz" with "0 to 100%."

In step 136, the installer physically checks the diffusers 22 for the amount of air volume and listens for air noise. He may use test equipment that measures the volume of air coming through the damper. The main duct static pressure is detected and may also be displayed. The decision to save or change the blower capacity is input into the central thermostat 35 by using the save key 92 and temperature raise or lower key 94 at step 138. If the current operating frequency is proper, the save key 92 is pressed to proceed to step 142 via step 140. In step 142, the data "frequency equals 40 Hz" is transferred from the central thermostat 35 to the EEPROM 74 in the central controller 32. Thus, the initialization mode is automatically completed.

If, in step 136, the amount of air flow or noise is judged to be improper, the key 94 is pressed in step 138, to increase or decrease the value of the operating frequency. The result is fed back to step 134 via step 141, "Change of Frequency," and the display in step 134 changes to "42 Hz OK?, " for example. The installer agains checks the diffusers for the amount of air volume and noise. This procedure is repeated until the optimum conditions are found; then, the procedure finally proceeds to step 142.

At step 116, if the installer responds with a "no", the system will operate in its regular routine which includes room temperature detection.

FIG. 8 shows the program flow chart for the ROM 78 in the microcomputer 54 in the central controller 32. Based upon the initial data which is saved in the EEPROM 74, and the signal corresponding to the outdoor temperature which is sent by the outdoor temperature sensor 72, the central controller 32 will select the most efficient heat source unit for operation. Based upon the model and capacity of the selected heat source unit, the variable capacity of the inverter of the outdoor units is interlocked with the indoor/outdoor load to send operating commands to the appropriate units.

The flow chart for read-only memory 78 starts at step 143. At step 144 the initial configuration data from step 142 (FIG. 7) is received. If the data is being received, the initial configuration data is saved in the EEPROM 74 at step 146. If initial configuration data is not being received, we proceed to step 148 which is an alternate control loop. At step 150 the fan capacity is controlled up to a maximum capacity to reach the maximum static pressure. The power charges for heat pump operation are calculated at step 152, and the gas charges for gas furnace operation are calculated at step 154. A comparison is made at step 156 to determine the economy of either selecting the heat pump or gas furnace for activation based upon the outdoor temperature. At step 158, the selection is made to choose either the heat pump or gas furnace.

FIG. 9 illustrates the control flow chart used for the control of the blower 16 in its usual operation. In step 160, the operation mode is determined. If the mode is OFF, the system returns to the initial stage. If the mode is the cooling mode or the air-flow mode, the system proceeds to to step 162. In step 162 the frequency value which has been saved in the EEPROM 74 of the central controller 32 is recalled and the blower 16 is operated by the fan control device and inverter circuit 80 at the saved frequency value (step 164). If the mode is judged to be the heating mode in step 160, the system proceeds to step 166 and the blower 16 is operated at 80% of the frequency value which has been saved in the EEPROM 74. The 80% factor is not necessarily a fixed percentage but is only one fixed variable which has been utilized by applicants. It may be determined upon further developments that a slightly greater or lesser frequency value rather than 80% of the saved frequency value should be used in the heating mode.

In step 140 of the initialization mode, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a maximum operating frequency is established. At step 142 the maximum static pressure is stored in the EEPROM 74 of the central controller 32. This value will be the value of the output signals of the pressure sensor 38 at the optimum operating capacity of the blower 16 corresponding to the optimum frequency of the inverter circuit 80. For example, if the optimum frequency is 50 Hz, the static duct pressure corresponding to this frequency will be established. The output of the pressure sensor 38 will be a value corresponding to this pressure which will be saved in the EEPROM 74. The characteristic graph showing the relationship between the static pressure in the duct and the output signals of the pressure sensor 38 is illustrated in FIG. 10. As the static pressure increases, the pressure sensor output increases proportionally.

The control of the blower 16 in usual operation can be explained by viewing FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 applies to a single zone system and FIG. 12 applies to a multi-zone system. The air path resistance greatly varies according to duct characteristics and the number of open dampers 24. However, if the speed of the blower 16 is controlled so that the static pressure in the duct will be at a constant level, a relatively constant volume of air flow can be sent out of each damper 24, regardless of the number of open dampers 24. Thus, there will be no undesirable increase in the velocity of air flow and/or air noise in the room. Also, the room temperature can be controlled on a consistant basis.

The pressure sensor 38 may show a slight change in its output characteristics due to the passage of time or a change in the ambient temperature. This problem can be solved by a correction factor so that the output of the pressure sensor 38 when the blower 16 is not operating, will be always automatically corrected to 0%.

In the above working examples, the system was explained with a view towards a multi-zone system. However, by the elimination of the dampers 24 and room thermostats 36, the system would be applicable to a single zone system. In any event, either system is so designed such that the capacity of the blower 16 will be varied according to cooling, heating, and air circulating to vary the amount of air flow. However, the system can employ a constant air-flow operating system by taking into account the characteristics of the heat source unit 34, etc. Also, arrangements can be made so that, based upon the thermal load of each room which is detected by the central thermostat 35 or room thermostats 36, when the thermal load is large (i.e., the difference between the set room temperature and the actual room temperature is large), the system will be operated with increased air flow by increasing the speed of the blower 16. When the thermal load is small, the system will be operated with a lower capacity, and a small amount of air flow will result. Also, the maximum speed of the blower 16 or the maximum static pressure in the duct 18 at this time will equal the value saved in the EEPROM 74 of the central controller 32.

In the above examples, a heat pump is used for the heat source 34. However, a gas furnace, a combination of gas furnaces and heat pumps, a combination of heat pumps and electric heaters, air conditioners, or varying combinations of these units can be used for the heat source unit. Also, in the above examples, an inverter circuit 80 was used as the blower controller device for controlling the speed of the blower motor. However, some other capacity control means, such as a power source phase control system, can be used.

Also, in the above examples, the EEPROM 74 in which the maximum value of the fan capacity is saved is located in the microcomputer 54 in the central controller 32. However, the EEPROM 74 can be installed remote from the central controller 32 such as, for example, in the microcomputer 52 in the central thermostat 35.

Thus, there has been provided in this invention, a blower capacity setting means in which the maximum value is set by means of the central thermostat and saved in a memory device. The maximum blower capacity can be easily set according to the system so that the blower capacity will be variably controlled by the blower capacity control means based upon the value saved in the memory. Thus, the blower can be operated at optimum conditions thereby supplying the optimum air flow.

Also, in the subject invention wherein dampers and pressure sensors are used in a multi-zone system, a stable and constant amount of air flow can be obtained through the diffusers regardless of the number of rooms to be air conditioned. This is the result of the capacity memory means retaining the value corresponding to the output signals of the pressure sensor in the optimum operating condition of the blower. Also, the optimum blower capacity can be easily input without special keys by installing a natural language dialog input means on the central thermostat. In applicant's invention a liquid crystal display is used.

Furthermore, the saved data will not be lost in the event of a temporary power failure or other such occurrence as the data is inputted into the EEPROM. By utilizing the stored initialization information for the maximum blower capacity, the blower capacity will be varied according to operating conditions by using the value saved as the upper limit value of the blower operating capacity. This will eliminate excessive velocity of air flow and excessive air noise in the operating system.

Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, an air conditioning system that fully satisfies the objects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system comprising:

a warm or cool air generating source unit,

a capacity variable blower connected to the air generating source unit,

ducts in fluid communication with the blower to distribute warm or cool air,

dampers installed in the ducts for adjusting the air flow,

pressure sensors for mesuring air flow volume outputted by the air generating source unit,

a central thermostat comprising a liquid crystal display which displays data on the thermostat, a plurality of operator controlled switches for the operator to input information, the liquid crystal display displaying the inputted information,

a control system having a microcomputer electrically connected to the operator controlled switches to receive the operator inputted information, a plurality of output devices connected to the microcomputer which are energized in response to specific input information, a first memory for storing initially inputted information and a second memory for storing programs and tables, the control system being operatively connected to the air generating source unit, fan, dampers, pressure sensors and thermostat with the operator actively interacting with the system by a question and answer dialog,

a communication means for transmitting data between the control system and central thermostat, and

control means on the central thermostat to bypass the control system enabling the operator to directly control the air generating source unit, fan, and dampers by means of the operator controlled switches with the operator inputted information and status of the air generating source unit, fan, damper, pressure sensors and thermostat being selectively displayed on the liquid crystal display.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1 wherein the central thermostat further comprises a power conditioning circuit for permitting a non-polarized connection for inputting power to the central thermostat.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 2 and further comprising a thermistor providing a signal representative of the ambient temperature at the central thermostat, the thermistor signal being inputted to the microcomputer.

4. The air conditioning system of claim 3 wherein the control system has a stored program of desired temperatures at particular times, and means for recalling the temperatures at the particular times.

5. The air conditioning system of claim 4 and further comprising comparator means in the control system to compare the ambient temperature with the stored program temperature, and means to determine if the warm or cool air generating source should be energized.