Patent Application
20140244047
The application pertains to security alarm systems used to monitor conditions in a region of interest. More particularly, the application pertains to such systems which incorporate one or more HVAC control interfaces.
Security alarm systems are known to monitor conditions in a region, for example a residence or a commercial building. In the past, such systems did not include integrated thermostat functions nor HVAC-type interfaces to control heating, cooling or ventilation equipment.
In addition to the security monitor system, the residence R would usually include a separate thermostat T coupled to a furnace F, and an air conditioner AC to maintain an appropriate environment in the residence. In known installations, the two systems have been separate and operated independently of one another.
Opportunities exist for integrated home/building control systems which include both security monitoring and environmental control. Preferably such systems could provide both energy savings and remote access.
While disclosed embodiments can take many different forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles thereof as well as the best mode of practicing same, and is not intended to limit the application or claims to the specific embodiment illustrated.
In one aspect, a security system monitors a home or commercial building and its occupancy 24/7 with remote connectivity. An integrated HVAC control interface can provide energy savings and offer remote access.
In another aspect, HVAC control modules can be coupled to a security system with multiple configurations to provide low cost installations usable in residential and business applications. Combining HVAC control modules with a security keypad or panel can reduce labor cost and hardware material cost. Providing wireless, satellite, HVAC control modules that use RF communication to/from the security keypad or control panel can reduce labor cost at installation, and eliminate common component costs such as providing a display on the HVAC control modules. Remote connectivity can be provided to HVAC control functions via the associated security system.
An integrated solution could incorporate a full featured HVAC control module which could be plugged into a security control system keypad such as the TUXEDO TOUCH brand keypad offered commercially by Honeywell International Inc. Additionally, a temperature sensor, relays, seven day scheduling circuitry, setpoint control and energy saving ecology mode of operation can be provided.
Additional configurations based on a wireless, satellite, HVAC interface module can be supported with an associated security system's RF wireless technologies for communicating temperature, relay states and user operational signals. The wireless module greatly reduces installation time by eliminating wire runs back to the security system.
In another aspect, wireless HVAC control modules could be installed at an existing thermostat wall location. In this configuration, the module could connect back to the HVAC equipment with existing wiring. In embodiments hereof, no display is needed at the wireless module. The security system control unit can be used not only to control the HVAC functions but also to display information for a user. This results in a cost reduction and a more convenient user-interface experience as well as less clutter on a wall.
Circuitry 16 can be coupled to a thermostatic, HVAC control, module 18. Module 18 can be mechanically attached to housing 12 with a snap-fit. Other mechanical attachments come within the spirit and scope hereof.
The module 18 utilizes the display and control features of the display module 14. The modules 14, 16 can be used without the module 18 if desired.
Communications can be provided, via a wired connection through a port, and an ECP bus to security related devices such as a main control panel, door/window detectors, intrusion detectors, glass break detectors and the like, as well as ambient condition detectors such as gas, fire or smoke detectors. The thermostatic, HVAC control module 18 can be coupled by new or existing wiring to the HVAC equipment to implement temperature or environmental control.
The module 18 can include one or more temperature sensors 18a, relays 18b for control of furnaces, fans, and/or air conditioning equipment all of which could be coupled to the module 18 with standard HVAC-type wiring as would be understood by those of skill in the art. Advantageously, the module 18 need not carry any control or display elements since the display module 14 can provide all such features for both the security system control module 16 as well as the HVAC control module 18.
The module 34 can communicate wirelessly with one or more thermostatic/HVAC control modules, such as module 38. The display 34a can also present information, or receive inputs for the module 38 which needs only temperature regulating local keys or switches 38a and LED-type display devices 34b. The push buttons 38a can provide local temperature adjustment and the displays 38b can provide a local indicator as to the ambient temperature relative to a set-point, and used for learning/assignment of the device unique ID into the display module. For example, the display unit could be placed into a “learn mode” then a unique combination, or timed sequence of button presses on the remote module would cause the device to be learned.
Module 38 can communicate with the HVAC equipment via standard wiring which would be understood by those of skill in the art. That wiring can also provide electrical energy, for example 24 volt AC to energize the module 38. Because the module 34 displays information and can accept commands for both the associated security system and the HVAC module 38, the cost of the module 38 is advantageously reduced and it can present a less obtrusive presence on the wall.
The module 38′ includes a battery 38d, which could be rechargeable. In the
The module 38′ can also include manual input buttons, or switches, 38a as well as a limited LED display 38b. It will be understood that information pertaining to the module 38′ can be presented, as previously discussed on a display, such as the display 34a, and also used to provide information as to the associated security system. Commands can also be provided wirelessly to the module 38′ via the display 34a and key pad 34b.
Module 38′ can be operated to maximize the available energy from the battery 38d. In an exemplary low power operational method, the module 38′ can read the ambient temperature, via a two wire communication link to the HVAC equipment, once every ten seconds. Readings can be averaged every thirty seconds. Temperature can be transmitted to the module 34 whenever the temperature changes by a predetermined amount, for example, one-half degree C.
With a stable unchanging temperature, a temperature message can be sent to the unit 34 with longer time intervals, for example once an hour to provide a sync pulse to the module 34. The module 34 can use this message for synchronization and to send a control message to the thermostatic module 38′ after a predetermined time interval, such as ten second intervals. A listening window can be provided for a response on the order of 250 ms, without limitation.
Control messages can be sent from the module 34 to the thermostatic module 38′ to activate the control circuits and relays on the module 38′. Status messages can be transmitted from the module 38′ to the control module 34 in response to received instructions from the module 34.
In summary, embodiments hereof offer multiple integrated and wireless HVAC control solutions for a security system. Several exemplary security systems plus HVAC control modules have been disclosed herein. Each combination provides an advantageous cost configuration to address a variety of installations and business applications.
There could be a snap-on HVAC control module that can be embedded in a security keypad. There could be wall mounted, wireless, satellite HVAC control modules that use reliable low power RF communication that transmit and receive data messages with the security keypad. There could be a battery powered wireless satellite HVAC control modules that connect to the security keypad. There could be WiFi enabled HVAC control modules that connect to the same cloud as the security system and integrated in the cloud to allow event/action automation in the cloud. Embodiments hereof are useful in new construction or retro applications to achieve low system cost, ease of installation, optimal energy management and remote control.
For example, a connected security/HVAC system can include a security keypad control unit such as a TUXEDO TOUCH, or LYNX TOUCH brand monitoring unit and a plurality of wireless HVAC interface modules. The HVAC interface modules can be battery, or, AC powered or PoE satellite temperature zone controllers that are displayless, except for some point sources such as LEDs, and are wired to operate heating/cooling/fan equipment with known HVAC wiring schemes. Wireless communications can be transmitted to a security system which has a display that provides common user interface for users to operate security and HVAC control functions.
In another configuration, an HVAC controller module includes a temperature sensor, multiple relays for heating/cooling/fan equipment control, status LED's, push buttons, RF communication radio, HVAC wiring terminal blocks and power supply. The device has no display, other than the LEDs, and functions as a satellite HVAC interface module that can be wirelessly controlled by a security keypad or self-contained security panel. The buttons could be used for adjusting the setpoint temperature warmer or cooler by one degree and for set-up and device ID assignment.
The LED's could have, for example, three colors. A blue LED can indicate the setpoint temperature is lower than the ambient room temperature, which means the HVAC system is currently providing a cooling function. A green LED indicates the setpoint is matching the ambient room temperature, which means the HVAC system is currently in an idle state and the room temperature is at desire level. A red LED can indicate that the setpoint temperature is higher than the ambient room temperature, which means the HVAC system is currently providing a heating function.
An HVAC control module that is battery powered can be provided. Power stealing circuit can be included to recharge the battery. Wireless communication can be implemented with a low power mode to wakeup periodically to measure temperature, transmit data and receive RF control messages from the security system.
A cloud connected embodiment includes a security system and one or more HVAC control modules all with WiFi (or other internetworking connectivity) connectivity to the cloud for integration. There is no local peer-to-peer connection between the security monitoring system and the HVAC control modules. The cloud connects all of the devices and provides event/action control. The security system and the HVAC control modules each have a display.
A method of automating HVAC control in an emergency event with a security system integrated with HVAC control can also be implemented. The system includes a security system with built-in HVAC control or satellite HVAC control modules and life safety sensors such as smoke detectors, CO detectors, heat detectors and other hazard detectors; a method of detecting a life safety alarm condition from the sensors, determining the source/location/type of the alarm, determining the type of HVAC equipment that needs to be properly turned on or off to better control the spread of the hazardous gas. In the case of a CO alarm, the system can turn on ventilation equipment to circulate fresh air inside a building or region of interest.
Multiple wireless HVAC modules can communicate with a single monitoring system. A connected security/HVAC system can incorporate and communicate with a plurality of wireless satellite HVAC control modules. Such a security system could include a plurality of different wireless communication technologies and control multiple satellite HVAC control modules in different zones using different wireless technologies such as Z-Wave, Zigbee, WiFi, 6LoWPAN, Honeywell's 5800 Brand product, and RF6 systems.
A method of improving comfort control with a security/HVAC system that includes multiple environmental sensors in different areas of the building where the security/HVAC system includes a table/array/database storing location information of wired or wireless temperature and environmental condition sensor. The readings from several sensors can be averaged, or otherwise processed to provide better comfort control in an area of a building.
A method of identifying HVAC equipment trouble conditions, diagnostic, life expectance and maintenance with a security HVAC system that includes environmental sensors and equipment diagnostic interfacing modules. The connected Security HVAC system that comprise of a table/array/database storing HVAC equipment information of wired or wireless environment sensors and equipment diagnostic interfacing modules and integrates an algorithm to detect equipment troubles, diagnostic symptoms, filter life expectances and maintenance indications. The connected security HVAC system can communicate HVAC equipment status to the cloud processing center, the end user's mobile devices and/or maintenance repair crew processing center. The security system could also display the equipment status on the screen for on-site information update.
In a method of operating security and HVAC equipment on mobile devices through a security system and connected HVAC control modules, the security system or displayless HVAC control modules can be connected by a mobile tablet or smartphone via the cloud and users can operate their systems locally and remotely.
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope hereof. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. Further, logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be add to, or removed from the described embodiments.
