SPATIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL UNIT

Abstract

The goal of the Spatial Environmental Control Unit as a continuation based on the Multifunctional Environmental Control Unit is to create a user friendly accurate analysis and control of heat transfer dynamics in a spatial area that is responsive to the thermal dynamics of the area of interest and accurate to maintain an acceptable level of thermal control as environmental and human biological conditions change without requiring excessive interruptions to the user for manual adjustment. The Spatial Environmental Control Unit (SECU) makes the current norm of an “absolute” temperature control approach for thermal control and human comfort obsolete. A COMFORT “theory of relativity” will now be the new norm. The proposed dynamic process of mapping and analyzing the thermal changes rapidly within the area of interest responds to the unpredictable thermal changes in environment better than the best static or “learning” process currently available. Even though the current “learning” process for thermal control makes periodic changes based on logged user preferences as a function of time, it still controls for extended time periods with a single static temperature set point. Basically, a series of a series of static control sequences as a function of time. The proposed Spatial Environmental Control Unit incorporates the dynamics of analyzing real time thermal changes with timely feedback from the user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

From the early days of HVAC the focus for conditioning air for human comfort has been based on measuring temperature. From mercury thermometers to thermistors, thermocouples, RTDs, technology has advanced to refine the accuracy of temperature measurement as determined by the air temperature at a single point or averaged over an area in space. The drawbacks of a single temperature measurement in space is that the number is an absolute and fixed numerical measurement or calculation. It applies to point or a single average number within an area and is not “smart” enough to understand the variations in temperature distribution throughout the spatial area of interest and the variables in human perception of comfort in a timely fashion. The acceptability of thermal environmental level varies whether an individual wants conditions warmer or cooler than the current level. If controlling thermal comfort, individuals may prefer warmer temperatures indoors on cold days and cooler temperatures on warm days. Human biological cycles affect the hourly and daily perception of thermal comfort. Activity levels and clothing are also important factors. As energy considerations become more critical the ability to trade off clothing vs energy usage requires flexibility in convenient, timely and accurate control of thermal conditions. To satisfy the dynamic variables requires a “smarter” control of thermal conditions than the current state of the art. The proposed invention introduces the concept of relativity in thermal level refined by effectively responding to user comfort feedback.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The goal of the Spatial Environmental Control Unit as a continuation based on the Spatial Environmental Control Unit (application Ser. No. 13/694,773, U.S. Pat. No. 1,000,1789) is to create a user friendly accurate analysis of heat transfer dynamics in a spatial area that is responsive to the thermal dynamics of the area of interest and accurate to maintain an acceptable level of thermal control as environmental and biological human conditions change without requiring excessive interruptions to the user for manual adjustment. The Spatial Environmental Control Unit (SECU) makes the current norm of an “absolute” temperature control approach for thermal control and human comfort obsolete. A COMFORT “theory of relativity” will now be the new norm. The proposed dynamic process of analyzing the thermal changes rapidly within the area of detection that responds to the unpredictable thermal changes in environment better than the best static or “learning” process currently available. Even though the current “learning” process for thermal control makes periodic changes based on logged user preferences as a function of time, it still controls for extended time periods with a single static temperature set point. Basically, a series of a series of static control sequences as a function of time. The proposed Spatial Environmental Control Unit incorporates the dynamics of analyzing real time thermal changes with timely feedback from the user.

The IMPLEMENTATION is as follows:

The thermal heating or cooling capacity of any object in a space produces infrared energy that can be observed and measured by an infrared radiation detector. A Heat Transfer Analytical Sensor Unit (HTASU), consisting of at least one multi-spectral multi-pixel infrared sensing detector and an electronic control unit wherein each irradiance sensing cell or pixel converts the thermal radiation from an object to a change in measurable electrical property (including, but not limited to, a photo-current, a resistance, a voltage) such that the property can be read, transmitted and stored for analysis by the electronic control unit. As technology progresses, a large multi-pixel array can be used in the invention, wherein the irradiance is read and transmitted by a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) to the electronic control unit. That electrical signal is representative of the radiation level and heating or cooling potential of any object on other objects in its line of sight. The resolution of the electrical signal map of the pixels within the array will allow determination of the nature of the thermal load and heat transfer between objects in the area of detection. The resolution is a function of the number of pixels and the quality of the lens focusing the radiation and the accuracy of the infrared radiation detecting cell. The current “obsolete” state of art in environment thermal control, at best, averages some or all of the electrical signals from the infrared cells. This is better than a single point temperature sensor or multiple temperature sensors in that each pixel is a sensor but the averaging and subsequent post processing determines a temperature that represents the average temperature of objects in the area of detection. This continues the obsolete approach of temperature as an absolute measurement of desired thermal level. The proposed invention looks at the space spatially, in 2D and 3D, to better define the heat transfer between objects in the area of detection, the movement of the thermally conditioned fluid, and the thermal stratification of fluid in the environment of the user interest. Natural light visibility imaging, incorporated in the product, enhances thermal analysis and facilitates bidirectional communication with the user. Additionally, the resolution of the infrared sensor (pixel count) and the capability to analysis changes in consecutive logged images allow tracking of the conditioned fluid movement within the area of detection based on the consecutive irradiance signals communicated to the electronic control unit. The tracked thermal movement is valuable feedback on the direction and flow rate of the conditioned fluid to determine the effectiveness of the Spatial Environmental Control Unit.

Our unit will include a multi-pixel, multi-spectral infrared radiation sensor, a control unit with custom algorithm to map the thermal load distribution and the dynamic transfer of heat in the area of detection, a user interface device for feedback for calibration between the thermal load map and user comfort, an actuator to operate a flow device and the flow control device called the flow control regulator. The most common application would be the accurate and timely control of user human comfort in an i office, room in a residential space or an outdoor spatial area.

The control scheme is

I. Position and mount the infrared sensor in a location that allows mapping for all areas of intended usage.

II. (Optionally) Using internal angular adjustment capability, direct the infrared and visible sensors and their adjust the lens field of view to the area of interest

III. Map the infrared radiation level for each pixel in line of sight of the area of interest of user thermal level requirements

IV. (Optionally) Identify the approximate location of the focus of user interest to apply weighting factors and calculations for the best starting point for determination of ambient thermal load dynamics that affect the users' thermal requirements. The thermal load dynamics analysis include estimation of both convective heat transfer to the environment in proximity to the users' area of interest and radiation heat transfer directly between the users' area of interest and nearby thermally influential objects.

V. Input the heating and cooling parameters in terms of heating and cooling capability, location of the flow regulator with respect to the current area of interest, and the location and the directional capability of the flow regulator

VI. With equipment running long enough to allow environmental conditions to stabilize in the area of interest, communicate directly with the user through the user interface for authorization, identification, and current thermal satisfaction level

VII. Also request current user input for the time frame for feedback through the user interface device while monitoring potential changes in thermal level and allowing sufficient time for the effects of the flow control regulator flow change to stabilize within the environment in the area of interest. Request current user satisfaction level with the thermal conditions and request desired changes in thermal level

VIII. The control unit sends a signal to the actuator to adjust the flow opening of the flow regulator in the direction to improve the conditions of toward acceptable user required thermal level in the area of interest

IX. Monitor the infrared map in the electronic control unit sequentially to identify changes that relate to the thermal effects of the changes in flow from the flow regulator on the thermal level in the area of interest

X. Adhering to the user dictated time frame, request feedback through the user interface device from user about acceptability of the current thermal level

XI. Repeat the adjustment process until user is satisfied with the thermal level in the area of interest

XII. Develop and store the relationship between the infrared radiation map readings and comfort level of the user to extend the time frame for the user feedback to maintain acceptable thermal level control

XIII. Communicate with user based on the user input time frame to monitor any improvements or deterioration in user thermal satisfaction and make adjusts as described above Thermal control at location within a space is a balance between the external ambient thermal load (BTU) and the system design mechanical (BTU) capabilities. Offsetting the ambient thermal load by adjust the mechanical thermal input allows control of spacial thermal level. The variables with any thermal measurement adds uncertainty and when you factor in human physical and psychological variables, an “absolute temperature set point selection for control is unlikely to succeed long term. The invention approach is the develop the thermal map of the environment for control which is updated periodically to monitor thermal changes. On the system mechanical control components we have programmed in information about their BTU capacity of the equipment under user control. Neither the measurement of environmental conditions or the level of adjustment need to be extremely accurate because of the feedback “calibration” from the user. But these measurements must be repeatable and reliable. The user input is the critical calibration factor which puts both ambient and conditioned load information into focus as it relates to user desired thermal level. This invention approach allows achieving an acceptable thermal level quickly and will also quickly correct for significant disturbances on either the ambient load or user thermal requirement. Mapping the details of the thermal object load and its response to changes in conditioned load input using infrared radiation sensing will achieve acceptable environmental conditions in an acceptable time frame and minimize thermal oscillations. A 2D image of area will also provide valuable feedback about vertical thermal stratification which is difficult or impossible to evaluate by an other approach.

Other proposed enhancements include

I. Multiple infrared radiation sensors spaced to provide for development of a 3D space thermal matrix further improving analysis of the effects of convective heat transfer and radiation heat transfer based on location of objects within the area of interest

II. User input device options include, but not limited to, a mounted custom device with keypad, a hand held device with keypad that can be mounted, a cell phone with an app for communicating with the control unit, a speaker, a microphone, a computer

III. An user input device, with a display that downloads a thermal image from the HTASU, optionally modified for environmental visible light sensing, wherein the screen is touch sensitive allowing the user to select focus within the area of interest and activate thermal control within the selected area of the thermal image

IV. A pointing beam at the focus for control within area of interest frequency that can be directed at the infrared sensor to pinpoint critical control location

V. An optical sensor for visible light detection that can be superimposed with the infrared image to create a more photo realistic viewing capability

VI. Positioning a three dimensional thin element object in the area where the user is located wherein each small segment of the individual thin elements warms or cools and stabilizes rapidly to represent the ambient gas thermal conditions in contact with it. The infrared sensor by measuring the radiation input distribution along each segment of the thin elements can document a thermal profile of the gas in the vicinity of the user (for example, a thin screen, preferably with low emissivity, that allows gas movement to pass thru it and represents the air local thermal conditions. The screen can be printed with a image for aesthetics). Depending on the vertical and horizontal dimensions the thin element object and its location with respect to the user, this approach would provide valuable information about the air movement and thermal stratification of the gas in the area of interest.

VII. Incorporate additional 3D distance mapping components to provide information about the spatial dimensions and size and location of objects within the area of detection. Technology for image capture for dimensional analysis could include, but not limited to, time of flight technology and “light coding technology. Determining dimensions for the physical position of objects in the field of view enhances the accuracy of calculations for heat transfer between objects.

VIII. A temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the fluid flow through the flow control regulator to determine if the conditioned fluid system for thermal control is in the heating, cooling or recirculation mode and is in the proper thermal state to improve the thermal conditions in the area of interest

IX. A humidity sensor communicating with the HTASU to provide the psychometric variable of humidity for analysis of humidity's effect the acceptable of the thermal conditions as dictated by the user

X. An adjustable lens to change the field of view of infrared radiation sensor and the visible light sensor

XI. If the flow regulator is a smart window or skylight. the regulator incorporates an outside air temperature and a moisture sensor (primarily rain)) which communicates with the HTASU to determine the usability of the ambient outside air for thermal conditioning entering the area of thermal control

XII. The fluid control regulator incorporates a pressure sensor, measuring pressure and/or fluid flow within the flow control regulator, communicating with the HTASU for reporting the heat transfer capacity and providing an additional control variable to the electronic control unit

XIII. Incorporating the ability to direct the infrared sensor area of detection mechanically or manually to target the user's desired location of comfort control

XIV. Using a GPS device ((i.e. cell phone)) to pinpoint the area of interest for thermal control

XV. The ability to change the area of detection of the infrared and visible light sensors being enabled by guide beam mounted to the infrared detector and visible light detector

XVI. Combining technologies of infrared radiation measurement, optical visible image detection, and 3D dimensional mapping of objects in the field of view provide the most sophisticated and accurate determination of heat transfer affecting the user directed thermal conditions.

Claims

1: A Multifunctional Environmental Control Unit comprising: an adjustable fluid flow regulator, an actuator connected to said adjustable fluid flow regulator and configured to control said adjustable fluid flow regulator, an electronic control unit communicating with said actuator and configured to control the said adjustable fluid flow regulator to vary the flow, an infrared temperature sensor in communication with said electronic control unit, whereby said infrared temperature sensor measures temperature and opens or closes said adjustable fluid flow regulator based on a comparison of said temperature to a threshold temperature

2: The Multifunctional Environmental Control Unit of claim 1, wherein said adjustable fluid flow regulator is mounted in a room in at least one of the following: a) a ceiling; b) a wall; c) a floor; d) under the floor; e) above the ceiling; and f): inside the wall

3: The Multifunctional Environmental Control Unit of claim 2, wherein said housing assembly is powered by an energy supply comprising: an energy harvesting assembly, a battery or a super capacitor.

4. The Multifunctional Environmental Control Unit of claim 1; wherein said adjustable fluid flow regulator and said actuator is mounted in a daylighting element frame, wherein, the said adjustable fluid flow regulator is a moveable daylighting assembly incorporating at least one of the following: a) a window component; b): a skylight component, said actuator being attached to said moveable daylighting assembly for the control of the said moveable daylighting assembly in response to signals from said infrared sensor; whereby said actuator engages said moveable daylighting assembly to move said moveable daylighting assembly creating said flow gap; said infrared sensor being configured to measure temperature proximate said moveable daylighting assembly.

5: The Multifunctional Environmental Control Unit of claim 5, wherein said moveable daylighting assembly is powered by an energy supply comprising: an energy harvesting assembly, a battery or a super capacitor.

6: The Multifunctional Environmental Control Unit of claim 1 configured with and communicating with one or more pressure sensors; whereby said pressure sensors measure pressure in the fluid controlled by said adjustable fluid flow regulator and determines one or more, but not limited to one or more, of the following: a): flow rate through the flow control regulator, b); sound level resulting from the aerodynamics of fluid flow velocity driven by the measured pressure, and c) static pressure.

7. A method for developing a irradiance map of a spatial area to analyze heat transfer between objects in the said spatial area, the method comprising: imaging the spatial area, with one or more infrared radiation detectors which communicates one or more irradiance maps to an electronic control unit which computes the relative heat transfer between objects in the spatial area; wherein all of the said infrared radiation detectors and said electronic control unit form a heat transfer analytical sensor unit (HTASU)

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the said heat transfer analytical sensor unit configured with an actuator and a flow control regulator: whereby said heat transfer analytical sensor unit communicates with said actuator andwhereby the said actuator is connected to said flow control regulatorwherein said heat transfer analytical sensor unit said actuator, and said flow control regulator form a spatial environmental control assembly (SECU); whereby said actuator engages said flow control regulator to adjust flow through said flow control regulator; and whereby the method of claim 1, imaging and computing relative heat transfer between objects, communicates with said actuator adjusting flow through said flow control regulator to control the thermal conditions of said spatial area

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising said spatial environmental control unit adjusting the flow through said flow regulator into the said spatial area to satisfy the thermal conditions required by a user; whereby the said required thermal conditions within the said spatial area, as dictated by the said user, are communicated, to the said electronic control unit for the propose of adjusting the flow of said flow control regulator into said spatial area to control the thermal conditions in said spatial area: wherein the said user communicates the acceptability of thermal conditions and the directions for improvement to thermal conditions for current thermal level in said spatial area to the said electronic control unit by means of a user control device; wherein the said user control device for communicating with the said electronic control unit includes but is not limited to any of the following components: a device incorporating a keypad, a device incorporating a microphone, a device incorporating a speaker, a device incorporating a display, a device incorporating a display with touch sensitive response, a cell phone, a computer, a personal communication device;

10. The method of claim 7, comprised to require two or more infrared radiation detectors imaging the spatial area which communicate the irradiance maps to an electronic control unit which computes and integrates the maps in three dimensions to calculate the relative heat transfer between objects in said three dimension; wherein two or more said infrared radiation detectors and said electronic control unit form a heat transfer analytical sensor unit (HTASU)

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the said heat transfer analytical sensor unit configured with an actuator and a flow control regulator: whereby said heat transfer analytical sensor unit communicates with said actuator and; whereby the said actuator is connected to said flow control regulator; wherein said heat transfer analytical sensor unit, said actuator, and said flow control regulator form a spatial environmental control assembly (SECU); whereby said actuator engages said flow control regulator to adjust flow through said flow control regulator; and whereby the method of claim 10, imaging and computing relative heat transfer between objects, communicates with said actuator adjusting flow through said flow control regulator to control the thermal conditions of said spatial area;

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising said spatial environmental control unit adjusting the flow through said flow regulator into the said spatial area to satisfy the thermal conditions required by the user; whereby the said required thermal conditions within the said spatial area, as dictated by the user, are communicated, to the said electronic control unit for the propose of adjusting the flow of said flow control regulator into said spatial area to control the thermal conditions in said spatial area: wherein the said user communicates the acceptability of thermal conditions and the directions for improvement to thermal conditions for current thermal level in said spatial area to the said electronic control unit by means of a user control device; wherein the said user control device for communicating, with the said electronic control unit includes but is not limited to any of the following components: a device incorporating a keypad, a device incorporating a microphone, a device incorporating a speaker, a device incorporating a display, a device incorporating a display with touch sensitive response, a cell phone, a computer, a personal communication device;

13. The method of claim 7 further comprising one or more visible image detectors complementing the said heat transfer analysis, the method comprising: imaging the spatial area with an one or more infrared radiation detectors which communicates the irradiance map to an electronic control unit which computes the relative heat transfer between objects in spatial area and imaging the natural light with one or more visible image detectors which can be viewed separately or superimposed with the said infrared radiation image for improved visualization and analysis; wherein said one or more infrared radiation detector and said electronic control unit form a heat transfer analytical sensor unit (HTASU).

14: The method of claim 13 further comprising the said heat transfer analytical sensor unit configured an actuator and a flow control regulator whereby said heat transfer analytical sensor unit communicates with said actuator andwhereby the said actuator is connected to said flow control regulatorwherein said heat transfer analytical sensor unit, said actuator, and said flow control regulator form a spatial environmental control assembly (SECU); whereby said actuator engages said flow control regulator to adjust flow through said flow control regulator; and whereby the method of claim 13, imaging and computing relative heat transfer between objects, communicates with said actuator adjusting flow through said flow control regulator to control the thermal conditions of said spatial area; whereby the said thermal conditions, as dictated by a user, are communicated to the said electronic control unit to adjust the flow through said flow control regulator to control the thermal conditions of said spatial area;

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising said spatial environmental control unit adjusting the flow through said flow regulator into the said spatial area to satisfy the thermal conditions required by the user; whereby the said required thermal conditions within the said spatial area, as dictated by the user, are communicated, to the said electronic control unit for the propose of adjusting the flow of said flow control regulator into said spatial area to control the thermal conditions in said spatial area: wherein the said user Communicates the acceptability of thermal conditions and the directions for improvement to thermal conditions for current thermal level in said spatial area to the said electronic control unit by means of a user control device; wherein the said user control device for communicating with the said electronic control unit includes but is not limited to any of the following components: a device incorporating a keypad, a device incorporating a microphone, a device incorporating a speaker, a device incorporating a display, a device incorporating a display with touch sensitive response, a cell phone, a computer, a personal communication device;

16. The method of claim 10 further comprising one or more visible image detectors to complement the said heat transfer analysis, the method comprising: imaging the spatial area with two or more said infrared radiation detectors which communicate the three dimensional irradiance map to to an electronic control unit which computes the relative heat transfer between objects in spatial area and imaging the natural light with one or more visible image detectors which can be viewed separately or superimposed with the said infrared radiation images for improved visualization and analysis; wherein said two or more infrared radiation detectors and said electronic control unit form a heat transfer analytical sensor unit (HTASU).

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the said heat transfer analytical sensor unit configured an actuator and a flow control regulator: whereby said heat transfer analytical sensor unit communicates with said actuator and whereby the said actuator is connected to said flow control regulator wherein said heat transfer analytical sensor unit, said actuator, and said flow control regulator form a spatial environmental control assembly (SECU); whereby said actuator engages said flow control regulator to adjust flow through said flow control regulator; and whereby the method of claim 16, imaging and computing relative heat transfer between objects, communicates with said actuator adjusting flow through said flow control regulator to control the thermal conditions of said spatial area; whereby the said thermal conditions, as dictated by a user, are communicated to the said electronic control unit to adjust the flow through said flow control regulator to control the thermal conditions of said spatial area;

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising said spatial environmental control unit adjusting the flow through said flow regulator into the said spatial area to satisfy the thermal conditions required by the user; whereby the said required thermal conditions within the said spatial area, as dictated by the user, are communicated, to the said electronic control unit for the propose of adjusting the flow of said flow control regulator into said spatial area to control the thermal conditions in said spatial area: wherein the said user communicates the acceptability of thermal conditions and the directions for improvement to thermal conditions for current thermal level in said spatial area to the said electronic control unit by means of a user control device; wherein the said user control device for communicating with the said electronic control unit includes but is not limited to any of the following components: a device incorporating a keypad, a device incorporating a microphone, a device incorporating a speaker, a device incorporating a display, a device incorporating a display with touch sensitive response, a cell phone, a computer, a personal communication device;

19. The method of claim 7 further comprising two or more visible light detectors which complement the said heat transfer analysis, the Method comprising: imaging the spatial area with one or more said infrared radiation detectors which communicate the irradiance map to an electronic control unit which computes the relative heat transfer between objects in spatial area and imaging the natural light with said two or more visible image detectors forming a visible three dimensional image of the said spatial area Wherein the visible image is superimposed or viewed separately as a three dimensional visible light image With the said infrared radiation image for improved visualization and analysis wherein said infrared radiation detectors and said electronic control unit form a heat transfer analytical sensor unit (HTASU)

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the said heat transfer analytical sensor unit configured an actuator and a flow control regulator whereby said heat transfer analytical sensor unit communicates with said actuator and whereby the said actuator is connected to said flow control regulator; wherein said heat transfer analytical sensor unit, said actuator, and said flow control regulator form a spatial environmental control assembly (SECU); whereby said actuator engages said flow control regulator to adjust flow through said flow control regulator; and whereby the method of claim 19, imaging and computing relative heat transfer between objects, communicates with said actuator adjusting flow through said flow control regulator to control the thermal conditions of said spatial area; whereby the said thermal conditions, as dictated by a user, are communicated to the said electronic control unit to adjust the flow through said flow control regulator to control the thermal Conditions of said spatial area;

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising said spatial environmental control unit adjusting the flow through said flow regulator into the said spatial area to satisfy the thermal conditions required by the user; whereby the said required thermal conditions within the said spatial area, as dictated by the user, are communicated, to the said electronic control unit for the propose of adjusting the flow of said flow control regulator into said spatial area to control the thermal conditions in said spatial area: wherein the said user communicates the acceptability of thermal conditions and the directions for improvement to thermal conditions for current thermal level in said spatial area to the said electronic control unit by means of a user control device; wherein the said user control device for communicating with the said electronic control unit includes but is not limited to any of the following components: a device incorporating a keypad, a device incorporating a microphone, a device incorporating a speaker, a device incorporating a display, a device incorporating a display with touch sensitive response, a cell phone, a computer, a personal communication device;

22. A method for developing a superimposition of one or more irradiance maps and one or more visible images of a spatial area for the purpose to analyzing heat transfer between objects wherein the said visible images complement said heat transfer analysis, the method comprising: imaging the spatial area with one or more visible far infrared radiation detectors (VFIR) which communicate the said superimposed irradiance maps and visible images to to an electronic control unit which computes the relative heat transfer between objects wherein the said superimposed natural light visual image allows improved visualization and analysis; wherein said visible far infrared radiation detectors and said, electronic control unit form a heat transfer analytical sensor unit (HTASU)

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising the said heat transfer analytical sensor unit configured an actuator and a flow control regulator: whereby said heat transfer analytical sensor unit communicates with said actuator and whereby the said actuator is connected to said flow control regulator; wherein said heat transfer analytical sensor unit, said actuator, and said flow control regulator form a spatial environmental control assembly (SECU); whereby said actuator engages said flow control regulator to adjust flow through said flow control regulator; and whereby the method of claim 22, imaging and computing relative heat transfer between objects, communicates with said actuator adjusting flow through said flow control regulator to control the thermal conditions of said spatial area; whereby the said thermal conditions, as dictated by a user, are communicated to the said electronic control unit to adjust the flow through said flow control regulator to control the thermal conditions of said spatial area;

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising said spatial environmental control unit adjusting the flow through said flow regulator into the said spatial area to satisfy the thermal conditions required by the user; whereby the said required thermal conditions within the said spatial area, as dictated by the user, are communicated, to the said electronic control unit for the propose of adjusting the flow of said flow control regulator into said spatial area to control the thermal conditions in said spatial area: wherein the said user communicates the acceptability of thermal conditions and the directions for improvement to thermal conditions for current thermal level in said spatial area to the said electronic control unit by means of a user control device; wherein the said user control device for communicating with the said electronic control unit includes but is not limited to any of the following components: a device incorporating a keypad, a device incorporating a microphone, a device incorporating a speaker, a device incorporating a display, a device incorporating a display with touch sensitive response, a cell phone, a computer, a personal communication device;

25. The method of claim 7 further comprising one or more infrared emitters and one or more interference filters to determine one or more gas concentrations within said spatial area; wherein the said infrared emitters emit radiation within said spatial area in the direction of one or more of the said infrared radiation detectors and said interference filters, located between the said radiation emitter and the said infrared radiation detector; wherein, the said interference filters block wavelengths, of radiation from passing through to the said infrared radiation detector, wherein the radiation from the said radiation emitters passing through the said interference filters is measured by the said infrared radiation detector determines the concentration of the gases.