Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BUILDING OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM AND LIGHTING SWITCH WITH
ADAPTIVE BLIND, WINDOW AND AIR QUALITY CONTROLS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[00013 This application is a Continuation-In-Part of Application No.
12/033,831
entitled, "Building Optimization System and Lighting Switch" filed on February
19, 2008,
and also claims the benefit of priority tinder 35 U.S.C. 119 to U.S.
Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 61/041,874, filed on April 02, 2008, entitled,
"Building Optimization
System".
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure relates to lighting control switches, and more
particularly to a
network-capable, A/B lighting switch and control module.
[0003] Rising energy costs, increasingly tenuous energy supply, and
accelerating
environmental damage due to present energy production and consumption
patterns, are just
some factors that can be addressed by a needed new way to operate lighting in
a building,
without inconveniencing the building's occupants.
SUMMARY
[00043 This document discloses a building optimization system, and in
particular a
building optimization switch, for minimizing the use of electric lighting in a
building and
thereby optimizing a building's energy use.
[0005] The building optimization system includes a number of building
optimization
switches for controlling the environment of a corresponding space in a
building according to
a plurality of operation modes, as well as any number of modular,
interchangeable binary
controllers for controlling various environmental factors of a number of zones
of a building.
The building optimization includes switch an A/B lighting switch having
lighting controls
and a graphical display. The A/B lighting switch is further connected to one
or more sensors
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for sensing and measuring environmental data of at least one zone of the
building. The
building optimization switch further includes a binary controller connected
with the A/B
lighting switch to control an environmental variable of the zone based on user
input or the
environmental data.
[0005a] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
building optimization
system comprising: a binary controller to receive user input for communicating
control signals
to a mechanical device in each of a plurality of zones of a building; a
communication
network; a master controller for controlling the operation of each binary
controller via the
communication network; and a lighting switch connected with each binary
controller for
controlling at least first and second lighting banks of each of the plurality
of zones, the
lighting switch comprising: first and second lighting controls for manually
operating the first
and second lighting banks, a motion sensor for detecting occupancy of the
zone, logic
responsive to input signals from the first and second lighting controls or the
motion sensor for
controlling the first and second lighting banks, a graphical user interface by
which an
occupant of the building can input requests for lighting and program the
lighting switch and
receive data related to the plurality of operation zones, the graphical user
interface further
configured to display a state of the binary controller, and a graphical
display screen adapted to
display the graphical user interface.
[0005b] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a building
optimization system comprising: a building optimization switch comprising a
lighting switch
having lighting controls and a graphical display, the lighting switch being
further connected to
one or more sensors for sensing and measuring environmental data of at least
one zone of the
building, the building optimization switch further including a binary
controller connected with
the lighting switch to control an environmental variable of the zone based on
user input or the
environmental data, the graphical display further comprising a user interface
for receiving
requests for lighting and air conditioning; and a master controller connected
with the building
optimization switch for tracking energy usage and generating reports based on
activities of the
building optimization switch.
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[0006] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying
drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be
apparent from the
description and drawings, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] These and other aspects will now be described in detail with
reference to the
following drawings.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a high level depiction of a building optimization
system for
optimizing energy usage and an environment of a building.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of a building optimization switch.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a layout of an A/B lighting switch.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates one implementation of a building
optimization system
configuration for a building.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a building optimization system with adaptive
blind control.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows a building optimization system with adaptive
window control.
[0014] FIG. 7 shows a building optimization system with air quality sensor.
[0015] FIG. 8 shows a building optimization system with building
optimization
switch, air quality sensor, adaptive blind control, and adaptive window
control.
[0016] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary master controller.
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[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates a personal computer interface for a building
optimization
system.
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates a module set with communication module and
binary
control module.
[0019] FIGS. 12A-F illustrate various combinations of module sets.
[0020] FIGS. 13-20 illustrate a number of exemplary applications of
various control
module sets for zone control.
[0021] FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrates a zone remote.
[0022] FIGS. 23 and 24 show two alternatives of exemplary weather
stations for use
with a building optimization system.
[0023] FIGS. 25-29 illustrates various remote switchpacks for connecting
and
communicating with various sensors and/or motors.
[0024] FIG. 30 illustrates an after-hours service mode using a key fob.
[0025] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] This document describes a building optimization system utilizing a
building
optimization switch. The building optimization switch provides part of an
energy savings
control appliance that responds to multiple environmental and/or schedule-
based conditions,
including, but not limited to: 1) direct, manual override enablement of either
or both of the A
or B controls; 2) time of day and day of week schedule(s), which reside in a
master
controller; 3) occupancy state of the controlled environment as initiated by a
motion sensor
(the motion sensor may be incorporated with the switch, or may be wired in
tandem with
existing external motion detection occupancy sensor); 4) programmed peak
demand
requirements as mandated by utility provider schedule and power demand
requirements, with
programming and scheduling preferably residing with the master controller; and
5) based
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upon the measured ambient, direct or indirect light available (via roof
sensors) the master
controller determines the required light for those zones affected by ambient,
direct or indirect
light, and sends commands to the building optimization switch to turn lighting
off
accordingly.
(0027] FIG. 1 is a high level depiction of a building optimization system
(BUS) 100
for optimizing the energy usage of a building. The (BUS) 100 can include,
without
limitation and in various numbers and combinations, a building optimization
(BO) switch
102, a BO switch with a sensor 104, and/or a BO switch with a blind controller
106,
connected by a wireless communications network 108 to a master controller 110.
The BO
switch 102 is network-capable, and acts as a terminal for enabling a string of
functional
modules and options, such as temperature control, moisture control, and other
options. The
wireless communication network 108 operates using any wireless communication
protocols,
such as IEEE 802.15.4 or the ZigBee specification of low power digital radio
communications. The BOS 100 can further include, without limitation and in
various
numbers and combinations, one or more solar sensors 112 for sensing solar
light levels
around the building. Each of these components of the BUS 100 will be described
in greater
detail below.
(0028] Each BO switch 102 can be contained at least partly in a physical
interface
made of a resilient material such as plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, or
other material, and
which can be mounted to the wall or other structure. The BO switch 102 also
includes a
power source, which is preferably derived from either direct building wiring
circuitry or
internal battery, and will typically be predicated on existing building
wiring. The BO switch
102 is used to control the amount of electrical lighting used in a space or
zone, such as an
office or group of offices. Accordingly, the BO switch 102 can turn off either
one, or both,
lighting banks under its control, depending on such factors as user
preferences, or
automatically based on ambient light from harvested light. Harvested light is
light that is
generated by sunlight, reflected light or some other indirect, ambient
lighting source, and
available for use within a space or zone of a building. Each space or zone is
monitored by a
A/B lighting control system and controlled to allow harvested light to be
adequate or even
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maximized, to reduce the electrical lighting requirements of the space or zone
being
monitored.
[0029] FIG. 2A is a front view of a BO switch 102 that includes an A/B
lighting
switch 202 and cover plate 204. FIG. 2A is a side view of the A./13 lighting
switch 202 that
can be installed in a wall or other surface of an office or other area of a
building. The A/B
lighting switch utilizes standard light switch electrical power, and as such
includes a line 1
hot wire 210, line 2 hot wire 212, load 1 switchleg wire 214, load 2 switchleg
wire 216, a
120V ground wire 218, and a 277V ground wire 220. These wires are preferably
connected
to the back of the A/B lighting switch 202 via a modular relay pack 222. FIGS.
11A-F
illustrate various alternative wiring diagrams.
[0030] FIG. 3 depicts and illustrates a layout of an A/B lighting switch
202, that is
adapted for being powered by conventional lighting power, and which includes a
wireless
transceiver (not shown) for transmission of environmental information of an
office or area,
such as lighting levels, temperature, occupancy, etc., to the master
controller, and for receipt
of control signals from the master controller to control various environmental
aspects of the
office or area, such as lighting, temperature, window blinds, etc. The
wireless transceiver is
adapted to communicate wirelessly with the master controller or various other
components.
[0031] The A/B lighting switch 202 refers not only to a light switch
capability, but
also an interactive computer and display for controlling lighting, receiving
environmental
data of a zone or set of zones from a number of sensors or sources, and for
processing the
environmental data to automatically control or assist the control of lighting,
HVAC,
windows, blinds, dampers, or other systems. The A/B lighting switch 202 also
includes
communications capabilities, either through a wired or wireless interface, and
further
includes inputs, outputs and/or access ports for connecting or communicating
with any
number of other controllers, input devices such as key fobs, remote controls,
or other devices
such as wireless handset devices, etc. The A/B lighting switch 202, then,
functions as a hub
on its own, in a building optimization system and network for optimizing the
energy and
environment of a building, down to the zone level.
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[0032] The A/B lighting switch 202 includes A and B lighting controls
302A and
302B, respectively. Each control controls a corresponding bank of lights
within an office,
area or zone in a building. In most conventional commercial buildings, the
office, area or
zone will include only two independent and separate banks of lights, but more
than two
banks of lights can be used. Accordingly, the A/B lighting switch 202 may
include more
lighting controls than just the A and B lighting control buttons, labeled as
such herein for
simplicity and clarity. The lighting controls 302A and 302B are preferably
spring-activated
buttons, or touch sensitive regions on the A/B lighting switch 202, and can be
backlit with a
light of a particular color or set of colors that are dependent on a state of
the lighting bank.
For example, each lighting control 302A and/or 302B can be backlit with a
green light to
indicate an "on" state of the corresponding lighting bank, and backlit with a
white light, or
not lit at all, to indicate an "off' state of the corresponding light bank.
Those having skill in
the art would recognize that any color or type of light can be used to
indicate such states, and
that any lighting source may be used, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs),
incandescent
lights, or other lights.
[0033] The A/B lighting switch 202 further includes a mode control 304,
preferably
proximate the lighting control 302A and 302B as depicted in FIG. 3. The mode
control 304
can be used by a user to control certain modes or states of a lighting,
temperature, moisture,
or other building optimization control system, as will be described in further
detail below.
The mode control 304 can also be backlit with different color lights to
indicate different
modes. The mode control 304 as well as lighting controls 302A and 302B, can be
used in
conjunction with commands or options displayed in a screen 306. The screen 306
is
preferably a color display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) used in
handheld
communication devices such as cell phones. The screen 306 displays the
commands or user
options in a first region, preferably near and corresponding to the lighting
controls 302A/B
and the mode control 304. The screen 306 can also display control and status
information in
the form of text and/or graphics, and can also prominently display different
background
colors to indicate different modes as selected at least in part by mode
control 304. Such
modes are described in greater detail below.
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[0034] The A/B lighting switch 202 further includes a motion detector
and/or light
sensor 308 for detecting the presence of an occupant of an office or area. The
motion
detector component of the sensor 308 senses for occupancy of the office or
area, and reports
the occupancy information in a wireless data transmission. The motion detector
component
of the sensor 308 can be connected to automatically control the lighting banks
directly
depending on the occupancy information, or such control can be executed by the
master
controller as described in greater detail below. The light sensor component of
the sensor 308
senses and determines a level of lighting within the office or area, which
lighting can be from
solar light (i.e. outside light from the position and angle of the sun
relative to the office or
area), ambient light in the office or area, or from the controlled lighting in
the office or area.
A gasket 309 and associated screws or other attachment mechanisms allows the
front panel to
be removed, so that physical wires do not have to be detached in order to have
service work
performed on the A/B lighting switch 202.
[0035] As will be discussed below, the light sensor component determines
and
reports lighting level information in a wireless data transmission, for use by
the master
controller to automatically control the operation of the A and/or B lighting
banks in response
to such modes as peak demand, energy savings, or solar light level. The light
sensor
component may also control the lighting banks directly, i.e. for high solar
lighting levels,
turning off the B and/or A lights automatically until the solar level
decreases to a setpoint
level.
[0036] In some implementations, the A/B lighting switch 202 further
includes a
temperature sensor 310 to sense temperature data and report temperature
information to the
master controller in a wireless data transmission. The sensed temperature can
be displayed
on screen 306 to assist a user to control the temperature in the office or
area. The master
controller can use the temperature information to control air conditioning
and/or heating
systems, including ducts and vents via mechanical control systems. The BO
switch 102
preferably includes a gasket around the faceplate, to prevent the temperature
sensor 310 from
sensing temperature of air from inside the wall where the BO switch 102 is
mounted, and
instead enabling an accurate reading only of the temperature within the office
or space.
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[0037] The A/B lighting switch 202 can further include an override on/off
switch for
local hard "off," "on" and restarting capability. In some implementations, the
A/B lighting
switch 202 includes a speaker 312, such as a solid state piezo sounder, for
sounding out
alarm, status or mode signals, or for broadcasting voice signals, received by
the A/B lighting
switch via its transceiver. A service port 314 can be provided on the face of
the A/B lighting
switch, and adapted to receive a service key 316 for the transfer of
programming or
instruction data via the service key. The service key 316 can include a data
communication
interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface for connecting to a
laptop computer
or other computing device such as a handheld computing device or desktop
computer. In
some implementations, when a service key 316 is inserted into the service port
314, the A/B
lighting switch automatically enters a "service" mode, in which it can be
reprogrammed,
updated, or controlled from an external computing source. In other
implementations, the
service key 316 can be limited to an after-hours service key, which can be
inserted into the
A/B lighting switch to request after-hours lighting or other service.
Accordingly, the A/B
lighting switch further includes a processor and memory (not shown) for
storing and
executing instructions, i.e., from the service key 316 or user-supplied via
for optimizing a
building.
[0038] The A/B lighting switch 202 includes a mounting bracket 318 for
mounting
the A/B lighting switch 202 in the space of a conventional light switch. The
mounting
bracket 318 includes a number of holes, each for receiving a screw to hold the
A/B lighting
switch 202 in place. The mounting bracket 318 can further include breakaway
tabs 320 for
center mounting of the A/B lighting switch 202 in the space of a conventional
light switch.
The A/B lighting switch 202 further includes an override off-switch 322 for
turning off the
function of the A/B lighting switch 202, and/or restarting the A/B lighting
switch.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates one implementation of a BOS configuration for a
building
400. The building is segregated into four basic segments: north, south, east
and west. These
orientations for the segmentation are approximate, and may represent other
alignments of the
building. Further, the designations of the segments can be changed based on
seasonal
characteristics and building shape or orientation. Other segregations are
possible, such as
only east and west, for example. Each segment includes a solar sensor 112
attached to an
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external surface of the building 400 within the segment. The solar sensor 112
senses an
amount of solar light being received by the associated segment, such as full
sun, partial sun,
ambient light in the shade, etc. Each solar sensor 112 determines light level
information
from the sensed solar light, and includes a wireless transceiver or
transmitter to wirelessly
transmit the light level information to the master controller 110, which
receives the light
level information to generate control signals to control the A/B lighting
switches 102 placed
at various locations within the building.
[0040] In some implementations of the BOS configuration, the solar sensors
112 are
installed on the top floor windows. Each floor of the building can include up
to 254 A/B
lighting switches 102, which includes peripheral areas as well as interior
areas 402 of the
building 400. In preferred implementations, each floor of the building 400
also includes only
one master controller 110, however other configurations may be suitable. The
sensors 112
and all other components may communicate with a light weather station 404,
preferably
located on the roof or other location proximate to the building, for receiving
ambient weather
condition data, such as temperature, wind speed, barometric pressure, etc.,
which can affect
an algorithm for operating the switches of each floor of the building. All of
the components
of the BOS configuration communicate wireless via a wireless mesh network.
However,
other wireless communication technologies may also be used.
(0041] The A/B lighting switches 102 can be configured for operating
according to a
number of different modes. Basic modes are described below, and a person of
skill in the art
would recognize that the names used for each mode are for illustrative
purposes only, and
have no limiting effect. Rather, the functionality of each mode is described
under general
titles. Further, the different modes can have combined or cross-functional
capabilities. The
A/B lighting switch 102 can be programmed for controlling the A and/or B
lights of a room.
Further, the A/B lighting switch 102 can also be connected with a binary
controller to control
blinds and/or windows of a room, or for controlling the opening and closing of
dampers, for
example. In some implementations, a remote control can be used to control the
operations of
the A/B lighting switch 102.
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[0042] The binary controller can take the form of a user-interactive
switch controller
with user-selectable buttons, for being connected to the A/B lighting switch
202 in the same
faceplate, and have the same general form factor. The binary controller can
also take the
form of a binary control module, which itself has a number of implementations.
Each binary
control module includes data communication ports on opposite sides of a
housing, for simple
interconnection and mounting within a building, as will be described and shown
in further
detail below.
[0043] FIG. SA shows a BO switch 500 with adaptive blind control. The BO
switch
500 includes an A/B lighting switch 502 and a blind control 504. In preferred
implementations, each of the A/B lighting switch 502 and blind control 504 are
sized and
adapted to occupy a single standard light switch slot in a face plate. The A/B
lighting switch
502 includes a graphical user interface 506 displayed on a screen 508, as
generally described
above. The blind control 504 includes a number of control buttons, such as a
blinds open
button 510, a blinds closed button 512 and general purpose return button 514.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 5B, the A/B lighting switch 502 is connected to
the blind
control 504 by at least one communication link 503. The communication link 503
can be a
wired electrical path, or a wireless path. The communication link 503 can
communicate
signals from the blind control 504 to the A/B lighting switch 502 so that the
A/B lighting
switch 502 can display status and control information to a user on the screen
508. For
example, the A/B lighting switch 502 can display a message to indicate the
blinds in an
associated room will be controlled automatically based on a user selection of
the control
buttons on the blind control 504. The screen 508 and graphical user interface
506 can also
display a degree, such as a percentage, of how open or closed the blinds are
at any given
moment. The blind control 504 further includes at least one communication
output that can
connect the blind control 504 serially to another control or A/B lighting
switch 502, and
further includes a control output 516 for electrically controlling the
mechanical blinds. The
control output 516 can also be used as a communication connection to
communicate control
signals to other devices.
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[0045] Similarly, a building optimization system can include an adaptive
window
control 600 as shown in FIGS. 6A-B. FIG. 6A shows a BO switch 600 with
adaptive
window control, and which includes an A/B lighting switch 602 and a window
control 604.
In preferred implementations, each of the A/B lighting switch 602 and window
control 604
are sized and adapted to occupy a single standard light switch slot in a face
plate. The A/B
lighting switch 602 includes a graphical user interface 606 displayed on a
screen 608, as
generally described above. The window control 604 includes a number of control
buttons,
such as a window open button 610, a window closed button 612 and general
purpose return
button 614.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 6B, the A/B lighting switch 602 is connected to
the window
control 604 by at least one communication link 603. The communication link 603
can be a
wired electrical path, such as a switch bus, or a wireless path. The
communication link 603
can communicate signals from the window control 604 to the A/B lighting switch
602 so that
the A/B lighting switch 602 can display status and control information to a
user on the screen
608. For example, the A/B lighting switch 602 can display a message to
indicate the
windows in an associated room will be controlled automatically based on a user
selection of
the control buttons on the window control 604. The screen 608 and graphical
user interface
606 can also display a degree, such as a percentage, of how open or closed the
windows are
at any given moment. The window control 604 further includes at least one
communication
output that can connect the window control 604 serially to another control or
A/B lighting
switch 602, and further includes a control output 616 for electrically
controlling the
windows. The control output 616 can also be used as a communication connection
to
communicate control signals to other devices.
[0047] In most conventional buildings, a huge amount of energy is wasted
for heating
and cooling air in order to meet clean air standards within the building.
Accordingly, a
building optimization system can include a CO2 sensor and control. FIG. 7A-B
show a front
view and a back view, respectively, of a building optimization system 700 that
includes a
A/B lighting switch 702 and a CO2 sensor 704. The A/B lighting switch 702 and
CO2
sensor 704 can be sized and adapted to fit within a standard light switch slot
in a face plate,
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and can be connected together in a double-slot face plate, or separately in
different face
plates.
[0048] The CO2 sensor 704 includes one or more sensors 706 for detecting
an
amount of CO2 in the surrounding air. A measurement logic circuit within the
CO2 sensor
measures the amount of CO2 detected in the air, and can provide an output
representing that
measurement. The output can be in the form of an air quality reading 708, or
some other
graphical or numerical output. The measurement or any other information
related to air
quality can also be displayed on screen 710 of the A/B lighting switch 702,
which can be
connected to the CO2 sensor 704 via communication link 705. The measurement of
air
quality can be transmitted to a master controller or an air conditioning
controller for
controlling an amount of airflow based on the measurement, such that the
airflow efficiency
is maximized while air quality standards are still met. The detection of CO2
and
measurement of air quality can be performed periodically (i.e. every 10
minutes) or manually
by user input (either to the CO2 sensor 704 or to the A/B lighting switch
702), or
continuously in an automated process.
[0049] FIG. 8 shows a BO switch 800 having a A/B lighting switch 802, a
CO2
sensor 804, a blind control 806, and a window control 808, all of which can be
integrated and
connected together in a common face plate that fits into a wall of a room of a
building. The
A/B lighting switch 802, a CO2 sensor 804, a blind control 806, and a window
control 808
can be connected serially, and each can have its own identifier or data
address, such that each
can be independently controlled or addressed, particularly if the A/B lighting
switch 802, a
CO2 sensor 804, a blind control 806, and a window control 808 are all
connected together in
a wireless mesh network, such as through the A/B lighting switch 802.
[0050] A building optimization system can include a master controller.
FIG. 9 shows
a master controller 900 can include a casing or housing 901, with indicator
lights 902. The
master controller 900 further includes an antenna 904 for wirelessly
communicating with
other components of the building optimization system, including one or more
A/B lighting
switches, window controls, blind controls, etc. The master controller 900
preferably includes
an IP interface 906, such as a BACNet connection, and a serial port 908, such
as an RS-232
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serial port. The master controller 900 further includes one or more switches
910, 912, for
controlling the operation of lights outside of a zone associated with a BO
switch, such as a
lobby or common hallway. A number of master controllers 900, which are
preferably all
associated with one building, can be connected together through a network
switch, such as an
Ethernet switch. The network switch can also connect with the Internet, and/or
to the
building's energy management system, i.e. a server and set of controllers for
controlling
lighting and/or HVAC systems.
[0051] In alternative implementations, a PC interface 1000 can be used
for
controlling any of the switches or controls, as shown in FIG. 10. The PC
interface 1000 can
be connected to a personal computer, such as a desktop, laptop or handheld
computer, via
connector such as a USB port, and, along with software loaded onto the
personal computer,
can be operated for performing most or all of the functions of a master
controller, i.e. to
interface with all switches and controls, and for receiving information from
sensors, for
optimal environmental control of a building. The PC interface 1000 is
particularly suited for
smaller applications.
(0052] Some implementations of a building optimization system can include
a binary
control module 1100, as shown in FIG. 11. The binary control module 1100 is
preferably
contained in a housing having a two-way communication link 1104 and physical
port on
opposite sides of the housing, so that it can be connected with a
communication module 1102
or other binary control modules 1100. The binary control module 1100 includes
a number of
relays for connecting and controlling individual electrical devices, such as
lights, motorized
flues, dampers, switches etc.
[0053] The communication module 1102 includes communication processors
and an
antenna, for wireless two-way communication and control with a master
controller, or one or
more BO switches, for adaptive zone control of a building. The communication
module
1102 can also include a service port for receiving a fob, which can program
the
communication module 1102 or receive a data download from the communication
module
1102. The interconnected devices can be attached to a standard din rail in the
data closet of a
building, for example, for ease of installation and use. The two-way
communication link
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1104 can also include a USB port. Accordingly, no cabling or difficult wiring
is necessary to
connect the devices, and they can be interconnected in any order.
[0054] FIGS. 12A-F illustrate various applications of a binary control
module 1100.
FIG. 12A shows an extended lighting control system having two binary control
modules
connected together with a communications module. Each of the binary control
modules can
control separate lighting banks, i.e. in separate geographic locations, or on
different floors, in
different buildings, etc. FIG. 12B shows a binary control module being used
for A/C unit
control. FIG. 12C illustrates a binary control module being used for A/C unit
control, and
including a bypass module 1202 that includes sensors for sensing high and low
static
pressure and a bypass damper control output that can be connected to control a
bypass
damper of an A/C unit. The system of FIG. 12C also includes an office control
module 1204
to communicate with and control independent zones or offices via individual
telecommunications links. FIG. 12D shows a module set that includes a
communication
module and a VAV module 1206 for controlling a variable volume (VAV) terminal,
or
"VAV box." The VAV module includes low and high velocity sensors for
differentially
determining a velocity within a conduit, a valve control, and a damper
control. The module
set in FIG. 12D can be used with an office control module, as shown in FIG.
12E. FIG. 12F
shows a multiplexed zone controller, which uses multiplex technology to
efficiently control a
number of individual zones with only one input (velocity sensing) and one
output (damper
control). Other various combinations of modules are also possible.
[0055] FIG. 13 further illustrates a binary control module and a
communication
module installed in an A/C unit and connected to a number of individual BO
switches
residing in respective individual offices. All switches and controllers are
self-powered by the
lighting wiring, and thus do not require network or power wiring. Each of the
BO switches
influences how the A/C unit controls a set point in each respective office,
via the binary
control module and communication module set. FIG. 14 shows a similar
arrangement, but
including a damper attached to a number of the air conduits. The damper is
controlled by a
damper motor, which is in turn electrically governed by a BO switch, as
instructed locally or
via the module set (i.e. binary control module connected with communication
module, or any
other combination of modules as described above).
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[0056] FIG. 15 shows yet another arrangement for use with an A/C unit in
which
each air conduit includes its own damper, and including a bypass conduit that
is used in case
the dampers to all offices are in a closed position. Pressure in the bypass
conduit is measured
by a bypass module, which in turn controls the damper in the bypass conduit.
The office
control module is connected to each damper for individual damper control. FIG.
16 shows
another arrangement similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 15, but using a
velocity sensor
in each conduit to provide to the module set to control each zone damper. FIG.
17 illustrates
the use of the module set shown in FIG. 12D for controlling a variable volume
(VAV)
terminal, or "VAV box," for single point of controlling air flow to multiple
zones or offices.
This arrangement uses a VAV module having an input for sensing and measuring
air velocity
through a conduit, and a control communication output that controls the damper
of the VAV
box based on the measured velocity. FIG. 18 illustrates a module set in a VAV
box, where
the module set includes a VAV module and an office control module for
controlling
individual dampers on each individual conduit. FIG. 19 illustrates an example
of a
multiplexed zone controller module set for controlling multiple dampers using
input data
from a single VAV box.
[0057 1 The switches, sensors and controls in each zone or office of a
building can be
controlled by a zone remote. FIG. 21 shows a side view and front view of a
zone remote
1210. The zone remote 1210 includes a screen 1212 for displaying a graphical
user interface,
and a number of function buttons. An A/B lighting switch button set 1214,
together with the
screen 1212, functions identically to the buttons and screen of a A/B lighting
switch as
described above. A blind control button set 1216 controls selected blinds in a
zone, and a
window control button set 1218 controls selected windows in a zone. The zone
remote 1210
can further include a service port 1220 for configuring the zone remote from
an external
programming source, or for charging a battery of the zone remote 1210. FIG. 21
also shows
various exemplary graphics and text messages in the screen 1212 based on a
user selection of
specific buttons in the various button sets.
[0058] Each zone remote can be programmed to be a master remote. A master
remote enables an office manager to have the ability to control their entire
suite or a specific
office from a single interface. For example, to control a selected area, the
mode button can
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be pressed for a predetermined length of time (i.e. 5 seconds) to activate the
"select area"
menu, as shown in FIG. 22A. To select a different area, the "next" button can
be pressed
until the desired area is highlighted, as shown in FIG. 22B. Finally, once
highlighted, the
"select" button can be pressed to select the desired zone, as shown in FIG.
22C.
[0059] As described in U.S. Patent Application 12/033,831, filed
February 19, 2008,
and entitled BUILDING OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM AND LIGHTING SWITCH,
the BO switch and
BO systems can utilize input from a variety of sensors that sense ambient
light levels,
temperature, human body movement, and other variables. In some
implementations, a
specialized weather station can be used to collect, measure and provide a
variety of data to
the building optimization system, in order to optimally match a building's
controlled use of
lighting, heating and air systems to any given atmospheric or current weather
conditions or
demands. FIG. 23 shows an example of a full-featured weather station, that can
be placed on
a roof of a building, for example, or can be installed in a location remote
from the building.
FIG. 24 shows an example of a light weather station that includes air
humidity, air
temperature, and solar sensors, and a wireless communication system for
transmitting sensed
and measured data wirelessly to a master controller and/or any selected BO
switch or other
controller.
[0060] The building optimization system provides for modular and
scalable control of
a building's energy use and efficiency. The modularity and scalability is
enabled at least in
part by a number of switchpacks, as shown in FIGS. 25A-C. FIG. 25A shows a
remote relay
pack module coupled to a A/B lighting switch. FIG. 25B shows a remote
switchpack with a
window status communication interface, an external motion sensor communication
interface,
and a wired communication interface. FIG. 25C shows a similar remote
switchpack as in
FIG. 25B, but with a zone damper communication interface. The zone damper
communication interface is preferably a tri-state output communication
interface. FIG. 25D
shows yet another remote switchpack, with a wired communication interface, an
external
sensor communication interface, and a dimmable ballast communication
interface. Other
combinations of communication interfaces in a remote switchpack are possible.
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[00613 FIG. 26 illustrates the use of a A/B lighting switch with remote
switchpack
and a second remote switchpack, for connecting and communicating with an
external motion
sensor. FIG. 27 illustrates the use of a A/B lighting switch with remote
switchpack and a
second remote switchpack with damper control for connecting and controlling
both an
external motion sensor and a zone damper and motor. FIG. 28 illustrates a A/B
lighting
switch with remote switchpack connected with a second remote switchpack with
dimmable
ballast control for connecting and controlling both an external motion sensor
and a dimmable
ballast and fixture. FIG. 29 illustrates a A/B lighting switch with remote
switchpack
connected with a serial switchpack, for connecting and communicating with one
or more
external motion sensors that are connected in series.
[0 0 62 ] With reference to FIG. 3, a system and method for an afterhours
service mode
is illustrated in FIG. 30. A key fob 1252 is inserted into a service port of
the BOS switch
1250. The key fob 1252 can include a port connection interface, such as a male
USB
connector, firewire connector, or any other data connector. The key fob 1252
can also
include memory that can be accessed through the service port. The memory can
store data
representing an identifier of the user, user permissions to access the
afterhours service, and
instructions for executing a method for ordering afterhours service via the
BOS switch 1250.
The key fob 1252 may also include physical switches or input buttons for
receiving limited
input instructions from a user, but more preferably the key fob 1252 is
programmed by a
remote computer, and acts as a "dumb" terminal to activate and execute the
afterhours
service mode.
[0 0 6 3 ] As shown in FIG. 30A, the key fob 1252 is inserted into the
service port, and
the BOS switch 1250, recognizing the key fob 1252, provides a display of
selectable service
types, such as afterhours HVAC and lights, or just lights only. Other service
types are
possible. Once the user selects a service type, at FIG. 30B the A/B lighting
switch 1250
provides a display that lets the user manipulate the keys or buttons to set
the requested or
required hours for afterhours service. Once the hours are set, at FIG. 30C a
total cost for the
requested afterhours service is provided on the A/B lighting switch, which can
be accepted or
canceled by the user. At FIG. 30D, the results of the user's action whether to
accept or
cancel the service is confirmed on the AM lighting switch display. During all
or part of this
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method, the BO switch can wirelessly communicate with a master controller or
other
computer to order the requested afterhours services, create the billing for
the user, and
generate a record of the method.
[0064] Some or all of the functional operations described in this
specification can be
implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software,
firmware, or hardware,
including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural
equivalents, or in
combinations of them. Functional aspects of the building optimization system
can be
implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more
modules of
computer program instructions encoded on a computer readable medium, e.g., a
machine
readable storage device, a machine readable storage medium, a memory device,
or a
machine-readable propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the
operation of, data
processing apparatus.
[0065] The term "data processing apparatus" encompasses all apparatus,
devices, and
machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable
processor, a
computer, or multiple processors or computers. The apparatus can include, in
addition to
hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program
in question,
e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database
management
system, an operating system, or a combination of them. A propagated signal is
an artificially
generated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or
electromagnetic signal, that
is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver
apparatus.
[0066] A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, an
application, a
software application, a script, or code) can be written in any form of
programming language,
including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any
form, including as
a stand alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit
suitable for use in
a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to
a file in a
file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other
programs or data
(e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single
file dedicated to
the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that
store one or more
modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be
deployed to be
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executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site
or distributed
across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.
[0067] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can
be performed
by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs
to
perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The
processes and logic
flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as,
special purpose
logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC
(application
specific integrated circuit).
[0068] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program
include, by way
of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or
more
processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will
receive instructions
and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. The
essential
elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or
more memory
devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also
include, or be
operatively coupled to, a communication interface to receive data from or
transfer data to, or
both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic,
magneto optical
disks, or optical disks.
[0069] Implementations of the building optimization system can include a
computing
system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that
includes a
middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front
end component,
e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser
through which a
user can interact with an implementation of the invention, or any combination
of such back
end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be
interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a
communication
network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network
("LAN") and a
wide area network ("WAN"), e.g., the Internet.
[0070] Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above,
other
modifications are possible. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the
following
claims.
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