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  Building temperature control system and methodUSPTO Application #: 20070022770Title: Building temperature control system and method Abstract: A method and system of dynamically controlling a temperature control system that has at least one compressor and is operable in a plurality of stages. The method includes iteratively determining, for each of the plurality of stages, a plurality of intermediate air-related conditions and system operating conditions based on sensed conditions. The method also includes identifying a stage among the plurality of stages, and updating an initial supply air temperature set point with a supply air temperature set point corresponding to the identified stage. (end of abstract)
Agent: Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP - Milwaukee, WI, US Inventor: Mingsheng Liu USPTO Applicaton #: 20070022770 - Class: 062228100 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Refrigeration, Automatic Control, Refrigeration Producer, Compressor Or Its Drive Controlled The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070022770. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/701,608, filed on Jul. 22, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD [0002] Embodiments of the invention relate to temperature control systems and methods for buildings and other structures. BACKGROUND [0003] Various types of facilities, such as buildings, industrial production facilities, medical buildings, manufacturing assemblies, and laboratories, often use air handling units ("AHUs") to control indoor temperatures. An AHU generally uses outside air, compressors, and fans to supply air at designated temperatures to different areas, zones, or rooms. In some cases, an AHU includes an economizer that reduces energy consumption by the AHU. [0004] An AHU typically sets a temperature limit for outside air (i.e., a supply air temperature), such as, for example, about 55.degree. F. Fluctuations of outside air temperature result in an AHU switching compressors on and off frequently, which can consume significant energy and put significant stress on the compressors. SUMMARY [0005] Embodiments of the invention provide energy-efficient control systems and methods that can be retrofitted in existing temperature control systems, or can be incorporated in new systems. [0006] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of dynamically controlling a temperature control system that includes at least one compressor and is operable in a plurality of stages. The method includes modulating the compressor based on an initial supply air temperature set point, and determining a first plurality of air-related conditions and system operating conditions. The method also includes iteratively determining a plurality of intermediate air-related conditions and system operating conditions based on the determined first plurality of conditions, for each of the plurality of stages. The method also includes comparing at least some of the intermediate conditions with a plurality of corresponding thresholds, identifying a stage among the plurality of stages based on the comparing, and updating the initial supply air temperature set point with a supply air temperature set point corresponding to the identified stage. [0007] In another embodiment, the invention provides a controller for dynamically controlling a temperature control system. The temperature control system is operable in a plurality of stages and is further operable to cool air in a location, and includes at least one compressor, a modulator configured to modulate the compressor based on an initial supply air temperature set point, and a plurality of sensors operable to sense a plurality of air-related conditions and system operating conditions. The controller includes an iteration module, a comparator, an identifier module, and an updater module. The iteration module iteratively determines, for each of the plurality of stages, a plurality of intermediate air-related conditions and system operating conditions based on the sensed conditions. The comparator module compares at least some of the intermediate conditions with a plurality of corresponding thesholds. The identifier module identifies a stage among the plurality of stages based on at least one comparison of the comparator module. The updater module updates the initial supply air temperature set point with a supply air temperature set point corresponding to the identified stage. [0008] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air handling unit ("AHU"). [0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of a fan that can be implemented in the AHU of FIG. 1. [0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of the fan of FIG. 2. [0012] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a controller that can be implemented in the AHU of FIG. 1. [0013] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary processes carried out in the controller of FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0014] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. [0015] As should also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the systems shown in the figures are models of what actual systems might be like. Many of the modules and logical structures described are capable of being implemented in software executed by a microprocessor or a similar device or of being implemented in hardware using a variety of components including, for example, application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"). Terms like "controller" may include or refer to both hardware and/or software. Furthermore, throughout the specification capitalized terms are used. Such terms are used to conform to common practices and to help correlate the description with the coding examples, equations, and/or drawings. However, no specific meaning is implied or should be inferred simply due to the use of capitalization. Thus, the claims should not be limited to the specific examples or terminology or to any specific hardware or software implementation or combination of software or hardware. [0016] Also, as used herein, the term "refrigerant" refers to a fluid used for heating, cooling, and/or defrosting purposes, such as, for example, chlorofluorocarbons ("CFCs"), hydrocarbons, cryogens (e.g., CO.sub.2, and N.sub.2), etc. [0017] Embodiments of the invention provide control systems and methods that can be retrofitted in existing temperature control systems, or can be incorporated in new systems. In one particular embodiment, a controller in a temperature control system iteratively determines intermediate conditions based on sensed and/or computed conditions, compares at least some of the intermediate conditions with corresponding thresholds, and selects an iteration that meets certain requirements. By controlling the system in accordance with the selected iteration, the controller can maximize free cooling, minimize reheat, and reduce fan power consumption in the system. In addition, embodiments herein can increase the lifespan of compressors and maximize operation of an economizer. [0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air handling unit ("AHU") 100 for conditioning air within a building or other structure (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the AHU 100 is a rooftop unit, although other AHU configurations can be used. The AHU 100 includes a temperature system 102 that includes a control unit 104 to control a condenser 108, an expansion valve 112, a direct expansion ("DX") coil 116, and a compressor 120. The compressor 120 can generally be driven by an internal combustion engine and a standby electric motor. Continue reading... Full patent description for Building temperature control system and method Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Building temperature control system and method patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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