Compost system with error detection
AssigneeWhirlpool Corporation
InventorKeith Nelson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A controller for a compost system comprises a plurality of control outputs in communication with a plurality of compost devices. The control outputs are configured to identify an error condition of at least one of the plurality of compost devices. The controller is configured to control a first compost device configured to control a first environmental condition and control a second compost device configured to control a second environmental condition of a compost chamber. The controller is further configured to deactivate the first compost device in response to an error condition during a compost cycle. The controller controls the second compost device in response to the first compost device being deactivated preserving the compost cycle by compensating for the error condition in the first compost device.
Claims12
A controller for a compost system having a plurality of compost devices, the controller comprising:
- a plurality of control outputs in communication with the plurality of compost devices, wherein the control outputs are configured to identify an error condition of at least one of the plurality of compost devices, wherein the controller is configured to:
- control a first compost device of the plurality of compost devices configured to control a first environmental condition by controlling a tiller configured to mix a material in a compost chamber;
- control a second compost device of the plurality of compost devices configured to control a second environmental condition by controlling a fan configured to circulate air in the compost chamber;
- identify the error condition of the first compost device;
- deactivate the first compost device in response to the error condition during a compost cycle;
- and
- control the second compost device in response to the first compost device being deactivated, wherein the second compost device is controlled thereby preserving the compost cycle by compensating for the error condition in the first compost device.
A method for controlling a compost system having a plurality of compost devices, the method comprising:
- selectively actuating a first compost device of the compost system, wherein the first compost device is configured to control a first environmental condition by controlling a tiller configured to mix a material in a compost chamber;
- selectively actuating a second compost device of the compost system, wherein the second compost device is configured to control a second environmental condition by controlling a fan configured to circulate air in the compost chamber;
- monitoring the operation of the first compost device;
- detecting an error condition in the first compost device;
- limiting operation of the first compost device in response to the error condition;
- and
- controlling the second compost device in response to the limited operation of the first compost device, wherein the second compost device is controlled thereby preserving the compost cycle by compensating for the error condition in the first compost device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.