Temperature sensor autoconfiguration in hvac systems

An indoor unit for a heat pump that conditions air of a building, the indoor unit comprising:

• an intake port for return air;
• an indoor coil air coupled with the intake port;
• a first temperature sensor designed for positioning between the intake port and the indoor coil when properly installed;
• a second temperature sensor designed for positioning at a location opposite to the first temperature sensor and downstream of the indoor coil;
• and
• a control unit configured to:
• monitor temperatures from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor,
• compare temperatures of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor following a predetermined time interval after initialization of the indoor unit,
• determine a direction of airflow with respect to the first and second temperature sensors, and
• determine which of the first and second temperature sensors is installed upstream of the indoor coil to sense the return air based on:
• the direction of airflow, and
• comparison of the temperatures.

A method for automatically configuring an indoor unit of a heat pump that conditions air of a building, the method comprising:

• monitoring temperatures from a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, wherein the first temperature sensor is upstream of an indoor coil when installed in standard orientation;
• comparing temperatures determined by the first temperature sensors and the second temperature sensors to determine a temperature differential;
• determining a direction of airflow across the indoor coil based upon the temperature differential and a mode of operation of the heat pump;
• and
• determining temperature of the return air based on:
• the direction of airflow with respect to the first and second temperature sensors, and
• temperature differential,
• wherein a correct temperature of the return air is determined based on a mode of operation of the heat pump.