US 6,634,566 B2 · Advanced setback reporting thermostat

Abstract

A thermostat is operative to note the current temperature at time of entering into a setback of one or more previously established setpoints. The thermostat is also operative to note any newly defined setpoints. The thermostat also notes whether the setback is to occur in a heating or cooling mode of operation. The thermostat maintains a record of the aforementioned entry conditions mount of time the thermostat participates in a requested setback. The thermostat also preferably notes one or more setpoints and sensed temperature occurring at the end of an implemented setback as well as the ending heating or cooling mode of operation. A record of temperature conditions, mode of operation and elapsed time for each setback is stored for retrieval by a remotely located entity in communication with the thermostat. The entity is usually an energy provider. This record is available for retrieval at any time, including a time when the thermostat is presently implementing a setback.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A process executable by a programmed processor within a thermostat for tracking and reporting the participation by the thermostat in requested setbacks of the setpoint control for the thermostat, said process comprising the steps of:

responding to a request to enter into a setback of at least one setpoint used in a normal mode of operation;
noting at least one temperature condition upon entry into the setback of at least one setpoint;
tracking the amount of time that elapses during the setback of at least one setpoint;
defining a setback record that includes the noted temperature condition and the elapsed time;
and
transmitting the setback record to a requesting entity in response to a request for information as to the participation of the thermostat in one or more requested setbacks of setpoints whereby the noted temperature condition at entry into setback and the elapsed time during setback is transmitted as a setback record to the requesting entity.

3 more elements

A thermostat having the capability to track and report the participation by the thermostat in requested setbacks of the setpoint control for the thermostat, said thermostat comprising:

a memory for storing information;
a processor operative to receive at least one communication requesting that the thermostat enter into a setback of at least one setpoint used in a normal mode of operation, said processor being operative to note at least one temperature condition upon entry into the setback of the setpoint, said processor being furthermore operative to track the amount of time that elapses during the setback of the setpoint, said processor being still furthermore operative to store the noted temperature condition and elapsed time as a setback record in said memory, said processor being operative to respond to any communication requesting information as to the participation of the thermostat in one or more requested setbacks of setpoints whereby the stored setback record is transmitted to the requesting entity.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Advanced setback reporting thermostat

Life of this patent

Advanced setback reporting thermostat

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24