Peak load optimization using communicating HVAC systems

An HVAC load manager, comprising:

• a memory configured to store controller instructions;
• a communications interface adapted to transmit motor command signals to a first electric motor having a first maximum operating capacity and a second electric motor having a second maximum operating capacity;
• and
• a processor configured to issue said motor command signals in response to said controller instructions, said motor command signals selectively including:
• first signals being configured to prevent said first electric motor and said second electric motor from simultaneously operating by:
• determining that a first control zone associated with said first electric motor has reached a set-point temperature, said first control zone associated with a first climate-controlled structure;
• and
• in response to determining that said first control zone associated with said first electric motor has reached said set-point temperature:
• stopping said first electric motor from operating;
• and
• transmitting a token to said second electric motor, wherein said token allows the second electric motor to operate;
• and
• second signals being configured to instruct said first electric motor and said second electric motor to simultaneously operate with said first electric motor operating at less than 100% of said first maximum capacity and said second electric motor operating at less than 100% of said second maximum capacity, wherein a total simultaneous operating capacity created by operation of said first electric motor and operation of said second electric motor is less than one of either said first maximum capacity or said second maximum capacity.

A method of manufacturing an HVAC load manager, comprising:

• configuring a memory to store controller instructions;
• adapting a communications interface to transmit motor command signals to a first electric motor having a first maximum capacity and a second electric motor having a second maximum operating capacity;
• and
• configuring a processor to issue said motor command signals in response to said controller instructions, said motor command signals being configured to selectively:
• prevent said first electric motor from operating simultaneously with said second electric motor by:
• determining that a first control zone associated with said first electric motor has reached a set-point temperature, said first control zone associated with a first climate-controlled structure;
• and
• in response to determining that said first control zone associated with said first electric motor has reached said set-point temperature:
• stopping said first electric motor from operation;
• and
• transmitting a token to said second electric motor, wherein said token allows said second electric motor to operate;
• and
• instruct said first electric motor and said second electric motor to simultaneously operate with said first electric motor operating at less than 100% of said first maximum capacity and said second electric motor operating at less than 100% of said second maximum capacity, wherein a total simultaneous operating capacity created by operation of said first electric motor and operation of said second electric motors is less than one of either said first maximum capacity or said second maximum capacity.

An HVAC system, comprising:

• a first electric motor;
• a second electric motor;
• and
• a load manager coupled to said first electric motor, said load manager configured to prevent said first electric motor from operating simultaneously with said second electric motor by:
• determining that a first control zone associated with said first electric motor has reached a set-point temperature, said first control zone associated with a first climate-controlled structure;
• and
• in response to determining that said first control zone associated with said first electric motor has reached said set-point temperature:
• stopping said first electric motor from operating;
• and
• transmitting a token to said second electric motor, wherein said token allows said second electric motor to operate;
• and
• wherein said second electric motor is located in a second detached climate-controlled structure, said first climate-controlled structure and said second detached climate-controlled structure being different.