The application belongs to divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No.201280070324.1 with application date of 2012, 12 and 21.
This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No.61/580,898 entitled LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM HAVINGINDEPENDENTLY-CONTROL UNIT TO A BROADCAST TRANSMITTER filed on 28.12.2011, U.S. provisional patent application No.61/640,241 entitled LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM HAVINGINDEPENDENTLY-CONTROL UNIT RESPONSIVE TO A BROADCAST TRANSMITTER filed on 30.4.2012, and U.S. provisional patent application No.61/654,562 entitled LOAD CONTROL SYSTEMHAVING INDEPENDENTLY-CONTROL UNIT TRANSMITTER filed on 1.6.2012.
Detailed Description
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred, in which like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views of the drawings, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.
Fig. 2 shows a load control system 100 employed in a building 101, wherein the load control system 100 comprises individual units 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102 d. Three offices 104a-c and one conference room 104d are also shown-each room having its own individual unit 102 a-d. As described herein, each individual unit 102a-d may include at least one commander and at least one energy controller, both of which include communication nodes of the load control system 100. The at least one energy controller is operable to control the at least one electrical load in response to a control signal received from the at least one commander. As shown in fig. 2, the load control system 100 includes wall-mounted dimmer switches 105, 106 and motorized window treatments 107, which are examples of energy controllers. The dimmer switch 105 may control the dome lamp 108 in the stand-alone unit 102 c. The occupancy sensor 109 is described as an example of a commander. Similarly, for example, a light sensor (not shown) may be a commander that controls the dimmer 105 and the motorized window treatments 107-dimming and adjusting the tint based on how much daylight is present.
According to one or more embodiments described in more detail herein, the load control system 100 also includes a broadcast controller 180 (e.g., a broadcast transmitter). For functions such as, but not limited to, demand response and/or clock-based functions, the broadcast controller 180 may perform system-wide (or building-wide) control of one or more energy controllers (e.g., the dimmer switches 105, 106 and the motorized window treatments 107) regardless of the individual units with which the respective energy controllers may be associated. For example, to react to a demand response situation, the broadcast controller 180 may override the commanders of one or more energy controllers (e.g., the dimmer switches 105, 106 and the motorized window treatments 107) and command those energy controllers to perform some load shedding function (e.g., dimming or ambient light control). Thus, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to control the energy controllers across multiple individual units 102a-d (as well as across multiple offices 104a-c and conference rooms 104 d).
Fig. 3 shows a load control system 100 comprising two independent units 110, 112 (e.g. subsystems) according to a first embodiment of the invention. Each individual unit 110, 112 includes one or more commanders (e.g., wireless transmitters) operable to control one or more energy controllers (e.g., load control devices having wireless receivers or transceivers for controlling electrical loads in response to received wireless signals). The commander is operable, for example, to transmit Radio Frequency (RF) signals to an energy controller for controlling the respective load. For example, the commander may comprise a unidirectional transmitter (i.e., a transmit-only device) operable only to transmit RF signals, and the energy controller may comprise a unidirectional receiver (i.e., a receive-only device) operable only to receive RF signals. Alternatively, the commander and the energy controller may comprise bidirectional devices, each operable to transmit and receive RF signals. The load control system 100 may include a mix of unidirectional and bidirectional commanders and energy controllers. As previously described, the commander and the energy controller serve as communication nodes of the load control system 100.
The individual units 110, 112 may be installed in separate and at least partially enclosed rooms, for example, in public buildings, and may be adjacent to each other. The individual units 110, 112 are both located within an area within the RF transmission range of the broadcast controller 180 (i.e., within the total transmission area). The control devices of the independent units 110, 112 (i.e., the commander and the energy controller) are configured (i.e., programmed) independently of each other such that the energy controller is operable to control the connected load in response to the commander of only the independent units (i.e., the independent units operate independently of each other). However, the energy controllers of both the first and second independent units 110, 112 are responsive to RF signals transmitted by the broadcast controller 180 of the load control system 100, as will be described in more detail below.
The commander and broadcast controller 180 is operable to transmit digital messages via RF signals (e.g., approximately 434MHz) according to a predefined RF communication protocol to a load control device, such as, for example, one of the LUTRON CLEAR CONNECT, WI-FI, WI-WAX, BLUETOOTH, ZIGBEE, Z-WAVE, 6LoWPAN, KNX-RF, and enocae RADIO protocols. Alternatively, the commander and broadcast controller 180 may transmit digital messages via a different wireless medium such as, for example, an Infrared (IR) signal or sound such as voice. Examples of RF lighting control systems are disclosed in the following commonly assigned U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No.5,905,442, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AND DETERMININGTHE STATUS OF ELECTRICAL DEVICES FROM REMOTE LOCATIONS, published on 18.5.1999 AND U.S. Pat. No.6,803,728, entitled SYSTEM FOR CONTROL, published on 12.10.2004, the entire contents OF which are incorporated herein by reference.
The broadcast controller 180 and the energy controller are operable to communicate (i.e., transmit and receive digital messages via RF signals) using time division techniques, i.e., the broadcast controller 180 and the energy controller transmit digital messages during predetermined time slots. Examples of RF load control systems using time division techniques are described in more detail in the following commonly assigned U.S. patent applications: U.S. patent application No. u.s.12/033,223, entitled COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL FOR a RADIO-FREQUENCY LOAD control, filed on 19.2.2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. When the commander is a one-way transmitter, the commander is operable to repeatedly transmit a single digital message in multiple RF signals (i.e., in multiple packets) to the energy controller to reduce the likelihood of collision of the transmitted RF signal with an RF signal transmitted by another control device (i.e., to improve the chances of the transmitted RF signal reaching the intended recipient). An example OF a load CONTROL system having unidirectional and bidirectional communication DEVICES is described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. patent application publication No.2012/0056712, published 3, 8, 2012 under the name OF METHOD OF CONFIGURING a TWO-way-WAYWIRELESS LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING ONE-WAY WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL DEVICES, the entire contents OF which are incorporated herein by reference.
As shown in fig. 3, the broadcast controller 180 is connected to a network 182 (e.g., a local area network or the internet) via a network communication link 184. Network communication link 184 may include, for example, a digital communication link operating according to a predefined communication protocol, such as, for example, one of the ethernet, IP, WiFi, QS, DMX, BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks, and KNX protocols. Alternatively, the network communication link 184 can comprise one of a serial digital communication link, an RS-485 communication link, an RS-232 communication link, a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) communication link, or a LUTON ECOSYSTEM communication link. The load control system 100 may further include an internet protocol enabled computing device, e.g., a tablet 185 (such as,a tablet computer), a smart phone (such as,orSmart phone), aA Personal Computer (PC), or laptop, for transmitting digital messages to the broadcast controller 180 via the network 182.
The electrical utility 183 may transmit the demand response command to the broadcast controller 180 via the network 182 and/or the network communication link 184. Additionally, the broadcast controller 180 may assert clock commands, load shed commands, peak demand commands, or slot pricing information received via the network 182 and/or the network communication link 184. For example, the broadcast controller 180 can operate to reduce the energy consumption of the energy controller in response to the time period price information at times when the cost of electricity is expensive. Also, the broadcast controller 180 may respond to XML data received from the Web service interface via the network 182 and/or the network communication link 184. The load control system 100 may include an additional broadcast controller 180 for transmitting digital messages to additional independent units. The broadcast controllers 180 are operable to communicate with each other via the network 182 or via RF signals.
As shown in fig. 3, the energy controller (i.e., load control device) of the first standalone unit 110 may include, for example, a dimmer switch 210, a plug-in load control device (PID)220, a temperature control device 230, and a Contact Closure Output (CCO) assembly 240. The commander of the first standalone unit 110 may include a remote controller 250, an occupancy sensor 260, and a temperature sensor 270. The energy controllers of the second independent unit 112 may include a digital ballast controller 310, a motorized window treatment 320, and a temperature control device 330. The commander (i.e., wireless transmitter) of the second standalone unit 112 may include a battery-powered remote control 350, an occupancy sensor 360, and a daylight sensor 370. The occupancy sensors 260, 360, the daylight sensor 270, and the temperature sensor 270 provide automatic control of various loads for the first and second individual units 110, 112, while the remote controllers 250, 350 allow manual override (override) of the automatic control of the loads. The first and second independent units 110, 112 may include additional energy controllers and commanders. Additionally, the load control system 100 may include a load independent unit.
The dimmer switch 210 of the first stand-alone unit 110 is adapted to be used in an Alternating Current (AC) power supply(not shown) and the lighting load 212 for controlling the amount of power delivered to the lighting load. The dimmer switch 210 may be adapted for wall-mounting in a standard electrical wall box, or may alternatively be implemented as a tabletop load control device. The dimmer switch 210 includes a toggle actuator 214 and an intensity adjustment actuator 216. Actuation of the toggle actuator 214 toggles (i.e., turns off and on) the lighting load 212, while actuation of the upper and lower portions of the intensity adjustment actuator 216, respectively, switches at a minimum intensity LMIN(e.g., about 1%) to a maximum intensity LMAX(e.g., about 100%) to increase or decrease the current lighting intensity L of the lighting loadPRES. The dimmer switch 210 is also operable to control the lighting load in response to RF signals received from the remote controller 250 and the occupancy sensor 260. The dimmer switch 210 is operable to dim the current illumination intensity L for the decay timePRESFrom the first intensity to the second intensity such that the illumination intensity may be slowly adjusted and the intensity adjustment may not be noticed by a user of the space. The dimmer switch 210 also includes a plurality of visual indicators 218, e.g., Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), arranged in a linear array on the dimmer switch and illuminated to provide feedback of the intensity of the lighting load. An example of a dimmer switch is described in more detail in U.S. patent No.5,248,919, entitled LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE, published 9, 29, 1993, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the load control system 100 may include an electronic switch (not shown) operable to simply turn a lighting load or other electrical load on and off in response to activation of the toggle actuator or receipt of an RF signal.
Minimum intensity L of dimmer switch 210MINAnd maximum intensity LMAXCan be adjusted using a tuning process. For example, the user may press and hold the upper portions of the toggle actuator 214 and the intensity adjustment actuator 216 for a predetermined amount of time to enter a maximum intensity tuning mode. In one or more embodiments, the user may actuate the upper portions of the dial actuator 214 and the intensity adjustment actuator 216 substantially simultaneously (e.g., simultaneously, for the same period of time, concurrently, and/or coincident) within a predetermined amount of time to further actuateEnter the maximum intensity tuning mode. In the maximum intensity tuning mode, the dimmer switch 210 causes the maximum intensity L to be indicatedMAXOne of the visual indicators 218 of the value of (d) blinks. The user may actuate the upper and lower portions of intensity adjustment actuator 216 to respectively increase and decrease the maximum intensity LMAXThe value of (c). The dimmer switch 210 may adjust one of the flashing visual indicators and/or the intensity of the lighting load 212 in response to actuation of the intensity adjustment actuator 216 in the maximum intensity tuning mode. At the selected maximum intensity LMAXAfter a suitable value, the user may activate the toggle actuator 214 to exit the maximum intensity tuning mode. Similarly, the user may press and hold the lower portions of the toggle actuator 214 and the intensity adjustment actuator 216 for a predetermined amount of time to enter a minimum intensity tuning mode, adjusting the minimum intensity LMINThe value of (c).
Fig. 4 shows an exemplary simplified block diagram of the dimmer switch 210. The dimmer switch 210 comprises a controllably conductive device 2010 coupled in series electrical connection between the AC power source 1002 and the lighting load 1004 for controlling the power delivered to the lighting load. Controllably conductive device 2010 may include a relay or other switching device, or any suitable type of bidirectional semiconductor switch, such as, for example, a triac, a Field Effect Transistor (FET) in a rectifier bridge, or two FETs connected in anti-series. Controllably conductive device 2010 includes a control input coupled to drive circuit 2012.
The dimmer switch 210 further comprises a microprocessor 2014 coupled to the driver circuit 2012 for rendering the controllably conductive device 2010 conductive or non-conductive to control the power delivered to the lighting load 2004. The microprocessor 2014 may alternatively include a microcontroller, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or any suitable processing or control circuit. A zero crossing detector 2015 determines zero crossings of the input AC waveform from the AC power source 2002. The zero-crossing may be the time at which the AC supply voltage transitions from positive to negative polarity or from negative to positive polarity at the beginning of each half-cycle. Microprocessor 2014 receives the zero crossing information from zero crossing detector 2015 and provides control inputs to drive circuit 4012 to cause controllably conductive device 2010 to be conductive and non-conductive at predetermined times relative to the zero crossing points of the AC waveform. The dimmer switch 210 may further comprise an audible sound generator (not shown) for generating audible sound.
The microprocessor 2014 receives input from a mechanical switch 2016 mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown) of the dimmer switch 210 and arranged to be actuated by a rocker actuator (not shown) and an intensity adjustment actuator (not shown). The microprocessor 2014 also controls the light emitting diodes 2018, which are also mounted on the printed circuit board. The light emitting diodes 2018 may be arranged to illuminate one or more status indicators (not shown) on the front face of the dimmer switch 210, for example, by light pipe structures (not shown). The microprocessor 2014 is also coupled to the memory 2020 for storing one or more unique identifiers (e.g., addresses) of the dimmer switch 210, instructions for controlling the lighting load 2004, programming instructions for communicating via the wireless communication link, and the like. The memory 2020 can be implemented as an external Integrated Circuit (IC) or as internal circuitry of the microprocessor 2014. Power supply 2022 generates a Direct Current (DC) voltage VCCFor powering the microprocessor 2014, the memory 2020, and other low voltage circuits of the dimmer switch 210.
The dimmer switch 210 further comprises a wireless communication module 2030 for transmitting and/or receiving RF signals to and/or from its respective commander and/or broadcast controller 180. Wireless communication module 2030 may include an RF transceiver and an antenna. Examples of antennas for wall-mounted dimmer switches are described in more detail in U.S. patent No.5,982,103, published 11-9 of 1999 and U.S. patent No.7,362,285, published 4-22 of 2008, both entitled COMPACT RADIO FREQUENCY switching TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING ANTENNA AND CONTROL device dimming SAME, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The dimmer switch 210 further comprises an optical module 2040, such as, for example, an optical signal receiving circuit. The optical module 2040 may be optically coupled to an optical receiver (not shown). The optical module 2040 may be coupled to an optical receiver on the front face of the dimmer switch 210, for example, by a light pipe (not shown), such that the optical module 2040 may receive optical signals from one or more commanders (e.g., a tablet 185 or smart phone) and/or the broadcast controller 180 via the light pipe. For example, the optical module 2040 may include a photodiode (not shown) that is responsive to optical signals emitted by the commander and/or the broadcast controller 180. Additionally, the photodiodes of the optical module 2040 may be controlled by the microprocessor 2014 to, for example, transmit optical signals to one or more commanders and/or the broadcast controller 180. An example OF a METHOD OF optically transmitting DIGITAL messages TO a load CONTROL DEVICE is described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. patent application No.13/538,665 entitled METHOD OF optically transmitting DIGITAL information into a load CONTROL DEVICE, filed on 29.6.2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The microprocessor 2014 may determine from which module a signal is received, e.g., from the wireless communication module 2030 or the optical module 2040, and the controllably conductive device 2010 may be controlled based on those signals. The microprocessor 2014 may also transmit messages to one or more commanders and/or broadcast controllers 180 via optical signals or digital messages transmitted via RF signals. For example, the microprocessor 2014 of the dimmer switch 210 may be used to transmit digital messages to one or more commanders and/or the broadcast controller 180 via wireless communication. The digital messages may include alarms and/or feedback and status information about the lighting load 2004. For example, the digital message may also include an error message or an indication as to whether the dimmer switch 210 is capable of communicating via a wireless communication link or RF signal.
Referring again to fig. 3, the plug-in load control device 220 of the first standalone unit 110 is adapted to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet 222 for receiving power from an AC power source. The plug-in load control device 220 controls power delivered to a plug-in electrical load 224 (such as, for example, a desk lamp or other lighting load, or a television or other appliance) that is plugged into the plug-in load control device. For example, the plug-in load control device 220 may be operable to turn the plug-in load 224 on and off in response to RF signals received from the remote controller 250 and the occupancy sensor 260. Alternatively, the plug-in load control device 220 may be operable to control the amount of power delivered to the plug-in electrical load 224, for example, to adjust the lighting intensity of a desk lamp plugged into the plug-in load control device. Additionally, the load control system 100 may alternatively include a controllable electrical outlet (not shown) having an integrated load control circuit for controlling a plugged-in load, or a controllable circuit breaker (not shown) for controlling an electrical load (such as a water heater) that is not plugged into the electrical outlet.
The digital ballast controller 310 of the second separate unit 112 is adapted to be coupled to one or more ballasts 312 for controlling the intensity of respective gas discharge lamps 314, e.g. fluorescent lamps. The ballast 312 may receive power from an AC power source and may be coupled to the digital ballast controller 310 via a dedicated wired digital communication link 316, such as a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) communication link. The digital ballast controller 310 is operable to transmit digital messages to the ballast 312 for controlling the gas discharge lamp 314 in response to RF signals received from the remote controller 350, the occupancy sensor 360, and the daylight sensor 370. Examples of digital electronic dimming ballasts are described in more detail in the following commonly assigned U.S. patents: U.S. patent No.7,619,539, entitled MULTIPLE-INPUT ELECTRONIC DIMMING BALLAST WITH process, published on 11/17/2009, and U.S. patent No.8,035,529, entitled disabled integrated into useful BALLAST SYSTEM, published on 11/10/2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the ballast 312 may be a two-wire ballast operable to receive POWER AND COMMUNICATIONs (i.e., DIGITAL messages) from the DIGITAL ballast controller 310 VIA two POWER lines, as described in more detail in U.S. patent application No.13/359,722 entitled DIGITAL LOAD CONTROL system improvement POWER AND COMMUNICATION POWER supply wide filed on 27.1.2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In addition, the ballast 312 may be replaced by other types of energy controllers (i.e., load control devices), such as, for example, Light Emitting Diode (LED) drivers for controlling the intensity of LED light sources (i.e., LED light engines). Examples of LED drivers are described in more detail in co-pending commonly assigned U.S. patent application No.12/813,908 filed on 11/6/2009 and U.S. patent application No.13/416,741 filed on 9/3/2012, both entitled LOAD CONTROL DEVICE FOR a LIGHT-EMITTING diode SOURCE, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The motorized window treatment 320 (e.g., roller shade) of the second independent unit 112 may be positioned in front of one or more windows for controlling the amount of sunlight entering the building. The motorized window treatments 320 each include a flexible shade fabric 322 rotatably supported by a roller tube 324. Each motorized window treatment 320 is controlled by an Electronic Drive Unit (EDU)326 that may be located within a tube-wheel tube 324. The electronic drive unit 326 is operable to rotate the respective roller tube 324 to move the bottom edge of the shade fabric 322 to and between a fully open position and a fully closed position, and any position between the fully open position and the fully closed position (e.g., a preset position). In particular, the motorized window treatments 320 can be opened to allow more sunlight into the building and closed to allow less sunlight into the building. In addition, the motorized window treatments 320 can be controlled to provide additional insulation for the building, for example, by moving to a fully closed position to keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Alternatively, the motorized window treatment 320 may include other types of daylight control devices, such as, for example, a motorized fabric, a roman shade, a pleated shade, or a blind, a tension roller shade system for non-vertical windows (i.e., skylights), a controllable window glass (e.g., an electrochromic window), a controllable exterior shade, or a controllable blind or skylight. Examples of motorized window treatments are described in the following commonly assigned patents: U.S. patent No.6,983,783, entitled MOTORIZED shield CONTROL SYSTEM, issued on 10.1.2006 and U.S. patent application publication No.2012/0261078, entitled MOTORIZED WINDOW tree, issued on 18.10.2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The temperature control devices 230, 330 of the first and second independent units 110, 112 are operable to control a current temperature T for regulating a building in which the load control system 100 is installedPRESA heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control system (not shown). The temperature control devices 230 are each operable to determine a current temperature T in the buildingPRESAnd controlling the HVAC system to move toward the set point temperature TSETThe current temperature in the building is regulated. For example, temperature sensor 270 may be operable to measure a current temperature T in a buildingPRESAnd transmits the current temperature to the temperature control device 230 of the first independent unit 110 via the RF signal. In addition, the temperature control device 330 of the second independent unit 112 may comprise a device for measuring the current temperature T in the buildingPRESThe internal temperature sensor of (1). Each temperature control device 230, 330 may include a respective user interface 232, 332, the user interface 232, 332 having a control for adjusting the setpoint temperature TSETAnd for displaying the current temperature T in the buildingPRESOr setpoint temperature TSETThe visual display of (1).
The contact closure output assembly 240 of the first standalone unit 110 is operable to control a damper 242 of the HVAC system for adjusting the amount of air flowing through the damper and the current temperature T in the room in which the damper is installedPRES. In particular, the contact closure output assembly 240 can be coupled to a controller (e.g., a variable air volume controller) for controlling the motor to rotate the damper 242 between the open and closed positions to provide airflow into the room. The contact closure output assembly 240 is operable to determine a current temperature T in the building in response to receiving an RF signal from the temperature sensor 270PRESAnd the rotational position of the damper 242 in the room is adjusted to control the amount of air flowing into the room through the damper and thereby control the current temperature TPRES. Alternatively, the contact closure output assembly 240 may be coupled to other types of electrical loads for turning the electrical load on and off or changing the state of the load.
The battery-powered remote controllers 250, 350 are operable to transmit RF signals to the energy controllers of the first and second independent units 110, 112, respectively, for controlling a variety of electrical loads in response to user actuation (i.e., providing manual manipulation) of a plurality of buttons of the remote controllers. The remote controls 250, 350 each include an on button 252, 352, an off button 254, 354, an up button 255, 355, a down button 256, 356, and a preset button 258, 358. The remote controllers 250, 350 may simply transmit a digital message including the serial number (i.e., unique identifier) of the remote controller and information about which buttons were actuated to the various load control devices via RF signals. For example, the dimmer switch 210 may turn the lighting load 212 on and off in response to actuation of the on button 250 and the off button 254, respectively, of the remote control 250. The dimmer switch 210 may raise and lower the intensity of the lighting load 212 in response to actuation of the up button 255 and the down button 256, respectively. The dimmer switch 210 may control the intensity of the lighting load 212 to a preset intensity in response to actuation of the preset button 258. Examples of battery-powered remote controllers are described in more detail in the following commonly assigned patent applications: U.S. patent No.8,330,638, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY CONTROL HAVING BATTERY movement MEANS, published 12/11/2012 and U.S. patent No.7,573,208, published 8/22/2009, entitled METHOD OF program using ALIGHTING PRESET FROM a RADIO-FREQUENCY BATTERY CONTROL, the entire contents OF which are incorporated herein by reference.
The occupancy sensors 260, 360 are operable to transmit RF signals to the energy controllers of the first and second independent units 110, 112, respectively, for controlling the various electrical loads in response to detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in the room in which the occupancy sensors are located. The occupancy sensors 260, 360 each include an internal detector, such as a Pyroelectric Infrared (PIR) detector, operable to receive infrared energy from an occupant in the space, thereby sensing an occupancy condition in the space. Each occupancy sensor 260, 360 is operable to process the output of the PIR detector to determine whether an occupancy condition (i.e., occupant present) or an unoccupied condition (i.e., occupant not present) currently occurs in the space, for example, by comparing the output of the PIR detector to a predetermined occupancy voltage threshold. Alternatively, the internal detector may comprise an ultrasonic detector, a microwave detector, or any combination of a PIR detector, an ultrasonic detector, and a microwave detector.
The occupancy sensors 260, 360 each operate in an "occupied" state or an "empty" state in the space in response to detection of an occupied or empty condition, respectively. If the occupancy sensor 260, 360 is in the vacant state and the occupancy sensor determines that the space is occupied in response to the PIR detector, the occupancy sensor changes to the occupied state. The dimmer switch 210, the plug-in load control device 220, the temperature control device 230, and the Contact Closure Output (CCO) assembly 240 are responsive to RF signals emitted by the occupancy sensor 260 of the first self-contained unit 110, while the digital ballast controller 310, the motorized window treatment 320, and the temperature control device 330 are responsive to RF signals emitted by the occupancy sensor 360 of the second self-contained unit 112.
The commands included in the digital messages transmitted by the occupancy sensors 260, 360 may include an occupancy command or an empty command. For example, in response to receiving an occupancy command from the occupancy sensor 260, the dimmer switch 210 may control the intensity of the lighting load 212 to an occupancy intensity (e.g., approximately 100%). In response to receiving the idle command, the dimmer switch 210 may control the intensity of the lighting load 212 to an idle intensity, which may be less than the occupancy intensity (e.g., about 0%, i.e., off). If more than one occupancy sensor 260 is present in the first standalone unit 110, the dimmer switch 210 controls the intensity of the lighting load 212 to an occupancy intensity in response to receiving a first occupancy command from any one of the occupancy sensors, and controls the intensity of the lighting load 212 to a vacant intensity in response to receiving the last vacant command from those occupancy sensors that received the occupancy command from the occupancy sensor. The occupancy intensity and the vacancy intensity may use a minimum intensity L similar to that used for the dimmer switch 210 described aboveMINAnd maximum intensity LMAXIs adjusted.
Alternatively, the occupancy sensors 260, 360 may each be implemented as a vacant sensor. The energy controller responsive to the empty sensor only operates to disconnect power from the controlled electrical load in response to the empty sensor. For example, the dimmer switch 210 is only operable to turn off the lighting load 212 in response to receiving a null command from the null sensor. Examples of RF load control systems with occupancy and vacancy sensors are described in more detail in the following commonly assigned patents: U.S. Pat. No.8,009,042, issued on 30.8.2011 at 8.78 and entitled RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM WITH OCCUPANCYSYSING; U.S. patent No.8,228,184, entitled BATTERY-power doccpu SENSOR, published 24/7/2012; and U.S. patent No.8,199,010, entitled method and APPARATUS FOR configuration A WIRELESS SENSOR, published on 12.6.2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The daylight sensor 370 of the second separate unit 112 is mounted so as to measure the total light intensity in the space around the daylight sensor. The daylight sensor 370 pairs the total light intensity L measured by an internal light sensitive circuit, e.g. a photodiodeTOTAnd responding. In particular, the daylight sensor 370 is operable to wirelessly transmit a digital message comprising a value representative of the total illumination intensity to the energy controller of the second independent unit 112 via an RF signal. For example, the digital ballast controller 310 may be responsive to the total illumination intensity L measured by the daylight sensor 370TOTAnd controls the ballast 312 to decrease the intensity of illumination of the gas discharge lamp 314. Examples of load control systems having daylight sensors are described in more detail in the following commonly assigned patents: U.S. patent application publication No.2010/0244709, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED light SENSOR, published on 30.9.2010, and U.S. patent application publication No.2010/0244706, entitled METHOD OF CALIBRATING light SENSOR, filed 30.9.2010, the entire contents OF which are incorporated herein by reference.
The energy controller (i.e., the load control device) of the load control system 100 may further include: for example, one or more dimming circuits for controlling the intensity of an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, an electronic low voltage lighting load, a magnetic low voltage lighting load, or another type of lighting load; an electronic switch, controllable circuit breaker, or other switching device for turning on and off an electrical load or device; a controllable electrical socket or panel for controlling one or more plug-in electrical loads (such as coffee makers and space heaters); a screw-type luminaire comprising a dimmer circuit and a fluorescent or halogen lamp; a screw-type luminaire comprising a ballast and a compact fluorescent lamp; a screw-type luminaire comprising an LED driver and an LED light source; a motor control unit for controlling a motor load, such as a ceiling fan or an exhaust fan; a drive unit for controlling the motorized projection screen; motorized interior or exterior blinds; a thermostat for heating and/or cooling the system; an air conditioner; a compressor; an electric baseboard heater controller; a controllable damper; a variable air volume controller; a fresh air intake controller; a ventilation controller; a hydraulic valve for a radiator or a radiant heating system; a humidity control unit; a humidifier; a dehumidifier; a water heater; a boiler controller; a pool pump; a refrigerator; a refrigerator; a TV or computer monitor; a camera; an audio system or amplifier; an elevator; a power source; a generator; a charger, such as an electric vehicle charger; an energy storage system (e.g., a battery, a solar or thermal energy storage system), and an alternative energy controller (e.g., a solar, wind or thermal energy controller).
The commander (i.e., the wireless transmitter) of the load control system 100 may further include: for example, wall-mounted occupancy sensors, radiometers, cloudy or shadow sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, air quality sensors, security sensors, proximity sensors, light sensors, wall-mounted keypads, remote controller keypads, power or sun powered remote controllers, remote controller keys, cellular phones, smart phones, tablets, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), personal computers, laptop computers, clocks, audio visual controls, key card switches, security devices (such as fire, water and emergency equipment), power monitoring devices (such as power meters, energy meters, utility meters, and utility ratemeters), clocks, central controllers, or any residential, commercial, or industrial controller. In addition, the input device may include one or more partition sensors that transmit RF signals depending on whether the partition is opened or closed. Also, the input device may include a light fixture sensor (e.g., a light sensor) located within the lighting fixture to determine a status (e.g., on or off) of a light source of the lighting fixture for data logging. Examples of additional energy controllers and commanders are described in more detail in the commonly assigned applications: U.S. patent application publication No.2012/0091804 entitled LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING ANENERGY SAVINGS MODE, published on 19/4/2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Also, the individual units 110, 112 each include only energy controllers that are responsive only to the broadcast controller 180 and not to any commander.
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast controller 180 primarily transmits digital messages to the energy controllers of the individual units 110, 112. However, the broadcast controller 180 is also operable to receive digital messages from the commanders and energy controllers of the independent units 110, 112. Thus, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to collect data from the commanders and energy controllers of the independent units 110, 112 of the load control system 100. The broadcast controller 180 is operable to transmit a query message to the energy controller, in response to which the energy controller transmits appropriate data back to the broadcast controller.
The broadcast controller 180 may additionally be operable to record data from one or more commanders. The broadcast controller 180 is operable to record occupancy patterns, natural light patterns, glare and shadow patterns, and temperature patterns. The recorded data may be used to predict the energy savings of the load control system 100 prior to installation of the energy controller. For example, prior to installing the ballast 312 (i.e., when the non-controllable and/or non-dimming ballast is controlling the lamp 314), the broadcast controller 180 may record data from the occupancy sensor 360, the daylight sensor 370, and the fixture sensors located in the lighting fixture in which the lamp 314 is located to determine whether energy savings can be provided if the controllable ballast 312 is installed (e.g., due to turning off the lamp when space is unoccupied and/or due to dimming when there is natural light shining into the space). After installation of the energy controller, the broadcast controller 180 is also operable to record data from the commander and the energy controller.
For example, the data collected by the broadcast controller 180 may include the operating characteristics and settings of the energy controllers of the individual units 110, 112, the number and type of commanders, the current operating mode, energy usage information, light intensity of lighting loads, load faults, occupancy status of space, ambient light level measured by daylight sensors, the current capacity of the energy storage system, and the status of a plugged-in electrical load (i.e., whether a plugged-in load is plugged in). In addition, the broadcast controller 980 is operable to determine additional information from the occupancy status information received from the occupancy sensors 260, 360, for example, the number of occupants, the direction of movement of the occupants, security information (such as rooms occupied by unauthorized individuals, energy savings due to reduced use of lights and heating and cooling in unoccupied rooms), room utilization information (such as unoccupied conference rooms, indicating that a conference room is currently available), building utilization information (such as information indicating that a building may be operated more efficiently by integrating workers), and staff status information (such as information indicating that staff may be working throughout the day or leaving earlier).
During the independent initialization process of each of the first and second independent units 110, 112 of the load control system 100, the energy controller of each independent unit may be associated with (i.e., assigned to) one or more commanders of the particular independent unit. For example, the dimmer switch 210 may be assigned to the occupancy sensor 260 by actuating buttons on the dimmer switch and the occupancy sensor. Examples of assignment processes for RF controlled devices are described in more detail in the following commonly assigned patent applications: U.S. patent application publication No.2008/0111491 entitled RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM, published on 15.5.2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Each energy controller may be associated with a plurality of commanders, and each commander may be associated with a plurality of energy controllers.
In addition, the operating characteristics and functions of the load control system 100 may be programmed during the respective initialization processes of the first and second individual units 110. For example, the energy controller may be associated and programmed to respond to a commander. Additionally, the preset intensity of the dimmer switch 210 can be programmed using the toggle actuator 214 and the intensity adjustment actuator 216 of the dimmer switch or the buttons 252 and 258 of the remote control 250. The first and second independent units 110, 112 may be configured using a wrap-around programming process, for example, as described in more detail in the previously referenced U.S. Pat. No.5,905,442. Alternatively, the first and second independent units 110, 112 may be configured using computer-aided programming processes via a Graphical User Interface (GUI) running on a computing device (e.g., tablet 185, smartphone, personal computer, or laptop) coupled to the network 182 to create a database defining the operation of the respective independent units. At least a portion of the database may be uploaded to the energy controllers of the respective independent units 110, 112 so that the energy controllers know how to respond to the commanders during normal operation.
As previously described, the energy controllers of the first and second independent units 110, 112 operate independently of each other, but each respond to digital messages transmitted by the broadcast controller 180. The broadcast controller 180 may be installed in the load control system 100 and assigned to the energy controllers of the individual units 110, 112 after the individual units are configured and operated without requiring the energy controllers and commanders of the individual units 110, 112 to be reprogrammed. Thus, the broadcast controller 180 may be added to the load control system 100 after the individual units 110, 112 are initially commissioned to add global and central control of the individual units, with only a short additional commissioning time.
The broadcast controller 180 is operable to determine digital messages to be transmitted to the energy controllers of the first and second independent units 110, 112 in response to digital messages received from the network 182 via the network communication link 184. The broadcast controller 180 may also respond to digital messages received directly from the demand response remote controller 186 via RF signals or contact closure signals received from external devices. In addition, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to transmit and receive digital messages via two power lines (i.e., via Power Line Communication (PLC) signals) connected to the broadcast controller, for example, as described in the previously referenced U.S. patent application No.13/359,722. Moreover, the broadcast controller 180 is also operable to calculate the current position OF the sun and, for example, control the MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENTs 320 to prevent solar glare, as described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. patent No.8,288,981 entitled METHOD OF automatic control a MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT system, published 10, 16, 2012, the entire contents OF which are incorporated herein by reference.
Fig. 5 shows a view of further exemplary individual units 4001, 4002. The stand-alone unit 4001 comprises first and second battery-powered remote controllers 4050, 4051 serving as commanders, and an occupancy sensor 4060, and a daylight sensor 4070. The standalone unit 4001 also includes a dimmer switch 4010 that functions as an energy controller and a motorized window treatment 4020. In the stand-alone unit 4001, the dimmer switch 4010 and the motorized window treatments 4020 can respond to signals from one or more commanders. For example, the dimmer switch 4010 can be responsive to signals emitted by the first remote controller 4050, the occupancy sensor 4060, and the daylight sensor 4070. Also, as an example, the motorized window treatment 320 can be responsive to signals transmitted by the daylight sensor 4070 and the remote controller 4051. The stand-alone unit 4002 may comprise a third remote controller 4052 and a plug-in load control device (PID) 4021. For example, the PID4021 may respond to a signal of the third remote controller 4052.
Fig. 6A is a simplified perspective view of the broadcast controller 180. The broadcast controller 180 includes a diversity antenna system having two antennas 190, 191 having different orientations (e.g., oriented orthogonal to each other) for polarization diversity. In addition, the antennas 190, 191 span the width d of the broadcast controller 180WSpaced apart from each other for spatial diversity. For example, the width d of the broadcast controller 180W(i.e., the distance separating the antennas 190, 191) may be equal to or greater than about a quarter wavelength (e.g., about 6.8 inches, with a transmission frequency of about 434 MHz). The polarization and spatial diversity of the antennas 190, 191 may reduce interference (i.e., collisions) between transmitted RF signals and reduce the amount of retransmission that may be required from the broadcast controller 180 to the energy controller.
Thus, because of the polarity and spatial diversity of the antennas 190, 191, the broadcast controller 180 is able to transmit RF signals across a greater transmission range (e.g., up to about 70 feet) than the commanders of the first and second independent units 110, 112 are able to transmit. This results in a total transmission area of about 15000 square feet, which may alternatively be from about 5000 to 15000 square feet, for example. Conversely, if the broadcast controller has only one of the antennas 190, 191, the transmission range of the broadcast controller 180 is only about 30 feet, resulting in a total transmission area of about 3000 square feet. Thus, the use of two antennas 190, 191 on the broadcast controller 180 results in an improvement in the total transmission area that is two times greater than the transmission area with only one antenna. The polarization and spatial diversity of the antennas 190, 191 also allow an equivalent increase in the reception range and overall reception area of the broadcast controller 180.
The broadcast controller 180 is adapted to be removably coupled to a base 192, the base 192 allowing electrical connection to the network communication link 184 and a power supply (not shown) for the broadcast controller. The broadcast controller 180 includes buttons 194 for configuring and controlling the operation of the broadcast controller and the independent units 110, 112, and a visual indicator 196 (e.g., a light emitting diode) for providing feedback to the user. For example, the broadcast controller 180 may be removed from the base 192 and moved through a location, possibly for the purpose of detecting and/or registering one or more other nodes, such as but not limited to a commander device (or node), an energy controller device (or node), and/or other nodes that may be included in the stand-alone units 110 and/or 112 described in further detail herein. In addition, the broadcast controller 180 may be removably mounted above the ceiling (e.g., a junction box) or below the ceiling (e.g., flush mounted to a ceiling surface) such that it may communicate directly and/or indirectly with one or more nodes registered with the broadcast controller 180. The broadcast controller 180 may alternatively be mounted to a wall or in an electronic closet.
Fig. 6B shows a simplified diagram of a broadcast controller 180' according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The broadcast controller 180' may perform the same or similar functions as described for the broadcast controller 180 shown in fig. 6A. The broadcast controller 180 includes two orthogonally oriented antennas 190 ', 191'. The first antenna 190 ' includes conductive material (i.e., traces) placed on a printed circuit board 192 ' within the broadcast controller 180 ' and is fixed in place. The second antenna 191 'extends from the broadcast controller 180' and can rotate 360 °. However, the second antenna 191 'is always oriented 90 ° to the first antenna 190' to allow polarization diversity. The rotation of the second antenna 191 ' simplifies the mounting of the broadcast controller 180 ' because the broadcast controller may be mounted to a horizontal surface (e.g., a ceiling) or a vertical surface (e.g., a wall), and thus the second antenna 191 ' may be rotated, e.g., directed toward the ground.
Fig. 7A is a simplified block diagram of a broadcast controller 180 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The broadcast controller 180 includes a microprocessor 3010, which may alternatively comprise a microcontroller, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or any suitable processing device or control circuitry. The microprocessor 3010 is coupled to two RF communication circuits (e.g., two RF transceivers 3012, 3014) that are coupled to the first and second antennas 190, 191, respectively, for transmitting RF signals at the same frequency (e.g., about 434 MHz). Alternatively, the RF communication circuit may simply comprise an RF transmitter or an RF receiver. The microprocessor 3010 may employ one or more algorithms to control the allocation resources of the two antennas 190, 191 to either one of the RF transceivers 3012, 3014 or both of the RF transceivers 3012, 3014 of the broadcast controller 180. In one embodiment, for example, the microprocessor 3010 may employ one or more algorithms to use the two antennas 190, 191 for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques, two-antenna transmission, and/or beamforming.
As previously described, the broadcast controller 180 (and the energy controller) is operable to transmit digital messages in predetermined time slots according to a time division technique. Thus, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to transmit digital messages on the two antennas 190, 191 in two different respective time slots. For example, the microprocessor 3010 can be operable to cause the first RF transceiver 3012 to transmit a first RF signal via the first antenna 190 in a first time slot and to cause the second RF transceiver 3014 to transmit a second RF signal via the second antenna 191 in a second time slot. The first and second RF signals may include the same digital message (i.e., the same command, query, data, etc.). The first and second time slots do not overlap and the first time slot may occur immediately before the second time slot. Alternatively, the first and second RF transceivers 3012, 3014 may transmit the first and second RF signals in randomly selected time slots, e.g., selected from a plurality of non-overlapping time slots. When the load control system 100 includes additional broadcast controllers, the other broadcast controllers can operate to transmit in additional time slots (i.e., different from the first and second time slots).
The broadcast controller 180 is operable to receive RF signals transmitted by one of the commander or the energy controller in a single time slot (i.e., simultaneously) via both the first and second antennas 190, 191. The first RF transceiver 3012 is operable to generate a first receive signal in response to receiving an RF signal via the first antenna 190, and the second RF transceiver 3014 is operable to generate a second receive signal in response to receiving an RF signal via the second antenna 191. The microprocessor 3010 is operable to receive the first and second received signals and to respond to wireless signals received by the first and second antennas 190, 191 by processing the first and second received signals. For example, the microprocessor 3010 can be operable to decode the first and second received signals and respond to one of the first and second received signals being decoded first. Alternatively, the microprocessor 3010 is operable to determine which of the first and second received signals has the greater signal strength and to respond to the received signal having the greater signal strength. Additionally, the microprocessor 3010 is operable to combine the first and second received signals and is responsive to the combined signal.
In one or more embodiments, the broadcast controller 180 may employ one or more algorithms to allow each respective one of the two antennas 190, 191 to be assigned one or more transmission time slots. For example, the broadcast controller 180 may assign one or more transmission slots of one of the two antennas 190, 191 to a first radio (i.e., the RF transceiver 3012) and may assign the same transmission slot or one or more different transmission slots of the second of the two antennas 190, 191 to the first radio. As a further example, the broadcast controller 180 may assign one or more transmission time slots of one or both of the two antennas 190, 191 to the second radio, which may be different from the transmission time slots assigned to the first radio. In other embodiments, two antennas 190, 191 may be used to receive signals from one or more devices (or nodes) (e.g., commanders or energy controllers, etc.) that the broadcast controller 180 may communicate with. For example, the algorithm of the broadcast controller 180 may evaluate checksums or other quality control measures associated with the two antennas 190, 191, respectively, to determine which signal (or packet, etc.) received via the two antennas 190, 191 may be more reliable and/or may satisfy a predetermined quality threshold.
Because there are regulatory limits on the power of radio transmissions, the broadcast controller 180 may employ one or more algorithms to control the broadcast transmit power of one or more RF signals transmitted from the two antennas 190, 191. For example, the broadcast controller 180 may use two antennas 190, 191 to transmit signals at or below the conventional transmit power limit, respectively, effectively increasing the transmission range of one or more radios used by the broadcast controller 180.
The broadcast controller 180 may be configured to transmit a first command signal to the at least one energy controller via the first antenna 190 and may be configured to transmit a second command signal to the at least one energy controller via the second antenna 191. The at least one energy controller may be configured to prioritize the first command signal or the second command signal over the control signal received from the broadcast controller 180. The broadcast controller 180 may be configured to assign a designated transmission slot of the first antenna 190 to the first command signal and assign a designated transmission slot of the second antenna 191 to the second command signal. The broadcast controller 180 may be configured to determine a first transmission power for the first command signal and determine a second transmission power for the second command signal. The broadcast controller 180 may also be configured to transmit the first command signal via the first antenna 190 at or below the first transmission power and to transmit the second command signal via the second antenna 191 at or below the second transmission power.
As shown in fig. 7A, microprocessor 180 is operable to receive user input from buttons 194 and illuminate visual indicators 196 to provide feedback. The broadcast controller 180 may also include an audible sound generator 3016 for providing feedback to the user during configuration and normal operation. The microprocessor 3010 is also coupled to a memory 3018 for storing operational characteristics of the broadcast controller 180. The memory 3018 may be implemented as an external Integrated Circuit (IC) or as internal circuitry of the microprocessor 3010. Microprocessor 3010 is operable to connect to network communications link 184 via a communications circuit 3020 (e.g., an ethernet communications circuit) and a network connection port 3022. The broadcast controller 180 further includes a contact closure input circuit 3024 for receiving a contact closure signal received from an external device via a contact closure port 3026.
The broadcast controller 180 may include one or more rechargeable batteries 3030 to generate a battery voltage V for powering the microprocessor 3010, RF transceivers 3012, 3014, and other low-voltage circuitry of the broadcast controllerBATT. The broadcast controller 180 may be adapted to receive an AC line voltage or a DC voltage via a power port 3032 (e.g., a USB port). The battery 3030 is operable to be charged from the power port 3032 via the charging circuit 180 when the broadcast controller 180 is connected to the base 192. The broadcast controller 180 may be removed from the base 192 and repositioned to simplify the configuration process of the load control system 100. Alternatively, the broadcast controller 180 may include an internal power source (not the battery 3030) and may be constantly powered through the power port 3032.
Fig. 7B is a simplified block diagram of a broadcast controller 180 "in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The broadcast controller 180 ″ has functional blocks similar to the broadcast controller 180 shown in fig. 7A. However, the broadcast controller 180 "has a single RF communication circuit (e.g., RF transceiver 3012") instead of the two separate RF transceivers 3012, 3014 of the broadcast controller 180 shown in fig. 7A. The RF transceiver 3012 "is coupled to the two antennas 190, 191 through an RF switch 3013". The microprocessor 3010 "can control the position of the RF switch 3013" and which of the two antennas 190, 191 is coupled to the RF transceiver 3012 "and thereby transmit RF signals. In particular, the microprocessor 3010 "is operable to control the RF switch 3013" to a first position to couple the RF transceiver 3012 "to the first antenna 190, to transmit a first wireless signal in a first time slot, and to control the RF switch to a second position to couple the RF transceiver to the second antenna 190, to transmit a second wireless signal in a second time slot, which may occur immediately after the first time slot. When the broadcast controller 180 "is not transmitting RF signals, the microprocessor 3010" may lock the RF switch 3013 "in a position so that only one of the antennas 190, 191 is able to receive RF signals. For example, for the broadcast controller 180 'shown in fig. 6B, the microprocessor 3010 "may control the RF switch 3013" to a second position so that the second (and adjustable) antenna 191' can receive the RF signal.
The energy controller may be associated with the broadcast controller 180 during or after a configuration process of each of the first and second independent units 110, 112. For example, the broadcast controller 180 may be installed in the load control system 100 and associated with the energy controllers of the individual units 110, 112 after the individual units are configured and operated. The energy controller associated with the broadcast controller 180 then responds to the digital message transmitted by the broadcast controller. For example, one of the energy controllers may be associated with the broadcast controller 180 by actuating a button on the energy controller until the energy controller enters the association mode, and then actuating one of the buttons 194 on the broadcast controller. The broadcast controller 180 may transmit a broadcast address to the energy controller, which may then save the broadcast address received from the broadcast controller. The broadcast controller 180 may flash one of the visual indicators 196 and/or generate an audible sound when the association with the energy controller is complete. The broadcast controller 180 may be removed from the base 192 and moved close to the energy controller to simplify the configuration process.
Alternatively, the broadcast controller 180 may first enter the association mode in response to actuation of the button 194, and then may repeatedly transmit the broadcast address in the association mode. If the initiator on the energy controllers is activated while the broadcast controller repeatedly transmits the broadcast address in the association mode, the energy controllers may each save the broadcast address received from the broadcast controller 180.
After being associated with the energy controllers of the independent units 110, 112, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to transmit a digital message to the energy controllers that includes one of a plurality of operating modes. The energy controllers of the individual units 110, 112 operate automatically according to one of a plurality of control algorithms in response to receiving a digital message from the broadcast controller 180 that includes one of the operating modes. For example, the broadcast controller 180 may be coupled to a central controller or processor (not shown) via a network 182 for receiving an operating mode for transmission to the individual units 110, 112. Alternatively, the broadcast controller 180 may transmit one of the operating modes to the energy controllers of the independent units 110, 112 in response to a digital message received from a building or energy management system coupled to the network 182, in response to a digital message received from a remote "cloud" server via the internet, or in response to a contact closure signal received via a contact closure input. The energy controllers are operable to control the respective loads in response to a current operating mode and one or more operating characteristics stored in a memory of the energy controller.
In addition, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to transmit digital messages to the energy controllers including commands for controlling the associated loads. For example, the commands may include a command to turn the load on or off, a command to adjust the amount of power delivered to the load, a command to increase or decrease the set point temperature of the heating and cooling system, a delay time (i.e., the time from which the command is received to when the load is controlled), and a decay time (i.e., the amount of time the load is adjusted from an initial value to a target value).
The broadcast controller 180 may also provide centralized clocking of the individual units 110, 112. For example, the broadcast controller 180 may periodically transmit the current time of day to the energy controller. Each energy controller may be programmed with a clock schedule for controlling the electrical load in response to the current time of day transmitted by the broadcast controller 180. The clock schedule may be stored in the memory 3018 of the broadcast controller 180. The broadcast controller 180 may include an astronomical clock, or may receive period information from a cloud server via the internet. In addition, in addition to transmitting the current time of day to the energy controllers, the broadcast controller 180 may store a clock schedule for controlling the electrical loads and may transmit an alternate command to the energy controllers in response to the current time of day. For example, the broadcast controller 180 may transmit a scan on or scan off command to the energy controller on a per clock schedule to turn on and off, respectively, one or more electrical loads at the end of a work day. Also, the broadcast controller 180 may transmit one of the operation modes to the energy controller in response to the clock schedule. In one or more embodiments, the broadcast controller 180 may include one or more processor (or controller) devices, one or more memories, at least one power supply, and/or one or more wireless communication transceivers (which may be in communication with the two antennas 190, 191). The one or more processor devices may be configured to perform a variety of functions, such as, but not limited to, those associated with clock functions and/or demand response functions.
The operation modes transmitted by the broadcast controller 180 may include, for example, a normal mode, a standard Demand Response (DR) mode, an emergency Demand Response (DR) mode, a leisure mode, a security mode, and a preprocessing mode. During the standard demand response mode and the emergency demand response mode, the energy controller operates to reduce the total power consumption of the load control system 100 (i.e., shed load). For example, the dimmer switch 210 may illuminate when the lighting load is onCurrent intensity L of light load 122PRESReducing the predetermined amount, turning off the lighting load when the room is not occupied, and reducing the current intensity L in response to the daylight sensor if sufficient daylight is present in the roomPRES. In addition, the motorized window treatment 320 may lower the shade fabric 322 to cover the window opening and provide additional insulation for the building during the standard and emergency demand response modes, or may alternatively raise the shade fabric to allow more sunlight into the room.
Also, during the standard demand response mode and the emergency demand response mode, the temperature control device 230, 330 may increase the setpoint temperature T of the HVAC system when cooling the buildingSETAnd reducing the set point temperature T of the HVAC system while heating the buildingSETTo reduce energy consumption of the HVAC system. Additionally, the temperature control devices 230, 330 are operable to shut down the HVAC system during the standard demand response mode and the emergency demand response mode. Operation of the energy controller during the demand response mode may depend on the current time of day or the current time of year. In addition, the operation of the energy controller during the demand response mode may depend on the current operating mode or current scenario selected in the individual unit. For example, if an "introduction" or "meeting" scenario is selected in the individual unit and the broadcast controller 180 transmits a standard demand response pattern, the energy controller of the individual unit does not respond to the standard demand response pattern so as not to interfere with the ongoing meeting.
The broadcast controller 180 is operable to cause the energy controllers to enter a standard demand response mode or an emergency demand response mode in response to a variety of different inputs. When either of the demand response modes is first entered, the broadcast controller 180 may generate an audible sound and/or may flash one of the visual indicators 196 (i.e., generate a visual indication). Additionally, the energy controller may generate an audible sound or flash a visual indicator when in either of the demand response modes. Alternatively, the broadcast controller 180 may transmit a digital message via the network 182 such that when the broadcast controller 180 first enters any of the demand response modes, an email or text is sent, or the message may be displayed on a Graphical User Interface (GUI) running on the tablet 185 or PC. The broadcast controller 180 is operable to transmit one of the standard and emergency demand response modes to the energy controller in response to a manual input, such as, for example, actuation of a demand response start button 188 of the demand response remote controller 186 or selection of a start option displayed on a web page on the tablet 195 or other computing device (e.g., a personal computer or smartphone) coupled to the network communication link 184. Additionally, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to transmit one of the demand response modes in response to a clock event created using the computing device
Also, the broadcast controller 180 can be operable to automatically cause the energy controller to enter one of the demand response modes. For example, the load control system 100 may further include a contact closure interface unit (not shown) for receiving a wireless signal (e.g., a cellular signal) from the electrical appliance 183 or the integrator. The contact closure interface unit may be directed to the broadcast controller 180 to transmit one of the demand response modes via the contact closure input signal received by the contact closure input circuit 5024. Alternatively, the central controller of the load control system 100 may receive communications from the electrical utility 183 or the integrator via the network 182 and may automatically transmit one or more digital messages to the broadcast controller 180 for causing the broadcast controller to transmit one of the demand response patterns to the energy controllers. Additionally, the central controller may periodically download the demand response status or command from the electrical utility or integrator via the network 182, and may cause the broadcast controller 180 to transmit one of the demand response patterns to the energy controllers in response to the downloaded status or command.
The broadcast controller 180 is operable to cause the energy controller to exit the standard or emergency demand response mode, for example by transmitting the normal mode to the energy controller. The broadcast controller 180 is operable to cause the energy controller to exit the demand response mode in response to a manual input, such as, for example, actuation of a demand response stop button 189 of the demand response remote controller 196, in response to selection of a stop option for a web page displayed on a computing device coupled to the network communication link 184, or in response to a clock event created by the computing device. Additionally, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to automatically cause the energy controller to exit the demand response mode in response to removal of the signal at the contact closure input, in response to a communication received from the electrical utility 183 or integrator via the network 182, or in response to a downloaded demand response status or command. Also, the energy controller is operable to stop from the demand response mode after a predetermined amount of time.
The broadcast controller 180 can operate as a "pre-treatment" building in which the load control system 100 is installed prior to operating the energy controller in a standard demand response mode (in which the HVAC system will consume less power). The broadcast controller 180 may transmit a digital message including a pre-processing mode before operating the energy controller in the standard demand response mode. In the pre-treatment mode, the temperature control device 230, 330 is operable to pre-cool the building when the HVAC system is cooling the building and pre-heat the building when the HVAC system is heating the building.
The operating characteristics and functions of the operating modes of the energy controllers may be programmed to be out-of-box such that the energy controllers are each responsive to the operating mode transmitted by the broadcast controller 180 as long as the energy controller is associated with the broadcast controller. Additionally, the operating characteristics and functionality of the operating modes of the energy controller may alternatively be configured online by the customer (e.g., using a web browser on a personal computer) and then programmed into the memory of the broadcast controller 180 during the manufacturing process of the broadcast controller so that the load control system 100 is operational as soon as installed and associated with the broadcast controller. Also, the control algorithm of each energy controller may be programmed, for example using a hand-held programmer, to transmit digital messages to the energy controllers. However, not all energy controllers may respond to all modes of operation transmitted by the broadcast controller 180. Thus, if the energy controller receives a digital message that includes an operating mode that is not configured in the energy controller, the energy controller defaults to the normal mode. For example, the dimmer switch 210 may not respond to digital messages that include a pre-processing mode.
For example, the dimmer switch 210 may be operable in a normal mode, a standard demand response mode, an emergency demand response mode, a leisure mode, and a safe mode. When the dimmer switch 210 receives a digital message from the broadcast controller 180 including one of the operating modes, the dimmer switch executes the operating mode adjustment process 400 to begin operation according to the appropriate control algorithm. When a digital message is received from one of the commanders of the separate unit of the dimmer switch 210, the dimmer switch performs the control process 500 according to the current operation mode received from the broadcast controller 180. The dimmer switch 210 uses the normal intensity LNORMDemand response callback (setback) ΔDRAnd daylight illumination callback deltaDLDetermining the current intensity L of the lighting load 212 during the control process 500PRESThe amount of the solvent to be used is, for example,
LPRES＝(1-ΔDR)·(1-ΔDL)·LNORM.
when operating in the normal mode, the dimmer switch 210 controls the current intensity L of the lighting load 212PRESTo normal intensity LNORMAnd normal intensity L may be adjusted in response to actuation of buttons 252 and 258 of remote control 250NORM. Demand response callback ΔDRIndicating the current intensity L of the lighting load 212 when the dimmer switch 210 is operating in the demand response modePRESFrom normal intensity LNORMPercentage of scale-down. Daylight illumination callback deltaDLIndicating the current intensity L of the lighting load 212 when daylight illumination is enabled for the dimmer switch 210PRESFrom normal intensity LNORMPercentage of scale-down.
Fig. 8A is a simplified flow diagram of an operating mode adjustment process 400 performed by the dimmer switch 210 when the dimmer switch receives a digital message including one of the operating modes at step 410. If at step 412, the operating mode received at step 410 is configured for the dimmer switch 210 (i.e., the dimmer switch does so for that mode)Responds), and at step 414 the received operating mode is normal, the dimmer switch 210 recalls the demand response by Δ at step 415DRSet to 0%. Then, before the operating mode adjustment process 400 exits, at step 416, the dimmer switch 210 disables all sensor operations (i.e., the dimmer switch 210 will not respond to the occupancy sensor or daylight sensor during normal operation), and at step 418, the daylight illumination is dimmed by a deltaDLSet to 0%.
If at step 420 the received operating mode is a standard demand response mode, then at step 422 the dimmer switch 210 recalls the demand response by ΔDRIs set to a first predetermined amount of retuning ΔDR1For example, about 20%. Then, at step 424, the dimmer switch 210 enables the null sensor operation (i.e., the dimmer switch will respond to the null message, rather than the occupancy message transmitted by the occupancy sensor assigned to the dimmer switch), and at step 426 enables the daylighting operation (i.e., the dimmer switch will adjust the preset intensity L in response to the total lighting intensity measured by the daylight sensor assigned to the dimmer switchPRES). Finally, at step 428, the dimmer switch 210 sets a Demand Response (DR) timeout period and the operating mode adjustment process 400 exits. Before the operating mode adjustment process 400 exits, if at step 430 the received operating mode is an emergency demand response mode, then at step 432 the dimmer switch 210 recalls the demand response by ΔDRIs set to a second predetermined amount of retuning ΔDR2(e.g., about 90%), at step 424, the vacant sensor operation is enabled, at step 426, the daylighting operation is enabled, and at step 428, the demand response timeout period is set. At the end of the demand response timeout period, the dimmer switch 210 changes to normal mode (i.e., recalls the demand response by Δ), for exampleDRSet to 0%, disable all sensor operations, and adjust back the daylight illumination by ΔDLSet to 0%), the demand response mode is automatically exited.
If at step 434, the received operating mode is a leisure mode, thenAt step 436, the dimmer switch 210 enables occupancy sensor operation (i.e., the dimmer switch will respond to the occupancy message and the vacancy message transmitted by the occupancy sensor assigned to the dimmer switch). Then, before the operating mode adjustment process 400 exits, at step 438 the dimmer switch 210 disables daylighting operation (i.e., the dimmer switch 210 will not adjust the preset intensity L in response to the daylight sensor assigned to the dimmer switchPRES) And at step 418, the daylighting is recalled by ΔDLSet to 0%. If the received operating mode is a safe mode at step 440, the dimmer switch 210 will preset the intensity L of the lighting load at step 442PRESIs set equal to the maximum intensity LMAX(i.e., 100%) such that the preset intensity LPRESNot dependent on normal intensity LNORMDemand response back off ΔDRAnd daylight illumination callback deltaDLThe value of (c). Then, before the operating mode adjustment process 400 exits, the dimmer switch 210 disables all sensor operations at step 444 and the daylighting is dimmed by Δ at step 418DLSet to 0%. If, at step 412, the operating mode received at step 410 is not configured for the dimmer switch 210, the dimmer switch is adjusted back by the lighting dimming Δ at step 415DLSet to 0%, disable all sensor operations at step 415, and adjust back the daylight illumination by Δ at step 418DLSet to 0%, simply operate in normal mode.
Fig. 8B is a simplified flow diagram of a control process 500 performed by the dimmer switch 210 when the dimmer switch receives a digital message from one of the commanders (e.g., the remote controller 250, the occupancy sensor 260, or the daylight sensor) at step 510. If the dimmer switch 210 is operating in the emergency mode at step 512, the dimmer switch does not respond to the received digital message and the control process 500 simply exits. If at step 514 the received message is from the remote control 250 and at step 516 the on button 252 indicating the remote control is actuated, then at step 518 the dimmer switch will normally be at intensity LNORMSet to maximum intensity LMAX(i.e., 100%). If at step 520 the received digital message indicates that the off button 254 of the remote control 250 is actuated, then at step 522 the dimmer switch 210 will normally be at intensity LNORMSet to 0% (i.e., off). If the received digital message indicates that the up button 255 is actuated at step 524 or the down button 250 is actuated at step 528, the dimmer switch 210 will normally intensity L at step 526, respectivelyNORMIncreased by a predetermined amount (e.g., about 1%) and at step 530, the normal intensity L is adjustedNORMBy a predetermined amount (e.g., about 1%). If at step 532 the received digital message indicates that the preset button 258 is actuated, then at step 534 the dimmer switch 210 will normally intensity LNORMSet to a preset intensity LPRE。
If the received digital message is not from the remote control 250 at step 514, the dimmer switch 210 determines whether the received digital message is from the occupancy sensor 260. In particular, if at step 536 the received digital message is a null message from the occupancy sensor 260 and at step 538 the null sensor or occupancy sensor operation is enabled (i.e., enabled at step 424 or 432 of the operating mode adjustment process 400), at step 540 the dimmer switch 210 will normally intensity LNORMSet to 0% (i.e., off). If the empty sensor or occupancy sensor operation is not enabled at step 538, the dimmer switch 210 does not adjust the normal intensity LNORM. If at step 542 the received digital message is an occupancy message from the occupancy sensor 260 and at step 544 the occupancy sensor operation is enabled, then at step 546 the dimmer switch 210 will be at the normal intensity LNORMSet to maximum intensity LMAX(i.e., 100%).
If at step 548 the received digital message is a daylighting message from a daylight sensor and at step 550 daylighting operation is enabled, then at step 552 the dimmer switch 210 responds to the measured total included in the received digital messageIllumination intensity LTOTSetting daylighting callback deltaDL. For example, if the total illumination intensity LTOTAbove a predetermined threshold, the dimmer switch 210 may increase the daylighting cutback ΔDLThe value of (c). Finally, the normal intensity L is adjusted at steps 518, 522, 526, 530, 534, 540, 546 before the control process 500 exitsNORMOr adjust the daylighting callback Δ at step 522DLThereafter, at step 554, the dimmer switch 210 uses the normal intensity LNORMDemand response callback ΔDRAnd daylight illumination callback deltaDLCalculating the current intensity L of the lighting load 212PRESThe new value of (c).
Similarly, the temperature control device 230 of the first standalone unit 110 performs the operation mode adjustment procedure 600 to operate with a suitable control algorithm in response to receiving a digital message from the broadcast controller 180 that includes one of the operation modes. When operating in the normal mode, the temperature control device 230 controls the setpoint temperature T of the HVAC systemSETTo the normal temperature TNORMAnd the normal temperature T may be adjusted in response to actuation of an actuator of the user interface 232NORM. Temperature control device 230 uses offset temperature T when operating in a standard demand response mode, an emergency demand response mode, or a leisure modeOSRegulating the setpoint temperature TSETTo reduce the overall power consumption of the HVAC system. In addition, temperature control device 230 uses offset temperature T when operating in the pre-processing modeOSRegulating the setpoint temperature TSETTo pre-cool or pre-heat the building.
Fig. 8C is a simplified flow diagram of an operating mode adjustment process 600 performed by temperature control device 230 when the temperature control device receives a digital message including one of the operating modes at step 610. If, at step 612, the operating mode received at step 610 is configured for the temperature control device 230, and at step 614, the received operating mode is a normal mode, then at step 616, the temperature control device will offset the temperature TOSSet to 0 ℃. The temperature control device 2 then exits before the operating mode adjustment process 600 exits30 by shifting the temperature TOSAddition to normal temperature TNORM(i.e., setpoint temperature T)SETEqual to the normal temperature TNORM) At step 630, a setpoint temperature T for the HVAC system is determinedSET。
If at step 620 the received operating mode is any of the demand response modes, and at step 622 the HVAC system is currently cooling the building, then at step 624 the temperature control device 230 will offset the temperature TOSSetting to a cooling demand response setback temperature TDR-COOL(e.g., about 3 ℃ C.). If the HVAC system is currently heating the building at step 622, then the temperature control device 230 will offset the temperature T at step 626OSSetting to a heating demand response callback temperature TDR-HEAT(e.g., about-3 ℃ C.). At step 628, temperature control device 230 sets a Demand Response (DR) timeout period. Finally, temperature control device 230 will offset the temperature T at step 630 before the operating mode adjustment process 600 exitsOSAddition to normal temperature TNORMTo determine a set point temperature T for the HVAC systemSET. Thus, when operating in either of the demand response modes, the building is cooled (due to the offset temperature T)SOPositive), temperature control device 230 increases set point temperature TSETAnd when heating a building (due to the offset temperature T)OSNegative), the setpoint temperature T is decreasedSET. At the end of the demand response timeout period, the temperature control device 230 will, for example, change to the normal mode (i.e., offset the temperature T)OSSet to 0 deg.c) to exit the demand response mode.
If the received operating mode is a leisure mode at step 632 and the HVAC system is currently cooling the building at step 634, the temperature control device 230 will offset the temperature T at step 636OSSet to cooling leisure back the temperature TAH-COOL(e.g., about 3 ℃ C.). If the HVAC system is currently heating the building at step 634, the temperature control device 230 will offset the temperature T at step 638OSSet to heating leisure back the temperature TAH-HEAT(e.g., about-3 ℃ C.). Then theBy shifting the temperature TOSAddition to normal temperature TNORMAt step 630, the temperature control device 230 determines a setpoint temperature T for the HVAC systemSETAnd the operating mode adjustment process 600 exits. Thus, when operating in a leisure mode, the temperature control device 230 increases the setpoint temperature T while cooling the buildingSETAnd when heating the building, reducing the setpoint temperature TSET。
If at step 640 the received operating mode is a pre-processing mode, and at step 642 the HVAC system is currently cooling the building, then at step 644 the temperature control device 230 will offset the temperature TOSSet to the cooling pretreatment temperature TPR-COOL(e.g., about-4 ℃ C.). If the HVAC system is currently heating the building at step 642, the temperature control device 230 will offset the temperature T at step 646OSIs set to a preheating temperature TPR-HEAT(e.g., about 4 ℃ C.). Thus, when operating in the pre-processing mode, the temperature control device 230 decreases the set point temperature T when cooling the buildingSETAnd increasing the setpoint temperature T when heating the buildingSET. If, at step 612, the operating mode received at step 610 is not configured for the temperature control device 230, then, at step 616, the temperature control device shifts the temperature T byOSSet to 0 ℃, simply operate in normal mode.
Although the operation mode adjustment processes 400, 600 of fig. 8A and 8C are described as being performed by the dimmer switch 210 and the temperature control device 230, other energy controllers of the first and second independent units 110, 112 also perform similar operation mode adjustment processes, varying depending on the particular load being controlled by the energy controllers. In addition, as mentioned above, the operating modes of the energy controllers are mutually exclusive, i.e. the energy controllers each operate only in one of the operating modes at a time. Alternatively, the energy controller may operate in more than one mode of operation at a time.
The energy controllers are each operable to condition digital messages stored in the memory in response to digital messages received from the broadcast controller 180Operating characteristics (e.g., first and second predetermined amounts of retum Δ for the dimmer switch 210)DR1、ΔDR2And cooling and heating demand response of temperature control device 130 adjusts temperature T backDR-COOL、TDR-HEAT). The operating characteristics may be transmitted to the energy controller and stored in a memory in the energy controller, such that the energy controller is operable to control the controlled load in response to receiving the operating mode from the broadcast controller 180. Alternatively, the broadcast controller 180 may transmit a digital message including the operation mode and the operation characteristics to the energy controller.
The energy controller may alternatively operate in a standard demand response mode and an emergency demand response mode according to different algorithms. Fig. 9 is a simplified floor plan 700 with three offices 710, 720, 730 (e.g., separate units) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is used to illustrate how the load control system 100 operates in a standard demand response mode and an emergency demand response mode. The first office 710 includes a window 711 and two fluorescent lighting fixtures 712, 713 with respective ballasts 714, 715 for controlling fluorescent lamps in the lighting fixtures. The ballasts 714, 715 are electrically coupled to an electronic switch 716 that can simply turn on and off the fluorescent lamps of the lighting fixtures 712, 713. The first office 710 also includes an occupancy sensor 718 that is associated with the electronic switch 716 such that the electronic switch is responsive to the RF signal transmitted by the occupancy sensor.
During normal operation, a user can manually turn on and off the fluorescent lamps of the light fixtures 712, 713 by activating the toggle actuator of the electronic switch 716. In addition, the electronic switch 716 turns on the fluorescent lights of the lighting fixtures 712, 713 in response to receiving an occupancy command from the occupancy sensor 718, and turns off the lighting fixtures 712, 713 in response to receiving a vacancy command from the occupancy sensor 718. In other words, in one or more embodiments, during the normal mode, the energy controller (electronic switch 716) accepts (or prioritizes) the command signal of the occupancy sensor 718 as a commander of the energy controller (electronic switch 716). This may occur because the broadcast controller 789-through the normal mode of signal transmission-has effectively disarmed the electronic switch 716 (energy controller) from obligating the commander-occupancy sensor 718-to take over (or prioritize) the signal of the broadcast controller 780 over the electronic switch 716.
In some embodiments, when the broadcast controller 780 issues a normal mode signal to an energy controller registered with the broadcast controller 780, it is generally understood to release the respective energy controller from the configured obligation to accept (or prioritize) the command of the broadcast controller in preference to the command of the respective energy controller. The energy controllers may operate according to the commands of their respective commanders until such time as the broadcast controller 780 issues a new (e.g., latest or updated) command message (e.g., standard demand response mode) for the energy controllers to once again accept (or prioritize) the commands of the broadcast controller 780 over the commanders of the energy controllers.
The second office 720 also includes a window 721 and two lighting fixtures 722, 723 (e.g., fluorescent lighting fixtures) with respective ballasts 724, 725. The ballasts 724, 725 are electrically coupled to respective electronic switches 726, 727 so that the lighting fixtures 722, 723 can be independently turned on and off. The electronic switches 726, 727 are each associated with and responsive to an occupancy sensor 728. During normal operation, the electronic switches 726, 727 independently turn on and off the respective lighting fixtures 722, 723 in response to manual actuation of the toggle actuators and in response to RF signals transmitted by the occupancy sensor 728. The third office 730 has two lighting fixtures 732, 733 (e.g., fluorescent lighting fixtures) with respective ballasts 734, 735 and two dimmer switches 736, 737 for controlling the intensity of the fluorescent lamps of the respective lighting fixtures 732, 733. The dimmer switches 736, 737 are each associated with and responsive to an occupancy sensor 738. During normal operation, a user can turn on and off the lighting fixtures 732, 733 and at a minimum intensity L by actuating the actuators of the respective dimmer switches 736, 737MINAnd maximum intensity LMAXThe intensity of the fluorescent lamp is adjusted. The dimmer switches 736, 737 are operable to turn on the fluorescent light of the respective lighting fixtures 732, 733 in response to receiving an occupancy command from the occupancy sensor 738The lamp is to a first reduced intensity (e.g., about 80%) and the respective lighting fixture 732, 733 is turned off in response to receiving a vacant command from the occupancy sensor.
The electronic switches 716, 726, 727 and the dimmer switches 736, 737 are each responsive to the broadcast controller 780. The broadcast controller 780 is operable to transmit the standard demand response mode and the emergency response mode to the electronic switches 716, 726, 727 and the dimmer switches 736, 737 in response to receiving inputs from the various sources described above in the first embodiment. The functionality of each of the electronic switches 716, 726, 727 and the dimmer switches 736, 737 is programmed during a configuration process of the broadcast controller 780, as described in more detail below. Additionally, algorithms defining the operation of the electronic switches 716, 726, 727 and the dimmer switches 736, 737 in the standard demand response mode and in the emergency demand response mode are stored in each device. Thus, when the broadcast controller 780 transmits either the standard demand response mode or the emergency demand response mode to the electronic switches 716, 726, 727 and the dimmer switches 736, 737, the device understands how to operate.
For example, during the standard demand response mode, the electronic switch 726 may turn off the lighting fixture 722 in response to receiving an empty command from the occupancy sensor 728, but not turn on the lighting fixture in response to receiving an occupancy command from the occupancy sensor. When the electronic switch 726 first receives the standard demand response mode from the broadcast controller 780, the electronic switch turns off the lighting fixture 722 closest to the window 721. If desired, a user of the second office 720 may open a window treatment covering the window 721 to allow more daylight into the office. In the standard demand response mode, however, the electronic switch 726 may turn on the lighting fixture 722 in response to manual actuation of the toggle actuator. The operation of the electronic switch 716 in the first office 710 and the electronic switch 727 in the second office 720 is unaffected in the standard demand response mode (i.e., the same as during normal operation).
During the standard demand response mode, the dimmer switches 736, 737 of the third office 730 limit the maximum intensity of the lighting fixtures 732, 733 to a second reduced intensity (i.e., about 80%) in response to manual actuation of the actuators of the dimmer switches. When the dimmer switches 736, 737 first receive the standard demand response mode from the broadcast controller 780, the dimmer switches slowly dim the intensity of the lighting fixtures 732, 733 by a predetermined load shed percentage, for example, about 20%. For example, if the intensity of each of the light emitting fixtures 732, 733 is 80% during normal operation, the dimmer switches 736, 737 reduce the intensity of the lighting fixtures to about 64% within a standard demand response decay time (e.g., about one minute) so that the user will not notice a slow reduction in the intensity of the lighting fixtures. But in the standard demand response mode, the dimmer switches 736, 737 turn on the respective lighting fixtures 732, 733 to a third reduced intensity (e.g., approximately 64%) in response to receiving an occupancy command from the occupancy sensor 738, and turn off the respective lighting fixtures 732, 733 in response to receiving a vacancy command from the occupancy sensor. Alternatively, the intensity of the lighting fixtures 732, 733 may be manually manipulated during the standard demand response mode, such that a user can control the intensity of the lighting fixtures to about full intensity (e.g., about 100%) in response to actuation of the toggle actuator 214 and the intensity adjustment actuator 216 of the dimmer switches 736, 737.
The electronic switches 716, 726, 727 and the dimmer switches 736, 737 are operable to exit the standard demand response mode in response to receiving the normal mode from the broadcast controller 780. If the office 710, 720, 730 is unoccupied while the electronic switches 716, 726, 727 and dimmer switches 736, 737 receive the normal mode, the lighting fixtures 712, 713, 722, 723, 732, 733 remain turned off. If the second office 720 is occupied while the electronic switch 726 controlling the lighting fixture 722 closest to the window 721 receives the normal mode, the electronic switch turns on the lighting fixture 722. If the third office 730 is occupied when the dimmer switches 736, 737 receive the normal mode, the dimmer switches slowly increase the intensity of the lighting fixtures 732, 733 by the predetermined load shed percentage for a predetermined amount of time. Alternatively, the electronic switches 716, 726, 727 and dimmer switches 736, 737 may not adjust the current state of the lighting fixtures 712, 713, 722, 723, 732, 733 when exiting the standard demand response mode.
When the electronic switches 716, 726, 727 receive the emergency demand response mode from the broadcast controller 780, the electronic switches turn off the respective lighting fixtures 712, 713, 722, 723 because the first and second offices have windows 711, 721 for allowing daylight into the offices. During the emergency demand response mode, the electronic switches 716, 726, 727 do not turn on the lighting fixtures 712, 713, 722, 723 in response to manual actuation of a button of the electronic switches or in response to a digital message received from the occupancy sensors 718, 728. When the dimmer switches 736, 737 receive the emergency demand response mode from the broadcast controller 780, the dimmer switches immediately control the intensity to a predetermined minimum load shed intensity (e.g., about 10%). During the emergency demand response mode, the intensity of the lighting fixtures 732, 733 cannot rise above the predetermined minimum load shed intensity. The dimmer switches 736, 737 are capable of turning on the lighting fixtures 732, 733 to the predetermined minimum load shed intensity in response to receiving an occupancy command from the occupancy sensor 738, and turning off the lighting fixtures in response to receiving a vacancy command from the occupancy sensor. Alternatively, the dimmer switches 736, 737 may be locked during the emergency demand response mode such that the intensity of the lighting fixtures 732, 733 cannot be adjusted by actuation of the toggle actuator 214 and the intensity adjustment actuator 216 of the dimmer switch.
If the office 710, 720, 730 is unoccupied while the electronic switches 716, 726, 727 and dimmer switches 736, 737 receive the normal mode from the broadcast controller 780, the lighting fixtures 712, 713, 722, 723, 732, 733 remain turned off. In response to receiving the normal mode from the broadcast controller 780 when the office 710, 720, 730 is occupied, the electronic switches 716, 726, 727 turn on the respective lighting fixtures 712, 713, 722, 723 and the dimmer switches 736, 737 immediately control the intensities of the lighting fixtures 732, 733 to the intensities to which the lighting fixtures were controlled prior to entering the emergency demand response mode.
Each energy controller may be associated 180 with the broadcast controller by actuating a button on the energy controller until the energy controller enters the association mode, and then actuating one of the buttons 194 on the broadcast controller. The particular button 914 activated on the broadcast controller 180 determines the resulting functionality of the energy controller, e.g., whether the energy controller is responsive or non-responsive to the standard demand response mode and the emergency demand response mode. For example, the buttons 194 of the broadcast controller 180 may include a standard demand response button and an emergency demand response button. Algorithms defining the operation of the electronic switches 716, 726, 727 and dimmer switches 736, 737 in the standard demand response mode and in the emergency demand response mode are stored in each device.
As described above, the operation of the electronic switch 716 in the first office 710 is unaffected during the standard demand response mode, but is adjusted during the emergency demand response mode. Thus, to associate the electronic switch 716 with the broadcast controller 180, the user removes the broadcast controller from the base 192 and walks away toward the electronic switch 716 in the first office 710. The user presses and holds the toggle actuator of the electronic switch 716 until the visual indicators on the electronic switch begin to blink, and then presses and holds the emergency demand response button on the broadcast controller 180 until the broadcast controller flashes one of the visual indicators 196 and generates an audible sound. Thus, the electronic switch 716 is now associated with the broadcast controller 180 and will only respond to the emergency demand response mode. Similarly, the electronic switch 726 of the second office 720 does not respond to the standard demand response mode, but does respond to the emergency demand response mode, and is thus programmed in a manner similar to the electronic switch 716 of the first office 710.
However, the operation of the other electronic switches 727 of the second office 720 is regulated during both the standard and emergency demand response modes. To associate the electronic switch 772 with the broadcast controller 180, the user presses and holds the toggle actuator of the electronic switch 727 and then presses and holds the standard demand response button on the broadcast controller 180 until association is complete. Then, the user repeats the process for the emergency demand response button, i.e., by pressing and holding the toggle actuator of the electronic switch 727, and then pressing and holding the emergency demand response button on the broadcast controller 180. The dimmer switches 736, 737 are also responsive to a demand response mode and, thus, are each programmed in a manner similar to the electronic switch 727.
According to a third embodiment of the invention, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to transmit more than two different demand response modes to the energy controllers of the individual units 110, 112. For example, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to transmit one of a plurality of tiered demand response modes (such as "condition yellow", "condition orange", and "condition yellow" demand response modes) to the energy controller. The tiered demand response mode may provide a minimum level of load shedding for increasing amounts of load reduction in a condition yellow demand response mode and a maximum (i.e., most extreme) level of load shedding for a condition red demand response mode. The broadcast controller 180 is operable to automatically cause the energy controller to enter one of the tiered demand response modes in response to a communication received from the electrical utility 183 or the integrator. For example, the broadcast controller 180 may receive the status yellow, orange, and red demand response patterns directly from communications received from the electrical utility 183 or integrator.
Additionally, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to automatically cause the energy controller to enter one of the tiered demand response modes in response to time period pricing information received from the electrical utility 183 or the integrator. For example, if the price of electricity exceeds a price threshold (which may be set by a user), the broadcast controller 180 is operable to enter one of the tiered demand response modes (e.g., a condition yellow demand response mode). Alternatively, the broadcast controller 180 may be operable to enter the conditional yellow demand response mode during a plurality of time periods when the time period prices are typically highest, for example in response to a clock event programmed by the user.
Also, the broadcast controller 180 can be operative to automatically cause the energy controller to enter one of the tiered demand response modes using a peak demand charging management process. For example, if the total power consumption (as measured by one or more power meters) exceeds a peak power threshold (which may be set by a user), the broadcast controller 180 may be operable to enter one of the tiered demand response modes (e.g., a condition yellow demand response mode). Alternatively, the broadcast controller 180 may be operable to enter the condition yellow demand response mode during multiple periods when the total power consumption is typically highest, for example in response to a clock event programmed by a user.
According to a third embodiment of the invention, the energy controllers of the individual units 110, 112 may be assigned to different groups (e.g. hallways, offices, outdoor lights, always on, etc.) which represent different types of areas in the building which may be controlled in different ways in a hierarchical demand response mode. As part of the configuration process of the load control system 100 (described above), energy controllers may be assigned to a group when they are assigned to the broadcast controller 180. During the configuration process, the broadcast controller 180 may transmit the appropriate group address to the energy controller assigned to the broadcast controller, and the energy controller stores the group address in memory. After the configuration process, the broadcast controller 180 transmits digital messages to different groups using the respective group addresses, and the energy controllers respond to the digital messages including their group addresses. Additionally, the load control system 100 may include additional broadcast controllers 180 coupled to the network 182 to allow the system to have additional demand response groups. The use of groups allows the broadcast controller 180 to be easily associated with the energy controllers, thereby providing a shorter commissioning time to add global functionality provided by the broadcast controller.
The operating characteristics of the various demand response modes may be monitored and configured using the tablet 185. Fig. 10A-10C illustrate exemplary screen shots 800, 802, 804 of management view screens that may be provided by the broadcast controller 180 and displayed on the tablet 185 to allow a user to monitor actions that occur when the status yellow, orange, and red demand response modes are selected, respectively. In particular, one of the yellow, orange, and red demand response modes may be selected by clicking on the appropriate tab 810. Each screen shot 800, 802, 804 displays a table with a left column 812 of multiple types of energy controllers and different sets of top rows 814 to which energy controllers may be assigned. Each entry in the table shows how the different types of energy controllers in each group respond during one of the condition yellow, orange and red demand response modes. For example, when the condition yellow demand response mode is selected, as shown in fig. 10A, the dimmer switches in the hallway attenuate the controlled lighting load by a 30% demand response callback over a decay time of one minute. In addition, the management view screen includes a tab 810 to show how the different types of energy controllers in each group respond to slot price information or use peak demand charge management.
Additionally, the tablet 185 may display a configuration screen (not shown) to allow the user to configure and adjust the values of the operating characteristics of the condition yellow, orange, and red demand response modes. For example, the user may adjust the demand response dimming and decay time depending on which dimmer switch in the hallway is dimming the controlled lighting load in the condition yellow demand response mode. In addition, the user can select which of the condition yellow, orange, or red demand response modes to select when the electricity prices from the time-of-day price information exceeds the price threshold, or when the total power consumption exceeds the peak power threshold during peak demand charge management. After configuring the operating characteristics, the tablet 185 transmits the new operating characteristics to the broadcast controller 180, which in turn transmits a digital message including the new operating characteristics to the energy controllers of the independent units 110, 112. The energy controllers each have their device type and their group address stored in memory so that only the appropriate energy controllers update their operating characteristics.
The manage view screen also includes a tune tab 816. Fig. 10D illustrates an exemplary screenshot 806 of a tuning screen that may be displayed on the tablet 185 in response to selection of the tuning tab 816. Tuning screen displays maximum intensity L for different sets of tuner switches and plug-in load control devicesMAXFor example, 70% for a dimmer switch in a hallway. Additionally, the tablet 185 also displays a tuning configuration screen (not shown) for adjusting the maximum intensity L of the dimmer switch and the plug-in load control deviceMAX. The dimmer switch and plug-in load control device will respond to the toggle actuator 214 and intensity adjustmentActuation of the actuator 216 limits the current light intensity of the controlled lighting load to a maximum intensity LMAX. The tuning configuration screen may allow for adjustment of other operating characteristics and settings of the energy controller, not just the maximum intensity L of the dimmer switch and the plug-in load control deviceMAXSuch as, for example, a minimum intensity, a preset intensity, a set point temperature, a delay time, a decay time, a timeout period, a sensitivity setting for a sensor, and a daylighting threshold. Tuning allows for easy adjustment of the operating characteristics and settings of the energy controller to improve occupant comfort and satisfaction after initial commissioning of the system. For example, the operating characteristics and settings of the energy controllers may be adjusted annually to reduce the energy consumption of the load control system 800. Alternatively, the operating characteristics and settings of the energy controllers may be tuned if the building has a new tenant or if the electrical utility 183 changes the demand response program.
The clock events of the broadcast controller 180 may be monitored and configured using the tablet 185 or other computing device. Alternatively, the administrative view screen of fig. 10A-10C and the tuning screen of fig. 11 may be displayed on a smart phone, personal computer, or other suitable computing device.
The broadcast controller 180 may be configured to obtain information (e.g., registration information, status information, operational information, configuration information, and/or relationship information, etc.) about the control devices of the individual units 110, 112, such as the energy controller devices or the commander devices. The broadcast controller 180 may communicate with any control device operable for two-way communication to determine what list of other control devices may operate in the respective first and/or second independent units 110, 112. For example, the broadcast controller 180 may communicate with a first control device of the stand-alone unit 110 operable for bidirectional communication to obtain a list of other control devices of the stand-alone unit 110 that the first control device may be aware of. Also by way of example, the broadcast controller 180 may communicate with a first control device of the independent unit 112 operable for bidirectional communication to obtain a list of other constituent devices of the independent unit 112 that the first control device may be aware of.
In one or more embodiments, the broadcast controller 180 may obtain relationship information regarding the control devices of the first and/or second independent units 110, 112. For example, a first control device of the first standalone unit 110 may be configured to monitor and respond to a second control device of the first standalone unit 110. The second constituent device may be configured as a third control device that controls the first independent unit 110 in response to how the second constituent device interprets the signals received from the first constituent device. The broadcast controller 180 may obtain relationship information about the first, second and third constituent devices of the first independent network 110 by querying one or more control devices (which may include the first, second or third constituent devices) of the independent unit 110 operable for bi-directional communication. Even though those one or more control devices may not themselves be aware of the particular interrelationships of the first, second and third constituent devices, the broadcast controller 180 may obtain such interrelationship information from one or more control devices of the stand-alone unit 110.
In some embodiments, one or more control devices of the first and/or second independent units 110, 112 may be transmit-only devices. With regard to what may be the transmit-only control devices (or nodes) of the first and/or second independent units 110, 112, the broadcast controller 180 may learn what other devices (or nodes) of the respective independent units 110, 112 may be configured to listen and/or monitor for particular transmit-only devices, and similar interrelationships of transmit-only control devices.
According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to associate with all of the control devices (i.e., the commander and the energy controller) of one of the independent units 110, 112 in response to actuation of a button on only one control device of the respective independent unit. For example, when the broadcast controller 180 is in the association mode, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to perform a stand-alone unit association procedure in response to actuation of the toggle actuator 214 of the dimmer switch 210, the on button 252 on the remote controller 250, or any other button of any control device of the first stand-alone unit 110. During the stand-alone unit association process (i.e., in response to the pressing of one button of one control device in the stand-alone unit), the broadcast controller 180 is operable to discover all of the commanders (i.e., the remote controller 250, the occupancy sensor 260, and the temperature sensor 270) and all of the energy controllers (the dimmer switch 210, the plug-in load control device 220, the temperature control device 230, and the CCO assembly 240) and associate all of the discovered energy controllers with itself. Thus, all of the energy controllers of the individual units are operable to be associated with the broadcast controller 180 in response to a single press of any of the commanders and energy controllers of the individual units.
Fig. 11A to 11F illustrate a separate unit association process performed by the broadcast controller 180. For example, as shown in fig. 11A to 11F, the broadcast controller 180 is operable to discover the control device of the standalone unit 4001 of fig. 5. As described with respect to fig. 5, the stand-alone unit 4001 includes first and second remote controllers 4050, 4052, occupancy sensors 4060, and daylight sensors 4070, which may function as commanders. The stand-alone unit 4001 also includes a dimmer switch 4010 that can be used as an energy controller and a motorized window treatment 4020. The dimmer switch 4010 is responsive to the first and second remote controls 4050, 4052, the occupancy sensor 4060, and the daylight sensor 4070, and stores the serial numbers of these commanders in memory. The motorized window treatments 4020 are responsive to the daylight sensor 4070 and the second remote controller 4051 and store the serial numbers of these commanders in memory. The first and second remote controllers 4050, 4052, the occupancy sensor 4060, and the daylight sensor 4070 only transmit RF signals and do not know which energy sensor responds to them.
To associate the broadcast controller 180 with all of the energy controllers of the standalone unit 4001 using the standalone unit association process, the user may activate one of the buttons of the first remote controller 4050 while the broadcast controller is in the association mode. In response to actuation of the button of the remote controller 4050, the remote controller 4050 is operable to transmit a digital message including the serial number of the remote controller to the dimmer switch 4010. While in the association mode, the broadcast controller 180 is also operable to receive digital messages having the serial number of the remote controller 4050. The broadcast controller 180 may then transmit a query message to all energy controllers in the load control system 100 to determine which energy controller responds to the remote controller 4050 (as identified by the serial number from the received digital message), i.e., the remote controller 4050 may be configured to act as the identity of the energy controller of the commander. In the example of fig. 11A, the broadcast controller 180 finds that the remote controller 4050 is configured to act as a commander for the dimmer switch 4010, as shown by line 4090. In response to the query message, the dimmer switch 4010 is operable to transmit a digital message to the broadcast controller 180 that includes a serial number of the dimmer switch. The broadcast controller 180 may then transmit a query message to the dimmer switch 210 to determine the identity of the commander that may be configured to command the dimmer switch 210. In the example of fig. 11B, the broadcast controller 180 discovers that the remote controller 4050, the occupancy sensor 4060, and the daylight sensor 4070 are configured to act as commanders for the dimmer switch 4010, as indicated by line 4091.
The broadcast controller 180 may then transmit a query message to all energy controllers in the load control system 100 to determine which energy controller responds to the occupancy sensor 4060, i.e., the occupancy sensor 4060 may be configured to act as the identity of the energy controller of the commander. In the example of fig. 11C, the broadcast controller 180 finds that the occupancy sensor 4060 is configured to act as a commander for the dimmer switch 4010 as an energy controller, as illustrated by line 4092. The broadcast controller 180 may then transmit a query message to all energy controllers in the load control system 100 to determine which energy controller responds to the daylight sensor 4070, i.e., the daylight sensor 4070 may be configured to act as the identity of the energy controller of the commander. In the example of fig. 11D, the broadcast controller 180 finds that the daylight sensor 4070 is configured to act as a commander for the dimmer switch 4010 and for the motorized window treatments 4020, as indicated by line 4093.
Since there are no more commanders to which the dimmer switch 4010 responds, the broadcast controller 180 can now transmit a query message to the motorized window treatments 4020 to identify the commanders that can be configured to command the motorized window treatments 4020. In the example of FIG. 11E, the broadcast controller 180 finds that the second remote controller 4051 and the daylight sensor 4070 are configured to act as a commander for the motorized window treatment 320, as indicated by line 4094. Because the broadcast controller 180 has transmitted the query message to determine which energy controller responded to the daylight sensor 4070 (as shown in fig. 11D), the broadcast controller 180 can now transmit the query message to all energy controllers in the load control system to determine which energy controller responded to the second remote controller 4051, i.e., the second remote controller 4051 can be configured to act as the identity of the energy controller of the commander. In the example of fig. 11F, the broadcast controller 180 finds that the second remote controller 351 is configured to act as a commander only for the motorized window treatments 4020, as indicated by line 4095.
Since there are no more energy controllers responsive to the first and second remote controllers 4050, 4052, the occupancy sensor 4060, and the daylight sensor 4070, the broadcast controller 180 may then conclude that no more energy controllers or commanders are found in the standalone unit 4001. The broadcast controller 180 may transmit digital messages to the dimmer switch 4010 and the motorized window treatments 4020 to associate these energy controllers with the broadcast controller, and may then end the stand-alone unit association process. During normal operation, the broadcast controller 180 may receive all RF signals transmitted by the energy controller and commander of the independent unit 4001. By performing one or more of the polling techniques illustrated in fig. 11A-11F, the broadcast controller 180 may obtain a comprehensive understanding of the identities of the constituent elements of the individual units 4001, as well as the relationships that may exist between the various constituent elements (e.g., the commanders of or commanded by the energy controllers, etc.).
Alternatively, the independent unit association process may begin by actuating a button on one of the energy controllers (e.g., dimmer switch 4010). In this case, the broadcast controller 180 first queries the dimmer switch 4010 to find that the remote controller 4050, the occupancy sensor 4060, and the daylight sensor 4070 are configured to act as commanders for the dimmer switch, as shown by line 4091 in fig. 11B. The broadcast controller 180 then transmits a query message to all energy controllers in the load control system 100 to determine which energy controller responds to the remote controller 4050 (as shown in fig. 11A), the occupancy sensor 4060 (as shown in fig. 11C), and the daylight sensor 4070 (as shown in fig. 11D). The independent unit association process continues as described above until all commanders and energy controllers of the independent unit 4001 are discovered.
In some embodiments, at least two of the one or more energy controllers, which may be respectively associated with two different independent units, may be arranged into a first group. The broadcast controller 180 may be further configured to associate the user-defined tag with the first group. For example, the user-defined label may be at least one of a hallway, a conference room, an office, an administrative office, a bathroom, an open office, a guide sign, limited access, or a public area. The broadcast controller 180 may be further configured to determine a first condition, wherein the first condition may correspond to one or more operations that one or more energy controllers arranged into the first group are operable to perform. The broadcast controller 180 may also be configured to transmit command signals to a first group address associated with the first group. The command signal may be interpreted by one or more energy controllers arranged into the first group to perform at least one of the one or more operations. The one or more energy controllers that may be arranged into the first group may be configured to prioritize the command signals over the control signals received from the at least one commander. The at least one user-defined characteristic may be at least one of a location, a typical occupancy level, a time period occupancy level, a security access level, a function usage, or an organizational hierarchy.
In some embodiments, the broadcast controller 180 may be configured to receive a first signal, wherein the first signal may be indicative of a first condition corresponding to one or more operations that the at least one energy controller is operable to perform. The broadcast controller 180 may also be configured to transmit a second signal to the at least one energy controller. The second signal may be interpreted by the at least one energy controller to perform at least one of the one or more operations. Also, the at least one energy controller may be configured to prioritize the second signal over the control signal received from the at least one commander. The broadcast controller 180 may receive a first signal from at least one of an electrical appliance or a remote control device. The first condition may correspond to one or more demand response compliance requirements.
The broadcast controller 180 may be further configured to arrange one or more of the respective energy controllers into a second group according to a second at least one user-defined characteristic of the one or more respective energy controllers. The broadcast controller 180 may be configured to assign a second set of addresses to one or more respective energy controllers arranged into the second set. Also, the broadcast controller 180 may be configured to transmit the second group address to one or more respective energy controllers arranged into the second group.
The broadcast controller may be further configured to determine a second condition that may correspond to the at least one clock schedule and the one or more functions that the at least one energy controller is operable to perform. The broadcast controller may be further configured to transmit a third signal to the at least one energy controller. The third signal may be interpreted by the at least one energy controller to perform one or more functions.
Fig. 12 is a simplified diagram of a load control system 900 comprising two separate units 910, 912 and a broadcast controller 980 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 12, the broadcast controller 980 includes a user interface having a visual display 985, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen, and a plurality of buttons 986. The broadcast controller 980 includes antennas 990, 991 that are orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and spaced for polarization and spatial diversity. The broadcast controller 980 may include two RF transceivers coupled to respective antennas 990, 991 (as in the broadcast controller shown in fig. 7A), or may include a single RF transceiver coupled to the antennas 990, 991 via an RF switch (as in the broadcast controller 180 "shown in fig. 7B). As in the first embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast controller 980 is operable to transmit digital messages to and receive digital messages from the commanders and energy controllers of the independent units 910, 912. The broadcast controller 980 is operable to collect and record data from the commanders and energy controllers of the independent units 910, 912 of the load control system 900.
The commanders and energy controllers of the independent units 910, 912 may be associated with the broadcast controller 980 during the configuration process of each independent unit. The broadcast controller 980 is in the association mode in response to actuation of one of the buttons 986, and repeatedly transmits a broadcast address when in the association mode. When the broadcast controller 980 is in the association mode, each of the commanders of the independent units 910, 912 and the actuators on the energy controllers can be actuated to associate the device with the broadcast controller. In addition to the commanders and energy controllers that hold the broadcast addresses received from the broadcast controller, the commanders and energy controllers may each transmit a unique address to the broadcast controller 980, which holds a list of commanders and energy controllers associated with the broadcast controller. The broadcast controller 980 is operable to store programming and configuration information for the commanders and energy controllers of the individual units 910, 912 to provide for easy device replacement. The energy controllers of the independent units 910, 912 may be assigned to one or more of a plurality of energy controller groups by the broadcast controller 980.
The broadcast controller 980 is operable to control the energy controllers of the individual units 910, 912 in response to one or more clock schedules. The broadcast controller 980 may define a default clock schedule for each energy controller associated with the broadcast controller based on the type of energy controller being controlled and the type of electrical load. Additionally, the clock schedule may be adjusted using a user interface of the broadcast controller 980. For example, the broadcast controller 980 may display information about one or more energy controllers on the visual display 985. The user can step through each energy controller and use button 986 to enable or disable the clock event for the selected energy controller. Alternatively, the clock schedule of the broadcast controller 980 may be programmed using a program running on a computing device (such as a tablet, smartphone, personal computer, or laptop) connected to the network 182. For example, data for the clock schedule may be loaded into a removable memory (such as a USB flash drive), which may then be inserted into the broadcast controller 980 to load the clock schedule into memory on the broadcast controller. Additionally, the clock schedule may use a PC, laptop, smart phone, or tablet configuration connected to a cloud server via network 182.
Fig. 13 is a simplified diagram of a broadcast controller 1080 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The broadcast controller 1080 includes a visual display 1085 and a plurality of group buttons 1086. A respective label 1088 and a respective Light Emitting Diode (LED)1089 are positioned adjacent each set of buttons 1086. The label 1088 may annotate the name of the group associated with the adjacent group button 1086. When one of the group buttons 1086 is pressed and held for a predetermined amount of time, the broadcast controller 1080 is in the group association mode. One or more energy controllers can be associated with the broadcast controller 1080 and can be assigned to respective groups in response to actuation of an actuator on the energy controller while the broadcast controller 1080 is in the group association mode. This association process may be repeated for each group button 1086. A single energy controller may be assigned to multiple energy controller groups. An LED 1089 may be illuminated to indicate which group the energy controller is assigned to. The users of the group allow the broadcast controller 1080 to be easily associated with the energy controllers to provide a short commissioning time that requires adding global functionality provided by the broadcast controller. After the energy controllers are assigned to the multiple groups represented by the group button 1086, the clock schedule of the broadcast controller 1080 can be configured group by group. In one or more embodiments, the broadcast controller 1080 utilizes two orthogonally oriented antennas 1090, 1091.
Fig. 14 shows a simplified diagram of a broadcast controller 1180 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The broadcast controller 1180 may perform the same or similar functions as those described for the broadcast controller 980 and/or 1080. In one or more embodiments, the broadcast controller 1180 may have a visual display (not shown) similar to the visual display of the broadcast controller 1180. In one or more embodiments, broadcast controller 1180 utilizes two orthogonally oriented antennas 1190, 1191.
Referring back to fig. 12, the load control system 900 further includes respective power meters 990, 992 in each individual unit 910, 192. The power meters 990, 992 may be electrically coupled to measure the total current drawn by (and the power consumed by) the various electrical loads of the respective individual units 910, 912. The power meters 990, 992 may be associated with the broadcast controller 980 and operable to transmit data to the broadcast controller regarding the total power consumption of the electrical loads in the individual units 910, 912 in response to queries transmitted by the broadcast controller. The broadcast controller 980 is operable to store data regarding the power consumption of the load in memory, display the power consumption of the load on a visual display 985, or transmit a digital message including the data regarding the power consumption of the load to a cloud server via the network 182. Additionally, one or more energy controllers may include internal power metering circuitry for determining the power currently being consumed by the respective electrical loads, where the power may also be transmitted to the broadcast controller 980. Moreover, the broadcast controller 980 is also operable to store other data regarding the operation of the load control system 900 in memory, such as occupancy information and status transmitted by the occupancy sensors 260, 360.
The broadcast controller 980 (and/or the broadcast controllers 1080, 1180) may obtain information about any controlling devices of the first and/or second independent units 910, 912. As part of the acquired information, broadcast controller 980 may acquire status information and/or operating parameters from one or more control devices of first independent unit 910 and/or second independent unit 912. The status information and/or operating parameters may depend on the particular control device, but may generally include: battery time consumed, electrical load data (e.g., power consumed, load impedance, open load circuit detection, fault lights), variable set points for measured variable differentials (e.g., differential between temperature setting and measured temperature), contact closed state, set points for electrical load intensity, actual electrical load intensity, ballast state, smoke detection state, occupancy state, shade deployment extension (e.g., shade fully deployed, half deployed, fully retracted, etc.), PID state, controller activated state, damper state (e.g., 0%, 50%, 100%, etc.), and the like.
In one or more embodiments, as part of the acquired information, broadcast controller 980 may acquire (and/or adjust) configuration parameters from one or more control devices of first independent unit 910 and/or second independent unit 912. The configuration parameters may depend on the particular control device, but may typically include: a variable set point (e.g., temperature set point), a contact closure set point, a set point for electrical load intensity, a shield deployment set point (e.g., fully deployed, half deployed, fully retracted shield, etc.), a PID parameter, a controller parameter, a damper set point (e.g., 0%, 50%, 100%, etc.), and the like.
In some embodiments, for example, a system operator may use the status information or operational information to determine what control devices of first independent unit 910 and/or second independent unit 912 may require maintenance and/or replacement. Moreover, the system operator may configure one or more configurable parameters of the respective control devices of the first and/or second independent units 910, 912 via the broadcast controller 980. For example, a system operator may use a laptop computer or other computing device to communicate with the broadcast controller 980 (e.g., via a USB, ethernet, and/or Wi-Fi connection) to interface with status information, operating parameters, and/or configuration parameters.
In some embodiments, the energy controller may disambiguate (or prioritize) signals or commands from the broadcast controller in preference to signals or commands from the commander of the energy controller in a number of ways. For example, in some embodiments, the broadcast controller may command the energy controller to enter a normal mode. Also by way of example, the energy controller may reply to accept (or prioritize) its commander's signal or command after some time (e.g., a predetermined amount of time) after the broadcast controller commands the energy controller to accept (prioritize) its command or signal. Again, for example, the broadcast controller may transmit a "release" message (command or signal) to the energy controller, which may be interpreted as resuming authorization to accept (or prioritize) the command or signal transmitted by the commander of the energy controller. Also, in some embodiments, the energy controller may be configured to resume accepting (or prioritizing) commands or signals of the commanders of the energy controller after the energy controller finishes executing the function (e.g., clock-based function) commanded by the broadcast controller.
In other words, the energy controller may be updated such that the energy controller may resume accepting (or prioritizing) commands or signals from the commander of the energy controller via one or more of the aforementioned mechanisms. For example, at a predetermined time after the broadcast controller commands the energy controller to perform a clock-based function (e.g., the energy controller accepts or prioritizes commands from the broadcast controller to perform the function), the energy controller may resume accepting (or prioritizing) commands or signals of the commander of the energy controller.
In some embodiments, one or more methods are provided that may be performed by a broadcast controller to obtain information about constituent nodes (or devices) of one or more individual units. In one or more embodiments, the broadcast controller may communicate with one or more stand-alone units. Some or each of the one or more individual units may include one or more commanders and one or more energy controllers. The broadcast controller may be in communication with a first node of the first standalone unit, wherein the first node may be at least one of the first commander or the first energy controller. The broadcast controller may obtain an address of the first node. Also, the broadcast controller may acquire an address of at least one node of the first standalone unit from the first node. The at least one second node may be at least one of a second commander or a second energy controller, and the at least one second node may communicate with the first node. The broadcast controller may determine whether at least one of the first node or the at least one second node is an energy controller. Also, the broadcast controller may identify at least one of the first node or the at least one second node as an energy controller based on the determination. In addition, the broadcast controller may identify at least one of an address of the first node or an address of the at least one second node as the energy controller address based on the determination.
In some embodiments, the broadcast controller may determine an operational relationship between the first node and the at least one second node. Also, the broadcast controller may determine whether the first node communicates with a node of the first standalone unit other than the at least one second node. The broadcast controller may be in communication with at least one second node. Also, the broadcast controller may determine whether at least one second node communicates with a node of the first stand-alone unit other than the first node. The broadcast controller may determine that all nodes of the first standalone unit have been identified based on a determination that indicates that the first node is not communicating with other nodes than the at least one second node and/or that the at least one second node is not communicating with other nodes than the first node.
The broadcast controller may be in communication with at least one second node. The broadcast controller may also obtain an address of at least one third node of the first standalone unit from the at least one second node. The at least one third node may be at least one of a third commander or a third energy controller. Also, at least one third node may communicate with at least one second node. The broadcast controller may determine whether the at least one third node is an energy controller. Also, the broadcast controller may identify at least one third node as an energy controller according to the determination. In addition, for example, the broadcast controller may identify an address of the at least one third node as the energy controller according to the determination.
In some embodiments, an energy controller (as described herein) is operable to control at least one electrical load in response to a control signal received from at least one commander. In some embodiments, the energy controller may comprise a wireless communication transceiver. The wireless communication transceiver is operable to receive a first signal from the broadcast controller. The first signal may comprise a request for information about one or more nodes that may comprise a stand-alone unit of the energy controller. The wireless communication transceiver may also transmit a second signal to the broadcast controller in response to the first signal. The second signal may comprise information about one or more nodes of the stand-alone unit. The information about the one or more nodes of the independent unit may comprise respective addresses of the one or more nodes. Also, the information about the one or more nodes of the independent unit may include an operational relationship between the energy controller and the one or more nodes.
Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.