US20230125880A1 - User interfaces and controls for hvac system - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioning unit comprising an interface having a cylindrical body with a top and sides and including a display on the top of the interface; and a rotatable interface ring defining a peripheral sidewall of the interface, the interface ring providing for input via rotating of the interface ring in a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction, wherein rotating the interface ring is configured to change a proposed target temperature for the air conditioning unit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/270,209, filed Oct. 21, 2021, entitled “USER INTERFACES AND CONTROLS FOR HVAC SYSTEM,” with attorney docket number 0111058-009PR0. This application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
• This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/017,066, filed Sep. 10, 2020, entitled “WINDOW INSTALLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPLIT-ARCHITECTURE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT,” with attorney docket number 0111058-003US0. This application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
• This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/724,036, filed Mar. 15, 2010, entitled “MODULAR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM,” with attorney docket number 0111058-004US0. This application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
• In 1931, H. H. Schultz and J. Q. Sherman invented the first room air conditioner. The unit sat on the ledge of a window, just as many modern air conditioners do. They were not widely purchased, however, due to their high cost at the time. It was not until the 1970s that window AC units made it into most homes in the United States, with over one million units sold in just 1953. Residential air conditioning has progressed a long way in the past several decades in terms of noise, efficiency, and cost. However, some features have remained unchanged, namely the installation process. Traditional room air conditioning units still sit on window ledges and are mounted in the sash of double-hung windows. The units usually require the user to screw in the unit, accordion panels, and/or an additional external bracket for support. During the installation process, users often have to precariously balance the air conditioning unit between the window sill and the windowpane while securing the system, which leads to units falling outside if the user accidentally loses his or her grip.
• An alternative to window air conditioning units are ductless systems comprised of at least two units, one outdoor unit and one indoor unit. These systems either contain a singular indoor unit coupled with a singular outdoor unit and are referred to as mini-splits, or several indoor units coupled with a singular outdoor unit and are referred to as multi-splits. Ductless systems do not need a duct to carry cooled or warmed air as central or packaged systems do, but they still use ducts to contain the coolant fluid carrying heat in and out of the room. These systems must be installed through a wall by a professional HVAC technician. The professional installation process is typically expensive and time-consuming. The installed cost of a high-performance mini-split air conditioner for a single room can be more than 10 times that of a window unit capable of cooling the same space. However, the advantage of ductless systems is that they allow for much higher efficiency than window air conditioning units and are often much quieter.
• With demand for air conditioners continuing to grow, decreasing the cost and increasing the convenience of installing high-efficiency HVAC systems would help to remove barriers to adoption. In addition, a safer and more user-friendly installation process would remove the dangers associated with configuring current air conditioning units.
• As global warming increases, there is a greater need for more efficient heating and cooling systems to reduce carbon emissions from fossil-fuel based energy sources. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) predicts between 2019 and 2030, 4.8 billion new units of cooling equipment will be sold.
• Another direct cause of greenhouse emissions can be leaked HCFC and HFO refrigerants which have global warming potential (GWP) hundreds or thousands of times worse than CO₂, depending on their chemical composition.
• The use of low GWP refrigerants with hermetically sealed refrigeration systems may lower the chance of escaped refrigerant entering the atmosphere and exacerbating climate change.
• Currently, very few systems exist that efficiently regulate temperature in indoor spaces. Most air conditioning and heat pump systems run on fixed speed components, i.e., compressors, fans and other motors run at constant, often at maximum speeds, which will not be efficient in all environmental conditions and desired target temperatures.
• According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), air conditioning (AC) and electric fans account for 20% of the total amount of energy used in buildings globally. AC sales are increasing rapidly in emerging economies and most households in hot climates have yet to purchase their first AC. Investing in more efficient air conditioners may be able to cut future energy use in half.
• In view of the foregoing, a need exists for an improved control system and method for heating and cooling equipment in an effort to overcome the aforementioned obstacles and deficiencies of conventional HVAC systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG.1 illustrates a split-architecture air conditioning unit in accordance with one example embodiment.
• FIG.2 illustrates a split-architecture air conditioning unit disposed within a window in accordance with one example embodiment.
• FIG.3aillustrates a modular climate control unit in accordance with one example embodiment.
• FIG.3billustrates a circulation hose in accordance with one example embodiment.
• FIG.4 illustrates an external unit comprising a heat pump/air conditioning cycle in accordance with one example embodiment.
• FIG.5 illustrates circulating fluid directed to reduce the overall temperature of a fluid storage tank within the interior unit in accordance with one example embodiment.
• FIG.6 illustrates an example embodiment of a modular air conditioner unit having an interface disposed on the top face of the internal unit.
• FIG.7 illustrates an example of an air conditioner network that comprises a modular air conditioner unit, a user device and a server, which are operably connected via a network.
• FIG.8 illustrates an example embodiment of an interface that can identify a location of a modular air conditioner unit, a current indoor temperature, a current indoor humidity, a current outdoor temperature, a current heating target, and can include buttons for increasing and decreasing a target temperature, a button for an Eco Mode, power button for the modular air conditioner unit, a scheduling button, and the like.
• FIG.9 illustrates one embodiment of an interface comprising a scheduling calendar and Vacation Mode selector, which in some examples can be displayed on a user device via a smartphone application.
• FIG.10 illustrates an example embodiment of an interface that comprises a display and interface ring as discussed herein and further includes a first display arc, a second display arc and a central display portion.
• FIG.11aillustrates an example of a first display arc that is a 270° arc corresponding to a temperature range of 55° F. to 85° F.
• FIG.11billustrates an example of first and second display arcs of a display of an interface defined by a ring of pixels with twenty-four pixels of the ring defining the first display arc and six pixels of the ring defining the second display arc.
• FIG.12 illustrates four states of an interface in accordance with an embodiment.
• FIG.13 illustrates an example where the target temperature is 66° as indicated by a central display portion and the location of a tab of the first display arc and a first end of an illuminated portion.
• FIG.14 illustrates an example where the target temperature is 75° as indicated by the central display portion and the location of the tab of the first display arc and the second end of the illuminated portion.
• FIG.15aillustrates the interface indicating that the current temperature is at 71° based at least on a dot and bar associated with the first display arc on the left side of the first display arc.
• FIG.15billustrates the interface indicating that the current temperature is at 93°, but without a dot and bar associated with the first display arc given that such a temperature is outside of a normal display range.
• FIG.15cillustrates the interface indicating that the current temperature is at 75°, with a dot within a circle at the 12 o'clock position.
• FIG.16 illustrates an example embodiment of states of an interface that can occur during setting a target temperature during cooling.
• FIG.17 illustrates an example embodiment of states of an interface that can occur during setting a target temperature while heating.
• FIG.18 illustrates an example flowchart of example actions and displays of an interface corresponding to an embodiment of an interface when the modular air conditioning system is ON.
• FIG.19aillustrates an example embodiment of an interface presentation over time during turning ON the system.
• FIG.19billustrates an example embodiment of an interface presentation over time during turning OFF the system.
• FIGS.20 and21 illustrate an example interface to show fan direction selection, which in some examples can include static up, static down, center, full range sweep or others. Left/Right position can be selected in some examples from static left, static right, center, full range sweep or others.
• FIG.22 demonstrates example system behavior with hysteresis when a minimum alarm trigger is hit.
• FIG.23 demonstrates example system behavior with hysteresis when a minimum alarm trigger is not hit.
• FIG.24 illustrates an alternate example method of alarm behavior without hysteresis.
• It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments. The figures do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The description below discloses various embodiments of a novel installation system and method for installing a split-architecture air conditioning unit through a window. As discussed herein, the term air conditioning unit can apply to a unit configured to condition air in various suitable ways including one or more of heating, cooling, moving air with a fan, de-humidifying, humidifying, filtering, and the like.
• The systems and methods described herein, in some examples, allow for the installation of an air conditioner/heat pump with split-architecture through a standard window opening with no specialized tools (removing the need of a professional HVAC technician), no modification of the building envelope, and preventing the possibility of the unit accidentally falling out of the window during installation.
• Various embodiments can include an air conditioning unit installation that can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, a bracket assembly configured to facilitate installation and holding of the outdoor and indoor units on opposing sides of the sill of a window, and an operable coupling between the outdoor unit and indoor unit that provides for operation of the air conditioning unit (e.g., one or more fluid lines, power lines, communication lines, and the like). As discussed herein, one or more of such elements can be modular.
• Various embodiments can minimize the number of steps required for installation of elements of the air conditioning unit, can reduce user error during installation of the air conditioning unit, and the like. For example, some embodiments include a weight offset mechanism that is directly incorporated into the bracket.
• Various embodiments can provide for a smooth transition of the outdoor unit to a final position outside of the window including preventing the outdoor unit from falling out the window and providing for easy manipulation of the outdoor unit when initially engaging the outdoor unit with the bracket, and moving the outdoor unit through the window and rotating the outdoor unit from a horizontal installation orientation to a vertical installed orientation. For example, as discussed in more detail herein, some embodiments can include flanges on the sides of the bracket that help guide the user in safely pushing the unit out of the window. Additionally, various embodiments can be configured to be adapted to a variety of windows or openings.
• Additionally, various embodiments can be configured to be adapted to a variety of windows in terms of size and shape, including width of the window, thickness of the window sill, distance between an internal wall face and an external wall face, height of the window sill from the floor of an indoor area, and the like.
• Current in-room cooling solutions such as window air conditioning units have disadvantages of being loud, ugly and inefficient. Mini-split ACs can be quieter and more efficient, but are largely still not aesthetically pleasing. Window ACs can have the added danger of the risk of falling out of windows if not properly installed, and mini-split ACs can require a licensed contractor and the drilling of holes through the building exterior, leading to a costlier and more complex installation.
• Various embodiments shown and described herein relate to an aesthetically pleasing room AC-heat pump, which can both heat and cool, and is user installable without taking up open window real estate compared to window ACs. However, in further examples, such embodiments can be used for all other forms for building heating and or cooling systems or can be used in various other suitable systems or applications. Accordingly, the example embodiments herein should not be construed to be limiting.
• Turning toFIG.1, an example embodiment of anair conditioning unit100 is illustrated, which can comprise anindoor unit110, anoutdoor unit130, abracket assembly150 andtop cover170, which can define an airconditioning unit cavity190 between the indoor andoutdoor units110,130 and below thetop cover170. Theair conditioning unit100 can further comprise an operable coupling (not shown) between theoutdoor unit130 andindoor unit110, such as below or within thetop cover170, that provides for operation of theair conditioning unit100, which can include one or more fluid lines, power lines, communication lines, and the like.
• As discussed in more detail herein (see e.g.,FIG.2), in various embodiments, thebracket assembly150 can be configured to couple with the sill of a window with the wall below the window sill being disposed within thecavity190 such that theindoor unit110 is disposed within an indoor space proximate to the window; theoutdoor unit130 is disposed in an outdoor space proximate to the window; and with thetop cover170 and operable coupling extending through the window and over the sill of the window.
• As shown in the example ofFIG.1, theinternal unit110 can be generally cuboid and define afront face111,internal face112,top face113,bottom face114 and side faces115. A pair of internal unit handles116 can be disposed on the opposing side faces115 proximate to thetop face113 of theinternal unit110. The internal unit handles116 can be used for lifting the internal unit during installation of theinternal unit110 as discussed in more detail herein. Agrille118 can be defined by a portion of thefront face111, which can provide a passage from inside theinternal unit110 through which conditioned air can be expelled into an internal environment and/or air can be taken in from the internal environment as discussed in more detail herein.
• Theexternal unit130 can be generally cuboid and define afront face131,internal face132,top face133,bottom face134 and side faces135. A pair of external unit side-handles136 can be disposed on the opposing side faces135 proximate to thebottom face134 of theexternal unit130. The external unit side-handles136 can be used for lifting theexternal unit130 during installation of theexternal unit130 as discussed in more detail herein. One or more external unit top-handles137 can be disposed on thetop face133 of theexternal unit130 and can be used for lifting and manipulating theexternal unit130 during installation of theexternal unit130 as discussed in more detail herein. Theexternal unit130 can further include one or more grille, port or other suitable structure(s) (not shown), which can provide a passage from inside theexternal unit130 through which conditioned air can be expelled into an external environment and/or air can be taken in from an external environment as discussed in more detail herein.
• Turning toFIG.2, anexample building200 is shown that includes awall assembly210 with awindow230 disposed within awall250, which separates aninternal environment260 within the building200 (e.g., a room) from anexternal environment270 that is external to the building200 (e.g., an outdoor area). Theexample window230 comprises asash231 andpane232 that moveably reside within aframe233 that includes asill234. Thesash231 can be configured to raise and lower within theframe233, and when open, define an opening between the internal andexternal environments260,270.
• An exampleair conditioning unit100 is shown disposed extending through thewindow230 with theinternal unit110 disposed within theinternal environment260 and theexternal unit130 disposed in theexternal environment270. The internal andexternal units110,130 extend below thesill234 toward afloor280 of thebuilding200 with a portion of thewall250 below thesill234 disposed within thecavity190 of theair conditioning unit190. As discussed herein, theair conditioning unit100 can be used to condition air in the internal and/orexternal environments260,270. For example, in various embodiments, theair conditioning unit100 can be configured to cool theinternal environment260. In various embodiments, theair conditioning unit100 can be configured to heat theinternal environment260.
• While some embodiments are configured for residential use of an air conditioning unit withinwindows230 of a home, it should be clear that anair conditioning unit100 of further embodiments can be used in various other suitable ways, including in commercial settings such as in an office, factory, laboratory, school, vehicle, or the like. Also, the terms internal and external should not be construed to be limiting and are merely intended to represent separate environments, which can be partially or completely separated in various suitable ways, including by structures such as walls, windows, doors, screens, shades, partitions, sheets, and the like. Additionally, while various examples can relate to air conditioners disposed within awindow230, it should be clear that further examples can be disposed in any suitable opening between internal and external environments, such as a door, slot, flue, vent, skylight, drain, or the like. Accordingly, the specific examples discussed herein should not be construed to be limiting on the wide variety of air conditioning units that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
• In various embodiments, anair conditioning unit100 can be modular with the internal andexternal units110,130 configured to be separated from thebracket assembly150. Such embodiments can be desirable in some examples because having such elements separate can make installation of theair conditioner unit100 easier compared to anair conditioning unit100 that is a unitary structure.
• In various embodiments, thebracket assembly150 can be configured to facilitate installation of the internal andexternal units110,130, including facilitating moving theexternal unit130 through an opening (e.g., a window230) and positioning the external unit in anexternal environment270 proximate to the opening.
• Turning toFIGS.3a,3b,4 and5, an example embodiment of a modularclimate control unit100 is illustrated. As shown inFIG.3a, the modularclimate control unit100 can include at least one user-positionableinterior unit110 wherein theinterior unit110 includes a fluid-to-air heat exchanger312 and afan314 to circulate air across the fluid-to-air heat exchanger312, anexterior unit130 including a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger318 and asystem320 for supplying a working fluid having a controlled temperature to a first side of the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger318 and acirculation hose322 defining one or moreoperable connections321 between a fluid side of the fluid-to-air heat exchanger312 and a second side of the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger318, wherein thecirculation hose322 allows a circulating fluid to transport heat between the at least oneinterior unit110 and theexterior unit130. As will be discussed in more detail below, the circulating fluid can be a non-toxic, user serviceable fluid and thecirculation hose322 can be coupled to at least oneinterior unit110 and theexterior unit130 in a releasable manner.
• Turning to theexample exterior unit130 in more detail, theexterior unit130 can comprise asystem320 for controlling the temperature of a working fluid. Thesystem320 for controlling the temperature may be a heat pump, compressor or the like. In the case of a heat pump, thesystem320 may provide, add or remove heat to/from the working fluid. In contrast, if only a compressor is provided, thesystem320 may remove heat from the working fluid. Further, theexterior unit130 can include a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger318 that can allow the exchange of heat between the working fluid on one side of theheat exchanger318 and the circulating fluid on the other side of theheat exchanger318. A fan and various other components such as controls may also be included in theexterior unit130 in some embodiments.
• Theinterior unit110 can comprise afan314 and a fluid-to-air heat exchanger312. In some examples, theinterior unit110 includes a fluid pump and a circulating fluid storage tank that will operate as described below in more detail.
• Thecirculation hose322 can comprise a detachable hose that extends between theinterior unit110 andexterior unit130. For example, as can be seen atFIG.3b, thecirculation hose322 can include three lumens therein that act as afluid supply324, afluid return326 andwiring328 for power and/or control signals between theinterior unit110 andexterior unit130. Thecirculation hose322 may further optionally include afourth lumen330 to serve as a conduit to convey condensate back to theexterior unit130 from theinterior unit110 preventing the need for a condensate drain therein.
• It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that within the scope of the present disclosure anoutdoor unit130 has been described, however, it should be appreciated that theoutdoor unit130 may be positioned indoors as well at a location wherein the user is not concerned about the potential for heat gain. Further, it is anticipated within the scope of the present disclosure that the air-cooled condenser may be a fluid-cooled condenser and more particularly a condenser that is cooled using ground source water.
• As illustrated inFIG.4, theoutdoor unit130 can operate using a heat pump/air conditioning cycle to reduce the temperature of workingfluid432 or coolant, which in turn extracts heat from a circulatingfluid434 via the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger318. The cooled circulatingfluid434 is then circulated, via thecirculation hose322, between the exterior andinterior units130,110. As was illustrated inFIG.3a, the circulatingfluid434 may be directed through the fluid-to-air heat exchanger312 in theinterior unit130 to cool the air directly.
• Further, as can be seen inFIG.5, the circulatingfluid434 may be directed to reduce the overall temperature of afluid storage tank536 within theinterior unit110. In this embodiment, when cooling is needed in the indoor space, cold fluid from the coldfluid storage tank536 is circulated through the fluid-to-air heat exchanger312 where thefan314 circulates room air across theheat exchanger312 producing a cooling effect. One skilled in the art should appreciate that while thefluid storage tank536 is shown in theinterior unit110 it could also be positioned within theexterior unit130 or independently at an intermediate position along thecirculation hose322.
• The example arrangement ofFIG.5 can allow a room cooling function and a fluid cooling function to be decoupled from one another in a temporal sense in that the control system may only operate theoutdoor unit130 when the temperature of the circulating fluid rises above a certain set point. Similarly, theindoor unit110 can independently increase or decrease fan speed and fluid circulation rate in order to provide a great deal of control over the cooling effect as compared to the prior art on or off cooling systems. This decoupling of the indoor cooling loop and the outdoor cooling loop can further allow theoutdoor unit130 to cool the fluid when it is most efficient to do so. For example, theoutdoor unit130 may cool the fluid stored in the interior insulated cold fluid storage tank at night for cooling use during the day when the outdoor ambient temperatures increase.
• In various embodiments, the circulating fluid can be a non-toxic, low freezing point coolant such as salt brine of water mixed with polyethylene glycol. This can be contrasted with some systems that circulate a refrigerant such as Freon or R-10 between the indoor andoutdoor units110,130. The arrangement of various embodiments allows a user to selectively connect anindoor unit110 with anoutdoor unit130 using a modular hose arrangement thereby eliminating a great deal of complexity and cost. Further, this arrangement can allow for freedom in placing theindoor unit110 as needed for maximum cooling effect and occupant comfort. The circulation hose(s)322 can be attached to the indoor andoutdoor units110,130 using a quick release style coupler342. Such quick release couplers342 can include valving therein that prevents leakage of circulatingfluid434 when the circulation hose(s)322 are disconnected.
• To further enhance the modularity of theair conditioning unit100, the indoor and/oroutdoor units110,130 can be arranged such that they include multiple hose connection points so that multipleindoor units110 can be connected to a singleoutdoor unit130. Such connections may be parallel or made directly from each of theindoor units110 to theoutdoor unit130. Alternately theindoor units110 may be connected in series or in a daisy chain arrangement with theoutdoor unit130. Turning back toFIG.5, theindoor unit110 may include such functionality asheat sensors538 and servo directedlouvers540 to direct cooling airflow to hotspots in a room (e.g., room occupants). Further, theindoor unit110 may be configured to collect condensate and deposit the condensate back into the loop of circulatingfluid434. Theoutdoor unit130 can then be configured to eject some fluid from the loop of circulatingfluid434 should the fluid capacity of the loop of circulatingfluid434 be exceeded by the addition of condensate.
• It should be further appreciated by one skilled in the art that the arrangement of the various examples could operate equally well as a heating system. In operation, change that could be made is that theoutdoor unit130 would be run as a heat pump rather than as an air conditioner. In this manner, rather than cooling the circulating fluid, theoutdoor unit130 would heat the circulating fluid. Optionally, the indoor unit(s)110 may instead include a supplemental heating arrangement such as an electrical heating coil.
• It can therefore be seen that the present disclosure illustrates examples of a modularair conditioner unit100 that can operate on the basic principle of a split system yet allows user serviceability and modular components such that the system is flexible. Further, various embodiments provide a modularair conditioning unit100 that includes at least oneindoor cooling unit110 that has an integrated cold storage therein such that the temperature of the cold store is maintained by a circulating coolant fluid through user serviceable hose connections with an outdoor heat dissipation unit.
• In various embodiments, the modularair conditioning unit100 can comprise various suitable sensors and other additional hardware. For example, theindoor unit110 and/oroutdoor unit130 can comprise a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, barometric pressure sensor, light sensor, and the like. It can be desirable for the indoor and outdoor units to both have such sensors so that environmental conditions of both an indoor and outdoor environment can be determined.
• Also, in various embodiments the modularair conditioning unit100 can comprise a suitable computing device configured to perform one or more steps of at least one of the methods discussed herein, with such a computing system including elements such as a processor, memory, power source, sensor, communication unit, and the like. For example, a memory can store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause performance of one or more steps of at least one of the methods discussed herein. In various embodiments, such a computing system can be complex or simple, with some embodiments operating via firmware instead of a processor executing instruction stored on a computer-readable medium. In further embodiments, a computing device can be absent, with functionalities achieved via physical components or under the control of an external device.
• In various embodiments, the modularair conditioner unit100 can comprise various suitable types of user interfaces. For example,FIG.6 illustrates an example embodiment of a modularair conditioner unit100 having aninterface600 disposed on thetop face113 of theinternal unit110. In this example, theinterface600 has a cylindrical body with adisplay610 on the top of theinterface600 with arotatable interface ring620 defining a peripheral sidewall of theinterface600.
• Thedisplay610 can comprise a screen in various embodiments, which may or may not be a touch screen that allows for input in addition to providing visual presentations. Examples of interfaces provided by thedisplay610 are shown and described herein. Theinterface ring620 can provide for one or more types of input in various embodiments, including via rotating of theinterface ring620, pressing theinterface ring620 downward toward thetop face113 of theinternal unit110, pulling theinterface ring620 upward away from thetop face113 of theinternal unit110, and the like. In some embodiments, theinterface ring620 can be configured to rotate indefinitely without any stops or can be configured to rotate with one or more stop positions that stop rotation of theinterface ring620 in the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. In some embodiments, theinterface ring620 can comprise additional interface elements such as one or more buttons, scroll, wheels, touch screens, or the like. In some embodiments, theinterface ring620 can be absent. In some embodiments, theinterface600 can provide for various types of input or output including voice input, haptic output, sound output, and the like.
• In some embodiments, theinterface600 can be the only interface element of the modularair conditioner unit100, with other interface elements being absent. However, in further embodiments, any suitable additional and/or alternative interface elements can be present on the modularair conditioner unit100.
• In some embodiments, there can be one or more external interface that is separate from the modularair conditioner unit100. For example,FIG.7 illustrates an example of anair conditioner network700 that comprises modularair conditioner unit100, auser device710 and aserver730, which are operably connected via anetwork750. In some embodiments, theuser device710 can be directly operably connected to the modularair conditioner unit100 via a wired and/or wireless connection such as Bluetooth, or the like.
• In the example ofFIG.7 theuser device710 is shown as a smartphone, but further embodiments can additionally and/or alternatively include one or more of other suitable devices such as a laptop computer, tablet computer, smart-speaker, smart watch, television system, gaming system, home automation system, or the like. Such devices or systems can provide for interfaces of any suitable type, including buttons, keyboards, touch screens, voice input, haptic output, sound output, and the like.
• Theserver730 can comprise one or more virtual or non-virtual computing systems. In various embodiments, such aserver730 can be configured to obtain and/or send data from one ormore user device710, one or more modularair conditioner unit100, another server, or the like. For example, in some embodiments, a givenuser device710 and modularair conditioner unit100 can be associated with a user profile, with theserver730 storing use data of the modularair conditioner unit100, setting history of the modularair conditioner unit100, health status of the modularair conditioner unit100, geographic location of the modularair conditioner unit100, and the like. In some embodiments, theserver730 can be configured to provide software updates to the modularair conditioner unit100, change settings of the modularair conditioner unit100, provide suggestions or alerts to a user via the modularair conditioner unit100 and/oruser device710, or the like.
• In various embodiments, theuser device710 can run an app that can allow users to perform various functions, such as set schedule events, control indoor fan speed and direction, set target temperature or fan only mode, view energy and usage trends over time, setting an Eco Mode, setting a Vacation Mode, and the like. Embodiments of interfaces of auser device710 such as embodied in an app are shown and described herein; however, it should be clear that such examples can be applicable to aninterface600 of a modularair conditioner unit100, so such examples should not be construed to be limiting. Similarly, examples related to aninterface600 of a modularair conditioner unit100 shown inFIG.6 can be applicable to embodiments of an interface of auser device710, or the like.
• Additionally, in some embodiments theair conditioner network700 can comprise external sensors such as temperature sensor, humidity sensor, barometric pressure sensor, light sensor, and the like, which can be disposed in internal or external environments to collect data about the same. Such sensors can be operably coupled to the modularair conditioner unit100 directly via a wired and/or wireless connection or via thenetwork750 as discussed herein.
• Also, in some embodiments there can be any suitable plurality of one or more of the elements shown inFIG.7. For example, in some embodiments there can be a plurality of modularair conditioner units100 located at different locations and associated with different users (e.g., different houses of different users), with each respective modularair conditioner unit100 being controlled by a respectiveseparate user device710.
• In some such embodiments, the plurality of modularair conditioner units100 can be controlled by one ormore servers750, can send data to one ormore servers750 and/or can obtain data from one ormore servers750. For example, as discussed in more detail herein, use data from a plurality of modularair conditioner units100 can be sent to acentral server750, where such data can be stored and used for various purposes such as to improve the operating software of one or more of the modularair conditioner units100, provide suggestions to users associated with one or more modular air conditioner units100 (e.g., via user devices710), and the like. In some embodiments as discussed in more detail herein, a utility entity can control a plurality of modular air conditioner units100 (e.g., via a utility entity server730).
• FIG.8 illustrates an example embodiment of an interface800 (e.g., that can be embodied in an app of a user device710) that can identify a location of a modularair conditioner unit100, a current indoor temperature, a current indoor humidity, a current outdoor temperature, a current heating target, and can include buttons for increasing and decreasing a target temperature, a button for an Eco Mode, power button for the modularair conditioner unit100, a scheduling button, and the like.
• In various embodiments, an interface (e.g., smartphone app) can configure the modularair conditioner unit100 to go into and Eco Mode for more energy efficient operation. Eco Mode, in some embodiments, can allow for a wider range of temperatures above and below the thermostat set point, a higher maximum humidity target, a rate of cooling/heating that is optimized for performance over power, fan speeds that are optimized for performance over noise or power, and the like.
• One embodiment of Eco Mode includes lower default fan speed and/or compressor speeds. Another embodiment widens the regulating threshold between a set point and actual temperature. For example, if in normal operation, the system functions to keep a room within +/−1° F. of the target temperature, in Eco Mode, it may keep the room within +/−2° F. of the target temperature. Accordingly, in various embodiments, an Eco Mode can have a greater margin of error from a target mode compared to a normal mode of operation.
• In some embodiments, a normal mode of operation can have a margin of error of 0.25° F., 0.5° F., 0.75° F., 1.0° F., 1.5° F., 2.0° F., 3.0° F., 4.0° F., or the like. In some embodiments, an Eco Mode of operation can have a margin of error of 0.25° F., 0.5° F., 0.75° F., 1.0° F., 1.5° F., 2.0° F., 3.0° F., 4.0° F., or the like. In some examples, such a margin of error can be manually set by the user specifically aside from changing general modes of operation, which may obscure or otherwise not inform the user of a range of error that the modularair conditioner unit100 is operating with.
• In some embodiments, users may put the modularair conditioner unit100 in a Vacation Mode, which in some examples configures the modularair conditioner unit100 to keep the indoor space within a defined range, such as between 55° F. and 85° F. The Vacation Mode can override scheduled events in some examples.
• FIG.9 illustrates one embodiment of aninterface800 comprising ascheduling calendar910 andVacation Mode selector920, which in some examples can be displayed on auser device710 via a smartphone application. In this example, thescheduling calendar910 can comprise times of day in hourly increments on a vertical axis and days of the week on a horizontal axis. Theinterface900 can allow blocks of one or more hours of one or more days to be scheduled to have the modularair conditioner unit100 run in a given mode, targeted to a specific temperature, be turned off, or the like with such a time/day range.
• There are various suitable ways that a modularair conditioner unit100 and/oruser device710 can present a current room temperature, a user-defined set point (e.g., target temperature, or the like), progress of the modularair conditioner unit100 toward reaching the set point, and the like. For example,FIG.10 illustrates an example embodiment of an interface600 (e.g., disposed on atop face113 of theinternal unit110 of a modular air conditioner unit100), that comprises adisplay610 andinterface ring620 as discussed herein and further includes afirst display arc1010, asecond display arc1020 and acentral display portion1030.
• In one such example, thefirst display arc1010 can illustrate setting(s) and/or status of the modularair conditioner unit100 such as a relationship between a set temperature and current temperature; a heating range; a cooling range; a non-heating/non-cooling range where the modularair conditioner unit100 is not actively heating or cooling; and the like. For example, thefirst display arc1010 can comprise afirst portion1012 of a first color (e.g., blue) indicating or corresponding to a range of temperatures where the modularair conditioner unit100 will enter a heating mode; a secondcentral portion1014 of a second color (e.g., purple or green) indicating or corresponding to a range of temperatures where the modularair conditioner unit100 will neither heat nor cool; and athird portion1016 of a third color (e.g., red or orange) indicating or corresponding to a range of temperatures where the modularair conditioner unit100 will enter a cooling mode.
• In various embodiments, the length of thesecond portion1014 can correspond to a margin of error from a set temperature where the modularair conditioner unit100 will neither heat nor cool. For example, a smaller length of thesecond portion1014 can indicate a smaller margin of error from a set temperature that keeps an indoor environment within a narrow desired temperature range about a set temperature. A larger length of thesecond portion1014 can indicate a large margin of error from a set temperature that keeps an indoor environment within a wider desired temperature range about a set temperature.
• In various embodiments, a larger margin of error can reduce energy cost due to the modularair conditioner unit100 heating and/or cooling less than with a smaller margin of error. Accordingly, a larger margin of error of a certain amount can be referred to as an Eco Mode and a smaller margin of error of a certain amount can be referred to as a Normal Mode. Additionally, in various embodiments, the color of thesecond portion1014 can indicate a mode. For example, thesecond portion1014 can be colored purple to indicate the modularair conditioner unit100 is operating in a Normal Mode and can be colored green to indicate that the modularair conditioner unit100 is operating in an Eco Mode.
• As shown inFIGS.11aand11b, thefirst display arc1010 can be a 270° arc that can correspond to a temperature range of 55° F. to 85° F., with the locations and lengths of the first, second andthird portions1112,1114,1116 corresponding to ranges of temperatures. In one embodiment as shown inFIG.11b, the first and second display arcs1010,1020 of thedisplay610 of theinterface600 can be defined by aring1100 of pixels1150 (e.g., LED dot matrices or other suitable display characters), with twenty-fourpixels1150 of thering1100 defining thefirst display arc1010 and sixpixels1150 of thering1100 defining thesecond display arc1020.
• Each of the twenty-fourpixels1150 of thefirst display arc1010 can correspond to a temperature from 55° F. to 85° F., with some embodiments having a greater temperature difference between respective pixels on the terminal ends of thefirst display arc1010 as shown in the example embodiment ofFIG.11b. Such a configuration can be desirable for displaying more granularity of temperatures within typical room temperatures and with less granularity at high and low temperatures outside of a range of typical room temperatures or other operating parameters.
• In various embodiments, location of thesecond portion1014 can indicate or correspond to a set temperature. For example, where a set temperature is 72° F., the presentedsecond portion1014 can have a center at thepixel1150 corresponding to 72° F. withpixels1150 on either side of such acenter pixel1150 indicating a margin of error from the set temperature. In one example, where the set temperature is 73° F. and the modularair conditioner unit100 is operating in a Normal Mode having a margin of error of +/−1° F., thesecond portion1014 can be defined bypixels1150 corresponding to 72° F., 73° F. and 74° F. being illuminated with a purple color to illustrate the range of 72° F. to 74° F. in which the modularair conditioner unit100 will not heat or cool based on the set temperature is 73° F. with a margin of error of +/−1° F. in Normal Mode. In another example, where the set temperature is 73° F. and the modularair conditioner unit100 is operating in an Eco Mode having a margin of error of +/−2° F., thesecond portion1014 can be defined bypixels1150 corresponding to 71° F., 72° F., 73° F., 74° F. and 75° F. being illuminated with a green color to illustrate the range of 71° F. to 75° F. in which the modularair conditioner unit100 will not heat or cool based on the set temperature is 73° F. with a margin of error of +/−2° F. in Eco Mode.
• In various embodiments, thesecond display arc1020 can be configured to illustrate a current operating mode of themodular air conditioner100 based on the color of thesecond display arc1020. For example, where themodular air conditioner100 is operating in a cooling mode, thesecond display arc1020 can be illuminated blue; where themodular air conditioner100 is operating in a heating mode, thesecond display arc1020 can be illuminated red or orange; where themodular air conditioner100 is operating in a Normal Mode and not heating or cooling, thesecond display arc1020 can be illuminated purple; and where themodular air conditioner100 is operating in an Eco Mode and not heating or cooling, thesecond display arc1020 can be illuminated green. UsingFIG.11bas an example, such illumination based on mode can be all sixpixels1150 of thering1100 that define thesecond display arc1020.
• As discussed herein, in various embodiments the first and second display arcs1010,1020 can correspond to temperatures, ranges of temperatures and/or modes without explicitly indicating to the user such correspondence. For example, temperature labels can be absent from thefirst display arc1010 so that specific temperature and temperature range correspondence is obscured from the user. Similarly, mode labels can be absent from the first and second display arcs1010,1020 with only color of the first and/or second display arcs1010,1020 indicating an operating mode and/or mode setting (e.g., theinterface600 can be absent of mode indicators aside from color(s) of the first and/or second display arcs1010,1020). However, as discussed herein, in some embodiments thecentral display1030 can temporarily display settings or conditions such as a set temperature, a current temperature, a mode setting, and the like.
• The example embodiments ofFIGS.10,11aand11bare merely examples and should not be construed to be limiting on the wide variety of additional embodiments that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second display arcs1010,1020 can be any suitable size, with an embodiment of 270° and 90° respectively being only one example embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the first display arc can be 360°, 355°, 350°, 345°, 340°, 335°, 330°, 325°, 320°, 315°, 310°, 305°, 300°, 295°, 290°, 285°, 280°, 275°, 270°, 265°, 260°, 255°, 250°, 245°, 240°, 235°, 230°, 225°, 220°, 215°, 210°, 205°, 200°, 195°, 190°, 185°, 180°, 175°, 170°, 165°, 160°, 155°, 150°, 145°, 140°, 135°, 130°, 125°, 120°, 115°, 110°, 105°, 100°, 95°, 90°, 85°, 80°, 75°, 70°, 65°, 60°, 55°, 50°, 45°, and the like, with thesecond display arc1020 being absent, filling the entire remainder of a circle (i.e., 360°), filling a portion of the reminder of a circle, or the like.
• Also, while the first and/or second display arcs1010,1020 can be portions of the circumference of the same circle, further embodiments can have such displays in any suitable shape in relation to each other, such as an oval, spiral, square, line, or the like. For example, in some embodiments the first and/or second display arcs1010,1020 can define greater than 360° via a spiral. In some embodiments, the first and/or second display arcs1010,1020 can define nested circles and/or arcs instead of being part of the same circle circumference.
• Additionally, the examples of different colors indicating different modes and/or temperatures should not be construed as limiting and any suitable indicators can be associated with different modes, temperatures, conditions, or the like. One example embodiment includes representing colder temperatures in a bluish hue and warmer temperatures in an orangish or pinkish hue, with in-between temperatures in a purplish hue. These colors may be always associated with a particular temperature point in some embodiments. In further embodiments, any suitable different colors can be associated with different modes, temperatures, conditions, or the like. In further embodiments, gradients of black and white, gradients of color, different patterns, or the like, can be associated with different modes, temperatures, conditions, or the like.
• Also, while an example of twenty-fourpixels1150 defining aring1100 that defines the first and second display arcs1010,1020 is shown inFIG.11b, it should be clear that numerous other embodiments are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure, so this example should not be construed as being limiting. For example, further embodiments can include any suitable number ofpixels1150 such as 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, 200, 500, 1000, 10000, 100000, and the like. Additionally, various suitable displays can be used to present first and second display arcs1010,1020, so the example of LED dot matrices should not be construed as being limiting. Also, while the example ofFIG.11billustrates an example where a circumference of the circle defining the first and second display arcs1010,1020 is one pixel thick, further embodiments can have a circumference defined by any suitable plurality ofpixels1150 or other suitable display element.
• Additionally, whileFIGS.11aand11billustrate thefirst display arc1010 corresponding to a range of temperatures of 55° F. to 85° F., further embodiments can correspond to any suitable range of temperature in any suitable unit of temperature. In some embodiments the range of temperatures illustrated by thefirst display arc1010 can correspond to a typical room temperature range; however, for other applications such a range can be based on the expected temperatures that will be experienced by and/or generated by the modular air conditioner100 (or other air conditioning system). For example, aninterface600 associated with a climate control system, freezer, refrigerator, incubator, sauna, or the like can be configured to illustrate expected temperatures that will be experienced by and/or generated in such an environment. Accordingly, while the example of a modularair conditioning system100 is used herein, it should be clear that embodiments of user interfaces discussed herein can be applied to any suitable system that affects the condition of air in indoor and/or outdoor spaces or bodies of fluid (gas and/or liquid), such as an air conditioner (heating and/or cooling), heat pump, freezer, refrigerator, incubator, sauna, spa, pool, cooling bath, sous vide, humidifier, de-humidifier, kiln, furnace, and the like. Additionally, while amodular air conditioner100 is used as an example of various embodiments, any suitable air conditioner unit (e.g., modular or non-modular) can be applicable in various embodiments, including air conditioner units that are small or larger, integral to a home or other space, installable in a window or other opening, and the like.
• Also, units of Fahrenheit are used herein as an example, but further embodiments can use units of Celsius, Kelvin, or the like. Additionally, various embodiments illustrate the central display630 presenting whole numbers without a decimal point, but further embodiments can present temperatures including decimals, fractions, or the like. Additionally, various embodiments discussed herein include incrementing or decrementing by single whole numbers (e.g., 74° to 75° or 68 to 67°), but further embodiments can include incrementing or decrementing any suitable amount such as by 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 10.0, and the like. Such incrementing or decrementing may be static or dynamic based on various conditions (e.g., the temperature range where the user is adjusting temperature, speed of turning theinterface ring620, or the like).
• In some embodiments, thefirst display arc1010 increases when the user is setting a target temperature either by turning a physical user interface (e.g., interface ring620), by a drag interaction on a touchscreen (e.g., on ause device710 or modular air conditioner100), or the like. As the set point is reached, in various examples thefirst display arc1010 shortens until a target temperature is reached. For example,FIG.12 illustrates four states A, B, C, D of aninterface600 in accordance with an embodiment. In the first state A, thecentral display portion1030 presents the currently set target temperature with thefirst display arc1010 illustrating that the current room temperature is at or within close range of this target temperature based on the illumination of thefirst display arc1010 being present about a location on thefirst display arc1010 corresponding to 74° and based on the width of the illumination of the first display arc having a small length.
• In the second state B, the user has turned theinterface ring620 in the clockwise direction (as indicated by the arrow) to cause the target temperature to be changed from 74° to 76° as indicated in thecentral display portion1030. Changing the target temperature from 74° to 76° can cause thefirst display arc1010 to elongate in the clockwise direction to indicate a new larger difference between the current temperature and the target temperature of 76° with the leading clockwise end of thefirst display arc1010 being at a location corresponding to the new target temperature of 76° and the trailing counter-clockwise end corresponding to a current temperature of the room.
• After the second state B, themodular air conditioner100 can enter a heating mode to heat from the current temperature of around 74° to the target temperature of 76°, which can cause thefirst display arc1010 to shorten from the counter-clockwise end corresponding to a current temperature of the room, until the target temperature of 76° is reached (or is reached within a given margin of error), which as shown in state C, can be indicated by thefirst display arc1010 being short and located about a location corresponding to a temperature of 76°.
• As shown in state D, the user can turn theinterface ring620 in the counter-clockwise direction (as indicated by the arrow) to cause the target temperature to be changed from 76° to 68° as indicated in thecentral display portion1030. Changing the target temperature from 74° to 78° can cause thefirst display arc1010 to elongate in the counter-clockwise direction to indicate a new larger difference between the current temperature and the new target temperature of 68° with the trailing counter-clockwise end of thefirst display arc1010 being at a location corresponding to the new target temperature of 68° and the leading clockwise end corresponding to a current temperature of the room. In various embodiments thefirst display arc1010 can present different colors to indicate the mode of the modularair conditioning system100 as discussed herein.
• FIGS.13 and14 illustrate another example embodiment of an interface1300 (e.g., presented by a user device710), which comprises afirst display arc1010 and acentral display portion1030 that presents a current target temperature. Thefirst display arc1010 includes atab1310 that indicates the target temperature, anarrow1320 that indicates the current temperature, and an illuminatedportion1330 that indicates the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature. In various embodiments, the illuminated portion can also indicate the current mode of the modular air conditioner100 (e.g., different colors indicating heating, cooling, Eco Mode, Normal Mode, and the like). The interface can also include afirst section1340 that indicates the current temperature numerically and a section1360 that indicates the current mode (e.g., with words and/or colors as discussed herein).
• For example,FIG.13 illustrates an example where the target temperature is 66° as indicated by thecentral display portion1030 and the location of thetab1310 of thefirst display arc1010 and a first end of the illuminatedportion1330. The current temperature is 73° as indicated by thefirst section1340 and the location of thearrow1320 on the first display arc and a second end of the illuminatedportion1330. Themodular air conditioner100 is in a cooling mode (to bring the room temperature from 73° to about 66°), which is indicated by thesecond section1350 and can be indicated by the color of the illuminatedportion1330 of thefirst display arc1010.
• In another example,FIG.14 illustrates an example where the target temperature is 75° as indicated by thecentral display portion1030 and the location of thetab1310 of thefirst display arc1010 and the second end of the illuminatedportion1330. The current temperature is 68° as indicated by thefirst section1340 and the location of thearrow1320 on the first display arc and the first end of the illuminatedportion1330. Themodular air conditioner100 is in a heating mode (to bring the room temperature from 68° to about 75°), which is indicated by thesecond section1350 and can be indicated by the color of the illuminatedportion1330 of thefirst display arc1010.
• Another method to display set temperature being reached in accordance with some embodiments can include having thefirst display arc1010 be bluish in cooling mode, or orangish in heating mode. As the set point is reached in this example, thefirst display arc1010 symmetrically gets smaller, until it is a dot at the 12 o'clock position. Such an example method can be reflected in a smartphone application (e.g., via a user device710), which can keep the target temperature at the 12 o'clock position, and can reflect an odometer or compass.
• FIGS.15a,15band15cillustrate an example of such an embodiment of aninterface1500. For example,FIG.15aillustrates the interface indicating that the current temperature is at 71° based at least on a dot and bar associated with thefirst display arc1010 on the left side of thefirst display arc1010. Thefirst display arc1010 can indicate that themodular air conditioner100 is in a heating mode based on thefirst display arc1010 being illuminated in orange or red.
• FIG.15billustrates the interface indicating that the current temperature is at 93°, but without a dot and bar associated with thefirst display arc1010 given that such a temperature is outside of a normal display range. Thefirst display arc1010 can indicate that themodular air conditioner100 is in a cooling mode based on thefirst display arc1010 being illuminated in blue.
• FIG.15cillustrates the interface indicating that the current temperature is at 75°, with a dot within a circle at the 12 o'clock position. Thefirst display arc1010 can indicate that themodular air conditioner100 is in a low cooling mode based on thefirst display arc1010 being illuminated in blue and the relative size of the illumination (e.g., being smaller than illumination ofFIG.15b).
• FIG.16 illustrates an example embodiment of states E, F, G, H, I of aninterface600 that can occur during setting a target temperature during cooling. State E can represent a standard display where the current temperature is presented by thecentral display portion1030, which in this example is 73°. As the set point is reached in this example, thefirst display arc1010 can get symmetrically smaller, until it is a dot at the 12 o'clock position, with a color of thefirst display arc1010 and/orsecond display arc1020 illustrating a mode or setting based on color as discussed herein (e.g., blue to illustrate cooling).
• In various embodiments, turning theinterface ring620 can change thecentral display portion1030 to present a current and/or proposed target temperature. For example, state F illustrates an example where theinterface ring620 has been turned slightly or initially (e.g., one click), which switches thecentral display portion1030 from presenting the current temperature of 73° to the current target temperature of 71°. In state G, theinterface ring620 has been turned counter-clockwise until the proposed target temperature of 68° is presented, with thefirst display arc1010 becoming symmetrically longer to depict that the proposed target temperature is farther away from the current temperature.
• To set the proposed displayed temperature, the user can press the interface ring620 (e.g., depress theinterface ring620 down in the vertical direction as a button press). In some embodiments, thecentral display portion1030 can flash on and off as shown in state H to indicate that the proposed target temperature of 68° has been set as the new target temperature and the modularair conditioning system100 can react accordingly to cool or heat. Such flashing can be any suitable number of times such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 times and the like. After a defined time (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 seconds) theinterface600 can return to a standard display where the current room temperature is displayed as shown in state I and thefirst display arc1010 indicating how far the current room temperature is from the current target temperature.
• FIG.17 illustrates an example embodiment of states J, K, L, M, N of aninterface600 that can occur during setting a target temperature while heating. State J can represent a standard display where the current temperature is presented by thecentral display portion1030, which in this example is 65°. As the set point is reached in this example, thefirst display arc1010 can get symmetrically smaller, until it is a dot at the 12 o'clock position, with a color of thefirst display arc1010 and/orsecond display arc1020 illustrating a mode or setting based on color as discussed herein (e.g., red or orange color to indicate heating).
• Turning theinterface ring620 can change thecentral display portion1030 to present a current and/or proposed target temperature. For example, state K illustrates an example where theinterface ring620 has been turned slightly or initially (e.g., one click), which switches thecentral display portion1030 from presenting the current temperature of 65° to the current target temperature of 71°. In state L, theinterface ring620 has been turned counter-clockwise until the proposed target temperature of 68° is presented, with thefirst display arc1010 becoming symmetrically smaller to depict that the proposed target temperature is closer to the current temperature.
• To set the proposed displayed temperature, the user can press the interface ring620 (e.g., depress theinterface ring620 down in the vertical direction as a button press). Thecentral display portion1030 can flash on and off as shown in state M to indicate that the proposed target temperature of 68° has been set as the new target temperature and the modularair conditioning system100 can react accordingly to cool or heat. After a defined time, theinterface600 can return to a standard display where the current room temperature is displayed as shown in state N and thefirst display arc1010 indicating how far the current room temperature is from the current target temperature.
• In some embodiments, the user may turn the modularair conditioning system100 ON and OFF with a long hold (e.g., two to three seconds) button press of theinterface ring620, which can take the modularair conditioning system100 in/out of a low-power draw mode or no-power draw mode. The user can turn theinterface ring620 encircling thedisplay610 of theinterface600 clockwise in some examples to increase the set point (e.g., target temperature) or counter-clockwise to decrease the set point. The user can click on thedisplay610 and/or surroundinginterface ring620 to select the set point.
• Based on the set point, in various embodiments the modularair conditioning system100 determines whether thesystem100 will enter a cooling mode or heating mode to reach the target temperature. The cooling and heating mode can be indicated in theuser interface600 in some examples by a color and in a user device710 (e.g., smartphone app) by colors and/or text. When the current indoor temperature reaches the target temperature, in various embodiments theinterface600 and/oruser device710 informs the user with a purplish color and/or text, such as “Regulating.”
• FIG.18 illustrates anexample flowchart1800 of example actions and displays of aninterface600 corresponding to an embodiment of theinterface600 when the modularair conditioning system100 is ON. For example, at1810 thesystem100 can be plugged in and idle, such as a low-power draw mode or no-power draw mode. The user can press and/or turn theinterface ring620, and at1820, thecentral display1030 can show the current temperature (e.g., 73° in this example). If there is a period of inactivity (e.g., 10 seconds, or other suitable amount of time), thecentral display1030 can fade out over a period of time (e.g., 2 seconds, or other suitable amount of time) as shown at1830 and1840 and thesystem100 can return to an idle state at1810.
• However, if at1820 the user presses theinterface ring620 before an inactivity interval, thecentral display1030 can present the current target temperature as shown in1850 (e.g., 71° in this example). If the user presses theinterface ring620 again or after an inactivity period (e.g., 2 seconds, or other suitable amount of time), thecentral display1030 can return to showing the current temperature at1820 (e.g., 73° in this example). However, if at1850, the user turns theinterface ring620, a proposed new target temperature can be displayed based on whether theinterface ring620 is turned in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
• For example, at1860 and1870, theinterface ring620 is turned counter-clockwise and the displayed current target temperature of 71° changes to a proposed new target temperature of 68°. In some embodiments, turning theinterface ring620 clockwise will increase the proposed new target temperature and turning theinterface ring620 counter-clockwise will decrease the proposed new target temperature. However, further embodiments can be opposite or other suitable methods of increasing or decreasing the proposed new target temperature can be used. Also, in some embodiments, turning theinterface ring620 will necessarily cycle between each whole number or other defined number interval; however, in some embodiments, numbers can be skipped (e.g., based on speed of turning theinterface ring620, or the like).
• However, if at1820, the user turns theinterface ring620 before an inactivity interval, a proposed new target temperature can be displayed based on whether theinterface ring620 is turned in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction as shown at1860 and1870 and as discussed above. To accept the proposed new target temperature and make the proposed new target temperature the new current target temperature, the user can press theinterface ring620 and the new target temperature can flash to signify that it has been set.
• For example, if at1870, the user presses theinterface ring620 while displaying the proposed target temperature of 68°, thecentral display1030 can flash 68° to signify that the current target temperature has been set to 68° as shown in1880. Where the user presses theinterface ring620 or after an inactivity period (e.g., 2 seconds, or the like), theinterface600 can return to displaying the current temperature at1820. However, if at1870, the user does not press or further turn the interface ring and after an inactivity period (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6 seconds, or the like), theinterface600 can return to displaying the current target temperature (e.g., at1850), the current temperature (e.g.,1820) or return to an idle display (e.g.,1810), without changing the target temperature to the proposed target temperature.
• FIG.19aillustrates anexample embodiment1900 of aninterface600 presentation over time during turning ON thesystem100. For example, starting on the left, the user can hold down theinterface ring620 of theinterface600 for a defined period of time (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 seconds, or the like), which can trigger a power-up sequence, where a circle on thedisplay610 of theinterface600 begins to fill over a period of time (e.g., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 seconds, or the like). Thedisplay610 can then present a status of thesystem100 such as a current temperature, current target temperature, current system mode, and the like.
• FIG.19billustrates an example embodiment1950 of aninterface600 presentation over time during turning OFF thesystem100. For example, starting on the left, the user can hold down theinterface ring620 of theinterface600 for a defined period of time (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 seconds, or the like), which can trigger a power-down sequence, where a circle on thedisplay610 of theinterface600 begins to fade over a period of time (e.g., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 seconds, or the like), until the display is turned off or is blank.
• In various embodiments, thesystem100 does not change between Heating and Cooling modes unless a user specifies a new set point. In some examples, when thesystem100 is turned ON, it will automatically function at the last used setting until a new setting is given by the user. This can ensure in some embodiments the user's intent of Heating or Cooling the room, without switching modes automatically and causing discomfort. Out of the box and after a system reset, in various examples, thesystem100 will function at default settings when it is first turned ON. A reset may occur, in some embodiments, if thesystem100 is cut from power and reconnected (e.g., by unplugging and re-plugging in the power cord), or after a firmware update, which may be sent over-the-air through abackend server730 via anetwork750, or directly or indirectly via a user device710 (e.g., smartphone application) or other suitable method. One embodiment of the Default setting may be turning ON the indoor fan in Fan Only mode at medium speed. In various examples, this can give the user confidence that the system is ON and functioning as intended.
• Although interaction to set a target temperature can be simple from the user's perspective in some examples, the regulation to control components of thesystem100 efficiently may be much more complex in various embodiments. One method of operation includes specific set speeds for low, medium, and high settings of a component (such as compressor, pump and fan). In various examples, such a setting can be dependent on how close the current indoor air temperature is to the target temperature. For example, as the current temperature reaches a set point, in some embodiments the settings can move from high to medium to low for most efficient operation.
• In other words, in various embodiments, while a current temperature is greater than a first heat threshold from a set temperature, thesystem100 can operate cooling with a high component speed; while the current temperature is between the first and a second heat threshold that is less than the first heat threshold, but greater than the set temperature, thesystem100 can operate cooling with a medium component speed; and while the current temperature is between the second heat threshold and a third heat threshold that is less than the second threshold, but greater than the set temperature, the system can operate cooling with a low component speed.
• In various embodiments, while a current temperature is less than a first cold threshold from a set temperature, thesystem100 can operate heating with a high component speed; while the current temperature is between the first and a second cold threshold that is less than the first cold threshold, but greater than the set temperature, thesystem100 can operate heating with a medium component speed; and while the current temperature is between the second cold threshold and a third cold threshold that is less than the second cold threshold, but greater than the set temperature, thesystem100 can operate heat with a low component speed.
• Another embodiment can include using PID (proportional integrative differential) feedback control for the speed of some or all motor-containing components, which in some examples can be tuned and optimized for performance and efficiency. Another example method of control is with a bang-bang algorithm, or open loop speed control.
• In some embodiments, an electronic expansion valve (EEV) can be regulated by changing its aperture and allowing more or less refrigerant flow to the compressor to improve efficiency. In various examples, EEV position can be dependent on the real time superheat and can be calculated from measurements of temperatures and pressures within the refrigeration system.
• Additional efficiency benefits can be realized in various embodiments by pumping and spraying condensation, which accumulates indoors, over the outdoor heat exchanger. Rate and frequency of dispersion can be tuned in some examples to optimize heat transfer efficiency.
• Furthermore, for proper room mixing and improved energy efficiency, in some embodiments the outlet air of anindoor unit110 can automatically be directed downward in Heating mode, and upwards in Cooling mode by various suitable elements (e.g., stepper motors and alouver system540 in front of the indoor fan314). In some examples, a user may also choose to direct thelouvers540 left or right depending on how thesystem100 is situated in a room (e.g., to deflect away from walls and furniture, and towards occupants). In various embodiments, air flow direction of thelouvers540 can be set at a static position, or in a sweeping motion, based on user preference.
• FIGS.20 and21 illustrate anexample interface2000 to show fan direction selection (e.g., in a smartphone application of a user device710), which in some examples can include static up, static down, center, full range sweep or others. Left/Right position (e.g., generated by louvers540) can be selected in some examples from static left, static right, center, full range sweep or others. The speed of thefan314 may be illustrated in some examples by an animated rotating fan-shaped icon that spins based on a set speed between Low to High, and/or with a numerical indication, and can be selected in some examples by dragging on a linear bar.FIG.21 is an illustration of Selecting Auto Mode for fan control that can gray out all speed and direction options, and will not allow for user interaction to change the settings.
• In order to minimize power consumption while inactive, in some embodiments a control algorithm may at times completely depower peripherals which are not in use. For example, an interface (e.g., interface600) may be put in low power mode such that only a long-hold (e.g., of an interface ring620) will wake thesystem100, and a relay may be triggered which would fully (or partially) depower the outdoor compressor and/or fan.
• In various embodiments, anair conditioner network700 orsystem100 can warn users of energy inefficient operations, such as using cooling AC on a cold day, or the heater on a warm day, for example, by sending a pop-up notification asking the user if they would rather open the window. For example, in some embodiments theinterface600 or an interface of auser device710 can generate a pop-up notification when a user tries to set a temperature that is close to an outdoor temperature (e.g., “Are you sure about that? Your desired setting is close to the temperature outside, consider cracking open the window.”); can generate a pop-up when the user is trying to run the cooling AC on a very cold day (“Are you sure you want to run the AC now? It's quite cold outside.”); and the like.
• In one embodiment, a method of generating an alert can include obtaining external sensor data (e.g., external temperature data from an external temperature sensor); obtaining a proposed or actual target temperature setting; and determining that a difference between the external temperature and the proposed or actual target temperature and a system response meet alert criteria. For example, bad-cooling alert criteria can be met when a proposed or actual target temperature is set where a cooling response would be generated by thesystem100 and where the outdoor temperature is less than the proposed or actual target temperature+1°. In another example, bad-heating alert criteria can be met when a proposed or actual target temperature is set where a heating response would be generated by thesystem100 and where the outdoor temperature is greater than the proposed or actual target temperature −1°. While the example of +/−1° is used in these examples, further embodiments can include −0.25°, −0.5°, −1°, −2°, 0.25°, 0.5°, 1°, 2°, and the like.
• In some examples, sensors internal to thesystem100, such as thermistors and pressure sensors on refrigerant lines, and air temperature and humidity sensors near an air intake, and the like, are used to monitor thesystem100 and improve a control scheme to run efficiently or for other suitable purposes. Data can be collected acrossmultiple systems100 wirelessly in various embodiments via anetwork750, (e.g., such as through Wi-Fi, cellular communication and the like), and sent to a database (e.g., on a server730). This data can be monitored in some examples to improve control algorithms and to provide troubleshooting and customer service.
• By monitoring refrigerant and/or coolant properties and ambient conditions, in various embodiments a smart control algorithm can make sure indoor humidity levels are in a comfortable range, without over-drying or causing moisture buildup. Users may also be able to set a target humidity level in some examples (e.g., either absolute or relative), such as on systems that are able to humidify a room (e.g., by use of a water source).
• For example, a method of operating amodular air conditioner100 can include monitoring refrigerant condition, coolant conditions, ambient indoor conditions and/or ambient outdoor conditions (e.g., via one or more suitable sensors); determining that humidity levels are outside of a desirable range (e.g., default range or range set by a user); determining a response that is unlikely to cause over-drying or moisture buildup at themodular air conditioner100; implementing the determined response; determining that humidity levels are inside the desirable range; and terminating the determined response based on the determination that humidity levels are inside the desirable range.
• In various embodiments, refrigerant gas detection sensors can monitor thesystem100 with or without other sensors (such as refrigerant temperature and pressure sensors) and alert the user of potential leaks. Utilizing gas detection with other sensors may increase the chance of detecting very small slow releasing leaks in some examples and can encourage users (such as via smartphone app of auser device710 or adisplay610 on the physical unit) to get thesystem100 serviced before releasing more refrigerant into the atmosphere. For example, a method of generating a leak alert can include obtaining gas data; determining whether the gas data indicates presence of a given gas above a gas threshold, and if so, generating a gas leak alert. In another example, a method of generating a leak alert can include obtaining fluid storage volume data and system operation data over a period of time and determining whether a change in fluid volume meets leak criteria (e.g., fluid volume decreases even when the system is not operating in a way that would consume fluid or where fluid volume decreases an amount than is greater than a threshold amount for what would be expected based on the system operation data). If so, the leak alert can be generated.
• Furthermore, in some embodiments where a flammable refrigerant is used, and a leak is detected or determined in thesystem100, the fan can be turned ON in response to such a detection or determination to vent out such leaking refrigerant and to reduce the risk of fire.
• In various examples, thesystem100 can have internal protection against frosting over the coils, freezing heat exchangers, or running thesystem100 too hot or too cold, which may lead to burst refrigerant or coolant lines in some cases. Protection methods can include software-based alarms that read internal refrigerant temperature sensor values and force the system into wait periods if needed or desirable to allow thesystem100 to return to proper operating conditions or to within proper operating parameters. Hardware protections can include thermostats which when triggered based on being above and/or below a given temperature, open a connection to a motor driver that prohibits operation of a compressor until temperatures are within expected or desired operational bounds.
• In some embodiments, thesystem100 can protect itself from damage between switching modes (e.g., from Cooling to Heating), by ramping down the compressor, and waiting for refrigerant suction and discharge pressures to equalize, within for example, 2 bar, before changing the reversing valve and turning back on the compressor. This can, in some examples, protect the compressor from overpressure damage.
• Another example protection system and method that can prevent frost from forming on the outdoor coil during Heating mode, can include a method that in cold weather conditions can run thesystem100 in reverse periodically to blow warm air through the outdoor coil. The indoor fan can remain off in some examples to avoid blowing cold air into the room and making users uncomfortable. For example, such a method can include obtaining external temperature data (e.g., from an external temperature sensor of theexternal unit130 and/or external unit temperature sensor that indicates or corresponds to a temperature of theexternal unit130 or portion thereof); determining that the external temperature meets frost-prevention criteria; and if so, running an anti-frost routine to remove and/or prevent frost. For example, such an anti-frost routine can include generating and blowing warm air through an outdoor coil of theexternal unit130 at a defined interval while an external environment temperature and/or external unit temperature is at or below a given threshold temperature. In some examples, an interval between generating and blowing warm air through an outdoor coil of the external unit can be based on the external environment temperature and/or external unit temperature, with such an interval being shorter at lower temperatures and longer at higher temperatures below the temperature threshold.
• Various embodiments can include a control method where specific levels are used for most energy efficient operation based on environmental conditions and the target temperature, and in some examples, one or more sensors in the system (e.g., coolant temperatures, air temperatures, refrigerant temperatures, refrigerant pressures, motor currents, etc.) can have minimum and maximum limits for normal operation, and minimum and maximum trigger points to set off a software-based alarm. For example, in some embodiments, when thesystem100 is out of normal bounds, and hits an alarm trigger, thesystem100 shuts down the compressor and waits until thesystem100 has recovered, and sensor measurements are within normal bounds. To give thesystem100 some warning time to recover before hitting an alarm triggering system shutdown, and to avoid thesystem100 vacillating its behavior between normal operation and complete shutdown, in various examples minimum and maximum hysteresis limits can be imposed. In some embodiments, hysteresis limits can avoid the need for time-based waits for system recovery and blocking code in the firmware. In various examples, such a hysteresis value can be between the normal operation limit and alarm trigger. In some embodiments, normal operation limits, hysteresis values, and alarm trigger values may differ for the same sensor in Cooling mode and Heating mode.
• FIG.22 demonstrates example system behavior with hysteresis when a minimum alarm trigger is hit.Level 1, 2, and 3 can be the normal operation low, medium, and high settings, andLevel 4 in some examples can be a specific setting which helps avoid hitting the alarm limit, such as lowering the compressor speed.Level 0 in various examples corresponds to turning all system motors OFF (0% speed).FIG.23 demonstrates example system behavior with hysteresis when a minimum alarm trigger is not hit. An alternate example method of alarm behavior without hysteresis is illustrated inFIG.24. In this example method, when an alarm trigger limit is hit, the system shuts down until all sensor values are back within normal operation limits.
• Data such as outdoor ambient conditions can be measured in some examples via air temperature sensors; can be extrapolated from location data and local weather conditions (e.g., with the assistance of a smartphone app of auser device710, or the like). For example, in some embodiments, theexternal unit130 can comprise air temperature sensors and/or one or more air temperature sensors can be operably coupled to thesystem100 via wired and/or wireless connection. In some embodiments location and/or local weather data can be obtained by the system via anetwork750, from auser device710 directly or via thenetwork750, via theexternal server730, or the like.
• In various embodiments, over time, the system100 (or other devices such as theuser device710 and/or server730) can learn how users utilize thesystem100 and can regulate set temperatures by automatically changing between Cooling and Heating modes as seasons change. Thus, in some examples, scheduled events can be “user seeded,” and can be automatically expanded on using artificial intelligence to meet users' comfort and energy needs. For example, in various embodiments, usage data of thesystem100 can be generated by use of thesystem100 and can be used to identify use trends, use patterns, and the like.
• In various embodiments, usage data of thesystem100 can be stored over time in various suitable ways and in various suitable locations (e.g., at thesystem100, at a smartphone application of auser device710, atbackend server730, or the like). This information, in some examples, can be used to estimate energy usage and make predictions and suggestions to the user about when and how they could be using theirsystem100 to better conserve energy and save on their power bills.
• A high efficiencynetworked system100 in some embodiments can allow the potential of participating in various energy services, including remotely controlling power to thesystem100, while maintaining a range of user comfort through smart algorithms, and removing demand from the electric grid. Demand response and load deferral capabilities can be available (e.g., via a smartphone application of auser device710, from theserver730 via thenetwork750, and the like). Energy services of some examples can include energy efficiency programs, demand response, and load shifting.
• In energy efficiency programs of some examples, utility groups may incentivize individuals to install energy efficient products. Demand response, such as frequency regulation, can in some embodiments allow utilities to use one or more modularair conditioner units100 like a battery or mini-power plant. For example, in some embodiments, utilities can turn ON a plurality of modularair conditioner units100 when they need to shed excess energy to balance the grid, or turn OFF a plurality of modularair conditioner units100 when they need to shed load to balance the grid. Load shifting in some embodiments can be similar to demand response, but would turn ON one or more modularair conditioner units100 during off-peak energy pricing and turn OFF one or more modularair conditioner units100 more during peak energy pricing, such that users' electricity bills are lowered. For example, a plurality of modularair conditioner units100 can be controlled byutility server730 via a network750 (see e.g.,FIG.7).
• In one embodiment, a method of controlling a plurality of modularair conditioner units100 can include autility server730 monitoring energy consumption by an energy grid (e.g., of a block, region, town, city, county, state, energy region, country, or the like); determining that excess energy needs to be shed from the energy grid (e.g., based on energy levels being above a threshold); selecting a plurality of modularair conditioner units100 to consume energy; controlling the selected modularair conditioner units100 to consume energy (e.g., by the modularair conditioner units100 operating, storing energy via a battery, or the like); determining that sufficient energy has been shed from the grid (e.g., based on energy levels being below a threshold); and controlling one or more of the selected modularair conditioner units100 to cease consuming energy (e.g., by the modularair conditioner units100 stopping operation, storing energy via a battery, or the like). In some embodiments, a number of modularair conditioner units100 selected to begin or cease consuming energy can be based on actual or anticipated rates of energy being used by the energy grid and maintaining a constant amount of energy consumption can be based on the number of modularair conditioner units100 selected to consume or cease consumption of energy.
• In another embodiment, a method of load shifting a plurality of modularair conditioner units100 can include autility server730 monitoring energy pricing associated with an energy grid; determining that energy prices are below a first threshold; selecting a plurality of modularair conditioner units100 to consume energy; controlling the selected modularair conditioner units100 to consume energy (e.g., by the modularair conditioner units100 operating, storing energy via a battery, or the like); determining that energy prices are above the first threshold; and controlling one or more of the selected modularair conditioner units100 to cease consuming energy (e.g., by the modularair conditioner units100 stopping operation, storing energy via a battery, or the like). A method of load shifting a plurality of modularair conditioner units100 can further include determining that energy prices are above a second threshold; selecting a plurality of modularair conditioner units100 to cease consuming energy; controlling the selected modularair conditioner units100 to cease consuming energy (e.g., by the modularair conditioner units100 stopping operation, storing energy via a battery, or the like); determining that energy prices are below the second threshold; and controlling one or more of the selected modularair conditioner units100 to consume energy (e.g., by the modularair conditioner units100 operating, storing energy via a battery, or the like). In various embodiments, control of one or more modularair conditioner units100 can occur automatically without user input, can be via push notification to a user and based on user approval or lack of disapproval within a given timeframe, or the like.
• The described embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the described embodiments are not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. Additionally, elements of a given embodiment should not be construed to be applicable to only that example embodiment and therefore elements of one example embodiment can be applicable to other embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, elements that are specifically shown in some embodiments can be explicitly absent from further embodiments. Accordingly, the recitation of an element being present in one example should be construed to support some embodiments where such an element is explicitly absent.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. An air conditioning unit comprising:

an interior unit disposed at a window within an indoor area of a building below a horizontal level of a sill of the window, the window separating the indoor area within the building and an exterior area external to the building, the interior unit comprising:

a fan disposed behind a heat exchanger that is proximate to an external face of the interior unit;

an interface disposed on a top face of the interior unit, the interface having a cylindrical body with a top and sides and including:

a circular display on the top of the interface that comprises:

a first display arc,

a second display arc, and

a central display portion,

wherein the first display arc and second display arc define portions of the circumference of the same circle with the central display portion disposed within the circle,

wherein the first display arc and the second display arc are configured to indicate a mode of the air conditioning unit based on one or more color of the first display arc and the second display arc, including a heating mode, a cooling mode, a regulating mode, a normal mode and an eco mode,

wherein the central display portion is configured to present a current temperature of the indoor area of the building and a target temperature,

wherein an illuminated length of the first display arc represents a difference between the current temperature of the indoor area of the building and the target temperature,

wherein the air conditioning unit is configured to heat and cool the indoor area of the building via the heating mode and the cooling mode respectively and based on the target temperature set by a user via the interface, and

wherein the central display portion is configured to alternatingly display, the current temperature, the target temperature and a proposed target temperature, and

a rotatable interface ring defining a peripheral sidewall of the interface, the interface ring providing for input via rotating of the interface ring in a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction and via pressing the interface ring downward toward the top face of the interior unit, wherein rotating of the interface ring in the clockwise direction increases the proposed target temperature and rotating of the interface ring in the counter-clockwise direction decreases the proposed target temperature and wherein pressing the interface ring downward toward the top face of the interior unit sets the proposed target temperature as a new target temperature;

an exterior unit disposed at the window in the exterior area below the horizontal level of the sill; and

a connector between the interior unit and the exterior unit that extends through the window and over the sill, the connector including: a circulation hose that extends through the window and over the sill to connect the exterior unit and the interior unit.

2. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 1, wherein the first display arc is an at least 270° arc that corresponds to a temperature range of at least 55° F. to 85° F.

3. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 1, wherein locations along the first display arc correspond to specific temperatures within a range of temperatures without explicitly indicating to the user such correspondence.

4. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 1, wherein the interface is without mode indicators aside from colors of the first and second display arcs.

5. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 1, wherein the interface ring lacks additional input modes aside from:

rotating of the interface ring in the clockwise direction,

rotating of the interface ring in the counter-clockwise direction, and

via pressing the interface ring downward toward the top face of the interior unit.

6. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 1, wherein the air conditioning unit lacks additional input modes aside from input modes provided by the interface.

7. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 1, wherein the air conditioning unit lacks additional display outputs aside from the circular display of the interface.

8. An air conditioning unit comprising:

an interior unit that includes:

an interface disposed on a top face of the interior unit, the interface having a cylindrical body with a top and sides and including:

a circular display on the top of the interface that comprises:

a first display arc, and

a central display portion,

wherein the first display arc defines a portion of a circumference of a circle with the central display portion disposed within the circle,

wherein the first display arc is configured to indicate a mode of the air conditioning unit based on one or more color of the first display arc, including a heating mode, a cooling mode and a regulating mode,

wherein the central display portion is configured to present a current temperature of a location and a target temperature,

wherein an illuminated length of the first display arc is configured to represent a difference between the current temperature of the location and the target temperature,

wherein the air conditioning unit is configured to heat and cool via the heating mode and the cooling mode respectively and based on the target temperature set by a user via the interface, and

wherein the central display portion is configured to alternatingly display, the current temperature, the target temperature and a proposed target temperature, and

a rotatable interface ring defining a peripheral sidewall of the interface, the interface ring providing for input via rotating of the interface ring in a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction and via pressing the interface ring downward toward the top face of the interior unit, wherein rotating of the interface ring in the clockwise direction increases the proposed target temperature and rotating of the interface ring in the counter-clockwise direction decreases the proposed target temperature and wherein pressing the interface ring downward toward the top face of the interior unit sets the proposed target temperature as a new target temperature.

9. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 8, wherein the interface ring lacks additional input modes aside from:

rotating of the interface ring in the clockwise direction,

rotating of the interface ring in the counter-clockwise direction, and

via pressing the interface ring downward toward the top face of the interior unit.

10. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 8, wherein the air conditioning unit lacks additional display outputs aside from the circular display of the interface.

11. An air conditioning unit comprising:

an interface having a cylindrical body with a top and sides and including:

a display on the top of the interface; and

a rotatable interface ring defining a peripheral sidewall of the interface, the interface ring providing for input via rotating of the interface ring in a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction, wherein rotating the of the interface ring is configured to change a proposed target temperature for the air conditioning unit.

12. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 11, wherein the interface ring provides for further input via pressing the interface ring.

13. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 11, wherein pressing the interface ring sets the proposed target temperature as a new target temperature.

14. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 11, wherein the display comprises a first display arc.

15. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 14, wherein the first display arc is configured to indicate a mode of the air conditioning unit based on one or more color of the first display arc, including a heating mode, a cooling mode and a regulating mode.

16. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 14, wherein an illuminated length of the first display arc is configured to represent a difference between a current temperature of a location and a target temperature.

17. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 11, wherein the display comprises a central display portion configured wherein the central display portion is configured to alternatingly display, a current temperature, a target temperature and the proposed target temperature.

18. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 11, wherein the air conditioning unit is configured for at least one of:

heating via a heating mode based on a target temperature set by a user via the interface; and

cooling via a cooling mode based on the target temperature set by the user via the interface.

19. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 11, wherein the interface ring lacks additional input modes aside from:

rotating of the interface ring in the clockwise direction,

rotating of the interface ring in the counter-clockwise direction, and

via pressing the interface ring downward.

20. The air conditioning unit ofclaim 11, wherein the air conditioning unit lacks additional display outputs aside from the display of the interface.

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