Method of associating a diagnostic module to HVAC system components

a technology for hvac systems and diagnostic modules, applied in space heating and ventilation control systems, lighting and heating apparatuses, heating types, etc., can solve problems such as time-consuming, laborious installation and configuring of these devices, and limited benefit of self-diagnostic features

Active Publication Date: 2017-11-02
TRANE INT INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent is about a method and system for diagnosing and monitoring a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system using a diagnostic server and a network of sensors and diagnostic modules. The system allows the server to send command messages to the thermostat to direct the operation of the HVAC components and receive messages from the diagnostic modules containing information about the system's performance. The diagnostic server uses the Internet to communicate with the thermostat and the diagnostic modules, which can be connected through a router. The technical effects of this patent include improved efficiency and accuracy in diagnosing and monitoring HVAC systems, as well as improved user experience and convenience for users.

Problems solved by technology

HVAC systems include a number of components that are subject to wear and tear or other faults, which, if undetected, can degrade system efficiency, cause component failure or system shutdown, and, ultimately, cause customer dissatisfaction.
Such self-diagnostic features may have limited benefit, because the information provided by such a feature is only available at the unit (which may be in a hard-to-reach location, such as an attic or crawl space), and may not include information about other components in the system.
Dedicated monitoring devices have been devised which collect diagnostic data from HVAC components during operation, however many service technicians have been reluctant to embrace this technology because installing and configuring these devices can be tedious, error-prone, and time-consuming.

Method used

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Embodiment Construction

[0022]Particular illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions and repetitive matter are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary or redundant detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. In this description, as well as in the drawings, like-referenced numbers represent elements which may perform the same, similar, or equivalent functions. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment descri...

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PUM

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Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for validating the installation and operation of a fault detection and diagnostic module that monitors a component of an HVAC system. A remote diagnostic server is in operative communication with the HVAC system, and with the fault detection and diagnostic module. A user device communicates data to the remote diagnostic server that defines an association between the fault detection and diagnostic module and the HVAC system. The remote diagnostic server initiates an installation validation by sending a command to the HVAC system that causes the monitored component to initiate an event that is expected to be reported by the fault detection and diagnostic module. For example, a fan motor is turned on. If correctly installed, the fault detection and diagnostic module senses the event, and reports the event to the remote diagnostic server, which confirms the association. The remote diagnostic server sends a message to the user device indicating the result of the validation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 328,791 entitled “METHOD OF ASSOCIATING A DIAGNOSTIC MODULE TO HVAC SYSTEM COMPONENTS” and filed Apr. 28, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.BACKGROUND1. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure is directed to fault detection and diagnostics in a heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) system, and in particular, to systems and methods for verifying proper installation and operation of a fault detection and diagnostic module with respect to an associated HVAC component.2. Background of Related Art[0003]HVAC systems include a number of components that are subject to wear and tear or other faults, which, if undetected, can degrade system efficiency, cause component failure or system shutdown, and, ultimately, cause customer dissatisfaction. As a result, manufacturers have placed incr...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F24F11/00F24F1/00
CPCF24F11/006F24F11/0086F24F11/0012F24F2011/0091F24F2011/0071F24F2011/0061F24F1/0003F24F11/38F24F11/63F24F11/52F24F11/58F24F2110/10F24F11/62F24F11/64F24F2140/00F24F11/30
Inventor BLAIR, DANIEL JOHNWHITEHURST, DREWGARRETT, CARL L.SMITH, CHRISTOPHER BLAKEWILSON, BRADLEY T.BARNARD, JAMES W.
Owner TRANE INT INC
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