(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0071089 A1
`Kates
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Apr. 6, 2006
`
`US 20060071089A1
`
`(54) ZONE THERMOSTAT FOR ZONE HEATING
`AND COOLING
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................. 236/94; 454/256
`
`(76) Inventor: Lawrence Kates, Corona Del Mar, CA
`(US)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Correspondence Address:
`KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
`2O4O MAN STREET
`FOURTEENTH FLOOR
`IRVINE, CA 92614 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`(22) Filed:
`
`10/959,494
`Oct. 6, 2004
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`G05D 23/00
`F24F II/00
`F24F I3/06
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`A Zone thermostat for use in connection with an Electroni
`cally-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily
`installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed.
`The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC
`system into a Zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in
`connection with a conventional Zoned HVAC system to
`provide additional control and additional Zones not provided
`by the conventional Zoned HVAC system. In one embodi
`ment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor
`that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register
`vent. In one embodiment, the Zone thermostat is configured
`to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one
`embodiment, the Zone thermostat communicates with a
`central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the
`heating and cooling Zones.
`
`-
`
`
`
`37/
`
`Emerson Exhibit 1029
`Emerson Electric v. Ollnova
`IPR2023-00624
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 6, 2006 Sheet 18 of 20
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 6, 2006 Sheet 19 of 20
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Apr. 6, 2006 Sheet 20 of 20
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`US 2006/0071089 A1
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`IPR2023-00624 Page 00021
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`

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`US 2006/0071089 A1
`
`Apr. 6, 2006
`
`ZONE THERMOSTAT FOR ZONE HEATING AND
`COOLING
`
`expense has severely limited the growth of Zoned HVAC
`systems in the general home market.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0001) 1. Field of the Invention
`0002 The present invention relates to a system and
`method for directing heating and cooling air from an air
`handler to various Zones in a home or commercial structure.
`0003 2. Description of the Related Art
`0004 Most traditional home heating and cooling systems
`have one centrally-located thermostat that controls the tem
`perature of the entire house. The thermostat turns the Heat
`ing, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioner (HVAC) system on or
`off for the entire house. The only way the occupants can
`control the amount of HVAC air to each room is to manually
`open and close the register vents throughout the house.
`0005 Zoned HVAC systems are common in commercial
`structures, and Zoned systems have been making inroads
`into the home market. In a Zoned system, sensors in each
`room or group of rooms, or Zones, monitor the temperature.
`The sensors can detect where and when heated or cooled air
`is needed. The sensors send information to a central con
`troller that activates the Zoning system, adjusting motorized
`dampers in the ductwork and sending conditioned air only to
`the Zone in which it is needed. A Zoned system adapts to
`changing conditions in one area without affecting other
`areas. For example, many two-story houses are Zoned by
`floor. Because heat rises, the second floor usually requires
`more cooling in the Summer and less heating in the winter
`than the first floor. A non-Zoned system cannot completely
`accommodate this seasonal variation. Zoning, however, can
`reduce the wide variations in temperature between floors by
`Supplying heating or cooling only to the space that needs it.
`0006) A zoned system allows more control over the
`indoor environment because the occupants can decide which
`areas to heat or cool and when. With a Zoned system, the
`occupants can program each specific Zone to be active or
`inactive depending on their needs. For example, the occu
`pants can set the bedrooms to be inactive during the day
`while the kitchen and living areas are active.
`0007. A properly Zoned system can be up to 30 percent
`more efficient than a non-Zoned system. A Zoned system
`Supplies warm or cool air only to those areas that require it.
`Thus, less energy is wasted heating and cooling spaces that
`are not being used.
`0008. In addition, a Zoned system can sometimes allow
`the installation of Smaller capacity equipment without com
`promising comfort. This reduces energy consumption by
`reducing wasted capacity.
`0009. Unfortunately, the equipment currently used in a
`Zoned system is relatively expensive. Moreover, installing a
`Zoned HVAC system, or retrofitting an existing system, is far
`beyond the capabilities of most homeowners. Unless the
`homeowner has specialized training, it is necessary to hire a
`specially-trained professional HVAC technician to configure
`and install the system. This makes Zoned HVAC systems
`expensive to purchase and install. The cost of installation is
`Such that even though the Zoned system is more efficient, the
`payback period on Such systems is many years. Such
`
`SUMMARY
`0010. The system and method disclosed herein solves
`these and other problems by providing an Electronically
`Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed
`by a homeowner or general handyman. The ECRV can be
`used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a Zoned
`system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a
`conventional Zoned HVAC system to provide additional
`control and additional Zones not provided by the conven
`tional Zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV
`is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a
`standard manually-controlled register vent. The ECRV can
`be installed in place of a conventional manually-controlled
`register vent often without the use of tools.
`0011. In one embodiment, the ECRV is a self-contained
`Zoned system unit that includes a register vent, a power
`Supply, a thermostat, and a motor to open and close the
`register vent. To create a Zoned HVAC system, the home
`owner can simply remove the existing register vents in one
`or more rooms and replace the register vents with the
`ECRVs. The occupants can set the thermostat on the EVCR
`to control the temperature of the area or room containing the
`ECRV. In one embodiment, the ECRV includes a display that
`shows the programmed setpoint temperature. In one
`embodiment, the ECRV includes a display that shows the
`current setpoint temperature. In one embodiment, the ECRV
`includes a remote control interface to allow the occupants to
`control the ECRV by using a remote control. In one embodi
`ment, the remote control includes a display that shows the
`programmed temperature and the current temperature. In
`one embodiment, the remote control shows the battery status
`of the ECRV.
`0012. In one embodiment, the EVCR includes a pressure
`sensor to measure the pressure of the air in the ventilation
`duct that supplies air to the EVCR. In one embodiment, the
`EVCR opens the register vent if the air pressure in the duct
`exceeds a specified value. In one embodiment, the pressure
`sensor is configured as a differential pressure sensor that
`measures the difference between the pressure in the duct and
`the pressure in the room.
`0013 In one embodiment, the ECRV is powered by an
`internal battery. A battery-low indicator on the ECRV
`informs the homeowner when the battery needs replace
`ment. In one embodiment, one or more solar cells are
`provided to recharge the batteries when light is available. In
`one embodiment, the register vent include a fan to draw
`additional air from the Supply duct in order to compensate
`for undersized vents or Zones that need additional heating or
`cooling air.
`0014. In one embodiment, one or more ECRVs in a Zone
`communicate with a Zone thermostat. The Zone thermostat
`measures the temperature of the Zone for all of the ECRVs
`that control the Zone. In one embodiment, the ECRVs and
`the Zone thermostat communicate by wireless communica
`tion methods. Such as, for example, infrared communication,
`radio-frequency communication, ultrasonic communication,
`etc. In one embodiment, the ECRVs and the Zone thermostat
`communicate by direct wire connections. In one embodi
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00022
`
`

`

`US 2006/0071089 A1
`
`Apr. 6, 2006
`
`ment, the ECRVs and the Zone thermostat communicate
`using powerline communication.
`0015. In one embodiment, one or more Zone thermostats
`communicate with a central controller.
`0016.
`In one embodiment, the EVCR and/or the Zoned
`thermostat includes an occupant sensor, Such as, for
`example, an infrared sensor, motion sensor, ultrasonic sen
`sor, etc. The occupants can program the EVCR or the Zoned
`thermostat to bring the Zone to different temperatures when
`the Zone is occupied and when the Zone is empty. In one
`embodiment, the occupants can program the EVCR or the
`Zoned thermostat to bring the Zone to different temperatures
`depending on the time of day, the time of year, the type of
`room (e.g. bedroom, kitchen, etc.), and/or whether the room
`is occupied or empty. In one embodiment, various EVCRs
`and/or Zoned thermostats thought a composite Zone (e.g., a
`group of Zones such as an entire house, an entire floor, an
`entire wing, etc.) intercommunicate and change the tem
`perature setpoints according to whether the composite Zone
`is empty or occupied.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0017 FIG. 1 shows a home with Zoned heating and
`cooling.
`0018 FIG. 2 shows one example of a conventional
`manually-controlled register vent.
`0019 FIG. 3A is a front view of one embodiment of an
`electronically-controlled register vent.
`0020 FIG. 3B is a rear view of the electronically
`controlled register vent shown in FIG. 3A.
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a self-contained
`0021)
`ECRV.
`0022 FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a self-contained
`ECRV with a remote control.
`0023 FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a locally-controlled
`Zoned heating and cooling system wherein a Zone thermostat
`controls one or more ECRVs.
`0024 FIG. 7A is a block diagram of a centrally-con
`trolled Zoned heating and cooling system wherein the central
`control system communicates with one or more Zone ther
`mostats and one or more ECRVs independently of the
`HVAC system.
`0.025
`FIG. 7B is a block diagram of a centrally-con
`trolled Zoned heating and cooling system wherein the central
`control system communicates with one or more Zone ther
`mostats and the Zone thermostats communicate with one or
`more ECRVS.
`0026 FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a centrally-controlled
`Zoned heating and cooling system wherein a central control
`system communicates with one or more Zone thermostats
`and one or more ECRVs and controls the HVAC system.
`0027 FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an efficiency-moni
`toring centrally-controlled Zoned heating and cooling sys
`tem wherein a central control system communicates with
`one or more Zone thermostats and one or more ECRVs and
`controls and monitors the HVAC system.
`
`0028 FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an ECRV for use in
`connection with the systems shown in FIGS. 6-9.
`0029 FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a basic Zone ther
`mostat for use in connection with the systems shown in
`FIGS. 6-9.
`0030 FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a Zone thermostat
`with remote control for use in connection with the systems
`shown in FIGS. 6-9.
`0031
`FIG. 13 shows one embodiment of a central moni
`toring system.
`0032 FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of
`an instruction loop for an ECRV or Zone thermostat.
`0033 FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of
`an instruction and sensor data loop for an ECRV or Zone
`thermostat.
`0034 FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of
`an instruction and sensor data reporting loop for an ECRV or
`Zone thermostat.
`0035 FIG. 17 shows an ECRV configured to be used in
`connection with a conventional T-bar ceiling system found
`in many commercial structures.
`0.036 FIG. 18 shows an ECRV configured to use a
`scrolling curtain to control airflow as an alternative to the
`Vanes shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
`0037 FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a control algorithm
`for controlling the register vents.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`0038 FIG. 1 shows a home 100 with Zoned heating and
`cooling. In the home 100, an HVAC system provides heating
`and cooling air to a system of ducts. Sensors 101-105
`monitor the temperature in various areas (Zones) of the
`house. A Zone can be a room, a floor, a group of rooms, etc.
`The sensors 101-105 detect where and when heating or
`cooling air is needed. Information from the sensors 101-105
`is used to control actuators that adjust the flow of air to the
`various Zones. The Zoned system adapts to changing con
`ditions in one area without affecting other areas. For
`example, many two-story houses are Zoned by floor.
`Because heat rises, the second floor usually requires more
`cooling in the Summer and less heating in the winter than the
`first floor. A non-Zoned system cannot completely accom
`modate this seasonal variation. Zoning, however, can reduce
`the wide variations in temperature between floors by Sup
`plying heating or cooling only to the space that needs it.
`0039 FIG. 2 shows one example of a conventional
`manually-controlled register vent 200. The register 200
`includes one or more vanes 201 that can be opened or closed
`to adjust the amount of air that flows through the register
`200. Diverters 202 direct the air in a desired direction (or
`directions). The vanes 201 are typically provided to a
`mechanical mechanism so that the occupants can manipulate
`the vanes 201 to control the amount of air that flows out of
`the register. 200. In some registers, the diverters 202 are
`fixed. In some registers, the diverters 202 are moveable to
`allow the occupants some control over the direction of the
`airflow out of the vent. Registers such as the register 200 are
`found throughout homes that have a central HVAC system
`that provides heating and cooling air. Typically, relatively
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00023
`
`

`

`US 2006/0071089 A1
`
`Apr. 6, 2006
`
`Small rooms Such as bedrooms and bathrooms will have one
`or two such register vents of varying sizes. Larger rooms,
`Such as living rooms, family rooms, etc., may have more
`than two Such registers. The occupants of a home can control
`the flow of air through each of the vents by manually
`adjusting the vanes 201. When the register vent is located on
`the floor, or relatively low on the wall, such adjustment is
`usually not particularly difficult (unless the mechanism that
`controls the vanes 201 is bent or rusted). However, adjust
`ment of the vanes 201 can be very difficult when the register
`vent 200 is located so high on the wall that it cannot be easily
`reached.
`0040 FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of an Electroni
`cally-Controlled Register Vent (ECRV) 300. The ECRV 300
`can be used to implement a Zoned heating and cooling
`system. The ECRV 300 can also be used as a remotely
`control register vent in places where the vent is located so
`high on the wall that is cannot be easily reached. The ECRV
`300 is configured as a replacement for the vent 200. This
`greatly simplifies the task of retrofitting a home by replacing
`one or more of the register vents 200 with the ECRVs 300.
`In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the ECRV 300 is
`configured to fit into approximately the same size duct
`opening as the conventional register vent 200. In one
`embodiment, the ECRV 300 is configured to fit over the duct
`opening used by the conventional register vent 200. In one
`embodiment, the ECRV 300 is configured to fit over the
`conventional register 200, thereby allowing the register 200
`to be left in place. A control panel 301 provides one or more
`visual displays and, optionally, one or more user controls. A
`housing 302 is provided to house an actuator to control the
`vanes 201. In one embodiment, the housing 302 can also be
`used to house electronics, batteries, etc.
`0041
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a self-contained
`ECRV 400, which is one embodiment of the ECRV 300
`shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and the ECRV shown in FIG.
`18. In the ECRV 400, a temperature sensor 406 and a
`temperature sensor 416 are provided to a controller 401. The
`controller 401 controls an actuator system 409. The actuator
`system 409 provided mechanical movements to control the
`airflow through the vent. In one embodiment, the actuator
`system 409 includes an actuator provided to the vanes 201
`or other air-flow devices to control the amount of air that
`flows through the ECRV 400 (e.g., the amount of air that
`flows from the duct into the room). In one embodiment, an
`actuator system includes an actuator provided to one or more
`of the diverters 202 to control the direction of the airflow.
`The controller 401 also controls a visual display 403 and an
`optional fan 402. A user input device 408 is provided to
`allow the user to set the desired room temperature. An
`optional sensor 407 is provided to the controller 401. In one
`embodiment, the sensor 407 includes an air pressure and/or
`airflow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor 407 includes
`a humidity sensor. A power source 404 provides power to the
`controller 401, the fan 402, the display 403, the temperature
`sensors 406, 416, the sensor 407, and the user input device
`408 as needed. In one embodiment, the controller 401
`controls the amount of power provided to the fan 402, the
`display 403, the sensor 406, the sensor 416, the sensor 407,
`and the user input device 408. In one embodiment, an
`optional auxiliary power source 405 is also provided to
`provide additional power. The auxiliary power source is a
`Supplementary source of electrical power, such as, for
`example, a battery, a Solar cell, an airflow (e.g., wind
`
`powered) generator, the fan 402 acting as a generator, a
`nuclear-based electrical generator, a fuel cell, a thermo
`couple, etc.
`0042. In one embodiment, the power source 404 is based
`on a non-rechargeable battery and the auxiliary power
`source 405 includes a solar cell and a rechargeable battery.
`The controller 401 draws power from the auxiliary power
`Source when possible to conserve power in the power source
`404. When the auxiliary power source 405 is unable to
`provide sufficient power, then the controller 401 also draws
`power from the power source 404.
`0043. In an alternative embodiment, the power source
`404 is configured as a rechargeable battery and the auxiliary
`power Source 405 is configured as a Solar cell that recharges
`the power source 404.
`0044) In one embodiment, the display 403 includes a
`flashing indicator (e.g., a flashing LED or LCD) when the
`available power from the power sources 404 and/or 405
`drops below a threshold level.
`0045. The home occupants use the user input device 408
`to set a desired temperature for the vicinity of the ECRV
`400. The display 403 shows the setpoint temperature. In one
`embodiment, the display 403 also shows the current room
`temperature. The temperature sensor 406 measures the tem
`perature of the air in the room, and the temperature sensor
`416 measures the temperature of the air in the duct. If the
`room temperature is above the setpoint temperature, and the
`duct air temperature is below the room temperature, then the
`controller 401 causes the actuator 409 to open the vent. If the
`room temperature is below the setpoint temperature, and the
`duct air temperature is above the room temperature, then the
`controller 401 causes the actuator 409 to open the vent.
`Otherwise, the controller 401 causes the actuator 409 to
`close the vent. In other words, if the room temperature is
`above or below the setpoint temperature and the temperature
`of the air in the duct will tend to drive the room temperature
`towards the setpoint temperature, then the controller 401
`opens the vent to allow air into the room. By contrast, if the
`room temperature is above or below the setpoint temperature
`and the temperature of the air in the duct will not tend to
`drive the room temperature towards the setpoint tempera
`ture, then the controller 401 closes the vent.
`0046.
`In one embodiment, the controller 401 is config
`ured to provide a few degrees of hysteresis (often referred to
`as a thermostat deadband) around the setpoint temperature in
`order to avoid wasting power by excessive opening and
`closing of the vent.
`0047. In one embodiment, the controller 401 turns on the
`fan 402 to pull additional air from the duct. In one embodi
`ment, the fan 402 is used when the room temperature is
`relatively far from the setpoint temperature in order to speed
`the movement of the room temperature towards the setpoint
`temperature. In one embodiment, the fan 402 is used when
`the room temperature is changing relatively slowly in
`response to the open vent. In one embodiment, the fan 402
`is used when the room temperature is moving away from the
`setpoint and the vent is fully open. The controller 401 does
`not turn on or run the fan 402 unless there is sufficient power
`available from the power sources 404, 405. In one embodi
`ment, the controller 401 measures the power level of the
`power sources 404, 405 before turning on the fan 402, and
`periodically (or continually) when the fan is on.
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00024
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`

`US 2006/0071089 A1
`
`Apr. 6, 2006
`
`0.048. In one embodiment, the controller 401 also does
`not turn on the fan 402 unless it senses that there is airflow
`in the duct (indicating that the HVAC air-handler fan is
`blowing air into the duct). In one embodiment, the sensor
`407 includes an airflow sensor. In one embodiment, the
`controller 401 uses the fan 402 as an airflow sensor by
`measuring (or sensing) Voltage generated by the fan 402
`rotating in response to air flowing from the duct through the
`fan and causing the fan to act as a generator. In one
`embodiment, the controller 401 periodically stop the fan and
`checks for airflow from the duct.
`0049. In one embodiment, the sensor 406 includes a
`pressure sensor configured to measure the air pressure in the
`duct. In one embodiment, the sensor 406 includes a differ
`ential pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure
`difference between the air in the duct and the air outside the
`ECRV (e.g., the air in the room). Excessive air pressure in
`the duct is an indication that too many vents may be closed
`(thereby creating too much back pressure in the duct and
`reducing airflow through the HVAC system). In one embodi
`ment, the controller 401 opens the vent when excess pres
`Sure is sensed.
`0050. The controller 401 conserves power by turning off
`elements of the ECRV 400 that are not in use. The controller
`401 monitors power available from the power sources 404,
`405. When available power drops below a low-power
`threshold value, the controls the actuator 409 to an open
`position, activates a visual indicator using the display 403,
`and enters a low-power mode. In the low power mode, the
`controller 401 monitors the power sources 404, 405 but the
`controller does not provide Zone control functions (e.g., the
`controller does not close the actuator 409). When the con
`troller senses that Sufficient power has been restored (e.g.,
`through recharging of one or more of the power sources 404.
`405, then the controller 401 resumes normal operation.
`0051
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a self-contained
`ECRV 500 with a remote control interface 501. The ECRV
`500 includes the power sources 404, 405, the controller 401,
`the fan 402, the display 403, the temperature sensors 406,
`416, the sensor 407, and the user input device 408. The
`remote control interface 501 is provided to the controller
`401, to allow the controller 401 to communicate with a
`remote control 502. The controller 502 sends wireless sig
`nals to the remote control interface 501 using wireless
`communication Such as, for example, infrared communica
`tion, ultrasonic communication, and/or radio-frequency
`communication.
`0.052
`In one embodiment, the communication is one
`way, from the remote control 502 to the controller 401. The
`remote control 502 can be used to set the temperature
`setpoint, to instruct the controller 401 to open or close the
`vent (either partially or fully), and/or to turn on the fan. In
`one embodiment, the communication between the remote
`control 502 and the controller 401 is two-way communica
`tion. Two-way communication allows the controller 401 to
`send information for display on the remote control 502, such
`as, for example, the current room temperature, the power
`status of the power sources 404, 405, diagnostic informa
`tion, etc.
`0053) The ECRV 400 described in connection with FIG.
`4, and the ECRV 500 described in connection with FIG. 5
`are configured to operate as self-contained devices in a
`
`relatively stand-alone mode. If two ECRVs 400, 500 are
`placed in the same room or Zone, the ECRVs 400, 500 will
`not necessarily operate in unison. FIG. 6 is a block diagram
`of a locally-controlled Zoned heating and cooling system
`600 wherein a Zone thermostat 601 monitors the temperature
`of a Zone 608. ECRVs 602, 603 are configured to commu
`nicate with the Zone thermostat 601. One embodiment of the
`ECRVs 620-603 is shown, for example, in connection with
`FIG. 10. In one embodiment, the Zone thermostat 601 sends
`control commands to the ECRVs 602-603 to cause the
`ECRVs 602-603 to open or close. In one embodiment, the
`Zone thermostat 601 sends temperature information to the
`ECRVs 602-603 and the ECRVs 602-603 determine whether
`to open or close based on the temperature information
`received from the Zone thermostat 601. In one embodiment,
`the Zone thermostat 601 sends information regarding the
`current Zone temperature and the setpoint temperature to the
`ECRVS 602-603.
`0054. In one embodiment, the ECRV 602 communicates
`with the ECRV603 in order to improve the robustness of the
`communication in the system 600. Thus, for example, if the
`ECRV 602 is unable to communicate with the Zone thermo
`stat 601 but is able to communicate with the ECRV 603, then
`the ECRV 603 can act as a router between the ECRV 602 and
`the Zone thermostat 601. In one embodiment, the ECRV 602
`and the ECRV 603 communicate to arbitrate opening and
`closing of their respective vents.
`0055. The system 600 shown in FIG. 6 provides local
`control of a Zone 608. Any number of independent Zones can
`be controlled by replicating the system 600. FIG. 7A is a
`block diagram of a centrally-controlled Zoned heating and
`cooling system wherein a central control system 710 com
`municates with one or more Zone thermostats 707708 and
`one or more ECRVs 702-705. In the system 700, the Zone
`thermostat 707 measures the temperature of a Zone 711, and
`the ECRVs 702, 703 regulate air to the Zone 711. The Zone
`thermostat 708 measures the temperature of a Zone 712, and
`the ECRVs 704, 705 regulate air to the Zone 711. A central
`thermostat 720 controls the HVAC system 720.
`0056 FIG. 7B is a block diagram of a centrally-con
`trolled zoned heating and cooling system 750 that is similar
`to the system 700 shown in FIG. 7A. In FIG.7B, the central
`system 710 communicates with the Zone thermostats 707,
`708, the Zone thermostat 707 communicates with the ECRVs
`702, 703, the Zone thermostat 708 communicates with the
`ECRVs 704, 705, and the central system 710 communicates
`with the ECRVs 706, 707. In the system 750, the ECRVs
`702-705 are in Zones that are associated with the respective
`Zone thermostat 707, 708 that controls the respective ECRVs
`702-705. The ECRVs 706, 707 are not associated with any
`particular Zone thermostat and are controlled directly by the
`central system 710. One of ordinary skill in the art will
`recognize that the communication topology shown in FIG.
`7B can also be used in connection with the system shown in
`FIGS. 8 and 9.
`0057 The central system 710 controls and coordinates
`the operation of the Zones 711 and 712, but the system 710
`does not control the HVAC system 721. In one embodiment,
`the central system 710 operates independently of the ther
`mostat 720. In one embodiment, the thermostat 720 is
`provided to the central system 710 so that the central system
`710 knows when the thermostat is calling for heating,
`cooling, or fan.
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00025
`
`

`

`US 2006/0071089 A1
`
`Apr. 6, 2006
`
`0.058. The central system 710 coordinates and prioritizes
`the operation of the ECRVs 702-705. In one embodiment,
`the home occupants and provide a priority Schedule for the
`Zones 711, 712 based on whether th