FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a system for management of an electrical appliance, more particularly the present invention relates to a system for management of an air-conditioning unit with a controller that controls and monitors with universal control of the unit.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Air-conditioning units or split-system air-conditioning units, are often controlled by more than one controller or components for controlling and managing different functions of the units.

More often, these electrical appliances are controlled via 1-way communication or a unidirectional control method in home automation and building automation systems, hence control and status of these electrical appliances are normally unknown. For instance, an infra-red transmitter of a remote control for a split-system air-conditioning unit will be able to transmit signals to the unit, but the power state of the split-system air-conditioning unit as to whether or not the unit is switched OFF completely at the main switch will remain indefinite to a user, although the remote control indicates that the unit is switched OFF. In such circumstances, electrical power is wasted at the standby mode of the unit.

In addition, controlling of the main power switching alone will not only turn the air- conditioning unit ON or OFF, also the main switch will not be able to allow the user to control operational modes such as the temperature, fan speed, humidity level, scheduling and other related functions. Furthermore, even if power is switched ON, not all air- conditioning units will switch ON automatically, and the units will remain OFF until an infra-red power ON command is transmitted to the air-conditioning unit. Whilst there are no prior arts disclose controlling and managing of different functions of split-system air-conditioning units, there are however prior arts that unveiled system for controlling an electrical appliance, more particularly on HVAC units. US 8,478,447 B2 discloses systems, methods, and related computer program products for controlling one or more HVAC systems using a distributed arrangement of wirelessly connected sensing microsystems. A plurality of wirelessly communicating sensing microsystems is provided, each sensing microsystem including a temperature sensor and a processor, at least one of the sensing microsystems being coupled to an HVAC unit for control thereof, and the plurality of sensing microsystems is configured to jointly carry out at least one shared computational task associated with control of the HVAC unit.

US 2014/0149270 Al discloses a controller for a private unit in a multi-unit building is provided and the controller operates the private unit's HVAC equipment, and includes a processor, output display, memory, and a RF module for communication. The controller is operable to receive temperature or flow values of a fluid passing through the HVAC equipment. Using the received temperature values of the fluid passing through the HVAC equipment, the controller calculates a measured value of HVAC usage of the HVAC equipment, and the measured value can be in units of energy or in dollars. US 8,644,166 B2 discloses a sensor device that integrates ZigBee TM technology into power switch device to provide monitoring and control of power usage, as well as operational control of connected devices, which uses a power line communication (PLC) network to transfer collected data and to provide remote control capability to connected appliances. The sensor device, in conjunction with a master switch, a communication enabled switch, and the power switch device, provides an integrated home environment for communication, streaming media, monitoring, and remote control of power usage, as well as remote operational monitoring and control of connected appliances at home.

The prior arts however do not address the need for a universal control over split-system air-conditioning units, and such that the universal control is as well capable of providing information on status, operational state and mode of the connected such related electrical appliances. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention pursues to provide a system for management of an electrical appliance of an air-conditioning unit, with a controller that monitors and controls the air- conditioning unit, and such that the system is configured with universal control of the air- conditioning unit.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for management of an electrical appliance of an air-conditioning unit comprising a main power supply, and a controller for controlling the air-conditioning unit, wherein the controller controls operational state, operational mode, and power state, and senses power drawn by the air- conditioning unit.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for management of an electrical appliance of an air-conditioning unit comprising a main power supply, and a controller for controlling the air-conditioning unit, wherein the controller is configured with a reciprocal communication capacity to facilitate two-way communication between the controller and the appliance. It is yet an object of the present invention to provide a system for management of an electrical appliance of an air-conditioning unit comprising a main power supply, and a controller for controlling the air-conditioning unit, wherein the controller comprises a power measurement function, power detector function, remote controller function, and a main switch function.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a system for management of an electrical appliance of an air-conditioning unit comprising a main power supply, and a controller for controlling the air-conditioning unit, wherein the controller is configured to learn energy consumption.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for management of an electrical appliance of an air-conditioning unit comprising a main power supply, and a controller for controlling the air-conditioning unit, wherein the controller determines the operational state and operational mode by sensing power being drawn via an infra-red activity sensor.

The present invention provides a system for management of an electrical appliance of an air-conditioning unit that eliminates the need for an auxiliary device other than a single controller, such that the controller of the present invention provides universal control over the air-conditioning unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of the system architecture of the preferred system according to the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of an embodiment of the system according to the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of an embodiment of the controller according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each of the following preferred embodiments describes an example not limiting in any aspect.

Referring to Figure 1, a schematic representation of the system architecture of the preferred system according to the present invention is illustrated, wherein the system is for management such as monitoring and controlling an air-conditioning unit in a manner such that the system is configured with universal control of the air-conditioning unit. In the same context, the system is configured for controlling operational state, operational mode and power state of the air-conditioning unit in a single controller. The system for management of an air-conditioning unit according to the present invention is shown in Figure 1 comprising a main power supply (11), and a controller (12) for controlling the air-conditioning unit. The controller (12) is configured with a universal control that controls operational state, operational mode and controls power state of the air-conditioning unit.

A universal control in the context of the present invention is directed to the overall control of a connected air-conditioning unit, such that auxiliary devices to control the air- conditioning unit are no longer required. The preferred controller (12) of the present invention is capable of uniting control functions with power management and power state control.

The operational state of the air-conditioning unit herein refers to the state of the air- conditioning unit when the power state of the air-conditioning unit is switched ON. The operational states of the air-conditioning units are preferably but not limited to in a standby state, in-use state, in a sleep state, or in a monitoring state.

The operational mode of the air-conditioning unit herein refers to the modes of the air- conditioning unit when the power state of the air-conditioning unit is switched ON. The operational modes of the air-conditioning units are preferably but not limited to temperature or humidity modes for air-conditioning units, or fan speed for ceiling fans in such related application .

The power state of the air-conditioning unit is characteristically switched ON or OFF.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller (12) is configured with a reciprocal communication capacity, such that the controller (12) provides a two-way communication system between the controller (12) and the air-conditioning unit. In conventional systems, control of an air-conditioning unit is often implemented with uni-directional control method, in that definite status of the air-conditioning unit is unknown as the conventional control method follows a master and slave concept, and in which case is unfavorable with the advent of technology, and with the robust use of remote control devices for achieving seamless responses where time and costs are concerned.

The problem with the remote control devices is that these devices are able to only transmit control signals to the air-conditioning unit, usually via an infra-red transmitter, and the air-conditioning unit, depending on its status, responses to the control signal. The air-conditioning unit does not transmit back any information of its status. Reciprocal communication is important in such controlling methods because definite state of the air- conditioning unit is required to be known for an improved control.

For example, mains power switching alone will only switch the air-conditioning unit to a power state of ON or OFF, and that the switching will not allow a user to control operational state and operational modes of the air-conditioning unit. It has been another problem even if main power is switched ON to the air-conditioning unit, not all air- conditioning unit units will switch ON automatically, and depending on its indigenous configurations, some air-conditioning units will remain switched OFF until a control signal for switching power ON command is transmitted to the air-conditioning unit.

The preferred embodiment of the controller (12) of the present invention is configured with a universal control that senses power drawn by the air-conditioning unit. The air- conditioning unit is capable of controlling the power states by sensing power drawn by the air-conditioning unit, such that if the operational state of the air-conditioning unit is OFF, then the power state of the air-conditioning unit should go OFF. The preferred controller (12) of the present invention is configured to learn energy consumption, and that the controller (12) comprises at least a sensor for sensing signals from the air-conditioning unit, power measurement function, a power detector function, a remote controller function, and a main switch function. These functions are integrated in such a manner that provides the controller (12) with the capability of universal control of the air-conditioning unit. This integration eliminates the need for dependent devices to control the main switch, and separate controls for controlling operational state of operational mode of the air-conditioning unit. The power measurement function is capable of measuring power being drawn by the air- conditioning unit and to determine the operational states and operational modes of the air- conditioning unit. The power detector function is capable of sensing power being drawn by the air-conditioning unit and to determine power state of the air-conditioning unit.

For example, if no power is being used, then the air-conditioning unit is switched OFF. If power is being used, then the air-conditioning unit is switched ON. The controller (12) will sense the amount of power being drawn by the air-conditioning unit. Preferably, the power being drawn is sensed via an infra-red activity sensor. Expanding on this, the controller will also be able to determine if an infra-red code is successfully received. When an infra-red code is transmitted, the controller (12) looks for a change in power consumption of the air-conditioning unit, and a change will indicate that the infra-red code was successfully received. Said at least a sensor of the preferred controller (12) of the present invention is for sensing any one or a combination of temperature, humidity, electromagnetic radiation, or motion, and the controller (12) comprises at least a signal transmitter for transmitting signals to the air-conditioning unit and includes a highly accurate power measurement chipset or a module for measuring power that will learn the operational state of the air- conditioning unit such that the learning capability of the controller (12) allows the air- conditioning unit to operate at an optimum level.

Also, the power measurement function provides learning capability to the controller (12) to learn energy consumption of different operational modes of the air-conditioning unit, and subject to electrical wiring, the controller (12) is also able to measure total power consumption of the air-conditioning unit. Learned infra-red libraries can be imported or selected via applications or browsers and these codes can be used for transmission to the air-conditioning unit for control thereof. In another embodiment, the system of the present invention is configured with network support, preferably but not limited to wireless networks. Platform network printed circuit board (PCB) can be added to the controller (12) for support of WiFi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth or the like, that provides full access to the air-conditioning unit from a remote device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer, such that the controller (12) is configured to allow accessibility from a remote system.

Referring to Figure 2, a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention is illustrated. The air-conditioning unit shown in Figure 2 is preferably but not limited to a split-system air-conditioning unit (31).

The air-conditioning unit (31) is shown connected to a controller (12), and the controller is connected to a main power supply (11) of a 220V mains input, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Prevalent conventional split-system air- conditioning units (31) are often provided with in-wall ON or OFF main power switch, and with an infra-red remote control that is mounted in a cradle on a wall. The controller (12) of the present invention eliminates the need for an infra-red remote control. Also, there are contributory problems of the conventional split-system air-conditioning units (31), such as limited intelligence of split-system air-conditioning systems, no ability to perform remote connectivity, no ability to control temperature in an advanced manner, limited or no ability to perform occupancy detection, no remote diagnostics, no ability to measure performance, and no ability to determine timeliness of servicing.

The present invention replaces the existing controllers of the split-system air-conditioning units (31) with a controller (12) that provides universal control capability in the technological field of any home automation and building automation. As described in the foregoing, the controller (12) of the present invention is configured with a universal control that controls operational state and operational mode, and controls power state of the air-conditioning unit, and senses power drawn by the air-conditioning unit. In this case, the controller (12) is capable of controlling operational state, operational mode and power state of the split-system air-conditioning unit (31), and sensing power drawn by the split-system air-conditioning unit (31) via an infra-red activity sensor.

The universal control provides overall control of the split-system air-conditioning unit (31), such that a remote control for controlling operational states and operational modes of the air-conditioning unit (31) is no longer required. The controller (12) is capable of uniting control functions with power management and power state control.

The operational state of the air-conditioning unit (31) herein refers to the state of the air- conditioning unit (31) when the power state of the air-conditioning unit (31) is switched ON. The operational states of the air-conditioning units are preferably but not limited to in a standby state, in-use state, in a sleep state, or in a monitoring state.

The operational state of the air-conditioning unit (31) herein refers to the modes of the air-conditioning unit (31) when the power state of the air-conditioning unit (31) is switched ON. The operational modes of the air-conditioning unit (31) are preferably but not limited to temperature mode, humidity mode, or environment mode.

The power state of the air-conditioning unit (31) is characteristically switched ON or OFF.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller (12) is configured with a reciprocal communication capacity, such that the controller (12) provides a two-way communication system between the controller (12) and the air-conditioning unit (31).

Further to that, the preferred controller (12) of the present invention is configured to learn energy consumption, and that the controller (12) further comprises a power measurement function, a power detector function, a remote controller function, and a main switch function. These functions are integrated in such a manner that provides the controller (12) with the capability of universal control of the air-conditioning unit (31). This integration eliminates the need for devices to control the main switch, and separate controls for controlling operational state of operational mode of the air-conditioning unit (31).

The power measurement function is capable of measuring power being drawn by the air- conditioning unit (31) and to determine the operational states and operational modes of the air-conditioning unit (31). The power detector function is capable of sensing power being drawn by the air-conditioning unit (31) and to determine power state of the air- conditioning unit (31). For example, if no power is being used, then the air-conditioning unit (31) is switched OFF. If power is being used, then the air-conditioning unit (31) is switched ON. The controller (12) will sense the amount of power being drawn by the air-conditioning unit (31). Preferably, the power being drawn is sensed via an infra-red activity sensor.

Expanding on this, the controller will also be able to determine if an infra-red code is successfully received. When an infra-red code is transmitted, the controller (12) looks for a change in power consumption of the air-conditioning unit (31), and a change will indicate that the infra-red code was successfully received. Also, the controller (12) includes a highly accurate power measurement chipset that will learn the operational state of the air-conditioning unit (31) such that the learning capability of the controller (12) allows the air-conditioning unit to operate at optimum levels.

The controller (12) of the present invention for use with split-system air-conditioning unit (31) is preferably configured to sense temperature and to control temperature, to sense humidity, to sense electromagnetic radiation, and to sense motion. The electromagnetic radiation can be visible such as light, or invisible such as infra-red.

The configuration to sense temperature and to sense humidity is effective to provide a well-balanced and a comfortable climate to a user, by maintaining the right temperature in an environment and with an effective cooling effect to the user. The configuration to sense light is effective to sense as to whether or not there is light in an environment, or whether or not there is daylight, so that the air-conditioning unit (31) can be switched ON or OFF according to predetermined requirements to conserve energy. The configuration to sense motion is effective to sense occupancy of a user in a room environment, such that the air-conditioning unit (31) is switched OFF if there is no one in the room.

In addition, the controller (12) of the present invention for use with split-system air- conditioning unit (31) is preferably configured with predetermined schedules, and is configured with flexibility to predetermine operational state of the split-system air- conditioning unit (31) such as sleep and operating times. The controller (12) is importantly enabled with a user interface for receiving input from a user, and for displaying multiple information of the air-conditioning unit (31). The user interface is preferably but not limited to a colour liquid-crystal display (LCD) touch screen display.

These features are not limited to the split-system air-conditioning unit (31) or any air- conditioning unit (31) as the controller (12) of the present invention can be made or used for ceiling fan units, wall fan units, tower fan units, or for heating, ventilating and air- conditioning (HVAC) systems, with easy installation to the existing ones. The controller (12) of the present invention can be powered by either 2-wire or 3-wire circuits. The controller (12) can also fit inside and onto British standard and Australian electrical wall boxes.

It is also preferred that the controller (12) is configured to allow accessibility from a remote system, such that the system of the present invention is configured with network support, preferably but not limited to wireless networks. Platform network printed circuit board (PCB) can be added to the controller (12) for support of WiFi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth or the like, that provides full access to the air-conditioning unit (31) from a remote device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.

Referring to Figure 3, a schematic representation of an embodiment of the controller (12) according to the present invention is illustrated.

The controller (12) is shown a box-like device with a screen, buttons and sensors. The controller (12) in a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises at least a sensor (51) for sensing signal from the air-conditioning unit, at least a signal transmitter (53) for transmitting signal to the air-conditioning units, and a user interface (54) for receiving input from a user and displaying information, wherein the controller (12) is configured with a remote controller function and a main switch function.

The controller (12) is built with at least an infra-red transmitter, LCD colour display, function buttons, and mechanical base plate, and is further configured to sense motion, temperature, light and humidity.

As discussed in the foregoing description, the infra-red transmitter transmits and received signals from an air-conditioning unit. The LCD colour display is a user interface for receiving input from a user, and for displaying multiple information of the air- conditioning unit. The sensor facilitates the configuration to sense temperature and to sense humidity, to sense light, and to sense motion. The mechanical base plate provides support to the controller of the present invention.

In as much as the present invention is subject to many variations, modifications and changes in detail, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.