Higher Staged Operation for Climate Control System Based on Lower Staged Thermostat Conditioning Calls

Not applicable.

A climate control system, such as a heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) system, may be used to condition the climate of an interior space. The interior space may be an interior space of a house, apartment, building, retail store, storage unit, office, refrigerator, freezer, vehicle, etc. Conditioning the interior space may include either cooling or heating the interior space by use of the climate control system.

Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a climate control system for conditioning an interior space. In some embodiments, the climate control system includes a compressor that is configured to circulate a refrigerant in a fluid circuit, the compressor configured to operate at X different compressor speeds, a heat exchanger positioned along the fluid circuit, and a blower that is configured to generate an airflow that is to contact the heat exchanger and then flow into the interior space. In addition, the climate control system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the compressor. The controller is configured to receive an analog cooling call from a thermostat positioned in the interior space, the analog conditioning call being one of Y different analog cooling calls of the thermostat, Y being less than X. In addition, the controller is configured to select a target discharge temperature for the airflow based on the analog cooling call, the target discharge temperature being a target for a discharge temperature of the airflow downstream from the heat exchanger and upstream from the interior space. Further, the controller is configured to adjust a speed of the compressor among the X different compressor speeds based on the target discharge temperature.

Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a method of controlling a climate control system to condition an interior space. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving an analog conditioning call from a thermostat. In addition, the method includes selecting a target discharge temperature for an airflow output by the climate control system to the interior space based on the analog conditioning call received from the thermostat. Further, the method includes adjusting a speed of a compressor of the climate control system among to a plurality of different compressor speeds based on the target discharge temperature.

Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an air conditioning system for cooling an interior space. In some embodiments, the air conditioning system includes a thermostat that is configured to output an analog low cooling stage call and an analog high cooling stage call based on a difference between a temperature of the interior space and a set point temperature, a compressor that is configured to operate at least three different compressor speeds to circulate a refrigerant through a fluid circuit of the air conditioning system, and an evaporator that is positioned along the fluid circuit. In addition, the air conditioning system includes a blower that is configured to generate an airflow that is to contact the evaporator and then flow into the interior space. Further, the air conditioning system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the temperature sensor, the thermostat, and the compressor. The controller is configured to adjust a speed of the compressor among the at least three different compressor speeds to reduce an error between the discharge temperature of the airflow detected by the temperature sensor and a first target discharge temperature in response to receipt of the analog low cooling stage call from the thermostat. In addition, the controller is configured to adjust the speed of the compressor among the at least three different compressor speeds to reduce an error between the discharge temperature of the airflow detected by the temperature sensor and a second target discharge temperature in response to receipt of the analog high cooling stage call from the thermostat, the second target discharge temperature being less than the first target discharge temperature.

Embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features and characteristics intended to address various shortcomings associated with certain prior devices, systems, and methods. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical characteristics of the disclosed embodiments in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. The various characteristics and features described above, as well as others, will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be appreciated that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes as the disclosed embodiments. It should also be realized that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the principles disclosed herein.

As previously described, a climate control system may condition an interior space. For instance, the climate control system may exchange heat between an interior space and an ambient environment in order to cool or heat the interior space during operations. A climate control system may include or may communicate with a thermostat that is configured to monitor the temperature or other conditions in the interior space and output calls for operation of the climate control system based thereon.

Improvements in the design of climate control systems have yielded systems that are configured to operate at different levels or stages to deliver varying levels of heating or cooling capacity to an interior space. For instance, many climate control systems may deliver staged capacities (at a plurality of discrete heating or cooling stages) or variable capacities so as to more efficiently condition the interior space. However, staged or variable climate control systems are relatively complex and may therefore may not be configured to effectively communicate with earlier generation thermostats that are configured to communicate with a lower staged or even single staged system. As a result, an upgrade of an existing, lower-staged climate control system with an improved, higher staged system may require also upgrading and rewiring the thermostat within the interior space. However, replacing and rewiring a thermostat may add to the costs and scope of the system upgrade, and may cause post-installation construction steps (e.g., such as patching access holes made in the internal walls of the interior space to install the new and updating wiring for the new thermostat).

Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for operating a higher staged climate control system with a lower staged thermostat. In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein may use the lower staged analog conditioning call(s) output from the thermostat to set additional operating parameters useful for operating the other components of the climate control system at additional available stages during operations. Thus, through use of the embodiments disclosed herein, a higher staged climate control system may operate to more efficiently condition an indoor space via communication with a lower staged thermostat, which may reduce the costs and complexities of installing (e.g., such as upgrading) a higher staged climate control system.

Referring now to, a climate control systemfor conditioning an interior spaceis shown according to some embodiments disclosed herein. The interior spaceis shown to include the interior space of a house or dwelling; however, as previously described, the interior spacemay comprise any other suitable interior space that may be conditioned by a climate control system (e.g., climate control system). For instance, the interior spacemay comprise the interior space of a building, office, retail space, storage unit, refrigerator, freezer, etc.

The climate control systemmay be configured to circulate a refrigerant through a fluid circuit (or refrigerant circuit)to transfer heat between the interior spaceand an ambient environment. The ambient environmentmay comprise an environment that at least partially surrounds the interior space. For instance, in the embodiment illustrated in, the interior spaceis an interior space of a house, and the ambient environment comprises the outdoor environment that surrounds the house.

The climate control systemmay include a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a pair of expansion devices,, a second heat exchanger, and a reversing valvethat are interconnected by a plurality of refrigerant linesto at least partially define the fluid circuit. The fluid circuitmay circulate any suitable refrigerant (or refrigerants) during operations. For instance, in some embodiments, the fluid circuitmay be circulate one or more refrigerants that may comprise hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), fluorocarbons (FCs), hydrocarbons (HCs), Ammonia (NH), carbon dioxide (CO2), or some combination thereof.

In the embodiment illustrated in, the climate control systemmay comprise a heat pump that may be operated to selectively cool or heat the interior spacevia the fluid circuitduring operations. Thus, during a cooling mode operation of the climate control systemillustrated in, the climate control systemmay generally transfer heat from the interior spaceto the ambient environmentvia the fluid circuit, and during a heating mode operation of the climate control system illustrated in, the climate control systemmay generally transfer heat from the ambient environmentto the interior spacevia the fluid circuit. Each of the cooling mode operation () and heating mode operation () will be described in more detail.

As shown in, during a cooling mode operation to cool the interior space, the compressorcompresses the refrigerant in a gaseous state and outputs the compressed refrigerant to the reversing valve, which may then route the compressed refrigerant to the first heat exchanger. In the cooling mode operation of, the first heat exchangeris configured to facilitate heat transfer from the refrigerant to the ambient environment. Specifically, the refrigerant may flow through one or more coilsof the first heat exchanger, while a fangenerates an airflowthat is flowed over and around the one or more coilsto thereby draw heat away from the refrigerant flowing therein. The airflowis then directed away from the first heat exchangerand into the ambient environment. The transfer of heat from the refrigerant to the airflowvia the first heat exchangermay cause the refrigerant to at least partially condense to a liquid, such that the first heat exchangermay function as a “condenser” when operating in the cooling mode of.

The liquid (or substantially liquid) refrigerant is then directed through the first expansion deviceand then the second expansion device. In the cooling mode operation of, the first expansion devicemay be positioned or actuated as to not substantially restrict or meter the flow of refrigerant therethrough. However, the second expansion devicemay be actuated or set so as to controllably constrict and expand the flow of refrigerant so as to reduce a temperature thereof. The first expansion deviceand second expansion devicemay comprise expansion valves, such as electronic expansion valves (EEVs) that are actuated by a controller (e.g., controllerdescribed herein). Alternatively, the first expansion deviceand the second expansion devicemay comprise a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) that is configured to adjust in position (that is, in opening position) in response to one or more pressures and/or temperatures of the refrigerant flowing in the fluid circuit(or a portion thereof).

The expanded, cold refrigerant is then directed through the second heat exchangerwhich is configured to transfer heat from an airflowgenerated by a blowerto the refrigerant. Specifically, the refrigerant may flow through one or more coilsof the second heat exchanger, while the blowergenerates the airflowthat is flowed over and around the one or more coilsto thereby draw heat away from the airflowand into the refrigerant.

The cooled airflowis then discharged from the second heat exchangerto the interior spaceso as to reduce a temperature (and relatively humidity) therein. The airflowmay be discharged from the second heat exchangerto the interior spacevia suitable ducting(e.g., rigid ducts, flexible hoses, or any other suitable fluid conveyance system).

The transfer of heat from the airflowto the refrigerant via the second heat exchangermay cause the refrigerant to vaporize or at least partially vaporize to a gas, such that the second heat exchangermay function as an “evaporator” when operating in the cooling mode of. The vaporized (or partially vaporized) refrigerant may progress from the second heat exchangerback to the compressorvia the reversing valveso as to restart the cycle described above.

Referring now to, during a heating mode of the climate control systemthe flow direction of the refrigerant in the fluid circuitis generally reversed from that described for the cooling mode operation (). Specifically, during a heating mode operation, the reversing valveis actuated so as to route the compressed refrigerant emitted from the compressorto the second heat exchangerrather than the first heat exchanger. As a result, in the heating mode operation shown in, the second heat exchangeris configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the interior spacevia airflowso as to condense the refrigerant. Thus, in the heating mode operation of, the second heat exchangerfunctions as a “condenser” for the refrigerant. The condensed refrigerant is then directed through the second expansion deviceand the first expansion device; however, in the heating mode operation of, the second expansion deviceis positioned or actuated so as to not substantially restrict or meter the flow of refrigerant therethrough, and the first expansion deviceis actuated so as to controllably constrict and expand the flow of refrigerant so as to reduce a temperature thereof.

The expanded, cold refrigerant is then directed through the first heat exchangerwhich is configured to transfer heat form the airflowto the refrigerant to thereby vaporize the refrigerant and cool the airflow. Thus, in the heating mode operation, the first heat exchangerfunctions the “evaporator” for the refrigerant. Finally, the vaporized refrigerant is routed ack to the compressorvia the reversing valveto restart the cycle described above.

Referring again to, in some embodiments, the second heat exchanger, second expansion device, and blowermay be embodied as an at least partially integrated first unit. In addition, in some embodiments, the first heat exchanger, first expansion device, fan, reversing valve, and compressormay be embodied as an at least partially integrated second unit. In some embodiments, the first unitmay be positioned in any suitable indoor space that may or may not be the same (or connected to) the interior space. For instance, the first unitmay be positioned in an attic, storage room, basement, building, enclosure, that is proximate to, connected to, or at least partially integrated (or inside of) the interior space. Likewise, the second unitmay be positioned in the ambient environment, which (as previously described) may be outdoors. Thus, in some embodiments, the first unitmay be referred to herein as an “indoor unit” and the second unitmay be referred to as an “outdoor unit.”

However, these example positions of the units,are not intended to limit a particular location of either of the units,in various embodiments. For example, in some embodiment, the first unitand second unitmay be at least partially integrated with one another and co-located in single location. For instance, in some embodiments, the first unitand the second unitmay be integrated with one another as a so-called “packaged unit” and located in the ambient environment. In some embodiments, the at least partially integrated units,(e.g., as a packaged unit) may be positioned on a rooftop of the house, dwelling, building, etc. that defines the interior space. Thus, in these embodiments, the climate control systemmay be referred to as a so-called “rooftop unit.”

A thermostatmay be positioned in the interior spacethat is configured to initiate, cease, or direct at least some functions of the climate control systemduring operations. For instance, the thermostatmay include or be coupled to a temperature sensorthat is configured to detect or measure the temperature (or value indicative thereof) within the interior space. The temperature sensormay comprise any suitable temperature sensing device or array, such as, a thermocouple, thermistor, resistance temperature detectors, solid state temperature sensors (e.g., semiconductor temperature sensors), etc. In addition, as described in more detail herein, the thermostatmay include one or more additional sensors for measuring or detecting other climate conditions within the interior space, such for instance, the relative humidity.

The thermostatmay output calls to initiate operation of the climate control systemin either the cooling mode () or heating mode () based at least in part on an output signal from the temperature sensor(that may be at least indicative of the temperature in the interior space). Specifically, in some embodiments, the thermostatmay output a call to initiate operation of the climate control systemin the cooling mode operation () when the output signal from the temperature sensor(that is received by the thermostat) indicates that the temperature within the interior spacehas sufficiently risen above a corresponding set point temperature. The set point temperature may have been set by a user, such as an occupant of the interior space. Similarly, in some embodiments, the thermostatmay output a call to initiate operation of the climate control system in the heating mode operation () when the output signal from the temperature sensor(that is received by the thermostat) indicates that the temperature within the interior spacehas sufficiently fallen below a corresponding set point temperature (which again may have been previously set by a user, such as an occupant of the interior space).

The call to initiate either cooling mode operation or heating mode operation may be received by one or more, such as a plurality of components or assemblies of the climate control system. For instance, the call to initiate a cooling mode or heating mode operation may be received by one or more controllers (e.g., controllerdescribed in more detail below) of climate control system. Upon receipt (and in response thereto), the one or more controllers (or other components) may initiate operation in the desired mode (e.g., cooling or heating) to reduce an error between the current temperature in the interior space(as detected by temperature sensor) and the corresponding set point temperature.

In addition, the call from the thermostatmay also indicate a stage or level of cooling mode or heating mode operation for the climate control systemto engage in. For instance, the thermostatmay be configured to at least partially control, initiate, direct, etc. operation of a climate control system in a plurality of stages or levels in order to provide different levels of cooling or heating capacity to the interior space. As a simple example, the thermostatmay be configured to operate a climate control system in a first or low stage of cooling or heating to deliver a first or low level of cooling or heating capacity to interior space, and in a second or high stage of cooling or heating to deliver a second or high level of cooling or heating capacity to interior space. The heating or cooling capacity may comprise a measure or indication of the rate of heat transfer (or change) in the interior space. Thus, a lower heating or cooling capacity may provide a relatively slower rate of heat transfer, and a higher heating or cooling capacity may provide a relatively faster rate of heat transfer with the interior space. In some embodiments, the thermostatmay output a call for either low stage or high stage cooling or heating from the climate control systembased at least in part on the difference between the current temperature in the interior space(as detected by temperature sensor) and the corresponding set point temperature. Thus, if the difference or error between the current temperature and corresponding set point temperature rise above a threshold, the thermostatmay initiate the higher stage(s) of cooling or heating in order to more quickly reduce the difference or error. In some embodiments, the thermostatmay additionally (or alternatively) determine which cooling or heating stage to operate the climate control systembased at least in part on the temperature in the ambient environment(e.g., such as an outdoor ambient temperature). For instance, the thermostatmay output a call for a higher stage of cooling when the temperature of the ambient environmentrises (e.g., above a threshold) during a cooling mode operation (), and may output a call for a higher stage of heating when the temperature of the ambient environmentfalls (e.g., below a threshold) during a heating mode operation.

With respect to the cooling or heating mode operations for the climate control systemdescribed above and shown in, the different stages or levels of cooling or heating may be achieved via different flow rates of refrigerant in the fluid circuit. Specifically, as the flow rate of refrigerant increases in the fluid circuit, the rate of heat transfer in the heat exchangers,may also increase, which may in turn increase the rate of heat transfer between the refrigerant the interior spaceand ambient environment. Thus, a low cooling or heating stage operation of the climate control systemmay correspond with a first or low operating speed of the compressor(to provide a first or low flow rate of refrigerant in the fluid circuit) and a high cooling or heating stage operation of the climate control systemmay correspond to a second or high operating speed of the compressor(to provide a second or high flow rate of refrigerant in the fluid circuit). In some embodiments, the flow rates of the airflows,may also be adjusted (e.g., via fanand blower, respectively) in concert with the changes in the speed of the compressor. That is, the blowerand the fanmay be configured to operate at a plurality of different speeds to as to vary the speed or flow rate of the airflowsand, respectively.

As is described in more detail herein, in some embodiments the climate control systemmay not comprise a heat pump and may utilize a supplemental heating assembly (e.g., supplemental heating unitshown in) to heat the interior space. In these embodiments, the thermostatmay be configured to operate the supplemental heating assembly (e.g., electrically resistive heater, combustion furnace, etc.) at a plurality of different levels by adjusting one or more operating parameters thereof (e.g., electrical current supply, fuel flow rate, etc.).

The calls from the thermostatto initiate or cease operation of the climate control systemor to operate the climate control systemat different levels or stages of heating or cooling may comprise analog electrical signals. Specifically, the thermostatmay include a plurality of electrical terminalsthat may be electrically connected (e.g., via wires) to one or more other components (or controllers) of climate control system. The electrical terminalsmay comprise an electrically conductive connector, pad, wire connector, junction, etc. that may be selectively energized by the thermostat. During operations, the thermostatmay selectively energize one or more of these electrical terminals, and this electrical current is then conducted (as a call) to the one or more other components of climate control systemthat are connected thereto. Upon receipt of the analog electrical signal (which may comprise a 24 volt current in some embodiments) the one or more other components may then initiate, adjust, cease, etc. operation as appropriate. As used herein, an “analog call,” from the thermostat, such as an “analog cooling call,” “an analog heating call,” an “analog conditioning call” and the like may refer to an electrical signal that comprises a continuous electrical current at a set voltage (e.g., such as a constant 24 Volt signal) that is produced by energizing a corresponding electrical terminal (e.g., a corresponding one of the electrical terminalson thermostat). Thus, the calls from the thermostatmay not include specific data or information and may comprise simple analog electrical signals.

As described in more detail below, the climate control system(or at least a portion thereof) may be configured to operate at a greater number of stages or levels than the thermostat. For instance, the thermostatmay have originally been installed to communicate with an earlier or original climate control system (not shown) that was previously installed to condition the indoor space. The earlier climate control system (not shown) may have been configured to operate at the same number of stages or levels as the thermostat.

The climate control systemmay comprise an upgraded or newer climate control system that is configured (at least in part) to operate at a higher number of stages than the thermostatand earlier climate control system (not shown). For instance, one or more other components (e.g., such as one or more of compressor, fan, bloweretc.) of the climate control systemmay be configured to operate at X number of stages during a cooling mode operation or a heating mode operation, while the thermostatmay be configured to output conditioning calls for X number of stages during a cooling moder operation or heating mode operation, in which X is greater than Y.

Specifically, the thermostatmay be configured to operate at a single stage (e.g., on-off), at two-stages (e.g., low and high), three stages (e.g., low, medium, high) in a cooling mode operation or a heating mode operation, and the one or more other components of the climate control systemmay be configured to operate at two-stages (e.g., low and high), three stages, four stages, respectively, in a cooling mode operation or heating mode operation. In some embodiments, the thermostatmay be configured to operate at a finite number of stages (e.g., one stage, two stages, three stages, etc.) in a cooling mode or heating mode operation, and the one or more other components of the climate control systemmay be variable in that they may operate at a plurality of stages/levels within a defined range (e.g., such as 0-100%, 20-100%, 30-90%, etc.) during either a cooling mode operation or heating mode operation. In each of these examples, components of the climate control system, such as the compressor, blower, fan, etc., may be configured to operate a higher number of stages than the number of stages that the thermostatmay output calls for, during either a cooling mode operation or heating mode operation.

Thus, the climate control systemmay also include a controllerthat is communicatively coupled (via any suitable wired and/or wireless connection(s)) to the thermostatand one or more other components of the climate control system(e.g., such as the compressor, the blower, etc. During operation, the controllermay be configured to receive one or more conditioning calls (e.g., for cooling or heating) from thermostatand then output suitable signals, commands, instructions, etc. to the one or more other components of the climate control systemto direct operation thereof. Specifically, as described in more detail below, the controllermay be configured to covert or translate the fewer stage calls output from the thermostatinto suitable commands to operate the other components of the climate control systemat the greater number of stages (e.g., X as previously described) during either a cooling mode operation () or a heating mode operation ().

The controllermay be (or may be incorporated within) a main or master controller for the climate control system, or the controllermay be a standalone controllerfor translating or converting the analog conditioning calls of the thermostatinto suitable instructions for operating the one or more other components of the climate control systemat a greater number of stages. Regardless, the controllermay be described and referred to herein as being a part of the climate control system.

The controllermay comprise one or more computing devices, such as a computer, tablet, smartphone, server, circuit board, or other computing device(s) or system(s). Thus, controllermay include a processorand a memory.

The processormay include any suitable processing device or a collection of processing devices. In some embodiments, the processormay include a microcontroller, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), timing controller (TCON), scaler unit, or some combination thereof. During operations, the processorexecutes machine-readable instructions (such as machine-readable instructions) stored on memory, thereby causing the processorto perform some or all of the actions attributed herein to the controller. In general, processorfetches, decodes, and executes instructions (e.g., machine-readable instructions). In addition, processormay also perform other actions, such as, making determinations, detecting conditions or values, etc., and communicating signals. If processorassists another component in performing a function, then processormay be said to cause the component to perform the function.

The memorymay be any suitable device or collection of devices for storing digital information including data and machine-readable instructions (such as machine- readable instructions). For instance, the memorymay include volatile storage (such as random-access memory (RAM)), non-volatile storage (e.g., flash storage, read-only memory (ROM), etc.), or combinations of both volatile and non-volatile storage. Data read or written by the processorwhen executing machine-readable instructionscan also be stored on memory. Memorymay include “non-transitory machine-readable medium,” where the term “non-transitory” does not include or encompass transitory propagating signals.

The processormay include one processing device or a plurality of processing devices that are distributed within (or communicatively coupled to) controlleror more broadly within climate control system. Likewise, the memorymay include one memory device or a plurality of memory devices that are distributed within (or communicatively coupled to) controlleror more broadly within climate control system. Thus, the controllermay comprise a plurality of individual “controllers” distributed throughout the climate control systemand that may be communicatively coupled to one another.

Referring still to, during operations with climate control system, the thermostatmay output suitable analog conditioning calls to operate the climate control systemin a select cooling stage () or heating stage () based at least in part on the temperature detected by the temperature sensoras previously described. The thermostatmay output the appropriate conditioning call via energization of a select one or more of the electrical terminalsas previously described.

For instance, in some embodiments, the thermostatmay be configured to output conditioning calls for two-stages (e.g., a first or low stage and a second or high stage) during a cooling mode operation and two stages during a heating mode operation. Specifically, the thermostatmay be configured to output an analog conditioning call associated with a low stage cooling operation (a “low stage cooling call”), an analog conditioning call associated with a high stage cooling operation (a “high stage cooling call”), an analog conditioning call associated with a low stage heating operation (a “low stage heating call”), and an analog conditioning call associated with a high stage heating operation (a “high stage heating call”). The low stage cooling call and high stage cooling call may be identified herein with the symbols Y1 and Y2, respectively, and the low stage heating call and high stage heating call may be identified with the symbols W1 and W2,respectively. Each of the cooling calls Y1, Y2, and heating calls W1, W2 may be associated with a select one of the terminalson thermostat. So, during operations, the thermostatmay energize a first terminalto output the low stage cooling call Y1, a second terminalto output the high stage cooling call Y2, a third terminalto output the low stage heating call W1, and a fourth terminal to output the high stage heating call W2. In some embodiments, the terminalsfor the conditioning calls Y1, W1 and the terminalsfor the conditioning calls Y2, W2 may be integrated or electrically coupled (or bridged) to one another.

During operations, the analog conditioning calls Y1, Y2, W1, W2 may be conducted from the thermostatto the controllervia corresponding wires. Upon receipt of one of the analog conditioning calls Y1, Y2, W1, W2, the controllermay then operate (or direct operation) of one or more other components of the climate control systemat the greater number of stages (e.g., the X stages as previously described) via execution of the machine-readable instructionsby processor. Specifically, in some embodiments, the controllermay set an additional parameter (or parameters) for operating the climate control systemthat are based or at least influenced by the analog conditioning call Y1, Y2, W1, W2 output from the thermostat. For instance, in some embodiments, the controllermay select a target for a discharge temperature of the airflowand may then modulate the operation of one or more components of the climate control system(e.g., compressor, fan, blower, expansion devices,, etc.) through the available stages or levels of operation in order to achieve or maintain the selected set point temperature during operation.

The climate control systemmay include a temperature sensorthat is arranged to detect or determine a temperature of the airflowafter it is discharged from the first unittoward the interior space. The temperature sensormay be similar to the temperature sensor, and thus may include any of the suitable temperature sensing devices or arrays previously described for the temperature sensor.

The temperature sensormay be positioned so as to be exposed to the airflowupstream of the interior spaceand downstream of the heat exchanger(or other heat transfer device such as supplemental heating unitas described in more detail below). In some embodiments, the temperature sensormay be positioned in ductingthat directs the airflowfrom the first unitto the interior space; however, other positions (e.g., such as at an exit of the ductingin the interior space, within the first unit, at an outlet of the heat exchangeror other heat transfer device, etc.) are contemplated herein. The temperature sensormay provide an output that is communicated (e.g., via wired or wireless connection) to the controller.

Each of the analog conditioning calls Y1, Y2, W1, W2 may be associated with a preselected target discharge temperature for the airflow. The preselected target temperatures may be selected at a factory or manufacturing site for the climate control system, or may be selected or set by a technician (e.g., such as during installation or maintenance of the climate control system). The preselected target discharge temperatures associated with the analog conditioning calls Y1, Y2, W1, W2 may be selected to provide a heating or cooling capacity sufficient to satisfy a cooling or heating demand of the interior spaceat the corresponding temperature conditions that are configured to cause thermostatto output the conditioning calls Y1, Y2, W1, W2. Thus, the specific target discharge temperatures applied by the controllerin response to receipt of one of analog conditioning calls Y1, Y2, W1, W2 from thermostatmay be different and unique for different embodiments or installations of the climate control system.

In some embodiments, the controllermay utilize a look up table, data base, or other suitable data storage system to select an appropriate target discharge temperature for the airflowbased at least in part on the received analog conditioning call Y1, Y2, W1, W2 from thermostat. For instance,shows an example look-up tablethat includes a first columnlisting the different analog conditioning calls (e.g., Y1, Y2, W1, W2) that may be output from the thermostat, and a second columnlisting the corresponding target discharge temperatures X1, X2, X3, X4 that may be selected for the discharge airflowbased on the received analog conditioning call Y1, Y2, W1, W2, respectively. The target temperatures X1, X2, X3, X4 are represented in degrees Fahrenheit (° F.); however, any suitable temperature scale may be used such as Celsius, Kelvin, etc.

In some embodiments, the controllermay select, determine, or calculate or otherwise determine the target discharge temperature for the airflowbased on the analog conditioning call (e.g., Y1, Y2, W1, W2) received from thermostatand/or one or more additional parameters. For instance, the controllermay select, determine, or calculate a suitable target discharge temperature for the airflow based at least on the analog conditioning call received from the thermostatand the outdoor ambient temperature (e.g., the temperature of the ambient environment). For instance, is some embodiments, the target discharge temperatures for the airflowassociated with one or more of the cooling stage calls (e.g., Y1, Y2) may be increase as the outdoor ambient temperature increases. Likewise, in some embodiments, the target discharge temperature for the airflowassociated with one or more of the heating stage calls (e.g., W1, W2) may be decreased as the outdoor ambient temperature decreases.

In some embodiments, an occupant of the interior space(or other user) may select a target discharge temperature or operating mode for the climate control systemthat corresponds with a target discharge temperature (or range or selection method). For instance, a user may select a dehumidification mode (e.g., via the thermostat, controller, or other user interface communicatively coupled to controllerand/or thermostat), and in response, the controllermay adjust the target discharge temperature for airflowso that the climate control systemmay more effectively or aggressively reduce a humidity (e.g., relative humidity) in the interior space. In the cooling mode operation, this may mean generally increasing the target discharge temperature relative to that normally corresponding to the particular cooling stage call (e.g., Y1, Y2) so as to allow the compressorto run for a longer period of time to reduce humidity in the interior space.

As previously described, in some embodiments, the thermostatis configured to output two cooling stage calls (e.g., Y1 and Y2) and potentially also two heating stage calls (e.g., W1 and W2). In some of these embodiments, the target discharge temperature for the airflowfor the low stage cooling call Y1 or the low stage heating call W1 may correspond with a cooling or heating capacity of the climate control systemthat about 50% (or about half) of the cooling or heating capacity of the climate control systemthat is necessary to hold the target discharge temperature for the airflowfor the high stage cooling call Y2 or the high stage heating call W2, respectively. Likewise, the high cooling stage call Y2 and the high stage heating call W1 may correspond with a maximum cooling capacity and maximum heating capacity, respectively, that may be provided by the climate control system.

In addition, in some embodiments, the target discharge temperature for the airflowmay be about 40° F. to about 60° F., such as about 50° F., in response and based on a high cooling stage call Y2 from the thermostat. Without being limited to this or any other theory, if the target discharge temperature is too low during a cooling mode operation, occupant comfort may be reduced and there is an increased risk of biological growth (e.g., mold) in the interior space. Conversely, a target discharge temperature that is too high may not remove sufficient heat from the interior space, and may therefore reduce the operating efficiency of the climate control system. Further, in some embodiments, the target discharge temperature for the airflowmay be about 90° F. to about 110° F., such as about 104° F., in response and based on a high heating stage call W2 from the thermostat. Again, without being limited to this or any other theory, a target discharge temperature that is too low during a heating mode operation may not add sufficient heat to the interior space, and may therefore reduce the operating efficiency of the climate control system. Conversely, if the target discharge temperature is too high during a heating mode operations, components of the climate control system(e.g., blower, ducting, heat exchanger, etc.) may overheat.

Referring again to, once the controllerselects the target temperature for the discharged airflow, the controllermay adjust operational parameter(s) of one or more of the components of climate control systemin order to achieve or maintain the target discharge temperature for airflowvia feedback from the temperature sensor. For instance, the controllermay adjust the speed of the compressorto adjust the flow rate of refrigerant in the fluid circuit(which affects the heat transfer rates at the heat exchangers,as previously described). Without being limited to this or any other theory, the flow rate of the refrigerant in the fluid circuitand thus the heat transfer rates achieved by the heat exchangers,may directly affect the temperature of the discharged airflowduring operations. Generally speaking, during a cooling mode operation (), as the fluid flow rate of refrigerant in the fluid circuitincreases, the heat transfer rate from the airflowto the refrigerant in the heat exchangeralso increases, so that the temperature of the discharged airflowdecreases. Conversely, during a heating mode operation (), as the fluid flow rate of refrigerant in the fluid circuitincreases, the heat transfer rate from the refrigerant to the airflowin the heat exchangeralso increases, so that the temperature of the discharged airflowincreases.