Abstract:
A stepper-motor gas valve control is disclosed that includes a main diaphragm in a chamber that controllably displaces a valve relative to an opening in response to changes in pressure, to adjust fuel flow through the valve. A servo-regulator diaphragm is provided to regulate flow to the main diaphragm, to thereby control the rate of fuel flow. A stepper motor is configured to move in a stepwise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm, to control fluid flow to the main diaphragm. A controller mounted on the stepper-motor regulated gas valve control receives and converts an input control signal from a heating system to a reference value between 0 and 5 volts, and selects a corresponding motor step value. The control responsively moves the stepper-motor in a step wise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm and thereby regulates the rate of fuel flow through the valve.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of an electronic control unit for controlling an electronic controlled multistage gas valve (MGV) for adjusting gas flow to a gas fired appliance. In an exemplary embodiment, an electronic control unit generally includes an integrated furnace control (IFC) unit, a multistage gas valve control (MGVC) unit electronically coupled to the IFC unit, and a coil electronically coupled to the MGVC unit. The IFC unit is operable for providing at least one power supply signal over a first communication line and at least one pulse width modulated (PWM) duty cycle signal over a second communication line to the MGVC unit for controlling at least one of energizing and de-energizing of the coil. The electronic controlled MGV is adapted to move in response to a magnetic field generated by the coil.
Abstract:
A gas powered water heater includes a storage tank, a main burner, a display, a flame sensor assembly, a wireless communication interface, and a control system. The flame sensor assembly includes a probe to couple an electric current through a flame on the main burner, and a detector that provides signals representative of the electric current provided through the probe. The control system is programmed to determine a length of time taken for a transition between a signal representative of no electric current and a signal representative of a steady state electric current, to select a flame strength level from a plurality of more than three flame strength levels, to display an indication of the selected flame strength level, and to output, using the wireless communication interface, an alert based on the selected flame strength level for display on a remote computing device.
Abstract:
A gas valve assembly includes a gas valve and a control circuit. The gas valve is configured for variably controlling a flow of gas through the gas valve assembly. The control circuit includes a controller programmed to determine a first setting for the gas valve in response to a received commanded flow, adjust the first setting to a second setting based on a measured temperature when the measured temperature is one that may induce changes to the flow of gas through the gas valve assembly, and control the gas valve based on the second setting.
Abstract:
A method of operating an HVAC system including a motor having five taps, and an HVAC controller communicatively connected to a plurality of the five taps the motor includes storing, by a processor of the HVAC controller, selected speeds associated with a plurality of operating conditions in a memory of the HVAC control. The processor controls the motor according to the selected speeds and their associated operating conditions using a group of taps of the plurality of taps of the motor to which the HVAC controller is communicatively connected. Data is communicated between the motor and the HVAC controller using one of the plurality of taps of the motor to which the HVAC controller is communicatively connected.
Abstract:
An HVAC system includes at least one HVAC component, an HVAC controller, and a communication device. The controller includes a first substrate, a processer mounted on the first substrate, a memory mounted on the first substrate and in communication with the processor, a control interface mounted on the first substrate and communicatively coupled to the processor and the at least one HVAC component, and a first communication interface mounted on the first substrate and communicatively coupled to the processor. The communication module includes a second substrate, a communication circuit mounted on the second substrate, and a second communication interface mounted on the second substrate and communicatively coupled to the communication circuit.
Abstract:
In exemplary embodiments, HVAC controls and corresponding error detection methods are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an HVAC control generally includes an analog input configured to receive an analog signal, and an error indicator. The control is configured to receive a neutral signal at the analog input, measure a voltage of the neutral signal with respect to earth ground, to operate the error indicator to provide a first indicator status indicative of a bad ground state if the voltage is between a first voltage threshold and a second voltage threshold, and to operate the error indicator to provide a second indicator status of a reverse polarity state if the voltage is above the second threshold. The HVAC control may include at least four different indicator statuses. The HVAC control may include a comparator.
Abstract:
Control circuits and related methods are provided. One exemplary control circuit includes a solid state switching device for coupling to a first tap of a motor and a control device coupled to the solid state switching device. The control device is configured to switch the solid state switching device to apply a signal to the first tap in response to a demand for operation of the motor at a second parameter to operate the motor at the second parameter. The control device is also configured to switch the solid state switching device to apply a signal to the first tap in response to a demand for operation of the motor at a first parameter to operate the motor at the first parameter.
Abstract:
A stepper-motor gas valve control is disclosed that includes a main diaphragm in a chamber that controllably displaces a valve relative to an opening in response to changes in pressure, to adjust fuel flow through the valve. A servo-regulator diaphragm is provided to regulate flow to the main diaphragm, to thereby control the rate of fuel flow. A stepper motor is configured to move in a stepwise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm, to control fluid flow to the main diaphragm. A controller mounted on the stepper-motor regulated gas valve control receives and converts an input control signal from a heating system to a reference value between 0 and 5 volts, and selects a corresponding motor step value. The control responsively moves the stepper-motor in a step wise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm and thereby regulates the rate of fuel flow through the valve.
Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a climate control system that includes an igniter and a controller having an igniter relay. The controller senses a current level through the igniter and senses voltage between terminals of a second relay of the controller. In a given one of a plurality of operational phases of the system, the controller is configured to compare the sensed current level and sensed voltage to a current level and voltage associated with a specific condition of the igniter, igniter relay, or second relay in the given phase. Based on a result of the comparing, the controller is configured to distinguish between a failure of one of the relays and a failure of the igniter.