Integrated thermal comfort control system utilizing circulating fans

Abstract

A system for providing thermal comfort for a person within a space comprising a plurality of interconnected zones, such as a single room in a residence, commercial establishment, or industrial location. At least one fan is positioned in each zone, which may be an overhead fan mounted to a ceiling common to two or more of the zones, and a sensor is provided for sensing a condition in at least one of the zones. A controller is adapted for controlling the fan in the at least one zone independent of another fan based on the sensed condition in the at least one zone including the controlled fan. Related aspects of a thermal comfort control system and methods are also disclosed.

1 . A system for providing thermal comfort in a space, comprising:
 a fan located in the space for circulating air in the space;   an HVAC system for delivering conditioned air to the space;   a controller for adapted for controlling the fan and the HVAC system;   a first sensor for sensing an environmental condition within the space, the sensed environmental condition being used by the controller for controlling both the fan and the HVAC system; and   a second sensor for sensing whether the space is occupied, the sensed occupancy condition being used by the controller for controlling the fan and the HVAC system.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fan comprises an overhead fan mounted to a ceiling associated with the space. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller comprises a mobile controller. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller comprises a light switch. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a light sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the first sensor comprises a light sensor for sensing a light level in the space, and further including an artificial lighting, wherein when the light level exceeds a predetermined or programmed level, the artificial lighting may be dimmed until the light level reaches the predetermined or programmed level. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further including at least one automated blind adapted for being opened or closed depending upon a light level in the space. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the HVAC system comprises at least one automated damper for diverting air to the space when occupied. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is adapted to operate the fan when the space is unoccupied. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is adapted to operate the fan at a first level when the space is occupied and a second level when the space is unoccupied. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is adapted to cause the fan to operate prior to activating the HVAC system. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the occupancy sensor is connected to the fan. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , further including a thermostat adapted to receive information from and/or control the controller, the HVAC system, the fan, or the first or second sensors. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is associated with an Internet gateway, a security system, an audio component or speaker, a camera, an air purifier, an air humidifier or dehumidifier, a scent generator, or a water heater.