Controller and method for managing economizer outputs

Abstract

There are disclosed controllers and methods for managing economizer outputs. The economizer controller comprises an input component, a processor, and an output component. The input component receives incoming control signals from an input device, in which each incoming control signal is associated with a corresponding compressor. The processor generates an altered association of some of the incoming control signals to a different compressor based on a predetermined criteria. The output component sends output control signals based on the altered association to a control circuit associated with the compressors.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A controller for managing of economizer outputs comprising:
 an input component configured to receive a plurality of incoming control signals from an input device, each incoming control signal of the plurality of incoming control signals being associated with a corresponding compressor of a plurality of compressors;   a processor configured to generate an altered association of at least some of the plurality of incoming control signals to a different compressor of the plurality of compressors based on a predetermined criteria; and   an output component configured to send a plurality of output control signals based on the altered association to a control circuit associated with the plurality of compressors.   
     
     
         2 . The controller as described in  claim 1 , wherein the input device is a thermostat and the control circuit is a terminal board of an HVAC unit or rooftop unit. 
     
     
         3 . The controller as described in  claim 1 , wherein the compressor is at least one of a compressor for cooling and a compressor for heating. 
     
     
         4 . The controller as described in  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined criteria includes at least one of a run time count or a cycle count for the plurality of compressors. 
     
     
         5 . The controller as described in  claim 1 , wherein the processor updates at least one of run time counter or cycle counter in response to the output component sending the plurality of output control signals. 
     
     
         6 . The controller as described in  claim 1 , wherein the economizer controller assigns free cooling to a primary stage of cooling in response to determining that outside environmental air is suitable for free cooling. 
     
     
         7 . The controller as described in  claim 1 , wherein the economizer controller inactivates mechanical cooling in response to determining that a cooling lockout is due to low outside environmental temperature. 
     
     
         8 . A method of a controller for managing economizer outputs, the method comprising:
 receiving a plurality of incoming control signals from an input device, each incoming control signal of the plurality of incoming control signals being associated with a corresponding compressor of a plurality of compressors;   generating an altered association of at least some of the plurality of incoming control signals to a different compressor of the plurality of compressors based on a predetermined criteria; and   sending a plurality of output control signals based on the altered association to a control circuit associated with the plurality of compressors.   
     
     
         9 . The method as described in  claim 8 , wherein the input device is a thermostat and the control circuit is a terminal board of an HVAC unit or rooftop unit. 
     
     
         10 . The method as described in  claim 8 , wherein the compressor is at least one of a compressor for cooling and a compressor for heating. 
     
     
         11 . The method as described in  claim 8 , wherein the predetermined criteria includes at least one of a run time count or a cycle count for the plurality of compressors. 
     
     
         12 . The method as described in  claim 8 , further comprising updating at least one of run time counter or cycle counter. 
     
     
         13 . The method as described in  claim 8 , further comprising:
 assigning free cooling to a primary stage of cooling in response to determining that outside environmental air is suitable for free cooling.   
     
     
         14 . The method as described in  claim 8 , further comprising:
 inactivating mechanical cooling in response to determining that a cooling lockout is due to low outside environmental temperature.   
     
     
         15 . A non-transitory computer readable medium including executable instructions which, when executed, causes at least one processor to manage rotation of economizer outputs by:
 receiving a plurality of incoming control signals, each incoming control signal of the plurality of incoming control signals being associated with a corresponding compressor of a plurality of compressors;   generating an altered association of at least some of the plurality of incoming control signals to a different compressor of the plurality of compressors based on a predetermined criteria; and   sending a plurality of output control signals based on the altered association.   
     
     
         16 . The non-transitory computer readable medium as described in  claim 15 , wherein the input device is a thermostat and the control circuit is a terminal board of an HVAC unit or rooftop unit. 
     
     
         17 . The non-transitory computer readable medium as described in  claim 15 , wherein the compressor is at least one of a compressor for cooling and a compressor for heating. 
     
     
         18 . The non-transitory computer readable medium as described in  claim 15 , further comprising updating at least one of run time counter or cycle counter, wherein the predetermined criteria includes at least one of a run time count or a cycle count for the plurality of compressors. 
     
     
         19 . The non-transitory computer readable medium as described in  claim 15 , further comprising:
 assigning free cooling to a primary stage of cooling in response to determining that outside environmental air is suitable for free cooling.   
     
     
         20 . The non-transitory computer readable medium as described in  claim 15 , further comprising:
 inactivating mechanical cooling in response to determining that a cooling lockout is due to low outside environmental temperature.