WO2025114971A1

WO2025114971A1 - Climate control devices, systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2025114971A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/062055
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander SHENKIN; James R. Varney; Amy WOLKOWINSKY
Original assignee: Smartfan Inc
Current assignee: Smartfan Inc
Priority date: 2023-11-30
Filing date: 2024-11-30
Publication date: 2025-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-30

Abstract

Devices and methods for climate control comprising a housing, an air handler for drawing exterior air from an exterior space through an exterior air inlet and discharging the exterior air through an exterior air outlet into an interior space. The climate control devices and systems having an interior temperature sensor, an exterior temperature sensor, and a user interface for setting an interior target temperature. A controller is provided to turn the air handler ON when the interior temperature is above the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is below the current interior temperature, OR when the interior temperature is below the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is above the current interior temperature. An internal diverter may block air flow between the exterior and interior spaces when the climate control device is OFF and when ON, the internal diverter moves to allow air flow.

Description

CLIMATE CONTROL DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present disclosure relates generally to improved climate control systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The home heating and cooling industry has been a significant area of focus in light of growing environmental concerns and the rising cost of energy. Traditionally, this industry has relied heavily on energy-intensive solutions like air conditioners and heating systems, which contribute significantly to household energy consumption and carbon emissions. In the United States, households consume approximately 47% of their energy for heating and cooling, with 25% of the nation’s carbon emissions stemming from household utilities. This sector’s environmental impact is poised to escalate, with projections indicating a dramatic increase in the use of room air conditioners worldwide, potentially contributing a significant amount of CO2 to the atmosphere via energy usage, as well as leaking refrigerants (potent greenhouse gases), and thereby contributing to causing a substantial rise in global temperatures by 2050.

[0003] The current solutions, primarily heat pumps and geothermal systems, while effective, are often prohibitively expensive for a significant portion of the population. Many individuals resort to less environmentally friendly devices due to their affordability, or undertake less costly renovations as alternative solutions, if they are able to afford these cheaper solutions at all. However, these approaches do not adequately address the underlying issue of reducing energy consumption in a cost- effective and environmentally sustainable manner, and do not provide a very affordable HVAC alternative for those unable to afford a window HVAC unit and the electricity bills that come with it. A notable gap exists in the market for an innovative solution that utilizes the temperature differential between indoor and outdoor air to lessen the demand for traditional, energy-intensive temperature control methods.

[0004] In addition to the functional limitations, there is a pressing need for solutions that align with sustainability goals. As concerns about climate change and energy consumption grow, there is an increasing demand for technology that can help reduce carbon footprints and energy bills without compromising on comfort and accessibility. This demand extends beyond developed nations, highlighting a global need for energy-efficient temperature regulation solutions, particularly in areas without access to traditional air conditioning systems.

[0005] Additionally, conventional electric air conditioning units are often a primary reason for strain on electric grids. Many are often turned on at the same time during hot days, and electric grids must either turn to dirtier fuels (e.g., coal, gas, etc.) to supply energy during those peak periods, or worse, brown-out or black-out when lives may depend on powering such units.

[0006] Accordingly, climate control apparatus, systems and methods for addressing the lack of effective methods to exploit the ambient temperature differences for household temperature regulation is desirable, as opposed to existing systems which tend to focus on high-energy-consuming devices or are not economically feasible for a large segment of the population, which also overlook the potential for integrating smart technology and predictive algorithms to enhance efficiency and user experience.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for climate control comprising a housing, the housing having at least one air handler for drawing exterior air from an exterior space through an exterior air inlet and discharging the exterior air through an exterior air outlet into an interior space, the housing having an interior air exhaust for discharging interior air to the exterior space. The climate control devices and systems further comprise an interior temperature sensor for detecting an interior temperature, an exterior temperature sensor for detecting an exterior temperature, a user interface for setting an interior target temperature and acceptable envelope for pre-conditioning.

[0008] The climate control devices further comprise a controller to turn the air handler ON when the interior temperature is above the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is below the current interior temperature, OR when the interior temperature is below the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is above the current interior temperature, and turn the air handler ON to pre-condition the interior space by moving the interior temperature higher or lower than the interior target temperature, while staying within a specified temperature envelope, to maintain temperatures closer to the interior target temperature during the night or day, and to turn the climate control device OFF when the interior temperature is at or above the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is at or above the current interior temperature, OR when the interior temperature is at or below the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is at or below the current interior temperature.

[0009] The climate control device further comprises an internal diverter to block air movement between the exterior space and the interior space when the climate control device is OFF and when the climate control device is ON, the internal diverter moves to allow air flow such that the exterior air discharged into the interior space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00010] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

[00011 ] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a home using a climate control system and device in accordance with the present disclosure;

[00012] Figures 2a-c illustrates side, top, and front views of an embodiment of a climate control device in accordance with the present disclosure;

[00013] Figures 3a-c illustrates side, top, and front views of an embodiment of a climate control device in accordance with the present disclosure where an air handler is on and an internal diverter directs incoming air through an upper vent and exhaust air through a lower vent;

[00014] Figures 4a-c illustrates side, top, and front views of an embodiment of a climate control device in accordance with the present disclosure where an air handler is on and an internal diverter directs incoming air through a lower vent and exhaust air through am upper vent;

[00015] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate front and rear perspective views of an embodiment of a climate control device in accordance with the present disclosure installed in a window;

[00016] Figure 6 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a climate control device in accordance with the present disclosure installed in a window and demonstrating access to an air filter;

[00017] Figures 7a and 7b illustrate perspective views of an embodiment of a climate control device in accordance with the present disclosure showing internal components;

[00018] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a climate control system in accordance with the present disclosure;

[00019] Figure 9 is a graph illustrating the change in household temperature versus outside (exterior) air temperature over time compared to a desired temperature;

[00020] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the context of a climate control system in accordance with the present disclosure;

[00021 ] Figure 11 is a table illustrating a weather forecast over a 15 day period;

[00022] Figure 12 is a circuit diagram for the climate control system in accordance with the present disclosure;

[00023] Figure 13 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a climate control device with two fans in accordance with the present disclosure;

[00024] Figure 14 are schematics of circuits for the climate control system in accordance with the present disclosure;

[00025] Figure 15 is a circuit diagram illustrating the system for wiring the Pico to the AC supply to the fans via a relay in accordance with the present disclosure;

[00026] Figure 16 illustrates an algorithm in accordance with the present disclosure for predicting the exterior temperature for up to a whole day in advance and compares that with the desired indoor temperature; and

[00027] Figure 17 illustrates the results after running a climate control device in accordance with the present disclosure over a 4-hour period.

[00028] Figure 18 illustrates a simulation of a climate control system in accordance with the present disclosure installed in a home in northern Arizona showing the flow of air in the home over time.

[00029] Figure 19 illustrates the simulation of a climate control system in accordance with the present disclosure installed in a home in northern Arizona showing the flow of air in the home over an additional period of time.

[00030] Figure 20 is a table and a graph illustrating a simulation of a climate control system in accordance with the present disclosure installed in a home in northern Arizona showing the results after running a climate control device in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00031 ] Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various aspects of the present disclosure can be realized by any number of methods and systems configured to perform the intended functions. Stated differently, other methods and systems can be incorporated herein to perform the intended functions. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawing figures referred to herein are not all drawn to scale but may be exaggerated to illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure, and in that regard, the drawing figures should not be construed as limiting. Finally, although the present disclosure can be described in connection with various principles and beliefs, the present disclosure should not be bound by theory.

[00032] For example, climate control devices and systems as disclosed herein improve household temperature regulation by introducing novel, energyefficient, and cost-effective solutions. For ease of reference purposes, “climate control devices” and “climate control systems” should be considered as company “devices” if only “systems” are referred to, and vice versa.

[00033] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the climate control devices selectively bring exterior (outside) air indoors when it is most advantageous to either cool or warm an interior space to a desired range, such as a home, garage, classroom, office, outbuilding or other structure such as those disclosed herein. The climate control devices use various temperature sensors, humidity sensors, air quality sensors, forecasting data, and thermal modeling algorithms to determine when, how, and for how long it is most advantageous to bring in outside air. With the climate control devices, users can set a target temperature and acceptable range for pre-conditioning, and the climate control devices and their air handling components automatically turn ON and OFF as needed. In various embodiments, when the climate control devices air handler is ON, the climate control devices may automatically open a pathway for inside air to exhaust outside for ideal circulation and thermal exchange. When the air handler is OFF, the exhaust pathway automatically closes.

[00034] In accordance with the present disclosure, the climate control devices may have various barriers when OFF. Unlike conventional box fans, the climate control devices only allow air to pass between indoors and outdoors when the air handler is ON. As described below, when OFF, a diverter closes and creates the physical barrier. The diverter can be insulated, further enhancing the thermal barrier. Additionally, based on input from various sensors and control algorithms, the climate control devices can automatically divert the inward and exhaust airflows, as well as fan speed, to optimize for various room layouts and conditions.

[00035] The above being noted, with reference to Figure 1 and Figures 2- 7, and the related description herein, various aspects of the present disclosure provides a climate control device 100 with a housing 110, the housing 110 having at least one air handler 120 (e.g., conventional or as yet unknown fans or other mechanisms for moving air) for drawing exterior air from an exterior space 130 through an exterior air inlet 135 and discharging the exterior air through an exterior air outlet 145 into an interior space 140, the housing further comprising an interior air exhaust 155 for discharging interior air to the exterior space 130, though in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure and as described in more detail below, a separate interior air exhaust 160 comprising one or more vents, supplemental fans, additional climate control devices or other mechanisms to provide and/or direct air flow back out of the interior space 140 to the exterior space, which can facilitate cooling or heating different portions of the interior space 140 at different rates.

[00036] In accordance with the present disclosure, the air handler 120 may be is positioned in the housing in such a manner as to be located more proximate to the exterior space 130 which may help reduce air handler 120 noise in the interior space 140. In accordance with various embodiments, the climate control device 100 may be installed in a wall defining the interior space, though in other embodiments the climate control device 100 may be installed in a window. In accordance with still other embodiments, the climate control device may be integrated or otherwise retrofitted with a whole house (or other type of interior space such as those discussed below) fan or other existing HVAC system. In further embodiments and as described below, the climate control device 100 may comprise a “smart” register.

[00037] In accordance with the present disclosure and with reference specifically to Figures 2-7, a climate control device 100 with an internal diverter 160 is illustrated. The internal diverter 160 comprises any structure or mechanism which blocks air movement between the exterior space 130 and the interior space 140 when the climate control device 100 is OFF. When the climate control device 100 is ON, the internal diverter 160 moves, for example, via rotational or lateral (e.g., sliding) movement, to allow airflow such that the exterior air discharged into the interior space 140. In accordance with various aspects the exterior air discharged into the interior space 140 may be directed in an upward direction, a downward direction, or in a straight direction through the exterior air outlet while allowing interior air to be discharged out of the interior space 140 through the interior air exhaust in an opposite direction of the exterior air discharged into the interior space 140. In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the internal diverter 160 may comprise an insulation layer comprised of any insulating material now known or as yet unknown, for increasing the thermal barrier between the internal space 140 and the external space 130.

[00038] The determination of whether to direct exterior air upward or downward may be based on whether the climate control device 100 is in a HEATING MODE or COOLING MODE (described below), or based on a user preference or other environmental factors or “learning” by the device 100. For example, the effectiveness may be gauged by learning over time what direction cools or heats the interior space 140 better, for example, by using by sensors (such as those described below) distributed throughout the interior space 140, or by modeling such as with computational fluid dynamics models.

[00039] For example, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to validate and optimize the airflow dynamics and cooling efficiency of a climate control system. These simulations examined the impact of various airflow configurations, fan speeds, and operational modes on temperature regulation. Results demonstrated that a 100 CFM fan without forced exfiltration equilibrated the average indoor temperature to 95% of the exterior air temperature within approximately three hours. Higher airflow rates (e.g., 400 CFM) achieved the same equilibrium within two hours, validating the scalability of climate control systems in accordance with the present disclosure for larger environments.

[00040] Additionally, tests comparing upward and downward airflow configurations revealed that upward airflow provided more stable and uniform cooling over extended periods, while downward airflow delivered quicker initial cooling. This flexibility allows climate control systems and devices in accordance with the present disclosure to be customized based on immediate or long-term temperature regulation needs.

[00041 ] In accordance with the present disclosure, the climate control device 100 further comprises an interior temperature sensor for detecting an interior temperature in the interior space 140 and an exterior temperature sensor for detecting an exterior temperature in the exterior space 130. Additionally, a user interface for setting an interior target temperature range is provided which, when in a COOLING MODE, causes a controller to turn the air handler 120 ON and move the internal diverter 160 to an OPEN position when the interior temperature is ABOVE the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is below the current interior temperature. Similarly, when in a HEATING MODE, the controller turns the air handler 120 ON and moves the internal diverter 160 to an OPEN position when the interior temperature is BELOW the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is ABOVE the current interior temperature.

[00042] In accordance with the present disclosure, the controller will CLOSE the internal diverter 160 and turn the air handler 120 OFF when the interior temperature is at or above the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is at or above the current interior temperature. Again, similarly, the controller will CLOSE the internal diverter 160 and turn the air handler 120 OFF when the interior temperature is at or below the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is at or below the current interior temperature.

[00043] Briefly, the climate control device 100, the controller and the various components of device 100 may be controlled by a user via any conventional or as yet unknown mechanism for inputting and controlling devices. For example, various panels for turning the device 100 ON or OFF, setting modes, may be integrated directly with the device 100, or alternatively, may be remote from the device 100 itself, such as via a separate control panel or smart home controllers for integration with smart home ecosystems and application programming interfaces (APIs) to allow communication and control via HomeAutomation, Hubitat, HomeKit, Google Home, and other home automation applications and protocols such as Z-Wave, Zigbee, Thread, or other low power low data rate communication protocols, offering remote control capabilities and compatibility with other smart devices, personal computing device and/or application (e.g., via a cell phone, computer, tablet, etc.), as well as smart thermostats (e.g., Nest, EcoBee, Honeywell, etc.) to set the desired temperature.

[00044] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the exterior air outlet and the interior air exhaust may switch depending on the position of the internal diverter 160, for example, by rotation of the internal diverter 160, which in turn can change whether the exterior air discharged into the interior space 140 is directed in an upward direction, a downward direction, or in a straight direction through the exterior air outlet while allowing interior air to be discharged out of the interior space 140 through the interior air exhaust in an opposite direction of the exterior air discharged into the interior space 140.

[00045] In accordance with the present disclosure, the climate control device 100 may further comprise an air filter 165 to remove allergens, dust, smoke, smog, and the like from incoming air, improving the air quality in the interior space 140. In some embodiments, the air filter 165 which may be removable for replacement or cleaning for re-use. Additionally, in some embodiments, an air filter status sensor may be provided to indicate when the air filter 165 is dirty and needs cleaning or replacement.

[00046] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure and as described in more detail below, a variety of sensors and other components for controlling the climate control device 100 and helping the device 100 and the controller learn and adapt to current conditions in the exterior space 130 and the interior space 140, as well as forecasting conditions over a period of time, to operate more efficiently and effectively. For example, the climate control device 100 may comprise one more air quality sensors, additional temperature sensors, barometric and humidity sensors and other now known or as yet unknown sensors. In this regard and in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the controller may use interior and exterior temperature sensors, weather forecasting data, and/or a thermal inertia modeling (as described hereinbelow) to predict when, how, and a duration for which to bring exterior air from the exterior space 130 into the interior space 140.

[00047] For example, climate control devices and systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, may use an algorithm to intelligently integrate predicted outside air temperatures and anticipated indoor conditions. This integration allows for a more accurate and efficient operation of the heating or cooling process, taking into account the dynamic nature of weather patterns and indoor thermal characteristics.

[00048] For example, the controller may use weather prediction data collected over time combined with the various temperature sensors to improve local weather prediction and control the operation of the climate control device 100. By way of example, if a microclimate where a house is located is generally one degree cooler than the surrounding environment, this difference can be detected over time, and with these methods prediction can be improved. Similarly, the climate control device 100 may communicate with other components proximate the interior space 140 to determine localized condition changes in the interior space 140 (e.g., kitchen, bedrooms, etc.).

[00049] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the climate control device 100 may communicate with occupancy monitors to determine whether the climate control device 100 should be in an operational mode and/or to determine which portions (rooms) of the interior space 140 may need control and heating or cooling.

[00050] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the controller may comprise a processing step that models a thermal inertia of the interior space 140, and its structure and composition such as brick, wood, furniture, or the like, each of which has a different thermal mass impacting how long it takes to cool or heat and how long it retains heat energy. From this, a necessary airflow can be computed on these and other factors such as exterior and interior temperatures in order to achieve an interior target temperature range (i.e., a target temperature) in a given time. From this data, the controller can determine when to start and stop heating or cooling. In accordance with various aspects, the interior target temperature range may be set directly by a user, or in some embodiments, by learning or modeling what the temperature profile of the interior space 140 will likely be like over a period of time (e.g., the next day or so), and aiming to maintain some aspect of that temperature profile (e.g., a maximum, minimum, average, or a period of time above maximum, minimum, etc.).

[00051 ] To further validate the climate control systems and devices in accordance with the present disclosure, CFD simulations were conducted using a representative residential CAD model, similar to a Habitat for Humanity starter home. The model incorporated designated inlet and outlet openings, with interior and exterior temperatures set at 85°F and 60°F, respectively.

[00052] The simulations demonstrated effective cooling distribution, with airflow visualizations revealing a consistent temperature gradient from the inlet to the outlet. These findings informed the design of upward airflow configurations, which were shown to maximize cooling efficiency by reducing stratification and improving circulation.

[00053] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, various modeling and learning may allow the climate control device to pre-condition the interior space 140 by pushing the interior temperature in a desired direction beyond the interior target temperature, while remaining withing an acceptable specified by the user. By way of example, the climate control device 100 may pre-condition the interior space 140 by pushing the interior temperature higher (e.g., during the afternoon) or lower (e.g., at night) than the interior target temperature (yet still stay within a specified temperature envelope), to maintain the interior temperatures closer to the desired interior target temperature range during the night (if pre-heated) or day (if pre-cooled).

[00054] This feature thus may allow users to set specific times for precooling or pre-heating, typically during periods when, for example, occupants are asleep or away from home. By doing so, the system can operate during off-peak hours (i.e. , periods when electricity is less expensive), potentially reducing energy costs and ensuring comfortable temperatures when occupants are present.

[00055] For example, climate control devices and systems in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise an algorithm that includes thermal inertia modeling. This feature determines the thermal inertia of the interior space 140 such as a room, multiple rooms, a house, or other structure or building via a learning artificial intelligence, no known or as yet unknown, as well as other methods that learn over time. By monitoring the amount of airflow at a certain temperature required to change the temperature of the interior space 140, starting at an initial temperature, the thermal inertia can be estimated and refined over time. In this regard, thermal inertia means the amount of energy required to change the temperature of the interior space 130 by a defined amount, including the interior air, as well as walls, furniture, and anything else that may change temperature along with the interior temperature. Thus, the trajectory of cooling (or the converse for heating) is such that as the interior space 140 is cooled, the walls, furniture, etc. are also which retain heat must also be cooled and hence more cooling is necessary. Thus, not only is there thermal inertia, but there is a time lag as well.

[00056] CFD simulations of climate control devices and systems in accordance with the present disclosure provided insights into the system's thermal inertia modeling. Simulations validated that pre-conditioning with a 100 CFM airflow at night, when exterior temperatures were cooler, maintained the interior temperature within ±2°F of the target range for extended periods during the day.

Air-Structure Interactions and Weather-Driven Pre-Conditioning

[00057] For example, thermal inertia modeling in accordance with the present disclosure accounts for distinct thermal behaviors of interior air and structural elements which exhibit slower thermal responses due to their higher thermal mass. Unlike air, which adjusts its temperature rapidly when exposed to airflow, structural elements absorb or release heat over longer periods, creating a delayed feedback effect that impacts the interior air temperature.

[00058] Climate control systems in accordance with the present disclosure measure air temperature using conventional temperature sensors and structural temperature using, for example, infrared (IR) sensors or thermal imaging devices. The systems may also infer structural thermal mass by how quickly and for how long interior air temperature changes after being cooled or heated. This data allows the system to model how structural elements will influence air temperature over time, predicting the rate and extent of heat transfer between air and structure.

[00059] For example, after cooling the air to a target temperature, the system anticipates that warm structural components will release heat into the air, raising its temperature. Based on this prediction, the system either delays further cooling to allow the structure to stabilize naturally or proactively lowers the air temperature in anticipation of heat release.

[00060] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, weather forecast integration may enhance this process. By analyzing predicted external conditions, the system determines whether to rely on cooler external air to stabilize the structure or to pre-condition the space further. For example, if external temperatures are expected to remain warm, the system may lower the air temperature below the target to offset future structural heat release, while if cooler external air is forecasted, the system may delay additional cooling, relying on the availability of future cooler external air, thus avoiding cooling below the selected internal target temperature. This approach minimizes unnecessary cooling cycles, optimizes energy use, and ensures consistent comfort. [00061 ] Pre-conditioning homes during the nights and mornings, and using low energy HVAC alternatives/helpers, can reduce this grid strain, thereby reducing the use of dirty fuels, enabling the expanded use of clean energy, and reducing the chance of life-threatening brown-outs or black-outs.

[00062] In addition to the thermal inertia, the time lag of that inertia can be learned as well. By way of example, the system can learn that, for a previously consistent space temperature of 70°F (which means that all the walls, furniture, and the like are around 70°F), the inside space needs to be brought down to 60°F now, in order to equilibrate at 65°F. In this regard, there is an interplay between changing external temperatures, existing internal temperatures (and differentials), insolation on the roof and walls, insulation, and thermal inertia of furniture and other structures. With appropriate computation learning algorithms, all of these factors can be integrated into an understanding of when and how much airflow should be used to achieve the desired result of interior temperature over time. This knowledge can then be used to calculate an optimal start time for pre-cooling or pre-heating to reach a desired temperature at a specific time.

[00063] This feature may also consider various factors such as the predicted outside air temperature (based on weather forecasts), predicted inside air temperature, and the thermal characteristics of the building. For example, if the goal is to pre-cool the house to 60°F by 7:00AM, the system will analyze the current conditions and historical data to determine the most efficient start time for cooling. This predictive approach ensures that the system operates at the right time to achieve the desired temperature efficiently, reducing energy waste and enhancing user comfort.

[00064] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the controller may be configured to change the air handler 120 speed and move the diverter 160 up or down to control air circulation and a rate of thermal exchange within the interior space 140. Similarly, in accordance with some aspects, the climate control device 100 may communicate with other components proximate the interior space 140 that may impact airflow and adjust accordingly. For example, the climate control device 100 may communicate with a vent in another portion of the interior space 140, such as a bedroom, to open or close the vent in order to increase or decrease airflow into that potion of the interior space, thereby increasing or decreasing the temperature therein.

[00065] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the climate control device may further comprise a variety of now known or as yet unknown modular components such as, for example evaporative cooler units, dehumidification units, heat pumps, Peltier cooling units, heat sinks, phase change materials for storing thermal energy, and/or cellular, LoRa, and other wireless connectivity modules for internet connection when Wi-Fi is not available, as well as other smart home protocols such as Zigbee, Z-wave, Thread, or other yet-developed low power, low bandwidth protocols for communication with sensors inside and outside the home. Additionally, the climate control device 100 may be powered by one or more solar panels and/or batteries as either or both of a primary or backup source of power for the climate control device 100.

[00066] For example, an Adafruit Universal USB / DC / Solar Lithium lon/Polymer Charger has a wide 5-10V input voltage range and max current of 1.5A which may be powered by USB, DC, or solar energy. The charger chip will limit the current draw if the input voltage starts to drop below 4.5V, making it a near-solar charger that can be used with a variety of panels. The charger is suited for solar charging since it automatically extracts the maximum current from the panel regardless of the amount of light. In various embodiments, the solar panel and battery can be connected to the universal solar charger. The solar panel may be ultraviolet (UV), scratch, and waterproof-resistant.

[00067] Thus, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, a variety of configurations of the climate control device 100 as described and implied above may leverage natural temperature differentials and by integrating smart technology to offer a novel approach to temperature regulation in cost-effective and energy-efficient temperature manners, while also aligning with broader environmental objectives. The climate control device 100 thus positively impacts household energy consumption patterns and contributes to the fight against climate change.

Exemplary Components and Functionality

[00068] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the climate control device 100 may include various strategically arranged sets of intake and outtake fans, facilitating effective air exchange for temperature regulation. For example, for smaller spaces, a single device 100 with two fans (i.e., air handlers) pointed in different directions, one pulling air in and one pushing air out, can serve as the entire system.

[00069] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the climate control device 100 may optionally comprise a control panel as an interface to adjust the desired target temperature, envelope temperature range, and preconditioning (super-cool/super-heat) time window. The climate control device 100 fetches and processes temperature data and prediction data and orchestrates the operation of the fans, allowing the system to function without an internet connection. Alternatively, the fans may be capable of operating autonomously, communicating with each other over Wi-Fi and/or the internet, and processing calculations for turning OFF and ON, for example via remote controls, personal computing devices, servers on the internet and the like. In other embodiments, fans may be fitted with simple control panels, allowing users to adjust target temperatures and other settings without the need for a dedicated or remote control panel.

[00070] In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, processing, such by the controller, may be done by any conventional CPU, computing processors, microcontrollers, printed circuit boards, and the like. For example, in some embodiments a Raspberry Pi Microcontroller may be used for system control, though other low-power controllers may also be used to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability, such as an Espressif ESP32 family SOC chip, making it more suitable for widespread adoption, especially in energy-sensitive environments. In some embodiments, a 16 GB micro SD card (or other appropriately sized storage) stores the code and the Raspberry Pi OS. The storage card provides expansion of memory storage needed for the fan to function.

Smart Registers

[00071 ] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, climate control devices and systems herein may comprise “smart” air registers which, among other aspects described herein, may comprise incorporating enhanced programmability, motion sensors, and temperature sensors throughout a building to optimize and personalize temperature control.

[00072] For example, when equipped with motion and temperature sensors, such air registers in accordance with the present disclosure, may be capable of opening and closing automatically and can be programmed to regulate temperature in specific areas of the interior space 140 based on occupancy and usage patterns by focusing on heating or cooling on areas currently in use. For example, in a home where someone is working in an office during the day, there would be no need to heat or cool the entire house. The air registers thus, may either concentrate on maintaining the temperature in just the occupied office or follow motion sensor inputs to regulate the temperature in occupied areas only.

[00073] Additionally, in buildings with existing powered HVAC systems, air registers in accordance with the present disclosure may significantly enhance energy efficiency. In this regard, by controlling which areas receive airflow, the system reduces the energy expenditure of heating or cooling unoccupied spaces.

[00074] Additionally, powering registers can be difficult if ease of installation is desired. For example, rewiring existing electrical wires is difficult and expensive. While using disposable batteries may be feasible, that can be inconvenient, expensive and environmentally undesirable. Thus, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, integrated rechargeable battery packs used with energy harvesting devices may be provided. For example, one option is to use small fan generators that create energy from the airflow through the register. Other methods of generating energy could be through using temperature differentials between the inside and outside of the register (e.g., thermoelectric generators), or piezoelectric devices that use pressure generated by the airflow to generate electricity. Additionally, vibrational energy harvesters could take advantage of the vibrations that central fans often create.

[00075] Additionally, air registers in accordance with the present disclosure, may have the ability to be programmed and customize the operation of the air registers via user interfaces such as those disclosed herein, including setting specific temperature zones, scheduling temperature control based on daily routines, and/or allowing the system to adapt automatically to occupancy patterns.

General System

[00076] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure and as noted above, climate control devices and systems may comprise Raspberry Pi 4, Espressif ESP32 SOC, or other processors. For example, Figure 10 illustrates context and boundaries of the system. As illustrated, external sources interacting with the system are depicted in the square boxes. The arrows indicate the flow of the process of either sending or receiving information. The solar panel or a window units plug-in can be used as the power source. In order for the system to be aware of the user’s temperature range, the user sends the desired input temperature to it. The wireless temperature sensors installed inside and outside the home will provide the system with accurate temperature readings every ten seconds. If the required temperature is not reached, the system will decide when to turn on the fans. Relays will be given access to the open data forecast by the system, and they will then send commands to the system instructing it to switch on or off the fans. Additionally, AccuWeather provides open data weather forecasts to the system for up to two weeks. The Treatlife app connects smart home-compatible devices, such as the wireless sensors, to the system.

[00077] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, a Zigbee Hub Gateway combines a Wi-Fi module and a Zigbee module so that Zigbee subdevices, including wireless sensors, can be remotely controlled over Wi-Fi on an app or locally controlled over a Zigbee network. For example, Alexa and Google Home assistants work with the hub. The Treatlife app allows users to use the smart sensors from any location at any time. The wireless sensors provide our users with the most recent and accurate temperature and humidity readings by updating the data every 10 seconds. Its vast temperature range is between -58°F and 158°F. The wireless sensors will be installed both indoors and outdoors of the home. They are run by a small battery that can be changed easily and lasts for up to a year. Its small size and portability saves a lot of space and also has an LCD display large enough to easily read the data even at a long distance.

System Modes & States

[00078] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, two states for the climate control device 100 are contemplated. The first state is a stationary state, where there is no temperature difference and the fans are not operating. The fan will also be in the stationary state if the user unplugs the power source or there is not enough sunlight to power the universal charger or battery from the solar panel. The other state is when the fans are operating to cool or heat the house or because of a temperature difference.

[00079] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, there are two modes when the fans operate that are dependent on the above-noted states. One mode is when temperature data from AccuWeather (or other forecasting service, or predictions from the system itself when internet is not available) is sent which may or may not activate fans depending on the desired temperature. The second mode is when data is gathered directly from the wireless sensors that are located inside and outside the home that also determine the state of the fan.

Major System Capabilities

[00080] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, a Zigbee Gateway Hub component of the climate control device 100 supports up to 128 Zigbee smart devices, compatible with Alexa, Google Home Assistant and Apple HomeKit. Customers can instruct their smart thermostat to adjust their home’s temperature. The Zigbee wireless sensors record and provide humidity readings in addition to precise temperature readings. The Smart Life app, which is connected to the Zigbee Gateway Hub, allows for remote control of the sensors any time, from any place.

[00081 ] The Raspberry Pi 4 can upgrade itself every day if users install a package called “unattended-upgrades.” This package enables the system to refresh the package list on a regular basis and then upgrade to the most recent fixes.

[00082] Using AccuWeather’s open data, the system can foresee future forecasts and make necessary adjustments. AccuWeather offers predictions up to two weeks in advance. The outcome from testing our first prototype to gather temperature data is shown below. Figure 11 illustrates a current temperature as well as a two- week forecast.

System Conditions

[00083] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, the climate control device is configured to activate or deactivate depending on information received by the weather forecast, temperature sensors, and the user. For example, it may rely on AccuWeather temperature data and readings from wireless thermistors. This information dictates how the system will function with few human interaction involved. The only input needed from the user is the desired temperature. A universal solar charger will also measure the amount of solar power that it will receive and charge the lipoly/lilon battery. The relays will also assess the forecast data that is received to activate or deactivate the fans.

Operational Scenarios

[00084] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, climate control devices and systems are able to cool down or heat up a home without the user controlling it. As noted above, the device 100 may incorporate a Raspberry Pi microcontroller, temperature sensors, bi-directional fans, and a solar panel to allow the system run autonomously. With the use of Python programming, the device 100 is able to automatically turn the fans on and change the direction as well. Using free public weather websites, the device 100 is able to pull the next day’s forecast to adjust operation. For example, if the next day is forecasted to be hot, the device and system will activate the fans the night before to pre-cool the house. In this regard, the climate control device and system may use two wireless sensors inside and outside the house. The system will have a threshold temperature that the user sets. If the temperature inside is warmer than the outside temperature, then the fans will turn on and the direction of the fans will push the inside air out. And vice versa if the house is warmer than the outside temperature. The fan direction will change depending on the scenario and either pull or push outside air.

Construction

[00085] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, in an embodiment, the climate control device 100 is a 22.75 inch x 11.63 inch dual window unit with manually reversible airflow control houses the device 100. The sides of the device 100 may have an accordion or other extendable wall that can extend up to six inches or more and locks the unit in place with various-sized windows. A removable cover to keep out hot or cold air when the fan is not in use may be provided. The cover may also prevent dust or bugs from entering. The fans’ two speed setting creates a powerful breeze. They can be reversed to pull heat from the user’s house. The fan has a handle on top that makes moving it simple for the user. Two detachable, durable feet are included on the bottom of the unit and can be used as tabletop supports on a desk or nightstand. For any workplace, bedroom, dorm, or other living areas, this unit would be ideal. The window unit is composed of plastic, making it strong and resistant to corrosion with excellent thermal and electrical insulating qualities for any environment.

System Security

[00086] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, when the Raspberry Pi 4 is first opened, it is configured with a default password. The user then creates a new unique password to set up a firewall to secure connections and to increase the security of the climate control device 100. Information Management

[00087] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, the Python program uses the client city name to forecast upcoming weather using the AccuWeather API. A weather API (application programming interface) offers specialized information based on specified parameters, such as location and time, enabling the automatic monitoring of weather data. The program requires a location key and then offers a variety of daily forecasts for the following 15 days for that place. The best weather APIs may provide real-time or forecasted weather data depending on the user’s needs. The system will start cooling or heating the house based on this information.

[00088] Figure 12 illustrates a circuit diagram for the climate control system in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As illustrated, there are four fans that are each connected to a relay that is linked to the processor. The relays receive a signal from the processor, which then activates the fans. The processor is wirelessly linked to the wireless sensors using Wi-Fi. The sensors control the signal and if the temperature inside and outside differs, the signal is delivered to the relays.

Fans

[00089] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure and as noted herein and with reference to Figure 13, some embodiments may use a two- fan operation to provide increased efficiency in large areas. In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure., the system can control which direction the fans rotate to either push or pull air in order to cool or heat up the house.

Technical & Programming Example

[00090] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure and as noted herein and with reference to Figure 14, the climate control device 100 is configured with a therm istor-LED system using the above-noted Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller. The thermistors measured the temperature when the system was running and provided a log of the current temperature information. The LED light turned on to indicate fan activation if the temperature is either over or below the stated temperature in the code. We set the temperature to 65°F to test the system, and when the thermistor temperature was above the set temperature at 70°F the LED turned on.

[00091 ] The following code enables the relay to turn on and turn off and on the fans: import RPi.GPIO as GPIO import time pin = 18

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)

GPIO.setup(pin, GPIO.OUT) while True: time.sleep(5)

GPIO.output(pin, GPIO. LOW) time.sleep(l )

GPIO.output(pin, GPIO.HIGH)

[00092] This code uses a GPIO library and sets the relay to pin 18. This simple code will run in perpetuity turning off and on the relay, with a 5 second delay to make sure the relay doesn’t break. Using two wireless temperature sensors run on batteries, and a solar charger to keep the Pi4 running. The fan circuit relies on an AC wall source to run. Using a Pi Pico to supplement the 5V supply and ground, the system relies on the Pi4 to run the code. The circuit diagram illustrated in Figure 15 below is the bulk of the system for wiring the Pico to the AC supply to the fans via a relay. Taking a desired user input, the temperatures detected by the sensors, and the forecasted weather, the Pi4 will determine when to run the system and for how long.

[00093] Taking into consideration the forecasted temperature, an algorithm in accordance with the present disclosure such as illustrated in Figure 16 predicts the temperature outside for up to a whole day in advance and compares that with the desired indoor temperature. The algorithm considers two scenarios, one where the fans run to cool the house at night in preparation for a hot day, and the other where the fans heat the house during the day for a colder night. These scenarios are implemented when the two temperatures detected by our sensors follow the forecasted temperatures set for that day.

[00094] Exemplary code for future temperatures follows: import requests def get_forecast(api_key, location): url = f”http://api. openweathermap. org/data/2.5/forecast?q={location}&appid={api_key}” response = requests.get(url) if response. status_code == 200: forecast_data = response.json() display_forecast(forecast_data) else: forecast_data = response.json() display_forecast(forecast_data) def display_forecast(forecast_data): print(“Forecast for the next 4 days:”) for i in range(16): day = forecast_data[‘list’][i] date = day[‘dt_txt’] temperature = day[‘main’][‘temp’] description = day[‘weather’][0]['description’] temperature = (temperature - 273.15) * (9/5) + 32 print(f”{date}: {description}, {temperature}°F”)

[00095] Using another python program asks the user where they live and displays the current and future temperatures:

Enter your location: Flagstaff Forecast for the next 4 days:

2023-03-11 12:00:00 clear sky, 48.254000000000055°F

2023-03-11 3:00:00 scattered clouds, 44.960000000000008°F

2023-03-11 6:00:00 light rain, 41.522000000000034°F

2023-03-11 9:00:00 overcast clouds, 37.364000000000003°F

2023-03-11 12:00:00 light rain, 39.326000000000009°F

2023-03-11 15:00:00 light rain, 39.794000000000075°F

2023-03-11 18:00:00 light rain, 42.440000000000002°F

2023-03-11 21:00:00 light rain, 44.438000000000045°F

2023-03-12 0:00:00 light rain, 43.304000000000005°F

2023-03-12 3:00:00 light rain, 37.436000000000007°F

2023-03-12 6:00:00 broken clouds, 35.978000000000065°F

2023-03-12 9:00:00 light rain, 37.094000000000007°F

2023-03-12 12:00:00 light rain, 35.132000000000007°F

2023-03-12 15:00:00 overcast clouds, 36.428000000000007°F

2023-03-12 18:00:00 overcast clouds, 45.626000000000009°F

[00096] This output shows the temperature and the forecast for the day.

Using this data enables and controls the fan to pre-cool the house.

RaspBee II module and control panel

[00097] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the RaspBee II module and the control panel are configured to allow Zigbee devices to connect to the Home Assistant. In this regard, a user follows opens a terminal and inserts the following commands: sudo apt update sudo apt install i2c-tools build-essential raspberrypi-kernel-headers curl -0 -L https://github.com/dresden-elektronik/raspbee2- rtc/archive/master.zip unzip master.zip cd raspbee2-rtc-m aster make sudo make install sudo reboot (Note: this will restart the PI, just go back into Terminal once rebooted) sudo hwclock --systohc sudo hwclock --verbose

[00098] After the command above is run, the output should look similar to:

Waiting in loop for time from /dev/rtcO to change

...got clock tick

Time read from Hardware Clock: 2020/03/06 13:55:21

Hw clock time : 2020/03/06 13:55:21 = 1583502921 seconds since 1969

Time since last adjustment is 1583502921 seconds

Calculated Hardware Clock drift is 0.000000 seconds

2020-03-06 14:55:20.017097+01 :00

[00099] Now the RaspBee module is set up and the next step is to install Docker by inserting the following commands: curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh sudo bash get-docker.sh sudo usermod -aG docker $(whoami) sudo reboot docker version

[000100] After running the command above, it should show that Docker was installed successfully and the Home Assistant can be installed on Docker by inserting the following command into Terminal: docker run -d \

--name homeassistant \

--privileged \

--restart=unless-stopped \

-e TZ=MY_TIME_ZONE \

-v /PATH_TO_YOUR_CONFIG:/config \

--network=host \ ghcr.io/home-assistant/home-assistant:stable

[000101 ] Home Assistant will install on Docker and Home Assistant will automatically start once the control panel is turned on. To access Home Assistant on a web browser, one first obtains the IP address of the control panel PI. In the terminal typing ifconfig, will show the IP of the Raspberry Pi. After obtaining the IP address, type in the search bar, <ip>:8123 insert the ip in replace of <ip>. This will bring up the Home Assistant set up page. Once on the main page of Home Assistant RaspBee can be set up in Home Assistant by going to settings, adding new integration and searching for Zigbee Home Assistant. Click /dev/ttyANAO for the serial port. After click deCONZ = dresden elektronik deCONZ protocol: ConBee l/ll, RaspBee l/ll. Now the module is set up with Home Assistant.

[000102] Next the Zigbee sensors are added into Home Assistant by clicking + Add Integration and Add Zigbee Device putting the sensors into pairing mode and they will be automatically discovered by Home Assistant. [000103] Next, the remote controller can be set up with the main circuit. On the remote controller, login and type ifconfig to get the IP. On the control panel on Home Assistant, go into advanced mode by going to Profile, scrolling down and selecting Advanced Mode. Then go into Settings, Add-ons and search for and install File Editor. Once it is installed a tab will be on the left side of the screen. Click the tab and a file editor will appear. Then go to the configurations. yam I file and add: switch:

- platform: remote_rpi_gpio host: IP_ADDRESS_OF_REMOTE_PI ports:

11 : Remote relay

[000104] The host will be the IP of the remote controller. The port number is the GPIO number. Save and restart Home Assistant, now the remote Pi is ready to be used within Home Assistant.

[000105] Next, create Helpers. Helpers are variables in Home Assistant. Go to Settings, Devices & Services, Helpers. Create a new Helper and click Number. Two new Helpers will be created. One for the minimum temperature inside and one maximum temperature inside. These Helpers can be added to the dashboard to enable changing them when desired. In this example, the helpers are named max_temperature and min_temperature.

[000106] Next, automations for the remote controllers and the sensors are setup by going to Settings, Automations, and Create New Automation. Click edit with Yaml and paste in the following: alias: Relay On description: ““ trigger:

- platform: state entity d: sensor. inside_temp_temperature condition:

- “{{ states(‘sensor.inside_temp_temperature’)|int(0) > states(‘input_number.max_temperature’)|int(O) or states(‘sensor.inside_temp_temperature’)|int(0) < states(‘input_number.min_temperature’)|int(O) and sensor. outside_temp_temperature|int(0) < sensor. inside_temp_temperature|int(O)}} “ action:

- service: switch. turn_on target: entityjd: switch. remote_relay

[000107] The following code will turn on the relay if the outside temperature is cooler than inside and the inside temperature is above or below the threshold temperatures.

[000108] To create another automation to turn off the relay paste the following code: alias: Relay Off description: ““ trigger:

- platform: state entity d: sensor. inside_temp_temperature condition:

- “{{ states(‘sensor.inside_temp_temperature’)|int(0) <= states(‘input_number.max_temperature’)|int(O) or states('sensor.inside_temp_temperature’)|int(0) >= states(‘input_number.min_temperature’)|int(O) or sensor. outside_temp_temperature|int(0) >= sensor. inside_temp_temperature|int(O)}} “ action: - service: switch. turn_off target: entity d: switch. remote_relay

[000109] This code will turn off the relay if the inside temperature is within the threshold temperatures or if the temperature outside is hotter than inside.

Results

[000110] Figure 17 illustrates the results after running the fan over a 4-hour period. The top measurement, depicts when the relay turn off and on during that period. The bottom graph shows temperature measurements from the inside and outside temperature sensors. The desired temperature was set to about 72°F. At the start of the period, the sensors were moved around to observe the difference in data. After 3:00PM, it is prevalent that the outside temperature rises and the fans activate periodically to bring the inside temperature down. Near 4:00PM, the outside temperature spiked due to the temperature sensor sitting in direct sunlight. The sensor was transferred into a shield which regulated the readings proving the effectiveness.

[000111 ] Climate control devices and systems in accordance with the present disclosure are easily adaptable to a variety of applications across various sectors and geographic locations, aligning with the global emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, as follows:

Residential Applications

[000112] Offering households an energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling, especially in areas with significant temperature fluctuations or limited access to conventional air conditioning, including multiple fan installations that direct airflows throughout the home, as well as reverse flows to take advantage of existing temperature differentials in the home, for example upper levels being warmer than lower levels.

[000113] Similarly, in apartment buildings or dormitories, a window fan or wall fan installation may be appropriate. Such installations in a single unit may be set so one brings air in and one brings air out (or the fans could be bidirectional and programmable). These fans may be oriented in opposite directions in such a way as to create airflow through the space, and not just circulating air in and then right out again. The fan orientation may be configurable to maximize the desired circulation. That orientation may be adaptive as the unit learns over time what orientation is best and at what time of day, using temperature sensors inside the living space. In some embodiments, infrared imagers may be integrated to measure the temperature of the walls, furniture, and the like, to make smarter decisions regarding turning off and on and fan orientation.

Commercial and Office Spaces

[000114] Climate control devices and systems in accordance with the present disclosure are may be ideal for small offices or retail spaces, providing a greener solution for temperature control, leading to potential energy savings and sustainability improvements. Such buildings often have sophisticated, industrial-scale HVAC systems already installed. In such cases, a module-only solution may be provided, including a processor that integrates with other sensors, such as temperature sensors, and existing infrastructure and sensors through existing communication layers (such as BACnet) which would interface with existing controllers and add intelligence. For example, the device may interface with existing controllers to pre-heat or pre-cool buildings when desired, within certain timeframes, to achieve energy reductions while maintaining desired temperatures.

[000115] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, climate control devices and systems can be adapted to a wide variety of other applications and uses as follows:

Developing world, no grid

[000116] This would likely include integration with a solar panel for power, and would likely work without an internet connection. Local communication between devices, if necessary, could be achieved through low power comms such as Thread or LoRa. It could potentially learn weather patterns on its own over time or simply rely on temp sensors and user settings.

Developing world, grid, low income

[000117] Same as above, may or may not include internet, and would not require solar, though with unreliable grid power, a combination of solar and small batteries could be beneficial, particularly when power grids go down (e.g., under extreme weather). In such instances, this application may not be as much of an energy savings benefit as it would be a quality of life benefit with little environmental impact. Commercial/educational buildings with existing HVAC

[000118] These buildings often have HVAC systems that have the capability of pulling in outside air on demand. Nonetheless, they typically are not fit with temperature sensors (or integrated with sensing networks) to know when it may be advantageous to use cooler or hotter outside air. Furthermore, pre-cooling and pre-heating functions, as well as weather prediction, thermal inertia modeling, and other functions set forth above are typically absent. Thus, adding functionality through climate control devices and systems in accordance with the present disclosure to existing sophisticated HVAC systems may be advantageous.

Data Centers

[000119] Artificial Intelligence Centers and data center companies (e.g. Cloud Servers, University HPCs, Al factories, cryptocurrency mining farms, etc.) may be useful applications of climate control devices and systems in accordance with the present disclosure.

Agricultural Cooling/Heating

[000120] Climate control devices and systems in accordance with the present disclosure may likewise be added to greenhouses and indoor farming facilities often require temperature regulation to optimize plant growth, reducing the reliance on traditional HVAC systems.

Off-grid Homes and Remote Cabins

[000121 ] Climate control devices and systems in accordance with the present disclosure may be used with cabins and off-grid homes that need an energyefficient way to regulate temperature, particularly when conventional grid and solar power integration is available.

Public Transportation Systems

[000122] Adapting the technology for cooling or heating in public transportation hubs (e.g., train or bus stations) or even in vehicles themselves, especially where ventilation can be controlled based on outdoor temperatures may be a suitable application of climate control devices and systems in accordance with the present disclosure.

Temporary Shelters and Emergency Housing

[000123] In disaster relief scenarios, Floe could be implemented in temporary shelters to maintain a more comfortable temperature without relying on resource-heavy cooling or heating systems. This could be particularly useful in areas with large day-night temperature fluctuations. Military deployments and tents

[000124] Field deployments for military personnel often forego AC or heating due to their weight and power requirements. Floe could be integrated into these systems to make conditions more comfortable for military personnel, thus improving performance and safety. Military deployments often occur in environments where temperature extremes can affect performance and safety. Floe could provide soldiers with a lightweight, portable solution to regulate temperature without the logistical challenges of heavy HVAC systems. This could also reduce energy consumption and improve comfort in the field.

Mobile Home or RV Applications

[000125] Many people live in mobile homes or use RVs where temperature regulation can be challenging. A version of Floe optimized for smaller, mobile spaces could provide energy-efficient temperature control for this market.

High-rise Residential or Office Buildings

[000126] Individual units in high-rise buildings might struggle with effective airflow. A Floe system could manage temperature differentials by capitalizing on the temperature gradient across the height of the building. Air temps at the top of the building are usually cooler than those at the bottom. The standard lapse rate of air temperature is 1 degree C / 100 meters. Pumping air down, however, would compress the air and thus heat it. Some sort of heat exchanger could be implemented to overcome this effect.

Sports Facilities (Gyms, Indoor Arenas)

[000127] Indoor sports facilities can become quite hot or cold depending on external weather conditions. Floe could be useful for energy-efficient climate control, particularly when combined with air filtration to maintain good air quality for athletes and spectators.

Industrial Cooling (e.g., Warehouses)

[000128] In large industrial spaces like warehouses where heating and cooling are difficult, Floe could help regulate the temperature more efficiently by bringing in cooler or warmer outdoor air at the right times of day.

Museums and Archives

[000129] These spaces require precise climate control to preserve artifacts. Floe could be integrated into existing or new active systems to maintain stable temperature conditions in a low-energy way.

Cold Storage Applications

[000130] A variation of the Floe system could help regulate cold storage environments by using external air when outdoor temperatures are low enough.

Retail and small business locations

[000131 ] Pre-cooling and pre-heating could be especially useful, especially at night, when people are not present, and thus the facility can tolerate cooler or hotter temperatures.

Camping/Glamping Tents/Yurts

[000132] Temperature control in recreational camping setups can significantly improve comfort. Floe could be marketed as an eco-friendly solution for luxury campsites or long-term recreational camping, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional heating/cooling methods.

Refugee Camps

[000133] In humanitarian contexts, refugee camps are often set up in areas with extreme weather conditions. Floe could provide a critical advantage by maintaining livable conditions inside tents using minimal power, possibly solar or small batteries, and integrating local temperature monitoring. This could reduce the need for costly and resource-intensive heating/cooling solutions in already strained environments.

Event Tents

[000134] For large outdoor events such as weddings, festivals, or corporate events, temporary structures often require climate control. Floe could offer a sustainable way to maintain comfortable temperatures in large event tents, using natural airflow to supplement or replace traditional cooling/heating solutions.

Emergency Response Tents

[000135] In disaster response situations, temporary medical, command, or sleeping tents often need climate control. Floe could be adapted to provide low-power, portable solutions to keep these environments habitable in extreme conditions without relying on external energy sources, which may be scarce in such situations.

Example

[000136] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, an example of a climate control device 100 in use follows. As noted above, the device 100 may consist of a plurality of fans and temperature sensors installed in house walls or windows for creating an airflow through a house. In this regard, by bringing in warm outside air when the house is cold, or cool outsider air when the house is hot, the climate control device 100 reduces the need for heaters or air conditioners to pull the entire load of house temperature regulation. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, throughout the day, ambient air temperature typically cycles between being relatively warm at midday, and relatively cool at night. As long as the maximum ambient temperature is above the household air temperature at some point during the day when warming is needed, or vice versa, the climate control device 100 is effective. [000137] In this regard, for example, in Flagstaff, Arizona during the late fall season houses are often too cold without turning on the heat. However, during peak daytime hours, the outside air temperature is often higher than the indoor temperature. Thus, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, an example of a climate control device 100 operates in the following manner:

1 ) The user sets a desired temperature of 70°F;

2) The climate control device 100 monitors indoor and outdoor air temperature.

3) When indoor temperature has not yet reached 70°F and outdoor temperature exceeds the indoor temperature, the climate control device 100 turns on the fans, thereby bringing outside air in and heating the house.

[000138] The climate control device 100 works anywhere that daily temperature fluctuation crosses the household temperature line, or stays on the desired side of household temperature. The ideal environment for the climate control device 100 to function is one in which the day/night temperature fluctuation is large, such as in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Value Proposition

[000139] A table illustrating the climate control devices attributes compared to conventional devices is below:

[000140] Accordingly, the climate control devices and systems disclosed herein can significantly reduce the energy consumption associated with interior and household temperature regulation. By leveraging the temperature differential between indoor and outdoor environments, the climate control devices provide a greener alternative to traditional heating and cooling methods and is a direct response to the urgent need to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions from utilities. Additionally, the climate control devices and systems are generally financially accessible solutions for temperature regulation, especially in areas lacking conventional air conditioning, making them attractive options for a wider range of consumers, including those in developing nations and low-income regions. The costeffectiveness extends not only to the initial purchase price but also to ongoing operational costs, which are significantly lower compared to traditional systems.

[000141 ] Further, the climate control devices and systems in accordance with the present disclosure enhance the user experience and operational efficiency. This includes the use of predictive algorithms utilizing weather forecast data, compatibility with smart home systems, and the incorporation of remote control capabilities. These features allow the climate control devices and systems to intelligently adjust operation based on external temperature conditions and user preferences, providing a more responsive and adaptive solution compared to static heating and cooling systems. The climate control devices and systems can use existing technologies such as temperature sensors, fans, and control systems. For example, technology such as Raspberry Pi for system control and Zigbee Gateway Hub for smart home integration are examples.

[000142] Thus, climate control devices and systems in accordance with the present disclosure may provide a lasting impact on global efforts to mitigate climate change and air quality. By providing a low-energy alternative for interior temperature control, it contributes to a reduction in global energy demand and carbon emissions. [000143] As required, detailed aspects of the present disclosed subject matter are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the disclosed subject matter, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosed subject matter in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[000144] Likewise, numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the preceding description, including various alternatives together with details of the structure and function of the devices and/or methods. The disclosure is intended as illustrative only and as such is not intended to be exhaustive. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made, especially in matters of composition, ingredients, structure, materials, elements, components, shape, size and arrangement of parts including combinations within the principles of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. To the extent that these various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be encompassed therein.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1 . A climate control device comprising, a housing, the housing further comprising at least one air handler for drawing exterior air from an exterior space through an exterior air inlet and discharging the exterior air through an exterior air outlet into an interior space, the housing further comprising an interior air exhaust for discharging interior air to the exterior space; an interior temperature sensor for detecting an interior temperature; an exterior temperature sensor for detecting an exterior temperature; a user interface for setting an interior target temperature; and a controller to: turn the air handler ON when the interior temperature is above the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is below the interior temperature, OR when the interior temperature is below the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is above the interior temperature, and turn the air handler ON to pre-condition the interior space by moving the interior temperature higher or lower than the interior target temperature, while staying within a specified temperature envelope, to maintain temperatures closer to the interior target temperature during the night or day, and turn the climate control device OFF when the interior temperature is at or above the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is at or above the interior temperature, OR when the interior temperature is at or below the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is at or below the interior temperature.

2. The climate control device of claim 1 , wherein the controller uses the interior temperature sensor and the exterior temperature sensor, weather forecasting data, and a thermal inertia modeling to predict when, how, and a duration for which to bring in the exterior air.

3. The climate control device of claim 2, wherein the controller uses weather prediction data collected over time combined with the sensors to improve local weather prediction and control the climate control device.

4. The climate control device of claim 2, wherein the controller models the thermal inertia of a structure defining the interior space to achieve the interior target temperature in a specified time.

5. The climate control device of claim 1 , wherein the climate control device communicates with other components proximate the interior space to determine localized condition changes.

6. The climate control device of claim 1 , wherein a COOLING MODE is used when the interior temperature is above the target temperature and the exterior temperature is below the target temperature and a HEATING MODE is used when the interior temperature is below the target temperature and the exterior temperature is above the target temperature.

7. The climate control device of claim 1 , further comprising an internal diverter, wherein the internal diverter blocks air movement between the exterior space and the interior space when the climate control device is OFF and when the climate control device is ON, the internal diverter moves to allow air flow such that the exterior air discharged into the interior space.

8. The climate control device of claim 7, wherein the controller: moves the internal diverter to OPEN and turns the air handler ON when the interior temperature is above the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is below the interior temperature, OR when the interior temperature is below the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is above the interior temperature, and and turns the air handler OFF and moves the internal diverter to CLOSED when the climate control device OFF.

9. The climate control device of claim 7, wherein the exterior air outlet and the interior air exhaust switch depending on the position of the internal diverter.

10. The climate control device of claim 7, wherein the controller changes the air handler speed and moves the internal diverter up and down to control air circulation and a rate of thermal exchange within the interior space.

11 . The climate control device of claim 7, wherein the internal diverter comprises an insulation layer.

12. The climate control device of claim 7, wherein the exterior air discharged into the interior space is directed in one of an upward direction or a downward direction through the exterior air outlet while allowing interior air to be discharged out of the interior space through the interior air exhaust in an opposite direction of the exterior air discharged into the interior space.

13. The climate control device of claim 1 , further comprising an air filter.

14. The climate control device of claim 1 , further comprising a modular component comprising at least one of an evaporative cooler unit, dehumidification unit, a heat pump, a Peltier cooling unit, a heat sink, phase change material for storing thermal energy, or a cellular, lore, or other wireless connectivity module for internet connection when Wi-Fi is not available.

15. The climate control device of claim 1 , wherein the controller is integrated with a smart home controller.

16. The climate control device of claim 1 , wherein climate control device is integrated with a whole house fan.

17. The climate control device of claim 1 , wherein climate control device has an occupancy monitor to determine whether the climate control device should be in an operational mode.

18. The climate control device of claim 1 , wherein climate control device is a register.

19. A climate control device comprising, a housing, the housing further comprising at least one air handler for drawing exterior air from an exterior space through an exterior air inlet and discharging the exterior air through an exterior air outlet into an interior space, the housing further comprising an interior air exhaust for discharging interior air to the exterior space; an internal diverter, wherein the internal diverter blocks air movement between the exterior space and the interior space when the climate control device is OFF, and when the climate control device is ON, the internal diverter moves to allow airflow such that the exterior air discharged into the interior space is directed in one of an upward direction or a downward direction through the exterior air outlet while allowing interior air to be discharged out of the interior space through the interior air exhaust in an opposite direction of the exterior air discharged into the interior space; an interior temperature sensor for detecting an interior temperature; an exterior temperature sensor for detecting an exterior temperature; a user interface for setting an interior target temperature range; and a controller to: move the internal diverter to OPEN and turn the air handler ON when the interior temperature is above the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is below the interior temperature, OR when the interior temperature is below the interior target temperature and the exterior temperature is above the interior temperature, and turns the air handler OFF and moves the internal diverter to CLOSED when the climate control device OFF.

20. The climate control device of claim 19, wherein a COOLING MODE is used when the interior temperature is above the target temperature and the exterior temperature is below the target temperature and a HEATING MODE is used when the interior temperature is below the target temperature and the exterior temperature is above the target temperature.

21 . The climate control device of claim 19, wherein the exterior air outlet and the interior air exhaust switch depending on the position of the internal diverter.

22. The climate control device of claim 19, wherein the controller changes the air handler speed and moves the internal diverter up and down to control air circulation and a rate of thermal exchange within the interior space.

23. The climate control device of claim 19, wherein the internal diverter comprises an insulation layer.

24. The climate control device of claim 19, wherein the exterior air discharged into the interior space is directed in one of an upward direction or a downward direction through the exterior air outlet while allowing interior air to be discharged out of the interior space through the interior air exhaust in an opposite direction of the exterior air discharged into the interior space.

25. The climate control device of claim 19, further comprising an air filter.

26. The climate control device of claim 19, further comprising a modular component comprising at least one of an evaporative cooler unit, dehumidification unit, a heat pump, a Peltier cooling unit, a heat sink, phase change material for storing thermal energy, or a cellular, lore, or other wireless connectivity module for internet connection when Wi-Fi is not available.

27. The climate control device of claim 19, wherein the controller turns the air handler ON to pre-condition the interior space by moving the interior temperature higher or lower than the interior target temperature, while staying within a specified temperature envelope, to maintain temperatures closer to the interior target temperature during the night or day.

28. The climate control device of claim 19, wherein the controller uses the interior temperature sensor and the exterior temperature sensor, weather forecasting data, and a thermal inertia modeling to predict when, how, and a duration for which to bring in the exterior air.

29. The climate control device of claim 28, wherein the controller uses weather prediction data collected over time combined with the sensors to improve local weather prediction and control the climate control device.

30. The climate control device of claim 28, wherein the controller models the thermal inertia of a structure defining the interior space to achieve the interior target temperature in a specified time.

31. The climate control device of claim 19, wherein the climate control device communicates with other components proximate the interior space to determine localized condition changes.

32. The climate control device of claim 19, wherein the controller is integrated with a smart home controller.

33. The climate control device of claim 19, wherein climate control device is integrated with a whole house fan.

34. The climate control device of claim 19, wherein climate control device has an occupancy monitor to determine whether the climate control device should be in an operational mode.

35. The climate control device of claim 19, wherein climate control device is a register.

36. A climate control system comprising, a controller integrated with an HVAC system having at least one air handler for drawing exterior air from an exterior space through an exterior air inlet and discharging the exterior air through an exterior air outlet into an interior space, the HVAC system having further comprising an interior air exhaust for discharging interior air to the exterior space; an interior temperature sensor for detecting an interior temperature; an exterior temperature sensor for detecting an exterior temperature; a thermostat for setting an interior target temperature range; and the controller configured: to turn the HVAC system ON when the interior temperature interior is outside the interior target temperature range, and turn the HVAC system having OFF when the interior temperature interior is within the interior target temperature range.

37. The climate control system of claim 36, wherein the climate control system if retrofitted to the HVAC system.

38. The climate control system of claim 36, wherein a COOLING MODE is used when the interior temperature is above the target temperature and the exterior temperature is below the target temperature and a HEATING MODE is used when the interior temperature is below the target temperature and the exterior temperature is above the target temperature.

39. The climate control system of claim 36, wherein the controller turns the air handler ON to pre-condition the interior space by moving the interior temperature higher or lower than the interior target temperature, while staying within a specified temperature envelope, to maintain temperatures closer to the interior target temperature during the night or day.

40. The climate control system of claim 39, wherein the controller uses the interior temperature sensor and the exterior temperature sensor, weather forecasting data, and a thermal inertia modeling to predict when, how, and a duration for which to bring in the exterior air.

41 . The climate control system of claim 40, wherein the controller uses weather prediction data collected over time combined with the sensors to improve local weather prediction and control the climate control device.

42. The climate control system of claim 40, wherein the controller models the thermal inertia of a structure defining the interior space to achieve the interior target temperature in a specified time.

43. The climate control system of claim 36, wherein the controller changes the air handler speed to control air circulation and a rate of thermal exchange within the interior space.