SWITCHING APPARATUS FOR HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEMS

Some present aspects provide a switching device for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises. The switching device includes a transceiver configured to receive a command from a remote control panel; one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system; and one or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the remote control panel.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, a switching device for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises is provided. The switching device includes a transceiver configured to receive a command from a remote control panel. The switching device further includes one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system. The switching device further includes one or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the remote control panel.

In another aspect, a method for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises is provided. The method includes receiving, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel. The method further includes controlling, by one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.

In a further aspect, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media stores instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, individually or in combination, cause the one or more processors to control a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, individually or in combination cause the one or more processors to receive, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, individually or in combination, further cause the one or more processors to control, by the one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.

In another aspect, a system comprises a central control panel and a plurality of switching devices configured to control a plurality of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Each switching device is configured to control a respective HVAC system. Each switching device comprises a transceiver configured to receive a command from the central control panel. Each switching device further comprises one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the respective HVAC system. Each switching device further comprises one or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the central control panel.

In a further aspect, an apparatus for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises is provided. The apparatus comprises one or more memories storing instructions; and one or more processors communicatively coupled with the one or more memories. The one or more processors, individually or in combination, are configured to execute the instructions to receive, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel. The one or more processors, individually or in combination, are further configured to execute the instructions to control, by the one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a switching box that implements a simple and low cost solution for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises by taking advantage of user interface (UI), communication components, and/or other functionalities of another control panel of another system at the premises (e.g., a security panel, a fire panel, a home automation control panel, etc.). In some aspects, for example, the switching functionality of the switching box, in combination with UI, communication, and/or other functionalities of the other control panel of the other system, provides the functionality of a thermostat for the HVAC system. In these aspects, the other control panel and the switching box are connected, e.g., via a wired or wireless communication link, to perform at least the traditional thermostat functionality. The switching box may be a simple and low cost relay box configured to switch various components of the HVAC system, such as furnace, boiler, compressor, air-handler, evaporator, etc., while the UI features and/or other resources of the other control panel (e.g., display, buttons, memory, computing and algorithm power, communication, etc.) fulfill the same/similar functionalities provided by a conventional thermostat of the HVAC system.

Accordingly, the present aspects split the functionality of a conventional thermostat into two parts by placing the switching functionality of the thermostat in a switching box that includes one or more switching relays, and placing UI and other features of the thermostat in another existing/available control panel of another system.

In some aspects, the other control panel may include a communication component for communication on the Internet. In some aspects, the other control panel may include a wireless communication component for communication according to a wireless technology, for example, Bluetooth, etc. In some aspects, the other control panel may include/execute a mobile application (app). In some aspects, the other control panel may be provided by a user device, such as a mobile device, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart speaker, a home assistant, a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a smart watch, an entertainment device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.

Turning now to the figures, example aspects are depicted with reference to one or more components described herein, where components in dashed lines may be optional.

Referring toFIG.1, an HVAC system100for a premises10(e.g., a home, building, etc.) is disclosed. The HVAC system100may include an HVAC unit110configured to control an ambient condition of one or more rooms of the premises10based on information from one or more sensors150. In an example, an ambient condition may be a temperature and/or a humidity level.

In some aspects, the sensors150may include one or more Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) sensors to enable the HVAC system100to manage a wide range of gases, such as but not limited to, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), etc. For example, the HVAC system100may communicate with an IAQ sensor configured to detect CO2. If the sensor indicates that the level of CO2 is above an acceptable threshold level, the HVAC system100may increase ventilation to lower the level of CO2.

In some aspects, the sensors150may include, for example, a temperature/humidity sensor which may be embedded in other type of devices that can send temperature/humidity information to the HVAC system100. For example, in some non-limiting aspects, a temperature sensor in a mobile phone may send information (e.g., via Bluetooth communication) to a control panel of the HVAC system100, thus performing the functionality of a sensor150.

As shown inFIG.1, the HVAC unit110may be external to the premises10. In an aspect, one or more components (e.g., air conditioning (A/C) unit112, furnace114, blower116, heat pump (not shown), communications component130, or controller140) may be located in different locations including inside the premises10. The premises10may be a home, office, or any other structure, and the HVAC system100may be configured for controlling one or more ambient conditions of the structure.

In an aspect, the HVAC system100may include supply ducts120and return ducts124installed within the premises10and coupled with the HVAC unit110. The supply ducts120may supply air to the premises10, and the return ducts124may return air from the premises10. The supply ducts120may receive supply air through one or more of intakes128that provide outside air to the HVAC system100and/or may recycle return air from the return ducts124. The supply ducts120may output the supply air at one or more of the rooms of the premises10via one or more supply vents122. The return ducts124may receive return air from the premises10to balance air within the premises10. The return air may be input into the return ducts124via one or more return vents126.

The HVAC unit110may include one or more of an A/C unit112, a furnace114, a blower116, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, a heat pump, or any other components for adjusting an ambient condition of a room of the premises10. The A/C unit112may be configured to cool the supply air by passing the supply air through or around one or more cooled pipes (e.g., chiller pipes) to lower a temperature of the supply air. The furnace114may be configured to warm the supply air by passing the supply air through or around one or more warmed pipes (e.g., heating coils) to raise a temperature of the supply air. The blower116may be configured to blow the supply air through the supply ducts120to the premises10and pull the return air from the premises10. The humidifier may be configured to add moisture to the supply air.

The dehumidifier may be configured to reduce moisture in the supply air.

The HVAC unit110may also include a communications component130configured to communicate with the one or more sensors150. In an aspect, the communications component130may communicate with the one or more sensors150via one or more communications links132. In an example, the communications component130may include one or more antennas, processors, modems, radio frequency components, and/or circuitry for communicating with the sensors150. The one or more communications links132may be wired and/or wireless communication links.

The HVAC system100may also include the one or more sensors150located within one or more rooms of the premises10and/or within or near the supply vents122. The one or more sensors150may be configured to detect an ambient condition such as a temperature and/or a humidity level of the rooms where the sensors150are located. Each of the sensors150may provide sensor information180to the HVAC unit110. Examples of a sensor150may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or any sensor configured to detect an ambient condition of one or more rooms of the premises10.

The HVAC system100may also include a wall-mounted conventional thermostat160that allows a user to control the operation of the HVAC system100, e.g., by communicating with the controller140of the HVAC unit110. In an aspect, for example, the user may use the conventional thermostat160to adjust/select one or more user priorities/preferences that cause the controller140to control one or more of the AC unit112, the furnace114, the blower116, the humidifier, the dehumidifier, the heat pump, or any other components for adjusting an ambient condition of a room of the premises10. Accordingly, the HVAC system100may operate according to instructions/settings received from the conventional thermostat160.

In an aspect, for example, the conventional thermostat160may be configured to display, adjust, and store setpoint information indicating desired user settings for one or more rooms of the premises10. In an example, the setpoint information may include heating/cooling settings indicating one or more desired temperatures (e.g., minimum and/or maximum room temperatures) for one or more rooms of the premises10and/or humidity settings indicating a desired humidity level for one or more rooms of the premises10and/or an IAQ setting indicating one or more desired air quality levels (e.g., a maximum CO2 level) for one or more rooms of the premises10. The conventional thermostat160may provide the setpoint information to the HVAC unit110.

The HVAC unit110may also include a controller140configured to control the A/C unit112, the furnace114, the blower116, the humidifier, and the dehumidifier, based on the sensor information180received from the sensors150and the setpoint information received from the conventional thermostat160. The controller140may communicate with the communications component130, the A/C unit112, the furnace114, the blower116, the humidifier, and/or the dehumidifier via a communications bus134. The controller140may include logic to determine when to initiate the blower116along with one of the A/C unit112or the furnace114, and/or when to initiate a humidifier or a dehumidifier, based on the sensor information180and the setpoint information. The controller140may also include logic to determine a time and/or a speed to run the blower116along with a time or power level to run one of the A/C unit112or the furnace114based on the sensor information180and the setpoint information.

Referring toFIG.2, in some aspects, a conventional thermostat50may be used to control the operation of an HVAC system80based on sensing the environment temperature in order to maintain the environment temperature at or around a desired range/setpoint. The conventional thermostat50may include temperature/humidity sensing/measurement components/sensors58, a user interface (UI)52, including, for example, a display40, one or more buttons42for user input, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)44, etc. The conventional thermostat50may further include one or more processors59(e.g., one or more microcontrollers) and one or more memories57configured, individually or in combination, to implement control logic, a power supply54, and one or more relays56connected to output wiring to the HVAC system devices (to a HVAC controller46to control heat48, cool41, fan43, pump45, etc.). The one or more processors59, individually or in combination, have the logic algorithm software to control/manage the relays56that turn the HVAC system devices ON and OFF. In some cases, e.g., in residential or small office environments, the conventional thermostat50connects to the HVAC system80which may be located in the basement or outside the premises. The conventional thermostat50may be configured, for example, on a wall near a living room or corridor or in another place of the premises.

As used herein, a processor, at least one processor, and/or one or more processors, individually or in combination, configured to perform or operable for performing a plurality of actions is meant to include at least two different processors able to perform different, overlapping or non-overlapping subsets of the plurality actions, or a single processor able to perform all of the plurality of actions. In one non-limiting example of multiple processors being able to perform different ones of the plurality of actions in combination, a description of a processor, at least one processor, and/or one or more processors configured or operable to perform actions X, Y, and Z may include at least a first processor configured or operable to perform a first subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., to perform X) and at least a second processor configured or operable to perform a second subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., to perform Y and Z). Alternatively, a first processor, a second processor, and a third processor may be respectively configured or operable to perform a respective one of actions X, Y, and Z. It should be understood that any combination of one or more processors each may be configured or operable to perform any one or any combination of a plurality of actions.

As used herein, a memory, at least one memory, and/or one or more memories, individually or in combination, configured to store or having stored thereon instructions executable by one or more processors for performing a plurality of actions is meant to include at least two different memories able to store different, overlapping or non-overlapping subsets of the instructions for performing different, overlapping or non-overlapping subsets of the plurality actions, or a single memory able to store the instructions for performing all of the plurality of actions. In one non-limiting example of one or more memories, individually or in combination, being able to store different subsets of the instructions for performing different ones of the plurality of actions, a description of a memory, at least one memory, and/or one or more memories configured or operable to store or having stored thereon instructions for performing actions X, Y, and Z may include at least a first memory configured or operable to store or having stored thereon a first subset of instructions for performing a first subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., instructions to perform X) and at least a second memory configured or operable to store or having stored thereon a second subset of instructions for performing a second subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., instructions to perform Y and Z). Alternatively, a first memory, and second memory, and a third memory may be respectively configured to store or have stored thereon a respective one of a first subset of instructions for performing X, a second subset of instruction for performing Y, and a third subset of instructions for performing Z. It should be understood that any combination of one or more memories each may be configured or operable to store or have stored thereon any one or any combination of instructions executable by one or more processors to perform any one or any combination of a plurality of actions. Moreover, one or more processors may each be coupled to at least one of the one or more memories and configured or operable to execute the instructions to perform the plurality of actions. For instance, in the above non-limiting example of the different subset of instructions for performing actions X, Y, and Z, a first processor may be coupled to a first memory storing instructions for performing action X, and at least a second processor may be coupled to at least a second memory storing instructions for performing actions Y and Z, and the first processor and the second processor may, In combination, execute the respective subset of instructions to accomplish performing actions X, Y, and Z. Alternatively, three processors may access one of three different memories each storing one of instructions for performing X, Y, or Z, and the three processor may in combination execute the respective subset of instruction to accomplish performing actions X, Y, and Z. Alternatively, a single processor may execute the instructions stored on a single memory, or distributed across multiple memories, to accomplish performing actions X, Y, and Z.

The UI52enables system configuration through the display40, the buttons42, the LEDs44, etc. in the UI52. The conventional thermostat50may include one or more temperature/humidity sensors58to enable HVAC control. The one or more memories57are included for storage of HVAC system data history, and/or for other functionality such as, for example, system logic, memory space to perform OTA updates, etc. A mains supply54may be connected to a supply power for providing power to the components of the conventional thermostat50.

Some present aspects split the features of a conventional thermostat into multiple parts, including: (A) UI and logic (which may be implemented in an existing control panel such as a security control panel or a home automation control panel, on a computer, cell phone, router, etc.); and (B) one or more relays (which may be implemented in a switching box) to operate the HVAC system components. Since the UI and logic are not part of the switching box, a mains supply is no longer required for powering the switching box. In some aspects, for example, a mains supply may no longer be required in the switching box due to another form of power to the switching box. In some optional non-limiting implementations, a mains supply may still be provided as an alternative source of power for the switching box, though not a preferable source of power. In some optional non-limiting implementations, a part of the UI may still remain on the switching box and may include, for example, one or more of: a master power switch, an emergency button, a reset button, one or more manual control switches, etc.

Referring toFIG.3, in one non-limiting aspect, for example, a conventional thermostat may be replaced with a switching box60and a control panel20. In some non-limiting example aspects, the control panel20may already be available in the premises where the HVAC system80is located. For example, the control panel20may be an existing security panel, an existing automation panel, an existing computer, etc., at the premises where the HVAC system80is located. Alternatively, in some other non-limiting aspects, for example, in order to replace a conventional thermostat at the premises where the HVAC system80is located, a user may install/configure a new control panel20and a switching box60.

The control panel20includes a UI22, as well as one or more memories29and one or more processors28to, individually or in combination, implement HVAC control logic. The control panel20may also include HVAC operational parameters (e.g., default setup parameters), maintenance information, logs of accumulated operational data from different HVAC parts/components (e.g., logs of a fan speed over time, etc.), and/or other data.

The control panel20communicates with the switching box60via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the control panel20may include a wireless communication module26and may communicate with the switching box60via the wireless communication module26. The UI22of the control panel20may enable configuration (and set up) of HVAC parameters, and the configuration is transferred (e.g., wirelessly) to the switching box60.

In some aspects, temperature (and/or humidity) measurement may be separately implemented by temperature sensing devices (e.g.,94) located throughout a premises.

In some aspects, the control panel20, the switching box60, and the temperature sensors may communicate with each other wirelessly. Alternatively or additionally, temperature (and/or humidity) measurement may be implemented in the switching box60and/or in the control panel20, and/or on HVAC system80devices.

In some aspects, the control panel20may include a cloud interface24and may be connected to the Internet and/or to a wireless device (e.g., a cellular phone), and the UI22may be implemented by use of a computer or a phone app. The cloud interface24may enable remote user configuration and software updates (e.g., over-the-air (OTA) updates).

Optionally, the control panel20may include or may communicate with one or more wireless security sensors92, one or more wireless temperature/humidity/IAQ sensors94, and/or other wireless devices96(e.g., wireless HVAC devices such as dampers, etc.). In some aspects, for example, HVAC control may be based on temperature and/or humidity data received from wireless security sensors92, wireless temperature/humidity/IAQ sensors94, and/or other wireless HVAC or other wireless devices96such as humidifiers, IAQ sensors, smoke detectors, blowers, etc. In some alternative or additional aspects, the control panel20may use temperature and/or humidity data sent from the switching box60using on-board sensors in the switching box60(e.g., temperature/humidity sensors76inFIG.4described below). Alternatively or additionally, the temperature and/or humidity data may be received from wired devices.

In some aspects, HVAC control algorithm software may be run by the one or more processors28(e.g., one or more CPUs) of the control panel20instead of the switching box60.

In some aspects, the one or more memories29enable storage/logging of HVAC system activation history including, for example, temperature and/or humidity data.

In some aspects, the switching box60activates one or more relays (e.g., relays66inFIG.4described below) according to commands received from the control panel20, and HVAC wires78connect the relays66of the switching box60to a controller82of the HVAC system80. The controller82of the HVAC system80includes high-power actuators that activate HVAC loads according to the signaling/commands received from the switching box60.

Referring toFIG.4, in one non-limiting aspect, for example, the switching box60may include a wireless communication module62to communicate with the control panel20. In one non-limiting example aspect, the wireless communication module62may include, for example, a wireless PowerG Plus radio.

The switching box60may further include one or more processors64(one or more microcontrollers) that wirelessly receive commands via the wireless communication module62, and operate the relays66in the switching box60, and optionally receive temperature/humidity data from one or more optional temperature/humidity sensors76in the switching box60.

The relays66switch the HVAC system assemblies (such as furnace, heater, compressor, etc.) ON and OFF. The relays66may be latch type relays which draw relatively low current as compared to other types of relays. The relays66are connected to HVAC wires78which are connected to HVAC system controller82for switching the HVAC loads.

In some aspects, the switching box60may be battery-operated and may include a battery67that powers the switching box60without requiring a C-wire from the HVAC system80. In one non-limiting aspect, for example, the battery67may be a CR123A 3 Volts lithium battery that enables a battery life of, e.g., 3 years, before requiring replacement.

Optionally, the switching box60may include a C-wire connection70that can provide power to the switching box60from the HVAC system80. The C-wire70is the common wire which allows the switching box60to be powered from the HVAC system80.

Optionally, the switching box60may include a mains supply68.

In some aspects, the switching box60may be compatible with conventional HVAC systems (e.g., gas, oil, or electric furnace, and A/C system) and heat pump systems. For example, the switching box60may be compatible with single stage conventional systems (1 stage heat and 1 stage cool), two stage heating conventional systems (2 stage heat and 1 stage cool), single stage heat pump systems (1 stage heat and 1 stage cool), single stage heat pump systems with auxiliary heating (2 stage heat and 1 stage cool), and/or other HVAC systems such as dual-fuel heat pumps, boiler systems, and/or systems with more than 2 stages of heat.

In some optional aspects, the switching box60may include a tamper protection device to prevent unauthorized handling/interference with proper functionality of the switching box60, and/or to signal to the control panel20that the switching box60has been opened (e.g., for checking, maintenance, repair, etc.).

In some optional aspects, the switching box60may include an LED display74, or another form of display, to monitor or provide feedback regarding the status of the switching box60(e.g., power ON/OFF, operative/malfunction/trouble, etc.).

Although the control panel20inFIGS.3and4is in communication with one switching box60that controls one HVAC system80, the present aspects are not so limited, and the control panel20may communicate with multiple switching boxes, where each switching box is configured to control a respective HVAC system.

For example, referring toFIG.5, in some alternative or additional aspects, a central control panel20may communicate with multiple switching boxes60-1,60-2, . . . ,60-nto control multiple HVAC systems80-1,80-2, . . . ,80-n. Specifically, for example, the central control panel20may communicate with the switching box60-1to control the HVAC system80-1which is connected to the switching box60-1. Similarly, the central control panel20may communicate with the switching box60-2to control the HVAC system80-2which is connected to the switching box60-2, and so on. Accordingly, the present aspects enable better HVAC and temperature control at lower cost with one centralized location for control. In some aspects, for example, the present aspects implement a dispersed system that provides thermostat logic and control in the central control panel20, and switching functionality and temperature/humidity/IAQ detection in one or more of the switching boxes60-1,60-2, . . . ,60-n.

Referring toFIG.6, a computing device500may implement all or a portion of the functionality described with reference toFIGS.1to5above or with reference toFIG.7below (e.g., via execution of a HVAC system control component512including a receiving component514and a controlling component516as described below with reference toFIG.7). For example, the computing device500may be or may include or may implement at least a portion of the HVAC system100, the HVAC unit110, the thermostat160, the thermostat50, the HVAC system80,80-1,80-2, . . . ,80-n, the control panel20, the switching box60,60-1,60-2, . . . ,60-n, or any other component described herein with reference toFIGS.1to5above or with reference toFIG.7below. The computing device500includes one or more processors502which, individually or in combination, may be configured to execute or implement software, hardware, and/or firmware modules that perform some or all of the functionality described herein with reference toFIGS.1to5above or with reference toFIG.7below. For example, the one or more processors502, individually or in combination, may be configured to execute or implement software, hardware, and/or firmware modules that perform some or all of the functionality described herein with reference to the HVAC system100, the HVAC unit110, the thermostat160, the thermostat50, the HVAC system80,80-1,80-2, . . . ,80-n, the control panel20, the switching box60,60-1,60-2, . . . ,60-n, or any other component/system/device described herein with reference toFIGS.1to5above or with reference toFIG.7below

The one or more processors502may include a micro-controller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or may include a single or multiple set of processors or multi-core processors. Moreover, the one or more processors502may be implemented as an integrated processing system and/or a distributed processing system. The computing device500may further include one or more memories504, such as for storing local versions of applications being executed by the one or more processors502, related instructions, parameters, etc. The one or more memories504may include a type of memory usable by a computer, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), tapes, magnetic discs, optical discs, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. Additionally, the one or more processors502and the one or more memories504may include and execute an operating system executing on the one or more processors502, one or more applications, display drivers, etc., and/or other components of the computing device500. Further, the computing device500may include a communications component506that provides for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more other devices, parties, entities, etc. utilizing hardware, software, and services. The communications component506may carry communications between components on the computing device500, as well as between the computing device500and external devices, such as devices located across a communications network and/or devices serially or locally connected to the computing device500. In an aspect, for example, the communications component506may include one or more buses, and may further include a transceiver. For example, the communications component506may include transmit chain components and receive chain components associated with a wireless or wired transmitter and receiver, respectively, operable for interfacing with external devices. Additionally, the computing device500may include a data store508, which can be any suitable combination of hardware and/or software, that provides for mass storage of information, databases, and programs. For example, the data store508may be or may include a data repository for applications and/or related parameters not currently being executed by one or more processors502. In addition, the data store508may be a data repository for an operating system, application, display driver, etc., executing on the one or more processors502, and/or one or more other components of the computing device500.

The computing device500may also include a user interface component510operable to receive inputs from a user of the computing device500and further operable to generate outputs for presentation to the user (e.g., via a display interface to a display device). The user interface component510may include one or more input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a number pad, a mouse, a touch-sensitive display, a navigation key, a function key, a microphone, a voice recognition component, or any other mechanism capable of receiving an input from a user, or any combination thereof. Further, the user interface component510may include one or more output devices, including but not limited to a display interface, a speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, a printer, any other mechanism capable of presenting an output to a user, or any combination thereof.

FIG.7is a flowchart of a method600of operation of the computing device500for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises. The method600may implement the functionality described herein with reference toFIGS.1to6above, and may be performed by one or more components of the computing device500or the switching box60,60-1,60-2, . . . ,60-nas described herein with reference toFIGS.1-6above. In some aspects, for example, the method600may be performed by one or more components of the switching box60,60-1,60-2, . . . ,60-n, the processors64, the computing device500, the processors502, the memories504, the HVAC system control component512, the receiving component514, and/or the controlling component516.

At602the method600includes receiving, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel. For example, in an aspect the switching box60,60-1,60-2, . . . ,60-n, the processors64, the computing device500, the processors502, the memories504, the HVAC system control component512, and/or the receiving component514may be configured to or may comprise means for receiving, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel.

For example, in an aspect, the switching box60may receive, by a transceiver (including a transmit chain and a receive chain) in the wireless communication module62, a command from the control panel20.

At604the method600includes controlling, by one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system. For example, in an aspect the switching box60,60-1,60-2, . . . ,60-n, the processors64, the computing device500, the processors502, the memories504, the HVAC system control component512, and/or the controlling component516may be configured to or may comprise means for controlling, by one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.

For example, in an aspect, the switching box60may control, by the processors64, an operation of one or more of the relays66in response to the command received from the control panel20, where the relays66each have an output for coupling with the HVAC system80.

In some implementations, receiving the command may comprise receiving using a wired or wireless interface (e.g., by a transceiver in the wireless communication module62of the switching box60).

In some implementations, the switching device60may be powered by power drawn from the HVAC system (e.g., power drawn by HVAC wires78from the HVAC system80which is itself powered by AC mains supply).

In some implementations, the switching device60may further comprise a battery67configured to be charged using power drawn from the HVAC system80.

In some implementations, the switching device60may further comprise a primary battery67that is unrechargeable (e.g., a replaceable battery).

In some implementations, controlling the operation of the one or more switching relays66may further be based on the data received from one or more sensors (e.g., temperature/humidity sensors76in the switching box60and/or other sensors in the control panel20, in the HVAC system80, and/or in or around a premises).

In some implementations, the one or more sensors may comprise a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor or an indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor.

In some implementations, each of the one or more switching relays66may comprise a latching (latch type) relay including a coil and an actuation component and having the output coupled with at least one component of the HVAC system80(e.g., coupled with a furnace, boiler, compressor, air-handler, evaporator, etc.).

In some implementations, the operation of the one or more switching relays66may control a respective operation of at least one of a heating mode or a cooling mode of the HVAC system80.

Some further aspects include the below clauses.1. A switching device for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises, the switching device comprising:a transceiver configured to receive a command from a remote control panel;one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system; andone or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the remote control panel.2. The switching device of clause 1, wherein the transceiver is configured to receive the command using a wired or wireless interface.3. The switching device of clause 1 or 2, wherein the switching device is powered by power drawn from the HVAC system.4. The switching device of any one of the above clauses, further comprising a battery configured to be charged using power drawn from the HVAC system.5. The switching device of any one of the above clauses, further comprising a primary battery that is unrechargeable.6. The switching device of any one of the above clauses, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the operation of the one or more switching relays based on data received from one or more sensors.7. The switching device of clause6, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor or an indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor.8. The switching device of any one of the above clauses, wherein each of the one or more switching relays comprises a latching relay including a coil and an actuation component and having the output coupled with at least one component of the HVAC system.9. The switching device of any one of the above clauses, wherein the operation of the one or more switching relays controls a respective operation of at least one of a heating mode or a cooling mode of the HVAC system.10. A method for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises, the method comprising:receiving, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel; andcontrolling, by one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.11. The method of clause 10, wherein receiving the command comprises receiving using a wired or wireless interface.12. The method of clause 10 or 11, wherein the switching device is powered by power drawn from the HVAC system.13. The method of any one clauses 10 to 12, wherein the switching device further comprises a battery configured to be charged using power drawn from the HVAC system.14. The method of any one of clauses 10 to 13, further comprising a primary battery that is unrechargeable.15. The method of any one of clauses 10 to 14, wherein controlling the operation of the one or more switching relays is further based on data received from one or more sensors.16. The method of clause 15, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor or an indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor.17. The method of any one of clauses 10 to 16, wherein each of the one or more switching relays comprises a latching relay including a coil and an actuation component and having the output coupled with at least one component of the HVAC system.18. The method of any one of clauses 10 to 17, wherein the operation of the one or more switching relays controls a respective operation of at least one of a heating mode or a cooling mode of the HVAC system.19. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, individually or in combination, cause the one or more processors to control a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises, including:receiving, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel; andcontrolling, by the one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.19-1. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of clause 19, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, individually or in combination, further cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any one of clauses 1 to 18.20. A system comprising:a central control panel; anda plurality of switching devices configured to control a plurality of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, wherein each switching device is configured to control a respective HVAC system, wherein each switching device comprises:a transceiver configured to receive a command from the central control panel;one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the respective HVAC system; andone or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the central control panel.20-1. The system of clause 20, wherein each switching box is further configured to perform the method of any one of clauses 1 to 18.21. An apparatus for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises, the apparatus comprising:one or more memories storing instructions; andone or more processors communicatively coupled with the one or more memories and, individually or in combination, configured to execute the instructions to:receive, by a transceiver of a switching device, a command from a remote control panel; andcontrol, by the one or more processors of the switching device, individually or in combination, an operation of one or more switching relays of the switching device in response to the command received from the remote control panel, the one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system.21-1. The apparatus of clause 21, wherein the one or more processors, individually or in combination, are further configured to execute the instructions to perform the method of any one of clauses 1 to 18.22. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any one of clauses 1 to 18.