Abstract:
A universal control system is provided for a room air conditioner or heat pump that has a number of sensor inputs. An electronic control system with a microcontroller and microcomputer are used to provide a large number of operations that can be performed by (1) manufacturer, (2) end users and (3) maintenance personnel. The manufacturer can load different versions of a software program to match the unit. The end user can program in a large number of different conditions or schedules the end user finds desirable, plus the end user is advised of maintenance requirements or faults. The maintenance personnel may perform diagnostics, determine fault history, upload improved or replacement software, as well as the numerous maintenance functions normally performed by maintenance personnel. Remote control is provided for changing operating conditions of the air conditioner/heat pump.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/350,863, filed on Nov. 24, 2009, a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/692,102, filed Jan. 22, 2010, a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/692,526, filed Jan. 22, 2010 and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/762,841, filed May 19, 2010. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to control systems for a room air conditioner and/or heat pump and, more particularly, to a remote control system that can be used on any room air conditioner and/or heat pump. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Prior Art 
         [0005]    Air conditioning can refer to any form of cooling, heating, ventilation, dehumidification, disinfection, or anything else that modifies the condition of air. Most people think of the terms “air conditioner” as referring to the cooling of air. Various forms of air conditioning have gone back as far as the second century in the Han Dynasty. British scientist and inventor Michael Faraday discovered that ammonia could be compressed into a liquid and allowed to evaporate to give a cooling effect. One of the earliest electric air conditioning units was invented by Willis Havilan Carrier, after whom the large heating/cooling company of Carrier Corporation is named. 
         [0006]    Because ammonia was a toxic flammable gas, other products such as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) were developed with a brand being marketed by DuPont Corporation becoming known as Freon. Over the years, different types of refrigerant have been developed with some refrigerants being designed particularly for heat-pump systems. 
         [0007]    A heat-pump has the ability to bring heat into a room or to take heat out of a room. In the air conditioning cycle, the evaporator absorbs heat from inside the house and rejects the heat outside through a condenser. The condenser is located outside the space being cooled and an evaporator is located inside the space being cooled. The key component that makes a heat pump different from air conditioner is the reversing valve. The reversing valve allows for the flow direction of the refrigerant to be changed. This allows the heat to be pumped either into the space being conditioned or outside of the space being conditioned. 
         [0008]    In the heating mode, the outdoor coil becomes the evaporator while the indoor coil becomes the condenser. The condenser dissipates the heat received from the refrigerant due to the air flowing there through and into the space to be heated. With the refrigerant flowing in the heating mode, the evaporator (outdoor coil) is absorbing the heat from the air and moving it inside. Once the refrigerant accepts heat, it is compressed and then sent to the condenser (indoor coil). The indoor coil then gives off the heat to the air moving there through which in turn heats the room being conditioned. 
         [0009]    In the cooling mode, the outdoor coil is now the condenser and the indoor coil is the evaporator. The indoor coil will absorb heat from the air moving there through which cools the air being delivered to the room being conditioned. The condenser takes the heat from the refrigerant and transfers the heat to the outdoor air. 
         [0010]    Heat pumps are normally used in more temperate climates. The reason for use in temperate climates is due to the problem of the outdoor coil forming ice which blocks airflow during the heating cycle. To compensate for icing during colder weather, a heat pump will have to temporarily switch back into the regular air conditioning mode to de-ice the outdoor coil. Rather than having cold air being discharged inside the space to be heated, a heating coil is switched on to heat the air being delivered through the inside coil to the space to be heated. 
         [0011]    In the past, heat pumps were basically used in central air conditioning systems. A few of the more expensive window air conditioning units had the heat pump function. However, prior window mounted heat pumps had a number of drawbacks that are satisfied with the present invention. 
         [0012]    In a window air conditioning unit or a through the wall system, normally everything is contained within the single unit. The exception might be the thermostat could be located at a remote location within the room to be heated or cooled. Otherwise the indoor coil, outdoor coil, compressor, reversing valve, motors, fans and expansion device are all contained within a unit. That unit which is powered by electricity, must have suitable controls for operation of the unit plus give good air distribution within the space to be heated or cooled. 
         [0013]    Control systems for prior room air conditioners and/or heat pumps do not have the number of sensor inputs as the present invention, nor the number and/or type of functional controls as is provided by the present invention. By use of an electronic control system with a microprocessor in a user interface connected to a microcontroller for the main control, a large number of different control options can be programmed into the electronic control system. While in the past, a large number of different control options were available in central air conditioners, even the control system as used in central air conditioners are not as extensive as control options of the present invention. 
         [0014]    Prior art known by Applicants does not have all the sensory inputs into an electronic control system that controls the air condition/heat pump functions in as many ways as the present invention. 
         [0015]    In addition to the internal controls, the present electronic control system can (a) be connected to a remote control through an infrared detector, (b) be a wall-mounted thermostat and/or (c) have a serial port that can be used for programming diagnostics or maintenance. The combination of these features is not shown in room air conditioners and/or heat pumps. 
         [0016]    Further, the present invention may include Internet connections where the control system may be operated remotely. Such remote connections will allow remote programming of the room air conditioner and/or heat pump for maximum comfort and efficiency. Also, if the air conditioner and/or heat pump are part of a Smart Grid control system to prevent brown-outs or other similar losses of power over large regions, the unit may be operated for the maximum benefit of the public utility over short periods of time, which operation could be overridden by the individual user. Remote access is also available for maintenance to the unit as well as modification or updating of the software contained therein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a control system for a room air conditioner and/or heat pump. 
         [0018]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a user interface for convenience and ease of use by the end user, but also have a main control that controls operation of the air conditioner and/or heat pump as determined by various sensor inputs. 
         [0019]    It is yet another object of the present invention to have a microcontroller within the main control for (a) control and processing algorithms, (b) setting a program schedule, (c) remote access, (d) diagnostics and protection, (e) fault protection, and (f) connection to a wall-mounted thermostat. 
         [0020]    It is still another object of the present invention to have a user interface that has a display using twisted nematic field effect technology with white-on-black background for increased visibility. 
         [0021]    It is another object of the present invention to have a control system for an air conditioner and heat pump that can automatically change from heating to cooling when necessary and with a user selectable seven-day/four periods per day time schedule. 
         [0022]    It is even another object of the present invention to provide a control system for a room air conditioner and/or heat pump that has built in diagnostics with continuous monitoring to determine the condition of the unit and, if there is a problem, notify the user. 
         [0023]    It is another object of the present invention to have a control system with a built-in maintenance menu system with a fault history recorder. 
         [0024]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a serial port that can be used to program, monitor, diagnose or correct any errors in operation of the system. The serial port can also be used for program downloading or upgrades. 
         [0025]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a remote control of a room air conditioner and/or heat pump, which remote control may include the following: 
         [0026]    (a) a Wi-Fi module connected to the Internet for remote control through the Internet; 
         [0027]    (b) a user interface port for access, maintenance and/or programming of the unit; or 
         [0028]    (c) a Smart Grid module that can be used for maximum efficiency of a power grid controlled by a public utility. 
         [0029]    The control system for room air conditioners and/or heat pumps as shown in the present invention has many functions. The user interface, either alone or in combination with a remote control, can be used to set the operating parameters of the unit. The operating parameters can include setting a temperature with a permissible temperature swing with a typical example being between 3°-10°. That temperature can be set for each day of the week with a number of different time periods of each day with four being typical. Each day or time period can be varied as desired by the end user. The unit can switch automatically from heating to cooling and vice-versa, depending upon the settings made by the end user. 
         [0030]    A reverse back lit display using twisted nematic field effect technology with a white on a black background visual display for the end user, which display can be increased or decreased in intensity as desired by the end user. 
         [0031]    The programs as contained within the microcontroller of the main control can be used for control and processing algorithms, as well diagnostics and protection of the system. A built-in fault protection system is also included to provide warnings to the end user and, if necessary, to shut down the system. Remote access is also provided through a remote control. 
         [0032]    Interface for a wall thermostat is also provided as well as intelligence to overlook certain miswiring conditions, but not others. A history of various fault conditions is maintained within the system so they can be reviewed as necessary for maintenance and/or repair. Also, prioritization of maintenance as required by the system is also indicated to the end user. 
         [0033]    Variable fan speeds are provided that can be set automatically within the unit or by the end user. The variable fan speeds can be by either a set number of fan speeds (for example 4) or have an infinite number of fan speeds. Different fan speeds may be desired based upon different operating conditions within the room air conditioner and/or heat pump. An auto fan can be used with different thresholds controlling fan speed. Temperature range over which no change occurs must be included to keep the fan speed from oscillating between different speeds when the temperature is on the borderline. 
         [0034]    In the event that power is interrupted, or there is a brown-out condition so that power drops below a predetermined level, the air conditioner and/or heat pump will shut down. However, upon proper voltage being restored, the room air conditioner and/or heat pump will return to its last known condition as has been maintained in the microcontroller as to the last operating parameters to provide for an auto restart. 
         [0035]    In the present control system, indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, time, percent relative humidity, and set points can be displayed to the end user. Variations around the set point can also be displayed for the convenience of the end user. 
         [0036]    With the control system of the present invention, a universal software package can be prepared that is then customized at the time of manufacture for the particular air conditioner and/or heat pump in which it may be installed. The same software package can be used from the larger room air conditioner/heat pump to the smallest room air conditioner with the parameters of the type of unit being set in the software at the time of manufacturing. Later upgrades can be included in the software as desired. A wireless Internet transmitter/receiver can be included if desired by the manufacturer and/or end user. 
         [0037]    The flash memory maintains the prior history of the unit in the event of power failure. Upon restoring power, the same operating conditions are automatically restored in the unit. Also, the operating history is stored from which maintenance personnel or the end user could download or use to determine fault conditions. 
         [0038]    Remote control capability is also provided for the room air conditioner and/or heat pump, which remote control can include a Wi-Fi module for connecting the unit to the Internet. By the use of a Wi-Fi module and an Internet connection, the unit can be controlled remotely by the end user for maximum comfort and/or efficiency. For example, during the summer months, the temperature inside the room would be increased when the room is not occupied, but lowered when the room is occupied. In the winter months, exactly the opposite would occur where the temperature would be decreased when people are not present, but increased when people are present. 
         [0039]    Likewise, controls for the air conditioner and/or heat pump could be overwritten by a Smart Grid module that connects to the public utility. For example, during periods of maximum power use, the public utility may want to reduce or delay consumption by the public to prevent power outages. The public utility may do this by (a) temporarily switching OFF various air conditioners of the utility&#39;s many users or (b) modifying the temperature setting inside of the homes of various users. This would be done by the utility in such a manner to reduce the maximum drain of power on the public utility by controlling power drain, including individual air conditioners and/or heat pumps. 
         [0040]    These and many other features are possible with the present invention for a new control system for a room air conditioner and/or heat pump, all of which will become more evident upon reviewing the specification indicated herein below in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  is a schematic pictorial diagram of an air conditioner/heat pump made according to the present invention which is operating in a cooling mode. 
           [0042]      FIG. 2  is the same pictorial schematic diagram shown in  FIG. 1 , except that the air conditioner/heat pump is operating in a heating mode. 
           [0043]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an air conditioner/heat pump with a partial cut-away to show internal components therein in an exploded view of the main control and user interface. 
           [0044]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are pictorial schematic views of the electronic control system of the air conditioner and/or heat pump. 
           [0045]      FIG. 5  is a pictorial schematic view of the user interface. 
           [0046]      FIG. 6  is a pictorial view of what the user sees on the front of the user interface, except it will be white on a black background. 
           [0047]      FIG. 7  is a sequential view of what the user would temporarily see on the display when switching from COOL to HEAT. 
           [0048]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of how temperature can vary around a set point between heating or cooling thresholds. 
           [0049]      FIG. 9  is a pictorial schematic of possible changes in temperature before changes in fan speed if a 4-speed auto fan is used. 
           [0050]      FIG. 10  shows a sequence of tables as the system progresses from AUTO to COOL to HEAT to FAN ONLY, given various operating parameters. 
           [0051]      FIG. 11  gives the possible conditions that can be set on the scheduler for seven days a week, four periods per day, all of which can be different, the same, or any combination thereof. 
           [0052]      FIG. 12  is an example of components/features that can be set electronically. 
           [0053]      FIGS. 13A , B and C illustrates the temporary display that will be seen by the user when COOL, HEAT or FAN, respectively, are called for by the end user. 
           [0054]      FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram of a wall thermostat controlling several electronic control systems for different room air conditioners and/or heat pumps. 
           [0055]      FIG. 15  is a schematic illustration of a multilevel fault system where a number of different diagnostic tests can be run with an error log and history. 
           [0056]      FIG. 16  is a functional block diagram of a diagnostic test to determine if the front panel switch is stuck. 
           [0057]      FIG. 17  is a functional block diagram of a diagnostic test to determine if the pressure limit switch is open. 
           [0058]      FIG. 18  is a block diagram illustrating remote control connections to the control system of an air conditioner and/or heat pump. 
           [0059]      FIGS. 19A ,  19 B and  19 C are a functional block diagram of the computer logic allowing for remote control of an air conditioner and/or heat pump. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0060]    A combination room air conditioner/heat pump is pictorially illustrated in  FIG. 1 . A refrigerant is compressed inside of compressor  20  and flows there from in the direction indicated by the arrows through reversing valve  22 . The refrigerant changes from the vapor state to the liquid state in outdoor coil  24 . The outdoor coil  24  is acting as a condenser and is giving off heat to the air flowing there through. 
         [0061]    From the outdoor coil  24  the refrigerant flows through heating/cooling capillary tube  26  and cooling capillary tube  28 . From the cooling capillary tube the refrigerant flows through check valve  30 . Both streams of the refrigerant are combined together and allowed to expand inside of indoor coil  32 . The indoor coil  32  is functioning as an evaporator and is therefore absorbing heat from the air flowing there through to give a cooling effect. Inside of the indoor coil  32  the refrigerant is changing from a liquid to a vapor state. 
         [0062]    From the indoor coil  32  the refrigerant flows through the reversing valve  22  in the directions indicated by the arrows to the accumulator  34 . 
         [0063]    Simultaneously, a fan  36  forces air through the outdoor coil  24  and a blower  38  directs air through the indoor coil  32 . While not used in the cooling cycle, a heater coil  40  is located in the path of airflow through the indoor coil  32 . 
         [0064]    The controls for the air conditioner illustrated in  FIG. 1  are for simplicity purposes divided between control system inputs  42  and control system outputs  44 . A temperature sensor  46  is located on the outdoor coil  24  and is referred to as T ODC . Likewise a temperature sensor  48  is mounted on the indoor coil  32  and is used to measure the temperature thereof and is referred to as T IDC . The temperature sensor  51  is measuring the air as it comes out of the indoor coil  32  and is referred to as the temperature of the indoor supply T IDS . 
         [0065]    Located in the airstream of air coming into the air conditioner from the room being cooled is a temperature sensor  50 , which measures the indoor temperature and is referred to as T ID . Temperature sensor  50  (T ID ) is what is used to set the desired indoor temperature. Temperature sensor  52  is located in the airstream of the outdoor air being brought into the air conditioner and measures outdoor air temperature and is referred to as T OD . 
         [0066]    On the discharge side of the compressor  20  is a pressure sensor  54  which measures the high pressure P HI  of the refrigerant being discharged from the compressor  20 . The pressure sensor  54  may be used to shut the system down if extreme pressure is generated or something is not functioning properly. 
         [0067]    An indoor humidity sensor  56  is also located in the path of the air being brought into the air conditioner to measure relative humidity and is also referred to as H ID . 
         [0068]    While not shown in the pictorial diagram of  FIG. 1 , the voltage level of the incoming line voltage is also measured so that if the voltage gets too high or too low, operation of the air conditioner will stop until line voltage gets back into normal levels. For example, in brownout conditions the air conditioner would shut OFF. 
         [0069]    Using the information collected from temperature sensors  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  51  and  52 , pressure sensor  54  and indoor humidity sensor  56 , control system outputs  44  are generated. Control systems outputs  44  may control the speed of fan  36  and/or blower  38 . The control of the speed may be ON, OFF, various set points, or may have an infinitely variable speed by using pulse width modulation. While the fan  36  and blower  38  may be driven by single motor, they may also be driven by separate motors which allows for independent variation of their respective speeds. 
         [0070]    Also the control system output  44  controls the operation of the compressor  20 , the reversing valve  22  and electric heater (heater coil  40 ). If extra heat is necessary during a heating cycle, heater coil  40  may be turned on as will be subsequently described. 
         [0071]    As soon as the air conditioner as shown in  FIG. 1  is switched from a cooling mode to a heating mode, it now functions as a heat pump, which is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The control system outputs  44  are used to switch the reversing valve  22  to change the direction of flow of the refrigerant there through. When operating in the heating mode, the compressed gas changes to a liquid in the indoor coil  32 , which is now acting as a condenser. As a result the indoor coil  32  now gives off heat to the air flowing there across. The flow of the liquid refrigerant from the indoor coil  32  cannot flow through the check valve  30  which closes. Therefore, the refrigerant only flows through the cooling/heating capillary tube  26 . The restricted flow allows the refrigerant which is in a liquid state to expand inside of outdoor coil  24 , which is now operating as an evaporator. 
         [0072]    The outdoor coil  24  absorbs heat from the air flowing there across, therefore discharging cool air to the outside. The vapor in the outdoor coil  24  flows through the reversing valve  22  into the accumulator  34  of the compressor  20 . The refrigerant is then compressed again and the cycle repeated. 
         [0073]    During the heating cycle in cold weather, sometimes the outdoor coil  24  will freeze up. During those occasions it may be necessary to reverse cycle the unit to remove ice from the outdoor coil  24 . When that occurs, the heater  40  is turned ON so that warm air will continue to flow into the room being heated. The heater  40  may be two electrical coils  40   a  and  40   b , also known as split coils, to give more control when heater  40  is turned ON. The speed of the fan  36  and the blower  38  may also be varied as is desired by the particular operation. 
         [0074]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a typical air conditioner/heat pump  58  is shown with portions being broken away or exploded for illustration purposes. The air conditioning/heat pump unit  60  is illustrated by the portion within the bracket, which air conditioning/heat pump unit  60  has a bezel  62  on the front thereof. In the break away view of  FIG. 3 , internal components of the air conditioner/heat pump  58  can be seen, including the indoor coil  32  and outdoor coil  24  along with the fan  36  and blower  38 . In the background the compressor  20  and accumulator  34  can also be seen. The arrows in the air conditioner/heat pump  58  illustrate the direction of movement of air there through. 
         [0075]    Exploded from the air conditioner/heat pump  58  for display purposes is the main control  68  and the user interface  70 . As will be explained in more detail subsequently, the main control  68  is located in the left hand side toward the front and the user interface  70  is located on the user interface mount  72 . 
         [0076]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B  in combination, the electronic control system is referred to generally by reference numeral  74 . The electronic control system  74  has the user interface  70  and the main control  68  as previously described. The main control  68  is made up of a main board  76  and a power supply board  78 . While the main board  76  and power supply board  78  may be constructed many different ways, one embodiment is to arrange them back-to-back in one physical unit referred to as the main control  68 . Also, the control system inputs  42  feed into the main board  76 . 
         [0077]    A remote control  80  may be used to communicate with the user interface  70  through an infrared receiver  82  contained in the front thereof. The user has the option of making settings directly on the front of the user interface  70  or through remote control  80 . Also, the main board  76  has a serial port  190  for connecting a personal computer  84  thereto. The personal computer  84  can be used to download a new program to the microcontroller  86  contained on the main board  76 . The programming can be at the time of manufacturing the air conditioner/heat pump  58 , or anytime thereafter. Also, the personal computer  84  can be used for diagnostics or maintenance work when desired. In normal operation, the personal computer  84  will probably not be connected to the microcontroller  86 . 
         [0078]    Within the main board  76  is a real time clock  88  that provides clock signals to the microcontroller  86 . In case power is lost, the real time clock  88  may have a back-up battery  90  to maintain the real time clock operation, or the clock time may be received from another source. 
         [0079]    The microcontroller  86  is programmed to provide control and processing algorithms  92 , scheduler  94 , remote access  96 , Wallstat Smart Logic  98 , fault system  100  and diagnostics and protection  102 , each of which will be described subsequently. Also, the main board  76  has a wall thermostat connection  104  in the event that a wall thermostat is used in conjunction with the electronic control system  74 . 
         [0080]    The power supply board  78  has drivers  106  connected to relays  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  or  122  as is determined by the control system outputs  44 . The functions of the relays  108 - 122  are as follows: 
         [0000]                                RELAY   FUNCTION                   108   controls electric heat coil 40a       110   controls electric heat coil 40b       112   controls reversing valve 22       114   controls compressor 20       116   fan 36 speed 1       118   fan 36 speed 2       120   fan 36 speed 3       122   fan 36 speed 4                    
Within the power supply board  78  is a line voltage connection  124 . Since line voltage can vary, the line voltage  124  feeds in through a voltage select  126  before feeding into internal power supply  128 . The internal power supply  128  converts the line voltage to the power needed for internal operation such as plus 5 volts, plus 12 volts, 12 volts AC or 24 volts AC, or any other internal voltages that are necessary in the electronic control system  74 . Power from the internal power supply  128  in the power supply board  78  is provided to the main board  76  through power connection  130 .
 
         [0081]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the user interface  70  will be described in more detail. Inside of the user interface  70  is a microcomputer  132  that connects through a power snubber  134  to a display  136  that is made using twisted nematic field effect technology. The microcomputer  132  also receives power from the power connection  130 . Likewise, the microcomputer  132  exchanges information through information exchange connection  138  with the main board  76  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0082]    Also feeding into the microcomputer  132  are the following inputs from contact switches with the input description of each contact switch being listed: 
         [0000]                                CONTACT           SWITCH       NO.   INPUT DESCRIPTION                   140   system operation       142   fan mode       144   fan speed       146   schedule       148   back       150   increase       152   decrease       154   Display/enter                    
Contact switches  140 ,  142 ,  144 , and  146  are on the left side of the display  136  and contact switches  148 ,  150 ,  152 , and  154  are on the right side of the display  136  as is shown in  FIG. 4A .
 
         [0083]    Power ON indicator  156  connects through current limiting resistors  158  to the driver which is controlled from the microcomputer  132 . These resistors determine the optical intensity. In the event an audio warning is necessary, piezo beeper  160  connects through driver  162  to microcomputer  132  to provide audio warnings to the user when necessary. 
         [0084]    Remote control  80  sends an infrared signal to the infrared receiver  82  which feeds the information to the microcomputer  132 . Power is turned ON by pushing the power switch  164  to begin operation of the entire electronic control system  74  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0085]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the user displays as contained on the user interface  70  are illustrated. The display  136  as seen by the user is surrounded by contact switches  140 - 154 . The contact switches  140 - 154  have a black background with the information shown thereon being in white, although any other color pattern can be used. The power switch  164  is located on the right-hand side as is the custom in the industry. 
         [0086]    The negative mode, twisted nematic field effect technology as is employed in the display  136  provides white information on a black background for greater display contrast. 
         [0087]    Once the power switch  164  is pushed turning the air conditioner/heat pump  580 N (see  FIG. 3 ), the operator may then set the conditions in the user interface  70 . By pressing the contact switch  140 , the system may be toggled through the AUTO, COOL, HEAT and FAN ONLY modes. When COOL or HEAT is called for, the display  136  will indicate the words “COOL” or “HEAT”, respectively to provide greater viewing distance for the selection. After a short period of time, the words COOL or HEAT will time out and the set point temperature will be displayed. 
         [0088]    Likewise, in the FAN ONLY or AUTO mode, the words “FAN” or “AUTO” will be temporarily displayed for a short period of time in the display  136 . After the FAN ONLY mode has been selected and it is timed out to remove “FAN”, the FAN ONLY icon  166  remains. 
         [0089]    Likewise, if contact switch  140  for the system has been pressed to put the unit in its AUTO mode, the AUTO mode icon  168  will remain after it is timed out to remove the word “AUTO” from the display  136 . If contact switch  140  selects the COOL mode, the COOL mode icon  170  will remain after it is timed out to remove the word “COOL” from the display  136 . Similarly, the HEAT mode icon  172  will remain after the “HEAT” word has been removed from the display  136  because it has timed out. 
         [0090]    Contact switch  142  for the fan mode switches the fan between AUTO or continuous with the appropriate display of “AUTO” or “CONTINUOUS” being displayed adjacent thereto in the display  136 . The fan speed can be selected by contact switch  144  with the fan speed then being indicated by wedge-shaped icon  174 . 
         [0091]    The scheduler  94  in the microcontroller  86  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) can be set by contact switch  146 . When the scheduler is ON, the schedule icon  176  will so indicate. When contact switch  146  is first pressed, the schedule icon  176  will light up and the word “ON” will be displayed for a couple of seconds in the display  136  before returning to the displayed time. Active schedule operation is indicated by icon  146  (clock symbol) and the letters M T W T F S S, which stands for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, respectively. Assuming the day is Monday, a dot will appear below the M and the remaining dots under T W T F S S will not be shown. By pressing the contact switch  146  a second time, the display  136  will show “OFF” and the schedule icon  176  will disappear. 
         [0092]    The schedule period  178  for “WAKE”, “AWAY”, “RETURN” or “NIGHT” may be set by holding the contact switch  146  for the schedule down for three seconds to enter a schedule setting mode. Thereafter, by toggling through contact  154  for Display/Enter, the user can set the “WAKE” temperature either in group of days, or for the individual days as preferred. For example, days Monday through Friday could be set for one temperature and the weekend days for another temperature during the WAKE hours. The WAKE hours can be adjusted up or down by contact switches  150  or  152 , respectively. The contact switch  140  for “SYSTEM” would toggle through SYSTEM, FAN MODE, FAN SPEED, OFF and SKIP. Appropriate settings can be set for each of those items. Contact switch  154  for “DISPLAY/ENTER” can advance to the next option. 
         [0093]    As an example, if the user had selected AUTO for the system mode, the display will show the heat set point temperature, then the cool set point. Each set point temperature may be changed UP or DOWN by pressing the UP contact switch  150  or DOWN contact switch  152 . The system maintains a minimum of 3° between the high temperature and the low temperature to prevent short cycling in the AUTO mode. 
         [0094]    If the user could select FAN ONLY, OFF or SKIP mode, the respective identifier (FAN, OFF, SKIP) will appear in the display. OFF turns the unit operation off during the selected period (WAKE, AWAY, RETURN or NIGHT), while SKIP causes the selected period to be skipped. 
         [0095]    Each of the additional periods of WAKE, AWAY, RETURN or NIGHT is programmed the same identical way. Once the user has programmed all four periods, the program goes to the next day for each of the seven days to be programmed. This occurs until all of the days of the week have been programmed. When a user has completed setting start times and options, the user can press contact switch  146  for the schedule, hold it for three seconds, and the changes will be saved as the schedule. At the time of exiting the schedule, the display  136  will return to the operational mode before entering the schedule program mode. 
         [0096]    Probably the simplest and the most typical adjustment the user will make to the air conditioner/heat pump  58  is by adjusting the set point temperature UP or DOWN. Assuming the set point temperature to be adjusted UP, contact switch  150  would be pressed and the temperature would advance one degree. On the display  136 , the new temperature would be indicated with the words “SET POINT” being indicated there above, and whether the unit was on a HEAT or COOL mode. Likewise, the temperature may be adjusted DOWN by pressing contact switch  152 , which will cause the set point temperature to be adjusted downward one degree with a new set point temperature being indicated in display  136  with the terms “SET POINT” indicated there above. 
         [0097]    The next most common setting is when the user is setting the condition of COOL, HEAT, FAN, or AUTO, which can be done by toggling through the system with contact switch  140 . 
         [0098]    By pressing contact switch  142  for the fan mode, the user can change the fan mode from “CONTINUOUS” to “AUTO”. By pressing contact switch  144  for fan speed, the user can set the fan speed as will be indicated by the wedge-shaped icon  174 . The speed is increased or decreased by pushing fan speed switch  144 . Depending upon the setting of the fan speed, the display  136  will indicate for a couple of seconds either LOW, MED, HIGH, MAX or AUTO, which represent the four different fan speeds plus automatic fan operation. Automatic fan operation changes the speed of the fan based on the temperature difference between the room ambient and the set point. 
         [0099]    In case the user wants to lock the control panel, the user would press contact switch  146  for the schedule and contact switch  154  for the DISPLAY/ENTER, simultaneously, and hold for three seconds. This will cause the setting to be locked and for the front panel lock icon  180  to be displayed. The system can only be unlocked by again simultaneously pressing contact switch  146  for the schedule and contact switch  154  for the DISPLAY/ENTER, simultaneously, and holding them for three seconds. 
         [0100]    In the electronic control system  74 , there are some alerts that are automatically indicated on the display  136 . For example, when a filter needs to be changed in the air conditioner/heat pump  58 , filter maintenance  182  will be indicated the words “CHECK FILTER” appearing along with the word “RESET” on the upper right portion of the display  136 . By depressing contact switch  148  labeled “BACK” this can be reset. However, when maintenance is required on the air conditioner/heat pump  58 , the maintenance required icon  184  will appear. The maintenance required icon  184  will not disappear until the maintenance has been performed. 
         [0101]    There may also be occasions when the compressor  20  must wait to run. There is a minimum wait time (a.k.a. lockout time) between successive compressor operations. In those occasions, a wait icon  186  will appear on the display  136 . 
         [0102]    There are many different user options that may be turned on or off via the user interface  70 . By pressing contact switch  154  for DISPLAY/ENTER, user menu selections can be made for each of the following:
       1. TIME: Set time;   2. 12/24 Switching time from a twelve-hour day to a twenty-four-hour day;   3. To “BEEP” at a particular time;   4. To “DIM” to change the dim operation;   5. EMHT to indicate emergency heat is being provided;   6. BAND: The range for the temperature swing can be adjusted anywhere between 3° to 10°;   7. ° F. ° C.: The selection between degrees Fahrenheit and degrees Centigrade is displayed;   8. FRZ: If a freeze occurs, end user by using this feature may enable to disable the warning by eliminated “FRZ” on the display  136 ;   9. TO: Ambient temperature offset (+/−8° F.);   10. ATSF: Switches the comfort setting on/off;   11. VER: Displays the software version.       
 
         [0114]    To set the time, contact switch  154  for the DISPLAY/ENTER is pressed until “TIME” appears on display  136 . Press switch  154  again. In much the same way one would set a digital watch, the time can then be set by either the UP contact switch  150  or the DOWN contact switch  152 . The contact switch  154  for the DISPLAY/ENTER will switch between minutes, hours and days of the week. Contact switch  148  for “BACK” will return to the time display. 
         [0115]    If a wall thermostat is used in connection with the electronic control system  74 , then the display  136  will simply indicate COOL, HEAT, or FAN with the individual settings to be in the wall thermostat if the option is selected. However, the display  136  would still indicate if maintenance needs to be performed. To enter the maintenance mode, the user presses and holds for 5-10 seconds (a) contact switch  140  for the system, (b) contact switch  146  for the schedule, (c) contact switch  148  for BACK, and (d) contact switch  154  for DISPLAY/ENTER. Thereafter the user could toggle through the different maintenance menus. After selecting a particular maintenance menu, press contact switch  154  again to enter the menu. 
         [0116]    Giving a typical example as to how the user interface  72  would work, a sequential view is shown in  FIG. 7 . Assuming the electronic control system  74  is on COOL with the set point being 72° Fahrenheit and the fan is on automatic and operating at high speed, the condition of the display  136  is as indicated in  FIG. 7A . If the user decides to switch to HEAT by pressing contact switch  140  for the system, the display  136  will change as shown in  FIG. 7B . The cool mode icon  170  will go OFF and the heat mode icon  172  will come ON. The “AUTO” above the wedge-shaped icon  174  indicating fan speed will also go OFF. The word “HEAT” will be displayed for a few seconds in the display  136  before changing to the set point temperature with the word “HEAT” in small letters in front thereof. Previously, the words “SET POINT” were followed by “COOL” in small letters while in the cooling mode. The final display after a short timing sequence is shown in  FIG. 7C . 
         [0117]    The electronic control system  74  of an AUTO function is previously described. When in the AUTO function with a set point temperature, the range of temperature variations can be set to fluctuate anywhere between 3° and 10° F. Assuming the room temperature is set to fluctuate only 3° F., then the room temperature can fluctuate above and below the set point by ±1.5° F. as is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . If the temperature inside a room rises 1.5° F. or more above the set point, the cool threshold is reached and cooling will be provided to the room by switching into the cooling mode. On the other hand, if the room temperature decreases below the set point by 1.5° or more, the heat threshold is reached and the air conditioner/heat pump  58  will be switched to the heating mode. If the system, through contact switch  140 , is set at AUTO mode, all of this will occur automatically. 
         [0118]    Also, the electronic control system  74  allows the fan to adjust speed automatically if the fan mode represented by contact switch  142  is disabled (see  FIG. 6 ). By having the fan set as automatic, a 4-speed fan can automatically adjust UP and DOWN based upon the temperature difference between the set point and the actual room temperature. The temperature variation  188  is plotted in  FIG. 9  around the set temperature and the actual room temperature. Once the threshold differential (typically 1.5° F.) is exceeded, fan  1  is energized. Assuming the temperature continues to rise, once a second temperature differential (typically 3° F.) is exceed, fan  1  turns OFF and fan  2  turns ON. 
         [0119]    Assuming the temperature continues to rise to a third temperature differential (typically 5°) fan  2  will turn OFF and fan  3  will turn ON. If the temperature differential continues to rise to a higher temperature differential (typically 7° F.), fan  3  will turn OFF and fan  4  will turn ON to give the maximum fan speed. Thereafter, when the temperature differential is decreased, the set point to turn the fan OFF is typically a degree lower than it took to turn the fan ON providing hysteris. Therefore, there is a “NO CHANGE” zone between fan  4 , fan  3 , fan  2 , and fan  1 , as is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . When turning fan  1  OFF, there is a delay to ensure the temperature variation  188  is back to approximately 0. The “NO CHANGE” zone is necessary to ensure the fan does not oscillate or short cycle between two different speeds. 
         [0120]    By pressing the system contact switch  140 , the air conditioner/heat pump  58  and the electronic control system  74  can be progressed through AUTO, COOL, HEAT, and FAN ONLY, as is shown pictorially in  FIG. 10 . In the AUTO mode, the electronic control system  74  will store the appropriate information for the system, fan mode, fan speed, set point and schedule as is indicated in the Table A in  FIG. 10 . When the system has been changed to COOL, memory within the electronic control system  74  will be set for the system, fan mode, fan speed, set point and schedule as indicated in the Table B in  FIG. 10 . When the system is advanced in the HEAT mode, memory within the electronic control system  74  will be set for the system, fan mode, fan speed, set point and schedule as indicated in Table C of  FIG. 10 . Finally, when the system advances to FAN ONLY, memory in the electronic storage system  74  is stored in the system mode, fan mode, fan speed, and schedule as indicated in Table D of  FIG. 10 . 
         [0121]    If the unit only has cooling, but no heating functions, the only system modes would be COOL or FAN ONLY and only respective Tables B or D in  FIG. 10  would apply. 
         [0122]    When the remote  80  of the electronic control system  74  as shown in  FIG. 4  is used, it is important to keep the microcontroller  86  and the microcomputer  132  (see  FIG. 5 ) synchronized. This is accomplished by the remote  80  sending all of the operating parameters indicated herein below whenever the user presses a button on the remote. 
         [0000]                              TABLE 1               Operational Parameters                                    Fan Speed           System           Cool Set Point - Temperature           Heat Set Point - Temperature           Auto Set Point - Temperature           ° F./° C.           Auto/Continuous {0, 1           Schedule On/Off           Power On/Off           Key Pressed                        
This keeps the remote  80  along with the microcomputer  132  of the user interface  70  synchronized as well as the microcontroller  86  of the main board  76 .
 
         [0123]    Referring to the schedule controlled by contact switch  146  and described in conjunction with  FIG. 6 , the electronic control system  74  provides a seven day flexible timer with up to four different intervals per day. The schedule periods are illustrated in  FIG. 11  and can be programmed as previously described by the user interface  70 . Any particular values desired for the NIGHT, RETURN, AWAY, or AWAKE periods can be set. For example, weekends or holidays might be programmed differently than weekdays where an individual goes to work. Each period for each day is independent or has a full compliment of control options including AUTO, HEAT, COOL, FAN ONLY, FAN SPEED, FAN MODE, OFF, SKIP and SET POINT. 
         [0124]    The electronic control system  74  is designed to be a generic control platform that can be used for many types of room air conditioners and/or heat pumps with varying capacities or settings. The settings can be made via electronic control with internal switches indicating which components are available and which features to activate. An example of some configuration switches that are controlled electronically are shown in  FIG. 12 . This information may be loaded in through a personal computer  84  that connects to serial ports  190  shown in  FIG. 4 . Also, through the use of the serial port  190  and the personal computer  84 , information can be retrieved such as history or current fault information. This can be used in determining if things need to be repaired or changed in the air conditioner/heat pump  58 . 
         [0125]    If a wall thermostat is connected through the wall thermostat connection  104  as shown in  FIG. 4 , the wall thermostat may have the following signals that can be used as represented in Table 2 herein below. 
         [0000]                                TABLE 2                       Signal   Use                           W   Call for heating           B   Heat pump reversing valve           Y   Call for cooling (compressor)           GL   Low fan           GH   High Fan                        
For example, the electronic control system  74  may incorporate an intelligent HVAC WallStat interface which may self correct potential wiring errors or damaged wiring. Without intelligent interface, the air conditioner/heat pump  58  might not operate if there are such potential errors. An example of such standard control signals are shown in Table 2.
 
         [0126]    As an example of intelligence in the WallStat Smart Logic, assume that cooling is desired and a Y signal is received. This would mean there should be a GL or GH signal also present. However, if no GL or GH signal is present, the electronic control system  74  will interpret the request as calling for cooling and run the compressor with the fan at high speed. A visible warning as to the problem will be given in the display  136 . 
         [0127]    If a W signal is called for heating, a GL or GH signal should also be present. If the W signal is received from the wall thermostat, but there is no GL or GH signal, it will interpret the W signal as calling for heat and will run the compressor in the heating mode with the fan at high speed. A visible warning will be given in the display  136 . If an apparent error signal cannot be resolved, it will be flagged and possibly even shut down the air conditioner/heat pump. 
         [0128]    When using a wall thermostat user interface  70 , display  136  will provide feedback as to whether COOL, HEAT or FAN is being requested as illustrated in  FIGS. 13A , B, and C, respectively. 
         [0129]    Also, a group of air conditioners/heat pumps  58  may be grouped together for parallel connection to a common wall thermostat as shown in  FIG. 14 . Each of these separate air conditioner/heat pumps  58  will have its own electronic control system (ECS)  74  as shown. The electronic control system  74  also has a multilevel fault system, whereby individual faults are assigned severity once a problem has been detected by a diagnostic test and logged into a fault system. (See  FIG. 15 .) The severity of the fault can be escalated based upon the operational parameters and test conditions. The user is always presented with the most severe faults first. A fault history is also provided to find intermittent problems or faults. 
         [0130]    If a fault is detected, the maintenance required icon  184 , which resembles a wrench, will be shown on the display  136  (see  FIG. 6 ). The wrench may be on solid or may be flashing (most severe condition). Some faults are logged for information purposes only, but do not trigger a maintenance required icon  184 . The severity of the fault and what will result there from is indicated in Table 3 herein below. 
         [0000]                                              TABLE 3                   Severity Options                Shut Down   Flash Service   Service               Severity   Unit   Required   Required ON   Set Code   Log               1   ✓   ✓       ✓   ✓       2       ✓       ✓   ✓       3           ✓   ✓   ✓       4               ✓   ✓                    
Once a fault has been cleared, the maintenance required icon  184  of the wrench is turned OFF, unless more faults still exist.
 
         [0131]    There are twenty diagnostic routines that run in the background to provide continuous protection. A listing of the diagnostic routines is shown in Table 4 herein below. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Diagnostic Routines 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Test 
                 Feature/Capability 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 Front panel switch is stuck 
               
               
                 2 
                 Input Voltage out of Specification 
               
               
                 3 
                 Ambient indoor temperature sensor is open or shorted 
               
               
                 4 
                 Indoor Coil temperature sensor is open or shorted 
               
               
                 5 
                 Outdoor Coil temperature sensor is open or shorted 
               
               
                 6 
                 Outdoor temperature sensor is open or shorted 
               
               
                 7 
                 Outdoor Coil &gt; 175° F. 
               
               
                 8 
                 Indoor Coil temperature &lt; 30° F. for 2 consecutive minutes 
               
               
                 9 
                 Unit cycles (hear or cool demand) &gt; 9 times per hour 
               
               
                 10 
                 Unit cycles (hear or cool demand) &lt; 3 times per hour 
               
               
                 11 
                 Room Freeze Protection 
               
               
                 12 
                 Wallstat Problem or Connection issue 
               
               
                 13 
                 Discharge Air &gt; 185° F. 
               
               
                 14 
                 Pressure Limit Switch Open 
               
               
                 15 
                 Discharge Air temperature sensor is open or shorted 
               
               
                 16 
                 Heat Pump Error (RV Valve Fails) 
               
               
                 17 
                 Temperature Beyond Operating Limits 
               
               
                 18 
                 Minimum Configuration 
               
               
                 19 
                 Outdoor coil temperature sensor drops to 30° F. or less for 
               
               
                   
                 2 consecutive minutes 
               
               
                 20 
                 Frost Protection 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0132]    These diagnostic routines monitor the health of the air conditioner/heat pump  58  and continually check the operational environment. Each of these tests are independent and may be turned ON or OFF electronically. 
         [0133]    As an example, Test  1  is shown in  FIG. 16 . To ensure that none of the contact switches  140 - 154  are stuck, Test  1  is continually run. If a button down  192  is indicated, twenty seconds or greater will be waited and the test will be run again after a twenty-second delay  194 . Thereafter, a set fault  196  will occur if a stuck contact switch  140 - 154  is detected. The set fault  196  is cleared once the contact switch  140 - 154  is no longer stuck. 
         [0134]    As an example of a more complex diagnostic test, assume Test  14  for the pressure limit switch OPEN is run, as shown in  FIG. 17 . If a pressure limit switch  198  is open, this indicates the refrigerant pressures inside the system are excessive and the system must shut down. Assume the pressure limit switch OPEN  198  indicates “yes”, then a determination is made for fault ON  200 . If “yes”, and there is not a system mode change  202 , then a set error code  204  occurs. The action taken  206  due to the set error code  204  depends upon the condition under which the air conditioner/heat pump  58  is operating. An action table  208  gives a set of actions that could occur. Assuming the system can operate without the compressor, then alternative operations  210  are provided. 
         [0135]    After the timer  212  times out (typically one hour), the system will check and see if the same condition exists. If this occurs three times, as determined by counter  214 , the unit will shut down and severity code  1  will be indicated. 
         [0136]    If there is a fault indication of the pressure limit switch CLOSED  218 , once the fault is removed  220 , normal operations are restored. The fault detection system as just described takes advantage of the multi-level fault system as previously described in conjunction with Table 3. The severity profile is initially set at 2 while the problem is attempting to be corrected. After the third attempt, the severity profile is changed to 1 which tells the system to shut down. 
         [0137]    Any of the other twenty diagnostic tests can be run by the electronic control system  74 . Tests  1  and  14  were given as typical examples of such diagnostic tests. 
         [0138]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , an air conditioner/heat pump represented generally by reference numeral  300  has a command processor  302 . The command processor  302  connects to microcontroller  86  shown in  FIG. 4A . In conjunction with the air conditioner/heat pump  300  is a Wi-Fi module  304  that allows the air conditioner/heat pump  300  to communicate through an Internet connection  306  with any server  308  in the internet cloud that may know the proper address and passwords. (See  FIGS. 3 and 4  in addition to  FIG. 18 .) Inside of the air conditioner/heat pump  300 , the proper driver and communications protocol  312  and message protocol  314  have to be used before communicating with the command processor  302 . With the use of the Wi-Fi module  304 , the user could go from his home to his office and while at the office get on the computer and reprogram the air conditioner/heat pump  300  for maximum efficiency and comfort. For example, in the summer months, the temperature may be turned up while the user is not home, but turned down shortly before the user gets home so the conditioned space will be comfortable when the user arrives home. The user could be in his/her automobile and use an i-phone to send commands to the air conditioner/heat pump. Anyone that knows the address and password of the Wi-Fi module  304  can change the setting of the air conditioner/heat pump  300  by commands given via the driver and communications protocol  312  and message protocol  314  before command processor  302 . 
         [0139]    If a public utility had access to various items that used a lot of power, during times of peak power demand, the public utility could cut back on some of the usage to prevent brown-outs or rolling power outages. For example, if a public utility were able to turn some air conditioners OFF for a short period of time, that would decrease power demand. By doing this systematically the public utilities could control air conditioners or other major power using devices to prevent brown-outs or periods of time when power was lost altogether. If the end user wanted to override the public utility, the end user could do so, but it would be at an increased cost. 
         [0140]    This proposal for a public utility to be able to control power to a large number of major energy using devices is referred herein as a Smart Grid. If a Smart Grid module  316  allows for a connection to a public utility by any conventional means (Internet, telephone, radio frequency, etc.), then the public utility could send a command limiting the amount of energy used by the air conditioner/heat pump  300  (see  FIG. 18 ). The Smart Grid module  316  would be connected through a driver and communications protocol  318  and message protocol  320  to the microprocessor  302 . However, if the end user wishes to override the public utility, then the end user could override the public utility but would probably be charged a higher fee. 
         [0141]    The Smart Grid module while illustrated with a public utility may be set up any particular way. For example, a university could utilize something subject similar to the Smart Grid module  316  to make sure the university is not exceeding a certain amount of power at any given time. Likewise, a private entity if given permissions by the end users could provide the same function as the Smart Grid module  316 . By controlling in a systematic way high energy use devices, a predetermined power for a grid is not exceeded. 
         [0142]    Also, the air conditioner/heat pump  300  will have a USB port that connects through a driver and communications protocol  322  and a message protocol  324  to the command processor  302 . From the USB port, a maintenance tool such as personal computer  84  may be connected. The personal computer  84  may communicate with the command processor  302  inside of the air conditioner/heat pump  300  to perform maintenance or any repairs necessary to the system. Updated computer programs can be provided to the air conditioner/heat pump  300  from the personal computer  84  or from a thumb drive  326 . Mailing out thumb drives  326  is how manufacturers many times will notify an end user of updated computer programs and provide the updated programs to the end user. 
         [0143]    Referring back to  FIG. 4A , the Smart Grid module  316  feeds directly into the microcontroller  86  contained on the main board  76 . Within the microcontroller  86  would be provided the driver and communications protocol  316  and message protocol  320 . Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the Smart Grid module  316  feeds into the main control  68 . 
         [0144]    Likewise, the Wi-Fi module  304  connects directly to the microcontroller  86  on the main board  76 . The driver communications protocol  312  and  314  are contained within the microcontroller  86 . Also as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the Wi-Fi module  304  converts to the main control  68 . 
         [0145]    In addition to the Smart Grid module  316  and Wi-Fi module  304 , a radio frequency module  328  may connect through wall thermostat connection  104  to the microcontroller  86  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The RF module  328  may be used as well to control the air conditioner/heat pump  300 . 
         [0146]    Within the air conditioner/heat pump  300 , a computer program is set up as will be explained in conjunction with  FIGS. 19A ,  19 B, and  19 C. Within the microcontroller  86  as shown in  FIG. 4   a  are the control and processing algorithms  92 . Logic functions as described in conjunction with  FIGS. 19A ,  19 B and  19 C is normally a part of the control and processing algorithms  92  as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0147]    Referring to  FIGS. 19A ,  19 B, and  19 C, once there is a start command, initialization  330  begins. The first thing that occurs after initialization is to determine if there has been a configuration change  332 . If there has been a configuration change  32 , there must be an update configuration  334 . However, if there has been no configuration change  332 , then the question “configuration change?” will be answered “no” and the program will proceed to find out if there is a new message  336 . In asking the questions of whether there is a “new message?”, the orders of the queries given herein below may vary but are provided for representative purposes. 
         [0148]    Referring to  FIG. 19C , the first query will be “Smart Grid command?”  338 . Assuming there is a “yes”, then the determination will be made as to whether it was a Smart Grid spinning reserve command  340  or a Smart Grid delay load command  342 . For example, under the Smart Grid spinning reserve command  340 , a command signal may have gone out to section-by-section cut down the amount of power usage in a spinning format. That would be referred to as a spinning reserve command, which would then give a process command  344 . On the other hand, if the Smart Grid command is a delay-load command  342 , a process command  346  will be initiated. 
         [0149]    After checking the Smart Grid command  338 , presence of a Wi-Fi command  348  will be determined. If the answer is “yes”, a process command  350  will be initiated, but no response will be sent back. Other commands  352  will be checked for, and if present, a process command  354  will be issued. Another command  352  that could have been issued could be from the personal computer  84  being used as a maintenance tool, the thumb drive  326  (see  FIG. 18 ) or an RF module  328  (see  FIG. 4A ). 
         [0150]    Assuming there are no other commands, then the program would determine if a button has been pushed with a “push-button?” query  356 . If a button has been pushed, then there will be a process push button  358  (see  FIG. 19A ). 
         [0151]    The checking for the configuration change  332 , new message  336  or push button  356  is done periodically in a “heartbeat” type of fashion. These commands could be sent out once-a-second or any other time interval selected in the computer program. During that same “heartbeat”, in addition to checking for configuration change  332 , new message  336  and push-button  356 , there is also an update sensor values  360 , checking of the run-time/scheduler  362  and checking the run thermostat  364 . 
         [0152]    After making the foregoing checks, then a determination will be made of “fan speed change?”  366  in another query (see  FIG. 19B ). If the answer is “yes”, then a fan speed change  368  will occur. Next, a determination will be made of “relay change?”  370  in another query trying to determine if relays  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  or  122  shown in  FIG. 4B  has changed. Again, if the answer is “yes”, there will be an adjust relays  372 . Next, there will be a run diagnostic test  374  where diagnostic test subroutines will be run on the air conditioner/heat pump  300 . At the end of the run diagnostic test  374 , a query of “diagnostic test fail?”  376  will occur. If there is a “yes” answer to the prior query, that failure will cause a set fault update alarm history  378 . 
         [0153]    To keep the end user informed, display  136  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  has to be updated with an update display  380  program step as shown in  FIG. 19C . 
         [0154]    Also as part of each heartbeat or at a longer or shorter period of time if desired, there will be a query for a “Wi-Fi web update?”  382 . If an update needs to occur, there will be a send status update  384  concerning the Wi-Fi connection. Also, with each heartbeat or predetermined time interval, there will be a “Smart Grid update?” query  386 . If the answer is “yes”, there will be a send status update  388  concerning the Smart Grid network. 
         [0155]    From the Smart Grid update  386 , the feedback loop goes back to just below the initialization  330 , but before the configuration change query  332 . In this manner, the cycle is repeated with each “heartbeat” or such predetermined time interval as determined by the program.