Bits and Pieces

Contents

  1. 1 Pardon Our Dust
  2. 2 Software
    1. 2.1 Supported Platforms
    2. 2.2 Consumer Features
    3. 2.3 Installation
    4. 2.4 Monitoring and Instrumentation
    5. 2.5 Fault Tolerance and Serviceability
    6. 2.6 Remote Access
    7. 2.7 Home Automation Integration
    8. 2.8 No Vendor Lock-In
  3. 3 Hardware
  4. 4 Services

Pardon Our Dust

At this point in time, the audience of the project is pretty much limited to technical folks. As the work progresses, the focus will shift towards consumer more and more. Whereas today only someone with a strong software engineering skills not afraid of tinkering with hardware is going to feel comfortable here, the eventual goal is to make your 10 year old being able to operate the system.

Software

One of the project's primary goals is to make the consumer value of the system unbeatable. During the implementation it has become clear that not only the consumer value can be significantly improved, but also the serviceability. Following is a brief summary of features. Those that are officially supported in the last incarnation are marked blue, those that are not are still black. This list is based on the original set of features offered by DIY Zoning.

But not all is listed here. DIY Zoning history showed that features leak into commercial products. To avoid that, and to have an incontrovertible proof of prior art, some features will only be published when they are released.

Supported Platforms

At this time, the software is known to work under Ubuntu Linux, Fedora Linux and Mac OS X. Recommended platform is Raspbian Stretch. Read more...

Consumer Features

  • Temperature can be maintained on per-zone basis;
  • Each zone can have a different schedule;
  • Schedule for cooling and heating can be different, both on setpoints and timing;
  • Individual zones can be put "on hold" (i.e. maintain the set temperature with no regard to the schedule);
  • Individual zones can be shut off without affecting the rest of the house;
  • A zone may be "non-voting" - in other words, it will not cause the HVAC unit to turn on. However, the unit will not be shut down until the zone demand is satisfied;
  • The whole house may be put in "away" mode, with a given duration;
  • In "away" or "shut off" mode the system will take measures to conserve energy. In particular, if less energy will be spent maintaining the house or zone at preset temperature than shutting off the unit and then re-heating (or re-cooling), it will maintain the temperature;
  • Individual zones can be programmed to maintain the preset temperature regardless of the settings for the rest of the house (think computer room in the summer);
  • The system automatically selects heating or cooling mode, depending on demand;
  • The system is capable of tracking the air filter condition and warn the user about the necessity of cleaning of replacing the filter;
  • On failure, the system provides detailed diagnostic information that allows to replace guessing with educated symptom evaluation and analysis.

Installation

  • The system is able to operate with wide range of A/C units, starting with basic single-speed fan, single-speed or variable speed A/C, heat pump and furnace, and ending with arbitrarily variable unit (like Trane XV1500);
  • The system is capable of operating with both low cost registers and high quality dampers;
  • The system is capable of supporting open-close dampers;
  • The system is capable of supporting modulating dampers;
  • Modulating dampers can be combined with open-close dampers in the same installation;
  • Static pressure bypass dampers are supported, but not required;
  • Existing thermostats may be used as control signal sources (though not recommended because of lower control quality) (supported in software only).

Monitoring and Instrumentation

  • All system entities are capable of producing detailed data streams that can be used to visualize the system behavior, enable short term troubleshooting and long term trend analysis. These entities include:
    • Hardware sensors;
    • Thermostats (including PID and hysteresis controllers);
    • Zone controller;
    • HVAC unit driver;
    • Damper controller.
  • The system provides access mechanism that exposes system tuning parameters for remote access.

Fault Tolerance and Serviceability

The system is capable of recognizing and alleviating several frequently occurring total or partial failure scenarios related to:
  • Indoor fan;
  • Compressor;
  • Dampers;
  • Sensors.

Remote Access

The system can be completely controlled using mobile application interface. Web application is currently in limited preview, invitation only (you're welcome to request one). Android application is now limited preview, your feedback is appreciated.

Home Automation Integration

The system is based on open protocol specification and can be controlled by any home automation software or hardware that supports these protocols;
The system can be integrated with existing security systems to automatically enter and exit "leave" mode;
The system can react to abnormal temperature conditions (such as open doors and windows, overheating computer room, or sudden temperature spikes) and either take corrective measures or issue alerts, including, but not limited, to email and SMS messages.

No Vendor Lock-In

Just like some other companies, we want you to be here because you want to be here, not because you can't leave. This means interoperability and open standards compliance.

Hardware

Please see the Supported Hardware page for further information.

Services

No statements will be made at this time about services offered. Stay tuned.

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