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Programmable Communication Thermostats
Description: 

PCTs are thermostats that communicate price or electric system reliability signals from the utilities to the consumers, and can be programmed by the customer to automatically reduce energy consumption through thermostat set-point adjustments. PCTs encourage interoperablity by having expansion ports that will allow utilities and other service providers to add communication modules and establish links to other devices [1].

PCTs usually come with most of the following features:
- 7-day programming
- Individual temperature set points for: Occupied heat and cool; Unoccupied heat and cool
- Proportional plus integral controllers to minimize temperature fluctuations
- Recovery modules to optimize start time depending on the additional load
- Automatic heat/cool changeover depending on ambient conditions
- Optional remote sensors and override capability [2].

Applications: 

PCTs are useful in integrating the customer's support for pricing, efficiency, and demand response programs into a single interoperable and expandable device. Also, PCTs are envisioned to support dynamic pricing, incentive programs and system reliability. For example, the Tantalus PCTs also serve as a Home Area Network(HAN) gateway via TUNet or ZigBee. The device also has incorporated advanced applications such as messaging which enables a utility to communicate directly with its customers and provide easy access to household billing and consumption history [3].

References: 

[1] EnergyPulse Article. URL: http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=1622
[2] Honeywell PCTs. URL: http://dticorp.com/catalog/honeywell-t7300f2002-programmable-communicating-thermostat-p-1764.html
[3] Tantalus PCTs. URL: http://www.tantalus.com/pdf/products/TUNet_ST-1480.pdf

Key Technology Area: 
Advanced Components

Sample Vendors:
Name Product description Submitted on Submitted by Affiliation Contact information
Cooper Power Systems 09/30/10
HONEYWELL 09/30/10
TUNet 09/30/10

 

(Disclaimer: This is a representative sample list of vendors which is updated frequently. The SGIC portal does not endorse any companies or products listed herein.)