Temperature control device, system comprising a temperature control device, and method of changing an operating state of an electronic component

Abstract

Example embodiments relate to a temperature control device, wherein a control unit performs the following steps to change an operating state of an electronic component: the control unit outputs an intention signal, the control unit receives and evaluates signals during a waiting time, and in case neither an intention signal from another unit having a higher priority, nor a change signal is present within the waiting time, the control unit outputs a change signal and changes the operating state of the electronic component. Example embodiments further relate to a system including a temperature control device and to a method of changing an operating state of an electronic component.

1 . A temperature control device, comprising:
 a control unit,   an electronic component,   an energy supply interface, and   a communication interface,   wherein the electronic component receives electrical energy via the energy supply interface,   wherein the control unit sends and receives signals via the communication interface,   wherein the control unit acts on the electronic component such that an operating state of the electronic component changes,   wherein a change in the operating state leads at least temporarily to a change in the need of the electronic component for electrical energy,   wherein the control unit performs at least the following steps to change the operating state of the electronic component;   the control unit outputs an intention signal (RS) via the communication interface,   during a waiting time (Tw), the control unit receives signals via the communication interface and evaluates them to determine whether they are an intention signal (RS) from another unit or a change signal (TOS) from another unit, and   in case neither an intention signal (RS) from another unit having a higher priority than the temperature control device, nor a change signal (TOS) from another unit is present within the waiting time (Tw), the control unit outputs a change signal (TOS) via the communication interface and changes the operating state of the electronic component.   
     
     
         2 . The temperature control device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein in case an intention signal (RS) from another unit is present and the other unit has a higher priority than the temperature control device, the control unit receives and evaluates signals during the restarting waiting time (Tw).   
     
     
         3 . The temperature control device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein in case a change signal (TOS) is present, the control unit receives and evaluates signals during the restarting waiting time (Tw).   
     
     
         4 . The temperature control device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the control unit outputs the intention signal (RS) several times.   
     
     
         5 . The temperature control device according to  claim 4 ,
 wherein in case the control unit outputs the change signal (TOS) via the communication interface, the control unit also stops the output of the intention signal (RS).   
     
     
         6 . The temperature control device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the control unit outputs the intention signal (RS) such that the intention signal (RS) comprises information about the priority of the temperature control device.   
     
     
         7 . The temperature control device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the control unit outputs the change signal (TOS) several times within a starting time (Ts) and/or with an interval time via the communication interface.   
     
     
         8 . The temperature control device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the temperature control device is configured as an air conditioner, and   wherein the electronic component is a compressor.   
     
     
         9 . A system, comprising:
 at least one temperature control device according to  claim 1 ,   at least one other unit,   a communication channel via which the temperature control device and the at least one other unit transmit signals, and   a source of energy which supplies the temperature control device and the at least one other unit with electrical energy.   
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 9 ,
 wherein the at least one other unit is configured as a temperature control device.   
     
     
         11 . A method of changing an operating state of an electronic component, comprising:
 outputting an intention signal (RS),   during a waiting time (Tw), receiving and evaluating signals to determine whether they the signals are an intention signal (RS) from another unit or a change signal from another unit, and   wherein in case neither an intention signal (RS) from another unit having a higher priority than a unit associated with the electronic component, nor a change signal (TOS) is present within the waiting time (Tw), a change signal (TOS) is output and the operating state of the electronic component is changed.