Programmable Communicating Thermostat
Encyclopedia
The term programmable communicating thermostat (PCT) is used by the California Energy Commission
to describe programmable thermostat
s that can receive information wirelessly.
The first version of the PCT introduced in the 2008 building standards proceeding also required that PCTs allow temperature control during emergency events to avoid blackouts. This feature was removed after public input indicated a strong fear of the non-overrideable "big brother" feel of this feature.
A talk at the S4 SCADA security conference in January 2008 indicated adding a public key encryption scheme to the specification, giving each thermostat a random 160-bit number. The installer or homeowner would call this number in to the utility or other service provider (operator), who would then send the Operator's public key to the thermostat over RDS
. Using this method, the PCT would receive messages only from the operator(s) explicitly agreed to by the homeowner.
Thermostats can also communicate wirelessly through the Internet or via a home automation technology, such as INSTEON. These advanced thermostats can be adjusted via computer or Internet capable phone or PDA to allow users to adjust the temperature in their home without actually being there.
California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission is California’s primary energy policy and planning agency. Created in 1974 and headquartered in Sacramento, the Commission has responsibility for activities that include forecasting future energy needs, promoting energy efficiency through appliance and building...
to describe programmable thermostat
Thermostat
A thermostat is the component of a control system which regulates the temperature of a system so that the system's temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint temperature. The thermostat does this by switching heating or cooling devices on or off, or regulating the flow of a heat transfer...
s that can receive information wirelessly.
The first version of the PCT introduced in the 2008 building standards proceeding also required that PCTs allow temperature control during emergency events to avoid blackouts. This feature was removed after public input indicated a strong fear of the non-overrideable "big brother" feel of this feature.
A talk at the S4 SCADA security conference in January 2008 indicated adding a public key encryption scheme to the specification, giving each thermostat a random 160-bit number. The installer or homeowner would call this number in to the utility or other service provider (operator), who would then send the Operator's public key to the thermostat over RDS
Radio Data System
Radio Data System, or RDS, is a communications protocol standard for embedding small amounts of digital information in conventional FM radio broadcasts. RDS standardises several types of information transmitted, including time, station identification and programme information.Radio Broadcast Data...
. Using this method, the PCT would receive messages only from the operator(s) explicitly agreed to by the homeowner.
Thermostats can also communicate wirelessly through the Internet or via a home automation technology, such as INSTEON. These advanced thermostats can be adjusted via computer or Internet capable phone or PDA to allow users to adjust the temperature in their home without actually being there.