Nest Labs Self-Learning Energy-Saving Thermostats

In 2010, two Apple immigrants, Americans Matt Rogers and Tony Fadell, founded Nest Labs, and in 2011 their business was so successful that in the United States a truly new era began in the organization of home climate control. Then the European market segment was mastered. In 2014, Nest Labs was bought by the giant Google for $ 3.2 billion, which did not slow down the development of the original direction, but only accelerated it.

First model Nest smart thermostat was introduced to the consumer at the end of 2011, and immediately made a splash. The following year, the second modification of the device was released, it had an updated design and expanded functionality, and it was the second model that became the key product of Nest.

So, The Nest Thermostat (Nest Learning Thermostat) is a stylish smart gadget designed to automate and optimize all the processes in the room associated with maintaining an optimal climate. The device independently learns, adjusting the control of climate control systems so that the room climate meets the needs and preferences of the owner.

Managing heating, humidifiers, air conditioners, fans and dehumidifiers - everything will be optimized so that energy consumption is minimal and comfort is maximized. And the key to all of this is the self-learning of the Nest thermostat.

The compact instrument housing contains the main temperature sensorshumidity, light, and, of course, a presence sensor. This allows the device to understand its owner, to study its schedule of home presence, habits in one way or another to control the climate of the room, so that in a week it will completely automate and optimize the control of devices.

The thermostat housing is one large button located in a stainless steel ring the size of a hockey puck. The button can be pressed, the scroll ring can be rotated. The button has a bright color display with a resolution of 320 by 320 pixels, which displays both indicators and menus.

Direct control is carried out by pressing the button (on the thermostat display itself), as well as by turning the ring; the instrument menu is clear intuitively.

Especially convenient here is the ability to control the thermostat from a smartphone or from a computer remotely, because the thermostat is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi.

This is also necessary so that at the end of the week of work this “smart” gadget can send a report to the owner on the smartphone how energy was consumed, and where, how and what can be optimized to increase efficiency and comfort. In addition, the Nest thermostat firmware is regularly updated via the Internet.

Now more about the operation of the device. Whenever a person simply passes by the thermostat, or when control is carried out directly through the menu or from a mobile device, the device remembers and analyzes this.

For example, in the morning at the same time you regulate the temperature or humidity in a certain way, turn on the air conditioner or humidifier, in the evening you need a temperature, for example, slightly lower than in the morning, etc. The thermostat calculates the time during which the room warms up or cools down. using your technology, and makes optimization in its management.

If the owners are not at home, appliances are switched into an economical mode, saving energy costs. Predicting the appearance of the owners of the house, the gadget will turn on the devices in advance, so that by their arrival home the climate is already suitable, corresponding to their personal comfort conditions, this function is called “AutoAway”. In the “departure” mode, it is convenient to monitor and control from a mobile device.

In fairness, we note that the European and American versions of the device are different: in Europe only heating control is required, while in the modification for the USA the range of devices is quite wide. Of course, one or another modification, in principle, can be bought in online stores, and today this is not a problem.

The Nest thermostat modification for the United States can work with an extensive list of home heating and cooling systems, this version is sold as well as the European version for heating control. Representatives of Nest Labs argue that most two-stage air conditioners and three-stage heating appliances are already supported by a modern version of the software.

System Match improves the thermostat's ability to choose how to optimally create the right climate, which specific appliances and how to turn it on so that it is economical.

The Nest mobile application also displays the weather outside the window, so that you can understand why a particular device was turned on, and how much electricity was needed. The Energy History screen will show a detailed report for 10 days, indicating the time and nature of the energy consumption.

Modification of the thermostat for Europe controls only heating systems, but the Heat Link module is included as a convenient extension, it wirelessly combines the IEEE 802.15.4 standard heating system and thermostat at a distance of up to 30 meters.

Installation of the thermostat is simple, even a screwdriver is included in the kit, and the base of the device is equipped with a level with an air bubble in order to accurately and evenly install its base on the wall. By the way, the European version has the ability to install the thermostat on the table. Then the wires are connected and the control panel itself is installed. Then it remains to connect the device to the Internet via Wi-Fi, and indicate your location for weather verification.