CA2531839A1 - Systems, methods and devices for effective electric energy consumption - Google Patents
Systems, methods and devices for effective electric energy consumption Download PDFInfo
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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Abstract
An electricity demand response device (102) which could help consumers to save electricity cost through direct control of high electricity consumption appliances, and indirectly by providing forward looking "Electricity Market Pressure Indicator"
display. The consumer may use the indicator to decide how to use electricity.
The device issues control command and indicator display based on results from a multi-dimensional simulation process (176) using information data mined from Internet. Such information includes electricity spot rate; rate history, utility company published electric generating capacity and cost of production, electricity consumption history, consumption projection and the latest consumption pattern, and weather information.
The device may receive user conservation preference based on which the load control and indicator could be further fine tuned. Other fine tune parameters are the local temperature sensor reading and physical security monitoring state.
display. The consumer may use the indicator to decide how to use electricity.
The device issues control command and indicator display based on results from a multi-dimensional simulation process (176) using information data mined from Internet. Such information includes electricity spot rate; rate history, utility company published electric generating capacity and cost of production, electricity consumption history, consumption projection and the latest consumption pattern, and weather information.
The device may receive user conservation preference based on which the load control and indicator could be further fine tuned. Other fine tune parameters are the local temperature sensor reading and physical security monitoring state.
Description
Title: Systems, Methods and Devices for Effective Electric Energy Consumption Cross Reference to Related Applications (0001]This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No.
60/642,101, filed January 10, 2005 by the present inventors.
Field of the Invention [0002]This invention relates to energy consumption. More particularly, the invention relates to devices that encourage effective energy consumption.
Background of the Invention [0003] In recent years, the cost of energy has consistently risen. For example, the cost of electric energy supplied to residential and commercial customers has increased significantly. Electricity costs have risen in response to demand and to the increasingly high cost of generating large peak demand power levels. Demand for electricity varies depending on the. time of day, day of the week, weather conditions and other factors.
Generally, an electric utility must be capable of supplying the maximum electric energy demanded by its customers and must structure its electricity supply, transmission or distribution system accordingly. Since the demand is not at the peak level most of the time, the system is generally underutilized at most times. Furthermore, the cost of the supply, transmission or distribution system is determined by the infrequent peak demand levels. Some electric utilities have attempted to discourage electricity consumption during typical peak demand periods by imposing higher rates during those periods. For example, the electric consumption of an electricity consumer may be measured based on both the absolute quantity of electric energy consumed and the time of day at which the electricity is used. Different rates may be imposed during peak consumption hours to discourage electricity consumption at those hours. A
"smart"
electric meter may be used to determine the consumer's electricity during different time periods. A typical smart electric meter periodically records the time and total amount of power consumed through the meter since the meter was activated or initialized up to that time. To determine the power consumed during a particular period, the total power consumed at the end of the previous period is subtracted from the total power consumed at the end of the particular period. The consumer's consumption during each period may be determined and the consumer can be charged different rates for power consumed during different time periods.
60/642,101, filed January 10, 2005 by the present inventors.
Field of the Invention [0002]This invention relates to energy consumption. More particularly, the invention relates to devices that encourage effective energy consumption.
Background of the Invention [0003] In recent years, the cost of energy has consistently risen. For example, the cost of electric energy supplied to residential and commercial customers has increased significantly. Electricity costs have risen in response to demand and to the increasingly high cost of generating large peak demand power levels. Demand for electricity varies depending on the. time of day, day of the week, weather conditions and other factors.
Generally, an electric utility must be capable of supplying the maximum electric energy demanded by its customers and must structure its electricity supply, transmission or distribution system accordingly. Since the demand is not at the peak level most of the time, the system is generally underutilized at most times. Furthermore, the cost of the supply, transmission or distribution system is determined by the infrequent peak demand levels. Some electric utilities have attempted to discourage electricity consumption during typical peak demand periods by imposing higher rates during those periods. For example, the electric consumption of an electricity consumer may be measured based on both the absolute quantity of electric energy consumed and the time of day at which the electricity is used. Different rates may be imposed during peak consumption hours to discourage electricity consumption at those hours. A
"smart"
electric meter may be used to determine the consumer's electricity during different time periods. A typical smart electric meter periodically records the time and total amount of power consumed through the meter since the meter was activated or initialized up to that time. To determine the power consumed during a particular period, the total power consumed at the end of the previous period is subtracted from the total power consumed at the end of the particular period. The consumer's consumption during each period may be determined and the consumer can be charged different rates for power consumed during different time periods.
[0004] In general, these methods rely on the consumer managing its consumption manually in response to price incentives or general appeals made by the electricity supplier. To provide fair warning to the consumer, the electricity supplier must state in advance the expected peak consumption periods and rate applied during peak and non-peak periods. Finally, these methods do not take other information relating to the cost and consumption of energy into account.
[0005]Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system for managing the consumption of electric energy.
Summary of the Invention [0006] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device that produces a market pressure indicator based on information relating to the generation or consumption of electric energy. The market pressure indicator provides an assessment of the likelihood that the demand for electric energy will meet or exceed a power distributor's planned supply level for electric energy.
[OOOTj In one embodiment, the market pressure indicator is expressed in three categories. The first category indicates that the electric energy supply is in a critical state and that power conservation steps are highly desirable. The second category indicates that the electric energy supply may enter a critical state and accordingly power conservation activities should be undertaken. The third category indicates that the electric energy supply is not in a critical state and accordingly power conservation steps are not necessary to protect the electric energy supply. In one embodiment, the market pressure indicator is set out as a color. The market pressure indicator may be red, yellow or green corresponding respectively to the three categories. In other embodiments, other symbols, colors or descriptive words, terms or phrases may be used to identify the different categories of the market pressure indicator.
[0008) In another embodiment, the market pressure may be calculated as a numerical value in a range by comparing the current demand level to a power distributor's planned supply level and a practical supply level that is determined by subtracting a power reserve form the planned supply level. In one embodiment, the numerical value is calculated in the range between 1 and 10.
[0009]The market pressure indicator advises an electricity consumer about the consumption level of electric energy compared to the planned supply level. The market pressure indicator is displayed on a display device or screen, allowing an electricity consumer to see the market pressure indicator. The consumer may use the market pressure indicator to decide how to use electric energy.
[0010) In another embodiment, a pricing level indicator is also generated based on price information about the electric energy supply. The pricing level indicator is also displayed on the display device.
[0011] In other embodiments, the market pressure indicator may be estimated for future time periods. A plurality of market pressure indicators, including a market pressure indicator for the current time period and for one or more subsequent time periods may be displayed, providing a consumer with an estimate of the state of the electric energy supply over the current and subsequent time periods. Similarly, a plurality of pricing level indicators may be generated and displayed.
(0012]A device according to the present invention may receive user conservation preference information. The device may compare the user conservation preference information to the market pressure indicator and based on the comparison, may disable automatically controlled loads. Similarly, a market pressure indicator and a pricing level indicator may be combined to determine how to control automatically controlled loads.
[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for managing electric energy consumption comprising: mining information related to electric from one or more information sources; recording the mined information in a database;
generating a market pressure indicator based on the recorded information; and displaying the market pressure indicator.
[0014] In another embodiment, the invention provides a system comprising: an electrical energy consumption management device including: (i) a database for storing information relating to electric energy; (ii) a data mining engine for obtaining information from one or more information sources coupled to the device; and (iii) a simulation engine for deriving a market pressure indicator based on the information stored in the local database; and a display device coupled to the electrical energy consumption management device to display the market pressure indicator.
[0015] Other aspects and features of the invention are described below.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0016]A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which:
Figures 1a and 1b are graphs illustrating a time varying price for electric energy and a probability distribution for the price;
Figure 2 is a graph illustrating a planned electric power supply level, a practical electric power supply level and an actual demand level for electric power;
Figure 3 illustrates a system that uses an energy consumption management device according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate several displays of a market pressure indicator according to the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates the energy consumption management device of Figure 3;
Figure 7 illustrates another display device that may be integrated into an energy consumption management device; and Figure 8 illustrates another system using a central data system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments (0017] Reference is first made to Figures 1 a and 1 b. Typically, electric energy consumed in a geographic area is produced by a group of power generators who generate electric energy at power generation plants. The power generators sell power to power distributors such as electric energy utility companies, and in some, cases to large power consumers. The electric energy utilities then sell electric energy to power consumers. In many jurisdictions, the sale of power from power generators to distributors is regulated by a free market. The power generators may provide power directly to the distributors or indirectly through a power transmission system operated by a power transmission company. The market price fluctuates based on the supply of and demand far electric energy. Figure 1a illustrates the fluctuation of the price of electricity 20 over time. Figure 1 b illustrates the probability distribution 21 of the price of electricity over a selected time period.
[0018]The current price for electricity, which may be referred to as the "spot price" may be compared to the distribution of electricity prices to determine where the spot price falls on the distribution.
[0019] Reference is next made to Figure 2. Figure 2 illustrates a planned supply level 22, a practical supply level 24 and an actual demand level 26 for electricity over time.
[0020]The planned supply level 22 is determined by the amount of power that a power distributor plans to obtain for delivery to its customers, by either purchasing the power from power generators or generating the power itself. In the case of an electric energy utility that distributes power to residential, commercial and industrial facilities, the planned supply level will typically depend on utility's experience with respect to the amount of power its customers typically consume over time and possibly other factors such as the expected price of electricity and the availability of electric energy from generators or other electric utilities (which might form an electric power pool with the power distributor). The electricity distributor may determine the planned supply level in conjunction with power generators and transmitters or an electricity market operator. In many cases, distributors participate in an electricity purchasing pool and may work with other members of the pool to purchase electricity in larger quantities and to ensure that all members of the pool are able to obtain the energy they need, if possible.
[0021]A distributor's planned supply level will change over time. For example, an electrical utility will typically plan to have a lower supply level overnight and a higher supply level on weekday evenings when HVAC, kitchen appliances and other devices are commonly in use.
[0022]The practical supply level 24 at any point in time is lower than the planned supply level. The power distributor determines a desired power reserve, which may fluctuate over time. The practical supply level 24 is equal to the planned supply level 22 less the desired power reserve. The power reserve may be used to respond to sudden changes in power consumption or power supply.
[0023] It is desirable that the actual demand level 26 remains below the practical supply level 24. If the actual demand level 26 rises above the practical supply level 24, the power distributor has to use some of the power reserve. If the actual demand continues to rise and exceeds the planned supply level, the power distributor must either (i) obtain more electric energy from power generators or from other electric utilities, or (ii) initiate rolling brownouts or blackouts to reduce power consumption. If additional power cannot be obtained, then the only choice may be to initiate brownouts or blackouts.
[0024] It is desirable to avoid high demand levels that can lead to demand exceeding power supply. Since electric energy cannot be practically stored in the large quantities usually addressed by power generation, transmission and distribution systems, it is generally necessary that the quantity of electric energy added to a system (through generation or purchase from other generators) be slightly higher than the quantity of power being consumed at the same time. If power demand rises, it is necessary to add more power to the system by initiating additional generation or purchasing more power.
[0025]To avoid conditions in which demand exceeds electric energy supply, consumers are often advised to conserve electric energy, especially during high demand periods.
To encourage this, some power distributors impose a premium fee for electric energy consumed during high demand periods.
[0026] By curtailing the peak demand of individual consumers, the energy distributor can reduce its own peak demand, reducing the maximum energy supply that it is expected to make available to all of its customers. This will in turn reduce the required level of electricity generation and production and allow energy to be distributed to more customers without increasing generation capacity or increasing the risk of blackouts or brownouts.
[0027] Reference is next made to Figure 3, which illustrates an electrical energy management system 100. System 100 comprises an electrical energy consumption ,.,..
management device 102 installed in a facility 104 at which electrical energy is consumed by various electrical loads. Facility 104 receives electric energy from an electric energy distributor (not shown) through a power distribution network 106. The electric energy distributor may be a typical municipal, local or regional electric utility company. An electric energy consumption meter 108 is installed at the facility and is coupled to the power distribution network 106. The electric meter 108 measures the electric energy consumed at facility 104. Typically, a facility may be all or part of a residential, commercial or industrial establishment or building or any other location. The facility is used by an electricity consumer. The consumer may be the owner or other tenant or another user or occupant of the facility. The consumer electric energy consumption over successive billing periods is measured and the consumer is required to pay the power distributor a fee based on the amount of electric energy consumed at the facility during each billing period.
[0028) In the present example, meter 108 is a smart meter, which may be used to determine the quantity of electric energy consumed during high demand periods designated as such by the power distributor as well as electric energy consumed at all times. The power distributor imposes a surcharge for electric energy consumed during high demand periods. In addition, the electric meter is configured to determine the peak electric energy demanded by the consumer during each billing period. For example, a power distributor may designate weekday evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm as a peak demand period and impose a surcharge for electric energy consumed during these times. The distributor may charge 4.5ø / kWh of electric energy consumed during a billing period. In addition, the distributor may charge an additional 3ø ! kWh for energy consumed during the designated high demand periods.
[0029 In other systems utilizing the present invention, the consumer may be charged a peak demand penalty based on the peak electric power level demanded by the consumer during a billing period on an instantaneous basis. For example, the consumer may be charged a $5 / kWh peak power demand penalty for the amount energy consumed during the 15 minutes during which the consumer's power consumption was highest during a billing period.
_7_ . ,"
[0030] In other systems utilizing the present invention, the meter may be a simple meter which simply measures the total quantity of power used during each billing period and the power distributor may simply charge the consumer for the total quantity of power.
[0031]Within facility 104, various electric loads consume electric energy.
Several exemplary electric loads are illustrated in Figure 3.
[0032]A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system 112 is installed in facility 104. HVAC system 112 is coupled to meter 108 and receives electric energy from power distribution system 106 through meter 108. A thermostat 114 is coupled to HVAC system 112 through a switch 122. When switch 122 is closed, the HVAC
system operates under the control of the thermostat. When switch 122 is open, the thermostat's control over HVAC system 112 is interrupted and HVAC system 112 does not operate.
[0033] Thermostat 114 has a temperature sensor (not shown) and desired temperature setting mechanism that the consumer sets to indicate a desired temperature in the facility 104. The thermostat automatically enables and disables the HVAC
system 112 based on a comparison of the actual temperature in the facility (as measured by the temperature sensor) and the desired temperature. The consumer's desired temperature is maintained without the consumer taking any active steps once the consumer has set the desired temperature. The HVAC system 112 is an example of a load that is automatically controlled by a control device (the thermostat 114). The consumer passively controls the HVAC system 112 through thermostat 114.
[0034]The HVAC system 112 receives power at all times through meter 108. This allows components of HVAC system, such as safety components, to operate at all times. Other automatically controlled loads may have integrated control systems and it may not be possible to insert a switch such as switch 122 between the control systems and the automatically controlled load. For example, a light operated under the control of ~a motion sensor may be built into a single housing and it may be inconvenient to install a switch befinreen the light and the motion sensor. In such a case, a switch may be inserted between the automatically controlled load and the meter 108. When the switch is open, the load is not powered and cannot operate. When the switch is closed, the load operates normally.
_g_ ,....
[0035] Facility 104 also includes a manually operated dishwasher 120, which is coupled to meter 108. The dishwasher 120 receives electric energy from power distribution system 106 through meter 108. Dishwasher 120 is manually operated by the electricity consumer. Dishwasher 120 is an example of a manually controlled load, which consumes power under the direct or active control of the consumer. Other common manually controlled loads include stoves, ovens, clothes washers, clothes dryers, light fixtures, television sets and many other devices.
[0036] HVAC system 112 and dishwasher 120 are examples of the numerous automatically and manually controlled loads that are installed in a typical facility.
[0037] Device 102 is coupled to a communication network 130, which may be the Internet or another communication network. Through network 130, device 102 can obtain information relating to electric energy supply, demand or consumption from one or more information sources 132.
[0038]A historic price information source 132a provides device 102 with historic price information about the price of electricity. This historic information may include the price of electricity over time, as shown is Figure 1 a or the distribution of electricity prices over some time period, as shown in Figure 1 b, or both types of information. If only price vs.
time information is provided, device 102 may determine the probability distribution of prices.
[0039]A spot price information source 132b provides the current spot price for electricity to device 102. Historic price information source 132a and spot price information source 132b may be a single information source.
[0040] Device 102 is coupled to a display monitor or device 134 on which device 102 can display information to the consumer. Display device 134 may be a monitor or television set or other display device. Display device 134. may be integrated with device 102.
[0041] Device 102 is also coupled to a power consumption preference device 140.
Preference device 140 allows the consumer to indicate the consumer's desire to reduce power consumption when doing so would reduce the consumer's electrical costs or would assist the electric energy supplier to reduce its power supply requirements. In this exemplary embodiment, the user may set a preference value between 1 to 10, _g_ where 1 indicates that the consumer is indifferent to electric energy cost and to the effects of the consumer's power consumption on power supply levels and where indicates that the consumer prefers not to use power, if possible, if a high demand period premium is in effect or if reducing power consumption could help reduce power supply requirements.
[0042] Device 102 obtains information from information sources 132 and generates a market pressure indicator. The market pressure indicator, or a variation of the market pressure indicator, is displayed on display device 134. The consumer may determine how to operate the various electrical loads in the facility in response to the market pressure indicator.
[0043] Reference is made to Figure 4, which illustrates a first example of a display of an exemplary market pressure indicator on display device 134. In this example, the market pressure indicator is displayed as a color. The market pressure indicator may be red, indicating the electricity conservation efforts are highly desirable to reduce electric energy supply costs, yellow indicating that electricity conservation is desirable or green indicating that there is little short term prospect of the electricity supply reaching a critical state. In response to a red or yellow market pressure indicator, a consumer may choose to delay using electrical loads. For example, the consumer may delay using the dishwasher 120 when the market pressure indicator indicates that the electrical power supply is at or near a critical state. In response to a green market pressure indicator, a consumer may immediately use an electrical load that the consumer might have used at another time. For example, the consumer may use a clothes washer when the electrical power supply is relatively far from a critical state.
[0044] Reference is made to Figure 5, which illustrates a second example of a market pressure indicator. The market pressure indicator is illustrated as 10 segment bar graph. The first six segments are illustrated with a solid fill and the remaining four segments are illustrated in dotted outline, indicating that the market pressure indicator is 6 on a scale of 1 to 10. For example, if the market pressure indicator is 10, this may indicate that conservation efforts are highly desirable and if the market pressure indicator is 1, this may indicate that conservation efforts are not necessary to protect the electricity supply. In another embodiment, the use of a colored and numerical market pressure indicator may be combined by coloring segments in the bar graph of Figure 4 in different colors. For example, the first two segments on the bar graph may be green, the next four may be yellow and the last four may be red.
[0045]Reference is next made to Figure 6, which illustrates device 102 in greater detail.
Device 102 includes a data mining engine 172, a local database 174 and an energy consumption simulation engine 176.
[0046] Data mining engine 172 is coupled to network 130 through an optional firewall and intrusion detection device 178. The firewall and intrusion detection device 178 protects device 102 from accidental or malicious users of network 130. In another embodiment, device 102 may be coupled to network 130 through an external router or switch that includes a firewall and other protective services.
[0047] Data mining engine 172 communicates through network 130 with the information sources 132 to obtain information from the information sources. In the present invention, data mining engine 172 periodically polls each information source 132 to determine the current value for the data available from the information source 132.
Data mining engine 172 records this information in the database 174. For example, data mining engine 172 requests the current spot price from spot price information source 132b. Data mining engine 172 may also optionally request historic price information from historic price information source 132a. The spot price and historic price information is stored in database 174.
(0048] In another embodiment, the spot price may be pushed from spot price information source 132b to data mining engine 172. For example, the spot price information source 132b may transmit a spot price change message to data mining engine 172 when the spot price changes by some selected amount.
System 100 may include other information sources 132. Information from these information sources is recorded in the local database 174. Simulation engine obtains information from the local database 174 and uses the information to generate a market pressure indicator. The market pressure indicator may be determined in various ways.
[0049] In the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the market pressure indicator is determined by comparing the planned supply level 22, the practical ,.,..
supply level 24 and the actual demand level 26 to one another. The market pressure indicator is set using the following rules. If the practical supply level 24 is greater than actual demand level 26, then set the market pressure indicator to green. If the actual demand level 26 is between the planned supply level 22 and the practical supply level 24, then set the market pressure indicator to yellow. If the actual demand level 26 is equal to or greater than the planned supply level 22, then set the market pressure indicator to red. In this circumstance, a power distributor may maintain full supply to its customers by purchasing more electric energy than it planned to obtain, or by reducing power consumption through blackouts, brownouts or other load management techniques. The three color market pressure indicator may be displayed as described and illustrated above in relation to Figure 4.
[0050] In another embodiment, the market pressure indicator may be calculated as a numerical value by comparing the planned supply level 22, the practical supply level 24 and the actual demand level 26. For example, a numerical market pressure indicator may be set as indicated in the table below.
Numerical market Condition pressure indicator Actual demand level 26 is less than 1 80% of practical supply level 24 Actual demand level is between 80% 2 to 100% of the practical supply level 24 Actual demand level is between 0% 3 to 25% of the range between the practical supply level 24 and the planned supply level 22 Actual demand level is between 25% 4 to 50% of the range.between the practical supply level 24 and the planned supply level 22 Actual demand level is between 50% 5 to 75% of the range between the practical supply level 24 and the planned supply level 22 .. ~.. . ,", Actual demand level is between 75% 6 to 100% of the range between the practical supply level 24 and the planned supply level 22 Actual demand level is between 100% 7 to 103% of the planned supply level 22 Actual demand level is between 103% 8 to 106% of the planned supply level 22 Actual demand level is between 106% 9 to 109% of the planned supply level 22 Actual demand level greater than 10 109% of the planned supply level 22 [0051]A numeric market pressure indicator calculated in this way may be displayed as described and illustrated above in relation to Figure 5.
[0052]The market pressure indicator is displayed on display device 134. The consumer may use this information to modify the consumer's use of electric power at the facility.
For example, a consumer may decide not to voluntarily consume electric power when the market pressure indicator is high. For example, the consumer may decide to delay use of the dishwasher 120 or other loads that can be used at other times during high demand periods identified by the market pressure indicator.
[0053] In addition, the market pressure indicator is compared to the setting on preference device 140. Preferably, although not necessarily, the preference device is configured such that the various settings correspond to the possible conditions of the market pressure indicator. For example, if the market pressure indicator is set as one of three values (such as one of the three colors described above), then the preference device may have three settings, allowing the market pressure indicator to be compared to the user's preference settings. For example, if the market pressure indicator is yellow and the consumer's preference setting indicates that the consumer wants to take energy conservation measures if the setting is at the yellow level or higher, then device 102 will initiate energy conservation steps. If the market pressure indicator was green, energy conservation steps would not be taken automatically by the device 102.
[0054] If the market pressure indicator exceeds the consumer's preference setting, then simulation engine 176 generates interrupts the operation of automatically controlled loads such as HVAC system 112. Simulation engine 176 generates a power supply interruption signal 180 that is transmitted to switch 122 on control line 182.
In response to the power supply interruption signal, switch 122 is opened and the HVAC
system 112 is configured not to operate, regardless of the control signal generated by the thermostat 114. HVAC system 112 stops drawing power from distribution system 106, reducing the power consumed at facility 104. Subsequently, when the market pressure indicator falls below the consumer's preference setting, simulation engine 172 transmits a power supply reconnection signal 184 to switch 122 on control line 182. In response to the power supply reconnection signal 184, switch 122 is closed and the HVAC
system 112 again operates under the control of thermostat 114. By disabling HVAC
system 112 when the market pressure indicator is high, or is at least above the consumer's preference setting, the consumer's electricity consumption during this time period is reduced. Since the market pressure indicator is likely to be higher during high electric power demand periods, device 102 operates to reduce the total power consumed by the customers of the power distributors, reducing the need for increased power generation during high demand periods and reducing a peak demand penalty that might be imposed on the power distributor by a power generator or transmitter.
This ultimately reduces the cost of electricity for all consumers (by reducing the need to invest capital in new generation facilities and, more immediately, reducing demand for electric power and by reducing the peak demand penalty that is usually passed on by the distributor to its customers).
[0055]Optionally, simulation engine 176 may be configured to maintain switch 122 in an open position for a limited time, regardless of the market pressure indicator.
For example, simulation engine 176 may be configured to close switch 122 no more than 30 minutes after it is opened. As another example, switch may be opened or closed based on a minimum duty cycle. For example, if a duty cycle of 5% is set for the HVAC
system, power will be available to the HVAC for at least 5% of a selected time period (for example, each hour), ensuring that the HVAC operates periodically. This ensures that the HVAC system 112, which may be essential to maintain a comfortable i i Ii, , n~i environment in facility 104, particularly during very cold or hot days is not disabled for an extended period. However, if numerous facilities coupled to distribution system 106 utilize device 102 to disable loads within those facilities, even if the loads are disabled for only part of a high demand period, the total power drawn from distribution system 106 will still be reduced. Furthermore, in a particular facility, several devices may be automatically decoupled from distribution system 106 when the market pressure indicator exceeds the consumer's preference setting. By cycling the various loads that are decoupled from distribution system 106, the total power consumed at facility 104 may still be reduced. Different devices may be disabled at different times, and different devices may have different duty cycles reflecting the importance of maintaining some usage of the devices.
[0056] Optionally, the difference between the market pressure indicator and the consumer preference may be used to determine the duty cycle for automatically controlled loads. For example, if the market pressure indicator can have a numerical value between one to ten, and the consumer preference device similarly allows a setting between one to ten, and if the market pressure is more than five units greater than the consumer preference indicator, then the duty cycle for some or all of the automated loads may be reduced compared to the duty cycle if difference is three units.
[0057] Optionally, the simulation engine may be configured to treat any period during which the power distributor imposes a premium fee for consuming electricity as a high demand period and may set the market pressure indicator at its maximum level.
Alternatively, the current price of electricity charged to the consumer may simply be used to determine the market pressure indicator.
[0058]The system of Figures 1 to 6 allows a consumer to control energy conservation within the facility 104. Device 102 generates a market pressure indicator based on the information obtained by data mining engine 172 from information sources 132.
The market pressure indicator is displayed for the consumer to consider when determining whether to utilize various manually operated loads within the facility 104.
The consumer also sets a consumer preference on preference device 140. The consumer's preference is compared to the market pressure indicator generated by to determine whether automatically controlled loads should be disabled by decoupling them from the power distribution system 106.
[0059]The desirability for conserving electric energy in a particular facility and more generally across the numerous customers of an electric energy utility is affected by various factors in addition to the spot price and the current consumption level.
[0060] In other embodiments of the present invention, the simulation engine may be provided with and may use additional information when calculating the market pressure indicator. Examples of additional information that may be used to determine the market pressure indicator are:
Information Meanin Current spare power generatingThe market pressure indicator will capacity be increased if power generating capacity is at or near its maximum, since additional power demand may result in blackouts or brownouts. In many cases, the short term power generating capacity is less than the actual power generating capacity since it can take a substantial amount of time to bring some types of power generation plants on-line.
Current weather conditions,Historic electric energy consumption such as may be recorded humidity, temperature and against different weather conditions.
short term Ambient and forecast; historic electricforecast conditions can be compared energy to historic data to consumption vs. weather estimate current and future likelihood conditions of reaching a high demand condition, increasing the current or future market pressure indicator.
Day of the week, type of Historic electric energy consumption day, day of the on different days year, season, week of the may be recorded. For example, weekdays year, time of will have day; historic relationshipdifferent energy consumption pattern between electric than weekend days;
energy consumption and Fridays will have a different pattern the type of day that Tuesdays; days in and the time. different seasons may have different consumption patterns; public holidays are more likely to have a weekend like consumption pattern than a business day like consumption pattern. For each type of day, the time of day can be used to determine a typical or expected energy consumption level. If the expected total energy consumption at the current day and time for a power distributor is near the maximum power supply capacity (due to planned supply or maximum supply or generation limits), then a tight demand and supply condition is more likely and the market pressure indicator should be increased.
Weighted historical information.In some embodiments of the invention, a weighted value may be used for some or all of the information used by the simulation engine. For example, a city weighted value that puts greater weight on power consumed in major cities compared to power consumed in other places may be used.
[0061]The methods described above for calculating a market pressure indicator provide an indication of the current state of electricity generation, consumption and demand levels. In other embodiments, the market pressure indicator may be estimated over a time period. For example, simulation engine may periodically calculate a market pressure indicator based on current information and similarly estimate the market pressure indicator over the next few hours, at one hour intervals.
[0062] In one embodiment in which future market pressure indicator values are estimated for a time period, the information sources 132 include a demand forecast information source which provides a forecast of the expected total electric energy demand during the time period and a pricing forecast information source which provides a forecast of the expected price for electric energy during the same period.
These forecasts may be estimated based on past information including energy consumption and price based on similar weather, season, day of week and other criteria.
Various models for generating such information are known to skilled persons and such information may be calculated using any such model. This forecast information is recorded in local database 174 as described above in relation to historic price information and spot price information.
[0063]The simulation engine 176 periodically estimates the market pressure indicator for a future time period by comparing the planned supply level 22, practical supply level 24 and a forecast demand level 26 during the future time period. An estimated market pressure indicator may be set for each time period as described above.
i i. li~. , i~~a [0064] In addition, to calculating market pressure indicator value, the simulation engine may also calculate a pricing level indicator for the current and an estimated pricing level indicator for future time periods using the forecast information.
[0065] In one embodiment, the simulation engine uses the following algorithm to derive an estimated pricing level indicator for a future time period:
i. From historical data base, compare the electric energy demand and the spot rate price to calculate the elasticity of the electric energy spot price.
The price elasticity may be calculated for different possible demand levels.
ii. Derive an adjusted demand forecast by comparing the current demand with estimated demand for the current time period. Apply a correction to the forecast demand in the future time based on the error in the demand forecast for the current time period. For example, if the actual demand in the current period is 10% higher than the forecast demand, then the forecast demand for the future period is increased by 10% to calculate the adjusted demand forecast for the future period.
In another embodiment, an absolute error may be used to make the correction. If the actual demand in the current period is 300 kWh lower than the forecast demand for the current period, then the forecast demand for the future period may be reduced by 300kWh to calculate the adjusted demand forecast for the future period.
iii. Derive an adjusted price forecast for the future period by comparing the adjusted demand forecast and the planned production level for that period.
Based on the difference and the price elasticity for the adjusted demand level, calculate the adjusted price forecast.
iv. Determine high and very high price levels for the future period, based on the price distribution for a longer time period, such as the entire day in which the future period falls. Define a high level price and very high level price. The high level price may be some percentage above the mean price of the price distribution, or it may be defined as exceeding the mean price by some number of standard deviations. Similarly, the very high price may be defined as a percentage (greater than 100%) of the mean price or by some number of standard deviations higher than the mean price. In the present exemplary embodiment, the high price level is defined as 10% above the mean price and the very high price level is defined as 30% above the mean price.
v. Compare the adjusted price forecast for the future time period with the high price level and the very high price level for the day (or other time period used to determine the price distribution in step (iv)) and assign a pricing level indicator based on the comparison as follows:
If the adjusted price forecast is less than the high price level, then set the estimated pricing level indicator for the future period to green.
If the adjusted price forecast is between the high price level and the very high price level, then set the estimated pricing level indicator for the future period to yellow.
If the adjusted price forecast is higher than the very high price level, then set the estimated pricing level indicator for the future period to red.
[0066) Like the market pressure indicator, an estimated pricing indicator may be calculated for several future time periods. For example, a pricing level indicator could be calculated for the next seven hours at one hour intervals. A market pressure indicator for the current time could also be calculated by comparing the current spot price for electric energy to the high and very high price levels.
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[0067]The current market pressure indicator and the estimated market pressure indicator values for future time periods as well as the current and estimated future pricing level indicators may be displayed on a display 134.
[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, device 102 may include an integrated display panel. Reference is next made to Figure 7, which illustrates a display panel 134c. Display panel 134c has a market pressure indicator section 150, a date section 152, a time of day section 154, a current price section 156, a current price ratio section 158 and a pricing level indicator section 160.
(0069] Market pressure indicator section 150 includes eight LED type lamps capable of displaying three different colors. In the present embodiment, each LED is red, yellow or green. Each LED is labeled for a different time period from "NOW' to "7 hrs".
Device 102 is configured to set the color of each LED to the estimated market pressure indicator value for the corresponding time period. Pricing level indicator section 160 similarly includes eight tri-color LEDS and device 102 similarly sets the color of each LED in this section to correspond to the estimated pricing level indicator for the corresponding time period.
[0070] In date section 152, the current date is displayed. In time of day section, the current time is displayed. In current price section 156, the current spot price for electric energy is displayed. In current price ratio section 158, the ratio between the current spot price and the mean price is displayed, in percent.
[0071] Display panel 134c allows a consumer to quickly determine the current market and pricing pressure for electric power and allows the consumer to make decisions as to whether to use manually operated devices immediately or later when the market pressure or pricing level may be more favorable.
[0072] In another embodiment, the market price indicator and pricing level indicator for the current and future time periods could be displayed on any other type of display screen or monitor, such as a computer or television monitor.
[0073]A device 102 that calculates both a market pressure indicator and a pricing level indicator may use both indicators to determine how to control automatically controlled loads. For example, the two values may be combined to determine a duty cycle for . w.
i ili~ ~ . i.a automatically controlled loads. One example of a control methodology is illustrated in the table below.
Market Pressure Indicator Red Yellow Green Red X % 2X % 1 OX
Price Level Yellow 6X % 12X % 20X
Indicator Green 15X % 20X % 100 [0074] In such an embodiment, the value of X may recorded in the device 102 by the power distributor, or the consumer may be permitted to set the value of X
using a control device built into or attached to the device 102. If, for example, the value of X is 5, then if price level indicator is yellow and the market pressure indicator is red, automatically controlled loads will receive electric power on a 30% duty cycle. If the multiple of X for any condition exceeds 100%, then automatically controlled loads will receive power without interruption.
[0075] In some embodiments, the consumer may be permitted to set the value for X
through the preference device 140. For example, if the consumer sets the preference device to indicate a high desire to conserve power when needed or desired, the value of X may be set to a lower value. Conversely, if the consumer indicates a low desire to conserve power, the value of X may be set to a larger value. If the consumer indicates no desire to conserve power, then the value of X may be set to 100%, resulting in no automated interruption of power to any load.
[0076] Reference is next made to Figure 8, which illustrates a system 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiments of the invention described above, device 102 utilizes a local database 174 and includes a simulation engine 176 that is a part of the device to produce a market pressure indicator or a pricing level indicator. In system 300, the invention is implemented using a central data system 390. Central data system 390 includes a data mining engine 372, a system database 374 and a simulation engine 376. Data mining engine 372 is coupled to a network 330 through an optional firewall and intrusion detection device 378.
(0077] System 300 also includes a display device 334a that is installed within a facility 304a. Display device 334 may be part of a computing system that is coupled to network 330. A plurality of facilities 304 are coupled to central data system 390. A
display device 334 is installed in each facility 304.
(0078] Data mining engine 372 obtains information from information sources 332 and stores the information in system database 374. Simulation engine 376 extracts information from the system database 374 and generates a market pressure indicator for use by each facility 304 coupled to central data system 390. The market pressure indicator may be the same for some or all of the facilities, particularly those that receive electrical power from the same power distributor and are therefore subject to the same or similar spot price and planned power supply criteria. The market pressure indicator may also differ for some or all of the facilities, particularly if the system database includes location information about a facility. The simulation engine may utilize local weather and other localized information for the facility to develop a more specific market pressure indicator for the facility.
(0079]The market pressure indicator for each facility is transmitted to the display device 334 in the facility. The market pressure indicator is displayed for the electricity consumer at each facility. The consumer can use the market pressure indicator to determine when to use various load device located at the facility.
(0080] Display device 334a at facility 304a is coupled to central data system through network 330. Other devices may receive the market pressure indicator from central data system 390 through other means. Device 334b at facility 304b includes a radio antenna and receives the market pressure indicator from central data system by radio-frequency signal. Other devices 334 may be coupled to central data system 390 through other wired or wireless communication systems. In each case, the market pressure indicator received by the device 334 may be a general market pressure indicator, for all facilities within a geographic area or it may be specifically calculated for the facility at which the device 334 is located.
(0081] In another embodiment, the central data system may also calculate a pricing level indicator and transmit it to a facility 304 for display on a display device 334.
[0082]The present invention has been described here by way of example only.
Various modification and variations may be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
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Summary of the Invention [0006] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device that produces a market pressure indicator based on information relating to the generation or consumption of electric energy. The market pressure indicator provides an assessment of the likelihood that the demand for electric energy will meet or exceed a power distributor's planned supply level for electric energy.
[OOOTj In one embodiment, the market pressure indicator is expressed in three categories. The first category indicates that the electric energy supply is in a critical state and that power conservation steps are highly desirable. The second category indicates that the electric energy supply may enter a critical state and accordingly power conservation activities should be undertaken. The third category indicates that the electric energy supply is not in a critical state and accordingly power conservation steps are not necessary to protect the electric energy supply. In one embodiment, the market pressure indicator is set out as a color. The market pressure indicator may be red, yellow or green corresponding respectively to the three categories. In other embodiments, other symbols, colors or descriptive words, terms or phrases may be used to identify the different categories of the market pressure indicator.
[0008) In another embodiment, the market pressure may be calculated as a numerical value in a range by comparing the current demand level to a power distributor's planned supply level and a practical supply level that is determined by subtracting a power reserve form the planned supply level. In one embodiment, the numerical value is calculated in the range between 1 and 10.
[0009]The market pressure indicator advises an electricity consumer about the consumption level of electric energy compared to the planned supply level. The market pressure indicator is displayed on a display device or screen, allowing an electricity consumer to see the market pressure indicator. The consumer may use the market pressure indicator to decide how to use electric energy.
[0010) In another embodiment, a pricing level indicator is also generated based on price information about the electric energy supply. The pricing level indicator is also displayed on the display device.
[0011] In other embodiments, the market pressure indicator may be estimated for future time periods. A plurality of market pressure indicators, including a market pressure indicator for the current time period and for one or more subsequent time periods may be displayed, providing a consumer with an estimate of the state of the electric energy supply over the current and subsequent time periods. Similarly, a plurality of pricing level indicators may be generated and displayed.
(0012]A device according to the present invention may receive user conservation preference information. The device may compare the user conservation preference information to the market pressure indicator and based on the comparison, may disable automatically controlled loads. Similarly, a market pressure indicator and a pricing level indicator may be combined to determine how to control automatically controlled loads.
[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for managing electric energy consumption comprising: mining information related to electric from one or more information sources; recording the mined information in a database;
generating a market pressure indicator based on the recorded information; and displaying the market pressure indicator.
[0014] In another embodiment, the invention provides a system comprising: an electrical energy consumption management device including: (i) a database for storing information relating to electric energy; (ii) a data mining engine for obtaining information from one or more information sources coupled to the device; and (iii) a simulation engine for deriving a market pressure indicator based on the information stored in the local database; and a display device coupled to the electrical energy consumption management device to display the market pressure indicator.
[0015] Other aspects and features of the invention are described below.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0016]A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which:
Figures 1a and 1b are graphs illustrating a time varying price for electric energy and a probability distribution for the price;
Figure 2 is a graph illustrating a planned electric power supply level, a practical electric power supply level and an actual demand level for electric power;
Figure 3 illustrates a system that uses an energy consumption management device according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate several displays of a market pressure indicator according to the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates the energy consumption management device of Figure 3;
Figure 7 illustrates another display device that may be integrated into an energy consumption management device; and Figure 8 illustrates another system using a central data system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments (0017] Reference is first made to Figures 1 a and 1 b. Typically, electric energy consumed in a geographic area is produced by a group of power generators who generate electric energy at power generation plants. The power generators sell power to power distributors such as electric energy utility companies, and in some, cases to large power consumers. The electric energy utilities then sell electric energy to power consumers. In many jurisdictions, the sale of power from power generators to distributors is regulated by a free market. The power generators may provide power directly to the distributors or indirectly through a power transmission system operated by a power transmission company. The market price fluctuates based on the supply of and demand far electric energy. Figure 1a illustrates the fluctuation of the price of electricity 20 over time. Figure 1 b illustrates the probability distribution 21 of the price of electricity over a selected time period.
[0018]The current price for electricity, which may be referred to as the "spot price" may be compared to the distribution of electricity prices to determine where the spot price falls on the distribution.
[0019] Reference is next made to Figure 2. Figure 2 illustrates a planned supply level 22, a practical supply level 24 and an actual demand level 26 for electricity over time.
[0020]The planned supply level 22 is determined by the amount of power that a power distributor plans to obtain for delivery to its customers, by either purchasing the power from power generators or generating the power itself. In the case of an electric energy utility that distributes power to residential, commercial and industrial facilities, the planned supply level will typically depend on utility's experience with respect to the amount of power its customers typically consume over time and possibly other factors such as the expected price of electricity and the availability of electric energy from generators or other electric utilities (which might form an electric power pool with the power distributor). The electricity distributor may determine the planned supply level in conjunction with power generators and transmitters or an electricity market operator. In many cases, distributors participate in an electricity purchasing pool and may work with other members of the pool to purchase electricity in larger quantities and to ensure that all members of the pool are able to obtain the energy they need, if possible.
[0021]A distributor's planned supply level will change over time. For example, an electrical utility will typically plan to have a lower supply level overnight and a higher supply level on weekday evenings when HVAC, kitchen appliances and other devices are commonly in use.
[0022]The practical supply level 24 at any point in time is lower than the planned supply level. The power distributor determines a desired power reserve, which may fluctuate over time. The practical supply level 24 is equal to the planned supply level 22 less the desired power reserve. The power reserve may be used to respond to sudden changes in power consumption or power supply.
[0023] It is desirable that the actual demand level 26 remains below the practical supply level 24. If the actual demand level 26 rises above the practical supply level 24, the power distributor has to use some of the power reserve. If the actual demand continues to rise and exceeds the planned supply level, the power distributor must either (i) obtain more electric energy from power generators or from other electric utilities, or (ii) initiate rolling brownouts or blackouts to reduce power consumption. If additional power cannot be obtained, then the only choice may be to initiate brownouts or blackouts.
[0024] It is desirable to avoid high demand levels that can lead to demand exceeding power supply. Since electric energy cannot be practically stored in the large quantities usually addressed by power generation, transmission and distribution systems, it is generally necessary that the quantity of electric energy added to a system (through generation or purchase from other generators) be slightly higher than the quantity of power being consumed at the same time. If power demand rises, it is necessary to add more power to the system by initiating additional generation or purchasing more power.
[0025]To avoid conditions in which demand exceeds electric energy supply, consumers are often advised to conserve electric energy, especially during high demand periods.
To encourage this, some power distributors impose a premium fee for electric energy consumed during high demand periods.
[0026] By curtailing the peak demand of individual consumers, the energy distributor can reduce its own peak demand, reducing the maximum energy supply that it is expected to make available to all of its customers. This will in turn reduce the required level of electricity generation and production and allow energy to be distributed to more customers without increasing generation capacity or increasing the risk of blackouts or brownouts.
[0027] Reference is next made to Figure 3, which illustrates an electrical energy management system 100. System 100 comprises an electrical energy consumption ,.,..
management device 102 installed in a facility 104 at which electrical energy is consumed by various electrical loads. Facility 104 receives electric energy from an electric energy distributor (not shown) through a power distribution network 106. The electric energy distributor may be a typical municipal, local or regional electric utility company. An electric energy consumption meter 108 is installed at the facility and is coupled to the power distribution network 106. The electric meter 108 measures the electric energy consumed at facility 104. Typically, a facility may be all or part of a residential, commercial or industrial establishment or building or any other location. The facility is used by an electricity consumer. The consumer may be the owner or other tenant or another user or occupant of the facility. The consumer electric energy consumption over successive billing periods is measured and the consumer is required to pay the power distributor a fee based on the amount of electric energy consumed at the facility during each billing period.
[0028) In the present example, meter 108 is a smart meter, which may be used to determine the quantity of electric energy consumed during high demand periods designated as such by the power distributor as well as electric energy consumed at all times. The power distributor imposes a surcharge for electric energy consumed during high demand periods. In addition, the electric meter is configured to determine the peak electric energy demanded by the consumer during each billing period. For example, a power distributor may designate weekday evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm as a peak demand period and impose a surcharge for electric energy consumed during these times. The distributor may charge 4.5ø / kWh of electric energy consumed during a billing period. In addition, the distributor may charge an additional 3ø ! kWh for energy consumed during the designated high demand periods.
[0029 In other systems utilizing the present invention, the consumer may be charged a peak demand penalty based on the peak electric power level demanded by the consumer during a billing period on an instantaneous basis. For example, the consumer may be charged a $5 / kWh peak power demand penalty for the amount energy consumed during the 15 minutes during which the consumer's power consumption was highest during a billing period.
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[0030] In other systems utilizing the present invention, the meter may be a simple meter which simply measures the total quantity of power used during each billing period and the power distributor may simply charge the consumer for the total quantity of power.
[0031]Within facility 104, various electric loads consume electric energy.
Several exemplary electric loads are illustrated in Figure 3.
[0032]A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system 112 is installed in facility 104. HVAC system 112 is coupled to meter 108 and receives electric energy from power distribution system 106 through meter 108. A thermostat 114 is coupled to HVAC system 112 through a switch 122. When switch 122 is closed, the HVAC
system operates under the control of the thermostat. When switch 122 is open, the thermostat's control over HVAC system 112 is interrupted and HVAC system 112 does not operate.
[0033] Thermostat 114 has a temperature sensor (not shown) and desired temperature setting mechanism that the consumer sets to indicate a desired temperature in the facility 104. The thermostat automatically enables and disables the HVAC
system 112 based on a comparison of the actual temperature in the facility (as measured by the temperature sensor) and the desired temperature. The consumer's desired temperature is maintained without the consumer taking any active steps once the consumer has set the desired temperature. The HVAC system 112 is an example of a load that is automatically controlled by a control device (the thermostat 114). The consumer passively controls the HVAC system 112 through thermostat 114.
[0034]The HVAC system 112 receives power at all times through meter 108. This allows components of HVAC system, such as safety components, to operate at all times. Other automatically controlled loads may have integrated control systems and it may not be possible to insert a switch such as switch 122 between the control systems and the automatically controlled load. For example, a light operated under the control of ~a motion sensor may be built into a single housing and it may be inconvenient to install a switch befinreen the light and the motion sensor. In such a case, a switch may be inserted between the automatically controlled load and the meter 108. When the switch is open, the load is not powered and cannot operate. When the switch is closed, the load operates normally.
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[0035] Facility 104 also includes a manually operated dishwasher 120, which is coupled to meter 108. The dishwasher 120 receives electric energy from power distribution system 106 through meter 108. Dishwasher 120 is manually operated by the electricity consumer. Dishwasher 120 is an example of a manually controlled load, which consumes power under the direct or active control of the consumer. Other common manually controlled loads include stoves, ovens, clothes washers, clothes dryers, light fixtures, television sets and many other devices.
[0036] HVAC system 112 and dishwasher 120 are examples of the numerous automatically and manually controlled loads that are installed in a typical facility.
[0037] Device 102 is coupled to a communication network 130, which may be the Internet or another communication network. Through network 130, device 102 can obtain information relating to electric energy supply, demand or consumption from one or more information sources 132.
[0038]A historic price information source 132a provides device 102 with historic price information about the price of electricity. This historic information may include the price of electricity over time, as shown is Figure 1 a or the distribution of electricity prices over some time period, as shown in Figure 1 b, or both types of information. If only price vs.
time information is provided, device 102 may determine the probability distribution of prices.
[0039]A spot price information source 132b provides the current spot price for electricity to device 102. Historic price information source 132a and spot price information source 132b may be a single information source.
[0040] Device 102 is coupled to a display monitor or device 134 on which device 102 can display information to the consumer. Display device 134 may be a monitor or television set or other display device. Display device 134. may be integrated with device 102.
[0041] Device 102 is also coupled to a power consumption preference device 140.
Preference device 140 allows the consumer to indicate the consumer's desire to reduce power consumption when doing so would reduce the consumer's electrical costs or would assist the electric energy supplier to reduce its power supply requirements. In this exemplary embodiment, the user may set a preference value between 1 to 10, _g_ where 1 indicates that the consumer is indifferent to electric energy cost and to the effects of the consumer's power consumption on power supply levels and where indicates that the consumer prefers not to use power, if possible, if a high demand period premium is in effect or if reducing power consumption could help reduce power supply requirements.
[0042] Device 102 obtains information from information sources 132 and generates a market pressure indicator. The market pressure indicator, or a variation of the market pressure indicator, is displayed on display device 134. The consumer may determine how to operate the various electrical loads in the facility in response to the market pressure indicator.
[0043] Reference is made to Figure 4, which illustrates a first example of a display of an exemplary market pressure indicator on display device 134. In this example, the market pressure indicator is displayed as a color. The market pressure indicator may be red, indicating the electricity conservation efforts are highly desirable to reduce electric energy supply costs, yellow indicating that electricity conservation is desirable or green indicating that there is little short term prospect of the electricity supply reaching a critical state. In response to a red or yellow market pressure indicator, a consumer may choose to delay using electrical loads. For example, the consumer may delay using the dishwasher 120 when the market pressure indicator indicates that the electrical power supply is at or near a critical state. In response to a green market pressure indicator, a consumer may immediately use an electrical load that the consumer might have used at another time. For example, the consumer may use a clothes washer when the electrical power supply is relatively far from a critical state.
[0044] Reference is made to Figure 5, which illustrates a second example of a market pressure indicator. The market pressure indicator is illustrated as 10 segment bar graph. The first six segments are illustrated with a solid fill and the remaining four segments are illustrated in dotted outline, indicating that the market pressure indicator is 6 on a scale of 1 to 10. For example, if the market pressure indicator is 10, this may indicate that conservation efforts are highly desirable and if the market pressure indicator is 1, this may indicate that conservation efforts are not necessary to protect the electricity supply. In another embodiment, the use of a colored and numerical market pressure indicator may be combined by coloring segments in the bar graph of Figure 4 in different colors. For example, the first two segments on the bar graph may be green, the next four may be yellow and the last four may be red.
[0045]Reference is next made to Figure 6, which illustrates device 102 in greater detail.
Device 102 includes a data mining engine 172, a local database 174 and an energy consumption simulation engine 176.
[0046] Data mining engine 172 is coupled to network 130 through an optional firewall and intrusion detection device 178. The firewall and intrusion detection device 178 protects device 102 from accidental or malicious users of network 130. In another embodiment, device 102 may be coupled to network 130 through an external router or switch that includes a firewall and other protective services.
[0047] Data mining engine 172 communicates through network 130 with the information sources 132 to obtain information from the information sources. In the present invention, data mining engine 172 periodically polls each information source 132 to determine the current value for the data available from the information source 132.
Data mining engine 172 records this information in the database 174. For example, data mining engine 172 requests the current spot price from spot price information source 132b. Data mining engine 172 may also optionally request historic price information from historic price information source 132a. The spot price and historic price information is stored in database 174.
(0048] In another embodiment, the spot price may be pushed from spot price information source 132b to data mining engine 172. For example, the spot price information source 132b may transmit a spot price change message to data mining engine 172 when the spot price changes by some selected amount.
System 100 may include other information sources 132. Information from these information sources is recorded in the local database 174. Simulation engine obtains information from the local database 174 and uses the information to generate a market pressure indicator. The market pressure indicator may be determined in various ways.
[0049] In the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the market pressure indicator is determined by comparing the planned supply level 22, the practical ,.,..
supply level 24 and the actual demand level 26 to one another. The market pressure indicator is set using the following rules. If the practical supply level 24 is greater than actual demand level 26, then set the market pressure indicator to green. If the actual demand level 26 is between the planned supply level 22 and the practical supply level 24, then set the market pressure indicator to yellow. If the actual demand level 26 is equal to or greater than the planned supply level 22, then set the market pressure indicator to red. In this circumstance, a power distributor may maintain full supply to its customers by purchasing more electric energy than it planned to obtain, or by reducing power consumption through blackouts, brownouts or other load management techniques. The three color market pressure indicator may be displayed as described and illustrated above in relation to Figure 4.
[0050] In another embodiment, the market pressure indicator may be calculated as a numerical value by comparing the planned supply level 22, the practical supply level 24 and the actual demand level 26. For example, a numerical market pressure indicator may be set as indicated in the table below.
Numerical market Condition pressure indicator Actual demand level 26 is less than 1 80% of practical supply level 24 Actual demand level is between 80% 2 to 100% of the practical supply level 24 Actual demand level is between 0% 3 to 25% of the range between the practical supply level 24 and the planned supply level 22 Actual demand level is between 25% 4 to 50% of the range.between the practical supply level 24 and the planned supply level 22 Actual demand level is between 50% 5 to 75% of the range between the practical supply level 24 and the planned supply level 22 .. ~.. . ,", Actual demand level is between 75% 6 to 100% of the range between the practical supply level 24 and the planned supply level 22 Actual demand level is between 100% 7 to 103% of the planned supply level 22 Actual demand level is between 103% 8 to 106% of the planned supply level 22 Actual demand level is between 106% 9 to 109% of the planned supply level 22 Actual demand level greater than 10 109% of the planned supply level 22 [0051]A numeric market pressure indicator calculated in this way may be displayed as described and illustrated above in relation to Figure 5.
[0052]The market pressure indicator is displayed on display device 134. The consumer may use this information to modify the consumer's use of electric power at the facility.
For example, a consumer may decide not to voluntarily consume electric power when the market pressure indicator is high. For example, the consumer may decide to delay use of the dishwasher 120 or other loads that can be used at other times during high demand periods identified by the market pressure indicator.
[0053] In addition, the market pressure indicator is compared to the setting on preference device 140. Preferably, although not necessarily, the preference device is configured such that the various settings correspond to the possible conditions of the market pressure indicator. For example, if the market pressure indicator is set as one of three values (such as one of the three colors described above), then the preference device may have three settings, allowing the market pressure indicator to be compared to the user's preference settings. For example, if the market pressure indicator is yellow and the consumer's preference setting indicates that the consumer wants to take energy conservation measures if the setting is at the yellow level or higher, then device 102 will initiate energy conservation steps. If the market pressure indicator was green, energy conservation steps would not be taken automatically by the device 102.
[0054] If the market pressure indicator exceeds the consumer's preference setting, then simulation engine 176 generates interrupts the operation of automatically controlled loads such as HVAC system 112. Simulation engine 176 generates a power supply interruption signal 180 that is transmitted to switch 122 on control line 182.
In response to the power supply interruption signal, switch 122 is opened and the HVAC
system 112 is configured not to operate, regardless of the control signal generated by the thermostat 114. HVAC system 112 stops drawing power from distribution system 106, reducing the power consumed at facility 104. Subsequently, when the market pressure indicator falls below the consumer's preference setting, simulation engine 172 transmits a power supply reconnection signal 184 to switch 122 on control line 182. In response to the power supply reconnection signal 184, switch 122 is closed and the HVAC
system 112 again operates under the control of thermostat 114. By disabling HVAC
system 112 when the market pressure indicator is high, or is at least above the consumer's preference setting, the consumer's electricity consumption during this time period is reduced. Since the market pressure indicator is likely to be higher during high electric power demand periods, device 102 operates to reduce the total power consumed by the customers of the power distributors, reducing the need for increased power generation during high demand periods and reducing a peak demand penalty that might be imposed on the power distributor by a power generator or transmitter.
This ultimately reduces the cost of electricity for all consumers (by reducing the need to invest capital in new generation facilities and, more immediately, reducing demand for electric power and by reducing the peak demand penalty that is usually passed on by the distributor to its customers).
[0055]Optionally, simulation engine 176 may be configured to maintain switch 122 in an open position for a limited time, regardless of the market pressure indicator.
For example, simulation engine 176 may be configured to close switch 122 no more than 30 minutes after it is opened. As another example, switch may be opened or closed based on a minimum duty cycle. For example, if a duty cycle of 5% is set for the HVAC
system, power will be available to the HVAC for at least 5% of a selected time period (for example, each hour), ensuring that the HVAC operates periodically. This ensures that the HVAC system 112, which may be essential to maintain a comfortable i i Ii, , n~i environment in facility 104, particularly during very cold or hot days is not disabled for an extended period. However, if numerous facilities coupled to distribution system 106 utilize device 102 to disable loads within those facilities, even if the loads are disabled for only part of a high demand period, the total power drawn from distribution system 106 will still be reduced. Furthermore, in a particular facility, several devices may be automatically decoupled from distribution system 106 when the market pressure indicator exceeds the consumer's preference setting. By cycling the various loads that are decoupled from distribution system 106, the total power consumed at facility 104 may still be reduced. Different devices may be disabled at different times, and different devices may have different duty cycles reflecting the importance of maintaining some usage of the devices.
[0056] Optionally, the difference between the market pressure indicator and the consumer preference may be used to determine the duty cycle for automatically controlled loads. For example, if the market pressure indicator can have a numerical value between one to ten, and the consumer preference device similarly allows a setting between one to ten, and if the market pressure is more than five units greater than the consumer preference indicator, then the duty cycle for some or all of the automated loads may be reduced compared to the duty cycle if difference is three units.
[0057] Optionally, the simulation engine may be configured to treat any period during which the power distributor imposes a premium fee for consuming electricity as a high demand period and may set the market pressure indicator at its maximum level.
Alternatively, the current price of electricity charged to the consumer may simply be used to determine the market pressure indicator.
[0058]The system of Figures 1 to 6 allows a consumer to control energy conservation within the facility 104. Device 102 generates a market pressure indicator based on the information obtained by data mining engine 172 from information sources 132.
The market pressure indicator is displayed for the consumer to consider when determining whether to utilize various manually operated loads within the facility 104.
The consumer also sets a consumer preference on preference device 140. The consumer's preference is compared to the market pressure indicator generated by to determine whether automatically controlled loads should be disabled by decoupling them from the power distribution system 106.
[0059]The desirability for conserving electric energy in a particular facility and more generally across the numerous customers of an electric energy utility is affected by various factors in addition to the spot price and the current consumption level.
[0060] In other embodiments of the present invention, the simulation engine may be provided with and may use additional information when calculating the market pressure indicator. Examples of additional information that may be used to determine the market pressure indicator are:
Information Meanin Current spare power generatingThe market pressure indicator will capacity be increased if power generating capacity is at or near its maximum, since additional power demand may result in blackouts or brownouts. In many cases, the short term power generating capacity is less than the actual power generating capacity since it can take a substantial amount of time to bring some types of power generation plants on-line.
Current weather conditions,Historic electric energy consumption such as may be recorded humidity, temperature and against different weather conditions.
short term Ambient and forecast; historic electricforecast conditions can be compared energy to historic data to consumption vs. weather estimate current and future likelihood conditions of reaching a high demand condition, increasing the current or future market pressure indicator.
Day of the week, type of Historic electric energy consumption day, day of the on different days year, season, week of the may be recorded. For example, weekdays year, time of will have day; historic relationshipdifferent energy consumption pattern between electric than weekend days;
energy consumption and Fridays will have a different pattern the type of day that Tuesdays; days in and the time. different seasons may have different consumption patterns; public holidays are more likely to have a weekend like consumption pattern than a business day like consumption pattern. For each type of day, the time of day can be used to determine a typical or expected energy consumption level. If the expected total energy consumption at the current day and time for a power distributor is near the maximum power supply capacity (due to planned supply or maximum supply or generation limits), then a tight demand and supply condition is more likely and the market pressure indicator should be increased.
Weighted historical information.In some embodiments of the invention, a weighted value may be used for some or all of the information used by the simulation engine. For example, a city weighted value that puts greater weight on power consumed in major cities compared to power consumed in other places may be used.
[0061]The methods described above for calculating a market pressure indicator provide an indication of the current state of electricity generation, consumption and demand levels. In other embodiments, the market pressure indicator may be estimated over a time period. For example, simulation engine may periodically calculate a market pressure indicator based on current information and similarly estimate the market pressure indicator over the next few hours, at one hour intervals.
[0062] In one embodiment in which future market pressure indicator values are estimated for a time period, the information sources 132 include a demand forecast information source which provides a forecast of the expected total electric energy demand during the time period and a pricing forecast information source which provides a forecast of the expected price for electric energy during the same period.
These forecasts may be estimated based on past information including energy consumption and price based on similar weather, season, day of week and other criteria.
Various models for generating such information are known to skilled persons and such information may be calculated using any such model. This forecast information is recorded in local database 174 as described above in relation to historic price information and spot price information.
[0063]The simulation engine 176 periodically estimates the market pressure indicator for a future time period by comparing the planned supply level 22, practical supply level 24 and a forecast demand level 26 during the future time period. An estimated market pressure indicator may be set for each time period as described above.
i i. li~. , i~~a [0064] In addition, to calculating market pressure indicator value, the simulation engine may also calculate a pricing level indicator for the current and an estimated pricing level indicator for future time periods using the forecast information.
[0065] In one embodiment, the simulation engine uses the following algorithm to derive an estimated pricing level indicator for a future time period:
i. From historical data base, compare the electric energy demand and the spot rate price to calculate the elasticity of the electric energy spot price.
The price elasticity may be calculated for different possible demand levels.
ii. Derive an adjusted demand forecast by comparing the current demand with estimated demand for the current time period. Apply a correction to the forecast demand in the future time based on the error in the demand forecast for the current time period. For example, if the actual demand in the current period is 10% higher than the forecast demand, then the forecast demand for the future period is increased by 10% to calculate the adjusted demand forecast for the future period.
In another embodiment, an absolute error may be used to make the correction. If the actual demand in the current period is 300 kWh lower than the forecast demand for the current period, then the forecast demand for the future period may be reduced by 300kWh to calculate the adjusted demand forecast for the future period.
iii. Derive an adjusted price forecast for the future period by comparing the adjusted demand forecast and the planned production level for that period.
Based on the difference and the price elasticity for the adjusted demand level, calculate the adjusted price forecast.
iv. Determine high and very high price levels for the future period, based on the price distribution for a longer time period, such as the entire day in which the future period falls. Define a high level price and very high level price. The high level price may be some percentage above the mean price of the price distribution, or it may be defined as exceeding the mean price by some number of standard deviations. Similarly, the very high price may be defined as a percentage (greater than 100%) of the mean price or by some number of standard deviations higher than the mean price. In the present exemplary embodiment, the high price level is defined as 10% above the mean price and the very high price level is defined as 30% above the mean price.
v. Compare the adjusted price forecast for the future time period with the high price level and the very high price level for the day (or other time period used to determine the price distribution in step (iv)) and assign a pricing level indicator based on the comparison as follows:
If the adjusted price forecast is less than the high price level, then set the estimated pricing level indicator for the future period to green.
If the adjusted price forecast is between the high price level and the very high price level, then set the estimated pricing level indicator for the future period to yellow.
If the adjusted price forecast is higher than the very high price level, then set the estimated pricing level indicator for the future period to red.
[0066) Like the market pressure indicator, an estimated pricing indicator may be calculated for several future time periods. For example, a pricing level indicator could be calculated for the next seven hours at one hour intervals. A market pressure indicator for the current time could also be calculated by comparing the current spot price for electric energy to the high and very high price levels.
,.~
[0067]The current market pressure indicator and the estimated market pressure indicator values for future time periods as well as the current and estimated future pricing level indicators may be displayed on a display 134.
[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, device 102 may include an integrated display panel. Reference is next made to Figure 7, which illustrates a display panel 134c. Display panel 134c has a market pressure indicator section 150, a date section 152, a time of day section 154, a current price section 156, a current price ratio section 158 and a pricing level indicator section 160.
(0069] Market pressure indicator section 150 includes eight LED type lamps capable of displaying three different colors. In the present embodiment, each LED is red, yellow or green. Each LED is labeled for a different time period from "NOW' to "7 hrs".
Device 102 is configured to set the color of each LED to the estimated market pressure indicator value for the corresponding time period. Pricing level indicator section 160 similarly includes eight tri-color LEDS and device 102 similarly sets the color of each LED in this section to correspond to the estimated pricing level indicator for the corresponding time period.
[0070] In date section 152, the current date is displayed. In time of day section, the current time is displayed. In current price section 156, the current spot price for electric energy is displayed. In current price ratio section 158, the ratio between the current spot price and the mean price is displayed, in percent.
[0071] Display panel 134c allows a consumer to quickly determine the current market and pricing pressure for electric power and allows the consumer to make decisions as to whether to use manually operated devices immediately or later when the market pressure or pricing level may be more favorable.
[0072] In another embodiment, the market price indicator and pricing level indicator for the current and future time periods could be displayed on any other type of display screen or monitor, such as a computer or television monitor.
[0073]A device 102 that calculates both a market pressure indicator and a pricing level indicator may use both indicators to determine how to control automatically controlled loads. For example, the two values may be combined to determine a duty cycle for . w.
i ili~ ~ . i.a automatically controlled loads. One example of a control methodology is illustrated in the table below.
Market Pressure Indicator Red Yellow Green Red X % 2X % 1 OX
Price Level Yellow 6X % 12X % 20X
Indicator Green 15X % 20X % 100 [0074] In such an embodiment, the value of X may recorded in the device 102 by the power distributor, or the consumer may be permitted to set the value of X
using a control device built into or attached to the device 102. If, for example, the value of X is 5, then if price level indicator is yellow and the market pressure indicator is red, automatically controlled loads will receive electric power on a 30% duty cycle. If the multiple of X for any condition exceeds 100%, then automatically controlled loads will receive power without interruption.
[0075] In some embodiments, the consumer may be permitted to set the value for X
through the preference device 140. For example, if the consumer sets the preference device to indicate a high desire to conserve power when needed or desired, the value of X may be set to a lower value. Conversely, if the consumer indicates a low desire to conserve power, the value of X may be set to a larger value. If the consumer indicates no desire to conserve power, then the value of X may be set to 100%, resulting in no automated interruption of power to any load.
[0076] Reference is next made to Figure 8, which illustrates a system 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiments of the invention described above, device 102 utilizes a local database 174 and includes a simulation engine 176 that is a part of the device to produce a market pressure indicator or a pricing level indicator. In system 300, the invention is implemented using a central data system 390. Central data system 390 includes a data mining engine 372, a system database 374 and a simulation engine 376. Data mining engine 372 is coupled to a network 330 through an optional firewall and intrusion detection device 378.
(0077] System 300 also includes a display device 334a that is installed within a facility 304a. Display device 334 may be part of a computing system that is coupled to network 330. A plurality of facilities 304 are coupled to central data system 390. A
display device 334 is installed in each facility 304.
(0078] Data mining engine 372 obtains information from information sources 332 and stores the information in system database 374. Simulation engine 376 extracts information from the system database 374 and generates a market pressure indicator for use by each facility 304 coupled to central data system 390. The market pressure indicator may be the same for some or all of the facilities, particularly those that receive electrical power from the same power distributor and are therefore subject to the same or similar spot price and planned power supply criteria. The market pressure indicator may also differ for some or all of the facilities, particularly if the system database includes location information about a facility. The simulation engine may utilize local weather and other localized information for the facility to develop a more specific market pressure indicator for the facility.
(0079]The market pressure indicator for each facility is transmitted to the display device 334 in the facility. The market pressure indicator is displayed for the electricity consumer at each facility. The consumer can use the market pressure indicator to determine when to use various load device located at the facility.
(0080] Display device 334a at facility 304a is coupled to central data system through network 330. Other devices may receive the market pressure indicator from central data system 390 through other means. Device 334b at facility 304b includes a radio antenna and receives the market pressure indicator from central data system by radio-frequency signal. Other devices 334 may be coupled to central data system 390 through other wired or wireless communication systems. In each case, the market pressure indicator received by the device 334 may be a general market pressure indicator, for all facilities within a geographic area or it may be specifically calculated for the facility at which the device 334 is located.
(0081] In another embodiment, the central data system may also calculate a pricing level indicator and transmit it to a facility 304 for display on a display device 334.
[0082]The present invention has been described here by way of example only.
Various modification and variations may be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
. .. " ..w
Claims (20)
1. A method for managing electric energy consumption comprising:
(a) mining information related to electric from one or more information sources;
(b) recording the mined information in a database;
(c) generating a market pressure indicator based on the recorded information;
and (d) displaying the market pressure indicator.
(a) mining information related to electric from one or more information sources;
(b) recording the mined information in a database;
(c) generating a market pressure indicator based on the recorded information;
and (d) displaying the market pressure indicator.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the market pressure indicator is based on information relating to the current supply, demand or price of electricity.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the market pressure indicator is generated as a color selected from a group of colors, wherein each of the color represents different market pressure indicator values.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the market pressure indicator is generated as a numerical value.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the market pressure indicator is displayed as text based on the numerical value.
6: The method of claim 1 wherein the market pressure indicator is generated by comparing the current spot price for electricity with a planned supply level.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the market pressure indicator is generated by comparing the current demand for electricity with a planned supply level and a practical supply level.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising disabling the operation of an electric load based on the market pressure indicator.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving a consumer energy conservation preference, comparing the market pressure indicator to the consumer energy conservation preference and disabling the operation of an electric load based on the comparison.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the electric load is disabled by decoupling it from an electric energy supply.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the electric load is disabled for part of a time period and is enable for the remainder of the time period based on a duty cycle.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein at least some of the mined information and recorded information relates to the price of electric energy and further comprising generating a pricing level indicator based on a comparison of the current spot price with the stored information or information derived from the stored information and further comprising displaying the pricing level indicator.
13. The method of claim 12 including determining a duty cycle for an electric load based on the market pressure indicator and the pricing level indicator and disabling the electric load based on the duty cycle.
14. The method of claim 1 further including generating a plurality of market pressure indicators, wherein at least some of the plurality of market pressure indicators relates to future time periods and including displaying the plurality of market pressure indicators on the display device.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the plurality of market pressure indicators correspond to the time period during which the plurality of market pressure indicators are generated and to one or more subsequent time periods.
16. The method of claim 14 further including generating a plurality of pricing level indicators and displaying the plurality of pricing level indicators.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the plurality of pricing level indicators correspond to the time period in which the plurality of pricing level indicators is generated and to one or more subsequent time periods.
18. A system comprising:
(a) an electrical energy consumption management device including:
(i) a database for storing information relating to electric energy;
(ii) a data mining engine for obtaining information from one or more information sources coupled to the device; and (iii) a simulation engine for deriving a market pressure indicator based on the information stored in the local database; and (b) a display device coupled to the electrical energy consumption management device to display the market pressure indicator.
(a) an electrical energy consumption management device including:
(i) a database for storing information relating to electric energy;
(ii) a data mining engine for obtaining information from one or more information sources coupled to the device; and (iii) a simulation engine for deriving a market pressure indicator based on the information stored in the local database; and (b) a display device coupled to the electrical energy consumption management device to display the market pressure indicator.
19. The system of claim 18 further wherein the simulation engine is adapted to generate a pricing level indicator and wherein the display device is adapted to display the pricing level indicator.
20. The system of claim 18 wherein the simulation engine generates a plurality of market pressure indicators relating to different time periods and wherein the display device is adapted to display the plurality of the market pressure indicators.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US64210105P | 2005-01-10 | 2005-01-10 | |
| US60/642,101 | 2005-01-10 | ||
| US31465205A | 2005-12-22 | 2005-12-22 | |
| US11/314,652 | 2005-12-22 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2531839A1 true CA2531839A1 (en) | 2006-07-10 |
Family
ID=36676935
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002531839A Abandoned CA2531839A1 (en) | 2005-01-10 | 2006-01-06 | Systems, methods and devices for effective electric energy consumption |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2531839A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2390832A2 (en) * | 2010-04-26 | 2011-11-30 | Accenture Global Services Limited | Methods and systems for analyzing energy usage |
| WO2013067061A2 (en) * | 2011-10-31 | 2013-05-10 | Siemens Corporation | Simulating customer behavior for demand response |
| CN117543839A (en) * | 2024-01-09 | 2024-02-09 | 四川中威能电力科技有限公司 | Power supply control system and control method based on intelligent ammeter |
| EP4329129A3 (en) * | 2022-08-26 | 2024-04-10 | Ab TOTECH Oy | An energy management unit for managing electric devices and a method for energy management of electric devices |
-
2006
- 2006-01-06 CA CA002531839A patent/CA2531839A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2390832A2 (en) * | 2010-04-26 | 2011-11-30 | Accenture Global Services Limited | Methods and systems for analyzing energy usage |
| WO2013067061A2 (en) * | 2011-10-31 | 2013-05-10 | Siemens Corporation | Simulating customer behavior for demand response |
| WO2013067061A3 (en) * | 2011-10-31 | 2013-08-01 | Siemens Corporation | Simulating customer behavior for demand response |
| US8983811B2 (en) | 2011-10-31 | 2015-03-17 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Simulating customer behavior for demand response |
| EP4329129A3 (en) * | 2022-08-26 | 2024-04-10 | Ab TOTECH Oy | An energy management unit for managing electric devices and a method for energy management of electric devices |
| CN117543839A (en) * | 2024-01-09 | 2024-02-09 | 四川中威能电力科技有限公司 | Power supply control system and control method based on intelligent ammeter |
| CN117543839B (en) * | 2024-01-09 | 2024-03-12 | 四川中威能电力科技有限公司 | Power supply control system and control method based on intelligent ammeter |
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