EP2394180A1

EP2394180A1 - Energy consumption monitor for a domestic appliance

Info

Publication number: EP2394180A1
Application number: EP09752157A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ronald Botts
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2008-11-11
Filing date: 2009-11-06
Publication date: 2011-12-14
Also published as: CA2684246A1; US20100117625A1; CN102209901A; US8461861B2; WO2010054991A1; RU2011121053A

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy consumption monitor for a domestic appliance and to a method for monitoring the energy consumption of a domestic appliance. The system and method encompass a system and an energy consumption monitor, which monitors information concerning the consumption of energy of the system in the domestic appliance. The system and the method can include the output of energy consumption information of the system in the domestic appliance on the basis of the energy consumption determined by the energy consumption monitor.

Description

ENERGY CONSUMPTION MONITOR FOR A HOME APPLIANCE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a household appliance, and more particularly to a household appliance that monitors energy consumption, and more particularly to a system and method for monitoring energy consumption for a domestic appliance.

background

Energy prices have recently become a major concern for many consumers. Also, many consumers are increasingly thinking about the

Impact they have on the environment. As a result, energy efficient home appliances are becoming increasingly popular with consumers, for example, to reduce the energy consumption costs associated with the appliances and to reduce their potential environmental impact.

Many home appliances receive an ENERGY STAR rating that indicates the level of energy efficiency of the home appliance. The ENERGY STAR program is a joint program of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy that evaluates the energy efficiency of products and practices to the extent that they comply with the EPO and US Department of Energy regulations Meet energy efficiency guidelines. The ENERGY STAR label is commonly used on larger home appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics and the like. appropriate. The EN ERGY STAR label has also been extended to new homes as well as commercial and industrial buildings. Such products can deliver the same or better performance than comparable models with lower energy consumption and cost savings.

In order to reduce energy costs and protect the environment there is a need to monitor the actual energy consumption of appliances such as household appliances. Referring to FIG. 1 were conventional energy consumption or

Monitoring devices 102 installed between a household appliance 104 and an external power source 106 to determine the power consumption of the household appliance 104. In some conventional systems, the power cord of the household appliance is plugged into the energy consumption device, which in turn is plugged into a wall outlet. Other conventional energy consumption devices may be connected to a near or adjacent wall and require an extension cord to connect the household appliance to the monitoring device.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a household appliance, and more particularly to a household appliance that monitors energy consumption, and more particularly to a system and method for monitoring energy consumption for a household appliance.

The present invention recognizes that conventional power consumption estimation or monitoring devices only measure consumption for the overall device because they monitor the power demand from outside the device. Also, the incoming current into the device may fluctuate and therefore sometimes provide inconsistent or inaccurate energy information. The conventional energy consumption devices also do not distinguish between the power consumption of individual subsystems within a device. Further, the conventional energy consumption devices do not provide any indication of the causes of the energy consumption and do not provide suggestions for improving the energy consumption.

To solve the problems with the conventional power consumption devices, aspects of the present invention provide a home appliance with an internal power consumption monitor that detects or monitors the power consumption for a device. The present invention can distinguish between the power consumption of individual subsystems within a device, provide an indication of the causes of the power consumption, and / or provide suggestions for improving power consumption. Aspects of the present invention can detect or monitor the power consumption for subsystems in a device, which can provide valuable information in terms of power consumption.

The present invention also recognizes that the environmental conditions under which the domestic appliance operates affect the energy consumption of the appliance can. Aspects of the present invention provide an energy usage monitor that takes into account environmental conditions at the location of the device.

The present invention further recognizes that there are important benefits to informing consumers about the actual power consumption of the device, for example, based on its particular use of the device. The present invention also recognizes that the manufacturer derives benefit from the

For example, to improve energy consumption, to develop new designs, etc. Other aspects of the invention may provide energy consumption information to the consumer or user, a technician, or the device manufacturer. Thus, these aspects provide important benefits in that the usage, maintenance or future designs of a device can be modified based on this energy consumption information.

In addition, aspects may provide feedback to reduce energy consumption, such as consumption patterns, maintenance requirements, etc. Thus, aspects of the present invention may play an active role in reducing energy consumption.

For example, aspects of the invention may detect and register data to

To provide historical information or trends on the overall device energy consumption or energy consumption of subsystems of the device. The historical information or trends may be based on consumption or average consumption over different time periods. The historical information or trends may be used by the consumer, technician or manufacturer to provide feedback and acknowledgments about improvements to the device or changes in the use of the device. The consumer, technician or manufacturer can make changes based on this information. For example, based on historical information or trends, the consumer might change their usage habits, the technician could change a maintenance plan or maintenance method, and the manufacturer could change or redesign a subsystem of the device. The present invention further recognizes that the manufacturer usually knows best about a particular device, for example, how the subsystems and devices of the device interact, the isolation characteristics of the device, the number and type of motors, control programs for operating the device Thus, the manufacturer may be better able to suggest ways to improve energy consumption. The aspects of the present invention provide an energy usage monitor that incorporates information known to the manufacturer to provide suggestions based on, among other things, the actual device, the subsystem of the device, and the performance parameters of the device, respectively. In contrast, conventional power devices simply monitor only the total power consumption of the device.

For example, an ENERGY STAR predicate can typically save a consumer $ 50 to $ 60 a year in energy costs. The present invention recognizes that by providing detailed energy usage information and suggestions for reducing energy costs to the consumer based on the particular appliance, the consumer may save additional costs and further reduce the operational costs associated with the appliance. Further, the cost associated with maintaining and repairing the device can be reduced by providing energy usage information to the consumer, technician or manufacturer.

In view of the foregoing aspects of the invention, an exemplary embodiment is directed to a home appliance that includes a housing that encloses an interior compartment.

Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a home appliance including a system for operating the home appliance and a power consumption monitor monitoring the power consumption of the system.

Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of monitoring power consumption of a home appliance. The method includes determining the power consumption of a system of the home appliance using an energy usage monitor and outputting energy usage information the system of the household appliance based on the energy consumption determined by the energy consumption monitor.

However, the features of the invention, together with its additional objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are presented to assist with the description of the embodiments of the invention and are provided solely to illustrate the embodiments but not to limit them.

FIG. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional power consumption detection apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a household appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a household appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention will be disclosed in the following description and the accompanying drawings, which are directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternative embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, well-known elements of The invention is not described in detail or omitted in order not to obscure the essential details of the invention.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, case, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other embodiments. Likewise, the term "embodiments of the invention" does not require that all embodiments of the invention feature, feature, or mode of operation have to be discussed.

With reference to FIG. 2-4, exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described.

With reference to FIG. 2, an embodiment includes a home appliance 202 connected to an external power source 204. The home appliance 202 includes a controller 208 that controls operation of a subsystem 210. The home appliance may also include an internal power source 212 that provides power to one or more subsystems 210. The controller 208 may control the operation of one or more subsystems 210 of the device 202. The internal power source may provide power to one or more subsystems of device 202. Each subsystem of the home appliance may include a separate or dedicated internal power source, or one or more subsystems may share an internal power source. The home appliance 202 further includes an energy usage monitor 206 in communication with the controller 208 and / or the internal power source 212 of the appliance 202. The energy usage monitor may be in communication with an internal power source of one or more subsystems of device 202. In this aspect, the energy usage monitor 206 is built into the device 202.

The home appliance 202 may be any household appliance that consumes energy. For example, the device may be a refrigerator or a freezer. In particular, the device may be a juxtaposed refrigerator-freezer combination with a freezer on one side and a cooling compartment on the other side. The device can be a fridge-freezer with a top cooling compartment and a freezer drawer compartment below. The device can also be just a freezer or just a refrigerator. For example, the device may be a freestanding freezer or a refrigerated wine display.

The home appliance 202 may include an oven or a wall oven, a stove, a hob, a microwave oven, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a dryer, an exhaust fan or extractor, a built-in heat or refrigerated drawer, e.g. a drawer designed to dry and store dishes, dining and kitchen utensils such as pots and pans.

The domestic appliance 202 is not limited to appliances that supply energy (e.g.

Consume electricity. The device 202 can also consist of other household appliances, such as a water heater, a HVAC unit (heating / ventilation / air conditioning, HVAC), a similar system or subsystem. The power consumption monitor 206 may be configured to detect any power consumption, such as electrical power consumption, water consumption, gas consumption, etc.

The energy usage monitor 206 may be a separate element in the device 202, integrated with another element of the device 202, or integrated with one or more elements of the device 202. In one embodiment, the energy usage monitor 206 may be a circuit or software program or module that is built into a microprocessor of the device 202 or into the controller 208 of the device 202. The energy usage monitor 206 may communicate with the internal power source 212 for each subsystem in the device such that the energy usage monitor 206 may monitor and determine energy usage, such as power consumption, of the overall device and / or individual elements of the device. The energy usage monitor 206 may directly determine the power consumption at one or more locations within the device or for one or more subsystems in the device, as described in greater detail below. The energy usage monitor 206 may also diagnose problems and / or possible suggestions for improving energy usage, i.a. based on the

Determine energy consumption information of the overall device and / or individual subsystems of the device. In another embodiment, the energy usage monitor 206 may calculate the energy usage based on other factors. For example, fluctuations in the power voltage entering the equipment may occasionally occur, thereby temporarily providing inconsistent and inaccurate energy consumption information. In one embodiment, the energy usage monitor may determine the energy usage without actually monitoring the power consumption of the device.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the power monitor 206 is in communication with the controller 208. The controller 208 recognizes what operation the device 202 may be executing, and what subsystems of the device are operating. For example, the control unit 208 of a refrigerator may detect when and how long the compressor is running. The load associated with running the compressor may also be known. In this embodiment, the power consumption monitor 206 may communicate with the control unit 208 to reduce the power consumption of the compressor depending on, i.a. from

Running the compressor and determine the running time of the compressor. As a result, the power monitor can measure power consumption without actually monitoring the device's power consumption.

In yet another embodiment, the energy usage monitor 206 may receive input from one or more sensors to determine energy usage. For example, the energy usage monitor 206 may receive input from a flow rate sensor to determine a flow rate of gas, air, or water, such as through a utility line. The energy usage monitor 206 may provide energy usage information to the device 202 based on the determined energy usage, as well as other factors, as described in more detail below.

With reference to FIG. 3, another embodiment may provide energy usage information for one or more subsystems of the device 202. In this embodiment, the household appliance 202 is connected to an external power source 204. The home appliance 202 includes an energy usage monitor 206 in communication with a controller 208 of the appliance 202. The control unit 208 controls the operation of a first subsystem 310 and a second subsystem 312 of device 202. Energy consumption monitor 206 may also be in communication with first subsystem 310 and second subsystem 312. The number of subsystems is not limited to two subsystems and may include any number of subsystems or combinations of subsystems. In another aspect, the energy usage monitor 206 may be in communication with one or more internal power sources of the first subsystem 310 and the second subsystem 312 such that the energy usage monitor 206 may directly monitor or determine the power consumption of the first subsystem 310 and the second subsystem 312. The internal power sources of the first and second subsystems 310, 312 are not shown to simplify the device scheme. Each subsystem may include a separate or dedicated internal power source, or one or more subsystems may share an internal power source.

For example, a combined refrigerator / freezer may include a first compressor for the refrigerated compartment and a second compressor for the freezer. These

Embodiment may separately determine and monitor the power consumption for the first compressor and the second compressor. As discussed above, the energy usage monitor may communicate with one or more internal power sources of the first compressor and the second compressor to directly determine or monitor power consumption by these components. As another example, the energy consumption monitor may communicate with the control unit to determine when the first compressor and the second compressor are each separate, and to determine the period during which each of the compressors is running, and then the energy consumption based on the known energy consumption data to calculate for each compressor. The well-known

Energy consumption data may be stored in a storage unit of the device. These exemplary aspects may limit and determine the energy consumption information with respect to the consumption of the refrigerating compartment and / or the freezing compartment. The individual energy information for each bin can be useful and effective to identify a particular source of high energy consumption in a device or to provide more detailed energy usage information. In sharp contrast, traditional power systems can only monitor the energy consumption of the overall device. Monitor the conventional energy consumption systems not the individual subsystems within the device and also do not provide detailed energy usage information for subsystems within the device.

As another example, a cooking appliance, e.g. include a stove, oven and hob. This embodiment can separately determine and monitor the power consumption for both the oven and the hob. Again, the individual energy information for each element can be effective to identify a particular source of high energy consumption within a device or provide more detailed energy consumption information.

Referring again to FIG. 2 and 3, the energy usage monitor 206 may provide energy information to the device 202 or to one or more subsystems 310, 312 of the device 202. The energy consumption information may include current energy consumption, energy consumption over a period of time, average or average energy consumption, and so on. In addition, the power consumption can be u.a. be a predicted energy consumption.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are many factors that may contribute to the energy consumption of a household appliance, including the type of appliance, the environment in which the appliance operates, the type of use or operating cycle of the appliance, the number of consumers using the appliance, and so on. but not limited thereto.

For example, the temperature of the interior compartment of the refrigerator may change each time the refrigerator door is opened due to the air entering the compartment of the refrigerator from the outside of the refrigerator. The inner compartment may include one or more of: a refrigerated compartment, a freezer compartment, an icemaker compartment.

As another example, in some appliances with a freezer drawer below the refrigerated compartment, an icemaker is integrated into the door closing the refrigeration compartment so that water and ice can be provided as in a side by side refrigerator / freezer combination. In this case, opening and closing the refrigerator door may affect the ice maker's cooling efficiency or the ice maker's ability to maintain the desired temperature setting for making and storing the ice cubes. The energy usage information provided by the energy usage monitor 206 may include information about usage habits of a consumer. For example, the energy consumption information may include the frequency of opening the appliance door, the times of day when the appliance door is opened, and the length of time that the appliance door will remain open during each use. The energy usage information may include information or data related to the internal temperature of the device, such as the current temperature, the average temperature, the temperature range over a period of time, and so on. Other examples of energy usage information may include the device's "on" time or standby power consumption, as well as the "on" time or standby power consumption of one or more subsystems in the device.

For example, for a cooking appliance, e.g. an oven or wall oven, the energy consumption information the preheating time, the "ON" time during which the heating elements are turned on, the "ON" time of the recirculation or exhaust fan and / or the standby power consumption for operating a display, a Watch, etc., include. For a cooking appliance, e.g. a cooker or stove, the energy consumption information may include the number of hotplates used, the temperature setting of each hotplate, and the "on" time for each individual hotplate .. For a dishwasher, the energy consumption information may be the "on" time for the dishwasher, the respective one Operating cycle, eg include the heating, rinse, drying, hygienic, pre-rinsing, heavy duty, water temperature in the dishwasher, water temperature outside the dishwasher, and so on. The energy consumption information is not limited to these examples, and may include other information related to the device and the usage habits of the consumer.

With reference to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the home appliance 202 may include one or more devices for communicating the energy usage information to the consumer or user, a technician, or the device manufacturer. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the household appliance 202 is connected to an external power source 204. The home appliance 202 includes a power usage monitor 206 in communication with a controller 208 of the appliance 202. The control unit 208 controls the operation of the device, including, for example one or more subsystems (not shown) of the device 202. In one aspect, the energy usage monitor 206 may be in communication with one or more of the subsystems. In another aspect, the energy usage monitor 206 may be in communication with one or more internal power sources of the subsystems. The home appliance 202 includes one or more devices for communicating the energy usage information, such as to the consumer or user, a technician, or the device manufacturer.

As shown in FIG. 4, the home appliance may include a display 314 for displaying the energy usage information. The display 314 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) mounted on the device 202 or integrated into the exterior thereof. The display may display a variety of energy consumption information, such as current energy consumption, active energy consumption, and / or average energy consumption. The display may provide an illustration of an amount of energy usage, for example, using letters or characters, numbers, symbols, or combinations thereof. The display may also provide word associations, sentences or other visual representations. For example, the display may also provide one or more graphs or graphs that illustrate energy usage. The display may be arranged to display a variety of energy usage information and is not limited to the examples cited herein.

For example, the display 314 may provide information such as the frequency of opening the appliance door. This information may be for certain periods, e.g. the most active usage times of the device. For example, for a refrigerator, the most active usage times may be in the morning or after school or after work. For an oven or stove, the most active time may be in the early afternoon, when the consumer usually prepares dinner.

In another embodiment, the display 314 may output a code referring, for example, to a table or product manual for the device to determine the device's power consumption and / or one or more suggestions for the device To improve the energy consumption, which will be described in more detail below.

In another embodiment, a meter may be provided to indicate the power consumption. Alternatively, a code may be provided, for example, to refer to a table or product manual for the device to determine the power consumption of the device and / or to provide one or more suggestions for improving power dissipation, as described in more detail below.

In yet another embodiment, an audible output comprising the

Power consumption can be provided, for example, using a speaker or other device for sound output.

The device may also include a data transfer device or a storage device. For example, in one embodiment, device 202 may include one or more memory device card slots 320, such as an SD (Secure Digital) card or other flash memory such as a memory stick. Another embodiment may include an internal memory 316 for storing the power consumption information of the device 202. The energy usage information stored on the internal memory 316 may be copied to another storage medium, such as an SD card or other flash memory such as a memory stick, or to another device for consumer use, a technician or the device manufacturer. In one embodiment, the power consumption information may be automatically uploaded by the control unit, for example at predetermined times or based on the occurrence of a predetermined event, e.g. when the energy consumption exceeds a predetermined or threshold value.

In another embodiment, the device 202 may be a USB port

(Universal Serial Bus Port) 318 or the like for communicating with another device or for downloading information from the device 202. The USB port 318 may also be used to upload information to the device 202. In another embodiment, the device 202 may include a telecommunications module 322 in communication with a cable telecommunications network (eg, via a modem 324) or a wireless network.

The internal memory 316, the USB port 318, the memory card slot 320, and / or the telecommunications module 322 may be used to upload or download the power usage information to or from the device 202, such as for use by the consumer, a technician, or the device manufacturer. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other means for downloading or uploading the energy usage information may also be provided in accordance with the spirit and scope of the invention.

As discussed above, the power usage information may be downloaded from the device 202. The communication link may be hardwired or wireless, e.g. a cable telecommunications network, a radio telecommunication network, a wireless computer network or short distance radio communication. For example, the energy consumption information may be connected to a cable or radio network to transmit the information to the consumer, the technician or the manufacturer. The energy consumption information may be transmitted via analog or digital communication techniques such as radio frequency communication, microwave communication or infrared (IR) communication. For example, the device may transmit the power usage information using a cellular phone, Bluetooth technology, etc.

In one embodiment, the energy usage information may be downloaded by a technician to a laptop, portable computer, personal data assistant (PDA), or cellphone for use by a consumer or user, a technician, or for transmission to the device manufacturer for analysis. The energy usage information may also be transferred or uploaded to a computer or storage device on the user's local network or a remote network. The information may be displayed or made available through a website provided by the device manufacturer, a service company, or a third party become. The user can understand his energy consumption for one or more devices.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the device 202 may include a sensor 326 in communication with the controller 208 and / or the power consumption monitor 206. The sensor 326 is outside the household appliance in FIG. However, in other embodiments, the sensor 236 may also be mounted on or inside the household appliance. The sensor 326 may detect one or more predetermined conditions inside or outside the home appliance. For example, the sensor 326 may be a temperature sensor for measuring ambient air temperature at the location of the device, or a humidity sensor for measuring ambient humidity at the location of the device. The sensor 326 may also be a flow sensor, for example, for measuring a fluid flow, such as an air flow, water flow, or gas flow, depending on what type of energy is being monitored. The energy usage monitor may receive an input from the sensor 326 either directly or indirectly. The sensor input can be used by the Energy Consumption Monitor to calculate the power consumption of the device or a subsystem of the device. The sensor input may also be used to assess problems in operating the device, to predict potential sources of energy use or causes, and / or to identify possible suggestions for improving the device's energy consumption.

For example, the environmental conditions under which the device operates may affect the power consumption of the device. An embodiment of the present invention accommodates environmental conditions (e.g., the external environment of the device). In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 326 may be a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient air temperature outside of the device and / or a sensor for detecting the humidity outside of the device.

Ambient conditions, such as ambient air temperature and humidity outside of the unit, may affect the efficiency of the unit. Environmental conditions may be affected by factors such as the presence of an HVAC system (HVAC), a humidifier, the temperature setting of the thermostat for the HVAC system or the climate in the home. When In another example, the environmental conditions may be affected by the location of heating and cooling apertures or return air grilles relative to the apparatus. As yet another example, environmental conditions may be affected by the position or proximity of other devices, particularly those devices that generate heat, with respect to the monitored device. As another example, the environmental conditions may be affected by the proximity of the device to a window or door of the household and the frequency with which the window or door is opened.

In particular, in the example where the device is a refrigerated / freezer combination, the appliance may need to operate the compressor more often when the home has a high ambient air temperature compared to a household having a lower ambient air temperature. In the example where the device is a dryer, the heating efficiency of the dryer may be affected by the temperature of the environment in which the dryer operates. If the dryer is in a cool environment, it may be necessary for the dryer to do more work to heat the dryer interior to the desired temperature than when the dryer is in a warmer environment. In addition, the temperature of the sucked dryer air can affect the efficiency of the dryer.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the sensor 326 may be a sensor or device for detecting whether a door of the device is in the open or closed position, or for detecting a change in the door position from an open to a closed position. For example, changing the door position using known devices for turning ON and OFF the

Internal device lighting due to the open or closed door position, such as a mechanical device for sensing the door opening, a light sensor, a motion sensor, etc. In another embodiment, the sensor 326 may be configured to sense the ON or OFF position. Scans the condition of the interior lighting of the device.

With reference to FIG. 2-4, the power consumption monitor according to the embodiments may be configured to distinguish between the power consumption by the whole apparatus and the power consumption by one or more internal systems or Subsystems makes a difference. For example, in the example of the refrigerator-freezer, the energy consumption monitor discriminates between the power consumption by a refrigerator compartment compressor or the freezer compartment compressor. The Energy Consumption Monitor can be designed to differentiate or limit the energy consumption of the interior lighting, the control panel, the display panel, the control unit, and so on. Accordingly, the embodiments may provide a more detailed and accurate representation of the power consumption of the device.

In another embodiment, the device 202 may provide suggestions to the consumer, the technician, or the device manufacturer to reduce or optimize the power consumption of the device based on the energy usage information determined by the energy usage monitor 206. The suggestions may be communicated in a manner similar to the energy usage information discussed above using the display 314, internal memory 316, USB port 318, memory card slot 320, and / or a telecommunications module 322.

For example, the energy monitor may suggest one or more ways to improve or optimize the energy consumption of the device. The proposals may relate specifically to a number of factors, such as the type of device used, the particular operating cycle of the device, the history of the device's usage, and so forth. Because aspects of the invention are able to distinguish between the power consumption of internal systems or subsystems, the embodiment may also provide suggestions for reducing power consumption based on the particular power consumption of one or more subsystems, or based on consumer usage habits.

For example, the energy monitor may monitor the opening and closing of the appliance door, such as a refrigerator or freezer. In particular, the energy usage monitor 206 may track the number, timing and duration of the open state of each door of the device. The energy consumption monitor may then submit specific suggestions based on the frequency of door opening, the duration of the door opening or the time of day the door is opened, and the like, as well as average or mean values of these data. If, for example, the appliance door is held in an open position for a long time each time the door is opened (eg when the consumer is at If the refrigerator or freezer door in the interior is looking for a particular item), the Energy Consumption Monitor may provide a message or an indication on an LCD display (eg, 314) of the appliance, suggesting the time in which the door is in the open position stays short to reduce energy consumption.

In another embodiment, the energy usage monitor 206 may suggest increasing or decreasing the temperature setting of the refrigerator or freezer compartment to reduce or minimize the power consumption of the subsystem or the overall appliance. As another example, an energy monitor 206 in a dishwasher may suggest to select a particular energy saving wash or may suggest that higher energy washes such as e.g. a hygienic course, to avoid. As another example, a power usage monitor 206 in a washing machine may suggest a particular wash to clean a particular type of laundry.

Aspects of the Energy Consumption Monitor may also indicate the energy consumption for various device operating cycles or other factors associated with the operation of that device. The energy consumption may be a predetermined, projected energy consumption, an actual or current energy consumption, a past energy consumption or an average or average energy consumption, etc. For example, a power monitor 206 in a washing machine may display the actual or projected power consumption for cleaning towels, jeans, or other garments and materials.

In another embodiment, the display 314 of the device may include an alert signal for simply and easily communicating the power consumption of the device. For example, an embodiment may include one or more alert signals on the device or on the display panel of the device indicating whether the device is operating within a predetermined energy efficient range. In particular, the alert signal may be a green light (eg, a green LED or symbol) when the power consumption of the device is within the predetermined energy efficient range. The alert signal may be a red light (eg, a red LED or symbol) when the power consumption of the device is outside of the predetermined energy efficient range. The one or more The alert signal (s) may be specifically associated with a subsystem of the device, such as the refrigerator or freezer section of the device.

In another embodiment, the energy usage monitor 206 may communicate with the controller 208 of the device 202 to determine the particular operation that the device 202 is performing, and in particular which subsystems of the device 202 are performing that operation. The power consumption monitor 206 may also receive inputs regarding other factors such as the frequency of door opening and closing, the duration of the door opening, an environmental condition, and so forth. Based on a comparison of one or more energy usage information and other factors with a table or database, the energy usage monitor 206 may select a predetermined energy reduction proposal. The pre-established proposals may also be based on probable causes associated with the energy-related factors established in advance through testing. The suggestions may also be based on actual inputs from the controller or sensors.

In general, the manufacturer may possibly know best about the device, e.g. how the subsystems and devices of the device interact with each other, the isolation characteristics of the device, the number and type of motors, the control programs for operating the device, etc. The manufacturer may be better able to provide suggestions for improving energy consumption. compared to energy devices that simply monitor the total energy consumption of the device. The energy usage monitor 206 according to another embodiment may incorporate such information known to the manufacturer to provide suggestions based on the actual device, the subsystems of the device, and the performance parameters of the device.

For example, the manufacturer can identify probable causes for a specific increase in energy consumption. If the energy usage information and / or other factors match the predetermined probable cause, the energy usage monitor 206 may issue a corresponding predetermined proposal. On the other hand, if the energy consumption information and / or the other factors do not correspond to a predetermined probable cause, the Energy Consumption Monitor 206 submit predefined troubleshooting suggestions. For example, if the door of a refrigerator or freezer does not open, but the compressor turns on more frequently and for longer periods of time than normal operation, the energy monitor may suggest that the consumer check the environmental conditions of the appliance, eg if the appliance is nearby a heating / cooling opening, a leading out door, etc. located.

In another embodiment, a temperature and / or humidity sensor may be provided to detect changes in temperature and / or humidity and to determine whether an external environmental condition affects the energy consumption of the device.

Aspects of the invention may also diagnose current problems or predict potential future problems with the device based on the energy usage information. For example, the energy consumption monitor can detect if the

Ice maker of a refrigerator works. In one aspect, this information may be communicated to the energy usage monitor 206 by the controller 208, and the energy usage monitor 206 may communicate the error or problem to the consumer via the display 314, for example.

In another embodiment, the energy usage monitor 206 may convey to the consumer that one or more subsystems of the device are not operating properly or are not operating within a predetermined power range. The consumer can then in turn contact the manufacturer or a service technician. Alternatively, the manufacturer or technician may provide a software module, for example on an SD card, to monitor the operation of the device for a while, after which the manufacturer or technician may evaluate the collected data to provide assistance in diagnosing the problems or problems Device performance.

In another embodiment, the power usage information may be used by the controller 208 of the device 202 to alter or optimize the operation of the device 202 or the subsystems of the device 202. The control unit may control the operation of the device 202 based on the energy usage information adapt to an adaptive device to actively improve the

To provide energy consumption. For example, the energy usage monitor 206 may set a time period during each day in which the energy consumption of the refrigerator is reduced or running at the minimum. The energy consumption monitor 206 may communicate this information to the control unit 208, which may then reduce the use of the compressor during the specified time period.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the invention in any way. As used herein, the singular forms of the particular and indefinite article ("the, the, the" and "an" in all variants) are also to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "including" is to be understood as indicating, but not including, the presence of mentioned features, numbers, steps, acts, elements and / or components exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that information and signals can be represented using a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips referred to in the foregoing description may include voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination be represented.

Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical block diagrams, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, block diagrams, modules, circuits, and steps are generally heretofore in the sense of her Functionality has been described. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the particular application and design requirements for the overall system. Professionals may implement the described functionality in a variety of ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed to imply a departure from the scope of the present invention.

The methods, sequences, and / or algorithms described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of both. A software module may be more well-known in RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disk, portable media, CD-ROM or any other form known in the art Storage media present. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor or microcontroller in such a way that the processor or microcontroller can read or write data from the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated in the processor or microcontroller.

Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples, and any means of carrying out the functionality described herein is included in the embodiments of the invention.

While the foregoing disclosure illustrates illustrative embodiments of the invention, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications could be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The functions, steps and / or actions of the method claims according to the embodiments of the invention described herein need not be performed in a particular order. Moreover, while elements of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular form, the plural form should also be considered, unless a limitation to the singular form has been expressly stated.

Claims

A household appliance comprising: a housing enclosing an inner compartment; a door moveable relative to the housing between open and closed states to provide access to the interior compartment; a system for operating the household appliance; and an energy monitor that monitors the power consumption of the system.

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, further comprising: a power source that supplies power to the system of the household appliance; wherein the power consumption monitor determines the power consumption of the system of the home appliance by monitoring the power supplied by the power source to the system.

3. The household appliance according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that controls an operation of the system of the household appliance, wherein the energy consumption monitor receives operating information for the system and the energy consumption of the system of the household appliance on the basis of

Operating information determined.

4. The household appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a display communicatively coupled to the energy usage monitor, the display indicating energy usage information for the system of the device based on the energy usage monitored by the energy usage monitor of the system.

5. The household appliance according to claim 4, wherein the energy consumption information includes a representation of the energy consumption of the system of the household appliance.

6. Household appliance according to claim 5, wherein the representation of the energy consumption of the system of the household appliance includes an amount of energy consumption.

7. Household appliance according to claim 5, wherein the representation of the

Energy consumption of the system of the household appliance includes a graph of energy consumption.

8. The household appliance according to claim 4, wherein the energy consumption information includes a proposal for reducing the energy consumption of the system of the household appliance based on the energy consumption monitor determined by the energy consumption monitor.

9. The household appliance according to claim 4, wherein the system of the home appliance includes a first subsystem and a second subsystem, wherein the energy consumption monitor monitors the power consumption of the first subsystem and the second subsystem, and wherein the display includes a first energy consumption information for the first subsystem and a second energy consumption information for the second

Subsystem of the device based on the monitored by the energy consumption monitor energy consumption.

10. The home appliance of claim 4, wherein the system of the home appliance includes first and second subsystems, wherein the energy monitor monitors the power consumption of the first subsystem and the second subsystem, and wherein the display is one of either a first power reduction proposal of the first Substystems of the household appliance or a second proposal to reduce the energy consumption of the second

Displays the subsystem of the household appliance based on the monitored by the energy consumption monitor energy consumption.

11. The household appliance according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensor for detecting a predetermined condition, wherein the sensor communicates with the energy consumption monitor, and wherein the energy consumption monitor receives an input from the sensor and determines the power consumption of the system based on the input from the sensor.

12. The household appliance according to claim 11, wherein the energy consumption monitor proposes to reduce the energy consumption based on the input of the

Sensor outputs.

13. The household appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a memory in communication with the energy consumption monitor, the memory storing energy consumption information for the system of the appliance based on the energy consumption of the system monitored by the energy consumption monitor.

14. The household appliance according to claim 1, further comprising: a data transmission device that transmits energy consumption information for the home appliance system from the home appliance to an external device, wherein the energy transmission information for the system of the device is based on the energy consumption of the energy monitor monitored by the energy consumption monitor

Systems based.

15. The household appliance according to claim 1, wherein the system includes a plurality of subsystems, and wherein the power consumption monitor determines power consumption of one of the plurality of subsystems of the home appliance.

16. A household appliance, comprising: a system for operating the household appliance; and an energy monitor that monitors the power consumption of the system.

17. The household appliance according to claim 16, further comprising: a power source that supplies power to the system of the household appliance, the energy consumption monitor the energy consumption of the system of

Home appliance by monitoring the power supplied by the power source to the system determined.

18. The household appliance according to claim 16, further comprising: a control unit that controls an operation of the system of the household appliance, wherein the energy consumption monitor receives operating information for the system and the energy consumption of the system of the household appliance based on the

Operating information determined.

19. A method for monitoring a power consumption of a household appliance, the method comprising:

Detecting the power consumption of a system of the home appliance using an energy consumption monitor; and output of system energy consumption information

Household appliance based on the energy consumption determined by the energy consumption monitor.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the power consumption of the system of the household appliance is monitored by monitoring the current flowing from a power source to the

System is delivered, determined.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the power consumption of the system of the household appliance is determined on the basis of operating information obtained from a control unit that controls an operation of the system of the household appliance.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the power consumption of the system of the household appliance is determined based on a sensed by a sensor condition.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the energy consumption information of the system of the household appliance is an output using one of a display, a Interface device, a hard-wired data transmission device, a wireless data transmission device, a memory and an audio device.