EP4365811A1

EP4365811A1 - Lowering power conversion and/or greenhouse gas emissions

Info

Publication number: EP4365811A1
Application number: EP22205760.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Dols; Noemie Monnier
Original assignee: Siemens Schweiz AG
Current assignee: Siemens Schweiz AG
Priority date: 2022-11-07
Filing date: 2022-11-07
Publication date: 2024-05-08

Abstract

Lowering power conversion and/or greenhouse gas emissions. A method of reducing within a local power system (7) power conversion and/or greenhouse gas emissions, the local power system (7) comprising a local power management system (5), a plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13), wherein the local power management system (5) communicates with one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13), the method comprising the steps of: a mobile handheld device (14) having a human-machine interface (15) and receiving statistical data indicative of at least one of: a mean value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among a plurality of users, a median value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users, quantile values of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users.

Description

Background

The present disclosure relates to semi-automated savings of power and/or of greenhouse gases. That is, a user specifies a target value indicative of an amount of power savings and/or indicative of an amount of greenhouse gases. A schedule is then proposed and/or implemented to meet the specified target. Users can compare target values and/or power savings and/or avoided emissions of greenhouse gases amongst one another. Users can preferably also compare target values and/or power savings to target values and to power savings achieved by a group such as a peer group.
Energy management systems and/or power management systems for buildings can orchestrate supply and demand of power for buildings. More specifically, such systems optimise use of power and minimise carbon dioxide emissions by decoupling supply and demand of power. Also, orchestration of supply and demand by an energy management system and/or by a power management system can align with the management of a building. Orchestration of supply and demand by an energy management system and/or by a power management system can still align with the management of a power grid. The system then contributes to improved stability of large-scale power grids. The decoupling of supply and demand of power is crucial for demand response.
To orchestrate supply and demand of power, energy management systems and/or power management systems control loads within a building as well as any supplies of power. An energy and/or power management system can, for example, control the charging of electric vehicles such that vehicles are charged when power is available from renewable supplies. An electric vehicle is ideally charged at times when the power grid exhibits high levels of stability.
Energy management systems and/or power management systems can also control thermal loads of a site. Buildings can employ hot-water tanks to store thermal energy such as heat. Likewise, cold-water storage tanks can be employed as buffers for coolants such as water. Also, storage ovens can store thermal energy to be released during the day.
More specifically, energy management systems and/or power management systems can control cooling and/or heating within a building. In so doing, a temperature such as a set point temperature inside a building is controlled. The building can, by way of non-limiting example, be a commercial and/or an industrial and/or a residential building. That building can comprise various zones such as various spaces and/or rooms. Energy management systems and/or power management systems can control temperatures and set point temperatures in the various zones of a commercial and/or industrial and/or residential building.
A patent application EP2993640A1 was filed by SIEMENS AG on 24 July 2015 . EP2993640A1 claims a priority of an earlier application filed on 8 September 2014 . The application was published on 9 March 2016. EP2993640A1 deals with a power management system.
EP2993640A1 deals with a system having a base load and at least one variable load. It is envisaged that at least one variable load of the building comprises a charging point for an electric vehicle. The building management system of EP2993640A1 uses an algorithm to schedule the various loads of a building. An algorithm is employed to arrive at an optimum schedule. The algorithm accommodates various constraints such as a technical constraint of the charging point. The algorithm can, by way of non-limiting example, solve a mixed-integer linear problem. The building management system then controls supply of power to the at least one variable load in accordance the optimum schedule.
Another European patent EP3748458B1 was granted on 28 April 2021 to SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG . A patent application 19177935 for this patent was filed on 28 January 2022 . EP3748458B1 deals with a controller for a thermal storage device.
The controller of EP3748458B1 accounts for the technical characteristics of a local system and factors in an availability of power from a local supply of renewable energy. The controller of EP3748458B1 also considers the temperature of a thermal storage device such as a device having a heating element. It is then determined whether the thermal storage device can absorb power available from the local supply. When that determination is positive, power originating from the local supply is fed to the thermal storage device rather than to the grid.
The instant disclosure introduces energy management and/or power management wherein a user's choices are considered. The energy management and/or the power management according to the instant disclosure accounts for the technical constraints of the system and for targets specified by a user. The energy management and/or the power management according to the instant disclosure can also consider targets specified by a groups of users.

Summary

The present disclosure deals with lowering power conversion and/or greenhouse gas emissions caused by a local power system. To that end, a method of reducing power conversion and/or greenhouse gas emissions is disclosed. Also, a controller in the form of a mobile device such as a mobile handheld device is disclosed. This controller effectuates reductions of power conversion and/or greenhouse gas emissions caused by a local power system.
The reduction of power conversion and/or greenhouse gas emissions is semi-automated in the sense that a user's choices are factored in. The user belongs to a group of users. Statistical data are obtained that provide details of power conversion and/or greenhouse gas emissions among the users of the group. A user then gets to define preferences in view of the statistical data obtained from the other users of the group.
The system produces a candidate schedule based on the user's choices. That candidate schedule can either be directly implemented or it can be checked by the user. Should the user not approve of the candidate schedule, another candidate schedule is put forward. The other candidate schedule is based on a set of rules that is different from a set of rules that leads to the original schedule. The system thus interacts with the user.
For example, a schedule can provide that a set point for a temperature in a zone of a building is lowered. In a granular embodiment, different zones of a building have different set points. That way, temperatures can be lowered in zones where users are unlikely to feel the impact of low indoor temperatures.
Weather forecast data can also be factored in by the system. That is, an outdoor temperature can be obtained from a weather forecast server. Knowledge of the outdoor temperature yields schedules that are more accurate than otherwise. The schedules are more accurate since outdoor temperatures define the amount of cooling and/or the amount of heating required to attain an indoor temperature.
Similar considerations apply to local supplies of renewable power. Where a local supply of renewable power such as a photovoltaic installation is available, knowledge of sunshine duration can be useful. That is, the system factors in the duration of sunshine on a particular day. Operations of local loads such as washing machines and/or dish washers can be scheduled such that these devices operate when power is available from the local supply.

Brief description of the drawings

Various features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosed non-limiting embodiments. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

FIG 1 is a schematic representation of a local power system having a plurality of local devices connected to the system.
FIG 2 shows a building having various local devices and a power management system disposed at the site.
FIG 3 schematically depicts a mobile handheld device, in particular a mobile computer, for communication with the power management system.

Detailed description

FIG 1 shows the various principal and optional components of a local power system (7) of the instant disclosure. The power system (7) comprises a supply of renewable power (6a, 6b, 6c). A power bus connects the supply of renewable power (6a, 6b, 6c) to a plurality of local devices (2a, 2b). The plurality of local devices (2a, 2b) comprises at least a first local device (2a) and a second local device (2b).
The local power system (7) also comprises a power management system (5) such as an energy management system and/or a building management system. The power management system (5) can comprise a local power management system (5). The power management system (5) can also be a local power management system (5). The energy management system can comprise a local energy management system. The energy management system can also be a local energy management system. The building management system can comprise a local building management system. The building management system can also be a local building management system.
The power management system (5) operates the local power system (7). The power management system (5) communicates with controllers (1a, 1b) of the local devices (2a, 2b) via a communication bus (8). A power network (9) supplies the various local devices (2a, 2b) with power. More specifically, an electric power network (9) can supply the various local devices (2a, 2b) with electric power. The power management system (5) orchestrates flow of power to the local devices (2a - 2b) and from the supply of renewable power (6a, 6b, 6c). The power management system (5) uses the power network (9) to orchestrate flow of power.
The power management system (5) advantageously comprises a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor. In an embodiment, the power management system (5) is a microcontroller and/or is a microprocessor. The power management system (5) preferably comprises a memory such as a non-volatile memory. That is, the power management system (5) can comprise a microcontroller and a non-volatile memory. The power management system (5) can also comprise a microprocessor and a non-volatile memory. The power management system (5) can still be a microcontroller having a non-volatile memory. The power management system (5) can also be a microprocessor having a non-volatile memory.
In a special embodiment, the power management system (5) is or comprises an inexpensive and/or low-power system-on-a-chip microcontroller having integrated wireless connectivity. The system-on-a-chip microcontroller can have a memory not exceeding one mebibyte.
The power management system (5) advantageously comprises one or more metering devices. The one or more metering devices afford a power management system (5) that can meter power conversion in the power system (7). The one or more metering devices can also afford a power management system (5) that meters emissions of greenhouse gases via the power system (7). To that end, the power management system (5) can store a lookup table wherein power conversion is mapped to emissions of greenhouse gases. More specifically, power conversion can be mapped to emissions of carbon dioxide.
The power management system (5) preferably comprises one or more metering device to meter power supplied via a power grid. That is, one or more metering devices meter power received by the power system (7) from an external supply. Preferably, one or more metering devices meter power received by the local power system (7) from an external supply.
Where the power management system (5) comprises one or more microcontrollers, the one or more metering devices are in communication with at least one of the microcontrollers.
Where the power management system (5) comprises one or more microprocessors, the one or more metering devices are in communication with at least one of the microprocessors.
In an embodiment, the one or more metering devices comprise one or more electricity meters. In a special embodiment, the one or more metering devices are one or more electricity meters. In an embodiment, the one or more metering devices comprise one or more smart electricity meters. In a special embodiment, the one or more metering devices are one or more smart electricity meters.
The communication bus (8) between the power management system (5) and the controller (1a) of the first local device (2a) can be bidirectional. A bidirectional communication bus (8) affords flexibility. The communication bus (8) between the power management system (5) and the controller (1a) of the first local device (2a) can also be unidirectional. Communication from the power management system (5) to the controller (1a) of the first local device (2a) is facilitated by such a unidirectional communication bus (8). A unidirectional communication bus (8) reduces complexity.
Communication between the power management system (5) and the controller (1a) of the first local device (2a) preferably involves a digital communication bus (8). Communication between the power management system (5) and the controller (1a) of the first local device (2a) advantageously involves a digital communication protocol.
The communication bus (8) between the power management system (5) and the controller (1b) of the second local device (2b) can be bidirectional. A bidirectional communication bus (8) affords flexibility. The communication bus (8) between the power management system (5) and the controller (1b) of the second local device (2b) can also be unidirectional. Communication from the power management system (5) to the controller (1b) of the second local device (2b) is facilitated by such a unidirectional communication bus (8). A unidirectional communication bus (8) reduces complexity.
Communication between the power management system (5) and the controller (1b) of the second local device (2b) preferably involves a digital communication bus (8). Communication between the power management system (5) and the controller (1b) of the second local device (2b) advantageously involves a digital communication protocol.
The power management system (5) provides connectivity to a remote computing device (4) such as a cloud computing arrangement. The remote computing device (4) is arranged remotely from the power management system (5). The remote computing device (4) is advantageously arranged at least one kilometer from the power management system (5). The remote computing device (4) can comprise one or more microprocessors and a non-volatile memory and is preferably a cloud computing arrangement. The remote computing device (4) can also comprise one or more microcontrollers and a non-volatile memory and is preferably a cloud computing arrangement.
It is envisaged that the remote computing device (4) comprises a mobile handheld device such as a mobile phone and/or a tablet computer. It is also envisaged that the remote computing device (4) is a mobile handheld device such as a mobile phone and/or a tablet computer.
Communication between the power management system (5) and the remote computing device (4) preferably relies on wireless communication (3). Wireless communication (3) can, by way of non-limiting example, be implemented via EnOcean^® and/or via KNX^® RF and/or via Thread and/or via WLAN and/or via Zigbee. A hard-wired connection between the power management system (5) and the remote computing device (4) such as Ethernet^® cables and/or on KNX^® cables is also envisaged.
Communication between the power management system (5) and the remote computing device (4) is preferably bidirectional. Bidirectional communication affords flexibility. Communication between the power management system (5) and the remote computing device (4) can also be unidirectional. Communication from the remote computing device (4) to the power management system (5) is afforded by such unidirectional communication. Unidirectional communication reduces complexity.
Now turning to FIG 2, a building (10) having a plurality of zones (11a - 11d) is illustrated. The building (10) can, by way of non-limiting example, comprise a commercial and/or industrial and/or residential building. The building (10) can, by way of another non-limiting example, be a commercial and/or industrial and/or residential building.
At least one of the zones (11a - 11d) within the building (10) can comprise a space within the building (10). More specifically, at least one of the zones (11a - 11d) within the building (10) can be a space within the building (10). According to an aspect of the present disclosure, all zones (11a - 11d) within the building (10) each comprise a space within the building (10). More specifically, all zones (11a - 11d) within the building (10) each are a space within the building (10).
At least one of the zones (11a - 11d) within the building (10) can comprise a room within the building (10). More specifically, at least one of the zones (11a - 11d) within the building (10) can be a room within the building (10). According to an aspect of the present disclosure, all zones (11a - 11d) within the building (10) each comprise a room within the building (10). More specifically, each zone (11a - 11d) within the building (10) is a room within the building (10).
It is envisaged that the power management system (5) comprises a power management system (5) of the building (10). It is also envisaged that the power management system (5) is a power management system (5) of the building (10). It is still envisaged that the power management system (5) comprises an energy management system (5) of the building (10). It is also envisaged that the power management system (5) is an energy management system (5) of the building (10). It is still further envisaged that the power management system (5) comprises a building management system (5) of the building (10). It is also envisaged that the power management system (5) is a building management system (5) of the building (10).
It is still envisaged that the local power management system (5) comprises a local power management system (5) of the building (10). It is also envisaged that the local power management system (5) is a local power management system (5) of the building (10). It is still envisaged that the local power management system (5) comprises an energy management system (5) of the building (10). It is also envisaged that the local power management system (5) is an energy management system (5) of the building (10). It is still further envisaged that the local power management system (5) comprises a building management system (5) of the building (10). It is also envisaged that the local power management system (5) is a building management system (5) of the building (10).
The zones (11a - 11d) as shown in FIG 2 comprise local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13). A zone (11a - 11d) such as zone (11d) can comprise more than one local device (2d, 2e, 12e, 13). Some of the local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) can, by way of example, comprise heating devices (2a - 2e). It is envisaged that these heating devices (2a - 2e) are local heating devices (2a - 2e). More specifically, some of the local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) can be local heating devices (2a - 2e). It is still envisaged that these heating devices (2a - 2e) are local heating devices (2a - 2e). One or more of the local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) can also comprise a cooling device (13) such as a local cooling device (13). More specifically, one or more of the local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) can be a cooling device (13) such as a local cooling device (13).
According to an aspect of the building (10), some of the local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) can comprise window blinds (12a - 12c, 12e). It is envisaged that the windows blinds (12a - 12c, 12e) are local window blinds (12a - 12c, 12e). More specifically, some of the local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) can be window blinds (12a - 12c, 12e). It is again envisaged that the windows blinds (12a - 12c, 12e) are local window blinds (12a - 12c, 12e). One or more window blinds (12a - 12c, 12e) can be arranged inside the various zones (11a - 11d) of the building (10).
Now referring to FIG 3, a mobile device (14) to be connected to the remote computing device (4) is illustrated. The mobile device (14) can, by way of non-limiting example, comprise a mobile phone and/or a tablet computer.
The remote computing device (4) can comprise a cloud computing arrangement. The remote computing device (4) can also be a cloud computing arrangement. That is, the mobile device (14) such as a mobile phone and/or a tablet computer communicates with the cloud computing arrangement.
Communication between the mobile device (14) and the remote computing device (4) preferably relies on wireless communication (18). Wireless communication (18) can, by way of non-limiting example, be implemented via a mobile phone network and/or via EnOcean^® and/or via KNX^® RF. Wireless communication (18) between the mobile device (14) and the remote computing device (4) can also be implemented via Thread and/or via WLAN and/or via Zigbee. The list of implementations of wireless communication is not exhaustive.
Communication between the mobile device (14) and the remote computing device (4) preferably involves a digital communication bus. Communication between the mobile device (14) and the remote computing device (4) advantageously involves a digital communication protocol.
The mobile device (14) comprises a human-machine interface (15). The human-machine interface (15) according to this disclosure preferably comprises a display with suitable resolution. Suitable resolutions include, but are not limited to 426 x 320 pixels, 470 x 320 pixels, 640 x 480 pixels, 960 x 720 pixels. In a preferred embodiment, the human-machine interface (15) of this disclosure comprises a monochrome or a colour display. The display can be a liquid-crystal display. The display can also comprise organic light-emitting diodes. The human-machine interface (15) preferably also provides input devices such as, by way of non-limiting examples, keyboards, buttons, touch screens, capacitive touch screens, voice recognition, track points etc.
The mobile device (14) advantageously comprises a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor (16). In an embodiment, the mobile device (14) is a microcontroller and/or is a microprocessor (16). The mobile device (14) preferably comprises a memory such as a non-volatile memory (17). That is, the mobile device (14) can comprise a microcontroller (16) and a non-volatile memory (17). The mobile device (14) can also comprise a microprocessor (16) and a non-volatile memory (17). The mobile device (14) can still be a microcontroller (16) having a non-volatile memory (17). The mobile device (14) can still be a microprocessor (16) having a non-volatile memory (17).
The microcontroller and/or microprocessor (16) of the mobile device (14) is configured to communicate with the memory such as the non-volatile memory (17). That is, the microcontroller and/or microprocessor (16) of the mobile device (14) can read data from the memory such as the non-volatile memory (17). The microcontroller and/or microprocessor (16) of the mobile device (14) can preferably also write data to the memory such as the non-volatile memory (17).
The microcontroller and/or microprocessor (16) of the mobile device (14) is also configured to communicate with the human-machine interface (15). That is, the microcontroller and/or microprocessor (16) of the mobile device (14) can read a user's input from the human-machine interface (15). The microcontroller and/or microprocessor (16) of the mobile device (14) can preferably also send data to the human-machine interface (15). These data can then be used by the human-machine interface (15) to display a graphical user interface.
The power management system (5) can send data indicative of the local power system (7) to the remote computing device (4). The remote computing device (4) can then send the data indicative of the local power system (7) to the mobile device (14). It is also envisaged that the power management system (5) directly sends data indicative of the local power system (7) to the mobile device (14).
According to an aspect of the instant disclosure, the local power management system (5) can send data indicative of the local power system (7) to the remote computing device (4).
The remote computing device (4) can then send the data indicative of the local power system (7) to the mobile device (14). It is also envisaged that the local power management system (5) directly sends data indicative of the local power system (7) to the mobile device (14).
These data can, by way of non-limiting example, comprise one or more of

topological information concerning the local power system (7),
values of rated power of the local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13),
values of rated power of supplies of renewable power (6a, 6b, 6c),
details of the building (10) such as details of the zones (11a - 11b) or of the rooms of the building (10),
occupancy data for the building (10),
occupancy data for zones (11a - 11b) or for rooms inside the building (10).

FIG 2

electric power,
thermal power,
electric power and thermal power.

arithmetic means of power conversion among the plurality of users,
geometric means of power conversion among the plurality of users,
median values of power conversion among the plurality of users,
quantile values such as five percent quantile values and ninety-five percent quantile values of power conversion within the group,
arithmetic means of greenhouse gas emissions among the plurality of users,
geometric means of greenhouse gas emissions among the plurality of users,
median values of greenhouse gas emissions among the plurality of users,
quantile values such as five percent quantile values and ninety-five percent quantile values of greenhouse gas emissions within the group.

It is also envisaged that the remote computing device (4) calculates moment values µ_i .These moment values can, by way of example, be first (n=1), second (n=2), third (n=3) moment values of the individual values x of power conversion: $μ_{n} = 〈 x^{n} 〉$
The statistical analysis is advantageously carried out by a remote computing device (4) being a cloud computing arrangement. A cloud computing arrangement typically has computational resources that exceed those resources of the mobile device (14). A cloud computing arrangement typically also has computational resources that exceed those resources of the power management system (5). A centralised analysis also implies that individual values of power conversion need not be sent to every mobile device (14) within a group. In terms of bandwidth, the requirements of the system will be rather modest.
In another embodiment, the mobile device (14) statistically analyses the data collected from the plurality of users. In so doing, the mobile device (14) can calculate values such as

arithmetic means of power conversion among the plurality of users,
geometric means of power conversion among the plurality of users,
median values of power conversion among the plurality of users,
quantile values such as five percent quantile values and ninety-five percent quantile values of power conversion within the group,
arithmetic means of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users,
geometric means of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users,
median values of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users,
quantile values such as five percent quantile values and ninety-five percent quantile values of emissions of greenhouse gases within the group.

It is also envisaged that the mobile device (14) calculates moment values µ_i . More specifically, a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor (16) inside the mobile device (14) performs the calculations. The moment values can, by way of example, be first (n=1), second (n=2), third (n=3) moment values of the individual values x of power conversion: $μ_{n} = 〈 x^{n} 〉$
Where the statistical analysis is carried out in a decentralised manner via mobile devices (14), the remote computing device (4) only requires modest computational resources. Should the users' power management systems (5) directly send their data to the mobile devices (14), the system can dispense with the remote computing device (4). The system will also be more difficult to tamper with because any manipulation of the statistical analysis must involve all participating mobile devices (14).
One way or another, the mobile device (14) can have data indicative of a statistical analysis of values of individual power conversion. The mobile device (14) preferably stores such statistical data in its memory such as in its non-volatile memory (17). The mobile device (14) can, by way of non-limiting example, store in its memory (17) data indicative of at least one of

µ_i

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases also include methane, sulfur hexafluoride, etc. This list of greenhouse gases is not exhaustive.
The mobile device (14) such as the mobile phone and/or the tablet computer then displays one or more of the previously mentioned statistical values to a user. That is, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) reads data indicative of the statistical values from the memory (17). The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) preferably reads the data indicative of the statistical values from the non-volatile memory (17). The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) reads the data indicative of the statistical values such that statistical values can be displayed.
The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) sends the data to the human-machine interface (15) of the mobile device (14). More specifically, the statistical values can be displayed on the human-machine interface (15) of the mobile device (14). The statistical data are advantageously displayed using a graphical user interface. More specifically, the statistical values are displayed using a graphical user interface on the human-machine interface (15) of the mobile device (14).
A user is thereby informed of statistical values indicative of power savings and/or of avoided emissions of greenhouse gases within a group of people. More specifically, a user can be informed of statistical values indicative of power savings and/or of avoided emissions of carbon dioxide within a group of people. The group is made up of a plurality of users and can, by way of non-limiting example, be the user's peer group. The group such as the peer group can also comprise the user of the mobile device (14).
It is envisaged that the group of users such as the peer group comprises at least five users including the user of the mobile device (14). It is also envisaged that the group of users such as the peer group comprises at least ten users including the user of the mobile device (14). It is still envisaged that the group of users such as the peer group comprises at least twenty users including the user of the mobile device (14).
Large groups of users lead to more significant overall power savings because many users make efforts to save power. Instead of power savings, a goal amongst the users can also be minimum carbon dioxide emissions. The group of users can also aim at power savings and at minimum greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the target t can be a weighted, preferably dimensionless, mean of power savings p and of avoided greenhouse gas emissions c: $t = α_{1} \cdot p + α_{2} \cdot c$
$1 = α_{1} + α_{2}$
$0 \leq α_{1} \leq 1$
$0 \leq α_{2} \leq 1$
More specifically, the target can be a weighted, preferably dimensionless, mean of power savings and of avoided carbon dioxide emissions.
In so doing, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) sends the data indicative of the target t to the human-machine interface (15) of the mobile device (14). The target t can then be displayed on the human-machine interface (15) of the mobile device (14). The target t is advantageously displayed using a graphical user interface. That is, the target t is displayed using a graphical user interface on the human-machine interface (15) of the mobile device (14).
Once a user is informed, the user is given an opportunity to respond to such information. That is, the user is given an opportunity to respond to the previously mentioned statistical values and/or to a target t. The user preferably uses a human-machine interface (15) of the mobile device (14) to provide a response. The user can, by way of non-limiting example, use a human-machine interface (15) of a mobile phone to provide a response. To that end, the human-machine interface (15) of the mobile phone can comprise a touch screen such as a capacitive touch screen. The user can, by way of non-limiting example, use a human-machine interface (15) of a tablet computer to provide a response. To that end, the human-machine interface (15) of the tablet computer can comprise a touch screen such as a capacitive touch screen.
The user responds to the information by entering a target value for the user. The user's target value can be indicative of power savings. The user's target value can also be indicative of avoided greenhouse gas emissions such as avoided carbon dioxide emissions. The user's target value can also be a combination of power savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions as set out above. More specifically, the user's target value can also be a combination of power savings and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
Where topological details of the power system (7) are available at the mobile device (14), the device (14) can produce a schedule for the power system (7). That is, the mobile device (14) produces a schedule for the power system (7) based on the user's choice and also based on the topological details. In so doing, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) reads data indicative of the topological details of the power system (7) from the memory (17). The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) of the mobile device (14) also reads the user's choice of a target value from the human-machine interface (15). A schedule for the power system (7) such as a schedule for a local power system (7) is then determined. The schedule meets the constraint as specified by the user's choice. That is, the ceiling for power conversion and/or for greenhouse gas emissions is a constraint that is factored in by the schedule. More specifically, the schedule can factor in constraints such as a ceiling for at least one of

power conversion,
greenhouse gas emissions,
carbon dioxide emissions.

The schedule can, for example, schedule operation of the various local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) within the building (10). The schedule can opt to cut power to such devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) while the devices are in standby mode. The schedule can also comprise a set point temperature for a heating and/or ventilation and/or airconditioning system of the building (10). The schedule can even comprise different set point temperatures for the various zones (11a - 11d) within the building (10). More specifically, the schedule can comprise different set point temperatures for the various rooms (11a - 11d) within the building (10).
The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) can read a set of rules such as a predetermined set of rules from the memory (17). The set of rules can even be read from a non-volatile memory (17) within the mobile device (14). The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) then uses these rules to determine the schedule for the power system (7).
A rule can, by way of non-limiting example, apply to one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in standby mode. That rule can provide that power to such devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) is curtailed. Power supply to one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) is cut before a set point temperature is lowered below 293 Kelvins. In other words, some devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) go offline before the temperature in the building (10) drops too low.
A rule can, by way of another non-limiting example, provide that the temperature in some zones (11a - 11d) of the building (10) is lower than elsewhere. That is, a zone having a bathroom is not heated to the same temperature as another zone having one or more offices. The same rule can also provide that temperatures in a zone having a server room are allowed to be lower than in another zone having one or more offices.
It is envisaged that the mobile device (14) can connect to a server providing weather forecast data. The weather forecast data can, by way of non-limiting examples, comprise one or more of

forecasts of outdoor temperatures,
forecasts of sunshine duration during a particular day,
etc.

EP3739710B1

patent EP3739710B1 was granted on 29 June 2022

EP3739710A1

EP3739710B1 was filed on 13 May 2019

The mobile device (14) connects to the weather forecast server and loads the weather forecast data from the server. The mobile device (14) then uses such data to determine the schedule. The mobile device (14) can, for example, estimate a supply from a renewable source of power (6a, 6b, 6c) based on the forecast of sunshine duration. The schedule can then provide for local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) to operate when enough power from the renewable source (6a, 6b, 6c) becomes available. The mobile device (14) can also estimate a demand for heating power in the building (10) based on the forecasts of outdoor temperature. The mobile device (14) can even estimate a demand for cooling power in the building (10) based on the forecasts of outdoor temperature.
The weather forecast server is advantageously arranged at least one kilometer from the mobile device (14) such as from the mobile handheld device (14). The weather forecast server can comprise one or more microprocessors and a non-volatile memory and is preferably a cloud computing arrangement. The weather forecast server can also comprise one or more microcontrollers and a non-volatile memory and is preferably a cloud computing arrangement.
Where weather forecast data are factored into the schedule and/or into the new schedule, these schedules become more nuanced and more accurate.
The mobile device (14) can then proceed and present the schedule to the user. The schedule can be presented to the user via a graphical user interface on the human-machine interface (15). The user can approve or disapprove the schedule. To that end, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) reads data indicative of approval or disapproval from the human-machine interface (15). If the user approves the schedule, it will be sent to the power management system (5). In so doing, the schedule can be routed to the power management system (5) via the remote computing device (4). More specifically, the schedule can be routed to the local power management system (5) via the remote computing device (4). The power management system (5) eventually controls one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the schedule.
If the user does not approve the schedule, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) can produce a new schedule and present it to the user. The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) can rely on another rule set to produce the new schedule. The other set of rules can be another predetermined set of rules. In other words, the rule set for the new schedule is different from the rule set for the original schedule. The memory (17) such as the non-volatile memory (17) thus stores a plurality of rule sets. The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) is operational to read the plurality of rule sets from the memory (17).
The new schedule is again presented to the user who can approve or not approve the new schedule. By checking whether the schedule and/or the new schedule is approved by a user, the system becomes interactive.
In a fast-track embodiment, the schedule as determined by the microcontroller and/or by the microprocessor (16) is deployed without feedback from the user. In other words, the schedule as determined is deployed to the power management system (5) without being checked by the user. The schedule can be routed to the power management system (5) via the remote computing device (4). The power management system (5) eventually controls one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the schedule. Advantageously, the local power management system (5) eventually controls one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the schedule.
Where topological details of the power system (7) are available at the remote computing device (4), the device (4) can produce a schedule for the power system (7). That is, the user's choice is sent from the mobile device (14) to the remote computing device (4). The remote computing device (4) then produces a schedule for the power system (7) based on the user's choice and also based on the topological details. In so doing, a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor of the remote computing device (4) reads data indicative of the topological details from a memory. That memory is a memory of the remote computing device (4). That memory can be a non-volatile memory of the remote computing device (4). A schedule for the power system (7) such as a schedule for a local power system (7) is then determined. The schedule meets the constraint as specified by the user's choice. That is, the ceiling for power conversion and/or for greenhouse gas emissions is a constraint that is factored in by the schedule. More specifically, the schedule can factor in constraints such as a ceiling for at least one of

power conversion,
greenhouse gas emissions,
carbon dioxide emissions.

It is envisaged that the remote computing device (4) can connect to a server providing weather forecast data. The weather forecast data can, by way of non-limiting examples, comprise one or more of

EP3739710B1

EP3739710B1 was granted on 29 June 2022

EP3739710A1

EP3739710B1 was filed on 13 May 2019

The remote computing device (4) connects to the weather forecast server and loads the weather forecast data from the server. The remote computing device (4) then uses such data to determine the schedule. The remote computing device (4) can, for example, estimate a supply from a renewable source of power (6a, 6b, 6c) based on the forecast of sunshine duration. The schedule can then provide for local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) to operate when enough power from the renewable source (6a, 6b, 6c) becomes available. The remote computing device (4) can also estimate a demand for heating power in the building (10) based on the forecasts of outdoor temperature. The remote computing device (4) can even estimate a demand for cooling power in the building (10) based on the forecasts of outdoor temperature.
The weather forecast server is advantageously arranged at least one kilometer from the remote computing device (4). The weather forecast server can comprise one or more microprocessors and a non-volatile memory and is preferably a cloud computing arrangement. The weather forecast server can also comprise one or more microcontrollers and a non-volatile memory and is preferably a cloud computing arrangement.
Where weather forecast data are factored into the schedule and/or into the new schedule, these schedules become more nuanced and more accurate.
The schedule is sent back to the mobile device (14), where a user can approve or not approve the schedule. If the user approves the schedule, an approval signal will be sent from the mobile device (14) to the remote computing device (4). In response to the approval signal, the remote computing device (4) will send the schedule to the power management system (5). The power management system (5) eventually controls one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the schedule. In a local embodiment, a local power management system (5) controls one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the schedule.
If the user does not approve the schedule, a disapproval signal will be sent from the mobile device (14) to the remote computing device (4). In response to the disapproval signal, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor of the remote computing device (4) produces a new schedule. The remote computing device (4) sends the new schedule to the mobile device (14), where a user can again approve or not approve the new schedule. The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor of the remote computing device (4) can rely on another rule set to produce the new schedule. The other set of rules can be another predetermined set of rules. In other words, the rule set for the new schedule is different from the rule set for the original schedule. A memory such as a non-volatile memory of the remote computing device (4) thus stores a plurality of rule sets. The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor of the remote computing device (4) is operational to read the plurality of rule sets from that memory.
By checking whether the schedule and/or the new schedule is approved by a user, the system becomes interactive.
In a fast-track embodiment, the schedule as determined by the microcontroller and/or by the microprocessor of the remote computing device (4) is deployed without feedback from the user. In other words, the schedule as determined is deployed to the power management system (5) without being checked by the user. The power management system (5) eventually controls one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the schedule. Advantageously, the local power management system (5) eventually controls one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the schedule.
Where topological details of the power system (7) are available at the power management system (5), the system (5) can produce a schedule for the power system (7). That is, the user's choice is sent from the mobile device (14) to the power management system (5), preferably to the local power management system (5). The user's choice can be sent to the power management system (5) via the remote computing device (4) such as via a cloud computing arrangement. The user's choice can also be directly sent to the power management system (5).
The power management system (5) then produces a schedule for the power system (7) based on the user's choice and also based on the topological details. In so doing, a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor of the power management system (5) reads data indicative of the topological details from a memory. That memory is a memory of the power management system (5) such as a memory of the local power management system (5). That memory can be a non-volatile memory of the power management system (5) such as a non-volatile memory of the local power management system (5). A schedule for the power system (7) such as a schedule for a local power system (7) is then determined. The schedule meets the constraint as specified by the user's choice. That is, the ceiling for power conversion and/or for greenhouse gas emissions is a constraint that is factored in by the schedule. More specifically, the schedule can factor in constraints such as a ceiling for at least one of

power conversion,
greenhouse gas emissions,
carbon dioxide emissions.

It is envisaged that the power management system (5) such as the local power management system (5) can connect to a server providing weather forecast data. The weather forecast data can, by way of non-limiting examples, comprise one or more of

EP3739710B1

patent EP3739710B1 was granted on 29 June 2022

EP3739710A1

EP3739710B1 was filed on 13 May 2019

The power management system (5) and/or the local power management system (5) connects to the weather forecast server and loads the weather forecast data from the server. The power management system (5) such as the local power management system (5) then uses such data to determine the schedule. The power management system (5) can, for example, estimate a supply from a renewable source of power (6a, 6b, 6c) based on the forecast of sunshine duration. The schedule can then provide for local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) to operate when enough power from the renewable source (6a, 6b, 6c) becomes available. The power management system (5) can also estimate a demand for heating power in the building (10) based on the forecasts of outdoor temperature. The power management system (5) can even estimate a demand for cooling power in the building (10) based on the forecasts of outdoor temperature.
The weather forecast server is advantageously arranged at least one kilometer from the power management system (5) such as from the local power management system (5). The weather forecast server can comprise one or more microprocessors and a non-volatile memory and is preferably a cloud computing arrangement. The weather forecast server can also comprise one or more microcontrollers and a non-volatile memory and is preferably a cloud computing arrangement.
Where weather forecast data are factored into the schedule and/or into the new schedule, these schedules become more nuanced and more accurate.
The schedule is sent back to the mobile device (14), where a user can approve or not approve the schedule. That is, the schedule is sent from the power management system (5) such as from the local power management system (5) to the mobile device (14). The schedule can be sent from the power management system (5) to the mobile device (14) via the remote computing device (4). The remote computing device (4) can be a cloud computing arrangement. The schedule can also be sent directly from the power management system (5) such as from the local power management system (5) to the mobile device (14).
If the user approves the schedule, an approval signal will be sent from the mobile device (14) to the power management system (5). The approval signal can be sent from the mobile device (14) to the power management system (5) via the remote computing device (4). The remote computing device (4) can be a cloud computing arrangement. The approval signal can also be sent directly from the mobile device (14) to the power management system (5) such as to the local power management system (5).
The power management system (5) eventually controls one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the schedule. In a local embodiment, a local power management system (5) controls one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the schedule.
If the user does not approve the schedule, a disapproval signal will be sent from the mobile device (14) to the power management system (5). The disapproval signal can be sent from the mobile device (14) to the power management system (5) via the remote computing device (4). The remote computing device (4) can be a cloud computing arrangement. The disapproval signal can also be sent directly from the mobile device (14) to the power management system (5) such as the local power management system (5).
In response to the disapproval signal, the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor of the power management system (5) produces a new schedule. The power management system (5) sends the new schedule to the mobile device (14), where a user can again approve or not approve the new schedule. The new schedule can be sent from the power management system (5) to the mobile device (14) via the remote computing device (4). The remote computing device (4) can be a cloud computing arrangement. The new schedule can also be sent directly from the power management system (5) to the mobile device (14).
The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor of the power management system (5) can rely on another rule set to produce the new schedule. The other set of rules can be another predetermined set of rules. In other words, the rule set for the new schedule is different from the rule set for the original schedule. A memory such as a non-volatile memory of the power management system (5) and/or of the local power management system (5) thus stores a plurality of rule sets. The microcontroller and/or the microprocessor of the power management system (5) is operational to read the plurality of rule sets from that memory.
By checking whether the schedule and/or the new schedule is approved by a user, the system becomes interactive.
In a fast-track embodiment, the schedule as determined by the microcontroller and/or by the microprocessor of the power management system (5) is deployed without feedback from the user. In other words, the schedule as determined is deployed to the power management system (5) without being checked by the user. The power management system (5) eventually controls one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the schedule. Advantageously, the local power management system (5) eventually controls one or more local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the schedule.
As described in detail herein, the instant disclosure deals with a method of reducing within a local power system (7) power conversion and/or greenhouse gas emissions, the local power system (7) comprising a local power management system (5) and a plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13), wherein the local power management system (5) is configured to communicate with one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13), the method comprising the steps of:

a mobile handheld device (14) having a human-machine interface (15) and receiving statistical data indicative of at least one of:
- a mean value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among a plurality of users,
- a median value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users,
- a quantile value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users;
the mobile handheld device (14) producing graphical statistical data signals from the statistical data and using the graphical statistical data signals to present the statistical data to a user of the plurality of users via the human-machine interface (15);
in response to the presentation of the statistical data, the mobile handheld device (14) receiving via the human-machine interface (15) a target signal specified by the user, wherein the target signal is indicative of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases;
the mobile handheld device (14) producing a target value from the target signal;
producing based on a first set of rules for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) and based on the target value a first schedule for operating these one or more devices;
sending the first schedule to the local power management system (5); and
the local power management system (5) operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the first schedule.

The mobile handheld device (14) is advantageously configured to communicate with the human-machine interface (15).
The local power management system (5) is preferably configured to communicate with the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13). The local power management system (5) is ideally configured to communicate with all local devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13).
The instant disclosure still pertains to any of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the step of:
the local power management system (5) operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) strictly in accordance with the first schedule.
Operation strictly in accordance with the first schedule guarantees that the user's choices are implemented.
The present disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps of:

in response to the presentation of the statistical data, a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor (16) of the mobile handheld device (14) receiving via the human-machine interface (15) a target signal specified by the user and being indicative of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases; and
the microcontroller and/or a microprocessor (16) of the mobile handheld device (14) producing a target value from the target signal.

The present disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the step of:
the mobile handheld device (14) sending the first schedule to the local power management system (5) via a remote computing device (4), the remote computing device (4) being different from the mobile handheld device (14) and being different from the local power management system (5).
The instant disclosure also deals with any of the aforementioned methods, wherein the local power system (7) comprises a building (10) having one or more zones (11a - 11d) and wherein the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) comprises at least one cooling and/or heating device being disposed in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) and at least one thermostat device disposed in the one or more zones (11a - 11d), the method comprising the steps of:

the first schedule providing a set point temperature in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) based on the first set of rules and based on the target value; and
the local power management system (5) controlling operation of the at least one cooling and/or heating device via the at least one thermostat device such that the temperature in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) attains the set point temperature.

The present disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods involving at least one cooling and/or heating device, the method comprising the step of:
producing based on the first set of rules and based on the target value the first schedule such that the first schedule provides a set point temperature in the one or more zones (11a-11d).
The instant disclosure still pertains to any of the aforementioned methods, wherein the local power system (7) comprises a building (10) having one or more zones (11a - 11d) and wherein the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) comprises at least one cooling and/or heating device disposed in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) and at least one thermostat device disposed in the one or more zones (11a - 11d), the method comprising the steps of:

connecting to a weather forecast server;
receiving weather forecast data from the weather forecast server; and
producing based on the first set of rules and based on the target value and based on the weather forecast data the first schedule for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13).

The present disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods involving one or more zones (11a - 11d), the method comprising the steps of:

receiving weather forecast data comprising at least one outdoor temperature from the weather forecast server;
the first schedule providing a set point temperature in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) based on the first set of rules and based on the target value and based on the at least one outdoor temperature; and
the local power management system (5) controlling operation of the at least one cooling and/or heating device via the at least one thermostat device such that the temperature in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) attains the set point temperature.

The present disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods involving at least one cooling and/or heating device, the method comprising the step of:
producing the first schedule such that the first schedule provides a set point temperature in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) based on the first set of rules and based on the target value and based on the at least one outdoor temperature.
The local power management system (5) is advantageously configured to communicate with the at least one cooling and/or heating device.
The instant disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods involving one or more zones (11a - 11d), wherein the local power system (7) comprises at least one local supply of renewable power (6a, 6b, 6c), the method comprising the steps of:

receiving weather forecast data comprising at least one sunshine duration from the weather forecast server;
the first schedule providing a set point temperature in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) based on the first set of rules and based on the target value and based on the outdoor temperature and based on the at least one sunshine duration; and
the local power management system (5) controlling operation of the at least one local supply of renewable power (6a, 6b, 6c) and of the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the first schedule.

The present disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the step of:
the local power management system (5) controlling operation of the at least one local supply of renewable power (6a, 6b, 6c) and of the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) strictly in accordance with the first schedule. Operation strictly in accordance with the first schedule guarantees that the user's choices are implemented.
The local power management system (5) is advantageously configured to communicate with the at least one local supply of renewable power (6a, 6b, 6c).
The present disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps of:

the mobile handheld device (14) presenting the first schedule to the user via the human-machine interface (15);
in response to the presentation of the first schedule, the mobile handheld device (14) receiving via the human-machine interface (15) a first feedback signal specified by the user;
the mobile handheld device (14) producing a first feedback value from the first feedback signal;
if the first feedback value indicates approval of the first schedule:
- the mobile handheld device (14) sending the first schedule to the local power management system (5);
- the local power management system (5) operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the first schedule;
otherwise:
- producing based on a second set of rules for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) and based on the target value a second schedule for operating these one or more devices, wherein the second set of rules is different from the first set of rules; and
- the mobile handheld device (14) presenting the second schedule to the user via the human-machine interface (15).

The instant disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods involving a first schedule, the method comprising the steps of:

the mobile handheld device (14) producing graphical first schedule signals from the first schedule and sending the graphical first schedule signals to the human-machine interface (15); and
the mobile handheld device (14) using the graphical first schedule signals to present the first schedule to the user via the human-machine interface (15).

The instant disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods involving a second schedule, the method comprising the steps of:

the mobile handheld device (14) producing graphical second schedule signals from the second schedule and sending the graphical second schedule signals to the human-machine interface (15); and
the mobile handheld device (14) using the graphical second schedule signals to present the second schedule to the user via the human-machine interface (15).

The instant disclosure still pertains to any of the aforementioned methods involving a second schedule, the method comprising the steps of:

in response to the presentation of the second schedule, the mobile handheld device (14) receiving via the human-machine interface (15) a second feedback signal specified by the user;
the mobile handheld device (14) producing a second feedback value from the second feedback signal; and
if the second feedback value indicates approval of the second schedule:
the mobile handheld device (14) replacing the first schedule with the second schedule.

The instant disclosure also deals with any of the aforementioned methods involving a second schedule, the method comprising the step of:
the mobile handheld device (14) replacing the first schedule with the second schedule such that the second schedule becomes the first schedule.
The instant disclosure still deals with any of the aforementioned methods involving a second schedule, the method comprising the steps of:

the mobile handheld device (14) sending the second schedule to the local power management system (5); and
the local power management system (5) operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the second schedule.

The instant disclosure still deals with any of the aforementioned methods involving a second schedule, the method comprising the steps of:

the mobile handheld device (14) sending the second schedule to the local power management system (5); and
the local power management system (5) operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) strictly in accordance with the second schedule.

The instant disclosure still further deals with any of the aforementioned methods involving a second schedule, the method comprising the step of:
the mobile handheld device (14) sending the second schedule to the local power management system (5) via a remote computing device (4), the remote computing device (4) being different from the mobile handheld device (14) and being different from the local power management system (5).
The instant disclosure still pertains to any of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps of:

the mobile handheld device (14) receiving local power system data indicative of at least one of:
- topological information concerning the local power system (7),
- values of rated power of the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13),
- occupancy at a site associated with the local power system (7);
the mobile handheld device (14) producing based on the first set of rules for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) and based on the target value and based on the local power system data the first schedule for operating these one or more devices; and
the mobile handheld device (14) sending the first schedule to the local power management system (5).

The mobile handheld device (14) preferably receives the local power system data from the local power management system (5) and/or from a remote computing device (4), the remote computing device (4) being different from the local power management system (5). Consequently, the mobile handheld device (14) can respond to changes in the local power system (7) by receiving the latest local data.
The present disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods involving local power system data, the method comprising the step of:
the mobile handheld device (14) sending the first schedule to the local power management system (5) via a remote computing device (4), the remote computing device (4) being different from the mobile handheld device (14) and being different from the local power management system (5).
The instant disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps of:

a remote computing device (4) receiving local power system data indicative of at least one of:
- topological information concerning the local power system (7),
- values of rated power of the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13),
- occupancy at a site associated with the local power system (7);
the mobile handheld device (14) sending the target value to the remote computing device (4);
the remote computing device (4) producing based on the first set of rules for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) and based on the target value and based on the local power system data the first schedule for operating these one or more devices; and
the remote computing device (4) sending the first schedule to the local power management system (5).

The remote computing device (4) preferably receives the local power system data from the local power management system (5), the remote computing device (4) being different from the local power management system (5). Consequently, the remote computing device (4) can respond to changes in the local power system (7) by receiving the latest local data.
The present disclosure still pertains to any of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the steps of:

the local power management system (5) having local power system data indicative of at least one of:
- topological information concerning the local power system (7),
- values of rated power of the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13),
- occupancy at a site associated with the local power system (7);
the mobile handheld device (14) sending the target value to the local power management system (5); and
the local power management system (5) producing based on the first set of rules for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) and based on the target value and based on the local power system data the first schedule for operating these one or more devices.

The instant disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned methods, the method comprising the step of:
the local power management system (5) having local power system data indicative of at least one of:

topological information concerning the local power system (7),
values of rated power of the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13),
occupancy at the local power system (7).

The instant disclosure still deals with a mobile handheld device (14) comprising a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor (16), a human-machine interface (15), and a memory (17) storing a first set of rules for operating one or more devices of a plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) of a local power system (7), wherein the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) is configured to read data from the memory (17) and is configured to communicate with the human-machine interface (15), wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:

connect to a remote computing device (4), the remote computing device (4) being different from the mobile handheld device (14);
receive from the remote computing device (4) statistical data indicative of at least one of:
- a mean value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among a plurality of users,
- a median value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users,
- a quantile value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users,
use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to process the statistical data and send the processed statistical data to the human-machine interface (15);
use the human-machine interface (15) and the processed statistical data to present the statistical data to a user of the plurality of users;
in response to the presentation of the statistical data, receive via the human-machine interface (15) a target signal specified by the user and being indicative of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases;
use the human-machine interface (15) to send the target signal to the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16);
use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) of the mobile handheld device (14) to produce a target value from the target signal;
use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to read the first set of rules from the memory (17);
use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to produce based on the first set of rules and based on the target value a first schedule for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13); and
send the first schedule to a local power management system (5) of the local power system (7), the first schedule causing the local power management system (5) to operate the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the first schedule.

The present disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned mobile handheld devices (14), wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:
send the first schedule to a local power management system (5) of the local power system (7), the first schedule causing the local power management system (5) to operate the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) strictly in accordance with the first schedule.
Operation strictly in accordance with the first schedule guarantees that the user's choices are implemented.
The present disclosure also pertains to any of the aforementioned mobile handheld devices (14), wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:
send the first schedule to a local power management system (5) of the local power system (7) via the remote computing device (4), the first schedule causing the local power management system (5) to operate the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the first schedule.
The instant disclosure still deals with any of the aforementioned mobile handheld devices (14), wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:

receive from the remote computing device (4) local power system data indicative of at least one of:
- topological information concerning the local power system (7),
- values of rated power of the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13),
- occupancy at a site associated with the local power system (7); and
use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to produce based on the first set of rules and based on the target value and based on the local power system data the first schedule.

The present disclosure also deals with any of the aforementioned mobile handheld devices (14), wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:

connect to a weather forecast server, the weather forecast server being different from the mobile handheld device (14);
receive weather forecast data from the weather forecast server; and
use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to produce based on the first set of rules and based on the target value and based on the weather forecast data the first schedule for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13).

The instant disclosure still deals with any of the aforementioned mobile handheld devices (14), wherein the memory (17) stores a second set of rules for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) of the local power system (7), the second set of rules being different from the first set of rules; wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:

use the human-machine interface (15) to present the first schedule to the user;
in response to the presentation of the first schedule, use the human-machine interface (15) to receive a first feedback signal specified by the user;
use the human-machine interface (15) to send the first feedback signal to the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16);
use the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16) to produce a first feedback value from the first feedback signal;
if the first feedback value indicates approval of the first schedule:
send the first schedule to the local power management system (5), the first schedule causing the local power management system (5) to operate the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the first schedule;
otherwise:
- use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to read the second set of rules from the memory (17);
- use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to produce based on the second set of rules and based on the target value a second schedule for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13);
- use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to produce graphical second schedule signals from the second schedule and to send the graphical second schedule signals to the human-machine interface (15); and
- use the human-machine interface (15) and the graphical second schedule signals to present the second schedule to the user.

The present disclosure also deals with any of the aforementioned mobile handheld devices (14) involving a second schedule, wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:

in response to the presentation of the second schedule, use the human-machine interface (15) to receive a second feedback signal specified by the user;
use the human-machine interface (15) to send the second feedback signal to the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16);
use the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16) to produce a second feedback value from the second feedback signal; and
if the second feedback value indicates approval of the second schedule:
use the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16) to replace the first schedule with the second schedule.

The instant disclosure also deals with any of the aforementioned mobile handheld devices (14) involving a second schedule, wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:
use the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16) to replace the first schedule with the second schedule such that the second schedule becomes the first schedule.
The instant disclosure still deals with any of the aforementioned mobile handheld devices (14) involving a second schedule, wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:
send the second schedule to the local power management system (5), the second schedule causing the local power management system (5) to operate the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the second schedule.
It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of the disclosure. Numerous changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims. It should also be understood that the disclosure is not restricted to the illustrated embodiments. Various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

Reference numerals

1a, 1b microcontroller and/or microprocessor
2a - 2e local devices
3 (wireless) connection
4 remote computing device
5 power management system such as local power management system
6a - 6c supply of renewable power
7 power system such as local power system
8 bus
9 power network
10 building
11a - 11d zones such as spaces and/or rooms
12a - 12c, 12e local devices
13 local device
14 mobile device such as a mobile handheld device
15 human-machine interface such as display
16 microcontroller and/or microprocessor
17 memory such as non-volatile memory
18 (wireless) connection

Claims

A method of reducing within a local power system (7) power conversion and/or greenhouse gas emissions, the local power system (7) comprising a local power management system (5) and a plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13), wherein the local power management system (5) is configured to communicate with one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13), the method comprising the steps of:
a mobile handheld device (14) having a human-machine interface (15) and receiving statistical data indicative of at least one of:
- a mean value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among a plurality of users,

- a median value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users,

- a quantile value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users;

the mobile handheld device (14) producing graphical statistical data signals from the statistical data and using the graphical statistical data signals to present the statistical data to a user of the plurality of users via the human-machine interface (15);

in response to the presentation of the statistical data, the mobile handheld device (14) receiving via the human-machine interface (15) a target signal specified by the user, wherein the target signal is indicative of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases;

the mobile handheld device (14) producing a target value from the target signal;

producing based on a first set of rules for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) and based on the target value a first schedule for operating these one or more devices;

sending the first schedule to the local power management system (5); and

the local power management system (5) operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the first schedule.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the local power system (7) comprises a building (10) having one or more zones (11a - 11d) and wherein the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) comprises at least one cooling and/or heating device being disposed in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) and at least one thermostat device disposed in the one or more zones (11a - 11d), the method comprising the steps of:
the first schedule providing a set point temperature in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) based on the first set of rules and based on the target value; and

the local power management system (5) controlling operation of the at least one cooling and/or heating device via the at least one thermostat device such that the temperature in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) attains the set point temperature.
The method according to any of the claims 1 to 2, wherein the local power system (7) comprises a building (10) having one or more zones (11a - 11d) and wherein the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) comprises at least one cooling and/or heating device disposed in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) and at least one thermostat device disposed in the one or more zones (11a - 11d), the method comprising the steps of:
connecting to a weather forecast server;

receiving weather forecast data from the weather forecast server; and

producing based on the first set of rules and based on the target value and based on the weather forecast data the first schedule for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13).
The method according to claims 2 and 3, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving weather forecast data comprising at least one outdoor temperature from the weather forecast server;

the first schedule providing a set point temperature in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) based on the first set of rules and based on the target value and based on the at least one outdoor temperature; and

the local power management system (5) controlling operation of the at least one cooling and/or heating device via the at least one thermostat device such that the temperature in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) attains the set point temperature.
The method according to claim 4, wherein the local power system (7) comprises at least one local supply of renewable power (6a, 6b, 6c), the method comprising the steps of:
receiving weather forecast data comprising at least one sunshine duration from the weather forecast server;

the first schedule providing a set point temperature in the one or more zones (11a - 11d) based on the first set of rules and based on the target value and based on the outdoor temperature and based on the at least one sunshine duration; and

the local power management system (5) controlling operation of the at least one local supply of renewable power (6a, 6b, 6c) and of the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the first schedule.
The method according to any of the claims 1 to 5, the method comprising the steps of:
the mobile handheld device (14) presenting the first schedule to the user via the human-machine interface (15);

in response to the presentation of the first schedule, the mobile handheld device (14) receiving via the human-machine interface (15) a first feedback signal specified by the user;

the mobile handheld device (14) producing a first feedback value from the first feedback signal;

if the first feedback value indicates approval of the first schedule:
the mobile handheld device (14) sending the first schedule to the local power management system (5);

the local power management system (5) operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the first schedule;

otherwise:
producing based on a second set of rules for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) and based on the target value a second schedule for operating these one or more devices, wherein the second set of rules is different from the first set of rules; and

the mobile handheld device (14) presenting the second schedule to the user via the human-machine interface (15).
The method according to claim 6, the method comprising the steps of:
in response to the presentation of the second schedule, the mobile handheld device (14) receiving via the human-machine interface (15) a second feedback signal specified by the user;

the mobile handheld device (14) producing a second feedback value from the second feedback signal; and

if the second feedback value indicates approval of the second schedule:
the mobile handheld device (14) replacing the first schedule with the second schedule.
The method according to any of the claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the steps of:
the mobile handheld device (14) receiving local power system data indicative of at least one of:
- topological information concerning the local power system (7),

- values of rated power of the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13),

- occupancy at a site associated with the local power system (7);

the mobile handheld device (14) producing based on the first set of rules for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) and based on the target value and based on the local power system data the first schedule for operating these one or more devices; and

the mobile handheld device (14) sending the first schedule to the local power management system (5).
The method according to any of the claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the steps of:
a remote computing device (4) receiving local power system data indicative of at least one of:
- topological information concerning the local power system (7),

- values of rated power of the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13),

- occupancy at a site associated with the local power system (7);

the mobile handheld device (14) sending the target value to the remote computing device (4);

the remote computing device (4) producing based on the first set of rules for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) and based on the target value and based on the local power system data the first schedule for operating these one or more devices; and

the remote computing device (4) sending the first schedule to the local power management system (5).
The method according to any of the claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the steps of:
the local power management system (5) having local power system data indicative of at least one of:
- topological information concerning the local power system (7),

- values of rated power of the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13),

- occupancy at a site associated with the local power system (7);

the mobile handheld device (14) sending the target value to the local power management system (5); and

the local power management system (5) producing based on the first set of rules for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) and based on the target value and based on the local power system data the first schedule for operating these one or more devices.
A mobile handheld device (14) comprising a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor (16), a human-machine interface (15), and a memory (17) storing a first set of rules for operating one or more devices of a plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) of a local power system (7), wherein the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) is configured to read data from the memory (17) and is configured to communicate with the human-machine interface (15), wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:
connect to a remote computing device (4), the remote computing device (4) being different from the mobile handheld device (14);

receive from the remote computing device (4) statistical data indicative of at least one of:
- a mean value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among a plurality of users,

- a median value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users,

- a quantile value of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases among the plurality of users,

use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to process the statistical data and send the processed statistical data to the human-machine interface (15);

use the human-machine interface (15) and the processed statistical data to present the statistical data to a user of the plurality of users;

in response to the presentation of the statistical data, receive via the human-machine interface (15) a target signal specified by the user and being indicative of power conversion and/or of emissions of greenhouse gases;

use the human-machine interface (15) to send the target signal to the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16);

use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) of the mobile handheld device (14) to produce a target value from the target signal;

use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to read the first set of rules from the memory (17);

use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to produce based on the first set of rules and based on the target value a first schedule for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13); and

send the first schedule to a local power management system (5) of the local power system (7), the first schedule causing the local power management system (5) to operate the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the first schedule.
The mobile handheld device (14) according to claim 11, wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:
receive from the remote computing device (4) local power system data indicative of at least one of:
- topological information concerning the local power system (7),

- values of rated power of the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13),

- occupancy at a site associated with the local power system (7); and

use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to produce based on the first set of rules and based on the target value and based on the local power system data the first schedule.
The mobile handheld device (14) according to any of the claims 11 to 12, wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:
connect to a weather forecast server, the weather forecast server being different from the mobile handheld device (14);

receive weather forecast data from the weather forecast server; and

use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to produce based on the first set of rules and based on the target value and based on the weather forecast data the first schedule for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13).
The mobile handheld device (14) according to any of the claims 11 to 13, wherein the memory (17) stores a second set of rules for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) of the local power system (7), the second set of rules being different from the first set of rules; wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:
use the human-machine interface (15) to present the first schedule to the user;

in response to the presentation of the first schedule, use the human-machine interface (15) to receive a first feedback signal specified by the user;

use the human-machine interface (15) to send the first feedback signal to the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16);

use the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16) to produce a first feedback value from the first feedback signal;

if the first feedback value indicates approval of the first schedule:
send the first schedule to the local power management system (5), the first schedule causing the local power management system (5) to operate the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13) in accordance with the first schedule;

otherwise:
use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to read the second set of rules from the memory (17);

use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to produce based on the second set of rules and based on the target value a second schedule for operating the one or more devices of the plurality of local devices (2a - 2e, 12a - 12c, 12e, 13);

use the microcontroller and/or the microprocessor (16) to produce graphical second schedule signals from the second schedule and to send the graphical second schedule signals to the human-machine interface (15); and

use the human-machine interface (15) and the graphical second schedule signals to present the second schedule to the user.
The mobile handheld device (14) according to claim 14, wherein the mobile handheld device (14) is configured to:
in response to the presentation of the second schedule, use the human-machine interface (15) to receive a second feedback signal specified by the user;

use the human-machine interface (15) to send the second feedback signal to the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16);

use the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16) to produce a second feedback value from the second feedback signal; and

if the second feedback value indicates approval of the second schedule:
use the microcontroller and/or to the microprocessor (16) to replace the first schedule with the second schedule.