KR20180067388A - Method and apparatus related to charging energy consumption - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a technique for a sensor network, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC) and an Internet of Things (IoT). The present invention may be utilized for intelligent services based on the technique (a smart home, a smart building, a smart city, a smart car or a connected car, healthcare, digital education, a retail business, security and safety-related services and the like). Provided is a method of calculating energy consumption costs. The method of calculating energy consumption costs includes the steps of: receiving information on an energy consumption device from an energy consumption device; and determining a first charging rate for the energy consumed by the energy consumption device on the basis of the received information on the energy consumption device.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS RELATED TO CHARGING ENERGY CONSUMPTION [0001]

The present invention is directed to an energy consuming device and a method and apparatus for calculating the charge imposed on energy consumption by the energy consuming device.

The Internet has evolved into the Internet of Things (IoT) network, where information is exchanged between distributed components such as objects in a human-centered connection network where humans generate and consume information. The Internet of Everything (IoE) technology can be an example of the combination of IoT technology with big data processing technology through connection with cloud servers.

In order to implement IoT, technology elements such as sensing technology, wired / wireless communication and network infrastructure, service interface technology and security technology are required. In recent years, sensor network, machine to machine , M2M), and MTC (Machine Type Communication).

In the IoT environment, an intelligent IT (Internet Technology) service can be provided that collects and analyzes data generated from connected objects to create new value in human life. IoT can be applied to fields such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car or connected car, smart grid, health care, smart home appliances and advanced medical service through fusion and combination of existing IT technology and various industries have.

Operators and residents consume energy such as electricity, gas, and water from public facilities or other sources. The energy consumed needs to be measured by the energy supplier so that end users can be charged for their energy consumption. To this end, meters such as electricity, gas, and water meters are used to measure energy consumption at a business or residential site. The following discussion focuses on examples of electrical energy, but it can be equally applied to other energy sources such as gas and water.

The electric energy network (the number of power plants and the capacity of the transmission system) is sized to cope with peak consumption. This means that power plants that can be used to meet the peak power demand for just a few hours of the year, such as between 4 pm and 7 pm during the winter week, are being built. Providing greater flexibility in electricity demand can help stabilize demand throughout the day and reduce the cost of investing in energy infrastructure. The greater the use of more intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind power available only during certain times of the day, the inability to adjust demand based on electricity supply availability and cost will affect the investment required for the infrastructure. In addition, the increased electrification of technologies such as heating and vehicles means that energy demand continues to rise. Encouraging efficient energy consumption and providing compensation for energy consumption at times that can be supplied cheaply can benefit energy providers, consumers and the environment.

Existing systems that provide compensation for energy consumption for a certain period of time during the day are those that use variable rate meters that charge different rates for energy consumption over the time of day. Energy consumption at off-peak hours can be charged at a discounted rate to encourage consumer energy use in non-peak hours. However, these existing systems have limitations in that they are unable to separate the energy consumption of individual energy consuming devices and charge them. To do so, you will need to have a twin element meter, two separate metering components, each of which is associated with a separate circuit. This would not be cost-effective because it would require the installation of individual electrical circuits.

The present invention seeks to provide a security and device for billing for energy consumption that can encourage or abate energy consumption for a particular time of day, or for a particular type of device, and reduce installation costs.

A method for calculating a cost for energy consumption according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: receiving information from the energy consuming apparatus about the energy consuming apparatus; and determining, based on the information about the received energy consuming apparatus And determining a first charging rate for the energy consumed by the energy consuming device.

An apparatus for calculating a cost for energy consumption according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication interface; And a controller coupled to the communication interface, wherein the controller is configured to receive information from the energy consuming device about the energy consuming device, and determine, based on the information about the received energy consuming device, And to determine a first charging rate for the spent energy.

The energy consumption device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication interface configured to transmit information on the energy consumption device to an energy consumption cost calculation device, and based on the information about the energy consumption device, A first charging rate for the energy consumed by the energy consuming device is determined by the consuming cost calculating device.

The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

The embodiments of the present invention have at least the following effects.

That is, it is possible to provide an apparatus and method for reducing the burden of cost increase and determining a billing rate for energy consumption of each apparatus.

In addition, it is possible to provide an apparatus and method that can encourage or suppress the energy use of a specific device in a specific time zone.

It is also possible to provide an apparatus and method that can encourage or suppress energy use for a particular type of apparatus.

Further, it is possible to provide an apparatus and a method for scheduling the operation of the energy consuming apparatus, taking into consideration the energy price, the comfort zone of the user, and the budget of the user.

The effects according to the present invention are not limited by the contents exemplified above, and more various effects are included in the specification.

1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional energy system.
2 is a schematic diagram of an energy system according to an exemplary embodiment.
3 is a schematic diagram of an energy system according to another exemplary embodiment.
4 is a schematic diagram of a cost calculation device according to an exemplary embodiment.
5 is a schematic diagram of a display by a display device according to an exemplary embodiment;
6 is a schematic diagram of a cost estimator module of a cost calculation device according to an exemplary embodiment;
7 is a schematic diagram of a display by a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.
8 is a schematic diagram of a scheduling module of a cost calculation device according to an exemplary embodiment.
9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cost calculation apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention, and the manner of achieving them, will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Is provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

Although the first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical scope of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an energy system generally designated by the reference number 10, in accordance with the prior art arrangement. The energy system 10 includes a residential or commercial site 12 having a plurality of energy consuming devices 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f. The energy consuming devices 11a-11f may be any kind of device that consumes electrical energy such as household appliances or electric vehicles. Electric energy consumed by the devices 11a-11f is measured by an electric meter 13. [ The electricity meter 13 will typically be located within or close to the site 12. The electricity meter 13 shown in FIG. 1 may be a smart electricity meter 13 that transmits the measured energy information directly to the energy supplier 15 for billing purposes. Alternatively, the electricity meter 13 may not be the smart electricity meter 13, and the energy consumption must be manually read from the electricity meter 13. [

The electricity meter 13 can only determine the energy consumption of the site 12 as a whole and can not determine the energy consumption of the individual devices 11a-11f. Further, the electricity meter 13 can not determine any information about the specific devices 11a-11f. Thus, the billing charge for electrical energy consumed at the site 12 is determined based on the total energy consumed within the site 12.

The electricity meter 13 may be a twin rate meter that charges different rates for electricity used at different times of the day. The electricity meter 13 may also be a twin element meter 13, that is, two individual metering elements associated with separate circuits, each charging for electricity consumption at a different rate. One of the devices 11a-11f may be connected to an electric meter 13 in a separate circuit and be charged at a different rate than the other devices 11a-11f.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown an energy system, generally designated 20, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The energy system 20 includes an energy consumption device 21 and an electricity meter 28 for measuring consumption of the energy consumption device.

The energy consuming device 21 refers to a device capable of consuming energy. For example, the energy may be electrical energy or energy obtained from a gas or water source. The energy consuming device 21 of embodiments of the present invention is not limited to any particular energy source. The energy consumption device 21 may include a communication section 22 configured to transmit information related to the energy consumption device 21 to the cost calculation device 27. [ The communication unit 22 can cause information on the device to be transmitted to the cost calculation device 27 via wired / wireless connection. According to other embodiments, the communication unit 22 can wirelessly communicate with the cost calculation device 27 using Bluetooth. The energy consumption device 21 may be remotely located from the cost calculation device 27. [ 2, the energy consuming device 21 is an Internet enabled device 21 capable of transmitting information to the cost calculating device 27 via the Internet 23 via the router 23. In the embodiment shown in Fig. In other embodiments, the energy consuming device 21 may send information directly to the cost calculating device 27. [ In yet other embodiments, the energy consuming device 21 may send information to the cost calculating device 27 through the server.

The cost calculating device 27 refers to any device capable of calculating the first charged rate of the energy consuming device 21 based on the information about the energy consuming device 21 received by the cost calculating device. The cost calculation device 27 may be associated with the smart meter or incorporated into the smart meter. The cost calculation device 27 may use the first billing rate to set the billing rate for billing the user for the energy consumption of the energy consuming device 21. [ The cost calculation device 27 may use the first billing rate to recommend or solicit the billing rate for energy consumption of the energy consumption device 21 to another entity such as an energy supplier. The cost calculating device 27 can use the information related to the device 21 to calculate the first charging rate for the device 21. [ The first charged rate may define a cost for the energy consumed by the energy consuming device 21. [ The device 21 related information may include at least one of the type of the energy consuming device 21, the use of the device 21, and the use time of the device 21. The first claimed rate may define a rate of energy consumed by the energy consuming device 21 based on at least one of the type of the energy consuming device 21, the use of the device, and the use time of the device. The first claimed rate can be calculated based on one or all of the type of the energy consuming device 21, the use of the device, and the use time of the device. In this way, it is possible to compensate or dissipate the energy consumption of a particular energy consuming device, using different rates for the energy consuming devices. Thus, the first charged rate May be calculated based on the information that the device 21 transmits to the cost calculation device 27. [ The first claimed rate may be specified in the device 21. In the prior art configuration, energy consumption is calculated for the entire site or for two separate circuits, one with a lower rate. However, using two separate circuits is expensive and impractical in many situations. Prior art arrangements may require the construction of specific wiring in the site and an unusual type of energy meter, which is expensive to retrofit. In addition, the energy consumer can plug other devices into cheaper circuits that the energy provider of the twin rate meter 13 did not intend to be given a cheaper charge rate. Embodiments of the present invention avoid this by calculating the billing rate based on the information that the device 21 transmits. Thus, a cheaper billing rate can only be given for a suitable device of a more suitable usage type. The charge calculated for the energy consumed by the energy consuming device 21 may be specific to the particular energy consuming device 21 rather than for the entire site. Depending on the information about the energy consuming device 21, the first claimed rate may be lower than the claimed rate given according to the billing rate used by the site's supply and demand meter. In this way, the use of the energy consuming device 21 may be recommended under certain circumstances.

The first charged rate may define a unit rate of energy consumed by the energy consuming device 21. [ When the energy is electrical energy, the first charged rate may define a charge per kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy consumed by the energy consuming device 21. [ The rate can be zero or negative, and the user can then get a refund. The first charged rate may also define the per-operation charge performed by the energy consuming device 21. [ For example, this may be a cycle-by-cycle cost of the washing machine.

Device 21 related information can be reliably transmitted and verified to add a security layer. Encryption protocols for data security and other known methods can be implemented to help ensure that only cheaper electrical rates are given to the appropriate devices.

The device 21 related information includes at least one of the ratings of the device 21 such as the type of the device 21, the category of the device 21, the manufacturer of the device 21, and the energy rating of the device 21 do.

In one embodiment, devices of different categories have different billing rates and devices of certain categories may have a higher unit price than other devices for energy consumed. This may result in the cost calculation device 27 compensating for the energy consumption from the devices of a certain category and not encouraging the energy consumption of the devices of the other category. That is, the cost calculation device 27 can calculate billing rates that compensate for higher / lower energy consumption. For example, to encourage or compensate for the use of electric vehicles, electric vehicles may have a lower charged rate for energy consumption. Transferring the information identifying the electric vehicle 21 to the cost calculating device 27 may also be used to reduce the cost of the energy consumption meter 27 by using conventional twin- To avoid the situation outlined above. In addition, embodiments of the present invention can eliminate the need to re-route the site and add an unusual kind of energy meter, which can be costly and time-intensive in device upgrading.

In other embodiments, the devices of different manufacturers have different billing rates, so that devices manufactured by a given company may have higher unit prices than devices manufactured by other companies for the energy consumed. For example, if the information related to the device 21 transmitted by the communication unit 22 indicates that the manufacturer of the device 21 is the company A, the cost calculation unit 27 calculates the cost of the energy consumed by the device manufactured by the company B A first charged rate that is less than the claimed rate will be calculated. The manufacturer of the device 21 can enter into an alliance contract with the energy supplier and the cost calculation device 27 can use this alliance information to calculate the first charged rate.

In other embodiments, different classes of devices have different billing rates, so that devices with certain energy rates may have higher unit prices than other devices with different energy ratings for the energy consumed. For example, if the information related to the device 21 transmitted by the communication unit 22 indicates that the energy level of the device 21 is A ++ (indicating that the device is energy efficient). The cost calculating device 27 may receive information relating to the device 21 and calculate a first charged rate for the energy consumed by the device 21 having the energy class A ++. The first claimed rate may be less than the claimed rate for energy consumed by a device having a less efficient energy rating. The cost calculation device may also be configured to verify that the device 21 consumes energy, as defined by the transmitted energy rates. This may be, for example, to ensure that the device has not been reprogrammed to use energy less efficiently.

The information about the use of the device 21 includes at least one of information about the previous usage of the device 21, information about the current usage of the device 21, and information about the intended future use of the device 21 can do.

In one embodiment, different prior uses of device 21 may have different billing rates. This is for example to provide compensation for the previous economical or energy efficient use of the device 21 with future billing rates calculated at a lower rate. For example, if the device 21 is an electric vehicle 21, it can transmit running data about how the vehicle 21 traveled since the last charge. If the driving data indicates that the vehicle 21 traveled in a safe and energy efficient manner, the cost calculation device 27 would produce a first charged rate with a lower energy cost than if it were traveling in a less efficient manner. This can encourage more efficient and safer driving.

In other embodiments, different current applications of device 21 may have different billing rates. In this way, different energy costs may be calculated based on how the device is used. For example, if the apparatus 21 is a washing machine 21, the communication unit 22 of the washing machine 21 can transmit information about the cycle type in which the washing machine 21 is operating. The cost calculating device 27 can calculate a lower charged rate for a low temperature cycle operated by the washing machine 21 than for a less efficient operating mode such as ultra high speed washing. This will provide compensation for more efficient use of the washing machine 21. [ Alternatively, for example, if the wholesale electricity cost is negative during the drying time, the cost calculation device 27 may set a negative billing rate for a higher temperature wash to encourage higher energy usage.

In another embodiment, differently scheduled future uses of the device 21 may have different billing rates. This is because the wholesale billing rate for electricity consumption is variable and / or due to the partnership agreement between the manufacturer 21 and the energy supplier, the use of the device 21 at a certain time of day during the day is discounted, free, or even minus This is because it can be a billing rate. In this way, the cost calculation device 27 can schedule a future use of the device 21 at a time when the energy cost becomes optimal. In particular, the cost calculation device 27 may use the wholesale bill rate, any other costs associated with the energy supply, and information related to the device 21 to calculate the claimed rate of the device 21 for different time of day . Using this information, the cost calculating device 27 calculates the lowest rate of driving the device 21 when scheduling for a later time / date according to the calculated billing rates and information on the energy usage history of the device 21. [ It can work to find the cost. For example, if the device 21 is a washing machine 21, the user can schedule the washing to be completed by 9:00 the next morning. The cost calculating device 27 can calculate the optimum time to drive the washing cycle and the driving method of the washing cycle based on the type of the selected cycle, the completion time of the cycle, the energy used in the cycle, and other charged rates have. The cost calculation device 27 may calculate the scheduling information for the washing machine 21, so as to ensure completion of the scheduled work through a possible optimal rate.

One or more of the above embodiments may be combined together to yield a first claimed rate. For example, if the energy consumption cost of a device 21 made by a given manufacturer who has an affiliation agreement with the energy supplier may be reduced or free or minus, the device 21 may be used at a certain time of day set by the energy supplier You can get a refund. In addition, the billing rate can be further reduced if the device 21 is operating in an energy efficient mode.

The cost calculating device 27 can calculate the cost of the energy consumed by the energy consuming device 21 using the first charged rate. In particular, the cost calculating device 27 can calculate the cost of the energy consumed by the device 21 using the information indicating the energy consumed by the device 21 and the first charged rate. The information indicating the energy consumed by the device 21 may be information that causes the power consumption of the device to be calculated or derived by the cost calculation device 27. [ The communication unit 22 of the device 21 can transmit information indicating the energy consumption to the cost calculation device 22. [

In one embodiment, the information indicative of the energy consumed by the device 21 may be information regarding the use of the device 21 and / or the duration over which one or more components of the device 21 are used. As an example, the cost calculation device 27 may have information regarding the power consumption of one or more components of the device 21. [ This information on the power consumption is transmitted from the communication unit 22 of the device 21 to the cost calculation device 27 in advance or at the time of transmitting duration and / or usage information. For example, if the device 21 is a washing machine 21, the information may include a power rating of the heating element in the washing machine 21 (e.g., 2000 W). This power rating can be maintained at a constant value in the cost calculating device 27 and the washing machine 21 only needs to transmit the on / off time of the heating element in order to provide a duration in which the heating element is operated. These can then be combined using a formula (power X time) to calculate the electricity consumption and the charge rate based on the first charged rate calculated by the cost calculation device 27. Similar calculations can be performed on other components of the washing machine 21, such as a motor and a water pump. In another example, the power consumption related information such as that received by the cost calculating device 27 may be related to the average power consumption for one or more components of the device 21. [ The cost calculating device 27 may use this information in conjunction with the device 21 usage related information and / or the duration information in which one or more components of the device 21 were used to calculate the energy consumption. This information, which indicates the energy consumption of the washing machine 21 when the device 21 is a washing machine, may include information about the average usage of several cycles of the washing machine 21. [ A device test conducted by a manufacturer or other organization may show that the wash step of the wash cycle uses an average of 60 W of power. This value can be held in the cost calculation device 27. [ The washing machine 21 may then send information about the start and end of the wash step, along with other information about other variables that can be used to adjust the estimates. The average power is multiplied by the time of the washing step, so that the energy consumption amount of the washing step can be calculated.

In another embodiment, the information indicative of the energy consumed by the device 21 may be information about the use of the device 21 and / or the duration over which one or more components of the device 21 are used. This information can be transmitted to the cost calculation device 27 by the communication unit 22 of the device 21. [ Further, the energy consumed in the transmission and distribution grid or the site to which the device 21 is connected can be received by the cost calculation device 27. The energy consumed can be measured by the energy meter 28. In Fig. 2, information on the energy consumption is transmitted to the cost calculation device 27 via the energy supplier 29. Fig. In other exemplary embodiments, energy meter 28 may send information about energy consumption directly to cost calculation device 27. [ The cost calculating device 27 can estimate the energy consumption of the device 21 based on information indicating energy consumed at the site and information indicating energy consumed by the device 21. [ In particular, the cost calculation device 27 combines the information received from the device 21 with the information about the energy consumption of the transmission and distribution system or the site in relation to the time and use of the device 21, . The cost calculation device 27 may use an assisted disaggregation method to separate the consumption of the device 21 from the total energy consumption of the site.

In another embodiment, the information indicative of the energy consumed by the device 21 may be a measured or estimated amount of energy consumed by the device 21. The communication unit 22 of the apparatus 21 can transmit the measured or estimated energy amount consumed by the apparatus 21 to the cost calculation apparatus 27. [ Referring to FIG. 2, the device 21 may include an energy monitoring device 24 for measuring the energy consumed by the device 21. The energy monitoring device 24 may be incorporated into the device 21. In other configurations, the energy monitoring device 24 may be separate from the device 21, for example, by incorporating it into a plug or power adapter of the device 21 that causes the device 21 to receive power from the main circuit. In this way, the cost calculation device 27 does not need to separate the energy consumption of the device 21 from the total energy consumption of the site.

The cost calculation device 27 may use the calculation cost of the energy consumed by the device 21 to charge or charge the user for energy consumption. In an exemplary embodiment, device 21 may be associated with a billing account. The cost calculation device 27 can identify the billing account of the device 21 based on the information related to the device 27 and can calculate the cost of the device 21 based on the first billing rate and / You can modify your billing account. The cost calculation device 27 can immediately charge the cost account of the user. In Figure 2, the user is indirectly billed through the user's energy provider 29. In particular, the cost calculating device 27 may calculate the energy amount spent by the device 21 and / or the billing rate (s) calculated for different times of day and / or energy consumption at which the device 21 was used, and / 21 to the energy provider 29 so that the user's billing account is modified by the energy provider 29. [ In other exemplary embodiments, the billing account may be modified indirectly through a third party company separate from the energy provider 29. [ In other exemplary embodiments, energy billing or discounting (when applied as an adjustment to an energy bill) may be provided in the form of a cache or other incentive payment, such as a voucher or point in a reward system. In other exemplary embodiments, the refund may be covered by the billing account. The user may have been initially billed for the energy consumption of the device 21 based on the standard charge rate of the energy supplier rather than the reduced first charge rate as calculated by the cost calculation device 27. [ The user can receive a refund based on the difference between the energy provider's claimed rate and the first charged rate.

Although only one energy consuming device 21 is shown in FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that any number of energy consuming devices may be present in the network.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an embodiment in which a plurality of energy consuming devices 21a-21c are present. Each of the energy consuming devices 21a-21c may include a communication portion for transmitting information about its respective device 21a-21d. In this way, the cost calculating device 27 can calculate different billing rates for the respective energy consuming devices 21a-21c based on the information transmitted by the respective energy consuming devices 21a-21c . For example, the cost calculation device 27 may calculate a first billing rate for the energy consuming device 21a, a second billing rate for the energy consuming device 21b, and a third billing rate for the energy consuming device 21c Can be calculated. In Fig. 3, a plurality of other energy consuming devices 11a-11c may also be provided. These devices 11a-11b do not transfer information about the devices 11a-11b to the cost calculation device 27. [ Instead, the cost of the energy consumed by these devices may be the general charge rate / charge of the meter 28.

Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of a cost calculation device 27 is shown. The cost calculating device 27 includes a control unit 30 indicated by 30 for calculating the first charged rate of the device 21 based on the device 21 related information. The control unit 30 communicates with the storage device 39 of the cost calculation device 27. [ The cost calculation device 27 is adapted to receive information from a plurality of devices / entities, The devices / entities 32 may include energy consuming devices, energy monitors, external clouds, smart meters, and manual inputs from a user. The cost calculation device 27 is adapted to transmit information to a plurality of devices / entities, These devices / entities 334 may include third parties, user interfaces, energy analysis, advanced controls, utilities, and consumer trend tracers.

The control unit 30 may have a plurality of modules for performing various functions. These modules do not necessarily have to be individual units, but may instead be merged as a unit in the control unit 30. [ Also, in some embodiments, one, several, or all such modules may be separate from the controller 30. [

The control unit 30 may include an energy profiler module 31. The energy profiler module 31 may be configured to generate an energy profile of the device 21 based on the information received regarding the use of the device 21 and the energy consumption. The energy profiler module 31 may be further configured to generate an energy map for the device 21 under varying operating conditions and modes. The energy profile represents the energy consumption of the device 21 over time. In particular, the energy profiler module 31 uses methods such as statistical comparisons and decomposition, in combination with information about the use and time of day of use of the device 21, to calculate the energy consumption of the device 21 over time . The energy profiler module 31 may be further configured to generate the energy characteristics of the device 21 based on use of the device 21 and energy consumption. The energy characteristic of the device 21 is a function of the energy consumption and consumption of the device 21 and can be calculated according to the following equation:

applianceuuid = f (energy use, consumption pattern)

The energy characteristics of the device 21 may be unique to the manufacturer or category of the device 21. The energy characteristic may be used by the cost calculation device 27 to identify the device 21 based on the manufacturer or the corresponding category. The energy characteristics may be combined with information from the device 21 for the type of device 21, the application of the device 21 (e.g., type of cycle) and the manufacturer to verify the received information. This can be done by comparing the energy characteristics received from the energy monitoring device associated with the device 21 or the device 21 to the expected energy characteristics for that device type and / or type of use.

The cost calculation device 27 may transmit an energy profile to a display device (not shown) so that the energy profile is displayed to the user. The energy profiler module 31 may enable automatic labeling of the on-premises device 21. The cost calculation device 27 may be further configured to send the first billing rate to the display so that the billing rate (s) of the device can be displayed to the user.

Referring to Fig. 5, an example (reference numeral 40) displayed on the display device is shown based on the energy profile information received from the cost calculation device 27. Fig. The display device may display icons 41 for each of the devices identified as consuming energy by the energy profiler module 31. In addition, the display device may display the operation cost 43 of each device based on the calculated bill rate (s) and the operating period of the device.

Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit 30 may include a cost estimator module 33. FIG. The cost estimator module 33 may use an operating cost algorithm to calculate the energy used by the device 21. [ The cost estimator module 33 may estimate a discount rate for energy consumption of the device 21 during a period when the claimed rate for energy consumption by the device 21 is discounted. Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a cost estimator module 33 used to estimate the energy consumption cost when the device 21 is a washing machine 21. The cost estimator module 33 receives the cycle length, the live energy price, the usage history, and the cycle consumption of the device 21 as inputs and outputs the estimated cost of the energy consumed by the device 21 . The cost calculation device 27 transmits information from the cost calculator 33 to the display device so that cost estimation information can be displayed to the user.

7, there is shown an example of a display (reference numeral 50) displayed on a display device. The display device may display the icon 51 for the device 21 with information 53 about the operating cost of the device 21. [ In this example, the device 21 is a washing machine 21. The display device further comprises a device 21 for displaying a free laundry button 55 which is based on the laundry type selected by the user using the cost estimation information calculated by the cost calculator 33, The next operation of the controller 21 can be made free or low-cost.

The energy profiler module 31 and the cost estimator module 33 may enable accurate cost estimation and energy profiling of the device 21. [ For example, the user may set a budget for monthly energy consumption for device 21 or a group of devices. The energy profiler module 31 and the cost estimator module 33 may help optimize the use of the group of devices 21 or devices 21 to keep operating costs under the user's budget. The energy profiler module 31 and the cost estimator module 33 also allow users to display their warnings and notifications on the display device, thereby helping the users to meet their budgets.

Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit 30 includes a scheduling module 35. The scheduling module may be configured to calculate scheduling information for controlling the operation of the device 21. [ The cost calculation device 27 may be configured to send the scheduling information to the device 21. [ The scheduling module 35 can generate the scheduling information based on the information about the device 21. [ The scheduling module 35 may be configured to calculate scheduling information based on information about scheduled future device 21 uses. The scheduling information may also enable the device 221 to operate in an automatic mode based on the budgeted application of the device 21. In particular, the scheduling module 35 may automatically schedule the operation of the device 21 based on a fixed energy budget.

Referring to FIG. 8, one embodiment of a scheduling module 35 is shown. The scheduling module 35 may receive, as input, manual input from the user, energy price, comfort zone of the user, and the user's budget. The comfort zone of the user may include user requirements such as the time at which the laundry should end, and how clean the laundry should be. The scheduling module 35 uses such inputs to generate a scheduling command to control the device 21. [ The scheduling module 35 may embed various communication protocols to enable smart scheduling and control of the device 21. The scheduling module 35 may communicate with various other home automation protocols.

Referring to FIG. 4, a controller interface 37 for the cost calculation device 27 is shown.

The utilization of the present invention according to one embodiment will now be described. In this example, the energy consuming device 21 is a washing machine 21.

The communication unit 22 of the washing machine 21 transmits information identifying the washing machine 21 as belonging to the devices of the washing machine category to the cost calculation device 27. [

The communication unit 22 of the washing machine 21 transmits information identifying the manufacturer of the washing machine 21 to the cost calculation device 27. [

The communication unit 22 of the washing machine 21 transmits information for identifying the energy rating of the washing machine 21 to the cost calculation device 27. [

The communication unit 22 of the washing machine 21 transmits information identifying the billing account associated with the washing machine 21 to the cost calculation device 27. [ In other embodiments, the billing account information will be retained in the cloud and the cost calculation device 27 will match the billing account with the washing machine identification information.

The communication unit 22 of the washing machine 21 transmits the information on the time zone and the usage type during the day when the washing machine 21 was used to the cost calculation unit 27. [ This information includes the start time of the washing machine operation and the type of washing operation performed.

The cost calculation device 27 receives information from the washing machine 21 and further receives information from the meter 28 about the energy consumed at the sites where the washing machine 21 is located.

The cost calculating device 27 separates the energy consumed by the washing machine from the energy consumption of the site measured by the meter 28 and calculates the energy consumed by the washing machine 21. [ The cost calculating device 27 does this by using an assisted disaggregation method that uses information on the total energy consumption of the site and the time zone in which the device 21 is used and the type of usage of the device 21. [

The cost calculating device 27 calculates a first charged rate for the washing machine 21 based on the received information regarding the category, the manufacturer, the energy rating, the usage of the device 21, and the usage time of the device 21.

The cost calculating device 27 combines the energy consumption information of the washing machine 21 and the first charged rate to calculate the cost of the energy consumed by the washing machine 21. The cost calculating device 27 may charge the user directly to the washing machine, or indirectly charge the user's energy provider 29 (e.g., as an adjustment to the energy bill) or through a third party company .

The utilization of the present invention according to another embodiment will now be described. In this example, the energy consuming device 21 is a washing machine 21.

The communication unit 22 of the washing machine 21 transmits information identifying the washing machine 21 as belonging to the devices of the washing machine category to the cost calculation device 27. [

The communication unit 22 of the washing machine 21 transmits information identifying the manufacturer of the washing machine 21 to the cost calculation device 27. [

The communication unit 22 of the washing machine 21 transmits information for identifying the energy efficiency class of the washing machine 21 to the cost calculation unit 27. [

The communication unit 22 of the washing machine 21 transmits information identifying the billing account associated with the washing machine 21 to the cost calculation device 27. [ In other embodiments, the billing account information will be retained in the cloud and the cost calculation device 27 will match the billing account with the washing machine identification information.

The communication unit 22 of the washing machine 21 transmits the information on the time zone and the usage type during the day when the washing machine 21 was used to the cost calculation unit 27. [ This information includes the start time of the washing machine operation and the type of washing operation performed.

The washing machine 21 has an energy monitoring device 24 incorporated in the washing machine. The communication unit 22 of the washing machine 21 transmits information on the energy consumption of the washing machine 21 to the cost calculation device 27. [

The cost calculating device 27 calculates a first charged rate for the washing machine 21 based on the received information regarding the category, the manufacturer, the energy rating, the usage of the device 21, and the usage time of the device 21.

The cost calculating device 27 combines the energy consumption information of the washing machine 21 and the first charged rate to calculate the cost of the energy consumed by the washing machine 21. The cost calculation device 27 may charge the user directly, or may indirectly charge the user's energy provider 29 (e.g., as an adjustment to the energy bill) or through a third party company.

In the above embodiments, the cost calculation device 27 is shown as a separate unit, but the present invention is not limited to this specific configuration. For example, in other embodiments, the cost calculating device 27 may be part of the energy supplier 29 or the meter 28. [

9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cost calculation apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. In step 91, the cost calculating device 27 may receive information on the energy consuming device 21 from the energy consuming device 21. The cost calculating device 27 may calculate the charged rate for the energy consuming device 21 based on the information about the energy consuming device 21 received in step 91. In step 92,

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, You will understand. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive.

Claims (20)

As a method for calculating a cost for energy consumption,
Receiving, from the energy consuming device, information about the energy consuming device; And
And determining a first charging rate for the energy consumed by the energy consuming device based on information about the received energy consuming device.
A method for calculating the cost of energy consumption. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the information on the energy consuming device includes at least one of information on the type of the energy consuming device, information on the use of the energy consuming device, and information on the use time period of the energy consuming device.
A method for calculating the cost of energy consumption. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the information about the use of the energy consuming device includes at least one of a previous use of the energy consuming device, a current use of the energy consuming device, and a scheduled future use of the energy consuming device.
A method for calculating the cost of energy consumption. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the information on the type of the energy consuming device includes at least one of a category of the energy consuming device, a manufacturer of the energy consuming device, and a rating of the energy consuming device.
A method for calculating the cost of energy consumption. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first claimed rate is determined based further on an affiliation between an energy supplier for the energy consuming device and a manufacturer of the energy consuming device,
A method for calculating the cost of energy consumption. The method according to claim 1,
Receiving, from the energy consuming device or the energy meter, information indicating energy consumed by the energy consuming device; And
Further comprising determining an expense for energy consumed by the energy consuming device based on the energy consumed by the energy consuming device and the first charged rate,
A method for calculating the cost of energy consumption. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the information indicating the energy consumed by the energy consuming device includes information indicating the energy consumed by the energy consuming device in each of the different time zones.
A method for calculating the cost of energy consumption. The method according to claim 1,
Determining scheduling information for controlling operation of the energy consuming device based on information about the energy consuming device; And
And sending the determined scheduling information to the energy consuming device.
A method for calculating the cost of energy consumption. The method according to claim 1,
Receiving information about one or more other energy consuming devices; And
Further comprising determining a second claimed rate for energy consumption of the one or more other energy consuming devices based on information about the one or more other energy consuming devices.
A method for calculating the cost of energy consumption. An apparatus for calculating a cost for energy consumption,
Communication interface; And
And a controller coupled to the communication interface,
The controller comprising:
Receiving information from the energy consuming device about the energy consuming device; And
And to determine a first charging rate for energy consumed by the energy consuming device based on information about the received energy consuming device.
Apparatus for calculating the cost of energy consumption. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the information on the energy consuming device includes at least one of information on the type of the energy consuming device, information on the use of the energy consuming device, and information on the use time period of the energy consuming device.
Apparatus for calculating the cost of energy consumption. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the information about the use of the energy consuming device includes at least one of a previous use of the energy consuming device, a current use of the energy consuming device, and a scheduled future use of the energy consuming device.
Apparatus for calculating the cost of energy consumption. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the information on the type of the energy consuming device includes at least one of a category of the energy consuming device, a manufacturer of the energy consuming device, and a rating of the energy consuming device.
Apparatus for calculating the cost of energy consumption. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the first claimed rate is determined based further on an affiliation between an energy supplier for the energy consuming device and a manufacturer of the energy consuming device,
Apparatus for calculating the cost of energy consumption. 11. The method of claim 10,
The controller comprising:
From the energy consuming device or energy meter, information indicating energy consumed by the energy consuming device; And
Wherein the energy consumption device is further configured to determine a cost for the energy consumed by the energy consuming device based on the energy consumed by the energy consuming device and the first charged rate,
Apparatus for calculating the cost of energy consumption. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the information indicating the energy consumed by the energy consuming device includes information indicating the energy consumed by the energy consuming device in each of the different time zones.
Apparatus for calculating the cost of energy consumption. 11. The method of claim 10,
The controller comprising:
Determine scheduling information for controlling operation of the energy consuming device based on information about the energy consuming device; And
And transmit the determined scheduling information to the energy consuming device.
Apparatus for calculating the cost of energy consumption. 11. The method of claim 10,
The controller comprising:
Receive information about one or more other energy consuming devices; And
A second billing rate associated with the energy consumption of the one or more other energy consuming devices based on information about the one or more other energy consuming devices,
Apparatus for calculating the cost of energy consumption. As an energy consumption device,
And a communication interface configured to transmit information on the energy consuming device to an energy consumption cost calculating device,
Wherein a first charging rate for energy consumed by the energy consuming device is determined by the energy consumption cost calculating device based on information about the energy consuming device,
Energy consumption device. 20. The method of claim 19,
Wherein the information on the energy consuming device includes at least one of information on the type of the energy consuming device, information on the use of the energy consuming device, and information on the use time period of the energy consuming device.
Energy consumption device.

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