MXPA99006137A - Electronic ener management system - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic energy management system is described that is suitable for use with an energy distribution network that provides energy from one energy source to sites of use, a plurality of energy usage meters, at least one in each site of use, monitors the use of energy at each site of use, the system comprises a data acquisition subsystem that acquires energy use data from energy usage meters, the energy use data comprise multiple increments of use of energy. total energy for defined periods of time, an electronic data storage located at a central location away from the energy usage meters stores the energy usage data acquired, an electronic communication subsystem provides the user with access to the usage data of energy acquired and stored from electronic data storage

Description

ELECTRONIC SYSTEM OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to an electronic energy management system. In particular, the invention relates to such systems that provide real-time, near-real-time or incremental energy usage data to power users.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Energy users in general and business customers in particular, commonly want information regarding their energy use profile. This energy usage information can be called measurement information. It is usually not satisfactory for business customers to wait a month or more for their periodic energy bills to discover their energy usage figures. In addition, the information provided in normal account statements typically does not reflect all the data that many customers need to make fully informed energy management decisions. For example, a single company can have a large number of energy use sites, each having multiple energy meters. The company may need to know, among other things, not only its total energy use, but its use of energy per site (or subdivision thereof), its energy use per meter or subway group and its increasing use of energy over time specific. Real-time or near real-time energy usage information provides a strategic tool for managers, which allows them to make business decisions for the future and present. For example, a report of energy use provides information regarding the use of energy and demand schedules.

Access to such information helps managers make better and more informed operational decisions. In addition, access to incremental energy usage information can help identify unknown or unexpected energy costs. Reducing or knowing unexpected energy costs can result in savings in overall costs. Finally, accurate, reliable and timely energy usage information provides an informational advantage to firms that negotiate energy tariffs from local, regional and national energy providers. The market for measurement information is also expanding thanks to the technological advances that make the provision and use of this information possible and reliable. For example, developments in wireless data communication systems allow a faster and more extensive installation of data collection networks. These systems can provide real time or near real-time data at relatively low costs. Moreover, rapid developments in data distribution networks such as the Internet and the global network (or "the network") allow easy access to central data storage facilities. The Internet also provides a way of disseminating information that is relatively independent of time. In other words, users can access data servers according to the user's convenience - users do not need to wait for a receipt or other information to arrive. In this way, the Internet gives additional information of modern business with more flexibility. Not only technological advances have expanded the market for measurement information; Regulatory and other forces have also increased the demand for real-time, near-real-time or increasing energy usage information. For example, changes are coming in the wholesale energy market, such as those supervised by federal regulatory agencies. It also seems that there is a shift towards increased retail deregulation and competition, which is generally overseen by commissions and state regulatory agencies. Perhaps the best example to explore trends is the electric power industry. Historically, electric power firms have been vertically integrated among three functions: (1) generating electricity; (2) transmit electricity and (3) provide electricity. State public commissions typically concession exclusive areas for electric power franchises in exchange for the obligation that the franchise will provide service to all customers within the area with regulated rates that group the three functions together. In the electric power industry, from the beginning of 1998, an important phase of the transition to retail competition was almost complete. Approximately fourteen states, which together account for nearly forty percent of the United States population (that is, most "high cost" states), have adopted retail competition. However, the competitive entry time and the structure terms of the competitive entry vary between the states. In this way, as the retail competition evolves, the firms involved must fight to keep their customers. Similarly, those entering a new area will struggle to get the existing customers out. From an economic perspective, this competition will possibly lead to prices and profit margins falling. In this way, firms must respond by providing improvements to existing services and offering new services. One of those services is the measurement information service. In addition, the new and better services must be offered in flexible terms so that the different needs of different clients are adequately resolved. One of those enhanced services is an electronic energy management system. This system must provide information that allows customers to do the following; (1) understand your energy consumption; (2) manage and improve the control of its use and consumption of energy; (3) allocate costs to specific departments, functions or other organizational components of interest and (4) reduce energy expenditures by having the updated energy information necessary to negotiate a successful energy contract.

Although it has been generally described in the context of electricity, the same benefits are possible for other sources of energy as well. There is a need for an electronic energy management system that provides real-time or near real-time access to increasing energy usage data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is noted that it is desirable to provide an electronic energy management system that provides accurate and timely energy usage data to energy consumers. It is also desirable to provide an electronic energy management system that automatically acquires increased energy usage data and provides that data to a storage facility for access and processing by energy consumers. It is also desirable to provide an electronic energy management system that transmits increasing energy usage data via a wireless communication channel. It is also desirable to provide an electronic energy management system for use with various energy sources such as electricity, natural gas, compressed air, water and other industrial fluids. It is also desirable to provide an electronic energy management system that employs a server computer and a multi-purpose communications network such as the Internet to allow the customer to access their energy usage information. It is further noted that it is desirable to provide an electronic safe energy management system. It is also desirable to provide an electronic energy management system that provides customers with a variety of reporting formats to observe and analyze consumer energy usage data. It is also desirable to provide an electronic energy management system in which users can view energy usage data in terms of consumption, demand, cost per consumption rate or total cost. It is also noted that it is desirable to provide an electronic energy management system in which customers do not have to purchase additional software to use the system. The invention comprises an electronic energy management system for use with an energy distribution network. The energy distribution network provides energy from a source of energy to places of use. A plurality of energy usage meters, at least one at each site of use, monitor the energy consumption at each site of use. The system comprises a data acquisition subsystem that acquires energy usage data from energy usage meters. The energy usage data comprises multiple increments of total energy use during defined periods of time. An electronic data storage, located in a remote central location of the energy usage meters, stores the energy usage data acquired. An electronic communication subsystem provides the user with access to the energy usage data acquired and stored from electronic data storage.

The invention further comprises an electronic energy management system for use with an energy distribution network. The energy distribution network provides energy from a source of energy to places of use. The invention comprises a plurality of energy usage meters, at least one located at each site of use. The plurality of energy use meters monitor the use of energy at each site of use.

A data acquisition subsystem acquires energy usage data from energy usage meters. An electronic data storage, located at a central location away from the energy usage meters, stores the acquired energy usage data. An electronic communication subsystem provides the user with access to the energy usage data acquired and stored from electronic data storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 A is a system level diagram of a preferred embodiment of an electronic energy management system in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1B shows a diagram of a data acquisition subsystem for use with the present invention, in which the meter data is transmitted to an information / central station.

Figure 2A is a communication system diagram of a preferred embodiment of an electronic energy management system according to the present invention. Figure 2B is a system process diagram of a preferred embodiment of an electronic energy management system in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3 is a visual display of the energy usage data in bar graph format, in total cost, for two specific meters for each of several selected days. Figure 4 is a visual display of the energy use data in line graph format, in kilowatt-hours, organized by a measuring group and plotted for each of several selected days.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED MODALITIES Figure 1 A is a level system diagram of a preferred embodiment of an electronic energy management system in accordance with the present invention. A power source 10 is connected to a plurality of energy usage meters 14 by means of an energy distribution network 12. The distribution network 12 can also be called an "electrical power network" or "power distribution network". electric power". The meters 14 are, in turn, connected to various places of use 16 by means of connecting lines 18 and plugs 19. Each site of use 16 is connected to at least one meter 14. However, each site of use 16 it may also be connected to more than one meter 14 by more than one plug 19 and more than one connecting line 18 (see meter 2 'in Figure 1A). In other words, a single use site 16 may comprise several meters 14 but a single meter 14 is typically not connected to several use sites 16. The meters 14 are also connected as an input to an information provider 20 by means of a communication interface 22. The information provider 20 can also be called a central station. The other side of the information provider 20 is connected to a data store 23 via the line 24. The data store 23 is further connected to a network server computer 26 on the line 25. The network server computer 26 also it can be called an application server or similar device to store and / or provide data and information. Those skilled in the art will recognize that lines 24 and 25 can be constructed of normal communication media. For example, lines 24 and 25 can be physical direct connections; telecommunications connections, wireless connections, local or wide area network connections, or similar. A power usage signal 21 transmits increasing energy usage data to the information provider 20 via the communication interface 22. The energy usage signal 21 originates in the meter 14. The information provider 20, at its once, it extracts the data of increasing energy use of the energy use signal for its storage in the data warehouse 23.

The information stored in the data warehouse 23 is available to users through a communications network 28. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the communication network 28 comprises a multi-user, multi-purpose system such as the Internet. Other communication networks can also be used for more limited purposes. For example, instead of using the Internet, the communication network 28 may comprise a dedicated connection, a local area network, a dial-up modem connection or similar communications links. Users can access the network server computer 26 via the communications network 28 from personal computers PCs 30. Advantageously, the user's PCs 30 need not be commonly located with the sites of use 16. Users such as energy managers they can monitor energy usage information in remote locations of the actual energy use sites, if they wish. In this way, Figure 1A illustrates the PCs 30 located adjacent to the respective use sites 16 for reasons of convenience and association only. Furthermore, although it is expected that most users will access the communications network 28 through some form of personal computer (PC 30), it should be understood that there are currently other computing and communications devices that act as an equivalent of a PC for the purposes of the present invention. For example, users could have access to the network server computer 26 from a variety of desktop computers, minicomputers, microcomputers, wide-frame computers, UNIX workstations, and the like. In summary, it can be accessed through any system that provides Internet access or a similar capability. The power source 10 shown in Figure 1A may comprise one or more energy sources. For example, the power source can include electricity, natural gas, compressed air, water or other industrial fluids. In the case of electricity, the power source 10 would typically be the electricity provided from an electric power generation plant, and the power distribution network 12 would typically comprise a normal electrical power distribution network. In operation, the power distribution network 12 provides the power source 10 to sites of use 16 by means of auxiliary meters 14. Those skilled in the art will understand that by increasing or decreasing the energy requirements in a particular use site. , the amount of energy source 10 provided to the use site 16 by means of the meter 14 is increased or decreased in the same way. The auxiliary meters 14 monitor and record in increasing energy usage at the use sites 16. The configuration of auxiliary meters 14 that is preferred is described in more detail below with respect to Figure 1B. Periodically (for example, every five minutes), each active meter 14 transmits the energy usage signal 21 (representing the total energy consumed during one or more periods of time) to the information provider 20 via the communication interface 22 The energy usage signal 21 of a particular meter 14 has a first parameter, such as a digital value, which indicates the use of increasing energy measured by that particular meter 14. In addition, the energy usage signal 21 includes a second parameter, such as an alphanumeric value that identifies the meter and which indicates the particular meter 14 from which the increasing energy usage data was derived. The energy usage data is then transferred and stored in the data warehouse 23. In particular, the information provider 20 periodically transmits the increasing energy usage data to the data warehouse 23. The frequency of this periodic transmission may vary depending of the needs of the particular user. For example, the data can be transmitted every twenty-four hours, during an off-peak time (for example, midnight). The data warehouse 23, in turn, updates the existing energy usage information to reflect the additional incremental usage data. However, it should be understood that there are many ways to transfer the information from the meter 14 to the data warehouse 23. The foregoing illustrates the methods and structures that are preferred. For example, it is possible for the information provider 20 and the data warehouse 23 to be integrated into a single subsystem. In addition, it is possible that the exchange of data between the meters 14, the information provider 20 and the data warehouse 23 can be conducted as an event only and be synchronized rather than periodic.

In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1A, the communication interface 22 comprises a wireless communication interface such as, for example, a cellular network. Auxiliary meters 14 transmit energy usage data to the information provider 20 via this wireless communication interface. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the information provider 20 and the wireless communication interface are provided by a third party cellular communication provider, namely CELLNET.

CELLNET comprises a radio frequency and meter transmitter system that allows any CELLNET compatible meter to be read remotely using almost the same principles as a cell phone system. Other methods for transmitting data include, in part, imposing a carrier signal on the power distribution network. This carrier signal, in turn, carries the energy usage signal 21. A demodulator associated with the information provider 20 then extracts the energy usage signal information from the power distribution network. Also, instead of using a wireless communication interface, any of a variety of telecommunications networks can be used without any significant change to the system. For example, a telephone line or cable TV, Internet or similar means can be used. In addition, these lines may include cable or fiber optic connections. One of the advantages of using a cellular system is that many energy source providers have or will possibly install cellular meters. These cell meters eliminate the need for a manual reading of the meter. In addition, customers who are outside the cellular system will still be able to transmit their energy usage data via a telephone line or similar communication device. Users can have access to particular energy usage information, stored in the data warehouse 23, by means of the communication network 28. From a remote computer such as a PC 30, a user can identify the network server 26 as the desired destination using one of a number of widely available and versatile software programs to navigate on the Internet and on the worldwide network. These programs are commonly called "web browsers". Two well-known browsers are NETSCAPE and INTERNET EXPLORER from Microsoft. General access to the front or initial page of the network server computer 26 is not limited to particular users. Access to a specific user's energy usage data if it is, however, restricted. Similarly, access restrictions can be made at the meter level, at the site level of use at the company level and so on. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of means exist to restrict access. Said means include, for example, user names accompanied by passwords and methodologies and data encryption devices. The preferred embodiment of the electronic energy management system of the present invention employs user names accompanied by passwords.

Thus, Figure 1A illustrates an electronic energy management system for use with an energy distribution network 12. The power distribution network 12 supplies power to sites of use 16 from a power source 10. A plurality of energy usage meters 14, at least one of said meters located at each use site 16, monitors the use of energy at the associated use site 16. The electronic data management system comprises a data acquisition subsystem that it acquires energy usage data from the energy usage meters 14. The data acquisition subsystem includes the information provider 20 and the communication interface 22. The data warehouse 23 is an electronic data storage and is located far from the energy usage meters 14. The data warehouse 23 stores the energy usage data acquired by the data acquisition subsystem. The electronic energy management system also comprises an electronic communication subsystem. The electronic communications subsystem includes a communications network 28, a server computer 26 and may include one or more user PCs 30. The electronic communications subsystem provides the user access to the energy usage data acquired and stored from the user's data warehouse. data 23. Energy usage meters 14 of Figure 1A are adapted to reflect the type of energy source 10 being used. For example, when the power source 10 is electricity, the energy source meters 14 measure electricity. A power source meter 14 particularly well suited for measuring electricity comprises a watt-hour meter. A further improvement provides a watt-hour meter that includes an integration circuit to provide a watt-hour signal having a parameter representing the active or reactive energy flowing through the meter 14. If said watt-hour meter is used in Figure 1A, then the energy usage signal 21 comprises the watt-hour signal. If the energy source 10 is a fluid, such as, for example, water, then the meter 14 comprises a fluid meter for providing a fluid fluid signal. Similar to the watt-hour meter described above, the fluid meter can be further envisioned to provide an integration circuit that provides a liquid flow signal representative of the integral time of the active liquid flow through the meter 14. Without However, it should be noted that although Figure 1A illustrates a single energy usage signal 21 between each meter 14 and the information provider 20, there is no reason why multiple signals can not be transmitted to the information provider 20 by means of the communication interface 22. For example, the energy usage meter 14 could provide a first signal representing the use of instantaneous energy, and a second signal representing the average energy usage. In addition, the energy usage meter 14 can be designed to assemble and distribute dissimilar energy source data. For example, the energy usage meter 14 can be modified to provide energy usage data for both electricity and natural gas.

Figure 1B illustrates a preferred embodiment of a data acquisition subsystem for use with an electronic energy management system in accordance with the present invention. The energy usage meter 14 communicates with a microcell 32 by means of a wireless communication link 22A. The meter 14 and the microcell 32 are shown enclosed within a continuous frame 38 to reflect the fact that the microcell 32 and the meter 14 are typically located at the same site of use. In particular, the microcell 32 is placed in a fixed location at or near the site of use 16 (FIG. 1A). The meter 14 is also located at the site of use 16 but can be moved to different places within the site of use 16. The microcell 32 communicates with a cell array 34 (a master cell station) via a wireless communication link 22B . Typically, a single cell array 34 serves several micro cells 32. The cell array 34 is, in turn, connected to a system controller 36 via a wireless communication link 22C. Finally, the system controller 36 is connected to the data store 23 via the line 24. In this way, the cellular communication network is organized as a hierarchy. In other words, a single microcell 32 receives data from a plurality of meters 14; a single cell array 34 receives data from a plurality of microcells 32 and so on. The number of levels in the hierarchy may vary depending on the availability of local cellular or telecommunications service. The microcell 32, the cell array 34 and the system controller 36 are enclosed within a frame drawn in faded lines to reflect that these components together comprise the information provider identified in Figure 1A. In addition, communication links 22A, 22B and 22C comprise the communication interface 22 mentioned with respect to Figure 1A. It should be understood that one or more wireless communication links 22A, 22B and 22C can be replaced individually or completely with alternatives and wireless communication substitutes such as telephone lines, Internet, local area networks and other telecommunication means. In the preferred embodiment, the meter 14 transmits energy usage data to the microcell 32 periodically (eg, every five minutes) via the wireless link 22A. To reduce the risk of data loss or corruption, each periodic transmission includes the most recent energy usage data, as well as previous energy usage data for a number of previous transmissions (for example, ten previous transmissions). The microcell 32 accumulates the periodic energy usage data for a complete monitoring period and then transmits a packet of that data to the cell array 34. For example, the microcell 32 could collect the information from the meters 14 for a full day and then make a single daily transfer to the cell matrix 34. However, the inherent flexibility of the system allows for the handling of time other than on a daily basis. The cell array 34 functions as an intermediary and transfers or retransmits the data from the microcell 32 to the system controller 36. The system controller 36, in turn, communicates the data to the data warehouse 23. In the preferred embodiment, the system controller 36 is located in the same place as the data warehouse 23. The system controller 36 and the cell array 34 are located at strategic cellular sites not necessarily at the location of the data warehouse 23. Preferably, the meters 14 are solid state devices. An information gathering cellular communication board is installed in each meter 14 to facilitate the wireless link 22A with the microcell 32. In a typical energy meter 14, the meter provides pulses that indicate that a specific amount of energy has been consumed. For example, if the energy source is electricity, each pulse reflects a percentage of one kilowatt-hour of consumption. If the source of energy is a gas or fluid, each pulse reflects a percentage of 28.33 liters of gas or fluid. The communication board counts the number of pulses, which provides an indication of the use of energy. It is this information which is then transmitted via the wireless link 22A to the microcell 32 periodically (for example, every five minutes). It should be noted that even if the meters 14 are not solid state devices, but rather comprise analogous meters, said analog meters can be modified to receive a communications device. Said modification, once made, would allow the use of an analogous meter with the electronic energy management system of the present invention. The communication board periodically transmits the energy usage signal 21 to the microcell 32 via the communication interface 22A. As mentioned above with respect to Figure 1A, the energy usage signal 21 has a first parameter indicating the use of increasing energy associated with that particular meter 14. In addition, the energy usage signal 21 also includes a second parameter indicating the particular meter 14 from which the increasing energy usage data was derived. Figure 2A illustrates a preferred embodiment of the specific interconnections used between the communication network 28, network server computer 26, information provider 20 and data warehouse 23. As shown in Figure 2A, the information provider 20 is connected to an interface center 50 by means of a line 24. In Figure 2A, line 24 comprises a 10 megabit (Mb) fiber optic cable connection. The fiber optic line 24 preferably comprises a secure connection between a fire cut wall (not shown in Figure 2A). The interface center 50 is also connected to the data store 23 and the network server computer 26. In particular, the interface center 50 is connected to the network server computer 26 through a first Ethernet connection line of 100 MB 25A. The data store 23 is similarly connected to the interface 50 by a second Ethernet connection line of 100 MB 25B. Finally, the network server computer 26 is connected to the communication network 28 by a fire firewall 52 and a communication interface 22. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with the operation of the fire-cut walls, and therefore, The short fire wall 52 does not need to be described in detail. The energy usage data supplied to the information provider 20 is fed to the online data store 24 via the interface center 50. When the energy consumers want information that relates to their energy use, they can connect the server computer to the power supply. network 26 through the communications network 28. The network server computer 26, in turn, accesses specific data from the data warehouse via lines 25A and 25B. As mentioned above with respect to Figure 1A, access to specific data is limited by the use of user names and passwords. As is known in the art, when a user has access to a network server such as the network server computer 26, the network server typically provides an initial visual presentation (the initial network page). In the electronic power management system of the present invention, users who wish to have access to their specific energy usage data are sent a message that they enter their username and password. If the username and password are accepted by the network server computer 26, the user receives limited admission to access additional information provided by subsequent web page visuals. Admission is characterized as limited because a user can not review or have access to another user's energy usage information without knowing the other user's username and password.

Figure 2B is a system procedure diagram for a preferred embodiment of the electronic energy management system in accordance with the present invention. The network server computer 26 comprises three functional components: (1) an HTTP server 70; (2) a database server 72 and (3) an agent handler 74. The operation of each of these functions is described in more detail below. In general, data manipulation and data presentation are achieved in the network server computer 26. Data storage is generally achieved in the data warehouse 23. In the preferred embodiment, users do not have access to the data warehouse. data 23; any data that is necessary to process a user's request is copied to the network server computer 26 for temporary storage and use. Those skilled in the art will understand that the HTTP server 70 provides the primary graphical user interface for the network server computer 26 to be used with the user's web browser. The HTTP server 70 provides static network pages 80 for visual presentation as shown. The static network pages 80 are the display building blocks of the network server computer 26 and reflect the visual presentations before the inclusion of the user-specific data. The operation of HTTP servers is well known in the art and therefore need not be described further. The network server computer 26 also employs a database server 72 to handle three databases. First, a meter data data base 82 and associated meter profile data files 84 reflect the user's incremental meter data. This data, however, is actually a copy of the general data that is stored in the data warehouse 23. When a particular user is disconnected from the network server computer 26, that particular user meter data can be removed from the meter database 82. A second database is access database 86. Access database 86 stores what could be generally called "top" data of the network server. For example, the access database 26 stores event logs that indicate who accessed the network server computer 26, and when that access occurred. The access database 86 also stores authentication information and the like. The access database 86 stores and removes the data from a set of user activity records 88. A third database is a database of reports 90. The database of reports 90 is used to actually prepare information of reports requested by the user. The report database 90 works in conjunction with customer information records 92 and saved report records 94. User profiles can be stored in the network server computer 26 so that users do not need to specify their reporting preferences every time they enter the system. The different available report formats are described in greater detail with respect to figures 3 to 7 below.

An agent handler 74, functionally located within the network server computer 26, works in conjunction with the data warehouse 23 and an executable program 96 for general reports requested by the user.

In general, the executable program 96 provides a total program control. When a user requests a particular report, the executable program 96 causes the agent handler 74 to access the requested data from the data repository 23. The data is then placed in the meter profile data records 84. The data is put together with the information of the report format of the report database 90 to provide the user with the requested report. However, note that to maintain the integrity of the data warehouse 23, the agent handler 74 does not allow users to write or otherwise have direct access to the data stored in the data warehouse 23. An advantage of the executable program 96 is that updates and improvements to the electronic energy management system can be made. in a "transparent" way. The term transparent is used because users do not need to update their computers or network browsers to take advantage of system updates. Transparent does not necessarily mean that users will not be able to see or appreciate a particular software update. For example, a new user visual presentation format can be made available without the user having to buy or update any software.

If data manipulation is required, that manipulation is achieved in the network server computer 26 by the executable program 96. For example, if the meter profile data is stored in terms of kilowatt-hours and a user requests data in terms of cost, a cost-kilowatt-hours conversion routine is executed that manipulates the kilowatt-hour information so that the cost information can be obtained. Such manipulation can be as simple as using a normal relationship, or it could be complex if the use of energy were billed at different rates for different clients or different times of the day. A particular advantage of the electronic energy management system of the present invention is the ability to provide energy usage information in a large number in varying formats and in varying degrees of detail. For example, the information provider 20 and the communication interface 22 can be configured to acquire energy usage data from the meters 14 at pre-set times (i.e., driven by itinerary) or as necessary (i.e. interrupted). The data can then be summarized and integrated for the intervals between pre-established times. In this way, users can monitor trends in the use of energy. Tables 1, 2 and 3 and Figures 3 and 4 provide examples of computer visual presentation reports of energy usage information in various formats. The visual presentation formats shown in tables 1-3 and figures 3 and 4 illustrate reports particularly adapted for the use of electric power. In each case, the network server computer 26 (see Figure 1) acts as a report generator and generates a report representing energy usage data associated with one or more of the meters 14 associated with one or more of the sites of use 16. Table 1 is a visual presentation of the energy usage data in kilowatt-hours for all the meters associated with a user in a single day, where a report is displayed in a table format for a selected day. The energy usage information is provided in terms of consumption (kilowatt-hours) as indicated by the reference character 350. In the example shown in table 1, a user 300 has selected six meters for visual presentation. Column 310 indicates the particular meters selected. Column 320 indicates the chosen data. The row 330 provides a total energy usage for the selected meters for the selected day.

TABLE 1 Plant XYZ kWh One day - Table 01/08/98 Units - kWh Select Type of diagram: Table It should be understood that subgroups of meters or a single meter can also be selected. In addition, the table shown in table 1 could be expanded to cover additional days or other periods of time. The energy use information can be provided not only in terms of consumption, but also of demand (kilowatts), total cost (dollars), cost per kilowatt-hour and the like. Finally, if the energy source is anything other than electricity, the aforementioned information could be modified to reflect the appropriate energy units (for example, 28.33 liters of gas or liters of fluid per hour).

Table 2 illustrates a visual display of a web page sample in table format of energy usage data in kilowatts organized by meter group for each of several selected days, where a user 400 has the data restricted to three particular weekends as shown by row 410 and reference character 420. Column 430 illustrates that the user has requested the data for a particular group of meters associated with the PDQ department. In this way, a meter that is charged with energy usage monitoring can determine not only the total usage rates for companies, but can also determine the energy use by department (or by subdivision of a similar company). In the example shown in Table 2, the reference character 440 identifies that the energy usage information is provided in terms of demand (kilowatts).

TABLE 2 Plant XYZ kw-Weekends-Table 01/24 / 98-02 / 08/98 Units - KW Export to text file Select table type: Table Table 3 illustrates a visual display of energy usage data in a table format, in kilowatts, organized by groups of meters for each of several selected days, where the users' ability to find out at additional levels ( that is, finer) resolution according to demand. This is known as the ability to "probe". In table 3, a user 500 has chosen to poll the information provided in table 2. In the table shown in table 3, user 500 chooses to see a single day 510 (Saturday, 1/31/98) for a group of specific meters 520 (PDQ department). The particular meters 530 associated with the group of meters 520 are also identified as part of the visual presentation. Thus, if the user 500 wants to limit the visual presenter to a particular meter within the group of meters 520, the user 500 only needs to select the particular meter from the list of meters 530. As can be seen in the table, the information is provides in increments of fifteen minutes for a full twenty-four hour period. The polling capability is generally available from any high-level table format.

TABLE 3 kw - Weekends - Table Saturday-01/31/98 Units - kw TABLE 3 (CONTINUED) XYZ991524934 • XYZ991657695 XYZ991657787 XYZ991813882 XYZ991819981 • XYZ991524952 Export to text file Select chapter type In this way, table 2 provides a first visual presentation format and table 3 provides a second visual presentation format where energy usage data presented on the second visual presentation format are presented to a finer degree of resolution than in the first visual presentation format. Figure 3 illustrates the use of energy in a bar graph format. In Figure 3, a user 600 has selected five consecutive days 610 for its visual presentation. The energy use information is presented in terms of total cost 620. The total cost can be determined by multiplying the number of kilowatts per cost per kilowatt. Similarly, you can also determine the total cost by multiplying kilowatt-hours by the cost per kilowatt-hour. The bar graph shown in Figure 3 presents information for two specific 630 meters (as opposed to a complete department or company, which is also possible) for five twenty-four hour periods. The graph also indicates if the selected day is a 640 weekend. Figure 4 shows a report in line diagram format. In figure 4, a user 700 has selected for his visual presentation a particular week 710 (01/19/98 to 01/25/98), and complete information of twenty-four hours for each selected day. In addition, like Table 2 above, Figure 4 presents the data of a particular group of meters 720 (the PDQ department). Finally, the energy use data are presented in terms of consumption 730 (kilowatt-hours). It should be noted that although the report is in line chart format, the data reflected is not continuous as the line 750 could indicate otherwise. A separate data point 740 indicates the energy usage for each selected day. The data points 740 are then connected by a line to complete the line diagram. Note also that in the actual visual presentation, data points 740 may or may not be indicated "apart from line 750. It should be understood that tables 1-3 and figures 3 and 4 above are provided to illustrate the flexibility and adaptability of the system. of the energy management of the present invention, other visual presentation formats are possible and are within the scope of the invention., importantly, tables 1-3 and figures 3 and 4 illustrate the availability of adaptable reports that reflect the specific operation requirements of each energy user. From a temporal perspective, the reports can be based on, for example, dates or specific periods of dates and times, days of the week or specific weekends, or specific work shifts. In addition, reports can be presented in small increments of time (for example, fifteen minutes) or larger time increments (for example, daily, weekly or monthly). The tables and figures illustrate another advantageous aspect of the electronic energy management system described herein. The flexibility of the invention allows a dynamic measurement grouping. In Table 2 and Figure 4, for example, energy usage data are grouped for all meters within a particular department (the PDQ department).

This dynamic grouping allows managers and users to make logical groupings of meters for analytical purposes. An additional advantage is that grouped meters do not need to be in the same place. Referring again to Figure 1A, that figure illustrates meter data from different sites of use 16 that are transmitted to a common information provider 20. If several sites of use 16 are owned or managed by a common handler, then the data that come from commonly used / managed use sites can be accessed by the common handler. In other words, the handler can, for example, use dynamic meter crush to compare similar tasks in different places. Those skilled in the art will recognize the great handling advantage that the dynamic meter array can provide to both large and small businesses. Since each power user has some or several unique needs, the electronic energy management system of the present invention provides additional flexibility in reporting formats. Reports can be viewed in a table or chart format (ie, bar chart, line chart, pie chart or similar). Reports can be exported to a file for use with other computer programs and integrated into other documents. In addition, the use of a network-based server allows users to use an intuitive "point-and-click" navigation scheme. This reduces the costs and complexities of training new users.

As mentioned above with respect to Figure 2B, a great advantage of providing information over the Internet and the worldwide network is that the vast majority of the software involved resides in the network server computer 26 (see figure 1). Users only need one of a variety of widely available and inexpensive network browsers. Software updates can be provided without users having to buy and wait for software updates, manuals and so on. In other words, software updates can be provided on the server computer 26. Since several changes can be made to the above structures and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all the matter contained in the above description and shown in the attached drawings, it is interpreted only as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (12)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - In an electronic energy management system for use with an energy distribution network to supply energy from a power source to use sites, and a plurality of energy usage meters, at least one in each use site , to monitor the use of energy at each site of use, the improvement comprising: a data acquisition subsystem to acquire energy usage data from energy use meters, where the energy use data comprise increments multiple of total energy use during defined periods of time; an electronic data storage at a central location away from the energy usage meters to store the energy usage data acquired; and an electronic communication subsystem to provide user access to energy usage data acquired and stored from electronic data storage.

2. The electronic energy management system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the energy source comprises at least one of electricity, natural gas, compressed air, water or industrial fluids.

3. The electronic energy management system according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that the data acquisition subsystem acquires energy usage data at pre-set times and summarizes the data acquired during intervals between the pre-established times.

4. The electronic energy management system according to claims 1-3, further characterized in that the electronic communication subsystem further comprises an application server in the central location away from the energy usage meters, said application server being adapted to withdraw the acquired and stored energy usage data from the electronic data storage, and a remote computer to access the energy usage data acquired from the application server, said application server and said remote computer have a connection to an Multi-purpose and multi-user communications network.

5. The electronic energy management system according to claims 1-4, further characterized in that the access of a user to certain data of the application server is restricted.

6. The electronic energy management system according to claims 1-5, further characterized in that the multi-user and multi-user communications network comprises the Internet.

7. The electronic energy management system according to claims 1-6, further comprising a report generator for generating reports that represent the energy usage data associated with at least one of a plurality of usage meters. of energy, said reports being accessible by a user.

8. The electronic energy management system according to claims 1-7 further characterized in that the generated reports present the energy use data in terms of cost, or where the generated reports present the energy use data in power unit terms, or where the generated report further comprises a first visual presentation format and a second visual presentation format, the second visual presentation format presents the energy usage data at a finer resolution grade than the first visual presentation format, or where the report generator groups the energy use data of two or more of the plurality of energy usage meters, with which the generated reports reflect the energy use data.

9. The electronic energy management system according to claims 1-8, further comprising a communication interface associated with the energy usage meters, said communication interface is for transmitting a power usage signal to a central Station, said energy use signal represents the energy usage data, whereby the data acquisition subsystem acquires energy usage data from the central station.

10. The electronic energy management system according to claims 1-9, further characterized in that the communication interface further comprises a modulation circuit for imposing a carrier signal on the power distribution network, said carrier signal is for transmit the energy usage signal to the central station.

11. The electronic energy management system according to claims 1-10, further characterized in that the data acquisition subsystem acquires the energy usage data of a selected number from the plurality of energy usage meters, the number selected being associated with a single user, whereby the integrated energy usage data can be removed from the electronic data storage, or wherein at least one of the plurality of energy usage meters further comprises a watt meter - Now, said watt-hour meter has an integration circuit to provide a watt-hour signal that represents the time integral of the active or reactive energy that flows through the integration circuit.

12. The electronic energy management system according to claims 1-11, further characterized in that at least one of the plurality of energy usage meters further comprises a fluid meter, said fluid meter has a circuit of integration to provide a liquid flow signal representing the time integral of the active liquid flow flowing through the integration circuit, and further comprising a communication interface associated with the fluid meter, said communication interface is for transmitting the liquid flow signal to a central station, whereby the data acquisition subsystem acquires the liquid flow signal from the central station.