NZ597539B - Methods and apparatus for controlling loads coupled to an electrical grid - Google Patents
Methods and apparatus for controlling loads coupled to an electrical grid Download PDFInfo
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- NZ597539B NZ597539B NZ597539A NZ59753912A NZ597539B NZ 597539 B NZ597539 B NZ 597539B NZ 597539 A NZ597539 A NZ 597539A NZ 59753912 A NZ59753912 A NZ 59753912A NZ 597539 B NZ597539 B NZ 597539B
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- Prior art keywords
- energy
- processor
- energy meter
- portable electronic
- electronic device
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- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 title claims description 11
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000001413 cellular Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 16
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 206010024855 Loss of consciousness Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003203 everyday Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002747 voluntary Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D4/00—Tariff metering apparatus
- G01D4/002—Remote reading of utility meters
- G01D4/004—Remote reading of utility meters to a fixed location
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q50/00—Systems or methods specially adapted for specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
- G06Q50/06—Electricity, gas or water supply
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J2310/00—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
- H02J2310/50—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load for selectively controlling the operation of the loads
- H02J2310/56—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load for selectively controlling the operation of the loads characterised by the condition upon which the selective controlling is based
- H02J2310/62—The condition being non-electrical, e.g. temperature
- H02J2310/64—The condition being economic, e.g. tariff based load management
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B70/00—Technologies for an efficient end-user side electric power management and consumption
- Y02B70/30—Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
- Y02B70/3225—Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02B90/20—Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
- Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
- Y04S20/00—Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
- Y04S20/20—End-user application control systems
- Y04S20/222—Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
- Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
- Y04S20/00—Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
- Y04S20/30—Smart metering, e.g. specially adapted for remote reading
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
- Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
- Y04S50/00—Market activities related to the operation of systems integrating technologies related to power network operation or related to communication or information technologies
- Y04S50/10—Energy trading, including energy flowing from end-user application to grid
Abstract
597539 Disclosed is an energy meter (46) configured to couple to an electrical grid for monitoring energy consumption of an electrical load (40, 42, 44) connected to the energy meter (46). The energy meter (46) is comprised of a processor (60), at least one input device (62, 64) coupled to the processor (60) and a communication device (66) coupled to the processor (60). The input device (62, 64) is configured to receive energy usage data from the electrical load (40, 42, 44) and pricing data from a utility company (12). The processor (60) can also compare the energy usage data to the pricing data and provide an energy saving recommendation therefrom. The communication device (66) is coupled to the processor (60) and configured to wirelessly communicate the energy saving recommendation to a portable electronic device (70) associated with a customer of the utility company (12). cessor (60) and a communication device (66) coupled to the processor (60). The input device (62, 64) is configured to receive energy usage data from the electrical load (40, 42, 44) and pricing data from a utility company (12). The processor (60) can also compare the energy usage data to the pricing data and provide an energy saving recommendation therefrom. The communication device (66) is coupled to the processor (60) and configured to wirelessly communicate the energy saving recommendation to a portable electronic device (70) associated with a customer of the utility company (12).
Description
Patent Form No. 5
NEW ZEALAND
Patents Act 1953
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
TITLE: METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING LOADS COUPLED TO AN
ELECTRICAL GRID
I/We General Electric Company, a corporation organised and existing under the laws of the State
of New York, United States of America, of 1 River Road, Schenectady, New York, 12345, United
States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which I/we pray that a patent may be
granted to me/us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and
by the following statement:
4003q
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING LOADS COUPLED TO AN
ELECTRICAL GRID
This application claims priority from United States Application No.
13/004,573 filed on 11 January 2011, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated
herewith by this reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The field of the disclosure relates generally to the transmission and
distribution of electricity over an electrical grid, and more specifically, to methods and
apparatus for use in controlling loads coupled to the electrical grid via an energy meter.
In the future, demand for electricity by customers may exceed
available supply from power utility companies. For example, certain events may cause energy
demand to peak at a level that is above a utility’s ability to provide electricity to every
customer. Accordingly, “blackouts” or “brownouts” may be imposed upon customers. Power
utilities generally do not have the ability to selectively determine which loads within a
customer’s premises will be disabled due to a blackout or brownout. Rather, during such
operating conditions, a customer’s entire premises is typically subjected to a reduction or
complete loss of power when a brownout or blackout occurs. Furthermore, stability of the
electrical grid is reduced and the sudden removal of power may damage electrical loads
coupled to the electrical grid.
To prevent electricity demand from exceeding power distribution
capabilities during peak energy usage periods of time, power utility companies may employ
active and/or passive load control techniques to influence electricity demand. For example, to
implement active control of the loads consuming electricity, some power utilities utilize what
is referred to herein as a “smart grid” or Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) power
network. Using an AMI network, a power utility may communicate with individual loads
within a customer’s premises and selectively reduce power consumption during peak usage
periods. As such, during peak energy usage periods of time, a power utility may reduce power
to low priority loads, while maintaining power to high priority loads.
Implementing a passive load control technique may require an electric
utility to charge varying rates based on demand. A variable rate program should provide an
incentive for customers to adjust their energy usage to help stabilize energy demand,
specifically, by reducing energy demand during peak energy usage periods of time. For
example, during periods of peak demand, a higher rate for electricity may be charged.
Conversely, during low-demand periods, a lower rate may be charged. However, the inability
of some types of users to curtail energy use and a lack of real-time information regarding the
immediate cost of energy usage may limit the success of a variable rate program.
[0006] A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is
given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that that document or matter was known or
that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority
date of any of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In an aspect, the present invention provides an energy meter
configured to couple to an electrical grid for monitoring energy consumption of an electrical
load connected to the energy meter, said energy meter comprising: a processor; at least one
input device coupled to said processor and configured to receive energy usage data from the
electrical load and pricing data from a utility company, the processor configured to compare
the energy usage data to the pricing data and provide an energy saving recommendation; and a
communication device coupled to said processor and configured to wirelessly communicate
with a portable electronic device associated with a customer of the utility company, the
communication device configured to transmit the energy saving recommendation to the
portable electronic device.
PARAGRAPH LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
PARAGRAPH LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary energy production and
delivery system.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary energy user of the energy
production and delivery system shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for use in controlling
loads coupled to an electrical grid, for example, loads included within the energy production
and delivery system shown in Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The methods and apparatus described herein facilitate providing
energy usage information and energy pricing information to a portable electronic device of a
customer. The methods and apparatus described herein may also include receiving a load
shedding signal from the portable electronic device of the customer and shedding a
corresponding load.
Technical effects of the methods and apparatus described herein
include at least one of: (a) receiving pricing data from a utility; (b) receiving energy usage
data from at least one electrical load; (c) determining recommended actions based on the
pricing data and the energy usage data; and (d) providing the recommended actions to a
consumer cellular device.
Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary energy production and
delivery system 10 that includes an electric utility 12, an electrical grid 14, and a plurality of
customer or energy user locations, for example, a first customer location 16, a second
customer location 18, and a third customer location 20. In the exemplary embodiment,
electricity is delivered from electric utility 12 to customer locations 16, 18, and 20 via
electrical grid 14. In the exemplary embodiment, electrical grid 14 includes at least one
transmission line 22, an electrical substation 24, and a plurality of distribution lines 26.
Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, electric utility 12 includes an electric power
generation system 28 that supplies electrical power to electrical grid 14. Electric power
generation system 28 may include a generator driven by, for example, a gas turbine engine, a
hydroelectric turbine, and/or a wind turbine. Alternatively, electric power generation system
28 may utilize solar panels and/or any other electricity generating device that allows system 10
to function as described herein.
In the exemplary embodiment, electric utility 12 also includes a
computer system 30 that controls energy production and delivery. Computer system 30 is
illustrated as being included within electric utility 12, however, computer system 30 may be
external to electric utility 12 (e.g., remotely located) and in communication with electric utility
12. Furthermore, although described as a computer system, computer system 30 may be any
suitable processing device that enables energy production and delivery system 10 to function
as described herein. The term processing device, as used herein, refers to central processing
units, microprocessors, microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application
specific integrated circuits (ASIC), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of
executing the functions described herein.
In the exemplary embodiment, customer locations 16, 18, and 20
include electric loads, for example, a respective first load 40, second load 42, and third load
44. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, each customer location 16, 18, and 20 includes
an end user meter 46. In the exemplary embodiment, end user meter 46 are part of an
advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). AMI is an example of a bi-directional
communication system that enables electric utility 12 to measure and collect information
relevant to energy usage from customer locations 16, 18, and 20, as well as to provide data and
control signals to end user meter 46. For example, in response to a command input from a
customer’s portable electronic device, AMI allows the customer to prevent a load, for
example, load 40, from consuming electricity from electrical grid 14, an operational concept
also referred to herein as “shedding” load 40 from electrical grid 14. To shed a load, for
example, load 40, a hard disconnect may be used, wherein electricity is prevented from
reaching load 40. For example, a load control relay (not shown in Figure 1) may be opened
after receiving a shedding signal from meter 46. When open, electricity is prevented from
reaching any electrical loads coupled to the load control relay. In an alternative embodiment,
at least one load 40, 42, and/or 44 may be a “smart device.” As defined herein, smart devices
include a communication device that facilitates receiving a shedding signal from the customer
and that turns off the device in response to receiving the shedding signal. Such an action is
referred to herein as a soft disconnect. A soft disconnect enables the smart device to execute a
shut-down procedure and/or to save data prior to shutting-off the device. A soft disconnect
also enables individual control of devices, rather than requiring the removal of power from all
loads coupled to meter 46.
Loads 40, 42, and 44 may be communicatively coupled in any manner
that facilitates operation of the AMI as described herein. Such connections may be referred to
as a home area network (HAN). Three exemplary types of networks are illustrated within
customer locations 16, 18, and 20. Moreover, loads 40, 42, and 44 may include wireless
communication devices that enable communication between meter 46 and loads 40, 42, and
44. Examples of wireless standards that may be used by such wireless communication devices
include, but are not limited to, IEEE 802.11 standards including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11d,
802.11e, 802.11g, 802.11h, 802.11i, 802.11j, and 802.11n, Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, and Z-Wave®.
Wi-Fi® is a certification mark developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, ZigBee® is a registered
trademark of ZigBee Alliance, Inc. of San Ramon, CA, and Z-Wave® is an identity mark of
the Z-Wave Alliance of Milpitas, CA. Such communication enables meter 46 to function as a
part of a home automation system, and thus, facilitates centralized control of electrical devices
at a customer location, for example, customer location 16.
Figure 2 is an exemplary block diagram of a customer location 16
(shown in Figure 1). In the exemplary embodiment, end user meter 46 includes a processing
device 60, a first input/output (I/O) device 62, a second I/O device 64, and a communication
device 66. First I/O device 62 is coupled to processing device 60 and configured to receive
information from utility 12. In one example, information received from utility 12 includes
pricing data. To facilitate controlling demand, utility 12 may implement a variable rate pricing
program, also referred to as dynamic pricing. The variable rate pricing program enables utility
12 to charge a customer a higher rate during times of high power demand as an incentive for
the customer to reduce their energy usage at such times. Such a program may be voluntary,
and require the customer to enrol in the program. Typically, in exchange, the customer
receives a discounted energy rate during periods of non-peak energy demand in exchange for
accepting the higher rate during periods of peak energy demand.
In the exemplary embodiment, second I/O device 64 is coupled to
processing device 60 and is configured to receive data from loads coupled to meter 46, for
example, loads 40, 42, and/or 44. In an alternative embodiment, second I/O device 64 also
transmits command signals from processing device 60 to loads 40, 42, and/or 44. Although
described herein as separate I/O devices, first I/O device 62 and second I/O device 64 may be
included within one I/O device.
In the exemplary embodiment, communication device 66 enables
communication with a portable electronic device 70 of the customer. More specifically,
communication device 66 facilitates wireless communication between meter 46 and portable
electronic device 70. Wireless communication may include, but is not limited to, cellular
communication, satellite communication, radio frequency (RF) communication,
communication utilizing an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11
standard (e.g., 802.11(g) or 802.11(n)), communication utilizing a Worldwide Interoperability
for Microwave Access (WIMAX) standard, and/or any wireless communication that allows
meter 46 to function as described herein. Accordingly, portable electronic device 70 may
include, but is not limited to only include, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a personal digital
assistant, and/or a portable computer. In the exemplary embodiment, processing device 60
determines an energy usage suggestion based at least partially on pricing data received from
utility 12. The energy usage suggestion may also be based on a hierarchy of loads 40, 42, and
44. The hierarchy may correspond to a predefined priority level associated with each load 40,
42, and/or 44, wherein processing device 60 will not suggest a higher priority load be shed
before a lower priority load.
For example, in the exemplary embodiment, meter 46 receives energy
usage information from loads 40, 42, and 44. During time periods of high energy demand, the
cost of electricity is increased for customers enrolled in the variable rate pricing program. The
energy usage suggestion may include, but is not limited to including, notifying the customer
that their heating/cooling system is on and that their energy rate is increasing. The energy
usage suggestion may also include a recommendation that the customer turn-off the
heating/cooling system, and/or reduce the energy consumption of the heating/cooling system,
until a period of lower energy demand exists. Communication device 66 enables the energy
usage suggestion to be transmitted to portable electronic device 70. Meter 46 provides the
energy usage suggestion via a voice message and/or text message. In the exemplary
embodiment, processing device 60 includes a memory device 72 that stores at least one phone
number associated with portable electronic device 70. For example, utility 12 stores the at
least one phone number in memory device 72 during set-up or installation of electric service at
customer location 16. Utility 12 also has the ability to change the stored phone number when
a party responsible for customer location 16 changes. Although described herein with respect
to a heating/cooling system, meter 46 may receive energy usage data from any load including,
but not limited to, a dishwasher, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, a stove/oven, or a
programmable thermostat.
In the exemplary embodiment, after being provided with the energy
usage suggestion, system 10 relies on the customer to disconnect a load or to reduce energy
consumption. In an alternative embodiment, communication device 66 receives a disconnect
signal from portable electronic device 70. For example, the customer may transmit a
disconnect signal from portable electronic device 70 to processing device 60, through
communication device 66. If loads 40, 42, and/or 44 are smart devices, processing device 60
transmits a disconnect signal to loads 40, 42, and/or 44, initiating a soft disconnect of loads 40,
42, and/or 44, or switching loads 40, 42, and/or 44 to a mode that consumes less power. For
example, the disconnect signal may be sent to a dishwasher to instruct the dishwasher to delay
a wash, to modify a cycle time, to manage water usage, and/or to operate in an energy saver
mode. In another example, the disconnect signal may be transmitted to a refrigerator to
instruct the refrigerator to delay a defrost operation, to reduce a compressor load, to operate
with reduced features, and/or to operate in an energy saver mode.
If the customer transmits a disconnect signal for a load that is
connected to a load disconnect relay output (not shown in Figure 2) and is not a smart device,
processing device 60 will transmit a hard disconnect signal to the load control relay (not
shown in Figure 2), to cause power to the selected load(s) to be discontinued. Furthermore,
the customer may transmit a total disconnect signal from portable electronic device 70. After
receipt of the total disconnect signal, processing device 60 activates a main disconnect relay
(not shown in Figure 2) at customer location 16. When open, the main disconnect relay
prevents electricity from reaching all loads at customer location 16.
Moreover, the customer may also transmit a load shedding schedule from
portable electronic device 70 to meter 46. For example, processing device 60 may determine
an energy usage suggestion when it is recommended the customer shed a load every day if the
load is consuming electricity during a peak energy usage period of time. The customer may
transmit a scheduling signal to accept this energy usage suggestion. The customer may also
edit previously stored scheduling options using portable electronic device 70.
Figure 3 is a flow chart 90 of an exemplary method 100 for use in controlling
loads coupled to an electrical grid, for example, loads 40, 42, and/or 44 coupled to electrical
grid 14 (shown in Figure 1). In the exemplary embodiment, pricing data is received 110 from
a utility, for example, utility 12 (shown in Figure 1). Such pricing data includes data
representing current electricity rates, which vary throughout the day for customers enrolled in
variable energy rate pricing programs. Energy usage data is received 112 from at least one
electrical device, for example, from loads 40, 42, and/or 44. In the exemplary embodiment,
the energy usage data includes data representing current power consumption of loads 40, 42,
and/or 44.
In the exemplary embodiment, a recommended action, also referred to herein as
an energy usage suggestion, is determined 114 based on the pricing data and the energy usage
data. Method 100 also includes generating 116 a recommended action signal representing the
recommended action. The recommended action may include notifying the customer that their
heating/cooling system is on and that their energy rate is increasing. The recommended action
may also include a recommendation that the customer turn-off the heating/cooling system, or
reduce the energy consumption of the heating/cooling system, until a period of lower energy
demand. The recommended action may include a determination 114 that stored priority level
data be accessed such that loads 40, 42, and 44 are rank-ordered based on predefined priority
levels. For example, a memory device, for example, memory device 72 (shown in Figure 2),
may store a first priority level assigned to load 40, a second priority level
assigned to load 42, and a third priority level assigned to load 44. In the exemplary
embodiment, load 44 may be determined to be a higher priority load than loads 40 and 42, and
therefore, the recommended action will be that loads 40 and 42 be shed/reduced before
recommending load 44 be shed/reduced.
Method 100 also includes providing 118 the recommended action
signal to a portable electronic device, for example, portable electronic device 70 (shown in
Figure 2). For example, processing device 60 may generate 116 a voice message and/or a text
message that includes the recommended action, and subsequently provide 118 the voice
message and/or text message to a phone number stored in processing device 60 and associated
with portable electronic device 70.
A disconnect signal may be received 120 from portable electronic
device 70. The disconnect signal includes a load selected by the customer using portable
electronic device 70, for example, load 40, and instructions for processing device 60 to
disconnect load 40. Method 100 may also include providing 122 the disconnect signal to load
40. For example, if load 40 is a smart device, processing device 60 may transmit the
disconnect signal (i.e., a soft disconnect signal) to load 40 instructing it to turn-off or to
operate in a mode that consumes less power. Alternatively, if load 40 is not a smart device,
but is connected to the output of the load disconnect relay, processing device 60 may transmit
122 the disconnect signal (i.e., a hard disconnect signal) to a load control relay, which
discontinues power to load 40. The customer can also provide commands to control loads
independent of the recommended action. For example, the customer can turn on or turn off
any loads connected to meter 46.
The methods and apparatus described herein facilitate providing
energy usage information and energy pricing information to a portable electronic device of a
customer. The methods and apparatus described herein may also include receiving a load
shedding signal from the portable electronic device of the customer and shedding a
corresponding load. The methods and apparatus described herein provide the customer with
the ability to control a main disconnect relay and/or a load disconnect relay. These relays are
typically only controlled by the utility. By transmitting data to, and receiving data from, a
customer’s portable electronic device, the customer gains flexibility in controlling their
household electronic devices remotely.
Described herein are exemplary methods, systems, and apparatus for
providing energy usage information to a portable electronic device of a customer. More
specifically, the methods, systems, and apparatus described herein provide energy usage
suggestions to a customer, via a cellular device, based at least partially on current energy rate
data and current energy usage data.
The methods, systems, and apparatus described herein facilitate
efficient and economical implementation of a variable rate pricing program and demand side
management of a smart grid. Exemplary embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus are
described and/or illustrated herein in detail. The methods, systems, and apparatus are not
limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each system,
as well as steps of each method, may be utilized independently and separately from other
components and steps described herein. Each component, and each method step, can also be
used in combination with other components and/or method steps.
When introducing elements/components/etc. of the methods, systems,
and apparatus described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are
intended to mean that there are one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms
“comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may
be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,
including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the
invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any
incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and
may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are
intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with
insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
Where the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised” or
“comprising” are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as
specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not
precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or group
thereto.
PARTS LIST
delivery system
12 electric utility
14 electrical grid
16 first customer location
18 second customer location
third customer location
22 transmission line
24 electrical substation
26 distribution line
28 electric power generation system
computer system
40 first load
42 second load
44 third load
46 end user meter
60 processing device
62 I/O device
64 I/O device
66 communication device
70 portable electronic device
72 memory device
90 flow chart
100 method
110 receiving pricing data
112 receiving energy usage data
114 determining a recommended action
116 generating a recommended action signal
118 providing the recommended action signal to a
portable electronic device
120 receiving a disconnect signal from the
portable electronic device
122 providing the disconnect signal to a load
THE
Claims (10)
1. An energy meter configured to couple to an electrical grid for monitoring energy consumption of an electrical load connected to the energy meter, said energy meter 5 comprising: a processor; at least one input device coupled to said processor and configured to receive energy usage data from the electrical load and pricing data from a utility company, the processor configured to compare the energy usage data to the pricing data and provide an 10 energy saving recommendation; and a communication device coupled to said processor and configured to wirelessly communicate with a portable electronic device associated with a customer of the utility company, the communication device configured to transmit the energy saving recommendation to the portable electronic device.
2. An energy meter in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said processor comprises a memory device configured to store a priority level associated with the electrical load. 20
3. An energy meter in accordance with Claim 2, wherein said processor is configured to determine an energy usage suggestion based at least partially on pricing data received from the utility company and based at least partially on the priority level of the electrical load, said processor further configured to generate an energy usage suggestion signal in response to the energy usage suggestion.
4. An energy meter in accordance with Claim 2 or 3, wherein said communication device comprises a cellular communication device configured to transmit data to, and receive data from, said portable electronic device. 30
5. An energy meter in accordance with Claim 4, wherein said memory device is configured to store contact information associated with said portable electronic device.
6. An energy meter in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein said communication device is further configured to communicate with the utility company.
7. An energy meter in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein 5 said communication device is configured to receive a disconnect signal from said portable electronic device.
8. An energy meter in accordance with Claim 7, wherein said at least one input device is further configured to output a disconnect signal to the electrical load in 10 response to the disconnect signal received from said portable electronic device.
9. An energy meter in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least one input device comprises a wireless transceiver configured to receive at least energy usage data from the electrical load, and pricing data from the utility company.
10. An energy meter configured to couple to an electrical grid for monitoring energy consumption of an electrical load connected to the energy meter substantially as herein before described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the drawings. Title: METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING LOADS COUPLED TO AN ELECTRICAL GRID Inventor: K V S Manoj Kumar Vadali Attorney Docket No.: 246623 (17851-820) Attorney: Andrew Kefalonitis Jr.; Phone: (314) 621-5070 Title: METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING LOADS COUPLED TO AN ELECTRICAL GRID Inventor: K V S Manoj Kumar Vadali Attorney Docket No.: 246623 (17851-820) Attorney: Andrew Kefalonitis Jr.; Phone: (314) 621-5070 Title: METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING LOADS COUPLED TO AN ELECTRICAL GRID Inventor: K V S Manoj Kumar Vadali Attorney Docket No.: 246623 (17851-820) Attorney: Andrew Kefalonitis Jr.; Phone: (314) 621-5070
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/004,573 US20120179302A1 (en) | 2011-01-11 | 2011-01-11 | Methods and Apparatus for Controlling Loads Coupled to an Electrical Grid |
US13/004,573 | 2011-01-11 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ597539A NZ597539A (en) | 2013-07-26 |
NZ597539B true NZ597539B (en) | 2013-10-30 |
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