WO2012082982A1

WO2012082982A1 - Energy reporting system and method having a monitored controlled lighting system

Info

Publication number: WO2012082982A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/065060
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Steven Wood; Michael Paul Sexton
Original assignee: Firestone Building Products Company, Llc
Priority date: 2010-12-15
Filing date: 2011-12-15
Publication date: 2012-06-21

Abstract

Systems and methods for monitoring energy usage are disclosed. The systems and methods may monitor energy savings. The systems and methods may be related to at least one of a lighting control system, a waste heat recycle system, and a renewable source of energy system.

Description

ENERGY REPORTING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING A MONITORED CONTROLLED LIGHTING SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application

Serial No. 61/423,274, filed December 15, 2010, titled LIGHTING CONTROL

SYSTEM, docket P09128US1A, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to energy reporting systems and methods and in particular to energy reporting systems and methods which monitor a controlled lighting system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Facilities often include natural lighting options including windows and skylights. These natural lighting options permit natural light to enter the facility. This often results in the natural light providing sufficient lighting for the activities taking place within the facility. One natural lighting option is the SUN WAVE brand day lighting system available from Firestone Building Products which is a skylight type option that allows natural light to enter an interior of the facility through a roof of the facility.

[0004] A typical facility also includes artificial lighting units to provide lighting to the interior of the facility. Often times this artificial lighting is needed to provide ample lighting for the activities taking place within the facility.

SUMMARY

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy control system for a facility including a plurality of artificial light units connected to a power source through a plurality of circuits and a heating system is provided. The energy control system comprising a lighting control system which based on sensed lighting level operates to reduce the energy load of the plurality of artificial lights; a waste heat recycle system which removes heat from a fluid carrying waste heat to produce recycled waste heat and provides the recycled waste heat to the heating system to reduce the energy load of the heating system; and a reporting system which produces an indication of at least one of a measure of the reduced energy load of the plurality of artificial lights and a measure of the reduced energy load of the heating system.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy control system for a facility including a plurality of artificial light units connected to a power source through a plurality of circuits and a renewable energy system which provides part of the power of the power source is provided. The energy control system comprising a lighting control system which based on sensed lighting level operates to reduce the energy load of the plurality of artificial lights; and a reporting system which produces an indication of at least one of a measure of the reduced energy load of the plurality of artificial lights and a measure of the energy provided by the renewable energy system to the facility.

[0007] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an e energy control system for a facility including a heating system connected to a power source and a renewable energy system which provides part of the power of the power source is provided. The energy control system comprising a waste heat recycle system which removes heat from a fluid carrying waste heat to produce recycled waste heat and provides the recycled waste heat to the heating system to reduce the energy load of the heating system; and a reporting system which produces an indication of at least one of a measure of the reduced energy load of the heating system and a measure of the energy provided by the renewable energy system to the facility.

[0008] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy control system for a facility including a plurality of artificial light units connected to a power source through a plurality of circuits is provided. The energy control system comprising a plurality of circuit interruption devices, each associated with a respective circuit of the plurality of circuits. Each circuit interruption device having a first state wherein power is communicated through the respective circuit to the artificial light units electrically connected to the respective circuit and a second state wherein power is interrupted. The energy control system further comprising a plurality of light sensors which monitor the facility; a plurality of activity sensors which monitor the facility; a controller operatively coupled to the plurality of circuit interruption devices, the plurality of light sensors, and the plurality of activity sensors, the controller determining a state for each of the plurality of circuit interruption devices based on at least one of the plurality of light sensors and the plurality of activity sensors, the controller determining a measure of energy savings based on the power provided through the plurality of circuits to the artificial light units; and a display operatively coupled to the controller to display the measure of energy savings.

[0009] In still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of monitoring energy savings at a facility including a lighting control system and a waste heat recycle system is provided. The method comprising the steps of electronically determining a measure of energy savings attributable to a lighting control system of the facility; electronically determining a measure of energy savings attributable to a waste heat recycle system of the facility; and providing on a display an indication of at least one of the measure of energy savings attributable to the lighting control system and the measure of energy savings attributable to the waste heat recycle system.

[0010] In yet a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of monitoring energy savings at a facility of a lighting control system and a renewable source of energy system is provided. The method comprising the steps of electronically determining a measure of energy savings attributable to a lighting control system of the facility; electronically determining a measure of energy savings attributable to a renewable source of energy system of the facility; and providing on a display an indication of at least one of the measure of energy savings attributable to the lighting control system and the measure of energy savings attributable to the renewable source of energy system.

[0011] In still yet a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of monitoring energy savings at a facility including a waste heat recycle system and a renewable source of energy system is provided. The method comprising the steps of electronically determining a measure of energy savings attributable to a waste heat recycle system of the facility; electronically determining a measure of energy savings attributable to a renewable source of energy system of the facility; and providing on a display an indication of at least one of the measure of energy savings attributable to the waste heat recycle system and the measure of energy savings attributable to the renewable source of energy system. [0012] The above mentioned and other features of the invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a representative top view of an exemplary facility including a plurality of exemplary natural light units and a plurality of exemplary artificial light units being controlled by an exemplary lighting control system;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a representative view of an exemplary electronic controller of the exemplary lighting control system of FIG. 1 ;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a representative view of an exemplary light unit;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a representative view of another exemplary light unit;

[0018] FIG. 5 is an exemplary processing sequence of the electronic controller of

FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 6 is another exemplary processing sequence of the electronic controller of FIG. 2;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a representative view of exemplary data structures of the energy usage software executed by the electronic controller of FIG. 2; [0021] FIG. 8 is a representative view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic controller of FIG. 2;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a representative view of the electronic controller of FIG. 2 and a programmable lighting panel;

[0023] FIG. 10 is an exemplary screen of a touch display associated with the electronic controller of FIG. 2;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a representative view of a waste heat recycle process;

[0025] FIG. 12 is a representative view of using a waste heat recycle process in a heating application; and

[0026] FIG. 13 is a representative view of energy inputs to the facility of FIG. 1.

[0027] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of various features and components according to the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. It will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The invention includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a facility 100 is represented. Facility 100 includes a plurality of natural light units 102 and a plurality of artificial light units 104. Exemplary natural light units include skylights and other suitable units which pass natural light from an exterior of the facility to an interior of the facility. An exemplary skylight is the SUNWAVE brand daylighting system available from Firestone Building Products located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Exemplary artificial light units include fluorescent lights, metal halide lights, HID lights, LED lights, and other suitable units which provide artificial light.

[0030] Light units 104A-C are coupled to a power source 106 through a first circuit 108 A. Light units 104A-C are illustrated being connected in parallel. In one embodiment, at least two of the light units 104A-C are connected in series. Light unit 104D is coupled to power source 106 through a second circuit 108B. Light units 104E and 104F are coupled to power source 106 through a third circuit 108C. Light units 104E and 104F are illustrated as being connected in parallel. In one embodiment, light units 104E and 104F are connected in series.

[0031] Each of circuits 108 has an associated circuit interruption device 110.

Each circuit interruption device has a first configuration wherein power source 106 is connected to the respective light units 104 and a second configuration wherein power source 106 is not connected to the respective light units 104. Exemplary circuit interruption devices include relays (see FIG. 8 for example) and programmable circuit breakers (see FIG. 9 for example) . Circuit interruption devices 110 are controlled through an electronic controller 120. In one embodiment, each of circuits 108 also includes a manually actuated switch (not shown) whereby an operator may manually interrupt the connection of power from power source 106 to the respective artificial light units 104.

[0032] Controller 120 receives input from or monitors one or more light sensors

122 and one or more activity sensors 124. Based on those inputs, controller 120 determines the configuration of circuit interruption devices 1 lOA-C. In one embodiment, one or more of light sensors 122 is connected to controller 120 through a wired connection 126 and one or more of light sensors 122 is connected to controller 120 through a wireless connection 128. The wireless signals produced by the light sensors 122 are received by a communication module 130 of controller 120. In one

embodiment, one or more of activity sensors 124 is connected to controller 120 through a wired connection 132 and one or more of activity sensors 124 is connected to controller 120 through a wireless connection 134. The wireless signals produced by the activity sensors 124 are received by communication module 130 of controller 120.

[0033] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the light sensors 122 and the activity sensors 124 are connected to controller 120 through a wireless mesh network. In a wireless mesh network each sensor unit is a node which can act like a router. The nodes of a mesh network automatically form a network based on knowledge of the surrounding nodes and are able to reconfigure themselves when a surrounding node fails. In this way mesh networks are self-organizing and self-healing. An exemplary protocol for a wireless mesh network is IEEE 802 15.4 protocol. An exemplary commercial protocol is the ZIGBEE protocol. Each node on the wireless mesh network will have a unique ID. Messages originating from a node include the ID of the sending node and the ID of the intended recipient node.

[0034] Controller 120 may be a general purpose computer, a portable computing device, or a computing device coupled to or integrated with a lighting system. In one embodiment, controller 120 is a stand alone computing device. Exemplary stand alone computing devices include a general purpose computer, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and a tablet computer. Although controller 120 is illustrated as a single controller, it should be understood that multiple controllers may be used together, such as over a network or other methods of transferring data.

[0035] Controller 120 has access to a memory 140 which is accessible by a processing device 142 of controller 120. Exemplary processing devices include computer processors, programmable logic controllers, and other suitable controllers. Processing device 142 executes software 144 stored on the memory 140. Memory 140 is a computer readable medium and may be a single storage device or may include multiple storage devices, located either locally with processing device 142 or accessible across a network. Computer-readable media may be any available media that may be accessed by processing device 142 of controller 120 and includes both volatile and non- volatile media. Further, computer readable-media may be one or both of removable and nonremovable media. By way of example, computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD- ROM, Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which may be used to store the desired information and which may be accessed by controller 120.

[0036] Memory 140, in one embodiment, includes operating system software 150.

An exemplary operating system software is a WINDOWS operating system available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington. Memory 140 further includes communications software 152, if controller 120 has access to a network, such as a local area network, a public switched network, a CAN network, any type of wired network, and any type of wireless network. An exemplary public switched network is the Internet. Exemplary communications software 152 includes e-mail software, internet browser software, and other types of software which permit controller 120 to communicate with other devices across a network.

[0037] Memory 140 further includes lighting control software 154 and energy usage software 156. Although described as software, it is understood that at least portions of the lighting control software 154 and energy usage software 156 may be implemented as hardware.

[0038] In one embodiment, controller 120 includes an operator interface 170.

Operator interface 170 includes one or more displays 172 or other output devices and one or more input devices 174. Exemplary input devices include keyboards, touch screens, keys, sliders, knobs, dials, switches, and other suitable devices for providing an input.

[0039] Turning to FIG. 3, an exemplary light unit 200 is shown. Light unit 200 includes a base 202, a metal halide bulb 204, and a diffuser 206. Bulb 204 receives power from power source 106 through power line 208. Light unit 200 is suspended from a ceiling 160 of facility 100.

[0040] Light unit 200 includes a light sensor 210 which is coupled to an RF wireless transceiver 212. Light sensor 210 is directed upward to sense the light level above light unit 200 between light unit 200 and ceiling 160. In this manner, the light produced by light unit 200 does not adversely bias the readings of light sensor 210. The light levels detected by light sensor 210 are communicated to controller 120 over a wireless network by a wireless transceiver 212 which is coupled to the light sensor 210.

[0041] A motion sensor 214 is also supported by light unit 200. The output of motion sensor 214 is communicated to controller 120 over the wireless network by wireless transceiver 212. In the illustrated embodiment, motion sensor 214 is coupled to wireless transceiver 212 through a cable 216.

[0042] In addition to light sensor 210, additional light level sensors 122 may be positioned within a few feet of a floor 162 of facility 100. These light level sensors 122 provide a reading of the light level experienced by persons moving about facility 100.

[0043] Turning to FIG. 4, another exemplary light unit 230 is shown. Light unit 230 includes a base 232 which is suspended from a rafter 164 of facility 100 and a plurality of fluorescent bulbs 234. Bulbs 234 receive power from power source 106 through power line 238.

[0044] Light unit 200 includes a light sensor 210 which is coupled to an RF wireless transceiver 212. Light sensor 210 is directed upward to sense the light level above light unit 230 between light unit 230 and ceiling 160. In this manner, the light produced by light unit 230 does not adversely bias the readings of light sensor 210. As explained above, the light levels detected by light sensor 210 are communicated to controller 120 over a wireless network by wireless transceiver 212.

[0045] A motion sensor 214 is also supported by light unit 230. The output of motion sensor 214 is communicated to controller 120 over the wireless network by wireless transceiver 212. In the illustrated embodiment, motion sensor 214 is coupled to wireless transceiver 212 through a cable 216. In addition to light unit 230, additional light level sensors 122 may be positioned within a few feet of a floor 162 of facility 100. These light level sensors 122 provide a reading of the light level experienced by persons moving about facility 100.

[0046] In one embodiment, each light unit 104 within a facility includes a light sensor 122 and an activity sensor 124. In one embodiment, at least one light unit of a plurality of light units on a common circuit includes at least one of a light sensor or an activity sensor 124. In one embodiment, at least one light unit of a plurality of light units on a common circuit includes both a light sensor and an activity sensor 124. In one embodiment, one or both of the light sensors 122 and activity sensors 124 are supported by the facility structure independent of the light units 104.

[0047] An exemplary processing sequence 300 of light control software 154 is shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 5, controller 120 receives an indication of the light level proximate to the given light unit, as represented by block 302. Controller 120 compares the received light level to a threshold value 306, as represented by block 304. If the monitored light level is above the threshold value then the light unit is turned OFF, as represented by block 308. In one embodiment, controller 120 changes the

configuration of the circuit interruption device 110 associated with the given light unit to cease sending power from power source 106 to the given light unit. In one embodiment, an average light level is determined for all light units on a common circuit. The average light level is compared to the threshold value.

[0048] If the monitored light level is below the threshold value 306, then controller 120 reviews an indication of activity from an activity sensor positioned proximate to the given light unit, as represented by block 310. If activity is not detected by the activity sensor, the light unit remains OFF, as represented by block 308. If activity is detected by the activity sensor, the light unit is turned ON, as represented by block 312. In one embodiment, the light unit is fully illuminated. In one embodiment, the light unit is a dimmable light unit and the level of illumination is set to approach the threshold level.

[0049] In one embodiment, the light unit 104 stays on for at least an exemplary amount of time, as represented by blocks 314 and 316. After the expiration of the timer, controller 120 once again reviews the light level proximate to the light unit, as

represented by block 302.

[0050] An exemplary processing sequence 400 of energy usage software 156 is shown in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 6, controller 120 receives energy usage for light units 104, as represented by block 402. For the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, energy usage software 156 receives power levels 404A-C (see FIG. 7) for circuits 108A-C. The power levels 404A-C corresponds to the respective current draws for each of circuits 108A-C. By knowing the voltage of a given circuit 108, energy usage software 156 may determine the power used based on the voltage and the current draw. In one embodiment, an RMS power is determined. In one embodiment, a peak power is determined. Referring to FIG. 1, current sensors 406A-C monitor the current draw of the respective circuit 108A-C.

[0051] Returning to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, energy usage software 156 stores the power level readings in memory 140, as represented by block 410. In one

embodiment, the power level readings are stored in a database system 412 (see FIG. 7) wherein the power levels are time stamped and associated with the respective circuits. As shown in FIG. 7, a database is represented including circuit information 414, light units associated with circuit information 416, rated full load power information 418, and a plurality of power readings 420 with associated time stamps 422.

[0052] At each timestamp, energy usage software 156 may determine the power used as a percentage of the full load power values, as represented by block 430 (see FIG. 6). In one embodiment, energy usage software 156 determines the power used as a percentage of the full load power values independently for each circuit. In one embodiment, energy usage software 156 determines the power used as a percentage of the full load power values in aggregate for all monitored circuits.

[0053] In one embodiment, energy usage software 156 graphically displays the energy usage as a percentage of full load power on a display 172 of controller 120 to provide feedback to individuals in the facility, as represented by block 432. In one embodiment, energy usage software 156 also displays the current energy savings by multiplying the number of kW saved by the local kW cost for the time periods of the readings (different time periods have different costs for some utilities). These are exemplary measures of the energy usage and energy savings. [0054] In one embodiment, energy usage software 156 determines the cost of full load energy consumption for each circuit for a given time period. The estimated savings for that time period is determined by energy usage software by formula (1) provided below wherein S is the estimated savings, C_F is the determined full load cost for the time period, PA is the actual power consumed during the time period, and P_F is the full load power capable for the time period if the lights are illuminated. = c_F(^) (1)

[0055] The actual savings may be determined for any time period for which power readings have been recorded. Exemplary time periods include hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and annual.

[0056] In one embodiment, energy usage software 156 also monitors waste energy recycling. In one embodiment, energy usage software 156 also takes into account locally produced power in the savings determination. The locally produced power may include renewable sources of power. Exemplary renewable locally produced power includes solar, wind, hydro, biofuels, geothermal, and other suitable methods of energy production. In this embodiment, controller 120 monitors the power being consumed by each circuit (time stamped) and monitors at least one of the power being supplied from the utility grid (purchased power also time stamped) and power being supplied from the local power sources (time stamped). Based thereon, formula (1) is rewritten as formula (2) wherein S is the estimated savings, C_F is the determined full load cost for the time period, PA is the actual power consumed during the time period, PG is the power provided by the grid during the time period, and P_F is the full load power capable for the time period if the lights are illuminated.

Formula (2) simplifies to formula (3).

s = c_p(\ - (3)

"F

[0057] In one embodiment, energy usage software 156, determines the result for both formula (1) and formula (3) for display on a display 172 of controller 120 to provide both an indication of energy savings based on the lighting control system and on locally produced power. The display 172 may be a touch screen display, such as the touch screen display represented in FIG. 10.

[0058] In one embodiment, energy usage software 156 determines the amount of energy saved by the recycling of waste heat for conversion to useful energy. Referring to FIG. 11, an exemplary system 600 is represented. A load 602 converts energy into useful work. During this process, waste energy is produced, such as heat. The heat may be transported away from the load by a fluid. Exemplary fluids include air and liquids. Exemplary loads include motors, processing equipment, and other types of machinery which produce useful work.

[0059] The fluid carrying the waste heat is provided to a fluid heat exchanger 604 which removes heat from the fluid carrying the waste heat. A fluid waste stream is disposed of and a fluid recycled waste heat stream is recycled for the further production of useful work.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 12, an exemplary embodiment of a waste heat recycling system 610 is shown. In FIG. 12, a heating system 612 is represented. The heating system receives fluid at a first temperature and raises the temperature of that fluid to a desired temperature (T_DES_IRED). In one example, heating system 612 receives ambient air and heats that air to the desired temperature. In the illustrated embodiment, heating system 612 receives air which has already been heated with recycled waste heat.

[0061] A fluid heat exchanger 604 receives ambient air at a first temperature (T_IN) and with the heat removed from the fluid carrying waste heat raises the temperature of the ambient air to a second temperature (TOU_T)- This heated air is then input to the heating system 612 for further heating, if needed, to raise the temperature of the air to the desired temperature (T_DES_IRED). In one embodiment, controller 120 receives an indication of the value of T_IN and TOU_T as well as the flow rate of fluid FIOWOU_T- Further, controller 120 determines the amount of energy or power needed to raise the temperature of the fluid from T_IN to T_DES_IRED and the amount of energy or power needed to raise the temperature of the fluid from TOU_T to T_DES_IRED- By subtracting the later from the former, controller 120 is able to determine the amount of energy or power saved by the recycled heat. In one embodiment, controller 120 further takes into account the amount of energy or power to operate fluid heat exchanger 604 in computing the energy or power savings. The monitored temperatures, flow rate, requirements of fluid heat exchanger 604, and computed values may be stored in database 412 for further processing by controller 120.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 13, a representation of the energy input to facility 100 is shown. The facility 100 may receive energy from one or more of a renewable source of energy 622, the utility grid 624, and local non-renewable sources of energy 626.

Exemplary renewable sources of energy 622 include solar, hydro, wind, geothermal, biofuels, and other renewable sources of energy. Exemplary local non-renewable sources of energy include natural gas, propane, diesel fuel, hydrogen fuel cells, and other locally stored energy supplies.

[0063] The summation of the energy provided by these three groups represents the energy input (E_IN) to the facility 100. In one embodiment, controller 120 determines the amount of energy or power provided by each group through a plurality of sensors. In one embodiment, controller 120 determines an energy savings due to renewable sources of energy by determining the percentage component that E_R represents of E_I .

[0064] Referring to FIG. 10, an exemplary touch screen display 180 is represented with a first exemplary screen 560 shown. Touch screen display 180, in one embodiment, is part of a kiosk 650 (see FIG. 1) . Screen 560 includes a plurality of selectable areas 562-570. Selectable area 562 corresponds to an hourly time period. Selectable area 564 corresponds to a daily time period. Selectable area 566 corresponds to a weekly time period. Selectable area 568 corresponds to a monthly time period. Selectable area 570 corresponds to an annual time period.

[0065] The selection of a given selectable area results in a second exemplary screen being displayed which includes a selectable input to return to screen 560, an indication of power consumption for the time period, an indication of the peak power usage for the time period, an indication of the power factor for the time period, and an indication of the power savings for the time period. In one embodiment, the power savings indication is based on at least one of the result of formula (1) for the time period and the result of formula (2) for the time period.

[0066] In one embodiment, the information in database 412 and the information discussed above in connection with FIG. 10, is made available by controller 120 to a remote controller 190. In one embodiment, remote controller 190 provides a web portal and uses the information to generate one or more web pages which may be accessed by remote users. In one embodiment, a remote user needs to provide identification information to be able to view information regarding facility 100.

[0067] In one embodiment, one or more kiosks 650 are provided around facility

100. The kiosks 650 include a computing device and a display screen. Information regarding energy savings or energy usage in the facility is communicated to the kiosks 650 over a network and displayed on the respective display. In one embodiment, one or more of the kiosks 650 include the functionality of controller 120 and permits an operator to provide user settings to the controller to alter the lighting conditions for the facility.

[0068] In one embodiment, energy usage software 156 performs system health checks to assure accuracy of the data stored and reported. An exemplary system health check is a parity check of the data.

[0069] In one embodiment, energy usage software 156 includes a baseline amount of energy expected to be used in facility 100. The amount of energy may be broken down into various categories. In one example, provided in Table I, energy usage software 156 is able to access stored expected energy loads for the entire facility (full load energy), the facility lighting load (lighting), the facility heating load (heating), other loads in the facility (other loads), and the cost of grid supplied electrical energy (grid cost), each on a two hour basis. Exemplary other loads include production equipment, and other suitable electrical loads. The energy numbers provided in Table I are provided for the purpose of illustration. The energy numbers may be presented in any suitable units of energy or power. Further, the expected energy load may vary over time. In addition, the grid cost is illustrated as a constant number, but may vary based on the known costs structures associated with grid energy.

Ta ble I - Building Envelope Expectations

Time Full Load Energy Lighting Heating Other Loads Grid Cost

12:00 AM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

2:00 AM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

4:00 AM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

6:00 AM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

8:00 AM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

10:00 AM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

12:00 PM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

2:00 PM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

4:00 PM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

6:00 PM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

8:00 PM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

10:00 PM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

12:00 AM 1200 400 300 500 $1,500.00

[0070] Energy usage software 156 based on the expected energy loads for each load category may determine energy savings. For instance, Table II illustrates an exemplary situation wherein lighting control software 154 is executed to take advantage of daylight harvesting. In Table II, the expected full load lighting energy (expected full load lighting) is provided along with the actual lighting energy load (actual lighting) which is illustratively reduced to account for energy savings due to daylight harvesting. In one embodiment, energy usage software 156 executes equation 1 to determine the energy savings on a two hour basis. This energy savings may be presented to a user through a display, such as a touch display 180 on a kiosk 650. Table II - Savings by DayLighting

Expected Full Load Actual

Time Lighting Lighting Savings Grid Cost

12:00 AM 400 400 $0.00 $1,500.00

2:00 AM 400 400 $0.00 $1,500.00

4:00 AM 400 400 $0.00 $1,500.00

6:00 AM 400 300 $375.00 $1,500.00

8:00 AM 400 350 $187.50 $1,500.00

10:00 AM 400 275 $468.75 $1,500.00

12:00 PM 400 100 $1,125.00 $1,500.00

2:00 PM 400 100 $1,125.00 $1,500.00

4:00 PM 400 100 $1,125.00 $1,500.00

6:00 PM 400 200 $750.00 $1,500.00

8:00 PM 400 300 $375.00 $1,500.00

10:00 PM 400 400 $0.00 $1,500.00

12:00 AM 400 400 $0.00 $1,500.00

Total Savings $5,531.25

[0071] In one embodiment, illustratively shown in Table III, energy usage software 156 may provide an operator with the expected full load lighting (expected full load lighting) for the facility 100, the expected actual lighting (actual lighting) based on historical data of facility usage when lighting control software 154 is executed, and provide the operator the ability to adjust the lighting levels. It may be the case that the operator, based on expected activity and expected lighting requirements, believes that a lighting level of 100 is sufficient for some time periods and a lighting level of 200 is required for other time periods as opposed to historic lighting levels.

[0072] As shown in Table III, energy usage software 156 may determine the potential savings due to daylight harvesting (potential savings due to daylighting) based on equation 1 and then determine the effect of the user adjustment on those savings

(effect of user adjustment). As shown in Table III, the operator is provided with the potential additional savings (additional savings) provided by the user adjustment for the twenty- four hour period.

Table III - Savings or Cost due to Daylight Harvesting and User Adjustment

Expected Potential Savings Effect of

Full Load Actual User Due to User

Time Lighting Lighting Adjustment Daylighting Adjustment Grid Cost

12:00 AM 400 400 100 $0.00 $1, 125.00 $1,500.00

2:00 AM 400 400 100 $0.00 $1, 125.00 $1,500.00

4:00 AM 400 400 100 $0.00 $1, 125.00 $1,500.00

6:00 AM 400 300 200 $375.00 $375.00 $1,500.00

8:00 AM 400 350 200 $187.50 $562.50 $1,500.00

10:00 AM 400 275 200 $468.75 $281.25 $1,500.00

12:00 PM 400 100 200 $1,125.00 -$375.00 $1,500.00

2:00 PM 400 100 200 $1,125.00 -$375.00 $1,500.00

4:00 PM 400 100 200 $1,125.00 -$375.00 $1,500.00

6:00 PM 400 200 200 $750.00 $0.00 $1,500.00

8:00 PM 400 300 200 $375.00 $375.00 $1,500.00

10:00 PM 400 400 100 $0.00 $1, 125.00 $1,500.00

12:00 AM 400 400 100 $0.00 $1, 125.00 $1,500.00

Total

Savings $5,531.25 $6,093.75

Additional

Savings $562.50

[0073] Referring to Table IV, energy usage software 156 may also determine an amount of energy savings attributable to energy recycling. As explained above in connection with FIG. 12, waste heat may be recycled to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat a fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid is ambient air which is heated to provide comfort for the operators in facility 100. In one embodiment, the fluid is a liquid which is used in a production process or for radiant heating.

[0074] As illustrated in Table IV, the energy needed for the expected full load heating (expected full load heating) is provided along with the actual energy used for the heating process (actual heating). Energy usage software computes the difference of the two and based on the grid energy cost determines the amount of savings attributable to waste energy recycling.

Table IV - Savings by Energy Recycling

Expected Full Actual

Time Load Heating Heating Savings Grid Cost

12:00 AM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

2:00 AM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

4:00 AM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

6:00 AM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

8:00 AM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

10:00 AM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

12:00 PM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

2:00 PM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

4:00 PM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

6:00 PM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

8:00 PM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

10:00 PM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

12:00 AM 300 225 $375.00 $1,500.00

Total

Savings $4,875.00

[0075] In one embodiment, facility 100 includes a source of renewable energy.

Energy usage software 156 monitors the amount of energy provided by the renewable source and reports a savings based on the reduction in grid energy used and the cost of the grid energy assuming all energy was drawn from the grid. Referring to Table V, an example is provided wherein facility 100 includes a solar system.

Table V - Solar Produced Power

Time Full Load Energy Grid Solar Savings Grid Cost

12:00 AM 1200 1200 0 $0.00 $1,500.00

2:00 AM 1200 1200 0 $0.00 $1,500.00

4:00 AM 1200 1200 0 $0.00 $1,500.00

6:00 AM 1200 1198.5 1.5 $2,250.00 $1,500.00

8:00 AM 1200 1197.5 2.5 $3,750.00 $1,500.00

10:00 AM 1200 1196 4 $6,000.00 $1,500.00

12:00 PM 1200 1194 6 $9,000.00 $1,500.00

2:00 PM 1200 1194 6 $9,000.00 $1,500.00

4:00 PM 1200 1194 6 $9,000.00 $1,500.00

6:00 PM 1200 1196 4 $6,000.00 $1,500.00

8:00 PM 1200 1198 2 $3,000.00 $1,500.00

10:00 PM 1200 1200 0 $0.00 $1,500.00

12:00 AM 1200 1200 0 $0.00 $1,500.00

Total

Savings $48,000.00

[0076] Tables I-V are provided to illustrate exemplary reporting capabilities of energy usage software 156. Other reporting capabilities may be implemented. Further, the reporting may be performed on different time horizons (weekly, monthly, yearly). In one embodiment, energy usage software 156 provides graphical reporting. In one embodiment, energy usage software reports the cumulative savings of one or more of waste heat recycling, lighting control, and renewable source of energy utilization.

Tables I-V and graphical representations thereof are exemplary measures of the energy usage and energy savings.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary embodiment of controller 120 is shown having features distributed among multiple components. In the illustrated embodiment, controller 120 is included in a facility 100 having an existing lighting panel 520 which would include breakers for each of circuits 108. Circuit interruption devices 110 are provided for each circuit that are controlled by controller 120, illustratively relays 510. In one embodiment, relays 510 are provided external to existing lighting panel 520. A relay controller 500 is provided which controls the configuration of each of relays 510. Relay controller 500 communicates with other components of controller 120 over one of a wireless network and a wired network or connection.

[0078] A submeter unit 502 is provided which monitors the current drawn by each circuit 108. Submeter unit 502 also monitors the light sensors 122 mounted proximate to the floor of the facility, the activity sensors 124 mounted proximate to the floor of the facility, and other sensors mounted proximate to the floor of the facility. Exemplary other sensors include temperature sensors, access sensors, and other suitable sensors. Submeter unit 502 communicates with the sensors 122, 124 and other components of controller 120 over one of a wireless network and a wired network or connection.

[0079] A control unit 504 is provided which communicates with the light sensors

122 supported by the light units 104 and activity sensors 124 supported by the light units 104 over a wireless network. Control unit 504 also includes the lighting control software 154 and the energy usage software 156. Control unit 504 instructs relay controller 502 which instructs relays 510 to turn off or on.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 9, controller 120 is shown along with a programmable lighting panel 550. Programmable lighting panel 550 may be programmed to either provide power to any one of circuits 108 or to withhold power from any one of circuits 108. Programmable lighting panel 550 includes a circuit breaker 552 for each of circuits 108. [0081] Controller 120 communicates to programmable lighting panel 550 a desired state for circuit breakers 552 based on the detected light levels and/or activity levels associated with the light units 104. In one embodiment, controller 120 communicates with programmable lighting panel 550 over a wired connection. In one embodiment, the wired connection is a network. In one embodiment, controller 120 communicates with programmable lighting panel 550 over a wireless network.

[0082] While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. An energy control system for a facility including a plurality of artificial light units connected to a power source through a plurality of circuits and a heating system, the energy control system comprising:

a lighting control system which based on sensed lighting level operates to reduce the energy load of the plurality of artificial lights;

a waste heat recycle system which removes heat from a fluid carrying waste heat to produce recycled waste heat and provides the recycled waste heat to the heating system to reduce the energy load of the heating system; and

a reporting system which produces an indication of at least one of a measure of the reduced energy load of the plurality of artificial lights and a measure of the reduced energy load of the heating system.

2. The energy control system of claim 1, wherein the waste heat recycle system receives ambient air and heats the ambient air to produce heated air, the heated air is provided to the heating system.

3. The energy control system of claim 2, wherein the reporting system determines the measure of the of the reduced energy load of the heating system based on a temperature of the ambient air and a temperature of the heated air.

4. The energy control system of claim 3, wherein the lighting control system includes a plurality of circuit interruption devices, each associated with a respective circuit of the plurality of circuits, each circuit interruption device having a first state wherein power is communicated through the respective circuit to the artificial light units electrically connected to the respective circuit and a second state wherein power is interrupted;

a plurality of light sensors which monitor the facility;

a plurality of activity sensors which monitor the facility; and

a controller operatively coupled to the plurality of circuit interruption devices, the plurality of light sensors, and the plurality of activity sensors, the controller determining a state for each of the plurality of circuit interruption devices based on at least one of the plurality of light sensors and the plurality of activity sensors.

5. The energy control system of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of artificial light units supports one of the plurality of light sensors, the plurality of light sensors being positioned to sense a light level above of the respective light unit between the artificial light unit and the ceiling of the facility.

6. The energy control system of claim 5, wherein a first circuit includes a first group of lighting units each supporting one of the plurality of lighting sensors, the sensed lighting level being an average of the sensed lighting level for the plurality of lighting sensors of the first group of lighting units.

7. The energy control system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of light sensors communicate with the controller over a wireless network.

8. The energy control system of claim 7, wherein the facility includes a lighting panel which connects the power source to the plurality of artificial lights through the plurality of circuits, wherein the circuit interruption devices are positioned outside of the lighting panel, each of the plurality of circuit interruption devices being associated with a respective one of the plurality of circuits.

9. The energy control system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of circuit interruption devices are part of a programmable lighting panel.

10. The energy control system of claim 7 wherein the reporting system includes a display which presents the indication of at least one of the measure of the reduced energy load of the plurality of artificial lights and the measure of the reduced energy load of the heating system.

11. The energy control system of claim 10, wherein the display is part of a kiosk positioned within the facility.

12. An energy control system for a facility including a plurality of artificial light units connected to a power source through a plurality of circuits and a renewable energy system which provides part of the power of the power source, the energy control system comprising:

a lighting control system which based on sensed lighting level operates to reduce the energy load of the plurality of artificial lights; and

a reporting system which produces an indication of at least one of a measure of the reduced energy load of the plurality of artificial lights and a measure of the energy provided by the renewable energy system to the facility.

13. The energy control system of claim 12, wherein the lighting control system includes a plurality of circuit interruption devices, each associated with a respective circuit of the plurality of circuits, each circuit interruption device having a first state wherein power is communicated through the respective circuit to the artificial light units electrically connected to the respective circuit and a second state wherein power is interrupted; a plurality of light sensors which monitor the facility;

a plurality of activity sensors which monitor the facility; and

14. The energy control system of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of artificial light units supports one of the plurality of light sensors, the plurality of light sensors being positioned to sense a light level above of the respective light unit between the artificial light unit and the ceiling of the facility.

15. The energy control system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of light sensors communicate with the controller over a wireless network.

16. The energy control system of claim 15, wherein the reporting system includes a display which presents the indication of at least one of the measure of the reduced energy load of the plurality of artificial lights and the measure of the energy provided by the renewable energy system to the facility.

17. The energy control system of claim 16, wherein the display is part of a kiosk positioned within the facility.

18. An energy control system for a facility including a heating system connected to a power source and a renewable energy system which provides part of the power of the power source, the energy control system comprising: a waste heat recycle system which removes heat from a fluid carrying waste heat to produce recycled waste heat and provides the recycled waste heat to the heating system to reduce the energy load of the heating system; and

a reporting system which produces an indication of at least one of a measure of the reduced energy load of the heating system and a measure of the energy provided by the renewable energy system to the facility.

19. The energy control system of claim 18, wherein the waste heat recycle system receives ambient air and heats the ambient air to produce heated air, the heated air is provided to the heating system.

20. The energy control system of claim 19, wherein the reporting system determines the measure of the of the reduced energy load of the heating system based on a temperature of the ambient air and a temperature of the heated air.

21. An energy control system for a facility including a plurality of artificial light units connected to a power source through a plurality of circuits, the energy control system comprising:

a plurality of circuit interruption devices, each associated with a respective circuit of the plurality of circuits, each circuit interruption device having a first state wherein power is communicated through the respective circuit to the artificial light units electrically connected to the respective circuit and a second state wherein power is interrupted;

a plurality of light sensors which monitor the facility;

a plurality of activity sensors which monitor the facility; a controller operatively coupled to the plurality of circuit interruption devices, the plurality of light sensors, and the plurality of activity sensors, the controller determining a state for each of the plurality of circuit interruption devices based on at least one of the plurality of light sensors and the plurality of activity sensors, the controller determining a measure of energy savings based on the power provided through the plurality of circuits to the artificial light units; and

a display operatively coupled to the controller to display the measure of energy savings.

22. The energy control system of claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of artificial light units supports one of the plurality of light sensors, the plurality of light sensors being positioned to sense a light level above of the respective light unit between the artificial light unit and the ceiling of the facility.

23. The energy control system of claim 22, wherein the plurality of light sensors communicate with the controller over a wireless network.

24. The energy control system of claim 23, wherein the facility includes a lighting panel which connects the power source to the plurality of artificial lights through the plurality of circuits, wherein the circuit interruption devices are positioned outside of the lighting panel, each of the plurality of circuit interruption devices being associated with a respective one of the plurality of circuits.

25. The energy control system of claim 23, wherein the plurality of circuit interruption devices are part of a programmable lighting panel.

26. The energy control system of claim 21, wherein the display is part of a kiosk positioned within the facility.

27. A method of monitoring energy savings at a facility including a lighting control system and a waste heat recycle system, the method comprising the steps of:

electronically determining a measure of energy savings attributable to a lighting control system of the facility;

electronically determining a measure of energy savings attributable to a waste heat recycle system of the facility; and

providing on a display an indication of at least one of the measure of energy savings attributable to the lighting control system and the measure of energy savings attributable to the waste heat recycle system.

28. A method of monitoring energy savings at a facility of a lighting control system and a renewable source of energy system, the method comprising the steps of:

electronically determining a measure of energy savings attributable to a renewable source of energy system of the facility; and

providing on a display an indication of at least one of the measure of energy savings attributable to the lighting control system and the measure of energy savings attributable to the renewable source of energy system.

29. A method of monitoring energy savings at a facility including a waste heat recycle system and a renewable source of energy system, the method comprising the steps of: electronically determining a measure of energy savings attributable to a waste heat recycle system of the facility; electronically determining a measure of energy savings attributable to a renewable source of energy system of the facility; and

providing on a display an indication of at least one of the measure of energy savings attributable to the waste heat recycle system and the measure of energy savings attributable to the renewable source of energy system.