1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 11111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 11111111
`US 20040117330Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`Ehlers et al.
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0117330 Al
`Jun. 17, 2004
`( 43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
`CONTROLLING USAGE OF A COMMODITY
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Gregory A. Ehlers, Bradenton, FL
`(US); James H. Turner, Chesterfield,
`VA (US); Joseph Beaudet, Prince
`George, VA (US); Ronald Strich,
`Pueblo West, CO (US); George
`Loughmiller, Scottsdale, AZ (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`HOWARD & HOWARD ATTORNEYS, P.C.
`THE PINEHURST OFFICE CENTER, SUITE
`#101
`39400 WOODWARD AVENUE
`BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304-5151 (US)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`10/628,644
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 28, 2003
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63)
`
`Continuation of application No. 10/402,370, filed on
`Mar. 28, 2003, now abandoned.
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/368,963, filed on Mar.
`28, 2002. Provisional application No. 60/383,027,
`filed on May 24, 2002.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ..................................................... G06F 17/00
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 705/412
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A system and method manage delivery of energy from a
`distribution network to one or more sites. Each site has at
`least one device coupled to the distribution network. The at
`least one device controllably consumes energy. The system
`includes a node and a control system. The node is coupled
`to the at least one device for sensing and controlling energy
`delivered to the device. A control system is coupled to the
`node and distribution network for delivering to the node at
`least one characteristic of the distribution network. The node
`for controls the supply of energy to the device as a function
`of the at least one characteristic.
`
`1.06
`
`,1.16 \
`
`,1.12
`
`UTILI1Y
`INTERFACE
`
`UTILI1Y
`CONTRO f-0 SYSTEM
`
`1.02
`
`\
`
`,....G_A_TE_._W._'.A.._Y_,
`
`1 1.10D
`l.l O
`,,-J
`f ( 1.10A
`LOAD
`METERING 1-----1
`,___N_O_D_E _ _.1,10B
`U
`1.08B
`CONTROL 1-----1 CONTROLLED _)
`NODE
`DEVICE
`
`1.08
`
`11.0BA
`
`METERED
`DEVICE
`
`NODE
`
`-
`
`-
`
`1.18~
`
`CONTROLLED
`LOAD
`CONTROL 1-----1 AND METERED
`NODE
`DEVICE
`L1.1oc
`L1.osc
`
`USER
`INTERFACE
`L1.14
`
`l1.04
`
`GOOGLE 1010
`
`001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 1 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`1.06
`
`\
`
`1 1.16
`UTILITY
`INTERFACE
`
`I 1.12
`.--------------.
`UTILITY
`CONTRO ~ SYSTEM
`
`1.02
`
`\
`
`1 1.10D
`; /0
`~G_A_TE_w:_11._Y_
`
`1.os
`
`NODE
`
`f( - 1.10A
`
`,J
`f ( 1.0BA
`LOAD
`METERED
`- - METERING 1----4 DEVICE
`1.10B.____ _ _ __.
`NODE
`L.J
`
`CONTROL
`NODE
`
`1.08B
`CONTROLLED _j
`DEVICE
`
`Fig11re1A
`
`_
`
`-
`
`LOAD
`CONTROLLED
`CONTROL 1------1 AND METERED
`NODE
`DEVICE
`L1.1oc
`L1.osc
`
`USER
`INTERFACE
`L1.14
`
`t1.04
`
`1.32 --
`
`1.32A
`
`MEASURE ENERGY
`USAGE OF A DEVICE
`
`CUT OFF ENERGY TO THE DEVICE
`DURING A 1ST TIME PERIOD
`
`1.32B
`
`PROVIDING A REBATE BASED ON
`ACTUAL ENERGY SAVINGS
`
`1.32C
`
`_EgMre1C
`
`002
`
`

`

`1.06 - 1.26
`
`rl.24
`
`BACK END
`SERVER
`D
`
`1.10
`
`UTILITY
`GUI
`
`1.14
`
`(
`
`I CUSTOMER
`GUI
`
`1.30B
`
`1.18 :,
`1.30D~□o
`rrr,,, ~ ,. ,,,~,
`:-..·
`RFCOMMUNICATION
`1I/))
`----
`~\\
`POOL PUMP
`
`O 00 O
`
`'
`
`THERMOSTAT
`
`1.30A
`
`METER
`
`'~
`) GATEWAY
`~,.-·
`1.10D
`
`1.04 -
`
`FigY;re1B
`
`¼,
`
`'•J~
`
`1.30C
`
`D
`
`WATER
`HEATER
`
`""C
`
`I")
`
`I")
`
`~ .... ~ = ....
`~ "Cl -....
`~ ....
`.... 0 =
`~
`O' -....
`~ ....
`.... 0 =
`~ = ?
`
`'"""'
`~-..J
`N
`0
`0
`,i;;..
`
`'JJ. =(cid:173)~
`~ ....
`N
`0 ....,
`'"""' 00
`
`d
`'JJ.
`N
`0
`0
`~
`0
`'"""'
`'"""' ;;!
`~
`0
`>
`'"""'
`
`003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 3 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`1.06
`
`UTILITY
`
`1.10D ·
`
`1.10
`
`"
`
`NODE
`TWO WAY
`.------,.---. COMMUNICATIONS ~ - . , . PROCESSOR
`CHANNEL
`
`2.16
`
`CONTROL POINT
`CONFIGURATION
`INTERFACE
`
`2.06
`
`2.02
`
`MEMORY
`
`OTHER NODES OR
`PROGRAMMING DEVICE
`
`2.08
`
`Fig:Y:re2A
`
`1.10
`
`l,
`
`1.10A
`
`TWO WAY
`.------- COMMUNICATIONS
`CHANNEL
`2.06
`2.04
`
`2.16
`
`CONTROL POINT
`CONRGURATION
`INTERFACE
`
`1.0BA
`
`METERED
`DEVICE
`
`NODE
`PROCESSOR
`
`2.02
`~__._--,
`MEMORY
`
`METERING
`MODULE
`
`2.10
`
`OTHER NODES OR
`PROGRAMMING DEVICE
`
`2.08
`
`FigMre 2B
`
`004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 4 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`1.10
`
`\
`
`2.14
`
`MAINS
`COUPLER
`
`1.08B
`
`CONTROLLED
`DEVICE
`
`2.12
`
`1.10B
`
`NODE
`TWO WAY
`. - - - - - - COMMUNICATIONS - - - PROCESSOR
`CHANNEL
`
`2.16
`
`CONTROL POINT
`CONFIGURATION
`INTERFACE
`
`2.06 2.02
`.---------,
`2.04
`MEMORY
`
`OTHER NODES OR
`PROGRAMMING DEVICE
`
`2.08
`
`Fig11re 2C
`
`1.10
`
`\
`
`1.10c
`
`2.14
`
`MAINS
`COUPLER
`
`2.12
`
`1.0BC
`
`METERED
`AND CONTROLLED
`DEVICE
`
`TWO WAY
`COMMUNICATIONS
`CHANNEL
`2.06
`2.04
`
`NODE
`PROCESSOR
`
`2.02
`
`MEMORY
`
`METERING
`MODULE
`
`2.10
`
`OTHER NODES OR
`PROGRAMMING DEVICE
`
`2.08
`
`.Bg11re 2D
`
`2.16
`
`CONTROL POINT
`CONFIGURATION
`IN'ILRFACE
`
`005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 5 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`GATEWAY NODE
`
`2.24
`
`2.20 r 2.20A Y!,
`
`2.22 r 2.22A
`
`1 - - - - - - 1 LOAD METERING NODE 1 - - - - - 1 WHOLE HOUSE METER
`2.20B
`2.22B
`
`------ LOAD CONTROL NODE ------ 1ST FLOOR HVAC SYSTEM
`2.20C
`2.22C
`1 - - - - - 1 LOAD CONTROL NODE i------12ND FLOOR HVAC SYSTEM
`2.20D
`2.22D
`,___ _ _. LOAD CONTROL NODE ----REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER
`2.20E
`2.22E
`1 - - - - - - 1 LOAD CONTROL NODE i-----iELECTRIC WATER HEATER
`2.20F
`2.22F
`------LOADCONTROLNODE------WELLPUMP
`2.20G
`ROOF MOUNTED
`1------1LOADCONTROLNODEi------1PHOTOVOLTIAC
`l.20H
`SYSTEM
`
`2.22G
`
`, _ _ _ _ - 1 LOAD CONTROL NODE 1 - - - - - - 1 DISHWASHER
`
`2.22H
`
`Fi~re2E
`
`3.02
`
`3.04
`
`3.06A
`
`70
`~ Occupancy
`
`Fm 9 $$$$
`) ee
`3.06B
`
`Hold/Rosume
`
`~ 3.06D
`
`3.06C
`
`3.06 Fi~re 3A
`
`~ 1.30D
`
`006
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 6 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`1.30D
`
`3.08 --
`
`3.10
`
`r
`
`INDOOR THERMOSTAT
`
`3.10A
`
`THERMOSTAT
`
`1 - - - - - - - 1 HUMIDITY SENSOR
`
`3.10B
`
`OTHER SENSORS
`
`3.10C
`
`GATEWAY
`NODE
`
`1.10D
`
`Fig!lre3B
`
`OTHERNODES
`AND DEVICES
`
`1.08, 1.10
`
`~
`IJ.:I
`
`~ 0
`~ 0
`~
`
`~
`
`8
`
`7
`
`6
`
`5
`
`4
`
`3
`
`2
`
`1
`
`0
`0
`
`ECONOMIC AND COMFORT MANAGEMENT & CONTROL EXAMPLE
`
`---MAXIMUM SAVINGS
`BALANCED SAVINGS/COMFORT
`- - MAXIMUM COMFORT
`
`-
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`
`~
`!:a
`
`~
`8
`
`/
`
`/
`~
`0
`~
`
`4
`
`8
`
`~
`~
`
`12
`
`--
`16
`
`----
`24
`20
`
`- - -
`32
`28
`
`COST OF ENERGY IN CENTS PER KWH
`_fj~re3C
`
`007
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 7 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`ECONOMIC AND COMFORT MANAGEMENT & CONTROL EXAMPLE
`
`'
`----
`3.12A
`314A
`.
`J---
`.,,,,.,,,,-; ------ -
`--
`.,,;;.--:::----
`--------c_3.14B
`_____
`~-----
`--~~-------===-~=-------------c3.14C
`~-::-;J~~::::: ___________ _
`
`,
`
`16
`
`32
`
`48
`
`64
`
`80
`
`96
`
`112
`
`128
`
`INTERVALS OF TIME - 4 MINUTES PER INTERVAL
`
`ECONOMIC AND COMFORT MANAGEMENT & CONTROL EXAMPLE
`
`-THERMAL GAIN RATE
`-
`-HVACRUN%
`
`.,,,,,,---·-- .......
`
`4
`
`80
`
`79
`
`~ 78
`0 77
`~
`~ 76
`~ 75
`~ 74
`73
`
`0
`
`72
`
`0
`
`80
`
`70
`"$. 60
`
`~ 20
`
`10
`
`00
`
`,___ _________________ __,o
`24
`21
`18
`15
`12
`0
`9
`6
`3
`INTERVALS OF TIME -HOUR INTERVALS
`_Ijgyre 3E
`
`I 50
`
`40
`
`i:i:::::
`~ 30
`
`008
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 8 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`ECONOMIC AND COMFORT MANAGEMENT & CONTROL EXAMPLE
`
`70
`
`78
`
`- -
`MAXIMUM ECONOMY -
`77 MAXIMUMCOMFORT---
`
`76 i-----------------:::i~-------
`75
`
`74
`
`73
`
`72i,,,=;;.-------~~---~-------
`71---------------------
`16
`80
`112
`128
`48
`32
`96
`64
`INTERVALS OF TIME - 4 MINUTES PER INTERVAL
`_Bgy_re 3F
`
`0
`
`ECONOMIC AND COMFORT MANAGEMENT & CONTROL EXAMPLE
`
`80
`
`70
`
`-THERMAL GAIN RATE
`-
`-HVACRUN%
`
`-;ffe. 60
`
`I 50
`
`40
`
`~ u
`~ 30
`
`20
`
`-
`---- -- -.....
`
`......
`
`'
`\
`
`4
`
`3
`
`~!
`2 !~
`~~
`
`1
`
`/
`
`//
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/ ---
`
`10
`
`00
`
`0
`
`3
`
`6
`
`15
`12
`18
`INTERVALS OFTIME-HOURINTERVALS
`
`9
`
`21
`
`0
`24
`
`FigHre3G
`
`009
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 9 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`,.---___ ___.____ ____ _
`4.02 ~.
`~w
`
`4.06A 4.06B
`
`4.06C
`
`4.06D
`
`4.08B
`
`Direct Access
`Direct &(UH to your
`enagydevkes
`
`Scheduling
`Your Sched:!:fi retoun:et
`ue loca
`hm:
`
`~~ ~0
`
`M)'. B,e2orts
`y=-~anS'i!?:
`~<Q;)
`
`Alerts
`Ally al- in yam oy,1En
`,,
`m,U.tedhm:
`~-mJ
`
`Configmation Data
`Your Usn Profile lnfonna.tlon. and
`Gt<l'l!J' letting,
`
`!!g~
`
`Jh1:1:Hel2
`Clidc here to find tnfozma.tion
`aboutyom,ystem
`
`~[I]
`
`Figure4A
`
`4.10
`
`4.14
`
`Homeowner Direct Access
`Use the following links ta quickly find screens that prarlde details about your energy dem:es
`Homeowner Direct Access Pages
`
`4.10 -
`e ---.
`--4.16B
`
`ll!hole House Meter
`Cilek here to access Whole Ha1l8e Meter
`
`Heating/AC
`Click here to access Huling/ AC
`
`_,,
`4.16
`
`I
`
`4.16A ..,,;
`
`--~ (~
`. Ftg!l_re4B
`
`Thermostat Name: Heating/ AC
`
`4.18
`
`4.20
`
`AUTO
`
`StagetOFF
`
`AuxHeatOFF
`
`67F
`();
`Heat:58
`..
`Cool:85 @ Slagel OFF
`aO $$$$
`
`Away
`
`_Bgyre4C
`
`4.22A
`4.22B
`4.22C
`4.22D
`4.22E
`4.22F
`
`Change System Mode
`
`Change Fan Mode
`
`Override Temperatare
`
`Override Occupancy
`
`Cancel Override
`
`Cancel Curtailment
`
`~ 4.22
`
`010
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 10 of 18 US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`WJ
`
`4.24
`Occupancy Modes
`I ~ I 4'1iEl
`
`.1lwl
`
`l!w:1
`
`Ylim
`.film.
`GZ) Active
`When my home is in Home Mode
`Use the following settings for the areu controlled by the Heating/ AC thennostat
`-4.32
`ue: ! Economica!Comf~vl,~;:nomyProfile
`Coolingsetpoint[]Q] •F
`GZJ My home is normally OCCUPIED during Home mode
`Heating setpoint ~ "F
`l
`A
`Defaults
`
`lls!i
`
`2.26
`
`4.28
`
`BK1l.re4D
`
`4.30
`
`Occupancy Modes
`~ I M!Ei. I .film.
`Ylim
`! When my home is in Home Mode D Active
`Use the following settings for the areu controlled by the Heating/ AC thermostat
`-4,32
`Cooling setpoint mJ "F
`118e: ! Economlw Comfo !villCOnomy Profile
`Heating setpoint ml "F
`OCCUPIED d
`M home is
`
`Away mode
`
`.Ym ~ ~ lls!i
`
`2.26
`
`4.28
`
`_Bg1l.re 4E
`
`4.30
`
`Occupancy Modes
`~ . f i lm . l~ I~ ~ ~ ~l~lli
`.---==-----"==---==.,,,~==-........,;;=-----==----=-----==-,,
`-
`I When my home is in Home Mode D Active
`Use the followings~ for the areu controlled by the Heating/ AC thermostat
`use: EconomlwCamfo Iv llconomyProfile
`Coollngsetpoint(W "F
`Heating setpoint ffi] • F
`d••-'ft-v acant UU:de
`Maximum Comfort
`- -
`Balmted Comfort
`I
`EconomkaJComfort =un
`
`4 32
`
`I
`
`_Ijgy_re4F
`
`011
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 11 of 18 US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`Thermostat Scheduling
`4.36 -./""'
`«Prev
`March
`II Tuesday
`I
`11 Monday
`Sunday
`
`IM .......
`Next»
`II
`II Wednesday II Thursday
`
`lvl
`Friday
`
`12003 lvl
`II Saturday
`
`2
`
`Weekend
`
`eekday
`
`eekday
`
`Weekday
`
`eekday
`
`eekday
`
`. eekend
`
`t-·,
`'BBBBBB
`C!.: E1BBBE1B
`~ BE1BE1BB
`23 "E1E1E1BE1B
`(!: E-, 1
`
`9
`
`Weekend
`
`16
`
`Weekend
`
`eekday
`
`eekday
`
`eekday
`
`eekday
`
`Weekend
`
`eekday
`
`eek day
`
`eek day
`
`eekday
`
`eekend
`
`Weekend
`
`eekday
`
`eekday
`
`eekday
`
`eekday
`
`eekday
`
`eekend
`
`30
`
`Weekend
`
`_Bgtj_re 4G
`
`4.36
`
`4.38
`
`v
`
`~
`Thermostat Scheduling
`SelectDayType: Weekda
`Select Thermostat Heatin / AC
`=-=~=:
`I v !mode
`Start» Start at midnight in: I Sleep
`lvlmode
`lvlswitchtol Userl
`Thenatl 04:30am
`lvlmode
`lvlswitchtol User2
`Thenatl 05:00am
`lvlmode
`lvlswitchtol Home
`Then atl 05:30am
`Iv !switch to :=I A=w=a=y==:;:, v::::::imode
`Then at I 07:30am
`Then at I 04.:<JOpm
`jvjmode
`lvlswitcbtol User2
`Then at I 05;30pm
`jvlmode
`lvlswitchtol Home
`lvlmode
`lvlswitchtoj Sleep
`Then atl 10:00pm
`
`Click to show instructions
`
`4.40
`
`A ply to 3/1812.003
`
`Ba.ck to calendar".
`
`Figtj_re 4H
`
`4.44
`
`4.46
`
`~4.40
`
`Iv
`
`Weekday
`New Day Type
`Weekdav
`Weekend
`Holidav
`~
`
`Zf.18/2003
`
`_Bgtj_re 41
`
`012
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 12 of 18 US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`Configure Alert
`
`Alerts
`
`User Name: E.Minem
`Primary email: eminem@aol.com
`
`Alert Description
`
`Destination
`
`4.52
`
`4.54
`
`4.56
`
`4.58
`
`@
`
`@
`
`@
`
`Temperature out of Range
`
`Home Occupant
`
`Temperature out of Range
`
`Service Provider
`
`Gateway Not Responding
`
`Service Provider
`
`Temperature out of Range
`
`finergy I'roVlaer
`
`Gateway Not Responding
`
`.l!nergy PriiVlaer
`
`Budget Llmit Alarm
`
`Home Ottiieant
`
`Device ls Malfunctioning
`
`Rome UCCUpant
`
`Communication Failure
`
`Home Occupant
`
`Ramping Recovery Failure
`
`4.48 Duplicate IP address
`
`Rome Occupant
`
`@
`
`[CJ
`[CJ
`D
`[CJ
`D
`[CJ
`D
`[CJ
`D
`D D
`D D
`II:]
`D
`
`lvl
`D
`lvl
`D
`lvl
`D
`lvl
`@ D
`lvl
`D
`@
`lvl
`D
`D
`lvl
`D
`D
`lvl
`D
`D
`lvl
`D
`D
`I~• H
`D @=]
`lvl
`D
`@
`Service Provider
`!Sinll!e H
`D @=]
`l!iier!ll'. Proviaer !vi
`D
`@
`Temperature out of Range
`Note: You may add the secondary email as another channel by updating personal data, Oick here to update aa:ount personal data
`
`I Single H
`I Single H
`l~e H
`Single H
`Single H
`Single H
`
`S~e H
`
`~· H
`D @=] ~· H
`
`4.60 Fi~re41
`
`Reports
`Temperature Reports
`
`4.68A
`
`4.68B
`
`4.66
`
`ffiectridty Usage
`J2ailf: Electrical
`
`8
`
`~
`
`4.68C
`
`4.68
`
`_fl~re4K
`
`Cost &: Consumption
`Yearly Graph
`
`~
`
`4.68D
`
`4.68E
`
`Daily l'J'Ofile - 4.68F
`
`013
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 13 of 18 US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`Temperature Data. for Tuead.ay, March 18,200.1
`
`I □ Temperablre II Coallngs..r,;nt □ Heating #-3
`
`Temperature Data
`
`100
`
`95
`
`90
`
`85 I 80
`
`65
`
`Ii()
`
`,__ ___ _.,
`
`.J
`
`• 75
`~~.~-------...r.;1'"""'"-sv----/
`
`4.70
`
`55
`so+-,-..,......,....--,---,----,--.---r--r--r---r--.--.,--,,--,,--.--.--..--r--r--r-..,....-,--,
`oom02m04~~W08MWUllUU~UITUU~nn~oo
`4.72
`TIDle
`
`... ~,Mar:!003 \vi [EE] I lldruhawt
`
`«l'nrimu 6.,, II NatDay»
`
`II
`
`VlewToday U Vlew"lblsMODlb j
`
`,
`
`4.74
`
`Clmc
`
`Fig!!re4L
`
`4.76
`
`Daily Electrical Report
`"Total Cost: $1.57 Total Usage: 11.54 kWh
`-CO.ta an atiJData of the actaal cost of energy that doa ~ IDclade taxa or o t h e r ~
`Energy Consumption and Cost for Tuesday, March 18, 2003
`C Hourly kWH -15 minutes cost
`~ o o , . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . - $ 0 . 2 0
`$0.18
`1.80
`$0.16
`L60
`$0.14
`$0.12
`
`1AO
`
`1.20
`
`~~
`0.80
`
`0.60
`
`0.40
`
`$0~
`$0.08
`
`$0.06
`
`$0.04
`
`$0.02
`0.20
`0.OO+--.-....,.......,..-,.__,. _ _,,_,--.--T"'"'--.-""T""....,..._.....---,--,--,,--.--..-...--.--1-$0.00
`OOM020304~06W08MWllUU14~~DUU20llll~OO
`Tune
`
`4
`
`~ ~ eH o u o eM c t u
`
`<< Previous Day
`
`Next Day>>
`
`IV I ~ □ Om,tuif SaJe
`H 1-2003
`j Vlewn.JsMonth I
`I
`! VlewTouy
`a ...
`
`&ofruhCbart
`j
`
`V!ewTblaY-
`
`4.82
`
`4.84
`
`4.80
`
`.£jg1J_re4M
`
`014
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 14 of 18 US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`486
`
`. 7
`
`Configuration Data
`
`4.88A
`
`.._,, -
`
`Personal Data
`Your penonol account setting,
`
`0
`
`EM Switches
`Energy Management Services
`
`.
`488B
`\
`(
`
`Thermostat Data
`Your thermostat data
`
`[j]
`
`PrOg!amB
`
`.
`488C
`\
`(
`
`Home Data
`l'nfoillllltion about your home
`
`0
`
`Your program listing
`
`~ DQLD --._.4.88E
`
`f
`)
`4.88D
`
`FigHre4N
`
`Thermostat Data
`
`4.92
`
`4.90
`
`4.94
`
`.
`{}J
`Type:L.::;:::;::::.;;::.:====c.:;.J
`Stages: o 1
`2
`~ Emerg=y Heatiog
`Addilional control,: 0 Humidifier O Dehumidifier
`0 AlmIJmita, ~High@:] LowOF
`"Saf,tyIJmit,, @:]High~Low"F
`'Cool IJmita, ~Hlgh@J l.ow"F
`•Hut IJmlta, ~ High@:] 1.c,w0p
`! Default Limits for Thermostat !
`! Thermostat Sumawy ! J
`
`Apply
`
`Reset
`
`•=required
`
`FigHre40
`
`4.92
`
`<
`
`Electric: w / Electric Emergenc! v
`Electric: w / Electric Emergency
`Electric: w / Gas Emergency
`Electric: w / Oil Emergency
`lliectric Baseboard
`Propane
`Oil
`Steam
`Hot Water
`.BgHre 4P
`
`4.94
`
`<
`
`Electric Heat Pump
`lliectric Heat Pump
`Electric Standard Central Air
`Natural Gas
`Evaporative
`
`Fig!lre4Q
`
`015
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 15 of 18 US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`Program Participation
`Program Listing
`
`4.96
`
`Supply Type
`
`Emergency AC Curtailment
`
`OttDemand
`
`On Demand
`
`Participate Product Name
`0
`0
`A Group
`On Demand
`□ BGroup
`□ Emergency HV AC Curtailment On Demand
`Em~ency Hot Tut,/Spa
`On Demand
`□
`Curtailment
`Em~ncy Pool Pump
`□
`Curtailment
`□ Emergency Shut Off
`□ ~"1i.:~r'ater Heater
`□ AftemoonPealcer
`□ MomingPealcer
`
`On Demand
`
`On Demand
`
`On Demand
`
`Scheduled
`
`Scheduled
`
`Apply
`
`Effective Oates
`!:!!2
`!2
`01/01. - 17,131
`01/01. - 17,131
`01/01. - 17,131
`01/01. - 17,131
`01/01. - 17,131
`
`01/01 - 17,131
`01/01. - 17,131
`
`Effective Daily
`!2
`!:!!2
`12:00am -11:59pm
`
`12:00am - U:59pm
`
`12:00am - 11:59pm
`
`12:00am -11:59pm
`
`12.-00am - ll:59pm
`
`12:00am -11:59pm
`
`12.-00am -11:59pm
`
`Ol/01. - 17/31
`
`12.-00am -11:59pm
`
`~-10/01
`
`12:00am - 6:00pm
`
`0]/01. - 17/31
`
`6:00am. -12:00pm
`
`4.100
`
`4.98
`
`Figy,re4R
`
`Immediate Supply Scheduled Supply Program Ddinitiom Active Supply Supply History Reports
`
`Home Logoff .... "'\_
`,s.osc
`5.04
`
`§J!§
`
`e2paclty.
`
`Promm Definitions
`
`spedfic pmgnm
`
`Active SuPJ:!IX
`
`~iml!Ixliiam
`
`&m!m
`
`(
`I
`5.0BE
`
`(
`I
`5.0BF
`
`Fi~re5A
`
`1 5.0BB
`1 5.0BA
`Schedule!!. SttPJ:!IX
`Immediate §ttl!l!b:
`==~'i;.~
`~~,=~ark ~~=~ ~ : ! . ' :~ t a b l e
`f:..~cil'..~=~-~i:.i 6de$ble Rbllraliom ~ avallal,le t:°.C l.hw ..,,
`c:fi._ded
`Supply lllialayo • table a ~11ti::!'Jll;-=~r,poit,
`11nkt ue pr,mded to ~!af ==~-~-d.
`
`5.08~ Link to • trH ,!iag,am of the
`
`..,.,
`,time,J::r
`
`electrkal dlaldbull4n netwodc ~ e r
`Subatntiom are tdectablc and
`ti.on
`active 111pply at the node lri'eL
`(
`I
`5.0BD
`
`016
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 16 of 18 US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`m.,.drlcd DiddbutionNetwork!ortul
`• teC..nadtv Total Dinacftv
`StatianName
`I 110IOW
`tssl
`l
`,, ... w
`
`I i 10_69kw
`I I 10_69kw
`
`dost
`
`~ Subatratiom
`
`A
`
`A<tioOI
`
`I Review I Request Supply
`I Review / Request Supply
`
`5.20
`
`r
`
`.., ~
`
`22
`
`510
`
`5.16
`)
`
`\
`
`2000
`
`-rTI
`-1,
`
`I, POlftr Dul. Nehvvtk
`ae ... ,
`ES.rut
`~~
`
`l'hlladdphla
`Philly NOD Cmwled
`
`5.14
`
`--
`
`5.18
`
`5.24
`~ Available Program Capacity
`
`Node Name : Philadelphia
`Generah: PrognmName
`
`5.28
`
`Available Power
`
`□ Emergency HV AC Curtailment
`
`□ Emergency Shut Off
`□ Emergency Water Heater Curlallment
`
`□ Emergency Pool Pump Cmtallment
`
`□ Emagency Hot TulVSpa Curtailment
`
`□ Emergency AC Curtailment
`
`□ BGroup
`
`□ A Group
`Dumtlon l:§EJ--5,32
`
`1600W
`16.00W
`low
`low
`IN/A
`1600W
`1600w
`1300W
`
`Tue Mar 18 200314:30
`
`Submit
`
`ao ..
`
`5.26
`
`7193W
`
`st5W
`
`21J!IW
`
`ow
`
`7193W
`
`7193W
`
`7193W
`
`5.34
`
`5.36
`
`5.38
`
`Fig1J.re5C
`
`017
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 17 of 18 US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`Day~I =- I ~ I ~ I h~ I
`~ IEledriw Dhtribation Network for dal
`
`W
`
`30:2 W
`
`4U W
`
`1· -169 W
`
`"3 W
`
`Anllablc Adlam
`I.mew Scbedula Crate Sdle:duldl
`
`w--,w
`
`!SSW
`
`I ll97W uw
`
`I.mew Schedllla T C&c.tc Scbedula
`
`Wm:Wql 151 W
`
`I 187W
`
`11.MW
`
`I 205W
`
`·1 B.nkw Scbdula T Ctt.ate Schdttln
`
`Wlllkdql 832.W
`l"ft11nr Non Cmtaile4
`WCllk4.ITI OW
`
`1160W
`
`5'9W
`
`, ... w
`
`I aeriew Sc:b.cdulca I C:rate: Schedala
`
`25W
`
`ow
`
`27W
`
`BmcwSdiedulea
`
`Cnal:e Scbed.111£1
`
`I - I \
`
`CD...,_Dht.N-
`aa...,
`aeidat
`
`§-"""""""'
`
`540 . '
`&
`
`fhlhd,!phb,
`f'billyNnC'artailed
`
`5.44
`
`I
`
`i'lloa!h
`
`= •
`~hlA
`
`I
`5.46
`
`FiK1lre5D
`
`5.48
`~ Find Eligible Programs
`
`:
`Day:(]:B
`
`Find Eligible Programs for: Phoenix
`Date:
`Month:~
`nvm
`H01119:~ Minuter.!rB
`ffi:EI
`Dcdied Supply:CJ
`I Rael
`
`1"lllle:
`
`I Submit
`
`I
`
`Year: I 2003
`
`lvl
`
`To
`HOlUl:u:::B Minllla:(I:E
`Sc:heduloNamc: I
`I
`
`I
`
`I Close
`
`I
`
`5.50
`
`5.52)
`
`5.54 FiK1lre 5F
`
`018
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 18 of 18 US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`Program Definitions
`
`Program Name:
`
`Description:
`
`Supply Type: @On Demand Q Sdieduled ...--....._5,62
`Available Tune: From: HH @=B MM @=B
`To: HH(LB MM @=@
`Available Dates: From: MM rr::=@ DD rr::=@
`To:MMII:E DD ~
`0 Optional
`
`0 Ovenideable ~ 5.66
`Device Types To O
`O
`O
`HVAC/fSTAT Water Heater PoolPwnp 0HotTul,/Spa ,,,,,_..,___5,68
`fndllde:
`
`ave
`
`Reset
`
`s.7o
`
`5.72 FigY:.re 5G s.74
`
`5.60
`
`5.56
`
`5.64
`
`Ci?cult: Neighborhood Power Company
`Daily Report for Electric Meter
`Total Usage: 647.32 kWh
`
`! Energy Consumption for Tuesday, March 18 ,20031
`
`5.76
`
`□ HourlykWH
`20 .00 - r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`18.00
`16.00
`14.00
`12.00
`
`! 10.00
`
`8.00
`6.00
`
`4.00
`2.00
`O.DO-t--r---,----,.---,,--,--"T"""-,-""T'"'--r---.---,.--,---r..!:>-,-""T'"'--.---....----------1
`oom~roM~~~OO~WllUUMBH~U~20ll~~oo
`Time
`
`Select
`Device
`
`! Electric Meterj v ! ~h ! Dall!vf Month j Mu2003 H Day ~
`
`FigY:.re 5H
`
`5.78
`
`5.80
`
`Electric Meter Iv
`Thermostat
`ffiectric Meter
`Water Heater
`Pool Pump
`Hot Tub/Spa
`
`Figyre 51
`
`019
`
`

`

`US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`Jun. 17,2004
`
`1
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING
`USAGE OF A COMMODITY
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 10/402,370 filed Mar. 28, 2003,
`which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
`Serial No. 60/368,963 filed Mar. 28, 2002 and to U.S.
`Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/383,027 filed
`on May 24, 2002, all of which are hereby incorporated by
`reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The present invention relates generally to the deliv(cid:173)
`ery of a commodity, and more particularly, to a system and
`method for managing the delivery and usage of a commodity
`such as electricity, natural gas, steam, water, chilled or
`heated water, or potable or recycled water.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] Traditionally, utilities have done an excellent job of
`providing a reliable source of power to their customers.
`Utilities do this by accurately predicting consumer demand
`and then ensuring that they have adequate generation
`resources available to meet that demand. Historically,
`demand for power increases each year during peak heating
`and cooling months, resulting in a need for ever increasing
`amounts of generation capacity. A review of the peak period
`demand clearly show that the need for a substantial amount
`of new generation assets could be eliminated if there was a
`way to shift some of the demand from peak to off peak times.
`
`[0004] The deregulation of the electric industry has
`heightened concerns over power outages, price volatility and
`how the eventual outcome will impact the economy and our
`way of life.
`
`[0005] For example, recent events in California have cap(cid:173)
`tured the headlines and amplify these concerns. California
`suffers from 10 years of load growth with no new generation
`facilities being built to meet the demand. Internet data
`centers like the one in San Jose represent unanticipated new
`demands for power 24 hours a day equal to that of 60,000
`homes. State mandated deregulation activities forced the
`major utilities to sell off their generation assets resulting in
`them having to buy the power they used to self generate
`from others.
`
`[0006] Demand reduction programs and more advanced
`controls have been proposed to assist in reducing demand
`during peak times.
`
`[0007] Currently, utilities do offer demand reduction pro(cid:173)
`grams to their customers. These programs are designed to
`shift loads out of peak periods by providing a financial
`incentive for consumers to move loads to a time when it is
`less expensive for the utility to produce or obtain power.
`Time of day rate is an example of such a program.
`
`[0008] Another type of program offered by utilities is the
`traditional Demand Side Management (DSM) program. This
`type of program provides the customer a monthly credit for
`allowing the utility to interrupt power to major loads in their
`home during peaks or emergencies.
`
`[0009] While both of these programs have been shown to
`work, they each have their problems. Time of day rate
`programs may be difficult for customers to understand.
`Therefore these programs have a very low participation rate
`among the customer base. DSM programs, on the other
`hand, have a much higher participation rate. However, DSM
`load sheds are seldom exercised by the utility. And, when the
`utility does exercise a load shed, the resulting interruption of
`power tends to affect customer comfort, thereby causing
`large numbers of customers to drop out of the program. In
`addition, current DSM programs cannot differentiate
`between those consumers that contribute to a load control,
`and those that don't, while providing incentive credits to all
`who sign up.
`
`[0010] While both time of day rates and DSM programs
`can be effective, each have challenges in the area of cus(cid:173)
`tomer satisfaction that erode their usefulness. In addition,
`utilities earn little revenue from these types of offerings and
`therefore look to new generation as a more economically
`viable option.
`
`[0011] Thermostats,
`thermostatic control devices and
`environmental control systems have been designed, manu(cid:173)
`factured and placed in use for many years. These devices are
`primarily designed to sense the temperature inside a site 1.04
`and based on occupant designated setting, activate the
`heating and/or air conditioning system or systems to main(cid:173)
`tain a comfort level based on the occupants designated level
`of comfort. There are two main types of design for these
`devices: a standard single control device or a dual control
`system.
`
`[0012] The standard single control device can be set to
`activate a heating or cooling system based upon a manual
`switch to select either system and a degree setting mecha(cid:173)
`nism to select the desired temperature to heat or cool to if the
`temperature falls or rises below or above the occupant
`designated set point. A dual control system is attached to
`both a heating and cooling system which has two set points,
`one for the heating system activation and one for the cooling
`system activation. With this type of a control, the user sets
`a desired minimum temperature, below which the heating
`system will be activated to raise the temperature during
`winter seasons, and a maximum temperature, above which
`the cooling system will be activated to drop the temperature
`during summer seasons.
`
`[0013] This type of temperature control device provides
`the occupant the convenience of not having to manually
`select either the heating or cooling system, as is the case of
`the standard single control device, and allows the occupant
`to define a temperature range between which they are
`comfortable. Using these two main types of design as a base
`line, there are many variations, which have been developed
`over time. Over the years, these sensing and control devices
`have moved from traditional bi-metal contractors to more
`sophisticated electronic devices over the years, and have
`incorporated the ability to be programmed with multiple set
`points for both heating and cooling as well as having the
`ability to activate these different set points based on time of
`day, day of week, and/or externally generated control signals
`from utility companies indicating a fixed cost tier that is in
`effect, e.g., low, medium, high & critical, and to interface
`with an infra-red motion sensor that automatically sets back
`the temperature to a predetermined point based on the
`
`020
`
`

`

`US 2004/0117330 Al
`
`Jun. 17,2004
`
`2
`
`presence of a person in the area. However, most end use
`consumers do not have the time, experience, and/or access
`to data to monitor, track, and use these devices.
`
`[0014] The present invention is aimed at one or more of
`the problems set forth above.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0015]
`In one aspect of the present invention, a system and
`method manage delivery of energy from a distribution
`network to one or more sites. Each site has at least one
`device coupled to the distribution network. The at least one
`device controllably consumes energy. The system includes a
`node and a control system. The node is coupled to the at least
`one device for sensing and controlling energy delivered to
`the device. A control system is coupled to the node and
`distribution network for delivering to the node at least one
`characteristic of the distribution network. The node for
`controls the supply of energy to the device as a function of
`the at least one characteristic.
`
`[0016]
`In another aspect of the present invention, a
`method of shifting energy requirements from a first period of
`time is provided. The method includes the steps of measur(cid:173)
`ing energy usage of a controlled device operated by a
`customer, cutting off energy to the controlled device during
`the first time period, and providing a rebate to the customer
`based on actual energy savings as a function of the first time
`period, the measured energy usage, and known power
`requirements.
`
`[0017]
`In still another aspect of the present invention, a
`thermostat device for controlling a heating and/or cooling
`system through interaction with a user is provided. The
`heating and/or cooling system are supplied with energy
`through a power distribution network. The thermostat
`includes a control panel for receiving input from the user and
`a display coupled to the control panel for visually presenting
`information to the user. The thermostat device is adapted to
`receive a characteristic of the energy being supplied and for
`displaying the characteristic on the display.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0018] Other advantages of the present invention will be
`readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood
`by reference to the following detailed description when
`considered in connection with the accompanying drawings
`wherein:
`
`[0019] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an energy manage(cid:173)
`ment system, according to an embodiment of the present
`invention;
`
`[0020] FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic illustration of one
`implementation of the energy management system of FIG.
`lA;
`
`[0021] FIG. lC is a flow diagram of a process for man(cid:173)
`aging energy delivery according to an embodiment of the
`present invention;
`
`[0022] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a gateway node used
`in the energy management system of FIG. lA;
`
`[0023] FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a metering node
`used in the energy management system of FIG. lA;
`
`[0024] FIG. 2C is a block diagram of a control node used
`in the energy management system of FIG. lA;
`[0025] FIG. 2D is a block diagram of a load control node
`used in the energy management system of FIG. lA;
`[0026] FIG. 2E is a block diagram of an implementation
`of the energy system of FIG. 1A at a customer site;
`[0027] FIG. 3A is an illustration of an advanced thermo(cid:173)
`stat device, according to an embodiment of the present
`invention;
`[0028] FIG. 3B is a block diagram of the advanced
`thermostat device of FIG. 3A;
`[0029] FIGS. 3C-3G are graphs illustrating an exemplary
`economic and comfort management control strategy, accord(cid:173)
`ing to an embodiment of the present invention;
`[0030] FIG. 4A is a graphical illustration of a customer
`GUI, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`[0031] FIG. 4B is a graphical illustration of a control
`panel of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0032] FIG. 4C is a graphical illustration of a virtual
`thermostat of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0033] FIG. 4D is a graphical illustration of an occupancy
`mode screen of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0034] FIG. 4E is a second graphical illustration of the
`occupancy mode screen of FIG. 4D;
`[0035] FIG. 4F is a third graphical illustration of the
`occupancy mode screen of the GUI of FIG. 4D;
`[0036] FIG. 4G is a graphical illustration of a thermostat
`scheduling calendar of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0037] FIG. 4H is a graphical illustration of a thermostat
`scheduling panel of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0038] FIG. 41 is a graphical illustration of a select day
`type drop down list of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0039] FIG. 4J is a graphical illustration of a config alert
`screen of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0040] FIG. 4K is a graphical illustration of a report
`screen of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0041] FIG. 4L is a graphical illustration of a daily
`temperature report pop up screen of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0042] FIG. 4M is a graphical illustration of a daily
`electrical report pop up screen of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0043] FIG. 4N is a graphical illustration of a configura(cid:173)
`tion data screen of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0044] FIG. 40 is a graphical illustration of a thermostat
`data screen of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0045] FIG. 4P is a graphical illustration of a heating drop
`down list of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0046] FIG. 4Q is a graphical illustration of a cooling
`drop down list of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0047] FIG. 4R is a graphical illustration of a program
`participation screen of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`[0048] FIG. SA is a graphical illustration of a utility GUI,
`according to an embodiment of