(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0117330 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 17, 2004
`Ehlers et al.
`
`US 2004O117330A1
`
`(54)
`
`(76)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`(63)
`
`SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR
`CONTROLLING USAGE OF A COMMODITY
`
`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
`394OO WOODWARD AVENUE
`BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304-5151 (US)
`Appl. No.:
`10/628,644
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 28, 2003
`Related U.S. Application Data
`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
`
`(51) Int. Cl. ................................................. G06F 17/00
`(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 N
`
`1.12
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONTROLLED
`DEVICE
`
`CONTROLLED
`AND METERED
`DEVICE
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 1 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`1.06
`1.16 N
`
`1.12
`
`S. INTERFACE
`
`CONTROL SYSTEM
`
`110D
`
`NODE
`
`? 1.10A
`
`?t- 08A
`
`LOAD
`METERING
`NODE
`
`1,10B
`CONTROL
`NODE
`LOAD
`CONTROL
`NODE
`1.10C
`
`METERED
`DEVICE
`
`108B
`CONTROLLED
`DEVICE
`CONTROLLED
`AND METERED
`DEVICE
`108C
`
`Figure 1A
`
`11s u?
`
`USER
`
`1.14
`
`s
`
`1.04
`
`
`
`1.32
`
`ense
`
`1.32A
`
`Figure 1C
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`XHIWO ISIQO
`
`In5)
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 3 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`
`
`1.10D
`
`. TWO WAY
`COMMUNICATIONS
`
`
`
`NODE
`PROCESSOR
`
`
`
`CONTROL POINT
`CONFIGURATION
`INTERFACE
`
`2.08
`
`Figure 2A
`
`1.10
`
`
`
`1.08A
`
`1.10A
`TWO WAY
`COMMUNICATIONS
`CHANNEL
`
`-
`NODE
`METERING
`PROCESSOR
`MODULE
`
`CONTROL POINT
`CONFIGURATION
`INTERFACE
`
`OTHERNODES OR
`PROGRAMMING DEVICE
`
`
`
`2. 08
`
`Figure 2B
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 4 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`2.14
`
`
`
`TWO WAY
`
`COMMUNICATIONS
`
`CHANNEL
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONTROL POINT
`CONFIGURATION
`INTERFACE
`
`
`
`1.10
`
`
`
`1,08B
`
`CONTROLLED
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`1.10B
`
`prior
`
`NODE
`PROCESSOR
`
`2.08
`
`AND CONTROLLED
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`CONTROL POINT
`CONFIGURATION
`INTERFACE
`
`OTHER NODES OR
`PROGRAMMING DEVICE
`
`2.08
`
`Figure 2D
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 5 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`GATEWAYNODE N-2.24 2"
`
`2.18
`220A 2-
`
`2.22A
`
`2.22B
`
`2.22C
`
`2.22D
`
`-2.22E
`ELECTRICWATER HEATER
`2.22F
`WELL PUMP -2.22G
`Roof MountED
`PHOTOVOLTAC
`SYSTEM
`DISHWASHER-N-2.22H
`
`2.20B
`
`220C
`
`2.20 D
`
`2.2OE
`
`2,20F
`
`2,206
`
`2.20H
`
`Figure 2E
`
`
`
`3.02
`
`3.04
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 6 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`130D
`
`
`
`
`
`
`THERMOSTAT
`
`
`
`3.08
`
`3.10
`
`INDOOR THERMOSTAT
`
`
`
`3.10A
`
`HUMIDITY SENSOR
`
`3.10B
`
`OTHER SENSORS
`
`
`
`3,10C
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`GATEWAY
`NODE
`
`110D
`
`Figure 3B
`
`OTHER NODES
`AND DEVICES
`
`1.08, 1.10
`
`ECONOMIC AND COMFORTMANAGEMENT & CONTROLEXAMPLE
`
`- - - MAXIMUMSAVINGS
`BALANCEDSAVINGS/COMFORT
`- - - MAXIMUM COMFORT
`
`
`
`
`
`6
`
`0
`
`4
`
`8
`
`12
`
`
`
`16
`
`20
`
`24
`
`28
`
`32
`
`COST OF ENERGY IN CENTS PERKWH
`
`Figure 3C
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 7 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`ECONOMICAND COMFORTMANAGEMENT & CONTROLEXAMPLE
`
`l1
`
`21
`79
`1--
`3.14B
`-21
`a
`2 78
`21-----4-------- U-3,14C
`9 77
`--1 22--------
`22-24
`l
`3.12B
`/
`: 76
`S 75 /
`s
`
`74
`
`3.12C
`
`73
`
`72
`0
`
`16
`
`32
`
`48
`
`64
`
`80
`
`96
`
`112
`
`128
`
`INTERVALS OF TIME - 4 MINUTESPERINTERWAL
`
`Figure 3D
`
`ECONOMICAND COMFORTMANAGEMENT & CONTROLEXAMPLE
`
`
`
`80
`
`- - THERMAL GANRATE
`70 - HVACRLIN%
`60
`50
`40
`
`S
`
`4
`
`3
`
`S
`s
`
`s
`
`1
`
`S 30
`20
`
`10
`
`00
`
`0
`
`3
`
`18
`15
`12
`9
`6
`INTERWALS OFTIME-HOUR INTERWALS
`
`Figure 3E
`
`21
`
`0
`24
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 8 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`ECONOMIC AND COMFORTMANAGEMENT & CONTROLEXAMPLE
`
`MAXIMUM ECONOMY - - -
`
`
`
`0
`
`112
`96
`80
`64
`48
`32
`16
`INTERVALS OF TIME - 4 MINUTES PER INTERVAL
`
`128
`
`Figure 3F
`
`ECONOMIC AND COMFORTMANAGEMENT8 CONTROLEXAMPLE
`
`
`
`- - THERMAL GAINRATE
`- HWACRUIN%
`
`0
`
`3
`
`18
`15
`12
`9
`6
`INTERVALS OF TIME - HOUR INTERVALS
`
`21
`
`24
`
`Figure 3G
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 9 of 18
`
`US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`4.06A 40GB 406C
`
`4.06D
`
`406E
`
`ce Curtinent
`eveSats
`ontrol Center
`
`4. 05
`-
`
`Welcome EMinen
`1032AMES, to Maris, a
`Home Help Contact Faos
`Logoffenirea
`
`Direct access to your
`energy devices
`
`Your Schedulingresources
`are located here
`
`414BS
`
`ots
`reporta
`lehere
`
`Your en
`areay
`
`44C ()
`
`Yourser Profile information and
`
`Click here to find information
`about yotir system
`
`Heating/AC
`Click here to access Heating/AC
`
`Whole House Meter.
`Click here to access Whole House Meter
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`4.22A
`4,22B
`4.22C
`4,22D
`4.22E
`4.22F
`
`Stage 1 OFF
`
`AuxHeat OFF
`Stage 1 OFF
`
`$$$$.
`
`
`
`Figure 4C
`
`4.22
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 10 of 18 US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`4.24
`Occupancy Modes
`Vacant
`Away
`Sleep.
`When my home is in Home Mode 7 Active
`Use the following settings for the areas controlled by the Heating/ACthermostat
`Cooling setpoint 80°F
`is
`Economical confidenomy refle-432
`Heating setpoint
`OF
`M My home is normally OCCUPIED during Home mode
`
`4.10 YNY
`
`
`
`User
`
`User2.
`
`User3.
`
`
`
`Figure 4D
`
`4.30
`
`Occupancy Modes
`Vacant
`Home
`Sleep.
`Active
`When my home is in Home Mode
`Use the following settings for the areas controlled by the Heating/ACthermostat
`cooling setpoint:5°F
`(Economical comfortonomy rfiel-432
`
`Heating setpoint
`
`oF
`
`My home is normally OCCUPIED during Away mode
`
`User
`
`User2.
`
`User3.
`
`Figure 4E
`
`4.30
`
`User2
`
`Occupancy Modes
`Vacant I User
`Home
`Away.
`Sleep
`Active
`When my home is in Home Mode
`Use the following settings for the areas controlled by the Heating/ACthermostat
`4.32
`cooling setpoint,90F
`use: Economical confoREconomy Profile
`Heating setpoint:45F
`Ebcurrecturing vacant node
`Maximum Comfort
`Figure 4F
`
`User3
`
`User:
`
`2.26
`
`Users
`
`2.26
`
`User?
`
`2.26
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 11 of 18 US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`4.36
`
`434
`
`Thermostat Scheduling
`
`4.10
`
`eekday
`11
`eekday
`
`18
`eekday
`
`eekday
`
`19
`eekday
`
`26
`eekday
`
`eekday
`
`Figure 4G
`4.19
`4.38
`Thermostat Scheduling
`Select Thermostateating/ACM
`Select Day Type:Weekday CW
`Start’ Start at midnightin: Sleep
`Wmode
`clicktoshownstructions V
`436--Then at 04:30am IV witch to Uservinode T
`Then at 05:00am
`Yswitch to User2
`Wmode
`Then at 05:30am
`Wilswitch to Home
`Wmode
`Then at 07:30am
`switch to
`mode
`Then at 04:00pm
`Wilswitch to User2
`mode
`Then at 05:30pm
`Nilswitch to Home
`Ramode
`Then at 10:00pm.
`Wilswitch to Sleep
`Wmode
`
`4.40
`P
`
`Apply to 3/18/2003
`
`Apply to all Weekdays
`
`Back to Calendar.
`
`4.42
`
`Figure 4H 444
`
`4.46
`
`
`
`1N440
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 12 of 18 US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`Configure Alert
`Alerts
`
`UserName: E. Minern
`Primary email: emineneaol.com
`Alert Description
`Destination
`
`4.52
`-
`
`4.58
`4.54 4.56
`- - - -
`AccountD:
`Phone
`Ely web Page Configurable Priority Single/Aggregate
`
`Channel
`
`s
`
`-
`
`
`
`Energy Provider M.
`
`2
`
`Y.
`
`O
`
`O
`
`O
`
`O
`D
`
`O
`
`Temperature out of Range
`Temperature out of Range
`Gateway Not Responding
`Temperature out of Range
`Gateway Not Responding
`Budget Limit Alarm
`Device is Malfunctioning
`Communication Failure
`Ramping Recovery Failure
`Single M
`4.48 Duplicate IP address
`Single
`Z
`Temperature out of Range
`Note:You may add the secondary email as another channel by updating personal data, Click here to update account personal data
`
`Single M
`
`Single M
`Single R/
`
`Single N
`
`Y
`O
`O
`
`O
`
`D
`
`O
`
`3.
`
`
`
`4,68A
`
`4,68B
`
`Daily emperature
`
`Ef
`
`4.68
`
`Figure 4K
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 13 of 18 US 2004/0117330A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Daily Temperature Report
`
`Temperature Data for Tuesday, March 18, 2003
`
`Temperature Data
`
`4,70
`
`OO O O2 O3 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 1
`4.72
`
`2 3 4 5 6 7 8 19 20 2. 22 23 00
`Time
`an-Nietzac - Ilias it
`Crevious by CNet
`Over rody
`
`with Month
`
`Figure 4L
`
`4.74
`
`
`
`4.76
`
`Daily Electrical Report
`Total Cost $1.57 Total Usage: 1.54 kWh.
`costs are estimates of the actual cost of energy that does not include taxes or other surcharges
`Energy Consumption and Cost for Tuesday, March 18, 2003
`Hourly kWH-15 minutes cost
`"y
`S
`80
`
`160
`
`AO
`
`OO 01 02 c
`4.78
`Service device:
`
`04 (5 OS 07 os o9 10 1
`
`12 13 14,
`Tire
`
`5, 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 00
`
`O Constant scale
`
`Wew The Year
`
`viewrody
`close
`
`Figure 4M
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 14 of 18 US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`
`
`4.86
`Configuration Data
`
`4.88B
`
`4.88C
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`4.88A
`
`Your personal account settings
`
`Thermost at Data
`Your the nostat data
`
`Home Data
`Information about your home
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EMSwitches
`Energy Management Services
`
`ThermostatData
`
`Additional controls:
`High50 Lower
`Safety Limits:
`"Heat Limits 75 High5 LoweF
`
`Dehumidifier
`Humidifier
`Alert Limits 90 High 45 lawf
`*Cool Limits 90 High5 low-F
`
`= required
`
`4.92
`
`Figure 4O
`
`
`
`
`
`4.94
`
`Electric; w/ Electric Emergenc
`Electric; w/ Electric Emergen
`Electric: w/ Gas Emergency
`Electric: w/ Oil Emergen
`Electric Baseboard
`
`Oil
`
`Figure 4P
`
`Electric Heat Pump
`ElectricStandard Central Air
`
`Figure 40
`
`
`
`
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 15 of 18 US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`Program Participation
`
`4.96
`
`Effective dates
`Supply Type
`Participate Product Name
`From
`To
`Oaoernand OMO- 12/31
`Emergency AC Curtailment
`Or demand
`OMO - 12/31
`A Group
`On Demand
`o1/01 - 12/31
`B Group
`Emergency HVAC Curtailment On Demand
`OMO - 12/31
`YFot Tubispa
`On demand
`OMO - 12/3
`E.Fool Pump
`On Demand
`o/O1 - 12/31
`Energency Shut Off
`On Demand
`OMO - 12/31
`in Water Heater
`On Demand
`01/01 - 12/31
`AfteroonPeaker
`Scheduled
`04/01 - 10/01
`MorningPeaker
`Scheduled
`O1/O1 - 12/31
`
`Effective Daily
`From
`To
`12:00am - 11:59pm.
`12:00am - 11:59pm
`12:00ara - 11:59pm
`12:00am - 11:59pm
`12:00am - 11:59pm
`12:00am - 11:59pm
`12:00am - 11:59pm
`12:00am - 11:59pm
`12:00am - 6:00pm
`6:00am - 12:00pm
`
`4.100
`
`498
`
`
`
`Figure 4R
`
`Immediate Supply Scheduled Supply Program Definitions Active Supply Supply History Reports
`
`Horne Logoff
`
`5,04
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`E.E. E.E.E. EEE
`of the
`Link to a tree
`of the
`Link to a tree
`Selectable stabstrations Egg Selectable substratios gig
`immediately available - and tial electrical
`bigny
`capacity.
`according to "Day Type".
`
`Shows a pro
`
`tale
`
`Ele
`Esi
`Supply Histo
`lays a table of
`Substrations are electable and E.
`Fam
`links are provided to display
`Eas
`active supply at the noda level.
`inin/max
`demandare listed.
`
`5.08D
`
`5,08E
`
`5.08F
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 16 of 18 US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`5,16
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`5.18
`
`electrical Distribution Networkfortas
`
`s1
`Substrations
`a
`
`tow
`cow
`
`1069 w
`
`Review/Request supply
`Review / Request Suppl.
`
`
`
`5,22
`
`5.20
`
`Figure 5B
`
`5.24
`N
`Available Program Capacity
`Node Name:Philadelphia
`
`
`
`5.28
`
`5 3 0
`
`Emergency HVAC Curtainment
`
`Emergency shut off
`
`Runergency Water Heater Curtailment
`
`Emergency Pool Pump Curtailment
`
`Emergency Hot TubySp. Curtallment
`
`Emergency ACCurtailment
`
`B Group
`
`A Group
`Duration ow-ul-5. 32
`Te Mar 8 200314:30
`
`5.26
`
`5.34
`
`5.36
`
`5.38
`
`Figure 5C
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 17 of 18 US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`5.40
`
`5.44
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`sectical distribtron Networkfordss
`
`day type 333 Available actions
`son
`dasaw Gwegweswastew schedules
`creatsschedule
`
`
`
`
`
`releschedules
`Works won Wiswansweview schedules
`TTT
`hidelphia
`Warsawws Wiswever schedule
`createSchedule
`Philly NonCurtailed
`weddow 2swow 27 weeview schedules
`realescenes
`
`Figure 5D
`
`5.46
`
`5.48
`
`N Find Eligible Programs
`
`
`
`Find Eligible Programs for: Phoenix
`Date:
`Month:3R
`
`Day: 18 M
`
`Year:
`
`Housto R2 Minutes:0R2
`
`Curtainent of Acrystems-Notorarideable or option
`
`Water Heater certainent rrogram
`scheduled Supply
`
`hutoff waterheaters and Pool pump between 6AM and 12
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 17, 2004 Sheet 18 of 18 US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`Program Definitions
`gr
`
`Supply Type O on Demand Oscheduled 1 N-5.62
`Available Time: From: HH
`MMOR. To: HHO IV) MMOR)
`Available Dates: From: MM. 1 R DD
`To: MM1) DD 1 a
`Oriel
`O omitat. --N-
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`Circuit: Neighborhood Power Company
`Daily Report for Electric Meter
`Total Usage: 647.32 kWh.
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`Energy Consumption for Tuesday, March 18,2003
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`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`Jun. 17, 2004
`
`SYSTEMAND 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
`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
`Traditionally, utilities have done an excellent job of
`0.003
`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
`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
`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
`loadsheds are seldom exercised by the utility. And, when the
`utility does exercise a loadshed, 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
`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
`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
`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
`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
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`Jun. 17, 2004
`
`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.
`0.014. The present invention is aimed at one or more of
`the problems set forth above.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0.015. 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
`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.
`0.017. 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
`0.018. 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:
`0.019
`FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an energy manage
`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.
`1A;
`FIG. 1C is a flow diagram of a process for man
`0021
`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. 1A,
`0023 FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a metering node
`used in the energy management System of FIG. 1A,
`
`0024 FIG. 2C is a block diagram of a control node used
`in the energy management System of FIG. 1A,
`0025 FIG. 2D is a block diagram of a load control node
`used in the energy management System of FIG. 1A,
`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
`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
`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. 4 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
`tion data screen of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`0044 FIG. 4O is a graphical illustration of a thermostat
`data screen of the GUI of FIG. 4A;
`004.5
`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. 5A is a graphical illustration of a utility GUI,
`according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`PETITIONER ECOBEE
`EX. 1004
`
`

`

`US 2004/0117330 A1
`
`Jun. 17, 2004
`
`0049 FIG. 5B is a graphical illustration of an immediate
`supply screen of the GUI of FIG. 5A;
`0050 FIG. 5C is a graphical illustration of an available
`program capacity pop-up of the GUI of FIG. 5A;
`0051 FIG.5D is a graphical illustration of a scheduled
`supply screen of the GUI of FIG. 5A;
`0.052 FIG.5E is a graphical illustration of a find eligible
`program dialog of the GUI of FIG. 5A;
`0053 FIG. 5F is a graphical illustration of program
`summery table of the GUI of FIG. 5A;
`0.054
`FIG. 5G is a graphical illustration of a program
`definition screen of the GUI of FIG. 5A;
`0055 FIG. 5H is a graphical illustration of a reports
`screen of the GUI of FIG. 5A; and,
`0056 FIG.5I is a graphical illustration of a portion of the
`reports screen of FIG. 5H.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`0057 1. Energy Management System and Methods
`Overview
`0.058 With reference to the drawings, and in operation,
`the present invention relates generally to a System 1.02 and
`method for managing the delivery and usage of a commod
`ity, Such as electricity, natural gas, Steam, water, chilled or
`heated water, or potable or recycled water. More Specifically,
`the System 1.02 is adaptable to manage the delivery and
`usage of energy, e.g., electricity and natural gas. While the
`below discussion focuses on the management of the delivery
`and/or usage of electricity, the present invention is not
`limited to Such the delivery and/or usage of electricity.
`0059. In general, the system 1.02 allows at least one
`customer (or user) located at a customer Site (indicated by
`reference number 1.04) and/or a utility (indicated by refer
`ence number 1.06) to manage delivery or usage of the
`electricity to the customer's site 1.06. The utility 1.06 may
`include both the generation of the electricity, e.g., via power
`plants, and/or the transmission of electricity to the customer
`sites 1.04.
`0060. The customer site 1.04 includes at least one device
`1.08 which uses electricity and at least one node 1.10. In the
`illustrated embodiment, the customer site 1.04 includes three
`devices: a metered device 1.08A, a controlled device 1.08B,
`and a metered and controlled device 1.08C. Each device
`1.08 may have an associated node 1.10.
`0061 AS discussed in more detail below, in the illustrated
`embodiment, there are four different types of nodes 1.10: a
`load metering node 1.10A, a control node 1.10B, a load
`control node 1.10C, and a gateway node 1.10D.
`0062) The gateway node 1.10D provides two way com
`munication between the gateway 1.10D and each other node
`1.10A, 1.10B, 1.10C and between the gateway node 1.10D
`and a utility control system 1.12. It should be noted that
`although there are only one of each the devices 1.08A,
`1.08B, 1.08C, shown, there may be any number of each type
`of device 1.08A, 1.08B, 1.08C (including zero).
`
`0063. The load metering node 1.10A, in general, mea
`Sures the instantaneous power being delivered (typically, in
`kWh) to the associated metered device 1.08A. The load
`metering node 1.10A may also determine the total power
`delivered to the metered device 1.08A over a predetermined
`period of time, e.g., every 15 or 20 minutes. Information
`related to the instantaneous power being delivered and the
`accumulated power is delivered to utility 1.06 via the
`gateway control node 1.10D. For example, the metered
`device 1.08A may be an electricity meter which measures all
`power being Supplied to the customer Site 1.04.
`0064. The control node 1.10B, in general, is used to
`control the controlled device 1.08B. In the simplest form the
`control node 1.10B may controllably cut off and supply
`power to the controlled device 1.08B. For example, if the
`controlled device 1.08B is a pool pump used to filter a pool
`(not shown), the control node 1.10B may simply turn power
`to the pool pump on and off. Alternatively, the control node
`1.10B may have control over features of the controlled
`device 1.08B, e.g., Start time, end time, duration, etc.
`0065. The load control node 1.10C, in general, is used to
`both measure the instantaneous power being delivered to the
`controlled and metered device 1.08C and controls the device
`1.08C. The load control node 1.10C may also determine the
`total power delivered to the metered and controlled device
`1.08C over a predetermined period of time, e.g., every 15 or
`20 minutes.
`0.066 Nodes 1.10 may be utilized with any type of device
`1.08 for which it is desirable to control and/or measure its
`power usage. For example, nodes 1.10 may be associated
`with the entire customer site 1.04, a pool pump, an HVAC
`System, a water heater, any appliance, Such as a refrigerator,
`dishwasher, hot tubs, irrigation and well pumps, Spas, coffer
`maker, etc., or other electrical or electronic device, e.g.,
`televisions, Stereos, etc.
`0067. The type of node 1.10 which is used with a device
`1.08 is dependent upon the device and whether it is desirable
`to measure the device's power usage, control the device or
`both. In one aspect of the present invention a node 1.10 may
`be separate from the device 1.08. For example, in each
`device 1.08 it may be desirable to measure the energy usage
`of the entire customer site 1.04. Thus, a load metering node
`1.10A may be associated with the site's electric meter.
`0068 Nodes 1.10 may either be integrated with the
`corresponding device 1.08 or be separate. For example, a
`load metering node 1.10A may be a separate device which
`is coupled to an electric meter (for retro-fit purposes).
`Alternatively, nodes 1.08 may be designed and manufac
`tured to be integral with the devices 1.10.
`0069. The customer may access and control the system
`1.02 through a user interface 1.14 (see below). The user
`interface 1.14 may be incorporated into another device, Such
`as a thermostat (see below). Additionally, the customer may
`be given access to the System 1.02 through external devices,
`Such as, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDA),
`laptop