Abstract: The present subject matter relates energy management systems and methodologies wherein control over local appliances is implemented to control stress on a local transformer to which a plurality of user locations may be connected. Some of the user locations are provided with home energy management (HEM) devices that control operation of certain appliance at their location based in part on constraints associated with the local transformer. The HEMs may negotiate among themselves how to meet the constraints of the local transformer and, in certain circumstances, take into consideration estimates of usage at user locations connected to the local transformer but that do not have their own HEM.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing energy of a home or other structure are disclosed. An energy management system for a home network comprises a central device controller configured to communicate with energy consuming devices, energy generation devices and storage devices at a home. Power/energy measuring devices provide consumption measurements for the home and each device to the controller. A user interface has a client application configured to provide information to a user/consumer and to an energy provider/utility about energy consumption, energy generation and storage. An energy profile and a carbon footprint of an individual's home are generated along with recommendations for energy savings and/or possible addition of on site generation or energy storage.

Abstract: An induction cooktop appliance includes a housing having an air intake opening and an air exhaust opening, the air intake opening and the air exhaust opening defining an air cooling circulation path, an induction cooktop disposed on top of the housing, electronics for the induction cooktop disposed within the housing, and a vent tube having a first end and a second end, the vent tube being disposed in the cooling air circulation path and configured to segregate air entering the air intake opening from air exiting the air exhaust opening.

Abstract: A method for aggregate load management includes determining whether a load capacity limit within a utility power network will be exceeded, selecting an aggregated demand reduction target to remain within capacity bounds if the load capacity limit is to be exceeded, selecting a demand reduction strategy, and sending a control signal that includes a randomized PWM level, based on the strategy, to a controller in a load component of the utility system based on the reduction target. A method for component load management includes receiving a control signal from a utility system based on a utility demand reduction strategy, converting the signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith, receiving an updated control signal based on utility system monitoring of an aggregate load of a component of the utility system, and converting the updated signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A protection system for a power distribution system includes a bus voltage sensing unit to measure a bus voltage or a load voltage and a demand response module for estimating available demand resources on the distribution system for a period of interest. A distribution system analyzer is provided in the system for analyzing the bus voltage or the load voltage and system parameters to obtain voltage trip points for the available demand resources. A load control circuit controls the available demand resources based on the voltage trip points.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to energy management. Home energy management (HEM) devices are directed from a central control system to modify energy usage among appliances/loads within individual homes to meet energy source demand limitations. The HEM devices may work in cooperation with a group of such devices as a unit to negotiate with the central control system and then individually to control energy usage for their separately controlled home appliances/loads to meet group negotiated aggregate energy usage modification, for example, usage reductions so as to minimized peak usage demands on the energy source.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates energy management systems and methodologies wherein control over local appliances is implemented to control stress on a local transformer to which a plurality of user locations may be connected. Some of the user locations are provided with home energy management (HEM) devices that control operation of certain appliance at their location based in part on constraints associated with the local transformer. The HEMs may negotiate among themselves how to meet the constraints of the local transformer and, in certain circumstances, take into consideration estimates of usage at user locations connected to the local transformer but that do not have their own HEM.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing energy of a home or other structure are disclosed. An energy management system for a home network comprises a central device controller configured to communicate with energy consuming devices, energy generation devices and storage devices at a home. Power/energy measuring devices provide consumption measurements for the home and each device to the controller. A user interface has a client application configured to provide information to a user/consumer and to an energy provider/utility about energy consumption, energy generation and storage. An energy profile and a carbon footprint of an individual's home are generated along with recommendations for energy savings and/or possible addition of on site generation or energy storage.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing energy of a home or other structure are disclosed. An energy management system for a home network comprises a central device controller configured to communicate with energy consuming devices, energy generation devices and storage devices at a home. Power/energy measuring devices provide consumption measurements for the home and each device to the controller. A user interface has a client application configured to provide information to a user/consumer and to an energy provider/utility about energy consumption, energy generation and storage. An energy profile and a carbon footprint of an individual's home are generated along with recommendations for energy savings and/or possible addition of on site generation or energy storage.

Abstract: A method for aggregate load management includes determining whether a load capacity limit within a utility power network will be exceeded, selecting an aggregated demand reduction target to remain within capacity bounds if the load capacity limit is to be exceeded, selecting a demand reduction strategy, and sending a control signal that includes a randomized PWM level, based on the strategy, to a controller in a load component of the utility system based on the reduction target. A method for component load management includes receiving a control signal from a utility system based on a utility demand reduction strategy, converting the signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith, receiving an updated control signal based on utility system monitoring of an aggregate load of a component of the utility system, and converting the updated signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A protection system for a power distribution system includes a bus voltage sensing unit to measure a bus voltage or a load voltage and a demand response module for estimating available demand resources on the distribution system for a period of interest. A distribution system analyzer is provided in the system for analyzing the bus voltage or the load voltage and system parameters to obtain voltage trip points for the available demand resources. A load control circuit controls the available demand resources based on the voltage trip points.

Abstract: An induction cooktop appliance includes a housing having an air intake opening and an air exhaust opening, the air intake opening and the air exhaust opening defining an air cooling circulation path, an induction cooktop disposed on top of the housing, electronics for the induction cooktop disposed within the housing, and a vent tube having a first end and a second end, the vent tube being disposed in the cooling air circulation path and configured to segregate air entering the air intake opening from air exiting the air exhaust opening.

Abstract: A griddle for a cooking appliance is disclosed. The griddle includes a main body having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a recessed area formed on the second surface, the recessed area having a center, a periphery, and a thickness which diminishes from the periphery toward the center.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing energy of a home or other structure are disclosed. An energy management system for a home network comprises a central device controller configured to communicate with energy consuming devices, energy generation devices and storage devices at a home. Power/energy measuring devices provide consumption measurements for the home and each device to the controller. A user interface has a client application configured to provide information to a user/consumer and to an energy provider/utility about energy consumption, energy generation and storage. An energy profile and a carbon footprint of an individual's home are generated along with recommendations for energy savings and/or possible addition of on site generation or energy storage.

Abstract: An appliance includes a chassis defining a cavity and having an opening for accessing the cavity and a door assembly joined to the chassis. The door assembly includes a door for closing access to the opening, and the door assembly further includes a door lift sub-assembly having a horizontal slide and a vertical slide. The door is coupled to one of the horizontal slide and the vertical slide. The horizontal slide is moveable between a recessed position and an extended position and is configured to move the door in a substantially horizontal direction. The vertical slide is moveable between a closed position and an open position and is configured to move the door in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ignition device is provided. The method includes patterning a plurality of resistors on a membrane to form heating elements and thermally isolating the heating elements from an external environment via a cavity disposed adjacent to the heating elements.

Abstract: A gas range includes a gas cooktop including a plurality of gas cooktop burners, and an oven coupled to the gas cooktop. The oven includes an oven cavity comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, a rear portion coupled to the top and bottom portions, a first side portion, and a second side portion, the first and second side portions coupled to the top, bottom, and rear portions respectively, at least one gas oven burner positioned proximate to the bottom portion within the oven cavity; and a first electrical heating element positioned proximate the top portion within the oven cavity.

Abstract: A griddle for a cooking appliance is disclosed. The griddle includes a main body having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a recessed area formed on the second surface, the recessed area having a center, a periphery, and a thickness which diminishes from the periphery toward the center.

Abstract: In one aspect, an icemaker for making ice in a fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator comprises a freezer compartment comprising a freezer door, and a fresh food compartment located over the freezer compartment and comprising a fresh food door. The fresh food door comprises an ice dispenser. An ice maker is located in the fresh food compartment, and the ice maker comprises an ice mold, and a thermoelectric device for moving heat from the ice mold. The mold is positioned so that ice from the mold can be dispensed by the ice dispenser in the fresh food door.

Abstract: In one aspect, an icemaker for making ice in a fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator comprises a freezer compartment comprising a freezer door, and a fresh food compartment located over the freezer compartment and comprising a fresh food door. The fresh food door comprises an ice dispenser. An ice maker is located in the fresh food compartment, and the ice maker comprises an ice mold, and a thermoelectric device for moving heat from the ice mold. The mold is positioned so that ice from the mold can be dispensed by the ice dispenser in the fresh food door.