Abstract: Systems and methods for storing power from distributed generation systems or other loads and sources that affect line voltage are disclosed. In embodiments, a water heater can be powered in a way that absorbs excess power from the grid by heating water when a controller senses excess power generation in the grid. Excess power generation can be sensed by either an increase in line voltage amplitude above a predetermined standard, or an increase in line voltage frequency above a predetermined standard.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for controlling power delivered to a power-consuming device. The device can receive a control signal from a thermostat, where the control signal activates the device. The device can then determine when a control event is to occur. At such time, the device terminates power delivered to the power-consuming device and continues to withhold the power until the control event expires. When the control event has ended, the device allows power to flow to the power-consuming device. The device uses a timer and a communication component to send and receives signals associated with a control event to a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing power from distributed generation systems or other loads and sources that affect line voltage are disclosed. In embodiments, a water heater can be powered in a way that absorbs excess power from the grid by heating water when a controller senses excess power generation in the grid. Excess power generation can be sensed by either an increase in line voltage amplitude above a predetermined standard, or an increase in line voltage frequency above a predetermined standard.

Abstract: A method of improving a comfort level of a participant in a demand-response program for a facility. The method includes providing a sensor to a participant of a demand-response program, the sensor for sensing a comfort indicator at a facility, the comfort indicator including at least an air temperature; providing instructions for installing the sensor at a facility of the participant; and causing a load-control event communicated to the LCD to be modified, the modification causing the comfort indicator to increase or decrease at the facility, thereby improving the comfort level of the participant in the demand-response program.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for controlling power delivered to a power-consuming device. The device can receive a control signal from a thermostat, where the control signal activates the device. The device can then determine when a control event is to occur. At such time, the device terminates power delivered to the power-consuming device and continues to withhold the power until the control event expires. When the control event has ended, the device allows power to flow to the power-consuming device. The device uses a timer and a communication component to send and receives signals associated with a control event to a user.

Abstract: An under frequency protection thermostat-type device includes a thermostat-type housing, a transformer, a line under frequency (LUF) detection and measurement module, a microcontroller, and a load switch. The transformer is adapted to be electrically connected to a primary voltage source having a predefined frequency level and disposed within the housing. The LUF detection and measurement module is electrically connected to the transformer and adapted to detect a line under frequency condition from a signal received from the transformer. The microcontroller is connected to the LUF detection and measurement module and is adapted to send a command to disengage and engage an electrical load as a function of a measured frequency of the voltage source over a predefined period of time. The measured frequency is compared to a predefined frequency threshold.

Abstract: A method for detecting line under voltage (LUV) events and initializing load shedding of loads located near the electrical disturbance without customer and utility intervention. In one example embodiment, the LUV detection system samples a primary voltage source at regular time intervals, thereby generating a series of voltage readings, and compares the voltage readings to an under voltage trigger threshold. If an under voltage condition is detected, then an under voltage in-response cycle is initialized that controls the electrical load. When the voltage readings decrease to below a voltage-power fail level, a plurality of load restore counter values are stored in memory before the load is shed from the primary voltage source. A restore response is then initialized after the voltage level rises above a restore value and is maintained above the restore value for an under voltage out-time period.

Abstract: A remote disconnect collar is provided for use with an electric meter that includes a transceiver for receiving and replying to messages from a master device, such as a CCU, in a PLC type AMR system and also for transmitting connect/disconnect messages to the collar. The collar is provided with a receiver for receiving a connect/disconnect message from the meter, and no hard-wired connection exists between the collar and the meter. Preferably, the remote disconnect collar utilizes a pair of selectively mateable male-female blades that correspond to the connectors in the meter and the interface in a friction fit between the electric meter and the meter socket.

Abstract: A method for detecting line under frequency (LUF) events and initializing load shedding of loads located near the electrical disturbance without customer and utility intervention is disclosed. In one example embodiment, the LUF detection system measures the time period of each power line cycle and then compares the measured time period to a utility-configurable trigger period. If the cycle length is greater than or equal to the trigger period, a counter is incremented. If the cycle is less than the trigger period, the counter is decremented. If the counter is incremented to a counter trigger, an under-frequency condition is detected and the LUF response either controls the load or temporarily disconnects it. A restore response is initialized after the frequency rises above a restore value and an under-frequency counter counts down to zero.

Abstract: A method for detecting line under voltage (LUV) events and initializing load shedding of loads located near the electrical disturbance without customer and utility intervention. In one example embodiment, the LUV detection system samples a primary voltage source at regular time intervals, thereby generating a series of voltage readings, and compares the voltage readings to an under voltage trigger threshold. If an under voltage condition is detected, then an under voltage in-response cycle is initialized that controls the electrical load. When the voltage readings decrease to below a voltage-power fail level, a plurality of load restore counter values are stored in memory before the load is shed from the primary voltage source. A restore response is then initialized after the voltage level rises above a restore value and is maintained above the restore value for an under voltage out-time period.