Abstract: An electrical power distribution control system configured to issue a demand response signal to cut power to a plurality of electrical power consuming loads within an electrical power distribution network to reduce a peak power demand within an electrical power grid during a peak power demand. Unlike conventional demand response systems, the controller in each consumer residence includes both a distributed control based on the ability to track individual 24 hour usage patterns and selectively delay the demand response signal on individual resistive heating loads based on usage patterns for the purpose of reducing a likelihood of consumers experiencing effects of the reduced peak power demand.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution control system configured to issue a demand response signal to cut power to a plurality of electrical power consuming loads within an electrical power distribution network to reduce a peak power demand within an electrical power grid during a peak power demand. Unlike conventional demand response systems, the controller in each consumer residence includes both a distributed control based on the ability to track individual 24 hour usage patterns and selectively delay the demand response signal on individual resistive heating loads based on usage patterns for the purpose of reducing a likelihood of consumers experiencing effects of the reduced peak power demand.

Abstract: A load control device for improving energy efficiency of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system by controlling shed times of a compressor of the HVAC system. The load control device includes a compressor cutoff switch, a sensing circuit, and a processor. The processor determines a subsequent mandatory shed time based upon a previous shed time, a previous run time, and a minimum run time. A subsequent mandatory shed longer than the previous mandatory shed time causes a subsequent run time to be increased, thereby increasing system efficiency.

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 universal demand-response remote-control device for controlling a control unit of a ductless, split air-conditioning system. The remote-control device includes a long-distance communications module and includes a local communications module. The remote-control device also includes a processor in electrical communication with the long-distance communications module and the local communications module.

Abstract: An extended run time device for extending the time that a compressor-based heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system runs so as to increase energy efficiency of the HVAC system. The extended run time device includes a sensing circuit, a switching device and a processor. Based upon a signal from the sensing circuit, the processor causes the switching device to transmit a proxy control signal to the compressor, thereby causing power to the compressor to be maintained for a time period longer than a time period requested by the temperature control device.

Abstract: A load control receiver (LCS) for controlling an electrical load. The LCS includes a power sensing arrangement that monitors power usage of the load; a processor that predicts future power usage based on prior power usage; a transceiver that receives load shedding commands; and a controllable switch that can interrupt power supplied to the attached loads, based on load shedding commands.

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: An infrared translator device for controlling a control unit of a ductless split heating, ventilating, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system. The IRT device includes a long-distance communications module and includes at least one local communications module. The IRT device also includes a processor in electrical communication with the long-distance communications module and the local communications module.

Abstract: An adaptive-fan-control (AFC) communicating thermostat for controlling an electrical load and controlling an HVAC circulation fan during a load control event. The thermostat interrupts and overrides an occupant-selected fan setting of the thermostat. The AFC communicating thermostat includes a controller in communication with a temperature sensor and the occupant-selectable fan control.

Abstract: A load control receiver (LCS) for controlling an electrical load. The LCS includes a power sensing arrangement that monitors power usage of the load; a processor that predicts future power usage based on prior power usage; a transceiver that receives load shedding commands; and a controllable switch that can interrupt power supplied to the attached loads, based on load shedding commands.

Abstract: An extended run time device for extending the time that a compressor-based heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system runs so as to increase energy efficiency of the HVAC system. The extended run time device includes a sensing circuit, a switching device and a processor. Based upon a signal from the sensing circuit, the processor causes the switching device to transmit a proxy control signal to the compressor, thereby causing power to the compressor to be maintained for a time period longer than a time period requested by the temperature control device.

Abstract: A universal demand-response remote-control device for controlling a control unit of a ductless, split air-conditioning system. The remote-control device includes a long-distance communications module and includes a local communications module. The remote-control device also includes a processor in electrical communication with the long-distance communications module and the local communications module.

Abstract: A method of dynamically controlling a small-scale electrical load receiving energy from an electricity grid that includes sources of renewable generation causing variations in electricity supply of the electricity grid. The small-scale electrical loads are coupled to a load-matching thermostat having a communication module and a controller that manage electricity load to electrical supply for the electrical load.

Abstract: A method of collectively controlling small-scale electrical loads receiving energy from an electricity grid that includes sources of renewable generation causing variable electricity supply so as to match collective electricity load to electricity supply. The method includes setting a runtime delay time, sensing a request for energy from the electrical loads, preventing the loads from receiving the energy for the first delay time, and adjusting the runtime delay time based on changes in electrical supply.

Abstract: An adaptive-fan-control (AFC) communicating thermostat for controlling an electrical load and controlling an HVAC circulation fan during a load control event. The thermostat interrupts and overrides an occupant-selected fan setting of the thermostat. The AFC communicating thermostat includes a controller in communication with a temperature sensor and the occupant-selectable fan control.

Abstract: A fan-control device for overriding normal operation of a circulation fan delivering conditioned air through ductwork in an unconditioned space. The fan-control device includes a detection circuit and a fan relay. The detection circuit is configured to detect a cooling system control voltage and a cooling system control current and to output a fan control override signal when the cooling system control voltage is detected and the cooling system control current is absent.

Abstract: A method for managing a utility load by controlling electrical consumption of electrically powered devices. The method includes selecting a target for load control forming a single variable length load control message according to a communication protocol. The load control message includes the target address and a plurality of unique concatenated command messages, each of the plurality of unique concatenated command messages being selected from the set consisting of a command message having a predetermined message type and a fixed length message defined for the predetermined message type and a command message having a predetermined message type and a variable length message corresponding to values in a command message control flag field defined for the predetermined message type. The method also includes causing the single variable length load control message to be transmitted to the target and receiving a reply message formed according to the communication protocol from the target.