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 smart circuit breaker includes a communication interface, separable contacts, a processing unit having a memory with a routine stored therein which, when executed by the processing unit causes the processing unit to: sense a power outage in an electrical grid, control a meter to open contacts to disconnect from the electrical grid, sense power restoration to the electrical grid, control contacts corresponding to a secondary power source to open, control the meter to close contacts to reconnect to the electrical grid, sense that a frequency of power from the electrical grid matches a frequency of power from the secondary power source, and control the contacts corresponding to the secondary power source to close.

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 smart circuit breaker includes a communication interface, separable contacts, a processing unit having a memory with a routine stored therein which, when executed by the processing unit causes the processing unit to: sense a power outage in an electrical grid, control a meter to open contacts to disconnect from the electrical grid, sense power restoration to the electrical grid, control contacts corresponding to a secondary power source to open, control the meter to close contacts to reconnect to the electrical grid, sense that a frequency of power from the electrical grid matches a frequency of power from the secondary power source, and control the contacts corresponding to the secondary power source to close.

Abstract: A system for controlling a load control relay (LCR) supplying power to a thermostat of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a controller programmed to maximize the amount of time that a load of the HVAC system may receive power. The controller operates by measuring a thermostat delay time of the thermostat and modifying cycle shed and restore times for controlling the LCR based on the measured thermostat delay time. By controlling the LCR according to the modified cycle shed and restore times, the controller compensates for the thermostat delay time, and the load is able to be active for a longer period of time than it otherwise would be when operating under demand-response controls.

Abstract: A system for controlling a load control relay (LCR) supplying power to a thermostat of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a controller programmed to maximize the amount of time that a load of the HVAC system may receive power. The controller operates by measuring a thermostat delay time of the thermostat and modifying cycle shed and restore times for controlling the LCR based on the measured thermostat delay time. By controlling the LCR according to the modified cycle shed and restore times, the controller compensates for the thermostat delay time, and the load is able to be active for a longer period of time than it otherwise would be when operating under demand-response controls.

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: A reconfigurable load-control receiver for communication with a first long-haul network and selectively adaptable to be reconfigured and in communication with a second long-haul network, a short-haul network and an electrical load. The reconfigurable load-control receiver includes a switching device adapted to control power to the electrical load, and a controller coupled to the switching device and adapted to switch between operating as a gateway and operating as a node.

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.