Power Allocation Management (e.g., Load Adding/shedding) Patents (Class 700/295)
  • Patent number: 10797489
    Abstract: According to one disclosed embodiment, a smart powering and pairing system includes a power conversion unit (PCU) having a communication module, a power management module and a pairing module. The PCU can convert mains power into a form that can be used to power a plurality of electronic devices. In one embodiment, the PCU can transparently pair a connected electronic device to a group of subsequently connected electronic devices by accepting pairing information from the connected electronic device and using it to pair the subsequently connected devices. In another embodiment, the PCU can transparently pair a group of connected electronic devices by applying generated security data to all the connected devices. In another embodiment, a power conversion unit can use security data to un-pair connected electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE. LIMITED
    Inventors: John Walley, Robert Hulvey
  • Patent number: 10797902
    Abstract: A processing system including at least one processor may detect the presence of at least two users in a zone containing a network-connected device, obtain preferences and tolerance ranges of the at least two users with respect to the network-connected device, select a setting for the network-connected device in accordance with the preferences and tolerance ranges of the at least two users, and apply the setting to the network-connected device. The processing system may further detect a change of the setting, and adjust at least one of the preferences and tolerance ranges of the at least two users in response to the change of the setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Jessica Bekampis, Roque Rios, III, Thomas Grodner, Karen Rovner, Carolyn Bekampis, Elissa Backas, Terry Troutman
  • Patent number: 10784638
    Abstract: An adaptor plug assembly includes an adaptor plug and a mobile device which has a receiving unit. The adaptor plug includes a housing having a first connection end from which two terminals extends, and a second connection end in which three receptacle holes are defined. The two terminals are connected to the second connection end. A coil is mounted to one of the two terminals and electrically connected to a micro controller which includes a calculating unit, a transforming unit and a wire-less transmitting unit. The transforming unit receives current inducted by the coil and transforms the current into a first signal which is sent to and calculated by the calculating unit to be a second signal which is transmitted by the wire-less transmitting unit to the receiving unit of the mobile device. A power unit is installed in the housing provides power to the micro controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Huang-Liang Wang
  • Patent number: 10769911
    Abstract: A mesh network-based environmental data capture system and method for providing communication between a base system having at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and other ICD(s), wherein the ICD(s) are capable of smart cross-communication with each other and remote access to their inputs via a server computer, including the steps of providing this base system; at least one user accessing the ICDs and inputs remotely via a user interface through a remote server computer and/or electronic device communicating with it, for providing a secure surveillance system with extended inputs range and wireless smart cross-communication for monitoring a target environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Renkis
  • Patent number: 10768655
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, system and computer program is provided for controlling an electric power system, including implementation of a voltage control and conservation (VCC) system used to optimally control the independent voltage and capacitor banks using a linear optimization methodology to minimize the losses in the EEDCS and the EUS. An energy validation process system (EVP) is provided which is used to document the savings of the VCC and an EPP is used to optimize improvements to the EEDCS for continuously improving the energy losses in the EEDS. The EVP system measures the improvement in the EEDS a result of operating the VCC system in the “ON” state determining the level of energy conservation achieved by the VCC system. In addition the VCC system monitors pattern recognition events and compares them to the report-by-exception data to detect HVL events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Dominion Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip W. Powell, Stephen J. Tyler, Melissa A. Peskin
  • Patent number: 10755216
    Abstract: A system, method and program product for evaluating energy suppliers from a set of energy suppliers to meet demand for a distribution grid. A system is disclosed that includes: a bid volatility index (BVI) calculator that determines a BVI for each supplier for an offer; a profiling system that profiles each supplier with a set of predictor variables; a ranking system that determines a winning bid probability of each supplier based on the predictor variables; a modeling system that refines the winning bid probability based on changes to at least one predictor variable; and a scoring system that determines a confidence score for each supplier, wherein the confidence score indicates a confidence level that the supplier can meet the offer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Harish Bharti, Abhay K. Patra, Rajesh K. Saxena
  • Patent number: 10756570
    Abstract: A management device includes at least one processor communicatively coupled to at least one energy resource controller controlling at least one energy resource and to at least one deferrable load controller controlling power to at least one deferrable load. The is configured to receive an indication, determined based on a frequency value of an electrical network and a nominal frequency value, that a frequency anomaly event has occurred. Responsive to receiving the indication that the frequency anomaly event has occurred, the processor is also configured to determine, for at least one of the energy resource and the deferrable load, based on the frequency value, the nominal frequency value, and a power value of the electrical network, a respective power command, and cause at least one of the at least one energy resource and the at least one deferrable load to modify operation based on the respective power command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignees: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Blake Richard Lundstrom, Sourav Kumar Patel, Murti Salapaka
  • Patent number: 10754560
    Abstract: A storage device includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory and a controller. The controller is configured to predict power consumption that is required to carry out operations in accordance with access pattern and throughput received from a host, notify the predicted power consumption to the host, determine operating resources of at least one of the nonvolatile semiconductor memory and the controller to carry out the operations, on the basis of the permissible power consumption received from the host, and carry out the operations using the determined operating resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Motohiro Matsuyama, Yoshihisa Kojima
  • Patent number: 10749341
    Abstract: A system architecture and method for enabling hierarchical intelligent control with appropriate-speed communication and coordination of control using intelligent distributed impedance/voltage injection modules, local intelligence centers, other actuator devices and miscellaneous FACTS coupled actuator devices is disclosed. Information transfer to a supervisory utility control is enabled for responding to integral power system disturbances, system modelling and optimization. By extending the control and communication capability to the edge of the HV power grid, control of the distribution network through FACTS based Demand response units is also enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Smart Wires Inc.
    Inventors: Haroon Inam, Frank Kreikebaum, Debrup Das, Amrit Iyer, Aaron Zhao
  • Patent number: 10729360
    Abstract: A sensor cable support device is described. The sensor cable support device can be used to implemented in wearable monitoring device to support a proximal portion of a sensor cable and electrically connect the proximal portion with a sensing circuitry. A distal portion of the sensor cable is insertable into a person's skin. The sensor cable support device may include a rigid body defining a pair of openings, a set legs attached to the rigid body, and a pair of electrical traces extending between the pair of openings and distal ends of a pair of legs of the set of legs. The pair of openings may be sized and configured to receive a pair of pucks that mechanically retain a sensor cable to the body and electrically connect the sensor cable with the electrical traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Pey-Jiun Ko, Arthur Lin, Timothy Stowe
  • Patent number: 10724875
    Abstract: A method for managing communications within a network comprising utility meters, each associated and connected to at least one utility management center through at least one intermediate data concentrator. A message is sent by a utility meter to the destination data concentrator. This message includes metering data measurement reported by said utility meter, its utility meter identifier, the destination data concentrator identifier and the management center identifier. Then, on the basis of several metering data measurements, a metering counter differential consumption value is calculated by difference of two metering counter consumption indexes measured by the utility meter within a time period interval. Then, a report containing at least the metering counter differential consumption value is sent from the destination data concentrator towards the utility management center to which said utility meter is associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: NAGRAVISION S.A.
    Inventors: Joel Wenger, Corinne Le Buhan
  • Patent number: 10720794
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling electrical distribution grids. The method includes determining premises in an electrical distribution grid that include an energy resource. The method further includes determining a configuration of the electrical distribution grid including a micro-grid, the micro-grid including the one or more premises. The method further includes electrically isolating, monitoring and controlling the micro-grid from the electrical distribution grid through the use of a micro-grid manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Daedalus Blue LLC
    Inventors: Gopal K. Bhageria, Jean-Gael F. Reboul, Matthew B. Trevathan
  • Patent number: 10714941
    Abstract: To provide an energy management system that effectively uses a solar power generation system and a solar heat collection system to thereby make it possible to maximize a cost merit of a user. An energy management system related to the present invention includes: a solar power generation system that includes a solar panel to generate electric power on the basis of a solar light; a solar heat collection system that collects solar heat based on the solar light; and a control part that determines whether or not heat can be stored by the solar heat collection system from output characteristics of the solar power generation system and that drives the solar heat collection system in a case where the heat can be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Yoshimoto, Yuichi Satsu
  • Patent number: 10700549
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and control of at least one appliance. The system comprises a computer server system and an electronic interface device installed remotely from the computer server system and in wireless communication with the computer server system. The interface device is configured to monitor power consumption of the at least one appliance and to control supply of power to the at least one appliance. The interface device is further configured to periodically transmit monitored power usage data to the computer server system, to receive at least one of data and commands from the computer server system and to control power to the at least one appliance based on the received at least one of data and commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: CARBONTRACK PTY LTD
    Inventors: Spyridon Livadaras, Evan Neil Harridge, Shavaj Kallamkote
  • Patent number: 10680445
    Abstract: A power generation control device is provided with: a communication unit that receives output control information determined on the basis of a first index that relates to the output state at a power generation device group and a second index that relates to the output state at a predetermined power generation device; and a control unit that controls the output of the predetermined power generation device on the basis of the output control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kudo, Noriaki Kobayashi, Kosuke Homma, Katsuya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10678968
    Abstract: A method of verifying and analyzing energy efficiency ratio (EER) of an HVAC chiller unit in accordance with the present invention provides verification and analysis of HVAC chiller units to build daily steady-state data and non-steady state data out of field dynamic EER values and provides analysis of the steady-state data, based on selected integer temperatures and tenfold load factors in the annual scale that are subject to the dynamic changes in temperatures and load factors along with chiller seasonal operation to build monthly or seasonal running EER trend, and to determine-management index values for a period of time and to determine whether energy consumption meets specified criteria, as a basis of comparison of calculations, and resulting amplitude ratios between before and after the energy-saving improvement and of totally saved energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Chu-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 10666059
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for controlling a power generation system that includes a plurality of power generating assets; and an energy management system including a controller in communication with the assets and configured to control operation of the assets. The controller is operative to assign the assets to a regulation pool; determine an effective control mode for each asset; and control the assets based on the determined effective control mode of each asset. The effective control mode for each asset is calculated based upon an asset pool control mode. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Erich Fuchs, Manfred Jendrosch
  • Patent number: 10667347
    Abstract: This patent specification relates to a wall switch that comprises a docking station and a user-removable wall-switch head unit. In some embodiments, the docking station is configured to receive the user-removable wall-switch head unit, and configured to be permanently connected to a wall and coupled to high-power voltage wires. In some embodiments, the user-removable wall-switch head unit is configured to be user-insertable into said docking station and user-removable therefrom such that the user is not exposed to high-voltage connections when inserting or removing. In some embodiments, the wall switch controller further comprises inputs and outputs and circuitry for switchably controlling household line current power to a household electrical fixture. In some embodiments, the wall switch controller further comprises an occupancy sensor, a temperature sensor, or a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, Yoky Matsuoka, David Sloo, Maxime Veron, Isabel I. Guenette, Shigefumi Honjo
  • Patent number: 10657110
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for performing energy disaggregation of appliances in a home. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a method may include receiving one or more parameters corresponding to plurality of the appliances installed in home through an energy disaggregation device. The one or more parameters may be associated with the home. The method may further include receiving localized energy consumption data of a region where the home environment is located, selecting a predefined energy disaggregation model from one or more predefined energy disaggregation models based on the localized energy consumption data, adjusting the predefined energy disaggregation model based on the one or more parameters, and/or applying the adjusted predefined energy disaggregation model to the energy consumption data to perform disaggregation of the energy consumption into a plurality of appliance categories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Bidgely Inc.
    Inventors: Abhay Gupta, Vivek Garud
  • Patent number: 10651788
    Abstract: A system and method for net load-based inference of operational specifications of a photovoltaic power generation system with the aid of a digital computer are provided. Photovoltaic plant configuration specifications can be accurately inferred with net load data and measured solar resource data. Power generation data is simulated for a range of hypothetical photovoltaic system configurations based on a normalized solar power simulation model. Net load data is estimated based on one or more component loads. The set of key parameters corresponding to the net load estimate that minimizes total squared error represents the inferred specifications of the photovoltaic plant configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: CLEAN POWER RESEARCH, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Hoff
  • Patent number: 10651655
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing power on an electric power grid including a server for communicating IP-based messages over a network with distributed power consuming devices and/or power supplying devices, the IP-based messages including information including a change in state of the power consuming device(s), a directive for a change in state of the power consuming device(s), a priority message, an alert, a status, an update, a location with respect to the electric power grid, a function, device attributes, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: CAUSAM ENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Forbes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10645024
    Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for joining an overlay network of a plurality of peer devices and identifying a local preference for an area service available to the plurality of peer devices. Additionally, the local preference may be used to negotiate a common preference for the area service with the plurality of peer devices. In one example, the common preference is a best fit value for the plurality of peer devices on the overlay network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron J. Quirk, Lin Sun, Laura Wynter
  • Patent number: 10644506
    Abstract: The invention discloses a general distributed control method for multi-microgrids with both PQ controlled and droop controlled distributed generators, which comprises the following steps of: step 10) conducting primary control to maintain the power balance of the multi-microgrids; step 20) determining predefined group consensus values of pinned agents; step 30) seeking group consensus among other agents and the pinned agents through communication coupling; and step 40) adjusting output powers to complete secondary control. Based on pinning control, the control method which adopts hierarchical control is a distributed control method for distributed power supply clusters with two control modes comprising PQ control and droop control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Wei Gu, Ge Cao, Wei Liu, Zhi Wu, Suyang Zhou, Guannan Lou
  • Patent number: 10635059
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling power conditioners in a distributed resource island. In one embodiment, the method comprises comparing, at a power conditioner operating in a de-energized state, an input of the power conditioner to an input threshold, wherein the power conditioner is coupled to an islanded grid; operating the power conditioner, when the input exceeds the input threshold, in a soft-grid mode to generate a touch-safe AC voltage that is coupled to the islanded grid; comparing, by the power conditioner, an impedance of the islanded grid to a grid impedance range; comparing, by the power conditioner, load demand of the power conditioner to an activate threshold; and activating the power conditioner, when the impedance is within the grid impedance range and the load demand exceeds the activate threshold, to operate proximate its nominal output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Richard Zimmanck, Christopher N. Rowe, John Scott Berdner
  • Patent number: 10637285
    Abstract: A method of controlling at multiple customer sites with separate metering electrical devices to control consumption of electricity in an electricity supply web made up of multiple electricity using customers that is over laid on a physical network, comprising the steps of: acquiring a budget for electrical energy for use in a predetermined time period; monitoring real-time use of electrical energy by electrical devices in the overlay web; comparing real-time use of electrical energy with the budget; and sending a control signal to at least one electrical device in the overlay web, based on the comparison, in order to increase or decrease electrical load so that total energy use in the predetermined time period is balanced with the budget. Also disclosed is an apparatus for controlling at least one electrical device in an electricity supply web made up of multiple electricity using customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: TEMPUS ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Sara Bell
  • Patent number: 10623237
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reporting network information of the ZigBee network in a ZigBee coordination node of an Internet of Things, wherein the ZigBee coordination node is connected to a plurality of ZigBee nodes forming the ZigBee network, and the Internet of Things further comprises an auto-configuration server in the IP network, the ZigBee coordination node being connected to the auto-configuration server through a gateway, the method comprising the following steps: sending a first signaling based on the ZigBee device object to the gateway, the first signaling including network description information and neighbor list information of each ZigBee node in the ZigBee network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Shuigen Yang, Gang Liu, Fanxiang Bin, Haibo Wen
  • Patent number: 10622927
    Abstract: A parameter selection support system that supports, based on a capacity of a drive device, selection of parameters of an operation pattern and parameters of mechanical condition for a load that is driven by the drive device and includes a display unit that displays an input screen for the parameters, a reception unit that receives the parameters and the capacity, and a controller that calculates an allowable range for each of some of the parameters that is allowable for the capacity received by the reception unit and causes the display unit to display the allowable range on the input screen. The parameters of the operation pattern include a moving amount of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Tanaka, Yasuyuki Saito
  • Patent number: 10624176
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling electrical loads in one or more areas. The system includes a room controller having a microprocessor for accessing data and providing commands, memory for storing information operably connected to the microprocessor, a relay for powering a load based on commands from the microprocessor, and a port for connecting a peripheral device. The system also includes a peripheral device connected to the port and configured to send data including a device type and a device instance byte to the controller indicating the type of peripheral device. The device instance byte includes a port number identifying the port and a slot number identifying a time slot within a time domain multiplexing cycle. The system also includes a load connected to the relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Theodore Eric Weber, Mark Alan Rosenau, Edward John Krohne, Stephan Karl Zitz, Thomas James Hartnagel, Edward Leo Rivas, Michael Lee Muecke, Peter Anthony Baselici, Terrence Robert Arbouw
  • Patent number: 10615639
    Abstract: An energy management system is provided for controlling a controlled device connected to an energy supply network, which controlled device includes multiple energy-converting elements, wherein the sum of maximum energy conversions of the energy-converting elements is at least 3 kW. The energy management system may include modules that each provide functions used in the control of the controlled device, wherein planning function(s) for planning a future energy conversion of the energy-converting element(s), sensing function(s) for sensing parameter(s) that concern an instantaneous energy conversion of the energy-converting element(s), and control function(s) for specifying control parameter(s) that influence an energy conversion of the energy-converting element(s) are provided as functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Dominic Buchstaller, Thomas Lehmann
  • Patent number: 10606298
    Abstract: A method for characterizing buildings, including retrieving a plurality of baseline energy use data sets for the buildings from a baseline data stores; generating energy use data sets for each of the buildings, each of the energy use data sets comprising energy consumption values along with corresponding time and outside temperature values, where the energy consumption values within each of the sets are shifted by one of a plurality of lag values relative to the corresponding time and outside temperature values, and where each of the plurality of lag values is different from other ones of the plurality of lag values; performing a machine learning model analysis on the each of the plurality of energy use data sets to yield corresponding machine learning model parameters and a corresponding residual; determining a least valued residual from all residuals, the least valued residual indicating a corresponding energy lag for the each of the buildings; and categorizing the buildings into types according to similar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: ENEL X NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Husain Al-Mohssen, Angela S. Bassa, Richard R. Paradis
  • Patent number: 10606297
    Abstract: A method for dispatching buildings in a demand response program event including generating data sets for each of the buildings, each set having energy consumption values along with corresponding time and outside temperature values, where the energy consumption values within each set are shifted by one of a plurality of lag values relative to the corresponding time and outside temperature values, and where each of the plurality of lag values is different from other ones of the plurality of lag values; performing a machine learning model analysis on each set to yield machine learning model parameters and a residual; determining a least valued residual from all residuals yielded, the least valued residual indicating a corresponding energy lag for the each of the buildings; and using energy lags for all of the buildings to generate a dispatch schedule for the demand response program event according to a prioritization of the energy lags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: ENEL X NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Husain Al-Mohssen, Angela S. Bassa, Richard R. Paradis
  • Patent number: 10601262
    Abstract: A power receiving apparatus receives power wirelessly transmitted by a power transmission apparatus, and stores the received power. The power receiving apparatus includes a communication unit configured to transmit and receive a control signal in a wireless power transmission system. The power receiving apparatus switches a supply source of power to the communication unit when a power storage capacity is less than a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Shichino
  • Patent number: 10601225
    Abstract: A management device includes a potential usable power calculator that computes a measurement value or an estimated value for a potential usable power which is the amount of power available when the power consumption of an electrical appliance and a potential feed-in amount that can be sold are excluded from the power output from the solar power device; a planned usage determination unit that identifies a planned usage time that a user plans to use a designated appliance; an effective time determination unit that identifies a continuous effective time when a physical quantity representing a state that changes due to the designated appliance using the potential usable power is within a range that is effective for a user; and a scheduler that creates an operation schedule indicating at least an operation start time for the designated appliance on the basis of the planned usage time and the continuous effective time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Imai, Hiromasa Takatsuka, Masayo Ikuta
  • Patent number: 10592939
    Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to adjusting a trip fare according to in-vehicle charging provided by a passenger. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to initiating a trip in the vehicle for a passenger, accumulating the trip fare as a function of traveling a route to fulfill the trip. The method includes metering one or more charging devices to identify a metered charge produced by the passenger operating the one or more charging devices during the trip. The method includes computing a fare offset according to at least the metered charge to identify an amount by which the trip fare is to be discounted. The method includes adjusting the trip fare according to the fare offset to account for an electric charge provided to the vehicle during the trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey David Gaither
  • Patent number: 10586177
    Abstract: A smart plug may provide a smart-plug power monitoring signal that includes information about power consumption of devices connected to the smart plug. The smart-plug power monitoring signal may be used in conjunction with power monitoring signals from the electrical mains of the building for providing information about the operation of devices in the building. For example, the power monitoring signals may be used to (i) determine the main of the house that provides power to the smart plug, (ii) identify devices receiving power from the smart plug, (iii) improve the accuracy of identifying device state changes, and (iv) train mathematical models for identifying devices and device state changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Sense Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Ghinwa Fakhri Choueiter, Jonah Wyman Petri, George Zavaliagkos
  • Patent number: 10585468
    Abstract: Techniques for datacenter power management using dynamic redundancy are disclosed. A power control switch is configured to selectively apply power to one or two power cords of a dual-corded electronic apparatus. When the power control switch energizes both power cords, the electronic apparatus operates in 2N redundancy. When the power control switch energizes only one of the power cords, the electronic apparatus operates in 1N redundancy. The power control switch is configured to dynamically change the redundancy mode based on service level agreement (SLA) criteria, power policies, power supply and demand, and environmental factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Virtual Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikhil Sharma, Akshay Krishnamoorthy, Karimulla Raja Shaikh, Shankar Ramamurthy
  • Patent number: 10588204
    Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between the source and the load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals directly from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Pessina, Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10585469
    Abstract: An operation method of a communication node in an Ethernet-based vehicle network, the communication node including a regulator, a physical (PHY) layer unit, and a processor, includes outputting, by the processor, a first signal to initiate a supply of power to the communication node; outputting, by the processor, a second signal to initiate a transition of the communication node from a normal mode to a sleep mode; and transitioning, by the PHY layer unit, the communication node from the normal mode to the sleep mode when the second signal is received at the PHY layer unit from the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sang Woo Yu, Jin Hwa Yun, Kang Woon Seo, Jun Byung Chae, Dong Ok Kim
  • Patent number: 10585406
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems of a building control system are disclosed. One building control system includes a plurality of building sensor fixtures, wherein at least one of the plurality of building sensor fixtures includes a sensor, a controller and a communication port. The building control system further includes a system controller. At least one of the system controller and one or more controllers of the plurality of building sensor fixtures is operative to determine a plurality of selected groups of the plurality of building sensor fixtures, compare a first characteristic between the plurality of the selected groups, and identify deviations of the compared first characteristic between the plurality of the selected groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Enlighted, Inc.
    Inventors: Tanuj Mohan, Vijayalakshmi Krishnamurthy
  • Patent number: 10579312
    Abstract: A system and method for providing analytics on cost data and device state data for multifunction peripherals includes a document processing engine, a network interface and an intelligent controller having a processor and associated memory. The memory stores cost data corresponding to device usage costs of one or more MFPs. A device monitor monitors of a plurality of device states associated with a document processing engine associated with each MFP. An analytics engine generates a graphical dashboard illustrative of a return on investment in accordance with the cost data and monitored device states. A display generator renders an image of the graphical dashboard. The graphical dashboard is altered in accordance with modified or updated state data acquired over time in accordance with device usage changes or device configuration changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Toshiba TEC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Louis Ormond, Marianne Kodimer, Silvy Wilson, Rashmi Brahma
  • Patent number: 10576826
    Abstract: A method controls electrical charging of a group of vehicles which are electrically connected to a power supply system of a power supply system operator, wherein the respective vehicles draw power from the power supply system for charging a vehicle-side energy store for driving the respective vehicle. A central control system can communicate with the respective vehicles of the group and also with a server of the power supply system operator, wherein the central control system, in response to a received reduction command which originates from the server of the power supply system operator, carries out a charging power reduction control operation for the group of vehicles using charging power measurement values of the respective vehicles and in the process reduces the charging power of at least some of the vehicle-side energy stores in order to reduce the total charging power of the groups of vehicles at least by a power value which is specified by the reduction command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Simon Ellgas, Enrique Marcial-Simon, Thomas Stauner, Rainer Mehlhorn, Xaver Pfab
  • Patent number: 10581376
    Abstract: A system comprises a smart hybrid solar panel that employs a self-powered adaptive temperature control. Active temperature regulation may be implemented using a heat pump such as thermoelectric (TE) cooling modules and a switching circuit with variable duty cycle that periodically diverts the photovoltaic solar cell's output to the heat pump. A control system may algorithmically adjust the switching duty cycle to maximize the net power output of the panel based on a variety of sensory inputs and/or algorithms. The variety of sensory inputs may include weather forecast information, internal panel temperature, ambient air temperature, panel output voltage and current and humidity. The photovoltaic solar cells and heat pump are mechanically integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Tiasha Joardar
  • Patent number: 10574057
    Abstract: A method measures a power characteristic at the one or more storage batteries, and controls the one or more batteries to selectively act as a generator to supply power to the power grid or to act as a load to draw power from the power grid in response to a predetermined disturbance in the power characteristic being detected. A system includes a battery charging circuit, a battery to grid circuit and a controller that monitors a power characteristic at the one or more storage batteries, and controls the one or more batteries to selectively act as a generator to supply power to the power grid or to act as a load to draw power from the power grid in response to a predetermined disturbance in the power characteristic being detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Ljupco Kocarev, Vladimir Zdraveski, Mirko Todorovski, Andrej Gajduk, Lasko Basnarkov
  • Patent number: 10568046
    Abstract: In aspects of homogeneous and heterogeneous system determination in a network, a device can receive a first management frame and a second management frame communicated in separate data messages using a common communication protocol. The device implements a system identification module that can detect the first and second management frames are communicated in data messages from a radio device. The system identification module can determine that the first and second management frames are communicated from a homogeneous system that includes the radio device based at least in part on source addresses included in the first and second management frames. The system identification module can then determine to associate with the homogeneous system based on an operational state of services associated with either the first or the second management frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Ranjeet Gupta, Mary Khun Hor-Lao, Binesh Balasingh
  • Patent number: 10566836
    Abstract: A method for controlling electrical power usage by at least one power consuming device connected—via a telecommunications network—to at least one electrical power generating and/or storing component includes: in a first step, an electrical power consumption profile information is transmitted to or accessed by an electrical power management entity, the electrical power consumption profile information being related to the at least one power consuming device or to a mode of operation thereof; and in a second step, subsequent to the first step, a first electrical power control information and/or a second electrical power control information is transmitted, by the electrical power management entity, to the at least one power consuming device, the first electrical power control information indicating to activate a power consumption mode of operation corresponding to the electrical power consumption profile information transmitted to or accessed by the electrical power management entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
    Inventor: Andreas Neubacher
  • Patent number: 10559975
    Abstract: Distributed static synchronous series compensators (DSSSCs) which may also be designated tower routers capable of injecting series inductive or capacitive impedances to enable distributed power-flow control. When a large number of these (a fleet of) DSSSCs are distributed over the grid for power-flow control, it is necessary to ensure that coordinated communication and control capabilities are also established, enabling fast reaction to changes that can exist across the grid. A system architecture and method for enabling localized high-speed low-latency intelligent control with communications between subsections (local network) of the grid along with communication to the central Grid operations center at the utility for supervisory control is disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Smart Wires Inc.
    Inventors: Haroon Inam, Debrup Das, Frank Kreikebaum, Amrit Iyer, Aaron Zhao
  • Patent number: 10559958
    Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of power units in a power distribution network (PDN), comprising: a) receiving one or more requests to increase or decrease the power drawn from, or the power supplied to, the PDN; b) determining, based on aggregated power and/or energy data regarding the plurality of power units, and the one or more requests, one or more parameters defining properties of power units to be controlled in response to the one or more requests; c) receiving status updates from the plurality of power units; d) for each status update, determining whether the properties of the power unit fulfils the determined parameters; and e) if the properties of the power unit fulfils the determined parameters, controlling the power unit to change the amount of power drawn from or supplied to the PDN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Upside Energy Ltd.
    Inventor: Graham Oakes
  • Patent number: 10557882
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for sensing an event occurring from a target device in a smart plug installed on a supply route of power applied to the target device. To this end, a power measurement unit which comprises the smart plug measures power supplied to the target device, and an event determination unit predicts an event occurring from the target device on the basis of a power signal characteristic of the supplied power measured by the power measurement unit. The power signal characteristic indicates a variation characteristic of the supplied power caused by the occurrence of the event on the basis of supplied power before the event occurs from the target device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Mok Seo
  • Patent number: 10554049
    Abstract: Techniques are described for disaggregation of renewable energy generation on an electricity distribution system. Aggregate power measurements are identified a distribution substation. Active power load of the distribution substation and active power generated by renewable energy sites can be disaggregated from the aggregate power measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Emma Mary Stewart, Ciaran Martin Roberts, Emre can Kara, Michaelangelo David Tabone
  • Patent number: RE48100
    Abstract: A method and system for power management is provided. To control power supplied to a second electronic device (106), an electronic system (100) comprises a power management subsystem (110), a first electronic device (102); The power management subsystem (110) monitors the power consumed by the first electronic device (102) to control the power supplied to the second electronic device (106). A method for power management of a second electronic device (106) is provided. A power management subsystem (110) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: III Holdings 6, LLC
    Inventors: Artur Tadeusz Burchard, Kees Gerard Willem Goossens, Aleksandar Milutinovic, Anca Mariana Molnos, Elisabeth Francisca Maria Steffens