Abstract: An energy storage medium is combined with a secondary energy source that supplies power to an electricity distribution grid. The charge and discharge behavior of the energy storage medium is controlled so that rapid increases in the output of a secondary source of energy are absorbed by the storage system, whereas rapid decreases in the output of the secondary source are compensated by discharging stored energy onto the grid. The combined contributions of the secondary source and the energy storage system ensures a rate of change that does not exceed a defined level. Maximum and minimum output power levels for the secondary source can be established to define a normal operating range. The charging or discharging of the energy storage system is also performed when the secondary output power level exceeds or falls below the limits of the defined range.

Abstract: An occupancy detection system includes a motion detector, one or more sound detectors and a lighting controller configured to turn on and off one or more lighting devices in a defined area based on detected occupancy states. Lighting control circuitry determines occupancy states based on motion detector output signals and sound detector output signals, and further controls associated lighting devices to be turned ON or OFF in accordance with determined occupancy states and an automatically adaptable timeout period. The timeout period is automatically adjusted in accordance with newly recorded time stamps for lighting status changes, based on a second order occupancy distribution analysis such as a Gaussian probability distribution function, with an occupancy curve adjusted for each newly recorded set of time stamps and the timeout period being adjusted according to the mean and variance of the occupancy curve.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for optimizing the control of energy supply and demand. An energy control unit includes one or more algorithms for scheduling the control of energy consumption devices on the basis of variables relating to forecast energy supply and demand. Devices for which energy consumption can be scheduled or deferred are activated during periods of cheapest energy usage. Battery storage and alternative energy sources (e.g., photovoltaic cells) are activated to sell energy to the power grid during periods that are determined to correspond to favorable cost conditions.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for controlling power consumption with a power controlling display device. Some aspects relate to a power controlling display device that receives a notification of a power control event that may control internal display components as well as connected power consuming devices. Some aspects relate to methods and systems for automatically compensating a displayed image when display backlight levels are modified in response to a power control event.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring and/or managing power consumption by power units connected to an electricity distribution network are disclosed. Power flow to and/or from a power unit connected to an electricity distribution network is controlled in accordance with a control sequence, such that the consumption and/or provision of power by the power unit results in a power flow having a predefined flow pattern, and having a characteristic, such as an amplitude, which can be remotely measured. This measurement may be performed using a method in which a signal indicative of power flowing at a measurement node is measured and correlated with a predefined pattern, and a characteristic of the correlated signal is measured. Thus, power flow characteristics resulting from a group of one or more power flow devices can be remotely detected and measured.

Abstract: An energy decision management system manages, controls, or manipulates data to monitor, measure, or control one or more energy systems. The EDMS includes at least three modules or systems working together to manage the information needed for a user to render decisions as to which energy system to operate, in which the desire is to minimize costs. The EDMS includes a budget/forecast module, a scheduling module, and a performance module. The budget module creates a strategic energy decision plan to run various energy systems. The scheduling module creates an operational schedule to determine which energy system is best to operate based on predetermined criteria. The performance module produces management reports to quantify operational issues and successes.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an energy-management system for managing energy within a predominantly closed power system. During operation, the system obtains one or more control actions that control energy transitions of a plurality of components, receives transitional characteristics associated with the components, and schedules the energy transitions by generating a set of offsets. A respective offset results in a delay of at least one energy transition.

Abstract: Supervisory control equipment for smart grids provided with a plurality of generators and loads and operated in interconnection with a commercial power system through an interconnected circuit breaker, comprising a frequency control ability calculation part for calculating the frequency control ability of the interconnected system by using a total power demand and a bus bar frequency; and an islanding and interconnection detection part for calculating frequency control ability of the commercial power system according to the frequency control ability of the system of the frequency control ability calculation part to discriminate between the interconnected and islanding operations according to the magnitude of the frequency control ability.

Abstract: A method and system of power factor optimization and total harmonic distortion are provided under the premise of efficient power management and distribution on an electrical grid. The method and system include a novel optimization technique based on a novel current profiling methodology enabling real-time power management with power factor correction as a function of the optimization. The optimization can be performed under dynamic current constraints. When deployed on an electrical grid, the method and system can provide a new technique for power management targeting an efficiency of the electrical grid. The method and system can thus provide for reduced costs of energy production and reduced carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A smart control device is disclosed. The smart control device can be equipped in an electrical appliance, so as to be capable of controlling the electrical appliance by using diverse information that is provided from both the inside and the outside of the electrical appliance. In a smart control device monitoring and scheduling operations of an electrical appliance, the smart control device includes an interface unit configured to receive energy information, a smart controller configured to control energy saving functions of the electrical appliance based upon the energy information received from the interface unit, and an input unit configured to receive an inputted control command respective to the electrical appliance. Herein, the smart controller may be provided in the electrical appliance, and the smart controller may control the electrical appliance so that the electrical appliance can be operated in an energy saving operation mode based upon the received energy information.

Abstract: There is provided a consumption energy calculating device which simulates power consumption of a heating and cooling appliance operated by a customer living in a house. A first receiver and a second receiver receive a demand response signal and an external environmental factor parameter. A pain level model shows a relationship between an indoor air temperature and a pain level. A first calculator calculates, when the appliance is not in operation, the indoor air temperature of a next sample time. A second calculator calculates, when the appliance is in operation, determines the indoor air temperature of the next sample time. A working sequence generator determines whether the appliance is or not to be operated during the next sample time. The power consumption determination unit determines power consumption consumed by the appliance before the next sample time and outputs data showing the power consumption.

Abstract: An energy management apparatus includes: a communicator capable of communicating with at least a meter apparatus among the meter apparatus and a server apparatus that collects measurement information from the meter apparatus; a device registration processor configured to determine whether the direct communicator to the server apparatus can communicate with the server apparatus; if the direct communication is possible, transmit to the server apparatus a device registration message that requests to register a device identifier of the meter apparatus and a device identifier of the energy management apparatus; and, if the direct communication to the server apparatus is not possible, transmit the device registration message for the server apparatus to the meter apparatus; a communication processor configured to obtain energy control information of the device transmitted from the server apparatus; and a control executor configured to control the used energy amount of the device based on the energy control informati

Abstract: A demand response unit (DRU) interposed between a utility's electrical power line (PL) and at least one load (L1-Ln) to which power is supplied by the utility over the line. A detector (Fdet or Vdet) measures a characteristic (frequency F, voltage V) of an electrical waveform (W) by which power is transmitted by the utility to the load. The detector determines both when the measured frequency or voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold for a first predetermined period of time; and, if the threshold is exceeded, when the frequency or voltage exceeds the second predetermined threshold for a second predetermined period of time. For this purpose, the detector processes a predetermined number of intervals of the waveform and produces an average value of the characteristic which is compared to the threshold. This is done to reduce the effect of extraneous events which may temporarily change the value of the frequency or voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to systems, devices and methods for the efficient use of utilities, more particularly to the distribution and provision of electricity supply at appropriate voltages, monitoring and usage by end devices, and to facilitating consumers in changing their energy usage behavior, and to adopt and easily install appropriate sustainable, energy efficient or renewable technologies. Said end devices typically including traditional electric, electronic and lighting appliances requiring AC or DC power provision or low voltage DC power via AC/DC converters.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the decentralized, coordinated control of the voltage and active power losses of an electrical distribution system in light of one another are provided. For example, a controller may include a network interface and data processing circuitry. The network interface may receive first measurements associated with a segment of an electrical distribution system and transmit a control signal configured to control equipment of the segment of the electrical distribution system. The data processing circuitry may run simulations of the segment of the electrical distribution system in various equipment configurations, selecting from among the various configurations one that is expected to cause the voltage deviation and the active power losses of the segment to approach desired values while keeping power factor within a desired range.

Abstract: The power flexibility of energy loads are maximized using a value function for each load and outputting optimal control parameters per load. These loads are aggregated into a virtual load by maximizing a global value function that includes the value function for each individual load. The solution yields a dispatch function providing: a percentage of energy to be assigned to each individual load, a possible time-varying power level within a time interval for each load, and control parameters and values. An economic term of the global value function represents the value of the power flexibility to different energy players. A user interface includes for each time interval upper and lower bounds representing respectively the maximum power that may be reduced to the virtual load and the maximum power that may be consumed by the virtual load. An energy trader modifies an energy level in a time interval relative to the reference curve for the virtual load.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the decentralized, coordinated control of the power factor on an electrical distribution system are provided. For example, a controller may include a network interface and data processing circuitry. The network interface may receive first measurements associated with a segment of an electrical distribution system and transmit a control signal configured to control equipment of the segment of the electrical distribution system. The data processing circuitry may run simulations of the segment of the electrical distribution system in various equipment configurations, selecting from among the various equipment configurations an equipment configuration that is expected to cause the power factor to approach a desired value. The data processing circuitry then may generate the control signal, which may cause the equipment of the segment of the electrical distribution system to conform to the equipment configuration and thereby control the power factor.

Abstract: If a plurality of power receiving apparatuses are in a predetermined range, a power supply apparatus selects a power receiving apparatus to be preferentially charged based on the remaining capacities of batteries of the respective power receiving apparatuses, and stops charging of the power receiving apparatuses other than the selected power receiving apparatus until the remaining capacity of the selected power receiving apparatus reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: The power flexibility of energy loads are maximized using a value function for each load and outputting optimal control parameters per load. These loads are aggregated into a virtual load by maximizing a global value function that includes the value function for each individual load. The solution yields a dispatch function providing: a percentage of energy to be assigned to each individual load, a possible time-varying power level within a time interval for each load, and control parameters and values. An economic term of the global value function represents the value of the power flexibility to different energy players. A user interface includes for each time interval upper and lower bounds representing respectively the maximum power that may be reduced to the virtual load and the maximum power that may be consumed by the virtual load. An energy trader modifies an energy level in a time interval relative to the reference curve for the virtual load.

Abstract: An energy management system and method for one or more appliances includes a controller for managing power consumption within a household. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of one or more energy parameters of an associated energy supplying utility, including at least a peak demand period or an off-peak demand period. The controller is configured to at least one of communicate to, control and operate one or more appliances in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The one or more appliances operate in the normal operating mode during the off-peak demand period and operate in the energy savings mode during the peak demand period. The controller is configured to control the return of the one or more appliances to the normal operating mode after the peak demand period is over to prevent an energy surge for the associated energy supplying utility.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for updating of schedules to a device controlled by an energy management system.

Abstract: A communication system is provided for a motor control center. The motor control center includes an enclosure and a plurality of subunits. The enclosure comprises a framework for dividing the enclosure into a plurality of compartments. The subunits are removably disposed within the compartments. The communication system includes a mounting bracket fixedly attached to the framework, within a corresponding one of the compartments, and a communication module mounted on the mounting bracket. The communication module includes a housing and a number of features such as, for example and without limitation, a DIP switch and electrical connector(s), disposed on the housing. Accordingly, when the subunit is removed from the compartment, the communication module remains, fixed to the enclosure framework. The mounting bracket includes a hinge that allows the communication module to pivot with respect to the compartment to provide access to the features.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current cost of supplied energy. The controller operates the dishwasher in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode based on the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the dishwasher in the energy savings mode. The controller may modify or disable the hot start feature either prior to a wash cycle, or at an early stage of the first prewash cycle, including if a consumer elects to override the prompted energy savings mode.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.

Abstract: In a washing machine, a power management apparatus and a method of controlling the same, washing operation and drying operation commands are input by a user, power rate information for each time period is received from an EMS, a drying operation execution time is confirmed, and power rates corresponding to the drying operation execution time are determined based on the power rate information for each time period. Then, the power rates corresponding to the drying operation execution time are compared with the standard power rates to determine whether the power rates corresponding to the drying operation execution time are higher than the standard power rates, and an algorithm of a final spinning mode in the washing operation is adjusted if the power rates corresponding to the drying operation execution time are higher than the standard power rates.

Abstract: Data comprising a request specifying a desired change in electrical load for a defined period of time is received. The electrical load is associated with a plurality of resources under control of resource agents and on a utility grid. Available capacity of resources within the control of each resource agent over the defined period of time is determined. Each available capacity is determined at least using a resource load model. Using the determined available capacity of resources over the defined period of time, resource scheduling instructions are calculated for a subset of resources. The resource scheduling instructions satisfy the desired change in electrical load of the request. Data characterizing the resource scheduling instructions is provided. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A GPS-based energy management system for a home network is provided that includes a plurality of energy consuming devices. The system comprises a central controller operatively connected to each energy consuming device, and one or more GPS-enabled devices configured to communicate with the central controller. The central controller is programmed to modify the behavior of the energy consuming devices based on the location of at least one member of a home network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present method and system permit an effective method for determining the optimum selection of pulse width modulation polarity and type including determining machine parameters, inputting the machine parameters into a predicted duty cycle module, determining the optimum polarity of the pulse width modulation for a predicted duty cycle based on a pulse width modulation generation algorithm, and determining the optimum type of the pulse width modulation for a predicted duty cycle based on the pulse width modulation generation algorithm.

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 invention relates to a method for curtailing electrical power supplied from a wind turbine or a group of wind turbines to an associated power supply grid, the method comprising the steps of determining an available electrical power level from the wind turbine facility and setting a wind speed independent curtailment level. The curtailment level may be a percentage of an actual available electrical power level or a fixed power level. The method further comprises the step of operating the wind turbine facility in such a way that the generated electrical power supplied from the wind turbine facility equals the difference between an actual available electrical power level and the curtailment level. The present invention further relates to a wind turbine facility and a curtailing controller for carrying out the invention.

Abstract: A time controlled electrical switch operable in a Sabbath state and in a working day state, comprising a switching component for selectively directing the supply of electrical power, or for selectively transmitting a logical input, to a device; a memory device in which is stored local sunset information, calendar information, and predetermined rules for initiating a state changing event relating to a Sabbath state and a working day state; a logical circuit in data communication with the switching component, and a time supplying device. The logical circuit is operable to transmit a signal to the switching component for initiating the state changing event in response to an instantaneous time indicated by the time supplying device and the stored local sunset information, calendar information, and predetermined rules.

Abstract: A system and method for medium access control in a wireless communication network including the use of packets having a header and plural data portions, acknowledgement request features, corrupt packet identification, and adaptive duty cycling.

Abstract: A system for shifting energy demand from on-peak time windows to off-peak time windows by using hot water heater load shifting, while providing the end user with the level of service (i.e., availability of hot water) according to the user's customary use described by service quality criteria. The shift is accomplished by a controller located at the end user establishment and in communication with a central control server. The controller monitors local water heater upper and/or lower temperature and controls upper and/or lower water heater heating elements in accordance with a demand shift process commanded by the central control server. The controller may determine usage and remaining capacity for reporting back to the central control server. A volumetric capacity and usage determination is disclosed. The control server may select water heaters according to use patterns and/or measured capacity.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of active grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into active grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: Data comprising a request specifying a desired change in electrical load for a defined period of time is received. The electrical load is associated with a plurality of resources under control of resource agents and on a utility grid. Available capacity of resources within the control of each resource agent over the defined period of time is determined. Each available capacity is determined at least using a resource load model. Using the determined available capacity of resources over the defined period of time, resource scheduling instructions are calculated for a subset of resources. The resource scheduling instructions satisfy the desired change in electrical load of the request. Data characterizing the resource scheduling instructions is provided. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and articles are also described.

Abstract: An energy management system. The energy management system includes at least one energy monitoring and control device configured to monitor the power usage of one or more electrical devices, and a security system communicatively coupled to at least one energy monitoring and control device and having at least one sensor configured to sense a security event. The security system is configured to receive information about the power usage of the electrical device and to determine an abnormal operation of the electrical device based, at least in part, on the received information about the power usage of the electrical device and a state of the security system.

Abstract: A method for scheduling an appliance operation is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals. Each signal has an on-peak signal. Based upon the plurality of signals, a predicted on-peak time value is determined. The predicted on-peak time value can be used to determine when to execute an appliance operation in order to avoid operating the appliance during an on-peak time period.

Abstract: An energy management system includes a controller receiving electrical pricing information from an electrical utility company, measuring electrical power usage of a customer, and providing the electrical power usage to the electrical utility company. The controller is suitable to receive information regarding energy storage of a customer's electrical power storage and receive power information regarding a power generation source of the customer. The controller modifies the power usage of the energy management system based upon the pricing information, the electrical power usage, the energy storage, the power information, wherein the pricing information includes a plurality of temporal pricing levels and a temporal peak pricing level.

Abstract: An electricity substation 11 receives a high voltage electricity supply and transforms it to a low voltage supply distributed to a plurality of properties 13. The substation 11 is also provided with a demand management unit 14 incorporating a load monitoring means 15 operable to measure the load on the or each low voltage supply cable 12 and each property 13 is provided with at least one intelligent socket 20 for high load appliances. The intelligent socket 20 comprises contacts 21 for making a connection with the conductors of the charging lead; a use monitor 22 operable to detect when a load (i.e. an electric vehicle) is drawn from the contacts 21; a switch 23 operable to disconnect or connect the electricity supply to the contacts; and a control unit 24. The control unit is operable to communicate with the demand management unit 14 via a suitable communications link 16.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling load in a utility distribution network are provided that initiates a shed event for a node in the distribution network by selecting premisess associated with the node that are participating in a demand response program to reduce the load at the node to desired levels. More specifically, the system and method provide for selecting only enough participating premisess associated with the node that are necessary to reduce the load to desired levels.

Abstract: An energy management system for a localized community serviceable by a power equivalent of no more than about 100 MW of electrical energy. The system and techniques thereof are directed at managing allocations of total available energy generated at the localized community as between current use and storage. Further, the management of the energy is enhance through a variety of optimizations (e.g. optimizers) that may be applied to a variety of different, polygenerating energy-types available to the community.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed that includes a central controller that takes energy data available from a power/energy measuring device, such as a “smart” meter that is located on a primary network and makes that data available to devices over a secondary network. The central controller is a home energy gateway that includes two communication modules, one of which is used to bind a meter as a router or end point on the primary network, and one which is used to form a secondary network here the central controller operates as network coordinator. The central controller also operates as an energy service portal for devices on the secondary network.

Abstract: A fan array fan section in an air-handling system includes a plurality of fan units arranged in a fan array and positioned within an air-handling compartment. One preferred embodiment may include an array controller programmed to operate the plurality of fan units at peak efficiency. The plurality of fan units may be arranged in a true array configuration, a spaced pattern array configuration, a checker board array configuration, rows slightly offset array configuration, columns slightly offset array configuration, or a staggered array configuration.

Abstract: Methods for controlling a wind power plant that includes a plurality of wind turbines being operatively connected to a plant collector grid a power plant controller, a wind power plant, and a computer program product. The method may include generating an actual power reference signal in response to a determination of the power production of the wind power plant and comparing a desired power reference signal with the actual power reference signal. The method may include either applying a first filter characteristic as part of a generation of a wind turbine power reference if the desired power reference signal exceeds the actual power reference signal, or applying a second filter characteristic as part of the generation of the wind turbine power reference if the actual power reference signal exceeds the desired power reference signal. The first filter characteristic is different from the second filter characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed and described herein are embodiments of systems, methods and computer program for scheduling demand events over a time period based on differences between the estimated power availability and the estimated power consumption at various points during the time period. In one aspect, methods are described. One embodiment of a method comprises establishing a defined time period, estimating power availability over the time period, estimating power consumption over the time period, and scheduling, using a computing device, demand events over the time period based on differences between the estimated power availability and the estimated power consumption at various points during the time period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for managing the supply of energy of a client device connected to an energy transport network, said system comprising a switching device connected to said network, said system comprising an energy storage means connected to said network via the switching device, wherein the switching device is able to be configured according to three configuration modes, the system also comprising a control device comprising means for comparing a level of energy stored in the storage means and a local threshold of charge of the storage means and means for determining and assigning to the switching device a configuration mode from among the three configuration modes according to the result of said comparison.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method (310, 330, 350, 370) of demand side electrical load management and an associated apparatus (104) and system (100). The method (310, 330, 350, 370) includes providing (336, 318) a consumer of electricity with an indication of instantaneous electricity consumption. The method (310, 330, 350, 370) further includes determining (382) an electricity consumption threshold for the consumer, in response to a determination that load limiting is required and providing (384, 356, 338, 320, 322) the consumer with an indication of the electricity consumption threshold and an indication of a time period within which the consumer must limit his/her electricity consumption to comply with the electricity consumption threshold. The method (310, 330, 350, 370) also includes interrupting (360, 340, 342, 324) supply of electricity to the consumer in response to the electricity consumption of the consumer violating the electricity consumption threshold after the time period has elapsed.

Abstract: A system for managing electric energy exchange devices is disclosed. The system comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive a set of predefined parameters for electric energy exchange a vehicle using an electric energy exchange device for a time increment. The processor is further configured to receive a set of transaction specific parameters. The processor is configured to determine a price for electric energy exchange based at least in part on the set of predefined parameters and the set of transaction specific parameters. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.

Abstract: Disclosed in an example embodiment herein is a technique for performing discovery and power budgeting for a power sharing group comprising a plurality of power supply modules configured for sharing power. Data is collected to determine members of the power sharing group, input power and load power for members of the power sharing group. A power budget is determined for members of the power sharing group and the power budget is distributed to members of the power sharing group. Load shedding inputs are calculated in the event that load power exceeds the capacity of the power sharing group.

Abstract: A system for providing demand response services relative to a resource. Demand response information may be conveyed by a provider of the resource to demand-response logic. The logic may translate the demand response information into one of a pre-defined finite amount or number of demand response levels. These levels may be translated to device states, and in turn the device states may be translated to device commands. The translations may be based on rules designed to effect a resource usage scenario. The rules may be easily changed. The commands may be provided to devices at one or more facilities. The devices may control loads, which consume the resource, in accordance with the device commands. The devices may also provide information, such as conditions and resource consumption, relative to the facilities to the provider of the resource. The commands and information may be conveyed via local and wide communication networks.