Abstract: A load control module suitable for an electrical equipment is disclosed, wherein the electrical equipment is coupled to a switch. The load control module includes an energy storage unit, a microprocessor, and a pulse control unit. The energy storage unit still outputs a reserved voltage for a predetermined time when the switch is turned off. Besides, the energy storage unit switches the level of an indication signal according to the on/off state of the switch. Along with the change in the level of the indication signal, the microprocessor regulates the duty cycle of a modulation signal through different control methods respectively within and without a fine tuning time. Thereby, the load control module regulates the level of a control voltage according to the on/off state of the switch so as to achieve a diversified control function.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system having a building control system with a vehicle battery controller. The vehicle battery controller may be configured to control a vehicle battery charge and a vehicle battery discharge of a vehicle having a vehicle battery coupled to an electrical system of a building.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: An electric charge fee calculation and collection system for an electric vehicle includes a charge control unit that receives power from a power supply means and charges a battery of the vehicle; a power usage amount and cost calculation unit that measures a power usage amount supplied to the battery from the power supply means and calculates an electricity rate corresponding to the measured power usage amount; and a collection means that collects the electricity rate from a user.

Abstract: Device for measuring physical and/or chemical parameters of water circulating in a treatment circuit of a leisure pool, which comprises: a main body (12) through which a measurement channel (13) passes; means (14a, 14b) for connecting the measurement channel (13) to the treatment circuit (8); at least two measurement sensors (18a, 18b) fitted to the main body in order to be in contact with the inside of the measurement channel (13); an acquisition unit (20) connected to the measurement sensors and comprising a self-contained electric power source (32) and wireless communication means (45) for communicating with a central unit (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the activation of an electronic device. For a desired activation ratio, which defines the “ON” time relative to the “OFF” time of the electronic device for a given time period, the method and apparatus according to the present invention evaluates an activation sequence. The activation sequence comprises two or more activation time periods and one or more deactivation periods, wherein the ratio between the two or more activation periods and the predetermined time period is equivalent to the desired activation ratio.

Abstract: The present invention orchestrates the supply of power and demand for power of power-side of Utility-provided services such as Electricity, Gas and Water. In real-time a variable price for service is sent from Utilities' SUPPLY-SIDE via a Network such as the Internet to the DEMAND-SIDE, such as to smart appliances in homes, to search for and encourage or discourage use and thus manage demand for Utility services. Demand is managed in the aggregate per type of appliance and across all users, not just at peak times, but rather throughout the day as capacity is needed or otherwise becomes available. With the invention traditional fossil-fuelled electrical capacity can operate less of the time and more efficiently, renewable electrical capacity such as wind and solar power can be more efficiently put to immediate use right when it becomes available, and additional means are available to protect Utilities' transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing an energy consuming load in a group of energy consuming loads comprising the load and a plurality of other loads, including a transmitter to transmit a set of load state data generated from the load and a receiver to receive sets of load state data generated from the other loads. A processor generates the set of load state data from the load, to compile the set of load state data from the load with the sets of load state data from the other loads, and to process the compiled sets of load state data in order to make an enablement state decision for the load, wherein the enablement state decision reflects an enablement state of the load which is either a load enabled or a load disabled state. The enablement state decision is made independently of the other loads, and is implemented by a controller.

Abstract: There is provided a power transmission device including a communication part that performs communication with an external power transmission device that transmits power, a power transmission part that transmits power to a power receiving device that receives the transmitted power in a non-contact manner, a determination part that determines whether power can be transmitted, based on external power transmission information received by the communication part indicating a start of power transmission by the external power transmission device, and a power transmission control part that controls the power transmission part to selectively transmit power based on a determination result from the determination part.

Abstract: There is provided a power transmitting apparatus including a power transmission side communication unit for communicating with one or more power receiving apparatus for receiving transmitted power; a power transmission unit for transmitting power to the one or more power receiving apparatus in a non-contact manner; an allocating unit for dividing transmission of power from the power transmission unit to the power receiving apparatus to a plurality of dividing periods for every predetermined period, and allocating the one or more power receiving apparatus to one of the dividing periods; and a power transmission control unit for selectively transmitting power to the one or more power receiving apparatus for every dividing period based on the allocation result in the allocating unit.

Abstract: A method and system for curtailing energy consumption of an appliance, such as an air conditioning compressor or heat pump, is provided. A control unit stores information relating to the load, which may include a connected load value, such as a power consumption value or efficiency rating. The control unit then monitors the appliance to determine when the appliance is calling for energy. Upon receiving an energy reduction value from a remote source, the control unit then calculates a permitted run time from the energy reduction value and the connected load value. The control unit, through a switch, then permits the appliance to be operable only for the permitted run time so as to reduce power consumption by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling energy consumption at a facility, or a group of facilities, using current and future energy prices, and seasonal and environmental information to control a load shedding scheme.

Abstract: Feedback is received from a plurality of devices. External data is also received. Statistical patterns of the plurality of devices are determined based on the feedback. A policy is determined based on the statistical patterns, the feedback, and the external data. The policy may include a set of rules dictating the operation of each of the plurality of devices and reducing energy consumption at the plurality of devices. Control data based on the policy is transmitted to the plurality of devices. The control data may be operative to transform the operation of the plurality of devices according to the set of rules.

Abstract: Based on regional calendar data including weekday information and holiday information, days of a month to be set are displayed as date buttons in a nonconsultation day setting image. A WORK button, an ALL button, a PM button or an AM button may be clicked to set consultation days and nonconsultation days for each day or weekday. The amount of energy consumed by an image forming apparatus is reduced by an energy saving mode in a preset nonbusiness time zone on nonbusiness days, and on Sundays and holidays which are not working days.

Abstract: A demand control device includes a predicted value calculating unit (21) arranged to calculate a predicted value of a power consumption integrated value for each one of a plurality of demand time intervals including a current demand time interval and a predetermined number of demand time intervals subsequent to the current demand time interval based on performance data stored in a power database (24) at the start of the demand time interval, and a control unit (21) arranged to control appliances based on the predicted value calculated by the predicted value calculating unit (21) for each one of the plurality of demand time intervals and on a pre-set target value.

Abstract: Methods and systems to control loads coupled to an electric energy or power grid within corresponding ranges of load values in response to one or more factors, such as to manage variability in production of renewable energy. Loads may be controlled in response to an indication of balance between available power and loads and/or in response to new loads and/or grid disconnections, and may be controlled repeatedly over time to adjust a sum load in response to changes in one or more of balance between available power and loads, new loads, and grid disconnections. A load may be repeatedly adjusted over time to provide an electrical power requirement within a time frame while accommodating at least a portion of variations in the balance between available electric power and load.

Abstract: A method for managing an energy consuming load in a group of energy consuming loads and a method for managing the group of energy consuming loads. The method includes generating sets of load state data from the loads, making enablement state decisions for one or more loads independently of the other loads using the sets of load state data, and implementing the enablement state decisions. An apparatus for managing an energy consuming load in a group of energy consuming loads, including a transmitter for transmitting a set of load state data generated from the load, a receiver for receiving sets of load state data from other loads, a processor for processing the sets of load state data to make an enablement state decision for the load, and a controller for implementing the enablement state decision.

Abstract: A power consumption monitor device monitors power consumption of one or more devices through a network. The monitor device includes a storage unit, a load information collecting unit and a power consumption estimation unit. The storage unit stores power consumption estimation information indicating a relation between power consumption and processing load of the one or more devices. The load information collecting unit collects load information indicating the processing load of the one or more devices through the network to the monitor device. The power consumption estimation unit estimates power consumption of the one or more device based on the collected load information and the power consumption estimation information.

Abstract: A device control apparatus (100) according to the present invention includes: a specification-conforming device identification unit (105) which identifies a device which conforms to a specification-related condition that should be satisfied by a device with an abstract name described in the application; a use situation-conforming device identification unit (106) which identifies a device which conforms to a use situation-related condition that should be satisfied by a device with an abstract name described in the application; and a device control unit (109) which controls, based on the application, the device identified by both the specification-conforming device identification unit (105) and the use situation-conforming device identification unit (106).

Abstract: A power supply control system, which allows the user to control, via a first network, the start or stop of power feeding to a power receiving apparatus connected to a second network, comprises a control terminal 13 connectable to the first network and a power supply control device 11 connected to the second network. The control terminal 13 sends a control command, which requests to supply power to a predetermined apparatus, to the power supply control device 11 connected to the second network, and the power supply control device 11 controls the power supply to the apparatus specified by the control command.

Abstract: A method of operating an electrical appliance includes coupling a solar collector to the electrical appliance such that the solar collector may provide electrical power to the appliance. A global positioning system receiver is used to determine a location of the solar collector. A level of power that may be sourced by the solar collector is calculated wherein the calculation is dependent upon the location of the solar collector as determined by the global positioning system receiver. The appliance is configured to draw a level of power corresponding to the calculated level of power that may be sourced by the solar collector.

Abstract: In a power system stabilization system for stabilizing a small-scale electric power system to which electric power generated by a rotating power generator is supplied, an electric water heater receives electric power from the electric power system and heats water, a system frequency measuring device measures system frequency of the electric power system, and a hot water controller increases the power consumption of the electric water heater when the system frequency exceeds a reference frequency, and decreases the power consumption of the electric water heater when the system frequency is less than the reference frequency.

Abstract: A method of controlling a power generating unit or other process equipment with a slow reaction time includes creating a feedforward control signal to selectively include a fast response rate component or a slow response rate component based on the average rate at which a load demand set point signal has changed during a particular previous period of time. The method then uses the developed feedforward control signal to control the power generating equipment or other slowly reacting process equipment. In particular, a control method switches between introducing a fast or a slow response component within a feedforward control signal based on whether the change in the load demand set point over a particular period of time in the past (e.g., an average rate of change of the load demand set point signal) is greater than or less than a predetermined threshold. This method is capable of providing a relatively fast control action even if the expected load demand set point change is in a small range.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a power aggregation system. In one implementation, a method includes determining a level of renewable energy on a power grid, determining a price of electricity on the power grid, and scheduling a charging of an electric resource connected to the power grid as a function of the price of electricity on the power grid and the level of renewable energy on the power grid.

Abstract: A generator controller, in its various embodiments, displays genset fault messages, a genset elapsed time hour meter, service countdown reminder, monitors battery voltage changes over multiple periods of time to establish and display the “battery level,” uses the “battery level” to automatically start and stop the genset, and accepts multiple run requests from AC loads such as HVAC systems, and incorporates safety or other start inhibit features.

Abstract: A computer network management system with an embedded processor, an analog communication means and a digital interface for network management provides a system for remotely and securely managing a network. Backup power in the form of an uninterrupted power supply, or other power means as appropriate, allows the modem to provide power outage notification to a remote site. The system further provides authentication and authorization capabilities for security purposes.

Abstract: An energy usage coordinator controls the energy usage of individual buildings of a group (or portfolio) of buildings in one or more load zones. These buildings have all contracted with an energy company which controls (directly or indirectly) the energy usage coordinator. By agreeing to lower energy usage during times of peak usage (when the energy company may otherwise have to pay very high prices on the spot or short term market), the owners or managers of the buildings receive a preferential energy rate from the energy company. Such a preferential rate may be in the form of a fixed rate reduction or a variable rate reduction. Alternatively, the energy company may determine that the energy is currently selling for twice what its building portfolio has contracted to pay for it so it requests some portion of the portfolio to reduce usage so that it can sell the excess/saved energy in the market.

Abstract: A power management device, including: a monitor module that directly monitors energy usage of at least one energy load to generate at least one measurement of energy usage by the at least one energy load; and a control module operatively coupled to the monitor module to control energy usage by the at least one energy load in a pre-determined manner that is based on the at least one measurement of energy usage, wherein the control module controls the at least one energy load via a data link.

Abstract: Information for configuring control apparatus for a power system including a plurality of controlled power supplies is produced using a graphical interface which displays the topology and sequencing of the power supplies in the power system. A database is used to select power supplies to add in determining the power system topology. Sequencing is represented by displacing icons representing the power supplies along lines representing their input and output voltages, and arrows representing startup sequence dependencies. A processor produces the configuration information, consistent with the displayed topology and sequencing, using information for the selected power supplies from the database, for downloading to the control apparatus.

Abstract: In a reverse pulse plating of a substrate (110), the electrolytic solution is agitated with a greater power on forward pulses (210) than on reverse pulses (220). An ultrasound agitation source (170) can be positioned at the bottom of the substrate (110) if the anode (134) is at the top. The ultrasound source may contact the substrate's bottom. Other features are also provided.

Abstract: A power generation system (200) of the present invention comprises a power generation portion (202) configured to generate power, a load power detecting means (205) configured to detect a load power supplied from a power source including the power generation portion to a load, an operation stop determination means (209) configured to stop a power generation operation of the power generation portion based on the load power detected by the load power detecting means and a stop condition; and a stop condition setting means (220) configured to set the stop condition, wherein the stop condition setting means sets different stop conditions in a plurality of time periods, and wherein the operation stop determination means stops the power generation operation of the power generation portion based on each of the different stop conditions set by the stop condition setting means and the load power detected by the load power detecting means.

Abstract: An energy measurement system including a radio frequency (“RF”) device powered by a solar panel. The RF device comprising a wireless communication port operative to transmit and receive communication over a wireless network of additional RF devices. The energy measurement system able to transmit energy parameters of the RF device over the wireless network.

Abstract: A control apparatus (1) for controlling an electrical load (2) has a housing (28), a plug (12) mounted to the housing (28) for connecting the control apparatus (1) to the power outlet (4), a socket (10) mounted to the housing (28) for connecting the control apparatus (1) to the electrical load (2), and a receiver unit (6) mounted within the housing (28) and coupled to the plug (12) and the socket (10). In use, the receiver unit (6) receives a control signal that is indicative of an impending congestion period. Upon receipt of the control signal, the receiver unit (6) interrupts supply of power to the socket (10) and, hence, switches the electrical load (2) off.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide improved control of addressable lighting fixtures. Individual lighting units have assigned schedules defining the power levels for the unit at various times of the day. Adjustments to a scheduled level for each unit may be made depending on predefined exceptions, ambient daylight, conservation commands, override instructions, and boost signals. Individual occupants of the building are associated with sets of individual lighting units. An override command received by the system and associated with a particular individual occupant is applied to the individual lighting units with which the individual occupant is associated.

Abstract: A method to calculate energy demand in an energy generation, transmission and distribution network including one or more power plants based on different energy source types including renewable energy, a communications system and one or more local consumption metering units. A customer demand profile for one or more customers is provided. A customer-specified proportion of power demand to be supplied from a given energy source type is registered. A total predicted energy demand dependent is calculated in part on an accumulated demand for the given energy source type.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to circuits that produce synchronized output signals. More specifically, there is provided a synchronization circuit adapted to receive an input signal, the synchronization circuit comprising a delay monitor adapted to produce a delayed input signal, a counter adapted to determine a difference between the input signal and the delayed input signal and produce a coarse timing signal in response thereto, a circuit adapted to produce a fine timing signal based on the input signal, and a circuit adapted to combine the coarse timing signal and the fine timing signal to produce an output signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling fossil fuel fired heating systems according to an improved adaptive cyclical control method when operating on backup (auxiliary DC) electrical power. Battery life is prolonged when used in conjunction with such improved method. Operating characteristics of the heating equipment and home or building being heated are monitored and stored in electronic memory during normal periods of operation when grid power is available. These characteristics are used to create control algorithms that are in turn specific to the system, as defined by the heating equipment and conditioned space. When the grid power is lost the control algorithms select the optimal heating mode, determine optimal cycle duration, and estimate the time to exhaustion of the remaining backup power. Operation is divided into sequential modes. When a prolonged low voltage period is detected, the backup power control initiates a short-term preliminary energy conservation mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for realizing energy cost savings through load shifting utilizing a battery bank that may serve as a battery back-up on a premises for providing power in the event of a grid power outage or curtailment. A budget of unreserved cycles of battery charging and discharging is determined, taking into account the rated battery life in terms of both time (e.g., years) and number of cycles. That cycle budget is allocated to days of the year identified as days on which the greatest savings can be realized through load shifting. These days are identified by taking into account the peak and off-peak usage rates applicable on those days, any rate tiers that may be entered as a result of the additional energy expended to load shift, and the round trip efficiency of the charge/discharge cycles. Load shifting is executed in accordance with an established schedule of the identified days, by discharging the batteries during peak usage hours and charging the batteries during off-peak periods.

Abstract: A thermostat capable of receiving signals transmitted by a utility provider communicating a usage rate schedule or a request for a load curtailment period, and controlling one or more systems based on the information communicated by the utility. The thermostat changes the set point for each system to the stored predetermined control set point corresponding to the current usage rate schedule period or the curtailment mode period when requested. The thermostat is further capable of discontinuing operation of one or more systems for a minimum predetermined time period during following a request for a load curtailment period.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling distributed energy resources is provided. Notification of an upcoming regional power distribution event is received and a distributed energy resource affected by the upcoming event is determined or identified. A first notification message is sent to an affected distributed energy resource asset owner or other administrator to notify the distributed energy resource asset of the event. An event data process is initiated to monitor and collect data associated with the event and an event control process is initiated to control one or more affected distributed energy resource asset during the event. The event control process and the event data process are terminated at the end of the event.

Abstract: A control method includes modeling a power generation apparatus, monitoring the generation of a total amount power from the power generation apparatus, monitoring internal consumption of power for a power generation apparatus, acquiring a power generation requirement for a first selected time period of a power generation apparatus to meet a power contract, and projecting an amount of total power needed over a diminishing time varying prediction horizon based on the model, the power generation requirement and the internal consumption.

Abstract: The load drive apparatus has a driver unit and a control unit. The driver unit includes a control section modulating, in accordance with a PWM signal supplied from the control unit, a drive signal to be applied to a load apparatus between a high level and a low level, and a short circuit detecting section detecting, on the basis of a signal level of the PWM signal and a signal level of the modulated drive signal, short circuit on a path through which the modulated drive signal is applied to the load apparatus. The control unit includes a function of fixing a duty ratio of the PWM signal upon occurrence of short circuit to determine to which of a high-level side and a low-level side the path is short-circuited.

Abstract: A method for scheduling of periodic real time processes in an operating system, comprising the steps of defining a reference point in time for a periodic real time process, and scheduling the periodic real time process from the reference point in time. Preferably a future point in time is defined as the reference point in time at the start up of the operating system. The real time process is preferably a periodic control process during which a relative control point in time, counted from the beginning of the subsequent control cycle, is calculated during each cycle with absolute time correction counted from the reference point in time. The absolute time correction corresponds to the period of the periodic process multiplied with the number of passed control periods until the beginning of the subsequent control cycle, at which the absolute control point in time is calculated through an addition of the relative control point in time with the absolute time correction.

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: An intelligent demand controller protects the local customer premises supply transformer from overload and senses conditions on the transformer. The intelligent demand control system utilizes a communications network with a plurality of load control units having a unique address and residing at a plurality of customer premises. A demand controller monitors the voltages and frequency of electricity provided to the customer premises as well as the instantaneous current required by the operating loads of the customer premises. Each of the plurality of demand controllers may be associated with one or more of a plurality of load control units and configured to receive data related to the state of the power supplied to the plurality of controlled loads and generate a transmit message using a predefined communication protocol. When certain programmable conditions are met, a load control unit is signaled to remove power from one or more of its monitored loads.

Abstract: A coordination controller prevents the deterioration of electric power quality in an electric power system, such as in terms of voltage values, that can be caused when distributed power resources connected in parallel to the electric power system are operated without restrictions. A distributed power resource 103 includes means 112 for communicating with the outside of an electric power facility, means 116 for monitoring the current time, means 115 for synchronizing with the outside time, means 112 for receiving a control schedule for an electric power-consuming apparatus or electric power generating apparatus, and a coordination controller 101 for implementing the control schedule according to the time obtained by the time monitoring means 116.

Abstract: A device for measuring electrical energy in an electric circuit is disclosed. The device includes at least one sensor coupled with the electric circuit and operative to sense at least one electrical parameter in the electric circuit and generate at least one analog signal indicative thereof. The device also includes at least one analog to digital converter coupled with the at least one sensor and operative to convert the at least one analog signal to at least one digital sample and a time synchronization receiver operative to generate a time synchronization signal. Further, the device includes a processor coupled with the at least one analog to digital converter and the time synchronization receiver, the processor operative to alter a timing clock signal based on the time synchronization signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy storing method and apparatus for use by end-users of energy, such as commercial property owners and operators. The system differs from past systems, insofar as it is not intended to be used by and in connection with energy suppliers, such as large utility and power supply plants and grids. The system preferably relates to the manner in which an end-user of energy can implement energy and costs savings, by using energy storage and time-shifting methods, to control and regulate the consumption of energy in a manner that achieves a cost savings over a period of time.