Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, devices, protocols, and processes for retrieving, accessing, and presenting information of energy usage using a distributed storage process and distributed logical services to provide a user with real-time energy usage information and visualization.

Abstract: A security system comprising apparatus for connecting a plurality of electrical devices (1) to a mains power supply (2), and a controller (10). The apparatus is provided with a plurality of power outlets, each outlet being associated with a sensor (3) for measuring at least one electrical parameter such as current drawn, power consumption or power factor at the power outlet. A communications interface (8) is provided for sending to a controller via a communications network a message. The message includes an identity of each power outlet of the plurality of power outlets and information derived from the measured electrical parameters. This information can be used by the controller to determine changes to electrical parameters which in turn can be used to determine whether the electrical device is still coupled to the apparatus, and activate an alarm (13) if it is determined that the electrical device is no longer coupled to the apparatus.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, devices, protocols, and processes for retrieving, accessing, and presenting information of energy usage using a distributed storage process and distributed logical services to provide a user with real-time energy usage information and visualization.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, devices, protocols, and processes for retrieving, accessing, and presenting information of energy usage using a distributed storage process and distributed logical services to provide a user with real-time energy usage information and visualization.

Abstract: Provided is a utilization-time changing support device including: a household-electrical-appliance power record storage unit storing records of power consumption for each household electrical appliance used in a living space; a power record writing unit receiving information indicating the power consumption of the household electrical appliance from a measuring device that measures the power consumption, and writing, into the household-electrical-appliance power record storage unit, a record of the information as one of the records of the power consumption; a regular use determining unit determining whether or not the household electrical appliance used during a predetermined period is regularly used, based on the records of the power consumption; and a period change possibility determining unit outputting (i) whether or not a utilization period of the household electrical appliance can be changed and (ii) another utilization period as a result of the determination, based on the records of the power consumpti

Abstract: An electricity meter includes a sensor circuit, a measurement circuit, a leading PF detection circuit and a control circuit. The sensor circuit is operably connected to detect voltage and current provided to a load, and generates corresponding voltage and current measurement signals. The measurement circuit is configured to generate energy consumption information based on the voltage and current measurement signals. The leading PF detection circuit is configured to generate a first value representative of a phase difference of the current measurement signal with respect to the voltage measurement signal, and to generate a leading PF detection signal responsive to determining that the first value corresponds to a leading power factor that leads unity power factor by more than a predetermined threshold. The control circuit stores an indication in memory responsive at least in part to the leading PF detection signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing energy resources includes: a collection unit for collecting energy consumptions and resource information of a plurality of energy consumption devices; an integrated resource relation map management unit for generating and managing an integrated resource relation map which indicates correlations between energy resources one another consumed by the energy consumption devices by using the energy consumptions and the resource information; and an energy management unit for generating energy-saving measures based on the integrated resource relation map.

Abstract: A power reduction system includes a central server and a plurality of power reduction devices. The central server of the power reduction aggregation system includes: a network interface configured to transmit and receive information to and from a communication network; a power grid status module coupled to the network interface and configured to transmit a power status message to the network, via the network interface, toward at least two power reduction devices connected to the network; and a power savings compensation module configured to determine an aggregate compensation earned for providing an aggregate energy reduction induced by the at least two power reduction devices in response to receiving the power status message, and further configured to determine individual portions of the aggregate compensation associated with each of the at least two power reduction devices.

Abstract: A system for utility base lining records historic values of utility loads for regions within a facility. The system also records historic values of independent variables such as outside temperature, time, date, workday versus non-workday, and occupancy. A similar data selector seeks out similar times in the past and submits the data from those times to a base line estimator which produces a baseline estimate. Differences between the current load and the estimated load can trigger alarms or investigations to determine why the utility load has changed. False alarms can occur when the utility load drifts over time. Detecting drift can help reduce false alarms or help in the investigation of alarms. A graphical user interface (GUI) can present an easily understood representation of the regions, load estimation errors, alarms, and detected drift.

Abstract: A system includes an implantable battery, an implantable medical device powered by the battery, a first resistance, a second resistance, a first memory register and a second memory register. The implantable medical device has first and second current drain states. The first resistance is connected to the battery through a first current path when the device is in the first current drain state, wherein current is prevented from flowing through the first current path when the device is in the second current drain state. The second resistance is connected to the battery through a second current path when the device is in the second current drain state, wherein current is prevented from flowing through the second current path when the device is in the first current drain state. The first memory register is configured to store a cumulative first current drain state count indicative of total charge drawn from the battery when the device is in the first current drain state.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for utility meter reading. The present disclosure provides inexpensive, easy to install, devices that can collect and report utility usage data from a remote location automatically, or on-demand. The disclosed systems may be used to monitor up to sixty-four meters per system, wherein each of the sixty-four meters is monitored at least once per second. Methods for using the disclosed systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: An energy monitor that measures the amount of electricity consumed by an appliance and translates that measurement into the amount of carbon dioxide that was emitted into the atmosphere as a result of creating that amount of electricity.

Abstract: The power consumption detecting device is without external power supply. It installed on the electric equipment. This self-powered detecting device comprises at least one thermoelectric element, a processor and a wireless transmitter. As the electric equipment working, the temperature difference on the surface of the electric equipment drives the thermoelectric element to perform a voltage signal. Therefore, a self-powered thermoelectric detecting device will decrease standby power demand. The amplitude of voltage signal is proportion to the temperature difference. In the same time, the power generated by thermoelectric element may be another power source of the wireless transmitter and the chip or processor, so the supply of exterior power is no needed. The wireless transmitter transmits a signal, which is according to the power consumption of electric equipment or electric appliance, to the control center.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device IED has enhanced power quality and communications capabilities. The IED can perform energy analysis by waveform capture, detect transient on the front-end voltage input channels and provide revenue measurements. The IED splits and distributes the front-end input channels into separate circuits for scaling and processing by dedicated processors for specific applications by the IED. Front-end voltage input channels are split and distributed into separate circuits for transient detection, waveform capture analysis and revenue measurement, respectively. Front-end current channels are split and distributed into separate circuits for waveform capture analysis and revenue measurement, respectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide power quality devices that have a dual use connector that will couple to a device being protected, such as a telephone handset, and will also provide a communication interface that a technician can access to establish communications with the power quality device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to analysis of large data sets using distributed polynomial interpolation. Particular embodiments compile such data sets from a large number of nodes. According to certain embodiments, a node gathers data for a certain time interval, and then approximates the gathered data with a polynomial. The node then sends its data in the form of the polynomial and an identification (ID), to a repository such as a database. For each node the polynomial may be queried from the database, and then the integral for the required interval calculated therefrom. Embodiments of the present invention may be particularly suited to allow real-time analytics of data collected from a large number of electrical power smart meters.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring energy usage through a power line network is disclosed. According to an embodiment, the present system for monitoring power usage comprises a power line having one or more phases and metering device. The metering device comprises an A/D converter configured to receive an electrical signal and convert the electrical signal to a digital signal, a processor configured to calculate power usage information using the digital signal, and a network interface module configured to transmit the power usage information to a server via the power line network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating battery information to a remote device or database. A battery tester and/or charger can communicate with a wired or wireless connection to the remote device. Battery identifying information, test results and warranty information can be communicated to the remote device or database.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to perform a thermal analysis of a data center and overlay the thermal analysis on a map of the data center to provide an overlaid thermal analysis. Additionally, the computer executable code is operable to dynamically control at least one blower and at least one vent in the data center based on the overlaid thermal analysis to direct cool air to a section of the data center in need of cooling.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining that a device is currently within a given context are described. A device may include multiple sensors coupled to the device. A sensor utility value combining a rate of power consumption for a sensor and an accuracy score indicating a degree to which the sensor may provide outputs indicative of the device being currently in the given context may be determined for each sensor. Based on sensor utility values, the multiple sensors coupled to the device may be ranked. A sensor may be identified based on a ranking of the sensor. A probability associated with a determination that the device is currently within the given context may be assigned to the sensor. More sensors may be identified to determine with increasing probability and increasing power requirements that the device is currently within the given context.

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 power meter or other electrical device is provided having two independent and communicatively isolated Ethernet ports. The first Ethernet port is addressable by a first unique identifier and is configured for enabling full access to the power meter via an internal LAN. This enables a LAN operator to remotely access the power meter via the internal LAN for performing metering functions, such as full telemetry, control and programming. The second Ethernet port is addressable by a second unique identifier and is configured for being connected to the Internet. Since the second Ethernet port is communicatively isolated from the first Ethernet port, a user can access the power meter via the Internet, but cannot access the internal LAN by connecting to the power meter via the Internet.

Abstract: Different adapters and applications may publish information on the messaging bus and retrieve information from the bus simultaneously in a manner that does not cause interference or problems in the publication or retrieval. Meter data is cleaned, validated and estimated by separate applications using the above-described application and retrieval processes via the message bus for flexible and efficient processing.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system for estimating electrical power usage of commercially available devices utilizing a portable computing device equipped with a digital camera. In some embodiments, initial input to the system is accomplished by taking a digital photograph of an electrical device surface in order to capture text or other marks such as barcodes from which power usage of the device can be determined. In some embodiments OCR (optical character recognition) is used to retrieve text from the digital photograph. If successfully extracted from the captured text, power parameters such as voltage, amperes and watts are provided to the system user on the display of the mobile device. At this point an estimate of electrical device usage during a particular time period, such as a week, can be input into the system. The system will then calculate power usage over the specified time period for the electrical device and show the result on the system display.

Abstract: Accurate power usage for a portable information handling system is provided using input power measurement circuitry. A calibration step is performed when the portable information handling system is powered down and charging. The calibration step includes obtaining a battery charge measurement from a battery, and then using this measurement to calibrate an input power measurement made with respect to power being provided by the AC/DC adapter. Known losses from other sources within the system can also be considered in the auto-calibration of the input power measurement. Subsequently, when the portable information handling system is powered on and operating on power provided by the AC/DC adapter, power usage can be determined and reported using the auto-calibrated input power measurement as an indication of the power usage of the portable information handling system.

Abstract: In a smart energy management system linked with home network devices respectively installed in a plurality of households to manage the use of energy for each household, a location detecting unit detects location information or entry/exit information of a household member through recognition of an RFID tag carried by the household member connected with an RFID receiving device. An energy recording unit receives energy use details of the household, inputted from the home network device, and records the received energy use details together with the location information or entry/exit information of the household member. A pattern analysis unit analyzes an energy use pattern for the energy use details. An energy management unit provides the energy use details through the home network device as a result obtained by comparing the energy use detailed for each household or so that the household member recognizes the energy use pattern.

Abstract: An automated emergency power supply system (EPSS) and testing solution that records generator load values and engine exhaust temperature values to evaluate whether an EPSS test satisfies legislated test criteria. The EPSS test is carried out under software control, which initiates a test by instructing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to change its status to a test status, causing the essential loads to be powered by a generator instead of a main utility power source. Power monitors record the ATS and generator status during the test as well as electrical parameter data from the ATS and generator and exhaust temperature data and other engine parameter data from the generator. When the test is concluded, the ATS is instructed to return the status to normal so that power delivery is resumed from the main power source. The electrical and engine parameter data is analyzed and compared against legislated test criteria to determine a pass/fail result of the EPSS test.

Abstract: An automated emergency power supply system (EPSS) and testing solution that records generator load values and engine exhaust temperature values to evaluate whether an EPSS test satisfies legislated test criteria. The EPSS test is carried out under software control, which initiates a test by instructing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to change its status to a test status, causing the essential loads to be powered by a generator instead of a main utility power source. Power monitors record the ATS and generator status during the test as well as electrical parameter data from the ATS and generator and exhaust temperature data and other engine parameter data from the generator. When the test is concluded, the ATS is instructed to return the status to normal so that power delivery is resumed from the main power source. The electrical and engine parameter data is analyzed and compared against legislated test criteria to determine a pass/fail result of the EPSS test.

Abstract: Consumption levels are monitored over a period of time and analyzed. In response to a determination that a monitored consumption level is above a threshold that is defined based on consumption levels of an associated reference group, a notification may be provided. A plurality of notifications may be prioritizing based on a priority index. The plurality of notifications or portions thereof may be provided based on the determined priorities. The priority may take into account parameters such as for example cost of consumption, variance in respect to past consumption levels, variance in respect to the reference group and the like.

Abstract: A metering system for measuring the electrical power used to charge a vehicle is provided. The metering system includes an electrical meter operably coupled to a conductor connected to the vehicle and an electrical outlet. A controller receives signals from the meter to record the measured electrical consumption. The controller includes a plurality of communications devices for communicating with different communications carriers. In one embodiment, the controller selects one of the communications devices based on availability and a desired criterion. The selected communications device then transmits the measured electrical power consumption to a utility provider. In one embodiment, the metering system is mobile.

Abstract: The location of a terminal is estimated within an area of coverage of a wireless network comprising at least one fixed node by measuring a complex frequency response of a radio channel between the terminal and one of said fixed nodes and estimating the location of the terminal on the basis of at least a comparison between data representing a first metric of the measured complex frequency response and data representing a plurality of stored metrics, each of said plurality of stored metrics being related to one of a plurality of different locations within the network and each stored metric being of a complex frequency response measured between the said one of said fixed nodes and the location within the network to which the metric relates.

Abstract: In a method for determining the electrical loadability of power lines by temperature measurement, the temperature is measured with at least one sensor arranged on the power line and connected to a data processing system, wherein the time-dependent temperature of the power line is determined by an existing or a weighted load parameter, and wherein based on the electrical current and the temperature measured by the sensor, taking into account either the existing or a weighted load parameter, a time-dependent electrical load is determined in the data processing system.

Abstract: This invention is an encapsulated Micro-Meter-Manager for Electrical Energy Consumption (1), comprising: A current ring transformer+Voltage pickup on each wire by means of spikes which traverse the insulation of the wire as far as its metallic core or by means of screwed terminals+Miniaturized power supply source+Microprocessor/s+Button cell+Digital memory+Clock+Power Line Communication PLC Modem, which injects the data into the actual wire via the same spikes for the pickup of voltage or terminals+Solid state relay (SSR) for individually managing the actual load: From a light plafond to a water heater or any industrial machine. Its aim is to provide own intelligence on the loads and to avoid undesired consumptions: controlling the stand-by, carrying out predictive maintenance according to its rated consumptions and managing any possible overloads, under a certain pre-established and reprogrammable logic. With this, an increase in the comfort and the safety of the entire installation is also achieved. FIGS.

Abstract: Automatic meter reading (AMR) systems and methods in which readers communicate with endpoints interfaced to utility meters. In operation, the reader and the endpoint communicate with one another via radio frequency (RF) communication according to a communication protocol. Aspects of the invention are directed to packetization, command and control, and messaging arrangements.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, devices, protocols, and processes for retrieving, accessing, and presenting information of energy usage using a distributed storage process and distributed logical services to provide a user with real-time energy usage information and visualization.

Abstract: A method and system can provide building energy performance metrics that can help identify specific zones within a building which may have energy efficiency problems. The method and system can collect data from: indoor temperature sensors and humidity sensors present in each zone of a building; one or more temperature sensors and humidity sensors present outside of the building; one or more utility meters; and one or more HVAC devices. This data from the sensors can be aggregated and formed into a first profile. The energy efficiency calculation system can analyze the first profile to provide various energy performance metrics which can include, but are not limited to, energy efficiency ratios for air conditioners, the R-value or thermal resistance of the building, an amount of heat loss for the building, energy consumption by the building, current HVAC performance parameters, and utility usage comparisons.

Abstract: A method is provided for accomplishing energy changes for a power converter to minimize an impact of a disturbance. The power converter includes energy storage and switches. The method comprises determining a nature of the disturbance, evaluating an amount of energy to be added or removed from the internal storage, and computing operating times of the switches to minimize the impact of the disturbance on outputs of the power converter.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards an equipment operation state measurer having a power data acquirer and an operation state determiner. The power date acquirer acquires power consumption of equipment changing according to an operation state of the equipment. Additionally, a cause inputter accepts an input of a stop cause of the equipment from an operator, with respect to a stopped state determined by the operation state determiner, and sets the stop cause of the stopped state based on the input. Also, a computing unit obtains electric energy consumption for each stop cause, by integrating a period during which the stopped state corresponding to the stop cause continues and the power consumption in the period during which the stopped state continues, and is capable of measuring duration of the stopped state and the electric energy consumption for each stop cause of the equipment.

Abstract: A power monitoring system to monitor electrical power supply to electrical equipments. The monitor includes an energy saving device to reduce unnecessary power consumption. A control means for enabling control of power consumption of electrical devices in response to the data output of the monitored power consumption.

Abstract: A system and method for providing power usage information by an electric power meter. The meter measures and reports power usage of at least one of a plurality of electrical loads connected into an electrical power network, wherein the electric power meter is synchronized to measure power usage at a particular time, and is further configured and operable to communicate over a first data network that is communicatively coupled to a second data network, and further wherein at least one firewall is positioned between the first and second data networks.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing utility device operations. In one aspect, a utility apparatus includes a processing apparatus that manages data processing tasks for the utility apparatus. The utility apparatus also includes a communications apparatus, coupled to the processing apparatus, that is configured to transmit and receive data over a network. A metrology apparatus is coupled to the processing apparatus, the metrology apparatus being configured to measure and provide meter data that includes at least a measure of utilized utility services. A network apparatus is also coupled to the processing apparatus, the network apparatus being configured to coordinate communication between devices that belong to a home area network. A utility identification module interface is coupled to the processing apparatus, the utility identification module having an interface that removably receives a utility identification module.

Abstract: A control system and method to create an Internet Protocol (IP) enabled automatic gain control loop for encasing a desired cost value in a utility derived consumer controlled pricing envelope. A customer uses a web browser to view billing estimates for the current month as well as related months. The customer can set limits on the actual billing amount for the upcoming month and make adjustments to this amount if it seems unrealistic in the coming month. Control event actions are carried out to limit power usage within preferences set by the customer.

Abstract: A hot water heater and method that includes power consumption reporting to enable consumers to better understand and control the energy usage and/or efficiency of the hot water heater. Monitoring energy consumption of an electric hot water heater having at least one electrical load that is selectively activated by a controller of the hot water heater includes sensing the amount of time the at least one electrical load is activated multiplying the amount of time by a known value corresponding to a power rating of the electrical load to determine energy consumed, and displaying on a display device an indicator corresponding to the energy consumed.

Abstract: A green energy, smart-grid residential system collects power usage information from a plurality of connected homes by progressively integrating information collected from each of the individual homes using a group of sensor devices. Such information is compiled to usable format using distributed computers. The in-home sensor devices include an intelligent master device, and one or more of a communication and power switch device, a ZigBee® enabled switch device, and a power control switch device, each of which typically operate over a power line communication network. The master device collects, compiles, and communicates the collected data to the Web or outside world. The information from a number of these homes in a local area is consolidated using local distributed processors on the Web and provided to a main processing unit for compilation and integration with other regional inputs for use in national policy decision making.

Abstract: In a system for remotely managing an electric vehicle, a meter related to charge of the electric vehicle, installed in each parking lot, and a meter installed in each home communicate information related to the electric vehicle using a communication network constructed for the purpose of energy management. The meter in each home is linked with an in-home display (IHD) device installed in the home, and a user identifies and manages, in the home, information of the user's own electric vehicle through the IHD device. The user remotely controls the electric vehicle in the parking lot through the IHD device. Accordingly, it is possible to considerably improve convenience in the use of the electric vehicle, in relation to information management or control of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A system for electric energy management inspects admittances or impedances at several positions on the same power line, and determines the presence of electricity theft based on them. Particularly, each of the admittances or impedances is calculated based on information on an amount of electricity measured by each watt-hour meter. Since information on amounts of electricity respectively measured at an upper place and several lower places on the same power line have a certain correspondence relation, the calculated admittances or impedances also have a relation. For example, the admittance or impedance at the upper place is necessarily corresponds to the equivalent value of the admittances or impedance at the lower places. Thus, it is possible to precisely determine the presence of electricity theft by monitoring whether or not the difference value is within an acceptable range in consideration of an error of measuring the amount of electricity, or the like.

Abstract: A digital power meter communication system includes terminal network communication devices, at least one concentrator network communication device and a digital power meter communication device. The digital power meter communication device is electrically connected with the at least one concentrator network communication device. Each of the terminal network communication devices is electrically connected with a terminal digital power meter. The digital power meter communication device includes a storage unit and a processing unit. The storage unit stores pieces of electrical connection information and digital power meter communication programs. The processing unit constructs a virtual tunnel to build connection with the target network communication device through the network.

Abstract: The present disclosure is disclosed to record in detail and manage information on energy use history of a user under various energy pricing systems where energy prices are changed in time. To this end, an energy meter receives time-based energy price information from a remote server, and time-sequentially records a record including time information of relevant unit time for each unit time, energy price information applied to relevant unit time and energy consumption information at the relevant unit time, whereby the information on how much, when and at what price the user has used the energy can be accurately and quite obviously managed. The energy use history can be used in various fields as data for promoting reasonable energy use, and as a base for calculating energy use charge.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy metering system, apparatus and method that enables an energy meter to reduce power consumed in communication when remotely inspecting the energy meter under an energy pricing system changed depending on time. To this end, the energy meter transmits information on energy consumption at only a changed time of energy price, and operates in a power saving mode except the changed time. If the information on the energy consumption is transmitted at the changed time, the information on the energy consumption in each period having the same energy price is secured, and therefore, a central server has no difficulty in calculating an energy consumption rate. Thus, it is possible to minimize power consumed in communication while transmitting all the information on the energy consumption, required in the central server. Particularly, a battery is used longer in an environment using the battery, thereby reducing maintenance/repair cost.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a server to which a plurality of power meters each measuring an amount of power consumption of an electric appliance is connected, includes a receiving unit, a first storage unit and a calculating unit. The receiving unit receives a calculation result. The calculation result is calculated based on the amount of power consumption measured by each of the plurality of power meters and each of random numbers generated according to a probability distribution by each of the plurality of power meters. The first storage unit stores therein parameters for generating random numbers. The calculating unit calculates an estimation value of a sum or average of the amounts of power consumption using the calculation results and the parameters. The estimation value is used for determining whether to perform power control.