Abstract: The invention generally concerns systems and methods for monitoring and controlling the power consumption of a power-consuming device. The system and method may connect to a power source and a power-consuming device, connecting the power-consuming device to the power source. The power usage of the power-consuming device may then be measured and monitored. This monitoring data may then be stored and optionally sent to a controlling device on a data network. The location of the power-consuming device may also be determined, recorded, and sent to a controlling device. The system may also control the power usage of the power-consuming device. In some cases, a remote server may connect multiple energy monitoring systems in order to gain additional efficiencies and foster a community-based social network.

Abstract: Multifunctional meter measures voltage, current, demand, factor, power consumption also water, natural gas, fuel and other items. The design has a 16 bit micro-programmed processing unit, and manages interaction with different hardware components and realizes the functions of communication, data registry and operation control. Composed of a modular form and includes capacities for network connection and inclusion as a module within multi-point measurement systems.

Abstract: An energy management system includes a controller located at a site and configured to establish at least one network capable of communicating with at least one of a smart meter and at least one device disposed at the site. The controller is also configured to receive energy information of the site from the smart meter and receive energy information of the at least one device from the at least one network. The controller is also configured to communicate the energy information of the site and the at least one device to a display device associated with the site.

Abstract: The transfer and usage of a modulated carrier signal within a power signal on a power line communication system is described. The modulated signal comprises metadata which is transmitted at a different frequency than the transmitted power. The metadata, including such elements as energy costs, providers, renewable source status and originating location, may be used by consumers to make subsequent purchasing decisions. Additionally, the energy costs of any given computer node commonly distributed in a grid architecture may be collected by a workload dispatcher in order to make more accurate cost and energy source based dispatch decisions. The consumer may be able to communicate directly back to the power provider. The use of computer-readable medium and product containing instructions that are implemented on a computer is also covered. Finally, the invention may be deployed on behalf of the consumer by a third party service provider.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying devices having a specified utilization are disclosed. A selected minimum utilization and maximum utilization defining a utilization band may be received. Device information for each of a plurality of accounts, including a device model and utilization information for each device associated with an account, may also be received. A utilization may be determined for each device based on the utilization information. For each device model in an account, a number of devices in an account having the device model and a utilization in the utilization band may be determined. A plurality of clusters may be identified for device model-account pairs, and at least one device model-account pair may be assigned to a cluster.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for charging or billing for access to wireless power. The device requiring power communicates with the power provider and the billing method is determined. A consumer may be required to provide billing information, or if the billing information is already associated with an existing account, the consumer account is automatically charged for the wireless power. The account may include prepaid charging minutes that are debited as wireless power is provided, or the account may be billed for the wireless power that is provided. The charging/billing for the wireless power may be used to receive value for the power that is provided, while remaining consumer friendly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein use micropayments to make the payment for electrical consumption used to charge an EV. In one aspect, a mobile device such as a cellular telephone (“cell phone”) is used to make the payments. In one aspect, a method of payment for charges associated with charging an electric vehicle is described. This embodiment of a method comprises receiving electrical consumption information related to charging an electric vehicle at a charging station. The electrical consumption information is associated with a mobile device number. The electrical consumption information is authenticated. The cost for the authenticated electrical consumption information is included on an invoice for mobile device usage associated with the mobile device number.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle control ECU calculates an estimated EV travelable distance based on a minimum travel cost and a usable charge amount of a battery, when a next external charge point, at which an external power source is available for charging, is set. The minimum travel cost indicates a minimum value of electric power amount consumed by a battery when a vehicle travels a unit distance. If the estimated EV travelable distance is longer, electric motor travel is selected estimating that it is possible to reach the next external charge point. If a remaining distance is longer and a present SOC is higher than a usable SOC lower limit, hybrid travel is selected. If the present SOC is lower than the usable SOC lower limit, a constant SOC travel is selected.

Abstract: A system for interfacing information between subsystems of an embedded software system with subsystem independence. It is a public variable system that defines a simple, extensible framework for interfacing between product subsystems such as control engines, input/output subsystems, and communications protocols. Server subsystems within the embedded software system are given the ability to make public information available for use by client subsystems within the system, with isolation between client and server subsystems.

Abstract: A method, device and system for responsive load management using frequency regulation credits. The method includes using an AC frequency measuring device, measuring a current AC frequency on an AC power line; using a power consumption measuring device, measuring a current power consumption on the AC power line over a period of time equal to a sampling interval; calculating a power consumption moving average of a last N power current power consumptions measured, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; generating credits or debits based on the current power consumption, the current AC frequency and the power consumption moving average; adding the credits or debits to a frequency regulation credit; and for each next sampling interval repeating measuring the current AC frequency, measuring current power consumption, calculating the power consumption moving average, generating the credits or debits, and adding the credits or debits to the frequency regulation credit.

Abstract: An energy meter configured to couple to an electrical grid for monitoring energy consumption of an electrical load connected to the energy meter is described. The energy meter includes a processor and at least one input device coupled to the processor. The at least one input device is configured to receive energy usage data from at least one of the electrical loads and pricing data from a utility company. The energy meter also includes a communication device coupled to the processor and configured to wirelessly communicate with a portable electronic device associated with a customer of the utility company.

Abstract: A controller and/or a gateway acts as a feedback-based energy estimator for controlling initial and refined estimates of energy usage of one or more buildings controlled by the controller or gateway. An initial estimate of a building's energy needs for a specified time in the future (e.g., a month or a week ahead) are calculated, and then over time, in conjunction with an energy company, the initial estimate (and subsequent estimates) is revised based on the costs of the energy predicted or quoted by the energy company. The controller may examine jobs to be performed at the time as well as predictive information that may affect the building's energy needs (e.g., the predicted temperature for the time of the predicted energy needs). As expectations change (or as predicted factors such as temperature change), the energy company may be informed of the additional energy that will be needed (e.g., if the predicted temperature is increasing and cooling will be needed) or the excess energy that is expected (e.g.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a method for wireless power generation for managing power distribution in a wireless environment is provided. The method includes receiving a request from a device to connect to a wireless power distribution base station, authenticating the device, determining a lease period during which time power is to be delivered wirelessly to the device in response to authenticating the device, and delivering power wirelessly from the wireless power distribution base station to the device for the duration of the lease period, but subsequent to the lease period, discontinuing delivery of power wirelessly to the device.

Abstract: A charging station for use with a hybrid vehicle having at least one battery includes a communication interface configured to couple to the hybrid vehicle, a network interface configured to communicate with at least one fuel vendor and a utility, and a processor coupled to the communication interface and the network interface. The processor is configured to receive fuel requirements from the hybrid vehicle via the communication interface, receive a fuel price from the at least one fuel vendor the said network interface based on the fuel requirements, receive via the network interface an energy price from the utility that provides energy storable in the at least one battery, and calculate a price index for each of the at least one fuel vendor and the utility.

Abstract: A network system is provided. The network system includes: a plurality of components for transmitting or receiving information. At least one component among the plurality of components recognizes at least energy-related information and performs an energy-related response. When a first component in the plurality of components recognizes a course related to an operation of a second component, the first component recognizes a predicted energy usage charge on the basis of a predicted power consumption amount of the second component corresponding to the inputted course.

Abstract: Systems and methods to measure network usage are provided. A particular method includes collecting first usage data from a first network device of a network at a network usage tracking system. The first network device determines the first usage data based on an inband measurement of data passing through the first network device. The method includes collecting second usage data from a second network device of the network at the network usage tracking system. The first network device and the second network device are different network devices. The method includes matching the first usage data and the second usage data to user accounts. The network usage data is determined based on the first usage data, the second usage data, and the user accounts.

Abstract: An HVAC controller with setpoint recovery with utility time of day pricing. In one illustrative embodiment, the HVAC controller may include a nominal programmable schedule and a utility pricing schedule. The utility pricing schedule may correspond to scheduled price changes of a utility, including one or more enhanced pricing time periods each having corresponding one or more enhanced pricing time period setpoints. The HVAC controller may establish or modify an enhanced pricing setpoint recovery schedule based at least in part upon the nominal schedule and the utility pricing schedule, and may control one or more HVAC units in accordance with the setpoint recovery schedule. In some instances, the HVAC controller may identify recovery opportunities based at least in part upon the nominal schedule and the utility pricing schedule.

Abstract: Managing system for emissions environmental pollutants comprising: a measuring device for measuring a flow rate of a fuel supplied to a customer; an unit emission quantity storage device of environmentally influential substance for storing a unit emission quantity of an environmentally influential substance emitted when an unit flow rate of fuel is manufactured or processed; and an emission quantity computing device of environmentally influential substance for calculating, based on the fuel flow rate measured by the measuring device, and the unit emission quantity of the environmentally influential substance stored by the unit emission quantity storage device, an environmental emission quantity of the environmentally influential substance emitted when the fuel supplied to the customer is manufactured or processed.

Abstract: A virtual universe can include regions that conserve natural resource usage. A virtual universe natural resource conservation system (“system”) can determine that an avatar is accessing a natural resource conservation region in a virtual universe. The natural resource conservation region is supported with one or more devices that adhere to restrictions on natural resource usage. The system can also apply one or more virtual universe restrictions while the avatar is accessing the natural resource conservation region.

Abstract: A system for reducing peak power usage in a cooking appliance having an oven cavity therein is provided. The system includes at least one power consuming unit with at least two separately controllable elements, a user adjustable electromechanical switching device for controlling energization of the at least one power consuming unit, a control configured to receive and process a utility state signal indicative of the current state of an associated utility; and an element switching device responsive to the control and configured to selectively enable and disable energization of one of the elements in response to the utility state signal.

Abstract: Analyzing energy use comprises determining a location identifier associated with a site. Weather data associated with the site is determined according to the location identifier. Energy usage information associated with the site is determined. An energy metric for the site is calculated based on the weather data and the energy usage information. The energy metric comprises a selected one of a forecasted energy cost and a computed energy setting.

Abstract: A method and system for managing power consumption by electrical appliances, is provided. One implementation involves obtaining power consumption information for a use cycle of a each of multiple appliances; and automatically scheduling a time slot for an operation cycle of a selected appliance as a function of power consumption by appliance cycles scheduled in that time slot, such that an upper limit of power consumption is not exceeded by the collective power consumption for scheduled appliance cycles in the time slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrating billing of usage of multiple applications onto a single bill are disclosed. For example, in a single day, a user may download musical selections, watch on demand video sessions, and make numerous phone calls. All the sessions can be activated over a single video endpoint device and through a single network service. Records of these sessions can be generated and aggregated to produce a single billing statement that can be accessed on a near real time basis by the user and paid automatically or at a scheduled time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that holds counter information obtained by integrating a consumption of a consumable that depends on usage of service provided by the image forming apparatus. A log corresponding to the usage of the service is set in job log information with a synchronization flag set off. The log in the job log information, for which the synchronization flag is set off, is set on. The counter information and the job log information are output after the synchronization flag for the log having the synchronization flag set off has been set on.

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: A data center system is described which includes multiple data centers powered by multiple power sources, including any combination of renewable power sources and on-grid utility power sources. The data center system also includes a management system for managing execution of computational tasks by moving data components associated with the computational tasks within the data center system, in lieu of, or in addition to, moving power itself. The movement of data components can involve performing pre-computation or delayed computation on data components within any data center, as well as moving data components between data centers. The management system also includes a price determination module for determining prices for performing the computational tasks based on different pricing models. The data center system also includes a “stripped down” architecture to complement its use in the above-summarized data-centric environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote display module (RDM) for display a resource consumption value synchronized with a resource consumption value indicated by a meter metering resource consumption. The RDM is configured with one or more inputs that are electrically associated with the pulse output for a utility meter. The RDM tracks continuous values and associated customer-values. Customers-values may be reset by a customer allowing the customer to easily track resource consumption.

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 power cost data and user preferences and generates a power consumption schedule 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 due to power regulation.

Abstract: A method for determining an amount of electricity to purchase includes determining electrical power consumption characteristics of an electrical load at an end user of the electricity. A preference of the end user for an output of the electrical load is ascertained. The output varies with a rate of electrical power consumption by the load. A mathematical model is created of an amount of electrical power to be consumed by the load as a function of time and of monetary cost of the electricity. The model is dependent upon the electrical power consumption characteristics of the electrical load and the preference of the end user for an output of the electrical load. An amount of electricity is purchased based on the mathematical model of an amount of electrical power to be consumed by the load, and based on the monetary cost of the electricity.

Abstract: Therefore, the illustrative embodiments provide a computer program product comprising a computer recordable media having computer usable program code. Resource needs are determined for each plant in a plurality of plants to form individual resource needs. Conditions are identified in an environment in which the plurality of plants are located by receiving input from a sensor system to form current conditions. A plurality of per plant prescriptions are calculated for the plurality of plants using the individual resource needs and the current conditions. The application of the resource is controlled from a mobile utility vehicle to each plant in the plurality of plants using the plurality of per plant prescriptions.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for determining lowest cost aggregate energy demand reduction at multiple network levels such as distribution and feeder networks. An algorithm for an optimal incentive mechanism offered to energy customers (e.g. of a utility power entity) that accounts for heterogeneous customer flexibility in load reduction, with the demand response realized via the utility's rebate signal and, accounts for temporal aspects of demand shift in response for rebates. A mathematical formulation of a cost minimization problem is solved to provide incentives for customers to reduce their demand. A gradient descent algorithm is used to solve for the optimal incentives customized for individual end users.

Abstract: An appliance cooperation operation device in which a facility database stores an introduction cost of a power storage shared among a plurality of customers, and a rated life of the power storage; a facility deteriorating influence calculator calculates deteriorating influence on the power storage by using at least one parameter selected from a discharge rate of the power storage in a first period, depth of discharge at the end of the first period, and environmental temperature in the first period; a customer electric energy collector collects, from each of the customers, data of electric energy consumption in the first period; and a customer's burden cost calculator calculates a burden cost of each customer in the first period by multiplying: a ratio of energy consumption of each customer to total customer energy consumption; the introduction cost; a ratio of the first period to the rated life; and the deteriorating influence.

Abstract: Computer based energy management including an adaptor having a server network interface and a control device interface. The server network interface receives commands from the energy management host software, the commands specify a control device and include control instructions and requests for energy usage data. The control device interface transmits the commands to the control device and receives energy usage data from the control device. The server network interface transmits the energy usage data to the energy management software in response to receiving the energy usage data from the control device. In this manner, the adaptor provides a bridge between the server network and the copper wire network to provide control and measurement of energy usage at a control device level in response to commands from a remote computer system.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling utility meters is provided. A collar communicatively connected to the utility meter monitors power usage and provides usage data, power quality data, and other data to the utility and the customer. The system provides for pre-pay power, and the collar relay can automatically connect or disconnect power to a customer as required. The system provides intelligent remote control of utility meters via wireless or other communications means.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for measuring the supply of a consumable product/energy source, such as electrical power, to a facility over time and analyzing the measurements to determine the consumption or supply of the product by one or more loads and/or sources in the facility, and to determine induced and residual heat flow through the facility's envelope. Various aspects compare the measured supply of the consumable product to a database of consumption signatures, which characterize access to the consumable product by particular users. In doing so, costs for the product may be more accurately divided between different tenants of the facility without having to install individual services or measurement equipment for each individual tenant. Operating conditions and facility characteristics, such as temperatures, load factors, insulation factors, etc., may be further considered in determining a particular user's access of the consumable product.

Abstract: A wind-powered system and method provides for simultaneous electrical generation and transportation of persons or cargo. A set of cables are strung between a plurality of rigid, upright supports, and a transportation vessel including one or more sails rides along the cables through wind power. The vessel is coupled to the cables through one or more motor-generator units, each motor-generator units being operative to generate electricity as the vessel is pushed by the wind or power the vessel in the absence of wind.

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: A method and a system for determining compensation to be paid for using any one of an energy storage system and an energy system are provided. The energy system is at least partially powered by electricity stored in the energy storage system. The method includes, determining the amount of consumption of electric energy from the energy storage system during a period of usage, and determining the carbon credit associated with the energy storage system or the energy system during the usage. Thereafter, the compensation is calculated based on the amount of consumption of the electric energy and the carbon credit.

Abstract: A system comprises a memory that stores a plurality of usage values. A usage value may be based at least in part on usage of a utility resource measured by a utility meter having a meter identifier. The memory may store a plurality of service point identifiers and a plurality of account identifiers associated with one or more utility accounts. A particular service point identifier may represent a physical location of at least one utility meter. Each service point identifier may be stored in association with one or more usage values. The system may comprise a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. In response to a request comprising a particular service point identifier, the processor may retrieve one or more usage values from the memory based at least in part on the particular service point identifier in the request. The processor may generate a graphical user interface that displays the one or more retrieved usage values.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that monitors water of a water heating and storage system. At least one flow meter is integrated within the system having a tank for storing water to be heated. The meter is in communication with other devices in a home network and a controller of the network with a communication module. The flow meter is connected to the cold water inlet pipe and/or the hot water outlet pipe of the system. Data is presented to the user to enable more informed use of water and of water consumption habits.

Abstract: A system and related method are provided to diagnose and/or monitor energy efficiency of a building. The system includes temperature sensors positioned inside and outside the building. For various outside temperatures, the temperature differentials over time at the inside sensors are calculated over selectable time periods, whether for the entire building as a whole or for individual rooms. The temperature differential information is then used to determine energy efficiency of the building, including fuel costs/savings and improvements based on weatherization. The system includes standalone temperature monitoring modules or, alternatively, the system includes temperature monitoring modules that do not retain acquired temperature information but instead transmit that information to a networked device, such as an access point for wireless radio frequency signal transmissions.

Abstract: A resource management and control system includes real-time visibility to energy and water consumption. The resource management platform is flexible and allows users to create a system to suit their individual needs, and to make changes to that platform as their needs change and new needs arise. The resource management and control system monitors electricity and gas consumption, solar production, and water use in real time. The control system includes a number of wireless access nodes for interfacing with the various systems within a property, and also includes monitoring, diagnostic and alerting capabilities. Billing system integration provides historical data for the cost of resource usage and production relative to time, geography and consumer service level agreements and allows the user the ability to directly correlate consumption behaviors with cost implications.

Abstract: A method for providing maintenance to an electrical power generation, transmission and distribution system, and an information system and one or more computer program software means for carrying out same. A method to provide maintenance to an electrical power generation facility and/or an electrical power transmission and distribution network system operated by a Utility. Maintenance personnel visit a site to inspect a condition of said apparatus, and examine information from an Information System operated in co-ordination with a Help Desk.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide charging for long duration sessions. A charging data system of the communication network receives interim accounting request messages from a network element that is serving a session. The charging data system identifies interim timestamps for the interim accounting request messages, and stores the interim timestamps. After a time period during the long duration session, the charging data system generates a partial CDR. The charging data system then inserts duration information for the long duration session in the partial CDR based on the stored interim timestamps, and transmits the partial CDR to a correlation system. The correlation system may then calculate a total duration for the session based on the duration information in the partial CDR. Even if a start/stop timestamp is not available, the correlation system may estimate the total duration of the session based on the interim timestamps.

Abstract: A cost associated with taking a checkpoint is determined. The cost includes an energy cost. An interval between checkpoints is computed so as to minimize the cost. An instruction is sent to schedule the checkpoints at the computed interval. The energy cost may further include a cost of energy consumed in collecting and saving data at a checkpoint, a cost of energy consumed in re-computing a computation lost due to a failure after taking the checkpoint, or a combination thereof. The cost may further include, converted to a cost equivalent, administration time consumed in recovering from a checkpoint, computing resources expended in taking a checkpoint, computing resources expended after a failure in restoring information from a checkpoint, performance degradation of an application while taking a checkpoint, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for presenting saving opportunities for electronic devices is disclosed. Experience based data learned from past power behavior of one or more devices is received. One or more power saving opportunities are generated based on the experience based data. Estimated cost savings is calculated. A notification message is presented to a user that describes the power saving opportunities and associated cost savings for the opportunities.

Abstract: A centralized irrigation system provides non-decision-making controllers in combination with a client server architecture that employs irrigation algorithms for monitoring and control. Live feedback means send information back to a server for use with sophisticated modeling capabilities to monitor exceptions to a planned control scheme, adjust control parameters, and provide a real-time update to system performance. This feedback is instantaneously routed from the server to monitoring and feedback client software connected to the server through a network and enables volume-based cycles and soaks of irrigation. Range-based control strategies determine a total volumetric water-holding capacity for a volume of soil and a range of desirable soil moisture. The system permits a shared-savings business model where the vendor provides a system and the customer only pays the vendor a portion of the savings obtained by using the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for building automation system management are shown and described. The systems and methods relate to fault detection via abnormal energy monitoring and detection. The systems and methods also relate to control and fault detection methods for chillers. The systems and methods further relate to graphical user interfaces for use with fault detection features of a building automation system.

Abstract: Generation of renewable energy for, exportation of the renewable energy from, importation of utility generated energy to, and consumption of energy at, a facility are monitored in substantially real time to provide for substantially real time management and reporting of energy performance of the facility. Monitoring of environmental conditions and facility operations of the facility, also in substantially real time and time correlated with the energy monitoring, is performed to further enhance the management and reporting of the energy performance of the facility.

Abstract: A prepay account management system comprises a secure data link operable to transmit a prepay customer account and meter data, a prepay server operable to receive the transmitted customer account data, the prepay server operable to update a balance of a prepay customer account in response to usage charges and replenishing payment amounts, and a notification server operable to deliver a notification to the prepay customer in response to specific triggers associated with the prepay customer account according to the prepay customer preferences.