Abstract: Systems and methods for the control of distributed systems are presented, particularly virtual power plants. Control software therefore communicates through an interface with decentralized devices. Modules are provided to formulate strategies based on predicted demand for the system, for controlling individual system devices, for system evaluation, for accounting purposes and to provide a user interface.

Abstract: A method of securitizing at least one on premises renewable power systems, the method comprising: providing at least one customer to provide a group of customers, wherein at least one customer has a on premises renewable power system and on premises renewable power system has associated on premises renewable power system characteristics and each customer has customer variables; providing a contractual relationship between each customer and a third party; determining the anticipated recurring fees for the group of customers according to the on premises renewable power system characteristics and customer variables; determining the anticipated monthly cash flow of group of customers according to the anticipated recurring fees; and securitizing the on premises renewable power system according to anticipated monthly cash flow and customer variables.

Abstract: A web based monitoring and management system for collection and distribution of power consumption information. The power consumption information is collected by an intelligent power meter in one embodiment, and by a collector device in another. The power consumption information is communicated to a remote server for analysis, reporting and managing a power savings/green energy contest. The collector device or the intelligent power meter receives monitoring data from a number of electrical appliances with which it is communicatively coupled. Communication between the collector device that receives monitoring data from a number of electrical appliances and the monitoring devices occurs over a power line.

Abstract: An authentication printing function is performed in a multi function peripheral (MFP). A user transmits a job from a PC to the MFP, and then performs card authentication by bringing cards close to an authentication device. Authenticated-user information is transmitted to the MFP, where the authenticated users are registered. A print job is generated, and a billing scenario is generated in which a charge is allocated among the plurality of authenticated users on the basis of a billing pattern. When the billing scenario is approved by the user, the job is executed, and the authenticated users are each billed for the charge allocated thereto on a per-page or per-set basis, in accordance with the billing scenario. Accordingly, a billing device for an image processing device which can allocate a charge among a plurality of users without the need of complicated operations is provided.

Abstract: The inventive concept is directed to a method of collecting highway user taxes from the use of an electric vehicle. The invention includes the steps of placing a revenue meter next to a regular meter. The revenue meter only records the amount of wattage being used to charge or recharge the battery in the electric vehicle. This is accomplished by using the revenue meter to relay a current of 110V AC to the vehicle. The vehicle has a computer that will divert the high voltage to a current inverter which inverts the high voltage to a low voltage prevalent in the vehicle. The low voltage is also converted to a DC current which is instrumental in recharging the battery. The computer will also signal to the revenue meter when the respective battery is fully charged. The revenue meter will be read by a meter reading person together with the main meter.

Abstract: An energy management system for managing energy such as power consumed in a building in an optimal state to significantly save energy is provided. A computer control system (200) for controlling the energy management system performs program control as follows. Current date and time are acquired, a control pattern for that time is obtained using a control program, so as to determine whether operation of an air conditioner (186) is to be turned ON or OFF, and then output either an operation instruction or a stop instruction. A control signal is then output from a digital output unit (212) to the air conditioner (186). Thus, the air conditioner (186) temporarily stops operation according to a predetermined pattern for the program control. The current operating state is displayed on a display unit (240) and a remote monitoring unit (270).

Abstract: A system for safely recharging and charging electrically powered vehicles, including hybrid powered vehicles, includes an electrical charging station for connecting the vehicles to a source of Ground Fault Protected electrical power, an authorization device for permitting an operator of the vehicle to utilize a secure electronic content distributor (SCED) such as a credit card, a debit card, a hotel/motel electronic key card, employee or student identification card, electronic membership card, retail credit card, a smart card, etc. to authorize payment for the amount of electrical power utilized to recharge or charge the vehicle. The system also includes a metering system for recording the amount of electrical power or electricity utilized to charge or recharge the vehicle. The metering system includes tracking and recording of the cost of the electrical power which is used to recharge or charge the vehicle.

Abstract: Electricity vending devices and methods and software for vending electrical power are disclosed. Payment information may be received by the electricity vending devices by way of a magnetic or electric card reader, a fingerprint scanner, a retinal scanner, a keypad, a touchscreen, or an RFID detector.

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 modular geothermal measurement system that provides for the pumping of a heat transfer fluid. The modular unit simplifies on-site installation time by reducing the number of distinct components to be installed and allows for the optional incorporating of additional heat sources or sinks, whereby the length of ground loop can be reduced, further reducing installation costs. The modular measurement system further allows for the growth of the system over time by adding modules, increasing the ground loop pumping power while providing energy transfer data specific to each thermal load. A controller having an energy control module provides energy control points. Such a system allows the beneficiary of a geothermal investment to be billed for their benefit, enabling the investor to capture the economic benefit of the investment.

Abstract: A multi-utility energy and facility automation control system has control center computer(s) connected to various utility consuming systems and software that formats pertinent systems' energy data, stores, retrieves, diagnoses and acts in response to changes and includes a multi-utility master meter device and a plurality of sensors for utilities and other facility operational data. The system includes at least one dashboard screen as a control screen, and a plurality of interconnected gateways for selection of separate networks for various utility-facility related subscreens. The sensors monitor consumption of a plurality of different utilities and other pertinent data and, using the presentation of the facility information as processed by the computer and presented on the dashboard, exercise c control of the facility to optimize performance and reduce the cost of purchased utilities and other facility operations.

Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying consumption data representing consumption of a utility by a utility consumer are provided. An example method includes maintaining a plurality of time intervals in computer memory. In an example embodiment, at least one estimated usage value and at least one payment value is calculated. A usage status is determined for one or more of the time intervals based at least partly on the estimated usage value(s). A payment status is determined for one or more of the time intervals based at least partly on the estimated payment value(s) and estimated usage value(s). The utility consumer is presented with individual representations of the time intervals, the time intervals represented so that time intervals having the same status are visually similar and time intervals having different statuses are visually distinct.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for time-based storage access, the method includes associating a plurality of storage volumes with specific periods of time during which they can be accessed, adjusting user fees based on access time periods of storage volumes, packing the plurality of storage volumes in available storage bins in the system based on periods of access for the plurality of storage volumes, wherein volumes with overlapping or similar periods of access are packed into a same storage bin if possible, and switching a storage bin to off or a reduced power state during periods when the storage volumes placed in the storage bin are not required, to reduce power consumption.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a distributed power generation system comprising one or more Local Production Units (LPPUs) is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving and storing data relating to the operating performance of a plurality of LPPUs, receiving and storing data relating to the local power consumption for the plurality of LPPUs, determining the available aggregate quantity of excess power generation capacity for the plurality of LPPUs based upon the operating performance data and the power consumption data, communicating to at least one power purchasing entity an offer to sell at least part of the available aggregate quantity of excess power generation capacity, receiving from at least one power purchasing entity an order to purchase, and communicating with the plurality of LPPUs to provide each LPPU with instructions regarding the quantity of power to be produced. The system includes means for performing each of these steps.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer system is described that includes features that allow the system to be deployed in public spaces such as airports or in commercial establishments such as restaurants or hotels to allow a user to recharge one or more portable electronic devices while away from home. In one embodiment, the system provides a secure and efficient means for obtaining required payment information from the user prior to the wireless power transfer, thereby facilitating fee-based recharging. In a further embodiment, to accommodate wireless recharging of a variety of device types and states, the system receives parameters and/or state information associated with a portable electronic device to be recharged and controls the wireless power transfer in accordance with such parameters and/or state information.

Abstract: A building management and optimization system and method are disclosed. Building services data obtained at the building is received by a building optimization platform through a first communication network. The building optimization platform includes at least one server system for generating an electronic invoice based on the building services use data. A representation of the electronic invoice is transmitted to a user interface through a second communication network for web-based review, editing and approval by a property manager associated with the building.

Abstract: A system for recharging an electric or hybrid electric vehicle includes an interface enabling a user to obtain electrical power for vehicle recharging purposes, authentication apparatus, and a power control unit operative to deliver power from a source of power to the interface but only after the user has been approved by the authentication apparatus. Power consumption circuitry is operative to determine how much electrical power has been provided through the interface, and a data repository is used for storing the amount of power consumed on a per-user basis, and for billing each user for that amount.

Abstract: Device assisted CDR creation, aggregation, mediation and billing is provided. In some embodiments, device assisted CDR creation, aggregation, mediation and billing for a wireless network includes collecting device generated service usage information for one or more devices in wireless communication on the wireless network; and providing the device generated service usage information in a syntax (e.g., a device assisted charging data record (CDR)) and a communication protocol (e.g., 3GPP, 3GPP2, or other communication protocols) that can be used by other network devices to augment or replace network generated service usage information for the one or more devices in wireless communication on the wireless network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, a system and a method of user-assisted resource usage determination in a domestic setting, the method comprising defining a resource consuming user activity by the user by means of a resource consuming user activity identifier; defining an interval for metering resource usage; determining the resource usage during the defined interval; and storing the determined resource usage, the defined 5 interval and the association thereof with the resource consuming user activity identifier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which the use or provision of a resource or service can be optimised based on data indicative of the benefits of using or providing the resource or service at one or more future times. The service could be the provision of electricity to an appliance or device. A retailer or distributor of the electricity could transmit future prices of the electricity based on the expected supply and demand for the electricity. An apparatus could receive the future prices and set a timing of an appliance or device to use or provide the electricity in order to optimise the cost of the use or provision of electricity. Other resources and services are also applicable, such as road network usage, telecoms or gas provision or usage. The usage or provision of the resource or service by the appliance or device can be metered and the amount of resource or service used or provided can be billed using the given indication of a benefit at particular future times, e.g. using the given future prices.

Abstract: The reader (1) for a utility meter is disclosed. The reader (1) is capable of receiving data, in a variety of different protocols, by either inductive coupling or by radio frequency transmission. The reader (1) is a hand-held device which comprises an inductive read nozzle (2), a RF module, a display (4), a keypad (5) a trigger switch (6), a handle (7) a communication port (8), a battery charging interface (9), a memory and a microprocessor. The reader (1) is capable of storing utility usage data in memory and/or downloading utility usage data to a computer through the communication port (8).

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows the end user to control the charging system, and in particular the battery pack charging level, of an all-electric or hybrid vehicle based on expected use is provided.

Abstract: A parking management system generates a first record reflecting the time a parking interval begins. A persistent memory 12, 14 stores the first record. A recharging station 30 connects to a vehicle 40 having rechargeable batteries to supply electricity from a power source 60. A communications link 42 is connected with the recharging station 30 and communicates with the power source 60. A controller 50 enables the recharging station to direct electricity from the vehicle's batteries to the power source 60 in response to a request. A second device 32 generates a second record reflecting use of electricity for battery recharging and reflecting the repurchase of electricity directed from the vehicle's batteries. The persistent memory stores the second record. A third device reads the first and second records and calculates an amount due for parking and recharging and notifies the customer of the calculated amount.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. In one exemplary embodiment, a system is disclosed comprising a first feeder network configured to deliver electrical power to a first plurality of customers. The first feeder network is controlled by a first market-based pricing system that computes a first feeder network price of electrical power at first periodic intervals. The system of this embodiment further comprises a second feeder network configured to deliver electrical power to a second plurality of customers. The second feeder network is controlled by a second market-based pricing system that computes a second feeder network price of electrical power at second periodic intervals.

Abstract: A vehicle charging cable is disclosed configured to charge a vehicle battery on a vehicle from a utility power source, the cable comprising: a vehicle connector and a control module. The vehicle connector is connected to a power cable configured to supply power for charging the vehicle battery. The vehicle connector is configured to connect to a charging port on the vehicle. The control module is connected to the power cable. The control module is configured to receive utility data from the utility power source and to receive vehicle data from the vehicle, and to adjust the power supplied to the vehicle battery based on the utility data and the vehicle data.

Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current cost of supplied energy. The controller operates the clothes dryer in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode based on the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the clothes dryer in the energy savings mode.

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: The method and system of the present invention provides for data gathering of energy systems, calculation of billing information for the energy systems to include both traditional energy sources and renewable energy sources, and creation of various outputs to include various user interfaces applicable to overall management of the energy systems. The user interfaces can include integrated, real-time billings to a consumer that measure the cost of the primary energy as well as savings provided by renewable energy sources. The present invention also provides predictive analysis for various aspects of energy use in order to better manage particular facilities that may incorporate renewable energy sources. The gathered data and the various user interfaces enables a user to modify or adjust the use of the renewable energy sources at selected sites to maximize their impact on reducing the cost of the primary energy bill.

Abstract: A system and method provide emergency back-up power for communications, security and other systems of an electric power consumer, and for peak-shifting of the electrical load so that electricity is generated and stored when demand is low, and the stored power is used when demand is high. Embodiments include providing an electric power management device having a battery and a communication system at the premises of a consumer of electricity, and connecting the power management device to an electric power provider. The battery is charged at an off-peak time when a demand for electricity is low, as determined by the electric power provider; and discharged to provide electricity to the consumer at a time when the demand for electricity is high, as determined by the electric power provider. The charging and discharging is controlled by the electric power provider.

Abstract: An electrical utility meter system measures residential energy consumption and automatically communicates this information to a host computer via the Internet. The host computer can then be accessed by the end utility customer or other authorized entities. This Internet or web based system offers two-way communication capability to support meter reconfiguration. This system is comprised of two major elements, a hardware unit and database software. The hardware unit includes a printed circuit card that is retrofitted into a form 2S single-phase residential meters. The unit measures residential energy consumption in predefined intervals, stores the measurements, and communicates at predefined times to a host database server. The unit can accommodate various wired or wireless communication technologies through a simple communications port.

Abstract: A method for delivering energy to an electric vehicle includes coupling the electric vehicle to an energy delivery point via a connector, receiving a unique identifier of the electric vehicle via the connector, determining an account associated with the identifier, delivering an amount of energy to the electric vehicle via the connector, and determining a transaction amount based on the amount of energy delivered to the electric vehicle by the energy delivery point.

Abstract: A vehicle charging station for use in transmitting charging power to an electric vehicle for use in charging the vehicle is configured to communicatively couple to the electric vehicle via a network connection to a wireless network provider and electrically couple to the electric vehicle via a connector.

Abstract: A computer implemented system for search engine facility architecting and design. The system estimates the costs of power and networking based on system parameters, such as average CPU utilization, connection time, and bytes transferred over the network. Regional distribution of facilities may be evaluated to take into account the various parameters and optimize the cost and speed of the systems being designed. The parameters used in analyzing and formulating an architecture are independent of a particular indexing or query processing technique.

Abstract: A method for delivering energy to an electric vehicle is provided, wherein the electric vehicle is associated with a customer account. The method includes identifying the electric vehicle at an energy delivery point, and determining a current balance of the customer account, wherein the current balance includes at least a portion of a prepayment amount based on a predetermined amount of energy to be delivered to the electric vehicle at the energy delivery point. The method also includes delivering energy to the electric vehicle, metering an actual amount of energy delivered to the electric vehicle, and determining a transaction amount based on the actual amount of energy delivered to the electric vehicle at the energy delivery point.

Abstract: An electricity power meter for use in an electric vehicle is coupled to at least an energy storage device and to a conduit configured to receive electrical charging power from external to the vehicle. Further, the meter is configured to transmit a request for authorization for an electric charging transaction to a vehicle charging station, and receive a response to the request from the vehicle charging station, wherein the response indicates one of an approval and a denial of the request.

Abstract: A method for delivering energy to an electric vehicle includes permitting access to a parking area that includes an energy delivery point, delivering energy to the electric vehicle from the energy delivery point, and determining a transaction cost.

Abstract: A method for delivering energy to an electric vehicle includes coupling the electric vehicle to an energy delivery point, delivering energy to the electric vehicle, determining a parking cost, and determining transaction costs based on at least one of an amount of energy delivered to the electric vehicle and the parking cost.

Abstract: An electricity storage controller for use with an electric vehicle is provided. The controller is coupled to at least an energy storage device to receive electrical charging power from external to the vehicle. Further, the controller is programmed to transmit a request for authorization for an electric charging transaction to a vehicle charging station and receive a response to the request from the vehicle charging station, wherein the response indicates one of an approval and a denial of the request.

Abstract: A vehicle charging station for use with a system for transmitting charging power to an electric vehicle is configured to receive a unique identifier from the electric vehicle and determine a preferred electrical charging power provider based on the identifier. Vehicle charging station is further configured to determine an account associated with the preferred provider and with the identifier, deliver a quantity of electrical charging power to the electric vehicle, and meter the quantity of electrical charging power delivered to the electric vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems of managing node migration in a wireless network where nodes may spontaneously migrate from a first communication path to a second communication path. The system includes a first collector disposed within the first communication path and a second collector disposed within the second communication path, a network management server that determines a network state and maintains a database of the network state. When the network management server detects that a node has migrated from the first communication path to the second communication path, information associated with the node is retrieved from the first collector and downloaded to the second collector to ensure the proper operation of the node in the network.

Abstract: A method for processing meter data into a common format includes receiving, in a first transmission, meter data using a satellite communications network in a common protocol, the meter data representing information read at time intervals from associated utility meters in at least two data formats, each data format associated with a type of utility meter. The meter data in the plurality of formats is processed into a common data format. The meter data is stored in the common format as interval data for transmission to a customer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to distribute ozone is described. In one embodiment, one or more ozone systems are in communication with a control center. The central control center receives ozone quality and delivery data from the ozone systems. The control center processes the ozone quality and delivery data to determine the amount and type of ozone dispensed. The ozone quality and delivery data is also used to generate ozone consumption data used to determine the cost of the ozone gas dispensed to the customer. In one embodiment, the control center generates an ozone usage bill based on the amount of ozone consumed. The control center also may remotely manage the one or more ozone systems such that if a customer exceeds a billing threshold, the control center may turn off the one or more systems. In another embodiment, the one or more ozone systems may be responsive to an allocation processing system that controls the amount of ozone dispensed via a key code.

Abstract: The method is providing an energy saving service. Customers of a household participate in an energy saving service provided by a service provider. The household prepays an amount for energy consumption in a subsequent time period. The customers determine at an end of a time period whether actual energy consumption during the time period is less than a reference energy-consumption. The household is rewarded with service points corresponding to a difference between the actual energy consumption and the reference energy consumption.

Abstract: The Network for Authentication, Authorization, And Accounting Of Recharging Processes For Vehicles Equipped With Electrically Powered Propulsion Systems uses a unique identification of the associated Self-Identifying Outlet and the power consumption as metered on the Self-Reporting Vehicle to enable the Self-Reporting Vehicle to report the Self-Reporting Vehicle's power consumption to the utility company to enable the utility company to bill the vehicle owner and credit the account of the Self-Identifying Outlet for the power consumed by the recharging of the vehicular battery banks.

Abstract: A power reduction aggregation 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: The System For On-Board Metering Of Recharging Power Consumption In Vehicles Equipped With Electrically Powered Propulsion Systems uses a unique identification of the associated Self-Identifying Outlet and the power consumption as metered on the Self-Reporting Vehicle to enable the Self-Reporting Vehicle to report the Self-Reporting Vehicle's power consumption to the utility company to enable the utility company to bill the vehicle owner and credit the account of the Self-Identifying Outlet for the power consumed by the recharging of the vehicular battery banks.

Abstract: A “Smart Grid Pricer” enables automated balancing of the supply and demand of energy supply and consumption, such as the generation and consumption of electricity between electricity providers and electricity consumers. The Smart Grid Pricer automatically computes and delivers real-time energy pricing information to consumers on behalf of energy retailers (e.g., electricity utilities) to help drive the balance of demand with supply. In various embodiments, real-time pricing is determined by using various probabilistic models to estimate overall consumer demand as a function of factors such as energy price, time of day, region, weather, etc. to compute a price that will result in an energy demand that is closely balanced to the available supply. On the consumer side, various components of the Smart Grid Pricer automatically respond to such pricing information to optimize energy consumption in accordance with a variety of automated and/or user defined rules and preferences.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that generates a utilization charge for a computer system. First, a set of performance parameters of the computer system are monitored. Next, a power utilization of the computer system is inferred based on the set of performance parameters and a power-utilization model. Then, a utilization charge is generated based on the power utilization of the computer system.

Abstract: A load dispatch system operates in response to algorithmic software to generate an optimized load dispatch schedule based on data selected from one or both of rebound effect data or optimized load dispatch schedule opportunity cost data corresponding to dispatching of resources with a contractually limited number of dispatches in a given time period.

Abstract: A battery system has: a first device that is operated by electric power, having a first connector arranged at a first location; a second device that is operated by electric power, having a second connector arranged at a second location; a rechargeable battery; and a connection section to be releasably connected to each of the first and second connectors, and includes a plurality of cartridge batteries with approximately the same outer shape and size.