Abstract: A system and method analyzes resource consumption without requiring sensors at every device for which consumption is analyzed. Data rates used to provide resource use information may be increased or decreased based on user actions.

Abstract: Managing electrical charging of vehicles with charging devices related to users demand and available power. One system comprises charging points comprising sockets and a communication module, and a mediator server comprising a database, an application and a graphical user interface. The mediator server is connected to the charging points, to the users and to public utilities and electricity providers. Each charging point is arranged to admit vehicles, couple their charging device to the socket and send vehicle data to the mediator server. The mediator server is arranged to process the vehicle data, user data, and data from the public utilities and the electricity providers, and calculate a vehicle priority and a charging allotment in relation to the number of vehicles at the charging point and to the processed data. Vehicles are charged according to the vehicle priority and the charging allotment.

Abstract: A method by which a path-constrained vehicle (or series of such vehicles), constrained to travel along a rail or guideway of a magnetic levitation system or to follow a catenary, is equipped to provide electric power derived for off-vehicle use derived from solar collectors formed or provided on the surface of the vehicle. The solar electric power is provided to a coupling system distributed proximate to the rail or guideway or catenary and/or provided as part of same. The coupling system then provides the power for possible use by the public electric power grid or other off-vehicle use, and may compensate the vehicle (or train of vehicles) for the electric power.

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 plurality of requests for electricity are received from a plurality of end-use consumers. The requests indicate a requested quantity of electricity and a consumer-requested index value indicative of a maximum price a respective end-use consumer will pay for the requested quantity of electricity. A plurality of offers for supplying electricity are received from a plurality of resource suppliers. The offers indicate an offered quantity of electricity and a supplier-requested index value indicative of a minimum price for which a respective supplier will produce the offered quantity of electricity. A dispatched index value is computed at which electricity is to be supplied based at least in part on the consumer-requested index values and the supplier-requested index values.

Abstract: A storage battery that can be used in an electric automobile or the like and can be replaced by simple operations within a very short time, and a storage battery accommodation device are provided. The storage battery 1 in accordance with the present invention includes: a plate-shaped plug-in terminal that is provided to protrude at one side surface of a storage battery having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; and a clamping terminal that is made of a plurality of parallel plate-shaped members that can clamp the plate-shaped plug-in terminal, and that is provided to protrude at the other side surface of the storage battery, thereby facilitating the storage battery replacement operation. The plug-in terminals or clamping terminals are preferably provided side-by-side in pairs on the respective side.

Abstract: A method of interacting with data at a wireless communication device is provided. The wireless communication device has access to a first set of capabilities. Data is received at the wireless communication device via a wireless transmission. The data represents visual content that is viewable via a display device. A graphical user interface, including a delayed action selector, is provided via the display device. An input is received within a limited period of time after displaying the delayed action selector. The input is associated with a command to delay execution of an action with respect to the data until the wireless communication device has access to a second set of capabilities. The action is not supported by the first set of capabilities but is supported by the second set of capabilities. An indication of receipt of the input is provided at the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A system and method for price setting based on environmental impact whereby the environmental impact of a product and/or service is determined based on defined parameters. An environmental impact of a given product and/or service is also determined for various levels of consumption of the given product and/or service. An environmental impact goal is then established for the given product and/or service. An environmental impact goal level of consumption of the given product and/or service is then determined that will yield the desired environmental impact goal. An environmental impact goal price-point for the given product and/or service that will yield the environmental impact goal level of consumption that, in turn, will yield the desired environmental impact goal is then determined. The price of the given product or service is then set at the environmental impact goal price-point for the given product and/or service using one or more of various price setting mechanisms.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for assigning parameters to a geographic area to provide more accurate cost and fee estimates associated with a delivery vehicle visit (e.g., a package pickup/delivery) to a location within the geographic area. For example, a geographic area may be defined and information collected that is associated with the geographic area. After defining the geographic area and collecting relevant information, an estimated cost associated with a delivery vehicle visit to a location within the geographic area can be determined, based, for example, at least in part on the information gathered.

Abstract: A number of meters to be configured according to a particular billing rate. Multiple billing rates may be defined, named, and stored for use. Each such billing rate may include time of use (TOU) configuration parameters and/or demand configuration parameters. Alternatively, a billing rate may include strictly consumption based parameters. Each billing rate is “meter independent”, meaning that it is not specific to any particular meter configuration format. The billing rate is defined in a format that is convenient for the operator and then translated into a format that is specific to each meter on which it is implemented. Thus, to configure a number of different parameters on a number of differently formatted meters, only a single billing rate need be defined and propagated to the meters.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for quantifying a risk of an expected unserved energy in an energy generation system using a digital simulation. An energy load demand forecast is generated based at least in part on a weather year model. A plurality of energy generation resources are committed to meet the energy load demand. An operating status is determined for each committed energy generation resource in the energy generation system. A determination is made as to whether or not the committed resources are sufficient to meet the energy load demand. A dispatch order for a plurality of additional energy resources is selected if the committed resources are not sufficient to meet the energy load demand. Additional resources are committed based on the selected dispatch order until the energy load demand is met. The expected unserved energy is determined and an equivalent amount of energy load demand is shed based at least in part on an expected duration of unserved energy and a customer class grouping.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the stored power of a plurality of vehicles connected to the power grid is provided. In one embodiment the method includes determining location information of each of the plurality of vehicles connected to the power grid, determining that a demand for power in a portion of the power grid has reached a power threshold, determining that the location information associated with a set of the plurality of vehicles satisfies a similarity threshold with the portion of the power grid, determining that a subset of the set of vehicles has stored power that satisfies a power availability threshold, and transmitting a command to at least one vehicle of the subset of vehicles to discharge power onto the power grid. The portion of the power grid may comprise a medium voltage power line or a substation.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a power plant having a design life based on operating the plant within an allowable chemical exposure range includes accumulating a history of a chemical exposure of a steam generating portion of the power plant. The method also includes determining a remaining life of the plant based on the history of the chemical exposure and assuming continued operation of the plant within the allowable chemical exposure range. The method may also include evaluating an economic value of operating the plant based on the remaining life of the plant.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring device, comprising: a location device for determining location data indicating a location of a vehicle during a journey between an origin point and a destination point; a fuel consumption device for determining fuel consumption data indicating an amount of fuel consumed by the vehicle during the journey, or an emission measurement device for determining emission data indicating an amount of emission produced by the vehicle during the journey; and a vehicle monitoring processor for receiving and processing the location data and the fuel consumption data.

Abstract: A system, method, and module capable of curtailing energy production within congestive grid operating environments, according to are an aspect, including a method of managing power generation of a power generation site operable to be coupled to a transmission line is disclosed. The method can also include detecting a transmission line operating characteristic, and detecting a curtailment action data of the transmission line operating characteristic. Additionally, the method can include determining a forecasted curtailment probability level as a function of the transmission line operating characteristic and the curtailment action data.

Abstract: An automatic method of which days/hours represent good candidates for reducing demand to achieve potential savings and the amount of demand reduction that can be achieved with a tolerable level of disruption to status quo operations. Demand interval data including utility usage rate (UUR) values is received from one or more utility monitoring devices, and are sorted in descending order. A percent difference is calculated for each UUR value relative to the previous one, and a cumulative percent difference accumulates the percent differences from the preceding rows. The average cumulative percent difference is divided by the total number of UUR values in the measured period to produce a ratio. The standard deviation of time is determined, and from those demand data associated with ratios greater than a ratio threshold and standard deviations less than a standard deviation threshold the demand reduction amount and the number of control hours are determined.

Abstract: An appliance includes a display unit for an appliance and a control unit coupled to the display unit. The control unit is configured to detect at least one operating parameter associated with use of the appliance, calculate energy usage and energy costs associated with the at least one operating parameter, and present current energy usage and cost information on the display unit.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates managing energy consumption with an energy sink device in order to reduce energy costs. An energy sink device can consume a portion of energy. An interface component can receive a portion of data related to at least one of a real time energy rate or a user presence. An energy manager can dynamically control the energy sink device for efficient consumption of the portion of energy for reduced energy costs based at least in part upon the evaluation of the portion of received data. The energy manager can leverage the real time energy rate and the user presence in order to employ at least one of a power on the energy sink device, a power off the energy sink device, or an adjust a setting for the energy sink device.

Abstract: Thermal energy transfer between the adjoining building units is measured. Actual energy consumption is measured in each of the adjoining building units. An energy compensation is calculated for each of the adjoining building units based upon the measured thermal energy transfer between the adjoining building units and the measured actual energy consumption in each of the adjoining building units. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: The selection of an optimal data center location for running a computational workload is based on multiple energy criteria. The location is chosen based on multivariate and predictive analysis of total direct and indirect energy costs, and other user-defined factors. Among the direct and indirect costs are power costs and cooling costs as well as structural and other details of a given data center. Among the other factors to be considered that can have an impact on present and future costs are weather patterns, data and forecasts, availability of energy providers, and energy attributes. A forecaster factors these direct and indirect costs along with extrinsic information such as historical trends and predictive sources into a forecast which is then input to a decision engine along with user defined criteria and with anticipated compute tasks and requirements to select a final location or locations for handling the workload.

Abstract: A charging system for electrical vehicle batteries has a smart charge power meter with a computer control system to measure and integrate the delivered electrical power, enable/disable the charging stations and make all of the other necessary purchasing transaction steps equivalent to a gas station operation. The system may collect electricity by using whatever alternative energy system is available or can be incorporated into the charging system when it is constructed. The system may store the collected electricity in a high capacity energy storage system. The charging takes place at a charging lot which is within a secure perimeter to assure safety and prevent vandalism. The siting of charging lots is chosen to coincide with locations where vehicles are usually parked for extended times (e.g., parking lots, businesses, etc.).

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer programs provided for metering and accounting in a commercial e-services infrastructure address the requirement for handling composite services in which higher-level services are built using simpler underlying services, each of which may be autonomously owned and operated. Metering records for each service underlying a composite service are correlated, enabling accounting which takes account of the usage and charges associated with the underlying services, on a per-request basis or on an aggregated basis for each customer-provider pair over a given billing period.

Abstract: A power delivery system wirelessly deliver electric power and a communication signal to a target device. The power delivery system includes a power transmitting unit having a power source operable to source alternating current power and a sending resonant coupling component operable to couple the alternating current power to a coil for wireless power transmission by a non-radiated magnetic field at a target resonant frequency. The power transmitting unit is capable of dynamically tuning the wireless power transmission to the target resonant frequency wherein the target resonant frequency is specified dynamically. A communication module couples to the power transmitting unit and is operable to couple the communication signal to the non-radiated magnetic field. Operations may include target device authentication, target resonant frequency information communication, billing, and device management.

Abstract: A decision support system and method is provided for responding to a deregulated electrical energy environment for use in making decisions related to supplying and purchasing electrical power. In a preferred embodiment, the decision support system comprises a plurality of interconnected models that produce information related to various business operations. A contract valuation model produces a value of energy contracts based upon timely data such as contract terms, real-time commodity pricing, and forecasted commodity pricing. A potential action valuation model generates value for potential, predefined operational actions at a given production facility in response to a particular opportunity. A forecasting and planning model provides forecasting services related to energy based upon historical and current real-time data for use in other models.

Abstract: A network-controlled charge transfer device for transferring charge between a local power grid and an electric vehicle is mounted to a street light. The charge transfer device includes the following: an electrical receptacle to receive an electrical connector for connection to the electric vehicle; an electric power line that couples the power grid to the electrical receptacle through a wiring box; a control device to switch the receptacle on and off; a current measuring device to measure current flowing through the electric power line; and a controller to operate the control device and to monitor output from the current measuring device.

Abstract: A distributed processing service is configured between an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB), which supports a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) for delivering utility services, and a Sensor Data/Event Processing Bus, which receives data communication from sensors on a utility grid. The distributed processing service provides middleware that allows the event-driven Sensor Data/Event Processing Bus to communicate with the transaction-drive ESB, thus permitting the delivery of services from the SOA to the utility grid.

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

Abstract: The harvesting of energy credits due to the transformation of a real estate property. The transformation results in improved energy usage of the real estate property, resulting in energy credits being earned by the owner of the real estate property. The energy credits are obtained by monitoring the power usage of the real estate property before the transformation, and after the transformation. An entity other than the owner of the real estate property facilitates the transformation by providing products or instructions that help make the transformation, or perhaps even by the entity taking at least partially responsibility for making the transformation. In consideration for the facilitation of the transformation, the entity receives at least a portion of the energy credits that result from the transformation.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing users of real estate to calculate the relative costs of various office space area sizes so an educated decision can be made early in the real estate leasing and purchasing processes, thus eliminating potential additional work necessary caused by adjustments to space requirements midway through a relocation. The system also allows the user to create a detailed description of the construction that will be required for that space so an accurate construction estimate can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate development includes subdividing the real estate development into a plurality of plots. A portion of the subdivided real estate development is dedicated to alternative energy power generation. An alternative energy power generator is provided that forms a cooperative power farm electrically coupled to a power grid. Power is at least in part generated on the dedicated portion of the subdivided real estate development. Rights to a portion of an output of the cooperative power farm are included with ownership of at least one of the plurality of plots.

Abstract: A business tuning system collects streams of informational reports from remote renewable energy systems. A database holds the information and associates it with a particular renewable energy business operation. A pre-processor semi-structures the information into failure analyses, sales histories, performance results, regional trends, seasonal trends, and demographics. A data mining processor provides for knowledge discovery and prediction from semi-structured information related to said particular renewable energy business operation.

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

Abstract: An electronic device operative to monitor and control processes and operations based on the power cost of those processes and operations are provided. The electronic device can identify processes or networked devices requiring power, determine the expected amount of power required for the process or networked device, and calculate the cost of the power requirement. For example, the electronic device can receive data or algorithms defining the manner in which a power supplier computes the cost of consumed power, and predict the expected cost of the particular power requirement. Based on the importance of the process or device, and the expected power cost, the electronic device can perform a process or provide power to a networked device, or alternatively delay or cancel a process to ensure that the power cost of the device remains within preset boundaries (e.g., the power cost of the device or of a home network of devices does not exceed a maximum cap).

Abstract: A home energy display that receives energy consumption data from a sensor or other source mounted to a home's electric meter. The display can accommodate various pricing structures including tiered rates and time-of use rates and shows various energy consumption information, including real time energy consumption and its associated cost. The display can also “zero out” a home's energy use to provide a base line so that any additional use (e.g. by a single or group of appliances) can be calculated.

Abstract: A system for distributing alternatively generated power to a real estate development having at least two individual properties includes at least one alternative energy power generator. A distribution station is coupled to the at least one alternative energy power generator. A plurality of real estate properties are coupled to the distribution station. A written instrument associates ownership rights in a portion of the power received from the alternative energy power generator with ownership of at least one of the plurality of real estate properties. A method includes providing a plurality of real estate properties and an alternative energy power generator that forms a cooperative power farm coupled to a distribution station. A credit of power provided from the cooperative power farm to the distribution station is metered. Rights to a portion of the metered credit are included with ownership of at least one of the plurality of real estate properties.

Abstract: A method for reducing a risk associated with a commodity. The method is implemented at least in part by a computer and includes offering to supply the commodity to a commodity consumer. The offer includes an obligation to supply a first quantity of the commodity at a first price during a first period of time, an obligation to supply a second quantity of the commodity at a second price during a second period of time, and an obligation to supply a third quantity of the commodity at a third price during a third period of time. The second price is within a first price band defined by the first price, and the third price is within a second price band defined by the second price.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and managing electric power consumption at a customer location includes a plurality of devices located at various points on a mains distribution network at the customer location, each of the devices being programmed to monitor electric power consumption, and a central processing device located at the customer location, the central processing device being programmed to receive the electric power consumption information from the devices, analyze the electric power consumption information, and manage future electric power consumption based on the electric power consumption information.

Abstract: Energy usage of a plurality of appliances is measured using a single meter. A pattern of energy usage with respect to the plurality of appliances is determined dependent upon the measured energy usage, appliance details of the plurality of appliances, and usage hours of the plurality of appliances. The pattern is provided to a user of the appliances.

Abstract: A system, method, software, and portfolios for managing risk in markets relating to a commodity delivered over a network are described, in which a market participant constructs portfolios of preferably liquid price risk instruments in proportions that eliminate the Spatial Price Risk for the market participant's underlying position. Techniques are also disclosed for constructing and evaluating new price risk instruments and other sets of positions, as well as identifying arbitrage opportunities in those markets. In particular, a “deltas vector” is calculated concerning a portfolio of future positions and derivative contracts, wherein the “deltas vector” is the partial derivative of the market participant's net market position taken with respect to the forward shadow prices ? of the network which depend upon congestion in the network.

Abstract: A system, method, software, and portfolios for managing risk in markets relating to a commodity delivered over a network are described, in which a market participant constructs portfolios of preferably liquid price risk instruments in proportions that eliminate the Spatial Price Risk for the market participant's underlying position. Techniques are also disclosed for constructing and evaluating new price risk instruments and other sets of positions, as well as identifying arbitrage opportunities in those markets. In particular, a “deltas vector” is calculated concerning a portfolio of future positions and derivative contracts, wherein the “deltas vector” is the partial derivative of the market participant's net market position taken with respect to the forward shadow prices ? of the network which depend upon congestion in the network.

Abstract: A system, method, software, and portfolios for managing risk in markets relating to a commodity delivered over a network are described, in which a market participant constructs portfolios of preferably liquid price risk instruments in proportions that eliminate the Spatial Price Risk for the market participant's underlying position. Techniques are also disclosed for constructing and evaluating new price risk instruments and other sets of positions, as well as identifying arbitrage opportunities in those markets. In particular, a “deltas vector” is calculated concerning a portfolio of future positions and derivative contracts, wherein the “deltas vector” is the partial derivative of the market participant's net market position taken with respect to the forward shadow prices ? of the network which depend upon congestion in the network.

Abstract: A system, method, software, and portfolios for managing risk in markets relating to a commodity delivered over a network are described, in which a market participant constructs portfolios of preferably liquid price risk instruments in proportions that eliminate the Spatial Price Risk for the market participant's underlying position. Techniques are also disclosed for constructing and evaluating new price risk instruments and other sets of positions, as well as identifying arbitrage opportunities in those markets. In particular, a “deltas vector” is calculated concerning a portfolio of future positions and derivative contracts, wherein the “deltas vector” is the partial derivative of the market participant's net market position taken with respect to the forward shadow prices ? of the network which depend upon congestion in the network.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing remote system upgrades to utility meters in certain regulatory environments. A utility meter having a metrology section and a registry portion is provided with additional memory in the metrology section, and configured as the primary storage location for billing information.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product provide for calculating the utility consumption of at least one unit of a building having a plurality of units. The method includes determining a square footage of the at least one unit, sensing a temperature of the at least one unit over a predetermined period of time, and calculating utility consumption for the at least one unit based at least in part on the determined square footage of the at least one unit and the sensed temperature of the at least one unit.

Abstract: A system that automatically detects the presence of an automobile that can operate wirelessly to recharge the battery therein, and detects account information associated with that automobile. When the account information is properly detected, the amount of power delivered is metered, and thereafter the power used by a user is Bill to the user at a markup based on that distributed by the distribution company.

Abstract: A method for calculating computing resource use charges for a data center consumer entity is disclosed. The data center consumer entity accesses one or more of a plurality of computing resources in a data center. The method includes retrieving usage data of each of the plurality of computing resources. The usage data is retrieved for a selected period of use of each of the plurality of computing resources by the data center consumer entity. Each of the plurality of computing resources includes at least one of a CPU, a disk, a Network Interface Card (NIC), and a memory. The method further includes retrieving a rate plan data for the data center consumer entity and retrieving per unit charge, base rate, and rate factor for each of the plurality of computing resources. Further, a sum of a sum of multiplications of billed units of each of the plurality of computing resources by per unit charge, base rate, and rate factor is calculated. The billed units include one of actual used units or reserved units.

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

Abstract: A smart grid for improving the management of a power utility grid is provided. The smart grid as presently disclosed includes using sensors in various portions of the power utility grid, using communications and computing technology, such as additional bus structures, to upgrade an electric power grid so that it can operate more efficiently and reliably and support additional services to consumers. Specifically, the additional bus structures may comprise multiple buses dedicated to the different types of data, such as operational/non-operational data, event processing data, grid connectivity data, and network location data. The multiple buses may comprise different segments in a single bus or may comprise separate buses. The multiple buses may be used to transport the various types of data to other smart grid processes (such as at a centrally located controller).

Abstract: A method, system and program product for facilitating trading derivatives of energy constraints, the method comprising in one embodiment: obtaining electronically historical constraint price data on transmission elements or groups of transmission elements over a number of respective time increments; performing electronically an algorithm calculation on the constraint prices for one of the transmission elements or one of the groups of transmission elements over a number of time increments within a given period of time, to obtain constraint price data for the one transmission element or group of transmission elements for the given period of time; performing this algorithm calculation step for a plurality of the periods of time to obtain constraint price data for each of the plurality of transmission elements or groups of transmission elements for the plurality of periods of time; and making accessible the constraint price data.

Abstract: Real world energy usage can be reduced using a virtual environment. A virtual universe energy conservation system (“system”) can determine energy usage from a power grid by energy consuming devices supporting a virtual universe. The system can determine that the energy usage is at a time that corresponds to a peak power usage period on the power grid. The system can determine a virtual universe user account associated with the energy consuming devices. The system can also transmit an offer of a virtual universe award to an electronic device associated with the virtual universe user accounts to entice a reduction in energy usage from the power grid during the peak power usage period.

Abstract: Utilization of resources used to provide a service, and/or costs associated with providing system resources for a service, are tracked in a system where the available resources vary depending on a variety of conditions including resource utilization by other users. The methods are well suited for systems such as mobile communications systems, where the amount of resources and/or costs to a system of providing a service are dynamic and can change on a relatively rapid time scale. Resource utilization is tracked on a per subscriber basis. Service charges can be determined as a function of both the amount of resources consumed and the amount of data delivered, with the amount of resources being used to deliver a fixed amount of data units varying as a function of environmental and/or other conditions. Service charges are sometimes determined as a function of the impact of providing the service to a first user on other system users.