Abstract: Coupling a charging station to a power line segment that is terminated at a first end by a charging terminal includes: sensing a communication signal propagating on the power line and being coupled from multiple taps connected to the power line segment, and determining if the communication signal is propagating on the power line segment in the direction from the first end to a second end of the power line segment or in the direction from the second end to the first end.

Abstract: A system for tracking a billing cycle in a billing system includes a data tracking engine and a rule-based engine. The rule-base engine retrieves information from the billing system during the billing cycle based on a set of rules, and provides the data to the data tracking engine. The data tracking engine generates status information and reports based on the data. The status information and reports can be accessed via a web client to monitor the billing cycle. Additionally, the rule-based engine identifies events in the billing cycle and generates a notification to alert a person if the event is not successfully completed according to a billing schedule. The notification can be accessed via a web client or a wireless communications device. The rule-based engine can subsequently issue an escalated notification to alert another user if the event has not successfully completed at a later time.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a mobile intelligent metering and charging system for charging uniquely identifiable chargable vehicle destinations (V) and method for employing the same. The system includes at least a power distribution system limb and a power consumption control and recordation limb. A vehicle system meter and at least one programmable command and control system identify unique vehicles, batteries, user accounts or other predetermined locations for charging and accounting purposes. Both the at least one programmable command and control system and the vehicle system meter are in communication with both the power distribution system limb and the power consumption control and recordation limb, and the at least one programmable command and control system controls the transmission of power through the vehicle system meter according to a predetermined and programmable algorithm, resulting in charging of the uniquely identifiable chargable vehicle destination.

Abstract: A battery charging system includes: an electric vehicle; a network termination unit connectable to the electric vehicle through a power line cable for supplying electric power to the electric vehicle; and a first server that transmits a control signal indicative of permission or forbiddance of power supply from the network termination unit to the electric vehicle to the electric vehicle through the network termination unit. The electric vehicle transmits identification information for identifying the electric vehicle and the user thereof to the first server through the network termination unit. The network termination unit transmits position information concerning the position of the network termination unit to the first server. The first server determines permission or forbiddance of the power supply based on the identification information and the position information.

Abstract: A renewable energy monitoring system collects streams of informational reports from remote renewable energy systems. It separates the data streams by client, and client identification, in order to template such data streams onto models of clients' equipment configurations and topologies. The system sorts and groups client data by categories, so workstations can be employed to access statistics, monitor operational flags, initiate/display reports, and control system operations. Particular client/user information is accumulated and assembled on a per account basis to issue client statements, revenue checks, invoices, and controls, wherein, headquarters workstations can be used to access single-client statistics, monitor operational flags, initiate/display reports, and engage payables, receivables, and general ledger accounting operations.

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

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide apparatuses, methods, and systems that support measuring and conveying energy consumption by an electrical device. An apparatus includes an energy sensor that measures an incremental energy value consumed by an electrical device. Apparatus obtains the incremental energy value, accumulates an energy usage measurement in accordance with the incremental energy value, provides requested information about energy consumption of the electrical device in response to a request from a network controller, and adjusts the energy usage measurement in accordance with the requested information. The total energy consumption may be partitioned into at least one energy component, in which the at least one energy component corresponds to the energy consumption of the electrical device during an associated time interval. A network controller may use the energy consumption information to determine a new set temperature for a thermostat unit that instructs the device control logic.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for quantifying, aggregating and bundling green incentives based on green construction enables applying at least a portion of the credits/incentives to financial transactions. Quantification includes estimating and/or monitoring usage of utilities, comparing the usage to a predetermined baseline value, and valuating an effectual energy savings that includes actual savings plus incentive values. Quantification relies on a database, which may include credits, deductions, and other green incentives data that contribute to the effectual savings. The effectual savings may be applied to early repayment of a mortgage loan, improved terms for the loan, investment in securities, and/or other trading. The method standardizes values of green incentives in energy units and/or monetary units. The method aids in qualifying the building projects based on a concrete estimation of the effectual energy savings.

Abstract: A method and system to report the environmental benefits of consumers' purchases of alternative fuels. The system tracks and stores the purchases of customers from a vendor of alternative fuels. The system calculates the environmental savings that a customer generates by using alternative fuel in place of standard fuels. Environmental savings may be calculated in terms of various metrics, including reduced carbon emissions, gasoline not consumed, or other environmental benefits. The system generates a report for each customer that details the amount of the environmental savings. The savings of two or more customers that fall within a community may be aggregated and reports generated based on the community consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining and applying an energy savings to a financial transaction includes estimating and/or monitoring usage of utilities by detectors, comparing the usage to a predetermined baseline value, and valuating an energy savings. A portion of the savings may be applied to any of early repayment of a mortgage loan, investment in securities, and a request for a credit. The method enables issuance of mortgage loans for building projects that conserve or produce energy, where the loans may have terms that are similar or better than conventional mortgage loans. The method standardizes values of energy units and/or monetary units, and quantifies a savings. Thus, the method aids in qualifying the building project based on a particular amount of energy savings or a savings within a range. Thus, the method forms a bridge between green, other energy conserving, or sustainable technologies and the financial markets.

Abstract: A method and system to report the environmental benefits of consumers' purchases of alternative fuels. The system tracks and stores the purchases of customers from a vendor of alternative fuels. The system calculates the environmental savings that a customer generates by using alternative fuel in place of standard fuels. Environmental savings may be calculated in terms of various metrics, including reduced carbon emissions, gasoline not consumed, or other environmental benefits. The system provides a marketplace that allows consumers to receive the benefit of the calculated environmental savings by selling, trading, or retiring the generated savings.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for quantifying energy usage and savings enables applying the savings to a financial transaction. Quantification includes estimating and/or monitoring usage of utilities by detectors, comparing the usage to a predetermined baseline value, and valuating an energy savings. Quantification relies on a comprehensive database to establish the baseline and to predict usage and savings. A portion of the savings may be applied to any of early repayment of a mortgage loan, investment in securities, and a request for a credit. The method and system standardizes values of energy units and/or monetary units, and quantifies savings. The method and system aids in qualifying the building project based on a concrete estimation of energy savings or a savings within a range. Thus, the method forms a bridge between green, other energy conserving, or sustainable technologies and the financial markets.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling the charging of onboard energy storage systems of a plurality of plug-in vehicles using a remote command center. A system for directing the charging of a plurality of remotely located plug-in vehicles is provided. The system includes a communication system configured to transmit charging authorizations to charge each of the plurality of plug-in vehicles and to receive data related to power consumption from each of the plurality of plug-in vehicles. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the communication system and configured to receive the data related to power consumption and to direct the charge authorizations based thereon. A database is also included in the system and is communicatively coupled to the controller, with the database configured to store the data related to power consumption.

Abstract: Protection is provided against increases in the price of energy. As an example, the protection may be provided for an agreed in advance quantity of energy and/or for an agreed in advance duration.

Abstract: Notification systems and methods are provided for identifying utility theft for an entity associated with a premise under a Continuous Service Agreement with at least one utility service provider, where utility service is never turned off such that the entity may legally use utility services while a premise is vacant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of enhanced electrical receptacles (outlets) and plugs. It is comprised of a system to identify and validate the user with acknowledgement of authorization. Power is supplied to authorized users and their power usage can be monitored, stored, and communicated to a remote device. Said usage can be used to charge the user a fee or to assess work efficiency.

Abstract: A control system and method for achieving economic operation of CHP systems. A plurality of factors, including power source prices and operational needs, are assessed using multiple strategies. The solutions achieved by each strategy are compared, and the best performing strategy is selected. The solution can then be implemented. The assessment of factors and strategies can be updated periodically. A further embodiment includes a method of designing a CHP system using similar methods applied to simulated or estimated future loads and costs.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for processing utility data of a power grid is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a datamart comprised of a plurality of physical databases storing utility data, a plurality of applications comprising an automated meter application configured to process power usage data from a plurality of automated meters, a power outage application configured to identify a location of a power outage, and a power restoration application configured to identify a location of a power restoration. The system may include an analysis engine comprising a plurality of analysis objects with each analysis object configured to process data to provide a specific analysis, wherein said analysis engine is accessible via one or more of the plurality of applications, and the system may include a report module configured to receive an output from the analysis engine and to output a report.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating, coordinating and managing the operation of a competitive marketplace via the Internet. The system and method collect bids for market services from a plurality of customers, calculators a clearing piece for the market service and calculates settlement information based on the clearing piece calculated and the bids collected.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for providing demand response in a power grid is provided. In one embodiment, the computer system may include a first module configured to store user profile data for a plurality of users in memory and wherein user profile data includes load shed participation data for at least some of the plurality of users, information identifying one or more load control devices associated with each of the plurality of users, and location data of a premises associated with the user. The system may include a second module configured to select a multitude of the users based, at least in part, on the load shed participation data of the profile data, a third module configured to transmit a first control message to a load control device of the selected users, wherein the control message comprises a request to reduce a load.

Abstract: A method for rewarding hotel guests for conserving water and for generating additional revenue for hotels is disclosed. A water flow control device that regulates the amount of water flowing through a shower head is installed between the shower head and the hot water supply line in each of the guest rooms in the hotel and is connected by a data line to a memory storage device for the hotel. The amount of water used in each guest room is monitored and data relating to water usage is collected and transmitted to the memory storage device. These data are then utilized by the hotel management to create incentives, i.e., perks and rewards, for those guests who have conserved water while showering.

Abstract: An energy saving support service offering method includes introducing an inverter at least in a load facility having a motor with an expense of an energy saving support service provider and/or its cooperatives, and performing an electric power saving operation by an inverter control operation.

Abstract: A metering device that allows the two-way exchange of electrical energy between the power grid and electric vehicles by giving customers the option to upload electrical energy from their vehicle's electrical power system to the power grid or to another vehicle, or the option to download electrical energy from the power grid or another vehicle, to charge their vehicle's electric storage system, depending on the current market price of electricity. This allows users to both buy and sell electricity as a commodity to offset their fuel costs and to generate income. The metering device and the associated server may maintain a database of the user's preferences and identification.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and media for controlling supply of a utility service to a load are disclosed. Generally, the embodiments may involve receiving representation of utility service supply to a load, receiving and storing in a computer data storage device a usage range representation comprising at least one expected value of utility input to the load and/or at least one expected value of output from the load, and producing a control signal for use by a utility service supply controlling device when usage is outside of usage range representation. Control signal can be operable to cause the utility service supply controlling device to restrict or interrupt the supply of the utility service to the load.

Abstract: A method for processing daily consumption, demand and time of use meter reads for electric, gas, water and other metered entities. The meter reads are collected by any of the well known Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technologies and loaded into a meter data warehouse. At a minimum daily meter reading, reads that are tagged as Good, Stale, Partial, Incomplete and Missing are required for properly identifying usage patterns, applying rules for error patterns and estimating the reads which will provide quality meter reads to the utilities thereby identifying meter problems before they become billing problems. The overall process involves loading the daily meter reads into a database, comparing each meter read against its previous day's read and applying a set of rules that help in validating, editing and estimating (VEE) of this data. The VEE rules that are applied can be broadly classified into five (5) categories.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an economic balance point in a dual fuel HVAC system includes a furnace, a heat pump and a control system. The method comprises providing a control device having a preprogrammed algorithm for controlling the HVAC system, providing a communication path between the control device and at least one component of the HVAC system, and accessing current fuel cost data; determining an economic balance point temperature based on the current fuel cost data; and updating the economic balance point temperature in the preprogrammed algorithm to adjust an actual balance point of the HVAC system.

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

Abstract: A method for diagnostically evaluating energy consumption of a facility includes receiving energy consumption data associated with the facility, generating facility data associated with the facility, and receiving external variable data associated with the facility corresponding to the energy consumption data. The method also includes generating a first energy consumption model for the facility using the facility data, the energy consumption data, and the external variable data. The first energy consumption model corresponds to actual energy consumption of the facility. The method further includes generating a second energy consumption model for the facility using the facility data and the external variable data. The second energy consumption model corresponds to expected energy consumption of the facility. The method also includes diagnostically evaluating the energy consumption of the facility using the first and second energy consumption models.

Abstract: A system and method manage delivery of energy from a distribution network to one or more sites. Each site has at least one device coupled to the distribution network. The at least one device controllably consumes energy. The system includes a node and a control system. The node is coupled to the at least one device for sensing and controlling energy delivered to the device. A control system is coupled to the node and distribution network for delivering to the node at least one characteristic of the distribution network. The node for controls the supply of energy to the device as a function of the at least one characteristic.

Abstract: An automated method and system are provided for facilitating monitoring of energy usage within a data center. The method includes automatically determining energy usage of one or more electronics racks of a data center by automatically ascertaining time-based energy usage of the electronics racks. The automatically ascertaining includes obtaining multiple measurements of instantaneous energy usage by each of the electronics racks in the data center over a period of time, and then separately averaging the multiple measurements for each electronics rack to obtain the time-based energy usage of each electronics racks. The method also includes outputting the time-based energy usage of the electronic(s) racks to facilitate monitoring of the data center.

Abstract: Methods of facilitating a party's purchase of an electricity-generating solar power system are disclosed. The methods may comprise entering into, by the lender, an agreement with the party whereby, in exchange for a payment amount paid by the lender to a seller of the solar power system, the lender owns and is to sell up to 100% of the electricity generated by the party's solar power system after installation for a contract time period defined by the agreement. The methods may also comprise paying, by the lender, the payment amount to the seller for the solar power system. The contract time period may extend, for example, until sales of the electricity by the lender after installation generate an aggregate payment amount that meets or exceeds a specified level. The contract time period or unit quantity might also be fixed. The lender may also receive renewable energy certificates and any other environmental attributes from the party.

Abstract: A method for optimizing an LED lighting system cost includes steps of determining LED costs, power source costs, and total costs associated with a plurality of LED quantities, and identifying a lowest total cost as an optimal cost. A LED lighting system includes an LED operated by a constant-current driver at less than its maximum current capacity. A programmable controller including a feedback routine is used to compensate for intensity drift as an LED ages. Other embodiments of LED lighting systems include multiple LEDs producing light having various spectrums to optimize the lighting system efficiency and the effectiveness. A charge controller including an MPPT routine is advantageously employed with a LED lighting system powered by a limited-capacity power source.

Abstract: An electric storage device of an electric powered vehicle is configured to be chargeable by a charging facility. At the time of external charge by the charging facility, a management server selects advertising information based on information stored inside the electric powered vehicle to be charged and/or information of the charging facility performing the external charge to the electric powered vehicle including a mechanism capable of reproducing the advertising information from an advertising provider, and transmits the selected advertising information. The management server performs billing so that in exchange for the transmission of the advertising information, at least part of a charging power fee is caused to be borne by the advertising provider side to thereby discount an amount borne by an electric powered vehicle user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for monitoring and estimating the consumption of energy resources in real-time. The system includes an interactive user module, a measuring unit and a wireless network. The measuring unit is interfaced to a utility meter. Optionally, the measuring unit can also function as a stand alone device. The measuring unit is further connected to the interactive user module via the wireless network. The system monitors energy resource consumption such as electricity, gas or water consumption in real-time, generates and displays graphs of energy resource consumption over user selected time periods and enables communication with at least one utility company. The system increases the users' awareness of their energy consumption and aids users in dynamic or deregulated pricing environments to shed load when the energy resource is most expensive. With knowledge of their energy use, the users can take proactive steps to control their energy consumption and save money.

Abstract: Systems and methods for power optimization through datacenter client and workflow resource migration are described. In one aspect, the systems and methods estimate how much power will cost for different and geographically distributed datacenters to handle a specific set of actual and/or anticipated workflow(s), where the workflow(s) are currently being handled by a particular one of the distributed datacenters. These estimated power costs are based on current power prices at each of the datacenters, and prior recorded models of power actually used by each of the datacenters to handle similar types of workflows for specific numbers of client applications. If the systems and methods determine that power costs can be optimized by moving the workflow(s) from the datacenter currently handling the workflows to a different datacenter, service requests from corresponding client applications and any data resources associated with the workflows are migrated to the different datacenter.

Abstract: A system and method for generator startup cost modeling using a time counter are described herein. A method and system according to the invention may include assigning a binary value to one or more time segment variables each associated with an increment of the time counter wherein the sum of the one or more time segment variables is greater than or equal to a binary startup variable. The method and system may also assign a value to one or more startup cost variables associated with each of the one or more time segment variables. The system and method may then determine the startup cost of a shutdown time by summing the products of each time segment variable and associated startup cost variable. In another aspect the method and system may entail a sum of products of each binary time segment variable and time increment being less than or equal to a time-off variable.

Abstract: A method and tool for an integrated power switching device configuration tool and fault response tolerance calculator determines the fault response tolerance characteristics of a power switching device, adjusts the predicted fault responses based on the fault response tolerances and displays the adjusted fault response results. The fault response tolerance calculation tool uses configuration information defined during the configuring of the power switching device and applies this information to an over current response curve selected by a user. The tool calculates the different fault response tolerances and adjusts predicted response times accordingly. The adjusted fault responses are displayed to the user along with a range of recommended fault response values.

Abstract: A computer-based system, computer-implemented method and computer program product facilitate determining energy cost savings in an energy-consuming facility, such as a commercial building, using a neural network model that projects or estimates the amount of energy that would have been consumed by the facility but for the implementation of energy efficiency or conservation measures. Energy savings are represented by the difference between the estimate of energy that would have been consumed but for the measures and the actual amount of energy consumed by the facility under actual conditions during a time interval after the measures have been implemented.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent power unit, and applications thereof. In an embodiment, the intelligent power unit includes a battery, a power switch, and a control unit. The control unit receives price information and operates the power switch based on the price information to charge the battery during periods of relatively low electrical energy prices. During periods of relatively high electrical energy prices, the control unit cause the energy stored in the battery to be used to power attached loads. The price information provided to the control unit can be actual price information regarding the cost to generate electrical power, estimated price information, or contract price information. It is a feature of the intelligent power unit of the present invention that it can be used to shift a utility's electrical power demand in time.

Abstract: Methods of operating a business arrangement for an integrated CTL process and IGCC facility are disclosed herein. An embodiment of the method encompasses operating the integrated CTL and IGCC facility to optimize profitability, revenue and monitor inventory. Some advantages of the disclosed methods include reduced capital expenditures and increased availability of power or syngas during emergencies. Further advantages of the disclosed methods will be described in more detail herein.

Abstract: A system and method manage delivery of energy from a distribution network to one or more sites. Each site has at least one device coupled to the distribution network. The at least one device controllably consumes energy. The system includes a node and a control system. The node is coupled to the at least one device for sensing and controlling energy delivered to the device. A control system is coupled to the node and distribution network for delivering to the node at least one characteristic of the distribution network. The node for controls the supply of energy to the device as a function of the at least one characteristic.

Abstract: An automated energy consulting system and method is provided comprising an interactive input system linked to calculation algorithms and databases of energy-related products and services, affiliated service providers, and climate, financing and regulatory criteria. The system generates proposals of available energy-related products, services and financing options, and obtains and aggregates customer commitments to allow discounted purchasing of the components. Customers can earn referral commissions to encourage customers and volunteers to virally disseminate the access information. For customers not eligible for beneficial products and services because of regulatory deficiencies, the system automates the customer education process to encourage them to advocate politically for the changes that will make them eligible.

Abstract: An apparatus including means for measuring and storing flow information for a fluid flowing through each of a plurality of fixtures in a single unit in a multi-unit structure, and each means for measuring and storing operates independently of all other means for measuring and storing and means for generating and storing power from the fluid flowing through each of the plurality of fixtures. The apparatus also may include means for transmitting in a wireless transmission the flow information with a unique identifier associated with each of the plurality of fixtures having sufficient stored power to transmit the flow information and means for accumulating the flow information in a storage area for each of the plurality of fixtures with insufficient stored power to transmit the flow information.

Abstract: A method for administering an intermittent source of electrical power generation, such as a wind powered electric power generating facility, to produce electric power at a level up to a pre-set level during a selected time period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prepaid services in the communication field. A method for charging a prepaid account includes: delivering the available traffic to the NAS based on the available balance of an account shared by the user and other users in response to a successful authentication of a user's access request; and delivering the available traffic to the NAS based on the available balance of the account shared by the user and other users in response to a receipt of an Accounting-Request-Interim message from the NAS. The solution provided by the invention may deliver the available traffic to a user every accounting period so that an account can be used by multiple users concurrently, whereas overdraft does not occur. The present invention also provides a system and an AAA server for charging a prepaid account.

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

Abstract: A 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: Methods and systems for managing product development processes are provided. A method for providing energy pricing includes receiving a pricing component. The method also includes automatically determining multiple prices for supplying energy. Each price may be determined for a different energy consumer and may be based at least on information about the consumer and the pricing component. The method further includes outputting the plurality of prices for supplying energy.

Abstract: A system and method for application resource utilization metering and cost allocation in a utility computing environment. In one embodiment, the system may include a computational resource, a plurality of applications configured to utilize the computational resource, a metering utility configured to measure utilization of the computational resource by a given one of the plurality of applications, and a cost model configured to allocate a first portion of a cost of the computational resource to the given application dependent upon the measured utilization of the computational resource by the given application.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a net energy consumption are described. Information is received descriptive of a power output generated by at least one source of renewable energy (1) associated with a user (100). Further information describes power consumption at premises (102) associated with the user and located remotely from the at least one source of renewable energy (1). A difference is determined between a value of the power consumption and a value of the power output. An energy bill may be generated dependent on the difference.