THIRD PARTY ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Abstract

A system of modules which control and measure energy usage at a building which are in communication with a software program executing on a remote server controlled by a third party. The third party said usage via the software program which communicates with the modules to modify energy usage and demand for energy and is responsible or liable for energy usage charges the building where the third party does not actually use the energy.

Claims

1. A method by which a first entity reduces energy usage of a second entity comprising: providing software executing on a server, the server is remote to a second entity location, said software controlled by the first entity; providing control inputs to at least one of a plurality of modules at the second entity location to control energy usage by the second entity by controlling energy usage associated with an energy usage device, each of the plurality of modules is electrically connected to at least one energy usage device and an energy supply from a utility, the utility being separate and distinct from the first and second entities; receiving data at said software from said plurality of modules, said data indicative of usage of said energy supply by the at least one energy usage device to which one of the plurality of modules is electrically connected; wherein said energy supply is delivered from the utility and used by said second entity at the second entity location and the first entity is responsible for payment for usage of said energy supply by said second entity during a time period and the second entity is charged an amount by the first entity for usage of said energy supply during the time period, the amount being different than what the utility charges the first entity for the time period.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said first entity is liable to said second entity for payment to the utility based on meter readings by the utility at the second entity location.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: a renewable energy generation source installed at the second entity location to reduce net usage of said energy supply.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein control instructions are generated by said software which result in energy being drawn from both said energy supply and said renewable energy generation source.

5. The method of claim 3 further comprising: a second controller configured to modify use of a combustion based energy source based on instructions from said remote server to reduce use of the combustion based energy source and increase use of said renewable energy generation source.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the control input is an alert for delivery to a technician.

7. The method of claim 2 wherein the plurality of modules are positioned electrically between a meter and the at least one energy usage device wherein the meter readings are obtained from the meter.

8. A method by which a first entity controls energy usage of a second entity comprising: communicating with a plurality of modules which are installed at a second entity location to send and receive data, each of the plurality of modules electrically connected to at least one energy usage device and an electrical power supply, each module configured to monitor energy usage of the electrical power supply by the corresponding at least one energy usage device; on a server controlled by said first entity, executing a monitoring and control program which sends and receives the data from one or more of the plurality of modules such that data received includes information indicative of electrical power usage of a first one of the at least one of the energy usage devices coupled to the at least one of the plurality of modules and data sent includes information indicative of a control input for at least the first one of the at least one energy usage device to modify an energy usage thereof; wherein said electrical power supply is used by said second entity at the second entity location and said first entity is either responsible or is liable to said for payment of a bill for usage during a time period of said electrical power supply by said second entity, said second entity is liable to pay an amount to the first entity that is different than a cost to the first entity for usage of the second entity during the time period.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising: installing a renewable energy generation source at the second entity location to reduce net usage of said electrical power supply.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein control instructions of said monitoring and control program result in energy being drawn from both said electrical power supply and said renewable energy generation source.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising: a second controller configured to modify use of a combustion based energy source based on instructions from said remote server to reduce use of the combustion based energy source and increase use of said renewable energy generation source.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein the control input is an alert for delivery to a technician.

13. A method by which a first entity manages energy usage of a second entity comprising: determining an anticipated energy use at a second entity location based on prior usage history and expense; communicating with a plurality of modules at the second entity location to send and receive data, each of the plurality of modules coupled to at least one of the energy usage devices and an energy supply delivered by a utility, each module configured to monitor energy usage of the electrical power supply by the corresponding at least one energy usage device, wherein installation of the plurality of modules is performed at the direction of said first entity, said utility being separate and distinct from the first and second entities; executing on said remote server a monitoring and control program which sends and receives the data such that data received includes information indicative of electrical power usage of at least one of the plurality of modules and data sent includes information indicative of a control input to modify an energy usage of the at least one energy usage device based on the data received; wherein said electrical power supply is used by said second entity at the second entity location and said first entity is either responsible or is liable to said utility for payment of a bill from said utility for usage during a time period of said electrical power supply by said second entity, said first entity is liable to said second entity for payment of the bill to said utility during the time period and said second entity is liable to pay an amount to the first entity that is based on a discount relative to the anticipated energy use and is more than what the utility charges the first entity for the time period.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the amount is determined irrespective of the usage during the time period.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein said first entity is liable to said second entity for payment of the bill to said utility during the time period and said second entity is liable to pay the amount to the first entity.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein said first entity is liable to said second entity for payment of the bill to said utility during the time period and said second entity is liable to pay the amount to the first entity.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein said energy supply is an electrical power supply.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein said energy supply is an electrical power supply.

19. A method by which a first entity manages energy usage of a second entity comprising: determining an energy use at a second entity location based on prior usage history and expense; installing at the second entity location a plurality of modules each coupled to at least one of the energy usage devices and an electrical power supply from a utility, each module configured to monitor and control energy usage of the electrical power supply by the corresponding at least one energy usage device, said installing performed at the direction of said first entity; connecting the plurality of modules to a network such that the plurality of modules send and receive data via said network to and from a remote server controlled by said first entity; executing on said remote server a monitoring and control program which sends and receives the data such that data received includes information indicative of electrical power usage at the at least one of the plurality of modules and data sent includes information indicative of a control input for at least one of the plurality of modules to remotely modify an energy usage thereof based on the data received; wherein said electrical power supply is used by said second entity at the second entity location and said first entity is either responsible or is liable to said utility for payment of a bill from said utility for usage during a time period of said electrical power supply by said second entity, said first entity is liable to said second entity for payment of the bill to said utility during the time period and said second entity is liable to pay an amount to the first entity that is based on a discount to the determined energy use at the second entity location but is more than what the utility charges the first entity for the time period.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: a meter from which meter readings are obtained for the utility for purposes of determining the bill from said utility during a time period for which the first entity is either responsible or liable for payment of, and wherein the plurality of modules are positioned electrically between the meter and the at least one energy usage device.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein said first entity is liable to said second entity for payment of the bill to said utility during the time period and said second entity is liable to pay the amount to the first entity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a functional flow diagram according to the present invention.

[0033] FIGS. 2A and 2B are functional flow diagrams showing additional detail of FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a functional flow diagram showing additional features of FIG. 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views. The following examples are presented to further illustrate and explain the present invention and should not be taken as limiting in any regard.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, a building 2 receives an energy supply 20 from a utility/energy supplier(ES) 4. It is understood that multiple buildings 2 may be controlled and that multiple ES 4 and therefore energy supplies 20 may be provided to each building. The ES 4 may be any utility that supplies energy. For example, an electrical utility company, a natural gas supplier, a propane supplier, a fuel oil supplier, bio-fuel supplier or other energy/fuel suppliers. It is understood that with regards to electricity, there are currently charges including supplier, demand, distribution, transmission, and generation charges on most electrical bills and it is understood that the ES 4 encompasses all of these charges and other charge models. The ES 4 will typically receive meter data 24 which is the basis for billing for the energy supply 20. This meter data 24 may be from electrical meters, gas meters or other flow meters for other fuels. In the case of electrical or gas meters, the meter data 24 is often communicated to the ES 4 via electronic means such as telephone lines, wireless communications or other electronic communication methods. In the case of a flow meter such as one on a gas/oil/fuel delivery truck, this information may be communicated to the ES from the delivery truck operator.

[0037] The energy manager 6 has modules installed at the building 2. See FIG. 2 for further detail on the modules. These modules provide for wireless communications on granular levels for energy consuming devices connected to the energy supply 20. Usage data 26 captured by the modules in the building 2 is sent to the energy manager (EM). It is understood that the EM may include various servers, computers, databases, analytics, algorithms, and storages with software programs executing thereon which process the usage data 26 to determine appropriate usage controls 28 which are sent to the building 2 and the particular modules therein. The ES sends invoices to the EM which then processes and pays for the energy usage by the building 2. The building 2 (or the entity owning/leasing the building or its spaces) transfers funds 30 to the EM.

[0038] The building 2 has a variety of devices installed therein which use energy such as devices 42 and 42. These may be selected from a wide variety of devices such as, for example, hot water heaters, heaters, furnaces (gas/electric/oil etc), HVAC equipment, lighting, appliances, cooking equipment, refrigeration equipment, machinery, computers/screens and the like. It is understood that this list is not exhaustive or limiting. As shown in FIG. 2, the devices 42, 42 are connected to respective modules 38, 38. These modules are configured to monitor and control energy usage. Some examples of modules that could be used are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,140,279, 8,396,608, 8,798,801, and U.S. Pat Publication Nos 2013-0144453 A1 and 2017-0199503-A1 the content of which is incorporated by reference herein. In one implementation, module 38 is an in-wall or overlay outlet that communicates over a network connection to a server managed by the EM 6. The module 38 further receives commands from the server to control energy usage via the module 38. This may be done by turning off power to the device 42. Alternately, the module 38 may be configured to directly control the device's settings in a way to reduce but not completely stop energy usage. By way of example, if the device 42 is an air conditioner, the temperature setting may be increased or time between cycles increased by module 38 such that the device 42 does not operate as long or as intensive, which would in turn reduce power consumption. The module 38 may also communicate with other modules to reduce peak usage, for example, by running air conditioning units at different times so that all units are not running all at once. This may reduce the cost of energy due to the peak amount used being below a threshold level. In other implementations, the module 38 is a light switch that either dims or turns off lights as necessary to reduce energy demands. The module may communicate with the device's internal controller to modify energy usage or the module may replace the device's internal controller. By way of another example, if the device 42 is a hot water heater, the temperature setting of the water reservoir may be decreased such that the device 42 does not operate as long or as intensively to keep water at the appropriate temperature, which would in turn reduce power consumption. The module 38 may also communicate with other modules to reduce peak usage, for example, by running hot water heating cycles at different times so that all units are not running all at once. This may reduce the cost of energy due to the peak amount used being below a threshold level. It is understood that these are but a few examples of how the modules can implement control of energy usage of their connected device.

[0039] In addition to controlling energy usage, module 38 also monitors energy usage of the connected device. This data is communicated over a network to the EM 6. In the implementation shown in FIG. 2, facility controller 36 communicates with the modules 38, 38 over a local network, such as a local wireless network or a wired network or combinations thereof. In some implementations, Bluetooth or WiFi communications are used to send/receive data/commands between the modules and the facility controller 36. The facility controller 36 is connected to the server 60 associated with EM 6 over a network. The control commands are generated by the EM 6 and are implemented via or by the facility controller 36. For example, the facility controller 36 may be programmed with software which implements various control parameters to control energy usage and the parameters may be modified remotely by the EM 6 and the software executing thereon. Alternately, the EM software that executes on the server 60 associated with the EM communicates control commands to the modules via the facility controller 36 (See FIG. 2b). In this embodiment, a wireless router 37 may be used to allow the controller 36 to communicate with the modules 38/38 etc. In either case, the EM 6 would control how the energy usage of the building 2 is modified via the modules.

[0040] As is also seen, the building 2 is provided with a circuit panel 34 which includes a number of circuits and breakers. Although two separate wires are shown running from the panel to the devices via the modules, it is understood that a single circuit (breaker) may have multiple modules thereon. For example, circuits that have multiple switches/outlets thereon. Thus, the granularity of energy usage and control can be on a device by device level rather than a circuit by circuit level. However, it is also contemplated that in certain embodiments, the actual circuit may be controlled/monitored directly. In yet another embodiment, control can wirelessly communicate directly with the equipment itself through a control device on the equipment, and turn either part of that equipment off and on, or turn the entire equipment load off or on to enable a demand reduction or usage curtailment. The ES 4 supplies power to the breaker panel 34 via a meter 40. The utility company, such as the electric company in the specific embodiment shown, typically supplies this meter which communicates meter data 24 to the ES 4 such that billing can be accomplished based on usage. In addition to this meter 40, a second meter 32 is installed to communicate with facility controller 36 such that overall energy usage can be monitored. This second meter 32 may monitor current through the supply to the panel 34. In certain cases, not all outlets are configured to be the modules that control, monitor and communicate energy usage. For example, conventional outlets may be used in certain locations where infrequent or limited usage is expected. This allows the EM to monitor overall usage as well and determine if additional modules need to be installed to enable granular usage/control.

[0041] For example, if the conventional outlets normally account for less than 5-10% of usage, they may remain conventional outlets, but if usage increases or anomalies in usage start occurring, the EM may install additional modules to control this usage.

[0042] As an additional option, renewable energy sources such as solar 222 or others (wind etc.) may be employed to reduce energy costs. It is understood that although a solar panel 22 is shown, solar and other renewables may also employ battery and inverter 320 technology so that excess renewable energy can be stored and then used at appropriate times. These appropriate times can be determined both by when energy is available, i.e. when it is sunny and using solar, and when it is most needed ie during peak demand periods when solar energy stored in batteries can be leveraged to offset usage.

[0043] Furthermore, it is possible that two meters 40 are used in the system. In this embodiment, one meter would be used to track the amount of energy fed from solar 222 back into the grid 4 and the second meter (e.g. the existing meter) would be used to monitor incoming energy from the grid 4. In both cases, it may be the utility company who monitors the meter to determine the net amount of energy used by the building 2. For example, if solar energy is more than what is required, the outbound meter would result in a net negative energy usage, but if less solar is generated a net positive energy usage from the grid. Thus, the combination of the two meters allows the utility to monitor outbound and inbound energy. It is also contemplated that one specialized meter could handle both. The EM 6 can also monitor these meters 40 to verify usage and credits and track utility charges and make appropriate control decisions. In the embodiment of two meters, the battery may or may not be employed. It is understood that since the battery stores DC energy an inverter is employed to convert to AC.

[0044] In addition to renewable energy sources, the system may also include voltage regulators and inverters to supply the required voltage to the panel 34. For example, at night when solar panels do not produce energy. Additional modules can be configured to enable switching between the renewable sources and the ES 4 supply. This switching can also be controlled by the EM via the EM software and/or control instructions/parameters sent to or implemented by the facility controller 36. Alternately, if electrical heating is available, electric heat may be used. For example, electrical that is generated by solar/renewables, may be less expensive than the other heating sources available. If electric heat from solar is more cost effective than natural gas/oil etc, the EM may implement controls to use electric heat instead of combustion based heat to heat the building but only when solar (or another renewable) is available to produce lower cost electricity. As one example, stored energy from solar may be useful for night and more expensive than gas/oil etc for the overnight heating needs, however, when a location opens in the morning, ovens may be turned on and require significant electrical power such that even if it were more cost effective to use electric heat at night, the needs for electricity in the morning may be more expensive such that it is actually more efficient to use combustible heating overnight in view of expected usage of electricity in the morning. These control logic systems can be implemented by the EM automatically by the control software.

[0045] The pricing model for the EM to charge the EU is established via an estimation process and a site survey to see the existing equipment as well as understand the complexity and methods by which new equipment can be installed as needed. The type of equipment which would be most beneficial is also weighed into the equation based on environmental factors. For example, a roof that faces the sun in a warm climate may be ideal for solar energy installations. As another example, an environment with roof access may be ideal for roof mounted equipment where as a basement installation may require a different approach.

[0046] The estimation process is primarily based on the facility size and the annual energy spend. The algorithm used makes some assumptions on percentage of use of the energy on HVAC, Lighting, and other plug in devices but can be modified based on either knowledge of the site in particular or the site survey. Examples where modification may be neccessary would be in a manufacturing facility where for example large ovens are used for baking. Other high powered machinery would also offset the standard split of energy use across categories and should be adjusted for in adapting the model. The values are also adjusted based on recent upgrades. For illustration purposes, say a typical split in an office environment would be 35% for HVAC, 30% for lights, and the remaining 35% for plug in devices.

[0047] If for example the company has recently done an HVAC upgrade, it may be possible to see (either through bill analysis of through estimation) that the HVAC component would now only represent 30% due to more efficient units. Further in this illustration if the facility has recently changed to LED lighting, it can be possible to see (or calculate through historical usage values) that the lighting component is now down to 20%. With these changes, the remaining 50% would be allocated to the plug in devices. Overall, these savings are the savings obtained solely by changing out units and devices to more efficient ones without any change or adaptation in usage patterns or control.

[0048] Continuing with the model, the Third Party Energy management system, knowing the values above would set an expectation about what a reasonable additional percentage of savings in each of the above categories (HVAC, Lighting, and Plug devices) would be. Depending on what is found in the survey and in the recent updates, the number would vary considerably. If for example a new top of the line HVAC system was recently installed with smart thermostats and motion sensors, this may suggest that there is little to nothing that can be saved on the HVAC component. Similarly, if new LED lights were installed but without motion sensors or other controls that can vary brightness one might decrease the expected savings to a smaller value, say a 10% savings.

[0049] The savings are calculated based on known elements in the system mapped against the optimal savings model that is used for the site topology being considered. All three of the categories are thus analyzed and an expected percentage of savings is determined and applied. The assumptions made in the model are based on hardware costs which are required to adapt the existing site to the optimal site and would include components such as thermostats, smart plugs and power strips among other things.

[0050] However, when the EM determines how to charge the EU for the utility usage by the EU (which is controlled by the EM), the charge to the EU is not based upon the actual usage for the given billing period. The charge might increase if the prevailing rate per KWh increases, but if the EU uses more than the anticipated KWh amount, the charge would not increase unless a threshold is surpassed indicating severe modifications to increase usage patterns. However, since the EM is controlling usage by the EU through various networked switches and devices, the EM can reduce the EU's usage to save more than compared to the traditional ESCO model. The EM is responsible to pay for the EU's usage and in fact is obligated to pay the EU's usage as determined and charged by the ES.

[0051] It should also be noted that energy costs are often variable and these controls and decision making protocols may be implemented in a dynamic nature to take these considerations into effect. One can dynamically or in real time adjust the supply source and the mix of energy supply based on cost at a supplier level as well as an energy source material level and the EM can manage this through various controllers.

[0052] It is understood that when usage of other energy sources is employed, for example natural gas, the meter 4 may be a flow meter which determines the amount of natural gas used and the module 38 may control usage of this other energy source by turning on/off flow of the gas/oil etc or by modifying the control settings of the device or internal controller thereof. As but one example, this may include increasing the furnace cycle time so that if the heat is set at 72 that the furnace would allow a larger variance in measured temperature before turning on. Or, temperature may be reduced at appropriate times, for example at night when people are not at the office/using the building.

[0053] The systems are implemented whereby the EM (and/or its contractors) install the modules and features described herein in the relevant facility that uses energy. The EM then becomes responsible for paying for the EU's usage as measured by the ES meter. The EM will then implement controls to stop, curtail or otherwise modify energy usage on a module by module level as appropriate given the needs of users of the relevant facility. A portal is supplied allowing users who may be associated with the EU and/or EM to login and adjust/override various controls/settings and/or schedules of the individual modules. Additional preferences may be set to enable response to demand events, for example those where demand can be curtailed to keep peak demand below set thresholds where energy becomes more expensive.

[0054] The EM may also install/replace other systems, devices to provide for reduced energy demand. For example, heating systems such as unique nanowire based heating systems may be installed to provide a easy to install paint that acts as a resistive heater, typically using Direct Current. Other types of electrical heating systems may also be used. Solar, wind, battery and other renewable based systems may be installed. Efficient lighting such as LED lights may replace existing lights. Further, other contact and wiring methods may be used, including but not limited to re-wiring or nanowire based paint, films or the like which are applied to walls and operate on low voltage direct current. Insulation can also be installed. The EM is then paid by the EU a monthly fee that reflects a guaranteed discount relative to the EU's prior usage history and expense. The EM in turn pays the ES and becomes responsible to the ES for the EU's usage. In fact, the EM can be liable to the EU for payment of the ES charges. The EM implements controls that reduce the EU's usage, preferably so that the payments from the EU to the EM are more than the payments due to the ES and the costs of capital improvements to the EU facility. In this way, the EU has reduced usage/expense relative to the setup prior to implementation of the modules etc and the EM managed the usage and retains a portion of the overall savings with another portion of the savings passed onto the EU. The foregoing is enabled, however, by the fact that the EM is supplying the modules which allow the EM to have visibility and control over usage by the EU of utilities supplied by the ES.

[0055] Turning now to FIG. 3 Energy Control policies 41 and Historical Data 42 can be utilized along with logic 44 to form dynamic control policies 43. These policies adapt using the supplied data and the logic to make customized and efficient real time cost savings and efficiency related decisions when it comes to managing the devices and circuits in the EU

[0056] Central energy policies 41 may include, for example, how many minutes after the shift starts or the shift ends to turn on or off heating and cooling units. These may include master temperature settings, master controls as to whether or not to shut off and restart hot water heaters after shifts etc. These master policies are stored on a hosted site and may be used to provide a uniform approach to multiple buildings in a multi-building enterprise. It can also bring additional external data into the equation such as possible upcoming storms, weather forecasts, Historical data 42 includes, for example, data relating to power consumption from historical usage, it also relates to historical readings for things like temperature variance and seasonality, it can also include response to control functions such as how long it takes or rooms to warm up or cool down when controls are sent.

[0057] Logic 44 from the energy management software combines the data and formulates control instructions which are then fed to the individual devices or circuit level controllers to cycle devices on/off or limit current of flow to these as necessary.

[0058] In some cases, human intervention may be required, and the system provides alerts and alarms 45 to generate these to a dispatcher or a technician as the case maybe. The deliver method could be a loud audible sound, an alarm, or a text message or email or other form of alert.

[0059] Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.