SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONROLLING ENERGY CONSUMING DEVICES WITHIN A BUILDING

Abstract

The invention provides a control arrangement and corresponding method for intelligent control of at least one energy consuming device within a building. The control arrangement comprises a switch component for controlling a first energy consuming device such as a lighting device, heating, ventilation or security device; and/or a computer-implemented control component for intelligently controlling at least one further energy consuming device, such as a heating, air conditioning, ventilation or security apparatus. The switch component and/or the control component are provided within a housing which is mounted within or interfaced to a pattress or wiring box during use. The control component comprises a microprocessor and suitably arranged software configured to receive sensor data obtained from one or more sensors provided in or on the housing, and/or process the sensor data to enable the system to intelligently control the at least one further energy consuming device. The system is configured to build a model of a building occupant's behaviour so that the energy consuming devices can be controlled more efficiently and intelligently. The invention is simple and easy to install because it replaces an existing light switch or thermostat.

Claims

1. A control system for intelligently controlling at least two energy consuming devices within a building, comprising: a switch or computer-implemented control component for controlling a first energy consuming device; and a computer-implemented control component for intelligently controlling at least one further energy consuming device, wherein each of these switch or control components are provided within a housing; the system further comprising software arranged to generate one or more rules for controlling the first energy consuming device and/or further energy consuming device in accordance with a behavioural pattern relating to an occupant of a building.

2. A control system according to claim 1 wherein the first and or at least one further energy consuming device is a lighting device or a heating, ventilation or air conditioning device, or a security device, or a water heater.

3. A control system according to claim 1 wherein the system is arranged and configured to generate and/or store a thermal profile of the building or part thereof, the thermal profile providing an indication of the length of time required to heat the building or part thereof from an initial temperature to a target temperature.

4. A control system according to claim 1 wherein the housing is provided within a pattress or wiring box.

5. A control system according to claim 1, wherein the system is arranged to generate the behavioural pattern relating to the occupant, the pattern being generated using data derived from at least one sensor provided at or in the building.

6. A control system according to claim 1, wherein the control component comprises a microprocessor and suitably arranged software configured to receive sensor and/or user input data obtained from one or more sensors provided in or on the housing, and process the sensor and/or occupant behaviour data to enable the system to intelligently and/or parametrically control the at least one further energy consuming device.

7. A control system according to claim 1, wherein the control component is configured to communicate wirelessly with a receiver connected to the first and/or at least one further device to control its operation.

8. A control system according to claim 1, and further comprising: i) input means to enable a user to provide input to the system, preferably wherein the input means comprises a touchscreen, electro-mechanical switch, motion sensor and/or microphone; and/or ii) presentation means for presenting information to a user, preferably wherein the presentation means comprises a display screen and/or a speaker.

9. A control system according to claim 1, wherein the system is arranged and configured to detect mould growth or environmental factors favourable to mould growth, preferably wherein the system is arranged to provide an alert upon detection of the mould growth or favourable conditions.

10. A control system according to claim 1, and further comprising means for connecting to an electrical circuit provided within the infrastructure of the building such that the system is able to draw upon power from the circuit.

11. A control system according to claim 1, wherein the housing is mounted in or on a building infrastructure such as a wall.

12. A control system according to claim 1, and further comprising communications means for sending and receiving data via a telecommunications network.

13. A control system according to claim 1, wherein the system is arranged and configured to monitor for activity such as movement or device usage within the building, and generate an alert when no activity has been detected within a predetermined period of time.

14. A control system according to claim 1, where the system is arranged and configured to detect when a device is not performing as expected and generate an alert to a remote location; preferably wherein the device is a boiler or heating related apparatus.

15. A control system according to claim 1, where the system is arranged and configured to assess when the building is likely to be occupied and/or not occupied.

16. A control system according to claim 15, wherein the system is arranged to include or integrate with a scheduling system, such as a system for scheduling technician visits.

17. A control system according to claim 1, where the system is arranged and configured to provide an estimate or measurement of the thermal insulation quality within the building.

18. A control system according to claim 17 wherein the system is arranged to generate an alert if the estimate or measurement of thermal insulation quality falls below a predetermined threshold.

19. A control system according to claim 1, where the system is arranged and configured to record how many personnel visits the building has required within a predetermined period of time, and generate an alert when the number of visits within the period reaches a predetermined threshold.

20. A control system according to claim 1, where the system is arranged and configured to generate at least one suggestion for reducing the amount of energy consumed by the first and/or at least one further energy consuming device.

21. A control system according to claim 1, where the system is arranged and configured to arranged to enable a communication to be transmitted between the building and a remotely located control centre.

22. A control system according to claim 21 wherein the control arrangement comprises: an interface arranged to enable a user of the building to input data for transmission to the control centre, the transmission of sensor data, and/or an interface arranged to enable a communication from the control centre to be presented to the user at the dwelling.

23. A control system according to claim 1, wherein the system is arranged to collect data from at least one sensor, and use the data to measure and/or record occupancy rates within the building or part thereof.

24. A control system according to claim 1, wherein the system is arranged to present information relating to energy consumption within the building in a colour coded manner so as to influence occupant behaviour.

Description

[0061] These and other aspects of an embodiment of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to, the embodiment described herein. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompany drawings, in which:

[0062] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation showing one illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation showing an alternative embodiment of a similar system.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation showing the main components within an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation showing example user interface layouts which can be used with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows a front view of a housing in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0067] FIG. 6 shows a technical view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0068] FIG. 7 shows a screen display in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0069] FIG. 8 shows a screen providing suggestions for reducing energy consumption.

[0070] FIG. 9 shows an alert notification being displayed on a screen of a unit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0071] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a number of interfaces and sensors which are integrated into a single unit comprising two separate sub-assemblies 113 and 114 which attach to the building via bolts 111.

[0072] Fixed building infrastructure often includes a pattress box (which may also be referred to as a ‘switch box’, ‘wiring box’ or ‘device box’), 112, mounted in the wall cavity. The invention can be designed to fit into an enclosure for connection of the invention to the wall. This enclosure may simply be an aperture in a wall, or it could comprise a housing such as a pattress, knockout, dry lining, or wall box. The housing may be designed for mounting on the surface of the wall, or at least partially inside the wall. The invention may therefore be designed so that it can be accommodated within a pattress or other housing, or to mate with the housing in some way. The dimensions of the invention may be selected according to the dimensions of a standard sized pattress or wiring box as used in a particular country. The invention can replace an existing light switch, socket or thermostat which has been previously mounted in or on the wall so that the invention is able to dock directly with existing wall infrastructure and connect to existing wiring to control the energy consuming device.

[0073] This may optionally provide several advantages or benefits. Firstly, the invention is easy to install because it can simply replace an existing switch, socket or thermostat or other electrical actuator. Secondly, it does not consume significant additional space in or on the wall which may be undesirable due to practical constraints or because it may be aesthetically unpleasing. Thirdly, it allows the invention to connect to the existing electrical system and so further wiring and electrical connectivity does not need to be introduced. This reduces installation time as well as cost.

[0074] The head unit 114 includes a number of sensors and outputs—a passive infra-red movement sensor 121, ambient light sensor 122, humidity and temperature sensor 120, touchscreen 123, speaker 118, LEDs 119 (obscured behind thinner section of the enclosure wall), microphone and sound processor 325, a Carbon Dioxide sensor 326 and various other gas sensors 326. Internal to this head unit 114 are further sensors (for example, pressure, sound, gas or radio frequency receivers), communication devices and a microprocessor. This head unit 114 attaches to the interface sub-assembly 113 by way of mechanical clips 116. An electrical interface between the head unit 114 and interface sub-assembly 113 is achieved via connectors 115 and 117. Internal to the interface sub-assembly 113 are power supply and actuation components. An interface to the residential electrical system is achieved via cabling 125 connected to terminal blocks 124 within the interface sub-assembly. An additional receiver unit 126 communicates wirelessly with the head unit 114. This receiver unit connects directly to the residential heating system via cabling 127 where cabling for the residential heating or cooling system is not already collocated with the main unit.

[0075] The head unit 114 includes switches within it that are actuated when the entire head unit is pivoted or depressed by the user. Such an interaction would then signal to the controller to turn an attached light on or off.

[0076] FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. The numbering scheme is identical to that of FIG. 1.

[0077] FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the electronic system which underpins the invention. Central to the system is a microprocessor 324. This receives inputs from a number of discrete sensors—a clock 300, a temperature sensor 301, a humidity sensor 302, a pressure sensor 303, an ambient light sensor 304, an infra-red receiver unit 305, a passive infra-red movement sensor 306 and an external contact or reed switch based sensor 307. Other instantiations may include additional sensors—for example pressure, sound, gas or radio frequency receivers). The information from these sensors is collated and processed by the microprocessor and stored within memory 324. The microprocessor 324 makes decisions based upon this data which can result in it controlling a number of different outputs—relay units 320 or dimmer units for lighting 321.

[0078] The microprocessor 324 is also able to communicate with other devices via a number of different protocols 308 309 and 310. It can also receive and act upon messages received from other devices. An interface with the user is provided via an electronic colour display 315 onto which there is mounted a touch panel 313. Further user inputs are available via a three dimensional gesture control system that uses sensors 314 positioned beneath the front panel of the unit, ‘buttons’ 312 which sense user proximity through capacitive sensing and mechanical buttons 311. The microprocessor 324 can also synthesise audible frequencies and output these to an amplifier 323 which is subsequently connected to a speaker 322. Finally, an infra-red transmitter 316 can be controlled by the microprocessor 324.

[0079] Terminal blocks 319 provide mains power to the unit and interface the relays 320 or dimmer 321 with the high voltage devices (lighting or heating) under control. The mains power supplied through these terminal blocks 319 feeds a power supply 317 providing low voltage power to the rest of the electrical system. Power can also be harvested 318 from the lines supplying the devices controlled by the relays 320 and dimmer units 321. When the wiring that controls the heating system 127 or boiler is not already collocated with this unit, it is able to wirelessly transmit control data to a separate receiver 126 that is directly connected to wiring which in turn connects to the boiler.

[0080] Within the microprocessor 324 a series of intelligent algorithms statistically analyse sensor data to infer user behaviour. In particular, the invention combines inputs from multiple sensors to detect the presence of an occupant within the house. Additional data is gathered via communications devices 308 309 310 and included within the modelling.

[0081] Communications can be achieved both through Internet based protocols such as WiFi where an internet connection is available, or via a connection to the mobile phone SMS and data network where standalone functionality is important.

[0082] The microprocessor 324 is able to adapt its control model according to user behaviour, sensory inputs and user interface inputs. This provides a more intelligent control solution than is provided by the prior art. The electronic display 315 provides current system status information to the user, and provides a means of setting and configuring the unit to bespoke user requirements. Data is also sent back to a central processing unit or server where it is analysed, aggregated and used for the purposes described throughout.

[0083] During standard operation, multiple desired temperature profiles for the house are stored against times and days of the week. These are initially programmed using the interface described through FIG. 4, but adapt in response to observed user behaviour and user intervention. They can also be temporarily or permanently overridden by the user.

[0084] FIG. 4 provides example menu layouts for the user interface around which the invention is structured. These menus are displayed on the electronic display. The menu is controlled by one of the user input methods described previously. The user interface embodiment displayed in FIG. 4 relies on either the user touching the screen to select a button shown on the electronic display, or gesturing towards a button using the three dimensional gesture control function. Other embodiments could rely on capacitive sensors situated outside the perimeter of the electronic display that allow the user to navigate between options and make a selection on the menu system. The electronic display can be dimmed or deactivated to conserve power and be automatically re-activated when user presence is detected.

[0085] In general operation, the device controls the heating system with the aim of achieving a desired room temperature guided by a temperature-time profile. However, additional sensor readings, such as presence detection of the user, supplement this standard profile to ensure that the building or area is only heated when occupied and/or required. By adapting intelligently to user behaviour and presence, the unit is able to turn off heating and lighting systems when not required thereby saving significant quantities of energy.

[0086] FIG. 4a shows a typical layout for the ‘home screen’ 401 which is the default screen used when the device is offering a heating or cooling control function. The desired temperature 402 is shown in the centre of a ring 403 that changes colour depending on the status of the system. For example, the ring 403 might be coloured red when the device has activated the residential heating or cooling system to raise or lower the building temperature towards the desired temperature or green when the desired temperature has been reached. Other colours might indicate a system where the automatic temperature profile has been overridden by the user or a system which is currently off. Below the desired temperature 402, the system displays future activity 404—perhaps the next event within the temperature profile. Where a time is displayed this could be a countdown, to avoid the need for the user to know the current time or to set an on-board clock. In certain scenarios, the ring itself counts down the progress made against reaching the desired temperature target by displaying a series of ‘bars’ or ‘segments’ 405 which gradually reduce in number to zero at the point where the desired temperature is reached. Only two buttons are provided—a button indicating that the user is hot 406 which reduces the current desired temperature, and a button that indicates that the user is cold 407 which increases the current desired temperature. When the desired temperature is changed in this manner, the automatic temperature profile within the system is temporarily overridden until the next relevant point within the automatic temperature profile is reached. From this ‘home screen’ 401 the user can move left or right to other screens through a button press or swipe on the touchscreen. The menus are displayed cyclically such that if the user keeps moving in one direction they eventually return back to the home screen. Examples of these other menu systems are shown through FIG. 4b.

[0087] The messaging menu 411 provides notification of new messages sent to the unit by an external agent such as the property manager to be read by the building occupant. Previous messages can be recalled, deleted or saved.

[0088] A programming menu such as 412 allows the user to program the standard temperature-time profile. This can be achieved either by entering specific time-temperature data points of through simple lifestyle questioning. In the latter case, the user could be asked if they work, when they work, whether they have children (and of what age) and whether they would prefer a profile optimised for energy saving or comfort. From the results of this questioning, the unit is able to suggest an optimum temperature profile is postulated to the user to be accepted or modified.

[0089] A property management menu such as 413 allows the user to report faults 414 to the property manager for resolution. The user is also able to access their rental account 415 and see payment history and expected future payments. A variety of other menus are also available, for example, to control the hot water system 416.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 4c, in this embodiment of the invention, the user is able to touch a light bulb symbol 408 below the main electronic display 409 to access lighting control functionality. This automatically toggles the primary lighting system either on or off if it is connected and configured. Such lighting systems are generally connected directly to terminal blocks on the unit as described in FIG. 3, 319. Touching the light bulb symbol 408 also automatically loads the lighting control screen 410 so that the user can control other lights via wireless protocols.

[0091] Finally, FIG. 4d shows the management tools available to a property manager who is controlling multiple properties each of which has one of the units installed. Each individual unit exchanges information with this management tool so that it can gather a complete data set to assist with managing the properties and interacting with the tenants or building occupants. The management tool displays a variety of metrics 411 such as the comparative energy usage of the properties 412, allows control of the messaging functionality 413 (to send or receive messages from the unit or occupant), and it receives fault reports registered via the unit 414. Numerous other services and data are available via this dashboard.

[0092] The device has been designed so that installation is quick and simple. The user simply removes the existing light switch or thermostat from the wall. They detach the wires (usually live, switched live, neutral—although many other combinations are possible, including those without a local neutral connection) from the previous light switch or thermostat and attach them to the interface sub-assembly 113. The interface sub-assembly 113 is then bolted to the pattress or surface wall box which originally mated with the light switch or thermostat. Finally the device head-unit 114 is attached to the interface sub-assembly 113.

[0093] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a unit in accordance with the invention, and its various components. FIG. 7 shows an illustration of an embodiment in use. The background 703 is yellow to encourage the user to turn the heating down from 20 degrees. The user can control the temperature using the +icon 701 or −icon 702 to turn the temperature up or down respectively.

[0094] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in use, wherein the invention is displaying options for saving energy (and thus costs). The screen provides an indication of the user's energy usage 802 along with an indication of the average consumption for the street or associated buildings 801. The screen also provides energy saving control options 803 such as “1 degree cooler at night”, “1 degree cooler when not in the building” or “1 degree cooler at all times”. The options include an indication of their approximate savings in costs.

[0095] FIG. 9 shows an alert notification being displayed on a screen of the unit, informing the user that the control system is about to reduce the heating in ten minutes because the system has detected that no one is home. The user can cancel this impending action using the cancel button 901.

[0096] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word “comprising” and “comprises”, and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. In the present specification, “comprises” means “includes or consists of” and “comprising” means “including or consisting of”. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.