Occupant controlled energy management system and method for managing energy consumption in a multi-unit building

Abstract

A system and a method for allowing an occupant of a single unit of a multi-unit building to select an operating state of the unit which consumes less energy than a normal operating state.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The disclosure relates generally to an energy management system for a multi-unit building, and more particularly to an occupant controlled energy management system for an individual unit of the building.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Over the last couple of decades, the world population has become increasingly aware of the threat of global warming, and the impact it may have on our planet. In response to this awareness, individuals have become more conscious of their personal “carbon footprint,” and have looked for ways to minimize their individual negative effects on the environment. It has been well established that these effects can be reduced by decreasing carbon-based energy or power consumption associated with, for example, transportation, industry, and also the occupation and usage of various buildings and residences.[0003]Multi-unit buildings, such as hotels, motels, inns, dormitories, offices, etc., typically require significant carbon-based en...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]A system is generally described herein for allowing an occupant of a single unit of a multi-unit building to select an operating state of the unit which consumes less energy than a normal operating state.

[0007]The invention provides an occupant controlled energy management system for a unit of a multi-unit building, the system including at least one appliance disposed in the unit and configured to effect a change in a condition within the unit, and an appliance control device in operable communication with the at least one appliance, the appliance control device being accessible to an occupant of the unit, where the appliance control device is configured to include an energy conserving setting that limits energy consumption by the at least one appliance, and wherein the energy conserving setting is actuatable by the occupant by one touch of an actuator disposed on the appliance control device.

[0008]The invention further provides a method for managing energy in a multi-unit building, the method including providing an appliance control device in an area accessible to an occupant of a unit of the building, op...

Problems solved by technology

In these multi-unit buildings it can be difficult for management to set building-wide reduced energy consumption parameters for the HVAC and/or various appliances because not all of the building occupants may find comfort and/or convenience at such settings.

However, without prior knowledge of the specifications of the particular multi-unit building, it is ...

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