Building Management and Appliance Control System

Abstract

The building management and appliance control system of the present invention includes an appliance control unit capable of monitoring and regulating the energy use of connected appliances based on information gathered from an energy cloud. The energy cloud is a network of remote server clients hosted on the Internet used to store, manage, and process energy data which are in communication with utility providers and third party systems. The appliance control unit includes a control system which communicates between and controls the overall function of the modules within the unit such as the user interface input, communication interface, power control unit, and battery unit. The appliance control unit uses all of the information available from the energy cloud to determine the optimum time to operate the attached appliances and when and how fast to charge the battery unit to ensure adequate power for the appliances at all times.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 859,167, filed on Jul. 26, 2013, entitled “Building Management and Appliance Control System,” and currently co-pending.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to energy management systems. This present invention relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to a building management and appliance control system configured to provide consistent power at all times independent of the dynamic fluctuations in available power from the power grid.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The world's traditional electrical network—simple and linear, with centralized energy production—is undergoing a transformation to a much more complex, interconnected, and interactive model: the Smart Grid. However, for this network to become intelligent, users will require connectivity, simplicity, and security, all without compromising end user lifestyle.[0004]Fluctu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a system that ensures reliable power supply in areas where the power grid is unreliable or there is no power at all. It uses a battery unit that can be charged when power is available and then used later on, regardless of the presence of utility provided power. The system can charge the battery unit by trickle charge, normal charge, or fast charge depending on various factors such as available power and cost of power. The system can shift power usage to off-peak times when power cost is cheaper. It can also store power and return it back to the power grid during peak times to reduce burden on local utility providers and save money. The user may receive credit for the returned power in some areas, thereby reducing the user's utility costs.

Problems solved by technology

Fluctuating usage has long been an issue for electrical utility providers.

Increased energy demand (peaks) creates problems that can range from overloaded transformers, quickly spinning up generators that try meet demand, or potential blackout situations.

Low demand (valleys) also has its issues, creating the need for sub-stations that sit idle in anticipation of the next energy peak.

These complex programs have proven to not be as effective as hoped.

Potential “solutions” expect consumers to change their routine or suffer the consequences of higher energy pricing or increased temperatures in their homes, requiring them to pay attention and to make some very difficult decisions, ultimately sacrificing either price or comfort.

These devices offer complicated options to an already complicated issue and have yet to offer any significant long-term value.

Over the past decade, utilities have tried incentivizing consumers to conserve, with most programs generating weak results.

The most recent tactics has cost utilities significantly and the increasing program complexity causes utilities to question if the conservation efforts are really what are necessary to help stabilize the electrical grid.

In the past, batteries have had a difficult time gaining traction for various reasons.

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