Optimization of load control environments

Abstract

A load control environment can be controlled by adjusting load control devices, such as lighting intensity levels, levels of covering material for motorized window treatments, and / or temperature levels, to reduce and / or optimize power consumption. The optimization of power can include reducing the total cost and total consumption of power while maintaining a target or minimum level of occupant comfort and / or a net monetary benefit. The optimization of power consumption can be performed by adaptively controlling the load control devices to reduce the total power consumption of the load control environment while maintaining a minimum level of a comfort metric indicative of a level of occupant comfort and / or the net monetary benefit associated with the comfort metric.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 949,541, filed December 18, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Load control systems can be installed in buildings to regulate the power consumption of electrical loads such as lighting systems, heating and cooling systems, and / or motorized window covering systems. Within a building, many factors can influence power consumption. For example, sunlight streaming through a room's windows may allow the load control system to reduce the intensity of the lighting load, thus reducing its power consumption. However, sunlight provides heat to the room and may increase the electrical energy consumed to cool the room, resulting in the load control system consuming more power from heating and cooling systems.

[0004] Historically, load control systems have focused on reducing electricity consumption by decreasing the power consumed by lighting fixtures, heating and cooling systems, or power window fixtures. For example, some load control systems offer "load shedding" capabilities, reducing the power consumed by electrical loads, for instance, by reducing the intensity of lighting loads by a fixed amount or percentage in response to inputs provided to the system. Other load control systems offer control over electrical lighting loads to regulate the amount of artificial light in the load-controlled environment and over power window fixtures to regulate the amount of daylight entering the space. Such load control systems have been operated to achieve desired lighting intensity in a load-controlled environment while maximizing the contribution of daylight provided in the space. Furthermore, other load control systems offer control over electrical lighting loads, heating and cooling systems, and power window fixtures to generate electricity savings in response to demand response commands. In demand response programs, electricity consumers agree to shed during peak demand periods in exchange for incentives such as lower metering rates or electricity savings.

[0005] Such load control systems attempt to reduce the overall power consumption of the load control system by independently adjusting the power consumed by individual components, without considering the impact of such adjustments on other components or on occupant comfort. This can lead to greater power consumption through tangential effects. For example, adjusting the power consumed by a single component of the load control system may cause the system to draw power from other sources, thus increasing the total power consumption. Furthermore, due to the impact of adjustments on other components, adjusting the load control system while attempting to consume less power may cause discomfort to occupants within the building. This may lead occupants to manually adjust the load control system, potentially increasing its power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0006] As described herein, a system controller for a load control environment (e.g., a room, space, or building) with load control devices (such as lighting control systems, heating and cooling systems, and / or motorized window covering systems) can be configured to control the load control devices by adjusting lighting intensity levels, the level of covering material for motorized window coverings, and / or temperature levels to reduce and / or optimize power consumption. Power optimization can include reducing the total cost and total power consumption while maintaining target or minimum performance levels for multiple comfort metrics. Power consumption optimization can include the system controller using data to predictively and / or adaptively control the lighting intensity of the lighting load, the location of the covering material for motorized window coverings, and / or the temperature of the load control environment to reduce the total power consumption of the load control environment while maintaining minimum levels for both comfort and power metrics. The data can be predefined, real-time, historical, and / or collected data. Minimum performance levels for comfort metrics can be achieved by balancing temperature levels, window covering levels, and / or lighting levels within the load control environment. By balancing load control of temperature levels, window covering levels, and / or lighting levels in the environment, the total power consumption can be minimized while maintaining a minimum or target comfort level.

[0007] System controllers or electricity consumers (such as building managers or occupants of load-controlled environments) can utilize one or more comfort metrics of the load-controlled environment to reduce and / or optimize power consumption within it. Comfort metrics can indicate comfort levels based on multiple comfort variables within the load-controlled environment. Comfort metrics may include thermal comfort levels, daylight glare levels, and / or lighting levels (e.g., desired lighting levels). Comfort variables may include parameters that can be measured or calculated, and comfort metrics can be calculated based on said parameters. For example, comfort variables may include occupancy parameters in the load-controlled environment, direct sunlight levels, indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, lighting intensity levels, amount of sunlight received, total illuminance levels, covering material levels for power window covers, etc. System controllers can set thresholds for comfort metrics. Thresholds for comfort metrics can be minimum levels based on one or more comfort variables in the load-controlled environment, or target comfort levels based on one or more comfort variables in the load-controlled environment.

[0008] System controllers or power consumers (such as building managers or occupants of load-controlled environments) can utilize one or more power metrics of the load-controlled environment to reduce and / or optimize power consumption within it. Power metrics can indicate power levels based on multiple power parameters within the load-controlled environment. Power metrics may include conductive heat gain, conductive heat loss, radiative heat gain, radiative heat loss, occupant heat of the space, light heat of the space, electric plug-in load heat of the space, electrical heat of the space, and / or optical power. Conductive heat can be based on the internal temperature of the space, the external temperature of the load-controlled environment, and a constant that is a function of the position of blackout curtains and the state of electrochromic glass in the space. The conductive heat constant can be estimated based on the properties of the load-controlled environment and / or the glass, or it can be learned by modifying the position of blackout curtains and the glass properties and monitoring associated sensor responses. Radiative heat can be based on illuminance sensors and a constant that is a function of the position of blackout curtains and the state of electrochromic glass in the space. The radiative thermal constant can be estimated based on the load control environment and / or the properties of the glass, or it can be learned by modifying the position of the blackout curtain and the glass properties and monitoring the responses of associated sensors. Occupant heat can be based on occupant activity and constants. Occupant activity can be measured by occupant activity sensors. For example, occupant activity sensors can measure everything from whether the occupant is in a load control environment to quantifying all detected movement activities within the space.

[0009] Photothermal heat can be based on optical power and a constant, which is based on the efficiency of the illumination heat leaving the luminaire and appearing in the space. The photothermal constant can be estimated and / or learned by modifying the optical power and monitoring the responses of associated sensors. Optical power can be measured or estimated based on the light level in the space. Plug and / or appliance heat can be based on the occupancy of the load control environment and two constants. The first plug and appliance constant can be measured or learned and can be based on the additional heat generated from plugs, appliances, and / or devices when the load control environment is occupied. The second plug and appliance constant can be measured or learned and can be the baseline level of heat generated from plugs, appliances, and / or devices when the load control environment is empty. Illumination power can be based on the light level in the load control environment and a constant. The illumination power constant can be a function of the position of the blackout fabric of windows in the space and the state of electrochromic glass. The system controller can set a range for the power measurement. The range of the power measurement can be a maximum power level in the load control environment or a target power level in the load control environment.

[0010] The system controller can be configured to monitor multiple comfort variables and multiple electrical parameters. The system controller can be configured to monitor information that may be associated with comfort and / or electrical metrics. The monitored information can be sensed or measured. The sensed information can be obtained from a carbon dioxide sensor, an occupancy sensor, a light sensing device (e.g., one or more of a daylight sensor, window sensor, window photovoltaic cell, or internal photovoltaic cell), a visible light sensor (e.g., an imaging sensor with a camera), a thermostat, and / or an external temperature sensor. The measured information can include light levels (e.g., electro-optical levels and / or daylight levels), light color (e.g., color temperature), and / or blackout curtain position. The sensed and measured information can be real-time information, historical information, or predictive information related to the system controller's input. The system controller can determine appropriate lighting intensity levels, window covering fabric position levels, and temperature levels to produce a target comfort level for the load-controlled environment. The system controller can be configured to determine which comfort variable will be adjusted by how much while monitoring multiple comfort variables and multiple electrical parameters. The system controller can command load control devices (such as lighting control systems) to adjust lighting intensity, command electric window covering systems to adjust fabric levels, or command temperature control devices to adjust temperature levels to prevent comfort metrics from dropping below a threshold while keeping power levels within the defined range of power metrics.

[0011] The system controller can be configured to calculate one or more comfort metrics based on multiple monitored comfort variables. The system controller can also be configured to calculate one or more power metrics based on multiple monitored power parameters. Furthermore, the system controller can be configured to control one or more load control devices in a load control environment to prevent comfort metrics from falling below their defined thresholds while maintaining power levels within the defined ranges for the power metrics.

[0012] The system controller can be configured to estimate (e.g., calculate) comfort metrics and / or power metrics. The system controller can be configured to calculate comfort metrics and / or power metrics, for example, based on an initial common relationship between predicted comfort metrics and / or building metrics (e.g., spatial area attributes including room conduction, room size, room shape, number of windows, etc.). The system controller can be configured to modify predicted comfort metrics and / or predicted power metrics based on real-time information or occupant overriding. For example, the system controller can be configured to modify a temperature constant to match actual thermal changes. The system controller can be configured to verify that monitored parameters meet a minimum comfort level. If the monitored parameters do not meet the minimum comfort level, the system controller can adjust lighting intensity levels, window covering levels, and / or temperature levels to achieve the minimum comfort level. The system controller can be configured to optimize power consumption within a comfort range. For example, the comfort range can be a minimum level set for a comfort variable to achieve a target level set for the comfort variable. The comfort range can be a set range around a target level for the comfort variable.

[0013] The system controller can be configured to calculate electricity costs and comfort costs by combining estimated power or comfort metrics. The system controller can be configured to estimate changes in electricity costs and comfort costs that may result from adjustments to comfort variables. Changes in electricity costs can indicate an increase or decrease in power consumption. Changes in comfort costs can indicate a comfort loss or gain. If a comfort gain exceeds an increase in power consumption or a decrease in power consumption exceeds a comfort loss, the system controller can adjust the comfort variables. The system controller can continue to adjust the comfort variables as long as power consumption remains within acceptable limits.

[0014] The system controller can be configured to receive user input to control one or more load control devices. The system controller can be configured to adjust thresholds for comfort metrics based on user input. The system controller can also adapt to environmental changes. For example, a storm may alter the level of sunlight received. Due to this change in sunlight, if fabric and lighting levels are adjusted, the system controller can determine that less cooling power is needed in the load-controlled environment. Therefore, the system controller can command the lighting control system to adjust lighting intensity, command the electric window valance system to adjust fabric levels, or command the temperature control device to adjust temperature levels to achieve the target performance level and optimize power consumption.

[0015] Users of a load control system with a system controller can access the system controller via a workstation (such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, or smartphone) to input and configure settings and monitoring parameters for the system controller and load control devices (such as lighting controls, electric window valet systems, and heating and cooling systems). For example, users can configure or adjust settings related to desired minimum, maximum, and target performance levels. Although users may be able to access and configure settings for the load control devices in the load control system, they may not be aware of the adjustments required. For instance, the load control devices may adaptively and predictively adjust to maintain desired performance levels. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary load control environment, in which a load control system can control the electrical force delivered from an alternating current (AC) power source to one or more electrical loads.

[0017] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary graphical user interface that can be displayed on a network device.

[0018] Figures 3A to 3I A representative load control environment 300 for controlling electrical loads based on comfort and / or power metrics is described.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for performing control of a load control system.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for passively learning and adjusting thresholds for comfort metrics.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for actively learning and adjusting the range of power consumption.

[0022] Figure 7A This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for performing control of a load control system.

[0023] Figure 7B This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for performing control of a load control system.

[0024] Figure 7C This is an example of the predetermined correlation between comfort measures for heating and cooling and the Predicted Mean Voting Value (PMV).

[0025] Figure 7D This is an example of the predetermined correlation between the comfort measure of sunlight glare and the probability of sunlight glare.

[0026] Figure 7E This is an example of the pre-defined correlation between lighting comfort metrics and lighting levels.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of an exemplary system controller.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of an exemplary network device.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary load control device. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary load control environment where a load control system 100 can control the electrical force delivered from an alternating current (AC) power source (not shown) to one or more electrical loads. The load control environment 100 may include a system controller 110 (e.g., a system controller or load controller) configured to transmit and receive digital messages via both wired and / or wireless communication links. For example, the system controller 110 may be coupled to one or more wired control devices via a wired digital communication link 104. The system controller 110 may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signals 106) to communicate with one or more wireless control devices. The load control environment 100 may include multiple control source devices and multiple control target devices. For example, control source devices may include input devices configured to transmit digital messages in response to user input, occupancy / vacancy status, changes in measured light intensity, and / or other input information. For example, control target devices may include load control devices configured to receive digital messages and / or control corresponding electrical loads in response to received digital messages. A single control device in the load control environment 100 can operate as both a control source device and a control target device. The system controller 110 can be configured to receive digital messages from the control source device and, in response to, for example, digital messages received from the control source device, transmit digital messages to the control target device.

[0031] The load control environment 100 may include load control devices, such as a dimmer switch 120, for controlling a lighting load 122. The dimmer switch 120 may be suitable for wall mounting in a standard electrical enclosure. The dimmer switch 120 may include a desktop or plug-in load control device. The dimmer switch 120 may include a toggle actuator 124 (e.g., a push-button) and / or an intensity adjustment actuator 126 (e.g., a rocker switch). Continuous actuation of the toggle actuator 124 may toggle (e.g., turn off and on) the lighting load 122. Actuation of the upper or lower portion of the intensity adjustment actuator 126 may increase or decrease the electrical force delivered to the lighting load 122, thereby increasing or decreasing the intensity of the lighting load from a minimum intensity (e.g., approximately 1%) to a maximum intensity (e.g., approximately 100%). The dimmer switch 120 may include a plurality of visual indicators 128, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Visual indicators 128 can be arranged in a linear array and can be illuminated to provide feedback on the intensity of the lighting load 122. Examples of wall-mounted dimmer switches are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,248,919, entitled “LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE,” published September 28, 1993, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0132475, entitled “WIRELESS LOAD CONTROL DEVICE,” published May 15, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] Dimmer switch 120 can be configured to receive digital messages from system controller 110 via RF signal 106. Dimmer switch 120 can be configured to control lighting load 122 in response to the received digital messages. Examples of dimmer switches configured to transmit and receive digital messages are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0206983, entitled “COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR A RADIO-FREQUENCY LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM,” published August 20, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Dimmer switch 120 may also, or alternatively, be coupled to a wired digital communication link 104.

[0033] The load control environment 100 may include one or more remotely located load control devices. The load control device may include a lighting control device 130 for controlling the lighting load 132. The lighting control device 130 may be a light-emitting diode (LED) driver for driving a corresponding LED light source (e.g., an LED light engine). For example, the lighting control device 130 may be remotely located within a lighting fixture that includes the corresponding light source of the lighting load 132. The lighting control device 130 may be configured to receive digital messages from the system controller 110 via a digital communication link 104. The lighting control device 130 may be configured to control the corresponding lighting load 132 in response to the received digital messages. The lighting control device 130 may be coupled to a separate digital communication link, such as... Or a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) communication link.

[0034] The load control environment 100 may include a digital lighting controller coupled between a digital communication link 104 and a separate communication link. The lighting control device 130 may include internal RF communication circuitry or may be coupled to external RF communication circuitry (e.g., mounted externally to the lighting fixture, such as to the ceiling) for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals 106. The load control environment 100 may also include other types of remotely positioned lighting control devices, such as, for example, electronic dimming ballasts for driving fluorescent lamps.

[0035] The load control environment 100 may include multiple daylight control devices, such as motorized window covers 140, like motorized roller blinds. The load control environment 100 can utilize the multiple daylight control devices to control the amount of daylight entering a building where the load control environment 100 is installed. Each motorized window cover 140 may include an electronic drive unit 142. The electronic drive unit 142 may be located inside the motorized window cover 140, such as inside the roller tube of a motorized roller blind. The electronic drive unit 142 may be coupled to a digital communication link 104, for example, to transmit and / or receive digital messages. The electronic drive unit 142 may be configured to adjust the position of a covering material (such as window cover fabric) in response to digital messages received from the system controller 110 via the digital communication link. For example, each of the electronic drive units 142 may include internal RF communication circuitry or may be coupled to external RF communication circuitry (e.g., located outside the roller tube) to transmit and / or receive RF signals 106. The load control environment 100 may include other types of daylight control devices, such as, for example, honeycomb blinds, canopies, Roman blinds, Venetian blinds, Persian blinds, pleated blinds, tension roller blind systems, electrochromic or smart windows and / or other suitable daylight control devices.

[0036] Load control environment 100 may include one or more heating / cooling devices, such as heating / cooling device 170. Heating / cooling device 170 may be used to control the temperature of a building on which load control environment 100 is installed. Each heating / cooling device 170 may include an electronic switch for heating / cooling the building. Heating / cooling device 170 may include a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, an air conditioner, or other device capable of heating and / or cooling a space via an electrical load. Heating / cooling device 170 may be coupled to digital communication link 104, for example, to transmit and / or receive digital messages. Heating / cooling device 170 may be configured to adjust the temperature of a space in the building in response to digital messages received from system controller 110 via digital communication link 104. Each heating / cooling device 170 may include RF communication circuitry or may be coupled to external RF communication circuitry, for example, to transmit and / or receive RF signal 106.

[0037] The load control environment 100 may include one or more other types of load control devices, such as: screw-in luminaires including dimmer circuitry and incandescent or halogen lamps; screw-in luminaires including ballasts and compact fluorescent lamps; screw-in luminaires including LED drivers and LED light sources; electronic switches, controllable circuit breakers, or other switching devices for turning electrical appliances on and off; plug-in load control devices, controllable electrical outlets, or controllable power boards for controlling one or more plug-in loads; motor control units for controlling motor loads, such as ceiling fans or exhaust fans; drives. Units for controlling appliances or projection screens on electric windows; electric internal or external sliding windows; compressors; electric baseboard heater controllers; controllable dampers; variable air volume controllers; fresh air intake controllers; ventilation controllers; hydraulic valves for radiators and radiant heating systems; humidity control units; humidifiers; dehumidifiers; water heaters; boiler controllers; pool pumps; refrigerators; freezers; television or computer monitors; cameras; audio systems or amplifiers; elevators; power supply units; generators; chargers, such as electric vehicle chargers; and / or alternative power controllers.

[0038] The load control device can provide feedback to the system controller 110. The electric window cover 140 can provide feedback indicating the relative level of the covering material. The lighting control device 130 can provide feedback indicating the lighting intensity level (e.g., dimming level). The heating / cooling device 170 can provide feedback indicating when the device is turned on. The system controller 110 can determine the state of the load control device based on the feedback. The system controller 110 can also, or alternatively, determine the state of the load control device based on input received from the input device.

[0039] The load control environment 100 may include one or more input devices, such as a wired keypad device 150, a battery-powered remote control device 152, an occupancy sensor 154, a sunlight sensor 156, a wireless window sensor 157, a temperature control device 166, a wearable wireless device 167, a network device 165, and / or a light sensor 169. The wired keypad device 150 may be configured to transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 via a digital communication link 104 in response to actuation of one or more buttons on the wired keypad device. The battery-powered remote control device 152, occupancy sensor 154, sunlight sensor 156, wireless window sensor 157, temperature control device 166, and / or light sensor 169 may be wireless control devices (e.g., RF transmitters, receivers, or transceivers) configured to transmit and / or receive digital messages. Digital messages may be transmitted directly between devices or via the system controller 110 via an RF signal 106 (e.g., directly to the system controller 110).

[0040] The battery-powered remote control 152 can be configured to transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 via RF signal 106 in response to actuation of one or more buttons on the battery-powered remote control. The system controller 110 can be configured to transmit one or more digital messages to a load control device (e.g., a dimmer switch 120, a lighting control device 130, and / or an electric window regulator 140) in response to digital messages received from the wired keypad device 150, the battery-powered remote control 152, the occupancy sensor 154, the daylight sensor 156, and / or the radio window sensor 157.

[0041] Temperature control device 166 may be a thermostat or temperature sensor configured to identify internal temperature. Temperature control device 166 may also be a temperature sensor configured to identify external temperature. Although control environment 100 includes a single temperature control device 166, load control environment may include a thermostat or temperature sensor configured to identify internal temperature and a temperature sensor configured to identify external temperature. The thermostat may identify a setpoint temperature and transmit a digital message for controlling heating / cooling unit 170 to achieve a setpoint temperature in the space of the building. The temperature sensor may identify either internal or external temperature and transmit that temperature to system controller 110.

[0042] The input device may include a network device 165 and / or a wearable wireless device 167. The wearable wireless device 167 may be a control device capable of transmitting digital messages to control one or more characteristics of the load control environment 100. The wearable wireless device 167 may be a device that can be worn by a user and may act as a control source device for transmitting digital messages to control one or more electrical loads of the load control environment 100. Figure 1 As shown, the wearable wireless device 167 may be an armband (e.g., a smartwatch or other device that can be worn on a user's arm). Alternatively, the wearable wireless device 167 may include a ring, glasses, headphones, clothing (e.g., a shirt, gloves, etc.), or other wearable control devices capable of performing as described herein.

[0043] The wearable wireless device 167 can communicate directly with the system controller 110, or it can send digital messages to and / or receive digital messages from one or more intermediate devices capable of communicating with the wearable wireless device 167. For example, the wearable wireless device 167 can communicate with a network device 165. The network device 165 can be a cellular phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or other computing device capable of performing communication over a wireless network. The network device 165 can be a control device capable of receiving digital messages from the wearable wireless device 167 and transmitting the digital messages to the system controller 110, and / or one or more control target devices for controlling electrical loads.

[0044] Network device 165 may include one or more communication circuits capable of communicating with system controller 110 and / or wearable wireless device 167. The communication circuits may be capable of communicating via different wireless frequencies and / or communication protocols. For example, network device 165 may be capable of communicating with system controller 110 and wearable wireless device 167 via different wireless signals (e.g., RF signals). Different communication circuits may enable network device 165 to communicate with wearable wireless device 167 via one protocol or one frequency, and with system controller 110 or a control target device via another protocol or another frequency. Although input devices may be shown as capable of wired or wireless communication (e.g., via RF signals), each input device may be wired and / or wireless.

[0045] The load control environment 100 may also include a wireless adapter device 158 coupled to a digital communication link 104. The wireless adapter device 158 may be configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals 106. The wireless adapter device 158 may be configured to transmit digital messages to the system controller 110 via the digital communication link 104 in response to digital messages received from one of the wireless controllers via the RF signals 106. For example, the wireless adapter device 158 may retransmit digital messages received from the wireless controllers on the digital communication link 104.

[0046] Occupancy sensor 154 can be configured to detect occupancy and / or vacancy in a space where a load control system is installed. Occupancy sensor 154 can transmit a digital message to system controller 110 via RF signal 106 in response to detecting occupancy or vacancy. System controller 110 can be configured to turn on and off one or more of lighting loads 122 and / or LED light sources 132 in response to receiving occupancy and vacancy commands, respectively. Occupancy sensor 154 can also operate as a vacancy sensor, causing the lighting loads to turn off in response to detecting vacancy (e.g., not turn on in response to detecting occupancy). Examples of RF load control systems with occupancy and vacancy sensors are described in more detail in the following patents: U.S. Patent No. 8,009,042, entitled “RADIO-FREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROLSYSTEM WITH OCCUPANCY SENSING,” published August 30, 2011; U.S. Patent No. 8,199,010, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A WIRELESS SENSOR,” published June 12, 2012; and U.S. Patent No. 8,228,184, entitled “BATTERY-POWERED OCCUPANCY SENSOR,” published July 24, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0047] The daylight sensor 156 can be configured to measure the total light intensity in a space where a load control system is installed. The daylight sensor 156 can transmit a digital message including the measured light intensity to a system controller 110 via an RF signal 106 to control the intensity of one or more of the lighting load 122 and / or LED light sources 132 in response to the measured light intensity. Examples of RF load control systems with daylight sensors are described in more detail in the following patents: commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,410,706, entitled “METHOD OF CALIBRATING A DAYLIGHT SENSOR”, published April 2, 2013; and U.S. Patent No. 8,451,116, entitled “WIRELESS BATTERY-POWERED DAYLIGHT SENSOR”, published May 28, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] Radio window sensor 157 can be configured to measure the intensity of external light from outside a space where a load control system is installed. Radio window sensor 157 can be mounted on the facade of a building, such as the exterior or interior of a window, to measure the intensity of external natural light based on the sun's position in the sky. Radio window sensor 157 can detect when direct sunlight shines directly into it, when it is reflected back onto it, or when it is blocked by external objects such as clouds or buildings, and can send a digital message indicating the measured light intensity. Radio window sensor 157 can transmit the digital message including the measured light intensity to system controller 110 via RF signal 106. The digital message can be used to control electrical loads (e.g., the intensity of lighting load 122, the intensity of motorized window covers 140 for controlling the position of covering material, the intensity of LED light source 132, and the temperature of heating / cooling unit 170) via one or more load control devices (e.g., dimmer switch 120, electronic drive unit 142, LED driver 130). The radio window sensor 157 can also be called a shadow sensor, a cloudy sensor, a sun sensor, or other sensor that can measure the intensity of external light from outside the space.

[0049] A light sensor 169 can be configured to measure the internal light intensity within a space where a load control system is installed. The light sensor 169 can be installed in a room of a building to measure the total illuminance detected in the load control environment 100. The light sensor 169 can transmit a digital message, including the measurement of light intensity, to a system controller 110 via an RF signal 106. The digital message can be used to control electrical loads (e.g., the intensity of lighting load 122, the intensity of an electric window cover 140 for controlling the position of cover material, the intensity of an LED light source 132, and the temperature of a heating / cooling unit 170) via one or more load control devices (e.g., a dimmer switch 120, an electronic drive unit 142, an LED driver 130).

[0050] The load control environment 100 may include other types of input devices, such as humidity sensors, radiometers, cloudy sensors, shading sensors, pressure sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, air quality sensors, motion sensors, safety sensors, proximity sensors, clamp sensors, zone sensors, keypads, multi-zone control units, slider control units, kinetic or solar remote controls, key cards, clocks, audio-visual controls, safety devices, power monitoring devices (e.g., power meters, utility meters, utility rate meters, etc.), central control transmitters, residential controllers, commercial controllers, industrial controllers, or any combination of input devices.

[0051] System controller 110 may be configured to couple to a network, such as a wireless or wired local area network (LAN), via a network communication bus 160 (e.g., an Ethernet communication link) to access, for example, the Internet. System controller 110 may be connected via the network communication bus 160 to a router or other switching device 162 (e.g., an Ethernet switch) to allow system controller 110 to communicate with additional system controllers used to control additional electrical loads. System controller 110 may be wirelessly connected to the network. System controller 110 may be configured to communicate via the network with one or more network devices (such as network device 164). Network device 164 may be a smartphone, personal computer 164, laptop, tablet device (e.g., a handheld computing device), television with wireless communication capabilities, and / or any other suitable Internet Protocol-enabled device. Network device may be configured to transmit digital messages to system controller 110 in one or more Internet Protocol packets. Examples of load control systems configured to communicate with network devices on a network are described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0030589 entitled “LOADCONTROL DEVICE HAVING INTERNET CONNECTIVITY”, published January 31, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] The operation of the load control environment 100 can be programmed and / or configured using network device 164 or other network devices. Network device 164 can execute graphical user interface (GUI) configuration software to allow a user to program how the load control environment 100 can operate. The configuration software can generate a load control database or other datasets defining the operation of the load control environment 100. For example, the load control database or dataset may include information about the operating settings of different load control devices of the load control system (e.g., dimmer switch 120, lighting control device 130, and / or power window hanger 140). The load control database or dataset may include information about the association between load control devices and input devices, and information about how load control devices respond to inputs received from input devices. Examples of configuration procedures for load control systems are described in more detail in the following documents: U.S. Patent No. 7,391,297, entitled “HANDHELD PROGRAMMER FOR LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM”, published June 24, 2008; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0092075, entitled “METHOD OF BUILDING A DATABASE OF A LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM”, published April 17, 2008; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0265568, entitled “COMMISSIONING LOAD CONTROL SYSTEMS”, published September 18, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] System controller 110 can be configured to select one or more presets (e.g., scenarios) for controlling the electrical loads of load control environment 100. Presets can be predefined settings that can be defined during commissioning of load control environment 100. For example, one of the actuators of wired keypad device 150 and / or battery-powered remote control device 152 can allow selection of lighting presets and / or motorized window dressing presets. Preset configurations can be included in preset data. Preset data can include, for example, levels, fade times, and / or delay times for one or more load control devices. A preset level can be a lighting intensity level, a window dressing level (e.g., bottom curtain level), or another preset level at which the load control device can control the electrical load. A fade time can be the length of time during which the lighting intensity level can change, the length of time during which the window dressing level can change, or another length of time during which the load control device can control the electrical load to change to a preset level. The fade time can be indicated by a fade rate, which can be the rate at which the preset level can change. A delay time can be a period of time during which the device can delay before achieving the preset.

[0054] The lighting preset can be characterized by a target light intensity of one or more of the lighting loads 122 and LED light engines 132. The motorized window fixture preset can be characterized by a target position of one or more of the motorized window fixtures 140. The lighting preset and / or motorized window fixture preset can be characterized by one or more transition times (e.g., the length of time during which the lighting loads 122, 132 adjust from their current intensity to a target intensity, or the length of time during which the position of the motorized window fixture 140 is adjusted). The transition time can be the same or different for each controlled electrical load of the lighting preset and / or motorized window fixture preset. The lighting preset and / or motorized window fixture preset can be characterized by a delay time (e.g., the length of time from when a preset selection is made until the controlled load begins to adjust the light intensity or the position of the motorized window fixture).

[0055] Each load control device may store its own device dataset (e.g., a partial load control dataset and / or a database). The device dataset may predefine the operation of the load control device in response to one or more presets. The device dataset may store operational information of the load control device. For example, the device dataset may store commands, preset data, and / or multi-output commands. The device dataset may include preset data for each preset. The preset data may include preset configurations such as the levels of one or more load control devices (e.g., lighting intensity levels, window dressing levels, etc.), fading times, and / or delay times. System controller 110 may be configured to assign a unique address to each load control device for load control and may transmit the corresponding device dataset to the associated load control device. System controller 110 may assign each load control device and / or transmit device datasets during the commissioning process of load control environment 100. During the commissioning process, system controller 110 and / or load control devices may be in commissioning mode (e.g., setup mode) for configuring one or more devices in load control environment 100.

[0056] The device dataset can be sent to one or more load control devices in the load control environment 100. The load control devices in the load control environment 100 can download the device dataset and store it in memory. The load control devices can download the device dataset during debugging and / or upon user request or command. The device dataset may include preset data, which the load control devices refer to when receiving preset commands.

[0057] System controller 110 can be configured to transmit (e.g., broadcast) preset commands to load control devices in load control environment 100. The transmission of preset commands can be in response to the selection of a preset. Preset commands can be transmitted in a single digital message. Preset commands can describe the selected preset or the operation performed by the load control device according to the selected preset. For example, a preset command can include a preset identifier (e.g., a preset name or number). A preset command can include a load control device identifier having a preset identifier. The load control device can access a device dataset and look up the preset identified in the preset command to determine how to operate according to the preset identified in the preset command received from system controller 110.

[0058] The load control environment 100 can be implemented to optimize power consumption when one or more electrical loads are controlled. For example, the system controller 110 can send digital messages to the lighting control unit 130, the electric window regulator 140, the heating / cooling unit 170, and / or other load control units for controlling the electrical loads controlled by the load control unit.

[0059] Load control devices can be controlled in a manner based on occupant comfort. For example, system controller 110 can manage occupant comfort by managing one or more comfort metrics, which can be calculated based on comfort variables that can be monitored to control electrical loads in the load control environment. Comfort metrics can indicate aspects of occupant comfort in the load control environment, such as thermal comfort levels, daylight glare levels, and / or lighting levels in the load control environment. Comfort variables can include parameters that can be measured or calculated, and comfort metrics can be calculated based on these parameters. For example, comfort variables can include occupancy parameters in load control environment 100, direct sunlight levels, indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, lighting intensity levels, amount of sunlight being received, total illuminance levels, and the level of covering material used for motorized window covers, etc.

[0060] System controller 110 can set thresholds for comfort metrics. These thresholds can be minimum comfort levels for one or more occupants based on one or more comfort variables in the load control environment. System controller 110 can control one or more load control devices to prevent the load control environment 100 from falling below a threshold comfort level, or to control one or more load control devices once the threshold comfort level is reached. For example, system controller 110 can control one or more load control devices (e.g., lighting control device 130, power window regulator 140, etc.) to prevent the load control environment 100 from falling below a threshold lighting level, or to control one or more load control devices once the lighting level has reached the threshold level. System controller 110 can control one or more load control devices (e.g., power window regulator 140) to prevent the load control environment 100 from exceeding a threshold level for the probability of sunlight glare, or to control one or more load control devices once the probability of sunlight glare has reached the threshold level. The system controller 110 can control one or more load control devices (e.g., electric window covers 140, heating / cooling devices 170, etc.) to prevent the load control environment 100 from falling below a threshold thermal comfort level, or once the thermal comfort level has reached the threshold level, the system controller can control one or more load control devices.

[0061] The threshold for comfort measurement can be a target comfort level for one or more occupants based on one or more comfort variables in the load control environment. System controller 110 can control one or more load control devices to achieve the target comfort level for one or more occupants. For example, system controller 110 can control one or more load control devices (e.g., lighting control device 130, power window regulator 140, etc.) to achieve a target lighting level. System controller 110 can control one or more load control devices (e.g., power window regulator 140) to achieve a target level of daylight glare probability and / or limit daylight glare. System controller 110 can control one or more load control devices (e.g., power window regulator 140, heating / cooling device 170, etc.) to achieve a target thermal comfort level.

[0062] System controller 110 can monitor one or more of multiple comfort variables for each comfort metric to determine whether a comfort threshold corresponding to the comfort metric has been reached, or whether the comfort threshold corresponding to the comfort metric is within a predefined threshold. The lighting level in the load control environment 100 can be calculated at system controller 110 based on comfort variables, such as the lighting intensity level of one or more lighting controls, the amount of detected natural light, and / or the total illuminance detected in the load control environment. The amount of natural light can be measured by daylight sensor 156 and sent to system controller 110. The lighting intensity level can be sent to system controller 110 from dimmer switch 120, remote control device 152, and / or lighting control device 130. The total illuminance of the load control environment can be determined by system controller 110 based on the lighting level received from light sensing device 169.

[0063] The thermal comfort level in the load control environment can be calculated at system controller 110 based on comfort variables such as the amount of direct sunlight in the load control environment, the outdoor temperature of the load control environment, the indoor temperature of the load control environment, and / or the temperature of one or more occupants. The amount of direct sunlight in the load control environment can be measured by wireless window sensor 157. The amount of direct sunlight can also be calculated based on the time of day and the direction the windows face in the load control environment. The outdoor temperature of the load control environment can be measured by temperature control device 166 when located outside the load control environment 100. The indoor temperature of the load control environment can be measured by temperature control device 166 when located inside the load control environment. The occupant's temperature can be measured by wearable control device 167 or other sensors capable of measuring occupant temperature. The occupant's temperature can be estimated based on the number of occupants identified by occupancy commands and / or vacancy commands. The thermal comfort level can be calculated based on conductive heat, radiant heat, occupant heat, light heat, and / or plug or appliance heat in the load control environment.

[0064] The level of sunlight glare in the load control environment 100 can be calculated at the system controller 110 based on comfort variables, such as the amount of direct sunlight on the load control environment and / or the distance at which glare enters the load control environment. As described herein, the amount of direct sunlight on the load control environment can be measured by a wireless window sensor 157. The amount of direct sunlight can be calculated based on the location of the load control environment (e.g., latitude, longitude, GPS coordinates, etc.), the time of day, and / or the direction in which the windows in the load control environment face. For example, the level of sunlight glare can indicate whether the load control environment receives direct sunlight when it is in a position to receive sunlight and / or when the windows face the sun.

[0065] The system controller 110 can assign values ​​to comfort metrics based on comfort variables corresponding to the comfort metrics. For example, the value of a comfort metric can be incremented based on the value of each parameter. The comfort variables on which the comfort metric is calculated can be weighted differently. The distance at which glare enters the load control environment can be calculated based on the angle of the sun and the level of the covering material on the electric window cover 140.

[0066] System controller 110 can detect that the value of a comfort metric is at or within a defined threshold, and can send control commands to the load control device to increase the value of the comfort metric. For example, system controller 110 can improve the lighting level in the load-controlled environment by sending control commands to lighting control device 130 to increase the lighting level and / or sending control commands to motorized window valances 140 to raise the window valances. The lighting level can be increased until it exceeds a defined threshold (e.g., by a predefined amount).

[0067] System controller 110 can control one or more load control devices to prevent the load control environment from exceeding a threshold sunlight glare probability level, or once the sunlight glare probability level has reached the threshold, the system controller can control one or more load control devices. For example, system controller 110 can improve the sunlight glare probability level by sending control commands to motorized window cover 140 to reduce the level of the shading on the motorized window cover and reduce the sunlight glare level from the sun in the load control environment. The sunlight glare level can be reduced until it falls below a defined threshold (e.g., by a predefined amount).

[0068] System controller 110 can control one or more load control devices to prevent the load control environment from falling below a threshold for thermal comfort, or once the thermal comfort level has reached the threshold, the system controller can control one or more load control devices. System controller 110 can send control commands to motorized window covers 140 to raise / lower the window covers, thereby increasing / decreasing the thermal comfort level from the sun in the load control environment. System controller 110 can send control commands to motorized window covers 140 to increase / decreasing the setpoint temperature of the temperature control device, thereby increasing / decreasing the thermal comfort level in the load control environment.

[0069] Illumination level, daylight glare level, and thermal comfort level can be used independently or in any combination to calculate the overall comfort metric. The overall comfort metric can be expressed as a relative value (e.g., 0 to 10, 0 to 100, etc.) or as a measurable value associated with a comfort threshold type (e.g., temperature value for thermal comfort level, lumens for illumination level, etc.). The overall comfort metric can indicate the overall comfort of one or more occupants in a load-controlled environment.

[0070] Power consumption in a load-controlled environment can be optimized by reducing total cost or power consumption, while maintaining the occupant's target or minimum comfort level based on comfort metrics. System controller 110 can use data (such as predefined data, real-time data, and / or historical data) to predictively and adaptively control the lighting intensity of lighting control unit 130, the position of motorized window dressing control unit 140, and / or the temperature of the load-controlled environment generated by heating / cooling unit 170, to reduce the total power consumption of the load-controlled environment while maintaining a minimum level of comfort metrics. Minimum performance and comfort levels can be achieved by balancing the lighting level in the load-controlled environment controlled by lighting control unit 130, the window dressing level controlled by motorized window dressing unit 140, and / or the temperature level of the load-controlled environment controlled by heating / cooling unit 170. By balancing the temperature level, window dressing level, and / or lighting level in the load-controlled environment, total power consumption can be reduced while maintaining a minimum or target comfort level.

[0071] System controller 110 may attempt to reduce the total electrical power consumed in the load-controlled environment while maintaining a level of comfort permissible according to thresholds set for the occupant. The total electrical power consumed in the load-controlled environment may include lighting power consumption, HVAC system power consumption (e.g., heating / cooling power), power consumption related to the probability level of sunlight glare, etc. System controller 110 may attempt to reduce one or more of these, such as lighting power consumption, HVAC system power consumption, and power consumption related to the probability level of sunlight glare. The reduction in power consumption may be balanced with changes in comfort to determine how or whether to operate the device in the load-controlled environment.

[0072] For example, system controller 110 may attempt to reduce heating / cooling power consumption by increasing or decreasing the setpoint temperature of temperature control device 166, while maintaining a thermal comfort level permissible according to a threshold set for the occupant's thermal comfort level. System controller 110 may increase the level of covering material for motorized window covers 140 to allow external heat into the load-controlled environment and further reduce the setpoint temperature of temperature control device 166, while maintaining a thermal comfort level permissible according to a threshold set for the occupant's thermal comfort level. System controller 110 may decrease the level of covering material for motorized window covers 140 to prevent internal heat from leaving the load-controlled environment and further reduce the setpoint temperature of temperature control device 166, while maintaining a thermal comfort level permissible according to a threshold set for the occupant's thermal comfort level. The level of covering material for motorized window covers 140 may be limited to prevent exceeding the occupant's glare threshold (e.g., when the load-controlled environment is receiving direct sunlight).

[0073] Power consumption in a load control environment may be related to electricity cost P COST (e.g., monetary cost) are associated. A decrease / increase in electricity consumption can be translated into a corresponding decrease / increase in monetary cost. Electricity consumption and / or corresponding costs can be reduced as long as the decrease in corresponding costs does not exceed the cost associated with the loss of comfort. Electricity consumption and / or corresponding costs can be increased as long as the increase in corresponding electricity costs does not exceed the value of the comfort gain (e.g., monetary value). The cost corresponding to the loss of comfort and / or the value corresponding to the comfort gain can be determined by calculating the comfort metric associated with the comfort variable. Electricity consumption and / or corresponding costs can be calculated by calculating the electricity cost P associated with lighting parameters, HVAC parameters, and / or other electricity parameters. COST To determine.

[0074] It is possible to monitor power consumption and / or costs associated with electrical parameters (such as lighting and HVAC parameters) to determine how or whether equipment is operating in a load-controlled environment. Power metrics can indicate the costs associated with electrical parameters. For example, lighting power metric P... L It can indicate lighting power consumption, and / or heating / cooling power consumption P. H / C It can indicate heating / cooling power consumption. Total power metric P in a load control environment. T (For example, total electricity cost) can be measured by the amount of electricity used for lighting, P. L Electricity consumption for heating / cooling P H / C To calculate by addition, for example,

[0075] P T =P L +P H / C (Equation 1)

[0076] Although the equations take into account the electrical power used by the heating / cooling unit 170 and the lighting control unit 130, other load control units and / or electrical loads may also be considered. For example, the electrical power used by the electric window lift 140 may be relatively small compared to the electrical power used by the lighting control unit 130 and / or the heating / cooling unit 170, but it may still be included in Equation 1.

[0077] Total power metric P in load control environment T The reduction may decrease comfort levels. System controller 110 may attempt to reduce the total power metric P. T (For example, the total electrical power consumed in a load-controlled environment), while also including the resulting electricity cost P. COST The reduction in comfort level is compared with the resulting loss of comfort. The system controller 110 can determine whether the resulting loss of comfort outweighs the resulting power savings.

[0078] System controller 110 can quantify comfort cost C using the monetary value per unit comfort level and the change in comfort level. COST The system controller 110 can monitor factors that may affect electricity costs P. COST and / or comfort cost C COST Determine comfort level C before making changes to the load control environment. R Changes. For example, in the case of changes that may affect electricity costs P. COST and / or comfort cost C COST Before making changes to the load control environment, the comfort level C associated with the load control environment can be determined. R1 (For example, as described herein). System controller 110 can estimate comfort level C. R2 The comfort level can be the comfort level under changed conditions. It can be determined from comfort level C. R2 Subtract comfort level C from the middle R1 To calculate changes in comfort level (e.g., C) R2 and C R1 (Incremental). The system controller 110 can control the comfort level C. R The change is multiplied by the monetary value $c per unit of comfort level to calculate the comfort cost C. COST ,For example,

[0079] C COST =(C R2 –C R1 )·$c。 (Equation 2)

[0080] The monetary value per unit comfort level is $c (e.g., $ / C). R The value of $c per unit of comfort level can be determined by the administrator of the load control environment 100 (e.g., a building manager). The administrator can adjust and / or change the monetary value $c per unit of comfort level based on data collected while managing the load control environment 100. Data collected while managing the load control environment 100 may include data on the productivity of the load control environment, room (e.g., private offices or meeting rooms) usage, occupancy, etc.

[0081] The administrator can adjust and / or change the monetary value $c per unit of comfort level based on data collected while managing the load control environment 100. For example, the administrator can select an initial value for $c and / or select a comfort level (e.g., high, medium, low), which can indicate the initial value of $c. The selection of the initial value and / or comfort level can be based on occupant input and / or occupant surveys. The system controller 110 can start from the initial value of the monetary value $c and adjust $c over time. For example, the system controller 110 can learn the monetary value $c per unit of comfort level through a process and / or procedure designed to learn the monetary value $c.

[0082] System controller 110 can use the monetary value per unit of power level and power level P R Quantifying the change in electricity cost P COST As shown in Equation 3. The system controller 110 can monitor the potential impact on electricity costs P. COST and / or comfort cost C COST Determine the power level P before making changes to the load control environment. R Changes in [the value of electricity]. For example, in the case of [the change in electricity cost P]... COST and / or comfort cost C COST Before making changes to the load control environment, the power level P associated with the load control environment can be determined. R1 (For example, as described herein). If a change is made, the system controller 110 can estimate the power level as P. R2 This can be determined by the comfort level P. R2 Subtract the power level P from the middle R1 To calculate changes in power levels (e.g., P) R2 and P R1 (Incremental). System controller 110 can control the power level P R The change is multiplied by the monetary value of each unit of electricity level, $p, to calculate the electricity cost P. COST ,For example,

[0083] P COST =(P R2 -P R1 )·$p。 (Equation 3)

[0084] The monetary value $p per unit of electricity can be calculated based on the economics of electricity from sources such as electricity, natural gas, solar, wind, and / or other power resources. Electricity economics can be determined based on data collected by electricity resource providers (e.g., historical data stored by utility companies). For example, in calculating the cost of electricity P... COSTAt that time, you can receive a monetary value of $p per unit of electricity level from the utility company (for example, the monetary value of $p per unit of electricity level can be a real-time pricing input).

[0085] System controller 110 can measure comfort cost C COST With electricity cost P COST A comparison is made. The system controller 110 can determine the comfort cost C. COST P represents the comfort gain and / or electricity cost. COST This represents power loss. If the comfort gain exceeds the power loss, the system controller can determine to make changes to the system, which may result in a comfort gain and / or power loss. System controller 110 can determine the comfort cost C. COST P represents the loss of comfort and / or electricity cost. COST This indicates energy savings. If the energy savings exceed the comfort loss, the system controller can determine to make changes to the system that could result in energy savings. For example, the system controller can make changes to the system that could lead to energy savings while ensuring that the comfort level remains within an acceptable range.

[0086] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The diagram illustrates graphical user interfaces 200 and 220, which can be displayed on a network device 264 for retrieving thresholds 204 and 224 (e.g., as defined by the user of the network device) for comfort metric 202 and power metric 222, respectively. Although thresholds 204 and 224 may be shown as defined on different graphical user interfaces 200 and 220, they may also be defined within the same interface.

[0087] like Figure 2AAs shown, the user can input a comfort threshold 204 for comfort metric 202. Additionally, the comfort threshold 204 for comfort metric 202 may include a daylight glare level 212, a thermal comfort level 214, an illumination level 216, and / or other comfort metrics. The comfort threshold 204 may include a high threshold 206, a low threshold 208, and / or a target threshold 210. The comfort threshold 204 may be represented as a relative value (e.g., between 0 and 10, between 0 and 100, etc.) and / or as a measurable value associated with the type of comfort threshold (e.g., the temperature value for thermal comfort level 214, lux or foot candles for illumination level 216, a luminance meter value for daylight glare level 212, etc.). If the comfort threshold 204 is represented as a relative value, each value may represent one or more actual values ​​associated with different types of comfort thresholds 204. The high threshold 206 may be a maximum threshold, and the low threshold 208 may be a minimum threshold. The target threshold 210 may be a preferred value (e.g., between a high threshold and a low threshold) that the user may wish to operate the load control device to ensure a level of comfort. The comfort threshold 204 may be defined differently for different zones (e.g., rooms, floors, room types, etc.) and / or different users.

[0088] Comfort metric 202 can have a high threshold 206 or a low threshold 208, because a high or low threshold may not be applicable to some comfort metrics. For example, a high threshold 208 may be defined for daylight glare level 212, but a low threshold 208 may not be defined, because too little glare may not disturb the occupant. Thermal comfort level 214 can have a high threshold 206 and / or a low threshold 208. Illumination level can have a low threshold 208 and / or a high threshold 206.

[0089] Network device 264 can transmit the comfort threshold 204 of comfort measurement 202 to the system controller (such as...) Figure 1 The system controller 110 shown controls one or more load control devices based on user input. The system controller can adjust stored thresholds of comfort metric 202 based on user input. The system controller can operate the load control devices to maintain the occupant's comfort level below a high threshold 206, or reduce the occupant's comfort level once it reaches the high threshold 206. The system controller can operate the load control devices to maintain the occupant's comfort level above a low threshold 208, or reduce the occupant's comfort level once it reaches the low threshold 208. The system controller can monitor the power being used by the load control environment and can reduce the power being used while maintaining occupant comfort.

[0090] The system controller may attempt to maintain each of the comfort metrics at a target threshold 210. The load control device may be controlled such that comfort metrics 202 can vary from the target threshold 210, and comfort metrics 202 are maintained within high thresholds 206 and / or 208. Comfort metrics 202 may be prioritized by the user or pre-configured. The priority order may indicate the order in which comfort metrics 202 can vary from the target threshold 210, and / or the order in which comfort metrics are allowed to reach high thresholds 206 and / or low thresholds 208.

[0091] like Figure 2B As shown, an electricity consumption range 224 can be identified for electricity metric 222. Electricity metric 222 may include total electricity 232, heating / cooling electricity 234, lighting electricity 236, and / or other electricity metrics. Electricity consumption range 224 may include high electricity level 226 and / or low electricity level 228. Electricity consumption range 224 may be represented as a relative value (e.g., 0 to 10, 0 to 100, etc.) and / or as a measurable value identifying the amount of electricity used (e.g., kilowatt-hours (kWh), etc.). Electricity consumption range 224 may also, or alternatively, be represented as cost. If electricity consumption range 224 is represented as a relative value, each value may represent one or more measurable values ​​related to the amount of electricity used and / or the cost. High electricity level 226 may be a maximum electricity level, and low electricity level 228 may be a minimum electricity level. High electricity level 226 may be a target electricity level, which may be exceeded by a predetermined amount and / or for a predetermined period of time.

[0092] The power consumption range 224 can be calculated for each power metric 222 based on a comfort threshold 204 defined for comfort metric 202. The power consumption range 224 can be estimated for each power metric 222 based on historical power consumption data collected from a load control environment having the same or similar devices operating at the same or similar comfort levels. In another example, the power consumption range 224 can be set to a predefined value and updated as the load control system operates according to comfort variables. The power consumption range 224 can be calculated by a network device 264 or a system controller. The power consumption range 224 can be user-defined or modified by the user and can be updated based on changes to the defined comfort threshold 204. The power consumption range 224 can be defined differently for different zones (e.g., rooms, floors, room types, etc.) and / or different users. Power metric 222 can be defined by a high threshold 226, while a low threshold 228 can be set to a default value (e.g., zero, empty, or other default minimum value used to operate the load control device).

[0093] The power consumption range 224 of each power metric in power metric 222 can be defined based on the number of load control devices and / or electrical loads in the load control environment. Power metric 222 can identify the power used by one or more load control devices, or identify the total power used in the load control environment. Power consumption range 224 can increase / decrease as electrical loads and / or load control devices increase / decrease (e.g., increase / decrease by a predefined amount).

[0094] Load control devices in a load control environment can be controlled to maintain the power consumption level of power metric 222 within a defined power consumption range 224, while preventing comfort metrics from falling outside a defined threshold. The load control devices can be automatically controlled by a system controller. In another example, the system controller can output comfort metrics, power metrics, comfort variables, power parameters, comfort metric thresholds, and / or power ranges to power consumers (such as building managers or occupants of the load control environment), allowing consumers to use this information to reduce and / or optimize power consumption in the load control environment while maintaining the comfort metric thresholds. Network device 264 can transmit the power consumption range 224 of power metric 222 to the system controller (such as...) Figure 1 The system controller 110 shown controls one or more load control devices based on user input. The system controller can adjust the stored range of power metric 222 based on user input. The system controller can operate the load control devices to keep their power consumption below a high threshold 226, or reduce their power consumption once the high threshold 226 is reached. The system controller can continue to reduce the power consumption of the load control devices while maintaining occupant comfort. Power metrics 222 can be prioritized by the user or pre-configured. The priority order can indicate the order in which load control devices represented by power metrics 222 can be added and / or operated outside the power consumption range 224.

[0095] Although multiple comfort measures 202 can be described, the values ​​of comfort measures 202 can be combined to identify a single overall comfort measure. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Comfort metrics 202 and power metrics 222, defined by user input, are shown, but these metrics may be predefined or otherwise defined by the load control system.

[0096] Figures 3A to 3IA representative load control environment 300 for controlling electrical loads based on comfort and / or power metrics is depicted. The load control environment 300 may be a room in a building, a portion of a room in a building, a floor in a building, or other load control environments in which one or more control devices may be installed. Control devices may include control source devices and / or control target devices, such as… Figure 1 The control source devices and / or control target devices are described above. For example, the load control environment 300 shows control target devices such as an illumination control device 310 for controlling the amount of light provided by the illumination load 312, an electric window cover 320 for controlling the level of the covering material 322, a temperature control device 330 for controlling the temperature of the load control environment, and an insert control device 316 for controlling the amount of light provided by the lamp 318, although other control target devices may also be included in the load control environment 300. The load control environment 300 shows control source devices such as a remote control device 314, a wireless window sensor 324, a daylight sensor 326, and an occupancy sensor 328, although other control source devices may also be included in the load control environment 300.

[0097] Control devices (e.g., control source devices and / or control target devices) can communicate with each other and / or with other devices via wired and / or wireless signals. For example, control devices can communicate via radio frequency (RF) signal 352 using a first wireless communication protocol. A control device can be both a control target device and a control source device.

[0098] The load control environment 300 may include a system controller 350 configured to transmit and / or receive digital messages via wired and / or wireless communication. For example, the system controller 350 may be configured to transmit and / or receive RF communication signals 352 to communicate with one or more control devices (e.g., control source devices and / or control target devices). The system controller 350 may be coupled to one or more wired control devices (e.g., control source devices and / or control target devices) via a wired digital communication link. The system controller 350 may be located in a field or remote location within the load control environment 300. Although the system controller 350 is shown as a single device, the load control environment 300 may include multiple system controllers and / or its functionality may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0099] The system controller 350 may also, or alternatively, communicate via RF communication signal 354 using a second wireless communication protocol. The system controller 350 may use RF communication signal 354 to communicate via the Internet 356 or other networks. RF communication signal 354 may be transmitted using a different protocol and / or wireless frequency band than RF communication signal 352.

[0100] The load control environment 300 may include a network device 358. The network device 358 may perform wired and / or wireless communication. Examples of the network device 358 may include a cordless phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), wearable device (e.g., watch, glasses, etc.), and / or another computing device. The network device 358 may be a user device operated by a user 340. The network device 358 may wirelessly communicate by transmitting digital messages via RF communication signal 354. The network device 358 may transmit digital messages in response to user actuation of one or more buttons on the network device 358. Examples of load control systems with exemplary network devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are described in more detail in the following documents: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0030589, entitled “LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING INTERNETCONNECTIVITY”, published January 31, 2013; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0177469, entitled “NETWORK ACCESS COORDINATION OF LOAD CONTROL DEVICES”, published June 26, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0101] Network device 358 can communicate with system controller 350 using digital messages transmitted via RF communication signal 354. Network device 358 can locally generate applications for displaying information received from system controller 350 and / or receiving user input for transmitting information to system controller 350. For example, system controller 350 can be accessed from network device 358 via a network interface (e.g., via a web browser or other applications at network device 328).

[0102] The system controller 350 can store defined thresholds for comfort metrics and / or defined power consumption ranges for power metrics. These thresholds and / or power consumption ranges can be defined by the user 340 via network device 358. Comfort metrics may include... Figure 3A The illumination level 360 is represented in the text and / or other comfort metrics described herein. Illumination level 360 can be determined by monitoring one or more comfort variables in the load control environment. For example, illumination level 360 can be determined based on messages indicating illumination level 360 received from daylight sensor 326, plug-in load control device 316, and / or lighting control device 310. Control target devices in the load control environment 300 can be operated to maintain illumination level 360 above a threshold 362 or within a predefined range of said threshold. Threshold 362 can be a low threshold or a target threshold. Although... Figure 3ANot shown, but operable in the load control environment 300, the control target device can maintain the lighting level 360 below a high threshold or within a predefined range of said high threshold. For example, the system controller 350 can send digital messages to the lighting control device 310 and / or the plug-in control device 316 to adjust the lighting intensity level, thereby maintaining the lighting level 360 within the defined threshold. The system controller 350 can also, or alternatively, send digital messages to the electric window cover 320 to adjust the level of the covering material, thereby maintaining the lighting level 360 within the defined threshold.

[0103] Electricity measurement can include lighting electricity measurement P L 370 and / or other power measurements. Lighting power measurement P L 370 can indicate the amount of lighting power used by one or more control devices within the load control environment 300. The control target device within the load control environment can be operated to measure the lighting power P. L 370. Maintain within the defined power consumption range 372 and / or reduce to the defined power consumption range. Lighting power metric P L 370 can be determined by monitoring one or more electrical parameters in the load control environment 300. For example, lighting power metric P. L 370 can be determined based on the electrical force used to operate the plug-in load control device 316 and / or the lighting control device 310.

[0104] like Figure 3B As shown, the system controller 350 can send digital messages to the target device to reduce the electrical power required to operate the target device while maintaining the comfort level of the user 340. For example, the system controller 350 can detect the lighting power metric P. L 370 can reduce power consumption within the defined range 372, and can be achieved by instructing the lighting control device 310 to dim the lighting load 316 and / or instructing the plug-in control device 316 to dim the lamp 318, thereby reducing the power consumption measured by the lighting power meter P. L 370 indicates that the electrical power has decreased to within the defined power consumption range of 372. Lighting power measurement P L 370 can be reduced to within the range 372 until the illumination level 360 is at the threshold 362 or within a predefined amount of the threshold.

[0105] The system controller 350 can reduce the electrical power used by other controlled target devices by controlling them. For example, the system controller 350 can send a digital message to the electric window cover 320 to control the lighting level 360. The system controller 350 can further reduce the lighting power consumption P by raising the covering material 322 of the electric window cover 320 to allow more sunlight into the load control environment 300. L 370 represents the power consumption, while maintaining the comfort of the user 340 (e.g., the occupant).

[0106] The system controller 350 can learn to adjust comfort thresholds based on input received from the user 340. For example... Figure 3C As shown, a threshold 362 for illumination level 360 can be increased to maintain illumination level 360 at a higher level in the load control environment 300. The threshold 362 can be adjusted based on input received by user 340. For example, user 340 can adjust the illumination intensity level of lighting control device 310 and / or plug-in control device 316 by actuating a button on remote control device 314. User 340 can adjust the illumination intensity level of lighting control device 310 and / or plug-in control device 316 via network device 358. System controller 350 can detect adjustments to the illumination intensity level and can set the threshold 362 to the illumination level 360 identified after the adjustment. When a change in illumination level 360 is identified within a predefined time period from the start of control of the target device by the system controller, system controller 350 can adjust the threshold 362. The adjustment of the threshold can be implemented after identifying a predefined number of user changes (e.g., three or more) or changes by the same user. User input can be provided as feedback on network device 358. User 340 may also, or alternatively, adjust threshold 362 directly on network device 358. Threshold 362 or another threshold may be similarly reduced. Thresholds for other comfort measures may be similarly increased and / or decreased.

[0107] like Figure 3D As shown, when implementing controls to maintain and / or reduce the electrical power consumed by the control devices in the load control environment 300, multiple comfort metrics can be considered. For example, system controller 350 can detect that an increase in the level of covering material 322 to increase the lighting level 364 may affect the daylight glare level 380. System controller 350 can monitor the comfort variables of daylight glare level 380 to determine when daylight glare level 380 is at a threshold 382 or within a predefined range of said threshold. Threshold 382 can be a high threshold or a target threshold to limit daylight glare level 380 from exceeding threshold 382. System controller 350 can reduce the amount of lighting power consumed by the lighting power metric P by increasing the level of covering material 322 to increase the lighting level 364 to meet the defined threshold 362. L370 represents the electrical power, but due to the threshold 382 defined for the daylight glare level 380, the system controller can prevent the lighting power metric P from being used. L 370 represents the amount of electrical power reduced to the threshold 362 allowed by the lighting level 364.

[0108] System controller 350 can detect level changes in the covering material 322 that may increase the lighting level 364, potentially affecting the thermal comfort level 384. System controller 350 can monitor comfort variables of the thermal comfort level 384 to determine when the thermal comfort level 384 is within thresholds 386, 388, or a predefined range of said thresholds. Threshold 386 can be a low threshold. Threshold 388 can be a high threshold. Although in Figure 3D The text indicates a low threshold 386 and a high threshold 388, but each comfort metric can have one or more thresholds. Thresholds 386 and 388 can limit the thermal comfort level 384 from exceeding thresholds 386 and 388. The system controller 350 can reduce the light level 364 caused by the lighting power metric P by increasing the level of the covering material 322 to meet the defined threshold 362. L 370 represents the electrical power, but due to the thresholds 386 and 388 defined for thermal comfort level 384, the system controller can prevent the lighting power measurement P from being used. L 370 represents the amount of electrical power reduced to the threshold 362 allowed by the lighting level 364.

[0109] System controller 350 can compensate for changes in thermal comfort level 384 by sending control commands to maintain the thermal comfort level within thresholds 386 and 388. For example, system controller 350 can send commands to temperature control device 330 to increase and / or decrease the temperature of load control environment 300, thereby maintaining thermal comfort level 384 within defined thresholds 386 and 388. Adjustments to the temperature of load control environment 300 may result in heating / cooling electricity consumption P. H / C 390 is added. System controller 350 can send commands to temperature control device 330 to increase and / or decrease the temperature of load control environment 300, as long as the heating / cooling power measurement P H / C 390 remains within the defined range of 392.

[0110] System controller 350 can increase the power consumption of one or more control target devices while reducing the total power consumption (e.g., total power metric P) being monitored in the load control environment 300 over a certain period of time. T For example, system controller 350 can send control commands to temperature control device 330 to increase and / or decrease heating / cooling electricity metric P. H / C390, and simultaneously measure the lighting power P L 370 reduces at least the amount of compensation.

[0111] System controller 350 can prioritize user 340's comfort over power consumption. System controller 350 can attempt to maintain comfort metrics at or within a predefined threshold range while keeping power metrics within a defined range. The defined range of power metrics can be adjusted based on comfort thresholds. For example, if the threshold 362 for lighting level 364 increases to a level that results in lighting power metric P... L If point 370 exceeds the power consumption range of 372, then the power consumption range of 372 can be increased. If thresholds 386 and 388 are adjusted to cause heating / cooling power consumption P for thermal comfort level 384, then... H / C If point 390 exceeds the power consumption range of 392, then the power consumption range of 392 can be increased.

[0112] The thresholds for comfort metrics and / or the ranges for power consumption metrics may differ for different users. For example... Figure 3A and Figure 3E As shown, the load control environment 300 can have different users 340, 342 (e.g., occupants). Users 340, 342 can be identified by identifiers, biometric information and / or other user identification technologies of the respective network devices 358, 359.

[0113] System controller 350 can control the load control environment based on user identifiers in the load control environment 300. For example, system controller 350 can store different thresholds and / or power consumption ranges for users 340 and 342. Figure 3E As shown, when user 342 is present, the threshold 362 of the lighting level 360 in the load control environment 300 may be higher. For user 342, the lighting power metric P... L The power consumption range of 370 is also greater than that of 372. Although in Figure 3E The system provides a threshold of 362 for lighting level 360 and a lighting power metric P. L The power consumption range of 370 is used as an example, but the thresholds for other comfort metrics and / or the power consumption ranges for other power metrics can be adjusted based on the presence of different users.

[0114] When multiple users are simultaneously in the load control environment 300, the system controller 350 can set thresholds and / or power consumption ranges based on one or more of the users. For example, the system controller 350 can average the thresholds and / or power consumption ranges for each user. The system controller 350 can also, or alternatively, assign a priority to one or more users over other users. The priority level can be based on the occupancy order in the load control environment 300 or can be a preset priority stored in the system controller 350 along with each user.

[0115] like Figure 3F As shown, when users 340 and 342 are identified in the load control environment 300, the system controller 350 can set the threshold 362 of the lighting level 360 to the average of the threshold stored for user 340 and the threshold stored for user 342. The system controller 350 can also set the lighting power metric P... L The power consumption range 372 of 370 is set to the average between the power consumption range stored for user 340 and the power consumption range stored for user 342. Although in Figure 3F The system provides a threshold of 362 for lighting level 360 and a lighting power metric P. L The power consumption range of 370 is used as an example, but the thresholds for other comfort metrics and / or the power consumption ranges for other power metrics can be adjusted based on the presence of multiple users.

[0116] Figure 3G An example is shown for controlling a target device in a load control environment 300 when the load control environment 300 is unoccupied. When the load control environment 300 is unoccupied, the system controller 350 can set thresholds and / or power consumption ranges according to the idle mode. The idle mode can act as a way for the system controller 350 to reduce the total power being monitored in the load control environment 300 (e.g., total power metric P). TThe system controller 350 can reduce the power consumption allowed by a threshold defined for the idle mode. The thresholds for the idle mode can be based on user-defined thresholds stored in the system controller 350. For example, the low threshold defined for the idle mode can be set to a minimum user threshold stored in the system controller 350, or a predefined distance below said minimum user threshold. The high threshold defined for the idle mode can be set to a maximum user threshold stored in the system controller 350, or a predefined distance above said maximum user threshold. Defining thresholds based on user-defined thresholds prevents the load control environment 300 from being too uncomfortable for the user when they enter the load control environment 300. In idle mode, the system controller 350 can ignore one or more thresholds or set them to null values. For example, the sunlight glare level can be ignored because it can be assumed that the user is not in the load control environment 300 in idle mode. When the user enters the load control environment, the system controller 350 can exit the idle mode and control the target device according to user-defined thresholds and / or power consumption ranges.

[0117] like Figure 3G As shown, during idle mode, the threshold 362 of lighting level 360 can be set to the minimum level. The threshold 362 of lighting level 360 allows the lighting power metric P to be used for measurement. L 370 represents the minimum level of electrical power reduction within the power consumption range 372 (e.g., minimum lighting intensity level). For thermal comfort level 384, the low threshold 386 can be reduced and / or the high threshold 388 can be increased to allow the power consumption P measured by heating / cooling. H / C 390 represents the minimum level of electrical power reduction within the power consumption range 392 (e.g., minimum on-time amount). The daylight glare threshold 382 can be set to the highest level to allow as much glare as possible to operate at the minimum power consumption level in the load control environment. The daylight glare threshold 382 can be maintained or ignored because the daylight glare level 380 may not affect occupants in unoccupied load control environments 300. Although Figure 3G Not shown, but thresholds for other comfort metrics can be similarly set to allow for reduced power consumption during idle mode.

[0118] System controller 350 can perform active learning based on defined comfort thresholds to adjust power consumption ranges in order to optimize power consumption in the load control environment. When the load control environment is unoccupied, active learning can be performed by system controller 350 to avoid distraction or discomfort for the occupant. System controller 350 can set thresholds for comfort metrics and control the load control device to reduce power consumption in the load control environment 300, thereby learning how the reduction in power consumption affects the comfort level.

[0119] like Figure 3H As shown, the system controller can set threshold 362 for lighting level 364, threshold 382 for daylight glare level 380, and / or thresholds 386 and 388 for thermal comfort level, and attempt to reduce the electrical power used by the control devices in the load control environment 300. The system controller 350 can further reduce the power consumption measured by lighting power P. L The electrical power represented by 370 is used to determine whether the lighting level 364, daylight glare level 380, and / or thermal comfort level 384 are within a predefined range of corresponding thresholds, reach the corresponding thresholds, or exceed the corresponding thresholds. For example, the system controller 350 can further reduce the lighting intensity level of the lighting control device 310, and thus reduce the amount of electricity measured by the lighting power P. L The electrical power represented by 370 is used to determine whether the lighting level 364 is within, reaches, or exceeds the predefined range of threshold 362. The system controller 350 can further reduce the setpoint temperature of the temperature control device 330, and thus reduce the amount of heating / cooling electricity measured by P. H / C The electrical force represented by 390 is used to determine whether the thermal comfort level 384 is within a predefined range of threshold 386, reaches threshold 386, or exceeds threshold 386. The system controller 350 can learn to operate the load control device at a lower electrical level while keeping the comfort metric within the corresponding threshold.

[0120] System controller 350 can operate the load control device such that comfort metrics approach (e.g., within a defined range) a corresponding threshold to allow at least a minimum comfort level while optimizing the power being used. Once the power level has been identified through an active learning process, the system controller can reduce the power consumption range of the power metric (e.g., reduce it to the current power represented by the power consumption metric) so that the load control device can operate at that lower power level. The threshold for each comfort metric can be set to a predefined level and / or a level associated with one or more users to optimize power consumption when the comfort metric is set to different values.

[0121] like Figure 3HAs shown, when not currently occupied, system controller 350 can consider whether to heat or cool the load control environment based on weather data indicating the external temperature and / or the amount of sunlight to be received at the load control environment within a predefined time period. When optimizing for power consumption, system controller 350 can analyze the current outdoor temperature and future weather data of the load control environment 300 to determine that the temperature of the load control environment 300 will increase by a defined amount over a certain time period. When such temperature changes occur due to outdoor temperature, the temperature increase can be stored based on past temperature changes measured in the load control environment 300, or the temperature increase can be estimated in other ways. Knowing that the temperature in the load control environment will increase based on future weather data, system controller 350 can operate near the thermal comfort threshold 386 of thermal comfort level 384 (e.g., within a predefined range) to save power measured by heating / cooling P. H / C 390 represents the electrical force.

[0122] Although a single load control environment 300 is identified as being monitored, the system controller 350 can monitor multiple load control environments. In determining whether to control a target device, the system controller 350 can determine the impact of a change in one load control environment on another. For example, if controlling one or more load control devices in one load control environment would cause comfort metrics to exceed defined thresholds, or power metrics to exceed defined ranges, then in another load control environment, the system controller 350 may not perform such control.

[0123] like Figure 3I As shown, system controller 350 can determine whether to adjust the lighting level by an appropriate amount in a load control environment by comparing an estimated change in electricity costs with an estimated change in comfort costs. Adjusting the lighting level may cause the comfort metric for the lighting level to change from comfort level 360 to comfort level 360a, resulting in a change in comfort costs. Adjusting the lighting level may cause the electricity metric for the lighting level to change from electricity consumption level 370 to electricity consumption level 370a, resulting in a change in electricity costs. Figure 3I As shown, a change in comfort metrics could be a decrease in comfort level from 360 to 360a. This decrease in comfort level from 360 to 360a can be interpreted as an increase in monetary value, indicating an increase in comfort costs. A change in electricity metrics could be a decrease in electricity consumption level from 370 to 370a. This decrease in electricity consumption level from 370 to 370a can be interpreted as a decrease in monetary value, indicating a decrease in electricity costs. The system controller 350 can determine that the increase in comfort costs outweighs the decrease in electricity costs and conclude that the lighting level should not be adjusted as previously determined. Figure 3I As shown, a reduction in power consumption level from 370 to 370a may be far less significant than a reduction in comfort level from 360 to 360a, which could translate into an increase in comfort costs exceeding a reduction in power costs. Adjustments to lighting levels, as previously determined, may result in a net loss. The system controller may determine not to adjust the lighting level and / or not to adjust the lighting level by the stated adjustment amount.

[0124] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 400 for system control. Method 400 can be used in load control environments (such as...) Figure 1 Method 400 is executed at one or more devices in the load control environment 100 shown in Figure 1 and / or the load control environment 300 shown in Figure 3. Method 400 may be executed on a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices. For example, method 400 or a portion thereof may be executed at system controllers 110, 350, network devices 164, 165, 358 and / or another control device.

[0125] Method 400 can begin at 402. At 404, a threshold can be defined for one or more comfort metrics. Comfort metrics can indicate different aspects of occupant comfort in a load-controlled environment, such as lighting levels, daylight glare levels, and / or thermal comfort levels. Comfort metrics can indicate occupant comfort levels based on comfort variables monitored in the load-controlled environment. A comfort metric threshold can be a cumulative threshold of multiple comfort metrics, or each comfort metric can have a separate threshold. A comfort metric threshold can be a minimum or maximum comfort level that can be satisfied based on comfort variables in the load-controlled environment. A comfort metric threshold can be a target comfort level. An attempt can be made to satisfy the target comfort level, but it may become unsatisfied within a predetermined time period and / or by a predefined amount. A comfort metric threshold can have both a target threshold and a minimum / maximum threshold.

[0126] At 406, a power consumption range can be defined for one or more power metrics. A power metric can indicate the form of power consumed based on power parameters that can be measured or monitored in a load control environment. The power consumption range can include the maximum power level that can be used in the load control environment and / or the target power level used by one or more load control devices in the load control environment. The minimum level of the power consumption range for a power metric can be set to zero as a default value, or set to another value for a minimum power consumption. The power consumption range can be a cumulative range of multiple power metrics, or each power metric can have a separate range. Load control devices can be operated to maintain the power level of a power metric within the range, or the power level set for the range can be a target that, for example, exceeds a predetermined time period and / or a predetermined amount. The range of a power metric can include both a target power level and a set power level.

[0127] At point 408, comfort variables and electrical parameters can be monitored. The monitored information can be sensed and / or measured. The sensed information can be obtained from occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, wireless window sensors, temperature controls, wearable wireless devices, and / or light sensors. The measured information can include the position of blackout curtains on one or more motorized windows, the electro-optical level of one or more lighting controls, and / or other load control status information measured from a load control device. The sensed and measured information can be real-time information, historical information, and / or predictive information related to the input.

[0128] At point 410, comfort metrics can be calculated based on monitored comfort variables. Comfort metrics can be recalculated after a certain period of time and / or after receiving feedback indicating a change in the comfort variables on which the comfort metrics are based. At point 410, power metrics can be calculated based on monitored electrical parameters. Power metrics can be recalculated after a certain period of time and / or after receiving feedback indicating a change in the electrical power being used by the load control system. Comfort metrics and / or power metrics can be recalculated after receiving feedback indicating a change in the state of a load control device (e.g., a load control device applicable to comfort or power metrics).

[0129] Comfort and / or power metrics can be estimates. For example, comfort metrics can be based on an initial common relationship between a preset predicted comfort metric and building metrics that may be related to the comfort metric (e.g., room conduction, room size, room shape, number of windows, etc.). Power metrics can also, or alternatively, be based on an initial common relationship between a preset predicted power metric and building metrics that may be related to the power metric (e.g., room conduction, room size, room shape, number of windows, etc.). The predicted comfort and / or predicted power metrics can be modified based on real-time information and / or occupant overriding. For example, the temperature constant can be modified to match the actual thermal changes in the load-controlled environment.

[0130] At 412, it can be determined whether a comfort metric is within a defined threshold. For example, the system controller can verify that each comfort metric in the comfort metrics meets the comfort threshold. If a comfort metric is outside the defined threshold, it can be identified at 414. At 416, one or more load control devices (e.g., control target devices) can be controlled to ensure that the defined threshold of the comfort metric is met. For example, if the minimum lighting level threshold is not met, the lighting intensity level of the lighting control device can be increased and / or the level of the blackout curtains on the motorized window can be increased to meet the minimum lighting level threshold.

[0131] If the comfort metric is determined to be within a defined threshold at 412, or if the load control device is controlled at 416 to meet the defined threshold, then at 418 it can be determined whether the power metric is within the defined power consumption range. If the power metric is outside the defined power consumption range, then the power metric can be identified at 420. At 422, it can be determined whether one or more load control devices can be executed within the power consumption range without exceeding one or more thresholds defined for the comfort metric. If control of the load control device can be executed within the power consumption range without exceeding one or more thresholds defined for the comfort metric, then control of the load control device can be executed within the power consumption range. At 424, one or more load control devices (e.g., controlling a target device) can be controlled to ensure that the power metric is within the defined power consumption range. For example, if the lighting power metric P... L Higher than the lighting power metric P L By defining the power consumption range, the lighting intensity level of one or more lighting control devices can be reduced, thus reducing the lighting power metric P. L Within the defined scope.

[0132] At point 426, it can be determined whether the power consumption metric can be reduced while maintaining the comfort threshold within a defined threshold. If the power consumption metric can be reduced at point 426 while maintaining the comfort threshold within a defined threshold, then at point 428, load control devices can be controlled to reduce power consumption. For example, at point 428, the lighting power consumption metric P can be reduced by lowering the lighting intensity level of one or more lighting control devices. L Reduce to within the defined power consumption range.

[0133] At 430, method 400 can determine whether to continue monitoring comfort variables and power parameters. If monitoring of comfort variables and power parameters continues, method 400 can return to 408. If monitoring of comfort variables and power parameters ceases, method 400 can terminate at 432.

[0134] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 500 for passively learning and adjusting thresholds for comfort metrics. Method 500 can be used in load control environments (such as...) Figure 1 Method 500 may be executed at one or more devices in the load control environment 100 shown in Figure 1 and / or the load control environment 300 shown in Figure 3. Method 500 may be executed on a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices. For example, method 500 or a portion thereof may be executed at system controllers 110, 350, network devices 164, 165, 358 and / or another control device.

[0135] Method 500 can begin at 502. At 504, comfort variables and power parameters can be monitored. At 506, a comfort metric can be calculated based on the monitored comfort variables. At 506, a power metric can also be calculated based on the monitored power parameters, or alternatively. At 508, a load control device can be controlled based on a defined comfort threshold, while reducing or maintaining the power metric based on a defined power consumption range. At 510, it can be determined whether user input to control the load control device has been received. A determination can be made at 510 within a predefined time period from the start of control of the load control device at 508 to identify whether a user is adjusting the electrical load in response to control executed at 508. User input can be received from various control devices (such as network devices or control source devices) to adjust the automatic control of the target device. If no user input is detected at 510, method 500 can proceed to 516 to determine whether to continue monitoring comfort variables and power parameters.

[0136] At point 512, it can be determined whether to enable adjustment for comfort variables based on user input. Adjustment can be enabled based on user preferences stored in the system controller. User preferences can be set by the user on the network device. If user adjustment is disabled, method 500 can proceed to 516 to determine whether to continue monitoring comfort variables and electrical parameters. If user adjustment is enabled at 512, at 514, one or more thresholds for comfort metrics can be adjusted based on received user input. For example, a user can adjust the covering material of a power window cover in response to automatic control of the power window cover to reduce the level of daylight glare in the load-controlled environment, and can adjust the threshold for the daylight glare level based on user input. A user can adjust the lighting intensity level of a lighting control device in response to automatic control of the lighting intensity level, and can adjust the threshold for the lighting level based on user input. A user can adjust the setpoint temperature of a temperature control device to increase or decrease the temperature in the load-controlled environment, and can adjust the threshold for the thermal comfort level based on user input. A user can adjust the covering material of a power window cover to allow more or less sunlight into the load-controlled environment, and can adjust the threshold for the lighting level based on user input.

[0137] Method 500 can proceed to 516 to determine whether to continue monitoring comfort variables and electrical parameters. If it is determined to continue monitoring comfort variables and electrical parameters, method 500 can return to 504. If it is determined to stop monitoring comfort variables and electrical parameters, the method can end at 518.

[0138] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 600 for actively learning and adjusting power consumption range. Method 600 can be used in load control environments (such as...) Figure 1 Method 600 is executed at one or more devices in the load control environment 100 shown in Figure 1 and / or the load control environment 300 shown in Figure 3. Method 600 may be executed on a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices. For example, method 600 or a portion thereof may be executed at system controllers 110, 350, network devices 164, 165, 358 and / or another control device.

[0139] Method 600 can begin at 602. At 604, comfort variables and power parameters can be monitored. At 606, a comfort metric can be calculated based on the monitored comfort variables. At 606, a power metric can also be calculated based on the monitored power parameters, or alternatively. At 608, load control devices can be controlled to reduce the power consumption indicated by the power metric. For example, the lighting intensity level on a lighting control device can be reduced and / or the setpoint temperature on a temperature control device can be increased or decreased (e.g., based on the time of year) to reduce the amount of time heating / cooling devices are on. At 610, it can be determined whether the comfort metric remains within a defined threshold after the power consumption reduction. The system controller can monitor comfort variables over a period of time to determine whether the power reduction causes the comfort metric to exceed the comfort threshold. Method 600 can be executed when the system controller is in an idle mode or the load control environment is otherwise unoccupied to avoid discomfort for the occupant.

[0140] If the comfort metric remains within the comfort threshold, the power metric P can be reduced. L A threshold for the power consumption range is set to allow for lower lighting intensity levels within the user's comfort range. For example, the power consumption metric P for lighting can be reduced. L A defined power consumption range is established to allow for lower lighting intensity levels within the user's comfort range. Method 600 can proceed to 614 to determine whether to continue monitoring comfort variables and power parameters. If it is determined to continue monitoring comfort variables and power parameters, method 600 can return to 604. If it is determined to stop monitoring comfort variables and power parameters, the method can terminate at 616.

[0141] Figure 7A This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 700 for performing control of a load control system. Method 700 can be used to adjust variables by an adjustment amount to reduce power consumption while keeping comfort metrics above comfort limits. Method 700 can be used in load control environments (such as...) Figure 1 Method 700 is executed at one or more devices in the load control environment 100 shown in Figure 1 and / or the load control environment 300 shown in Figure 3. Method 700 may be executed on a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices. For example, method 700 or a portion thereof may be executed at system controllers 110, 350, network devices 164, 165, 358 and / or another control device.

[0142] Building managers can monitor building operations and attempt to optimize building power consumption while maintaining occupant comfort. Building managers can quantify the total power consumption of various load control devices within the building. The power consumption of each load control device can be calculated as a power metric associated with that device. Building managers can quantify the level of comfort that occupants are experiencing and / or will experience. The level of comfort that occupants are experiencing and / or will experience can be calculated as a comfort metric associated with the load control devices. Building managers can use method 700A to control the operation of load control devices to maintain building comfort levels above certain comfort limits. Building managers can use method 700B to control the operation of load control devices to achieve net monetary gains.

[0143] Method 700A can begin at 702, and at 704, a comfort variable or electrical parameter can be determined for adjustment. The adjustment amount can also be determined for the comfort variable and / or electrical parameter. This determination can be made autonomously by monitoring the comfort variable and / or electrical parameter. The monitoring information can be sensed information and / or measured information. The sensed information can be obtained from occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, window sensors, temperature controls, wearable wireless devices, light sensors, and / or visible light sensors. The measured information can include the position of blackout curtains on one or more motorized window covers, the electro-optical level of one or more lighting controls, and / or other load control status information measured from a load control device. The sensed information and the measured information can be real-time information, historical information, and / or predictive information related to the input.

[0144] At point 706, changes in comfort metrics can be estimated for the identified comfort variables or power parameters. Comfort and / or power metrics can be calculated, for example, based on a model (e.g., a building model). The model can be constructed based on an initial common relationship between predicted comfort / power metrics and spatial area attributes (e.g., room conduction, room size, room shape, number of windows, etc.). The model may include one or more coefficients associated with the operation of load control devices in a load control environment. The model can enable control and / or continuous modification of the operation of one or more load control devices in a load control environment (e.g., a room, building, or area) to optimize power consumption and occupant comfort.

[0145] Comfort metrics and / or power metrics can be estimates. The correlation between comfort metrics and comfort variables can be used to estimate comfort metrics before and / or after adjustments. Examples of the correlation between comfort metrics and comfort variables can be found in... Figures 7C to 7EAs shown in the diagram, the correlation between comfort metrics and comfort variables can be modified. For example, the constant defining the correlation can be modified to match predicted changes in comfort metrics with actual changes in comfort metrics. For example, comfort metrics can be based on an initial common relationship between a preset predicted comfort metric and building metrics that may be related to the comfort metric (e.g., room conduction, room size, room shape, number of windows, etc.). The correlation between electrical metrics and electrical parameters can be used to estimate electrical metrics before and / or after adjustments. For example, the correlation between electrical metrics and electrical parameters can be based on practical data. The correlation between electrical metrics and electrical parameters can be modified. For example, the constant defining the correlation can be modified to match predicted changes in electrical metrics with actual changes in electrical metrics. Electrical metrics can also, or alternatively, be based on an initial common relationship between a preset predicted electrical metric and building metrics that may be related to the electrical metric (e.g., room conduction, room size, room shape, number of windows, etc.). Predicted comfort metrics and / or predicted electrical metrics can be modified based on real-time information and / or occupant over-control. For example, a temperature constant can be modified to match actual thermal changes in the load-controlled environment.

[0146] At point 708, it can be determined whether an estimated change in a comfort metric would cause the comfort metric to exceed a comfort limit. Power consumption can be optimized while maintaining comfort (e.g., occupant comfort) within a comfort range. For example, the comfort range can range from a minimum comfort metric level set for a comfort variable to a target comfort metric level set for the comfort variable. The comfort range can be a set range around the target level of a comfort metric for a comfort variable. The comfort range can include comfort limits (e.g., predetermined comfort limits). Comfort limits can include a predetermined minimum comfort metric level for a selected comfort variable. Comfort limits can include thresholds that can be defined for one or more comfort metrics. Comfort limits can be cumulative thresholds of multiple comfort metrics, or each comfort metric can have a separate threshold. The threshold of a comfort metric can be a minimum comfort level, which can be satisfied based on comfort variables in a load-controlled environment. The threshold of a comfort metric can be a target comfort level or a maximum comfort level, which can be satisfied based on comfort variables in a load-controlled environment.

[0147] Comfort limits can be set to regulate the manner and extent to which load control devices can be manipulated to optimize power consumption in the load-controlled environment. The system controller can adjust lighting intensity levels, window covering levels, and / or temperature levels to achieve these comfort limits. If an estimated change in the comfort metric would cause the comfort metric to exceed the comfort limit, the selected comfort variable may not be adjusted or the adjustment amount may be adjusted, and method 700 may proceed to end at 720. If an estimated change in the comfort metric does not cause the comfort metric to exceed the comfort limit, method 700 may continue at 710 to determine whether adjusting the selected comfort variable would reduce power consumption.

[0148] At point 710, it can be determined whether adjusting the power parameters will reduce power consumption. Power consumption ranges can be defined for one or more power metrics. Power consumption ranges can include the maximum power consumption level usable in the load control environment and / or the target power level used by one or more load control devices in the load control environment. The power consumption range can be a cumulative range of multiple power metrics, or each power metric can have a separate range. Load control devices can be operated to maintain the target power consumption level. The target power consumption level can be exceeded, for example, for a predetermined time period and / or a predetermined amount.

[0149] If adjusting the power parameters by an adjustment amount would reduce power consumption, then at 712 the comfort variable and / or power parameters can be adjusted by an adjustment amount. At 714, system operation can continue to be monitored to determine the actual change in power consumption and / or comfort metrics. Sensed and / or measured information can be monitored to calculate the actual reduction in power consumption resulting from adjusting the power parameters. The sensed and / or measured information can be used to calculate the actual change in comfort metrics caused by adjusting the comfort variable by an adjustment amount. If adjusting the power parameters by an adjustment amount does not reduce power consumption, then the selected power parameters may not be adjusted or the adjustment amount may not be adjusted, and method 700 can proceed to exit at 720.

[0150] At point 716, it can be determined whether the system operates according to the model. This determination may include whether power consumption has actually decreased, or whether an estimated change in power consumption has occurred. The actual change in the comfort metric caused by the adjustment amount of the comfort variable can be compared to the comfort limit, and it can be verified that the actual change in the comfort metric does not exceed the comfort limit. The actual change in the comfort metric caused by the adjustment amount of the comfort variable can be compared to the estimated change in the comfort metric to determine whether an estimated change in the comfort metric has occurred.

[0151] If it is determined that the system is not operating according to the model, the model (e.g., the model's coefficients) can be adjusted at 718. This determination may include one or more of the following: power consumption has not decreased, the estimated change in power consumption has not occurred, the actual change in the comfort metric caused by the adjustment of the variable exceeds the comfort limit, and / or the estimated change in the comfort metric has not occurred. If it is determined that the system is operating according to the model, method 700 may end at 720. For example, determining that the system is operating according to the model may include a decrease in power consumption and that the actual change in the comfort metric caused by the adjustment of the comfort variable does not exceed the comfort limit.

[0152] At point 718, the model can be adjusted (e.g., the model's coefficients can be adjusted). The model can be based on various coefficients and can include a set of equations related to electricity metrics and / or comfort metrics. The coefficients can be adjusted based on an initial common relationship between electricity metrics and electricity parameters. The coefficients can be adjusted based on an initial common relationship between comfort metrics and comfort variables. The coefficients can be associated with the preferences of the room or the occupants in the room. The occupants' preferences for the room's comfort level can be represented by a weighted factor associated with the room.

[0153] The model adaptation module can be used to track model accuracy and determine how coefficients affecting the model can be adjusted. Inputs to the model adaptation module can include information such as: comfort metrics, comfort variables, electricity metrics, electricity parameters, the number of comfort variables and / or electricity parameters, historical values ​​of model coefficients, spatial area-specific attributes of the building, and / or any one or more factors that may affect the operation of the model and / or system. The model adaptation module can receive and / or maintain a dataset (e.g., a database) of comfort metrics and corresponding comfort variable values. The model adaptation module can also receive and / or maintain a dataset (e.g., a database) of electricity metrics and corresponding electricity parameter values. Based on the datasets, the model adaptation module can derive model coefficients that define the correlation between comfort metrics and corresponding comfort variables, the correlation between electricity metric values ​​and corresponding electricity parameter values, the correlation between spatial area attributes of the building and electricity metric values, and / or other correlations that may affect the model.

[0154] The derivation of model coefficients can be calculated using linear or curve fitting techniques and / or other mathematical tools. An updated dataset can result in an updated set of coefficients for the model. For example, at 706, the estimated change in electricity metrics can be determined based on the first set of coefficients for the model. The actual change in electricity metrics resulting from the adjustment amount of the electricity parameter at 712 may differ from the estimated change in electricity metrics at 706. The actual electricity metrics corresponding to the adjusted electricity parameters and the adjusted electricity parameters can be added to the dataset, and the dataset can be updated. In one or more embodiments, at 706, the estimated change in comfort metrics can be determined based on the first set of coefficients for the model. The actual change in comfort metrics resulting from the adjustment amount of the comfort variable at 712 may differ from the estimated change in comfort metrics at 706. The actual comfort metrics corresponding to the adjusted comfort variables and the adjusted comfort variables can be added to the dataset, and the dataset can be updated. Based on the updated dataset, the model adaptation module can derive a second set of coefficients for the model. The model can be updated based on the second set of coefficients for the model.

[0155] Various events can trigger adjustments to the coefficients. For example, when the system controller determines that comfort variables and / or power consumption are not being achieved as expected, the system controller can determine adjustment coefficients. Coefficient adjustments can occur periodically (e.g., monthly) to maintain system operation updated based on events and / or spatial area attributes in the load control environment. The system controller may include a machine learning system for adjusting the coefficients. The machine learning system can generate warnings when a selected number of inaccurate predictions of comfort levels and / or power costs occur. Method 700 may end at 720.

[0156] Figure 7B This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 722 for performing control of a load control system. Method 722 can be used to compare comfort cost C COST and electricity cost P COST To adjust the variable adjustment amount. Method 722 can be used in load control environments (such as...) Figure 1 Method 722 may be executed at one or more devices in the load control environment 100 shown in Figure 1 and / or the load control environment 300 shown in Figure 3. Method 722 may be executed on a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices. For example, method 722 or a portion thereof may be executed at system controllers 110, 350, network devices 164, 165, 358 and / or another control device.

[0157] Method 722 can begin at 724, and at 726, a comfort variable or electrical parameter can be determined. Adjustment amounts can also be determined for the comfort variable or electrical parameter. This determination can be made autonomously by monitoring the comfort variable or electrical parameter. The monitoring information can be sensed information and / or measured information. The sensed information can be obtained from occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, wireless window sensors, temperature controls, wearable wireless devices, light sensors, and / or visible light sensors. The measured information can include the position of blackout curtains on one or more motorized window covers, the electro-optical level of one or more lighting controls, and / or other load control status information measured from a load control device. The sensed information and the measured information can be real-time information, historical information, and / or predictive information related to the input.

[0158] Automatic determination can be triggered by events. These events may cause sudden or gradual changes in the load-controlled environment. For example, when the sun begins to set and the external light level decreases, the comfort variables for lighting levels in the load-controlled environment can be adjusted to offset the decrease in external light levels. The amount of adjustment to the lighting level can be determined. Another example might be the end of a large meeting in a conference room. When the occupants of the conference room (e.g., the attendees of the meeting) leave, the occupant's temperature may change abruptly. The comfort variables for heating and cooling levels can be adjusted to keep the conference room temperature constant compared to the temperature before the attendees left the meeting. For example, as described herein, the amount of adjustment to the comfort variables for heating and cooling levels can be determined.

[0159] At point 728, the change in comfort measures for the identified comfort variables that may result from adjustments to the identified comfort variables can be estimated. At point 728, the change in the power measures of the identified power parameters that will result from adjustments to the power parameters can be estimated. Comfort measures and / or power measures can be calculated, for example, based on a model (e.g., a building model). The model can be constructed based on an initial common relationship between predicted comfort / power measures and spatial area attributes (e.g., room conduction, room size, room shape, number of windows, etc.). The correlation between power measures and power parameters can be used to estimate power measures before and / or after adjustments. The correlation between comfort measures and comfort variables can be used to estimate comfort measures before and / or after adjustments. Figures 7C to 7EThe documentation provides examples of the correlation between comfort metrics and comfort variables. The correlation between comfort metrics and comfort variables can be modified. For example, the constant defining the correlation can be modified to match predicted changes in comfort metrics with actual changes in comfort metrics. Predicted comfort metrics and / or predicted power metrics can be modified based on real-time information and / or occupant overclocking. For example, the temperature constant can be modified to match actual thermal changes in the load-controlled environment.

[0160] At point 730, it can be determined whether adjusting comfort variables or electrical parameters will result in a loss of comfort. This determination at point 730 can be based on estimated changes in comfort metrics. The loss of comfort can be assessed using comfort level C. R The level is indicated by a decrease in comfort rating C. R Comfort can be determined based on comfort measures of various comfort variables. Comfort measures may include lighting comfort measure C. L Heating / cooling comfort measurement C H / C and sunlight glare comfort measure C DGP Comfort measures can use the same units (e.g., percentages). Comfort measures can be based on a predetermined relationship between comfort measures and comfort variables (e.g., ...). Figure 7C , Figure 7D and Figure 7E The relationship shown in the diagram is used to determine the comfort level C. R It can be calculated by taking the average of comfort metrics, for example,

[0161] C R =(C L ·C H / C ·C DGP (Equation 4)

[0162] In addition, comfort level C R It can be calculated by multiplying by a comfort metric, for example,

[0163] C R =C L ·C H / C ·C DGP (Equation 5)

[0164] If it is determined that adjusting the comfort variable or power parameter will result in a loss of occupant comfort, then method 722 may proceed to 732 to determine whether adjusting the comfort variable or power parameter will result in a decrease in power consumption. If it is determined that adjusting the comfort variable or power parameter will not result in a loss of occupant comfort (e.g., a gain in comfort or no change in comfort), then method 722 may proceed to 736 to determine whether adjusting the comfort variable or power parameter will result in an increase in power consumption.

[0165] At point 732, it is possible to determine, based on estimated power metrics, whether adjusting comfort variables or power parameters will lead to a reduction in power consumption. The reduction in power consumption can be measured using power level P. R The decrease is indicated by the power level P. An increase in power consumption can be indicated by the power level P. R The increase is used to indicate the power level P. R It can be determined based on power measurements of various electrical parameters. Power measurements can include lighting power measurements P. L Heating / cooling electricity measurement P H / C Furthermore, it can determine the solar glare probability power metric P. DGP Electricity measurements (including lighting electricity measurements P) L Heating / heating electricity measurement P H / C And the probability of solar glare, a power metric P DGP The same units (e.g., joules) can be used. For example, the lighting power metric P can be expressed at 732. L And heating / cooling electricity measurement P H / C Add them together to calculate the power level P R ,For example,

[0166] P R =P L +P H / C (Equation 6)

[0167] Solar glare probability power metric P DGP And / or other power metrics with relatively low impact can be excluded from Equation 6 because the power metric P for solar glare probability DGP And / or other electricity metrics with relatively low impact, such as lighting electricity metrics P L Or heating / cooling electricity measurement P H / C The relative minimum is likely. If it is determined that adjusting the comfort variable or power parameter will result in a reduction in power consumption, then method 722 can proceed to 734 to determine whether the loss of comfort outweighs the reduction in power consumption.

[0168] At point 734, it can be determined whether the loss of comfort exceeds the reduction in power consumption. This determination can be made by comparing the calculated loss of comfort with the calculated reduction in power consumption. If it is determined that the calculated loss of comfort exceeds the calculated reduction in power consumption (e.g., including whether the calculated loss of comfort is equal to the determined reduction in power consumption) or the loss of comfort causes the comfort level to fall below a comfort threshold, then method 722 can end at point 748. If the calculated loss of comfort does not exceed the determined reduction in power consumption, then method 722 can continue to adjust the variable by an adjustment amount at point 740.

[0169] At point 736, it can be determined whether adjusting the comfort variable or the power parameter will lead to an increase in power consumption. If it is determined that adjusting the comfort variable or the power parameter will lead to an increase in power consumption, then method 722 can proceed to 738 to determine whether the increase in power consumption exceeds the comfort gain.

[0170] At point 738, it can be determined whether the increase in power consumption exceeds the comfort gain. This determination can be made by comparing the calculated comfort gain with the determined increase in power consumption. If it is determined that the estimated increase in power consumption exceeds the calculated comfort gain (e.g., including whether the estimated increase in power consumption is equal to the calculated comfort gain), or if the estimated increase in power consumption causes power consumption to exceed a power threshold, then method 722 can terminate at point 748. If it is determined that the estimated increase in power consumption does not exceed the calculated comfort gain, then method 722 can continue to adjust the variable by an adjustment amount at point 740.

[0171] At point 740, the adjustment amount for comfort variables and / or power parameters can be adjusted. At point 742, system operation can continue to be monitored to determine actual changes in power consumption and / or comfort metrics. Sensed and / or measured information can be monitored to calculate the actual reduction in power consumption resulting from the adjustment amount for power parameters. The measured information may include user input indicating occupant comfort. Sensed and / or measured information can be monitored to calculate the actual change in comfort metrics resulting from the adjustment amount for comfort variables. The sensed information may be obtained from one or more sensors, such as one or more of an occupancy sensor, a daylight sensor, a wireless window sensor, a temperature control device, a wearable wireless device, or a light sensor.

[0172] At point 744, it can be determined whether the system is operating according to the model. A decision can be made regarding whether the estimated change in electricity consumption and / or the estimated change in comfort metrics have actually occurred. For example, the actual change in electricity consumption can be calculated and compared to the estimated change in electricity consumption (e.g., as determined herein). The actual change in comfort metrics can be calculated and compared to the estimated change in comfort metrics (e.g., as determined herein). If it is determined that the system is not operating according to the model, the model can be adjusted at point 746 (e.g., adjusting the model coefficients). Determining whether the system is operating according to the model can include determining whether electricity consumption has actually decreased, whether the estimated change in electricity consumption has actually occurred, whether the actual change in comfort metrics due to the adjustment amount exceeds comfort limits, whether the estimated change in comfort metrics has actually occurred, and / or whether the actual change in electricity costs matches the estimated change in electricity costs.

[0173] If it is determined that the system is not operating according to the model, the model can be adjusted at 746 (e.g., adjusting the model's coefficients). The model can be based on various coefficients and includes a set of equations related to electricity metrics and / or comfort metrics. The coefficients can be adjusted based on an initial common relationship between electricity metrics and electricity parameters. The coefficients can be adjusted based on an initial common relationship between comfort metrics and comfort variables. The model adaptation module can be used to determine how the coefficients can be adjusted (e.g., as...). Figure 7A (As described in the text). If it is determined that the system operates according to the model, then method 722 can end at 748.

[0174] Figures 7C to 7E An example of the correlation between comfort measures and comfort variables is shown. Correlation can be used to determine the value of a comfort measure for a selected value of a comfort variable. For example, correlation can be used to calculate the change in a comfort measure for a comfort variable that might result from adjustments to an identified comfort variable. Correlation can represent changes in an occupant's comfort level as room temperature increases or decreases, as lighting levels increase or decrease, or as an occupant experiences a higher probability of daylight glare.

[0175] Figure 7C It is a measure of heating / cooling comfort, C. H / C Example of the predetermined correlation 750 between 768 and the predicted mean voter (PMV) 770. Figure 7D C is a measure of sunlight glare comfort. DGP Example of the predetermined correlation 772 between 774 and the probability of sunlight glare (DGP) 776. Figure 7E C is a measure of lighting comfort. L Example of the pre-defined correlation 788 between 790 and lighting level 792.

[0176] exist Figure 7C In China, heating / cooling comfort is measured by C. H / C The predetermined correlation 750 between 768 and the predicted mean voting index (PMV) 770 can be represented by the heating-cooling comfort curve 754. The heating-cooling comfort curve 754 can be the heating / cooling comfort measure C under various values ​​of the predicted mean voting index 770. H / C A set of values ​​for 768. Heating / cooling comfort metric C. H / C768 represents the level of comfort resulting from the temperature in a load-controlled environment. The predicted mean voting metric 770 represents the average response of a group of people to a specific temperature in a load-controlled environment. For example, the predicted mean voting metric 770 can vary from -3 to +3, where -3 could correspond to a cold low temperature that causes occupants to feel uncomfortable, and +3 could correspond to a hot high temperature that causes occupants to feel uncomfortable. The midpoint of the predicted mean voting metric 770 being zero can represent the optimal temperature that provides maximum comfort to occupants.

[0177] refer to Figure 7C The heating / cooling comfort curve 754 can be a bell-shaped curve, having a minimum value 762 at the first low comfort predicted mean voting index value 756 and the second low comfort predicted mean voting index value 760, and a maximum value 752 at the high comfort predicted mean voting index value 758 (e.g., the midpoint between the low comfort predicted mean voting index values ​​756 and 760). The maximum value 752 can represent the highest heating / cooling comfort metric. For example, when the heating / cooling comfort metric C... H / C When the value of the predicted mean voting index reaches a maximum of 752, one or more occupants in the load-controlled environment may experience the highest level of heating / cooling comfort in the load-controlled environment. When the value of the predicted mean voting index is at low comfort levels (756 and 760), the heating / cooling comfort metric C... H / C 768 may be close to the minimum value of 762. For example, when heating / cooling comfort is measured by C... H / C When 768 reaches its minimum value of 762, one or more occupants in the load-controlled environment may experience the lowest level of comfort associated with the heating / cooling level in the load-controlled environment. The heating / cooling comfort metric C is defined as follows: when the value of the predicted mean voting index is between the low comfort predicted mean voting index value of 756 and the high comfort predicted mean voting index value of 758. H / C 768 can vary between a minimum of 762 and a maximum of 752.

[0178] Heating / cooling comfort measurement C H / C 768 can be a percentage value. Percentage values ​​can facilitate the measurement of heating / cooling comfort (C). H / C 768 and other comfort measures such as those in Equations 4 and / or 5 (e.g., sunlight glare comfort measure C) DGP 774 and Lighting Comfort Measure C L A combination of 790). In one or more of the embodiments, the percentage may represent a numerical percentage of the maximum value 752. For example, if the peak value 752 is 100%, then the heating / cooling comfort measure C on the heating-cooling comfort curve 754 is... H / CThe median value of 764 can be 60%, such as Figure 7C As shown. Heating / cooling comfort measure C H / C The 60% median value of 764 can be represented as 40% different from the maximum value of 752.

[0179] exist Figure 7D In China, the solar glare comfort measure C DGP The predetermined correlation 772 between 774 and the probability of sunlight glare (DGP) 776 can be represented by the sunlight glare comfort curve 782. The sunlight glare comfort curve 782 can be the sunlight glare comfort measure C under various values ​​of the probability of sunlight glare 776. DGP A set of values ​​for 774. Sunlight glare comfort measure C. DGP 774 represents the comfort level associated with sunlight glare. The sunlight glare probability 776 represents the probability level that sunlight glare may lead to a decrease in the comfort of an occupant in a load-controlled environment. As the value of the sunlight glare probability 776 increases, the room is more likely to experience sunlight glare, and the occupant may experience more sunlight glare. According to the sunlight glare comfort curve 782, even if the room becomes more likely to be exposed to sunlight glare, the occupant will hardly feel discomfort from sunlight glare until the value of the sunlight glare probability 776 reaches a threshold. In other words, the occupant can have a predefined tolerance for sunlight glare. As the sunlight glare probability 776 increases beyond the threshold, the occupant may experience an exponential decrease in comfort level due to sunlight glare. For example, the sunlight glare probability 776 can increase from zero to 10% without causing discomfort to the occupant. When the sunlight glare probability 776 becomes greater than 10%, the discomfort experienced by the occupant due to the increase in the sunlight glare probability 776 is more likely to increase exponentially.

[0180] When the probability of sunlight glare 776 is between zero and the intermediate value 778, the sunlight glare comfort curve 782 can have a maximum value of 784. From the transition value 778 to the maximum value 780, the sunlight glare comfort curve 782 can decrease, and the sunlight glare comfort metric C at the maximum value... DGP 774 equals zero. The maximum value of 784 can represent the highest value of the sunlight glare comfort metric. For example, the sunlight glare comfort metric C represents the minimum amount of sunlight glare experienced by an occupant in a load-controlled environment. DGP 774 may be at its maximum value of 784. When the probability of sunlight glare 776 is higher than the median value of 778, the sunlight glare comfort measure C... DGP 774 can approach the lower limit of zero when the probability of sunlight glare reaches its maximum of 780 at 776. For example, the sunlight glare comfort measure C is defined as the amount of sunlight glare an occupant in a load-controlled environment experiences when they experience the maximum amount of sunlight they can tolerate in that environment. DGP774 may be zero. When the probability of sunlight glare 776 is between the median 778 and the maximum 780, the sunlight glare comfort measure C... DGP 774 can be between zero and the maximum value of 784.

[0181] Sunlight glare comfort measure C DGP 774 can be expressed as a percentage (e.g., in relation to heating / cooling comfort metric C). H / C (768 for the same reason). This percentage can represent a numerical percentage of the maximum value 784. For example, if the maximum value 784 is 100%, then the sunlight glare comfort measure C on the sunlight glare comfort curve 782 is... DGP The median value 786 can be 60%, such as Figure 7D As shown. Sunlight glare comfort measure C DGP The 60% median value 786 can be represented as a difference of 40% from the maximum value 784.

[0182] exist Figure 7E In China, lighting comfort is measured by C. L The predetermined correlation 788 between lighting level 790 and lighting level 792 can be represented by the lighting comfort curve 798. The lighting comfort curve 798 can be a lighting comfort metric C. L 790 is a set of values ​​for various lighting levels 792. A measure of lighting comfort. CL 790 represents the comfort level resulting from the amount of light in a load-controlled environment. Illumination level 792 can correspond to the amount of light in a load-controlled environment. The unit for illumination level 792 can be foot-candles.

[0183] When the lighting level is between the first lighting level 794 and the second lighting level 796, the lighting comfort curve 798 can increase from zero to a maximum value of 195 (e.g., 100%). The lighting comfort curve 798 can maintain its maximum value of 795 above the second lighting level 796. When the lighting level is at the second lighting level 796, the lighting comfort metric C... L 790 can be at its maximum value of 795. The maximum value of 795 can represent the lighting comfort metric C. L The maximum value. For example, the lighting comfort metric C is the lighting comfort measure when an occupant in a load-controlled environment experiences maximum lighting comfort. L 790 can be at its maximum value of 795. When the lighting level is between the first value of 794 and the second value of 796, the lighting comfort measure C... L 790 can be in the range between a lower limit of zero and a maximum value of 795. For example, the lighting comfort metric C is defined as the lighting comfort level experienced by an occupant in a load-controlled environment when they feel the least amount of lighting comfort. L790 can be zero. When the lighting level is between the first value 794 and the second value 796, the lighting comfort measure C... L 790 can be between zero and the maximum value of 795.

[0184] Lighting comfort measure C L 790 can be expressed as a percentage (e.g., in relation to heating / cooling comfort measures C). H / C 768 and the C-measure of Sunlight Glare Comfort DGP (Same reason as 774). This percentage can represent a numerical percentage of the maximum value 795. For example, if the maximum value 795 is 100%, then the lighting comfort measure C on the lighting comfort curve 782 is... L The median value of 790, 799, can be 60% C. L ,like Figure 7E As shown. Lighting comfort metric C L The 60% median value of 799 can be represented as a difference of 40% from the maximum value of 795.

[0185] Comfort level C R It can be based on the lighting comfort metric C L 790. Sunlight glare comfort measure C DGP 774 and heating / cooling comfort measure C H / C The combination of 768 is used for calculation (e.g., using Equations 4 and / or 5). Comfort Level C R It can be converted into comfort cost C COST and electricity cost P COST Compare. Electricity cost P COST From the power level P R This power rating is derived from the lighting level P. L Electricity consumption and heating / cooling level P H / C The electricity metric is used to calculate (e.g., using Equation 6).

[0186] Lighting power measurement P L The power used by the lighting control device 130 can be determined based on the lighting intensity level (e.g., electro-optical level) of the lighting control device 130 and / or the amount of time that the lighting control device 130 provides lighting or is expected to provide lighting at the lighting intensity level.

[0187] Various elements in the load control environment can affect lighting power metric P LThese elements may include the level of the covering material used for the electric window cover 140 and / or the level of daylight glare within the glass state and / or load-controlled environment. For example, a higher level of covering material may allow additional light into the load-controlled environment and thus reduce the lighting intensity of the lighting controls (e.g., the lighting intensity required to maintain a certain comfort level in the load-controlled environment).

[0188] For example, a system controller (e.g., 110) can control and / or adjust components within the load control environment to reduce the power consumption of the lighting control unit, thereby reducing the lighting power metric P. L The system controller 110 can increase the level of the covering material used for the electric window cover 140 and decrease the dimming level of the lighting control device 130, while maintaining a comfortable lighting level as allowed by a threshold set for the occupant's lighting level.

[0189] Heating / cooling electricity measurement P H / C The amount of electricity used or expected to be used by the heating / cooling unit 170 can be determined based on this. The amount of electricity used by the heating / cooling unit 170 may depend on the heat load H. L Thermal load H L It can be a positive or negative value. Equation 2 can be used to determine the heating / cooling electricity metric P. H / C Example. Thermal load H in load control environment 100. L It can include one or more of the following forms of heat: conductive heat, radiative heat, convective heat, mass transfer heat, and / or other forms. Heat load H L The effect of the electrical power used by the heating / cooling unit 170 can be seen in the heating / cooling constant C. H / C This is obtained from, for example, the heating / cooling constant C. H / C The value can depend on H L The extent to which the amount of electricity used by the heating / cooling unit 170 is affected. Heating / cooling constant C. H / C It can be changed based on the operating mode of the HVAC system (e.g., heating mode, cooling mode, and / or a combination of heating / cooling modes).

[0190] Heating / cooling constant C H / C The heating / cooling electricity consumption P can be measured. H / C To estimate and / or learn. As discussed in this paper, the thermal load H L It can be determined by calculating conductive heat, radiant heat, solar heat, plug / appliance heat, occupant heat, and / or other heat sources. Heating / cooling electricity metric P H / C The amount of electricity used or expected to be used by the heating / cooling unit 170 can be determined. Heating / cooling electricity measurement P H / C The heat load H can be used Land heating / cooling constant C H / C To calculate, for example,

[0191] P H / C =C H / C ·H L (Equation 7)

[0192] The electrical power used by the heating / cooling unit 170 may depend on the amount of time the heating / cooling unit is on relative to the amount of time it is off (e.g., the duty cycle of the heating / cooling operation of the unit), or it may be predicted to be on. Heating / cooling constant C H / C It can be based on heating / cooling electricity measurement P H / C and thermal load H L Equation 7 is used for learning. For example, the operation of the heating / cooling unit 170 can be monitored, and the coefficients can be updated based on the operation of the heating / cooling unit 170. Heating / cooling constant C H / C It can be adjusted based on changes in the load control environment 100.

[0193] Thermal load H in load control environment 100 L This can include conductive heat contributed by various sources both inside and outside the load control environment 100. The heat load contributed by conduction, H... L It can be transmitted through various media. For example, the heat load H contributed by conduction. L It can transfer heat to the heat load H through one or more of the following: air, windows, walls, etc. L Contributing sources may include sources that are hotter or colder than objects inside and / or outside the load control environment 100. For example, a load control device within the load control environment 100 may conduct heat to the thermal load H. L Make a contribution.

[0194] Conductive heat can be determined by the temperature difference between heat sources inside and / or outside the load-controlled environment 100. Conductive heat gain / loss H COND It can be based on the external temperature T out Internal temperature T in and thermal conductivity constant C c To calculate, for example,

[0195] H COND =C c ·(T out -T in (Equation 8)

[0196] external temperature T out It can be determined by an external temperature sensor or via a weather link or database. Internal temperature T inIt can be determined by an indoor temperature sensor or thermostat. For example, the indoor temperature T... in and / or external temperature T out It can be measured by temperature control device 166. External temperature T out It can also be determined based on weather data received by the system controller 110 via the network. The thermal conductivity constant C c It can be estimated based on the load control environment and / or the properties of the glass. For example, the thermal conductivity constant C c It can be a function of various space / region-specific properties (such as the position of blackout curtains, the state of electrochromic glass, etc.). The thermal conductivity constant C c Learning can be achieved by modifying the position and glass properties of the blackout curtain and monitoring the responses of associated sensors. The thermal conductivity constant C... c It can be stored in the system controller 110 to determine the heat transfer gain / loss.

[0197] Thermal load H in load control environment 100 L This can include radiant heat contributed by various radiant heat sources inside and outside the load control environment 100. For example, radiant heat can be used to control the heat load H. L Contributing heat sources may include the sun and / or load control devices within the load control environment 100.

[0198] Radiant heat can be determined by measuring illuminance from various emitting heat sources. For example, illuminance from the sun (e.g., solar heat) can be determined based on measurements obtained from the wireless window sensor 157. Solar heat can be determined from illuminance sensors (e.g., photovoltaic cell 169, solar sensor 156, etc.). It can be based on the solar heat E and the radiative heat constant C in the load control environment 100. r To calculate the radiative heat gain / loss H RAD ,For example,

[0199] H RAD =C r E. (Equation 9)

[0200] Solar heat E can be determined based on measurements obtained from the radio window sensor 157. Solar heat E can also be determined by an illuminance sensor (e.g., light sensor 169, sunlight sensor 156, etc.). Radiation thermal constant C r It can be estimated based on the load control environment and / or the properties of the glass, which can be stored in the system controller 110. For example, the radiative thermal constant C r It can be a function of various space / region-specific properties (such as the position of blackout curtains, the state of electrochromic glass, etc.). Radiation thermal constant C r Learning can be achieved by modifying the position and glass properties of the blackout curtain and monitoring the responses of associated sensors. The radiative thermal constant C... rIt can be stored in the system controller 110 to determine the radiative heat gain / loss.

[0201] Thermal load H in load control environment 100 L Occupant heat can be included. System controller 110 can count the number of occupancy commands and / or vacancy commands received within a certain time period to quantify occupant heat in the space. A predefined amount of heat output can be assigned to each occupant. If more occupancy commands are received within a predefined time period, the occupant heat can increase by the defined amount. For example, a predefined number of occupancy commands received within a predefined time period may cause the temperature in the load control environment to rise by one degree.

[0202] Occupant heat can be determined based on occupant activity within the load-controlled environment. Radiant heat gain / loss H OCC It can be based on the occupant activity level A and the occupant thermal constant C in the load control environment 100. o To calculate, for example,

[0203] H OCC =C o A. (Equation 10)

[0204] Occupant activity level A can be indicated by the number of occupancy and / or vacancy messages received from occupancy sensor 154. The more occupant activity, the higher the relative occupant heat. Occupant activity level A can be determined by an occupant activity sensor. The occupancy activity sensor can provide a binary response to an occupancy status (e.g., vacancy or occupancy). The occupancy activity sensor may include quantifying all detected movement of devices within load control environment 100. The number of occupants can also be determined by the number of wearable control devices 167 and / or network devices 165 detected in load control environment 100. Occupant heat can also be measured, or alternatively, by a temperature sensor on wearable control device 167. Occupant thermal constant C o It can be estimated based on one or more of the following: space type, typical occupant activity, or load. Occupant thermal constant C o Learning can be achieved by monitoring temperature changes and reading responses from occupant activity sensors.

[0205] Photothermal energy can be calculated based on the light power used by the lighting control device 130 to illuminate the lighting load 132. Photothermal energy can fluctuate with the lighting intensity level set for each lighting control device 130. Photothermal energy can be based on the photothermal constant C. LH The photothermal constant is based on the efficiency of the lighting heat leaving the luminaire and appearing in the load-controlled environment. Photothermal constant C LHThe photothermal constant can be estimated and / or learned by modifying the optical power and monitoring the associated sensor response. For example, the photothermal constant can be varied based on the color (e.g., color temperature) of the illumination load 132. Photothermal constant C LH This information can be stored in the system controller 110 to determine radiative thermal gain / loss. Optical power can be measured or estimated based on the light level in the load control environment.

[0206] Plug / appliance heat can be calculated based on the occupancy or vacancy of the load control environment 100, and the estimated usage of the plug or appliance when the load control environment is occupied and vacant. Plug / appliance heat can also be calculated based on the plug / appliance constant C. P / A Plug / Appliance Constant C P / A It can be measured or learned, and can be based on the additional heat generated from plugs, appliances, and / or devices when the load control environment is occupied. Plug / Appliance Constant C P / A It can be measured or learned, and can be a baseline level of heat generated from plugs, appliances, and / or devices when the load control environment is empty. Plug / Appliance Constant C P / A This can vary over time (e.g., depending on the time of day). For example, some plug-in loads (e.g., such as computers, monitors, printers, etc.) are unlikely to be used at night. Plug / Electrical Constant C P / A It can be stored in the system controller 110 for determining plug and / or appliance heat.

[0207] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of an exemplary system controller 800, which can be deployed as follows: Figure 1 The system controller 110 of the load control environment 100 and / or the system controller 350 of the load control environment 300 are shown. The system controller 800 may include control circuitry 810, which may include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing device. Control circuitry 810 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or any other functions that enable system controller 800 to perform as described herein. System controller 800 may include network communication circuitry 812, which may be coupled to a network connector 814 (e.g., an Ethernet jack), which may be adapted to connect to a wired digital communication link (e.g., an Ethernet communication link) to allow control circuitry 810 to communicate with network devices on a network or the Internet. Network communication circuitry 812 may be configured to wirelessly connect to a network using a first wireless communication protocol to transmit and / or receive RF signals.

[0208] System controller 800 may include wireless communication circuitry 816, for example, including an RF transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. Wireless communication circuitry 816 may communicate using a second wireless communication protocol. Control circuitry 810 may be coupled to wireless communication circuitry 816 for transmitting digital messages, for example via RF signals, to control load control devices in a load control environment in response to received digital messages. Control circuitry 810 may be configured to receive digital messages, for example, from load control devices and / or input devices.

[0209] Control circuitry 810 may respond to actuator 820 for receiving user input. For example, control circuitry 810 may be configured to associate system controller 800 with one or more control devices in response to actuation of actuator 820 during the configuration process of a load control system. System controller 800 may include additional actuators that control circuitry 810 may respond to.

[0210] Control circuitry 810 may store information in and / or retrieve information from memory 818. Memory 818 may include non-removable memory and / or removable memory for storing computer-readable media. Non-removable memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, and / or any other type of non-removable memory storage device. Removable memory may include a user identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, memory card (e.g., a digital camera memory card), and / or any other type of removable memory. Control circuitry 810 may access memory 818 to obtain executable instructions and / or other information that can be used by system controller 800. Control circuitry 810 may store thresholds for comfort metrics and / or power consumption ranges for power metrics in memory 818. Control circuitry 810 may access instructions in memory 818 for controlling the control device based on the thresholds for comfort metrics and / or the power consumption ranges for power metrics, as described herein.

[0211] Control circuitry 810 can illuminate visual indicator 822 to provide feedback to the user of the load control system. For example, control circuitry 810 can cause visual indicator 822 to flash or strobe to indicate a fault condition. Control circuitry 810 can be configured to illuminate visual indicator 822 with different colors to indicate different conditions or states of system controller 800. Visual indicator 822 can be illuminated by, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). System controller 800 may include more than one visual indicator.

[0212] System controller 800 may include power supply 824 for generating DC power supply voltage V CCThis is to power control circuitry 810, network communication circuitry 812, wireless communication circuitry 816, memory 818, visual indicator 822, and / or other circuitry of system controller 800. Power supply 824 may be coupled to power connector 826 (e.g., USB port) for receiving power supply voltage (e.g., DC voltage) and / or for drawing current from an external power source.

[0213] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary network device 900. For example, network device 900 may be a personal computer (e.g., personal computer 164), a server, a laptop, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a control source device (e.g., an input device), and / or other suitable network communication device (e.g., a device supporting the Internet Protocol). Network device 900 can perform... Figure 1 The personal computer 164 shown in Figure 2 and the network device 264 shown in Figure 2 are also mentioned. Figures 3A to 3I The functions of the network device 358 shown, and / or the functions of the network devices described herein.

[0214] Network device 900 may include control circuitry 902, which may include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing device. Control circuitry 902 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, image processing, input / output processing, and / or any other functions that enable network device 900 to perform as described herein.

[0215] Control circuitry 902 can store information in memory 908 and / or retrieve information from memory. Memory 908 may include non-removable memory and / or removable memory for storing computer-readable media. Non-removable memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, and / or any other type of non-removable memory storage device. Removable memory may include a user identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, memory card (e.g., digital camera memory card), and / or any other type of removable memory. Control circuitry 902 can access memory 908 to obtain executable instructions and / or other information that can be used by network device 900. Control circuitry 902 can access instructions in memory 908 for receiving, storing, displaying, and / or transmitting information.

[0216] Network device 900 may include network communication circuitry 904, which may be adapted to perform wired and / or wireless communication on behalf of network device 900. Network communication circuitry 904 may be wireless communication circuitry, for example, including an RF transceiver coupled to antenna 912 for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. For example, control circuitry 902 may be coupled to network communication circuitry 904 for transmitting and / or receiving digital messages via RF signals.

[0217] The network device may include actuator 906. Control circuitry 902 may receive user input in response to actuator 906. For example, control circuitry 902 may be configured to receive button presses from a user on network device 900 for selection or execution of other functions on network device 900.

[0218] The network device may include a display 910. Control circuitry 902 may communicate with the display 910 to display information to a user. Communication between the display 910 and control circuitry 902 may be bidirectional, as the display 910 may include a touchscreen module capable of receiving information from the user and providing such information to control circuitry 902.

[0219] Network device 900 may include power supply 914 for generating DC power supply voltage V CC This is to power the control circuitry 902, network communication circuitry 904, memory 908, display 910, and / or other circuitry of the network device 900. The power supply 914 can be a battery or another power source for the network device 900.

[0220] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary load control device 1000. For example, the load control device 1000 may be a control target device. The load control device 1000 may be a dimmer switch, an electronic switch, an electronic ballast for a lamp, an LED driver for an LED light source, a plug-in load control device, a temperature control device (e.g., a thermostat), a motor drive unit for power window covers, or other load control devices. The load control device 1000 may include communication circuitry 1002. Communication circuitry 1002 may include a receiver, an RF transceiver, or other communication modules capable of performing wired and / or wireless communication. Wireless communication may be performed via antenna 1016.

[0221] The communication circuit 1002 can communicate with the control circuit 1004. The control circuit 1004 may include one or more general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, conventional processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, integrated circuits, programmable logic devices (PLDs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The control circuit 1004 can perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or enable the load control device 1000 to perform any other functions as described herein.

[0222] Control circuit 1004 can store information in memory 1006 and / or retrieve information from memory. For example, memory 1006 can maintain executable instructions for controlling load control device 1000 via control circuit 1004. Memory 1006 may include non-removable memory and / or removable memory. Load control circuit 1008 can receive instructions from control circuit 1004 and can control electrical load 1010 based on the received instructions. Load control circuit 1008 can receive power via hot connection 1012 and neutral connection 1014 and can supply a certain amount of power to electrical load 1010. Electrical load 1010 can include any type of electrical load.

[0223] Although features and elements are described herein in specific combinations, each feature or element may be used alone or in any combination with other features and elements. While specific embodiments are described herein, the embodiments described herein are non-limiting, and many other variations, modifications, and other uses are readily apparent. The methods described herein can be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated in a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic signals (transmitted via a wired or wireless connection) and computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), removable magnetic disks, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks and digital versatile disks (DVDs).

Claims

1. A system controller, the system controller comprising: Control circuit, the control circuit being configured to: Define a threshold for a comfort metric, wherein the comfort metric is based on multiple comfort variables in a load control environment to indicate the comfort level; Define the range of power metrics, wherein the power metrics indicate power levels based on multiple power parameters in the load control environment; Receive a corresponding signal from each of one or more sensors located in the load control environment, the signal including data representing at least one of a plurality of comfort variables; Receive a corresponding signal from each of one or more power monitoring devices, the signal including data indicating at least one of a plurality of power parameters; The value corresponding to the comfort metric is determined based on received data representing at least one of a plurality of comfort variables, wherein at least one of the plurality of comfort variables includes at least one of the following: a value representing glare in the load control environment, a value representing ambient light in the load control environment, or a value representing the position of window fixtures in the load control environment; The value corresponding to the power metric is determined based on received data representing at least one of a plurality of power parameters; as well as Automatically control one or more load control devices in the load control environment to: Maintaining the determined value corresponding to the comfort metric from falling below the defined threshold of the comfort metric, and The determined value corresponding to the power level shall be kept within the defined range of the power metric.

2. The system controller of claim 1, wherein the comfort metric includes at least one of illumination level, sunlight glare level, or thermal comfort level, wherein the illumination level is based at least on the illuminance of the load control environment, wherein the sunlight glare level is based at least on direct sunlight to the load control environment, and wherein the thermal comfort level is based at least on direct sunlight to the load control environment, outdoor temperature, the load control environment temperature, or occupant temperature.

3. The system controller according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of comfort variables further includes temperature.

4. The system controller of claim 1, wherein the power metric comprises at least one of the following: conductive heat gain, the conductive heat gain being based at least on an outdoor temperature and a load control environment temperature; conductive heat loss, the conductive heat loss being based at least on an outdoor temperature and the load control environment temperature; radiative heat gain, the radiative heat gain being based at least on solar heat; radiative heat loss, the radiative heat loss being based at least on solar heat; room occupant heat, the room occupant heat being based at least on occupant temperature; room solar heat, the room solar heat being based at least on radiative electric heat; room plugged-in load heat; room electrical heat; or optical power, the optical power being based at least on the electricity used in the load control environment.

5. The system controller of claim 1, wherein the one or more load control devices include at least one of a lighting controller, an electric window cover controller, or a temperature controller.

6. The system controller according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to: By receiving data from occupancy sensors in the load control environment, the plurality of comfort variables and the plurality of power parameters are monitored to detect whether the load control environment is occupied or unoccupied; and The one or more load control devices are controlled in response to the occupancy sensor.

7. The system controller of claim 6, wherein when the load control environment is occupied, the control circuit is configured to command the one or more load control devices to adjust the lighting intensity level to a predefined level to prevent the comfort metric from falling below a defined threshold.

8. The system controller of claim 6, wherein when the load control environment is occupied, the control circuit is configured to command the one or more load control devices to adjust the position of the window fixtures to a predefined position to prevent the comfort metric from falling below a defined threshold.

9. The system controller of claim 6, wherein when the load control environment is occupied, the control circuit is configured to command the one or more load control devices to adjust the temperature level to a predefined level to prevent the comfort metric from falling below a defined threshold.

10. The system controller of claim 1, wherein the threshold of the comfort metric is based on the minimum comfort level of the plurality of comfort variables in the load control environment, or on the target comfort level of the plurality of comfort variables in the load control environment.

11. The system controller of claim 1, wherein the range of the power metric is the maximum power level in the load control environment or the target power level in the load control environment.

12. The system controller of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: Receive user input to control the one or more load control devices; and The threshold of the comfort metric is adjusted based on the user input.

13. A system controller, the system controller comprising: Control circuit, the control circuit being configured to: Define a threshold for a comfort metric, wherein the comfort metric is based on multiple comfort variables in a load control environment to indicate the comfort level; Define the range of power metrics, wherein the power metrics indicate power levels based on multiple power parameters in the load control environment; Receive a corresponding signal from each of one or more sensors located in the load control environment, the signal including data representing at least one of a plurality of comfort variables; Receive a corresponding signal from each of one or more power monitoring devices, the signal including data indicating at least one of a plurality of power parameters; The value corresponding to the comfort metric is determined based on received data representing at least one of a plurality of comfort variables, wherein at least one of the plurality of comfort variables includes at least one of the following: a value representing glare in the load control environment, a value representing ambient light in the load control environment, or a value representing the position of window fixtures in the load control environment; The value corresponding to the power metric is determined based on received data representing at least one of a plurality of power parameters; Automatically control one or more load control devices in the load control environment to: Maintaining the determined value corresponding to the comfort metric from falling below the defined threshold of the comfort metric, and The determined value corresponding to the power level shall be kept within the defined range of the power metric; Receive user input to control the one or more load control devices; as well as The threshold of the comfort metric is adjusted based on the user input.

14. The system controller of claim 13, wherein the control circuit is configured to: Determine the load control device among the one or more load control devices that is controlled by the received user input; and Control at least one of the one or more load control devices that is not controlled by the received user input.

15. The system controller of claim 13, wherein the power metric comprises at least one of the following: conductive heat gain, the conductive heat gain being based at least on the outdoor temperature and the load control environment temperature; conductive heat loss, the conductive heat loss being based at least on the outdoor temperature and the load control environment temperature; radiative heat gain, the radiative heat gain being based at least on solar heat; radiative heat loss, the radiative heat loss being based at least on solar heat; room occupant heat, the room occupant heat being based at least on occupant temperature; room solar heat, the room solar heat being based at least on radiative electric heat; room plug-in load heat; room electrical heat; or optical power, the optical power being based at least on the electricity used in the load control environment.

16. The system controller of claim 13, wherein the one or more load control devices further include a temperature controller.

17. The system controller of claim 13, wherein the control circuit is configured to: By receiving data from occupancy sensors in the load control environment, the plurality of comfort variables and the plurality of power parameters are monitored to detect whether the load control environment is occupied or unoccupied; and The one or more load control devices are controlled in response to the occupancy sensor.

18. The system controller of claim 17, wherein when the load control environment is occupied, the control circuit is configured to command the one or more load control devices to adjust the lighting intensity level to a predefined level to prevent the comfort metric from falling below a defined threshold.

19. The system controller of claim 17, wherein when the load control environment is occupied, the control circuit is configured to command the one or more load control devices to adjust the position of the window fixtures to a predefined position to prevent the comfort metric from falling below a defined threshold.

20. The system controller of claim 17, wherein when the load control environment is occupied, the control circuit is configured to command the one or more load control devices to adjust the temperature level to a predefined level to prevent the comfort metric from falling below a defined threshold.

21. The system controller of claim 13, wherein the threshold is a minimum comfort level based on the plurality of comfort variables in the load control environment, or a target comfort level based on the plurality of comfort variables in the load control environment.

22. A system controller for controlling one or more load control devices in a load control environment, the system controller comprising: Control circuit, the control circuit being configured to: Determine which of a plurality of comfort variables to be adjusted, wherein the plurality of comfort variables are associated with the comfort level in the load control environment and the power consumption of the load control environment; Determine the adjustment amount for the comfort variables; The estimated change in comfort cost is calculated based on the adjustment amount of the comfort variable, wherein the comfort cost indicates a monetary value for the comfort level in the load control environment; The estimated change in electricity cost is calculated based on the adjustment amount of the comfort variable, wherein the electricity cost indicates the monetary value of electricity consumption for the load control environment; as well as The one or more load control devices in the load control environment are automatically controlled based on the comfort cost and the power cost.

23. The system controller of claim 22, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to compare the estimated change in the comfort cost with the estimated change in the electricity cost.

24. The system controller of claim 23, wherein automatically controlling the one or more load control devices in the load control environment includes adjusting the comfort variable by the adjustment amount based on the comparison between the estimated change in the comfort cost and the estimated change in the electricity cost.

25. The system controller of claim 22, wherein the power cost is calculated based on a power level, wherein the power level is a total power metric of various power metrics associated with the plurality of comfort variables.

26. The system controller of claim 25, wherein the respective power metrics associated with the plurality of comfort variables include power metrics for lighting levels and power metrics for heating / cooling levels.

27. The system controller of claim 26, wherein the electrical quantity of the heating / cooling level is calculated based on a heat load, the heat load including contributions from one or more of conductive heat, radiant heat, solar heat, occupant heat, plugged-in load heat, or electrical heat.

28. The system controller of claim 22, wherein the comfort cost is calculated based on a comfort level, wherein the comfort level is a combined comfort measure of various comfort measures associated with the plurality of comfort variables.

29. The system controller of claim 28, wherein the respective comfort measures associated with the plurality of comfort variables include a comfort measure of lighting level, a comfort measure of heating / cooling level, and a comfort measure of daylight glare probability.

30. The system controller of claim 29, wherein the comfort metric of the heating / cooling level is calculated based on the correlation between the comfort metric of the heating / cooling level and a predicted mean voting metric (PMV) associated with the load control environment, wherein the predicted mean voting metric indicates the temperature in the load control environment.

31. The system controller of claim 30, wherein the correlation between the comfort metric of the heating / cooling level and the predicted mean vote (PMV) metric associated with the load control environment includes a heating-cooling comfort curve.

32. The system controller of claim 31, wherein the heating-cooling comfort curve is adjusted based on an actual comfort metric of the heating / cooling level corresponding to the predicted mean voting index associated with the load control environment.

33. The system controller of claim 29, wherein the comfort metric of the lighting level is calculated based on the correlation between the comfort metric of the lighting and the lighting level in the load control environment, wherein the correlation includes a lighting comfort curve adjusted based on the actual comfort metric of the lighting corresponding to the lighting level in the load control environment.

34. The system controller of claim 29, wherein the comfort metric of sunlight glare is calculated based on the correlation between the comfort metric of sunlight glare and the probability of sunlight glare (DGP) associated with the amount of sunlight glare in the load control environment, wherein the correlation includes a sunlight glare comfort curve adjusted based on the actual comfort metric of sunlight glare corresponding to the probability of sunlight glare in the load control environment.

35. The system controller of claim 22, wherein automatically controlling the one or more load control devices in the load control environment includes adjusting the comfort variable by the adjustment amount, and calculating an estimated change in the electricity cost based on one or more coefficients associated with the operation of the one or more load control devices in the load control environment, and the control circuitry is further configured to: The actual change in the electricity cost is determined based on the sensed information, wherein the sensed information is obtained from an occupancy sensor, a daylight sensor, a wireless window sensor, a temperature control device, a wearable wireless device, or a light sensor. Determine whether the actual change in the electricity cost is consistent with the estimated change in the electricity cost; as well as In response to determining that the actual change in the electricity cost does not conform to the estimated change in the electricity cost, the one or more coefficients associated with the operation of the one or more load control devices in the load control environment are adjusted.

36. The system controller of claim 22, wherein automatically controlling the one or more load control devices in the load control environment includes adjusting the comfort variable by the adjustment amount, and calculating an estimated change in the comfort cost based on one or more coefficients associated with the operation of the one or more load control devices in the load control environment, and the control circuitry is further configured to: The actual change in the cost of the comfort level is determined based on user input; Determine whether the actual change in the comfort cost matches the estimated change in the comfort cost; and In response to determining that the actual change in the comfort cost does not match the estimated change in the comfort cost, the one or more coefficients associated with the operation of the one or more load control devices in the load control environment are adjusted.

37. The system controller of claim 22, wherein the estimated change in comfort cost is associated with a comfort gain, and the estimated change in power cost is associated with an increase in power consumption, and automatically controlling the one or more load control devices in the load control environment comprises: Determine that the comfort gain is greater than the increase in power consumption; as well as Adjust the determined comfort variables by the adjustment amount.

38. The system controller of claim 22, wherein the estimated change in comfort cost is associated with a loss of comfort, and the estimated change in power cost is associated with a reduction in power consumption, and automatically controlling the one or more load control devices in the load control environment comprises: It is determined that the reduction in power consumption is greater than the loss of comfort. as well as Adjust the determined comfort variables by the adjustment amount.

39. The system controller of claim 38, wherein the one or more coefficients are predetermined based on spatial properties.

40. The system controller of claim 22, wherein the one or more load control devices include at least one of a lighting controller, an electric window cover controller, or a temperature controller.

41. An electrical load control method, comprising: The threshold for a comfort metric is defined by the system controller control circuitry, wherein the comfort metric indicates the comfort level based on multiple comfort variables in the load control environment; The system controller control circuit defines the range of power measurements, wherein the power measurements indicate power levels based on multiple power parameters in the load control environment; The system controller control circuit receives a corresponding signal from each of one or more sensors located in the load control environment, the signal including data representing at least one of a plurality of comfort variables; The system controller control circuit receives a corresponding signal from each of one or more power monitoring devices, the signal including data indicating at least one of a plurality of power parameters; The system controller control circuit determines a value corresponding to the comfort metric based on received data representing at least one of a plurality of comfort variables, wherein at least one of the plurality of comfort variables includes at least one of the following: a value representing glare in the load control environment, a value representing ambient light in the load control environment, or a value representing the position of window fixtures in the load control environment; The system controller control circuit determines the value corresponding to the power metric based on received data representing at least one of a plurality of power parameters; and The system controller control circuit automatically controls one or more load control devices in the load control environment to: Maintaining the determined value corresponding to the comfort metric from falling below the defined threshold of the comfort metric, and The determined value corresponding to the power level shall be kept within the defined range of the power metric.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein, The thresholds for defining comfort metrics also include: The threshold of the comfort metric is defined by the system controller control circuit, and the comfort metric includes at least one of the following: lighting level, daylight glare level, or thermal comfort level; The lighting level is based at least on the illuminance of the load-controlled environment; The solar glare level is based at least on direct sunlight into the load-controlled environment; and The thermal comfort level is based at least on direct sunlight to the load control environment, outdoor temperature, the load control environment temperature, or the occupant temperature.

43. The method according to claim 41, wherein, Monitoring the multiple comfort variables also includes: The system controller control circuit monitors multiple comfort variables, including temperature.

44. The method according to claim 41, wherein, The definition of the range of the electricity metric also includes: The system controller control circuit defines power metrics, which include at least one of the following: conductive heat gain, which is based at least on the outdoor temperature and the load control environment temperature; conductive heat loss, which is based at least on the outdoor temperature and the load control environment temperature; radiative heat gain, which is based at least on solar heat; radiative heat loss, which is based at least on solar heat; room occupant heat, which is based at least on occupant temperature; room solar heat, which is based at least on radiant electric heat; room plug-in load heat; room electrical heat; or optical power, which is based at least on the electricity used in the load control environment.

45. The method according to claim 41, wherein, The automatic control of the one or more load control devices further includes: The system controller control circuit automatically controls one or more load control devices, the one or more load control devices including at least one of the following: a lighting controller, an electric window appliance controller, or a temperature controller.

46. ​​The method according to claim 41, wherein, Monitoring the multiple comfort variables and the multiple electrical parameters also includes: The system controller control circuit receives data from the occupancy sensor in the load control environment to detect whether the load control environment is occupied or unoccupied; and The system controller control circuit controls the one or more load control devices in response to the occupancy sensor.

47. The method of claim 46, further comprising: In response to the detection that the load control environment is occupied, the system controller control circuit commands the one or more load control devices to adjust the lighting intensity level to a predefined level to prevent the comfort metric from falling below a defined threshold.

48. The method of claim 46, further comprising: In response to the detection that the load control environment is occupied, the system controller control circuit commands the one or more load control devices to adjust the position of the window fixtures to a predefined position to prevent the comfort metric from falling below a defined threshold.

49. The method of claim 46, further comprising: In response to the detection that the load control environment is occupied, the system controller control circuit commands the one or more load control devices to adjust the temperature level to a predefined level to prevent the comfort metric from falling below a defined threshold.

50. The method according to claim 41, wherein, The thresholds for defining comfort metrics also include: The system controller control circuit defines a threshold for a comfort metric, which includes a minimum comfort level based on the plurality of comfort variables in the load control environment or a target comfort level based on the plurality of comfort variables in the load control environment.

51. The method according to claim 41, wherein, The definition of the range of the electricity metric also includes: The range of the power measurement is defined by the system controller control circuit, and the range includes the maximum power level in the load control environment or the target power level in the load control environment.

52. The method of claim 41, further comprising: The system controller control circuit receives user input to control the one or more load control devices; as well as The system controller control circuit adjusts the threshold of the comfort metric based on the user input.

53. A non-transient machine-readable storage device, comprising instructions that, when executed by a system controller control circuit, cause the system controller control circuit to perform the method according to any one of claims 41 to 52.

54. An electrical load control method, comprising: The threshold for a comfort metric is defined by the system controller control circuitry, wherein the comfort metric indicates the comfort level based on multiple comfort variables in the load control environment; The system controller control circuit defines the range of power measurements, wherein the power measurements indicate power levels based on multiple power parameters in the load control environment; The system controller control circuit receives a corresponding signal from each of one or more sensors located in the load control environment, the signal including data representing at least one of a plurality of comfort variables; The system controller control circuit receives a corresponding signal from each of one or more power monitoring devices, the signal including data indicating at least one of a plurality of power parameters; The system controller control circuit determines a value corresponding to the comfort metric based on received data representing at least one of a plurality of comfort variables, wherein at least one of the plurality of comfort variables includes at least one of the following: a value representing glare in the load control environment, a value representing ambient light in the load control environment, or a value representing the position of window fixtures in the load control environment; The system controller control circuit determines the value corresponding to the power metric based on received data representing at least one of a plurality of power parameters; The system controller control circuit automatically controls one or more load control devices in the load control environment to: Maintaining the determined value corresponding to the comfort metric from falling below the defined threshold of the comfort metric, and The determined value corresponding to the power level shall be maintained within the range defined by the power metric; The system controller control circuit receives user input to control the one or more load control devices; and The system controller control circuit adjusts the threshold of the comfort metric based on the user input.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising: The system controller control circuit determines the load control device among the one or more load control devices that is controlled by the received user input; as well as The system controller control circuit controls at least one of the one or more load control devices that is not controlled by the received user input.

56. The method according to claim 54, wherein, The definition of the range of the electricity metric also includes: The system controller control circuit defines at least one of the following: conductive heat gain, which is based at least on the outdoor temperature and the load control environment temperature; conductive heat loss, which is based at least on the outdoor temperature and the load control environment temperature; radiative heat gain, which is based at least on solar heat; radiative heat loss, which is based at least on solar heat; room occupant heat, which is based at least on occupant temperature; room photothermal heat, which is based at least on radiative electric heat; room plug-in load heat; room electrical heat; or optical power, which is based at least on the electricity used in the load control environment.

57. The method according to claim 54, wherein, The automatic control of the one or more load control devices further includes: The system controller control circuit automatically controls one or more load control devices, and the one or more load control devices further include a temperature controller.

58. The method according to claim 54, wherein, Monitoring the multiple comfort variables and the multiple electrical parameters also includes: The system controller control circuit receives data from the occupancy sensor in the load control environment to detect whether the load control environment is occupied or unoccupied; and The system controller control circuit controls the one or more load control devices in response to the occupancy sensor.

59. The method of claim 58, further comprising: In response to the detection that the load control environment is occupied, the system controller control circuit commands the one or more load control devices to adjust the lighting intensity level to a predefined level to prevent the comfort metric from falling below a defined threshold.

60. The method of claim 58, further comprising: In response to the detection that the load control environment is occupied, the system controller control circuit commands the one or more load control devices to adjust the position of the window fixtures to a predefined position to prevent the comfort metric from dropping below a defined threshold.

61. The method of claim 58, further comprising: In response to the detection that the load control environment is occupied, the system controller control circuit commands the one or more load control devices to adjust the temperature level to a predefined level to prevent the comfort metric from falling below a defined threshold.

62. The method according to claim 54, wherein, The threshold for defining the comfort metric also includes: The system controller control circuit defines a minimum comfort level based on the plurality of comfort variables in the load control environment, or defines a target comfort level based on the plurality of comfort variables in the load control environment.

63. A non-transient machine-readable storage device, comprising instructions that, when executed by a system controller control circuit, cause the system controller control circuit to perform the method according to any one of claims 54 to 62.

64. A method for controlling one or more load control devices in a load control environment, the method comprising: The system controller control circuit determines the comfort variable to be adjusted from among multiple comfort variables, wherein the multiple comfort variables are related to the comfort level in the load control environment and the power consumption of the load control environment; The adjustment amount of the comfort variable is determined by the system controller control circuit; The system controller control circuit calculates an estimated change in comfort cost based on the adjustment amount of the comfort variable, wherein the comfort cost indicates a monetary value for the comfort level in a load control environment; The system controller control circuit calculates an estimated change in power cost based on the adjustment amount of the comfort variable, wherein the power cost indicates the monetary value of power consumption for the load control environment; as well as The system controller control circuit automatically controls one or more load control devices in the load control environment based on the comfort cost and the power cost.

65. The method of claim 64, further comprising: The system controller control circuit compares the estimated change in comfort cost with the estimated change in electricity cost.

66. The method according to claim 65, wherein, Automatic control of the one or more load control devices in the load control environment includes: The system controller control circuit adjusts the comfort variable by the adjustment amount based on the comparison between the estimated change in comfort cost and the estimated change in electricity cost.

67. The method of claim 64, wherein the estimated change in calculating the electricity cost further comprises: The system controller control circuit calculates the electricity cost based on the power level, wherein the power level is the total electricity metric of various electricity metrics associated with the plurality of comfort variables.

68. The method according to claim 67, wherein, Calculating the electricity cost based on power level also includes: The system controller control circuit calculates the electricity cost based on the total electricity measurement of various electricity metrics associated with the plurality of comfort variables, including: electricity measurement of lighting level and electricity measurement of heating / cooling level.

69. The method according to claim 68, wherein, Calculating the electricity cost based on power level also includes: The electrical quantity of the heating / cooling level is calculated by the system controller control circuit based on the heat load, which includes contributions from one or more of conductive heat, radiant heat, solar heat, occupant heat, plugged-in load heat, or electrical heat.

70. The method of claim 64, wherein, Calculating the estimated change in comfort cost based on the adjustment amount of the comfort variables also includes: The system controller controls the circuitry to calculate a comfort level, which includes a combined comfort measure of various comfort measures associated with the plurality of comfort variables.

71. The method according to claim 70, wherein, The calculation of the comfort level, which includes a combination of various comfort measures, also includes: The system controller control circuit uses various comfort metrics to calculate the comfort level, including comfort metrics for lighting levels, comfort metrics for heating / cooling levels, and comfort metrics for the probability of sunlight glare.

72. The method according to claim 71, wherein, Calculating the comfort level using a comfort metric based on the heating / cooling level further includes: The comfort metric of the heating / cooling level is calculated by the system controller control circuit based on the correlation between the comfort metric of the heating / cooling level and the predicted mean voting index (PMV) associated with the load control environment, wherein the predicted mean voting index indicates the temperature in the load control environment.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein calculating the comfort measure of the heating / cooling level based on the correlation between the comfort measure of the heating / cooling level and the Predicted Mean Voting Index (PMV) further comprises: The system controller control circuit uses the heating-cooling comfort curve to calculate the correlation between the comfort metrics.

74. The method according to claim 73, wherein, Using the heating-cooling comfort curve to calculate the correlation between the comfort measures also includes: The system controller control circuit adjusts the heating / cooling comfort curve based on an actual comfort metric corresponding to the predicted mean voting index associated with the load control environment.

75. The method of claim 71, wherein calculating the comfort level using various comfort measures including a comfort measure of lighting level further comprises: The system controller control circuit calculates the comfort metric of the lighting level based on the correlation between the lighting comfort metric and the lighting level in the load control environment, wherein the correlation includes a lighting comfort curve adjusted based on the actual comfort metric of the lighting corresponding to the lighting level in the load control environment.

76. The method of claim 71, wherein calculating the comfort level using various comfort measures including a comfort metric of sunlight glare probability further comprises: The system controller control circuit calculates the comfort metric of sunlight glare based on the correlation between the comfort metric of sunlight glare and the probability of sunlight glare (DGP) associated with the amount of sunlight glare in the load control environment, wherein the correlation includes a sunlight glare comfort curve adjusted based on the actual comfort metric of sunlight glare corresponding to the probability of sunlight glare in the load control environment.

77. The method of claim 64, wherein, Automatic control of the one or more load control devices in the load control environment includes: The system controller control circuit adjusts the comfort variable by the adjustment amount; and The system controller control circuitry calculates an estimated change in the electricity cost based on one or more coefficients associated with the operation of one or more load control devices in the load control environment; The system controller control circuit determines the actual change in the electricity cost based on sensed information, wherein the sensed information is obtained from an occupancy sensor, a daylight sensor, a wireless window sensor, a temperature control device, a wearable wireless device, or a light sensor. The system controller control circuit determines whether the actual change in the electricity cost matches the estimated change in the electricity cost; and In response to determining that the actual change in the electricity cost does not conform to the estimated change in the electricity cost, the system controller control circuitry adjusts the one or more coefficients associated with the operation of the one or more load control devices in the load control environment.

78. The method according to claim 64, wherein, Automatic control of the one or more load control devices in the load control environment includes: The system controller control circuit adjusts the comfort variable by the adjustment amount; and The system controller control circuitry calculates an estimated change in the comfort cost based on one or more coefficients associated with the operation of one or more load control devices in the load control environment; The system controller control circuit determines the actual changes in the comfort cost based on user input; The system controller control circuit determines whether the actual change in the comfort cost matches the estimated change in the comfort cost; and In response to the determination that the actual change in the comfort cost does not conform to the estimated change in the comfort cost, the system controller control circuit adjusts the one or more coefficients associated with the operation of the one or more load control devices in the load control environment.

79. The method according to claim 64: in, The calculation of the estimated change in the comfort cost also includes: The system controller control circuit calculates the estimated change in comfort cost based on comfort gain; The estimated changes in the calculation of the aforementioned electricity cost also include: The system controller control circuit calculates an estimated change in the electricity cost based on the increase in electricity consumption, and The one or more load control devices that automatically control the load control environment include: The system controller control circuit determines that the comfort gain is greater than the increase in power consumption; and The system controller control circuit adjusts the determined comfort variable by the adjustment amount.

80. The method according to claim 64: in, The calculation of the estimated change in the comfort cost also includes: The system controller control circuit calculates the estimated change in the comfort cost based on the comfort loss; The calculation of the estimated change in the electricity cost also includes: The system controller control circuit calculates an estimated change in the electricity cost based on the reduction in power consumption, and The one or more load control devices that automatically control the load control environment include: Determining that the reduction in power consumption is greater than the loss of comfort; and Adjust the determined comfort variables by the adjustment amount.

81. A non-transient machine-readable storage device, comprising instructions that, when executed by a system controller control circuit, cause the system controller control circuit to perform the method according to any one of claims 64 to 80.

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