Efficiency monitoring system and device

Abstract

The invention relates to an efficiency monitoring system (10) for monitoring the efficiency of resource consumer devices (300) connected to an energy source (200). Accordingly, its novelty is that it comprises at least one resource sensor (130) to measure the energy transferred from the said energy source (200) to the said resource consumer device (300); at least one output sensor (140) to measure the output produced by the resource consumer device (300) in response to the energy transferred thereto; and it comprises a processing unit (150) configured to calculate a current efficiency by applying measurements received from the said resource sensor (130) and output sensor (140) to a mathematical efficiency calculation model provided for the resource consumer device (300) in a memory unit, and to calculate a current efficiency difference by comparing it with a reference efficiency provided for the resource consumer device (300) in a memory unit.

Description

[0001] EFFICIENCY MONITORING SYSTEM AND DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an efficiency monitoring system and device for monitoring the efficiency of resource consumer devices connected to a resource provider.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Efficiency is the activity and success of an enterprise to maximize the amount of output or result produced by using resources (time, money, labor, materials, etc.). Furthermore, efficiency is determined by the extent to which the enterprise is able to use inputs effectively and efficiently and how much output it is able to produce with these inputs.

[0006] Calculating efficiency in an enterprise is an important factor for an enterprise to improve performance, reduce costs, achieve competitive advantage and long-term success.

[0007] Today, rudimentary efficiency calculation methods are used to calculate operating efficiency by measuring the efficiency per machine, taking into account the operating time, production amount or production output of the machines in the enterprise. However, existing methods suffer from a number of problems when calculating the efficiency of an enterprise, such as complexity, missing or misleading data, inadequate coverage, and the lack of up-to-date and continuous measurements.

[0008] Energy performance contracts can be executed by third parties. In these contracts, the party providing the service can charge the party receiving the service in proportion to the rate at which the party receiving the service increases its energy efficiency. When drafting these contracts, a hypothetical efficiency calculation is made and an efficiency increase calculation is made assuming that the same efficiency difference will be constant in future periods. This leads to erroneous price calculations. This is because of the efficiency changes of devices with varying energy efficiencies, as hardware characteristics can change for various reasons over time. As a result, all the aforementioned problems have made it necessary to realize a novelty in the relevant technical field.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention relates to a consumption monitoring and billing device to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and present new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0011] An object of the invention is to provide a system that ensures the efficiency of devices in enterprises, the calculation of resource consumption costs, and enables billing.

[0012] In order to achieve all of the aforementioned objects and those that will be apparent from the detailed description below, the present invention is an efficiency monitoring system for monitoring the efficiency of resource consuming devices connected to an energy source. Accordingly, it comprises at least one resource sensor to measure the energy transferred from the said energy source to the said resource consumer device, at least one output sensor to measure the output produced by the resource consumer device in response to the energy transferred thereto; and it comprises a processing unit configured to calculate a current efficiency by applying measurements received from the said resource sensor and output sensor to a mathematical efficiency calculation model provided for the resource consumer device in a memory unit, and to calculate a current efficiency difference by comparing it with a reference efficiency provided for the resource consumer device in a memory unit. Thus, it is possible to measure the energy transferred from the energy source to the resource consumer device and the output produced by the device and to calculate the operating efficiency. Energy performance contracts can be drafted according to instantaneous data received from a system as in the invention, thus enabling an accurate price determination.

[0013] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a data collection device; the said data collection device is connected to the resource sensor and output sensor; the data collection device comprises a communication unit for transmitting the measurements received from the resource sensor and the output sensor to a server. This enables the collection, transmission and analysis of the measurement information received from the resource and output sensors.

[0014] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said communication unit is configured to communicate with a wireless communication protocol. Thus, the received measurement values and efficiency calculation information can be transmitted in an easier way using wireless communication protocols.

[0015] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the server is provided with the said processing unit. This enables the received measurement and efficiency values to be tracked, monitored and analyzed remotely.

[0016] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the data collection device is provided with the said processing unit. This enables the received measurement and efficiency values to be tracked, monitored and analyzed instantly.

[0017] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the processing unit is configured to generate a bill based on the calculated current efficiency difference.

[0018] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said resource sensor is at least one of an energy sensor and a gas meter for measuring the amount of natural gas transfer.

[0019] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said output sensor is at least one of a flow meter, a photoresistor, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0020] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the processing unit comprises a user interface for displaying the efficiency calculations.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of the efficiency monitoring system. Fig. 2 shows a representative view of the efficiency monitoring system.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] In this detailed description, a resource consumption monitoring and billing device according to the invention is only described by way of examples without any limiting effect for a better understanding of the subject.

[0025] The present invention is an efficiency monitoring system (10). In enterprises, it enables processes such as efficiency calculation based on the amount of energy consumed by the resource consumer devices (300) connected to the energy source (200) and the output information provided by the source, calculating a current efficiency difference by comparing the calculated efficiency level with a reference efficiency provided for the resource consumer device (300), and billing.

[0026] The term resource consumer device (300) referred to in this description means devices that operate by consuming resources such as electrical energy, natural gas, etc. These devices can be, for example, pumps, compressors, motors, heaters, lamps, ovens, cookers, robots, etc. The resources are exemplified in this description as natural gas and electricity, but different resources can be used in alternative embodiments and the efficiency monitoring system (10) can be adapted accordingly.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 1 , an efficiency monitoring system (10) is described for monitoring the efficiency of resource consumer devices (300) connected to the energy source (200).

[0028] It comprises at least one resource sensor (130) to measure the energy transferred from the said energy source (200) to the said resource consumer device (300); at least one output sensor (140) to measure the output produced by the resource consumer device (300) in response to the energy transferred thereto; and a processing unit (150) configured to calculate a current efficiency by applying the measurements received from the said resource sensor (130) and output sensor (140) to a mathematical efficiency calculation model provided for the resource consumer device (300) in a memory unit, and to calculate a current efficiency difference by comparing it with a reference efficiency provided for the resource consumer device (300) in a memory unit. At least one resource sensor (130) is provided for measuring the energy transferred to the said resource consumer device (300). The said resource sensor (130) can be at least one of an energy sensor and a gas meter for measuring the amount of natural gas transfer.

[0029] At least one output sensor (140) is provided for measuring the output produced by the resource consumer device (300) in response to the energy transferred to thereto. The said output sensor (140) can be at least one of a flow meter, a photoresistor, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0030] Gas pipelines and electric cables can be provided for connecting the energy source (200) and the resource consumer device (300).

[0031] There is provided a processing unit (150) configured to calculate a current efficiency by applying the measurements received from the said resource sensor (130) and output sensor (140) to a mathematical efficiency calculation model provided for the resource consumer device (300) in a memory unit; and to calculate a current efficiency difference by comparing it with a reference efficiency provided for the resource consumer device (300) in a memory unit. Both the server (400) and the data collection device (100) are provided with the said processing unit. The processing unit (150) is configured to generate a bill based on the calculated current efficiency difference.

[0032] The memory unit is located inside the processing unit (150). The memory unit can comprise a combination of memories that store data permanently and temporarily when required. The processing unit (150) can also be a processor, such as a microprocessor, CPU, GPU.

[0033] The said memory unit includes specific algorithms for determining the amount of energy consumed by a resource consumer device (300) and the efficiency status corresponding to the amount of energy consumed, as well as formulas for calculating the specific operating cost. The said data collection device (100) comprises a tolerance calculation unit (190), which determines a lower limit value for correction or replacement in case of a reduced efficiency of the resource consumer device (300).

[0034] The said data collection device (100) comprises a carbon emission reduction calculation module (160) which can measure the reduction in carbon emissions.

[0035] The efficiency monitoring system (10) can comprise a user interface (170) for displaying the amount of energy consumed and efficiency calculations. The user interface (170) can be a display. The user interface (170) can also include input elements which allow the user to input commands to the processing unit.

[0036] The efficiency monitoring system (10) enables the devices in the enterprise to be monitored and allows the calculation of operating efficiency.

[0037] The efficiency monitoring system (10) comprises a communication unit (180) that allows the transmission of efficiency measurements and the charges corresponding to the efficiency difference. The said communication unit (180) can be a wireless communication module using wireless communication protocols such as WiFi, Bluetooth.

[0038] There is provided a communication network (410) that enables the transmission of the information provided by the said communication unit (180).

[0039] In a possible embodiment of the invention, there is provided a server (400) and a user terminal (420) for providing the calculation and price information transmitted by the respective communication unit (180). The respective user terminal (420) can be a mobile phone or a tablet.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when a collection of equipment, devices or machines required by enterprises in the course of their business is operated by third party companies through leasing, build-operate or build-operate-transfer methods, processes are performed for calculating an operating cost and calculating a share based on the level and cost of efficiency. A plurality of said efficiency monitoring systems (10) are provided to instantly monitor the amounts of energy consumed and output produced by the devices in the enterprise; and to enable efficiency analysis by making comparisons with previous data. In this way, in addition to the leasing of devices in the enterprise, accurate results regarding the efficiency and operating costs can be obtained during processes such as the transfer of the enterprise. Fair income / expense sharing can be realized among the shareholders of the enterprise. Thus, in the event that third parties request an energy performance contract, it is ensured that billing based on the final progress payment is made by comparing the previous efficiency status and the post-project status through the instant measurement system installed, without the need for hypothetical efficiency sharing. Furthermore, this energy efficiency is constantly maintained at the same level, and the tolerance agreement for decreases in energy efficiency ensures the maintenance of efficiency.

[0041] The system can be subjected to a calibration phase before operation. After installation, the system can make calculations using the efficiency calculation formulas or using the current commercial cost calculation methods with the data collected from the sensors and data collection equipment. It determines the efficiency and specific operating cost for the unit work performed and records the energy efficiency status. The efficiency of the system is then measured and recorded again after the necessary corrections, changes or engineering works have been carried out. The calculated efficiency level and the energy consumed and / or other operating costs are recorded and a software interface is provided that can be accessed via the central server (400) system. Through this interface, the enterprise owner and the machine / item owner can view, print out or document their shares and the shares to be received by the counterparty.

[0042] The scope of protection of the invention is set out in the appended claims and shall in no way be limited to what is described in this detailed description for illustrative purposes. Indeed, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with similar embodiments in light of the foregoing description without departing from the main theme of the invention. REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE DRAWING

[0043] 10 Efficiency monitoring system

[0044] 100 Data collection device 130 Resource sensor

[0045] 140 Output sensor

[0046] 150 Processing unit

[0047] 160 Carbon emission reduction calculation module

[0048] 170 User interface 180 Communication unit

[0049] 190 Tolerance calculation unit

[0050] 200 Energy source

[0051] 300 Resource consumer device

[0052] 400 Server 410 Communication network

[0053] 420 User terminal

Claims

CLAIMS1. An efficiency monitoring system to monitor the efficiency of resource consumer devices (300) connected to an energy source (200), characterized in that it comprises at least one resource sensor (130) to measure the energy transferred from the said energy source (200) to the said resource consumer device (300); at least one output sensor (140) to measure the output produced by the resource consumer device (300) in response to the energy transferred thereto; and comprises a processing unit configured to calculate a current efficiency by applying the measurements received from the said resource sensor (130) and output sensor (140) to a mathematical efficiency calculation model provided for the resource consumer device (300) in a memory unit, and to calculate a current efficiency difference by comparing it with a reference efficiency provided for the resource consumer device (300) in a memory unit.

2. An efficiency monitoring system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a data collection device (100); the said data collection device (100) is connected to the resource sensor (130) and output sensor (140); the data collection device (100) comprises a communication unit (180) for transmitting the measurements received from the resource sensor (130) and the output sensor (140) to a server (400).

3. An efficiency monitoring system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the said communication unit (180) is configured to communicate with a wireless communication protocol.

4. An efficiency monitoring system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the server (400) is provided with the said processing unit (150).

5. An efficiency monitoring system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the data collection device (100) is provided with the said processing unit (150).

6. An efficiency monitoring system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the processing unit (150) is configured to generate a bill based on the calculated current efficiency difference.

7. An efficiency monitoring system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the said resource sensor (130) is at least one of an energy sensor and a gas meter for measuring the amount of natural gas transfer.

8. An efficiency monitoring system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the said output sensor (140) is at least one of a flow meter, a photoresistor, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.

9. An efficiency monitoring system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the processing unit (150) comprises a user interface (170) for displaying the efficiency calculations.

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