Energy management

Abstract

An energy management system 100 for a room of a building includes a primary lock mechanism 1 and a secondary lock mechanism 2 both mountable to a door 101 of the room. The lock mechanisms are operable

Description

This invention relates generally to energy management. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to an energy management system for a room of a building for housing temporary, intermediate term residents, such as students and the like. It is known to provide energy management systems for hotel rooms, but there are several drawbacks to such systems when used in student accommodation, which this invention seeks to mitigate. Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides an energy management system for a room of a building, e.g. for temporary or student accommodation, the system being configured to detect operation of a lock mechanism, which is only operable from only one side of the door or from within the room, and to control the supply of power to one or more electrical devices when the lock mechanism is in a locked condition. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for controlling energy consumption within a room of a building, e.g. for temporary or student accommodation, the method comprising detecting operation of a lock mechanism, which is only operable from only one side of the door or from within the room, and to controlling the supply of power to one or more electrical devices when the lock mechanism is in a locked condition. The lock mechanism may be operable between locked and unlocked conditions, e.g. for locking the door within a frame. The system may, but need not include the frame. The system may comprise sensing means. The sensing means may enable the determination or be configured to determine or be for determining whether the lock mechanism is in the locked condition. The sensing means or further sensing means may enable the determination or be configured to determine or be for determining whether the door or a window associated with the room is in a closed position. The system may comprise one or more sensors. The system may comprise a sensor, e.g. a first sensor, for determining whether the lock mechanism is in the locked condition. The system may comprise a sensor, e.g. a second sensor, for determining whether the door or a window associated with the room is in a closed position. The system may comprise one or more electrical circuits. The or at least one or each electrical circuit may be configured to selectively supply power to one or more electrical devices. The system may comprise control means. The control means may be operatively connected to at least one, e.g. each, of the sensing means and / or the one or more electrical circuits or devices. The control means may be operatively connected to at least one, e.g. each, of the first sensor and / or the second sensor. The control means may be configured to determine, e.g. based on feedback from the sensing means, sensor or first sensor, the condition of the lock mechanism. The method may comprise determining, e.g. based on feedback from the sensing means, sensor or first sensor, the condition of the lock mechanism. The control means may be configured to determine, e.g. based on feedback from the sensing means, sensor or the second sensor, the position of the door or window. The method may comprise determining, e.g. based on feedback from the sensing means, sensor or the second sensor, the position of the door or window. The control means may be configured to control the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices, for example based on at least one of the determined condition of the lock mechanism and the determined position of the door or window. The control means may be configured to control the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices based on both the determined condition of the lock mechanism and the determined position of the door or window. Another aspect of the invention provides an energy management system for a room of a building, the system comprising: a lock mechanism mountable to a door and operable, from only one side of the door, between locked and unlocked conditions for locking the door within a frame; sensing means for determining whether the lock mechanism is in the locked condition and for determining whether the door or a window associated with the room is in a closed position; one or more electrical circuits configured to selectively supply power to one or more electrical devices; and control means operatively connected to the sensing means and to the one or more electrical circuits; wherein the control means is configured to: determine, based on feedback from the sensing means, the condition of the lock mechanism and the position of the door or window; and control the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices based on the determined condition of the lock mechanism and the determined position of the door or window. Another aspect of the invention provides an energy management system for a room of a building, the system comprising: a lock mechanism mountable to a door and operable, from only one side of the door, between locked and unlocked conditions for locking the door within a frame; a first sensor for determining whether the lock mechanism is in the locked condition; a second sensor for determining whether the door or a window associated with the room is in a closed position; one or more electrical circuits configured to selectively supply power to one or more electrical devices; and control means operatively connected to each of the first sensor, the second sensor and the one or more electrical circuits; wherein the control means is configured to: determine, based on feedback from the first sensor, the condition of the lock mechanism; determine, based on feedback from the second sensor, the position of the door or window; and control the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices based on the determined condition of the lock mechanism and the determined position of the door or window. The method may comprise controlling the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices, for example based on at least one of the determined condition of the lock mechanism and the determined position of the door or window. The method may comprise controlling the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices based on both the determined condition of the lock mechanism and the determined position of the door or window. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for controlling energy consumption within a room of a building, the method comprising determining the condition of the lock mechanism; determining the position of the door or window; and controlling the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices based on the determined condition of the lock mechanism and the determined position of the door or window. The control means may be configured to determine, e.g. based on feedback from the sensing means, sensor or first sensor, that the lock mechanism has changed from the unlocked condition to the locked condition. The control means may be configured to enable the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices, for example in response to the determination of the change to the locked condition. The method may comprise determining, e.g. based on feedback from the sensing means, sensor or first sensor, that the lock mechanism has changed from the unlocked condition to the locked condition. The method may comprise enabling the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices, for example in response to the determination of the change to the locked condition. The control means may be configured to determine, e.g. based on feedback from the sensing means, sensor or second sensor, whether the door or window is in the closed position. The control means may be configured to enable the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices only if the door or window is determined to be in the closed position. The method may comprise determining, e.g. based on feedback from the sensing means, sensor or second sensor, whether the door or window is in the closed position. The method may comprise enabling the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices only if the door or window is determined to be in the closed position. The control means may be configured to determine, e.g. based on feedback from the sensing means, sensor or first sensor, that the lock mechanism has changed from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. The control means may be configured to disable or reduce the supply of power to at least one of the one or more electrical devices, e.g. in response to the determination of the change to the unlocked condition. The method may comprise determining, e.g. based on feedback from the sensing means, sensor or first sensor, that the lock mechanism has changed from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. The method may comprise disabling or reducing the supply of power to at least one of the one or more electrical devices, e.g. in response to the determination of the change to the unlocked condition. The supply of power to at least one of the one or more electrical devices may be reduced, e.g. in response to the determination of the change to the unlocked condition, by placing the or each electrical device into a standby mode. The control means may be configured to disable or reduce the supply of power to the at least one electrical device only after a predetermined time delay from the determination of the change to the unlocked condition. The predetermined time delay may, but need not, be adjustable. Another aspect of the invention provides an energy management system for a room of a building, the system comprising: a lock mechanism mountable to a door and operable, from only one side of the door, between locked and unlocked conditions for locking a door within a frame; sensing means, e.g. a sensor, for determining whether the lock mechanism is in the locked condition; one or more electrical circuits configured to supply power to one or more electrical devices; and control means operatively connected to the sensing means or sensor and to the one or more electrical circuits and / or devices; the control means being configured to: determine, based on feedback from the sensing means or sensor, that the lock mechanism has changed from the locked condition to the unlocked condition; and disable or reduce the supply of power to at least one of the one or more electrical devices in response to the determination of the change to the unlocked condition, but only after a predetermined time delay from the determination of the change to the unlocked condition; wherein the predetermined time delay is adjustable. The method may comprise disabling or reducing the supply of power to the at least one electrical device only after a predetermined time delay from the determination of the change to the unlocked condition. The predetermined time delay may, but need not, be adjustable. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for controlling energy consumption within a room of a building, the method comprising: determining that the lock mechanism has changed from the locked condition to the unlocked condition; and disabling or reducing the supply of power to at least one electrical device in response to the determination of the change to the unlocked condition, but only after a predetermined time delay from the determination of the change to the unlocked condition. The predetermined time delay may be adjustable. In some examples, adjustment of the predetermined time delay may be restricted or inhibited. For example, adjustment of the predetermined time delay may be restricted by a password, passcode or passkey or other security means. In some examples, adjustment of the predetermined time delay requires a standalone device to be connected to the control means. In other examples, the system comprises an input means or device, such as a keypad, operatively connected to the control means for enabling the input of a password, passcode or passkey. The lock mechanism may comprise a secondary lock mechanism. The system may comprise a primary lock mechanism. The primary lock mechanism may be mountable to the door. The primary lock mechanism may be operable, for example between locked and unlocked conditions. The primary lock mechanism may be operable for selectively locking the door within a frame or operable to selectively lock the door within a frame. The primary lock mechanism may be operable by one or more electronic keys, for example by one of a plurality of unique electronic keys. The control means may be configured to identify the unique electronic key used to operate the primary lock mechanism. The control means may be configured to select one of a plurality of operating modes, e.g. based on the identified unique electronic key. The control means may be configured to control the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices, e.g. according to the selected operating mode. Another aspect of the invention provides an energy management system for a room of a building, the system comprising: a primary lock mechanism mountable to a door and operable, by one of a plurality of unique electronic keys, between locked and unlocked conditions for selectively locking the door within a frame; a secondary lock mechanism mountable to the door and operable, from only one side of the door, between locked and unlocked conditions for locking the door within the frame; sensing means, e.g. a sensor, for determining whether the lock mechanism is in the locked condition; one or more electrical circuits configured to selectively supply power to one or more electrical devices; and control means operatively connected to each of the sensing means or sensor and the one or more electrical circuits; wherein the control means is configured to: identify the unique electronic key used to operate the primary lock mechanism; select one of a plurality of operating modes based on the identified unique electronic key; control the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices according to the selected operating mode. The method may comprise identifying the unique electronic key used to operate the primary lock mechanism. The method may comprise selecting one of a plurality of operating modes, e.g. based on the identified unique electronic key. The method may comprise controlling the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices, e.g. according to the selected operating mode. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for controlling energy consumption within a room of a building, the method comprising: identifying a unique electronic key used to operate a primary lock mechanism; selecting one of a plurality of operating modes based on the identified unique electronic key; controlling the supply of power to one or more electrical devices according to the selected operating mode. At least one or each of the plurality of operating modes may comprise a respective predetermined time delay, which may be associated therewith. The plurality of operating modes may comprise a first or primary or resident operating mode. The plurality of operating modes may comprise an operating mode, e.g. the first or primary or resident operating mode, in which the control means is configured to cause the one or more electrical circuits to always supply power to at least one of the electrical devices, e.g. when or whenever the secondary lock mechanism is in the locked condition. The plurality of operating modes may comprise an operating mode, e.g. the first or primary or resident operating mode, in which the one or more electrical circuits always supply power to at least one of the electrical devices, e.g. when or whenever the secondary lock mechanism is in the locked condition. The system may comprise an electronic key receptacle. The electronic key receptacle may be operatively connected to the control means. The plurality of operating modes may comprise a second or secondary or auxiliary operating mode. The plurality of operating modes may comprise an operating mode, e.g. the second or secondary or auxiliary operating mode, in which the control means is configured to cause the one or more electrical circuits to supply power to at least one of the electrical devices only if an electronic key is received within the electronic key receptacle, e.g. while the secondary lock mechanism is in the locked condition. The plurality of operating modes may comprise an operating mode, e.g. the second or secondary or auxiliary operating mode, in which the one or more electrical circuits supply power to at least one of the electrical devices only if an electronic key is received within the electronic key receptacle, e.g. while the secondary lock mechanism is in the locked condition. The plurality of operating modes may comprise a third or tertiary or further auxiliary operating mode. The plurality of operating modes may comprise an operating mode, e.g. the second or secondary or auxiliary or third or tertiary or further auxiliary operating mode, in which the control means is configured to cause the one or more electrical circuits to supply power to at least one of the electrical devices only if the identified unique electronic key is received within the electronic key receptacle, e.g. while the secondary lock mechanism is in the locked condition. The plurality of operating modes may comprise an operating mode, e.g. the second or secondary or auxiliary or third or tertiary or further auxiliary operating mode, in which the one or more electrical circuits supply power to at least one of the electrical devices only if the identified unique electronic key is received within the electronic key receptacle, e.g. while the secondary lock mechanism is in the locked condition. The system may comprise an electronic key reader. The electronic key reader may be operatively connected to the control means. The control means may be configured to identify, e.g. using the reader, a time-limited unique electronic key. The control means may be configured to cause the primary lock mechanism to operate between the locked and unlocked conditions only if the time-limited unique electronic key is valid. The control means may be configured to cause the primary lock mechanism to operate between the locked and unlocked conditions only if the timelimited unique electronic key read by the reader is valid at the time of reading. The method may comprise operating the primary lock mechanism between the locked and unlocked conditions only if the time-limited unique electronic key is valid. The method may comprise operating the primary lock mechanism between the locked and unlocked conditions only if the time-limited unique electronic key read by the reader is valid at the time of reading. The system may comprise a plurality of electronic keys. The plurality of keys may comprise one or more digital keys, which may be stored on a mobile electronic device. The plurality of keys may comprise one or more key cards. The plurality of keys may comprise one or more key fobs. The electronic key receptacle may be configured to receive and / or read or identify a key card or key fob. In some cases, a single electronic key receptacle may be configured to receive and / or read or identify either a key card or a key fob. In other cases, The electronic key receptacle is one of a pair of electronic key receptacles or includes a pair of receptacles, each configured to receive a respective one of a key card or key fob. According to another aspect of the invention, the energy management system is provided as a retrofit kit. Another aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for retrofitting a room of a building to provide the energy management system. The kit may comprise the sensing means. The kit may comprise at least part of the control means. The kit may comprise only the sensing means and at least part or all of the control means. The term sensing means as used and described herein may comprise or be described as a sensing system. The sensing means or system may comprise one or more sensors, sensor units or modules, which may be included within one or more sensing assemblies. Similarly, the term control means as used and described herein may comprise or be described as a control system. The control means or system may comprise one or more control units or modules, which may be included within one or more controllers. The kit may comprise the lock mechanism or the second lock mechanism. The kit may comprise the first lock mechanism. The kit may comprise the electronic key reader. The kit may comprise the electronic key receptacle. The kit may comprise the plurality of electronic keys. The kit may be provided with or without the electrical circuit(s) connected to or for connection with the electrical devices. For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. For example, the system of any aspect may comprise any one or more features of another aspect relevant thereto. Moreover, the method may comprise any one or more features or steps relevant to one or more features of the system according to any aspect. A further aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising computer readable program code means for causing a processor to execute a procedure to implement one or more steps of the aforementioned method. A yet further aspect of the invention provides the computer program element embodied on a computer readable medium. A yet further aspect of the invention provides a computer readable medium having a program stored thereon, where the program is arranged to make a computer execute a procedure to implement one or more steps of the aforementioned method. A yet further aspect of the invention provides a control means or control system or controller comprising the aforementioned computer program element or computer readable medium. For purposes of this disclosure, and notwithstanding the above, it is to be understood that any controller(s), control units and / or control modules described herein may each comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. The controller may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the control of the system or apparatus may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers or control modules. As used herein, the terms “control unit” and “controller” will be understood to include both a single control unitor controller and a plurality of control units or controllers collectively operating to provide the required control functionality. A set of instructions could be provided which, when executed, cause said controller(s) or control unit(s) or control module(s) to implement the control techniques described herein (including the method(s) described herein). The set of instructions may be embedded in one or more electronic processors, or alternatively, may be provided as software to be executed by one or more electronic processor(s). For example, a first controller may be implemented in software run on one or more electronic processors, and one or more other controllers may also be implemented in software run on or more electronic processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. It will be appreciated, however, that other arrangements are also useful, and therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to any particular arrangement. In any event, the set of instructions described herein may be embedded in a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium) that may comprise any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine or electronic processors / computational device, including, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium; optical storage medium; magneto optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM ad EEPROM); flash memory; or electrical or other types of medium for storing such information / instructions. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “may”, “and / or”, “e.g.”, “for example” and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of an energy management system according to an example, which is shown from inside a room of a building; and Figure 2 is a schematic view of a plurality of electronic keys and of the door of the energy management system of Figure 1 as it appears from outside the room. Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an energy management system 100 for a room of a building (not shown). The system 100 includes a primary lock mechanism 1 and a secondary lock mechanism 2, both of which are mounted to a door 101 of the room. The primary lock mechanism 1 includes an electronic key reader 10 for reading electronic keys, while the secondary lock mechanism 2 includes a manual lock means in the form of a knob 20 accessible only from inside the room. The primary lock mechanism 1 is operable, by one of a plurality of unique electronic keys K1, K2, K3, K4, K5 (shown in Figure 2) read by the electronic key reader 10, between locked and unlocked conditions for selectively locking the door 101 within a frame 102. Similarly, the secondary lock mechanism 2 is only operable by the knob 20 between locked and unlocked conditions for selectively locking the door 101 within a frame 102. As such, operation of the knob 20 is only possible from inside the room, and can serve as confirmation that someone is present within the room. In order to detect operation of the secondary lock mechanism 2, the system 100 also includes a first sensor 3 associated with the secondary lock mechanism 2. In this example, the first sensor 3 is incorporated within door 101 and detects when the secondary lock mechanism 2 is deployed, indicating that it is in the locked condition. The first sensor 3 may, but need not, also be configured to detect whether the secondary lock mechanism 2 is in the unlocked condition, for example when the lock mechanism 2 is retracted. The skilled person will appreciate that both states can be determined either using a single first sensor 3 or with a pair of first sensors 3. In order to detect the position of the door 101 relative to the frame 102, the system 100 includes a second sensor 4. In this example, the second sensor 4 is a proximity sensor mounted to the door 101 adjacent the primary and secondary lock mechanisms 1, 2, and is configured to detect the presence of an adjacent portion of the frame 102. Other configurations are also envisaged, for example the second sensor 4 may comprise a different type of sensor or be mounted at a different location of the door 101 or may even be mounted to the frame 102. In some examples, the system 100 includes a third sensor (not shown) configured to detect whether or not a window (not shown) is ajar. It is also envisaged that the first sensor 3 may be mounted to the frame 102, which would avoid the need for the second sensor 4. Specifically, the first sensor 3 could be configured to detect the presence of the locking member 21 within a receptacle (not shown) of the frame 102. As such, the first sensor 3 would detect both the position of the door and the condition of the secondary lock mechanism 2 simultaneously. However, it is preferable that any sensors 3, 4 are mounted to the door 101. This enables the system 100 to be provided as a kit for retrofitting an existing building with minimal intervention. The first sensor(s) 3, the second sensor 4 and (if present) the third sensor (not shown) together form part of a sensing system in this example. Other arrangements are also envisaged. The system 100 includes control system 5 operatively connected each of the first sensor 3, the second sensor 4 and configured to selectively control the supply of power to a pair of electrical circuits 6, 7 via a control box 8, which controls the supply of power from a power supply 9. Each electrical circuit 6, 7 supplies power to a plurality of electrical devices 60, 61, 62, 70, 71, 72. The control system 5 includes a first controller 51 mounted adjacent to the secondary lock mechanism 2, which is electrically connected to the electronic key reader 10 and to the first and second sensors 3, 4. The control system 5 also includes a second controller 52 mounted adjacent the frame 102, which is electrically connected to the control box 8. The second controller 52 is configured to control, via the control box 8, the supply of power to electrical devices 60, 61, 62, 70, 71, 72. This can be achieved either by having the control box 8 switch the power supply on and off, or by sending command signals to the electrical devices 60, 61,62, 70, 71. The skilled person will appreciate that any one of several other configurations can be used. In this example, a first electrical circuit 6 is connected to electrical devices 60, 61, 62 for which the supply of power is to be disabled, such that they turn off completely. Examples of such electrical devices 60,61,62 includes lights and power sockets. In addition, a second electrical circuit 7 is connected to electrical devices 70, 71, 72 for which it is preferable to avoid disabling the supply of power. Instead, it is preferable to put such electrical devices 70, 71, 72 into a standby mode, such that they consume considerably less energy whilst continuing to operate. Examples of such electrical devices 70, 71, 72 include heating devices and air conditioning units. Of course, some electrical devices (not shown) may bypass the control of the system 100, for example safety lighting, alarm systems and the like. The first controller 51 includes a wireless transceiver 53, a processor 54, which is operatively connected to the electronic key reader 10 and to the first and second sensors 3, 4. The first controller 51 also includes a memory 55 operatively connected to the processor 54. The second controller 52 also includes a wireless transceiver 56 and a processor 57 operatively connected to the electrical circuits 6, 7 and to the wireless transceiver 56. The second controller 52 also includes a memory 58 and an electronic key receptacle 59, both of which are operatively connected to the processor 57. The second controller 52 communicates with the first controller 51 via a wireless connection between their respective wireless transceivers 53, 56, which may comprise a Bluetooth protocol or another suitable configuration. In use, one of a plurality of unique electronic keys K1, K2, K3, K4, K5 is presented to the electronic key reader 10. A control algorithm embodied within code means stored in the memory 55 of the first controller 51 is configured to identify key K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, evaluate whether it is valid at the time of reading and, if it is valid, to operate the primary lock mechanism 1 from a locked condition to an unlocked condition and to send an identification signal to the first controller 51 via the wireless transceivers 53, 56. As is usual, the primary lock mechanism 1 is caused to return to the locked condition after a relatively short time period. In this example, the plurality of unique electronic keys K1, K2, K3, K4, K5 includes a resident key fob K1, a property management key fob K2, a temporary key fob K3, a temporary key card K4 and a resident digital key K5 stored on a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone. The resident key fob K1 may be issued to a resident of the room, and may be time-limited for a predetermined term of residency. The property management key fob K2 is retained by the organisation managing the building and is generally not time-limited. The temporary key fob K3 and the temporary key card K4 are both time-limited, and would normally be issued to individuals requiring temporary access to the room, for example to repair faulty equipment contained within the room. The resident digital key K5 stored on a portable electronic device is generally also time-limited for a predetermined term of residency, and may be provided to enable a resident to enter the property in the event that the resident key fob K1 is misplaced, for example left within the room. In this example, the algorithm embodied within code means stored in the memory 55 of the first controller 51 is configured to select one of a plurality of operating modes based on the identification signal, that is to say based on which of the identified unique electronic keys K1, K2, K3, K4, K5 was read by the electronic key reader 10. The selected operating mode is then used in the control of the supply of power to the electrical devices 60, 61, 62, 70, 71, 72, as will be explained further below. After entering the room, an occupier (not shown) operates the knob 20 of the secondary lock mechanism 2. The first sensor 3 detects operation of the secondary lock mechanism 2 and a control algorithm embodied within code means stored in the memory 58 of the second controller 52 is configured to cause the processor 54 of the second controller 52 to determine based on feedback from the second sensor 4 whether the door 101 is closed and, if it is, to send a locked signal to the first controller 51 via the wireless transceivers 53, 56. If the processor 54 determines based on the feedback from the second sensor 4 that the door 101 is not closed, no locked signal is sent. In this example, the plurality of operating modes includes a first operating mode, in which the electrical circuits 6, 7 always supply power to the electrical devices 60, 61, 62, 70, 71, 72 when the locked signal is received by the first controller 1. This operating mode may be associated with the resident key fob K1 or the property management key fob K2, for example. The plurality of operating modes also includes a second operating mode, in which power is supplied to the electrical devices 60, 61, 62, 70, 71, 72 after the locked signal is received by the first controller 51, but only when an electronic key K1, K2, K3, K4 is received within the electronic key receptacle 59. This operating mode may be associated with the temporary key fob K3 and the temporary key card K4, for example. The plurality of operating modes also includes a third operating mode, which may be a variation of the second operating mode or a distinct mode. In the third operating mode, power is supplied to the electrical devices 60, 61, 62, 70, 71, 72 after the locked signal is received by the first controller 51, but only when the identified unique electronic key K1, K2, K3, K4, K5 read by the electronic key reader 10 is received within the electronic key receptacle 59. This operating mode may be associated with the temporary key fob K3 and the temporary key card K4, for example. This, third operating mode may be advantageous for ensuring that the electronic key K3, K4 used to open the door 101 remains in the room with the occupant. The skilled person will appreciate that there are many advantages to such an approach, particularly relating to security and traceability. The plurality of operating modes also includes a fourth operating mode, which may also be a variation of the second and third operating modes, or a distinct mode. In the fourth operating mode, power is supplied to the electrical devices 60, 61,62, 70, 71, 72 after the locked signal is received by the first controller 51, but only when the resident key fob K1 is received within the electronic key receptacle 59. This operating mode may be associated with the resident digital key K5 stored on a portable electronic device. This, fourth operating mode allows a resident to whom the resident key fob K1 is issued to enter the property when it is left in the room inadvertently, but ensures that the resident digital key K5 is not used simply as an alternative to the resident key fob K1. The skilled person will appreciate that this forces a lost resident key fob K1 to be reported, whilst reducing the burden on property management staff from having to let in residents who inadvertently lock themselves out of the room. Other control rules may apply to each of the operating modes. For example, the electrical devices 70, 71, 72 connected to the second electrical circuit 7 may remain in a standby mode at all times in the second and third operating modes, while power may be supplied to the electrical devices 60, 61, 62 connected to the first electrical circuit 6. Indeed, as a variation to the first operating mode, the electrical devices 70, 71, 72 connected to the second electrical circuit 7 may remain in a standby mode at all times when the property management key fob K2 is used to open the door 101 as well. Other variations are also envisaged, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. Upon leaving the room, the knob 20 of the secondary lock mechanism 2 is operated from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. The first sensor 3 detects operation of the secondary lock mechanism 2 and the control algorithm embodied within code means stored in the memory 58 of the second controller 52 is configured to cause the processor 54 of the second controller 52 to send an unlocked signal to the first controller 51 via the wireless transceivers 53, 56. When the unlocked signal is received by the first controller 51, the algorithm embodied within code means stored in the memory 55 of the first controller 51 is configured to disable the supply of power to the electrical devices 60, 61, 62 in the first electrical circuit 6 and to reduce the supply of power to the electrical devices 70, 71, 72 in the first electrical circuit 7, for example by placing them into a standby mode. However, this is only done after a predetermined time delay. In this example, the predetermined time delay is adjustable by a property management individual by connecting a computer (not shown) to the first controller 51 via an input port (not shown). The skilled person will appreciate that such adjustment may require bespoke software and / or a password to inhibit unauthorised access. In other examples, the first controller 51 may include an input device, such as a keypad into which a passcode may be entered and / or the adjustment may take place. Alternatively, adjustment may be by an input only accessible upon installation. It is also envisaged that each operating mode may have a predetermined time delay associated therewith. In such examples, each predetermined time delay may be adjustable. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the second sensor 4 and / or the plurality of operating modes and / or the predetermined time delay may each be omitted. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and / or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. An energy management system for a room of a building, the system comprising:a primary lock mechanism mountable to a door and operable, by one of a plurality of unique electronic keys, between locked and unlocked conditions for selectively locking the door within a frame;a secondary lock mechanism mountable to the door and operable, from only one side of the door, between locked and unlocked conditions for locking the door within the frame;sensing means for determining whether the lock mechanism is in the locked condition;one or more electrical circuits configured to selectively supply power to one or more electrical devices; andcontrol means operatively connected to each of the sensing means and the one or more electrical circuits;wherein the control means is configured to:identify the unique electronic key used to operate the primary lock mechanism;select one of a plurality of operating modes based on the identified unique electronic key;control the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices according to the selected operating mode.

2. The energy management system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of operating modes includes an operating mode in which the control means is configured to cause the one or more electrical circuits to always supply power to at least one of the electrical devices whenever the secondary lock mechanism is in the locked condition.

3. The energy management system of claim 1 or claim 2 comprising an electronic key receptacle operatively connected to the control means, wherein the plurality of operating modes includes an operating mode in which the control means is configured to cause the one or more electrical circuits to supply power to at least one of the electrical devices only if an electronic key is received within the electronic key receptacle while the secondary lock mechanism is in the locked condition.

4. The energy management system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of operating modes includes an operating mode in which the control means is configured to cause the one or more electrical circuits to supply power to at least one of the electrical devices only if the identified unique electronic key is received within the electronic key receptacle while the secondary lock mechanism is in the locked condition.

5. The energy management system of any preceding claim comprising an electronic key reader operatively connected to the control means, wherein the control means is configured to identify using the reader a time-limited unique electronic key and to cause the primary lock mechanism to operate between the locked and unlocked conditions only if the time-limited unique electronic key read by the reader is valid at the time of reading.

6. The energy management system of any preceding claim comprising:further sensing means for determining whether the door or a window associated with the room is in a closed position;wherein the control means is configured to:determine, based on feedback from the sensing means, the condition of the lock mechanism;determine, based on feedback from the further sensing means, the position of the door or window; andcontrol the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices based on the determined condition of the lock mechanism and the determined position of the door or window.

7. The energy management system of claim 6, wherein the control means is configured to:determine, based on feedback from the sensing means, that the lock mechanism has changed from the unlocked condition to the locked condition;determine, based on feedback from the further sensing means, whether the door or window is in the closed position; andenable the supply of power to the one or more electrical devices in response to the determination of the change to the locked condition only if the door or window is determined to be in the closed position.

8. The energy management system of claim 6 of claim 7, wherein the control means is configured to:determine, based on feedback from the sensing means, that the lock mechanism has changed from the locked condition to the unlocked condition; and disable or reduce the supply of power to at least one of the one or more electrical devices in response to the determination of the change to the unlocked condition.

9. The energy management system of claim 8, wherein the supply of power to at least one of the one or more electrical devices is reduced, in response to the determination of the change to the unlocked condition, by placing the or each electrical device into a standby mode.

10. The energy management system of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the control means is configured to disable or reduce the supply of power to the at least one electrical device only after a predetermined time delay from the determination of the change to the unlocked condition.

11. The energy management system of claim 10, wherein the predetermined time delay is adjustable.

12. The energy management system of claim 11, wherein adjustment of the predetermined time delay is restricted, for example by a password or other security means.

13. The energy management system of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing means comprises a first sensor for determining whether the lock mechanism is in the locked condition and the further sensing means comprises a second sensor for determining whether the door or a window associated with the room is in a closed position.

14. The energy management system of any preceding claim comprising a plurality of electronic keys, wherein the plurality of keys comprises one or more digital keys stored on a mobile electronic device and / or one or more key cards and / or one or more key fobs.

15. A kit of parts for retrofitting a room of a building to provide the energy management system of preceding claim, the kit comprising at least the sensing means and the control means.

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