Energy management system and method, including auto-provisioning capability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems lack real-time energy consumption data and analytical infrastructure, leading to inadequate energy awareness and inefficient energy conservation in residential settings, with existing demand response systems often inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
An energy management system that includes a database for storing site report data, a processor to access and analyze energy usage, and a network of devices such as smart thermostats and appliances, enabling real-time energy monitoring and scheduling to optimize energy consumption based on user preferences and market conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If passive energy display technologies are provided to show current energy prices, then consumers gain energy price awareness, but energy conservation remains inefficient as it relies on manual curtailment by consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The energy management system automatically performs energy conservation actions without requiring manual intervention from consumers. The system analyzes energy consumption data, identifies optimization opportunities, and executes control decisions autonomously based on energy prices and user-defined preferences, transforming passive information display into active self-managing energy optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously monitoring energy consumption, comparing it against energy price signals and conservation goals, and automatically adjusting energy usage patterns. This feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of energy conservation based on current energy prices and consumption patterns
2Reliability
If demand response systems force curtailment on customers to manage load levels, then utility companies can balance energy demand, but user convenience deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts energy management strategies based on real-time energy prices, consumption patterns, and user preferences rather than imposing static curtailment schedules. This dynamic approach allows flexible optimization of energy demand while adapting to changing user needs and market conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively schedules energy-consuming tasks during periods of lower energy prices or lower grid demand before peak load periods occur. By performing energy-intensive operations in advance during optimal times, the system balances grid demand without forcing inconvenient curtailment on users during critical periods
3Measurement precision
If smart meters are deployed to measure and report consumption data, then real-time energy measurement capability is improved, but lack of communication and analytical infrastructure prevents effective utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines smart meter measurement capabilities with integrated communication modules and analytical processing in a unified energy management platform. By merging data collection, communication, analysis, and control functions into a single system, the patent eliminates the need for separate complex infrastructure components while fully utilizing real-time measurement data
4Device complexity
If consumers rely on monthly bills to evaluate energy consumption, then infrastructure complexity is minimized, but energy awareness and transparency into consumption causes are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms energy consumption information from a single monthly aggregate value into multi-dimensional data including time-based patterns, appliance-level breakdowns, cost projections, and causal analysis. This dimensional expansion of information provides comprehensive transparency while maintaining infrastructure simplicity by processing data through software analytics rather than additional hardware
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a provisioning system for a network includes a first device associated with a site. The first device includes a communication chip associated therewith. The system also includes a second device including a device identifier associated therewith. The communication chip is configured to read the device identifier on the second device to obtain information about the second device. The device identifier of the second device is transmitted to a cloud server. Information about the second device is received at the first device from the cloud server based on the device identifier. Based on the information from the cloud server about the second device it can then be joined to the network by the first device.