Household Energy Management Using Contextual Usage Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy usage measurement systems are cryptic and not user-friendly for average consumers, as they provide measurements in complex units like kilowatts per hour without context, making it difficult for consumers to understand and manage energy usage effectively across devices and households.
Innovation Solution
An energy management system that monitors and compares energy usage data from various devices and the household, generating instructions to modify energy profiles based on pre-programmed rules or utility demands, enabling efficient energy management by correlating device usage with overall household energy policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If energy usage measurements are provided in standard units (kilowatts per hour), then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because average consumers cannot understand or contextualize these measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that converts raw energy measurements into contextualized information. The system compares actual energy usage against predefined profiles and thresholds, then presents this processed information to consumers in an understandable format with actionable recommendations, bridging the gap between precise measurement and consumer comprehension
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the parameter representation of energy usage data. Instead of presenting raw kilowatt-hour values, it converts these into relative comparisons (above/below profile), percentage deviations, and contextualized recommendations that change the parameter form from abstract numerical data to meaningful operational guidance
2Measurement precision
If detailed energy usage data is collected from all devices, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for monitoring and processing multiple data sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple energy measurement functions into a single integrated system. The energy management device consolidates data collection, profile comparison, and recommendation generation into one unified platform, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities across multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management device performs multiple functions through a single system: it monitors individual device usage, aggregates household-wide consumption, compares data against profiles, generates recommendations, and provides user guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices for each task
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements for accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices are described. The energy usage of devices within a first structure is monitored. An energy usage rule and energy usage is then compared. The energy management policy and energy usage is also compared. Based on the comparing, an instruction may be generated to modify an energy usage profile of one or more devices to correlate with the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energy management policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management.