Mobile Device Energy Management via Utility Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current demand response management systems lack flexibility and convenience, as they require customers to be at a fixed location to interact with utility information systems and energy management systems, limiting their ability to manage energy usage effectively across different facilities and locations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-based communication system that allows facility managers to receive and send commands and data wirelessly, integrating with both utility information systems and energy management systems, using location-specific information to optimize energy consumption based on real-time pricing and demand response signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-location system is used for demand response management, then system reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-location architecture to a dynamic mobile architecture where the mobile device can move between facilities while maintaining reliable communication connections. The mobile device adapts its communication parameters and associations based on location, enabling reliable demand response management from any facility rather than requiring a fixed control room.
2Ease of operation
If a mobile device is used for communication, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a communication terminal, a location tracker, a facility identifier, and a control interface. By consolidating these functions into a single universal device that facility managers already possess, the system avoids adding separate complex devices while enabling mobile, location-aware demand response management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If location-specific communication is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary communication layer that handles location-specific information processing. The mobile device communicates with utility systems through standardized protocols, while the utility system's information system processes the location-specific logic and returns appropriate facility-specific information. This intermediary approach distributes processing complexity rather than concentrating it in the mobile device.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for communications about, and management of a resource, such as energy, using a mobile device. A utility provides a resource for a facility. The facility can provide a resource in another sense. The utility has an information system that sends messages and data relative to the utility and the facility, to the mobile device. The mobile device provides commands and data, based on messages from the utility to an energy management system of the facility. The energy management system sends messages and data to the mobile device. The mobile device sends commands and data to the utility information system. A facility manager uses the mobile device and makes decisions relative to communications at the device. The communications are wireless and the device is portable and operated at various locations. The communications can involve other energy management systems and facilities.