Occupancy-Based Demand Response Dispatch for Building Energy Management

The patent introduces an occupancy determination system as an intermediary that processes energy consumption data and temperature data to calculate occupancy levels. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between the available data streams and the required occupancy information, using a standardized formula that combines these data sources with normalization factors to produce accurate occupancy determinations without requiring direct complex sensor networks in each building.

The patent uses energy consumption data as a proxy or copy of actual occupancy levels. Instead of directly measuring occupancy through sensors, the system copies the information contained in energy consumption patterns and temperature data to infer occupancy. This approach allows occupancy determination without deploying complex physical sensing infrastructure, thereby improving accuracy while managing system complexity.

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing normalization factors, building characteristics, and baseline energy consumption patterns. These pre-computed elements are stored in databases and readily available when real-time occupancy determination is needed. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the computational burden during real-time operations, enabling fast energy management decisions without excessive data processing delays.

The patent replaces complex mechanical data processing systems with streamlined computational formulas and algorithms. Instead of using elaborate data analysis mechanisms, the system employs a standardized occupancy determination formula that efficiently processes energy consumption and temperature data. This substitution reduces computational complexity and processing time while maintaining real-time capability for demand response prioritization.