Remote Energy Management Modules for Third-Party Building Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial establishments face challenges in managing energy consumption due to fragmented energy management systems, lack of integration with IoT devices, and inefficient control methods that do not consider actual usage patterns, leading to suboptimal energy savings.
Innovation Solution
A system of networked modules installed at a facility, connected to a remote server, monitors and controls energy usage, allowing a third-party entity to manage energy consumption, switch between utility and renewable energy sources, and pay utility bills, independent of actual usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If commercial establishments install energy efficient upgrades and smart energy control devices, then energy consumption is reduced, but the business entity needs to expend significant capital and internal resources to install and manage these devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy management function from the business entity and transfers it to a third-party energy management company. The business entity installs and uses energy-saving devices, but the third party assumes responsibility for managing, monitoring, and optimizing these devices, thereby removing the management burden from the business while maintaining energy reduction benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third-party energy management company as an intermediary between the business entity and the energy-saving devices. This intermediary assumes full responsibility for device installation, operation, maintenance, and optimization, allowing the business to benefit from energy savings without directly managing the complex technical systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy efficiency providers are engaged, then more comprehensive energy solutions are provided, but the systems are not integrated and require significant resources to build integration between disparate systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple energy management functions and device types under a single third-party energy management company. This unified provider integrates lighting controls, HVAC management, renewable energy systems, and other energy-saving technologies into a cohesive managed service, eliminating the need for the business to integrate multiple disparate systems from different suppliers
3Extent of automation
If smart IoT devices are deployed for remote control, then energy usage can be monitored and controlled, but these devices are fragmented and not well integrated, requiring the company to install and manage them efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the burden of managing fragmented IoT smart devices from the business entity and transfers it to the third-party energy management company. The third party deploys, integrates, and manages the automated control systems across multiple devices and locations, providing remote monitoring and control capabilities without requiring the business to handle the technical complexity of device integration
4Ease of operation
If energy management is performed internally by the business, then control over energy usage is achieved, but energy management is not the main task the business is concerned with and does not fall within the expertise of the business entity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized third-party energy management company as an intermediary that possesses the necessary expertise in energy optimization. This intermediary handles all aspects of energy management including device selection, installation coordination, operation, and optimization, allowing the business to maintain ease of operation while the complex technical work is performed by specialists
Data Source
AI summary
A system of modules which control and measure energy usage at a building which are in communication with a software program executing on a remote server controlled by a third party. The third party said usage via the software program which communicates with the modules to modify energy usage and demand for energy and is responsible or liable for energy usage charges the building where the third party does not actually use the energy.