Systems, methods and apparatus for encouraging energy conscious behavior based on aggregated third party energy consumption
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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 kilowatts per hour without context, making it difficult for consumers to understand their energy usage in relation to other devices and the household as a whole.
Innovation Solution
An energy management system that monitors and compares energy usage data from various devices within a household, generating instructions to modify energy profiles based on pre-programmed rules or demand-response calls from utility companies, 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 a device's energy consumption against reference data from similar devices and households, then presents this comparative information to consumers in an easily understandable format. This intermediary process bridges the gap between precise technical measurements and consumer comprehension without sacrificing measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If detailed energy usage data is provided for individual devices, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for aggregation and comparison systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal energy management platform that performs multiple functions: collecting data from individual devices, aggregating household-level consumption, comparing against external reference data, and generating actionable insights. This multi-functional system handles the complexity centrally while keeping individual device interfaces simple, allowing the same infrastructure to serve measurement, comparison, and recommendation functions simultaneously.
3Productivity
If real-time energy monitoring is implemented, then productivity is improved through immediate feedback, but use of energy increases due to the operational overhead of continuous monitoring and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where energy management decisions are automated based on pre-established rules and algorithms. Once the system is initialized with reference data and consumer preferences, it autonomously monitors energy consumption, compares it against benchmarks, and provides recommendations without requiring continuous human intervention or complex real-time processing. This reduces the operational energy overhead while maintaining productive feedback loops.
Data Source
AI summary
Accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices is described, wherein the devices are coupled with a first structure. The energy usage of the devices 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 is generated to modify an energy usage profile of said device to correlate with the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energy management policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management.