Comverge, Inc.

Emerson Electric Company

Electric Power Research Institute Incorporated

Emerson Electric, Inc.

John F Rossi

Wendell M Miyaji

Howard P Ng

Carl J Mueller

James P Garozzo

Cecil Barrett

Russell Thomas House

Paul Michael Huddleston

Mark Lee Barton

Bradley A Smith

Michael H Silverberg

David Robert Smith

Jack F Trezza

Garrett S Sylvester

Cecil H Barrett

A method and system for estimating energy consumption of a utility population includes organizing the utility population comprising energy consumers into a plurality of groups. Next, a distribution of energy consumption against the plurality of groups may be calculated. Subsequently, statistically representative groups based on the energy distribution and the plurality of groups may be determined. Data is then collected from the statistically representative groups at predefined intervals from a communications network. Energy consumption of the utility population may then be estimated based on the data collected from the statistically representative groups. The communications network comprises an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network.

System and method for estimating energy consumption based on readings from an AMI network

A method and system for managing an energy supply of a utility provider include calibrating one or more climate controlled spaces for a controller. The calibrating may include calculating a heating/cooling ratio for the one or more climate controlled spaces. After this calibration occurs, the system may determine if an energy supply surplus exists. If an energy supply surplus exists, then the system may start using the one or more climate controlled spaces as energy sinks for expending energy according to the heating/cooling ratio. The system may also determine if an energy supply deficit exists and if an energy supply deficit exists, then the system may start using the one or more climate controlled spaces as energy 'sources,' in which a direct load control algorithm is used to reduce energy consumption by the one or more climate controlled spaces.

System and method for using climate controlled spaces as energy storage units for 'receiving' surplus energy and for 'supplying'energy when needed

A method and system provide for the cooperative charging of electric vehicles. By using power line communications, chargers of the electric vehicles who are serviced by the same distribution transformer can form self-contained local area networks due to the nature of power line communications. After the chargers of the electric vehicles are coupled to one another through power line communications, they can form a token ring network. According to this token ring network, a predetermined number of tokens can be assigned within the token ring network for permitting chargers with tokens to charge respective electric vehicles while chargers without tokens must wait until they receive a token to initiate charging.

Method and system for co-operative charging of electric vehicles

A method and system for controlling a unitary room air conditioner and for reducing peak loads can comprise a communications transceiver coupled to a relay or switch. This relay or switch can control the flow of electricity to a compressor of the air conditioner. The communications transceiver can receive signals which may direct the communications transceiver to open or close the relay or switch. In this way, the compressor can be controlled independent of the air conditioner's control logic. In other words, the operation of the compressor can be controlled with signals which originate outside of the unitary air conditioner and independent of the air conditioner's own internal control logic.

Method and system for controlling unitary air conditioners for reducing peak loads

A method and system provide for the cooperative charging of electric vehicles. By using power line communications, chargers of the electric vehicles who are serviced by the same distribution transformer can form self-contained local area networks due to the nature of power line communications (PLCs). Alternatively, or in addition to the PLCs, other communication networks, such as the Internet and local area networks, may be used as part of the communications infrastructure for the chargers. After the chargers of the electric vehicles are coupled to one another through power line communications or traditional communications networks, they can form a logical token ring network. According to this token ring network, a predetermined number of tokens can be assigned within the token ring network for permitting chargers with tokens to charge respective electric vehicles while chargers without tokens must wait until they receive a token to initiate charging.

System and method for using climate controlled spaces as energy storage units for 'receiving' surplus energy and for 'supplying' energy when needed

A method and system provide for the cooperative powering of unitary air conditioners. The method and system includes coordinating powering of unitary air conditioners in a multiunit building or other low level of aggregation in a power grid. Multiple unitary air conditioners can use a power line communication (PLC) communication module for communicating with other air conditioners that are within the same multiunit building. According to one aspect of the method and system, by using power line communications, multiple unitary air conditioners within a single building can form self-contained local area networks. The LAN can also support a token ring network. According to this token ring network, a predetermined number of tokens can be assigned within the token ring network.

Method and system for cooperative powering of unitary air conditioners

A method and system for shedding loads based upon a power system characteristic, such as voltage or frequency, is provided. In one embodiment, a remote party, such as a power generator or utility, transmits a signal to a control device proximately located with a load device. Upon receipt of the signal, the control device measures the power system characteristic for a predetermined time to establish a baseline threshold. The control device then monitors the power system characteristic. When the power system characteristic falls outside the baseline threshold, the control device sheds load. In one embodiment, the loads are prioritized such that the load of least importance may be shed first.

Method and system for local load control

A system for communicating across conventional HVAC wiring is provided. The system includes a communication device having a communication module capable of inducing low power, high frequency current signals into a single control wire coupling, for example, a thermostat with a compressor. The communication module includes a power supply module that draws power sufficient to operate the communication module from the existing HVAC wiring, so as to eliminate any need for batteries or external power sources. A second communication module may be coupled to the single control wire. The second communication module operates as a transceiver sending communication signals to, and receiving communication signals from, the communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is disposed within a building, for example coupled to an electronic thermostat, while the second communication module is disposed outside the building near the compressor. The communication signals are RF modulated signals between 5 and 50 MHz so as to take advantage of and pass across parasitic capacitances found inherent in transformers or other coils disposed within HVAC loads.

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Mendham, NJ, United States of America

John F Rossi