The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 01, 2014
Filed:
Jun. 18, 2012
Benjamin F. Harbin, Iii, Athens, AL (US);
Cecil Ray Holland, Jr., Ardmore, TN (US);
Robert J. Toth, Huntsville, AL (US);
Adrian O'neil, Madison, AL (US);
Michael Scott Sansom, Huntsville, AL (US);
R. Michael Browder, Bristol, TN (US);
Brook Marin, Huntsville, AL (US);
Benjamin F. Harbin, III, Athens, AL (US);
Cecil Ray Holland, Jr., Ardmore, TN (US);
Robert J. Toth, Huntsville, AL (US);
Adrian O'Neil, Madison, AL (US);
Michael Scott Sansom, Huntsville, AL (US);
R. Michael Browder, Bristol, TN (US);
Brook Marin, Huntsville, AL (US);
Carina Technologies, Inc., Huntsville, AL (US);
Abstract
A system for shifting energy demand from on-peak time windows to off-peak time windows by using hot water heater load shifting, while providing the end user with the level of service (i.e., availability of hot water) according to the user's customary use described by service quality criteria. The shift is accomplished by a controller located at the end user establishment and in communication with a central control server. The controller monitors local water heater upper and/or lower temperature and controls upper and/or lower water heater heating elements in accordance with a demand shift process commanded by the central control server. The controller may determine usage and remaining capacity for reporting back to the central control server. A volumetric capacity and usage determination is disclosed. The control server may select water heaters according to use patterns and/or measured capacity. One embodiment is adapted for use with existing water heaters without disrupting safety features of the existing water heater.