WO2012044955A2

WO2012044955A2 - Active automated power control architecture

Info

Publication number: WO2012044955A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/054261
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Good; Ronald J. Miller
Original assignee: Interactive Control Solutions, Llc
Priority date: 2010-10-01
Filing date: 2011-09-30
Publication date: 2012-04-05
Also published as: WO2012044955A3

Abstract

A method and a system for automated electrical energy management within a controlled environment including an Energy Management System wirelessly communicating with Control Devices and with Control Modules that are linked to individual pieces of utilization equipment or to an Alternate Electrical Source. Each Control Device maintains a unique identity, collects and transmits numerous data related to the status and measures back to the Energy Management System. Each Control Module maintains a unique identity, collects and transmits numerous data related to the status and measures of an individual piece of utilization equipment back to the Energy Management System.

Description

ACTIVE AUTOMATED POWER CONTROL ARCHITECTURE

The Energy Management System is the central system that manages the Controlled Environment. The Energy Management System collects, processes and stores data into the system's database sent to it from Control Devices and Control Modules. Based on a set of user-defined business rules, the Energy Management System automatically initiates actions to reduce overall electrical consumption by issuing commands to specific Control Modules linked to individual pieces of Utilization Equipment or to an Alternate Electrical Source. Commands issued to, and executed by, Control Modules minimize the amount electricity consumed by individual pieces of Utilization Equipment and/or transfer the electrical supply provision from a Utility Provider to an Alternate Electrical Source.

The Energy Management System provides the operator with both individual and aggregate views of information related to the Utilization Equipment's physical location, equipment specifications, present operating state, operating performance, electrical consumption measures and historical comparisons to electrical usage, equipment performance, billing amounts, and equipment maintenance.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in

conjunction with the drawings. The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; FIG. 3 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6 depicts icons representing physical and virtual items of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7 depicts icon appearance of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 8 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 9 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; FIG. 10 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; FIG. 11 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 12 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; FIG. 13 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 14 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 15 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 16 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 17 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; FIG. 18 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 19 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 20 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 21 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 22 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; FIG. 23 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 24 depicts a computer display screen of a system for automated electrical energy management according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; As illustrated in Fig. 1, the Energy Management Solution comprises a Controlled

Environment 1 linked to an Electrical Utility 2 supplier, and Alternate Electrical Source 3 and linked to one or more pieces of Utilization Equipment 4.

The Controlled Environment as further illustrated in Fig. 1 comprises an Energy Management System 5 connected to one or more RF Transceivers 6. RF Transceivers wirelessly communicate 8 using radio frequency with one or more Control Modules 9. Control Modules and Control Devices 10 each contain a unique radio frequency identification 11 (RFID).

Control Modules are linked to individual pieces of Utilization Equipment or to an Alternate Electrical Source. Control Modules receive instructions in the form of commands sent from the Energy Management System via the RF Transceiver, execute those commands and collect data that is then sent back to the Energy Management System via the RF Transceiver. Examples of commands include, but are not limited to, "turn on/off, "dim", "speed up/slow down", "collect information", and "send information". The Control Module may comprise any electrical component capable of interacting with the Utilization Equipment in response to specific commands. Electrical components may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: an electrical switch, a transducers, a voltage sensor, an electrical current sensor, a dimmer, and a voltage supply. Where the command is relatively complex, the Control Module may comprise a programmable controller coupled to suitable electrical components configured to control or interact with the Utilization Equipment.

Control Devices recognize changes in the physical environment, measure values and collect data. Control Devices then wirelessly communicate this information back to the Energy Management System via radio frequency to the RF Transceiver. Information and data that is received from Control Modules and Control Devices are deposited and maintained within the Energy Management System's database.

A Remote Control Device 12 communicates with the Energy Management System allowing the user to operate and maintain the Energy Management System from a remote location.

Referring to Fig. 1 the function of the Electrical Utility is to supply electrical power and provide historical and on-going electrical usage data to customers. Historical and current electrical usage data is stored along with other data elements in the Energy Management System database. This data is transferred to the Energy Management System either manually or through an electronic interface to Electrical Utility. As customers are provided historical and on-going electrical usage data through the U.S. Department Of Energy's Smart Grid initiative the Energy Management System will be compatible with these functions and can be configured to electronically interface into the SMARTGrid 13. The function of the Alternate Electrical Source (e.g.: a generator, solar, wind power, fuel cell, etc.) is to be available to provide an alternate electrical power source to that provided by the Electrical Utility supplier.

Utilization Equipment is any product or piece of equipment that draws on electricity for its power source. The function of a piece of Utilization Equipment (e.g.: a light fixture, a motor, HVAC, range/oven, dryer, etc.) is to fulfill its designed purpose for the user.

Generally, the function of the Energy Management System illustrated in Fig. 1 is to provide the operator with overall management and control of all components within the controlled environment. The Energy Management System provides: real-time and historical visibility to electrical usage; performance data of each piece of Utilization Equipment; management and control over the source of electrical supply and the amount of electricity consumed by Utilization Equipment. More specifically, the Energy Management System comprises a programmable computer with a user interface, a Computer Display Screen, a mouse, a keyboard, a database and I/O ports suitable for communicating with components of the Controlled Environment and is programmed to execute Visibility Functions and Management & Control Functions as described below.

The Energy Management System Visibility Functions allow users to view current and historical usage data of each piece of Utilization Equipment; view electrical power usage in aggregate and perform comparisons with previous period usage; forecast future electrical power usage based on past trends modeled over a selected period of time; compare how current and forecasted electrical consumption will impact the users' electrical bill; from a building floor plan view identify where Utilization Equipment is physically located; view how efficiently Utilization Equipment is operating compared to its equipment performance specifications; identify which pieces of Utilization Equipment have the highest electrical consumption; and/or view the present state (e.g.: on to off, bright to dimmed, fast to slow) of any piece of Utilization Equipment.

The Energy Management System Management & Control Functions allow users to: change the state (e.g.: on to off; bright to dimmed; fast to slow, etc.) of a piece of Utilization Equipment; automatically deliver commands to Control Modules; establish performance thresholds for each piece of Utilization Equipment; establish, add, delete and modify business rules; dynamically change the relationships between Control Devices, Utilization Equipment and business rules through easy to use selection "highlight and click" methods; create Virtual Electrical Meters; create virtual devices (e.g.: timers, clocks, etc.); support multiple Control Modules; support, multiple customers and multiple users; assign users and system operators; secure system access; establish and change user and system operator authorization levels; perform system administration tasks; move, add and delete Control Modules and Utilization Equipment; modify Control Module and Utilization Equipment characteristics (e.g.: location, identity, description, etc.); maintain the database; isolate and diagnose hardware, software and overall system problems within the Controlled Environment; produce and print standard reports and tailored user reports; and/or perform all Management & Control Functions remotely via a Remote Control Device. One or more RF Transceivers are linked to the Energy Management System. RF Transceivers receive instructions from the Energy Management System and wirelessly communicate commands to one or more Control Modules using radio frequency communication. RF Transceivers also wirelessly communicate using radio frequency with one or more Control Devices and Control Modules to receive information and to pass that information on to the Energy Management System.

Each Control Module maintains a unique electronic radio frequency identity (RFID); wirelessly communicates with the Energy Management System; accepts commands issued from the Energy Management System as transmitted from the RF Transceiver; executes commands; and/or wirelessly communicates a variety of data and information back to the Energy Management System via the RF Transceiver.

Control Modules can be powered from a variety of voltage sources, including, but not limited to sources at standard electrical voltages up to 480 volts; deliver low voltage levels; accommodate single phase and three phase current; designed to plug-in to a piece of Utilization Equipment or an electrical wall outlet; and/or support a plug-in Control Device. When linked to a piece of Utilization Equipment the Control Module can receive its electrical power from the same electrical circuit that powers the piece of Utilization Equipment to which it is linked. When linked to an Alternate Electrical Source the Control Module can receive its electrical power from the same electrical circuit that powers the Alternate Electrical Source to which it is linked.

Specific to the piece of Utilization Equipment or Alternate Electrical Source that the Control Module is linked to, the Control Module can use radio frequency to establish wireless communication with the RF Transceiver; measure electrical voltage; recognize the Utilization Equipment's present operating state (e.g.: on, off, dimmed, speed, position, etc.); measure state-of-health; receive information requests and commands from the Energy Management System; execute commands that it receives; and transmits information and state-of-health conditions and other data to the RF Transceiver. The function of the Control Device can be to recognize and measure conditions within the environment (e.g.: motion, presence, temperature, ambient light level, motor speed, position, etc.); to maintain a unique electronic radio frequency identity (RFID); and to use radio frequency to wirelessly communicate this information to the RF Transceiver.

The function of the Remote Control Device as further illustrated in Fig. 1 can be to provide authorized users and system operators access from a remote location to the Visibility Functions and to the Management & Control Functions of the Energy Management System outlined previously. The Remote Control Device can be a Personal Computer or a small hand-held type device that communicates via the World Wide Web 14 with the Energy Management System. Rules and authorization levels established within the Energy Management System can be used to determine which functions the operator using the Remote Control Device may perform.

In one contemplated embodiment, upon startup the Energy Management System's Computer Display Screen 15 as illustrated in Figure 2 displays a Tool Bar 151 and presents graphs of the current aggregated electrical kilowatt demand of all Utilization Equipment linked to Control Modules within the Controlled Environment. The Tool Bar includes several buttons which the operator selects to perform different functions. A variety of reports are retrieved, tailored and printed by clicking on the Reports button 152. The operator clicks on the History button 153 to retrieve, view and print a variety of historical data. Clicking on the Override button 154 allows the operator to override business rules established in the system. The operator configures system parameters and makes changes to business rules by clicking on the Configure button 155. To create a metered account the operator clicks on the Create Metered Account button 156. The Energy Management System backs-up the database and all system elements when the operator clicks on the Backup button 157. The Search Window 158 is used to enter information the operator wants to locate and the Go button 159 initiates the search. The Reverse Arrow button 160 allows the operator to reverse back to a system state immediately preceding any changes that were made. More specifically the Computer Display Screen depicted in Fig. 2 displays a Colored Bar Graph 16 which depicts the value of current aggregated kilowatt demand (KWD) 17 of all Utilization Equipment linked to Control Modules within the Controlled Environment. The Horizontal Line 18 within the Colored Bar Graph moves up and down as the value of current aggregated kilowatt demand changes over time.

The color 19 of the Colored Bar Graph changes according to user defined thresholds for current aggregate kilowatt demand which are established within the Energy Management System to trigger visual operator notification and alerts. The colors of the Colored Bar Graph change from green to yellow to red as the value of current aggregated kilowatt demand crosses the user defined aggregate kilowatt demand thresholds. The color Green provides the operator with visual notification that the current aggregate kilowatt demand is within an acceptable range; Yellow provides the operator with visual notification that caution is required in that the current aggregate kilowatt demand is approaching an unacceptable level; and the color Red provides the operator visual notification that the current aggregate kilowatt demand has reached an unacceptable level.

Based on a set of business rules, as the level of current aggregate kilowatt demand reaches user-defined thresholds the Energy Management System automatically initiates predetermined actions to reduce the aggregate level of Kilowatt Demand by issuing instructional commands to specific Control Modules linked to individual pieces of Utilization Equipment and/or to an Alternate Electrical Source. These commands instruct Control Modules to take action to reduce the kilowatt demand of individual pieces of Utilization Equipment to which they are attached and/or to switch electrical power supply from the Electrical Utility to an Alternate Electrical Source of electricity. Once received Control Modules execute commands as issued. Furthermore, as the level of current aggregate kilowatt demand reaches a user- defined threshold the Energy Management System automatically sends a system alert, depending on the severity, to the operator via a a message displayed on the Computer Display Screen, a text message to the operator's cell phone and/or an email sent to the operator's email system as defined by the user.

The Computer Display Screen depicted in Fig. 2 displays a Moving Line Graph 20 of the aggregate electrical demand of all Utilization Equipment linked to Control Modules. As the Time-of-Day 21 moves from right to left across the Computer Display Screen the Moving Line Graph depicts the current and the past 60 minutes aggregate kilowatt demand shown in one minute increments.

As the operator moves the computer cursor 22 to different points along the Moving Line Graph as depicted in in Fig. 2 the time of day, the kilowatt demand and the dollar expense values 23 that were measured at that point in time are retrieved from the Energy Management System's database and displayed. To view data from a previous period of time the operator clicks on the History button 24 in the Toolbar 25 at the top of the Computer Display Screen. This action will cause a new window 26 to open where the operator enters the desired period of time. The Operator clicks on the Enter button 27 and the system retrieves the requested data from the Energy Management System's database and displays the Peak, Average and Low values of aggregate kilowatt demand (KWD), kilowatt hours (KWH) and Power Quality (PQ) in a new window 28. From this view, as illustrated in Fig. 3, to print a hard copy of the information the operator clicks on the Print button 29. Furthermore, to email the information the operator clicks on the EMail button 30. To exit this new window the operator click on the Done button 31. To gain visibility to the individual pieces of Utilization Equipment which have the highest kilowatt demand and dollar expense at a specific point in time the operator clicks on the desired point 32 along the Moving Line Graph as illustrated in Fig. 4. When the operator clicks on the desired point a new window 33 appears listing the top 20 pieces of Utilization Equipment ranked in descending order by kilowatt demand (KWD). The information presented in the new window includes Rank 34, equipment Description 35, equipment I.D. Number 36, and kilowatt demand (KWD) 37 values for each of the top 20 pieces of Utilization Equipment listed. This new window provides the operator with an understanding of which pieces of Utilization Equipment being monitored have the highest kilowatt demand at that selected point in time. The operator uses the Scroll- Down Bar 38 to view the data for other pieces of Utilization Equipment that are not initially visible in the display as one of the top 20 pieces listed. The operator identifies the physical location of any piece of Utilization Equipment listed in the new window by clicking in any Rank, Description, I.D #, or KWD cell within the row for the specific piece of equipment listed as depicted in Fig. 4.

Clicking in any Rank, Description, I.D #, or KWD cell within the row for the specific piece of equipment listed in Fig. 4 will open a new window on the Computer Display Screen depicting the Building Floor Plan Drawing View 39 as illustrated in Fig. 5 identifying where the piece of Utilization Equipment is physically located. Furthermore, the specific piece of Utilization Equipment is uniquely identified within a highlighted box 40 on the Building Floor Plan Drawing View as illustrated in Fig. 5.

On the Building Floor Plan Drawing View numerous icons of different design 41 as depicted in Fig. 6 are used to represent different pieces of Utilization Equipment and Control Devices. These icons are used to represent both physical and virtual items. Virtual items are defined within the Energy Management System software application. Furthermore, Fig. 6 illustrates examples of icons used with description of what each icon represents.

Icons on the Building Floor Plan Drawing View appear differently on the Computer Display Screen depending on the operational state of the piece of Utilization Equipment that they represent. As depicted in Fig. 7, a light fixture icon 42 appears grayed-out if it is not operating; the light fixture icon appears bold 43 when the Energy Management System software indicates that the light fixture should be operating; the light fixture icon appears bold with a halo around it 44 when the Energy Management System software indicates that the light fixture should be operating and the system has verified that there is current flowing to the light fixture. Furthermore, the body of the light fixture icon appears partially filled 45 indicating that the Energy Management System software indicates that the light fixture should be operating, that current flow has been verified and that the light fixture is dimmed.

From the Building Floor Plan Drawing View the operator retrieves and views detailed Control Device information specific to a piece of Utilization Equipment. As depicted in Fig. 8 single-clicking on any icon that represents a piece of Utilization Equipment in the Building Floor Plan Drawing View causes several things to occur: the selected Utilization Equipment icon 46 becomes highlighted 47 on the screen; the Building Floor Plan Drawing View window pans-back as needed to reveal all physical Control Devices 48 and virtual Control Devices 49 that influence the operation of that specific piece of Utilization Equipment; all of these related physical and virtual control devices become highlighted 50 on the screen; and a new window 51 opens which shows a Horizontal Diagram 52 of all physical and virtual control devices with an indication of their relationships to the selected piece of Utilization Equipment. As further illustrated in Fig. 8 the operator changes what Control Devices are related to a specific piece of Utilization Equipment within the Horizontal Diagram by clicking on the Add 53, Edit 54, or Delete 55 buttons.

Detailed information can be retrieved from Energy Management System database for any individual piece of Utilization Equipment, Control Module or Control Device. As illustrated in Fig. 9 right-clicking on any icon 56 in the Building Floor Plan Drawing View causes a new window 57 to appear on the Computer Display Screen. This new window presents the Menu of Information 58 that is available related to the selected item.

As illustrated in Fig. 10 clicking on the Equipment Description tab 59 from the Menu of Information opens a new window 60 displaying name, identification number, location and date installed information specific to the piece of Utilization Equipment selected.

To print a hard copy of all Equipment Description information for that piece of Utilization Equipment the operator clicks on the Print button 61. Furthermore, to email the Equipment Description information the operator clicks on the EMail button 62. To exit this new window the operator click on the Done button 63.

As depicted in Fig. 11 clicking on the Manufacturer's Data tab 64 opens a new window 65 displaying Manufacturer's Name, Serial Number, Model Number, Part Number, and Battery information specific to the piece of Utilization Equipment, Control Module or Control Device selected.

To print a hard copy of all Manufacturer's Data information the operator clicks on the Print button 66. Furthermore, to email the Manufacturer's Data information the operator clicks on the EMail button 67. To exit this new window the operator click on the Done button 68.

As illustrated in Fig. 12 clicking on the Maintenance Data tab 69 opens a new window 70 displaying a Menu of Information 71 comprising tabs for Maintenance History, Replacement Parts and Consumables. Furthermore, clicking on the Maintenance History tab 72 retrieves information from the system database and opens a new window 73 displaying a Maintenance History List 74 of service records for the selected item including service Date, Serviced By, a summary of Action Taken and Parts Used listed in descending order based on most current service Date. The operator uses the scroll down bar 75 to view additional service record information that will not fit within the displayed new window due to size. As illustrated in Fig. 13 the operator retrieves and views the specific details of an individual service record by clicking in any Date, Serviced By, Action Taken or Part Used cell 76 within any row on Maintenance History List. This action will retrieve and display the complete Service History Detail Report 77 in a new window 78. The operator uses the scroll down bar 79 to view additional service record information that will not fit within the displayed new window due to size.

Furthermore, from this view as illustrated in Fig. 13 to print a hard copy of the selected service history detail information the operator clicks on the Print button 80. To email the selected service history detail information the operator clicks on the EMail button 81. To exit this new window the operator click on the Done 82 button.

As illustrated in Fig. 14 clicking on the Replacement Parts tab 83 from menu retrieves information from the system database and opens a new window 84 displaying a List of Replacement Parts 85, listed in ascending part number order, for the selected item including part Description, replacement Part Number and the Quantity of replacement parts required information. The operator uses the scroll down bar 86 to view additional replacement part information that will not fit within the initially displayed new window due to size. To print a hard copy of all Replacement Parts information for the selected item the operator clicks on the Print button 87. Furthermore, to email the Replacement Parts information the operator clicks on the EMail button 88. To exit this new window the operator click on the Done button 89.

Clicking on the Consumables tab 90 as illustrated in Fig. 15 retrieves information from the systems database and opens a new window 91 displaying a List of Consumables 92 for the selected item including consumable Description, Part Number and the Quantity of consumable parts required information. The operator uses the scroll down bar 93 to view additional consumable parts that will not fit within the initially displayed new window due to size. To print a hard copy of all Consumables information for the selected item the operator clicks on the Print button 94. Furthermore, to email the Consumables information the operator clicks on the EMail button 95. To exit this new window the operator click on the Done button 96.

As illustrated in Fig. 16 clicking on the Energy Usage Data tab 97 from the menu retrieves information from the systems database and opens a new window 98 displaying a list of user defined metrics and values 99 for the selected item including Load Data, Mean Time 'ON', and Mean Time 'OFF' information. To print a hard copy of all Energy Usage Data information for the selected item the operator clicks on the Print button 100. Furthermore, to email the Energy Usage Data information the operator clicks on the EMail button 101. To exit this new window the operator click on the Done button 102. Clicking on the Control Data tab 103 from the menu as illustrated in Fig. 17 retrieves information from the systems database and opens a new window 104 displaying a list of user defined metrics and values 105 for the selected item including Control Device Hours Of Operation, Number Of Operations that the Control Device Was Activated, Number Of Operations that the Control Device Was Activated During A Specific Period Of Time, Highest Number Of Control Device Activations, Highest Number Of Control Device Activations During A Specific Period Of Time, Lowest Number Of Control Device Activations, and Lowest Number Of Control Device Activations During A Specific Period Of Time information.

Furthermore as depicted in Fig. 17 to print a hard copy of all Control Data information for the selected item the operator clicks on the Print button 106. Furthermore, to email the Control Data information the operator clicks on the EMail button 107. To exit this new window the operator click on the Done button 108.

As illustrated in Fig. 18 clicking on the Operational Data tab 109 from menu retrieves information from the systems database and opens a new window 110 displaying a list of user defined metrics and values 111 for the selected item including the Upper Performance Threshold specification, Lower Performance Threshold specification, and the Current Performance level information.

To print a hard copy of all Operational Data information for the selected item the operator clicks on the Print button 112. Furthermore, to email the Operational Data information the operator clicks on the EMail button 113. To exit this new window the operator click on the Done button 114.

Business Rules are established in the system at time of set-up. As illustrated in Fig. 19 Business Rules are overridden as desired by clicking on the Override button 115 in the Tool Bar 116 and the Building Floor Plan Drawing View will be displayed. From the Building Floor Plan Drawing View the operator selects one or more pieces of Utilization Equipment by clicking on their representative icon(s) 117. The Utilization Equipment icons selected and all of the associated Control Device icons become highlighted 118 on the Computer Display Screen. The operator presses the Enter key on the Energy Management System keyboard and a new window 119 opens displaying a menu 120 comprised of Override Defaults Entirely, Supplement Defaults Temporarily, Return To System Defaults as further illustrated in Fig. 19. Clicking on Override Defaults Entirely tab 121 temporarily disassociates the business rules established in the system from the pieces of Utilization Equipment highlighted for an unlimited amount of time. Clicking on Supplement Defaults Temporarily tab 122 open a new window 123 where the operator enters the start and stop date and time parameters for disassociating the Business Rules established in the system from the piece(s) of Utilization Equipment selected. Clicking on Return To System Defaults tab 124 restores the association between the Business Rules established in the system and the selected and highlighted pieces of Utilization Equipment and Control Devices. Previous entries of Supplement Defaults Temporarily are retained in the system's database for future use.

The Energy Management System automatically monitors the state-of-health of all components within the Controlled Environment to determine if any anomalies exist. Additionally, on a routine basis, the Energy Management System transmits requests for information to all Control Devices and Control Modules and receives responses back. The frequency of monitoring transmittals and receipt of information is defined by the user.

As anomalies are detected within the Controlled Environment the Energy Management System automatically sends an alert to the operator via a text message sent to the operator's cell phone and/or an email sent to the operator's email system as defined by the user. An alert message is also displayed on the Computer Display Screen in a new window 125 as illustrated in Fig. 20. The alert message as depicted in Fig. 20 provides the operator with the choice to run diagnostics program immediately or be reminded by the system to run diagnostics at a later date. Clicking on the No-Remind Me Later button 126 closes the new window and triggers the Energy Management System to automatically resend the alert message to the operator after the user-defined period of time as established in the system. The resent alert message is communicated to the operator in the same manner as described above via a text message to the operator's cell phone and/or an email sent to the operator's email system. The alert message is again displayed on the Computer Display Screen in a new window 125 as illustrated in Fig. 20. The limit on the number of times that the operator may select the No-Remind Me Later button is defined by the user during system set-up. Once the limit on the number of times that the operator may select the No- Remind Me Later button is reached the new window 125 will remain open until the operator initiates diagnostics by clicking on the Yes - Run Now button 127.

Clicking on the Yes-Run Now button initiates a sequence of operations to deduce, and attempt to pinpoint, specifically where the anomaly exists and what the cause might be within the Controlled Environment. As illustrated in Fig. 21 once the Energy Management System has completed running diagnostics the system notifies the operator by opening a new window 128 presenting the Diagnostic Results 129 including an Incident Number, a Description of the anomaly, the Location address, and a suggested Repair Advice. From this view to print a hard copy of the Diagnostic Results information the operator clicks on the Print button 130. Furthermore, to email the diagnostic results information the operator clicks on the EMail button 131. To exit this new window the operator click on the Done 132 button.

Additionally during diagnostics the system identifies the physical location of the anomaly and, as further illustrated in Fig. 21, presents the operator with the Building Floor Plan Drawing View 133 highlighting the specific location 134 where the anomaly occurred. Clicking on the highlight area where the anomaly occurred on the Building Floor Plan Drawing View opens a new window 135 depicting a Riser Diagram 136 as illustrated in Fig. 22 highlighting the specific location 137 within the Riser Diagram where the anomaly occurred. A Virtual Meter is used to build a Billing Record for many different purposes such as assigning pieces of Utilization Equipment to a specific work project or for metering and billing individual occupants in a multi-occupancy facility.

From the Building Floor Plan View as illustrated in Fig. 23 the operator clicks on the Create Metered Account button 138 in the Tool Bar to create a unique billing record. A new Billing Record window 139 opens displaying a billing record form and prompting the operator to input the billing record information required. The operator inputs the information in the form and is prompted to select between assigning the pieces of Utilization Equipment LATER 140 or assigning them NOW 141. Clicking on the LATER button highlights the button and ends the session. To print a hard copy of the Billing Record information the operator clicks on the Print button 142. Furthermore, to email the Billing Record information the operator clicks on the EMail button 143. Clicking on the Done 144 button closes the Billing Record window and captures all billing record information input by the operator on the into the system database for future reference.

As illustrated in Fig. 24 clicking on the NOW button highlights the button and prompts the operator to select and assign pieces of Utilization Equipment to the Billing Record by clicking on each of the icons which represents the piece of Utilization

Equipment to be assigned to that record. As further illustrated in Fig. 24 the icons 145 become highlighted as they are selected and the unique identification numbers 146 for each of the pieces of Utilization Equipment selected are retrieved from the system database and are populate on the Billing Record and the assignment task is complete. The assignment is undone by clicking on the Reverse button 147 in the Tool Bar. Again, to print a hard copy of the Billing Record information the operator clicks on the Print button 142. Furthermore, to email the Billing Record information the operator clicks on the EMail button 143. Clicking on the Done 144 button closes the Billing Record window and captures all billing record information input by the operator on the into the system database for future reference.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A system for automated electrical energy management within a controlled environment including an energy management system in wireless communication with control devices and with control modules that are linked to individual pieces of utilization equipment or to an alternate electrical source, wherein:

each control device maintains a unique identity, collects and transmits data related to status and measures back to the energy management system;

each control module maintains a unique identity, collects and transmits data related to status and measures of an individual piece of utilization equipment back to the energy management system;

the energy management system manages the controlled environment;

the energy management system collects, processes, and stores data from the control devices and the control modules in a system database;

the energy management system automatically initiates actions to reduce overall electrical consumption based on a set of user-defined business rules by issuing commands to specific control modules linked to individual pieces of utilization equipment or to the alternate electrical source; and

the commands issued to the control modules minimize the amount electricity consumed by individual pieces of utilization equipment, transfer an electrical supply provision from a utility provider to an alternate electrical source, or both

2. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein the energy management system provides an operator with both individual and aggregate views of information related to:

the physical location of the utilization equipment;

equipment specifications;

present operating state;

operating performance;

electrical consumption measures and historical comparisons to electrical usage; equipment performance; billing amounts; and

equipment maintenance.

3. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein the controlled environment is linked to an electrical utility supplier, an alternate electrical source, and one or more pieces of utilization equipment.

4. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein the energy management system is connected to one or more RF transceivers for wireless communication using radio frequency with the control modules and the control devices each containing a unique radio frequency identification (RFID).

5. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein the control modules are linked to individual pieces of utilization equipment or to the alternate electrical source.

6. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein the control modules receive instructions in the form of commands sent from the energy management system via a RF transceiver, executes the commands and collects data to be sent back to the energy management system through the RF transceiver.

7. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein the control devices recognize changes in the physical environment, measure values and collects data.

8. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein the control devices wirelessly communicate information and data back to the energy management system via radio frequency to a RF transceiver.

9. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 8 wherein the information and data received from the control modules and the control devices are deposited and maintained within the energy management system's database.

10. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein a remote control device communicates with the energy management system allowing a user to operate and maintain the energy management system from a remote location.

11. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 comprises a programmable computer with a user interface, a computer display screen, a mouse, a keyboard, a database and I/O ports suitable for communicating with components of the controlled environment and programmed to execute visibility functions and management and control functions.

12. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 11 wherein the visibility functions of the energy management system allows a user to:

view current and historical usage data of each piece of utilization equipment; view electrical power usage in aggregate and perform comparisons with previous period usage;

forecast future electrical power usage based on past trends modeled over a selected period of time;

compare how current and forecasted electrical consumption will impact the user's electrical bill;

identify from a building floor plan view where the utilization equipment is physically located;

view how efficiently the utilization equipment is operating compared to its equipment performance specifications;

identify which pieces of the utilization equipment have the highest electrical consumption; and

view the present state of any piece of the utilization equipment.

13. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 11 wherein the management and control functions of the energy management system allows users to: change the state of a piece of utilization equipment;

automatically deliver commands to the control modules;

establish performance thresholds for each piece of the utilization equipment; establish, add, delete and modify business rules;

dynamically change the relationships between the control devices, the utilization equipment and the business rules through easy to use selection "highlight and click" methods;

create virtual electrical meters;

create virtual devices;

support one or more control modules;

support one or more customers and users;

assign the users and system operators;

secure system access;

establish and change user and system operator authorization levels;

perform system administration tasks;

move, add and delete the control modules and the utilization equipment;

modify the control modules and the utilization equipment characteristics;

maintain the database;

isolate and diagnose hardware, software and overall system problems within the controlled environment;

produce and print standard reports and tailored user reports; and

perform all management and control functions remotely via a remote control device.

14. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein one or more RF transceivers are linked to the energy management system to receive instructions from the energy management system and wirelessly communicate commands to the one or more control modules using radio frequency communication.

15. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 14 wherein the one or more RF transceivers wirelessly communicate using radio frequency with the one or more control devices and the one or more control modules to receive information and to pass the information on to the energy management system.

16. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein each control module maintains a unique electronic radio frequency identity (RFID); wirelessly communicates with the energy management system; accepts commands issued from the energy management system as transmitted from an RF transceiver; executes commands; and wirelessly communicates data and information back to the energy management system via the RF transceiver.

17. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein the control modules can be powered from a variety of voltage sources, including, but not limited to sources at standard electrical voltages up to 480 volts; deliver low voltage levels; accommodate single phase and three phase current; designed to plug-in to a piece of utilization equipment or an electrical wall outlet; and support a plug-in control device.

18. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein specific to the individual pieces of utilization equipment or to the alternate electrical source that the control modules are linked to, the control modules use radio frequency to establish wireless communication with a RF transceiver; measures electrical voltage; recognizes the utilization equipment's current operating state; measures state-of-health; receives information requests and commands from the energy management system; executes received commands; and transmits the information, the state-of-health conditions and other data to the RF transceiver.

19. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein the control device recognizes and measures conditions within the environment; maintains a unique electronic radio frequency identity (RFID); and uses radio frequency to wirelessly communicate this information to a RF transceiver.

20. The system for automated electrical energy management of claim 1 wherein a remote control device provides authorized users and system operators access to visibility functions and to management and control functions of the energy management system from a remote location.