Importance

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Abstract

An energy management and building automation system including a local area network or home automation data bus such as the CEBus. Each load to be controlled is connected to the bus via a control module. A control module may contain a relay or switch (hereafter referred to as a 'breaker' or 'circuit breaker') to disconnect the load from the mains upon command or upon occurrence of a power outage, or in either case. Current monitoring control modules determine whether connected loads are drawing current and power monitor modules monitor the power consumed by selected loads (from which energy consumption may be calculated). Both types of monitors may place on the bus messages to indicate load status or changes in load status. A first microcomputer preferably is placed externally to the customer premises, adjacent (or even within the housing of) the electric utility power meter. A second microcomputer preferably is placed inside the customer premises. The two microcomputers communicate with each other and with the various load control modules via the network/data bus. The first microcomputer communicates with the utility company via any appropriate communications link (such as a power line carrier system, radio, telephone, optical fiber or by use of a cable television network). Preferably the electric utility meter also is of a type which can be remotely read via the network/bus. The second microcomputer inside the premises serves, in part, as an input/output terminal for the system, allowing the customer to set parameters and query the system as to power usage information. It displays reports requested by the customer and also displays messages transmitted by the utility company and by either microcomputer. The first microcomputer acts as a master controller and/or network server, communicating with the world outside the premises and being the primary data collector and operator of load control modules, with the second microcomputer providing certain backup functions. By monitoring power consumption of not only the premises as a whole, but also of individual loads, the customer can be and is provided a great deal of information which allows the customer to make decisions about load utilization. Some of these decisions may be conditioned on the rate(s) charged by the electric utility, which may be broadcast by the utility to the customer from time to time. The utility company can also access selected utilization data and can also control at least some of the customer's loads via messages to the first microcomputer.

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First Claim