초록 ▼

An energy management and home automation system includes one or more controllers in each facility being managed and one or more energy consuming devices attached to each controller. Each controller responds to digital paging signals from a central command center which establish a schedule of event e

An energy management and home automation system includes one or more controllers in each facility being managed and one or more energy consuming devices attached to each controller. Each controller responds to digital paging signals from a central command center which establish a schedule of event effecting the operation of each device and the controller schedules each device to be operated pursuant to the programmed schedule. The user of the system, by appropriate communication with the command center, may cause a paging message to be provided at any time changing the pre-programmed schedule. The heating/cooling system is controlled by set-point temperatures. for each of a plurality of different modes of occupancy, whereby the most energy is consumed when the facility is occupied and lesser amounts of energy are consumed when the facility is empty. Intermediate amounts of energy are consumed when the facility is not fully operational because people are asleep or maintenance or cleaning is being done. Prior to a mode change which demands more energy, the controller calculates the time required to bring the facility to the set-points for the new mode and operates the heating/cooling unit at the calculated time prior to the scheduled mode change. The calculation is based upon the time required for the heating/cooling being controlled to change the temperature in the facility being managed. The energy consumption of the facility may also be reduced by paging messages from the utility company as a part of an emergency load reduction program.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [12.] A system for reducing usage energy in participating facilities containing a heating/cooling unit in response to commands from a utility comprising:a controller in each participating facility for storing certain designated heating and cooling set-point temperatures used i

[ What is claimed is:] [12.] A system for reducing usage energy in participating facilities containing a heating/cooling unit in response to commands from a utility comprising:a controller in each participating facility for storing certain designated heating and cooling set-point temperatures used in controlling the temperature at which said heating/cooling device heats and cools said facility;said controller responding to commands provided thereto over a common communications link to effect the control of said heating cooling unit; anda utility central control center for providing utility commands over said link for causing said controller to lower the heating set-point temperature and to raise the cooling set-point temperature.