WO2012037673A1 - A system and method for interactive management of energy consumption - Google Patents

A system and method for interactive management of energy consumption Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012037673A1
WO2012037673A1 PCT/CA2011/050539 CA2011050539W WO2012037673A1 WO 2012037673 A1 WO2012037673 A1 WO 2012037673A1 CA 2011050539 W CA2011050539 W CA 2011050539W WO 2012037673 A1 WO2012037673 A1 WO 2012037673A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
screen
energy
screens
control
space
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2011/050539
Other languages
French (fr)
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WO2012037673A9 (en
Inventor
Mat Hallam-Eames
Original Assignee
Mat Hallam-Eames
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Publication of WO2012037673A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012037673A1/en
Publication of WO2012037673A9 publication Critical patent/WO2012037673A9/en

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02JCIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00004Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by the power network being locally controlled
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02JCIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00001Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by the display of information or by user interaction, e.g. supervisory control and data acquisition systems [SCADA] or graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02JCIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00002Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by monitoring
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02JCIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J3/00Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
    • H02J3/12Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load
    • H02J3/14Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/46Improving electric energy efficiency or saving
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02JCIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J2310/00The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
    • H02J2310/10The network having a local or delimited stationary reach
    • H02J2310/12The local stationary network supplying a household or a building
    • H02J2310/14The load or loads being home appliances
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02JCIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J2310/00The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
    • H02J2310/50The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load for selectively controlling the operation of the loads
    • H02J2310/56The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load for selectively controlling the operation of the loads characterised by the condition upon which the selective controlling is based
    • H02J2310/58The condition being electrical
    • H02J2310/60Limiting power consumption in the network or in one section of the network, e.g. load shedding or peak shaving
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L63/00Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
    • H04L63/20Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for managing network security; network security policies in general
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02BCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B70/00Technologies for an efficient end-user side electric power management and consumption
    • Y02B70/30Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02BCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B70/00Technologies for an efficient end-user side electric power management and consumption
    • Y02B70/30Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
    • Y02B70/3225Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04SSYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S20/00Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
    • Y04S20/20End-user application control systems
    • Y04S20/222Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04SSYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S20/00Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
    • Y04S20/20End-user application control systems
    • Y04S20/242Home appliances
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04SSYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S20/00Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
    • Y04S20/20End-user application control systems
    • Y04S20/242Home appliances
    • Y04S20/244Home appliances the home appliances being or involving heating ventilating and air conditioning [HVAC] units
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04SSYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S40/00Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them
    • Y04S40/20Information technology specific aspects, e.g. CAD, simulation, modelling, system security

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the management and control of the environment of integrated living systems such as houses and apartment buildings. More specifically the system relates to a system and method for interactive management of energy consumption and over multiple zones.
  • the invention consists of integrated informational, mechanical and control components to provide human thermal comfort (as defined by ASHRAE 90.1) Human thermal comfort is controlled by the manipulation of a combination of radiant heat, ambient air temperature, humidity and air flow to eptimize higher levels of comfort. The inventk>n also monitors energy usage.
  • the living space occupants/home owners can participate in the energy performance of their inside environments by having instantaneous access to their home's environmental control by remoter means.
  • an algorithm dynamically manages radiant, ambient air temperature, humidity, air flow, subject to small adjustments made by the home occupant (Human thermal comfort control).
  • the invention provides heat movement management where instead of standalone components such as solar thermal collectors preheating domestic hot water management of all energy sources is fully integrated including energy storage and distributions.
  • each home is a stand-alone integrated system and is also an integrated part of a distributed community network such as a condominium complex or small community.
  • the invention includes inbuilt software driven, sensor reading, state optimization conditions engine and distributed encrypted network security. [9]
  • the invention provides for a complex dynamics management algorithm
  • a thermal mass management system This is accomplished by putting water tubing inside the interior thermal mass of a structure.
  • the invention can modulate the thermal mass to optimize the human living comfort of a structure.
  • the invention provides for the integration of off the shelf sensors,
  • Figure 1 is a model of the system architecture: of one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a model of the core of the system of one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a model of a conditions engine of one embodiment of the
  • Figure 4 isa schematic of a user interface for a mobile application of the control scheme.
  • Figure 5 is a model of an integrated mix manifold of one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 6 is a model of a synthetic mix manifold of one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic of a customized mix manifold of one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 8 is a model of a solar thermal block of one embodiment of the
  • Figure9 is a model of the solar ihermal block of Figured.
  • Figure 10 is a model of a remote manifold of one embodiment of the
  • Figure 11 is a model ofcommunity and multi-living configurations of one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 12 is a model of an integrated Irving system of one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic of one control system of the invention.
  • Figure 14 is a model of passive collectors used in the invention.
  • Figure. 15 is a model of an air exchange of one embodiment of the invention.
  • the: present invention is an integrated system of control that provides the ome owner with the ability to accomplish the following energy management objectives: personal living comfort, energy cost control, environmental footprint tracking, energy conservation and usage, borne monitoring and optimization and home automation.
  • the system is able to accomplish these objectives considering the following parameters: integrated system design, building envelope, ambient air temperature, radiant temperature, humidity and air movement.
  • the system permits the home owner to monitor, optimize and automate existing homes and new- built homes.
  • Android and componentozed java components provides a rich set of tested and proven functions that are particularly significant to the invention. Integration with Apple's iOS, Microsoft Windows 7 and other light operating systems can be managed.
  • the system is a network aware set of software and hardware components. Access security, functional security, version control, update management, system alert notifications, community awareness and community security axe part of the system core 12.
  • the core will be able to securety communicate with and exchange energy on a metered basis between utility suppliers and consuming communities.
  • the core will receive data from a plurality of interior and exterior sensors 14.
  • the system core will also controland monitor heat sources: 16, cooling sources 18, electric sources, 2B, heat storage components 22, community integration 24, heal recovery components 264, heat distribution elements 12, thermal mass modulation 30 and appliance control 28.
  • the system is an open access system 34 permitting in-situ and remote control. [31]
  • a key design element of the system is to provide rich tools for the home owner/occupant to monitor a living space energy consumption patterns.
  • the system architecture allows the control of multiple living spaces within a structure even when air movement or humidity is a centrally provided function.
  • the system permits the occupant to control their own space in optimizing living space energy conservation of optimizing radiant temperature, ambient air temperature, humidity and air movement.
  • the innovative aspect of the system is that it moves energy from one space to another space rather than continuaity adding energy to particular space in order to heat or cool it.
  • the system also stores energy to offset requirements between peak energy loads.
  • system security 8
  • living space monitoring 36 system maintenance 35
  • mechanical safety 40 system support 42
  • conditions engine 44 fault tolerance protocol 46
  • distributed community protocol 48 system security 8
  • the conditions engine comprising the following modules: sensors 14, the processing algorithms 50, condition states 52, conditions (Boolean) 54, targets 56, actions, notifications and remote actions 58, a database 60 and distrusted communications 62.
  • Item 13 shows the graphic user interface for the conditions engine
  • the conditions engine provides process management as well as mmitoring, control and optimization of many mechanical environment such as septic and irrigation systems.
  • the graphic user interface comprises at least the following sets of display screens: outside climate screens; inside; climate screens; and, specific function screens.
  • the outside climate screens comprise at least the following screens: solar tracking screen 64, exterior energy collection screen 70, outside climate weather screen 76 and optimizer screen 32.
  • the inside climate screens comprise at least the following screens: interactive floor plan screen 68, inside climate screen as a default screen 72, 3D home space screen 78 and coinmunity awareness/trading screen 84.
  • the specific function screens comprise at least the following screens: water monitoring/quality screen 68, heat storage screen 78, mechanical performance screen 80 and cost analysis screen 86.
  • FIG. 5 there is shown a model of an integrated mix manifold of the invention.
  • the components identified in Figure 5 are as follows:
  • the solar block comprises components previously listed as well as drain pipe 130.
  • Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of the solar thermal block 190
  • FIG. 10 there is shown one embodiment of a remote mixing manifold which permits a loop to he simultaneously healed or cooled based: on the living space requirement. Frx example, the energy gain within a specific, space due to .solar gain can be transported to another location as required. This is accomplished by passive distribution.
  • Figure 11 illustrates thai the system can he used in a multi-level
  • Figure 12 illustrates that the system of the invention provides for an
  • Figure 15 illustrates a model of a control system of the invention.
  • Figure 14 shows a modelof an array of passive solar collectors used in the invention.
  • the system uses water in a closed loop arrangement as an energy transport medium.
  • the loop comprises a central mixing block that permits radiant healing or cooling as required. Fluid temperature in the loop is controlled by mixing valves.
  • the mixing valves will retain their 'state' in the eventof a power failure and are designed to consume minimum power by responding to a pulsed voltage.
  • the state ctf the closed loop arrangement is monitored on graphic user interface.
  • the mixing block is modular to allow for both radiant heating and radiant cooling in a mixed configuration.
  • the mixing block regulates cooler distribution water and prevents condensation by maintaining the supply of water above the current dew point.
  • the blocks used for heating and cooling slow the flow of water relative to the supply headers to allow air in the supply flow to be removed through air vents.
  • the larger blocks provide for hydraulic neutrality for sub-systems and allow the same neutrality when smaller blocks are integrated with larger blocks.
  • the actuating valves on the outlet of the blocks reduce the head pressure on the circulators and under some configurations reduce the number of circulators required.
  • the central mixing block sets up the remote station blocks to simultaneously heat or cool individual loops.
  • the valves are designed to maintain the 'state' if there is a power failure. All valves are designed to respond to a pulsed voltage to change their state. This ensures minimized operating power consumption.
  • the source mixing block 97 is in liquid and logical communication with a remote mixing block and the source mixing block is responsive to a particular heating or cooling demand for a particular supply loop.
  • the source switching block allows the system to select a heat source or cooling source to satisfy the demand particular loop.
  • Each switching block includes an air vent. Separate heating and cooling source mixing blocks can be used.
  • the system further includes the use of passive ah exchangers 152.
  • control means comprising central and remote control stations will illustrate system status and operation to the home owner.
  • the control means- is secure and accessible by the home owner through the Internet and through wireless communication systems.

Abstract

A system and method for interactive management of residential energy consumption comprises control means permitting remote control of said system, hydronic heat transport means for moving energy from a first space to a second space within a residence, means for storing energy within a residence and a graphic user interface for user monitoring and control.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION
DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
This invention relates to the management and control of the environment of integrated living systems such as houses and apartment buildings. More specifically the system relates to a system and method for interactive management of energy consumption and over multiple zones.
Background Art
[2] The following prior art appears to be relevant: International Application
#PCT/US2010/027717 'Method and system for intelligent network management control system'; US Patent Application #12/852,690 'Context- aware smart home energy manager'; US Patent #6098893 'Comfort control system incorporating weather forecast data and a method for operating such a system'; US Patent # 7643908 'Occupant controlled energy management system and method for managing energy consumption in a multi-unit building'; US Patent #7904209 'Open web services-based indoor climate control system'; US Patent #7840310 'Architectural dynamic control:
intelligent environmental control and feedback system for architectural settings including offices'; US Patent Application #11054654 'Remote web access control of multiple home comfort systems'; US Patent #7774102 'System including interactive controllers for controlling operation of climate control system'.
[3] While there have been advances in equipment and systems used to control and automate home heating and air conditioning there remains a need for a system that can optimize any home's environmental control system by providing the home owner with real-time and intuitive control regardless of where the home-owner may be at any given time. Home energy savings continue to require improvement.
The invention consists of integrated informational, mechanical and control components to provide human thermal comfort (as defined by ASHRAE 90.1) Human thermal comfort is controlled by the manipulation of a combination of radiant heat, ambient air temperature, humidity and air flow to eptimize higher levels of comfort. The inventk>n also monitors energy usage. [5] In one embodiment of the invention the living space occupants/home owners can participate in the energy performance of their inside environments by having instantaneous access to their home's environmental control by remoter means. [6] In another embodiment of the invention an algorithm dynamically manages radiant, ambient air temperature, humidity, air flow, subject to small adjustments made by the home occupant (Human thermal comfort control). [7] The invention provides heat movement management where instead of standalone components such as solar thermal collectors preheating domestic hot water management of all energy sources is fully integrated including energy storage and distributions. [8] In yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided Community
Energy Integration where each home is a stand-alone integrated system and is also an integrated part of a distributed community network such as a condominium complex or small community. The invention includes inbuilt software driven, sensor reading, state optimization conditions engine and distributed encrypted network security. [9] The invention provides for a complex dynamics management algorithm
having an architecture where functionality and system software can be easily and continuously upgraded from a central server. [10] In still another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a thermal mass management system. This is accomplished by putting water tubing inside the interior thermal mass of a structure. The invention can modulate the thermal mass to optimize the human living comfort of a structure. [11] The invention provides for the integration of off the shelf sensors,
components and devices. In essential a more open informational and mechanical architecture.
Advantageous Effects
[12] Description of Drawings [13] Figure 1 is a model of the system architecture: of one embodiment of the invention.
[14] Figure 2 is a model of the core of the system of one embodiment of the invention.
[15] Figure 3 is a model of a conditions engine of one embodiment of the
invention.
[16] Figure 4 isa schematic of a user interface for a mobile application of the control scheme.
[17] Figure 5 is a model of an integrated mix manifold of one embodiment of the invention.
[18] Figure 6 is a model of a synthetic mix manifold of one embodiment of the invention.
[19] Figure 7 is a schematic of a customized mix manifold of one embodiment of the invention.
[20] Figure 8 is a model of a solar thermal block of one embodiment of the
invention.
[21] Figure9 is a model of the solar ihermal block of Figured.
[22] Figure 10 is a model of a remote manifold of one embodiment of the
invention.
[23] Figure 11 is a model ofcommunity and multi-living configurations of one embodiment of the invention.
[24] Figure 12 is a model of an integrated Irving system of one embodiment of the invention.
[25] Figure 13 is a schematic of one control system of the invention.
[26] Figure 14 is a model of passive collectors used in the invention. [27] Figure. 15 is a model of an air exchange of one embodiment of the invention.
Best Mode
[28]
Mode for Invention
[29] Referring to the Figures, the: present invention is an integrated system of control that provides the ome owner with the ability to accomplish the following energy management objectives: personal living comfort, energy cost control, environmental footprint tracking, energy conservation and usage, borne monitoring and optimization and home automation. The system is able to accomplish these objectives considering the following parameters: integrated system design, building envelope, ambient air temperature, radiant temperature, humidity and air movement. The system permits the home owner to monitor, optimize and automate existing homes and new- built homes.
[30] Referring to Figure 1 , the system and architecture 10 is based on Google's
Android and componentozed java components. Android provides a rich set of tested and proven functions that are particularly significant to the invention. Integration with Apple's iOS, Microsoft Windows 7 and other light operating systems can be managed. The system is a network aware set of software and hardware components. Access security, functional security, version control, update management, system alert notifications, community awareness and community security axe part of the system core 12. The core will be able to securety communicate with and exchange energy on a metered basis between utility suppliers and consuming communities. The core will receive data from a plurality of interior and exterior sensors 14. The system core will also controland monitor heat sources: 16, cooling sources 18, electric sources, 2B, heat storage components 22, community integration 24, heal recovery components 264, heat distribution elements 12, thermal mass modulation 30 and appliance control 28. The system is an open access system 34 permitting in-situ and remote control. [31]
A key design element of the system is to provide rich tools for the home owner/occupant to monitor a living space energy consumption patterns. The system architecture, allows the control of multiple living spaces within a structure even when air movement or humidity is a centrally provided function. The system permits the occupant to control their own space in optimizing living space energy conservation of optimizing radiant temperature, ambient air temperature, humidity and air movement.
[32] The innovative aspect of the system is that it moves energy from one space to another space rather than continuaity adding energy to particular space in order to heat or cool it. The system also stores energy to offset requirements between peak energy loads.
[33] Referring to Figure 2, a model of. the system core is illustrated comprising the following modules: system security 8, living space monitoring 36, system maintenance 35, mechanical safety 40, system support 42, conditions engine 44, fault tolerance protocol 46 and distributed community protocol 48.
[34] Referring to Figure 3, there is shoen a model of the system conditions
engine comprising the following modules: sensors 14, the processing algorithms 50, condition states 52, conditions (Boolean) 54, targets 56, actions, notifications and remote actions 58, a database 60 and distrusted communications 62. Item 13 shows the graphic user interface for the conditions engine The conditions engine provides process management as well as mmitoring, control and optimization of many mechanical environment such as septic and irrigation systems.
Referring toFigure:4, there is shown a model of a graphic user interface 12 of the system. The graphic user interface comprises at least the following sets of display screens: outside climate screens; inside; climate screens; and, specific function screens. The outside climate screens comprise at least the following screens: solar tracking screen 64, exterior energy collection screen 70, outside climate weather screen 76 and optimizer screen 32. The inside climate screens comprise at least the following screens: interactive floor plan screen 68, inside climate screen as a default screen 72, 3D home space screen 78 and coinmunity awareness/trading screen 84. The specific function screens comprise at least the following screens: water monitoring/quality screen 68, heat storage screen 78, mechanical performance screen 80 and cost analysis screen 86.
[36] Referring to Figure 5 there is shown a model of an integrated mix manifold of the invention. The components identified in Figure 5 are as follows:
88 Actuatored stateful ball valve/ connector 90 Spring check
valve /connector 92 Actuatored stateful ball valve/ connector water inlet 94 Open computer A/D relay board USB & Wireless 96 Low voltage circulator (Standard) 98 Air vent (1/2') 100 Hydronic expansion tank 102 Block connector [38] Referring to Figure 6, there is shown one embodiment of a synthetic mix manifold of the invention. The components identified in Figure 6 are as follows: [39] 94 Open computet A/D relay board USB & Wireless 96 Low voltage
circulator (Standard) 98 Air vent ( 1 '2') 100 Hydronic expansion tank 102 Block connector 104 Motorized mix value (Stateful 106 Make up water inlet 108 Thermistor (XTC-PTC Open) 1 10 Pex tubing connector 1 12 Mechanical union bull welded 114 Energy Source Block [40] Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a customized mix manifold the
components of which are identified as: [41] 92 Actuatored stateful ball valve/ connector water inlet 94 Open computer
A/D relay board USB & Wireless 96 Low voltage circulator (Standard) 98 Air vent ( 1'2') 100 Hydronic expansion tank 102 Block connector 104 Motorized mix value (Stateful) 106 Make up water inlet 108 Thermistor (NTC-PTC Open) 110 Pex tubing connector 112 Mechanical union butt welded 114 1 inergy Source Block 1 16 linergy Source Connector 1 18 Air Seperator 120 Auxiliary heat storage tank 122 Meat recovery assemblies 124 Water to water heat pump -(Output) 126 Thermal Solar Collectors & Solar Block [42] Λ variety of heat sources such as solar collectors 126. heat storage reservoir
=1 120. heat storage reservoir =2 120. heat recovery system 126 and heat pump 128 ore delivered through the customized mixing manifold for distribution to the domestic hot water system or in floor hydronic heating system. Heat may also be delivered to an alternate storage reservoir or space heating uses for homes or greenhouses. [43] Referring to Figure 8 there is shown a solar thermal block of one
embodiment of the invention. The solar block comprises components previously listed as well as drain pipe 130. [44] Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of the solar thermal block 190
comprising a single inlet 192 arid-dual outlets 194 and 196. The block is shown having an open configuration 198 and a closed configuration 100. The valves are remotely controlled and the status of the valves can be viewed on the graphic user interface. [45] Referring fa Figure 10, there is shown one embodiment of a remote mixing manifold which permits a loop to he simultaneously healed or cooled based: on the living space requirement. Frx example, the energy gain within a specific, space due to .solar gain can be transported to another location as required. This is accomplished by passive distribution. [46] Figure 11 illustrates thai the system can he used in a multi-level
configuration or in a community configuration. [47] Figure 12 illustrates that the system of the invention provides for an
integrated living system comprising the components shown. [48] Figure 15 illustrates a model of a control system of the invention. [49] Figure 14 shows a modelof an array of passive solar collectors used in the invention. [50] The system uses water in a closed loop arrangement as an energy transport medium. The loop comprises a central mixing block that permits radiant healing or cooling as required. Fluid temperature in the loop is controlled by mixing valves. The mixing valves will retain their 'state' in the eventof a power failure and are designed to consume minimum power by responding to a pulsed voltage. The state ctf the closed loop arrangement is monitored on graphic user interface. The mixing block is modular to allow for both radiant heating and radiant cooling in a mixed configuration. The mixing block regulates cooler distribution water and prevents condensation by maintaining the supply of water above the current dew point. The blocks used for heating and cooling slow the flow of water relative to the supply headers to allow air in the supply flow to be removed through air vents. The larger blocks provide for hydraulic neutrality for sub-systems and allow the same neutrality when smaller blocks are integrated with larger blocks. The actuating valves on the outlet of the blocks reduce the head pressure on the circulators and under some configurations reduce the number of circulators required. The central mixing block sets up the remote station blocks to simultaneously heat or cool individual loops. The valves are designed to maintain the 'state' if there is a power failure. All valves are designed to respond to a pulsed voltage to change their state. This ensures minimized operating power consumption. [51] Referring to Figure 7 the source mixing block 97 is in liquid and logical communication with a remote mixing block and the source mixing block is responsive to a particular heating or cooling demand for a particular supply loop. The source switching block allows the system to select a heat source or cooling source to satisfy the demand particular loop. Each switching block includes an air vent. Separate heating and cooling source mixing blocks can be used.
[52] Referring to Figure 15, the system further includes the use of passive ah exchangers 152.
[53] Referring to Figure 12, control means comprising central and remote control stations will illustrate system status and operation to the home owner. The control means- is secure and accessible by the home owner through the Internet and through wireless communication systems.
[54] Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as: limiting the scope of the embodiments of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the several embodiments.
[55] Thus the seope of the embodiments should be determined by fee appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.
Industrial Applicability
[56]
Sequence List Text
[57]

Claims

CLAIMS [1] A system for interactive management of residential energy consumption comprising: system control means permitting. remote control of said system: means for moving energy from a firstspacc to a second space within a living environment: means for_storing energy within said living environment: and. a graphic user interface for system monitoring and control. [2] The system of claim 1 wherein said system control architecture is a network aware set of software and hardware components permitting access security, functional security, version control, update management, system alert notifications, community awareness and community security. [3] The system of claim 2, wherein the system control architecture further
comprises communication means-permitting the system to securely communicate with and exchange energy. on a metered basis between utility suppliers and consuming communities: [4] The system of claim 3 wherein the system control architecture permits the control of multiple living spaces within a structure even when air movement or humidity is a centrall provided function. [5] The system of claim 1 wherein said hydronic means comprises a closed loop system comprising water as an energy transfer medium. [6] The system of claim 5 wherein said closed loop comprises a central mixing block for heating and cooling on demand. [7] The system of claim 6 further comprising a switching block for selecting one of a heating source and a cooling source for balancing an energy load within the residence. [8] The system of claim 7 further comprising a remote mixing block permitting the loop to be simultaneously heated and cooled to accommodate transient heating loads. [9] The system of claim 1 further comprising a solar thermal block in
communication with at least one passive solar collector. [10] The system of claim 1 whercin-said graphic user interface comprises at least the following sets oT display screens outside climate screens; inside climate screens; and, specific fucntion screens. The system of claim 10 wherein said outside elimate screens comprise at least the following screens solar tracking screen, exterior energy collection screen, outside climate/weather screen and optimizer screen.
[12] The system of claim 11 wherein said inside climate screens comprise at least the following screens interactive floor plan screen, inside climate screen as a default screen, 3 D home space screen and community awareness/trading screen.
[13] The system of claim 11 wherein said specific function screens comprise at least the following screens water monitoring/quality screen, heat storage scree, mechanical performance screen and cost analysis screen. ,
[14] A method for interactive management of residential energy consumption comprising the following steps Providing system control means permitting remote control of said system. Providing means for moving energy from a first space for a second space within a living environment; and, Providing means for storing energy within said living environment; and, providing a graphic user interface for system monitoring and control.
PCT/CA2011/050539 2010-09-06 2011-09-06 A system and method for interactive management of energy consumption WO2012037673A1 (en)

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