SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING USE OF PLUG-IN AIR CONDITIONERS AND PORTABLE HEATERS
First Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling a window-mounted air conditioner comprising:
- a load control device comprising at least one microprocessor configured to control the connection or disconnection of electric power to said air conditioner, said at least one microprocessor further configured to obtain temperature measurements and communicate over a network;
a remote server capable of sending messages to and receiving messages from said load control device, and capable of receiving messages from a utility to reduce electricity demand;
wherein said messages sent from said load control device to said remote server comprise said temperature measurements;
wherein said messages sent from said remote server to said load control device comprise commands to disconnect electric power from said window-mounted air conditioner; and
wherein said load control device is plugged into an electric outlet within the space controlled by said air conditioner.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Thermostatic HVAC and other energy management controls that are connected to a computer network. For instance, remotely managed load switches incorporating thermostatic controllers inform an energy management system, to provide enhanced efficiency, and to verify demand response with plug-in air conditioners and heaters. At least one load control device at a first location comprises a temperature sensor and a microprocessor. The load control device is configured to connect or disconnect electrical power to the an attached air conditioner or heater, and the microprocessor is configured to communicate over a network. In addition, the load control device is physically separate from an air conditioner or heater but located inside the space conditioned by the air conditioner or heater.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for controlling a window-mounted air conditioner comprising:
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a load control device comprising at least one microprocessor configured to control the connection or disconnection of electric power to said air conditioner, said at least one microprocessor further configured to obtain temperature measurements and communicate over a network; a remote server capable of sending messages to and receiving messages from said load control device, and capable of receiving messages from a utility to reduce electricity demand; wherein said messages sent from said load control device to said remote server comprise said temperature measurements; wherein said messages sent from said remote server to said load control device comprise commands to disconnect electric power from said window-mounted air conditioner; and wherein said load control device is plugged into an electric outlet within the space controlled by said air conditioner. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for controlling a window-mounted air conditioner comprising:
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connecting at a first location a load control device comprising at least one microprocessor that is configured to control the connection or disconnection of electric power to said air conditioner, wherein said at least one microprocessor is further configured to obtain temperature measurements and communicate over a network; connecting the load control device to a remote server capable of sending messages to and receiving messages from said load control device, and capable of receiving messages from a utility to reduce electricity demand; transmitting from said load control device to said remote server messages comprising said temperature measurements; transmitting from said remote server to said load control device messages comprising commands to disconnect electric power from said window-mounted air conditioner; and wherein said load control device is plugged into an electric outlet within the space controlled by said air conditioner. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification