SMART GRID APPLIANCE CONTROL

• US 20180152769A1
• Filed: 01/26/2018
• Published: 05/31/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 08/14/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Atmel Corporation (Microchip Technology Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Atmel Corporation (Microchip Technology Incorporated)
• Inventors: Kotowski, Jeff, Cai, Charles
• Granted Patent: US 10,567,853 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 2204/12 Determination or prediction of behaviour, e.g. likely power consumption or unusual usage patterns
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 4/00 Tariff metering apparatus in taximeters G07B13/00; apparatus actuated by coins, cards or the like with meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas, or electricity G07F15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/00 Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 9/00 Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/30 Smart metering, e.g. specially adapted for remote reading

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling small grids of appliances are described. One sample method includes receiving consumption data from a plurality of electrical appliances that are plugged into outlets at a first location and monitoring power usage at the first location. The method includes evaluating the received consumption data to identify one or more predetermined conditions in one or more of the plurality of electrical appliances and evaluating stored data related to power consumption preferences at the first location. The power consumption preferences define conditions when a consumer associated with the first location has agreed to enable remote control of at least one designated appliance upon an occurrence of one or more predetermined conditions. The method includes determining that the one or more conditions are satisfied and to provide a first secure communication to the first appliance to control the power consumption.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

receiving consumption data from a plurality of electrical appliances that are plugged into outlets at a first location;

monitoring power usage at the first location including evaluating the received consumption data to identify one or more predetermined conditions in one or more of the plurality of electrical appliances;

evaluating stored data related to power consumption preferences at the first location, the power consumption preferences defining conditions when a consumer associated with the first location has agreed to enable remote control of at least one designated appliance of the plurality of electrical appliances upon an occurrence of one or more predetermined conditions;

determining that the one or more conditions are satisfied based at least in part on the monitoring of the received consumption data for a first appliance of the at least one designated appliances; and

providing a first secure communication to the first appliance to control power consumption based at least in part on the determining.