Intelligent thermostat device with automatic adaptable energy conservation based on real-time energy pricing

• US 8,091,795 B1
• Filed: 07/15/2008
• Issued: 01/10/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Home Automation Incorporated (Leviton Manufacturing Company Incorporated)
• Inventors: McLellan, John R., Gumina, Ronald J., Arbour, Ryan L., Hatty, David A.
• Primary Examiner(s): NORMAN, MARC E
• Application Number:
  US12/173,805
• Time in Patent Office: 1,274 Days
• Field of Search: 236/51, 236/94, 236/1.C, 236/46.C, 340/870.16, 340/870.17, 700/22, 700/276, 700/296
• US Class Current: 236/51
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/47 Responding to energy costs
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1923 using thermal energy, the cost of which varies in function of time

Abstract

An Intelligent Thermostat (IT) device and method of use for the retrieval and display of real-time energy demand and energy pricing. The IT device is configured to perform automatic adaptation of energy conservation based on real-time fluctuations in the energy pricing from a Utility Company. The IT device controls a multicolor backlight to immediately notify the user of real-time fluctuations in the energy pricing.

Claims

1. A thermostat device comprising:

a processor configured to execute a set of instructions operable to automatically retrieve and display current energy pricing set by a utility company and automatically adjust a current temperature setpoint by a predetermined temperature setback corresponding to a predetermined energy pricing when the current energy pricing corresponds to the predetermined energy pricing;

memory for storing the current energy pricing, the predetermined energy pricing, the current temperature setpoint and the predetermined temperature setback;

a graphic display coupled to the processor;

a color driver coupled to the processor; and

a multi-color display backlight coupled to the color driver and the graphic display and being configured to change a color of the backlight in response to fluctuations in a current Energy Level determined by the processor based on the current energy pricing;

wherein the graphic display is configured to display an energy cycle GPD, the energy cycle GPD comprises a plurality of cycling settings to turn on and off at least one air conditioning and heating (HVAC) system at a cycling rate within a period of time and a plurality of cycling energy prices wherein each cycling setting corresponds to a respective different one of the cycling energy prices; and

the processor being configured to execute a set of instructions operable to automatically select a cycling setting from the plurality of cycling settings associated with a cycling energy price corresponding to the current energy pricing as a current cycling setting.

2. The thermostat device according to claim 1, wherein:

the graphic display is configured to display an energy cycle detail GPD, the energy cycle detail GPD comprising the current cycling setting, a cycle period corresponding to the current cycle setting, a time indicative of an expiration time for the current cycling setting and a number of minutes in the period of time for the current cycling setting.

3. The thermostat device according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to execute a set of instructions to automatically turn on a fan when the HVAC system is off during the cycle period.

4. The thermostat device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to execute a set of instructions operable to determine and display real-time energy demand based on the current energy pricing.

5. The thermostat device according to claim 4, wherein the processor is further configured to execute a set of instructions operable to display a simulated utility meter wherein the real-time energy demand is represented on the simulated utility meter.

6. The thermostat device according to claim 4, wherein the processor is further configured to execute a set of instructions operable to calculate a total energy cost for a predetermined period based on the current energy pricing, and display a current Energy Level associated with the current energy pricing, the total energy cost, and the predetermined temperature setback.

7. The thermostat device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a thermostat housing configured to house the processor, the memory, the graphic display, the color driver and the multi-color display backlight wherein the thermostat housing is configured for mounting to a wall.

8. The thermostat device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a thermostat housing configured to house the processor, the memory, the graphic display, the color driver and the multi-color display backlight wherein the thermostat housing is mobile and includes a surface support to orient the thermostat housing upright.

9. The thermostat device according to claim 1, wherein the graphic display is further configured to display a home graphic page display (GPD) comprising one or more of a current temperature, the current temperature setpoint, and at least one energy management message.

10. The thermostat device according to claim 9, wherein the home GPD further comprises one or more of an indoor relative humidity, an outdoor relative humidity, a period indicator, a status indicator, a fan mode, and a thermostat mode.

11. The thermostat device according to claim 1, wherein:

the processor is further configured to execute a set of instructions operable to receive at least one customized setback setting, the at least one customized setback setting being associated with at least one predetermined energy pricing; and

the graphic display is further configured to display an energy setback graphic page display (GPD) comprising a plurality of setback settings each being associated with a respective different energy pricing and wherein at least one of the plurality of setback settings is the at least one customized setback setting.

12. The thermostat device according to claim 11, wherein:

the graphic display is further configured to display an energy GPD, the energy GPD comprising the current energy pricing, the predetermined temperature setback, and a current Energy Level associated with the current energy pricing.

13. The thermostat device according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to execute a set of instructions to automatically turn on off at least one user selected remote load.

14. The thermostat device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a wireless interface configured to communicate with a utility meter to receive the current energy pricing.

15. The thermostat device according to claim 1, wherein:

the temperature setpoint is converted to an Omni format having one whole number to represent a Celsius (°

C.) and Fahrenheit (°

F.) temperature values, and

the Omni format for the temperature setpoint is 1 byte having the whole number values within a range of 0 to 255 where the 0 corresponds to −

40°

C. and −

40°

F. and the 255 corresponds to 87.5°

C. and 189°

F.

16. A computer program product having a computer readable medium with a set of instructions which when executed causes a processor to:

automatically retrieve and display current energy pricing set by a utility company;

automatically adjust a current temperature setpoint by a predetermined temperature setback corresponding to a predetermined energy pricing when the current energy pricing corresponds to the predetermined energy pricing;

store the current energy pricing, the predetermined energy pricing, the current temperature setpoint and the predetermined temperature setback;

change a color of a backlight in response to fluctuations in a current Energy Level based on the current energy pricing;

display an energy cycle GPD, the energy cycle GPD comprises a plurality of cycling settings to turn on and off at least one air conditioning and heating (HVAC) system at a cycling rate within a period of time and a plurality of cycling energy prices wherein each cycling setting corresponds to a respective different one of the cycling energy prices; and

automatically select a cycling setting from the plurality of cycling setting associated with a cycling energy price corresponding to the current energy pricing as a current cycling setting.

17. The computer program product according to claim 16, wherein execution of the set of instructions causes the processor to display an energy cycle detail GPD, the energy cycle detail GPD comprising the current cycling setting, a cycle period corresponding to the current cycle setting, a time indicative of an expiration time for the current cycling setting and a number of minutes in the period of time for the current cycling setting.

18. The computer program product according to claim 17, wherein execution of the set of instructions causes the processor to automatically turn on a fan when the HVAC system is off during the cycle period.

19. The computer program product according to claim 16, wherein execution of the set of instructions causes the processor to determine and display real-time energy demand based on the current energy pricing.

20. The computer program product according to claim 19, wherein execution of the set of instructions causes the processor to display a simulated utility meter wherein the real-time energy demand is represented on the simulated utility meter.

21. The computer program product according to claim 19, wherein execution of the set of instructions causes the processor to calculate a total energy cost for a predetermined period based on the current energy pricing, and display a current Energy Level associated with the current energy pricing, the total energy cost, and the predetermined temperature setback.

22. The computer program product according to claim 16, wherein execution of the set of instructions causes the processor to display a home graphic page display (GPD) comprising one or more of a current temperature, the current temperature setpoint, and at least one energy management message.

23. The computer program product according to claim 22, wherein the home GPD further comprises one or more of an indoor relative humidity, an outdoor relative humidity, a period indicator, a status indicator, a fan mode, and a thermostat mode.

24. The computer program product according to claim 16, wherein execution of the set of instructions causes the processor to receive at least one customized setback setting, the at least one customized setback setting being associated with at least one predetermined energy pricing;

and

display an energy setback graphic page display (GPD) comprising a plurality of setback settings each being associated with a respective different energy pricing and wherein at least one of the plurality of setback settings is the at least one customized setback setting.

25. The computer program product according to claim 24, wherein execution of the set of instructions causes the processor to display an energy GPD, the energy GPD comprising the current energy pricing, the predetermined temperature setback, and a current Energy Level associated with the current energy pricing.

26. The computer program product according to claim 16, wherein execution of the set of instructions causes the processor to automatically turn on or off at least one user selected remote load.

27. The computer program product according to claim 16, wherein execution of the set of instructions causes the processor to communicate with a utility meter to receive the current energy pricing.

28. The computer program product according to claim 16, wherein execution of the set of instructions causes the processor to convert the temperature setpoint to an Omni format having one whole number to represent a Celsius (°

C.) and Fahrenheit (°

F.) temperature values.

29. A thermostat device comprising:

means for automatically retrieving and displaying current energy pricing set by a utility company;

means for automatically adjusting a current temperature setpoint by a predetermined temperature setback corresponding to a predetermined energy pricing when the current energy pricing corresponds to the predetermined energy pricing;

means for changing a color of a backlight in response to fluctuations in a current Energy Level based on the current energy pricing;

means for displaying an energy cycle GPD having a plurality of cycling settings to turn on and off at least one air conditioning and heating (HVAC) system at a cycling rate within a period of time and a plurality of cycling energy prices wherein each cycling setting corresponds to a respective different one of the cycling energy prices; and

means for automatically selecting a cycling setting from the plurality of cycling settings associated with a cycling energy price corresponding to the current energy pricing as a current cycling setting.

30. The thermostat device according to claim 29, further comprising means for displaying an energy cycle detail GPD having the current cycling setting, a cycle period corresponding to the current cycle setting, a time indicative of an expiration time for the current cycling setting and a number of minutes in the period of time for the current cycling setting.

31. The thermostat device according to claim 30, further comprising means for automatically turning on a fan when the HVAC system is off during the cycle period.

32. The thermostat device according to claim 29, further comprising means for determining and displaying real-time energy demand based on the current energy pricing.

33. The thermostat device according to claim 32, further comprising means for displaying a simulated utility meter wherein the real-time energy demand is represented on the simulated utility meter.

34. The thermostat device according to claim 33, further comprising means for calculating a total energy cost for a predetermined period based on the current energy pricing, and displaying a current Energy Level associated with the current energy pricing, the total energy cost, and the predetermined temperature setback.

35. The thermostat device according to claim 29, further comprising means for displaying a home graphic page display (GPD) having one or more of a current temperature, the current temperature setpoint, and at least one energy management message.

36. The thermostat device according to claim 35, wherein the home GPD further comprises one or more of an indoor relative humidity, an outdoor relative humidity, period indicator, status indicator, fan mode, and thermostat mode.

37. The thermostat device according to claim 29, further comprising means for receiving at least one customized setback setting, the at least one customized setback setting being associated with at least one predetermined energy pricing;

and

means for displaying an energy setback graphic page display (GPD) having a plurality of setback settings each being associated with a respective different energy pricing and wherein at least one of the plurality of setback settings is the at least one customized setback setting.

38. The thermostat device according to claim 37, further comprising means for displaying an energy GPD having the current energy pricing, the predetermined temperature setback, and a current Energy Level associated with the current energy pricing.

39. The thermostat device according to claim 29, further comprising means for automatically turning on or off at least one user selected remote load.

40. The thermostat device according to claim 29, further comprising means for communicating with a utility meter to receive the current energy pricing.

41. The thermostat device according to claim 29, further comprising means for converting the temperature setpoint to an Omni format having one whole number to represent a Celsius (°

C.) and Fahrenheit (°

F.) temperature values.

42. A system comprising:

an intelligent thermostat (IT) device configured to automatically retrieve and display current energy pricing set by a utility company and automatically adjust a current temperature setpoint by a predetermined temperature setback corresponding to a predetermined energy pricing when the current energy pricing corresponds to the predetermined energy pricing, wherein said IT device comprises;

a processor, a graphic display coupled to a processor, a color driver coupled to the processor; and

a multi-color display backlight coupled to the color driver and the graphic display and being configured to change a color of the backlight in response to fluctuations in a current Energy Level determined by the processor based on the current energy pricing;

a wireless interface configured to communicate with a utility meter to receive the current energy pricing; and

at least one air conditioning and heating (HVAC) system;

wherein the graphic display is configured to display an energy cycle GPD, where said energy cycle GPD comprises a plurality of cycling settings to turn on and off the at least one HVAC system at a cycling rate within a period of time and a plurality of cycling energy prices wherein each cycling setting corresponds to a respective different one of the cycling energy prices; and

wherein said IT device is further configured to automatically select a cycling setting from the plurality of cycling setting associated with a cycling energy price corresponding to the current energy pricing as a current cycling setting.

43. The system according to claim 42, wherein:

the graphic display is configured to display an energy cycle detail GPD, the energy cycle detail GPD comprising the current cycling setting, a cycle period corresponding to the current cycle setting, a time indicative of an expiration time for the current cycling setting and a number of minutes in the period of time for the current cycling setting.

44. The system according to claim 42, wherein the IT device is further configured to automatically turn on a fan when the HVAC system is off during the cycle period.

45. The system according to claim 42, wherein the IT device is further configured to determine and display real-time energy demand based on the current energy pricing.

46. The system according to claim 45, wherein the IT device is further configured to display a simulated utility meter wherein the real-time energy demand is represented on the simulated utility meter.

47. The system according to claim 45, wherein the IT device is further configured to calculate a total energy cost for a predetermined period based on the current energy pricing, and display a current Energy Level associated with the current energy pricing, the total energy cost, and the predetermined temperature setback.

48. The system according to claim 42, wherein the IT device further comprises a thermostat housing configured to house the processor, the graphic display, the color driver and the multi-color display backlight, wherein said thermostat housing is configured for mounting to a wall.

49. The system according to claim 42, wherein the IT device further comprises a thermostat housing configured to house the processor, the graphic display, the color driver and the multi-color display backlight wherein the thermostat housing is mobile and includes a surface support to orient the thermostat housing upright.

50. The system according to claim 42, where the graphic display is configured to display a home graphic page display (GPD) comprising one or more of a current temperature, the current temperature setpoint, and at least one energy management message.

51. The system according to claim 50, wherein the home GPD further comprises one or more of an indoor relative humidity, an outdoor relative humidity, period indicator, status indicator, fan mode, and thermostat mode.

52. The system according to claim 42, wherein the IT device is further configured to receive at least one customized setback setting, the at least one customized setback setting being associated with at least one predetermined energy pricing;

and

the graphic display is configured to display an energy setback graphic page display (GPD) comprising a plurality of setback settings each being associated with a respective different energy pricing and wherein at least one of the plurality of setback settings is the at least one customized setback setting.

53. The system according to claim 52, wherein the graphic display is configured to display an energy GPD, the energy GPD comprising the current energy pricing, the predetermined temperature setback, and a current Energy Level associated with the current energy pricing.

54. The system according to claim 42, wherein the graphic display is configured to display an energy cycle detail GPD, the energy cycle detail GPD comprising the current cycling setting, a cycle period corresponding to the current cycle setting, a time indicative of an expiration time for the current cycling setting and a number of minutes in the period of time for the current cycling setting.

55. The system according to claim 42, wherein the IT device is further configured to automatically turn on a fan when the HVAC system is off during the cycle period.

56. The system according to claim 42, further comprising a plurality of remote loads individually controllable by the IT device to turn on or off at least one remote load selected from the user, wherein the remote load comprises at least one of a pool pump, fountain, and water heater.

57. The system according to claim 56, further comprising:

an interface module coupled to a respective one remote load of the plurality of remote loads wherein the interface module is in communication with at least one of the IT device and the utility meter.

58. The system according to claim 57, further comprising a wireless transceiver coupled to the utility meter and the interface module and wireless transceiver communicate via wireless transmission to the wireless transceiver.

59. The system according to claim 57, wherein the interface module is configured to be turned on or off by the utility company.

60. The system according to claim 42, further comprising a plurality of outdoor environmental sensors and a plurality of indoor environmental sensors coupled to the IT device.

61. The system according to claim 42, further comprising a plurality of IT devices, each having coupled thereto a heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system and at least one indoor environmental sensor.

62. The system according to claim 61, further comprising a personal computer coupled the plurality of IT devices.

63. The system according to claim 61, wherein during a cycling mode of the system, the plurality of IT devices are turned on for an on period and off for an off period during a cycle period wherein the off period for each IT device of the plurality of IT devices do not overlap during the cycle period.

64. The system according to claim 42, wherein the temperature setpoint is converted to an Omni format having one whole number to represent a Celsius (°

C.) and Fahrenheit (°

F.) temperature values, and

the Omni format for the temperature setpoint is 1 byte having the whole number values within a range of 0 to 255 where the 0 corresponds to −

40°

C. and −

40°

F. and the 255 corresponds to 87.5°

C., 189°

F.