Multi-utility energy control system with internet energy platform having diverse energy-related engines

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/095,730, filed on Jun. 10, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,603, entitled “Multi-Utility Energy Control System With Dashboard”, by the same inventor herein, which is itself a continuation-in-part of U.S. pending patent application Ser. No. 09/087,621, filed on May 29, 1998, entitled “Multi-Utility Energy Control System”, by the same inventor herein.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is directed to a multi-utility energy control system with an internet energy platform which includes a plurality of diverse energy-related engines to perform specified, desired search functions for energy consumers, which includes a control center computer, specialized software, including the internet platform software, a dashboard screen and various unique subscreens, and a master meter. More particularly, the meter, either directly or indirectly through individual meter sensors (retrofitted or original equipment), senses consumption rates. It then stores, converts and presents data for consumption information to the computer, and the specialized software. The multi-utility master meter converts data to usable computer language with outputs to one or more computers for long-term storage of individual utility consumption information, and for feedback, regulation and shutdowns utilizing the specialized software. The internet energy platform with its dashboard screen and subscreens permit unique, easy access to information by searching for the consumer to focus on selected sites through specifically targeted utility and energy-related engines to provide quick analysis, real time information and efficient, cost effective energy supply and related decision opportunities for the consumer.

[0004] 2. Information Disclosure Statement

[0005] The following is exemplary prior art relating to utility consumption sensing and control devices:

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,654 describes methods and systems for economically dispatching electrical power. The present invention utilizes real-time heat rates for a plurality of power generating units, e.g., steam turbines, and corresponding emission data for each unit, to dispatch electrical power at the lowest possible cost. The method of the present invention also compares the cost associated with generating power to the cost to purchase power from other electric utilities to achieve maximum cost savings associated with the dispatching of electrical power.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,339 describes how to operate a plurality of utilities, the utilities are interconnected via a communication path. Each utility has a control device for controlling the utility and a memory for storing information factors which are used by the corresponding control device. The information factors corresponding to all the utilities are investigated by an extraction device to determine which are common to the utilities and which are related. Where the common information factors are identified, they are passed by the communication path to the memories of all the utilities. Similarly, when related information factors are found, a calculating device calculates common information which is also passed via the communication path to the memories of al the utilities. In this way, the utilities may operate more efficiently than when they are operated on a stand-alone basis. The investigation of the information factors, and the calculating of common information from related information factors may be distributed among the utilities or carried out by a common control device. The utilities may be electric power supply systems, district heating and cooling systems, sewage disposal systems, waste recovery systems, etc.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,123 describes the total line current in a power cord which is used to energize both a power factor corrected system and non-power factor corrected AC loads. The power factor control loop of the power factor corrected system is then driven to correct the power factor of total line current in the power cord ideally to approach unity.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,188 describes a programmable identification apparatus, and associated method, includes a transceiver and a transponder. The transponder is powered by the energy of a transceiver transmit signal generated by the transceiver and includes a programmable memory element. A coded sequence which uniquely identifies the transponder is stored in the programmable memory element and, when the transponder is powered, the transponder generates a transponder signal which includes the coded sequence stored in the programmable memory element, once modulated by circuitry of the transponder. When the transceiver transmit signal generated by the transceiver circuitry is of certain signal characteristics, the coded sequence stored in the programmable element is erased, and a substitute coded sequence, which also forms a portion of the transceiver transmit signal, is stored in the programmable memory element. Storage of the coded sequence in the programmable memory element is, hence, effectuated merely by application of a transceiver transmit signal of certain characteristics to the transponder.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,831 describes a system for testing electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices includes means for sensing the current from the storage device and varying the load across the storage device in response to the current sensed. The system is equally adaptable to batteries and fuel cells. Means is also provided to sense system parameters from a plurality of locations within the system. Certain parameters are then stored in digital form for archive purposes and certain other parameters are used to develop control signals in a host processor.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,129 describes an electronic device for multiplexing several loads to the terminals of a source of alternating electrical energy. The source of alternating electrical energy is coupled by electromagnetic flux to the loads by using primary excitation windings connect to the terminals of the source of alternating electrical energy and secondary windings respectively corresponding to the number of loads. The secondary windings are at least partially coupled to the primary winding and are each connected to the terminals of a load. The coupling is inhibited by auxiliary winding which are each totally coupled with the secondary winding. The inhibition function is controlled in order to inhibit all the magnetic couplings except for one and this particular one changes as a function of the respective load to be coupled to the source of alternating electrical energy.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,672 describes a communication system, a communication unit may conserve source energy when it is inactive in the following manner. The control channel is partitioned into a predetermined number of windows and a system window which are transmitted on the control channel in a round robin manner. When the communication unit registers with the communication system, it is assigned to a window group. The communication unit then monitors only the system window to determine whether the window group that its been assigned to is also assigned to one of the predetermined number of windows. When the window that has been assigned to the window group is being transmitted on the control channel, the communication unit activates to monitor that window. Once the window is no longer being transmitted, the communication unit deactivates until the system window is being transmitted or the window assigned to the window group is being transmitted.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,265 describes a system for determining a cost effective and practical operation method for thermal source equipments includes a fundamental plan data storage unit, a fundamental plan generating unit for determining a fundamental operation plan of each equipment while minimizing an operation cost by linear programming, an operation knowledge storage unit for storing operation knowledge such as equipment performance characteristics and operation know-how, a fundamental plan evaluating unit for evaluating the fundamental plan, a modifying rule storage unit for storing modifying rules used for modifying the evaluated fundamental plan, and a fundamental plan modifying unit for modifying the fundamental plan in accordance with the modifying rules.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,225 describes an apparatus and method for controlling energy supplied to a space conditioning load and for overriding a load control operation in response to measuring certain space temperatures within a closed environment. The load control apparatus includes a control device connected to an electrical distribution network and to a space conditioning load and a temperature sensing device connected to the control device. The control device conducts a load shedding operation to control distribution of electrical energy to the space conditioning load in response to command signals supplied by a remote command center. The temperature sensing device operates to override the load shedding operation by outputting a control override signal to the control device in response to sensing certain space temperatures within the closed environment. If the temperature control device is connected to an air conditioning system, the temperature sensing device causes the control device to terminate the load shedding operation prior to expiration of a selected time period in response to measuring a space temperature that exceeds a maximum space temperature limit. In contrast, if the temperature control device is connected to a forced air heating system, the temperature sensing device causes the control device to terminate the load shedding operation when a measured space temperature drops below a minimum space temperature limit. The maximum space temperature limit is greater than the control temperature setpoint of a thermostat that controls the space conditioning operations, whereas the minimum space temperature limit is less than the control temperature setpoint.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,459 describes an embodiment, is an algorithm for implementation in a meter register and an reading device. In the one embodiment, the present invention enables selecting a display table to be read from the register, updating the billing read date and time in the register, reversing the order in which load profile (LP) data is transmitted from the register to the reader, specifying the number of LP intervals to be read from the register, and specifying the number of intervals to skip when reading from the register.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,436,513 describes an information handling system is described having a power supply having a switching circuit that switches a plurality of energy sources and between series and parallel couplings. Associated with the switching circuit is a voltage level detecting circuit for monitoring the voltage level of the energy sources and. A processor for controlling the information handling system responds to the voltage level detecting circuit and in the event of a low voltage condition, the processor activates the switching circuit to switch the energy sources and from a series to a parallel coupling. Alternatively, processor responds to other inputs or conditions for actuating switching circuit.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,710 describes an energy supply system for supplying, in system interconnection, power received at a power receiving equipment from a power plant and power generated by a fuel cell to a power consuming installation, and supplying heat generated by the fuel cell to a heat consuming installation. This system includes an operation amount computing device for computing an amount of operation of the fuel cell to minimize an equation y=aXL+bXM+cXN, in response to an energy demand of the power consuming installation and heat consuming installation. A control device controls the fuel cell to satisfy the amount of operation computed. The system supplies energy in optimal conditions with respect to the cost borne by an energy consumer, consumption of primary energy, and release of environmental pollutants. Energy is effectively used from the standpoint of the energy consumer and a national point of view.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,958 describes the method allocates a demanded amount of power to a plurality of power output apparatus, each power apparatus having characteristic curves associated therewith, and the total power outputted from the plurality of power apparatus results in a minimum cost for generating the power. Each boiler is allocated a quantity of waste fuel to be used in the generation of power, the quantity of waste fuel to be a predetermined total over a predetermined time period. Data is entered for each of the power apparatus into a controller. Optimal solutions are generated for all valid possible output power demands using an optimization by parts technique within bounds of each power apparatus. The solutions indicate the portion of power each power apparatus is to supply to provide the total power each demanded at minimal cost. The solutions are stored in tables within a storage unit of the controller. Upon receipt of a demand for power, a search is performed of the solution tables to obtain the amount of power each power apparatus is to supply and the amount of waste fuel to use. Control signals are then outputted to each power apparatus, the control signals being indicative of the amount of power to be supplied and the waste fuel to utilize.

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,420,741 describes an arrangement for obtaining flux rate information in a magnetic: circuit including passive means connected across a flux rate sensor for implementing control of said flux rate. The passive means being a tuned magnetic flux rate feedback sensing and control arrangement wherein impedance is tuned and the energy loss characteristic is adjustable. The selection of inductance and capacitance values provides tuning and the selection of resistance affects the energy loss characteristics.

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,136 describes an apparatus and method for monitoring the consumption of utilities in business premises. The premises are divided into notional zones, each including a utility load and a meter to record consumption within the zone. The zones are combined into national groups. A central analysis computer is provided for receiving consumption data from the zones of a group to calculate total utility consumption within the group, and to conduct further analysis on the consumption data. The computer also supplies control data to the zones for controlling utility consumption. A single loss monitoring device records the total losses which occur between a point and the utility loads in the zones. The loss monitoring device transfers this information to the computer. Alternatively, a separate loss monitoring apparatus is supplied for each column of zones for determining the losses which occur in any single column of zones.

[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,623 describes a system for monitoring various, diverse energy characteristics of an energy consuming system. The system includes a data gathering device that accumulates data representing each of the sensed energy characteristics in real time, the data representing magnitude of the sensed energy characteristic as well as the time at which the magnitude is sensed. The data that is accumulated for each of the sensed energy characteristics is periodically transmitted to a remote analysis station. The remote analysis station performs a detailed analysis of the sensed energy characteristics and generates reports containing summaries of the sensed data in the form of listings of compressed data as well as graphs such as histograms and graphs correlating different energy characteristics of the energy consuming system.

[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,837 describes a digital and analog system for generating an energy log for instant recall and display. The system is permanently programmed in read-only memory with the task of scanning sensor inputs, performinion calculations, updating the non-volatile memory, responding to external commands, and monitoring peripheral performance. The stored information is available for real-time query of individual sensor data or as a composite hard copy report on a month-to-date or month-end basis. The apparatus accepts inputs from both analog and digital sensors whose outputs produce information related to data such as current consumption, water consumption, or fuel consumption and provides an optional interface for the control of these functions based on preprogrammed upper/lower limits. Based on the various inputs, data is stored in specified memory locations and consumption rates and costs are computed based on sensor calibration factors and energy cost factors stored in non-volatile memory at the time of calibration. The system is programmed to detect invalid data and failed sensor inputs in addition to automatically calibrating.

[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 5,089,974 describes a building power management controller comprises a plurality of modules connected by a two-wire network. Each module comprises a data transceiver device, controlled by a microprocessor to both transmit data to the other modules and to a central unit via the two-wire network, and to receive information via this two-wire network. The modules are supplied with power by the two-wire network. When the two modules transmit simultaneously, one takes priority so as not to disturb the messages transmitted.

[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,404 describes an energy monitor for monitoring energy consumed by each of a plurality of energy consuming devices which is disclosed. The energy monitor comprises a processor, a memory, means for storing energy usage rate data in the memory, the energy usage rate data representing a rate of energy consumed by each of the devices, means for determining when each of the devices is operating, means responsive to the storing means and the determining means for calculating energy consumption numbers representing a quantity of energy consumed by each device while each of the devices is operating and means for selectively displaying each of the energy consumption numbers.

[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 4,783,748 describes a method and apparatus which are disclosed for sensing, sampling and performing calculations on a parameter of a physical quantity at a plurality of remote locations comprising a plurality of remote sensing units and at least one processing unit linked to said plurality of remote sensing units via a two way communication link. Parameters of a physical quantity are sensed and sampled, calculations are performed and accumulated and transmitted, on demand, provided to the processing unit using a plurality of frequency bands one of which is identified as having valid data.

[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,992 describes a remote utility reading and control system incudes a central utility use data bank which communicates by communications link with a plurality of relay modules located at power sub-distribution transformers. Each relay module separately addresses and communicates by PLC with a number of site units in its locality. The site units may include on/off controls for buildings, light systems or single pieces of equipment, or may include utility meters or real power meters. The PLC communication utilizes error checking and message verifying to acquire valid status or measurement signals, which are then transmitted to the central data bank. A CRC error code identifies faulty messages. After multiple interrogation, five responses are stored, and a message is confirmed only when three of five responses are identical. Systems for electricity, water, and gas are described.

[0027] U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,914 describes an energy management controller is coupled via a clock line pair, a “data out” line pair and a “data in” line pair, to a plurality or group of stations each having energy using equipment. Each station is electrically coupled to each line pair at spaced points along the line pairs. Each station counts the number of clock bits from the controller. After each group of a predetermined number of clock bits are received, each station provides an address count that is incremented by one after each group of clock bits are received. By setting each station to a different address count and enabling each station to transmit and receive data only during its respective address count period each station can be individually accessed by the controller without specifically addressing each station. During the address count period for each station serial bits are transmitted to and received from that station by the controller for actuation and control of the energy using equipment for that station. Use of the clock line enables each station control to synchronize and therefore communicate with the controller even though the controller has an aperiodic and unpredictable response time between receiving data from and transmitting data to the station controls. Information gathered at each station control is digitized at the station control for transmission to the controller.

[0028] U.S. Pat. No. 4,163,218 describes an electronic control system which can control the operation of a number of electrical devices such as lights, outlets, sensing apparatus, etc., all of which are energized from the same power lines. Each of the electrical devices is respectively connected to the power lines by an addressable switch unit. A central control unit is connected to the power line and generates a binary coded time division multiplex signal, including an address portion and a command portion. The encoded signal is transmitted directly onto the power lines and is received by the addressed switch, which responds to the command to control the state of the electrical device, and in turn sends a status response onto the power lines which is received at the central unit.

[0029] U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,936 describes a self-contained flexible multi-purpose and multifunction energy control system capable of monitoring energy consuming loads, providing signals indicative of the state thereof and for selectively energizing and de-energizing such loads in response to a variety of preselected conditions and time frames. The system is also capable of cycling the loads and of varying the cycling pattern in accordance with pre-established conditions.

[0030] U.S. Pat. No. 4,110,825 describes a power demand control in a plant facility is improved by allowing the demand limit imposed as a target to be met at the end of a control period to follow the actual demand in the plant. The demand limit is automatically optimized as actual demand fluctuates and it is set in accordance with past history.

[0031] U.S. Pat. No. 3,872,286 describes a control of the consumption of energy derived by an industrial user from a power supply system (electrical, gas or like commodity), and more particularly to a control system for adjusting an industrial load system to limit the demand of power while respecting the constraints of the load system.

[0032] Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

[0033] The present invention involves multi-utility energy control system with at least one control computer with specialized software having an internet capability and an internet energy platform on the internet, e.g. on one or more internet servers. The software within the system provides the consumer with a dashboard screen and a plurality of unique subscreens, and the system software and screen provide a gateway for access to subscreens for interactive opportunities for the consumer via a plurality of diverse energy and utility-related search engines. The term, “search engine” as used herein means a submodule of a program which is directed to gathering diverse information from one or more sources for either processing (performing mathematical or organizational steps) and presentation to a user, or presentation to a user. In the context of the present invention, the engine will process and present information to the user based on data obtained from the user's own utility consumption equipment, data obtained from industry source and/or data inputted by the user of the system and/or the provider of the system. By “data” is meant quantitative values as well as selected parameters or ranges.

[0034] There is also a multi-utility real time master meter device. The master meter device is used for monitoring consumption of a plurality of different utility types with a single meter. In the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, the master meter includes a main housing which contains a central processing unit, visual display means connected to the central processing unit, programming controls, a power source connection and a plurality of meter sensor connections. The device also includes a plurality of utility meter sensors which are connected to the central processing unit of the main housing.

[0035] The utility meter sensors may be retrofit sensors which are attachable to existing utility meters for sensing real time rates from the existing utility meters, and for transmitting the real time rates to the central processing unit. Alternatively, the sensors may be built right into original equipment.

[0036] The retrofit meter sensors may be attachable to outside surfaces of electromechanical utility meters and may use any available mechanism to sense or otherwise obtain utility meter activity. For example, in preferred embodiments, the sensors measure magnetic flux caused by motion within the electromechanical utility meters. Alternatively, the utility meter sensors may be integrally connected with meters which are designed to replace existing meters or to be installed in new applications. The sensors may be connected to the central processing unit by direct low voltage wire, by signal through AC power lines, by spread spectrum pulses or by other arrangements. The master meter device converts data to computer language and transmits it to the computer central processing unit. In turn, the computer functions with appropriate software on the internet within the present invention system, and the dashboard screen and a number of interconnected subscreens present the plurality of search engines for the consumer to utilize, including the use of the real time consumption rate data to generate selected information, and includes functional software for monitoring and responding to monitored data, including recognition of surges, power quality and characteristics, increase in usage versus historical data, etc., and institutes appropriate corrective actions by direct link to existing utility consuming control systems on site. These links communicate from standard networks, hard copper wire or through an internet exchange, e.g., Ethernet “LAN” based network, standard copper line internet, or radio frequency-based networks. The control computer with its customized software is connected to various utility consuming control systems such as, backup generators powered by alternative fuels, HVAC systems, elevators, refrigeration systems, machinery, fuel consuming equipment, etc. and is connected to both diagnostic and control features of these individual systems. The program of the control computer formats pertinent systems energy data, stores it, retrieves it, diagnoses it and acts in response to changes identified and preprogrammed needs. The program reduces consumption without shutting down vital equipment by identifying and warning of individual utility consuming equipment and consumption rate changes, by anticipating peak loads, and by anticipating demand spikes and sags, and then initiating a control protocol and algorithm to the appropriate control system to automatically correct or eliminate inefficient energy consumption.

[0037] In addition, the control computer provides access via a controlled network, the internet or its equivalent, to alternate providers of various utilities such as electricity, steam, gas and other consumable fuels and utility materials. The system is formatted to purchase these resources in a real time environment.

[0038] The plurality of energy and utility-related search engines locate pertinent information for the consumer and offer opportunities to the consumer to achieve energy savings, energy efficiencies and other useful information. These engines may include real time pricing, energy transactions, energy dispatch, energy production, real time energy usage, energy usage charts, rate analysis and savings strategies. additional submodules could include weather, locators, e.g. plant locators, energy alarms and e-commerce.

[0044] There existed a need to serve the energy industry to provide energy suppliers with an opportunity to create value added services to the end users, and to provide end users with information, choices, savings and efficiencies. because energy is a commodity that cannot easily be stored, energy that is generated through fuel consumption must be used immediately or lost. Since fuel is needed to create the energy, fuel prices are normally preset or established before the conversion to energy. Yet, the measurement of energy for purposes of cost determination requires analysis of three parameters, namely, time, use (kw), and rate of use (kwh). due to the complexity of energy measurement, billing of energy requires complicated rate tariffs based on use and classification. However, energy suppliers are actively seeking methods to differentiate their products from their competitors based on value added services, separate from price issues. On the other hand, residential, industrial and commercial consumers seek low cost, uncomplicated methods for reducing energy costs, without interrupting their day-to-day personal or business activities. The present invention is directed toward offering consumers instantaneous or real time value added services that will save them money while offering energy suppliers to serve existing customers and add new customers at reduced costs to the suppliers. It is the present invention internet energy platform that provides this multi-engined gateway between consumers and suppliers to enhance overall economic and energy consumption efficiencies.

[0045] As mentioned above, in the present invention system with the internet energy platform, the plurality of energy and utility-related search engines locate pertinent information for the consumer and offer opportunities to the consumer to achieve energy savings, energy efficiencies and other useful information. These engines may include:

• • [0046] real time pricing,
  • [0047] energy transactions,
  • [0048] energy dispatch,
  • [0049] energy production,
  • [0050] real time energy usage,
  • [0051] energy usage charts,
  • [0052] rate analysis, and
  • [0053] savings strategies.

[0054] Additional submodules could include weather; locators, e.g. plant locators; energy alarms; and e-commerce, as well as others.

[0055] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the internet energy platform available to the consumer may be customized by the operator of the system to provide that consumer with a selection of engines and choices within each engine that is responsive to the customer's needs. This platform may advantageously operate as the central platform for all of the energy needs of the consumer. In cases where the customer is a commercial or industrial customer having more than one remotely located facility, the platform will centralize all of the energy needs, data and information on a global basis. Further, in multiple location customer situations, there may be included within the system of the present invention, a satellite mapping system which links and maps all of the separate locations of the customer for universal energy monitoring and managing.

[0056] The following examples of present invention engines illustrate in further detail some of the features and advantages of the present invention:

[0057] The multi-utility real time energy control system of the present invention includes a multi-utility meter and plurality of individual meter sensors for real time sensing of a multitude of utility consumption rates, as well as a central control computer and appropriate software. The word “utility”, as meant herein, should be construed to mean any energy or power related function which is purchased from a source separate from the user and is consumable to operate machines and devices. Thus, included in this term are electric utilities, gas utilities, steam utilities, oil utilities, gasoline utilities, diesel utilities, propane utilities, oxygen utilities and other types of gas and liquid utilities which are flowable and consumption may be measured by meters.

[0058] The present invention system includes a plurality of sensors for a multitude of utility meters and these sensors may be retrofitted through existing electromechanical meters or retrofitted to other types of meters such as electric or digital display meters or even float type meters. Alternatively, the present invention control system sensors may involve meter replacement with built-in sensors. In the case of retrofitting to existing electromechanical meter, the present invention device sensors may rely upon any known method of reading and sending signals from existing meters without exceeding the scope of the present invention. In some preferred embodiments these sensors rely upon magnetic flux.

[0059] Other sensors may be retrofitted to electric meters which may or may not include digital display and these sensors may be wired directly to pre-existing meters.

[0060] The present invention system utility meter sensors may be electromechanical, current transformers, electrical, electronic pulse based and may be single input or multiple input sensors. The present invention utility meter sensors, in some preferred embodiments include sensors which are current transformers which transmit about 0 to about 5 milliamps to measure electricity characteristics.

[0061] The sensors used in the present invention may be connected directly to the central processing unit of the multi-utility master meter housing or may be connected indirectly. Where direct wiring may be too expensive or too difficult or in cases of large facilities, where the meters are located sufficiently separate from one another, indirect connection may be achieved through the use of “existing in-house” AC lines (wiring) using existing technology which requires a plug-in diversion device which sends signals along existing AC lines at different frequencies or modulation and these may be received at the master meter through the power source itself, for example. U.S. Pat. No. 4,783,748 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Remote Measurement” and assigned to Quadlogic Controls Corporation describes such a system for long distance transmission and would be used in the present invention to connect meter sensors to the central processing unit of the master meter of the present invention device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,783,748 is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0062] The multi-utility master meter includes central processing unit contained therein which is adapted to receive data from a plurality of sensors and may have, for example, six, eight, twelve or even more such as tens of receiving connections for as many meters as may be desired to be read for a large facility containing a plurality of storage tanks with their own meters, the central processing unit could, for example, be programmed to sequence as many as 100 meters or even more. The master meter central processing unit includes a programming control panel which would be uniquely adapted to satisfy programming requirements. Typically, this could be a panel such as is currently used on security control panels, sophisticated timers, swimming pool pumps and the like. The central processing unit will permit the user to specify the number of meters to be utilized and will then permit the user to program each meter in, for example, numerical sequence by selecting the type of meter (utility type) being sensed. The user will then select from a menu the appropriate rate base for each meter. These rate bases will be directly correlated to the individual utility meter itself, such as cubic feet per hour, kilowatts per hour, gallons per hour, liters per minute, kiloliters per minute, etc. Optionally, there may either be an abbreviation or utility menu which can be correlated to that particular programmed sensor or an alpha based keyboard may permit the user to type in or abbreviate whatever work or phrase the user may desire, e.g. the type of utility the supplier of the utility, or even some encrypted abbreviation. The master meter central processing unit will then permit the user to select a time basis for each meter being read in addition to the instant real time readings, such as minute, hour, day, week, month, year or any arbitrary portion of any of these and/or readings based on yet indeterminate time periods such as from the time the meter starts moving to the time the meter stops moving. The master meter central processing unit will then permit the user to select read-outs of any of the foregoing for each of the utility meters being read. The user will repeat the previous programming steps for each utility meter being read or some other logical sequence as may be desired. The master meter central processing unit will interpret through consumption and demand of liquids and gasses, electromechanical pulses and electricity through current transformers. The master unit software system will integrate a variety of inputs with selective outputs.

[0063] The master meter central processing unit will recognize the sequence, organize the real time data for each sequences and store it and will also, while retaining the real time data, convert that date on the time basis selected by the user. The master meter central processing unit will also convert the data to an appropriate computer language for output to one or more computers. This central processing unit may replace data at a preprogrammed sequence, such as monthly or otherwise or may retain data for a certain moving time frame and constantly drop off the oldest data as new data is received. Alternatively, the master meter central processing unit may offer to the user, the opportunity to program how much data, that is for how long a period, data is retained.

[0064] The master unit central processing unit of the present invention system is connected to at least one visual display unit such as a screen or an LCD located on the master meter and may automatically present data on a cycled basis in sequence or simply present an entire sequence on call when the user inputs a command for or only selected data as the user may desire. The master meter central processing unit may output data by conversion to a preprogrammed format such as DOS, Windows, Java or any other operating system language for input to the control computer of the present invention system. The master CPU will also engage in least cost routing of utility costs to search out in real time the generation costs of utility to allow the end user to purchase power cost effectively.

[0065] Thus, in the present invention system, the multi-utility master meter will serve three distinct useful functions. First, it may provide a single location read-out for all utility consumption for a particular site; second, it will provide converted data as a user may desire; and, third, it will provide the user the opportunity to input information into one or more control computers for subsequent control of utilities. This third function will enable the user with the control computer(s) to identify sudden surges, losses, equipment stoppage, etc. It will also enable the user to control and regulate specific consumption and even operate budgets, perform projections and seek competitive utility contracts.

[0066] The present invention software provides for a dashboard screen which acts as a master control screen on the control central computer or computers, as well as a plurality of utility subscreens relating thereto. The dashboard screen presents a plurality of utility type icons for selection of a utility therefrom and also provides an interface gateway for selection of other utility related data. The utility type icons of the dashboard screen may include icons for electric, oil, gas, water and steam. It may also include other energy or utility types. The interface gateway may include one or more selection indicia, e.g., icons which may have one or more choices selected from facility layout, fire and sprinklers, security, backup generation, power quality, demand center, HVAC, lighting and electrical. Both the utility type icons and the interface gateway offer the user the opportunity to select one of either so as to provide more detail for that energy. When a selection is made, subscreens appear which provide real time information such as daily, weekly, monthly and yearly kilowatt consumption for the electricity selection and other pertinent facility data. Additional subscreens will appear and offer the opportunity for on-line purchase of utilities to the user.

[0067] When a demand center choice is made from the interface gateway of the dashboard screen, various selections may be offered with much greater detail on a building by building, floor by floor and even room by room basis, or by groupings as the user may decie, such as by areas of operations, or by groups of rooms or areas based on different company departments or subsidiaries, or otherwise, with appropriate subscreens, for the particular location selected.

[0068] Additionally, the software may also provide screens and subscreens for consolidated multi-site management. This would be the company-wide or universal mapping system. Thus, the user may start with a screen which will display a map of an entire energy net, permitting the user to select regions, states, districts and specific sites, sequentially by further detailed screens. Once the actual site is on screen, the user may then utilize the main dashboard screen for that site.

[0069] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the multi-utility energy control system of the present invention. Various utility meter with internal or retrofitted sensors 10 are sensed by connection 12 to multi-utility master meter 14. This is described in more detail in conjunction with the figures below. Master meter 14 is driven by power source 16 and provides consumption rate data in a computer readable format to one or more control computer(s) 20 such as via connection 18. Control computer(s) 20 has customized software, the functions of which are illustrated in block 20 of FIG. 1. The control computer(s) 20 is connected via various connections such as connection 22, to individual utility consuming systems 24. In this manner, the functions set forth in block 20 may be performed.

[0070] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-utility real time meter device used in a multi-utility energy control system of the present invention, including a multi-utility master meter 1. Various utility meters are shown in FIG. 3 and are merely examples of possible applications for the present invention systems. These include electric meter 3, gas meter 5, steam meter 7, oil meter 9, diesel fuel meter 11, gasoline meter 13, oxygen meter 15 and symbolic meter 17 for one or more other utility meters. Connected thereto are sensors 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35 and 37, respectively. Each is connected to master meter 1 via connection 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55 and 57, respectively. The sensors such as sensor 23 may be any of the types discussed above or as described in conjunction with the figures below. Likewise, connection 43 may be by any connection described in more detail in conjunction with the figures below. Master meter 1 is powered by power source 21 and this may be conventionally alternating current power so that master meter 1 may have a standard plug for power via conventional outlets. Other power arrangements may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the present invention.

[0071] As indicated in FIG. 2, master meter 1 includes a central processing unit 10 which is receptive to real time sensing, has programmability and capabilities for data storage, conversions, data presentation and computer language outputs. It is programmable and master meter 1 includes a visual display presentation 41 as well as programming controls 59. Optional, but preferred power backup 20 is also included.

[0072] Master meter 1 via connection 19 presents recognizable outputs to computer 39 for subsequent storage, retrieval and other computer functions including control utility consumption, feedback, regulation, shutdowns, economic tracking and reporting functions.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a block diagram illustrating specific steps involved in the programming and functioning of one embodiment of a present invention system master meter such as master meter 1 of FIG. 2. In block 61, the user programs central processing unit 75 to specify the number of meters to be read. In block 63, the user programs central processing unit 75 for utility type, in sequence, for each meter. In block 65, the user confirms or selects each utility rate base for each meter—e.g. gallons per hour. In block 67, the user programs central processing unit 75 for time basis (single or plural outputs for each meter—e.g. hours, days, months or random use cycles). In optional block 69, the user programs central processing unit 75 for selected readouts, e.g. hourly, daily or uses readouts of all previously selected time bases. Block 77 is the power source which powers central processing unit 75 (and the sensors in many embodiments). Block 79 is the output to one or more computers from central processing unit 75.

[0074] Block 71 indicates sensor type selection. These sensors may generally be of any sensor type that will extract rates from meters and send such data to central processing unit 75. Although not limited to these selections, block 75 includes: retrofit to existing electromechanical meters via magnetic flux sensing; retrofit to existing digital display meters via electronic signal pickup; and, meter replacement with built in sensors with electronic signal or other signal. Block 73 shows sensor connection choices including direct wire, indirect wire via AC lines, airwave signals and any other possible connection methods which may be available, e.g. lightwave.

[0075] Central processing unit block 75 indicates that the central processing unit provides sequences, organizes, stores input data from sensors; converts data as necessary X, Y, Z parameters, X=time based, Y=data replacement time frame, and Z=language; displays data directly; and, stores/transmits to computer both real time data and converted and unconverted stored data.

[0076] The control computer customized software described above will function to perform the desired operations as set forth in the figures and in the above Detailed Description. However, an expanded version which cannot be excluded from the present invention would include more detailed feedback, analysis and activity relating to electrically consuming systems. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/907,205, entitled “Commercial Customer Software Module for Utility Company Management Computer Systems” filed on Aug. 6, 1997 and incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, describes commercial customer software which may be used in conjunction with the present invention control computer(s). For example, the discussions with respect to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 of that patent application describe sufficient detailed software activity for incorporation into the present invention control computer(s). Among the differences between this incorporated reference and the present invention with respect to the computer software, is that the controls in that reference are located at the power utility company and not at the actual facility on site, and the unique internet energy platform with the gateways and engines described herein is not shown. Additionally, that reference does not rely upon the sensors and multi-utility master meter included in the present invention.

[0077] Additionally, the present invention system has as one of its primary objectives the ability to provide the user with choices in purchasing power and other utilities to obtain the most cost effective purchases. In some embodiments, the present invention may be linked to multiple providers to give the user direct instant contracting capabilities, while other systems of the present invention may include an intermediate utility broker and even the ability to bid for utility services.

[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates a dashboard screen 101 which may operate as a main control screen. It includes a plurality of utility and energy-related engine icons including icons 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 113, 115 and 117 for real time pricing, energy transactions, energy dispatch, energy production, real time energy usage, energy usage charts, rate analysis and savings strategies, respectively. There is also a number of optional submodule icons which offer various utility related options for the user. These include plant locator icon 121 for selecting a particular plant or portion of a particular plant to review, weather 123, energy alarms 125, billing questions 127, e-commerce 129, and energy news 131. Thus, this screen 101 is the gateway between the consumer and the various engine which combine the user's consumption information with the engine data and information from outside sources such as energy suppliers to offer cost savings, increased efficiencies and other valuable energy and utility choices and knowledge to the consumer. The eight engines represented by icons 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 113, 115 and 117 are further described:

• • [0079] (1) The real time pricing engine monitors live feed from the ISO and/or local utilities providers and executes a preset trigger to notify the customer, e.g. by e-mail, pager or other. For example, rate changes and/or tariff changes could affect the price of energy number of times in a single hour. Thus, the user may decrease usage, shut down some functions, or shed load in response;
  • [0080] (2) The energy transaction engine is used to complete a transaction by the user with a supplier in those cases where consumers are paid to curtail and sell energy back to the market for large profits. For example, on high usage days, a customer may cut back on air conditioning usage and sell the saved consumption back for a fee or a credit and the purchasing supplier can then sell it for a premium to another customer or supplier. The Federal Electricity Reliability Council is developing concepts for buy-backs from consumers under certain circumstances;
  • [0081] (3) The energy dispatch engine integrates the use of internal control systems needed to automate the dispatching of onsite generation or load shedding through building and facility automation systems to automate energy release;
  • [0082] (4) The energy production engine is an engine that can make custom energy graphs based on the customers business operation. Most industrial customers produce product. Whether that is soap bars or steel bars, customers are not able to analyze energy as it pertains to their daily production or operation. Elements such as temperature, employees, shift rate and output can be instantly entered into the database in order to chart how energy is being consumed based on production. This information is crucial in order to determine how cost effective the actual operation is at production based on other geographic locations. This can also determine fuel shifting based on costs of gas vs. oil when producing binary components such as steam. This engine would also enable management to track energy reduction programs and offer employees incentives to become more cost effective during production;
  • [0083] (5) The real time energy usage engine describes in detail how energy is being consumed at a customer's facility. This engine utilizes information obtained from the customer's meters through the present invention master meter, and presents information in a user friendly format in real time;
  • [0084] (6) The energy usage charts engine presents in detail how energy is being consumed at a customer's facility. This information is accessible in chart form by the hour, day, week, month or other period or point in time;
  • [0085] (7) The rate analysis engine can determine whether or not the customer was placed on the most cost-effective tariff by the utility as well as determine whether mistakes were made in the billings by the utility provider to the customer;
  • [0086] (8) The savings strategies engine can determine and quantify how much money a customer can save by shifting load from on-peak to off-peak periods and lowering peak demand;
  • [0087] (9) The reliability engine provides customers with the ability to monitor grid flow via the platform to determine energy peak demands and to determine the reliability of the system. This engine will read pre-set voltage drops from utility providers to give a pre-determined alert of rolling brown/black outs;
  • [0088] (10) The e-credit engine enables the customers to charge their energy bill based on a credit line from a supplier, bank, credit card account, receivables or other credit line; and,
  • [0089] (11) The energy compilation engine enables customers the ability to consolidate energy usage data in an electronic format and send to multiple vendors to procure energy.

[0090] FIG. 4 illustrates a dashboard screen used in a preferred embodiment of the present invention software which acts as the user's mecanism for the gateway via the internet energy platform to resource the plurality of energy and utility-related engines, and FIGS. 5 through 20 illustrate subscreens utilized therewith to show the functioning benefits of some of the various engines and submodules available to the user. Thus, FIGS. 5 through 20 present subscreens 151, 161, 171, 181, 191, 201, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290 and 300, respectively.

[0091] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.