Occupant controlled energy management system and method for managing energy consumption in a multi-unit building

Abstract

A system and a method for allowing an occupant of a single unit of a multi-unit building to select an operating state of the unit which consumes less energy than a normal operating state.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The disclosure relates generally to an energy management system for a multi-unit building, and more particularly to an occupant controlled energy management system for an individual unit of the building.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Over the last couple of decades, the world population has become increasingly aware of the threat of global warming, and the impact it may have on our planet. In response to this awareness, individuals have become more conscious of their personal “carbon footprint,” and have looked for ways to minimize their individual negative effects on the environment. It has been well established that these effects can be reduced by decreasing carbon-based energy or power consumption associated with, for example, transportation, industry, and also the occupation and usage of various buildings and residences.[0003]Multi-unit buildings, such as hotels, motels, inns, dormitories, offices, etc., typically require significant carbon-based en...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The invention also provides a method of operating or managing a multi-unit building, including informing an occupant upon arrival at the multi-unit building of an environmental effect of an occupant controlled energy management system provided in each unit of the building, encouraging the occupant to select an energy conservation setting of the energy management system by maneuvering an actuator disposed in the unit, providing reduced energy consumption within the unit upon the occupant's actuation of the actuator, and optionally providing further information and / or benefits to the occupant having selected and utilized the reduced energy consumption setting.

Problems solved by technology

In these multi-unit buildings it can be difficult for management to set building-wide reduced energy consumption parameters for the HVAC and / or various appliances because not all of the building occupants may find comfort and / or convenience at such settings.

However, without prior knowledge of the specifications of the particular multi-unit building, it is not possible for the occupant to set the thermostat to maximize energy conservation in the room.

Moreover, these existing thermostats do not typically provide for adjustment or regulation of other in-room energy consuming appliances such as lighting, etc.

Thus, convenient in-room occupant controlled energy conservation within a multi-unit building is not possible.

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