ENERGY USAGE PREDICTION AND CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

A controller is a feedback-based energy estimator for controlling initial and refined estimates of energy usage of one/several buildings controlled thereby. An initial estimate of a building's energy needs for a specified future time (e.g., a month or a week ahead) are calculated, and over time, in conjunction with an energy company, the initial (and subsequent) estimate(s) are revised based on the costs of energy forecasted by the energy company. The controller may examine tasks to perform along with predictive information that may affect the building's energy needs (e.g., predicted temperature for the time of predicted energy needs). As expectations (or factors such as temperature) change, the energy company may be informed of additional energy that will be needed (e.g., if predicted temperature is increasing and cooling will be needed) or amount of excess energy expected (e.g., if predicted temperature is decreasing, requiring less cooling).