Patent ID: 6311105
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: G01D,H02J,Y02B,Y04S

Abstract:
A multi-utility energy control system for monitoring consumption, and cost of resource generation, for a plurality of different utility types with a single master meter and for monitoring and controlling individual utility systems within a facility, for determining possible utility cost adjustments to enhance cost effectiveness, which comprises:(a) at least one central control computer being connected to a multi-utility master meter, said at least one central control computer having sufficient software adapted to receive utility consumption rate data from said master meter and for storing, presenting, analyzing and reporting from said data sufficient information to monitor consumption rates and to compare such information to theoretical and/or historical data to identify unexpected changes in consumption and to identify peak demands, surges and sags, said computer also being connected to a plurality of individual utility consuming systems within a facility, said software also being adopted to control said utility consuming systems by adjusting actual utility consumption in response to predetermined parameters set for each of said utility consuming systems, and further contains software adapted to receive and update alternative utility company competition pricing information;(b) a multi-utility real time master meter for monitoring consumption of a plurality of different utility types with a single master meter, which includes 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; and,(c) a plurality of utility meter sensors connected to said master meter, at least a portion of said utility meter sensors being retrofit sensors attachable to existing utility meters for sensing real time rates from said existing utility meters, and transmitting said real time rates to said central processing unit of said master meter, said plurality of utility meter sensors including utility meter sensors having means to sense real time rates from electromechanical utility meters which are attachable to outside surfaces of electromechanical utility meters by measuring magnetic flux caused by motion within said electromechanical utility meters as said electromechanical utility meters move during consumption.