Abstract:
Various arrangements of controlling a temperature of an enclosure are presented. A setpoint temperature may be received by a thermostat from a user via an energy management device. The setpoint temperature may indicate a desired temperature of the enclosure. The thermostat may be operated in accordance with the setpoint temperature. Energy consumption associated with the thermostat may be monitored. The monitored energy consumption may be compared to an energy usage profile. Based on such a comparison, at least one adjustment to the operation of the thermostat may be determined that will reduce energy consumption associated with the thermostat as compared to the energy consumption associated with operating the thermostat in accordance with the setpoint temperature.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES 
     This application is a Continuation Application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/327,459, filed on Dec. 15, 2011, entitled, “MANAGING ENERGY USAGE,” which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/241,588, filed on Sep. 30, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,160,752 entitled “MANAGING ENERGY USAGE.” The entire disclosures of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. Furthermore, the subject matter of this Continuation Application relates to the subject matter of the commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/977,015, filed on Oct. 2, 2007, entitled, “ENERGY MANAGEMENT PLATFORM,” which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The field of the present invention relates to computer systems. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to energy management systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Consumers experiment with different ways of reducing household energy usage. For example, consumers may turn off air conditioning during certain parts of the day, run certain appliances only during the early morning hours, and replace large inefficient appliances with smaller energy efficient ones. Additionally, consumers may use measuring devices to calculate the energy usage rate of a particular device. Then, depending upon the measured energy usage, a consumer may decide to turn the device on and off to adjust the home&#39;s overall energy usage. 
     However, there exist limitations as to the current system for measuring the energy usage of a particular device. While a device&#39;s energy usage may be determined for a given point in time, it is unclear what this determination means. For example, an energy usage measurement might specify that a device is using 2 kilowatts per hour. While this information may be useful to a scientist, the average consumer is not well acquainted with the kilowatt. Furthermore, it is not clear to the consumer what the 2 kilowatts per hour static measurement means in context with the energy usage of a possible new device, other devices, and/or the entire household of devices. Thus, current energy usage measurements are cryptic and not very useful to the average consumer. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices is described, wherein the devices are coupled with a first structure. The energy usage of the devices is monitored. An energy usage rule and energy usage is then compared. The energy management policy and energy usage is also compared. Based on the comparing, an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of said device to correlate with the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energy management policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention for managing energy usage and, together with the description, serve to explain principles discussed below: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example system for managing energy usage in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an example system for managing energy usage in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of an example method of managing energy usage in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of an example computer system used for managing energy usage in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an example method of managing energy usage in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an example method of managing energy usage in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an example method of managing energy usage in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an example method of adjusting thermostat operation based on a weather forecast. 
     
    
    
     The drawings referred to in this description should not be understood as being drawn to scale unless specifically noted. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with various embodiment(s), it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present embodiments. 
     Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present detailed description, discussions utilizing terms such as “accessing”, “monitoring”, “comparing”, “modifying”, “enabling”, “tracking”, “generating”, “estimating”, “alerting”, or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device. The computer system or similar electronic computing device manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system&#39;s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices. The present invention is also well suited to the use of other computer systems such as, for example, optical and mechanical computers. 
     OVERVIEW OF DISCUSSION 
     Embodiments in accordance with the present invention pertain to a system for managing energy usage. In one embodiment, the system described herein enables conservation of household energy by advising a user to modify the household&#39;s energy usage to correlate to a desired energy usage for that household. 
     More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention functions as a household energy manager. For example, the energy manager attaches to a household wall and replaces the typical heating-cooling thermostat controller. The energy manager then utilizes an energy-measuring module coupled with a household device to monitor the energy usage of the household device. For example, an energy-measuring module coupled with a dishwasher may measure a dishwasher utilizing 1.20 kilowatts per hour of electricity. 
     In addition to monitoring individual appliances, the energy manager may utilize an energy-measuring module, such as a smart meter, coupled with the house to monitor the total household&#39;s energy usage. For example, a smart meter may measure the overall energy usage of all appliances within a household, including the dishwasher, to be 21 kilowatts per hour of electricity. 
     The energy manager then may access an energy usage rule describing a desired energy usage for a device and/or the household. This energy usage rule may be preprogrammed and internal to the energy manager or may be accessed at a server positioned external to the energy manager. This server in turn may receive a demand-response call from an energy utility company. For example, a demand-response call may indicate that it is desirable that the aforementioned dishwasher is to use up to a maximum of 1.00 kilowatt per hour of electricity at any given time. Furthermore, an overall energy management policy may specify that the household may use up to a maximum of 20 kilowatts per hour of energy at any point in time. 
     Based on the comparison between the measured energy usage of a household device and that device&#39;s desired energy usage, the energy manager may modify the device&#39;s energy usage to conform with the overall desired energy usage. For example, based on the comparison between the dishwasher&#39;s measured 1.20 kilowatts per hour of energy usage, and the household&#39;s use of 21 kilowatts per hour of electricity, the energy manager may modify the dishwasher&#39;s energy usage by turning it off and on at time periods separate from other high energy usage appliances, to keep the overall household energy use below 20 kilowatts per hour at any given point in time. 
     Thus, an energy manager may utilize an internally preprogrammed energy usage rule and/or a demand-response call received via a server from an energy utility company to advise a user to modify a device&#39;s energy usage. 
     The following discussion will begin with a detailed description of the structure of components herein in accordance with the present invention. This discussion will then be followed by a detailed description of the operation and function of the components herein. 
     Energy Manager 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example energy manager  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Energy manager  100 , coupled with first structure  140 , comprises energy usage rule accessor  105 , energy usage rule comparator  125 , and energy usage profile generator  135   
     Continuing with  FIG. 2 , a block diagram is shown of an example energy manager  100  in which energy usage rule accessor  105  comprises server accessor  220  and user instruction accessor  230 . In another embodiment, energy usage rule comparator  125  comprises passive power consumption tracker  235 . In one embodiment, energy manager  100  further comprising interface compatibility module  205  and graphical display module  215 . 
     Energy manager  100  is shown coupled wirelessly with device  204  via energy-measuring module  250   a  and compatible communication module  210 . Of note, energy-measuring module  250   a  may be coupled with energy manager  100  in such a way as to be part of energy manager  100 . Energy-measuring module  250   a  operates as an inductive donut surrounding the electrical cord that couples device  204  with an electrical outlet of first structure  140 . As will be described herein, energy-measuring module  250   a  listens for information such as energy usage signatures specific to device  204 . This information is communicated wirelessly to energy manager  100  via a wireless transmitter and receiver coupled with energy measuring module  250   a  and compatible communication module  210 , such as but not limited to the wireless Ethernet, ZigBee, X10, or some other suitable wireless protocol. 
     In another embodiment, energy manager  100  is shown coupled wirelessly with energy-measuring module  250   b . Energy-measuring module  250   b  may be a digital meter coupled with the outside of the home. Energy utility  240  has access to this digital meter. The digital meter provides information regarding the total energy usage of the household. This information is communicated wirelessly to energy manager  100  via a wireless transmitter and receiver coupled with energy-measuring module  250   b  and energy manager  100 , such as such as but not limited to the wireless Ethernet, ZigBee, X10, or some other suitable wireless protocol. 
     In one embodiment, energy manager  100  is shown coupled wirelessly with energy-measuring modules  250   c   1  and  250   c   2  of a group of energy-measuring modules denoted as  250   c , that are themselves coupled with subpanels positioned on the side wall and ceiling of first structure  140 . Of note, in another embodiment, energy manager  100  may also be coupled with energy-measuring modules  250   c   1  and  250   c   2  via a wire. Additionally, energy manager  100  is well suited to being coupled with a plurality of more than two energy-measuring modules of energy-measuring module group  250   c  at any number of locations within first structure  140 . 
     Energy-measuring modules  250   c   1  and  250   c   2  that are coupled with the subpanels and positioned in the proximity of device  204  listen for information such as energy usage signatures specific to device  204 . For example, a certain amount of signal noise flows between and through energy-measuring modules  250   c   1  and  250   c   2 . By identifying and comparing said signal noise received at energy-measuring modules  250   c   1  and  250   c   2 , better granularity in reading the energy signature of device  204  can be obtained. The more  250   c  energy-measuring modules that are positioned at first structure  140 , the more data that can be collected. The more data that can be collected, the more accurate is the determination of energy usage per device  204 . 
     Of note, energy usage rule  202  may be any recommendation or instruction for energy usage as it relates to device  204 , either alone, or as part of an energy management policy for one or more devices. In one embodiment, an energy management policy may designate the overall desired household energy usage as well as the desired energy usage for individual devices therein. 
     In one embodiment, energy usage rule  202  is preprogrammed within energy manager  100 . In another embodiment, energy usage rule  202  is external to energy manager  100 , located at server  225 , and provided to server  225  via energy utility  240  or other Internet hosted servers. In one embodiment, server  225  acts as a central management server. Energy utility  240  is coupled with energy manager  100  via Internet  245  and server  225 , and is coupled with first structure  140  via energy-measuring module  250   b.    
     In another embodiment, unit  260  is coupled with device  204  and electrical outlet  265  with which device  204  is also coupled. Additionally, the present invention is well suited to having any number of units  260  coupled with any number of devices and any number of electrical outlets. Unit  260  is configured to receive an instruction to modify an energy usage profile of device  204  to correlate with device  204 &#39;s energy usage rule. In essence, unit  260  may control the power to device  204 . Of note, unit  260  may receive instructions to modify the energy usage profile of device  204  from any device capable of sending receivable instructions. 
     In one embodiment, an energy manager  100  coupled with a subpanel within first structure  140  wirelessly transmits an instruction to unit  260  to modify the energy usage profile of device  204 . In another embodiment, user  255  may email an instruction to unit  260  to modify device  204  coupled therewith. More particularly, in one example, unit  260  is coupled with a lamp. Energy manager  100  sends a message to unit  260  that the lamp is utilizing too many kilowatts per hour of energy and needs to be turned down. Unit  260  then dims the lamp&#39;s lighting, thus decreasing the lamp&#39;s energy usage according to the instructions. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 2 , device  204  may be any device that may be coupled with first structure  140 . Of note, device  204  may be any device capable of utilizing energy within first structure  140 . However, for purposes of brevity and clarity, device  204  is sometimes referred to herein as “household device”. For example, device  204  may be a washer, a dryer, a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a toaster, etc. Furthermore, first structure  140  may be any structure with which one or more devices may be coupled and within which one or more devices may use electricity. However, for purposes of brevity and clarity, first structure  140  is sometimes referred to herein as “household”. 
     Operation 
     More generally, in embodiments in accordance with the present invention, energy manager  100  is used to monitor and instruct a user to modify the energy usage profile of one or more devices within a household to correlate to a desired energy usage for that device and/or household. In another embodiment, energy manager  100  is used to monitor and automatically modify the energy usage profile of one or more devices within a household to correlate to a desired energy usage for that device and/or household. Desired energy usage may be based on energy usage rules internal to energy manager  100  and/or energy usage rules ultimately received from an energy utility. Such an instruction and/or modification are particularly useful to conserve household energy usage. 
     More particularly, and referring to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, energy usage rule accessor  105  accesses an energy usage rule  202  of device  204 , wherein device  204  is coupled with first structure  140 . Then, energy usage rule comparator  125  receives an energy usage measurement of device  204  and compares energy usage rule  202  with the energy usage measurement. Next, energy usage profile generator  135  generates an instruction to modify an energy usage profile of device  204  to correlate with the energy usage, thereby enabling efficient energy management. 
     An energy usage measurement of one or more devices refers to the total amount of energy measured for each device and/or for cumulative devices within first structure  140 . For example, energy-measuring module  250   a  measures energy through a study of a device&#39;s energy usage signature that vacillates with its energy usage. For example, every device that plugs into an electrical system has a unique energy usage signature. In other words, every device exhibits unique signal patterns during its electrical usage. These signals are used to calculate a total amount of energy being used at any given time by device  204 . 
     An energy usage profile of device  204  refers to the overall energy usage of device  204  and device&#39;s  204  interaction with other devices within first structure  140 , taking into account all available input, such as user  255  input, energy utility  240  input, and/or other input received via Internet  245  and server  225 . Additionally, an energy usage profile of device  204  may be integrated with an energy usage profile of a device located within one or more structures other than first structure  140 . 
     In one embodiment, energy usage rule accessor  105  comprises server accessor  220 , configured for accessing an energy management instruction at server  225 , wherein server  225  is positioned apart from first structure  140 . Server  225  holds instructions received from energy utility  240 . These instructions, for example, may command energy manager  100  to conserve energy relating to one or more structures that are subscribed to a demand response program. This command to conserve energy may take the form of an instruction to turn down a thermostat&#39;s set-point in the summer and to turn up the thermostat&#39;s set-point in the winter during critical peak energy draw situations. In essence, the instructions provide that the AC is to be turned down in the summer and that the heater is to be turned down in the winter at certain critical points in time. 
     However, “cheaters” could put a local heat source such as a match (in the summer) or a local cold source such as an ice-cube (in the winter) to attempt to trick the thermostat that the adjustment being made will have a positive effect on the energy load. Energy manager  100  may then profile the actual energy load reduction vs. the projected energy load reduction.  FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an example method of managing energy usage in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. If it is determined that the difference between the actual energy load reduction vs. the projected energy load reduction is too great ( 702 ), then a demand response situation may be triggered ( 704 ). 
     In a demand response situation, energy manager  100  may ignore the actual temperature reading ( 706 ) and may alert authorities of the cheating. For example, when the demand response situation has been triggered and using sophisticated algorithms, energy manager  100  may determine the appropriate actions in proceeding with an energy load reduction, regardless of the energy manager  100 &#39;s local temperature reading. Energy manager  100  may also flag a server  225  as to suspicious behavior for later follow-up by authorities ( 708 ). 
     In another embodiment, user instruction accessor  230  is configured for accessing an instruction from user  255 , wherein the instruction provides guidance as to user&#39;s  255  desired energy usage for device  204 . For example, in one embodiment, user  255  may input information into energy manager  100  such as to what temperature user  255  would like a room to remain for the next five hours. 
     In one embodiment, the user instruction is a result of a dialogue generated by energy manager  100  with user  255 . For example, energy manager  100  may create a dialogue with user  255  via text and/or sound to learn how and when to automatically modify the in-home environment taking into account the comfort of user  255 . Energy manager  100 , for example, may interview user  255  to improve user&#39;s personal satisfaction with the HVAC and energy automation effectiveness. One or all of the available energy manager  100 &#39;s available user interfaces may query, “Are you cold, hot, or just right now?” or “We made the assumption due to the time of day and day-in-the-month not to turn the heat on at this time to save you money . . . did you like the decision?” The answers to these queries may be used to create an energy usage profile of user  255  and the household. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a flowchart of an example method of adjusting thermostat operation based on a weather forecast. After establishing a home owner&#39;s preference in temperature and pattern of usage, energy manager  100  may also factor in local weather conditions into pro-active plans for heating and cooling. For example, an Internet hosted server (coupled with server  225  via Internet  245 ) may provide forecasted weather data for the home in neighborhood, identifiable by zip code ( 802 ). Energy manager  100  may use the anticipation of a coming weather pattern, user preference knowledge, and scheduled or critical peak energy rates (actual or expected) to take pro-active steps ( 804 ). For example, these pro-active steps may include gradually cooling down the house to 65 degrees throughout the morning until 11 am, while taking into account that user&#39;s  255  disregard for the cold in the morning as well as taking advantage of cheaper energy rates ( 806 ,  808 ). 
     In another embodiment, an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of first device  204  coupled with first structure  140  according to an energy usage profile of a second device coupled with a second structure, such that the energy usage associated with first structure  140  and the energy usage associated with the second structure does not occur at the same time. For example, two different homes both have an energy manager  100 , are coupled with server  225 , and enter into a local grid “balancing algorithm”. Home #1 wants to use its compressor. Home #2 wants to heat its swimming pool. If both homes use this type of energy at the same time, the power grid will be taxed with a cumulative amount of power usage. However, if the two homes stagger its energy usage, then the power grid&#39;s average usage will remain the same. In other words, when home #1 is done with using its compressor, the pool heater of home #2 will be recommended to be powered on. 
     For example, energy manager  100  of home #1 generates an instruction to the effect that home #1 should power on its compressor between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Energy manager  100  of home #2 generates an instruction to the effect that home #2 should power on its pool heater between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The residents of home #1 may then follow its energy manager  100 &#39;s instructions. The residents of home #2 may also then follow its energy manager  100 &#39;s instructions. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, when home #1 is done with using its compressor, the pool heater of home #2 will automatically power on. 
     In other words, energy manager  100  causes “peak load management” to occur, in which some or all devices within a home may be turned off in critical peak power situations. This peak load management can be performed based on geography, such as but not limited to peak load management per house and peak load management per neighborhood. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, energy manager  100  comprises interface compatibility module  205 , configured for enabling coupling of energy manager  100  with compatible communication module  210 , wherein energy manager  100  utilizes compatible communication module  210  to access an energy usage measurement. For example, interface compatibility module  205  provides a means of choosing the best method of Internet connectivity for user  255 . It comprises a compatible communication module  210  that allows user  255  to buy a compatible wireless networking module, a household-wiring module, or other appropriate module that allows for further customization by user  255  to match user&#39;s  255  existing home network. For example, compatible communication module  210  enables the coupling of wireless connector 802.11 with energy manager  100 . Wireless connector 802.11 then enables communication with energy measuring module  250   a.    
     In another embodiment of the present invention, energy manager  100  comprises graphical display module  215 , configured for enabling communication with user  255 . For example, graphical display module  215  may include various aesthetic properties relating to color, texture, shape, and lighting. In one embodiment, graphical display module  215  may be a glass touch screen panel. The panel may be color and incorporate graphics. The panel may enable communication via icons, graphs, pie charts, etc. 
     In one embodiment, energy manager  100  generates an instruction that is receivable by a human user  255  of device  204 . This instruction may be receivable through any number of mediums, including graphical display module  215  positioned as shown in  FIG. 2  or positioned anywhere that enables coupling wired or wireless coupling with first structure  140 . Additionally, human user  255  of device  204  may access the generated instruction at any device within first structure  140  that is configured to transmit the instruction, such as but not limited to a desktop computer and/or portable electronic devise. Further, human user  255  of device  204  may access the generated instruction as an email message, SMS message, or other electronic message via a device capable of supporting the transmission and display of the message. In another embodiment, energy manager  100  generates an instruction that is receivable by device  204 . The instruction enables device  204  to alter its energy usage profile based on the comparing of the energy usage rule for device  204  and device  204 &#39;s energy usage. 
     In one embodiment, energy manager  100  comprises passive power consumption tracker  235 , configured for tracking a difference between the sum of energy usage of all devices, wherein all these devices are in an active state and coupled with first structure  140 , and a total energy used within first structure  140  to generate a passive power consumption analysis. For example, energy manager  100  may provide calculated estimates of passive power consumption. The difference between the sum of each appliance&#39;s energy usage and the total energy usage is per household is passive power consumption and untracked power usage. This untracked power usage is un-optimizable usage. Passive power consumption is considered to be the most significant drain of power on a power grid. Wall nuts and other passive power drains are undocumented and yet pull more current than any other sink. Even though an appliance is “off” doesn&#39;t mean that the appliance isn&#39;t consuming power. Tracking this passive power usage increases the user&#39;s  255  awareness of energy usage and creates opportunities to conserve overall energy. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, an upgrade to energy manager  100  is accessed. For example, energy manager  100  may access, via server  225 , upgrades to its functionalities and interoperability capacity with devices. In one embodiment, device  204  is upgraded within the home. Energy manager  100  may then access, via server  225 , device  204 &#39;s manufacturer to receive upgraded energy standards for device  204 . 
     It is important to note that energy manager  100  may be a direct replacement for the heating-cooling thermostat controller that connects to the home air conditioner/heater. For example, a consumer may purchase energy manager  100 , pull their current thermostat off their household wall, and mount energy manager  100  in its place. Energy manager  100  then performs all of the air conditioner/heater operations that would be expected from the displaced heating-cooling thermostat as well as the operations attributable to energy manager  100  described herein. Furthermore, a new face plate may include, but is not limited to, an increased display size, a faster processor within, added features to make energy manager  100  more user friendly. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart  300  of an example method of managing energy usage. With reference now to  305  of  FIG. 3 , an energy usage rule  202  for device  204  is accessed, wherein device  204  is coupled with first structure  140 . 
     With reference to  310  of  FIG. 3 , in another embodiment energy usage of device  204  is monitored. This monitoring may be automatically performed or upon command by user  255 , energy utility  240 , or some other authorized monitor. For example, a device&#39;s  204  energy usage may be monitored by energy utility  240  via energy measuring module  250   b  for inconsistencies in thermostat readings. 
     With reference to  315  of  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, energy usage rule  202  is compared with the energy usage of device  202 . Finally, with reference to  320  of  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, based on  315  comparing of energy usage rule  202  and the energy usage of device  204 , an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of device  204  to correlate with energy usage rule  202 , thereby enabling efficient energy management. 
     Thus, embodiments of the present invention enable the generation of an instruction for a user to modify an energy usage profile of one or more devices within a household to correlate to a desired energy usage for that device and/or household. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention enable the generation of an instruction to automatically modify an energy usage profile of one or more devices within a household to correlate to a desired energy usage for that device and/or household. Furthermore, an instruction to modify an energy usage profile for a device and/or household may be based on instructions from a user and instructions from a utility company via a server. 
     Example Computer System Environment 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4 , portions of the invention for generating a pre-recorded quick response are composed of computer-readable and computer-executable instructions that reside, for example, in computer-usable media of a computer system. That is,  FIG. 4  illustrates one example of a type of computer that can be used to implement embodiments, which are discussed below, of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example computer system  400  used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that system  400  of  FIG. 4  is an example only and that the present invention can operate on or within a number of different computer systems including general purpose networked computer systems, embedded computer systems, routers, switches, server devices, user devices, various intermediate devices/artifacts, stand alone computer systems, and the like. As shown in  FIG. 4 , computer system  400  of  FIG. 4  is well adapted to having peripheral computer readable media  402  such as, for example, a floppy disk, a compact disc, and the like coupled thereto. 
     System  400  of  FIG. 4  includes an address/data bus  404  for communicating information, and a processor  406 A coupled to bus  404  for processing information and instructions. As depicted in  FIG. 4 , system  400  is also well suited to a multi-processor environment in which a plurality of processors  406 A,  406 B, and  406 C are present. Conversely, system  400  is also well suited to having a single processor such as, for example, processor  406 A. Processors  406 A,  406 B, and  406 C may be any of various types of microprocessors. System  400  also includes data storage features such as a computer usable volatile memory  408 , e.g. random access memory (RAM), coupled to bus  404  for storing information and instructions for processors  406 A,  406 B, and  406 C. 
     System  400  also includes computer usable non-volatile memory  410 , e.g. read only memory (ROM), coupled to bus  404  for storing static information and instructions for processors  406 A,  406 B, and  406 C. Also present in system  400  is a data storage unit  412  (e.g., a magnetic or optical disk and disk drive) coupled to bus  404  for storing information and instructions. System  400  also includes an optional alpha-numeric input device  414  including alphanumeric and function keys coupled to bus  404  for communicating information and command selections to processor  406 A or processors  406 A,  406 B, and  406 C. System  400  also includes an optional cursor control device  416  coupled to bus  404  for communicating user input information and command selections to processor  406 A or processors  406 A,  406 B, and  406 C. System  400  of the present embodiment also includes an optional display device  418  coupled to bus  404  for displaying information. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 4 , optional display device  418  of  FIG. 4  may be a liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube, plasma display device or other display device suitable for creating graphic images and alpha-numeric characters recognizable to a user. Optional cursor control device  416  allows the computer user to dynamically signal the movement of a visible symbol (cursor) on a display screen of display device  418 . Many implementations of cursor control device  416  are known in the art including a trackball, mouse, touch pad, joystick or special keys on alpha-numeric input device  414  capable of signaling movement of a given direction or manner of displacement. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that a cursor can be directed and/or activated via input from alpha-numeric input device  414  using special keys and key sequence commands. 
     System  400  is also well suited to having a cursor directed by other means such as, for example, voice commands. System  400  also includes an I/O device  420  for coupling system  400  with external entities. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 4 , various other components are depicted for system  400 . Specifically, when present, an operating system  422 , applications  424 , modules  426 , and data  428  are shown as typically residing in one or some combination of computer usable volatile memory  408 , e.g. random access memory (RAM), and data storage unit  412 . However, it is appreciated that in some embodiments, operating system  422  may be stored in other locations such as on a network or on a flash drive; and that further, operating system  422  may be accessed from a remote location via, for example, a coupling to the internet. In one embodiment, the present invention, for example, is stored as an application  424  or module  426  in memory locations within RAM  408  and memory areas within data storage unit  412 . System  400  is also well suited to having a temperature sensor  430 , an ambient light sensor  432 , and a relative humidity sensor  434 . 
     Computing system  400  is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the present invention. Neither should the computing environment  400  be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the example computing system  400 . 
     The present invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The present invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer-storage media including memory-storage devices. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a process  500  for managing energy usage, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, process  500  is carried out by processors and electrical components under the control of computer readable and computer executable instructions. The computer readable and computer executable instructions reside, for example, in data storage features such as computer usable volatile and non-volatile memory. However, the computer readable and computer executable instructions may reside in any type of computer readable medium. In one embodiment, process  500  is performed by energy manager  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     With reference to  505  of  FIG. 5 , a signal of device  204  is monitored, wherein the signal is an energy usage signature specific to device  204  and device  204  is coupled with first structure  140 . With reference to  510  of  FIG. 5 , an analysis of energy usage of device  204  is generated based on the monitoring of a signal of device  204 . The analysis describes an energy usage profile of device  204 . 
     In one embodiment, method  500  further comprises estimating savings with regards to replacing device  204  with a new device, wherein the estimating is based on the analysis described herein of method  500 . For example, by installing energy manager  100 , user  255  can get contextual advice on how to efficiently and affordably upgrade user&#39;s  255  current HVAC unit. Energy manager  100  estimates how much money would be saved by installing a new HVAC unit based on algorithms that do the following: measure, store, and analyze energy usage history; utilize a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of a new HVAC unit and how it would profile in the current household; and measure current HVAC unit run time and the temperature drop rate over various time intervals. 
     Energy manager  100  may, through its back-end server  225  connection in Internet  245 , enable partnerships with local (or national) HVAC companies. Energy manager  100  may change its line-up of eligible replacement HVAC units based on factors such as pricing and availability in real-time. Energy manager  100  may provide contextual advertisement for HVAC unit vendors, or for any other product or service. The messaging from energy manager&#39;s  100  face-plate, connected PC interface, or connected mobile interface provides such useful information as, “You would save $130 per month if you upgraded to a Y SEER AC.” 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, method  500  further comprises generating an analysis that informs user  255  of the costs associated with changing the settings of device  204 . For example, energy manager  100  may generate an analysis that informs user  255  that changing the dishwasher to run at half power instead of at full power may save user  255  $20 per month. 
     In another embodiment, method  500  further comprises comparing the energy usage of first structure  140  with an energy usage of a second structure based on the analysis described herein of method  500 . For example, with energy managers  100  in different homes, comparisons may be made between and among homes. A home in neighborhood N1 can compare its energy usage to a friend&#39;s home in neighborhood N2. Energy manager  100  may then relay to user  255  the following, “Your friend, Jim Smith, is spending $500 per month to heat/cool their house.” Or, energy manager  100  may relay to user  255 , “Your sister&#39;s fridge is costing $50 per month to keep the food cold, which is in the top 10% of homes in the nation in terms of effectiveness and efficiency.” This neighbor comparison functionality works on competitive psychology. This functionality enables more sales of new and energy efficient units and overall electricity conservation for the power energy grid. 
     In another embodiment, method  500  further comprises alerting user  255  to specific maintenance tasks for device  204  that are recommended based on an analysis of energy usage of device  204  described herein. For example, method  500  comprises alerting user  255  that a new filter for device  204  is needed based on the analysis described herein of method  500 . For example, energy manager  100  may estimate when enough time has passed based on overall usage to determine that a new filter for the HVAC unit is needed. Energy manager  100  may show reminders for replacing these HVAC filters. Energy manager  100  may show statistics on how much money is saved or lost by replacing or waiting to replace HVAC filters. 
     In another embodiment, method  500  further comprises calculating the efficiency of the HVAC correlated to the energy efficiency of the home (including insulation and air leakage through ducts, under doors, and around windows). For example, based on the duration that it takes to drop the temperature of the home to the desired temperature while taking into consideration the cost of electricity, energy manager  100  calculates the efficiency of the HVAC correlated to the energy efficiency of the home. 
     Similarly, energy manager  100  may calculate the current efficiency of an appliance such as a refrigerator. Utilizing an energy-measuring module  250   a  between the refrigerator and the electrical outlet, energy manager  100  can make algorithmic conclusions based on the setting and the history of the refrigerator. Thus, energy manager  100  may generate an analysis on the estimated energy efficiency of the refrigerator. 
     In another embodiment, method  500  further comprises alerting user  255  of a possible failure of device  204  based on an analysis of historical data or data on a remote server. This historical data includes the monitored energy usage data for device  204  described herein. Method  500  further comprises alerting user  255  of possible device  204  failure based on device&#39;s  204  history. For example, circuits sometimes begin to eat up larger and larger amounts of current or show erratic current draw before they fail. A “healthy history” of current usage per device  204  may be compared to current spikes or other erratic current draw to predict the failure of device  204 . 
     In another embodiment, method  500  further comprises calculating the break even date of a replacement product. For example, energy manager  100  monitors the energy usage history for device  204 . Then, after device  204  is replaced, energy manager  100  marks the replacement date. Energy manager  100  may then calculate the break even date and any realized savings based off of electric rate data. Energy manager  100  may then communicate these calculations to user  255  via graphical display module  215 . Energy manager  100  may also communicate a victory notification to user  255 . 
     In another embodiment, method  500  further comprises assisting user  255  with achieving a money savings goal by managing user&#39;s  255  energy usage. For example, a user&#39;s  255  financial savings goal and an interaction between user  255  and user&#39;s  255  device(s)  204  may result in a dialogue with device(s)  204  or even with the whole house. Energy manager  100  may also keep user  255  current on user&#39;s  255  financial savings. Energy manager  100  may tie its energy usage management of device(s)  204  with an incentive, such as, “By turning the AC up to 89 degrees, we are saving for our Fiji vacation.”. 
     In another embodiment, method  500  further comprises querying and negotiating with user  255  to assist user  255  in meeting an energy budget target. For example, energy manager  100  may both interview and negotiate with user  255 . The interviews may be periodic questions, posed through user-interfaces. These question posed may relate to personal comfort, and preferences on HVAC and energy automation effectiveness. For example, one question might be, “Are you cold, hot, or just right at this time?” The answer to this question will inform energy manager  100  of the threshold of environmental comfort for user  255  based on a registered temperature reading. Energy manager  100  may also poll user  255  if user  255  is the only one home or if other friends or relatives are at home to determine what actions should be taken. 
     Another possible question may be, “We made the assumption due to the time of day and the day in the month not to turn the heat on at this time in order to save you money . . . did you like this decision?” A positive response from user  255  will reinforce the algorithmic decision made. Whereas a negative response will provide the initiative to make a change. 
     The negotiation (via email, SMS, Instant Messaging, or directly accessing the interface of energy manager  100 ) of user  255  with energy manager  100  relates to trying to help user  255  hit a pre-set energy budget target. For example, if after 20 days into the month the user&#39;s  255  trend line is above the forecasted month end bill and/or energy usage, energy manager  100  may send user  255  an SMS messaging requesting permission to turn the heat down three degrees. 
     In another embodiment, method  500  further comprises profiling a device  204  based on the history of device  204  and environmental factors. For example, energy manager  100  may support the use of one energy-measuring module  250   a  used to connect device  204  to energy manager  100 . Based on the energy consumption over time and against assorted environmental factors energy manager  100  will profile device  100  as to its energy consumption, energy costs, and as a percentage of room device class, and whole-home totals. This one energy-measuring module  250   a  may be rotated around the home to eventually construct a whole home energy profile, with or without the presence of energy-measuring module  250   b.    
     Furthermore, this device-level energy audit can be conducted over varying levels of time and report to user  255  its higher level of confidence on its estimates based on the variable of time allowed to measure a particular device  204 . Energy manager  100  may compare similar devices of its class via information on Internet hosted servers. Moreover, energy manager  100  may compare similar devices for the home via historical information from one or more energy utility  240 . Energy manager may also make a forecast regarding device  204  based on company trends and forecasts. 
     In another embodiment, method  500  further comprises managing an energy co-op of a pool of energy manager  100  user(s)  255 . For example, energy manager(s)  100  is able to aggregate homes within and across neighborhoods, grouping them into a logical large single pool. A logical large single pool of houses might be homes located geographically near each other. Energy manager  100  thus provides a distributed “buying block” of energy user&#39;s  255 . This “buying block”, having purchased from energy wholesalers, is able to act in a cooperative capacity as energy manager  100  user(s)  255 . Beneficially, user(s)  255  would experience reduced energy costs. Server  225  may manage this co-op. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present technology, a plurality of energy usage signatures is aggregated by remote server  225 . This plurality of energy usage signatures is compiled for comparison with subsequently received energy usage signatures. One or more of the energy usage signatures may be identified by user  255  of the device(s). In one embodiment, remote server  225  receives from user  255  of device  204  the identification information, including but not limited to device type, manufacturer, and model information to be associated with its energy usage signature. The server then aggregates this identification of device  204  in a database at server  225 . 
     More particularly, energy manager  100  may detect a new energy usage signature within first structure  140 . Energy manager  100  may notify user  255  that a new energy usage signature (device  204 ) exists and prompt user  255  for the device&#39;s identification. User  255  then may identify device  204  as washer model #4305. Energy manager  100  then sends this energy usage signature along with its identification to server  225 . Remote server  255  stores this identification in a database that is accessible to users of device  204  and devices other than device  204 . In this way, a database of energy usage signatures and related identifications is built and accessible by, but not limited to, users of various devices, manufacturers, and energy utility companies. 
     In another embodiment, the plurality of energy usage signatures of first structure  140  received by server  225  are provided for use and comparison of one or more energy usage signatures by an energy manager  100  in a second structure. For example, the energy usage signatures detected in structure  140  and their identification that is stored in a database at server  225  are provided to an energy manager  100  of a second structure for use and comparison with one or more energy usage signatures therein. 
     For example, energy manager  100  of a second structure uses the identified energy usage signatures associated with the devices in first structure  140  to identify the energy usage signatures detected in the second structure. In this manner, energy manager  100  takes advantage of a database of identifications of energy usage signatures located at a remote server in order to more quickly identify the devices within a household with which it is coupled. Of note, users of devices coupled with different structures provide assistance in the collection and identification of energy usage signatures for any number of devices. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a process for managing energy usage in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown. With reference now to  605  of  FIG. 6 , an energy usage rule  202  for device  204  is accessed, wherein device  204  is coupled with first structure  140 . 
     With reference to  610  of  FIG. 6 , in another embodiment energy usage of device  204  is monitored. This monitoring may be automatically performed or upon command by user  255 , energy utility  240 , or some other authorized monitor. For example, a device&#39;s  204  energy usage may be monitored by energy utility  240  via energy measuring module  250   b  for inconsistencies in thermostat readings. 
     User  255  may access these instructions at, but not limited to, energy manager  100 , at a device coupled with first structure  140 , at a server  255  coupled with energy manager  100  and/or first structure  140 , and/or at a device at a second structure coupled wired or wirelessly with first structure  140 . 
     With reference to  615  of  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, energy usage rule  202  is compared with the energy usage of device  202 . Finally, with reference to  620  of  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, based on  615  comparing of energy usage rule  202  and the energy usage of device  204 , an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of device  204  to correlate with energy usage rule  202 , wherein the instruction is formatted for interpretation by a human user, thereby enabling efficient energy management. An instruction is formatted for interpretation by a human user if the instruction is transmitted in such a way that it could be understood by a human user. 
     Thus, embodiments of the present invention enable the generation of an instruction for a human user to modify an energy usage profile of one or more devices within a household to correlate to a desired energy usage for that device and/or household. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention enable the generation of an instruction to automatically modify an energy usage profile of one or more devices within a household to correlate to a desired energy usage for that device and/or household. 
     Thus, embodiments of the present invention increase consumer awareness as to conservation of energy by enabling the generation of an analysis of a device&#39;s energy usage. In one embodiment, the analysis informs a consumer of estimated savings with regards to replacing a device with a new device. In another embodiment, the analysis provides a comparison of the energy usage and energy costs of two different households. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention inform a consumer when a new filter for a device is needed based on a generated analysis. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are beneficial by increasing a consumer&#39;s awareness of energy conservation opportunities. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in a language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.