Energy management system

Abstract

Feedback is received from a plurality of devices. External data is also received. Statistical patterns of the plurality of devices are determined based on the feedback. A policy is determined based on the statistical patterns, the feedback, and the external data. The policy may include a set of rules dictating the operation of each of the plurality of devices and reducing energy consumption at the plurality of devices. Control data based on the policy is transmitted to the plurality of devices. The control data may be operative to transform the operation of the plurality of devices according to the set of rules.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus configured to:
 receive control data from a controller;   receive device-independent data from an occupancy sensor of a device, the device further comprising a device driver;   receive a response to a suggestion to set values on the device driver that controls the device according to   the control data and the external data,   the values used by the device driver to transform the operation of the device;   transform the operation of the device using the values;   in response to transforming the operation of the device, collect device-level feedback data from a sensor embedded in the device; and   transmit the feedback data to the controller, whereby the controller adjusts the values based on the device-level feedback data.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the device-level feedback data comprises data of energy consumption. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is further configured to authenticate the device by reading data from an identification chip on the device and verifying the data on the identification chip. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is further configured to receive external data comprising at least one of historical usage data, power cost schedule, non-controllable factors, or device information. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the device-level feedback data comprises an amount of energy consumed by the device.