METHOD FOR ESTIMATING FLUID TEMPERATURE AND

SYSTEMS UTILIZING TEMPERATURE ESTIMATION DATA

CROSS-REFERENCE

[1] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/673,317, filed May 18, 2018, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[2] Conventional electric water heaters typically include a control system that monitors a temperature of water disposed within the water tank to ensure that the water contained therein is maintained at a predetermined set point temperature. The set point temperature is typically a consumer-selected setting that allows the consumer to determine a temperature of the hot water to be produced by the water heater. Countries like the U.S. and Canada, for example, dictate their own set points of l20°F and l40°F, respectively. The control system continuously monitors the temperature of the water within the tank via a temperature sensor and compares the sensed temperature to the set point temperature. The control system generally includes an upper temperature sensor associated with the upper heating element and a lower temperature sensor associated with the lower heating element. The upper temperature sensor and lower temperature sensor each provide information regarding the water temperature near the respective elements. The respective sensors, in combination with the upper and lower heating elements, allow the control system to selectively heat the water disposed within the tank when the sensed temperature falls below the set point temperature.

[3] As a general proposition, the higher the set point temperature of the water heater, the lower the volume of water that needs to be drawn from the water heater in order to produce“hot water” for the consumer. Similarly, the lower the set point temperature of the water heater, the higher the volume of water that needs to be drawn from the water heater in order to produce“hot water” for the consumer. Thus, the effective capacity of the water heater can be adjusted by raising or lowering the set point temperature of the water heater. For example, a lower set point temperature would require more water from the water heater to produce the desired“hot water.” Thus, hot water from the water heater is used faster and the effective capacity of the system is reduced. Conversely, raising the set point temperature would require less water from the water heater to provide the same“hot water.” Increasing the set point temperature, therefore, increases the capacity of the water heater.

[4] A conventional control system for an electric water heater generally operates to maintain the entire volume of water in the tank to maintain an average set point temperature, as the top of the tank is typically hot while the bottom of the tank can be at - or close - to ground water temperature. Thus, tanks can maintain an average set point temperature based on one, two, or more thermostat settings. These control systems operate independent of the actual demands for hot water made by the consumer. Therefore, even if the consumer's requirements for“hot water” were regularly smaller than the effective capacity of the water heater, the water heater would nonetheless repeatedly heat all of the water to the set point temperature all of the time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[5] A need exists for a control system that can continuously monitor and adjust the effective capacity of an electric water heater based on consumer demands in order to maintain set points which allow for heating or the temporary stopping of heating in order to meet electrical grid or other electrical load balancing needs, such as heating water when available renewable energy is present on the grid, or to stop heating to reduce peak loads. Furthermore, it is also desirable to provide an“off-tank” control system that is not mounted to - or otherwise directly associated with the hardware of - the water heater itself, thereby eliminating the involvement of the utility operator (or other owner of the control system) during routine water heater maintenance or replacement.

[6] Devices, systems, methods, and kits are provided for estimating the temperature of a fluid in a device. In certain embodiments, the system comprises hardware for devising an estimated temperature associated with a residential or commercial hot water heater. In certain

embodiments, the system may be implemented to improve grid load management without the need to add hardware to the hot water heater itself. In certain embodiments, the system to estimate the temperature of a fluid in a device, said system comprising a voltage meter; a current sensor; at least one fluid flow sensor; and a processor adapted to calculate an estimated temperature of the fluid from a data set, wherein the data set comprises data captured by the voltage meter, the current sensor, and the at least one fluid flow sensor.

[7] Exemplary systems include off-tank devices for collecting and estimating water heater temperature data, which may be used to improve grid load management by shifting and reducing peak load requirements.

[8] Aspects of the invention are directed to a temperature estimation system comprising: a voltage meter; a current sensor; a fluid flow sensor; and a processor adapted to calculate an estimated temperature of a fluid in a device from a data set, wherein the data set comprises data captured by the voltage meter, the current sensor, and the fluid flow sensor.

[9] Further aspects of the invention are directed to a method for controlling temperature within a device comprising: receiving a data set associated with the device containing a fluid, wherein the data set comprises voltage data, current data, and fluid flow data; deriving an estimated temperature of the fluid from the data set; and causing, with aid of a controller, the device to increase or decrease heat provided to the fluid based on the estimated temperature.

[10] In accordance with additional aspects of the invention, a system for controlling the temperature of a fluid in a device may be provided, the system comprising: a memory to store program instructions; and a processor, operatively coupled with the memory to execute the program instructions to cause the processor to: receive a data set associated with the device, wherein the data set comprises voltage data, current data, and fluid flow data; derive an estimated temperature of the fluid based on the data set; and cause a controller to alter heating parameters of the device based on the estimated temperature.

[11] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present disclosure. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[12] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[13] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[14] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary temperature estimation system.

[15] FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary conventional hot water heater having an on-tank controller with multiple temperature probes.

[16] FIG. 2B shows an exemplary hot water heater using a temperature estimation system, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. [17] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary control system for a hot water heating system further described herein.

[18] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of that describes the operation of an exemplary hot water heating system further described herein.

[19] FIG. 5A provides an example of a temperature estimation system with a local on-site processor.

[20] FIG. 5B provides an example of a temperature estimation system with a remote off-site processor.

[21] FIG. 6 provides an example of flow chart for utilizing temperature estimation data.

[22] FIG. 7 shows an example of a computer system, provided in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[23] While the following describes exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and kits described herein, it is understood that the description is made by way of example and is not intended to limit the scope of the general inventive concepts set forth herein. It is expected that alterations and further modifications, as well as other and further applications of the principles, may occur to others skilled in the art and, to the extent they differ from the foregoing, shall remain within the spirit and scope of the instant disclosure.

[24] Systems and methods for estimating and using temperature are provided herein. Various aspects of the invention described herein may be applied to any of the particular applications set forth below. The invention may be applied as a part of a water heating system. It shall be understood that different aspects of the invention can be appreciated individually, collectively or in combination with each other.

[25] Electric water heaters are conventionally used in residential and commercial buildings to supply the occupants of the building with a reservoir of hot water. The water heater typically includes a tank that is fluidly coupled to a water supply of the building at an inlet and is fluidly coupled to building fixtures such as faucets, showers, and dishwashers at an outlet. The water heater tank receives cold water from the building or municipal water supply at the inlet and heats the water to a set point temperature using one or more heating elements (e.g., lower and/or upper heating elements) disposed in the tank. The lower and upper heating elements raise the temperature of the water disposed within the water heater tank to the set point temperature by converting current from a building power supply into radiant heat. The heated water is stored within the tank and is held at the set point temperature by the heating elements so that a supply of hot water is constantly and consistently provided at a desired temperature. [26] In operation, the upper heating element of a conventional electric water heater is energized by the control system to heat a volume of water generally between an area just below the upper heating element and a top of the tank (i.e., an upper zone of the tank). Once the water in the upper zone of the tank is at the set point temperature, the control system de-energizes the upper heating element and energizes the lower heating element. The lower heating element heats a volume of water generally above the lower heating element and below the upper heating element (i.e.. a lower zone of the tank). The lower heating element remains energized until the water within the lower zone of the tank is at the set point temperature.

[27] Water, when heated, rises due to the physical properties (i.e., density) of heated water relative to the cooler water within the tank. Therefore, as the lower heating element heats water, the heated water rises within the tank and cold water descends toward the lower heating element. The descending cold water mixes with the passing hot water and is heated by the lower heating element. This process continues until the entire volume of water disposed within the lower zone of the tank reaches the set point temperature.

[28] When a consumer draws hot water from the tank, the initial hot water drawn from the tank outlet is disposed within the top zone of the tank, near the upper heating element and upper temperature sensor. When the hot water exits the tank, a fresh supply of cold water is introduced into the tank at an inlet. The inlet is generally disposed at the bottom of the tank, below the lower heating element. The incoming cold water eventually contacts the lower heating element as the hot water is displaced (i.e.. drawn from the tank at the outlet). At this point, the lower temperature sensor detects the influx of cold water and relays the information to the control system. The control system processes the information from the lower temperature sensor and energizes the lower heating element to heat the incoming cold water until the set point temperature is achieved.

[29] If the consumer does not use all of the hot water available in the tank, the lower heating element remains energized and continues to heat the water (as described above) until the set point temperature is reached. However, there are instances when the consumer draws a sufficient volume of hot water from the tank such that the volume of cold water entering the tank reaches the upper heating element. Such an occurrence is known as a“deep draw” event. A deep draw event is identified when the upper temperature sensor detects a significant drop in temperature due to the incoming cold water. Upon detection of the incoming cold water, the control system de-energizes the lower heating element and energizes the upper heating element in an effort to quickly heat the smaller volume of cold water above the upper element to the set point temperature before the water exits the tank. [30] When the consumer stops using hot water, the influx of cold water is similarly stopped.

At this point, the upper heating element continues to heat water disposed in the upper zone of the tank until the upper temperature sensor detects that the water disposed in the upper zone is at the set point temperature. The control system then de-energizes the upper heating element and energizes the lower heating element to heat the water disposed within the lower zone of the tank. The lower heating element remains energized until the lower temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the water disposed within the lower zone is at the set point temperature. In this manner, conventional hot water heaters include a control system that responds to a draw of hot water from the tank by continually heating the entire volume of water disposed within the tank to the set point temperature.

[31] The capacity of an electric water heater is conventionally understood as the volume of water that the water heater is able to heat and maintain at a set point temperature. For example, an eighty -gallon water heater can heat and store eighty gallons of water. In this regard, then, the capacity of the eighty-gallon water heater is eighty gallons. The effective capacity of the water heater that is realized by a consumer, however, is greater than the simple volume capacity of the water heater that was just described. This is so because a consumer does not typically use water at the set point temperature when a call for“hot water” at a household fixture is made. While the set point temperature for a water heater can vary, it is not uncommon that the set point is at 120° F. or higher. A consumer demand for“hot water” at a fixture, however, generally is for water at a comfortable temperature that is well below the set point temperature. Consequently, in order to produce the“hot water” that is used by the consumer, water drawn from the water heater is mixed with cold water from the building water supply. Thus, for example, for every gallon of “hot water” that is used by the consumer, only a half-gallon of water is drawn from the water heater. This effectively increases the amount of“hot water” that the electric water heater can provide to a consumer.

[32] As a general proposition, the higher the set point temperature of the water heater, the lower the volume of water that needs to be drawn from the water heater in order to produce“hot water” for the consumer. Similarly, the lower the set point temperature of the water heater, the higher the volume of water that needs to be drawn from the water heater in order to produce“hot water” for the consumer. Thus, the effective capacity of the water heater can be adjusted by raising or lowering the set point temperature of the water heater. For example, a lower set point temperature would require more water from the water heater to produce the desired“hot water.” Thus, hot water from the water heater is used faster and the effective capacity of the system is reduced. Conversely, raising the set point temperature would require less water from the water heater to provide the same“hot water.” Increasing the set point temperature, therefore, increases the capacity of the water heater.

[33] In certain embodiments, the system described herein allows the power utility providers to shift energy demand due to hot water heating from on-peak time windows to off-peak windows, all while providing the end user with the level of service (i.e., availability of hot water) to which they have become accustomed. This shift of demand from on-peak time windows has the effect of reducing the peak to average ratio (i.e., crest factor) of energy demand on a utility’s system, which in general allows for a more efficient usage of the utility’s resources and allows generation to be shifted to the most efficient production plants available. The demand shift reduces the average production cost of energy (i.e.. average cost of a kW-hour) and may delay or completely eliminate the need to build new power generation facilities. Shifting the demand also reduces the impact on the environment by reducing the carbon emissions.

[34] In certain embodiments, the system described herein may allow an electrical utility to move a significant load - which is due to domestic water heating - from on-peak demand time windows to off peak time windows, without causing undue inconvenience to the end customer. Because of the advantages, energy providers may provide incentives for the installation of these systems by lower energy rates or discount programs. In addition, the system (by virtue of its energy savings) may qualify for various energy efficiency labels and government incentive programs, for example Energy Star®.

[35] In certain embodiments, the systems described herein may utilize widely deployed WAN networks (digital cellular, fiber to the home, DSL, broadband over cable, 900 MHz, Zigbee, Wi fi, Wi-max, smart meter communications, radio, mesh networks, etc.) to remotely collect data that may be used to calculate the estimated temperature of the water in the end user’s hot water tank. In certain embodiments, the estimated temperature is determined through the collection of a data set. The data set may include voltage and current data associated with the tank, as well as water flow data associated with water being provided to (and/or leaving) the tank. In certain embodiments, the estimated temperature is determined algorithmically by a processor receiving the data set. In certain embodiments, the data set may be collected by a local controller associated with a voltage sensor and current sensor for the tank, as well as a water flow sensor associated with the influx or efflux of water to/from the tank. The processor for determining the estimated temperature may be placed locally with the firmware provided in the controller.

Alternatively, the processing of the data set may take place remotely in the cloud through a WAN network that communicates with the controller. [36] The temperature estimation systems and methods provided herein may advantageously utilize data from one or more sensors that are not within the tank. This may allow existing water heater hardware to be utilized without significantly modifying the water tanks. In some instances, the data collected to be used for temperature estimation may not require the use of temperature data from probes within the tank. Instead, less invasive data points may be collected, such as voltage and current data associated with an electrical supply line to the tank and/or flow data from a flowpath providing water to or water from the tank. This may allow temperature control systems to be added to existing water heater systems in a simplified and more cost effective manner.

[37] In certain embodiments, the data set further comprises the use of an initial (previously- determined) relative temperature and its elapsed time to accurately provide an estimated temperature. For example, extremely accurate temperature estimates may be possible when the system accounts for (i) a measured or calculated initial temperature occurring at t = 0 (where t = time) as well as (ii) t = x, wherein x represents the time elapsed between the measurement of the initial relative temperature and subsequent processing of flow, current, and voltage date to provide the estimated temperature. In certain embodiments, it may be assumed that the initial temperature is the set point temperature (e.g., l20°F), such that the elapsed time represents the time that has passed since the water in the tank was heated to the set point. Understanding the initial temperature and elapsed time will help the system estimate the heat lost from simple ambient decay. Therefore, in certain embodiments the data set comprises voltage data, current data, flow data, initial temperature data, and elapsed time data.

[38] Applicant has surprisingly discovered that the systems described herein can be used to shift peak-demand loads to off-peak times by monitoring the estimated temperature of the water in an electrical hot water tank. Typically, conventional hot water tank management systems rely on direct temperature measurements of the water in the tank, wherein temperature probes and controls are added directly to the hot water tank. However, such a design requires interaction of the utility provider when servicing or replacing the tank itself, as such hardware is typically an after-market installation of the utility provider. In certain embodiments, Applicant’s system does not require direct (e.g., probe) temperature measurement of the water in the tank, or the application of after-market hardware to the tank. Instead, sensors responsible for measuring the voltage and current being used by the hot water heater are positioned off/away from the heater, while collecting data related to the electricity being drawn by the heater (e.g., voltage/current sensors housed in high voltage relay enclosure). Similarly, the water flow sensor may be associated with the cold water inlet or hot water outlet of the tank, thereby remaining in an off- tank location that allows for the maintenance or replacement of the heater without the need to monitor, program, remove, or otherwise account for the components of the system, including the controller and the sensors.

[39] In certain embodiments, the end user’s hot water utilization patterns - as determined through the estimation of temperature in the tank - are analyzed by utility server software databases and applications which use this information to segregate customers with similar utilization patterns into management groups. Based on the aggregate hot water utilization patterns of the different management groups, heating of hot water is enabled/disabled via a control downlink over the WAN or local communications interface in a manner that minimizes on-peak energy utilization for hot water heating, while ensuring that the customer has sufficient hot water to meet their normal daily demands. Alternatively, heating of the water can be controlled directly by the controller in circumstances where temperature estimation calculations occur onsite at the controller level. In either circumstance, based on a comparison of the estimated temperature of the water in the tank to the desired set point, the controller may enable/disable the flow of electricity to the heating element(s) to meet the predetermined set point. Thus, the controller is designed to effectively bypass the factory temperature settings on the water heater itself by being operatively connected to the high voltage relay itself.

[40] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. A temperature estimation or control system 100 may be utilized with any device or system in which the estimated temperature of a fluid associated with the system or device is desirable. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, hot water heaters (e.g., solar, commercial, residential, etc.). The devices may be used to provide hot water within a structure or to a water outlet. The hot water from the devices may optionally be mixed with cold water to achieve a desired water temperature at a water outlet. The device may provide hot water to a structure (e.g., residence, commercial property, other structures) on its own. Alternatively, multiple devices may operate in concert to provide a desired amount of hot water.

[41] The devices may comprise one or more fluid storage areas, such as one or more tanks.

The fluid storage areas may have any capacity. For instance, a fluid storage area may have at least a 5 gallon, 10 gallon, 20 gallon, 40 gallon, 60 gallon, 80 gallon, 100 gallon, 150 gallon, 200 gallon, 250 gallon, 300 gallon, or more capacity. A device may have a lower volume of fluid storage, a volume falling within a range between any two of the values provided. The devices may comprise one, two, or more heating elements that may provide heat to fluid within one or more fluid storage areas. The heating elements may directly contact the fluid to provide heat to the fluid. When multiple heating elements are provided, they may be independently controlled, or may be controlled together. The heating elements may be turned on or off. In some instances, the degree of heat provided by each heating elements may be controlled, which may affect the rate of heating. In some instances, heating elements may provide heat, or provide no heat. In alternative embodiments, heating elements may be used to actively cool the fluid. Power may be supplied to the heating elements to control temperature of fluid within the device, which include increasing heat of the fluid within the device, maintaining heat of the fluid within the device, or decreasing heat of the fluid within the device.

[42] The fluid may be a liquid, such as water. The water may include potable drinking water. Alternatively, the fluid may include oil, syrup, beverages, or other types of fluid. The fluids may include substantially gaseous fluids.

[43] An exemplary system 100 depicts high-voltage electrical power supply line 2, high- voltage enclosure 6, and high-voltage device supply line 4. An electrical power supply line may be in communication with an energy source, such as a utility grid, renewable power source (e.g., photovoltaic power source, wind-driven power source, hydro-electric power source, geo-thermal power source), local generator, or energy storage system (e.g., local battery system).

[44] A high-voltage enclosure 6 may be coupled to the power supply line 2. The enclosure may house one or more sensors for collecting data about power usage along the power electrical power supply line and/or the device supply line. The enclosure may house a voltage meter and current sensor. The voltage meter and current sensor may monitor the power provided to a device via the device supply line 4. In some embodiments, the voltage meter and/or current sensor may be able to collect data with a high degree of accuracy and/or precision. For instance, the voltage meter may be able to measure voltage to within 3 volts, 2 volts, 1 volt, 0.5 volts, 0.1 volts, 0.05 volts, 0.01 volts, 0.005 volts, or 0.001 volts. The current sensor may be able to measure current to within 5 amperes, 3 amperes, 2 amperes, 1 ampere, 0.5 amperes, 0.1 amperes, 0.05 amperes, 0.01 amperes, 0.005 amperes, 0.001 amperes, 0.0005 amperes, or 0.0001 amperes. The voltage meter and/or current sensor may already be present at a site where the device is provided. The voltage meter and/or current sensor may be located outside the device. For instance, the voltage meter and/or current sensor may be located outside a water heater tank. The enclosure may be located outside the device (e.g., water heater tank). The enclosure may optionally include a housing that may partially or completely enclose the voltage sensor and/or current sensor. The housing may be repeatedly opened and closed. The enclosure may be at a same site as the device. For instance, the enclosure may be within a same structure as a device, or on a same property as the device. [45] The enclosure 6 may also houses a high-voltage relay, which acts as a gate for power being supplied to the device via supply line 4 from supply line 2. The relay may be a mechanical or solid-state relay wired normally open or normally closed. This relay may be an electric gatekeeper that can be controlled to send power to the device or not send power. In a normally open setup, the relay’s normal state is to prevent power from going to the device. Only when actuated to turn on will the electrical connection be made and power delivered to the device. A normally open setup also means if the relay fails, the circuit will be broken, and no power will be sent to the device.

[46] Also included in enclosure 6 may be a transformer to transform the line power to a power necessary to operate the low voltage devices as well as transform the line power to a form where the local voltage and frequency can be measured.

[47] The high-voltage enclosure 6 may be coupled to a controller 10. The enclosure and controller may be communicatively coupled. Data from the high-voltage enclosure may optionally be provided to the controller. One or more instructions from the controller may be provided to the enclosure. Power may or may not flow between the enclosure and the controller. In some instances, wiring 12 may provide a connection between high-voltage enclosure 6 and low-voltage controller enclosure 10. Optionally, the low-voltage controller enclosure can be integrated within the high-voltage enclosure, or as illustrated be separately housed with wiring connecting the two enclosures. Wiring is provided by way of example only. Other forms of communication, such as optical communication, wireless communication, cellular

communication, radio communication, infrared communication, or acoustic communication may be utilized.

[48] In the low voltage setup, a master controller is the hub of all control systems. This master controller accepts all data from all connected devices and sends data to a centralized system. The centralized system may comprise one or more processors that may aid in estimating temperature and/or providing instructions to control the device. The master controller can also optionally use collected data to turn the high-voltage relay on or off based on predetermined conditions such as turning off the relay when locally measured frequency is below a specified frequency setpoint. The master controller can communicate with the centralized system using any type network or multiple networks known in the art, such as Internet, telephone, Ethernet, analog cellular, digital cellular, short range radio wireless, Zigbee, HomePlug, Wifi, WiMax, broadband over power line, coaxial cable, and the like. In some embodiments, WAN

methodologies will be utilized for communicating information and control over the system. [49] At least one fluid flow meter 8 may be provided within a temperature estimation or control system 100. The fluid flow meter may be used to measure the flow of fluid entering the device via one or more conduits 16 (e.g., cold-water inlet of water heater), or the flow of fluid exiting the device (e.g., hot water outlet of water heater). The setup can use any type of flow meter, including meters that are plumbed into the pipe or acoustic meters that are clamped onto the pipe. In some instances, at least one fluid flow meter comprises an acoustic sensor.

Optionally, at least one fluid flow sensor comprises an in-line sensor. Any number of fluid flow meters may be provided. In certain embodiments, two or more flow meters may be implemented to determine flow more efficiently. The two or more flow meters may be used to measure inlet flow, to measure outlet flow, or at least one for meter may be used to measure inlet flow while another flow meter may be used to measure outlet flow.

[50] One or more fluid flow sensors 8 may be able to determine the degree of flow to any desired level of accuracy and/or precision. For instance, the fluid flow sensor may be able to measure fluid flow to within 1 liter/second, 500 mL/second, 300 mL/second, 100 mL/second, 50 mL/second, 10 mL/second, 5 mL/second, 1 mL/second, 0.5 mL/second, 0.1 mL/second or less. The flow meter may already be present at a site where the device is provided. The flow meter may be located outside the device. For instance, the flow meter may be located outside a water heater tank. The flow meter may be located within a conduit (e.g., pipe), or coupled to a conduit. The fluid flow meter may be detected upon visual inspection. The fluid flow meter may be at a same site as the device. For instance, the fluid flow meter maybe within a same structure as a device, or on a same property as the device.

[51] A low-voltage enclosure 10 may be coupled to fluid flow meter 8. The low-voltage enclosure may comprise a controller. The controller may be communicatively coupled to the fluid flow meter. Data from the flow meter may optionally be provided to the controller. One or more instructions from the controller may be provided to the flow meter. Power may or may not flow between the controller and the flow meter. In some instances, wiring 14 may provide a connection between the low-voltage enclosure 10 and fluid flow meter 8. Wiring is provided by way of example only. Other forms of communication, such as optical communication, wireless communication, cellular communication, radio communication, infrared communication, or acoustic communication may be utilized.

[52] The data from at least one voltage meter, at least one current sensor, and at least one fluid flow meter may be used to form a data set. The data set may be used to estimate a temperature of fluid within the device. The estimated temperature may be an average temperature of the fluid within the device. The temperature of the fluid within the device may vary, depending on location within the device. The estimated temperature may represent a temperature at a center of the device, at or near a top of the device, at or near a bottom of the device, or any other location within the device.

[53] Optionally, outside of low-voltage enclosure 10 a temperature sensor that measures ambient temperature can be positioned. The ambient temperature may be the temperature of an environment outside the device. This data, along with the data collected from the voltage meter, current sensor, and flow meter, can be processed by the system to derive an estimated temperature of the fluid currently present in the device.

[54] With regard to the hot water heater system of FIG. 1, the measurement of current represents the amount of current or amperes consumed by the water heater. Current is measured over time. Voltage is measured alternating current (AC) voltage, over time, powering the water heater. Voltage is an electromotive force or potential difference expressed in volts. Optionally, AC frequency, over time, powering the water heater may also be measured. AC frequency represents the number of cycles per second in an AC sine wave. In other words, frequency is the rate at which current changes direction per second. In the case of electrical current, frequency is the number of times a sine wave repeats, or completes, a positive-to-negative cycle. Flow measurements represent the amount of water flowing into the water heater (if measured on the cold inbound pipe) or the water flowing out of the tank (if measured on the hot outbound pipe). Regardless if measured on the cold or hot pipe, this measurement equals the amount of hot water disbursed by the heater over time. Optional ambient air temperature measurements can be collected by a temperature probe mounted outside of either enclosure to measure the ambient air temperature.

[55] FIG. 2A illustrates a conventional hot water heater system 200. Unlike system 100, conventional system 200 includes controller 210 directly mounted to heater/tank 206. Controller 210 is linked to high-voltage supply line 202 via wiring 204. Moreover, unlike system 100, system 200 comprises a direct-temperature measurement system, which implements the use of probes 212 to directly measure the temperature of water in tank 206.

[56] FIG. 2B illustrates a hot water system 250 incorporating the temperature estimation and control system and described elsewhere herein. A water heater/tank 226 may be provided. One or more heating elements 228 may be provided within the water heater/tank. In some instances, an upper heating element and a lower heating element may be provided.

[57] An electricity supply line 230 may provide power to the water heater/tank 226. In some instances, the electricity supply line may provide power to the heating elements. An enclosure 232 may optionally be provided. The enclosure may comprise a voltage meter 233 and/or current sensor 234 that may measure the voltage and current, respectively, provided by the electricity supply line. The enclosure may comprise a relay 235 as described elsewhere herein.

A controller 238 may be in communication with the enclosure. The controller may be in communication with the voltage meter and/or current sensor. The controller may optionally receive data from the voltage meter and/or current sensor. In some instances, the controller may receive data from one or more processors, that may have received data from the voltage meter and/or current sensor. The one or more processors may calculate an estimated temperature of the fluid within the tank, which may be used to provide instructions to the controller to control temperature of fluid within the tank. The controller may be in communication with the relay.

For instance, the controller may optionally send one or more instructions to the relay to control the power being provided by the power supply line to the water heater/tank (e.g., the heating elements of the water heater/tank). The controller may be optionally provided with an enclosure.

[58] One or more fluid inlets 242 may be provided. One or more fluid outlets 244 may be provided. A fluid inlet and/or outlet may be placed at any position on the tank. In some instances, a fluid outlet may be positioned at or near a top of the water tank, to utilize the heated water, which has a tendency to gravitate toward the top. One or more fluid flow meters 243 may be provided for a fluid inlet, and/or one or more fluid flow meters 245 may be provided for a fluid outlet. Fluid flow measurement from one or more fluid flow meters may be provided as part of a data set that may be used to estimate a temperature of the fluid within the water heater/tank.

[59] Optionally, a clock may be provided as part of the system, or external to the system. In some instances, the clock may be implemented by one or more servers, or via a cloud computing infrastructure. The clock may track time, such as time that has elapsed since an initial temperature measurement.

[60] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a control system for a hot water heater according to the disclosure and incorporating multiple sensor inputs, as well as a state of heating algorithm and control algorithms. Flow, current, and voltage data are collected, as well as (optionally) ambient temperature, frequency, and initial temperature and elapsed time. This data can be processed using a state of heating algorithm to estimate the temperature of water in the hot water tank. The algorithm is carried out by a processor that is associated with a memory that stores program instructions for determining estimated temperature, with the processor being present on site with the controller or being accessed remotely in the cloud. The algorithm starts with a base (initial) temperature, which represents the most recent estimated temperature (or set point temperature) that was previously calculated/set by the system, as well as the time elapsed from the initial temperature determination. Using a simple linear model by way of example, a determination as to whether the water tank requires heating to achieve a desired set point will be based on assumptions that a flow of water in/out of the water heater will result in a decrease in temperature of the water in the tank, requiring a flow of current to the heating element and heating of the tank water. More simply: + flow = - temp. + current = + temp., with it being understood that each tank gets different values for each variable depending on the size, type, and usage of the system. In one embodiment, this represents Applicant’s“linear model.”

[61] An example of the linear model in practice: assume 1 liter flowing out of the tank = - 0.5 kWh and an elapsed time of one hour = 0.1 kWh (heat decay). In an effort to maintain a - 2 kWh set point (i.e., assuming a 0 kWh at set point represents a standard U.S. l20°F set point temperature, then a -2 kWh set point would roughly equate to 1 lO°F). In this example, we can assume that the initial temperature represents the set point temperature of l20°F. From there, - 0.1 kWh is subtracted for each hour of elapsed time and -0.5 kWh for every liter drawn during that same elapsed time period. Assuming a user draws 2 liters in one hour, then the estimated temperature would equate to a drop of -1.1 kWh from the initial (set point) temperature.

Assuming a goal to maintain -2 kWh set point, the system would hold off on heating until that desired set point is reached. However, the additional passage of time and/or draws of water may push a drop to below -2 kWh, subsequently requiring the system allow the heater to increase the heat of the water back to the -2 kWh set point. For every tank, the correlation with temperature expressed in kWh to °F will vary, but the kWh measurement can be used as the basis for determining estimated temperature.

[62] A‘‘non-linear” model can also be implemented in the system to cover more unpredictable use patterns. Non-linear models use similar data sets used by the linear model, in addition to a non-linear algorithm is applied to calculate relative temperature over time, including ongoing changes to the algorithm to better model the calculations. Two example non-linear approaches include neural network model and a state space model.

[63] The neural network model can be used as a function approximator. The architecture includes but is not limited to multilayer perceptrons, l-d convolutional neural networks, and recurrent neural networks such as long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU). Transfer learning is applied to speed up training of new models. Here the parameters of the neural network are learned on (possibly a subset of) the available training data. To train a new model, the last few hidden layers may be fixed and a variant of stochastic gradient descent may be used to update their weights. If more data becomes available, more of the network may be trained to increase performance. [64] An exemplary state space model can model the heater as a linear dynamical system. The state is the average temperature of the heater and the observation is the power used by the heater. Flow out of the heater may be modeled as a stochastic process. The underlying state dynamics may be estimated using the expectation maximization algorithm. A Kalman filter (or variants such as the extended Kalman filter or unscented Kalman filter) may be used to predict the current state of the water heater and to make forecasts.

[65] Upon determining the estimated temperature data, the control algorithm can take this estimated temperature data and send to an external control algorithm, which can be controlled by an external management system. For example, an external management company says to turn off relay when frequency drops to 59.7 hertz. That command may be sent to the control algorithm and when the frequency is measured by the frequency sensor, the relay is opened (power shut off).

[66] In another example, an external control algorithm may command that the tank not heat during the hours of 5pm and lOpm. A local time-aware control algorithm then shuts down load during those times.

[67] In a further example, an external control algorithm may command the tank to stay at 90% heated at all times. The command is sent to the control algorithm, which uses the state of heating algorithm to manage the opening and closing of the relay to maintain that percentage.

[68] As illustrated in FIG. 3, data from a flow sensor 301, current sensor 302, and voltage sensor 303 may be used to form a data set. Additional sensor data, such as data from a frequency sensor 304, or ambient air temperature sensor 305 may be collected as part of the data set. In some instances, an initial temperature, as well as time that has elapsed since the initial temperature has been collected, may be used as part of the data set. The data set can be processed using a state of heating algorithm 306 to estimate the temperature of water in the hot water tank. The heating algorithm may estimate the temperature using techniques as previously described. The state of heating algorithm may be implemented with aid of one or more processors. The one or more processors may be provided locally or remotely, as described further elsewhere herein.

[69] A control algorithm with local time 307 may be used to determine the amount or schedule of power to supply to a water heater/tank to achieve a desired temperature, based on the estimated current temperature. In some instances, one or more external management systems 308 may implement an external control algorithm 309 as desired. As previously described, different types of external control may be implemented, such as time-based controls, frequency- based controls, environmental condition-based controls, utility-usage controls (e.g., peak/off- peak usage, usage rates), anticipated heater usage controls, and so forth. A state of heating data transfer 310 may be used to implement the controls.

[70] The control algorithm may be used to control a relay 311 that controls the supply of power to the water heater/tank. The heating elements and/or associated fluid temperature may be a load under control 312. The control algorithm may be implemented with aid of one or more processors. The same processors may be used for control as for temperature estimation.

Alternatively, different processors may be used. In some instances, the control algorithm may be implemented with aid of a local controller that is communication with a power supply enclosure and/or fluid flow meter.

[71] An alternative to the schematic of FIG. 3 would include embodiments where the control algorithm can directly use the data generated by the state of heating algorithm to control the relay, which turns the power on/off to control load. In this embodiment, all of the examples discussed above with regard to the external management system of FIG. 3 would be relevant, except all responsive commands would be pre-programmed at the control algorithm level, with the ability to update the control algorithm as necessary.

[72] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a system for calculating relative (estimated) temperature and determining the load-shifting characteristics of a hot water heater. Sensor data 401 described above sent to an algorithm 402 that calculates relative (estimated) temperature (described above as a state of heating algorithm). In some embodiments, the algorithm to calculate relative temperature can include having a starting relative temperature 410. Then the algorithm may include reducing by variable multiplied by flow 411. The algorithm may further comprise increasing by a variable multiplied by watts 412. The algorithm may also include decreasing by variable multiplied by elapsed time (decay function) 413. The algorithm may calculate an ending relative temperature 414. An ending relative temperature may be an estimated temperature for the heater at the time, based on the data set.

[73] A control algorithm 403 may take this relative temperature and work with an aggregation algorithm 404 to determine if a tank can be used to add or remove load at any time. The aggregation algorithm will ensure that the tank is not fully heated (no ability to add/remove load) and is higher than a minimum comfort threshold that can change for each tank based on one or more parameters, such as usage, season, energy source information, etc. In this way, the target threshold can be set to achieve load potential. For example, it can be set low to achieve high power on potential. Alternatively, it can be set high to achieve user comfort levels for instance. In order to shift loads, the target threshold can be set low for a period of time before load needs to be added (e.g., off-peak time). As a consequence, this will allow in more potential to add load during the load build target period. Alternatively, the load can be set low at the start of a load drop period, which would not allow the heater to engage on until a lower threshold relative temperature is met. In one example, an aggregation algorithm may include assessment of whether a relative (estimated) temperature is equal to a maximum temperature 405. If it is not equal to the maximum temperature, the algorithm may include an assessment of whether the relative temperature is higher than a target threshold relative temperature 406. If the relative temperature is higher than the target threshold relative temperature, the algorithm may relay that the heater can be turned on or off to add or remove a load 407.

[74] As previously noted above, the control algorithm 403 can be controlled by an external system 408 or controlled by firmware at the master controller level 409. The firmware can also be controlled/set via an external command system.

[75] FIG. 5A provides an example of a temperature estimation system with a local on-site processor. A device 501, such as a water heater, may be provided at a site 502. The site may be a structure, such as a residential or commercial property. The site may include a property. The site may be a location. A high voltage supply line 503 may provide power to the temperature estimation system. A device supply line 504 may provide power to the device. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may measure one or more parameters of power supplied via the supply line. For instance, one or more voltage meters may measure voltage provided via the device supply line. One or more current sensors may measure current provided via the device supply line. The one or more sensors may optionally be provided in an enclosure 505.

Alternatively, an enclosure is not required and the sensors may be used to measure the corresponding characteristics in any manner. The one or more sensors may be present on the high voltage supply line and/or device supply line. The one or more sensors may directly contact a supply line, such as the high voltage supply line and/or device supply line. One or more relay may control power provided to the device supply line. The relay may provide a gate between the high voltage supply line and the device supply line. The relay may optionally be provided within an enclosure 505. The sensors (e.g., voltage and current sensors) may be provided within the same enclosure as the relay. Alternatively, they may be provided in different enclosures. The one or more enclosures may be located at the same site as the device. The one or more enclosures may be located within the same property, same structure and/or same room as the device. The enclosures may be located outside the device (e.g., outside a water heater/tank).

[76] A controller 506 may be coupled to the sensors and/or relay. The controller may be communicatively and/or physically connected to the sensors and/or relay. The controller may be coupled to an enclosure that comprises the sensors and/or relay. The controller may be communicatively and/or physically connected to the enclosure. The controller may optionally be provided within an enclosure. The controller enclosure may comprise a housing that encloses one or more components of the controller. The controller may comprise one or more programmable processors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other components that may receive, generate, and/or send one or more instructions to the relay.

[77] The controller 506 may be operatively coupled to a processor 507. Any description herein of a processor may apply to one or more processors that may work alone or in combination to perform one or more steps as provided herein. The one or more processors may be part of a computer system, as described elsewhere herein. The processor may receive a data set. The data set may include data from a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and/or one or more flow meters. The data set may include ambient temperature, initial temperature, time data, or any other data as described elsewhere herein. The processor may calculated an estimated temperature based on the data set.

[78] The processor may optionally generate one or more control instructions. The one or more control instructions may be provided by the same processor or set of processors that calculate the estimated temperature. Alternatively, a different processor or set of processors may be used. The processor may provide the one or more control instructions to the controller, which may in turn, control the relay or any other input relating to the device. In some embodiments, the controller may generate the one or more control instructions. The controller may receive estimated temperature data and/or other data, and generate the control instructions. The controller may then control the relay or any other input relating to the device in accordance with the control instructions.

[79] The processor 507 may be provided locally relative to the device 501. The processor may be at a same site as the device. The processor may be within a same property, structure, and/or room as the device (e.g., water heater/tank). The processor may be provided locally relative to the controller 506. The processor may be a same site as the controller. The processor may be within a same property, structure and/or room as the controller. The processor may or may not have a physical connector to the enclosure, sensors (e.g., voltage sensor, current sensor, flow meter), relay, and/or controller. In some instances, the processor may have a wireless communication relative to the enclosure, sensors (e.g., voltage sensor, current sensor, flow meter), relay, and/or controller.

[80] The processor may or may not be coupled to a user display. The user device may comprise a user interface that may display a graphical user interface (GUI) that may include information about the device, estimated temperature, set point temperature, energy usage data, energy savings, water usage data, or any other information. A user may be provided one or more inputs to the user device that may affect operation of the device (e.g., set point, temperature within the device, heating patterns, etc.).

[81] FIG. 5B provides an example of a temperature estimation system with a remote off-site processor. In some embodiments, the processor 507 may be provided remotely relative to the device 501. The processor may be at a different site from the device. The processor may be at a different property, structure, and/or room as the device (e.g., water heater/tank). The processor may be provided remotely relative to the controller 506. The processor may be a different site as the controller. The processor may be at a different property, structure and/or room as the controller. The processor may have a wireless communication relative to the enclosure, sensors (e.g., voltage sensor, current sensor, flow meter), relay, and/or controller. The processor may be in communication with the enclosure, sensors (e.g., voltage sensor, current sensor, flow meter), relay, and/or controller over a network 508, such as a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a cellular communication network, a data network, or any other type of network. The processor may be a server or part of a remote server or other computing device. Any description herein of a processor may apply to any type of cloud computing infrastructure.

[82] The processor may or may not be coupled to a user display. The user device may comprise a user interface that may display a graphical user interface (GUI) that may include information about the device, estimated temperature, set point temperature, energy usage data, energy savings, water usage data, or any other information. A user may be provided one or more inputs to the user device that may affect operation of the device (e.g., set point, temperature within the device, heating patterns, etc.). This user display may be remote relative to the device and/or controller. This may allow a user to remotely provide inputs and/or view data.

[83] In some instances, the user may be capable of viewing the data on any computing device that may access a user account. The computing device may be local or remote relative to the device and/or controller. For example, the user may view the data and/or provide inputs via a user’s mobile device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, wearable device, personal digital assistant, laptop computer), desktop computer, or any other device.

[84] The various components may have any features or characteristics as described elsewhere herein.

[85] FIG. 6 provides an example of flow chart for utilizing temperature estimation data. A data set 601 may be collected. The data set may include data from one or more sensors that are external to the device (e.g., not within a heater/tank). In some embodiments, the data set may include data from one or more sensors that are typically provided/available in associated with the device. The data set may optionally not include data from sensors within the device (e.g., within the water heater/tank). The data set may optionally not include direct temperature data (e.g., data collected from one or more temperature probes within the heater/tank). The data set may optionally not include contemporaneous temperature data (e.g., temperature data that is collected at or near the time of the calculation). The data set may incorporate data that does not require physical modification of the device. The data set may include voltage data from a voltage meter, current data from a current sensor, and/or flow data from one or more flow meters. The data set may include ambient temperature data, initial temperature data, time data, or any other information.

[86] Based on the data from the data set, a temperature may be estimated 602. The estimated temperature may be a temperature of a fluid within the device. The estimated temperature may be an average temperature of the fluid within the device. The estimated temperature may be for a temperature at a particular location within the device, such as a center of the device, at or near a top of the device, or at or near a bottom of the device.

[87] In some embodiments, the temperature may be estimated with any desired degree of frequency. For instance, the temperature may be estimated every hour, several times per hours, every several minutes, every minute, every several seconds, every second, or every fraction of a second. The temperature may be estimated at regular or irregular intervals. The temperature may be estimated in accordance with a schedule. The temperature may be estimated in response to a detected event or condition (e.g., energy usage condition, hot water usage condition, energy price or grid utility supply condition, etc.).

[88] One or more temperature control instructions 603 may be generated. The temperature control may be determined based on the estimated temperature. The temperature control may be provided with any desired degree of frequency. In some instances, the temperature control instructions may be updated or evaluated whenever the estimated temperature is updated. For instance, the temperature control may be evaluated every hour, several times per hours, every several minutes, every minute, every several seconds, every second, or every fraction of a second. The temperature control may be evaluated at regular or irregular intervals. The temperature control may be evaluated in accordance with a schedule. The temperature control may be estimated in response to a detected event or condition (e.g., energy usage condition, hot water usage condition, energy price or grid utility supply condition, etc.).

[89] The temperature control instructions may optionally be generated based on usage information 604. This may include information about usage of the hot water within the tank. For instance, the usage information may include past usage data. The past usage data may be used to extrapolate current or future hot water usage. For instance, if a user often uses a large amount of hot water starting at 5:00 PM, every day, but does not use much hot water beforehand, this type of data may be useful in predicting the amount of hot water that may be needed within the device. This may affect the set point of the temperature within the device. This may affect how the heating elements are controlled within the device. If a user’s usage is relatively unpredictable, this type of data may also be useful in generating control instructions.

[90] The usage information may be specific to the individual user. In some instances, the usage information may apply to an identification of one or more groups. For example, users with similar utilization patterns may be divided into different management groups. For instance, users who use a large amount of hot water may be in a different management group from users who do not often use hot water. Or users that use hot water for short periods of time may be in different management groups from users who use hot water for long periods of time and require a large volume in a given instance. Based on the management group that a user may belong to, different temperature control instructions may be generated.

[91] Optionally, temperature control instructions may be generated based on energy supply information. For instance, this may include information about a grid utility. For instance, information about on-peak or off-peak hours may be provided. Information about different costs or rates for energy consumption at a given time may be provided. In another example, the energy supply may be provided by a renewable energy source, such as a photovoltaic device. Information, such as the weather, or other factors that may impact the renewable energy source may be included. The energy supply information may include information about a state of charge of an energy storage device, such as a battery storage system.

[92] The generated temperature control instructions may be used to control the electricity supplied to the device 606. For instance, based on a set temperature, or other temperature control instructions, power to the device may be turned on or off. For instance, power to one or more heating elements may be turned off. The power to each individual heating element may be independently turned on or off. In some instances, each heating element may be controlled in concert to provide a desired heating effect. In some instances, the amount of power provided to one or more heating elements may be controlled. Thus, a desired temperature may be achieved for the fluid within the device.

[93] Other embodiments may include kits for installing or operating the systems described herein. In certain embodiments, the kit will comprise at least one fluid flow sensor, a controller, and instructions to installing the sensor and controller to a hot water heater. In certain embodiments, the kit will further comprise at least one voltage meter and at least one current sensor. In certain embodiments, the instructions will further comprise directions for operating the system, such as programming the controller to bring it online and/or connecting it with at least one processor.

[94] It should be noted that application of the provided methods and systems are not limited by the underlying computing infrastructure or computing environment. For instance, the provided control system may be applied to grid computing platform or systems utilizing various technologies such as mesh computing, peer-to-peer computing, autonomic (self-healing) computing, wireless sensor networks, mobile data acquisition, mobile signature analysis, cooperative distributed peer-to-peer ad hoc networking and processing, local cloud/fog computing and grid/mesh computing, dew computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlet, distributed data storage and retrieval, remote cloud services, augmented reality and the like. It is understood in advance that although this specification includes description of cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other types of computing environment now known or later developed.

[95] The present disclosure provides computer systems that are programmed to implement methods and systems of the disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a computer system 701 that is

programmed or otherwise configured to implement a temperature estimation and/or control system as described above. The computer system 701 can regulate various aspects of the present disclosure, such as, for example, implementing various components of the control system, rendering graphical user interfaces and the other functions as described elsewhere herein. The computer system can be an electronic device of a user or a computer system that is remotely located with respect to the electronic device. The electronic device can optionally be a mobile electronic device. The computer system may comprise a controller and/or processors as described elsewhere herein.

[96] The computer system 701 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also“processor” and “computer processor” herein) 705, which can be a single core or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing. The computer system also includes memory or memory location 710 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 715 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 720 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 725, such as cache, other memory, data storage and/or electronic display adapters. The memory 710, storage unit 715, interface 720 and peripheral devices 725 are in communication with the CPU 705 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit 715 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system can be operatively coupled to a computer network (“network”) 730 with the aid of the communication interface 720. The network 730 can be the Internet, an internet and/or extranet, or an intranet and/or extranet that is in communication with the Internet.

[97] The network 730 in some cases is a telecommunication and/or data network. The network 1830 can include one or more computer servers, which can enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. For example, one or more computer servers may enable cloud computing over the network (“the cloud”) to perform various aspects of analysis, calculation, and generation of the present disclosure, such as, for example, capturing a configuration of one or more experimental environments; performing usage analyses of products (e.g., applications); and providing outputs of statistics of projects. Such cloud computing may be provided by cloud computing platforms such as, for example, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and IBM cloud. The network, in some cases with the aid of the computer system 701, can implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the computer system 701 to behave as a client or a server.

[98] The CPU 705 can execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, which can be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 710. The instructions can be directed to the CPU 705, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the CPU to implement methods of the present disclosure.

Examples of operations performed by the CPU can include fetch, decode, execute, and writeback.

[99] The CPU 705 can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the system 701 can be included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[100] The storage unit 715 can store files, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit can store user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs. The computer system 701 in some cases can include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the computer system, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system through an intranet or the Internet.

[101] The computer system 701 can communicate with one or more remote computer systems through the network 730. For instance, the computer system 701 can communicate with a remote computer system of a user (e.g., a user of an experimental environment). Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC’s (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants. The user can access the computer system via the network.

[102] Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the computer system 701, such as, for example, on the memory 710 or electronic storage unit 715. The machine executable or machine readable code can be provided in the form of software. During use, the code can be executed by the processor 705. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from the storage unit and stored on the memory for ready access by the processor. In some situations, the electronic storage unit can be precluded, and machine-executable instructions are stored on memory.

[103] The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine having a processer adapted to execute the code, or can be compiled during runtime. The code can be supplied in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to execute in a pre-compiled or as- compiled fashion.

[104] Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein, such as the computer system 701, can be embodied in programming. Various aspects of the technology may be thought of as “products” or“articles of manufacture” typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium. Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storage unit, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk.

“Storage” type media can include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer into the computer platform of an application server. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible “storage” media, terms such as computer or machine“readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. [105] Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[106] The computer system 701 can include or be in communication with an electronic display 735 that comprises a user interface (UI) 740 for providing, for example, the various components (e.g., lab, launch pad, control center, knowledge center, etc) of the model management system. Examples of UTs include, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GUI) and web-based user interface.

[107] Methods and systems of the present disclosure can be implemented by way of one or more algorithms. An algorithm can be implemented by way of software upon execution by the central processing unit 705. The algorithm can, for example, generate instructions to calculate a temperature estimation, and/or one or more control instructions

[108] It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular implementations have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made thereto and are contemplated herein. It is also not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the preferable embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. Various modifications in form and detail of the embodiments of the invention will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such modifications, variations and equivalents.