Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
Smart Electrical Panel Enclosure
Field
The invention relates to electrical and generator panels, smart meters, load
misers, load
shedding, power and control, through AC or DC access ports.
Background
Prior art electrical panels have a number of circuit breakers and control this
power
distribution throughout a building, however a professional must be retained to
remove
the electrical panel cover to take current, voltage, power (wattage) and kWh
readings.
There is a significant risk of shock in carrying out these measurements. In
addition,
cumbersome additional equipment such as voltmeters, ammeters, multinneters or
voltage and current sensing devices are required for these measurements. This
is all
without mentioning the cost of a professional taking time to take all these
measurements.
Prior art electrical panels lack a means of prioritizing some or all circuits
within - aside
from manual control of the breakers, either all, some, or none are powered.
There is no
means of automatically preferring certain circuits over others except with the
use of
externally mounted electrical devices. There are load miser systems that
consist of a
preferred load and a non-preferred load. If the combined loads exceed 80% of
the fuse
rating of the device, the non-preferred load will cease to operate. In the
case of a
generator feeding an emergency generator panel through a transfer switch,
there is no
means of automatically preferring certain circuits over others - aside from
manual
75 control of the breakers
For example, Publication W02013067120 describes adding or shedding loads
connected to a generator. The method includes whether to change a number of
loads
based on the load that is supplied by the generator. However, the prior art
electrical
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panels have some drawbacks, for example i) they are not self-contained, in
that the
componentry is not within a single housing; ii) circuits are limited in how
they are
prioritized independently of one another, in how many circuits they can
control and
configurability; iii) some systems are tied to particular generators and are
not able to
operate with generally-available generators; iv) the prior art systems cannot
prioritize
loads depending on time of day, or preventing scheduling of loads such as AC
compressors with intermittent loads such as stoves; and v) lack the ability to
prevent
loads or entire circuits from being turned off during Hydro Peak, Mid, Normal
usage
times. As well, prior art units are often externally mounted, leading to added
complexity
and cost.
Further, prior art electrical panels use separate components like transfer
switches,
generator sub-panels, surge protection, metering control, and other externally
mounted
devices. For effective monitoring and control of usage on grid-wise basis, an
electrical
panel should be compatible with utility smart meters to reduce or eliminate
power
consumption at certain times of the day.
As there are many sources of electricity in a modern house, including
renewable
sources like solar or wind, particularly in rural areas, an electrical panel
should be able
to accommodate sources of varying voltage and power characteristics. In
addition to
coping appropriately with low power, electrical panels should provide surge
protection
for the building, which eliminates the need to rely on surge protectors for
individual
outlets. Prior art panels do not provide comprehensive surge protection.
Prior art panels do not provide notice of the power consumption of the panel
as a whole,
nor of the individual circuits, and do not provide usage data and history
along with notice
of abnormalities to a smart phone or other device. Prior art load miser
systems lack the
ability to time delay sensitive loads such as when a stove (a preferred
intermittent load)
and compressor (non-preferred load) are used together. Prior art electrical
panels do not
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come with a software that can enter or edit breaker information in single or
tandem
breaker configuration, and print panel labels for loads and for as many
circuits the panel
can hold. They do not provide a computer graphical user interface duplicating
the exact
look and feel and allow access to functions, like being at the panel itself.
Nor do prior art
electrical panels come pre-wired at the circuit breakers and capable of
installation with
reconfigurable loads to a labeled barrier strip, and they do not have moisture
or other
sensors within the enclosure and dwelling to alert the user of conditions, via
smart
phone or other device.
Prior art electrical load misers are used to shed loads within a dwelling as a
result of the
main electrical panel's inadequacy to handle higher ampacities. Many people,
and
especially in apartment buildings, still have 60 AMP services or less
supplying their
demand. With the advent of many new types of appliances over the years,
consumers
purchase multiple high demand products such as a microwave, dryer, central A/C
unit,
and many others, and are installing them in apartments, and other small units
with
inadequate power. Many small panels simply cannot meet the demand of the
combined
products. Higher ampacity than the main panel's rating through too many
circuits
supplying loads causes main breakers to nuisance trip and possible fires.
Rather than
rewire a house and install a higher service capacity, a load miser may be used
to prefer
one load over another when the current draw of both loads simultaneously would
overload the circuit. Traditional load misers are wired with a main breaker
from the main
electrical panel, and wires for loads that will be used in the load miser need
to be
relocated from the main panel in order for system to function.
Prior art electrical load misers lack a means of controlling or shedding
multiple loads.
There are usually only 2 loads in the load miser, 1 preferred, and 1 non-
preferred load.
As an example, if the combined loads exceed 80% of the fuse rating of the
device, the
non-preferred load will not operate. Load misers are usually rated for not
more than 60
AMPS.
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Further, prior art electrical load misers are separate components. The system
is often
installed close to an electrical panel as the system needs to be fed with a
main breaker.
A main line can be run from an electrical panel to a location with 2 loads
needing
control, and load wires cannot be reconfigured from the electrical panel.
Loads that are
used with a load miser may be a stove, hot water tank, dryer, and others, with
the stove
often being the preferred load as it frequently has the highest demand within
a dwelling.
All of the aforementioned circuits would need to be removed from the main
electrical
panel and added to the load miser in order to be controlled. This adds cost in
labor and
materials to the installation.
Prior art electrical load misers lack a means of prioritizing loads. For
example, the stove
has priority over the dryer and A/C unit, dryer has priority over the A/C
unit, but prior art
load misers lack the ability for current control, time-control, and time
delaying the A/C
unit in both aforementioned conditions.
Prior art load miser systems do not come pre-wired with labels and adequate
length
wires to reach breakers within an electrical panel, a wiring kit with labels,
compression
fittings and heat shrink to join wires in a panel for quick and easy
installations of circuits
needing control. Nor are they capable of allowing connection and monitoring of
all loads
through only one conduit attached to the main electrical panel. Prior art load
misers do
not come with multiple load capabilities, expandability and configurability,
have current
adjustability of every load from 6-60 AMPS or more, time delay in Sec, Min, or
Hrs.' for
sensitive loads, momentary switch to bypass a time delayed cycle, non-
preferred load
indicator light all within one unit, and require an additional main breaker to
function.
Furthermore, prior art load misers do not have hinged covers, a keyed lock for
easy
access, convenient repairs, and added safety. Traditional load misers will
also not
perform with a generator as the load miser is fixed in supply and load
ampacities and
exceed that of most standby generators.
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For the prior art load miser, a higher ampacity main breaker is required,
relocation of the
load wires and removal of the breakers are needed. As a result of having only
two loads
in the load miser such as a stove and dryer, the A/C unit has to remain in the
electrical
panel. This high-powered load and other loads could still trip the mains. More
load
misers would need to be installed, but proper control would not be achieved as
the
preferred loads, in two load misers for instance, could easily pass the main
electrical
panels ratings regardless.
Therefore there is a need for a cost effective load miser that permits full
prioritization of
multiple loads, prevention in relocation of loads from an electrical panel,
prevention of
installing multiple external load misers, is pre-wired for quick installation,
allows
expandability and configurability, current adjustability for every load with
time delay for
sensitive loads, easy access, added safety from electric shock, that will work
in
conjunction with generators to allow prioritization of multiple loads within a
dwelling. A
timer system could be installed in order to time loads at certain times of the
day.
Regarding generators, in a prior art method, and if no transfer switches or
emergency
sub panels are used, extension cords are run from the generator to loads that
need to
be operated. Where there is an automatic transfer switch built in to an
electrical panel or
externally mounted, or generator sub panels are used, breakers would have to
be
turned off and on in the panels to accommodate the generator as generators may
not be
able to meet demand. When using smaller generators, many breakers would need
to be
disengaged or re-engaged in order to not exceed the generator's capabilities.
The use
of extension cords can be hazardous to individuals as they are normally
underrated,
easily damaged, and pose a tripping hazard.
Furthermore, prior art electrical power generation systems come in many
varieties such
as portable RV and residential/commercial generators, standby systems, PTO
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generators, vehicle mounted generators, two bearing, and welder generators.
When
power is unavailable for extended periods of time, demand for generators
suddenly
increases. Generators need regular maintenance, plenty of fuel, can be quite
messy
and dangerous when adding oil and fuel, are prone to theft, can be difficult
to start, and
are very noisy. If a generator breaks down during an extended power outage,
parts will
be hard to come by and near impossible to get in time for when the energy is
needed for
cooking, refrigeration, etc.
Prior art alternative power systems such as inverters with battery bank, solar
power,
wind turbines, and water generators do well to provide power when hydro
utility power is
down temporarily. Here again, if faced with an extended power outage these
systems
are dependent on many factors such as battery bank storage size, availability
of sun,
wind, water flow, and many others. There are inverter systems that can produce
very
high amounts of power at 120/240 VAC but most have small systems, roughly 2500
Watts per inverter or 20 AMPS each, with a small emergency sub panel to supply
critical
loads in a power outage. Many systems are not 240 VAC, rather 120 VAC.
Generator
systems can work well with the aforementioned alternative power systems to
charge
battery banks but few people have a generator and normally rely on power
reserves or
weather conditions to maintain loads. In addition to this, generators need to
be of a
higher caliber as far as peak voltage and regulation are concerned as they
will not work
for charging battery banks in alternative power systems, private vehicles
produce DC
and will charge a battery bank. This, in addition to the fact that generators
need
maintenance, break down, hard to start, and are messy. A private vehicle may
be used
to power an inverter and run extension cords into a dwelling to supply small
loads such
as a sump pump in order to avoid flooding, however automotive alternators are
not
made for such a load and may be damaged from excess draw of loads as there are
limitations to vehicle alternator protection circuits. Isolators need to be
installed in the
vehicle to prevent draining the vehicle battery as well. Extension cords can
cause trip
hazards, can become easily damaged, and could electrocute someone as they may
not
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have GFCI protection. Alternative power inverter systems are silent and
dependable
when used in conjunction with vehicles as a charging means just adds to the
silence of
power generation for a dwelling.
Prior art power transfer systems usually come in the form of manual or
automatic type
transfer and will allow a person to change from hydro utility power to another
power
source. Transfer switches can be installed ahead of a main electrical panel to
feed
circuits within an entire dwelling if a generator can supply the demand. If
the generator
is smaller, then breakers would need to be turned on-off to accommodate the
generator.
Many pcoplc have thc main cicctrical panel and a small generator fccding a
small
transfer switch that is then connected to an emergency sub panel to manage
critical
loads. Transfer switch sizes are relevant to the ampacity of the main
electrical panel,
generator or alternative power source, and other factors. There are no known
residential
or commercial DC power transfer systems, switch or otherwise, to take power
generated
from a vehicle alternator safely and effectively into a dwelling to charge
batteries in
alternative power systems, or in reverse, charge vehicle batteries.
Therefore there is a need for an easy, safe, quiet method of transfer to
provide
continuous dependable high DC power to and from a building that permits
bidirectional
charging of battery banks or vehicle batteries, using any vehicle and
alternator
combination as a generator, or to provide straight power to inverters without
battery
banks in alternative power systems to supply 120/240 VAC for critical loads
within a
dwelling during intermittent, and especially extended power outages. This
system will
work well with a properly designed load prioritization system (load miser), to
control as
many loads as possible within a building.
In addition, there is a need for a smart electrical panel enclosure that
permits
observation of circuit characteristics without risk of electric shock, as well
as providing
surge and possibly lightning protection, automatic transfer switching
capabilities, load
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prioritization with timer and time delay functions, communication to
electronic devices,
observation of enclosure and surrounding conditions, be expandable and
configurable,
compact and cost effective to install, with smart power consumption control,
all within a
single unit. It would be beneficial if the enclosure is also able to provide
circuit
management through a graphical user interface.
Summary
A self-contained electrical panel enclosure has two or more circuit breakers
each having
terminals, a back plate for mounting breakers and other devices, an openable
protective
breaker cover within a larger openable protective enclosure cover over the
breakers and
other devices, a power meter-display for each breaker connected to the
terminals, for
monitoring the circuit characteristics of the panel mains and individual
loads, and an
interface connected to each power meter-display, for displaying the circuit
characteristics.
In an embodiment the power meter-displays have one or more buttons for
changing to
values shown, capable of reading the values displayed simultaneously and
independently. The panel may also have a transfer switch to transfer from a
first source
to a second, alternative power source, wherein the transfer switch
automatically
transfers to the second source when the first source fails. The panel may have
one or
more relays for prioritizing and timing loads, wherein certain loads are
prioritized and
timed by connection to the relays.
In an embodiment the panel also has a microcontroller for controlling loads,
wherein the
relays are power relays, current control relays, timer relays, or time delay
relays that are
controlled by loads or a microcontroller. The microcontroller may be connected
to the
power meter-displays and receive information on circuit characteristics for
logging and
viewing.
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In an embodiment the panel has environmental sensors for sensing the
environment in
and around the panel detecting abnormal environments, and a signal apparatus
for
signaling and communication of an abnormal environment.
Also disclosed is an exterior DC service entrance for using an automobile as a
generator for a building that has an electrical panel positioned within a
building, a
transfer switch to switch between a house power source and an automotive power
source, electrically connected to the electrical panel, an inverter system for
converting
DC power to AC power connected to the transfer switch, an alternator overload
protection circuit connected to the inverter system, for connecting to the
automotive
power source, wherein the automotive power source is electrically connected to
the
protection circuit, and the transfer switch transfers automotive power to a
building
electrical panel.
In one embodiment the panel has a prioritization system for prioritizing
loads, and/or has
a second electrical panel for emergency circuits, The DC service entrance may
have a
current sensor and a power relay connected between the automotive power
source, the
transfer switch, and the inverter system, wherein the power relay stops
current flow
when the current sensor signals an excessive current draw.
In an embodiment the DC service entrance has a weatherproof enclosure having a
lockable enclosure cover, wherein the electrical panel, the transfer switch,
the inverter
system and the protection circuit are in separate enclosures within the
building. It may
have the electrical panel, the transfer switch, and the protection circuit in
one enclosure.
Further disclosed is a load miser for use with the electrical panel, having an
enclosure,
two or more relays, one or more preferred loads within the enclosure,
connected to and
controllable by at least one relay, and one or more non-preferred loads within
the
enclosure, connected to and controllable by at least one relay.
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The enclosure may be pre-wired for connection with a kit to an electrical
panel, having
a wiring kit with labels, compression fittings and heat shrink to join wires.
In an
embodiment, the load miser may have a microcontroller for controlling the
relays, and
may have current sensors for monitoring load on the preferred circuit
breakers. It may
have current sensors for monitoring load on the non-preferred circuit
breakers, and may
have time delay relays for controlling sensitive or compressive loads.
Also disclosed is an electrical system for alternative power sources, having
an electrical
panel enclosure that has two or more circuit breakers each having terminals, a
back
plate for mounting breakers and other devices, an openable protective breaker
cover
within a larger openable protective enclosure cover over the breakers and
other
devices, a power meter-display for each breaker connected to the terminals,
for
monitoring the circuit characteristics of the panel mains and individual
loads, an
interface connected to each power meter-display, for displaying the circuit
characteristics, further having an exterior DC service entrance for using an
automobile
as a generator for a building, that has a transfer switch to switch between a
house
power source and an automotive power source, electrically connected to the
electrical
panel, an inverter system for converting DC power to AC power connected to the
transfer switch, an alternator overload protection circuit connected to the
inverter
system, for connecting to the automotive power source, wherein the automotive
power
source is electrically connected to the protection circuit, and the transfer
switch transfers
power from the automotive power source to the electrical panel, also having a
load
miser connected to the electrical panel that has a load miser enclosure, two
or more
relays, one or more preferred loads within the enclosure, connected to and
controllable
by at least one relay, and one or more non-preferred loads within the
enclosure,
connected to and controllable by at least one relay, for preferring loads
within the
building.
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
Description of Figures
Figure 1 shows the front view of the enclosure, with the cover in place,
according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a detail view of a power meter display, according to one
embodiment of
the invention;
Figure 3 shows an implementation of the power meter power meter-display within
the
enclosure, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 shows the interior view of the enclosure, according to one embodiment
of the
invention;
Figure 5a is a view of the power meter-display, display shield, and RS-485
network
connections;
Figure 5b is a view of the main microcontroller, Wi-Fi, and local network
connections;
Figure 6 shows an implementation of the system hardware and logic, according
to one
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 shows an implementation of a vehicle to house charging and inverter
system
with electrical enclosure panel, alternate external electric panel, transfer
switch, and
load miser, according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 shows a cover of the DC Service Entrance, according to one embodiment
of
the invention;
Figure 9 shows the front view of the load miser and alternate electric panel,
with covers
in place, according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 10 shows the front view interior view of the load miser and alternate
electric
panel, according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 11 shows an implementation of a load miser system, according to one
embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 12 shows an embodiment of the software for the enclosure, according to
one
embodiment of the present invention.
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Detailed Description
Smart Meters are electricity meters that use two-way communication to collect
electricity
usage and related information from customers and to deliver information to
customers.
Smart Meters involve real-time or near real-time sensors, power outage
notification, and
power quality monitoring. With reference to Figure 1, the enclosure 2
disclosed provides
a series of circuits and breakers to act as a smart electrical panel in
controlling the
circuits of the building in a single location. An electrical panel enclosure 2
having a
protective, openable cover 3, having a second openable cover 6 in a fixed
cover 5
therein, a back plate 30 (not shown) for mounting and an aperture 19 over the
breaker
panel 47 for ease of access. The openable cover 3 may be hinged and have keyed
locks 4 to prevent unauthorized entry, to hold the openable cover 6 that may
have a
positive clasp or fastener (not shown) over the breakers, which is releasable
by a
person seeking access, such as an electrician. The breaker cover 6 (not shown)
provides access to the breakers 18 and the master breaker switch 8, which
controls the
current through the breaker panel 47 even when openable cover 3 is closed. The
breakers 18 are marked with numbers 7 at the side of the breaker panel 47 for
ease of
reference. The breakers 18 and master breaker switch 8 fits within the
enclosure 2 in
order to control the flow of electricity within the building. At either side
of the breaker
panel 47, are a series of power meter-displays 15 each corresponding to main
L1, L2
above the fixed cover 5, a circuit, and a breaker 18 within the fixed panel 5.
In an
embodiment, clear PlexiglasTM or other plastic is present on the inside back
openable
cover 3 and/or on the inside of enclosure 2 in front of back plate 30 to
protect from
electric shock. The enclosure may also have an interior lighting system for
safety. In an
embodiment, there is a built-in receptacle on the side of enclosure 2.
Each of the circuits within the breaker panel 47 has a power meter-display 15
connected
across the circuit (not shown), where the breakers 18 and 8 are connected. The
power
meter-display 15 has a number of sensors for determining voltage (V), current
(A),
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power (W), and power over time (kWh) for the circuit, among other
characteristics.
These characteristics may be displayed within the power meter-displays 15
corresponding to that circuit, such that, viewing the enclosure from the
front, it is
immediately apparent what some of the characteristics of the circuits are. The
power
meter-displays are able to connect current transformers to read much higher
currents.
The readings are provided in power meter-displays on the front of the openable
cover 3
and power meter-displays 15 may show the same characteristic simultaneously
and
independently across all power meter-displays, or each power meter-display may
show
certain characteristics independent of the others. Power meter-displays 15 may
also be
grouped, so some show identical characteristics, while others show
individualized
characteristics. Readings may be made without the need of connecting further
sensors
and risk electric shock, and without opening the openable cover 3.
The system is self-contained within the enclosure 2 and requires no external
additions.
Additional control buttons and lights/displays may be present on the openable
cover 3 to
control external power source systems and other devices. If there is a need to
control an
external contactor for lighting or power sources ahead of the main transfer
switch in the
enclosure, the panel buttons could be used with indication from pilot lights
or displays.
The aperture 19 fits over the breakers 8, 18, while providing access to the
master switch
8. The breakers are labeled 7 on the outside of the cover to ease the search
for a
particular circuit once the openable cover 6 is open. Each of the power meter-
displays
15 corresponds with a main L1, L2 or a circuit. The power meter-displays 15
are also
labeled 7 accordingly. The breakers are labeled 7 on the inside of openable
cover 6 and
on fixed cover 5 to ease the search for a particular circuit once the cover is
open. In an
embodiment, there may be a secondary automatic transfer switch system and main
breakers within enclosure 2 to allow multiple types of alternative power
sources to be
controlled prior to entry in a secondary input source of transfer switch 33.
For example,
if two sources of alternative power are available (wind and solar), these
sources could
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be on the line side of a secondary transfer switch (not shown), wherein the
load side of
the secondary transfer switch (not shown) could feed line side of transfer
switch 33. The
other side of transfer switch 33 would be a municipal electric source, such as
hydro
electricity. In this embodiment, a button on the front panel cover 3 would
enable choice
of which alternative power source would come into transfer switch 33 from the
secondary transfer switch (not shown) before going into the enclosure 2 if the
second
transfer switch is mounted externally. The second transfer switch could be
installed in
enclosure 2.
With reference to Figures 2 and 3, at the side of each power meter-display 15
is a series
of buttons. In one embodiment, four buttons 9, 10, 11 and 12 are provided for
scrolling
through the data recorded about the circuit. In one embodiment, the buttons
are labeled
UP 9 (for scrolling up through the data types), DOWN 10 (for scrolling down
through the
data types), SET 11 (for choosing a data type, and scrolling through the time
periods for
the data type) and OK 12 (for lighting, selecting the data type, and time
period). More or
fewer buttons are possible depending on the configuration and features. A
touch-screen
would replace the functionality of the buttons and may be used instead of the
power
meter-displays 15. At the top of the power meter-display 15 is an indication
of the unit
type, in this example the readings are kWh's, voltage, kilowatts or amperes,
and below
is the data value in numbers. Lightning surge protection may be added to the
system as
well.
With reference to Figure 4, the enclosure has an automatic transfer switch 33
to transfer
the load to a different source, for example a generator or alternative power
system such
as battery inverter power, solar power or wind power. The transfer switch 33
transfers
between two lines, as shown in the present embodiment, or three or more lines,
depending on additional components and the desired configuration. A type 2
surge
protection unit is also present from the source, to prevent damage from power
surges
within the building. The panel has transfer indicator lights 14 to show the
status of the
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transfer switches selected source, and surge protection indicator light 1
showing the
status of the surge protection. Lighting protection may be added as well.
Upon source failure, the transfer switch 33 automatically transfers to an
alternative
source, such as generator power, after either starting the generator
automatically or
being notified that the manual generator starting procedure is complete and
the
generator output stabilized. The generator now provides power to the entire
building,
and the load is prioritized based on the prioritization and microcontroller
settings. In one
embodiment the load is prioritized through one or more relays (shown in Fig.
4), which
become active once the transfer switch transfers to an alternative source. In
an
embodiment, a secondary automatic transfer system and accompanying main
breakers
may be added within the enclosure 2 to allow multiple types of alternative
power
sources to be controlled prior to entry in transfer switch 33 secondary input
source. In
hydro utility mode, the main circuit relay system can be controlled by the
main
microcontroller using a smaller relay system to control loads at various times
of day.
The enclosure 2 may have one or more environmental sensor and controller 44 as
well,
such as flame, smoke, or moisture detectors to determine if flame or smoke is
present,
or moisture is present, particularly in the lowest levels of a building, or
other detectors
for monitoring power such as generator or alternative source power frequency,
vibration,
tilt, temperature, pressure, position, magnetic, proximity or motion
detectors. Sensors
may also be used for transducers or current transformers. When a signal is
received
from the controller 44, the master indicator 17a-17d (shown in Fig. 1), will
indicate with
lights the nature of the notification. Furthermore, a notification may go out
through Wi-Fl
or SMS for example, regarding the environment directly in or around the panel.
In one
embodiment, the indicator lights 1, 14, and 17 may be substituted by a master
power
meter-display (not shown), such as a 10" LCD screen, for the enclosure 2. A
series of
master power meter-display buttons 16 is available on the enclosure 2 to allow
the user
to scroll through menu options using OK 16a, SET 16b, DOWN 16c and UP 16d
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
buttons, as described above. The buttons 16a - 16d control power meter-
displays 15 for
simultaneous readings, settings such as logging, alarms, or lighting. Pushing
the master
power meter-display buttons 16 will change the settings on all individual
power meter-
displays 15 so the same measurements are displayed for each circuit, provided
the
power meter-displays 15 are on the same settings to start. Otherwise, the
buttons 9 -
12 on the power meter-displays may be used to show different measurements on
different power meter-displays 15.
The panel also has nylon barrier strips 38 for an electrician to connect
loads, in one
embodiment located at the bottom of the back plate 30. The nylon barrier
strips 38
shown on Fig.4 allows the electrician to connect all loads to the barrier
strip 38, and
terminal blocks 42, rather than at the breakers 48, in an embodiment where the
system
is shipped pre-wired.
The panel is prewired for the appropriate circuits for a particular use, so
configuration
need not be performed on site, however the panel also has knockouts with KO
fillers for
an electrical contractor to connect to the system. The electrician connects
the loads to a
barrier strip 38 at the bottom of the panel enclosure (bottom entry) rated up
to 30A for
loads or up to 40A using terminal blocks 42 for a stove, for example. There is
no need
for the electrician to wire up to the breakers, and the barrier strip 38 is
identified with the
breaker numbers and the loads they are pre-configured to handle. Both the
wiring in the
enclosure and software can be re-configured onsite.
With reference to Figure 4, the enclosure 2 is shown without the front
openable cover 3,
to enable the back plate 30 and components to be seen. The main breaker panel
47 is
shown at the center of the enclosure 2. Adjacent to the breaker panel 47 is an
automatic
transfer switch 33 for transferring the source from a first source to a second
source
(typically a generator). When the transfer switch 33 selects between a first
and a
second source, the transfer indicator lights 14 illuminate accordingly.
16
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
The enclosure 2 has a number of supply breakers 13 corresponding to the number
of
sources (hydro power, alternate sources such as generator power, solar or wind
power).
These supply breakers 13 are the first point of control for the incoming
source power
and control the power that is transmitted to the breaker panel 47, before the
power
passes through the panel breaker switch 8.
Within the enclosure 2 is a system of DIN rails 34, 37 for mounting relays and
terminal
blocks. The relays allow prioritization and control to be engaged. The relays
may consist
of one or more main power relays 35, 45, adjustable current control relays 36,
and
smaller load 39, 40 and time delay relays 41. In an embodiment, the stove,
dryer, air
conditioner, water pump, and spare are prioritized, while certain full-time
circuits may
not be prioritized, such as lights, electrical plugs, refrigerator, freezer,
microwave oven
and sump pump, representing critical loads. Time delay relays 41 are used for
any
sensitive or compressive loads. The relays may be controlled by a
microcontroller,
directly or through a secondary relay system timing loads to operate at
specific times of
the day, week, month and year.
The electrician connects supply lines to the main breakers 13 at the bottom of
enclosure
2 rather than to the main panel breaker 8 as the supply breaker(s) 13, which
are
connected to the transfer switch supply side, takes precedence over the
panel's main
breaker 8. In one embodiment, the transfer switch control board 46 is also
located at the
top of the panel for control over the transfer switch and auto-start generator
sets. The
enclosure 2 also has a surge protector 45 as well as environmental sensors 17a-
17d
and sensor control board 44. Information about the surge protection is given
through
surge protection indicator light 1 and information about the environmental
sensors is
given by the master indicator lights 17a-17d.
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CA 02850983 2014-05-02
With reference to Figures 3, 4, 6, the enclosure offers control over
individual circuits
within the breaker panel 47. Each circuit has a breaker with a power meter-
display 15
connected to each of the terminals of the breaker directly, and using current
transformers for higher ampacity loads, with a further connection from the
power meter-
displays 15 to the loads through the relay systems 35, 36, 39, 40, 43 with or
without
time delay 41, and through the barrier strip 38. A connection from the power
meter-
display 15 to the power meter-display shield 54 is achieved through a custom
pin
header assembly 51. The data from sensors 70a-70d is converted in the sensor
unit 44
from serial to USB serial data through twisted pairs of CAT cable 29 derived
from the
power meter-display 15 and power meter-display interface 51 corresponding to
the
specific power rneter-clisplay 15 interface address. The power meter-display
15 has its
own circuitry and microcontroller to measure, collect, and store data. The
custom
display shield 54 with its own microcontroller interprets the power meter-
display 15 data
from the power meter-display segments data, is then converted to serial data
to be
further interpreted to and from master microcontroller board 58, such that the
microcontroller board 58 is able to duplicate the exact functions of power
meter-display
15. Usage statistics such as volts over time, current over time, and power
over time and
logging the data in non-volatile memory for the circuit to be further be
displayed or
controlled in a software GUI. A separate power supply 28 supplies power to the
power
meter-display shields 54, main microcontroller 58, the serial to USB converter
27, and
any other DC loads requiring DC power through power lines 20.
With further reference to Figure 3, 4 and Figure 6, each circuit has a breaker
line 65 and
load 66, also a connection to the corresponding power meter-display 15, the
power
meter-displays 15 having a connection to each of the terminals of the breaker
18, then
to the loads with or without a connection to the relays, and a microcontroller
power
meter-display shield 54 to convey information from and to the microcontroller.
With
reference to Figure 1, in one embodiment, the panel has one or more master
buttons 16
18
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
that set all power meter-displays 16 to show the same measurement, such as
current
throughput, in the display and software GUI, independently or simultaneously.
In an embodiment, current and voltage transformers (not shown) are present on
some
or all lines between breakers and loads, and are wired to the same power meter-
displays 15 or a single, higher-end meter (not shown) showing more detailed
power
characteristics by means of the higher-end meter. Alternatively, the circuits
are wired in
groups and report to one of several higher-end meters. The drawback of this
embodiment is the cost of further meters, current transformers, expensive PLC
systems,
and the ability to view characteristics of all circuits, or only a group at a
time, rather than
individually. A larger main power meter-display to rcplacc 15, such as a
10"X6" LCD,
may be used in order to show the information from the higher-end meter and
transformer-enhanced circuits, circuit-by-circuit, overcoming the limitation
of a single or
several higher-end meters. The use of higher-end meters also increases cost
over the
first embodiment described above.
With reference to Figure 4, the power relay section operates using current
controlled
relays, timers, and time delay relays. The smaller loads are turned off in
groups to
prioritize, depending on what power relay is energized. For instance, if the
stove is on,
then all other loads on the prioritization system will be off and time delayed
because of
the stove's power requirements and intermittent nature. If the dryer is on
then all other
power loads will be turned off depending on the current setting of the current
controlled
relay. The current controlled relay can be set to sense dryer motor current
and/or
heating element current, and will turn off subsequent loads accordingly and a
different
group of smaller relays. If just the A/C unit is on, then any subsequent power
relays will
be off including another different group of smaller relays as the A/C load is
not as
demanding as the stove or dryer. Any compressive load such as a fridge or
freezer,
whether the preferred load is intermittent or not, will be time delayed to
help prevent
both simultaneous and standalone cycling of compressors. The smaller relays
can also
19
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
be set to prioritize by having the first relay energize or de-energize a
subsequent relay
down the line without the need of current controlling. Prioritization can be
customized
according to the intended use. In one embodiment a current sensing relay
senses a
load which in turn energizes a relay built in, which provides power to perform
other
tasks. In one example the relay feeds the coil of the next relay from its
contacts while
managing a load on its contacts at the same time, and also turning a load or
multiple
loads on or off whilst energizing a further relay. The main microcontroller
can override
any configuration mentioned above.
The loads may be prioritized so as to enable some circuits to receive power
while others
are effectively switched off. Loads may be in an off state, an on state, a
timed state, and
a time delay state. Whether a load requires prioritization or not is
determined by the
current controlled relays, which are first set to the generator's capacity (0-
100A for
example). The remaining current controlled relays and power relays are set to
their
respective load or user settings. Loads are prioritized and can be in an on,
off, timed, or
time-delayed state. What will essentially determine if a load needs to be
prioritized or
not is the current controlled relays 36, and the main microcontroller board.
The
generator current control relay will be set to match the generator's capacity,
0-
100AMPS. The other current controlled relays will be set to their respective
load and/or
user current settings. It is the loads, smaller and time delay relays, power
relays, current
controlled relays, and timer relays that will determine when and what loads,
large or
small, will be turned on, off, or will be time delayed. High end loads will
pass through the
current sensing relays, in turn performing other actions including controlling
further
relays.
The software controlling the microcontrollers, which is open-source in an
embodiment,
can send instructions through sketches to program the microcontrollers and
control the
power meter-display functions of each power meter-display 15, through the
microcontroller and display shield. Further, the power meter-display 15,
features can be
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
operated remotely through a GUI on a computer, for example. With reference to
Figure
6, in one embodiment the microcontroller board 58 is mounted on the back of
openable
cover 3 and communicates with the power meter-displays 15, through a power
meter-
display shield 54. The microcontroller may have an EEPROM 53 for firmware, and
the
microcontroller board 58 communicates with the network 50 through a
transceiver 75.
The microcontroller board 58 communicates wirelessly with external peripherals
such as
laptop computers or smartphones, using one or more known protocols such as
Bluetooth TM, Wi-Fi, for example, or by known wired means in order to provide
for full
system control. All information that is processed through a power meter-
display 15, of
the system also is passed to the microcontroller board 58, which can provide a
full set of
circuit information to an external peripheral. It also communicates wirelessly
with
devices throughout the house capable of wireless communication such as the
thermostat, to control appliances or determine further information on the
status of the
building. The enclosure and microcontroller therein provide a USB direct,
wired
connection to other USB devices, connection with Bluetooth enabled devices,
network
connectivity through Wi-Fi or other wireless protocols. The microcontroller is
capable of
sending and receiving messages through cellular phone networks using protocols
such
as SMS. RF may be used for communication with other devices within range. The
data
transmitted may be logged information and conditions within the enclosure in
as far as
source of power, alarm conditions, surge protection status, and functions from
buttons
pressed at the power meter-displays showing in the GUI and likewise buttons
pressed
in the GUI back to the power meter-displays.
With further reference to Figure 6, the microcontroller 62, interfaces with
the network 50
through a USB interface 27. It has connections for serial to USB 27, which may
interface
with a personal computer 82, for example. Also, the microcontroller 62 has a
wireless
network interface such as Wi-Fi 60, described above. Further, the
microcontroller 62
may have access to expandable storage 57 such as SD cards or other non-
volatile
memory. The microcontroller 62 also has a connection to the system's sensors
through
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CA 02850983 2014-05-02
sensor unit or interface 44, connected to one or more power metering or
environmental
sensors 70 described above.
The microcontrollers are controlled by software or firmware. In one embodiment
the
microcontrollers are programmed with a custom sketch using open source
ArduinoTM
software. With reference to Figure 6, an overview of the hardware and
firmware/software system controlling the enclosure 2 is shown. The enclosure 2
has a
series of sensors 70 which determine metrics of the electrical system or the
environment of the enclosure 2. In the example embodiment four sensors 70a-70d
are
shown, wherein 70a has an i2c wired connection, 70b has an SPI connection, 70c
transmits digital data, and 70d transmits analog data. All the data from these
sensors
70 is transmitted to a microcontroller 73, which is relayed to the main
microcontroller
board 58, which contains the microcontroller 62. The data may be relayed by a
serial
connection. The microcontroller 62 provides input/output to the power meter-
displays
15, through transceiver 47 and network interface 56. Each of the power meter-
displays
15 have a power meter-display shield 54, which interprets the signals
alternating to and
from the power meter-display 15 through the network, and converts it to a
displayable
signal in the display or software GUI. The microcontroller 62 also
communicates with a
local network 50 through Wi-Fl 60, from which it may further communicate with
computers 82 or smartphones 80 on the network 50, or access the Internet 79
via a
router 78. The microcontroller 62 has capability of receiving removable memory
57 such
as an SD card or a USB key, for which a SPI interface is used. Optionally, a
real time
clock 63 for logging, is interfaced through an i2c wired connection. The
microcontroller
62 interfaces with a computer 82 through a USB interface 27 or other network
connection, whether wired or not. The computer 82 communicates via a user
interface
83 implemented on the computer, which gives the computer user control over the
enclosure 2 operation, and provides real-time usage statistics and other
information.
Similarly, the smartphone 80 has a user interface 81 which gives the
smartphone user
22
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
statistics on the operation of the enclosure as well as control over the
operation of the
enclosure 2.
Examples of Operation
In one embodiment, from breaker 18 (40AMP D.P. breaker) the stoves L1 passes
through an adjustable current sensors current transformer then connects to one
side of
the DPDT N.C. common position on the 40AMP power relay 43. L2 is connected to
the
other N.C. contact, The adjustment on the adjustable current sensors dial is
set to
20AMPS (adjustable up to 60AMP in this example). When an element is turned on
it will
draw approximately 10AMPS and the current sensors 36 N.O. relay contact will
not
close allowing all the other loads on relays to function. If a second element
is turned on
for a total of 20AMPS, the current sensor relay will close, which in turn will
energize
subsequent relays and open the contacts de-energizing pre-configured loads.
Since the
stove is a major appliance requiring much power, the demand on the generator
will be
high, especially if the generator does not fulfill the ampacity requirements
of the
electrical panels rated ampacity, and many loads will need to be de-energized
to
accommodate the stoves needs. All in the meantime some chosen loads will
remain on
such as lighting circuits and other crucial small loads.
At this point the subsequent heavy loads are off with possibly many of the
smaller loads
such as fridges, freezers, et cetera. The stove is an intermittent load as it
functions on
temperature sensors that when the stove elements reach that temperature the
stove will
not consume energy therefore the current sensors relay will close and open
quite
frequently. To protect heavy loads from cycling, and especially in the case of
the A/C
unit, there is a time delay relay 41 with built in special timing cycles that
will keep the
heavier loads and the NC load off, even during cycling of the stove for a an
adjustable
pre-set time limit to allow the stove to cycle and oil to settle in the
compressor before it
can start again. If the stove is still on and cycling, and the timer reaches
its pre-set limit,
the timer will restart its timing cycle until the stove is ott tor the entire
timing cycle. At no
23
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
time will the other loads be on at the same time as the stove whether on time
delay or
not. If the stove is off then all the other loads will run if needed. If the
stove exceeds the
generator capabilities altogether, another adjustable current sensor set to
below the
maximum power capabilities of the generator (0-100AMP current sensor) will
turn the
stove off (power relay 43) completely for a pre-determined time while allowing
for some
critical loads to still work. When this occurs all other loads may function as
usual
depending on configurations. Microcontroller board 58 can override any relay
and time
loads to function at specific times of the day, week, month, and year through
the
software GUI.
With reference to Figures 4, 7, an inverter system 94 is connected to a
battery bank 95,
is connected to electrical panel 113 through transfer switch 111,
prioritization system
112, alternator overload protection circuit 96, a second electrical panel
enclosure 91, all
within the housing 90. The inverter system 94 facilities the use of an
automobile engine
as a generator. The purpose of two electrical panel systems 91, 113, wired in
parallel is
to show the difference in methods of connection using both types, and
differences
between, enclosure 2 and externally mounted devices, with hydro utility an
alternative
power sources as a supply. When the battery cables 105 pass through the line
side of
breaker 109 they then enter the building from the load side of the breaker
109. The
cables 105 enter an alternator overload protection circuit 96, and the
negative cable 105
enters an adjustable 0-100 AMP current sensor 97 with a relay to control a
power relay
98 capable of cutting power at the AC output 93 of the inverter system 94,
thereby
protecting the vehicle alternator 100 from excessive current draw. A battery
isolator may
be installed to prevent the vehicle battery from draining. Vehicle alternators
typically
have voltage regulation and usually some form of overload protection but
experiments
show that a secondary system was necessary at the inverters output. At this
point the
power (in cables 93) from the inverters is present at transfer switch 111
regardless if the
system is charging from a vehicle 99 or not. Under normal hydro utility power
conditions
92, power is supplied to the panel 113 through the transfer switch 111, and
the
prioritization system 96 functions as well. If electric power 92 should become
24
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
unavailable, then the transfer switch 111 is manually engaged in the
alternative power
source position. Power from inverter 94 would then flow through the panel 113
and
prioritization system 112 to control loads respecting the inverter systems 94,
output 93
capabilities. In the electrical panel enclosure 2, the electrical panel 47,
transfer switch
33 (automatic), enhanced prioritization system with relays 35, 36, 39, 40, 41,
43, and
alternator overload protection circuit 96, are all in enclosure 91 within the
housing 90. In
an embodiment, the panel 113, and prioritization system 112 may be controlled
by a
microcontroller, which may be controlled by a remote computer or smartphone.
There
may also be a high amperage switch (not shown) in DC Service Entrance 107 to
disconnect power between vehicle 99 and 107. Inverters may come with built in
chargers and transfer relays, there can be many configurations in these types
of
systems.
Furthermore, a DC Service Entrance provides a source of DC power transfer to
and
from any vehicle or DC power system, to a DC-AC inverter system in a building
in order
to supply power to critical loads as a generator or to charge vehicle
batteries. The DC
Service Entrance can transfer a source of power that can be used to supply the
transfer
switch in the electrical enclosure panel described above, or can use an
external manual
transfer switch, emergency sub panel, and the load miser system, which is
incorporated
into the all in one electrical panel enclosure described above. With reference
to Figures
7, 8, an embodiment includes a weatherproof DC service entrance enclosure 120
with a
back plate 108, and an openable front cover 121 having a handle 122 with key
lock 123.
With further reference to Figure 7, within the enclosure 120, there is a DC
circuit breaker
109 mounted on a din rail 110 that is rated at equal the ampacity of a vehicle
alternator
battery combination. There are two strain relief connectors 106 that are used
to
accommodate the DC cables 105 that are rated for the system ampacity as well.
The
cables 105 are long enough to reach the front of a vehicle 99 in the driveway,
and has a
high ampacity quick release male connector 104 that connects to the vehicle's
female
quick release connector 103 for easy connection to and from the DC service
Entrance
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
enclosure 120 and the vehicle system 99. The vehicle cables 102 are connected
to the
vehicle's battery 101, which is connected to the alternator 100 for charging
purposes.
When the DC cables 105 are not in use, the cables that are fastened together
are
wrapped around the hose reel or hanger 114 mounted adjacent to the DC Service
Entrance 120. The breaker 109 is a means of disconnect for power to the male
connector end 104, alternatively a heavy DC switch can be used ahead of the
line side
of the breaker 109. For the relatively few number of times that the system
would be
used under normal circumstances, using the breaker 109 as a means of
disconnect
would not cause excessive wear over time.
Private vehicles are highly capable for the production of power, able to
provide in the
range of 3000 AMPS at 12 VDC, this can easily power any 12 VDC to 120 VAC
inverter
system. Most alternators have a rating of approximately 100 AMPS or 1,200
Watts at 12
VDC if idling at a specific low RPM. This is still quite a bit of power to
charge a
residential battery bank. Higher voltage inverter systems with battery banks
in the 24
VDC to 48 VDC range could easily be charged with the same 12 VDC private
vehicle
system using a battery isolator in the vehicle and DC to DC step up
transformer in the
building.
The DC Service Entrance may have a charge controller to regulate charge from
any
alternative power source to the inverter battery bank. Furthermore, dual
breakers may
be used for higher ampacity from a source, using a buss system in the service
entrance
to wire breakers with smaller parallel runs of DC cable. The alternator
overload
protection system may incorporate power meter-displays 15 for DC metering
using
shunt resistors, for monitoring power characteristics. The vehicle may have a
battery
isolator as well.
With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the hinged enclosure cover 121 that is
attached to
enclosure 120 is closed before, during, and after usage and lockable to
prevent
26
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
unauthorized entry by means of a handle 122. The alternator 100 can be
upgraded to a
higher ampacity or tandem alternators can be installed in a vehicle 99 to
provide even
higher amounts of power for charging purposes. A vehicle idler system can be
installed
to produce higher RPM's therefore increasing the charge rate to a battery
bank. In
addition to the benefits of added power for the system, the vehicle 99 will
benefit as well
from use. Alternatively additional batteries 101 can be installed.
The load miser enclosure 156 disclosed provides, in a single unit, control to
prevent
overloading the mains of a building. With reference to Figures 9, 10, the
present
invention is an electrical load prioritization system (load miser) enclosure
156, attached
to an electrical panel 130 by a threaded closed nipple 132 or flexible conduit
(not
shown). Circuit breakers 131, 139, 140 remain in the panel, and the wires for
the lines
and loads passing in and out of the conduit 132, connect the breakers and
loads 131,
139, 140 and components within panel 130 and load miser 156. The openable
cover
135 has a lock 134 to lock ably fasten the cover 135 to the housing 156, and a
set
screw 133, to prevent unauthorized entry. The hinged cover 135 over the
devices is
openable by key by a person seeking access, such as an electrician. The
openable
cover 135 provides access to the devices on back plate 166. The front hinged
cover 135
is marked with an indicator 138 to indicate when non-preferred loads are off
signaled by
illumination of a red neon light. Number 137 is a N.C. momentary switch that
resets a
time delay relay in the event that a person does not wish to wait for the
timing cycle to
complete. This after the preferred load is off. The timing cycle will function
for a preset
time delay when prioritized loads are energized to protect sensitive loads
such as
compressors or motors.
The load miser connections are shown within the electrical panel 130 and are
pre-wired.
In one embodiment, L1 stove wire from the stove breaker 140 is connected to a
terminal
Ti 163 ori the buck plate 166, then passes through the first adjustable
current sensor
165 and returns directly to the stove load L1 168 wire to be crimped and heat
shrunk.
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CA 02850983 2014-05-02
Stove 12 168 is connected from the breaker 140 directly to the load L2 168
wire in the
electrical panel. The stove is the main preferred load and simply needs to be
sensed.
The dryer L1 wire that connects to the dryer breaker 139 passes through the
second
adjustable current sensor 157, then through the first power relay 164 N.C.
common
contact mounted on din rail 158. The dryer L1 167 load wire from the same
power relay
164 N.C. contact connects to the dryer L1 167 load wire, and is then crimped
and heat
shrunk. Dryer L2 follows the same process as L1 and goes from the panel and
back to
the load through the second N.C. contact of the power relay. Multiple loads
may be
connected in the same way. The A/C L1, L2 152 wires will follow the same path
as the
dryer but none pass through a current sensor, and only pass through the second
power
relays 159 N.C. contacts. Essentially, all lines from the dryer and A/C
breakers are
connected to the N.C. common (normal state) contacts of the power relays 164,
159,
and the load wires return to the electrical panel from the same N.C. contacts
to be
crimped 154 and heat shrunk 153 to the load wires going to the appliances.
Relays 160
and 161 are control and timing relays. The power for all the devices comes
from Ti 163
which is then fed to a switch type fuse holder 162 before supplying the
devices. The
ground 155 and neutral wire 151 are wired directly to the panels buss systems.
All wires
are labeled at the relays, the wires passing through the threaded nipple to be
connected
in the panel, and at the breakers and loads wires upon installation as well
for easy
identification. In one embodiment, the load miser has an openable cover and
lock to
prevent unauthorized entry.
The load miser comes pre-wired, and there are no wires to relocate from
existing panels
into the new load miser. The load miser connects directly to an existing
electrical panel
to control loads. It can handle multiple preferred and non-preferred loads,
loads can be
timed, and prioritize, whereas traditional load misers have only one preferred
and one
non preferred load capability. Further, the present invention uses power
relays and time
delay relays to control the load power and time of power delivery to the load.
A timer
may be added to turn loads on and off during certain times of the day. For
example, a
28
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
timer system is microcontroller or relay based and controls loads in peak, mid
and
standard hydro periods to conserve costs. The monitoring and control of the
load miser
may take place remotely through Wi-Fi devices, computers and smartphones.
With reference to Figure 12, one embodiment of the software or firmware to
control the
enclosure 2 is shown. The display hardware 200 first initializes the hardware
and
variables, at which point it enters a loop 202 wherein it first reads and
decodes the
values coming into the display from the microcontroller or display interface,
and stores
the decoded values at step 204. It then reads the serial buffer at step 206.
If the serial
buffer contains the command at step 208, then at step 210 the command is
decoded
and executed, otherwise the loop returns to the start 202.
The sensor unit software or firmware initializes the hardware and variables at
step 212.
It then enters a loop at 214 wherein the sensor values are read and stored by
the
sensor controller at step 216. Then at step 218 the serial buffer is read. If
the serial
buffer contains the command at step 220, then at step 222 the sensor
controller
decodes and executes the command. The role of the sensor controller can also
be
performed by the microcontroller.
The microcontroller initializes variables, the SD card if one is present, and
the Wi-Fi
shield at step 230. Then it enters a loop at step 232, wherein it reads the
serial buffer at
step 234. If the buffer contains a command at step 236, then the command is
decoded
and executed at step 238. If the buffer contains no command, then at step 240
a
command is sent to the display to "get current values", and the
microcontroller waits for
an answer, decodes the answer and saves the display value to a special buffer
at step
242. In step 244, the command is sent to the sensor unit, and after waiting
for the
answer, the answer is decoded and processed. Thereafter, the loop is repeated,
returning to step 232.
29
CA 02850983 2014-05-02
With further reference to Figure 12, the PC software for interfacing with the
enclosure
starts with initializing variables, the user interface and reading current
values at step
250. At step 252, the PC software synchronizes with data saved on a SD card,
if
present, and listens for user input. At step 254, the PC determines if the
program stops
at step 254. If it does, then at step 256 connections are closed, threads are
stopped and
user settings are saved. At step 258, the PC software stops. If the program
does not
stop at step 254, then at step 260 the PC determines if it is in chart mode.
If so, then the
chart may be rendered at step 262 and the chart updated at step 264 if in auto-
update
mode. If not in chart mode at step 260, then the PC program decodes current
values at
step 266, draws current values at step 268, processes user actions at step
270, sends
commands to microcontroller if necessary at step 272, and waits for an answer
and
processes that answer at step 274. Thereafter, the loop returns to step 254.
