Method for monitoring electrical power usage in structure

0001Cross-reference of related applications This application claims the benefits of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 361,296 filed on July 2, 2010 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 380,174 filed on September 3, 2010. To do. US Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61 / 361,296 and 61 / 380,174 are incorporated herein by reference.

0002The present invention generally relates to devices, devices, systems and methods for monitoring power, and more specifically, monitors the power of one or more major power lines on the side of a building's electrical circuit breaker panel. With respect to such devices, devices, systems and methods.

0003A building can have one or more main power lines that power electrical devices (ie, loads) within the building. The main power lines enter the building through electrical circuit breaker panels. The electrical circuit breaker panel is the main distribution point for electricity in the building. The electrical circuit breaker panel also provides protection from overcurrents that can cause fire or damage to electrical devices in the building. The electric circuit breaker panel has three main power lines, and a single-phase three-wire power distribution system can be used.

0004For example, manufacturers of electrical circuit breaker panels, including Square-D, Eaton, Cutler-Hammer, General Electric, Siemens and Murray, have selected different line distances and configurations for electrical circuit breaker panels. Moreover, each manufacturer has a different total of rated currents for indoor and outdoor equipment (100 amps (A) and 200 A services are most common in new construction), many different electric circuit breaker panels. Make the composition.

<p num="0005"><patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-103622</text></patcit><patcit num="2"><text>Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-195427</text></patcit><patcit num="3"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-107972</text></patcit><patcit num="4"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 04-296663</text></patcit><patcit num="5"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 01-190506</text></patcit><patcit num="6"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-112936</text></patcit><patcit num="7"><text>Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-062512</text></patcit><patcit num="8"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 09-130961</text></patcit></p>

<p num="0006"> Different conductor layouts of many different types of circuit breaker panels result in different magnetic field profiles on the metal surface of the circuit breaker panels. Moreover, the layout of the internal conductors cannot be seen without opening the circuit breaker panel, and how the internal conductor layout produces a magnetic field profile on the surface of the circuit breaker panel is properly interpreted and modeled. Requires detailed knowledge of electromagnetic theory to do so. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately measure the magnetic field of one or more major power lines on the surface of an electrical circuit breaker panel.</p><p num="0007"> Correspondingly, there is a need for benefit or for a device, system and / or method that allows a non-electrical engineer to accurately determine the magnetic field of one or more major power lines on the surface of an electrical circuit breaker panel. There is a possibility.</p>

<p num="0008"> Some embodiments can teach a system for monitoring power usage by a building. A building may have one or more main power lines that power a first load within the building. A portion of one or more major power lines can extend substantially parallel to the first axis. The building may further have panels covering a portion of one or more major power lines. The system is (a) a current sensor unit configured to couple with a portion of the surface of the panel and (a) has at least one magnetic field sensor having a length substantially parallel to the second axis. With a current sensor unit, the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and at least one magnetic field sensor is configured to detect the magnetic field generated by one or more major power lines. (b) It may include processing units configured to run on the processor. The current sensor unit can be configured to generate an output signal based on the magnetic field detected by at least one magnetic field sensor. The processing unit may be further configured to receive an output signal from the current sensor unit and process the output signal to determine one or more parameters related to the power usage by the first load in the building. it can.</p><p num="0009"> Other embodiments can teach devices for measuring the current of one or more major power lines in a building. The building may have a block box. The blocking box may include at least the first portion of one or more major power lines and a metal panel above the first portion of one or more major power lines. The device may include (a) (1) one or more current sensors configured to provide two or more current measurements, and (2) one or more combined with one or more current sensors. A sensing device with multiple magnets and (b) configured to run on a computer unit and using two or more current measurements to determine the current of one or more major power lines. It may include a processing module.</p><p num="0010"> Yet another embodiment can disclose a method for providing a system for monitoring the power usage of a building. A building may have one or more main power lines that power a first load within the building. One or more major power lines can extend substantially parallel to the first axis, at least in part. The building may further have panels covering at least a portion of one or more major power lines. The method is a step of providing a current sensor unit configured to couple to the surface of the panel, the current sensor unit generating an output signal based on a magnetic field generated by one or more major power lines. It was configured to receive an output signal from the process and current sensor unit, and was further configured to process the output signal to determine one or more parameters related to the power usage of the building. It may include a step of providing a processing unit. The step of providing the current sensor unit is the step of providing at least one magnetic field sensor along the second axis of length, at least one magnetic field sensor producing a magnetic field generated by one or more major power lines. A process configured to detect and a current sensor unit such that the second axis of at least one magnetic field sensor is substantially perpendicular to the first axis when coupling the current sensor unit to the surface of the panel. It may include the step of mounting at least one magnetic field sensor on the side.</p><p num="0011"> A further embodiment discloses a method for monitoring the power usage of a building using a power monitoring system. A building may have one or more main power lines that power a first load within the building. The method is the step of calibrating the power monitoring system, where the first unprocessed current of one or more major power lines and the first calibration data are generated while calibrating the power monitoring system. The step, the step of storing the first calibration data and the measured value of the first unprocessed current, the step of measuring the second unprocessed current, and the second unprocessed current are the first. The step of performing the first recalibration of the power monitoring system and the second unprocessed current being within the default amount of the first unprocessed current when it is not within the default amount of unprocessed current in In some cases, it may include the step of calculating the first measured current using the first calibration data and the step of displaying the first measured current. The step of performing the first recalibration of the power monitoring system is the step of calibrating the power monitoring system, where the third unprocessed current of one or more major power lines and the second calibration data are power. The steps generated while performing the first recalibration of the monitoring system, the step of storing the second calibration data and the third unprocessed current measurement, and the second calibration data. It may include the step of calculating the first measured current using.</p><p num="0012"> The following drawings are provided to further facilitate the description of the embodiments.</p>

0013<figref num="1">FIG. 5 shows a diagram of an exemplary power monitoring system coupled with an electrical circuit breaker panel according to a first embodiment.</figref><figref num="2">The block diagram of the power monitoring system of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment is shown.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 5 is a graph showing the induced voltage vs. conductor current of an exemplary electrical circuit breaker panel in which the main power lines are covered with a metal panel according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 5 is a graph showing the induced voltage vs. conductor current of an exemplary electrical circuit breaker panel in which the main power lines are covered with a cardboard panel according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="5">It is a three-dimensional graph which shows the measured voltage when the magnetic field sensor is moved horizontally above the electric conductor at a different height from the electric conductor when a steel plate is arranged between the electric conductor and a magnetic field sensor according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional graph showing a measured voltage when the magnetic field sensor is moved horizontally above the electric conductor at a different height from the electric conductor according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="7">An exemplary magnetic field sensor located on the surface of the electrical circuit breaker panel of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment is shown.</figref><figref num="8">It is a graph which shows the phase angle pair position of the received signal with respect to the voltage measured by using the magnetic field sensor of FIG. 7 according to one Embodiment.</figref><figref num="9">An exemplary magnetic field sensor of a power monitoring system located on the surface of the electrical circuit breaker panel of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment different from that of FIG. 7 is shown.</figref><figref num="10">An exemplary magnetic field sensor for a power monitoring system located on the surface of the electrical circuit breaker panel of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment different from FIGS. 7 and 9.</figref><figref num="11">An exemplary magnetic field sensor for a power monitoring system located on the surface of the electrical circuit breaker panel of FIG. 1 is shown according to an embodiment different from FIGS. 7, 9 and 10.</figref><figref num="12">An exemplary magnetic field sensor of a power monitoring system located on the surface of the electrical circuit breaker panel of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment different from FIGS. 7 and 9-11.</figref><figref num="13">FIG. 5 is a graph showing the induced voltage vs. conductor current of an exemplary electrical circuit breaker panel in which the main power lines are covered with a metal panel according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="14">It is a graph which shows the phase angle pair position of the received signal with respect to voltage measured by using the power monitoring system of FIG. 12 according to one Embodiment.</figref><figref num="15">FIG. 5 shows a graph showing actual and predicted current measurements of a power monitoring system in which coiled conductors are mounted vertically without magnets, according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="16">A graph showing actual and predicted current measurements of the power monitoring system of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment is shown.</figref><figref num="17">An exemplary coiled conductor of a power monitoring system located on the surface of the electrical circuit breaker panel of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment different from FIGS. 7 and 9-12.</figref><figref num="18">An exemplary magnetic field sensor of a power monitoring system located on the surface of the electrical circuit breaker panel of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment different from FIGS. 7, 9-12, 17 is shown.</figref><figref num="19">It is a graph which shows the phase angle pair position of the received signal with respect to the voltage measured using the power monitoring system of FIG. 18 according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="20">A flowchart of an embodiment of a method of providing a system for monitoring the power usage status of a building according to an embodiment is shown.</figref><figref num="21">The flowchart of the embodiment of the activity for providing the detection device according to the embodiment of FIG. 20 is shown.</figref><figref num="22">A flowchart of an embodiment of a method of using a system for monitoring the power usage of a building according to an embodiment is shown.</figref>

0014For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show general-style constructs, and description and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. .. In addition, the elements of the drawing are not always proportional to their actual size. For example, some dimensions of elements in a drawing can be magnified relative to other elements to help enhance understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference number in different drawings indicates the same element.

0015When "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and similar terms are used within the description and claims, these terms are similar elements. It is used to distinguish between, and does not necessarily describe a particular continuous or temporal order. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and as a result, the embodiments described herein are, for example, those illustrated herein or otherwise described. Please understand that it can operate in any order other than. Moreover, "including" and "having" and any variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, and as a result, a process, method, system, article, device or device containing a list of elements , Not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements that are not explicitly labeled or unique to such processes, methods, systems, articles, devices or devices.

0016When the terms "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "top", "bottom" and similar terms are used within the description and claims. , These terms are used to describe the purpose and do not necessarily describe the permanent relative position. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and as a result, embodiments of the invention described herein are described, for example, as illustrated herein or otherwise. It should be understood that it can work in a direction other than what is done.

0017The terms "coupled", "coupled", "couples", "coupling" and similar terms should be broadly understood and should be more than one. Refers to the electrical, mechanical and / or alternative connection of elements or signals of. Two or more electrical elements are electrically coupled but do not have to be mechanically or otherwise coupled, and two or more mechanical elements are mechanically coupled but electrically or electrically. It does not have to be coupled in another way, and the two or more electrical elements are mechanically coupled, but may not be electrically or otherwise coupled. The binding can be of any length of time, for example permanent or semi-permanent or for a brief moment.

0018"Electrical coupling" and similar terms should be broadly understood and include couplings involving any electrical signal, regardless of other types or combinations of power, data and / or electrical signals. "Mechanical coupling" and similar terms should be broadly understood and include all types of mechanical coupling.

0019Unless "bonded" and similar terms are accompanied by "detachable", "detachable" and similar terms, it does not mean that the binding in question is removable or non-detachable.

0020FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary power monitoring system 100 coupled to an electrical circuit breaker panel 190 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the power monitoring system 100 according to the first embodiment. The power monitoring system 100 can be thought of as a system for monitoring the power usage status of a building. The power monitoring system 100 is merely an example and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The power monitoring system 100 can be used in many different embodiments or examples not specifically described or described herein. In some examples, the power monitoring system 100 may include (a) a detection device 110, (b) a computer unit 120, (c) a display device 130, and (d) a calibration device 180.

0021Also, as shown in FIG. 1, conventional circuit breaker or circuit breaker panels 190 include (a) two or more separate circuit breakers 191 and (b) two or more major circuit breakers 192. And may include (c) major power lines 193, 194 and 195, (d) a panel 196 with an outer surface 198, and (e) a door 197 that provides access to circuit breakers 191 and 192.

0022The main power lines 193, 194 and 195 are electrically coupled with the main circuit breaker 192 to power electrical devices (ie, loads) in the building. Panel 196 covers at least some of the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 and related circuits and protects people from inadvertent contact with conductors to which these voltages are applied. Panel 196 typically comprises steel or another metal.

0023The system 100 can determine the load currents of the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 by arranging the detection device 110 on the surface 198 of the panel 196 and measuring the induced voltage of the detection device 110. The power monitoring system 100 can use the measured induction voltage to calculate the current and power of the main power lines 193, 194 and 195.

0024No matter where the detection device 110 is placed on the surface 198 of the panel 196, the current of each of the individual branches (including the ineffective load) can be accurately determined. However, in order to obtain accurate current measurements, the magnetic fields from the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 need to capture the same reactance from the panel 196 and the detection device 110. If the reactances are not the same, it will be even more difficult to accurately calculate the current and power of the main power lines 193, 194 and 195.

0025Another potential limitation when measuring the magnetic fields generated by the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 using the sensor unit on the panel 196 is that the metal in the panel 196 causes the induced voltage to be the main power lines 193, 194. And the amount of current passing through 195 can vary non-linearly. Moreover, the non-linearity of the metal transmission of the panel 196 can vary by its position across all panels 196. FIG. 3 is a graph 300 showing an induced voltage vs. conductor current of an exemplary electrical circuit breaker panel in which the main power lines are covered with a metal panel, according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a graph 400 showing the induced voltage vs. conductor current of an exemplary electrical circuit breaker panel in which the metal panel is replaced with a cardboard panel according to one embodiment.

0026Similarly, FIG. 5 shows the voltage measured by moving the magnetic field sensor horizontally (x-axis) above the conductor at a different height (y-axis) from the conductor when a steel plate is placed between the conductor and the magnetic field sensor. It is a three-dimensional graph 500 showing. Figure 6 shows the voltage measured by moving the magnetic field sensor horizontally (x-axis) at a different height (y-axis) from the conductor above the electric conductor without a steel plate between the conductor and the magnetic field sensor. Graph 600. As shown in Figures 2-6, the use of metal panels covering the main power lines (ie, panel 196 (Figure 1)) is compared to the use of non-magnetic materials (ie, cardboard) or no material. It results in significant non-linearity of the measured voltage on the surface of the panel facing the main power line. Moreover, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, this non-linearity is position dependent. That is, the amount of non-linearity depends on the position of the sensor on the steel panel. As described below, the power monitoring system 100 can offset or eliminate the non-linearity by the induced voltage of the detection device 110 caused by the use of metal in the panel 196. In addition, the power monitoring system 100 can ensure that the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 capture the same reactance from the panel 196 and the detection device 110.

0027Referring again to FIG. 2, the detection device 110 includes (a) two or more current or magnetic field sensors 211 and 212, (b) controller 213, (c) user communication module 214, and (d) transceiver 215. And (e) power supply 216 and (f) coupling mechanism 219. The controller 213 can be used to control the magnetic field sensors 211 and 212, the user communication module 214, the transceiver 215 and the power supply 216. In some embodiments, the detection device 110 may include 2, 4, 6 or 8 magnetic field sensors. In various examples, the magnetic field sensors 211 and 212 can be 2.5 mm (mm) to 12.7 mm in diameter.

0028In various examples, the detection device 110 can be configured to couple with surface 198 (FIG. 1) of panel 196 (FIG. 2) using coupling mechanism 219. In some examples, the binding mechanism 219 may include an adhesive, Velcro® material, a magnet or another mounting mechanism.

0029In many embodiments, the magnetic field sensors 211 and 212 may include a coiled conductor (eg, a coiled wire). FIG. 7 shows an exemplary magnetic field sensor 211 located on the surface 198 of the panel 196, with the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 under the panel 196, according to the first embodiment. In many embodiments, the magnetic field sensor 211 may include a coiled conductor 751 with a second end 753 located opposite the first end 752 and the first end 752. In some examples, the coiled conductor 751 can be wound in a first direction 743 (eg, counterclockwise). The magnetic field sensor 212 may include a coiled conductor 754 with a first end 755 and a second end 756 located opposite the first end 755. The coiled conductor 754 can be wound in the second direction 744 (eg, clockwise). In many examples, the first winding direction 743 of the coiled conductor 751 can be the opposite of the second winding direction 744 of the coiled conductor 754. By coiling the conductors in the magnetic field sensors 211 and 212, it can be useful in eliminating the non-linearity of the magnetic field.

0030In various examples, the coiled conductors 751 and 754 can be 2 mm (mm) to 12 mm in diameter. The coiled conductor 751 can be separated from the coiled conductor 754 by 12 mm to 40 mm. In some examples, the total width of two or more magnetic field sensors can be up to 160 mm. In some examples, the coiled conductor can have an air core or a steel core.

0031In some examples, at least a portion of the surface 198 can be substantially parallel to axes 740 and 742, and at least axis 740 is substantially perpendicular to axis 742. In the same or different example, at least a portion of the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 can extend substantially parallel to the axis 740. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the axis 741 is substantially perpendicular to the axes 740 and 742. Also, the shaft 741 runs along the length from the first end 752 to the second end 753 of the coiled conductor 751 and from the first end 755 to the second of the coiled conductor 754. Can be extended along the length up to the end 756 of. That is, the coiled conductors 751 and 754 can be substantially perpendicular to the surface 198 and the main power lines 193, 194 and 195.

0032When the magnetic field sensor is placed in the configuration shown in FIG. 7, the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 capture the same reactance from the panel 196 and the detection device 110. Moreover, when the power monitoring system has the configuration shown in FIG. 7, the steel plate and the coiled conductors 751 and 754 have a constant reactance.

0033To show that the sensor configuration shown in FIG. 7 has a substantially constant reactance, fixed currents can be set on the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 and coiled while measuring the phase angle of the received signal. Conductor 751 can be moved with respect to the main power lines 193, 194 and 195. If the reactance is constant, the ideal measured phase angle of the coil conductor exhibits bistable behavior with only two phases separated by 180 degrees.

0034FIG. 8 is a graph 800 showing the phase angle pair position of the received signal with respect to the voltage of the power monitoring system 100 according to the embodiment. To create the graph 800, set a fixed current to the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 and apply the coiled conductor 751 to the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 while measuring the phase angle of the received signal with respect to the voltage. It was moved in increments of about 0.6 cm (cm). As shown in FIG. 8, the phase angle exhibits bistability behavior with two different phases separated by about 180 degrees. The phase shift occurs as the coil conductor passes over the center of the main power line 195. Therefore, the reactance of the coiled conductors 751 and the panel 196 captured by the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 is substantially constant.

0035Returning to FIG. 2, the transceiver 215 can be electrically coupled to the magnetic field sensors 211 and 212 as well as the controller 213. In some examples, transceiver 215 sends other parameters measured using voltage or magnetic field sensors 211 and 212 to transceiver 221 of computer unit 120. In many examples, transceiver 215 and transceiver 221 can be wireless transceivers. In some examples, electrical signals are transmitted using WI-FI (Wireless Fidelity), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 wireless protocol or Bluetooth® 3.0 + HS (High Speed) wireless protocol. be able to. In a further example, these signals can be transmitted via Zigbee® (802.15.4), Z-Wave or proprietary radio standards. In another example, transceiver 215 and transceiver 221 can transmit electrical signals using a mobile or wired connection.

0036The computer unit 120 includes (a) transceiver 221 and (b) processing module or unit 222, (c) power supply 223, (d) user communication device 124, (e) processor 225, and (f) memory 226. And (g) calibration module 227 and (h) electrical connector 128. The computer unit 120 receives an output signal from the detection device 110 via the transceiver 221 and processes the output signal to use one or more parameters related to the power usage of the building (eg, used in the building). It can be configured to determine the power and the currents of the main power lines 193, 194 and 195).

0037In some examples, the processing unit 222 can be stored in memory 226 and configured to run on processor 225. The processing unit 222 uses the current measurements from the detection device 110 to determine one or more parameters related to the power usage of the building (eg, the current and power of the main power lines 193, 194 and 195). It can be further configured to determine. When the computer unit 120 is executed, the program instructions stored in the memory 226 are executed by the processor 225. A portion of the program instruction stored in memory 226 may be suitable for execution and / or processing unit 222 of method 2200 (FIG. 22), as described below.

0038The calibration module 227 may include one or more calibration loads. In some examples, one or more calibration loads are electrically coupled to the first phase branch of the building's power line infrastructure and use electrical connectors 128 to calibrate the power monitoring system 100. It can be useful in some cases. The user communication device 124 can be configured to display information to the user. In one example, the user communication device 124 can be a monitor, a touch screen and / or one or more LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

0039The power supply 223 can power the transceiver 221 and the user communication device 124, the processor 225 and the memory 226. In some examples, the power supply 223 may include an electrical plug 129 that can be coupled to an electrical wall outlet.

0040The display device 130 has (a) a display 134, (b) a control mechanism 132, (c) a transceiver 231 configured to communicate with a transceiver 221, (d) a power supply 233, and / or (e) an electrical connector 235. Can include. In some embodiments, the electrical connector 235 can be configured to couple with the electrical connector 128 to couple the display device 130 with the computer unit 120.

0041The calibration device 180 may include (a) transceiver 281, (b) electrical connector 182, (c) calibration module 283, and (d) user communication device 184. In some examples, transceiver 281 may be similar or identical to transceivers 215, 221 and / or 231. In some examples, the electrical connector 182 can be a power plug. The user communication device 184 can be configured to display information to the user. In one example, the user communication device 184 can be one or more LEDs.

0042The calibration module 283 may include one or more calibration loads. In some examples, one or more calibration loads can be electrically coupled to the second phase branch of the building's power line infrastructure to help calibrate the power monitoring system 100. That is, in some examples, the electrical connector 128 is coupled to an electrical wall outlet that is coupled to the first phase of power (eg, main power line 193 or L1), and the electrical connector 182 is the second phase of power. Combined with an electrical wall outlet coupled with a phase (eg, main power line 194 or L2). In these examples, the main power line 195 is the ground line.

0043FIG. 9 shows exemplary magnetic field sensors 911 and 912 for a power monitoring system 900 located on the surface 198 of panel 196, with the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 under panel 196, according to one embodiment. The power monitoring system 900 can be thought of as a system for monitoring the power usage of a building. The power monitoring system 900 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The power monitoring system 900 can be used in many different embodiments or examples not specifically described or described herein.

0044Referring to FIG. 9, in some examples, the power monitoring system 900 is (a) a detection device 910, (b) a computer unit 120 (FIGS. 1 and 2), and (c) a display device 130 (FIGS. 1 and 2). 2) and (d) calibration device 180 (FIGS. 1 and 2) may be included. The detection device 910 includes (a) two or more current or magnetic field sensors 911 and 912, (b) magnets or magnets 961 and 964, (c) controller 213 (Fig. 2), and (d) user communication module. It may include 214 (FIG. 2), (e) transceiver 215 (FIG. 2), (f) power supply 216 (FIG. 2), and (g) coupling mechanism 219 (FIG. 2). The magnetic cores 961 and 964 can be considered as part of the magnetic field sensors 911 and 912 or can be combined with the magnetic field sensors 911 and 912. In some examples, the magnetic cores 961 and 964 may include electromagnets or permanent magnets. The magnetic cores 961 and 964 can be configured to help connect the detection device 910 to the surface 198. In some examples, the north and south poles of the cores 961 and 964 may be located at the ends of each core.

0045In many examples, the magnetic field sensors 911 and 912 may include a coiled conductor (eg, a coiled wire). In many embodiments, the magnetic field sensor 911 may include a coiled conductor 751 with a second end 753 located opposite the first end 752 and the first end 752. In some examples, the coiled conductor 751 can be wound around the magnetic core 961 in a first direction 743 (eg, counterclockwise). The magnetic field sensor 912 may include a coiled conductor 754 with a first end 755 and a second end 756 located opposite the first end 755. The coiled conductor 754 can be wound around the magnetic core 964 in a second direction 744 (eg, clockwise). In many examples, the first winding direction 743 of the coiled conductor 751 can be the opposite of the second winding direction 744 of the coiled conductor 754.

0046In some examples, at least a portion of the surface 198 can be substantially parallel to axes 740 and 742, and at least axis 740 is substantially perpendicular to axis 742. In the same or different example, at least a portion of the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 can extend substantially parallel to the axis 740. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the axis 741 is substantially perpendicular to the axes 740 and 742. That is, the coiled conductors 751 and 754 can be substantially perpendicular to the surface 198 and the main power lines 193, 194 and 195. Moreover, one end of the magnetic cores 961 and 964 can be configured to bond with the surface 198 of the panel 196.

0047In some examples, the magnetic cores 961 and 964 can help equalize the reactance of the panels 196 and the coiled conductors 951 and 954 by saturating the magnetic field in the region of the panel 196 near the magnetic cores 961 and 964. it can. Therefore, the reactances of the coiled conductors 951 and 954 and the panel 196 captured by the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 are substantially constant, and the non-linearity of the magnetic field generated by the panel 196 is substantially eliminated. ..

0048FIG. 10 shows exemplary magnetic field sensors 1011, 1012 and 1019 of a power monitoring system 1000 located on the surface 198 of panel 196, according to one embodiment. The power monitoring system 1000 can be thought of as a system for monitoring the power usage status of a building. The power monitoring system 1000 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The power monitoring system 1000 can be used in many different embodiments or examples not specifically described or described herein.

0049In some examples, the power monitoring system 1000 includes (a) detection device 1010, (b) computer unit 120 (FIGS. 1 and 2), (c) display device 130 (FIGS. 1 and 2), and (d. ) May include calibration unit 180 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The detection device 1010 includes (a) two or more current or magnetic field sensors 1011, 1012 and 1019, (b) one or more magnets or magnetic cores 961, 964 and 1069, and (c) controller 213 (Fig. 2). ), (D) User communication module 214 (Fig. 2), (e) Transceiver 215 (Fig. 2), (f) Power supply 216 (Fig. 2), (g) Coupling mechanism 219 (Fig. 2), (h) may include one or more ferromagnetic cups or dome 1066, 1067 and 1068. In many embodiments, the magnetic field sensors 1011, 1012 and 1019 may include coiled conductors 751, 754 and 1059, respectively. In some examples, the coiled conductor 1059 may be similar or the same as the coiled conductors 751 and / or 754. The coiled conductors 751, 754 and 1059 can be wound around the magnetic cores 961, 964 and 1069, respectively. In various embodiments, the magnetic cores 961, 964 and 1069 can be coupled with a ferromagnetic cup or dome 1066, 1067 and 1068. In many embodiments, the magnetic cores 961, 964 and 1069 extend beyond the coiled conductors 751, 754 and 1059, respectively, and can be coupled with a ferromagnetic cup or dome 1066, 1067 and 1068.

0050Domes 1066, 1067 and 1068 can be located on coiled conductors 751, 754 and 1059, respectively. That is, the coiled conductors 751, 754 and 1059 are either inside or surrounded by domes 1066, 1067 and 1068, respectively. In some examples, the north and south poles of the cores 961, 964 and 1069 may be located at the ends of each core. Domes 1066, 1067 and 1068 can be made of steel or another ferromagnetic material.

0051In some examples, the reactances 961, 964 and 1069 are the panels 196 and the coiled conductors 951, 954 and 1079 by saturating the magnetic field in the region of the panel 196 near the coiled conductors 951, 954 and 1079, respectively. It can be useful in equalizing the reactances of. Domes 1066, 1067 and 1068 can further focus the flux lines in the regions around and / or below the magnetic cores 961, 964 and 1069, respectively. Therefore, the reactances of the coiled conductors 951, 954 and 1079 and the panel 196 captured by the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 are substantially constant, eliminating the non-linearity of the magnetic field caused by the panel 196.

0052Moreover, the magnetic field focusing effect of Domes 1066, 1067 and 1068 can help reduce the cost of the power monitoring system 1000. The magnetic cores 961, 964 and 1069 may be weaker magnets, as the magnetic fields are further focused using the domes 1066, 1067 and 1068. Accordingly, power monitoring systems with ferromagnetic domes can use less magnetic material or less costly (ie, weaker) magnetic material.

0053FIG. 11 shows exemplary magnetic field sensors 1111, 1112 and 1119 for a power monitoring system 1100 located on the surface 198 of panel 196, according to one embodiment. The power monitoring system 1100 can be thought of as a system for monitoring the power usage of buildings. The power monitoring system 1100 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The power monitoring system 1100 can be used in many different embodiments or examples not specifically described or described herein.

0054The power monitoring system 1100 is similar to or the same as the power monitoring system 1000, except that it replaces the ferromagnetic dome 1066, 1067 and 1068 with a single ferromagnetic dome 1166 that surrounds the coiled conductors 751, 754, and 1059. Good. In some examples, the cost of a power monitoring system can be reduced by using one ferromagnetic dome instead of using individual ferromagnetic domes on each coiled conductor.

0055FIG. 12 shows an exemplary magnetic field sensor 1211 for a power monitoring system 1200 located on the surface 198 of panel 196, according to one embodiment. The power monitoring system 1200 can also be thought of as a system for monitoring the power usage of a building. The power monitoring system 1200 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The power monitoring system 1200 can be used in many different embodiments or examples not specifically described or described herein.

0056In some examples, the power monitoring system 1200 includes (a) detection device 1210, (b) computer unit 120 (FIGS. 1 and 2), (c) display device 130 (FIGS. 1 and 2), and (d. ) May include calibration unit 180 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The detection device 1210 includes (a) at least one current sensor or magnetic field sensor 1211, (b) magnet 1261, (c) controller 213 (Fig. 2), and (d) user communication module 214 (Fig. 2). It may include (e) transceiver 215 (FIG. 2), (f) power supply 216 (FIG. 2), and (g) coupling mechanism 219 (FIG. 2). The magnet 1261 can be considered as part of the magnetic field sensor 1211 or can be coupled with the magnetic field sensor 1211. In some examples, the magnet 1261 is configured to magnetically couple the sensing device 1210 to the panel 196.

0057In many examples, the magnetic field sensor 1211 may include a coiled conductor (eg, a coiled wire). In many embodiments, the magnetic field sensor 1211 may include a coiled conductor 751. In some examples, the coiled conductor 751 can be wound in a first direction 743 (eg, counterclockwise). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, axis 741 is substantially perpendicular to axis 740 and axis 742. That is, the length of the coiled conductor 751 extending from the first end 752 to the second end 753 can be substantially perpendicular to the surface 198 and the main power lines 193, 194 and 195.

0058Magnet 1261 may have a first side surface 1248 and a second side surface 1249 located opposite the first side surface 1248. The second side surface 1249 may be adjacent to the surface 198 of the panel 196. In some examples, the first end 752 of the coiled conductor 751 may be coupled to or adjacent to the first side surface 1248 of the magnet 1261. The second end 753 can be separated from the first side surface 1248 of the magnet 1261.

0059In some examples, the magnet 1261 saturates the magnetic field in the region of panel 196 near the coiled conductor 751 to provide the reactance of the coiled conductor 751 and panel 196 captured by the main power lines 193, 194 and 195. It can be useful in making them equal. Therefore, the reactances of the coiled conductors 751 and the panel 196 captured by the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 are substantially constant, and the non-linearity of the magnetic field generated by the panel 196 is eliminated.

0060FIG. 13 is a graph 1300 showing the induced voltage vs. conductor current of an exemplary electrical circuit breaker panel in which the main power lines are covered with a metal panel, according to one embodiment. That is, graph 1300 shows the induced voltage vs. conductor current of a detection device that is substantially similar to the detection device 1210 and a detection device that is substantially similar to the detection device 1210 but without the magnet 1261. As shown in FIG. 13, the use of magnet 1261 in the sensing device 1210 significantly increases the linearity of the induced voltage.

0061Similarly, FIG. 14 is a graph 1400 showing the phase angle pair position of the received signal (relative to voltage) according to one embodiment. To create the graph 1400, set a fixed current on the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 and measure the phase angle of the received signal with respect to the voltage while measuring the detection device about 0.6 cm with respect to the main power lines 193, 194 and 195. Moved in metric increments. Graph 1400 shows the induced voltage vs. position of a detection device that is substantially similar to the detection device 1210 and a detection device that is substantially similar to the detection device 1210 but without the magnet 1261. As shown in FIG. 14, when using the detection device 1210 with magnet 1261, the phase angle exhibits a much sharper phase angle shift. In regions where the phase angles are shifted, it is difficult to measure the phase angles, so current measurements in these areas can have higher error rates. Increasing the sharpness of the phase angle shift significantly increases the area where the detection device 1210 provides usable results.

0062Figures 15 and 16 show the results of two additional test scenarios showing the improved accuracy of the power monitoring system 1200 compared to the power monitoring system without magnets. FIG. 15 shows Graph 1500 showing the results of using a power monitoring system with a coiled conductor mounted vertically without magnets according to one embodiment. FIG. 16 shows Graph 1600 showing the results of using a power monitoring system 1200 (ie, with magnets and coiled conductors mounted vertically) according to one embodiment. Figures 15 and 16 show the current measured at each of the phase wires (L1 and L2) by the power monitoring system, as well as the actual currents of the main power line 193 (ie L1) and the main power line 195 (ie L2). Is shown. The use of magnets as part of a power monitoring system, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, can dramatically reduce errors in the amount of change in measured current. Tests of the power monitoring systems 100, 900, 1000, 1100, 1700 and 1800 in Figures 1, 9, 10, 11, 17 and 18 show similar increases in linearity and similar decreases in measured current error.

0063FIG. 17 shows an exemplary coiled conductor 751 of a power monitoring system 1700 located on the surface 198 of panel 196, according to one embodiment. The power monitoring system 1700 can be thought of as a system for monitoring the power usage of buildings. The power monitoring system 1700 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The power monitoring system 1700 can be used in many different embodiments or examples not specifically described or described herein.

0064The power monitoring system 1700 may be similar to or the same as the power monitoring system 1200, except that the power monitoring system 1700 includes a ferromagnetic dome 1766 on a coiled conductor 751. In some examples, the end of the dome 1766 is located on the side of the magnet 1261. In another example, magnet 1261 is also surrounded by dome 1766. In some examples, the dome 1766 can be used in the power monitoring system 1200 to focus the flux lines around and / or below the coiled conductor 751.

0065FIG. 18 shows an exemplary magnetic field sensor 1811 for a power monitoring system 1800 located on the surface 198 of the panel 196, with the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 under the panel 196, according to one embodiment. The power monitoring system 1800 can be thought of as a system for monitoring the power usage of a building. The power monitoring system 1800 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The power monitoring system 1800 can be used in many different embodiments or examples not specifically described or described herein.

0066In some examples, the power monitoring system 1800 has (a) detection device 1810, (b) computer unit 120 (FIGS. 1 and 2), (c) display device 130 (FIGS. 1 and 2), and (d. ) May include calibration unit 180 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The detection device 1810 includes (a) at least one current or magnetic field sensor 1811, (b) controller 213 (Fig. 2), (c) user communication module 214 (Fig. 2), and (d) transceiver 215 (Fig. 2). 2), (e) power supply 216 (Fig. 2), and (f) coupling mechanism 219 (Fig. 2) may be included.

0067In many embodiments, the magnetic field sensor 1811 may include a coiled conductor 1851 with a first end 1852 and a second end 1853 located opposite the first end 1852. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the length of the coiled conductor 1851 from end 1852 to end 1853 can be substantially perpendicular to the axis 742. That is, the coiled conductor 1851 can be substantially perpendicular to the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 and can be substantially parallel to the surface 198. When the magnetic field sensor is placed in the configuration shown in FIG. 18, the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 capture a substantially constant reactance from the panel 196 and the coiled conductor 951.

0068FIG. 19 is a graph 1900 showing the phase angle pair position of the received signal with respect to the voltage of the magnetic field sensor 1811 according to the embodiment. To create the graph 1900, set a fixed current for the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 and set the coil conductor 1851 to about 0.6 for the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 while measuring the phase angle of the received signal with respect to the voltage. Moved in centimeter increments. As shown in FIG. 19, the phase angle exhibits bistability behavior with two different phases separated by about 180 degrees. A 180 degree phase shift occurs as the coil passes over the center of the main power line 195. Therefore, the reactances of the coil conductors 1851 and the panel 196 captured by the main power lines 193, 194 and 195 are substantially constant, and the non-linearity of the magnetic field generated by the panel 196 is eliminated.

0069FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of Method 2000 that provides a system for monitoring the power usage of a building according to one embodiment. Method 2000 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 2000 can be used in many different embodiments or examples not specifically described or described herein. In some embodiments, the activities, procedures and / or processes of Method 2000 can be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the activities, procedures and / or processes of Method 2000 can be performed in any other suitable order. In yet other embodiments, one or more of the activities, procedures and / or processes of Method 2000 may be combined or omitted.

0070Referring to FIG. 20, method 2000 includes activity 2061 providing a detection device. As an example, the detection devices may be similar or identical to the detection devices 110, 910, 1010, 1210 and 1810 of FIGS. 1, 9, 10, 12 and 18, respectively.

0071In some examples, the detection device can be configured to couple to the surface of the panel of the electrical shutoff box. The detection device can be configured to generate an output signal based on the magnetic field generated by one or more major power lines in the electrical shutoff box. FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of activity 2061 in which a detection device is provided according to the first embodiment.

0072Referring to FIG. 21, activity 2061 includes step 2171 to provide one or more magnetic field sensors. In some examples, the magnetic field sensors are the magnetic field sensors 211 and 212 in FIG. 2, the magnetic field sensors 911 and 912 in FIG. 9, the magnetic field sensors 1011, 1012 and 1019 in FIG. 10, the magnetic field sensors 1211 in FIG. 12, and / or, It may be the same as the magnetic field sensor 1811 of FIG. In some examples, one or more magnetic field sensors may include one or more coiled conductors.

0073Activity 2061 in FIG. 21 then includes step 2172 mounting one or more magnetic field sensors on the sensing device. In some examples, step 2172 establishes that the axes of one or more magnetic field sensors are substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of one or more major power lines when the sensing device is coupled to the surface of the panel. It may include mounting one or more magnetic field sensors on the sensing device side so that they are substantially parallel to the surface of the panel.

0074In another example, step 2172 is a panel in which the axes of one or more magnetic field sensors are substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of one or more major power lines when the sensing device is coupled to the surface of the panel. It may include mounting one or more magnetic field sensors on the side of the sensing device so that it is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the device. In various examples, one or more magnetic field sensors on the side of the sensing device may have one or more magnetic field sensor axes directly below the magnetic field sensor when coupling the sensing device to the surface of the panel. It is mounted so that it is substantially perpendicular to a portion of the main power line and substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel.

0075Activity 2061 in Figure 21 continues with step 2173, which provides one or more magnets. As an example, one or more magnets may be similar to magnets 961 and 964 in FIG. 9, magnets 1069 in FIG. 10, and / or magnets 1261 in FIG.

0076Activity 2061 in FIG. 21 then includes step 2174, which combines one or more magnets with one or more magnetic sensors. In some examples, the process of combining one or more magnetic sensors with one or more magnets is the process of winding one or more coiled conductors of a magnetic field sensor around one or more magnets. May include. For example, a magnetic field sensor coiled conductor that can be wound around one or more magnets is a coiled conductor wound around one or more magnets as shown in Figures 9, 10 and / or 11. It may be the same as a conductor.

0077In other embodiments, the step of coupling one or more magnetic sensors with one or more magnets may include the step of coupling one end of the magnetic field sensor with one or more magnets. For example, the step of coupling one end of the magnetic field sensor with one or more magnets may be similar to the step of coupling one end of the magnetic field sensor with one or more magnets as shown in FIGS. 12 and / or 13. In an alternative example, activity 2061 does not include steps 2173 and 2174.

0078Activity 2061 in FIG. 21 then includes step 2175 to provide one or more ferromagnetic domes. As an example, one or more ferromagnetic domes may be similar to the domes 1066, 1067 and 1068 of FIG. 10, the dome 1166 of FIG. 11 and / or the dome 1766 of FIG.

0079Activity 2061 in FIG. 21 continues to perform step 2176 of mounting one or more ferromagnetic domes so that one or more magnetic field sensors are located within one or more domes. For example, one or more magnetic field sensors located within one or more domes may be associated with one or more magnetic field sensors located within one or more domes shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and / or 16. The same may be applied. In an alternative example, activity 2061 does not include steps 2175 and 2176.

0080Activity 2061 in FIG. 21 then includes step 2177 to provide one or more additional components of the detection device. In some examples, one or more additional components may include a controller, power supply, transceiver, user communication module and / or coupling mechanism. After step 2174, activity 2061 completes.

0081Referring again to FIG. 20, Method 2000 of FIG. 20 continues to perform activity 2062, which provides the computer device. As an example, the computer device may be similar to or identical to the computer unit 120 in FIGS. 1 and 2. In some examples, activity 2062 may instead simply include the step of providing a processing unit. As an example, the processing unit may be the same as or the same as the processing unit 222 of FIG. In some examples, the processing unit can be configured to receive an output signal from the detection device, processing the output signal to determine one or more parameters related to the power usage of the building. It can be further configured.

0082Method 2000 of FIG. 20 then includes activity 2063 to provide a calibration device. As an example, the calibration device may be similar to or identical to the calibration device 180 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

0083Method 2000 of FIG. 20 then includes activity 2064 to provide a display device. As an example, the calibration device may be similar to or identical to the display device 130 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In some examples, the display device may be part of computer unit 120.

0084In addition to the step of mitigating the non-linearity of the magnetic field by modifying the configuration of the sensing device, the non-linearity of the magnetic field can be mitigated by modifying the method of calibrating and using the power monitoring system. FIG. 22 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of Method 2200 using a system for monitoring the power usage of the first load of a building. Method 2200 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 2200 can be used in many different embodiments or examples not specifically described or described herein. In some embodiments, the activities, procedures and / or processes of Method 2200 can be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the activities, procedures and / or processes of Method 2200 can be performed in any other suitable order. In yet other embodiments, one or more of the activities, procedures and / or processes of Method 2200 may be combined or omitted.

0085Referring to FIG. 22, Method 2200 includes activity 2261 to provide a power monitoring system. As an example, the power monitoring systems may be similar or identical to the power monitoring systems 100, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1700 and 1800 of FIGS. 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18, respectively.

0086Method 2200 in Figure 22 continues to perform activity 2262 to calibrate the power monitoring system. In some examples, the first calibration can be performed when the power monitoring system is first installed or started. In some examples, the computer device of the power monitoring system is plugged into the first phase wire (eg L1) of the power system of the building, and the calibration device of the power monitoring system is the second of the power system of the building. Is plugged into a phased wire (eg, L2).

0087In some examples, the step of calibrating the power monitoring system may first include the step of determining the first amplitude and first phase of the first current of each current sensor of the sensing device. The first load of the computer device is then coupled with the first phase branch to determine the second amplitude and second phase of the second current of each current sensor in the sensing device. The second default load of the calibration device is then combined with the second phase branch to determine the third amplitude and third phase of the third current of each current sensor. Finally, one or more calibrations to the sensing device using at least partly the first amplitude, the first phase, the second amplitude, the second phase, the third amplitude and the third phase. Determine the coefficient.

0088Method 2200 in FIG. 22 then includes activity 2263 to store the calibration data. In some examples, the calibration data may include the calibration coefficients as well as the first amplitude and first phase of the first current. The calibration data can be stored in the memory of the computer device.

0089The method 2200 of FIG. 22 then includes activity 2264, which measures the unprocessed current.

0090Method 2200 in Figure 22 continues to perform activity 2265 to determine if the unprocessed current differs from the stored calibration data by a predetermined amount. If the current is within the specified amount of current in the stored calibration data, the next activity is activity 2266, which calculates the measured current.

0091If the unprocessed current is not within the default amount of the first current (eg 1% (%), 5%, 10% or 25%), the next activity is activity 2262 to calibrate the power monitoring system. .. New calibration parameters and a new first current can be stored in memory. Therefore, a database of calibration data and unprocessed currents can be created. Therefore, in activity 2265, the unprocessed current can be compared to all of the calibration data stored in memory. The power monitoring system can be recalibrated if the raw current is not within the specified amount of stored calibration data. That is, whenever the power monitoring system detects that a significant change in current has occurred from a previously measured current, a new calibration will be made. Therefore, the non-linearity of the magnetic field can be mitigated by recalibrating the power monitoring system whenever a large change in the current of the main power line occurs.

0092Method 2200 in FIG. 22 then includes activity 2266 to calculate the measured current using the stored calibration data.

0093Method 2200 then continues to perform activity 2267, which displays the measured current. In some examples, the measured current can be displayed using the display device 130.

0094Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the present invention is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the present invention is intended to be limited to the scope required by the appended claims. For example, activities 2061, 2062, 2063, 2064 in Figure 20, steps 2171, 2172, 2173, 2174, 2175, 2176, 2177 in Figure 20, and activities 2261, 2262, 2263, 2264, 2265, 2266, in Figure 22. The 2267 consists of many different activities and procedures and can be performed by many different modules in many different orders, and any element of Figures 1, 2, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18 can be modified. Also, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the aforementioned discussion of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments.

0095All the elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. As a result, replacing one or more billed elements is equivalent to rebuilding, not repairing. In addition, benefits, other benefits and solutions to problems have been described for specific embodiments. However, any benefit, benefit, solution to a problem, and any one or more factors that can give rise to or make any benefit, benefit or solution more prominent, such benefit, benefit, solution. Or, unless the element is stated in such claim, it should not be construed as any or all of the important, necessary or essential features or elements of the claim.

0096Moreover, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are: (1) if those embodiments and / or the limitations are not explicitly claimed within the claims, and (2) the doctrine of equivalents. If it is equivalent or potentially equivalent to the clear elements and / or limitations in the claims under the theory, it is not publicly dedicated under the principle of service.

0097100 power monitoring system 110 Detection device 120 computer unit 128 electrical connector 130 display device 180 Calibration device 190 Electric circuit breaker panel 192 Circuit breaker 193,194,195 Power line 196 panel 211,212 Magnetic field sensor