REDUCING POWER CONSUMPTION IN A NETWORK BY DETECTING ELECTRICAL SIGNATURES OF APPLIANCES
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- outputting a time-finite electrical signal together with an electrical power signal via an electrical power outlet onto an electrical appliance connected to the outlet;
measuring a set of electrical parameters of the time-finite electrical signal affected by the electrical appliance, at the electrical outlet, being an electrical signature of the electrical appliance, wherein the electrical signal is uniquely associated with at least one state of operation of the connected appliance; and
analyzing the electrical power signal at the outlet over time, by determining time periods in which the power signal is associated with the electrical signature, to yield at least one of the following;
an indicator that the appliance is connected and operating;
an indicator that the appliance has been shut down but remains electrically connected to the outlet;
an indicator that one or more appliances has been electrically disconnected from the outlet;
an indicator that an appliance has been disconnected from the outlet and later re-connected;
an indicator that the appliance has been replaced with a different appliance at the same outlet; and
an indicator that at least one additional appliance has been connected in parallel to the appliance, via the outlet.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus, system and methods system for reducing power consumption in a network including electrical appliances connected via electrical outlets to an electricity supplier and/or a system managing power consumption. The system comprises a management system and apparatuses, each comprising a measurement unit, a processing unit, an optional communications unit and a control unit, such that each apparatus is connected to an electrical outlet and is associated with an appliance or a group of appliances. Control units inject electrical signals via the associated electrical outlet to the electrical appliance. The measurement unit measures electrical parameters at the outlet, and the processing unit analyzes the electrical parameters measured in view of the electrical signal and detects the electrical signature of the associated electrical appliance therefrom. The electrical signature is utilized to characterize various characteristics of the electrical appliances and manage power consumption of the network.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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outputting a time-finite electrical signal together with an electrical power signal via an electrical power outlet onto an electrical appliance connected to the outlet; measuring a set of electrical parameters of the time-finite electrical signal affected by the electrical appliance, at the electrical outlet, being an electrical signature of the electrical appliance, wherein the electrical signal is uniquely associated with at least one state of operation of the connected appliance; and analyzing the electrical power signal at the outlet over time, by determining time periods in which the power signal is associated with the electrical signature, to yield at least one of the following;
an indicator that the appliance is connected and operating;
an indicator that the appliance has been shut down but remains electrically connected to the outlet;
an indicator that one or more appliances has been electrically disconnected from the outlet;
an indicator that an appliance has been disconnected from the outlet and later re-connected;
an indicator that the appliance has been replaced with a different appliance at the same outlet; and
an indicator that at least one additional appliance has been connected in parallel to the appliance, via the outlet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A data processing system comprising:
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a control unit arranged to output a time-finite electrical signal together with an electrical power signal via an electrical power outlet onto an electrical appliance connected to the outlet; a measurement unit arranged to measure a set of electrical parameters of the time-finite electrical signal affected by the electrical appliance, at the electrical outlet, being an electrical signature of the electrical appliance, wherein the electrical signal is uniquely associated with at least one state of operation of the connected appliance; and a processing unit arranged to analyze the electrical power signal at the outlet over time, by determining time periods in which the power signal is associated with the electrical signature, to yield at least one of the following;
an indicator that the appliance has been shut down but remains connected to the outlet;
an indicator that an appliance has been disconnected from the outlet and later re-connected;
an indicator that the appliance has been replaced with a different appliance at the same outlet; and
an indicator that at least one additional appliance has been connected in parallel to the appliance, via the outlet. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification