Power monitor unit
First Claim
1. A unit for use in a power service area at locations downstream from customer metering units, for monitoring power and reporting to a central location comprising:
- a first input receiving an A/C power signal to be monitored;
means responsive to the A/C power signal for sensing a zero crossing of the A/C power signal;
means responsive to the zero crossing of the A/C power signal for timing a delay interval substantially equal to a 90 degree phase shift in the A/C power signal;
means responsive to the delay interval for sampling the A/C power signal at the end of the delay interval;
a static recording medium for recording samples of the A/C power signal;
processing means responsive to the recorded samples of the A/C power signal for detecting an anomaly in the A/C signal power signal in accordance with recorded configuration values;
an interface from the processing means to a communication network distinct from the A/C power signal medium;
said processing means further for reporting to a central location through the interface a unit-dependant time after detecting an anomaly or after a unit-dependant routine interval;
said processing means further responsive to commands from the central location for reporting the recorded samples of the A/C power signal, for reporting a contemporaneous value of the A/C power signal, and for receiving and updating revised configuration values.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A unit monitors power and reports to a central location. The unit receives an A/C power signal to be monitored, senses a zero crossing of the A/C power signal, and delays an interval so as to sample the A/C signal after a 90 degree phase delay after the zero crossing. Samples are stored in a static recording medium, such as an EEPROM. A processor detects anomalous conditions in the A/C signal using stored configuration values, and reports to a central location at a unit-dependant time after detecting an anomaly. The unit responds to commands from the central location and reports the recorded samples of the A/C power signal, as well as a contemporaneous value of the A/C power signal. The unit also receives and updates revised configuration values.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A unit for use in a power service area at locations downstream from customer metering units, for monitoring power and reporting to a central location comprising:
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a first input receiving an A/C power signal to be monitored; means responsive to the A/C power signal for sensing a zero crossing of the A/C power signal; means responsive to the zero crossing of the A/C power signal for timing a delay interval substantially equal to a 90 degree phase shift in the A/C power signal; means responsive to the delay interval for sampling the A/C power signal at the end of the delay interval; a static recording medium for recording samples of the A/C power signal; processing means responsive to the recorded samples of the A/C power signal for detecting an anomaly in the A/C signal power signal in accordance with recorded configuration values; an interface from the processing means to a communication network distinct from the A/C power signal medium; said processing means further for reporting to a central location through the interface a unit-dependant time after detecting an anomaly or after a unit-dependant routine interval; said processing means further responsive to commands from the central location for reporting the recorded samples of the A/C power signal, for reporting a contemporaneous value of the A/C power signal, and for receiving and updating revised configuration values.
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2. A power monitoring unit for use in a power service area at locations downstream from customer metering units comprising:
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an A/C power signal connection; a telephone connection; an A/D converter operating under control of a computer processor and sampling voltage values of an A/C power signal; a first interface circuit connecting the A/D converter to the A/C power signal connection; a second interface circuit connecting the computer processor to the telephone connection; a memory accessible to the computer processor and storing instructions directing the processor to detect anomalies on the A/C power signal and to attempt to report anomalies to a remote location, said program directing the processor to wait a unit-dependant time period after a failed reporting attempt before repeating an attempt to report an anomaly. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A power distribution system carrying power signals via power distribution medium and having monitoring units at end-user locations, each monitoring unit comprising:
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a power connection to the power distribution system at locations downstream from a customer metering units; a communication connection to a communication system distinct from the power distribution medium; a sensor for detecting power characteristics; a first interface circuit connecting the sensor to the power connection; a second interface circuit connecting a processor to the communication connection;
said processor programmed to detect anomalies in the power distribution system and to attempt to report anomalies to a remote location, said processor waiting a unit-dependant time period after a failed reporting attempt before repeating an attempt to report an anomaly. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification