Rate-based load shed module
First Claim
1. A load shed module for use in a power control system that includes means for delivering electrical power from a utility supplier and means for delivering electrical power rate information from the utility supplier, said load shed module comprising:
- first means for connection to receive utility power, a power socket for receiving a power plug from a load to apply electrical power to the load, electrical switch means responsive to a control signal for selectively electrically connecting said first means to said power socket to deliver electrical power to a load plugged into said socket, a manual rotary switch on a panel, and rate tier indicia on said panel adjacent to and associated with positions of said rotary switch for operator selection of a rate tier at which said power socket is to be disconnected from said first means, means for receiving utility power rate information from a utility supplier, means for comparing said utility power rate information to said rate tier selected at said rotary switch, and means responsive to said comparing means and coupled to said electrical switch means for supplying said control signal to said electrical switch means, and thereby selectively disconnecting said power socket from said first means when said rate information reaches or exceeds said selected tier and selectively connecting said power socket to said first means when said rate information is less than said selected tier.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A load shed module for use in a power distribution system that includes facility for delivering both electrical power and electrical power rate information from a utility supplier. The load shed module includes an enclosure having a power plug for receipt in a standard utility power outlet such as a wall socket, and a power socket on the enclosure for connection to a power load. A relay switch is disposed within the enclosure for selectively electrically connecting the plug to the socket to deliver electrical power to the load coupled to the socket. A rotary switch is mounted on the enclosure, and rotary rate indicia is provided on the enclosure adjacent to the rotary switch and coordinated with position of the rotary switch for operator selection of a rate tier at which the socket is to be disconnected from the plug. Utility power rate information is received from the utility supplier and compared with the rate tier selected by the operator at the rotary switch. When the power rate information equals or exceeds the selected rate tier, the module socket is disconnected from the plug so that the associated load is effectively disconnected from the power distribution system.
161 Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A load shed module for use in a power control system that includes means for delivering electrical power from a utility supplier and means for delivering electrical power rate information from the utility supplier, said load shed module comprising:
-
first means for connection to receive utility power, a power socket for receiving a power plug from a load to apply electrical power to the load, electrical switch means responsive to a control signal for selectively electrically connecting said first means to said power socket to deliver electrical power to a load plugged into said socket, a manual rotary switch on a panel, and rate tier indicia on said panel adjacent to and associated with positions of said rotary switch for operator selection of a rate tier at which said power socket is to be disconnected from said first means, means for receiving utility power rate information from a utility supplier, means for comparing said utility power rate information to said rate tier selected at said rotary switch, and means responsive to said comparing means and coupled to said electrical switch means for supplying said control signal to said electrical switch means, and thereby selectively disconnecting said power socket from said first means when said rate information reaches or exceeds said selected tier and selectively connecting said power socket to said first means when said rate information is less than said selected tier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification