Programmable electricity consumption monitor

• US 6,226,600 B1
• Filed: 08/03/1998
• Issued: 05/01/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ELMO Corporation
• Original Assignee: Ernest A. Rodenberg III, Robert Richard Borden
• Inventors: Borden, Robert Richard, Rodenberg, Ernest A. III
• Primary Examiner(s): Hoff, Marc S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Raymond, Edward
• Application Number:
  US09/128,075
• Time in Patent Office: 1,002 Days
• Field of Search: 324/142, 324/103, 340/178, 340/870.02, 340/538, 340/310.01, 702/57-62, 364/464.04, 364/483
• US Class Current: 702/61
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 21/133 by using digital technique
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 22/00 Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters

Abstract

A consumer-friendly system for monitoring electricity consumption by a residence or business is provided. The system comprises:

(a) a measuring transmitting unit, which comprises: (1) at least two current transformers; (2) means for connecting the measuring transmitting unit to a circuit breaker panel; (3) means for converting AC analog signals to DC analog signals; (4) a microcontroller; (5) a power line carrier transmission interface controller; and (6) a power supply; and

(b) a programmable receiving display unit, which comprises: (1) a power supply; (2) a power plug; (3) a power line carrier transmission interface controller; (4) a data decoder and encoder; (5) a microcontroller; (6) memory; (7) a LCD display; and (8) one or more input or mode buttons.

The measuring transmitting unit is capable of translating current flowing in main service power circuit conductors to digitally encoded signals, and transmitting the digitally encoded signals over power circuits in the residence or small business. The receiving display unit is capable of receiving the digitally encoded signals being emitted by the measuring transmitting unit, decoding the digitally encoded signals and translating them to the LCD display showing real-time electrical usage and associated monetary costs for viewing by the consumer. A method for monitoring electricity consumption by a residence or business is also included.

Claims

1. A consumer-friendly, easily installed, programmable system for monitoring electricity consumption by a residence or business, the system comprising:

(a) a measuring transmitting unit, comprising;

(1) at least two current transformers for connecting the measuring transmitting unit to main service power circuits which enter the residence or business;

(2) at least two power wires for connecting the measuring transmitting unit to the circuit breaker panel at the residence or business;

(3) means for receiving AC analog signals from the current transformers, converting the AC analog signals to DC analog signals, summing the DC analog signals, and outputting the information;

(4) a microcontroller for converting the DC analog signals to digital signals, encoding the digital signals for power line carrier transmission, and performing timing functions;

(5) a power line carrier transmission interface controller for transmitting the digital signals over existing power circuits within the residence or business; and

(6) a power supply for powering the measuring transmitting unit; and

(b) a programmable receiving display unit, which comprises;

(1) a power supply for powering the receiving display unit;

(2) a power plug for plugging the receiving display unit into an AC wall receptacle;

(3) a power line carrier transmission interface controller for receiving the digital signals from the measuring transmitting unit;

(4) a data decoder for decoding the digital signals from the measuring transmitting unit;

(5) microcontroller for processing information received by the receiving display unit;

(6) memory for storage of data;

(7) a liquid crystal diode display for displaying information for viewing by the consumer; and

(8) one or more input or mode buttons for allowing the consumer to input setup data and control the mode of the liquid crystal diode display; and

wherein the system does not receive data input from a utility company;

wherein the measuring transmitting unit is capable of translating current flowing in main service power circuit conductors to digitally encoded signals, and transmitting the digitally encoded signals over existing power circuits in the residence or small business; and

wherein the receiving display unit is capable of receiving the digitally encoded signals being emitted by the measuring transmitting unit, decoding the digitally encoded signals, and translating them to the liquid crystal diode display for viewing by the consumer.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the means for receiving AC analog signals from the current transformers, converting the AC analog signals to DC analog signal, summing the DC analog signals, and outputting the information, is at least two amplifies.

3. A consumer-friendly, easily installed, programmable system for monitoring electricity consumption by a residence or business without data input from a utility company the system comprising:

(a) a measuring transmitting unit, comprising;

(1) at least two current transformers adapted for connecting the measuring transmitting unit to main service power circuits which enter the residence or business;

(2) two or three burden resistors d for converting a current signal from the current transformers to a voltage signal;

(3) at least two power wires, one of which is connected to a neutral bus and one of which is connected to an individual circuit breaker in a circuit breaker panel;

(4) at least two amplifiers adapted for receiving AC analog signals from the current transformers, converting the AC analog signals to DC analog signals, summing the DC analog signals, and outputting the information;

(5) a microcontroller adapted for converting the DC analog signals to digital signals, encoding the digital signals for power line carrier transmission, and performing timing functions;

(6) a power line carrier transmission interface controller adapted for transmitting the digital signals over existing power circuits within the residence or business; and

(7) a power supply for powering the measuring transmitting unit; and

(b) a programmable receiving display unit, which comprises;

(1) a power supply for powering the receiving display unit;

(2) a power plug for plugging the receiving display unit into an AC wall receptacle;

(3) a power line carrier transmission interface controller adapted for receiving the digital signals from the measuring transmitting unit;

(4) a data decoder adapted for decoding the digital signals from the measuring transmitting unit;

(5) microcontroller adapted for processing information received by the receiving display unit

(6) memory for storage of data;

(7) a visual display adapted for displaying information for viewing by the consumer; and

(8) one or more input or mode buttons adapted for inputting data and controlling the mode of the display; and

wherein the measuring transmitting unit is adapted for translating current flowing main service power circuit conductors to digitally encoded signals, and transmitting the digitally encoded signals over existing power circuits in the residence or small business; and

wherein the receiving display unit is adapted for receiving the digitally encoded signals being emitted by the measuring transmitting unit, decoding the digitally encoded signals, and translating them to the display for viewing by the consumer.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the receiving display unit further comprises a digital clock with battery back-up, and a protective cover for enclosing the receiving display unit.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the receiving display unit comprises RAM or EEPROM memory for manipulating and storing data, and PROM or EPROM memory for storing a software program.

6. A consumer-friendly, easily installed, programmable system for monitoring electricity consumption by a residence or business without data input from a utility company, the system comprising:

(a) a measuring transmitting unit, comprising;

(1) at least two current transformers adapted for connecting the measuring transmitting unit to main service power circuits which enter the residence or business;

(2) at least two power wires, one of which is connected to a neutral bus and one of which is connected to an individual circuit breaker in a circuit breaker panel;

(3) at least two amplifiers adapted for receiving AC analog signals from the current transformers, converting the AC analog signals to DC analog signals, summing the DC analog signals, and outputting the information;

(4) a microcontroller adapted for converting the DC analog signals to digital signals, encoding the digital signals for power line carrier transmission, and performing timing functions;

(5) a power line carrier transmission interface controller adapted for transmitting the digital signals over existing power circuits within the residence or business;

(6) a power supply for powering the measuring transmitting unit;

(7) two or three burden resistors adapted for converting a current signal from the current transformers to a voltage signal; and

(8) a service size selector switch for input to the measuring transmitting unit microcontroller; and

(b) a programmable receiving display unit which comprises;

(1) a power supply for powering the receiving display unit;

(2) a power plug for plugging the receiving display unit into an AC wall receptacle;

(3) a power line carrier transmission interface controller adapted for receiving the digital signals from the measuring transmitting unit;

(4) a data decoder adapted for decoding the digital signals from the measuring transmitting unit;

(5) microcontroller adapted for processing information received by the receiving display unit;

(6) memory for storage of data;

(7) a visual display for displaying information for viewing by the consumer; and

(8) one or more input or mode buttons adapted for inputting setup data and controlling the mode of the display; and

wherein the measuring transmitting unit is capable of translating current flowing in main service power circuit conductors to digitally encoded signals, and transmitting the digitally encoded signals over existing power circuits in the residence or small business; and

wherein the receiving display unit is capable of receiving the digitally encoded signals being emitted by the measuring transmitting unit, decoding the digitally encoded signals, and translating them to the display for viewing by the consumer.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the receiving display unit further comprises a means for transmitting coded signals back through the power circuits in the residence or business for information and load shedding.

8. A system according to claim 6, wherein the receiving display unit further comprises a visual or audible alarm, and wherein the liquid crystal diode display is lighted.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the power plug transmits power for the power supply, and a reference signal for timing power line carrier transmissions.

10. A system according to claim 9, for use in single phase services, wherein the system comprises two current transformers of a split core type.

11. A system according to claim 9, for use in three phase services wherein the system comprises three current transformers.

12. A system according to claim 10, wherein the measuring transmitting unit is enclosed by a protective cover which is no more than about 4 inches high, 3 inches wide, and 2 inches deep.

13. A system according to claim 10, wherein the receiving display unit is enclosed by a protective cover, the protective cover measuring between about 3 and 6 inches in length, 3 and 6 inches in width, and 1 and 2 inches in depth.

14. A kit for monitoring electricity consumption by a residence or business, the kit comprising a programmable system comprising:

(a) a measuring transmitting unit, comprising;

(1) at least two current transformers adapted for connecting the measuring transmitting unit to main service power circuits which enter the residence or business;

(2) means for connecting the measuring transmitting unit to the circuit breaker panel at the residence or business;

(3) means for receiving AC analog signals from the current transformers converting the AC analog signals to DC analog signals, summing the DC analog signals and outputting the information;

(4) a microcontroller adapted for converting the DC analog signals to digital signals, encoding the digital signals for power line carrier transmission, and performing timing functions;

(5) a power line carrier transmission interface controller adapted for transmitting the digital signals over existing power circuits within the residence or business; and

(6) a power supply for powering the measuring transmitting unit; and

(b) a programmable receiving display unit, which comprises;

(1) a power supply for powering the receiving display unit;

(2) a power plug for plugging the receiving display unit into an AC wall receptacle;

(3) a power line carrier transmission interface controller adapted for receiving the digital signals from the measuring transmitting unit;

(4) a data decoder adapted for decoding the digital signals from the measuring transmitting unit;

(5) microcontroller adapted for processing information received by the receiving display unit;

(6) memory for storage of data;

(7) a visual display adapted for displaying information for viewing; and

(8) at least one input or mode button adapted for inputting data and controlling the mode of the display.

15. A kit according to claim 14, wherein the receiving display unit comprises RAM or EEPROM memory for manipulating and storing data, and PROM or EPROM memory for storing a software program.

16. A kit according to claim 14, wherein the measuring transmitting unit further comprises two or three burden resistors for converting a current signal from the current transformers to a voltage signal.

17. A method for monitoring electricity consumption by a residence or business, the method comprising the following steps:

(a) electrically connecting a measuring transmitting unit to a neutral bus, and the measuring transmitting unit to an individual circuit breaker in a circuit breaker panel;

(b) measuring current in main service power conductors using current transformers, and converting analog signals from the current transformers to digital signals;

(c) encoding the digital signals and transmitting them over existing power lines in the residence or business using power line carrier technology;

(d) receiving the encoded digital signals from the power lines, decoding the encoded digital signals, and performing mathematical operations to convert the decoded digital signals to power measurements in kilowatts, kilowatt hours, or currency units;

(e) saving the information in memory; and

(f) displaying the information on a visual display for viewing by the consumer.

18. A method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of sounding an audio or visual alarm at a pre-set electricity consumption level which has been programmed by a consumer.

19. A method for monitoring electricity consumption by a residence or business, the method comprising the following steps:

(a) measuring current in main service power conductors using current transformers, and converting analog signals from the current transformers to digital signals;

(b) encoding the digital signals and transmitting them over existing power lines in the residence or business using power line carrier technology;

(c) receiving the encoded digital signals from the power lines, decoding the encoded digital signals, and performing mathematical operations to convert the decoded digital signals to power measurements in kilowatts, kilowatt hours, or currency units;

(d) saving the information in memory; and

(e) load shedding at a pre-set electricity consumption level.

20. A method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of sounding an audio or visual alarm at the pre-set electricity consumption level and displaying the information on a visual display for viewing.