System for monitoring electrical power usage of a structure and method of same

• US 8,972,211 B2
• Filed: 07/01/2011
• Issued: 03/03/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Belkin International Incorporated (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Belkin International Incorporated (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Yogeeswaran, Karthik, Kelly, Francis M., Patel, Shwetak N., Gupta, Sidhant, Reynolds, Matthew S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Breene, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): HWANG, TIMOTHY
• Application Number:
  US13/175,774
• Publication Number:
  US 20120072143A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,341 Days
• Field of Search: 702/61, 702/38, 702/115, 324/127, 324/117, 324/142, 324/260, 324/261
• US Class Current: 702/61
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/20 Modifications of basic electric elements for use in electric measuring instruments; Structural combinations of such elements with such instruments
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 15/202 using Hall-effect devices Hall elements in arrangements for measuring electrical power G01R21/08
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 15/207 Constructional details independent of the type of device used
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 19/0092 measuring current only all subgroups of G01R19/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 21/001 Measuring real or reactive component; Measuring apparent energy G01R21/01, G01R21/02, G01R21/08, G01R21/10 and G01R21/127 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 21/06 by measuring current and voltage G01R21/08 - G01R21/133 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 22/06 by electronic methods
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 22/063 related to remote communication
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/327 Testing of circuit interrupters, switches or circuit-breakers
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/07 Hall effect devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/09 Magnetoresistive devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 35/005 Calibrating; Standards or reference devices, e.g. voltage or resistance standards, "golden" references G01R33/0035, G01R35/002 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 35/007 Standards or reference devices, e.g. voltage or resistance standards, "golden references"
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 35/04 of instruments for measuring time integral of power or current

Abstract

A system for monitoring usage of electrical power by a structure can include: (a) a current sensor unit configured to be coupled to a portion of a surface of a panel, the current sensor unit having: (a) at least one magnetic field sensor configured to detect a magnetic field generated by one or more main electrical power lines; and (b) a processing unit configured to run on a processor. The current sensor unit can be configured to produce an output signal based on the magnetic field detected by the at least one magnetic field sensor. The processing unit further can be configured to receive the output signal from the current sensor unit and process the output signal to determine one or more parameters related to the usage of the electrical power by the first load in the structure. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring usage of electrical power by a structure, the structure comprises (a) two or more branch circuit breakers, (b) two or more branch electrical power lines that supply at least a portion of the electrical power to a first load in the structure, and (c) two or more main electrical power lines that supply the electrical power to the two or more branch electrical power lines and receive the electrical power from a power source external to the structure, the two or more branch electrical power lines are electrically coupled to the two or more main electrical power lines at the two or more branch circuit breakers, and (d) a panel located over at least part of the two or more main electrical power lines and at least part of the two or more branch electrical power lines, a portion of the two or more main electrical power lines run substantially parallel to a first axis, the system comprising:

a current sensor unit configured to be coupled to a portion of a surface of the panel that is over or near the at least the part of the two or more main electrical power lines and that is devoid of being over the at least the part of the two or more branch electrical power lines and that is devoid of being over the two or more branch circuit breakers, the current sensor unit comprising;

at least two magnetic field sensors each having a length substantially parallel to a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and the at least two magnetic field sensors are configured to detect magnetic fields generated by the two or more main electrical power lines; and

a processing unit configured to run on a processor,

wherein;

the current sensor unit is configured to produce an output signal based on the magnetic fields detected by the at least two magnetic field sensors;

the processing unit further is configured to receive the output signal from the current sensor unit and process the output signal to determine one or more parameters related to the usage of the electrical power by the first load in the structure;

the current sensor unit is not electrically coupled or physically coupled to the two or more main electrical power lines or the two or more branch electrical power lines at the panel when the current sensor unit is coupled to the portion of the surface of the panel;

the current sensor unit is spaced apart from the two or more main electrical power lines, the two or more branch electrical power lines, and the two or more branch circuit breakers by at least the surface of the panel when the current sensor unit is coupled to the portion of the surface of the panel; and

the at least two magnetic field sensors comprise;

a first magnetic field sensor with a first center axis along the length of the at least two magnetic field sensors, the first magnetic field sensor comprising;

a first conductor wrapped around the first center axis; and

a second magnetic field sensor with a second center axis along the length of the at least two magnetic field sensors, the second magnetic field sensor comprising;

a second conductor wrapped around the second center axis.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the second axis is also substantially perpendicular to the portion of the surface of the panel; and

at least part of the portion of the surface of the panel overlies the portion of the two or more main electrical power lines.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the first magnetic field sensor further comprises;

a first core with the first conductor wrapped around the first core in a first direction; and

the second magnetic field sensor comprises;

a second core with the second conductor wrapped around the second core in a second direction; and

the second direction is opposite the first direction.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein:

the first direction is clockwise; and

the second direction is counter-clockwise.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the current sensor unit further comprises;

at least one magnet.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein:

the at least one magnet is configured to magnetically couple the current sensor unit to the panel.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the one or more parameters related to the usage of the electrical power by the structure comprise the electrical power used by the first load in the structure; and

the first load comprises two or more electrical devices coupled to the two or more main electrical power lines.

6. A system for monitoring usage of electrical power by a structure, the structure having one or more main electrical power lines that supply the electrical power to a first load in the structure, a portion of the one or more main electrical power lines run substantially parallel to a first axis, the structure further having a panel that overlies the portion of the one or more main electrical power lines, the system comprising:

a current sensor unit configured to be coupled to a portion of a surface of the panel, the current sensor unit comprising;

at least one magnetic field sensor having a length substantially parallel to a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and the at least one magnetic field sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field generated by the one or more main electrical power lines; and

a processing unit configured to run on a processor,

wherein;

the current sensor unit is configured to produce an output signal based on the magnetic field detected by the at least one magnetic field sensor;

the processing unit further is configured to receive the output signal from the current sensor unit and process the output signal to determine one or more parameters related to the usage of the electrical power by the first load in the structure; and

the current sensor unit further comprises;

at least one magnet; and

a ferromagnetic dome over the at least one magnetic field sensor.

20. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the second axis is also substantially perpendicular to the portion of the surface of the panel; and

at least part of the portion of the surface of the panel overlies the portion of the one or more main electrical power lines.

9. A method for providing a system for monitoring usage of electrical power of a structure, the structure having (a) two or more branch circuit breakers, (b) two or more branch electrical power lines that supply at least a portion of the electrical power to a first load in the structure;

(c) two or more main electrical power lines that supply the electrical power to the two or more branch electrical power lines and receive the electrical power from an external power source, a portion of the two or more main electrical power lines at least partially run substantially parallel to a first axis; and

(d) a panel that overlies at least part of the two or more main electrical power lines and at least part of the two or more branch electrical power lines, the two or more branch electrical power lines are electrically coupled to the two or more main electrical power lines at the two or more branch circuit breakers, the method comprising;

providing a current sensor unit configured to be coupled to a region of a surface of the panel that is proximate to the at least the part of the two or more main electrical power lines and that is not at or adjacent to the at least the part of the two or more branch electrical power lines and that is not at or adjacent to the two or more branch circuit breakers, the current sensor unit is not electrically coupled or physically coupled to the two or more main electrical power lines or the two or more branch electrical power lines at the panel when the current sensor unit is coupled to the region of the surface of the panel, the surface of the panel physically separates the current sensor unit from the two or more main electrical power lines when the current sensor unit is coupled to the region of the surface of the panel, the current sensor unit configured to produce an output signal based on magnetic fields generated by the two or more main electrical power lines; and

providing a processing unit configured to receive the output signal from the current sensor unit and further configured to process the output signal to determine one or more parameters related to the usage of the electrical power of the structure,

wherein;

providing the current sensor unit comprises;

providing at least two magnetic field sensors with lengths along their respective center axes, wherein the at least two magnetic field sensors are configured to detect the magnetic fields generated by the two or more main electrical power lines; and

mounting the at least two magnetic field sensors at the current sensor unit such that the center axes of the at least two magnetic field sensors are substantially perpendicular to the first axis when the current sensor unit is coupled to the region of the surface of the panel,

wherein;

mounting the at least two magnetic field sensors further comprises;

mounting the at least two magnetic field sensors at the current sensor unit such that the center axes of the at least two magnetic field sensors are substantially perpendicular to the first axis and substantially perpendicular to the region of the surface of the panel when the current sensor unit is coupled to the surface of the panel.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein:

providing the at least two magnetic field sensors further comprises;

providing each of the at least two magnetic field sensors with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the center axis of each of the at least two magnetic field sensors extends from the first end to the second end; and

providing the current sensor unit comprises;

providing at least one magnet coupled to the first end of each of the at least two magnetic field sensors.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein:

providing the at least two magnetic field sensors further comprises;

providing the at least two magnetic field sensors to each comprise one or more conductors; and

wrapping each of the one or more conductors around one or more magnets.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein:

providing the at least two magnetic field sensors further comprises;

providing each of the at least two magnetic field sensors with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the center axis of each of the at least two magnetic field sensors extends from the first end to the second end of each of the at least two magnetic field sensors; and

providing the current sensor unit comprises;

providing at least one magnet coupled to the first ends of the at least two magnetic field sensors.

11. A method for providing a system for monitoring usage of electrical power of a structure, the structure having one or more main electrical power lines that supply the electrical power to a first load in the structure, the one or more main electrical power lines at least partially run substantially parallel to a first axis, the structure further having a panel that overlies at least part of the one or more main electrical power lines, the method comprising:

providing a current sensor unit configured to be coupled to a surface of the panel, the current sensor unit configured to produce an output signal based on a magnetic field generated by the one or more main electrical power lines;

providing one or more ferromagnetic cups;

mounting the one or more ferromagnetic cups such that at least one magnetic field sensor is located within the one or more ferromagnetic cups; and

providing a processing unit configured to receive the output signal from the current sensor unit and further configured to process the output signal to determine one or more parameters related to the usage of the electrical power of the structure,

wherein;

providing the current sensor unit comprises;

providing the at least one magnetic field sensor with a length along a second axis, wherein the at least one magnetic field sensor is configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the one or more main electrical power lines; and

mounting the at least one magnetic field sensor at the current sensor unit such that the second axis of the at least one magnetic field sensor is substantially perpendicular to the first axis when the current sensor unit is coupled to the surface of the panel.

21. The method of claim 11, wherein:

mounting the at least one magnetic field sensor further comprises;

mounting the at least one magnetic field sensor at the current sensor unit such that the second axis of the at least one magnetic field sensor is substantially perpendicular to the first axis and substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel when the current sensor unit is coupled to the surface of the panel.

14. A system for monitoring usage of electrical power by a structure, the structure comprises (a) two or more branch circuit breakers, (b) two or more branch electrical power lines that supply at least a portion of the electrical power to a first load in the structure, (c) two or more main electrical power lines that supply the electrical power to the two or more branch electrical power lines and receive the electrical power from a power source external to the structure, the two or more branch electrical power lines are electrically coupled to the two or more main electrical power lines at the two or more branch circuit breakers;

and (d) a panel is over at least part of the two or more main electrical power lines and at least part of the two or more branch electrical power lines, a portion of the two or more main electrical power lines run substantially parallel to a first axis, the system comprising;

a current sensor unit configured to be coupled to a portion of a surface of the panel that is proximate to the at least the part of the two or more main electrical power lines and that is not at or adjacent to the at least the part of the two or more branch electrical power lines and that is not at or adjacent to the two or more branch circuit breakers, the current sensor unit comprising;

an array of magnetic field sensors having a length substantially parallel to a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and the array of the magnetic field sensors is configured to detect magnetic fields generated by the two or more main electrical power lines; and

a processing unit configured to run on a processor,

wherein;

the current sensor unit is not electrically coupled to the two or more main electrical power lines or the two or more branch electrical power lines at the panel when the current sensor unit is coupled to the portion of the surface of the panel;

the current sensor unit is spaced apart from the two or more main electrical power lines by the surface of the panel when the current sensor unit is coupled to the portion of the surface of the panel;

the current sensor unit is configured to produce an output signal based on the magnetic fields detected by the array of the magnetic field sensors;

the processing unit further is configured to receive the output signal from the current sensor unit and process the output signal to determine one or more parameters related to the usage of the electrical power by the first load in the structure;

the array of the magnetic field sensors comprises;

a first magnetic field sensor with a first center axis parallel to the second axis, the first magnetic field sensor comprising;

a first conductor wound in a first direction around the first center axis; and

a second magnetic field sensor with a second center axis parallel to the second axis, the second magnetic field sensor comprising;

a second conductor wound in a second direction around the second center axis; and

the second direction is opposite the first direction.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein:

the second axis is also substantially perpendicular to the portion of the surface of the panel; and

at least part of the portion of the surface of the panel overlies the portion of the one two or more main electrical power lines.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein:

the current sensor unit further comprises;

at least one magnet.

17. A system for monitoring usage of electrical power by a structure, the structure comprises (a) two or more branch circuit breakers, (b) two or more branch electrical power lines that supply at least a portion of the electrical power to a first load in the structure, (c) one or more main electrical power lines that supply the electrical power to the two or more branch electrical power lines and receive the electrical power from a power source external to the structure, the two or more branch electrical power lines are electrically coupled to the one or more main electrical power lines at the two or more branch circuit breakers;

and (d) a panel is over at least part of the one or more main electrical power lines and at least part of the two or more branch electrical power lines, a portion of the one or more main electrical power lines run substantially parallel to a first axis, the system comprising;

a current sensor unit configured to be coupled to a portion of a surface of the panel that is proximate to the at least the part of the one or more main electrical power lines and that is not at or adjacent to the at least the part of the two or more branch electrical power lines and that is not at or adjacent to the two or more branch circuit breakers, the current sensor unit comprising;

an array of magnetic field sensors having a length substantially parallel to a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and the array of the magnetic field sensors is configured to detect a magnetic field generated by the one or more main electrical power lines; and

a processing unit configured to run on a processor,

wherein;

the current sensor unit is not electrically coupled to the one or more main electrical power lines or the two or more branch electrical power lines at the panel when the current sensor unit is coupled to the portion of the surface of the panel;

the current sensor unit is spaced apart from the one or more main electrical power lines by the surface of the panel when the current sensor unit is coupled to the portion of the surface of the panel;

the current sensor unit is configured to produce an output signal based on the magnetic field detected by the array of the magnetic field sensors;

the processing unit further is configured to receive the output signal from the current sensor unit and process the output signal to determine one or more parameters related to the usage of the electrical power by the first load in the structure;

the array of the magnetic field sensors comprises;

a first magnetic field sensor with a first center axis parallel to the second axis, the first magnetic field sensor comprising;

a first conductor wound in a first direction around the first center axis; and

a second magnetic field sensor with a second center axis parallel to the second axis, the second magnetic field sensor comprising;

a second conductor wound in a second direction around the second center axis;

the second direction is opposite the first direction; and

the current sensor unit further comprises;

a ferromagnetic dome over the first magnetic field sensor.

18. A method for providing a system for monitoring usage of electrical power of a structure, the structure having (a) two or more branch circuit breakers;

(b) two or more branch electrical power lines that supply at least a portion of the electrical power to a first load in the structure;

(c) two or more main electrical power lines that supply the electrical power to the two or more branch electrical power lines and receive the electrical power from an external power source, a portion of the two or more main electrical power lines at least partially run substantially parallel to a first axis; and

(d) a panel that overlies at least part of the two or more main electrical power lines and at least part of the two or more branch electrical power lines, the two or more branch electrical power lines are electrically coupled to the two or more main electrical power lines at the two or more branch circuit breakers, the method comprising;

providing a current sensor unit configured to be coupled to a region of a surface of the panel that is over or near the at least the part of the two or more main electrical power lines and that is devoid of being over the at least the part of the two or more branch electrical power lines under the region and that is devoid of being over the two or more branch circuit breakers, the current sensor unit configured to produce an output signal based on magnetic fields generated by the two or more main electrical power lines, the current sensor unit is not electrically coupled to and is physically separated from the two or more main electrical power lines and the two or more branch electrical power lines at the panel when the current sensor unit configured is coupled to the region of the surface of the panel; and

providing a processing unit configured to receive the output signal from the current sensor unit and further configured to process the output signal to determine one or more parameters related to the usage of the electrical power of the structure,

wherein;

providing the current sensor unit comprises;

providing at least two magnetic field sensors with lengths substantially parallel to a second axis, wherein the at least two magnetic field sensors are configured to detect the magnetic fields generated by the two or more main electrical power lines; and

mounting the at least two magnetic field sensors at the current sensor unit such that the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis when the current sensor unit is coupled to the region of the surface of the panel;

providing the at least two magnetic field sensors comprises;

providing a first magnetic field sensor comprising a first conductor wound around a third axis parallel to the second axis in a first direction; and

providing a second magnetic field sensor comprising a second conductor wound around a fourth axis parallel to the second axis in a second direction; and

the second direction is opposite the first direction.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein:

mounting the at least two magnetic field sensors further comprises;

mounting the at least two magnetic field sensors at the current sensor unit such that the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis and substantially perpendicular to the region of the surface of the panel when the current sensor unit is coupled to the surface of the panel.