GB2420863A - Energy management display system - Google Patents

Abstract

A power and / or energy display system comprises a power and / or energy display G which receives data via wireless communication means J, M, Q from one or more remote power and / or energy sensor means A. The sensor means A may be a split current transformer which is clamped around a supply conductor C. The wireless communication means J, M, Q may comprise a Bluetooth (RTM) transmitter Q and receiver J arrangement. The display G may be mobile or wall mounted and may include a number of LED vertical bar indicators H arranged in thee colour bands and a liquid crystal display (LCD) I. The LEDs H may be used to provide a dynamic indication of the instantaneous power consumption and the LCD I may display the energy consumption for a period of time which may be reset by a control L. The energy management display system provides means for individuals to observe and to become actively involved in energy management issues.

Description

Dynamic Energy Disolay Unit Backuround We live in an age where Global

Warming, Carbon emissions, energy consumption and rising energy prices are every day issues.

Despite an additional tax in the form of Climate Change Levy being added to the energy cost of commercial premises, the overall energy usage for the UK continues to rise. Domestic consumption forms a significant part of this usage and through the ideas of this patent application, it is hoped that domestic households wilt pay a more active role in energy management, ultimately leading to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

All households and small-medium enterprises are fitted with an electricity board meter to record consumption over a particular period of time. From the information contained within the meter, the Supply Company issue an invoice which provides basic energy information.

The proposal is to develop a dynamic energy indicator which enables the entire occupants of a premises to become actively involved in Energy Management.

The dynamic energy display unit provides a continuous read out in a stylish but logical and useful format. The unit shall be located at a key point where it can be interpreted at a glance rather than having to view a meter which is often located in a dark cupboard.

Essential Features The dynamic energy display unit consists of two independent modules which transmit information to one another using blue tooth technology.

One of the modules is located adjacent to the existing electricity meter and collates current (amps) data on a regular basis. This data is transmitted, via blue tooth, to the second module which also collates voltage (volts) data. Various calculations are performed resulting in an output display of power (kilowatts). The power output display is via a series of coloured LEDs (light emitting diodes). The number of illuminated LEDs shall be directly propotional to the power consumption of the site at a particular point in time.

An LCD (liquid crystal display) shall indicate the cumulative energy consumption (kWh) since the last re-set.

The display unit can either be wall mounted in a standard double socket back box, adjacent to a fused spur or plugged directly into a standard 13 amp socket outlet. The advantage with the second option is that the display can be moved around to the most advantageous location.

Where the energy consumption of a secondary distribution board is required a number of separate module sets can be used.

Various finished can be used e.g. Chrome, white etc. to complement the design of the surroundings.

Introduction to the Drawings

Figure 1 This shows in schematic form the overall arrangement. The existing distribution board is fed by three separate cables (live/neutral/earth). A clip on ammeter is fitted to the live cable which is connected to a local collection module. The receiving module, located in an easily accessible location, collects information from the first module and displays a power output via an LCD and LED.

Figure 2 This is more concerned with the basic component parts required in order to achieve the various visual displays. The current and voltage vectors have to be combined along with phase shift to provide a dynamic power output indication. Separate outputs are required in order to illuminate the required number of LEDs.

Additional DescriDtion The dynamic display output is divided into ten vertical bars of LEDs. The value of the bars rise in two kilowatt stages and each individual LED equates to 2 kW. Bars are also arranged in three colour bands (green, orange, red) to provide an additional visual indication of load demand. The final 20 kW bar shall flash to indicate that the load is approaching the demand limit of the main incoming fuse.

A reset button allows the cumulative energy display (kWh) to be reset at any time.

The entire unit can either be removed if it is the portable type or isolated via the local isolator and fuse.

The current transformer converts the current (amps) into a 0 to 1 v.d.c. signal which is collated by a local module. Information concerning the current usage, both RMS (Route Mean Square) and phase angle shift are transmitted to the base unit, utilising blue tooth technology.

The base unit collates voltage data including phase angle shift by virtue that it is permanently connected to the premises mains supply. The product of the voltage and current including the phase shift between the two vectors (power factor) provides an instantaneous power value (kW).

The power reading shall be displayed via a series of 2 kW outputs by illuminating banks of LEDs.

The introduction of a time module enables the power reading to be converted into energy consumption (kWh) which shall be displayed on a resettable LCD.

Claims (1)

1. Claims Claim 1 The dynamic energy display unit provides an instantaneous

   power output (kW) and a cumulative energy (kWh) output at a period in time, using a localised current transformer, base collection unit, blue tooth transmitter, remote collector, calculation and output module incorporating the use of both liquid crystal display and light emitting diode technology, in a format that can be either portable or permanently connected via the local electricity ring main.

   Claim 2 A single unit can be used to monitor the energy characteristics of an entire site or connected to individual sub-circuits, alternatively a number of units can be independently utilised to achieve both requirements.

   Claim 3 The energy display unit provides the opportunity for any occupant of a building to become involved with Energy Management by interpreting the output from the LEDs which can be positioned in an easily accessible location.

   KEY FIGURE 1 A SPLIT < CLIP ON CURRENT TRANSFORMER 1VIJC 100 AMP AC

   B MAIN ELECTRICITY BOARD METER

   C LIVE

   D NEUTRAL

   E EARTH

   F DISTRIBUTION CIRCUITS

   G MODULE PLUGS INTO STANDARD

   13 AMP SOCKET OUTLET

   H REAL TIME POWER USAGE SHOWN

   VIA COLOURED LIGHT EMITTING

   DIODES

   I CUMULATIVE ENERGY DISPLAY

   J ISOLATOR

   K FUSE

   L ENERGY DISPLAY RESET

   M SIGNAL VIA BLUETOOTH

   N POWER CONNECTION

   O FUSED SPUR

   P EXISTING DISTRIBUTION BOARD

   O COLLECTION MODULE 8 INFORMATION

   TRANSMITTER TO BASE UNIT VIA

   BLUE TOOTH

   R INSULATED LEAD

   FIGURE 1 KEY: FIGURE 2

   A COLLECTION MODULE INFORMATION

   TRANSMITTER TO BASE UNIT VIA

   BLUE TOOTH

   B COLLECTING MODULE

   C COUNTING MODULE

   D REAL TIME LED OUTPUTS (kW)

   E OUTPUT MODULE

   F ENERGY DISPLAY (kWh)

   G ENERGY COUNTER

   H MODULE FINISH AS REQUIRED, PLUGGED INTO STANDARD 13 AMP SOCKET OUTLET

   I POWER CALCULATION MODULE

   J MAINS IN

   K RESET

   L SIGNAL RECEIVER

   M SIGNAL VIA BLUETOOTH

   FIGURE 2