Abstract:
A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling electrical energy consumption in an electrical circuit is provided. The monitoring device includes a sensor coupled to the electrical circuit for producing an electrical fault signal when a fault is detected in the circuit, a signal processing unit coupled to the fault sensor for improving the signal to noise ratio of the fault signal, a fault trigger condition register for storing at least one response action to be taken by the monitoring device when the fault condition is detected and a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the signal processing unit and to the fault trigger condition register. In response to the fault signal, the CPU causes the monitoring device to take a response action.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to the field of energy use and more particularly, is directed to a method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling electrical energy consumption. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Since the dawn of the industrial revolution, electrical energy has been an indispensable worker in building the twenty-first century world that humankind enjoys today. From modern medicines to space age technologies, few of humanity&#39;s advances would have been possible without electrical energy. The importance of electrical energy is likely to continue for many generations to come. 
         [0003]    The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be destroyed or created. It can only be changed from one form into another or be transferred from one object to another. 
         [0004]    Energy in an electrical form is often the most convenient to distribute, control and use. For these reasons, electrical energy holds an important place in virtually every aspect of society. The state of a country&#39;s development and prosperity often is measured by its per capita consumption of electrical energy. 
         [0005]    One characteristic of electrical energy is that it can be generated as direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). A battery is an example of DC where electrical energy results from a chemical conversion process. A wind-driven generator is an example of AC where electrical energy results from the conversion of kinetic energy from the wind. 
         [0006]    The first commercial electric power transmission systems were DC and transmitted current at the same voltage required by the load. Such systems suffered from significant I 2 R losses in the transmission lines in the form of heat as well as other technical challenges. The loses restricted the distance between the generation plants and their users to relatively short distances. The restricted distances, along with the need for DC at different voltage levels based on use, meant that many local generating plants and transmission systems were required for wide use of electrical energy, each plant being located relatively close to the point of use. 
         [0007]    While I 2 R losses can be reduced by increasing the voltage level, it is difficult and inefficient to increase DC voltage to a level that will significantly reduce I 2 R losses over long distance transmission lines. 
         [0008]    AC significantly mitigates many of the challenges associated with transmitting DC over long distance transmission lines. Unlike DC, AC voltage can easily be raised or lowered as needed. This important characteristic makes it possible for the bulk transmission of electrical energy over long distances as we know it today. 
         [0009]    In North America, AC electric power is generated and delivered to customers using to two connected, but different systems. Power is generated in bulk by remotely located power plants and is transmitted at high voltage to local substations. Transmission at high voltage greatly reduces the I 2 R loses in the transmission lines. The increased voltage also reduces the current in the transmission lines and thus, the size of the conductors. 
         [0010]    While the number of high-voltage DC systems are increasing due to advances in technology, the bulk of energy transmission today remains in AC form. 
         [0011]    Substations are located near demand centers where the power will be used. The network of power lines which connect the generating plants and the substations are known in the art as “power transmission lines.” At the substations, the AC voltage level is lowered and is then distributed to customers. The network of power lines which connect the substations to users is known in the art as “power distribution lines.” 
         [0012]    Power generating plants, transmission lines, substations and distribution lines are collectively known in North America as the national “power grid.” 
         [0013]    The national power grid, however, is comprised of three regional grids: one in the East that serves the U.S. Eastern seaboard, Plains states and some Canadian provinces; another in the West that serves the U.S. Pacific coast, the Mountain states and other Canadian provinces; and another that serves the state of Texas. Connection between the regional power grids is limited in order to minimize the impact of a disruption in one regional grid from affecting the other regional grids. The structure of the power grid greatly improves the reliability of electrical power delivery to customers. 
         [0014]    Efficient generation, transmission and distribution of electric power is directly related to another characteristic of electrical energy. Electrical energy is difficult to store in large quantities for long periods. While DC energy may be readily stored in relatively small quantities as, for example, as a charge on a battery or a capacitor, AC cannot be stored so easily. 
         [0015]    In most cases, the storage of AC energy requires that it be converted to another form, such as DC energy, and then stored in that form. The DC energy must then be converted back to AC in many cases before it can be used. Each primary conversion process results in a secondary conversion of energy into an undesirable form, usually heat. 
         [0016]    In practical terms, energy in the form of AC must be generated and delivered at the precise moment that it is needed. The inability to efficiently store large quantities of AC energy creates significant challenges to its efficient generation and distribution. 
         [0017]    Electric power plants are very expensive to build, operate and maintain. They are designed to have enough generating capacity to meet maximum demand at any given time. However, the demand for electric power constantly varies. At any one time, demand depends on time of day, geographic location, season and many other factors. If customers are to be fully served at all times, the ideal power plant would be designed to meet worst case peak load demands. However, when present demand is below the peak generating capacity of the power plant, the excess energy generated is not used and cannot be stored for later use. Thus, the generation of excess energy is wasted and the cost of its production must be amortized among all of the power plant&#39;s customers. The environment suffers its share of the burden as well. 
         [0018]    Power companies address varying demands for energy primarily in two ways. 
         [0019]    First, generators that are not currently needed are taken off line; and 
         [0020]    Second, when demand is higher than generation capacity, additional energy is purchased from other power companies and when demand is below capacity, the excess energy is sold to other power companies. 
         [0021]    The power grid is designed so that connected power plants can export and import electrical energy to and from the power grid so long as voltage, frequency and phase are synchronized. 
         [0022]    As the electric power industry has evolved from a heavily regulated industry to one that is less regulated, four distinct areas have emerged. These are (1) power generation, such as power plants; (2) bulk electric power transmission over high voltage line; (3) local power distribution to customers; and (4) power retailing. Retailing relates to the final sale of electrical energy to consumers. 
         [0023]    In a fully regulated electric power market, there is only one main power company that owned all of the transmission and distribution infrastructure. The company operates by purchasing electricity from companies that generate it and then sell and distribute it to customers. 
         [0024]    In a deregulated market, the company owns the transmission and distribution infrastructure but is only responsible for selling and distributing the electricity to end users. Deregulated markets permit electricity providers to compete and sell electricity directly to the consumers. 
         [0025]    The goal of a deregulated market is to increase competition among suppliers, which leads to lower prices and allows consumers to shop for the best deal. However, deregulated electrical energy markets and the increasing popularity of alternative forms of electrical energy, such as solar and wind, have complicated the generation, distribution and use of electrical energy. 
         [0026]    While solar and wind may be the only forms of energy available in some areas, they are increasing being used to reduce reliance on the power grid and the associated adverse impact on the environment that bulk generation of electrical energy causes. 
         [0027]    In a typical residential solar installation for example, solar panels are placed to capture as mush sunlight as possible. The DC current produced by the solar panels is converted to AC and then used by the homeowner to reduce or eliminate the power taken from the power grid. The resulting benefit to the homeowner is a lower power utility cost and a contribution to preserving the environment. 
         [0028]    When a solar or wind installation generates more energy than is needed by the consumer, the excess energy can often be sold to the power company. 
         [0029]    While reducing the overall demand for bulk generated electricity, has important benefits, it causes other problems as well. 
         [0030]    Power generating plants and the power grid must still be maintain for those times when wind or sunlight is not available. With less and less revenue due to the use of alternative sources of energy, power companies struggle to maintain the same level of infrastructure even when customers do not use the infrastructure all of the time. 
         [0031]    It is for this reason that many public utility commissions allow power companies to charge those customers who use alternative sources of energy a fee to help subsidize the cost of bulk electricity generation and the power grid. 
         [0032]    Currently, power companies sell electrical energy in kilowatt hour increments based on consumption. Due to deregulation, more concern over the environment, advances in alternative forms of energy, consumers are beginning to have many more options when buying electrical energy. 
         [0033]    These options will include prepaying for monthly allotments of kilowatt hours and other services similar to service plans sold by cellular phone companies. Thus, it will be up to the consumer to control his or her electrical energy consumption. 
         [0034]    Other options might include the power company agreeing to provide sufficient energy at a flat rate to maintain the temperate in a home or a room at a certain level for a season. 
         [0035]    While there are many benefits to using electrical energy, there are also significant hazards. The primary hazards are electrical shock and fire. Electrical shock occurs when the body becomes part of the electric circuit by coming into contact with an energized electric circuit or metallic object. 
         [0036]    A properly designed, installed and maintained electrical system is generally safe. Shocks and fires usually are the result of faulty equipment and/or deterioration in the electrical system. Properly designed equipment seldom fails spontaneously. 
         [0037]    The conditions which lead to electrical equipment failure usually occur over time and announce impending failure in telltale ways. For example, as the electrical insulation in an appliance begins to deteriorate, the electrical current drawn by the appliance most often will increase correspondingly. Thus, increased current draw over time can indicate coming failure and serve as a warning of potential shock and fire risk. 
         [0038]    Due to increasing environmental pressures, rising energy cost, more consumer awareness, improvements in technologies that bring alternative forms of energy within reach of the average homeowner and the ever-increasing need for clean electrical energy, there is a need in the art for a comprehensive solution for monitoring and controlling the consumption of electrical energy. 
         [0039]    The present invention leverages the use of essential components of a safe electrical power system with respect to circuit overload and fault protection. In the typical electrical system, fuses and circuit breakers provide protection from circuit overloads while fault protection is provided by Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). 
         [0040]    AFCI protection helps to prevent fires by detecting an unintended electrical arc and disconnecting the power source before the arc starts a fire. GFCI protection disconnects the power source when a current is detected flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person. 
         [0041]    The present invention enhances the safety protections provided by circuit breakers and AFCI and GFCI devices while at the same time taking advantage of their ubiquitous presence in electrical systems to provide solutions to many of the current-day challenges to monitoring and controlling electrical energy consumption. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0042]    The novel features of the present invention are set out with particularity in the appended claims, but the invention will be understood more fully and clearly from the following detailed description of the invention as set forth in the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0043]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a smart circuit breaker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the smart circuit breaker illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a further embodiment of the present invention in the form of a smart electrical outlet; 
           [0046]      FIGS. 4 and 5  is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the smart electrical outlet illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of another embodiment of a smart outlet having a plurality of branch circuit interrupters in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of another embodiment of a smart outlet, wherein a branch circuit interrupter is used to interrupt electrical power to electrical contacts; 
           [0049]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of another embodiment of a smart outlet implemented in a two phase system; 
           [0050]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a remote control and display system for controlling and monitoring energy consumption and fault conditions in an electrical system in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram of a module forming part of the system illustrated in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a Master Control System in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 12  is block diagram illustrating the integration of a smart breaker, smart outlet and Master Control system into an electrical power panel in accordance with the present inventions; 
           [0054]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a solar array used as an alternative power source that incorporates a smart breaker in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0055]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram of a wind driven alternative power source that incorporates a smart breaker in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0056]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. 
         [0057]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a smart circuit breaker  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Breaker  100  can be fabricated in the physical size and profile of a conventional circuit breaker as used in an electrical power panel as is known in the prior art. Accordingly, breaker  100  can be used interchangeably with conventional circuit breakers as such breakers are known in the art. 
         [0058]    Power terminals  101  and  102  of breaker  100  are coupled to, for example, neutral line  103  and phase line  104  of the main power line inside an electrical power panel. Phase line  104  is connected to branch circuit interrupter  105  which selectively breaks continuity of phase line  104  to branch circuit  106  when commanded to do so by signal  117  from CPU  116 . 
         [0059]    Interrupter  105  may be formed of mechanical components which are activated by a solenoid that can be triggered by an electrical signal as is known in the art. Interrupter  105  may also be formed of a solid-state device, such as a triac, as is also known in the art. 
         [0060]    Breaker  100  further includes GFCI/AFCI sensor  109  which is connected to neutral line  103  and phase line  104  via interrupter  105  through terminals  107  and  108 . Sensor  109  is configured to provide fault sense signals to CPU  116  via high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), low impedance circuitry  110 . SNR  110  improves the performance of GFCI and AFCI fault detection for breaker  100 . 
         [0061]    Voltage/current sensor  112  also is connected to neutral line  103  and phase line  104  via interrupter  105  through terminals  107  and  108 . Sensor  112  and provides a voltage signal to CPU  116  indicating the voltage level of branch circuit  106  and the amount of current flowing through the branch circuit line. With voltage and current signals from voltage/current sensor  112  and fault signals from the GFCI/AFCI sensor  109 , CPU  116  can identify faults in branch circuit  106 , including overload faults, AFCI faults and GFCI faults. These faults are then used by CPU  116  to determine when, and under what conditions, interrupter  105  will be triggered to interrupt power to branch circuit  106 . 
         [0062]    When a fault occurs, CPU  116  stores the fault type and the time of its occurrence in fault type and time register  115 . Breaker  100  can also can be programmed with the conditions upon which interrupter  105  will be triggered in response to detected faults. These conditions are stored in fault trigger condition register  114 . Initially, default trigger conditions can be stored in register  114  and then changed as required. 
         [0063]    Breaker  100  also includes a real time clock  117  which assist in keeping track of timed events, such as the time of day, time of a particular fault and elapsed time since a last fault. 
         [0064]    A more detailed description of the additional components, such as ROM and RAM, that allow CPU  116  to operate in the manner described with respect breaker  100  is set forth below with respect to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0065]    Breaker  100  further includes self-test circuitry  111  that initiates a self-test of breaker  100  as one of ordinary skill in the art will know how to devise. The self-test can be initiated automatically when breaker  100  is installed in an electrical power panel or be manually initiated by a user pressing a test button. 
         [0066]    Also shown in  FIG. 1  is battery  118  which can be used to provide electrical power to breaker  100  when another power source is not available. 
         [0067]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart  200  that illustrates the operation of breaker  100  as depicted  FIG. 1 . 
         [0068]    In step  201 , the fault trigger conditions for breaker  100  are initialized and stored in fault trigger condition register  114 . 
         [0069]    In step  202 , fault type and time register  115  is reset to indicate no active or previous fault conditions. 
         [0070]    In step  203 , is decision is made whether a fault signal is present from GFCI/AFCI sensor  109  or from voltage/current sensor  112 . If a fault signal is present, the process continues to step  204 . If no fault signal is present, the process loops so that step  203  can make another decision whether a fault signal is present. 
         [0071]    In step  204 , the fault signal is stored in fault type and time register  115 . 
         [0072]    In step  205 , a decision is made whether the fault signal is an over current fault. If yes, interrupter  205  is trigger to interrupt power to branch circuit  104  in step  206  and the over current fault condition previously stored in fault type and time register in step  204  is cleared in step  207 . The process then loops back to step  203 . 
         [0073]    If step  205  determines that the fault condition is not an over current fault, a decision is made in step  208  whether the fault is an AFCI fault. 
         [0074]    In the case of an AFCI fault, a decision is made in step  209  whether interrupter  105  should be triggered based solely on the presence of the AFCI fault condition. If yes, interrupter  105  is triggered in step  210 , fault type and time registered  115  is cleared of the AFCI fault in step  212  and the process loops back to step  203 . 
         [0075]    If step  209  determines that interrupter  105  should not be triggered on the basis of the AFCI fault alone, a decision is made whether branch  105  should be triggered based on an addition fault condition. One example of an addition fault condition, as depicted in step  211 , is that a prior GFCI fault occurred within a predetermined time “x” of the current AFCI fault condition. Other fault conditions can be used as well as those of ordinary skill in the art will understand. 
         [0076]    If the conditions for triggering interrupter  105  are satisfied in step  211 , interrupter  105  is triggered, fault type and time registered  115  is cleared of the AFCI and GFCI faults and the process loops back to step  203 . If the conditions for triggering interrupter  105  are not satisfied in step  211 , the process loops back to step  203 . 
         [0077]    If step  208  determines that the fault is not an AFCI fault, the process continues to step  216 . In step  216 , a decision is made whether the fault is a GFCI fault. 
         [0078]    In the case of a GFCI fault, a decision is made in step  217  whether interrupter  105  should be triggered based solely on the presence of the GFCI fault condition. If yes, interrupter  105  is triggered in step  218 , fault type and time registered  115  is cleared of the GFCI fault in step  220  and the process loops back to step  203 . 
         [0079]    If step  217  determines that interrupter  105  should not be triggered on the basis of the GFCI fault alone, a decision is made whether interrupter  105  should be triggered based on an addition fault condition. An example of an addition fault condition, as depicted in step  219 , is that a prior AFCI fault occurred within a predetermined time “x” of the current GFCI fault condition. Other fault conditions can be used as well as those of ordinary skill in the art will understand. 
         [0080]    If the conditions for triggering interrupter  105  are satisfied in step  219 , interrupter  105  is triggered in step  221 , fault type and time registered  115  is cleared of the AFCI and GFCI faults in step  222  and the process loops back to step  203 . If the conditions for triggering interrupter  105  are not satisfied in step  219 , the process then loops back to step  203 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a further embodiment of the present invention in the form of a smart electrical outlet  300 . 
         [0082]    Outlet  300  can be fabricated in the physical size and profile of a conventional electric wall outlet receptacle as is known in the prior art. Accordingly, outlet  300  can be used interchangeably with conventional wall outlets as such outlets are known in the art. 
         [0083]    Outlet  300  includes branch circuit interrupter  301  which selectively breaks continuity of branch circuit  302  to outlet terminals  304 A and  305 A forming outlet receptacles  304  and  305 . 
         [0084]    Interrupter  301  may be formed of mechanical components which are activated by a solenoid that can be triggered by an electrical signal as is known in the art. Interrupter  301  may also be formed of a solid-state device, such as a triac, as also known in the art. In the present invention, the operation of interrupter  301  is controlled by a control signal  303  from CPU  321  in a manner described below. 
         [0085]    Smart outlet  300  further comprises GFCI/AFCI sensors  306  and voltage/current sensor  307  which are coupled to branch circuit  302 . GFCI/AFCI sensor  306  is configured to provide fault sense signals to CPU  321  over the CPU Signal And Data BUS (hereafter, “CPU BUS”) via High Signal-to-Noise ratio, Low Impedance Circuitry (SNR)  308 . SNR  308  improves the performance of fault detection for smart outlet  300 . 
         [0086]    Voltage/current sensor  307  provides voltage and current signals to CPU  321  over the CPU BUS. With the voltage and current signals from voltage/current sensor  307  and fault sense signals from the GFCI/AFCI sensor  306 , CPU  321  can identify faults, including branch circuit overload faults, AFCI faults and GFCI faults. If CPU  321  identifies a fault, one or more of three events can occur. 
         [0087]    First: CPU  321  can output trigger signal  303  to interrupter  301  to break continuity of branch circuit  302  to outlet receptacles  304  and  305 . CPU  321  can also trigger a visual indication of the fault condition such as by illuminating an LED light  309  or sounding an audio alarm through speaker  310  or other audio device. LED  309  can also be a multi-color device, each color indicating the type of fault condition. The audio alarm may also be in the form of a synthesized human voice from voice circuit  311  in accordance with the nature and severity of the fault. 
         [0088]    Second: Instead of triggering interrupter  301  directly to break the continuity of branch circuit  302  to outlet receptacles  304  and  305 , CPU  321  may cause all, or selected fault signals, to be send to the Master Control System illustrated in  FIG. 11  via Power-Line Communications Interface  312  for processing and disposition. 
         [0089]    Power-line communication (PLC) is a communications technology known in the art for carrying data on a conductor that is also used simultaneously for AC electric power transmission or electric power distribution to consumers. Alternative communications technologies may also be used, such as LAN/WiFi interface  314 , or Bluetooth via Bluetooth Transmitter  315 . 
         [0090]    Third: CPU  321  may trigger interrupter  301  to break the continuity of branch circuit  302  to outlets  304  and  305  as well as send the fault signal to the Master Control System illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0091]    Outlet  300  also includes self-test circuitry  316  coupled to CPU  321  via the CPU BUS. Self-test circuitry  316  enables test signals to be sent to and from the Master Control System via, for example, Power-Line Communications Interface  312  to test the overall functionality of outlet  300 . 
         [0092]    Self-test circuitry  316  includes a test button that can be pressed in order to initiate the self-test or a self-test may be initiated by the Master Control System. 
         [0093]    CPU  321  is used for executing computer software instructions as is known in the art. In addition to the elements described above, CPU  321  is coupled to a number of other elements via the CPU BUS. 
         [0094]    These elements include RAM  317  (Random Access Memory) which may be used to store computer software instructions, ROM  318  (Read Only Memory) which may also be used to store computer software instructions, and Non Volatile Memory  319  which may be used to store computer software instructions as well. 
         [0095]    In one aspect of the present invention, the computer software instructions that are executed by CPU  321  are divided into two or more separate and distinct categories which are stored in RAM  317 , ROM  318  and/or Non Volatile Memory  319 . 
         [0096]    For example, a basis set of low level operating instructions, known in the art as firmware, might be stored in, ROM  318 . These low level rudimentary instructions provide the necessary instructions for how CPU  321  communicates with the elements of smart outlet  300 . Such instructions are necessary for CPU  321  to perform any useful operations, regardless of the task being performed. 
         [0097]    A higher level instructions set, often known in the art as “application software” operationally “sits” on top of the firmware instruction set and is used to perform specific tasks, such as receiving fault signals from AFCI/GFCI Sensors  306  and determining the particular fault condition. The application software, resides in Non Volatile Memory  319 . 
         [0098]    In executing the firmware and application software instructions sits, CPU  321  will often need to temporarily store data and intermediate calculations. Such data and intermediate calculations are stored in RAM  317 . 
         [0099]    As is known in the art, firmware is permanently stored in ROM and is not intended to be changed. Application software also persist in Non Volatile Memory and but can be changed and update as old features in the software are deprecated and new features are added. This allows outlet  300  to be “reprogrammed” as need or desired by the Master Control System via, for example, Power-Line Communications Interface  312 . 
         [0100]    Electronic Address Module  320  provides a unique electronic address for smart outlet  300 . Thus, outlet  300  can be uniquely addressed by the Master Control System. The address stored in Electronic Address Module  320  is implemented as a unique series of numbers. An example of such an addressing scheme is an Internet Protocol address based on IPv4 or IPv6 as is known in the art. The address can also be static or a dynamic IP address. 
         [0101]    Once assigned, a static IP address does not change. Thus, Electronic Address Module  320  can be assigned a static IP address at the time of manufacture of the smart outlet. Alternatively, the Master Control System can assign the smart outlet a dynamic IP addresses when the smart outlet is connected to branch circuit  302 . 
         [0102]    Outlet  300  also includes a real time clock  322  which assist in keeping track of timed events, such as the time of day, time of a particular fault and elapsed time since a last fault. 
         [0103]      FIGS. 4 and 5  is a flow chart  400  that illustrates the operation of outlet  300  as depicted  FIG. 3 . 
         [0104]    In step  401 , a decision is made whether a fault signal is present. If yes, the process proceeds to step  404  where a decision is made whether interrupter  302  should be triggered based on this fault signal. If yes, interrupter  301  is triggered and the process continues to step  408 . Otherwise, the process continues directly to step  408   
         [0105]    In step  408 , a decision is made whether a visual fault alarm should be triggered based on this fault. If yes, the visual alarm is triggered in step  409  and the process continues to step  412 . Otherwise, the process continues directly to step  412 . 
         [0106]    In step  412 , a decision is made whether an audio fault alarm should be triggered based on this fault. If yes, an audio alarm is triggered in step  414  and the process continues to step  417 . Otherwise, the process continues directly to step  417 . 
         [0107]    In step  417 , a decision is made whether the fault should be reported to the Master Control System. If yes, the fault is reported to the Master Control System and the process continues to step  501  in  FIG. 5 . Otherwise, the process continues directly to step  501  in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0108]    In step  503 , a decision is made whether a branch circuit voltage is present as indicated by the signal from voltage/current sensor  307  in  FIG. 3 . If yes, the process continues to step  503  where a decision is made whether this is a cold start as if outlet  300  is connected to branch circuit  302  for the first time. If yes, a dynamic IP address is obtained from the Master Control System in step  505 . Otherwise, the process loops back to step  401  in  FIG. 4 . If a static IP has already been assigned to outlet  300 , there will not be a need to obtain a dynamic IP in step  505   
         [0109]    In step  507 , the operating parameters for outlet  300  are obtained from the Master Control System and in step  509  real time clock  322  in  FIG. 3  is set based on information, for example, from the Master Control System. 
         [0110]    The process then proceeds to step  510  where a ready light, for example, a green light from LED light  309  in  FIG. 3 , is illuminated to indicate that outlet  300  is in a ready state. 
         [0111]    The process then continues in step  401  in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0112]    If in step  501 , a determination is made that the no branch circuit voltage is present, the process continues to step  505 . 
         [0113]    In step  502 , a decision is made whether the time since the last branch voltage was present is greater than, for example, one minute. If no, the process loops back to step  501 . Otherwise, the process continues to step  504 . 
         [0114]    In step  504 , a no branch voltage visual indication is provided by LED light  309 , as for example, by lighting a red light not ready light. The process continues to step  506 . 
         [0115]    In step  506 , a decision is made whether the status condition of outlet  300  should be reported to the Master Control System. If yes, the condition is reported in step  208  and the process loops back to step  501 . Otherwise, the process directly loops back to step  501 . 
         [0116]    Returning now to  FIG. 4 , if the determination in step  401  is that a fault signal is not present, the process continues to step  402 . 
         [0117]    In step  402 , a determination is made whether the Master Control System is requesting service from outlet  300 . The requested service can be a request to communicate with outlet  300  to, for example, obtain the status of the fault conditions, provide new conditions under which interrupter  301  should be triggers, provide update firmware for the operation of CPU  321 , etc. 
         [0118]    If yes, the Master Control System is serviced in step  403  and the process continues to step  406 . Otherwise, the process continues directly to step  406 . 
         [0119]    In step  406 , a determination is made whether a self-test of outlet  300  should be performed. If yes, the self-test is performed in step  407  and the process continues to step  410 . 
         [0120]    In Step  410 , a determination is made whether electrical power usage data should be collected. If yes, power usage data is determined and stored in steps  411 ,  415  and  416  by using sensor signals form voltage/current sensor  307  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0121]    In step  419 , a decision is made whether the power usage date should be report to the Master Control System. If yes, the data is reported in step  402 . Otherwise, the process loops back to step  501  in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0122]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a another embodiment of a smart outlet  600  wherein first and second branch circuit interrupters  602  and  604  are used to interrupt electrical power from branch circuit  601  to receptacles  606  and  607  when commanded to do so by CPU  608  via control signals  604  and  605 . CPU  608  operated in a manner similar to CPU  321  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0123]    Control signals  604  and  605  can be generated by CPU  608  independently based on the various fault conditions described with reference to  FIG. 3  and the flowchart illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Interrupters  602  and  603  may also be controlled by the Master Control System through CPU  608 . 
         [0124]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of another embodiment of an smart outlet  700  wherein branch circuit interrupter  704  is used to interrupt electrical power from branch circuit  701  to electrical contacts  702  and  703  when commanded to do so by CPU  706  via control signal  705 . CPU  706  operates in a manner similar to CPU  321  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0125]    Control signal  705  can be generated by CPU  706  based on the various fault conditions described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3  and the flowchart illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Thus, this embodiment of the present invention also includes a corresponding GFCI/AFCI sensor  109 , high SNR, Low Impedance Circuitry  110 , voltage/current sensor  112 , self-test circuitry  111 , fault trigger condition register  114 , fault type and time register  115  and real time clock  117 . 
         [0126]    Contacts  702  and  703  may be connected to large appliances such as washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, heating and air conditioning systems and the like. The block diagram in  FIG. 7  depicts a single phase system. 
         [0127]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of another embodiment of a smart outlet  800  implemented as a two phase system. In this embodiment, branch circuit interrupters  801  and  805  are used to interrupt electrical power from phase line  1  and  2  to electrical contacts  802  and  804  when commanded to do so by CPU  807  via control signal  806 . CPU  807  is operated in a manner similar to CPU  321  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0128]    Control signal  806  can be generated by CPU  807  based on the various fault conditions described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3  and the flowchart illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Thus, this embodiment of the present inventions also includes a corresponding GFCI/AFCI sensor  109 , high SNR, Low Impedance Circuitry  110 , voltage/current sensor  112 , self-test circuitry  111 , fault trigger condition register  114 , fault type and time register  115  and real time clock  117 . 
         [0129]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram of a remote control and display system for controlling and monitoring energy consumption and fault conditions reported by smart beakers and smart outlets in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0130]    The system includes a module  901  having blades  902  which are adapted to plug into a conventional electrical outlet or smart outlet as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Module  901  also includes a Bluetooth transmitter which communicates with smart device  905 . 
         [0131]    Smart device  905  can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer running a software application for controlling and monitoring smart outlets, such as outlet  300  illustrated in  FIGS. 3, and 6-8 . 
         [0132]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram of module  901  depicted in  FIG. 9 . Power-Line Communications Interface  1004  is couple to the branch circuit to with module  901  is connected via electrical blades  1002  and  1003 . Blades  1002  and  1003  can plug into a conventional electrical wall outlet or to a smart outlet such as depicted in  FIG. 3 . A Bluetooth transmitter  1001  also is provides which allows control and display signals to be exchanged with smart device  905  shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0133]    Also include in module  901  are status LED  1005  and audio alarm  1006  with register the operating status of module  901 . A voice circuit  1007  may also be used to provide status information in the form of a synthesized human voice as those of ordinary skill in the art will know how to achieve. 
         [0134]    The operation of module  901  is controlled by CPU  1011  which communicates with Bluetooth transmitter  1003 , Power-Line Communications Interface  1004  and status indicators  1005  and  1006  via the a CPU signal and Data BUS. 
         [0135]    Also coupled to CPU  1011  are RAM  1008 , ROM  1009  and Non Volatile Memory  1010 . These elements operate in a similar manner as RAM  317 , ROM  318  and Non Volatile Memory  319  operate with respect to CPU  321  as described with respect to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0136]    With the use of a smart device, module  901  allows a user to monitor and control the various smart breakers and outlets in an associated electrical system by communicating with the Master Control System. 
         [0137]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a Master Control System (MCS)  1100  in accordance with the present invention. As MCS  1100  is able to communicate over the electrical wiring, it may operate from any location within an electrical power system. 
         [0138]    For example, MCS  1100  may be fabricated in the physical size of a conventional circuit breaker and be plugged in to an electrical power panel, such as across one of the power phase lines as shown in  FIG. 11 . MCS  1100  may also be fabricated as an external module with electric power blades that can be plugged into a conventional electric wall outlet to establish an electrical connection to the electrical system. 
         [0139]    The operation of MCS  1100  is controlled by CPU  1112  which communicates with smart devices, such smart breakers and smart outlets, over Power-Line Communications Interface  1102 . Status LED  1105  and audio alarm  1106  provide information on the status of MSC  1100  and which are also controlled by CPU  1111  via CPU Signal And Data BUS. 
         [0140]    Data Store  1103  is provided for storing electrical fault and power consumption information as might be reported by various smart devices in the electrical system. 
         [0141]    DHCP server  1104  provides dynamic IP addresses to smart devices in the electrical that might require such as address as is known in the art. 
         [0142]    Also coupled to CPU  1111  are RAM  1108 , ROM  1109  and Non Volatile Memory  1110 . These elements operate in a similar manner as RAM  317 , ROM  318  and Non Volatile Memory  319  operate with respect to CPU  321  as described with respect to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0143]    Module  901  allows a user to monitor and control the various smart breakers and outlets in an associated electrical system by communicating with the Master Control System. 
         [0144]      FIG. 12  is block diagram illustrating the integration of the smart breaker, smart outlet and Master Control system of the present invention into an electrical power panel and the branch circuit equipment that might be connected to the power panel. 
         [0145]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , some branch circuits are protected by conventional legacy circuit breaker while others use the smart breaker and smart outlet of the present invention. 
         [0146]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a solar array  1300  used to provide an alternative source of power. 
         [0147]    The array includes solar panels  1301 - 104  as known in the art, combiner  1305  as known in the art, a smart breaker  1306  in accordance with  FIG. 1  of the present invention, charge controller  1307  as known in the art, storage battery pack  1308  as known in the art, grid tie converter  1309  as known in the art, main power distribution panel  1310  as known in the art and bi-directional utility meter  1311  as known in the art. 
         [0148]    Smart breaker  1308  monitors fault conditions and power generated by array  1300  and reports this information to the Master Control System. The Master Control System monitors power consumption within the electrical system by interrogating all of the smart breakers and smart outlets in the electrical system. 
         [0149]    By doing so, an accurate account of the amount of power delivered by the solar array and by the power utility can be determined. Thus, cost setoffs can accurately be calculated when unneeded power generated by the solar array is sold to the power utility through bi-directional utility meter  1407 . 
         [0150]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram of a wind driven alternative power source  1400 . The elements of this system correspond to those described above with respect to the solar array system illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0151]    While the foregoing specification teaches the principles of the present invention, with examples provided for the purpose of illustration, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art from reading this disclosure that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention.