Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling outlet power

A power outlet control device includes at least one electrical outlet and a processing circuit comprising a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include monitoring external power supplied to the power outlet control device, detecting one or more powerline events based on the external power supplied to the power outlet control device, and automatically controlling an amount of power supplied to the at least one electrical outlet based on the one or more powerline events.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to methods for managing power consumed by various devices included in a building. Many devices used on a day-to-day basis required electrical power to operate and are, therefore, plugged into wall outlets to receive the desired power for operation. Wall outlets can include various features such as wireless communication with external devices, power consumption measurement, ground fault circuit interrupters, and arc fault circuit interrupters.

Power anomalies, such as a power surge, a power outage, or substandard power quality, can damage the devices that are plugged into such wall outlets. It would be advantageous to provide a wall outlet that can minimize damage to the devices due to power anomalies.

SUMMARY

One implementation of the present disclosure is a power outlet control device, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the power outlet control device includes at least one electrical outlet, and a processing circuit. In some embodiments, the processing circuit includes a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. In some embodiments, the operations include monitoring external power supplied to the power outlet control device. In some embodiments, the operations include detecting one or more powerline events based on the external power supplied to the power outlet control device. In some embodiments, the operations include automatically controlling an amount of power supplied to the at least one electrical outlet based on the one or more powerline events.

In some embodiments, the power outlet control device further includes a backup battery configured to provide a backup source of power to the power outlet control device.

In some embodiments, detecting the one or more powerline events includes detecting a substandard power quality characteristic of the external power based on at least one of the voltage characteristic and the frequency characteristic.

In some embodiments, the one or more powerline events include a power outage.

In some embodiments, the power outlet control device is further configured to restore power to the at least one electrical outlet based on a power restoration schedule.

In some embodiments, the operations further include communicating with one or more other power outlet control devices to generate the power restoration schedule. In some embodiments, the power restoration schedule defines an order in which the power outlet control device restores power to the at least one electrical outlet relative the one or more other power outlet control devices.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a power outlet control device, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the power outlet control device includes at least one electrical outlet and a processing circuit. In some embodiments, the processing circuit includes a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. In some embodiments, the operations include monitoring power consumed by one or more devices coupled to the at least one electrical outlet. In some embodiments, the operations include detecting one or more outlet anomalies based on the power consumed by the one or more devices coupled to the at least one electrical outlet. In some embodiments, the operations include automatically controlling an amount of power supplied to the one or more devices via the at least one electrical outlet based on the one or more outlet anomalies.

In some embodiments, detecting the one or more outlet anomalies includes detecting a particular device coupled to the at least one electrical outlet consuming an idle amount of power and automatically disabling the power supplied to the particular device via the at least one electrical outlet.

In some embodiments, the operations further include measuring the amount of power consumed by the one or more devices coupled to the at least one electrical outlet and transmitting the measured amount of power to a building management system.

In some embodiments, measuring the amount of power consumed by the one or more devices includes detecting that a particular device of the one or more devices is consuming an excess amount of power and automatically disabling the power supplied to the particular device via the at least one electrical outlet.

In some embodiments, monitoring the power consumed by the one or more devices includes collecting an electrical signature for a device coupled to the at least one electrical outlet to identify the one or more devices.

In some embodiments, detecting the one or more outlet anomalies includes detecting a prohibited device coupled to the at least one electrical outlet based on the collected signature for the prohibited device and automatically disabling the power supplied to the prohibited device via the at least one electrical outlet.

In some embodiments, detecting the one or more outlet anomalies includes detecting a short circuit in a device coupled to the at least one electrical outlet based on the power consumed by the device and automatically disabling the power supplied to the at least one electrical outlet to which the short circuited device is coupled.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a power outlet control device, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the power outlet control device includes at least one electrical outlet and a processing circuit. In some embodiments, the processing circuit includes a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. In some embodiments, the operations include determining that power supplied to the at least one electrical outlet is disabled and communicating with one or more other power outlet control devices. In some embodiments, the operations include obtaining a power restoration schedule defining a sequence in which the power outlet control device and the one or more other power outlet control devices restore power supplied to the at least one electrical outlet and one or more other electrical outlets of the one or more other power outlet control devices. In some embodiments, the operations include automatically restoring power supplied to the at least one electrical outlet in coordination with the one or more other power outlet control devices based on the power restoration schedule.

In some embodiments, communicating with the one or more other power outlet control devices includes transmitting power consumption measurements of one or more devices coupled to the at least one electrical outlet.

In some embodiments, the operations further include generating the power restoration schedule based on one or more power consumption measurements from the power outlet control device and the one or more other power outlet control devices.

In some embodiments, generating the power restoration schedule includes ranking the at least one electrical outlet and the one or more other electrical outlets based on the one or more power consumption measurements and generating the sequence based on the ranking.

In some embodiments, automatically restoring power includes ramping up the power supplied to the at least one electrical outlet based on the restoration schedule.

In some embodiments, determining that power supplied to the at least one electrical outlet is disabled includes detecting a power outage in external power supplied to the power outlet control device.

In some embodiments, automatically restoring power supplied to the at least one electrical outlet based on the power restoration schedule is performed in response to determining that the external power supplied to the power outlet control device has been restored.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Referring generally to the FIGURES, systems and methods for monitoring and controlling power supplied to devices via power outlets are shown, according to various exemplary embodiments. A power outlet control device (PCD) includes a powerline analyzer and an outlet administrator, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the powerline analyzer is configured to monitor and control power that is supplied by an external power source to the PCD. In some embodiments, the outlet administrator is configured to monitor and control the supplied power that is transmitted to one or more electrical outlets provided by the PCD and consumed by various devices electrically coupled to the one or more electrical outlets.

The powerline analyzer is configured to detect a powerline event involving changes in the quality of power supplied to the PCD, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the changes in the quality of power are an increase or decrease of the current, frequency, and/or voltage of the supplied power. In such embodiments, the powerline analyzer is configured to generate a powerline signal comprising information associated with the powerline event. The powerline analyzer transmits the powerline signal to the outlet administrator for use in determining power decisions. Such power decisions may comprise disabling power transmitted to the PCD, enabling power to the PCD, and/or taking no action.

The outlet administrator is configured to monitor and control power supplied to various devices plugged into the one or more electrical outlets provided by the PCD, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the outlet administrator is configured to monitor for short circuits based on the power consumed by a device, determine a location of the shorted circuit, and deny power transmission to a location of the shorted circuit until properly fixed. In some embodiments, outlet administrator is configured to determine, based on an electrical signature, an identity of each device that is electrically coupled to a building power supply. In such embodiments, outlet administrator is configured to determine a prohibited device based on the electrical signature.

Before discussing the FIGURES in detail, it should be noted that the examples provided in the present disclosure are illustrative only and are not limitations on the scope of invention.

Building and Building Management System

Referring toFIG.1A, a view of a building100is shown, according to some embodiments. For exemplary purposes, building100is shown as a residential house. However, it should be understood that building100may include any type of building such as a residential building (e.g., a house, an apartment building, etc.), a commercial building (e.g., an office building, a restaurant, a retailer, etc.), a public building (e.g., a school, a government building, a museum, etc.), etc. In some embodiments, building100is served by a building management system (BMS). As will be described in greater detail with reference toFIG.2, a BMS is, in general, a system of devices configured to control, monitor, and/or manage equipment in or around a building or building area. A BMS can include, for example, a HVAC system, a security system, a lighting system, a fire alerting system, and any other system that is capable of managing building functions or devices, or any combination thereof. An example of a BMS which can be used to monitor and control building100is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/717,593 filed May 20, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Building100is shown to be divided into a first level104and a second level106, according to some embodiments. First level104is shown to be further divided into a kitchen zone108and a living room zone110, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, kitchen zone108includes various devices such as a microwave112, an electric stove114, a refrigerator116, and a power outlet control device (PCD)118. Living room zone110is shown to include devices such as a television120and PCD118, according to some embodiments. Second level106is shown to be further divided into a bedroom zone122, a hallway zone124, and an office zone126, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, bedroom zone122includes a device charger128and PCD118, hallway zone124includes PCD118and lights130, and office zone126includes PCD118and a computer132. As shown, each device previously stated is electrically coupled to the corresponding PCD118located in the corresponding zone and receives power (generated and supplied by an external power source) via PCD118. Although each zone is shown to include a singular PCD118, it should be understood that each zone may include more than one PCD118. The features and operations performed by PCD118will be described in greater detail below.

In general, PCD118is a device providing points of electrical coupling (e.g., electrical outlets) and configured to monitor and control the power supplied to and transmitted therethrough to various external devices (e.g., device charger128, computer132, etc.) that are coupled (e.g., electrically, physically) to the points of electrical coupling, according to some embodiments. As will be described in greater detail with reference toFIGS.3-9, in some embodiments, PCD118is configured to perform power diagnostics on the power transmitted to the one or more external devices that are coupled to PCD118to determine various characteristics such as an amount of power consumption by external devices via PCD118, quality of power supplied to the external devices via PCD118, etc. and/or events such as short circuits, power surges, etc. In addition, or alternatively, PCD118is configured to perform power diagnostics on the power that is supplied to PCD118from an external power source to determine various characteristics such as quality of power supplied to PCD118and/or events such as power outages. In some embodiments, PCD118monitors an amount of idle power (e.g., an amount of power consumed by an external device coupled to PCD118when not operating) and disables power transmission through PCD118to the points of electrical coupling, thereby reducing a cost of purchasing an amount of power when no external devices are coupled to PCD118. In some embodiments, PCD118monitors power consumption by an external device that are electrically coupled to PCD118to determine an operating state (e.g., on, off, idling) of the device. In such embodiments, PCD118disables power transmission to the external device when it is determined that the external device is not operating (e.g., in an off state), thereby reducing the cost to purchase power that is transmitted to such an external device. Such power diagnostics performances may occur continuously or intermittently.

Each PCD118is also configured to determine a power restoration schedule following an event (such as a power outage) by communicating (e.g., via wireless communication, via powerline communication, etc.) with one or more other PCDs118. For example, a first PCD118, to which device charger128is coupled to, may first restore power. A second PCD118, to which television120is connected to, communicates with the first PCD118to determine that the second PCD118will restore power following the power restoration to the first PCD118. As such, the power restoration schedule is determined by a history and/or prediction of plug load of each of the PCDs118. Alternatively, the power restoration schedule can be determined by user input, random generation, location of each PCD118with a building, etc. Advantageously, by determining a power restoration schedule, a surge in power that is restored to the one or more external devices is reduced allowing for minimal potential damage to the external devices that can be caused by a power surge.

In some embodiments, PCD118includes some or all of the components, features, and/or functionality of the plug-in sensory communication device described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/381,833 filed Apr. 11, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. As will be described in greater detail with reference toFIG.3, in some embodiments, PCD118is structured as a device operating as an outlet (e.g., PCD118replaces an existing outlet). That is, PCD118is directly and electrically coupled to an electrical system provided by a building (e.g., building100). As such, PCD118may provide any type of attachment features or components (e.g., threaded fasteners, adhesive material) to secure a location of the PCD118to a wall, ceiling, floor, etc. within a zone. PCD118may also include any number of and type of relay, terminal, etc. to facilitate the electrical coupling of PCD118to the electrical system provided by the building. Alternatively, as will be described in greater detail with reference toFIGS.4&5, PCD118is structured as a movable device configured to physically and electrically couple into a wall outlet. PCD118may provide any number of power plugs to facilitate the electrical and physical coupling of PCD118with a power outlet. Accordingly, PCD118may also provide any number of outlets to provide a point of electrical coupling to a building electrical system via the wall outlet.

Referring now toFIG.1B, building100can include another PCD119. PCD119can be the same as or similar to any of PCDs118and may include similar structure and/or be configured to perform similar functionality as PCDs118. In some embodiments, any of PCDs118or PCD119are a smart circuit breaker. For example, any of the PCDs described herein can be configured to perform any of the functionality of the smart circuit breaker as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 16/215,791, filed Dec. 11, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

When PCD119is configured as a smart breaker, PCD119can coordinate restoring power to multiple circuits of building100in a staged manner. For example, when a power line event causes a power outage and power returns, PCD119can activate one or more circuits or PCDs118of building100based on priority, in a staged manner. In this way, power can be returned to the building gradually in a staged manner.

PCD119may coordinate with other circuit breakers (e.g., other PCDs) in building100to determine that power supplied to one or more electrical outlets are disabled. PCD119may also coordinate or communicate with other circuit breakers to obtain a power restoration schedule that defines a sequence in which PCDs118restore power supplied to the electrical outlets and to automatically restore power according to the power restoration schedule. In some embodiments, PCD119coordinates with other circuit breakers or smart circuit breakers if building100includes multiple circuit breakers or multiple smart circuit breakers, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, PCD119can coordinate power restoration to different circuits of building100without coordinating or communicating with other circuit breakers. For example, PCD119may be a single circuit breaker of building100and can automatically restore power in the staged manner to PCDs118or the circuits of building100. It should be understood that the term “power outlet control device” or “PCD” may refer to any smart outlets, circuit breakers, smart circuit breakers, etc., as described herein. It should also be understood that any “outlets,” “electrical outlets,” or “smart outlets” as described herein may be a 3-phase, single phase, etc., or any other type of electrical outlet. Electrical outlets of PCDs118may include standard wall outlets into which electrical devices can be plugged, as shown inFIGS.3-4. Electrical outlets of PCD119may include electrical circuits controlled by PCD119, each of which may provide electricity to one or more standard wall outlets, electrical devices (e.g., lights, appliances, building equipment, etc.), or PCDs118distributed throughout building100.

Referring now toFIG.2, a block diagram of a building management system (BMS)200is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. BMS200may be implemented in a building (e.g., building100) to automatically monitor and control various building functions. BMS200is shown to include BMS controller202and a plurality of building subsystems204. Building subsystems204are shown to include a fire safety system222, a lift/escalators subsystem224, a building electrical subsystem226, an information communication technology (ICT) subsystem228, a security subsystem230, a HVAC subsystem232, and a lighting subsystem234. In various embodiments, building subsystems204can include fewer, additional, or alternative subsystems. For example, building subsystems204may also or alternatively include a refrigeration subsystem, an advertising or signage subsystem, a cooking subsystem, a vending subsystem, a printer or copy service subsystem, or any other type of building subsystem that uses controllable equipment and/or sensors to monitor or control a building.

Each of building subsystems204may include any number of devices, controllers, and connections for completing its individual functions and control activities. For example, HVAC subsystem232may include a chiller, a boiler, any number of air handling units, economizers, field controllers, supervisory controllers, actuators, temperature sensors, and other devices for controlling the temperature, humidity, airflow, or other variable conditions within a building. Lighting subsystem234may include any number of light fixtures, ballasts, lighting sensors, dimmers, or other devices configured to controllably adjust the amount of light provided to a building space. Security subsystem230may include occupancy sensors, video surveillance cameras, digital video recorders, video processing servers, intrusion detection devices, access control devices and servers, or other security-related devices.

BMS controller202is shown to communicate with PCD118, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, PCD118includes a sensor that monitors one or more environmental variables (e.g., humidity, temperature, occupancy, etc.). For example, PCD118may include a temperature sensor configured to collect temperature data and transmits the measured temperature data to BMS controller202for use in control processes. In some embodiments, PCD118may be capable of transmitting control data (e.g., temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, etc.) generated based on collected environmental data to BMS controller202. Control data may be any data which affects operation of the BMS200. In some embodiments, control data may control building subsystems204through BMS controller202. For example, PCD118may send a signal with a command to enable intrusion detection devices of security subsystem230. In some embodiments, BMS controller202communicates with PCD118to collect various power characteristics such as power consumed by external devices with are connected to PCD118, quality of power supplied to the external devices, etc. In some embodiments in which PCD118monitors an amount of power consumed by external devices that are electrically coupled to PCD118, PCD118transmits the power consumption amount t0BMS controller202for use in control algorithms for building subsystems204.

BMS controller206also includes communications interface208. Communications interface208may facilitate communication between BMS controller202, building subsystems204(e.g., HVAC, lighting, security, lifts, power distribution, etc.), and/or PCD118. Communications interface208can be or include wired or wireless communication interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communication with building subsystems204, PCD118, or other external systems or devices. In various embodiments, communication via communications interface208may be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communication) or via a communication network (e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). For example, communications interface208can include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communication link or network. In another example, communications interface208can include a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communication network. In yet another example, communications interface208may include cellular or mobile phone communication transceivers.

Still referring toFIG.2, BMS controller202is shown to include a processing circuit210. Processing circuit210includes a processor212and memory214. Processor212can be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components.

Memory214(e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application. Memory214may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory214may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to an exemplary embodiment, memory214is communicably coupled to processor212via processing circuit210and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by processing circuit210and/or processor212) one or more processes described herein.

In some embodiments, BMS controller202is implemented within a single computer (e.g., one server, one housing, etc.). In various other embodiments, BMS controller202may be distributed across multiple servers or computers (e.g., that can exist in distributed locations). For example, BMS controller202may be implemented as part of a METASYS® brand building automation system, as sold by Johnson Controls Inc. In other embodiments, BMS controller202may be a component of a remote computing system or cloud-based computing system configured to receive and process data from one or more building management systems. For example, BMS controller202may be implemented as part of a PANOPTIX® brand building efficiency platform, as sold by Johnson Controls Inc. In other embodiments, BMS controller202may be a component of a subsystem level controller (e.g., a HVAC controller), a subplant controller, a device controller (e.g., a chiller controller, etc.), a field controller, a computer workstation, a client device, or any other system or device that receives and processes data.

Still referring toFIG.2, memory214is shown to include a message parser216and a feedback controller218. Message parser216and feedback controller218may be configured to receive inputs from building subsystems204, PCD118, and other data sources, determine optimal control actions for building subsystems204based on the inputs, generate control signals based on the optimal control actions, and provide the generated control signals to building subsystems204.

Message parser216may be configured to parse data received by BMS controller202. For example, a message containing multiple data values (e.g., measured values) may be received by BMS controller202from one or more sensors included in building subsystems204. Message parser216may be configured to parse the message and extract the multiple data values. Message parser216may provide one value at a time to feedback controller218. In yet other embodiments, message parser216may provide only values of a certain type to feedback controller218. For example, message parser216may only provide measured values to feedback controller218In some embodiments, message parser216can work with feedback controller218to optimize building performance (e.g., efficiency, energy use, comfort, or safety) based on inputs received at communications interface208.

Power Outlet Control Device

Referring now toFIG.3, a schematic drawing illustrating a first embodiment of PCD118is shown, according to some embodiments. The embodiment illustrated byFIG.3shows PCD118structured as a device configured for attachment to a structure (e.g., a wall, a ceiling, a floor) and direct electrical coupling to a building electrical system via a terminal included in PCD118. In such an embodiment, the device may be installed to the structure via one or more attachment features302. Such attachment features may include threaded fasteners, adhesive materials, etc. The electrical outlets308provided by PCD118can be electrically coupled to the building electrical systems via one or more connection points (e.g., terminals). The embodiment illustrated inFIG.3shows PCD118as a device that is directly coupled to the electrical system of a building. As such, PCD118may be used in lieu of standard wall outlets that do not provide the features disclosed herein.

Referring now toFIG.4, a schematic drawing illustrating a second embodiment of PCD118is shown, according to some embodiments. As shown, PCD118includes one or more electrical outlets308configured to provide a point of electrical coupling to one or more external devices. The embodiment illustrated byFIG.4shows PCD118structured as a movable device that can be electrically coupled to a building electrical system via a wall outlet. A movable device may be plugged into a first wall outlet, unplugged from the first wall outlet, and plugged into a second wall outlet. As shown inFIG.5, PCD118can be electrically coupled to a building electrical system by a coupling an electrical interface502(which may be structured as one or more power plugs) into a wall outlet504. Upon coupling of PCD118to wall outlet504, PCD118may receive power from wall outlet504and transmit such power to one or more external devices that are plugged into the electrical outlets308.

As discussed above, PCD119may include some or all of the same components as PCD118. The components of PCD119may be configured to perform the same or similar functions as described with reference to PCD118. Accordingly, it should be understood that some or all of the description and/or illustration of PCD118and the components thereof provided in the present disclosure applies to PCD119as well. Additionally, any references to PCD118in the present disclosure should be understood as referring to PCD119as well, unless differences in structure or functionality of PCD119are explicitly noted in the corresponding description. For example, electrical interface502in PCD119may include an input power connection at which PCD119receives electricity from a main power line of building100or from an electric utility, whereas electrical interface502of PCD118may resemble power plugs as shown inFIG.5.

Referring now toFIG.6, a block diagram illustrating PCD118in greater detail is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. PCD118is shown to be electrically coupled to a power source602via electrical interface502, according to some embodiments. Power source602may provide power to a building via a building electrical system. Such power may be generated by any one of an electrical utility, a building power plant, a generator, etc. As previously described, electrical interface502may be one or more terminals configured to couple PCD118to a building electrical system or one or more power plugs (as shown inFIG.5) configured to coupled PCD118to a wall outlet (e.g., wall outlet504).

PCD118is shown to include electrical interface502, a backup battery604, electrical outlets308, a sensor606, a communications interface608, and a processing circuit610. In some embodiments, PCD118may include additional components (e.g., a user interface, control buttons/switches, lights, etc.). In other embodiments, PCD118may include fewer or any combination of components. In some embodiments, PCD118may include ports allowing for the installation of additional modules (e.g., additional sensors, lights, processors, etc.).

Backup battery604is any source of power (e.g., chemical, renewable, etc.) that is capable of providing a source of power if power supplied by an external power source is not available (e.g., a power line event causing a power outage, etc.), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, processing circuit610may be capable of detecting when power supplied by an external power source is not available. In such embodiments, processing circuit610is capable of activating backup battery604(e.g., turn on) in order to power PCD18. In such embodiments, as will be described in greater detail below, the power supplied by backup battery604is consumed by PCD118to slowly restore (e.g., ramp up) power supplied to electrical outlets308upon restoration of power supplied by the external power source. Ramping up power may include gradually increasing an amount of power supplied to electrical outlets308. Advantageously, by slowly restoring electrical outlet loads upon restoration of power, electrical damage caused by a sudden power surge can be substantially prevented.

Electrical outlets308are shown to be included as a component of PCD118and can be located on an external surface of a housing that encases PCD118, according to some embodiments. Electrical outlets308may be capable of providing a point of electrical connection of PCD118to an external power source in order to supply external devices with power supplied by the external power source. In some embodiments, PCD118may include additional electrical outlets308(e.g., more than two). In other embodiments, PCD118includes fewer electrical outlets308(e.g., less than two). The shape and/or structure (e.g., two prong, three prong, etc.) may be configurable. In PCD119, electrical outlets308may be electrical connections of PCD119that provide electricity to various electric circuits within building100(e.g., to standard wall outlets, to PCDs118, to building equipment, etc.). Accordingly, the term “electrical outlets” should be understood as encompassing not only the embodiments of electrical outlets308of PCD118shown inFIGS.3-4(e.g., outlets resembling standard wall outlets into which a plug can be inserted), but also electrical connections that function to “outlet” (e.g., deliver, provide, output, etc.) electricity from PCD119to various electric circuits within building100.

Sensor606is shown to be included as a component of PCD118and can be located on or within a housing that encases PCD118, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, sensor606is any device capable of measuring an environment variable (e.g., temperature, humidity, occupancy, pressure, air quality, carbon monoxide, smoke, etc.). For example, sensor606may be a temperature sensor capable of measuring temperature of a zone. In some embodiments, sensor606may include additional sensors capable of measuring different environmental variables. In some embodiments, sensor606may be capable of outputting data containing a measurement of an environmental variable to BMS controller202.

Communications interface608is shown to facilitate communications between PCD118, a user device612, and BMS controller202, according to some embodiments. Communications interface608may include wired or wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with various systems, devices, or networks. For example, communications interface608may include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications network and/or a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. Communications interface608may be configured to communicate via local area networks or wide area networks (e.g., the Internet, a building WAN, etc.) and may use a variety of communications protocols (e.g., BACnet, IP, LON, etc.). Communications interface608may be a network interface configured to facilitate electronic data communications between PCD118and various external systems or devices (e.g., BMS controller202, user device612, etc.). Although communications interface608and electrical interface502are shown as two separate interfaces, in some embodiments, communications interface608and electrical interface502may be provided as a single interface configured to electrically couple PCD118to power source602and facilitate communications between PCD118and one or more other PCDs118via powerline communications. In such embodiments, communications may be wireless and/or via power line communications conducted via a power line (e.g., a wiring system) provided by a building electrical system.

User device612includes any type of computing device that may be used to facilitate user input to PCD118and/or receive information from PCD118. In this regard, user device612may include any wearable or non-wearable device. Wearable devices refer to any type of device that an individual wears including, but not limited to, a watch (e.g., a smart watch), glasses (e.g., eye glasses, sunglasses, smart glasses), bracelet (e.g., a smart bracelet), etc. The user device612may also include any type of mobile device including, but not limited to, a phone (e.g., smart phone), table, personal digital assistant, and/or computing devices (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant).

Processing circuit610is shown to include a processor614and memory616, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, processing circuit314may be capable of processing relating to the operation of PCD118. Processor614can be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. Processor614may be configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory616or received from other computer readable media (e.g., CDROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.).

Memory616(e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application. Memory616may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory320may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to an exemplary embodiment, memory320is communicably connected to processor614via processing circuit314and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by processing circuit610and/or processor614) one or more processes described herein.

Processing circuit610is also shown to include a powerline analyzer618, an outlet administrator620, and a power database622, according to some embodiments. As will be described in greater detail with reference toFIG.8, in some embodiments, powerline analyzer322is configured to monitor the external power supplied by an external power source (e.g., external power source602), detect anomalies in the external power (e.g., power outages), and monitor the quality of the power supplied by the external power source (e.g., power source602). In PCD118, power source602may include a power line that delivers electricity from a circuit breaker or other power source within building100to PCD118. In PCD119, power source602may include a power line that delivers electricity from a main power line within building100to PCD119(e.g., an input power line for a circuit breaker). In such embodiments, powerline analyzer618is configured to monitor and collect information associated with the current, frequency, and/or voltage of the power supplied to PCD118to detect and/or predict anomalies (e.g., power outages, power surges) in the supplied power. In some embodiments, powerline analyzer618is configured to monitor a voltage characteristic and/or a frequency characteristic of the external power to detect a substandard power quality characteristic of the external power (e.g., a powerline anomaly). It should be understood that any number of voltage characteristics or frequency characteristics may be monitored by powerline analyzer618. A substandard power quality characteristic may include a frequency characteristic and/or a voltage characteristic that differs from a standard power quality characteristic. For example, a standard power quality characteristic for external power supplied in the United States may comprise a standard frequency characteristic of 60 Hz and a voltage characteristic of 120 V. Powerline analyzer618communicates with outlet administrator620to transmit the collected information to outlet administrator620. As will be described in greater detail below, outlet administrator620uses the received information determine a power decision.

In some embodiments, outlet administrator620is configured to monitor and control power supplied to external devices via various electrical outlets provided by PCD118(e.g., electrical outlets308). More specifically, outlet administrator620is configured to monitor and control of power supplied to one or more devices that are electrically coupled to the various electrical outlets, according to some embodiments. In PCD118, outlet administrator620may monitor and control power supplied to various devices that can be plugged into electrical outlets308. In PCD119, outlet administrator620may monitor and control power supplied to various electrical circuits within building100via electrical outlets308of PCD119. Accordingly, PCD118may further include various hardware components, such as an internal power relay operating as electrical switch to control the flow of power provided to the various electrical outlets. In some embodiments, outlet administrator620is configured to monitor the power supplied to the external devices to detect short circuits, determine a location of the shorted circuit, and deny power transmission to a location of the shorted circuit until properly fixed.

As will be described in greater detail with reference toFIG.7, in some embodiments, outlet administrator620is configured to determine, based on an electrical signature, an identity of each device that is electrically coupled to PCD118. An electrical signature is a unique signature for a particular device comprising the power consumption of the device, voltage signal characteristics (e.g., sine wave, amplitudes, amplitude decay), etc. By collecting such information, the particular device can be identified. In some embodiments, the information is compared to electrical signatures stored in power database622in order to identify the device associated with each electrical signature.

In some embodiments, outlet administrator620is configured to determine a prohibited device based on the electrical signature. In general, a prohibited device is a device that is not permitted for use within the building in which PCD118is used. Upon detecting a prohibited device, outlet administrator620may generated a power decision to deny power transmission to the particular outlet in which the prohibited device is plugged. For example, a dorm may prohibit the use of hot plates in the building. Upon identifying that a hot plate is plugged into PCD118and consuming power (e.g., the hot plate is operating), outlet administrator620will generate the power decision to stop power transmission to the outlet in which the hot plate is plugged.

In some embodiments, power database622operates as a database configured to store various power system information. In some embodiments, power database622stores one or more restoration schedules that defines an order of restoring power to the various outlets. As previously described, a restoration schedule may be generated based on priority of device, random selection of zones, location, and/or estimated plug upon restoration of power. In some embodiments, power database622stores electrical signatures of various devices for use in identifying devices that are plugged into PCD118. In such embodiments, a device associated with a stored electrical signature is considered allowed or prohibited.

Referring now toFIG.7, a block diagram illustrating outlet administrator620in greater detail is shown, according to some embodiments. As previously described, in some embodiments, outlet administrator620is configured to facilitate the monitoring and control of power consumed by external devices via one or more outlets (e.g., electrical outlets308) provided by PCD118. Outlet administrator620is shown to include an outlet monitor702configured to monitor power consumed by various devices and an outlet manager704configured to control the power supplied to the one or more outlets included in PCD118, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, outlet monitor702transmits various signals to outlet manager704. In turn, outlet manager704analyzes the various signals transmitted by outlet monitor702to determine an appropriate action responsive to the received signal.

Outlet administrator620is shown to receive a powerline signal from powerline analyzer618. As will be described in greater detail with reference toFIG.8, such a powerline signal may indicate an event (e.g., a power surge, a power outage) in the power supplied to PCD118. Accordingly, outlet manager704may determine, based on the received powerline signal, a power disable decision configured to automatically disable transmission of power to electrical outlets308. In some embodiments, the powerline signal received by outlet administrator620may indicate the power supplied to PCD118has returned to normal and/or standard characteristics (following a powerline event). As such, outlet manager704may make a power restore decision configured to automatically restore power to electrical outlets308.

Outlet monitor702is configured to monitor (continuously or intermittently) power supplied by electrical outlets308to various devices that are electrically coupled to electrical outlets308, according to some embodiments. More specifically, in some embodiments, outlet monitor702monitors the current of the power consumed by various devices which is supplied by electrical outlets308. In such embodiments, outlet monitor702is configured to monitor the current and/or voltage to detect and/or predict outlet anomalies in the power consumed by various devices. Various examples of outlet anomalies include short circuits, excess power consumption by a device, use of a prohibited device, etc. In some embodiments, outlet monitor702is configured to measure an amount of power consumed by one or more devices that are electrically coupled to the electrical outlets308. In such embodiments, outlet monitor702reports the power consumption measurements to BMS controller202. In some embodiments, outlet monitor702is configured to detect that a device coupled to the electrical outlets308is consuming an idle amount of power. An idle amount of power may be consumed by or transmitted to the device when in a non-operating state. For example, a toaster that is not actively toasting may receive an idle amount of power.

Outlet manager704is configured to receive various signals (e.g., an outlet anomaly signal, a device identification signal) from outlet monitor702and/or powerline analyzer618and analyze the received signals to determine one or more actions in response to received signal, according to some embodiments. As previously described, in some embodiments, outlet manager704is configured to identify the various devices using an electrical signature transmitted with a device identification signal associated with the various devices. In such embodiments, outlet manager704is configured to identify the various devices by matching a particular electrical signature with a device identification electrical signature stored in power database622. Further, in some embodiments, outlet manager704is configured to detect the use of a prohibited device by identifying a particular device. For example, a student dormitory may prohibit the use of hot plates within the dormitory building. By identifying the use of a hot plate, proper actions, such as turning off the power to the particular outlet to which a hot plate is connected, may be administered. As such, outlet manager704is shown to transmit a power disable signal to one or more particular outlets to which the prohibited devices are connected, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a device alert is transmitted to user device612identifying the one or more particular prohibited devices.

In some embodiments, outlet manager704is also configured to user the electrical signatures (e.g., predetermined profiles, expected electrical load variations over time, etc.) to detect anomalous behavior that could lead to a fault, or to detect a fault or a condition that could lead to a fault. In some embodiments, outlet manager704is configured to compare the electrical signatures (e.g., expected load variation over time) to actual loads over time (e.g., actual conditions). A non-match or a difference or a change over time (determined by outlet manager704based on the comparison) can indicate a changing condition that may be a fault, an anomalous event, or a condition that may lead to a fault. In some embodiments, outlet manager704is configured to predict fault occurrences or likelihoods based on deviations of actual electrical loads over time with respect to the electrical signature. For example, if the deviations indicate that the actual load shifts away from the electrical signature (e.g., a predetermined profile indicating proper operation) and towards a fault profile or signature (e.g., a predetermined profile indicating improper operation), outlet manager704can determine that a fault occurrence is likely to occur in near future.

Referring now toFIG.8, a process800for monitoring power quality of power supplied to a building by an external power source and generating actions in response to an anomaly in the power quality is shown, according to some embodiments. Process800can be performed in part by PCD118and/or PCD119and components included therein, according to some embodiments. As will be described in greater detail below, portions of process800can be performed continuously or intermittently in order to facilitate the detection and treatment of powerline anomalies. For example, process800may be performed every minute in order to detect and address the presence of a powerline anomaly.

Process800is shown to involve monitoring the current and voltage of power supplied by an external power source to a PCD (step802), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step802is performed by powerline analyzer618. In some embodiments, monitoring the current and voltage involves monitoring for changes in the supplied current, frequency, and/or voltage that are greater or less than a particular value associated with a standard value for each of the current and voltage. Such standard values may be 120 V for voltage and 60 Hz for frequency. In some embodiments, monitoring the current, frequency and voltage involves continuously monitoring the power supplied. In some embodiments, monitoring the current, frequency and/or voltage involves intermittently monitoring.

Process800is shown to involve detecting a powerline anomaly in the power supplied to a PCD118(step804), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step804is performed by powerline analyzer618. Detecting a powerline anomaly involves detecting a change in a value of the current and/or voltage of the supplied power, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, detecting a powerline anomaly involves determining a power outage based on a reduced value of the current and/or voltage of the supplied power relative to a normal operating value of the current and/or voltage. In some embodiments, detecting a powerline anomaly involves determining external power restoration and/or a power surge based on an increased value of the current and/or voltage of the supplied relative a normal operating value or a prior change in the current and/or voltage. For example, an increase in the current relative a prior change value (e.g., indicating a power outage) may indicate power has been restored.

Process800is shown to involve estimating a plug load required when power is restored (step806), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step806is performed by outlet administrator620. In such embodiments, estimating a plug load involves determining a plug load based on the current devices that are plugged into a particular outlet provided by the PCD. Accordingly, based on the current devices plugged into the PCD, an amount of power consumed by the current devices via the particular outlet can be determined.

Process800is shown to involve determining power restoration schedule (step808), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, determining a power restoration schedule involves retrieving the power restoration schedule received from power database622. In some embodiments, the power restoration schedule is defined by the amount of power consumed by the one or more devices that are plugged into the one or more PCDs. In such embodiments, the power restoration schedule is determined based on an increasing amount of power consumption order of the one or more devices coupled to each of the one or more PCDs. Accordingly, the one or more PCDs communicate with one another to determine the power restoration schedule based on the estimated plug load determined in step806(e.g., power consumption measurements). For example, with reference toFIG.1A, a first PCD118, to which microwave112is coupled to, may first restore power. A second PCD118, to which refrigerator116is connected to, communicates with the first PCD118to determine that the second PCD118will restore power following the power restoration to the first PCD118. As such, it is advantageous to first restore power to a first device that consume less power than second device in order to minimize power surges due to power restoration. As previously described, power restoration schedules may alternately be generated by user-inputted and/or updated based on user preference, randomly-selection, based on location of PCDs within a building, etc.

Process800is shown to involve restoring power in the order defined by the power restoration schedule (step810), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, restoring power involves outlet manager704transmitting a power restoration signal to the one or more electrical outlets based on the order defined by the power restoration schedule. In such embodiments, the transmitted power restoration signal allows for power to be transmitted to the one or more electrical outlets provided by the PCD.

Referring now toFIG.9, a process900for monitoring power consumed by various devices via electrical outlets provided by a PCD and generating power decisions in response to one or more events in the power supplied to the devices via the outlets is shown, according to some embodiments. Process900can be performed in part by outlet administrator620and components included therein, according to some embodiments. As will be described in greater detail below, portions of process900can be continuously or intermittently performed in order to facilitate the detection and treatment of outlet anomalies.

Process900is shown to involve monitoring the current, frequency, and voltage of power supplied to various devices via one or more outlets (step902), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step902is performed by outlet monitor702. In some embodiments, monitoring the current, frequency, and voltage involves monitoring for changes in the supplied current, frequency and/or voltage that are greater or less than a standard value. Such standard values may be 120 V for voltage and 60 Hz for frequency. In other embodiments, monitoring the current and voltage involves determining an electrical signature of the power consumed by one or more devices. In some embodiments, monitoring the current and voltage involves continuously monitoring the power supplied. In some embodiments, monitoring the current and/or voltage involves monitoring at an interval (e.g., every 5 seconds, every minute, etc.).

Process900is shown to involves detecting a change in power supplied to devices via the electrical outlets (step904), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step904is performed by outlet monitor702. Detecting a change in power supplied to devices via outlets involves detecting a change in a value of the current, frequency, and/or voltage of the supplied power, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, detecting a change in power supplied to devices via outlets involves determining a short circuit has occurred. In some embodiments, detecting a change in power supplied to devices via outlets involves determining that a device is consuming an amount of power in excess of a predetermined amount. Such a predetermined amount may be an estimated amount of power to be consumed by the device. In some embodiments, step904involves detecting a change in power due to a device beginning operation and consuming an amount of power. In such embodiments, step904involves identifying a device based on the characteristics of the power consumed by the device. In some embodiments, step904involves outlet monitor702transmitting a signal indicating the detected change in power to outlet manager704

Process900is shown to involve analyzing the change to determine if an anomaly is occurring (step906), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step906involves outlet manager704receiving a signal indicating a detected change in power and analyzing the signal. In some embodiments, analyzing the received signal involves comparing current, frequency, and/or voltage values (that were transmitted with the signal) with predetermined current, frequency, and/or voltage values to determine if an anomaly is occurring. As such, if the current, frequency and/or voltage are not approximately equal to predetermined current, frequency, and/or voltage values, then an anomaly is determined to be occurring, according to some embodiments. For example, an excess amount of current may indicate that a short circuit is occurring or an excess amount of power is being consumed by a particular device via a particular outlet. In some embodiments, analyzing the received signal involves comparing an electrical signature associated with a particular device with a stored electrical signature to identify the particular device. In such embodiments, identifying the particular device involves determining that the particular device is considered a prohibited device. As previously described, a prohibited device may be a device that is prohibited for use in a particular building.

Process900is shown to involve reporting the determined anomaly and performing an appropriate action based on the particular type of anomaly (step908), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, reporting the determined anomaly involves transmitting a message to a user device (e.g., user device612). The transmitted message may include information such as type of anomaly, location, prohibited device warning, time of occurrence, etc. In some embodiments, step908involves transmitting a power decision based on the analyzed change (step906) to one or more electrical outlet provided by a PCD. In such embodiments, the power decision comprises an action (e.g., disable power, restore power) to be performed. In some embodiments, performing an action involves disabling power transmission to one or more particular outlets where the anomaly was determined to occur. For example, power transmission to a particular outlet at which a short circuit occurred may be disabled until proper maintenance operations can be performed to reset the circuit breaker. In another example, power transmission to particular outlet at which a prohibited device is connected may be disable until the prohibited device is disconnected from the particular outlet.

Referring generally toFIGS.6-9, it should be understood that any of the components, functionality, or features as described herein with reference toFIGS.6-9may be implemented in PCD119(described above with reference toFIG.1B). For example, PCD119may include similar or the same structure (e.g., backup battery604, sensor606, processing circuit610, communications interface608, etc.) as PCD118or may be configured to perform process800and/or process900. Any of the description of PCD118herein with reference toFIGS.6-9may also apply to PCD119. In some embodiments, PCD119can differ from PCD118structurally. For example, PCD119may be configured as a circuit breaker and may exclude electrical outlet308and/or electrical interface502, or may use different electrical outlets or different electrical interfaces for implementation as a smart circuit breaker.

Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments