Abstract:
An energy management capsule is disclosed, being a mains-powered device with multiple sensors or electrical output controllers connected to the Internet. Web services analyse sensor data for controlling electrical outputs and providing information about significant changes to predicted sensor values. Several Energy Management Capsules may be interconnected via mains powerlines, wireless communications or wired digital networks. It reports failure of mains power supply.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to an energy management capsule. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Current security and environmental control system have a single function, such as intruder alarms or central heating thermostats. Existing hardware and software are not multi-functional, and are unable to act as both an alarm and a thermostatic control system. The electrical power industry also needs method of balancing demand with fluctuating levels of supply. This can be done by using tariffs that control the use of power to equipment that is not time dependent, such as refrigeration or storage heating. Single function controllers require dedicated electrical circuits and metering. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    An aspect of the invention provides an energy management module or capsule comprising connecting means for connection to a mains power supply, means for physical connection to one or more external electrical devices, data transmission and receiving means for communicating data with the Internet and control means for controlling the electrical output to the one or more external electrical devices using data received from the Internet using the data transmission and receiving means. 
         [0004]    The module may further comprise an input mains power measurement sensor, or other sensors, and an electrical output controller. 
         [0005]    The module may further comprise a digital communications capability and controlled by web services via the Internet. 
         [0006]    The module may be configured to be connected with wires or wirelessly to other external energy management modules or capsules containing sensors or other input devices. 
         [0007]    The module may be configured to communicate digitally via mains wiring or low voltage wiring with one or more other modules, which may have a different configuration of sensors or electrical outputs or digital communications components. 
         [0008]    The module may be configured to transmit sensor data to web services and receives data to control the electrical output of one or more module or capsule. 
         [0009]    The module may be configured to continue to communicate via the Internet after loss of mains power to any interconnected module or capsule. 
         [0010]    There is also provided method of processing of sensor data collected using a module network according to any preceding definition, or other collected time series data, that in use identifies changes of patterns of sensor data or forecast future demand for electrical power. 
         [0011]    The method may further comprise publishing results according to software applications connected to the Internet or other telecommunications networks. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompany drawings, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram showing in overview the concept of an energy management capsule; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram which shows the relationship between hardware and software modules of the  FIG. 1  capsule; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the interconnection of plural capsules; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective diagram showing the capsule in a practical embodiment as a multi-sensor power socket enclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram showing in overview a second embodiment application. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0018]    Embodiments herein use the concept of “the Internet of Things”. In an energy management module, or ‘capsule’, sensors inside, or connected to the capsule measure physical properties which are sent as data to software systems via the Internet. The software processes the data and sends control signals back to the capsule or multiple capsules. Other users or systems can also receive information. 
         [0019]    Features include the following. 
         [0020]    Capsules are powered by a mains voltage input power source that is measured by a sensor. 
         [0021]    Power output can be controlled remotely or by internal firmware or with manual switches. 
         [0022]    Capsules have additional sensors for data analysis used to control mains or low voltage electrical output from a capsule. 
         [0023]    Software stores sensor data, combines it with other data sources, performs data analytics or provides information for other purposes, such as predicting future electrical demand. 
         [0024]    Capsules have stored energy to enable transmission to the Internet after loss of mains power. 
         [0025]    Multiple Capsules can be interconnected in communications networks. 
         [0026]    System settings can be controlled by Web services or smartphones. 
         [0027]    This document uses the inclusive “or”, which can mean “and”. 
         [0028]    Consequently, the invention is ubiquitous. It can be used for security monitoring, alarms, air conditioning, refrigeration, power storage, heating or wherever there are benefits from remote control of power consuming or storage devices. 
         [0029]    Capsules can be built into mains powered electrical equipment or enclosures, such as refrigerators or mains power sockets. 
         [0030]    Capsule electrical output, both mains or low voltage, can be controlled remotely by Web services. 
         [0031]    Data can be transmitted continuously after a mains power failure. 
         [0032]    Data can be combined with data from other sources. 
         [0033]    Multiple telecommunications methods can be deployed. 
         [0034]    Data is protected by strong authentication and encrypted data storage. 
         [0035]    Firmware can be updated remotely. 
         [0036]    Data collected can be used by other software application developers with the consent of the data owners. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown an energy management capsule  17  as an enclosure for multiple sensors and electronics that control multiple electrical outputs. Sensors and can be internal or external to the capsule  17 . Communication with sensors and telecommunications can be wired or wireless. Connection to the Internet is by wired or wireless telecommunications. The capsule  17  is electrically insulated from the surrounding physical embodiment, except where needed for electrical connection. Aerials  6  or  22  are mounted externally or internally to meet the requirements of different embodiments. 
         [0038]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 2 , both hardware and software modules are shown. 
         [0039]    A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly  1  of the capsule  17  has connectors  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7  for making electrical connections with components that are external to the PCB assembly  1  and capsule  17 . Connector  2  is a mains input connector, connected to a mains AC voltage supply  31  via wires  32 . Connector  5  is an external sensor that connects to an optional number of external sensors  8  via wires  35 . Connector  6  connects to a variable number of serial ports  9  via wires  36 . Connector  4  is a lower voltage output connector connected to low voltage electrical outputs  40  via wires  41 . 
         [0040]    The capsule  17  insulates or supports electrical components. It may be constructed from several parts. The capsule  17  may enclose contain or connect to other capsules  17  or capsules  29  in any embodiment. 
         [0041]    The PCB assembly  1  may be constructed from several parts. Electrical circuits  45 ,  46  and  47  represent connections between PCB assembly  1  components. Input signals or firmware can activate parts of the PCB assembly  1  during manufacture or operation. 
         [0042]    Circuit  45  is connected to the connectors  2 ,  3  and  4  and modules  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16 , which operate at mains voltage or are in close proximity to high voltage. 
         [0043]    Module  13  produces low voltage DC current for used energy storage in module  18  and by other modules requiring low voltage DC. Module  14  measures the current used in the electrical outputs  33 . Module  15  is the input and output processor for powerline communications via connector  2  and wires  32  through the supply  31  to external energy management capsules. Module  16  is a power controller that controls the mains voltage outputs  33 . Module  38  controls the low voltage outputs  40 . 
         [0044]    The circuits  46  connect all internal modules and circuits in PCB assembly  1 . Modules  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  and  38  are described above. 
         [0045]    Module  18  is for low voltage energy storage generated by Module  13 . It continues to provide power for low voltage modules if the mains voltage supply  31  is not available. Module  19  is or are the sensor(s) connected to the PCB assembly  1  or capsule  17 . Module  20  is the programmable microcontroller for all the modules referenced in  FIG. 2 . It contains firmware that is uploaded via serial connection block  6  or external antennae block  7  or internal antennae module  22 . Module  21  is a wireless communications processing module for receiving and transmitting data or control signals. Module  21  can be programmed for multiple protocols dependent on the needs of a specific embodiment and linked energy management capsules. Module  22  is the variable number of internal antennae that is or are mounted on PCB assembly  1  or capsule  17 . 
         [0046]    Circuits  47  control communications with the connector  5 , serial communications with the connector  6  and radio frequency communications with the internal antennae module  22  or Antennae  10 . 
         [0047]    The capsule  29  encloses any or all of sensors  8 , serial ports  9  and external antennae  10 . More than one capsule  29  may be connected to the capsule  17 . Sensors  11  are wirelessly connected to the PCB assembly  1  via internal antennae module  22  or external antennae  10 . 
         [0048]    Pipe  23  represents the network of digital communications with the Internet or Local Area Networks via wired and wireless connections. Pipe  23  provides Web Services  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27  and  28 . In this case, service  24  is a data storage service. Service  25  is an identity provision and personal data store. Service  26  is a data analysis service which includes time-series comparison of historic sensor values with recent values. These are termed as changes. The service  27  is the presentation of sensor values and changes to Internet connected devices, such as web browsers or smartphone apps. Service  28  is the means of controlling services. It remotely controls electrical output from modules  16  or  38  or modifies firmware in the modules  20  or  21 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  shows a network of two or more energy management capsules. For clarity, the capsules or enclosures are not shown. 
         [0050]    PCB assembly  1  connects via the mains connector  2  and the wires  50  to PCB assembly  1 * via the connector  2 *. Wires  50  conduct digital signals through the mains power circuits. Wires  50 * extend digital signals to more PCB Assemblies  1 *. PCB Assembly  1  connects via connector  6 , ports  9  and Wires  51  to PCB Assembly  1 *, via Ports  9 * and Connector  6 *. Wires  51  conduct digital signals through low voltage circuits. Wires  51 * extends digital signals to more PCB Assemblies  1 *. 
         [0051]    In a network of Capsules, at least one has continuous connection to the Internet when the mains power supply is not available. It informs a Web service that power has been lost. 
         [0052]      FIG. 4  shows a smart power socket as an embodiment of the invention. Module  100  is an enclosure that contains an internal capsule as described in  FIG. 2 . The enclosure  100  has fixings  200  that secure it to a pattress with a mains power supply. Sensor  300  is a motion sensor embedded in the fascia of the enclosure  100 . 
         [0053]    Power is supplied at UK Standard  13  Amp mains sockets  400 . Current is measured by internal power sensors and controlled by actuators. Switches  500  can be used to isolate power from the sockets  400 . Indicators  600  show whether power is being supplied to Sockets  400 . 
         [0054]    This embodiment can be used as the hardware for a wellbeing monitor for older people living alone. The software analyses data hourly for changes from normal behaviour and shows results on a Web browser or smartphone application. 
         [0055]    Several such Smart Power Sockets can be networked in new buildings as alternatives to standard power sockets, or as replacement power sockets in existing properties. 
         [0056]    A similar system is shown in  FIG. 5 . Here, as with the  FIG. 4  system, the socket is typically installed by a professional installer, and would replace an existing outlet. In order to ensure efficient GSM transmission of data the socket may be fitted proud to the wall and must not be fitted within a metal pattress box. The permanent installation thus provides a non-removable sensor system within the home. (A plug in device is subject to removal by the user). Additionally a fixed location ensures reliable GSM transmission. Installation must include an assessment of GSM network coverage. 
         [0057]    Within the outlet, a custom electronics assembly provides the functionality to support power monitoring, control, other sensor measurement and communication to the Internet. The unit may support communication to additional Smart Power Sockets or remote sensors located within the property. Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, Ethernet or other communication systems, such as Sig Fox, may also be accommodated. 
         [0058]    The system encloses a low voltage DC storage system for two functions. 
         [0059]    (a) operation of the microcontroller system for a limited time such that communication is maintained during a mains power outage. Loss of mains power is communicated to external monitoring software. 
         [0060]    (b) providing peak currents sufficient to operate the telecommunications module, allowing a smaller AC to DC converter to be incorporated. 
         [0061]    The unit has been designed to meet all requisite safety and EMC standards in order to gain CE certification. 
         [0062]    Sockets are developed in several versions with different internal functions and options. 
         [0063]    The system may comprise all or a selection of the following sub-components:
       a low power microcontroller system  206 . The implemented micro controller sub-system uses proprietary programs which can be supported by Over The Air programming (OTA). Firmware program changes can be implemented, after installation, by remote wireless access;   an AC to DC convertor  208  to power the microcontroller and associated electronics;   a lithium battery  210 ;   a PCB assembly  212  containing the electronics;   a motion detector  214  using, for example, a passive infra red sensor connected via an analogue interface;   a current sense coil  216  which, in use, measures the current consumption of the appliance under observation (which could be, for example, a kettle  218  connected via a mains power cord);   a temperature sensor  220 ;   a ring main  222  (incoming voltage) to the socket;   one or more switched  13 A outlets  224 ; and   an internal GSM antenna  226 .       
 
         [0074]    The system may also include communication interface circuits  228 , such as WIFI, Bluetooth or Ethernet/mains circuits. 
         [0075]    The microcontroller system  206  includes, without limitation,
       non-volatile program memory, containing the Operating System and Program Firmware. The memory also provides means for storage of locally collected data even in the event of power or network failure. The data can subsequently be accessed when systems are restored;   sufficient RAM for program execution and computation;   a GSM communication module;   digital inputs and outlets;   analogue inputs and outlets; and   Integrated charging system for the battery.       
 
         [0082]    The socket is built using PCB assemblies fitted into an enclosure made from a power socket face-plate and a modified commercially available pattress box. Components are embedded in PCBs, connected with soldered wires or clips. Separation of low voltage and high voltage is with shaped insulating plastic mouldings. 
         [0083]    The electronics components may be miniaturised into a capsule that will fit into a wide range of international pattress and fascia designs. Connections with external components are made via connector blocks. 
         [0084]    The physical design ensures that the electronics can fit within existing power socket outlets or as part of a new socket assembly. Such a design will enable the retrofit to existing wall power outlets. The back-up battery may be replaced without access to the components inside the power socket capsule. 
         [0085]    The power socket capsule contains the microcontroller and electronics, which is present in all use cases. For power sockets that are not located in the optimum location for sensors, an external power capsule containing external sensors may be connected with wires or wirelessly. 
         [0086]    It will be appreciated that the foregoing are merely an examples of embodiments and some examples of their use. The skilled reader will readily understand that modifications can be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the inventions.