Patent AU-2015101251-A4 (AU)
Title: Domestic Electrical Demand Limiting Targeted Control
Inventor: RYALL JOHN VICTOR
IPC: H02J3/00
Filed: 2015-09-09
Granted: 2015-10-15
Abstract: Abstract: Targeted Domestic Electrical Demand Limiting Controller Summary Refer to Pat.# 2015100624 [granted 27 May 2015]. The Domestic Electrical Demand Limiting Controller [hereafter referred to as DEDLC], is a device to be installed in a domestic electrical switchboard, for the purpose of automatically logging the power in each circuit. This application is a refinement to the DEDLC, granted to me on 2 8th May 2015. It is described as the: Targeted Domestic Electrical Demand Limiting Controller [hereafter this application is referred to as TDEDLC]. The DEDLC as described in another place, consists of 2 discrete devices. The first device is a 'switching module' which is capable of measuring the total current being consumed by all the devices on that circuit plus the ability to switch this circuit. The second component is a master control module. The experience of applying this strategy is some instances, namely retrofitting it to existing installations, showed that to reach its maximum effectiveness, required some rewiring of the customers premises. The other alternative was to employ hardware with the capacity to overcome this predicament. This application describes an alternative module to that defined by the DEDLC. It is a modified electronic relay (available in 2 versions). Complimentary to the electronic relay is an additional component which is a smart power point (also in 2 versions). The master control module remains common to both applications [ see details on patent quoted above]. Smart Hardware. By the application of a specifically enabled electronic switch, with controls to interface with the master control module, it became possible to imply a signal on the supply AC that was detectable by a complimentary switch, intergrated into a standard G.P.O.. The alternative switching modules use an SCR based circuit having multiple and switchable modes, with synchronisation across the device. This module takes the place of the DEDLC 'switching module'. These electronic switching modules will be referred to as the 'Smart Switching module (Version a or Version b)'. Under the control of the master control module this electronic module can send a coded signal embedded in the transmitted AC power supply. The power and the control components of this device are electrically isolated to supply authority standards by suitably rated optocoupled devices and conventional electrical practice. The additional component to the DEDLC system described in Pat.# 2015100624, is the compliment to the smart switching module, it is a general purpose outlet that contains the ability to switch the power at that point to any appliance plugged into it. This ability is enabled by the code it detects from the smart switching module. As with the smart switching module the smart general purpose outlet has 2 versions. Principle of operation The purpose of is allow the selection of one specific outlet on a wiring loop which may have many appliances serviced on that final sub circuit. Only outlets that have the appropriate ability to detect the code produced by the master control module are able to be accessed this way. All standard Page 1 of 2 outlets on the same circuit will not notice this signal. The ability for the master control module to identify and select a major power consumer on a circuit that also has several insignificant consuming appliances is a essential to accurately targeting demand limiting. The cost to do this is a consideration but as most domestic installations are wiring to save wire not power, which inevitably produces circumstances that generate a justifiable payback period. Strategy 2 versions of the new switching module, 'Smart Switching Module' are available. The first includes the electronic relay and current measuring components. [ hereafter referred to as the SSMa ] The second includes the electronic relay, current measuring components and arc detection capability. [ hereafter referred to as the SSMb ] Either of the 'smart switches' are installed on a selected circuit, in the main switchboard of an installation (electrically) immediately after the protective circuit breaker (suitably rated for the final sub circuit). They are mounted on the din rail, as a normal circuit breaker is mounted and are connected to the master control module by an umbilical cable suitably rated for the normal standards applying to electrical switchboards. The SSMa device can isolate a final sub circuit or forward a signal to a designated smart GPO to effect a switching function at that point. The SSMb device switches and signals as does the SSMa, but includes a series arc detection ability. 2 versions of the complimentary G.P.O., 'Smart General Purpose Outlet' are available. The first includes the electronic relay and code detection circuit. [ hereafter referred to as the SGPOa ] The second includes the electronic relay and code detection circuit and series arc detection capability. [ hereafter referred to as the SGPOb ] Either of the 'smart general purpose outlets can be install in the place of a standard G.P.O., with all the electrical standards that apply to the location and wiring terminations. The SGPOa device can isolate a final sub circuit, as directed by the master control module. The manual switch at the SGPOa over-rides any remotely generated condition [Off at the SGPO switch mechanism will unconditionally isolate and connected appliances.] The SGPOb device can isolate a final sub circuit, as directed by the master control module. The manual switch at the SGPOb over-rides any remotely generated condition [Off at the SGPO switch mechanism will unconditionally isolate and connected appliances.] The SGPOb also includes an arc detection ability. Conclusion The DEDLC was designed to control fluctuating electrical demand in a domestic installation. The devices described above (SSMa, SSMb and SGPOa & SGPOb) are required because many established wiring installations have been made with no consideration to the appliances that will be used at the randomly distributed outlets on each circuit [the motivation by the installation electrician naturally being to minimise the cost of cable]. Therefore in such circumstances, the DEDLC strategy is itself limited in its actions because some preferable operations will have inconvenient collateral implications. This can be overcome by rewiring where practical. Otherwise the SSMa, SSMb and SGPOa & SGPOb, appropriately utilised can resolve this problem. 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