Patent Publication Number: US-2011077878-A1

Title: Power supply with data communications

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Power supplies are widely used in providing operating electrical energy to computers, cellular telephones and other devices. Typically, alternating-current (AC) power is received from a utility source and converted to direct-current energy of regulated or limited voltage. Such conditioned electrical power can then be provided to a desktop computer, laptop computer or other load. 
     Smart utility grids utilize digital communications to exchange information such as power consumption, utility rates, present grid loading and other data between the utility operator and various smart devices. However, most computers in use today do not have the resources needed to leverage a smart utility grid in a meaningful way. As a result, power conservation and cost savings opportunities are not realized. The present teachings address the foregoing concerns. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a block diagrammatic view of a system according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a block diagrammatic view of a system according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagrammatic view of an apparatus according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Introduction 
     Means and methods for use with smart utility grids are provided by the present teachings. A smart power supply includes power metering to determine instantaneous and cumulative energy consumption of the power supply and of a computer coupled thereto. Communications transceivers enable the smart power supply to communicate with both the computer and smart entities of a smart utility grid. A user of the computer can view energy consumption data, utility rates, utility loading and other energy-related information by way of the smart power supply. 
     In one embodiment, a power supply includes a controller. The controller includes a processor. The power supply also includes metering configured to measure electrical power provided from source to the power supply, and to provide corresponding power values to the controller. Additionally, the power supply includes a first transceiver that is configured to couple the controller in communication with a computer. The power supply further includes a second transceiver that is configured to couple the controller in communication with the source. 
     In another embodiment, a method includes measuring electrical power provided from a source to a power supply. The method also includes communicating data corresponding to the measuring from the power supply to a computer. The computer is electrically coupled to receive operating power from the power supply. 
     First Illustrative System 
     Reference is now directed to  FIG. 1 , which depicts a diagrammatic view of a system  100 . The system  100  is illustrative and non-limiting with respect to the present teachings. Thus, other systems can be configured and/or operated in accordance with the present teachings. 
     The system  100  includes a smart utility grid  102 . The smart utility grid  102  is characterized by the distribution of electrical power to numerous receiving clients. The smart utility grid  102  is further characterized by the bidirectional communication of data and information by way of digital signals superimposed onto the line-level electrical power (e.g., one-hundred twenty volts, etc.) provided by the grid  102 . 
     Such data and information can include, without limitation: present or scheduled utility rates, present loading of the smart utility grid  102 , instantaneous power consumption of a particular load, totalized power consumption of a particular load, present power factor of a load or a portion of the smart utility grid  102 , etc. It is the exchange of such energy-related data and information, and the opportunity to schedule or throttle load operations accordingly, that distinguishes the smart utility grid  102  from other, classical forms of power distribution system. 
     The system  100  includes a smart utility meter  104 . The smart utility meter  104  is configured to measure and totalize overall electrical power consumption within a household  106 . The smart utility meter  104  is further configured to communicate with the smart utility grid  102  and various entities within the household  106  and to store information reported thereto. In this way, the smart utility meter  104  serves as a centralized metering and communications node coupling the household  106  to the smart utility grid  102 . 
     The system  100  includes a panel  108 . The panel  108  is defined by a conventional electrical distribution panel including numerous circuit breakers (not shown) that couple respective branch circuits  110  to line-level electrical energy provided by the smart utility grid  102 . One having ordinary skill in the electrical arts is familiar with distribution panels such as panel  108 , and further elaboration is not required for an understanding of the present teachings. 
     The system  100  further includes a number of load devices  112 . The load devices  112  are defined by respective various entities that receive operating electrical energy from an associated branch circuit  110 . Non-limiting examples of load devices  112  include television sets, kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, air conditioning equipment, electric heaters, lamps, etc. Other load devices  112  can also be defined and used. As such, each load device  112  consumes some respective (and possibly varying) quantity of electrical energy during normal operation. 
     The system  100  also includes a number of smart end points  114 . Each smart end point  114  is configured to measure electrical energy consumed by an associated load device  112  and to communicate with other smart entities such as the smart utility meter  104 . At least some of the smart end points  114  are further configured to provide some level of control of the associated load device  112 . For non-limiting example, a particular smart end point  114  can provide time-of-day scheduling for operating the corresponding load device  112  during times of reduced utility rates (i.e., lower electrical costs). In another non-limiting example, a particular smart end point  114  is configured to throttle the operation of the load device  112  so as to reduce electrical consumption by a predetermined amount (e.g., percentage, etc.). Other control stratagems can also be used. 
     The smart utility grid  102 , the smart utility meter  104  and the smart end points  114  described above can be of suitable known or future technology. One having skill in the electrical arts is familiar with smart grid technology, devices and the normal operations thereof, and further illustrative elaboration is provided hereinafter in order to clarify the present teachings. 
     The system  100  includes a power supply  116 . The power supply  116  is configured to receive electrical energy from the smart utility grid  102  by way of the panel  108 , and to provide conditioned electrical energy to a user notebook computer  118 . The power supply  116  includes smart power metering  120  that is configured to measure electrical energy consumed by the power supply  116  and the computer  118 , and to communicate those energy consumption values to the smart utility meter  104  and the computer  118 . As such, the smart power metering  120  includes various resources in order to perform numerous normal operations as described in further detail below. The power supply  116  is also referred to as a smart power supply  116  for purposes of the present teachings. 
     First Illustrative Method 
       FIG. 2  is a flow diagram depicting a method according to one embodiment of the present teachings. The method of  FIG. 2  includes particular operations and order of execution. However, other methods including other operations, omitting one or more of the depicted operations, and/or proceeding in other orders of execution can also be used according to the present teachings. Thus, the method of  FIG. 2  is illustrative and non-limiting in nature. Reference is also made to  FIG. 1  in the interest of understanding the method of  FIG. 2 . 
     At  200 , a smart utility grid provides electrical power to a household. For purposes of non-limiting illustration, it is assumed that the smart utility grid  102  provide line-level electrical power to the household  106  by way of the smart utility meter  104  and the panel  108 . 
     At  202 , smart end points measure and totalize electrical power consumption of respective load devices. For purpose of the ongoing illustration, it is assumed that the smart end points  114  measure and totalize (i.e., time integrate) electrical power consumption of respective load devices  112 . Such totalized information can be stored within the smart end points  114  in terms of Kilowatt hours, volt-ampere hours, etc. 
     At  204 , a smart utility meter queries the smart end points for energy consumption totals for the load devices. For purpose of the ongoing illustration, it is assumed that the smart utility meter  104  queries the smart end points  114  for the most recent energy consumption totals that they have accumulated for the respective load devices  112 . The smart end points  114  respond by transmitting their present data to the smart utility meter  104 . 
     At  206 , the smart utility meter reports the latest totals to the smart utility grid. For purposes of illustration, it is assumed that the smart utility meter  104  reports the most recent energy consumption data to the smart utility grid  102  in response to a request there from. In another illustrative scenario, the smart utility meter  104  is programmed to provide the most recent energy data in accordance with a schedule (e.g., hourly, daily, etc.). 
     At  208 , smart power metering queries the smart end points for the energy consumption totals for the load devices. For purposes of the ongoing illustration, it is assumed that smart power metering  120  within the power supply  116  transmits a query to the smart endpoints  114 . Such a query is communicated by way of digital signals superimposed onto the line-level electrical power carried by the branch circuits  110 . 
     At  210 , the smart power metering gathers the totals from the smart end points. For purposes of the illustration, it is assumed that the smart power metering  120  receives and stores energy consumption totals transmitted from the smart end points  114  in response to the query at  208  above. 
     At  212 , a user views the energy consumption information on a computer. For purposes of the ongoing illustration, it is assumed that the smart power metering  120  communicates the energy consumption totals to the user notebook computer  118 . In turn, the notebook computer  118  uses software, a display or other resources (not shown) to present the energy consumption totals and optionally other information related to the smart utility grid  102  to a user. 
     Second Illustrative Method 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram depicting a method according to one embodiment of the present teachings. The method of  FIG. 3  includes particular operations and order of execution. However, other methods including other operations, omitting one or more of the depicted operations, and/or proceeding in other orders of execution can also be used according to the present teachings. Thus, the method of  FIG. 3  is illustrative and non-limiting in nature. Reference is also made to  FIG. 1  in the interest of understanding the method of  FIG. 3 . 
     At  300 , a smart utility grid provides electrical power to a household. For purposes of non-limiting illustration, it is assumed that the smart utility grid  102  provide line-level electrical power to the household  106  by way of the smart utility meter  104  and the panel  108 . 
     At  302 , smart end points measure and totalize electrical power consumption of respective load devices. For purpose of the ongoing illustration, it is assumed that the smart end points  114  measure and totalize (i.e., time integrate) electrical power consumption of respective load devices  112 . Such totalized information can be stored within the smart end points  114  in terms of Kilowatt hours, volt-ampere hours, etc. 
     At  304 , a smart utility meter queries the smart end points for energy consumption totals for the load devices. For purpose of the ongoing illustration, it is assumed that the smart utility meter  104  queries the smart end points  114  for the most recent energy consumption totals they have accumulated for the respective load devices  112 . The smart end points  114  respond by transmitting their present data to the smart utility meter  104 . 
     At  306 , the smart utility meter reports the latest totals to the smart utility grid. For purposes of illustration, it is assumed that the smart utility meter  104  reports the most recent energy consumption data to the smart utility grid  102 . Such reporting may be performed according to a predetermined schedule, on demand, etc. 
     At  308 , smart power metering queries the smart utility meter for the energy consumption totals for the load devices. For purposes of the ongoing illustration, it is assumed that smart power metering  120  within the smart power supply  116  transmits a query to the smart utility meter  104 . 
     At  310 , the smart power metering receives the totals from the smart utility meter. For purposes of the illustration, it is assumed that the smart power metering  120  receives and stores energy consumption totals communicated by the smart utility meter  104 . 
     At  312 , a user views the energy consumption information on a computer. For purposes of the ongoing illustration, it is assumed that the smart power metering  120  communicates the energy consumption totals to the user notebook computer  118 . In turn, the notebook computer  118  uses software, a display or other resources (not shown) to present the energy consumption totals, and optionally other energy-related information to a user. 
     The respective methods of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , as described above, outline just two of numerous ways that smart electrical systems (e.g.,  100 ) can provide energy-related information to a computer user. Additionally, the smart power supply  116  includes smart power metering  120  that enables a user to monitor the electrical consumption of the computer  118  and some of the load devices  112 , and to keep apprised of other information regarding the smart utility grid  102 . In this way, a user within the household  106  can take steps to conserve power based on time-of-day utility rates, power peaking, grid loading, etc. 
     Furthermore, some or all of the smart end points  114  can be programmed by way of user input to the computer  118  (by way of appropriate software) so as to automate certain energy conservation strategies. The smart power supply  116  and its respective resources make this possible. 
     Second Illustrative System 
       FIG. 4  depicts a diagrammatic view of a system  400 . The system  400  is illustrative and non-limiting with respect to the present teachings. Thus, other systems can be configured and/or operated in accordance with the present teachings. The system  400  includes a smart utility grid  402  and a smart utility meter  404  that are configured and cooperative substantially as described above in regard to smart utility grid  102  and smart utility meter  104 , respectively. 
     The system  400  also includes a smart power supply  406 . The smart power supply  406  is connected to receive line-level electrical power (e.g., one-hundred twenty volts RMS, etc.) from a branch circuit  408 . The branch circuit  408  is electrically coupled to the smart utility grid  402  by way of the smart utility meter  404 . The smart power supply  406  is configured to provide normal operating power to a notebook computer  412 . 
     The smart power supply  406  includes smart power metering  410  configured to measure electrical power consumed by the smart power supply  406  and the notebook computer  412 . The smart power metering  410  is further configured to communicate data and information, including electrical consumption values, with and between the smart utility meter  404  and the notebook computer  412 . In this way, the smart power metering  410  couples the notebook computer  412  in digital communication with the smart utility grid  402 . 
     The notebook computer  412  of the system  400  includes a processor  414  and memory  416 , which are respectively defined and configured as is familiar to one of ordinary skill in the computer and related arts. The notebook computer also includes storage  418 . The storage  418  is configured to store and retrieve computer-readable code and data accessible to the processor  414 . The storage  418  can be defined by any suitable non-volatile storage such as, for non-limiting example, read-only memory (ROM), magnetic media, optical media, programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc. Other suitable forms of storage  418  can also be used. The storage  418  includes energy software  420 . The energy software  420  includes program code executable by the processor  414  so that power consumption data and related information received from the smart power supply  406  can be displayed to a user. The energy software  420  can be configured to cause the processor  414  to perform other energy-related tasks as well. 
     The notebook computer  412  also includes other resources  422  as required or desired. Non-limiting examples of such other resources  422  include an electronic display, a keyboard, a mouse or similar user input device, etc. One having ordinary skill in the computer arts can appreciate that the notebook computer  412  can include any number of various resources (i.e., subsystems and components), and further elaboration is not needed for an understanding of the present teachings. 
     The smart power supply  406  is located external to the notebook computer  412 . Reference is made to  FIG. 4B , which depicts a branch circuit  408  (shown as a convenience receptacle), a smart power supply  406  and a notebook computer  412 . In this way, the smart power supply  406  can be provided to operate with various notebook computers (e.g.,  412 ), regardless of whether or not each computer is configured to communicate with the smart power supply  406  by way of digital signals. For example, smart power supply  406  can be sold as a replacement for an older power supply and used with an older notebook computer. Thus, a degree of backward compatibility is achieved. Alternatively, the smart power supply  406  can be provided with a new, energy-smart notebook computer so as to fully leverage the energy savings opportunities of a smart utility grid (e.g.,  402 ). 
     The system  400  further includes desktop computer  422 . The desktop computer  422  includes a smart power supply  424  including smart power metering  426 . The smart power supply  424  is coupled to receive line-level electrical energy from the branch circuit  408 . The desktop computer  422  further includes a processor  428 , memory  430 , storage  432 , energy software  434  and other resources  436 , which are defined and configured substantially as described above with respect to elements  414 ,  416 ,  418 ,  420  and  422 , respectively. 
     The smart power supply  424  is located internal to desktop computer  422 —that is, within a main housing including the processor  428 , the memory  430 , etc. The smart power supply  424  can be provided as a part of a new computer or as a replacement power supply for an older computer. The smart power supply  424  operates so that a user can monitor energy consumption of the desktop computer  422  and receive utility rates and other information from the smart utility grid  402 , etc. Additionally, the smart power supply  424  is configured to communicate energy consumption data for the desktop computer  422  to the smart utility grid  402 . 
     First Illustrative Embodiment 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram depicting a smart power supply  500 . The smart power supply  500  is illustrative and non-limiting in nature. As such, other smart power supplies are contemplated by the present teachings. 
     The smart power supply  500  includes a rectifier  502  configured to receive alternating-current (AC) line power from a branch circuit  504  and to provide rectified electrical energy. The smart power supply  500  also includes a transformer  506  configured to receive the rectified electrical energy from the rectifier  502  and to provide pulses of electrical power of reduced voltage. The transformer  506  operates in accordance with control signaling provided by a controller described hereinafter. 
     The smart power supply  500  also includes power regulation  508  configured to receive the pulses of electrical energy from the transformer  506  and to provide conditioned direct-current (DC) electrical power to a computer (e.g.,  412 ,  422 , etc.). The power regulation  508  can be configured to condition one or more electrical characteristics such as voltage regulation or limiting, current limiting, ripple filtering, etc. The specific operations of the power regulation  508  are not germane to the present teachings. 
     The smart power supply  500  also includes analog signaling  510 . The analog signaling  510  is configured to provide DC-level or low-frequency signals to a computer (e.g.,  412 , etc.) such as throttling signals, maximum rating for the smart power supply  500 , etc. Other kinds of analog signaling can also be provided. 
     The smart power supply  500  also includes a controller  512 . The controller  512  is configured to control normal operations of the smart power supply  500  such as, for non-limiting example, operation of the transformer  506  in accordance with power output demands of the computer being served. The controller  512  includes power measuring resources  514  configured to measure the electrical energy consumed by the smart power supply  500  and the computer (i.e., load) that it serves. The power measuring resources  514  are also configured to quantify the electrical energy values as digital data. In one embodiment, the power measuring resources  514  include a power factor correction integrated circuit that includes power measuring capability. 
     The controller  512  also includes a processor  516 . The processor  516  is configured to operate according to a computer-readable program code. The processor  516  is further configured to receive energy consumption data from the power measuring resources  514  and to store those values into a memory  518  of the controller  512 . 
     The controller  512  further includes a one-wire transceiver  520  that is coupled to the analog signaling  510  by way of electrical isolation circuitry  522 . The one-wire transceiver  520  is configured to communicate data from the processor  516  to a computer (e.g.,  412 ) by way of superimposing digital signals onto the analog signals provided by analog signaling  510 . Additionally, the one-wire transceiver  520  is configured to extract digital signals sent by a computer (e.g.,  412 ) from the analog signaling  510  and to provide corresponding data to the processor  516 . In this way, bidirectional data communication is provided between the smart power supply  500  and a computer being served. 
     The smart power supply  500  further includes a power line transceiver  524 . The power line transceiver is configured to superimpose digital signal onto, and to extract digital signals from, line-level electrical energy at the branch circuit  504 . In this way, the power line transceiver  524  provides for bidirectional data communications between the processor  516  and various smart entities of a smart utility grid (e.g.,  402 ). For non-limiting example, the power line transceiver  524  provides for data communication between the processor  516  and a smart utility meter  104 , various smart end points  114 , etc. In turn, a computer (e.g.,  412 ) is also coupled in data communication with elements of a smart utility grid (e.g.,  402 ) by way of the smart power supply  500 . 
     The smart power supply  500  can be defined by various suitable housing, form factor and other characteristics so as be disposed internally or externally with respect to a computer (e.g.,  422 ,  412 , etc.) being served. The smart power supply  500  of the present teachings can be provided as new equipment or as a replacement/upgrade. A computer user can take advantage of the energy and cost savings opportunities offered by smart utility grids by way of smart power supplies of the present teachings. 
     In general, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims.