AU2016100103A6 - A Mobile Power and Data Station - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile power and date distribution station 10 for use in building construction sites and other outdoor sites in which temporary power for lighting and data are to be distributed. The device comprises a mobile and weatherproof enclosure which contains one or more power over ethernet (PoE) enabled switches, routers or midspans which provide a plurality of PoE enabled ethernet ports. The enclosure also contains PC/microcontroller 45 for controlling the powered state of the plurality of PoE ports. The PC/microcontroller is controlled through interaction with touch screen 51 and/or via a remote PC 55 connected via wifi access point 55. The plurality of ethernet ports facilitate the provision of patch panel 52 which is comprised of a plurality of weatherproof ethernet ports accessible outside of the main weatherproof enclosure. In turn LED lights 60 are connected and powered by the plurality of PoE ports of the patch panel 52 either via LED driver 58 or directly. 26/26 1 Oi: 1111616 2 122

Description

I A MOBILE POWER AND DATA STATION TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a mobile power and data station. More particularly it relates to a mobile power distribution station that is also a communications hub. BACKGROUND ART [0002] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. [0003] Construction sites need power in order for the building to be built and/or fitted out. Contractors have to provide safe power and to take into consideration grounding, shock hazards, short circuit considerations, vault currents and safety. There are two ways to provide electricity to a job site: permanent utility power or generator power. Power cable can be run to the main electrical panel of an existing facility or power can be provided by gas- or diesel-powered generators, which are generally stand-alone portable units. [0004] Once power is provided to a site it needs to be distributed for lighting and also for use with power tools. This can be achieved by the construction of various distribution panels and temporary electrical wiring for taking the power to where it is needed on site. Temporary distribution panels need to be properly constructed and connected with associated equipment such as meters and transformers to provide different sorts of power. Often equipment needs to be installed by licensed electrical contractors to provide these services. The temporary wiring attached to the panels can be very dangerous. If compromised the high voltages transmitted by temporary electrical wiring can easily cause death, burns and heart attacks. They need to be treated with extreme caution, particularly in the presence of water which can be an issue when sites may be exposed to rain and other environmental conditions. [0005] In addition, if a construction or other site such as a concert site or site for a temporary cultural event requires data communications, as they often do, a whole separate array of equipment would need to be provided in order to provide network connectivity. In situations where both data/network services and power are required to be distributed temporarily in a site multiple cables may need to be strung along essentially the same paths, leading to inefficiencies and wasted resources.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0006] The present invention is directed to a power distribution device, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in a first embodiment of a first aspect of the invention, resides broadly in a mobile power distribution station for providing temporary power to a site comprising one or more PoE enabled routers, switches and/or midspans, a plurality of PoE ports in connection with or provided by the one or more PoE enabled routers, switches and/or midspans, wherein the plurality of PoE ports and PoE enabled routers, switches and/or midspans are contained within one or more enclosures and wherein the plurality of PoE ports are used to connect a plurality of connected devices and wherein at least one of the connected devices comprises a LED light or associated LED light driver for illuminating a portion of the site. [0008] Preferably the mobile power distribution station includes one or more 240/120V general power points that the PoE ports ultimately draw their power from. [0009] Preferably the plurality of PoE ports are provided by one or more PoE network switches. [0010] Still more preferably the plurality of ethernet ports provided by the one or more PoE network switches each connected to a plurality of ethernet ports in an associated patch panel which in turn provide the PoE ports that the plurality of devices connect to. [0011] More preferably the mobile power distribution station also distributes data/network connectivity to the plurality of devices connected to the plurality of PoE ethernet ports. [0012] Still more preferably the switch of the mobile power distribution station is connected to a gateway/router through which the mobile power distribution device uses to assign IP addresses to the plurality of connected devices so that they can communicate via TCP/IP. [0013] Even more preferably, the gateway/router is incorporated into the mobile power distribution station and where distributing data connectivity includes distributing the builder's network connection. [0014] Still more preferably the mobile power distribution station further comprises microcontroller/PC connected to the router or to the switch through which a user of the microcontroller/PC can control the plurality of devices connected to the plurality of PoE ethernet ports. [0015] Preferably the microcontroller/PC is connected, via a switch or router to a WIFI access point, or via a WIFI enabled router, for communicating with WIFI enabled devices and/or for bridging network connections between mobile power distribution stations. [0016] Still more preferably the microcontroller/PC has an associated touchscreen which can be used to control and direct the microcontroller/PC to control the operation of the mobile power distribution station and/or the plurality of connected devices. [0017] Alternatively or additionally, the mobile power distribution station may further comprise a ethernet over power technology for sharing a network connection from the switch and/or router to another mobile power distribution device containing a paired ethernet over power adaptor which outputs the network connection which is shared by the switch of the second, slave mobile power distribution station, to a plurality of connected devices. [0018] Preferably the mobile power distribution device also provides high voltage outlets for the provision of temporary power. [0019] More preferably the high voltage outlets comprise at least one five pin power outlet for delivering 3 phase 415V power and at least one high amperage three pin outlet for delivering high amperage 240/120V power. [0020] Still more preferably the mobile power distribution device additionally provides a plurality of general 240/120V power outlets. [0021] Even more preferably the mobile power distribution device further comprises a plurality of USB ports for charging mobile devices. [0022] Preferably the mobile power distribution device further comprises circuit breakers (MCB) and/or residual current device (RCD) for both one and three phase power outlets. [0023] More preferably the mobile power distribution device comprises energy meters for monitoring the energy output by one or more outlets. [0024] Still more preferably the mobile power distribution device comprises in conjunction with the energy meters and additional current sensors, webserver and memory components which can be accessed to allow data logging and remote retrieval of data.

-r [0025] Still more preferably the device segregates the power and/or data outlets into distinct enclosures that can be locked and/or access restricted in some way. [0026] Preferably there is a lockable enclosure that contains the ethernet patch panel outlet ports. [0027] Still more preferably there is a lockable enclosure that contains the one or more network switches and PoE injectors or one or more PoE network switch's or one or more PoE routers. [0028] Preferably there is provided a lockable enclosure that contains the plurality of three pin 120/240 volt power outlets and/or the USB outlets. [0029] More preferably there is a lockable enclosure that contains the circuit breakers, power sensors, meters and/or microcontrollers. [0030] Still more preferably the enclosures are provided on a frame that is mobile. [0031] More preferably the frame is provided with castors or wheels to aid in moving the device. [0032] Preferably the frame includes vertical cable managers for hanging cables at height. [0033] In a still preferred embodiment the device contains a battery or supercapacitor for providing uninterrupted power supply during main power blackouts. [0034] Preferably the station weighs less than 100kg and is dimensioned such that it is no more than 2m high, 60cm wide and 60cm deep. [0035] In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising a mobile power distribution station and a plurality of LED lights (including where necessary LED light drivers) and wherein the LED lights are powered and controlled via the PoE port they are connected through. [0036] In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing temporary lighting to a site where in the method comprises: (i) providing, by way of a suitably adapted mobile station, a plurality of weatherproof PoE enabled ports wherein the plurality of weatherproof PoE ports are patched to the ports of one or more PoE enabled routers, switches and/or midspans all of which are contained in one or more weatherproof enclosures; (ii) connecting weatherproof ethernet cables to the plurality of weatherproof PoE enabled ethernet ports; (iii) Connecting the ethernet cables to a plurality of LED lights via a weatherproof RJ45 port on the LED lights; (iv) Controlling the LED lights via a PC/microcontroller in data communication with the one or more PoE enabled routers, switches and/or midspans. [0037] More preferably the plurality of ethernet ports are provided by providing a patch cable assembly connected to a PoE enabled switch or to PoE injectors (midspan) that are in turn connected to an ethernet switch. [0038] Still more preferably the method further comprises providing data connectivity and general power in addition to temporary lighting wherein the step of providing a plurality of ethernet ports is provided by providing one or more network switches or routing equipment that allows devices connected to the PoE ethernet switches to communicate. [0039] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0040] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0041] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0042] Fig. 1 is a front view of the power and lighting distribution device according to a first embodiment of the firs aspect of the invention. [0043] Fig. 2 is a right hand view of the device of Fig. 1 [0044] Fig. 3 depicts a left hand view of the device of Fig. 1 [0045] Fig. 4 depicts the inside of the temporary power cabinet of the device of Fig. 1 [0046] Fig. 5 depicts the inside of the temporary power cabinet with access provided to the main switch, circuit breakers, electrical sensors and meter of the device of Fig 1. [0047] Fig. 6 depicts the inside of the lockable enclosure containing an ethernet switch of the device of Fig. 1. [0048] Fig. 7 depicts the inside of the ethernet patch panel of the device of Fig. 1. [0049] Fig. 8 depicts a Cat 5 ethernet cable connected to the device of Fig. 1 being connected to a PoE LED light driver via an RJ45 socket and subsequent connection to a LED luminaire. [0050] Fig. 9 is a schematic of the components of a power and lighting distribution station according to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. [0051] Fig 10 is a schematic of the components power and data distribution station according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. [0052] Fig 11 is a schematic of the components of a low voltage power and lighting distribution station according to a third embodiment of first aspect of the invention. [0053] Fig 12. is a schematic of the components of a low voltage power and data distribution station according to a fourth embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. [0054] Fig 13 is a schematic showing the components of a system comprising the third and fourth embodiment of the first aspect of the invention networked together. [0055] Fig 14 is a depiction of a mobile power and lighting distribution station according to the third embodiment of the invention. [0056] Fig 15 is a depiction of the switch cabinet of a mobile power and lighting distribution station according to the third embodiment of the first aspect of invention in which three PoE switches are installed.

[0057] Fig. 16. is a depiction of an empty switch cabinet of a mobile power and lighting distribution station according to the third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention in which a fan, vents and power points are shown. [0058] Fig 17 is a side view depiction of a mobile power and lighting distribution station according to the third embodiment of the invention in which the patch panel is open. [0059] Fig 18. is a depiction of the patch panel assembly of Fig 17 with cabling extending from IP65 rated weatherproof PoE ports. [0060] Fig 19 depicts the patch panel lock of the patch panel of Fig 17. [0061] Fig 20 is a depiction of a mobile power and lighting distribution station according to the third embodiment of the invention in which device is mounted on a mobile platform upon which a separate high voltage power distribution device is also located and from which the power and lighting distribution device according to the third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is powered from. [0062] Fig 21 is a rear view of the assembly of Fig 20. [0063] Fig 22 is a depiction of a mobile power and lighting distribution station according to the third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention that has been temporarily mounted on a wall next in a building site to a source of high voltage power that powers the device. [0064] Fig 23 is a depiction of four foot emergency LED lighting luminaire in which it is depicted in the powered state. [0065] Fig 24 is a depiction of four foot emergency LED lighting luminaire in which it is depicted in the unpowered state in which the emergency LED lights are activated. [0066] Fig 25 is a schematic of the components of the lighting luminaire depicted in Figs 24 and 25. [0067] Fig 26 is a schematic of the components of a general lighting luminaire depicted in Figs 9 and 10. [0068] Fig 27 is a schematic of the components of an emergency exit LED luminaire containing a battery backup and a single set of LED lights.

0 [0069] Fig 28 is a depiction of the front view of a passive infra red sensor (PIR) for use with a station of the first aspect of the invention. [0070] Fig 29 is a depiction of the rear view of a passive infra red sensor (PIR) for use with a station of the first aspect of the invention. [0071] Fig 30 is a schematic diagram in showing the connection between the PIR's and the PoE connection that powers them and through which they communicate. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0072] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0073] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [0074] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. [0075] References made to constructions sites should also be taken as a reference to other situations or places where they may not be sufficient infrastructure to provide certain services and where the device of the present invention will have some application. In particular concert sites and sites of other cultural activities, particularly if put on in a greenfield situation, would benefit from the use of the present invention. [0076] The present invention is concerned with (i) a mobile power and lighting distribution station which distributes power and optionally data connectivity via PoE technology and (ii) lights and associated devices that are connected to, powered by and controlled by the mobile power and lighting distribution station. Power Over Ethernet Technologies [0077] Many devices that need power on a construction site do not need high voltages to perform their function. The combined data and power distribution device, hereafter referred to as mobile station 10, reduces the need for distributing high voltage power, which can be very dangerous and requires licensed electrical contractors, by replacing temporary high voltage cabling with low voltage ethernet cabling (Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 5+ Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat 7 - but preferably Cat 5e - Cat 7). Accidentally cutting an ethernet cable carrying low voltage current will not cause electrocution or injury. [0078] The now outdated PoE standard 802.3af only provided up to 15.4W per connection. The maximum power supplied per port for PoE plus (iEEE 802.3at) is 30W. Future standards such as 802.3bt will allow up to 90W per connection to be provided by utilising two twisted pair cables within each ethernet cable. In the meantime as discussed below, there are various proprietary technologies that provide considerably higher powered connections of up to 90W. [0079] Companies such as Cisco provide a proprietary switch (Cisco UPOE) capable of delivering 60W per connection using two twisted pairs within each cable. Phihong USA Corporation produce midspans or PoE injectors that work on an "Ultra PoE" rating in which up to 60W-80W are delivered per connection. Phihong also manufacture "Mega PoE" midspans or PoE injectors that provide up to 8 ports of 90W PoE. Tycon Power Systems from Bluffdale Utah also produce a mini PoE switch that takes a single PoE connection and divides the power supplied by it over 4 outlet PoE ports with a maximum outlet power rating of 35W per port. As LED light can draw relatively small amounts of power, a single connection from an Ultra PoE system (switch and midspan/injector) can power a plurality of lights using essentially one length of cable. [0080] In the present specification a reference to a PoE switch can also be taken to be a reference to a non-PoE switch combined with one or more PoE Injectors/midspan devices that introduce power into non PoE ethernet connections. [0081] The sorts of devices that can be powered over ethernet include: * LED lights; * VoIP phones; I V * IP cameras including pan-tilt-zoom cameras; * Wireless access points; * IPTV decoders; * Network routers; * A mini network switch installed in distant rooms, to support a small cluster of ports from one uplink cable; * Network Intercom / Paging / Public address systems and hallway speaker amplifiers; * Wall clocks in rooms and hallways, with time set using Network Time Protocol; * Outdoor roof mounted radios with integrated antennas, 802.11 or 802.16 based wireless CPEs (customer premises equipment) used by wireless ISPs; * Industrial devices (sensors, controllers, meters etc); * Access control and Help-points (intercoms, entry cards, keyless entry, etc); * Lighting controllers and LED Lighting fixtures; * Stage and Theatrical devices, such as networked audio breakout and routing boxes; * Remote Point of Sale (POS) kiosks; and * Physical Security devices and controllers. [0082] The devices listed above are designed to be powered via their ethernet connection as such they will be called hereafter PoE devices. [0083] Lighting is perhaps the most important example of what can be powered by PoE connections. New generations of low voltage lighting are more than adequate from a luminosity and brightness perspective to provide lighting for construction sites. By replacing high voltage lighting alone the mobile station 10 immediately provides an improvement on existing technologies. However the benefits of the mobile station 10 also accrue from the fact that the low voltage power is provided by a traditional communications network technology.. By providing power over ethernet the mobile station 10 also introduces efficiencies when it is realised that in addition to distributing power via the ethernet connections and cables, the mobile station 10 can also distribute data connectivity, thereby replacing separate equipment and the duplication of cables. Indeed, by using a high powered PoE switch and mini switches at the other end of the connection that divide the power amongst multiple PoE devices, whole lengths of duplicate ethernet cabling can be eliminated in addition to eliminating the need for high voltage power cables. [0084] With respect to lighting, there are additional advantages by powering LED lights by connection to an ethernet network and PoE enabled switches or injectors, that is, that the lights themselves may incorporate sensors that are in data communication with a centralised controller that can be used to log the data collected and/or control the light. In addition to data logging, the data received from the lights may be used by the microcontroller in the mobile station 10 to activate other aspects of the system including cameras or even environmental systems such as air conditioning which may be networked to the mobile station 10. As an example, an intelligent lighting system may give site managers personal control over light settings via a specially designed smartphone app. Sensors such as RFID and motion detector sensors may also enables lights to automatically activate only when required. [0085] By providing a combined data and power distribution device over ethernet the mobile station 10 provides several advantages over the prior art: * Safer - low voltage power, when appropriate, is a safer alternative to high voltage power; * Flexible - star configuration of connected devices allows for a flexible arrangement of devices particularly when mini switches are used at the distal ends of the connections to provide the ability to connect multiple PoE devices per connection on the source PoE switch.. * More efficient -(i) less duplication when data connectivity is also required; (ii) cables can extend in any direction 100m allowing for a large area to be serviced by the one device (31,400m 2). In some cases the high powered devices such as those 90W per port mid spans from Phihong can extend this range to 150m, increasing the area services to 2 up to 70,685m. * Increased functionality - by turning previously "dumb" devices such as lights into "smart" devices capable of interacting by way of data communication to a central controller. * Reduced complexity - by removing existing overlayed control technologies (DSI, DALI or 0-10V).

I / High and Low Voltage Power and Lighting Distribution Station - Embodiment No. 1 [0086] Regard will now be had to Figures 1 to 8 provided herein which depict a first embodiment of the invention which provides a mobile station that provides both high voltage power for general use and low voltage power for lighting, sensors and other applications. . [0087] Referring to Fig. 1 there is depicted a mobile station 10 which comprises a frame 12 upon which various components and compartments are located. The frame 12 incorporates at its base wheels or casters 14 that are used to move the mobile station 10 into position. The frame 12 also has vertical cable manager 15 and cable retaining means 16 for stringing up cables and retaining them at height so as to keep them off the floor where they could become damaged and potentially cause injury. The dimensions of the mobile station 10 are 1.7m tall, 505mm deep and 550 mm wide and the unit weights approximately 70 kgs. [0088] Fig 1 shows the front face of the mobile station 10 and in particular it shows two enclosures. Each of the enclosures can be locked so as to limit access to the contents of the enclosures. Patch panel enclosure 18 and network switch enclosure 20 contain the components of the mobile station 10 that provide data connectivity and power (over ethernet) to the plurality of devices connected to the mobile station 10 via the ethernet ports located on a panel in the patch panel enclosure 18. [0089] Fig. 2 shows the right hand side of the mobile station 10. In this figure two power outlets are depicted as being provided on the exterior of the device. These include a 5 pin three phase 415V power outlet 22 and a high amperage, heavy duty 20A three pin outlet 24. Three phase outlet 22 and heavy duty three pin outlet 24 are in the present embodiment of the invention, mounted on temporary high voltage power enclosure 26. Fig 3 shows the left hand side view of the mobile station 10. No outlets are shown in this picture. [0090] Reference is now made to Fig. 4. In Fig 4 the temporary power enclosure 26 is shown open. This enclosure, like the others, can be locked and access restricted to certain personnel. This may be achieved by providing two apertures that can be padlocked together, or it may involve an actual keyed lock fitted into the door of the enclosure or it may involve the provision of a combination lock or some other locking means. Inside the temporary power enclosure 26 is a plurality of double three pin high voltage power outlets 28. In the present embodiment these take the form of 240V three pin outlets used in the Australian market however they could equally provide 1 10V three pin outlets or even two pin outlets depending on the applicable health and safety laws as to whether an earth must be provided. The general power I1-) outlet ports 28 are preferably provided with LED indicators to indicate by way of a light (usually red) that the port is active. There is also provided a collection of USB ports 30 for charging mobile devices and/or powering low powered devices that only require the current that USB can provide. Also shown is the master controller cabinet 32 which is contained within the temporary power enclosure 26. The master controller cabinet 32 again may be provided in a way such that it can be locked and access provided to only certain personnel. [0091] Fig. 5 depicts the open temporary power enclosure 26 with the master controller cabinet 32 open which reveals its contents. Inside the master controller cabinet 32 there is shown the master on/off switch 34, power inlet box 36, meters 40, circuit breakers and residual current device 38. The power inlet box 36 is where the main power line that is the source of the power distributed by the mobile station 10 is introduced into the device. In the present embodiment the main power line is hard wired into the box. Where three phase power is sought to be delivered through outlet 22 a three phase power source must be introduced. Where only single phase power is sought to be distributed, only single phase power need be introduced (and where outlet 22 would not operate). In alternate embodiments (not shown) the inlet may take the form of a socket or regular high power inlet. [0092] Circuit breaker and residual current device 38 are provided for the general power outlets 28 and other power outlets of the mobile station 10 and which act to protect workers should they damage any of the temporary high voltage lines. In an alternate embodiment miniature circuit breakers such as Smissline miniature circuit breakers can be installed on a power distribution bus providing the ability to hot swap socket mounted components such as circuit breakers and/or residual current device 38. [0093] The mobile station 10 also has contained within the master controller cabinet 32 meters and current sensors 40 which include an LCD display for monitoring the energy consumed by the device and the devices connected to it. In connection with the meter 40 is a webserver 41 that logs and stores the data generated by the meter 40. In the present embodiment the webserver is a 12-28VDC ethernet/3G/4G/USB enabled device provided by Carlo Gavazzi (RS485). In the present embodiment this webserver is accessed via a browser interface via the on board 3G/4G. In alternate embodiments it can be connected via an ethernet connection from the network switch in the manner discussed below with respect to the second embodiment. [0094] Turning to Fig. 6 it depicts the inside of the network switch enclosure 20. PoE switch 44 provides a plurality of PoE enabled ethernet ports. Suitable switches include: I -r * CISCO Catalyst 3560 CX switch 44 which has direct power over ethernet support (PoE plus: iEEE 802.3at) for up to 240W of PoE budget; * UTEPO 24 port PoE Switch providing up to 30W per connection and up to 150m span between the switch and the connected device. * Dlink - DES-3200-28P 28-PORT 10/100MBPS LAYER 2 Managed Poe/Poe+ Switch With 4 Gigabit Ports (2 Utp And 2 Combo Utp/Sfp). * Dlink - 28-Port 10/100Mbps Web Smart PoE Switch with 4 Gigabit Ports (2 UTP and 2 Combo UTP/SFP) [0095] In the present embodiment it is important that the switch provide an interface for controlling the power on each of the ports and further, for it to be able to register and report voltage differences across the terminals within each port. [0096] In addition, if the user desires high powered PoE ports in addition to the power available through the above mentioned switches which operate on the 802.3.at standard, this can be achieved by connecting a high powered midspan device (PoE injector) such as the ones manufactured by: PhiHong in its Mega PoE range (90W) and its Ultra PoE range (60W-80W) to either a non-PoE switch or by turning off the power to one or more ports on a PoE switch and having the midspan or injector add the power. Up to 200W can be provided per ethernet connection when using a EnableIT 3400R 8 Port 1600W - 48V DC Rackmount PoE Injector/Midspan. When there is a high powered connection available that can span larger distances, it is possible to run a single high powered connection to an area then split the connection 4 ways using a Tycon Power Systems a mini PoE switch which can accept high powered ethernet input and output multiple 30W PoE connections. [0097] Returning to Fig. 6 there is also depicted power outlets 46 of which there may be multiple so as to accommodate multiple switches 44. Switches need to be designed for use in an enclosure. Fanless switches containing heatsinks are the most reliable in the environment to which the present device would be subject to and also create by virtue of the lockable enclosures. Alternatively fans and vents may be required to keep the enclosure within the acceptable operating limits of the various components but mainly switch 44. Fig. 6 also depicts cable port 50 which communicates the ethernet cables that extend from the switch 44 into the patch panel enclosure 18 which is depicted in Fig. 7. [0098] Referring to Fig. 7 there is depicted the patch panel enclosure 18 which has been opened for inspection. Inside the enclosure is an ethernet panel 52. Behind ethernet panel 52 are I1-) RJ45 ports that receive the ethernet cables 48 that extend through the cable port 50. The RJ45 ports in turn communicate and power the PoE ports 54 on patch panel 52. [0099] In the present embodiment the ethernet switch 44 is used to power ethernet LED drivers 58 and connected LED lamps 60 as shown in Fig. 8. Commercially available pairs of LED driver 58 and LED lamps 60 are available from companies such as Philips. In alternate embodiments the LED driver can be dispensed with if a PoE splitter is utilised and the tapped off power used to directly power one or more LED strips. [0100] In the present embodiment a router and/or gateway are not required as the LED lights, or more specifically, the ethernet connected PoE LED drivers self assign an IP address and draw power from the ethernet cable without the need to be assigned an IP address or alternatively are driven directly without a driver by utilising a PoE splitter as noted in subsequent embodiments of the invention. The only drawback to this approach is that the LED driver 58 is not addressable and thus the LED lamp 60 is not controllable remotely. Given also that PoE ethernet LED drivers generally lack DSI, DALI or 0- 1OV systems for controlling the connected light the only way of turning the light off is via the mobile station 10. In such case the light can be turned off by removing the cable from the socket or optionally by controlling the switch 44 electronically by way of its built browser interface or API from a remote connected device 55 or internal PC/microcontroller 45 as is depicted in Fig. 9. Either way the method has the added advantage of working with LED lamps 60 which are driverless and which run directly off the power output by a PoE splitter such as the lamps depicted in Figs 23 to 27. [0101] The internal PC 45 may be an Arduino/RasberryPi/IntelNuc type PC running variety of operating systems. Alternatively and optionally a dedicated and programmed microcontroller can take the function of the fully functional PC. It is preferred however that the internal PC 45 comprises an INTEL branded NUC PC. The NUC PC has an i3 or i5 Intel processor, on board graphics and associated HDMI port, a built in ethernet port for networking, wifi, solid state drive, USB ports for keyboards and other inputs such as touchscreen interfaces, infra red sensors, audio ports and is capable of running Windows 10. [0102] Referring to Fig 9 the internal pc 45 can be located within the mobile station 10 and connected to a touchscreen panel 51 mounted on the exterior of the mobile station in which the inputs could be used to access and control the connected network switch. Further, rather than rely on the internal wifi card which may be of limited power the /internal PC 45 can be connected to a powerful wireless access point 53 which can then be used to establish a network connection between the microcontroller/PC 45 and a remote device including remote device 55 I %J and other devices such as the builder's smartphones and tablets. The simplest way to access the internal PC 45 remotely would be to establish a web server on the internal PC 45 that would be accessed via the wifi access point 53 or via a direct wired connection via switch 44. [0103] The remote device 55 in turn can instruct the microcontroller/PC 45 via its webserver interface to turn off or on the relevant ethernet port on switch 44 using the in built interface to the switch 44. In mobile station's 10 with microcontroller/PC 45, the microcontroller/PC 45 can also be used to connect to the webserver 41 and the connected meter 40 to retrieve and log the data captured by the meter 40. Further, the microcontroller/PC 45 in such a case can be adapted to turn on and off the high voltage power points 28, 22 and 24 and the USB ports 30 by connecting one or more relays (not shown) upstream of the power points that are controlled by the microcontroller/PC 45 via a USB connection.A UPS 61 is incorporated into the Mobile Station so that in the event that the power input fails (whether by mains blackout or generator failure) there is sufficient power maintained in a battery powered UPS to keep the lights illuminated and connected devices operating. In a still further embodiment the mobile station may also include retractable extension cords that are either wired into the mobile device 10 or they are plugged into one or more of the plurality of general power outlets 28. In one embodiment there are three retractable extension cords provided on spools that are mounted below patch panel enclosure 18 (not shown) High Voltage, Low Voltage and Data Station - Embodiment No. 2 [0104] The second embodiment of the invention is the same as the first embodiment with the exception of the fact that one or more additional components provide network functionality for the connected PoE devices, including LED lights, as depicted in schematic form in Fig. 10. [0105] If a user wishes to employ a fully functional network as well as distribute low and high voltage power then mobile station 101 will provide the necessary functionality due to its in built routing function. [0106] As mentioned previously, with the exception of the LED lights controlled by a PoE LED light driver which remain on in the absence of a data connection (or LED lights that operate without a LED driver at all), most PoE devices will require data connectivity in addition to power in order to function. For instance, in order for an IP camera to send vision to a connected device for monitoring it will need to be assigned an IP address that the connected device can use to communicate with other devices on the network including internal PC45 or remote device 55. Network switches do not assign IP addresses to connected devices. Therefore, PoE devices will 1 / need to be assigned an IP address by a router on the physical network established by the network switch. Even if the devices can self assign IP addresses, they would still need to establish a network connection with a gateway in order to access devices connected to say, the internet or devices on other networks that the gateway is a part of. Accordingly, to provide maximum functionality, the mobile station according to a second embodiment of the invention either incorporates a router 43 on the network connected by the switch where such router 43 would operate as both a gateway to say the builders network 42 which may also provide access to the internet. The external network 42 is patched into the router 43's WAN wherein the router 43 assigns IP addresses via the DHCP protocol. [0107] In this second embodiment the router 43 is located internal to the mobile station 101 however in certain other embodiments the router may be external to the mobile station 101 or may in fact be part of the builder's data infrastructure. In this latter case (not shown), the builders router is connected directly to the network switch and the builder's router assigns IP addresses to the devices connected to the mobile station. The connection in this case between the builders router/gateway and the network switch may be physical in the form of an ethernet cable. However if there are issues where access and proximity are an issue, the network switch may be connected to the builders router via a wireless WIFI or radio based connection, for instance via wifi access point 53 and/or a wireless bridge device contained in the mobile station 101. In cases where the router 43 is internal to the mobile station 101 the router may be connected to a wifi access point 53 for establishing connections with wireless devices including remote device 55 through which the internal PC 45 can be connected to and controlled. Alternatively router 53 may comprise a combined wifi access point and router in which case separate router 53 can be dispensed with. [0108] Fig 10 depicts a mobile station 101 with an internal router/gateway 43. As described by reference to the previous embodiment, switch 44 could be replaced with a non PoE switch and multiple PoE injectors/midspans which provide power to the output ports of the router 43. Still further, high power PoE injectors/midspans could be used to provide high powered connections that current PoE switches cannot presently provide. [0109] In a further alternative, router/gateways directly incorporating PoE technology could be used instead of the router and PoE injectors or a router and a PoE switch. Notwithstanding this, the embodiment has been depicted with a separate router 43 and PoE switch 44. What is important in all variations of the present embodiment is there is a WAN port 47 for introducing the network 42 into the mobile station and multiple ethernet ports which are PoE ports that 1 0 assign an IP address to the connected device. The skilled reader appreciates that this can be accomplished using a number of conventional techniques and apparatus including the use of a wireless ethernet bridge to receive a connection to a wireless network that can be used as the input into the WAN port 47 (not shown). [0110] As for controlling mobile station 101 and connected devices there are a number of different options available. As the connected devices are assigned IP addresses and are mostly addressable by browser or some API made available by their manufacturer the first option available to control the connected devices is simply by a remote PC 55 or internal PC 45 connected to the switch 44 or router 43. If the router 43 is a wireless router or there is an additional wireless access point 53 connected to the router 43 then remote PC 55 could be connected wirelessly and may in fact be a tablet or smartphone connected wirelessly to the network. Such devices could run specialised software for controlling the attached devices or interact with the embedded software of the connected devices by way of a browser or similar interface. Alternatively the manufacturers of the connected devices may provide software for communicating with the devices directly. This software can reside on the remote device 55 or alternatively on internal PC 49 which could be accessed by remote devices 55. The microcontroller/PC 49 is connected to the router 43 via the switch 44. This network connection would allow all connected devices including lights 60 to be controlled by the microcontroller/PC 49, including dimming and more sophisticated controls besides turning the lights on and off. [0111] The microcontroller/PC 49 itself could be accessed remotely by connected PC's 55 which are connected by ethernet or alternatively wirelessly through WIFI access point 53. When connected, microcontroller/PC 49 may act as a server for controlling the connected devices through a browser session or dedicated software such as an iOS or tablet application. Alternatively the microcontroller/PC 49 may have a touchscreen attached to it via USB or other communications protocol that is mounted on the outside of the mobile station that can control the connected devices and aspects of the mobile station 101 operation such as the powering on or off high voltage power points and general operation of the device. [0112] In a preferable embodiment the microcontroller is a Intel NUC device as described with respect to the first embodiment of the invention. By using a fully functional computer the device can control many PoE devices and receive information and data from them such as Video data from connected IP Cameras which may be routed back via the shared network 42 to a cloud based storage and central command server (not shown).

[0113] As an example, with respect to an intelligent lighting system that incorporates RFID sensors, lights and CCTV cameras all powered over ethernet by the mobile station 101, the microcontroller/PC 49 would register the use of the RFID access card and then activate the connected lights and IP cameras. It may also turn on one of the high voltage power outlets that has fans connected to it which ventilate the relevant area. In a still further alternative, the internal PC 49 can provide via its USB connection, a USB to RS485 connection which would then in turn be connected to industrial control systems for infrastructure such as air conditioners in high rise buildings. In other embodiments the microcontroller/PC 49 can be programmed to also control legacy DSI, DALI or 0-10V systems that can be connected to it via USB connection or via a network adaptor. These legacy systems may then be controlled by the one microcontroller/PC 49 along with the PoE connected devices. [0114] The mobile station according to the second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention may also provide network and data connectivity in alternate means by utilising ethernet over power technology (not shown). In such a case an ethernet connection from the router 43 or switch 44 is supplied to an ethernet power adaptor (which may be integrated into the high voltage portion of the station) which infuses the data signal over a mains power line that is connected to in turn to other remote parts of the building or even adjacent buildings where another station employing a compatible network adaptor (ethernet over power) can be used to retrieve the data connection and provide an ethernet port from which a connection can be made to extend the network via a switch 44 or router 43. Low Voltage only -Embodiment No. 3 [0115] The third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, depicted in Fig. 11 and in Figs 14 to 22, can be contrasted with the first and second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention in that it does not have any high voltage distribution functionality, either single phase or triple phase. Rather, it only distributes low voltage power via PoE connections and optionally via USB connection 30. [0116] Referring to Fig 14 is shown mobile station 1011 which is a standalone low voltage power and lighting distribution device. It has a handle 56 for carrying the device whereupon the weight of the device is able to be carried by one person. The diagram also depicts security screws 57 which require specialised tools to remove them from the device. The security screws 57 are used to prevent unauthorised access into the switch enclosure 59. Referring to Fig. 15 is the switch enclosure 59 in which there are three PoE switches 44 mounted upon racks in the switch enclosure 59. As in the case with the low voltage aspects of the first and second embodiment many switches 44 can be utilised including non-powered switches that are combined with PoE injectors/midspans, or a combination of PoE switches and higher powered PoE injectors or midspans. [0117] Many of the components of the mobile station 1011 require 240/120V power to operate. In Fig. 16 there is depicted the switch enclosure 59 with the switches 44 removed. In the diagram power point 62 is provided to power the switches 44. In addition, there is depicted fan 64 and PoE splitter 66 which is used to power the fan 64 via a PoE ethernet connection from switch 44. [0118] Fig 17 depicts a side view of the mobile station 1011 in which high voltage power input 66 is shown. This input is also shown in better detail in Fig. 21 in which it can be seen that the input comprises a high voltage general power point socket that is weatherproof (IP65 rated) and an associated switch. The socket has inserted to it, a standard high voltage plug with male members which are energised with high voltage power (240V/120V). Fig 17 also depicts vents 70 upon which the fan 64 is mounted internally and patch panel enclosure cover 72. This cover is locked to prevent unauthorised access via lock 74 depicted in Fig. 19. [0119] Fig 18 reveals the interior of the patch panel assembly 76 in which a plurality of weatherproof IP65 rated RJ45 ethernet ports 78 are located. These ports correspond with the ports of switch 44 (or indeed any intervening midspan/PoE injector). Cables 80 extend from the ethernet ports 78 to the array of connected devices. [0120] Referring to Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 there is depicted mobile station 1011 that has been mounted on a mobile assembly 82 upon which a source of high power is provided. In the specific example depicted, the source of high power is essentially the high voltage power distribution station 84 of the mobile station according to the first and second embodiments of the invention. Alternatively the device may be mounted adjacent the builder's temporary power board 86 which is used to distribute the high voltage power around the building as shown in Fig 22. [0121] Like the first embodiment, the mobile station 1011 may employ an on board microcontroller/PC 45 which can provide rudimentary controls of the connected devices by turning the ethernet ports on and off by controlling the switch 44 directly. Again as in the case of the first embodiment, the optional microcontroller/PC 45 can be accessed by an ethernet connected remote PC 55 or any device that can communicate with wireless access point 53 including smartphones and tablets which may be provided with specific software for controlling the mobile station 1011. As a further alternative a touchscreen may be provided that is connected /_ I to microcontroller/PC 45 for controlling the switch and by virtue of this, the connected devices including LED lamps 52. Microcontroller/PC 45 is also adapted to register voltage differences received over the cables 80 from connected devices such as PIR sensors as described in further detail below. Low voltage and data -Embodiment No. 4 [0122] The preferred form of the fourth embodiment, mobile station 10111 shown in schematic form in Fig. 12 is essentially the low voltage aspects of the mobile station 101 of the second embodiment which distributes an active network connection in addition to powering low powered devices over ethernet. Like the mobile station 10111 of the third embodiment it is connected to the builders temporary power distribution board for the temporary provision of power and data around the building site. System of Connected Mobile Stations - master and slaves [0123] The present embodiment of the invention involves a system of connected mobile stations. For the present example it will be described by reference to the fourth embodiment which is a low voltage embodiment only as a master station, and the third embodiment of the invention which is configured in the present example as a slave station. It should be noted that the master station may comprise a station according to the second embodiment of the invention in addition to those of the fourth embodiment of the invention. [0124] In order for the same network to be shared over multiple mobile stations, the user of mobile station 1011 can connect multiple stations in a number of ways. As suggested earlier with respect to the second embodiment, if the mobile stations contain ethernet over power adaptors 31, multiple stations can be networked together so long as they are all connected to the same circuit 33 providing high voltage power to the stations. If however, the stations employed do not have the ethernet over power technology incorporated into them, then the network must be shared between the stations in an alternate manner. [0125] If the mobile stations to be connected have the wifi access points 53 or wifi enabled routers 43 then the multiple stations can be configured to act as a wireless ethernet bridge that bridges the network across the two wifi enabled devices. Referring to Fig. 13 it can be seen that in the third embodiment, slave mobile station 1011 the wifi module 53 is connected directly to switch 44 which in turn connects multiple devices in such a way as they form one logical network between the two stations.

[0126] Referring to Fig. 13 it can also be seen that the two stations can also be connected via an ethernet cable extending from one switch 44 to the other switch 44. [0127] Preferably the microcontroller/PC 49 is retained in the slave mobile station l0iv which in turn communicates with the microcontroller/PC 49 in the master mobile station 10111 which controls all of the connected devices. Touch panel 51 is used in the present example to direct the microcontroller/PC 49 to operate either as a slave station or a standalone device as in the case of the third embodiment. LED Drivers And Lamps [0128] The mobile power and lighting distribution devices of the present invention are preferably used with LED lights for providing temporary lighting solutions. However it is not limited to powering LED lights. As the station according to any of the first four embodiments of the first aspect of the invention can provide high powered (up to 200W) per PoE connection, the use of inverters means that even devices that operate on 240V AC could be made to operate. Certainly halogen, fluorescent and other lighting types could be made to operate with a station of the present invention. [0129] However, due to the efficiencies that can be achieved by powering LED lights, it is preferably intended that the stations operate with respect to various different types of LED lights. [0130] LED lamps driven by LED drivers (specific and proprietary systems) - whereupon the full gamut of controls are available by virtue of them being built into the firmware or software of the LED drivers which can be accessed by data/ TCP/IP (and in which in the absence of data self assigns an IP address and turns the associated LED lamp on whereupon the state of the light can be controlled by accessing the switch); [0131] LED lamps containing LED strips powered by constant voltage- whereupon the LED strips can be powered directly from the DC power isolated from an PoE connection whereupon control depends on the functionality of the switch/midspan/PoE injector. [0132] LED lamps containing LED strips powered by constant current- whereupon the LED strips can be powered by a constant current LED driver supplied with the lamp or can be powered by using a PoE splitter combined with a DC/DC convertor which converts 24V DC to a constant current that the LED's run on.

[0133] Turning to specific and proprietary systems referred to in (I) above, reference is now made to Fig. 8 where there is depicted a LED light driver or luminaire controller 58 which is connected to an ethernet cable 56 which in turn is connected to an ethernet port 54 of the ethernet panel 52 of the station 10. The LED light and LED light driver are sourced from Philips from their LuxSpace PoE range of light fittings. The LED light assembly 60 consumes 24W of power and has a luminous flux of 2400 lumens. [0134] Turning to driverless LED lamps (II) it is noted that PoE LED drivers in most cases have a PoE splitter, a transformer to modulate the voltage so as to suit the array of LED's that need to be driven and some controlling circuitry that registers an IP address and makes the driver respond to remote directions to turn the lights on and off or dim them or change colours etc. It is possible to dispense with the LED driver when the system of LED lamps and PIR's operate on power supplied with a constant voltage. At most such LED lamps would need a convertor to convert DV24V input voltage to the specific voltage required by the LED strips utilised. If strips with constant 24V power are utilised, the strips can be powered directly from the DC outputs of a PoE splitter. [0135] Referring to Figs 23 -27 there are depicted versions of these driverless LED lamps for use with a mobile station of the present invention. The emergency LED lamp 88 is depicted in Fig 23 and 24 and in schematic form in Fig 25. In Fig 23 the LED lamp 88 which is 4 foot long is shown with power supplied to it via a connection to a mobile station of the present invention. The ethernet cable and RJ45 port on the emergency LED lamp 88 are of the IP65 weatherproof variety. In Fig. 24 there is depicted the emergency LED lamp 88 after power has been disconnected and in which case, the emergency strip of LEDs become illuminated. This is best explained by reference to the schematic in Fig. 25 in which the following components are noted. Firstly IP65 rated weatherproof RJ45 jack 90 receives an ethernet cable through which power is provided. The PoE connection is passed through to PoE splitter 92 which takes the 24V DC power and outputs it whereupon it is drawn upon by 2 LED strips 94 as well as inverter 96. The inverter draws power to charge battery 98. When power is cut off to LED strips 94 they stop shining. In such a case the battery begins to supply power, via the inverter to emergency LED's 100. [0136] Fig 26 depicts the schematics of a standard LED light 89, that is, one without a battery backup. In this case the power delivered by the PoE splitter to the LED strip is intervened by the inclusion of an optional switch. In such a case it would then be possible to cut the power manually so as to provide a means to turning off the light locally to the LED itself.

[0137] Fig 27 depicts an emergency light 91 which is similar to the 4 foot long emergency light except that it does not contain LED strips 94. In this light, which are often placed above exits to buildings, the emergency LED's 100 are constantly illuminated including when power is cut in which case the battery powers the LED's. Passive Infra Red Sensors [0138] Passive infra red sensors are used to detect the presence of motion within a room or alternatively, the detection of a minimum amount of ambient light. Passive Infra Red sensors are therefore useful as control devices when coupled with a lighting system. Whilst there are passive infra red sensors (PIR's) that connect via PoE and which can communicate the data generated by them, it is not necessary to have the PIR receive an IP address and communicate via TCP/IP. [0139] It is part of the present invention to provide PIR units that are powered by POE and that also return a signal indicating that motion is being detected. Such a unit is depicted in Figs. 28 and 29 namely the EBDSPIR-PRM-VFC-LV from MyStart Pty Ltd which provides the necessary dry contact outputs required to achieve this level of functionality. The switch 44 in turn receives the signals and registers them. The connected microcontroller/internal PC 45 is then able to receive that information via the SNMP protocols built into switch 44. [0140] Fig 30 depicts a mobile station 1011 in which PIR's 108 are connected via switch 44 to LED lights including LED light 106 and POE splitter 104, as well as LED lights 88 driven directly by switch 44 or alternatively through POE switch 110 which like the Tycon Power switch described previously, takes a high powered POE input and splits it into several 35W POE channels. [0141] In a preferred embodiment, it is possible to combine PIR's 108 and LED light 106 (of the sort described by reference to Figs 23-27) by wiring the devices as per Fig 30 wherein the following cable types/connections are provided outside of mobile station 1011: [0142] 24V DC power cable - shown as connections 124 [0143] Figure 8 cable - shown as connection 126 - for returning detected signals to the switch 44 [0144] POE Ethernet connections - indicated in solid black lines [0145] The DC power is provided through DC power cables from POE splitter 104 and switch 44. These are connected to PIR's 108 and LED lamp 106. The PIR's have figure 8 cables 126 connected to the dry inputs of the PIR and returned back to ethernet ports 1 and 2 and 3 and 6 of the one ethernet port. This allows multiple PIR's to be detected on a single ethernet port of switch 44. [0146] The remaining PoE connected components depicted in Fig 30 including fingerprint scanner 114, IP camera 116, IP security monitor 118, IP audio annunciator 120 and speaker 122 can be used in conjunction with a mobile power and lighting distribution of any of the embodiments described including the depicted mobile station 1011. However if used with the first or third embodiment in which router 53 is not provided, the devices will need to be manually set to be on the same network or alternatively directed to an external router operated by the builder so that data communication via the TCP/IP layer can occur. [0147] The station of the first to fourth embodiment of the first aspect of the invention has been described by reference to a mobile solution for building sites and similar sites in which temporary power is required for lighting and also for the potential data connectivity and reduction in cabling due to redundancy. It is important aspect that the mobile stations according to the present invention are adapted for use in a building site by the inclusion of enclosures, weatherproof ports and means for transporting the station as a whole so that no assembly is required on site. Castors, wheels, frames and handles all can be used to make it easy to move the stations about. Mounting brackets may also be provided for temporarily attaching the stations to building sites.

Claims (5)

1. A mobile power distribution station for providing temporary lighting to a site comprising one or more PoE enabled routers, switches and/or midspans which provide a plurality of PoE ports, wherein the plurality of PoE ports and PoE enabled routers, switches and/or midspans are contained within one or more enclosures and wherein the plurality of PoE ports are used to connect a plurality of connected devices and wherein at least one of the connected devices comprises a LED light or an associated LED light driver for illuminating a portion of the site.

2. The mobile power distribution station of claim 1 which further comprises microcontroller/PC that can control the power state of the plurality of connected devices via its control of the PoE enabled routers, switches and/or midspans.

3. The station of claim 2 wherein the mobile power distribution station also features a router/gateway which assigns IP addresses to the plurality of connected devices to facilitate communication between the plurality of devices and/or the microcontroller/PC via TCP/IP.

4. The mobile power distribution station of any of claims 1 to 3 in which the plurality of PoE ports are weatherproof.

5. A method of providing a temporary lighting system to a construction site where in the method comprises: (i) providing a mobile station comprising a plurality of weatherproof PoE enabled ports, one or more PoE enabled routers, switches and/or midspans contained in a weatherproof enclosure of the mobile station to which the weatherproof PoE ports are patched and a PC/microcontroller for controlling the components of the mobile station and the connected devices; (ii) Connecting weatherproof ethernet cables to the plurality of weatherproof PoE enabled ethernet ports; (iii) Connecting the ethernet cables to a plurality of LED lights/LED light drivers via a weatherproof RJ45 ports; (iv) Controlling the LED lights via a PC/microcontroller.