CN100378893C

CN100378893C - System for remotely controlling energy distribution at local sites

Info

Publication number: CN100378893C
Application number: CNB028276841A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杰弗里·英
Original assignee: YINGCO ELECTRONIC Inc
Current assignee: YINGCO ELECTRONIC Inc
Priority date: 2001-11-30
Filing date: 2002-11-27
Publication date: 2008-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 2022-11-27
Also published as: WO2003049248A3; CN1618157A; AU2002362029A1; CA2507957A1; JP2005512284A; KR20040074060A; EP1454399A2; WO2003049248A2

Abstract

A power management system and associated method therefore includes a plurality of local wireless energy control units at remote sites for controlling power delivery to customer loads, and a central station with a wireless transmitter for broadcasting commands to the wireless energy control units. The wireless energy control units each comprise a bank of switches for controlling power delivery to electrical loads at each local site. The controllable switches preferably have a deformable bimetal member controlled by a heated coil for engaging and disengaging electrical contacts. Each wireless energy control unit is capable of being pre-configured so as to specify the order or priority in which electrical loads are disengaged, in response to commands to reduce power consumption received from the central station. The central station may issue power reduction commands according to different priority levels or alert stages. The local wireless energy units respond to the power reduction commands by disengaging one or more electrical loads in accordance with the priority level of the power reduction command, and through their collective operation reduce overall customer power demand.

Description

The method that controllable electronic switch and control electric power are carried

Technical field

Relate generally to of the present invention is used to control the system and method for the energy distribution of local sites.

Background technology

Electric industry is faced with special challenge in the user load demand side that satisfies constantly variation.At least there are two relevant reasons for these challenges.At first, electricity needs can fluctuate significantly from one day to another day or from one hour to another hour, and it is very difficult to make electric industry guarantee that they have enough abilities to meet the demands.Fluctuation on these energy requirements can be because daily circulating energy application model (the following period of the day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m for example occurring the peak), or because the unexpected change on the energy supply and demand balance, for example, the generator of linking on the electrical network quits work, big energy user is reached the standard grade or is rolled off the production line, or breaks down in distribution system.

The power consumption that second factor of the challenge that electric industry faces is regional area is tended to increase in time, thereby is the electric industry burden that satisfied ever-increasing increase in demand gradually.Because the construction of new power plant is very expensive, and must meet multiple government regulation, so a place and even big geographic area can find oneself not have power capacity current maybe can expect following demand to supply it.

A main challenge of utility companies is to handle the peak energy demand.This is because the energy of electric industry supply must enough satisfy different energy requirements constantly, and the peak energy demand has applied maximum pressure to electric power distribution system.When energy requirement surpassed effective supply, destructive incident just may take place as power failure (blackouts), power shortage (brownouts) or temporary interruption (interruptions).Such incident not only causes suitable inconvenience to a large amount of people and commercial undertaking, and is dangerous or life-threatening, and for example the supply of electric power of hospital or crucial care and household Medical Devices suffers damage.

In history, face because during serious energy situation that high demand causes, their selection is extremely limited when the electric industry in a zone of service.For example, electric industry can require the user to save energy, but not every user accepts such requirement, in any case and save and can not provide total solution for the energy supply problem.Electric industry can be attempted by buying effective energy from third party's energy of linking electrical network to satisfy peak demand, and still such purchase in peak demand constantly, is very expensive, because energy supply company requires extra charge usually when demand is high particularly.Another selection of electric industry is to build extra power plant, but building the power plant wants long time and a large amount of investments, and needs the approval of state and/or federal government and user federation.

In order to reduce the peak value electricity needs, avoid buying relevant cost with new power plant and additional energy, made different trials with the exploitation load management system, for avoiding having a power failure or when similarly power breakdown was necessary temporary close certain user load, load management system was by the peak demand of this operation control to energy generation equipment.Usually, the user load type of Tiao Jieing comprises nonessential electric equipment in such a way, as air-conditioning, electric heater or the like.

For example, a kind of load management system uses the ripple tone to inject (ripple tone injection) and send coded pulse on public power wire.This coded pulse can be applied on the public power wire by dynamo-electric ripple control reflector or step-up transformer, wherein dynamo-electric ripple control reflector is by forming by the motor of controllable silicon static switch work, step-up transformer is connected on the public power wire selectively by band-pass circuit, and band-pass circuit is tuned to the coded pulse signal frequency.At the user place, receiver is resolved coded pulse and is carried out required command functions--as close user load.

United States Patent (USP) 4,264,960 have described the example of a load management particular system.As described in this patent, under the control of main control station, unit launching code pulse signal on public power wire is injected in a plurality of substations.Be positioned at the remote receiver at user load place, response is received in the signal that injects the unit on the public power wire from the substation, and can connect and the state that turns on and off of control load by sealed one pole by excitation.Dissimilar loads is organized into (as electric water heater, compressor of air conditioner, street lamp etc.) in the load control group.Main control station is controlled a plurality of dissimilar loads independently by different pulse control signals.Each remote receiver unit is by precoding, so that respond a unique pulse code signal.In order to control the dissimilar load of same position (as hot-water heater and compressor of air conditioner), need be in the remote receiver of the absolute coding of this position.Main control station turns on and off load group, so that the determined load management strategy of executive system operator.

The conventional art that is used for extensive electric power distribution system load management exists multiple shortcoming and restriction.Major defect is that the same power supply above-the-line promotion of high-tension electricity is being carried in the shutoff order from the electric industry to the remote user sites.Because use the relaying signal of telecommunication of transformer on power line, transmit data on the power line (as interruptive command or other control signals so be difficult in.And noise or disturb and to hinder the correct reception of turn-offing order or other control signals.Any induction of user load can produce big harmonic wave, this harmonic wave may be easily and the control signal frequency be complementary, so just hindered control signal maybe may cause " false alarm ".Simple housed device such as electric furnace just can destroy the reception of the control signal on the power line.In a big zone, because all loads all can be incorporated into noise in the electric power distribution system, the interference of accumulation or The noise are significant.Therefore, owing to have a lot of noises and interference source, use power line distribution control signal may have very big problem.Can use the Digital Signal Processing of complexity to come filtered noise and interference and reconstruct control signal, but such technical sophistication and the common receiver that needs costliness.

Another shortcoming that is used for the conventional art of load management is to lack electric industry level or user class control.In order to prevent that peak demand from causing calamitous the power failure or generation of damage electric power or distributing equipment, electric industry is forced to turn-off the electric power (for example by have a power failure (rollingblackout) that roll) in one or more zones, in this case, power consumer seldom control or not control load minimizing usually.Certainly, for the user in the rolling power supply interrupted district, the situation of turn-offing custom power fully usually can occur.Electric industry is pre-configured subscriber's line, so that dynamically reduce some isolated load (normally air-conditioning or electric heater) constantly at peak value electric power, even but in this case,, reduce otherwise electric industry and user can not easily change load unless reconfigure subscriber's line.Only integrally be grouped into the place of different load control groups at user load, electric industry can reduce the load (as all air-conditionings) of some type together, but this selects electric industry normally to make based on its whole electricity needs and management strategy, the user has only very little control or does not control (rather than like this, before the pre-configured circuit of electric industry is with the certain loads of control as a part of bigger group of similar load, give the authority that electric industry turn-offs certain loads, for example an air-conditioning unit) in advance.

Another problem that the conventional load administrative skill fails fully to solve is that temporary interruption, power shortage or power failure take place under the situation that power consumer seldom or not obtains warning usually.Can predict under some situation of very large demand, electric industry can warn power consumer to have a power failure or temporary interruption may take place in coming certain time period---for example at subsequently several hrs, or in subsequently 24 hours or 48 hours.Yet the temporary interruption or the warning that has a power failure are actually usually so extensively and are ambiguous, so that are worth limited concerning power consumer or and be not worth, and whether these users break to their electric power, and as resolutely fall be again when break all uncertain.And, be not easy to loss warning and can not recognize temporary interruption or have a power failure coming because the user of radio or television, is listened in the temporary interruption or the warning that has a power failure normally by radio or television broadcasting.

Proposed the power consumption that some electrical management technology is used to control specific local sites (as factory), but such system is normally isolated, and is independent of the electric industry operation.For example, at United States Patent (USP) 4,216, the example of an electric power management system has been described in 384.According to wherein said representative art, a plurality of main power lines in device or place are monitored to obtain the energy operating position, when the gross energy that installs or the place obtains surpassed the maximum of regulation, control circuit is disconnecting consumers selectively.Though the electric power management system of these types has obviously reduced the total electricity consumption in described device or place, its shortcoming is that they may relative complex and costliness.For example, United States Patent (USP) 4,216,384 electric power management systems of describing utilize one group of transformer to monitor a plurality of main power lines independently, the trigger triode (LED-triggeredTriacs) that one group of LED triggers, so as to connect a plurality of user loads, programmable control circuit selectively, priority is adjusted circuit or the like more automatically.Because they are relatively costly and complicated, the local power management system of these types is not to be well suited for large tracts of land to use, and especially the ordinarily resident is used and the application of other cost sensitivities.And in fact very localization of their operation can not be controlled from centers such as electric industries self.

Except foregoing restriction and shortcoming, traditional electric power and load management strategy are subjected to the restriction of available circuit and switch, and these circuit and switch are used in some application and carry with the actual electric power that is controlled at local sites.For example, the power switch of a kind of general type that power supply is connected with load and disconnects is a circuit-breaker, and its function is, when reaching current limitation, circuit-breaker prevents that by the circuit paths between deenergization and the load overcurrent from obtaining or flowing into load from power supply.Typical circuit-breaker has the bimetallic arm, electric power signal can be sent to load from power supply by this bimetallic arm.One end of bimetallic arm is linked the electric power signal line, and the other end of bimetallic arm is linked electric conductor, can be with distributing electric power to load by this conductor.When too many electric current flow through the bimetallic arm, electrical current heat caused bimetallic arm distortion or crooked in a predetermined manner, like this bimetallic arm and electric conductor contact disconnection, cause electric power signal and load disconnection.By this way, protection power supply and the load infringement of electric current of avoiding transfiniting.

Though circuit-breaker is preventing that aspect the high levels of current be useful, they are passive electric circuit element normally, and its response is decided by the electric power amount that load is obtained fully.They can not provide the ACTIVE CONTROL to the electric power signal line usually.Yet some circuit interruption device that can reset is suggested, and for example, it utilizes spring operating mechanism to allow the connection of teleoperator's disconnection or closed circuit interrupter.The United States Patent (USP) 3,883,781 of authorizing J.Cotton discloses the example of such circuit interruption device.

Also being illustrated of the Long-distance Control of other types or the circuit interruption device of operation, as authorize people's such as Peter United States Patent (USP) 5,38 1,121 and authorize people's such as Wafer United States Patent (USP) 4,625,190.These circuit interruption devices comprise more exquisite mechanism, and these mechanisms are because their complexity, make more expensively, and may be subjected to mechanical wear or fault.

Except circuit interruption device, the circuit of other types has been used to control electric power signal.Yet the circuit of these other types also has shortcoming.For example, in order to control the distribution of the electric power signal that is transported to load, solid-state switch (as the rectifier (SCRs) of transistor or silicon control) can be used as the switch between power supply and the load.Yet transistor and SCRs have limited rated power usually, can be damaged or short circuit when high levels of current.And the transistor of high rated power or SCRs are more expensive relatively.

Therefore, provide the load management system that overcomes aforementioned one or more problem, restriction or shortcoming to have superiority.Provide electric industry and/or user to have noise and load management system interference effect, that do not need your recipient bigger flexibility, that not caused by the emission data and have further advantage.The load management system that uses controllable electronic switch is provided, especially provide reliable, durable and cheap switch also to have superiority, wherein controllable electronic switch can be connected power supply with load or disconnect selectively, they can processing such as resident or application need for a business higher relatively electricity needs.

Summary of the invention

One aspect of the present invention is the system and method at the distributing electric power that is used to manage or control local sites.

In one aspect, the local energy control unit comprises one group of gate-controlled switch, and its electric power that is used to control from power line to single electrical load is carried.When receiving external command, the energy control unit preferably causes the gate-controlled switch connection or disconnects their loads separately according to configurable order.The energy control unit can be that user configured (as sequencing) is to distinguish the order of priority that load disconnects.In a preferred embodiment, gate-controlled switch is that in series (as form from top to bottom) is connected with the set of circuits circuit breaker electric, and gate-controlled switch preferably can disconnect or connect once more electrical load selectively, this situation may occur, as in commerce or the electric output of resident, when conducting, obtain little power or do not obtain electric power.

In yet another aspect, EMS relates in a plurality of user site with relevant method uses the remote energy control unit, with the energy of Control Allocation to user load.Each energy control unit preferably includes one group of gate-controlled switch, is used to control the electric power that is transported to a plurality of partial electrical loads.The user can pre-configured energy control unit, the order or the priority that disconnect with the regulation electrical load, thus response reduces the order of energy consumption.The wireless command system allows the energy control unit to receive from long-range as center reflector or geographical order of going up the reflector set that disperses.Central station can send energy and reduce order or other similar message according to different levels of priority.The energy control unit reduces the levels of priority of ordering according to energy, and by disconnecting one or more electrical loads, the response energy reduces order.Integrated operation by at the local energy control unit of different remote location can realize the minimizing of significant total electricity, for example, and especially in the peak value electricity needs.

In a plurality of embodiment, the local energy control unit can have the additional feature of enhancing practicality.For example, in certain embodiments, the energy control unit is configurable programmable timer function, and the priority that allows the excitation gate-controlled switch is based in the week specific one day, and special time or the like is adjusted automatically in one day.The energy control unit also can dispose memory writing down a plurality of gate-controlled switches at whole temporal state, or the other system parameter.Only after causing the incident that one or more electrical loads are disconnected, just can trigger this memory and carry out record.

In a preferred embodiment, controllable electronic switch comprises deformation element (as bimetallic element or arm), wherein this controllable electronic switch can be used for a plurality of embodiment of energy control unit, the energy control unit has one group and is used for the controllable electronic switch of inactive partial electrical load selectively, this deformation element one end is fixed, and the other end controllably contacts with electric conductor.Input power cord is linked bimetallic element near the electric conductor contact point.Heating element (as coil) is coupled to bimetallic element, and is controlled by switch controlling signal.When switch controlling signal was not activated, heating element was inoperative, and electric power strides across the bimetallic element end and is transported to electric conductor by input power cord, and from here, electric power can further be assigned to load from electric conductor.When switch controlling signal was activated, heating element added the thermo bimetal, make its bending up to the disconnection that contacts of electric conductor.The electrical path of (and therefore to load) is disconnected from the input power cord to the electric conductor.As long as switch controlling signal is activated, heating element continues to keep bimetallic bending and electrical path to disconnect.

A kind of controllable electronic switch is provided according to an aspect of the present invention, it comprises: the Crumple element device, it is used for controllably input power cord being connected to electric conductor, and when the Crumple element device was connected with electric conductor, described power line was electrically connected to described electric conductor; Be used to heat the device of described Crumple element device, to cause described Crumple element device distortion being connected up to its disconnection and described electric conductor; And signalling, be different from described input power cord, be used to encourage and the described device that is used to heat of de-energisation.

A kind of controllable electronic switch is provided according to a further aspect in the invention, has comprised: have the bimetallic element of first end and second end, described bimetallic element is fixed on described first end, and contacts with electric conductor at described second end; Input power cord, near its described second end described electric conductor is connected to described bimetallic element, and when described bimetallic element contacted with described electric conductor, described input power cord was electrically connected to described electric conductor; Be coupled to the heating element on the bimetallic element; And be connected to ON-OFF control circuit on the described heating element, cause that thus described heating element is heated to the temperature of the described bimetallic element of enough bendings, so that when described ON-OFF control circuit transmit button control signal, being connected between second end that disconnects described bimetallic element and electric conductor.

A kind of method that electric power is carried of controlling is provided according to another aspect of the invention, has comprised the following steps: fixedly bimetallic arm first end; Location bimetallic arm, so that second end on it contact with electric conductor when the bimetallic arm is in ambient condition, and bending is away from electric conductor when adding thermo bimetal's arm; Near second end of the bimetallic arm of input power cord electric conductor is connected to the bimetallic arm, so that when the bimetallic arm contacted with electric conductor, the electric power signal on the described input power cord had the electrical path that arrives remote load by electric conductor; Be coupled described heating element to described bimetallic arm; Switch controlling signal is connected to described heating element; And apply and remove described switch controlling signal selectively, controlling the heating of described heating element, thereby control the disconnection and the closure of described bimetallic arm.

A kind of controllable electronic switch is provided according to another aspect of the invention, has comprised: have the Crumple element of first end and second end, described Crumple element is fixed on described first end, and contacts with electric conductor at described second end; Input power cord, near its described second end described electric conductor is connected to described Crumple element, and when described Crumple element contacted with described electric conductor, described input power cord was electrically connected to described electric conductor; Near this Crumple element heating element; And being connected to holding wire on the described heating element, described holding wire carries switch controlling signal to described heating element.

Further embodiment, changes and improvements are also open at this.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the block diagram according to the electric power management system of an embodiment disclosed herein.

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of local energy control system, and for example, this system is used to according to the electric power management system of Fig. 1 or other electric power management systems.

Fig. 3 is the figure that the physics of the element of an explanation embodiment being used for the local energy management system is settled.

Fig. 4 is the conceptual view based on bimetallic circuit-breaker known in the field.

Fig. 5-the 1st illustrates the view of the example of electric current when the circuit breaker closing among Fig. 4 (normal running), and Fig. 5-the 2nd illustrates when the overcurrent situation takes place, and the bimetallic of circuit-breaker is the view of the example that open circuit connects how.

Fig. 6 is the view of controllable electronic switch, and it can be used for a plurality of embodiment of electric power management system disclosed herein.

Fig. 7-the 1st illustrates the view of the example of electric current when the electronic switch closes among Fig. 6, and Fig. 7-the 2nd, the bimetallic of the electronic switch in the key diagram 6 how open circuit connect the view of the example that starts with responsive control signal.

Fig. 8 is the block diagram of another embodiment of explanation controllable electronic switch, and it can be used for a plurality of embodiment of electric power management system disclosed herein.

Fig. 9 is the block diagram of another embodiment of local energy control system, and it can be used for, a plurality of as disclosed herein electric power management systems.

Figure 10 is the view that a plurality of elements of explanation local energy control system concern each other.

Figure 11 is the Status view of changing between a plurality of warning stages of explanation according to a process disclosed herein.

Figure 12 and 13 is the process charts according to two different embodiment disclosed herein, its explanation a plurality of steps that conversion relates between different warning stages.

Figure 14 is to use the view of another embodiment of the controllable electronic switch that is electrically connected in the wedge-shaped element open circuit path.

Figure 15 shows how the controllable electronic switch shown in Figure 14 disconnects the view that is electrically connected.

Figure 16 is the view of another embodiment of controllable electronic switch, and it uses being electrically connected in the wedge-shaped element open circuit path, and the mechanical cam of a plurality of latched position is arranged.

Figure 17-1,17-2 and 17-3 are the views of the controllable electronic switch among explanation Figure 16, and its relative cam has locking bolt at link position.

Figure 18-1 is the view of the different latched position of controllable electronic switch cam among explanation Figure 16 to 18-8.

Figure 19 is the view of another embodiment of controllable electronic switch, and this electronic switch uses being electrically connected in the wedge-shaped element open circuit path, and the mechanical cam with a plurality of latched position is arranged.

Figure 20 is shown in the view how controllable electronic switch among Figure 19 disconnects the example that is electrically connected.

Figure 21,22 and 23 is schematic diagrames of the example of the explanation control circuit simplified or its part, it can be used for a plurality of controllable electronic switches disclosed herein.

Figure 24 is the view of an embodiment of ON-OFF control circuit, its can with illustrate or disclosed a plurality of may command electronic circuit embodiment is used in combination herein.

Figure 25 is the view of another embodiment of ON-OFF control circuit, its can with illustrate or disclosed a plurality of may command electronic circuit embodiment is used in combination herein.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of the example of explanation electric power management system 100, and wherein according to a plurality of embodiment disclosed herein, the local energy control unit can be utilized.As shown in Figure 1, electric industry 105 is by the multiple user load 120 of power line 108 electrical power distribution to local sites 109.Among Fig. 1 electric industry 105 has been carried out general explanation, but it can comprise one or more power stations or other electric power source, the substation, transformer, power line and be used to generate electricity and electrical power distribution to any other equipment of user, as known in the art.Local sites 109 can comprise industry/business user's (it obtains 4.16kV usually near the electric power the 34.5kV) and resident or illumination business user (it obtains near 120 and/or 240 volts of electric power usually); although more generally, they comprise any group the related electric load of wishing for its control energy distribution.Therefore, each electrical load 120 generally comprises one or more partial electrical loads (not illustrating one by one) in Fig. 1.

At each local sites 109,114 controls of wireless energy control unit are transported to user load 120 from the electric power of power line 108.Central station 102 by communication unit 103 (it preferably includes at least one reflector, but also can comprise a receiver) emitted energy control command in order to carry out two-way communication to the local wireless energy control unit 114 that is positioned at a plurality of local sites 109.Each wireless energy control unit 114 can comprise that communication unit 115 (preferably includes at least one receiver, but also can comprise a reflector in order to carry out two-way communication) and control circuit power 112 and other parts, wherein control circuit power 112 is used to resolve the electric power control command that is received by communication unit 115 and works immediately.At each local sites 109, as further explanation, control circuit power 112 is by communication unit 115 received energy control commands, and, stop that selectively electric power is transported to one or more single electrical loads at local sites 109 by connecting selectively or disconnecting a plurality of local power partition line 118 at local sites 109.

But central station 102 utilizes any suitable communication protocol or technology emitted energy control command to local sites 109.Communication can be unidirectional or two-way.In a preferred embodiment, communication unit 103 comprises radio frequency (RF) reflector, and in such embodiments, central station 102 utilizes effective sideband (for example, FM sideband) and/or utilizes frequency shift keying (FSK) to be transmitted on the radio frequency preferably broadcast energy control command.Yet other wireless communication technology or agreement---for example spread spectrum or broadband connections technology or agreement---also can be used.Though central station 102 as single feature description, will be understood that in Fig. 1, on a plurality of communication equipments and facility that comprise communication substation and landline, will be delayed from the emission of central station.

But an advantage of the wireless transmission of energy control command is relatively economical ground covers wide relatively area, for example, the demand that does not have continuous wired landline road from central station 102 to a plurality of local sites 109, or in the demand that generally is subjected to emission data on local and the noisy power line that other interference sources influence.

In a preferred embodiment, each wireless energy control unit 114 provides the preliminary election ability to the user, can be selected in which electrical load of specific portion website 109 in advance, if any, should disconnect with the command messages of response from central station 102.This ability can illustrate in greater detail with reference to figure 2, and Fig. 2 is the block diagram of local energy control system 200, can in conjunction be shown in electric power management system 100 among Fig. 1 utilize (but and loosely and multiple element be associated, shown in local sites 109).As shown in Figure 2, local energy control system 200 preferably includes wireless energy control unit 214, and it has many control lines 261, and this control line transmits the signal that is used to control gate-controlled switch 262 open/close states.Gate-controlled switch 262 disconnects selectively and is connected, so that turn-off and switch on again multiple partial load effectively, this partial load is by single power line 263 power supplies that split off from main power line 208, and wherein main power line 208 can bring input electric power from electric industry or other primary power sources.Gate-controlled switch 262 preferred set of circuits circuit breakers 251 connected in series (circuit breaker is such, for example, is typically found at local resident or commerce site) and a plurality of partial load, and be inserted in therebetween.The example of one type circuit-breaker is illustrated among Fig. 4, and illustrates in greater detail in the back.Circuit-breaker 251 works usually preventing obtaining too much electric current from input power cord 208, thereby prevents contingent harmful situation, for example the short circuit of local sites or other such situations.In case circuit-breaker 251 " tripping operation ", thus stop electric power to flow to its corresponding local power load, and for example, it can reset by triggering hand switch usually.Though the preferred embodiment of local energy control system 200 comprises gate-controlled switch 262, it is inserted between circuit-breaker 251 and the out-put supply line 263, this power line carries single electric power signal to multiple partial load, should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, circuit-breaker 251 can be omitted, or other electric components (as fuse) can appear at or be attached in the circuit-breaker 251.

Wireless energy control unit 214 preferably include built-in enough intelligence with receive electric order and disconnect and again connection response in its gate-controlled switch 262.The wireless energy control unit 214 that is shown among Fig. 2 comprises communication unit 215, and it preferably includes receiver, can comprise that also reflector is used for two-way communication.Communication unit 215 further comprises antenna 216, be used for receiving wireless command from remote location (as central station 102) emission, the configuration of antenna 216 and essence are mainly determined by the essence of specific wireless communication technology, according to the principle of the known Antenna Design of wireless communication field.Wireless energy control unit 214 also preferably includes the control circuit part, and it generally includes one or more elements that can receive the electric power control command that receives by communication unit 215, and selectively control response in its gate-controlled switch 262.In a preferred embodiment, control circuit partly comprises communication interface 235, processor 230, one or more clocks or timer 2 32,239, one groups of switches of memory or loader 238 is set, display and/or indicating device 236, with control register 237, and also can comprise control line 261 and gate-controlled switch 262.

In operation, wireless energy control unit 214 communication interfaces 235 receive, and if desired, resolve and/or temporary transient memory command or other message, and these orders and message receive from remote transmitter by communication unit 215.Communication unit 215 can dateout, and the form of these data depends on wireless communication technology or the agreement that is adopted, and the complexity that receives electronics.For example, when message when long-range emission source receives, communication unit 215 can multiple interval output digital data bit stream.Communication interface 235 can be resolved from the data of communication unit 215 outputs, and for example, can be configured to discern which data is that effectively which data is to send to specific wireless energy control unit 214.Message from long-range emission source (as central station 102) emission, as will further specifying herein, can be addressed or encode, so as to have only some wireless energy control unit (as, those are in the specific geographical area) response (react) order and the message sent.

When message arrived by effective communication unit 215 and communication interface 235, processor 230 can be by the message of any suitable device consciousness reception.For example, processor 230 can receive interrupt signal from communication unit 215, or regularly wheel news communication unit 235 arrives to have determined whether message.In certain embodiments, for conserve energy, allow processor 230 and other control circuits " sleep " state that is placed in to have superiority, wherein pass through the power supply of disconnection of wireless energy control unit 214, the circuit of wireless energy control unit 214 turn-offs substantially, except communication unit 215 and communication interface 235 and other basic circuit, if any.When communication interface 235 is checked through message by communication unit 215 receptions, perhaps according to some incident that should be noted that (as the sequencing that is provided with, display update, periodic status checkout etc.), specific internal electric source management circuit (not shown) can be carried out the operation that connects power supply again, and this operation can activate or " waking up " processor 230 and other control circuits again.By this way, when response command not or when carrying out some other required activity, wireless energy control unit 214 can be only with minimum electric power.

Be apprised of from remote transmitter when processor 230 and received emission, processor 230 is attempted any order that has received of response or other message.The response of processor 230 is usually according to some stored parameters with in other configuration messages or the programmed instructions of wireless energy control unit 214.In this, memory 239 can advantageously be made up of Different Logic and/or physical piece, comprises working storage part 243, program storage portion 242 and parameter storage area 241.Usually, program command storage area 242 and parameter storage area 241 comprise nonvolatile memory (as EEPROM), and working storage part 243 comprises volatile memory (as RAM).In certain embodiments, memory 239 also can have standby DC power supply (as battery), just in case main power source helps to prevent the information drop-out stored when cutting off the power supply temporarily.

Be stored in the program command of program command storage area 242, the parameter that is stored in parameter storage area 241 and/or switches set or loader 238 orders that receive from the remote message source of 214 pairs of regulation wireless energy control units or the response of other message basically are set, rule or logic integrally are provided, by this rule or logic, wireless energy control unit 214 determines which gate-controlled switch 262 disconnects or connection again.In a preferred embodiment, wireless energy control unit 214 is that the user is configurable, so that gate-controlled switch 262 disconnects or the order of connection again can be determined separately each local sites 109.In one aspect, in certain embodiments, wireless energy control unit 214 provides the ability of setting up priority orders, and gate-controlled switch 262 disconnects with this priority or connects.But priority by manual adjustment a plurality of switches or loader 238 be set set.Switch or loader 238 is set adopts arbitrarily wide kind form.For example, each gate-controlled switch 262 can be relevant with the multiposition switches (not shown), and this multiposition switches provides switch or in the loader 238 one is set.Each position of multiposition switches can indicate whether that the gate-controlled switch 262 of being correlated with will respond the warning stage triggering of specified level, as the detailed description of back.For example, in the system of three possibilities of existence warning stages, multiposition switches can have four positions, wherein three corresponding phase I, second stage and phase III alarm conditions, and the 4th position relevant gate-controlled switch 262 of indication will not respond in three warning stages any.The position of the switch number of multiposition switches can be determined by the number of possible warning stage, determine at least in part.

Perhaps, but the response of 262 pairs of a plurality of warning stages of gate-controlled switch is software programizations, uses a plurality of button/switch loaders (it can be to provide as a switch or a part that loader 238 is set) to dispose the priority orders of gate-controlled switch 262.Just the same with an example, allow the user to circulate to carry out a routine, each gate-controlled switch 262 of this routine sequential addressing and for each gate-controlled switch 262 allows the user that the situation of warning stage is imported required response.The message of sequencing can be shown in the visual display unit (in Fig. 2, they are generally with 236 representatives of display/indicating device) of little LCD display or other types.Wireless energy control unit 214 has one group of indicating device (in Fig. 2, vivo being represented by display/indicating device 236) indication alternatively, and on indivedual bases, gate-controlled switch 262 if having, disconnects immediately in the given moment.For example, such indicating device can comprise LEDs or other small-power optical elements.Display/indicating device 236 can be indicated (for example by special LED indicating device, or flashing message or the seasonable sound of hearing on the little LCD display), and it is coming that " early warning " message that receives from central station 102 has indicated power alarms.

In certain embodiments, wireless energy control unit 214 is configurable the programmable timer function, allow to adjust the priority that electrical load disconnects automatically based on certain time-giver, for example, and in the week specific one day, specific moment or the like in one day.Such timing can be by user program, and its mode will disconnect according to the reception of the message that requires from central station 102 to do like this by its gate-controlled switch 262 as setting the initial priority scheme.But the parameter storage area 241 memory timing parameters of memory 239, its priority able to programme that causes gate-controlled switch 262 changed in the specific time.Memory 239 can be configured the state that immediately writes down a plurality of gate-controlled switches 262 in difference constantly, or the other system parameter.In certain embodiments, memory 239 can be triggered with recording messages after incident only, and this incident causes that one or more electrical loads are disconnected, or some other incident with importance.

As further specifying among Fig. 2, control register 237 is used to store current " order " state that is used for gate-controlled switch 262.In certain embodiments, for example, each position of control register 237 can keep command bit, and its binary condition (" 1 " or " 0 ") indicates the open/close state of relevant gate-controlled switch 262.Wireless energy control unit 214 also can be used to control other sources of regional area---for example, and gas pipeline closer 290.Similarly, the mechanism that is used for gas pipeline closer 290 can have relevant open/close state/command bit at control register 237.

Fig. 3 is the view that some element physics of explanation is settled, and these elements are used among the embodiment of local energy control system.As shown in Figure 3, wireless energy control unit 370 can physically be fixed or be placed in the circuit box 300.Circuit box 300 can comprise one group of ON/OFF or reset switch 351, and it is used for manual reset electro circuit breaker (as be shown in Fig. 2 circuit-breaker 251) and/or is used for based on single reason, disconnects the electrical load that is connected on the particular electrical circuit circuit breaker.Switch 351 among Fig. 3 illustrates with a plurality of open and closed.From circuit-breaker, the output line that is used to link a plurality of electrical loads can pass through wireless energy control unit 370 Hes, connects by a plurality of gate-controlled switches (as be shown among Fig. 2 gate-controlled switch 262) particularly.In specific embodiment illustrated in fig. 3, wireless energy control unit 370 also illustrates with one group of hand switch 372, and which gate-controlled switch it is used to select to respond long-range electrical management instruction of sending and normal priority wherein.If have only a power alarms stage to be used by electric power management system 100, hand switch 372 can only be brought into play its function with two position of the switch so, first position indicates gate-controlled switch and do not turn-off (promptly disconnecting its electrical load) in the input of power alarms stage, and second position indicates its shutoff in the input of power alarms stage.

Another aspect, if electric power management system 100 has graduate power alarms stage group, so more complicated switch is provided with group and may be utilized.For example, if three power alarms stages are used to electric power management system 100 and (do not comprise " power failure " stage or other warning stages, wherein do not relate to the local power control circuit), each hand switch 372 can have four positions so, it is necessary which power alarms stage (promptly disconnecting its electrical load) before corresponding gate-controlled switch will turn-off is indicated in first three position, and the 4th position indicates corresponding gate-controlled switch not turn-off, to respond any power alarms stage.The 4th position is useful to the management electrical load, and the user thinks that the management electrical load is crucial, so disconnect if can avoid not wishing.

The optical indicator (as LEDs) 373 of contiguous each hand switch 372 can be used for indication, whether any gate-controlled switch has in fact disconnected their electrical loads separately, with the message of response from central station, this central station makes wireless energy control unit 370 input power alarms stage ranks, and its requirement or request local power reduce.Display and/or interface 371 can be used to provide text message, be pre-stored in the wireless energy control unit 370, or receive, perhaps from central station, if button or suitable device provide, with a plurality of functional programsization that allow wireless energy control unit 370 to provide.

As the front be shown in embodiment among Fig. 2 pointed, wireless energy control unit 370 (and therefore, gate-controlled switch) can be positioned in the downstream or the upstream of circuit-breaker switch 351, because under which kind of situation, wireless energy control unit 370 can both work, so that disconnect the input power cord from the partial electrical load.In one aspect, wireless energy control unit 370 provides compact, effective and practical device to regulate local power consumption, this is minimum intrusion to user site, because it can integrate to the common circuit box 300 or the electrical box of similar size, therefore only need carry out minimum change to existing utility.

In interchangeable embodiment, wireless energy control unit 370 placement of can connecting with fuse, relative with circuit-breaker or append on it.

In a plurality of embodiment, electric power management system 100 is on the time of endless, by sending order from central source (being central station 102), operation to be reducing or to limit total custom power demand, and this order makes the control circuit power 112 at local sites 109 individually disconnect selected electrical load 120.In a preferred embodiment, central station 102 maintains the power demand of necessary minimizing in the tolerable restriction based on the running with electric industry 105, sends the declaration of power alarms stage.According to an example, be electric power management system 100 definition one or more power alarms stage ranks, and central station 102 passes through wirelessly, and the broadcast warning rank change power alarms stage rank to the wireless communication unit 115 of a plurality of local sites 109.Along with the custom power increase in demand to the threshold level of taking to move, central station 102 broadcasting and ranks of corresponding power alarms stage of the present situation.Along with the custom power demand is reduced to more tolerable level, central station 102 just can be broadcasted power alarms stage rank, and it indicates some or all electrical loads 120 and can be connected.Announce total custom power desired level of different electric power stage alarms, can be fixed on the specific threshold level or on the particular percentile of total electricity capacity (it dynamically fluctuates---as with the date, with hour, or even quickly).Replacedly, the power alarms phase messages can respond manual command and send, this manual command is by personnel's input of the mandate relevant with electric industry 105 and/or central station 102, allows people's adjustment can enter decision-making like this, or uses automatically and the combination of manual technique.The power alarms stage rank of any number may be utilized, and it depends on the desired complexity of electric power management system 100.

According to an example, electric power management system 100 can have four power alarms stage ranks---and wherein three cause that local sites 109 reduces the orders from central station 102 that their power consumption are received with response, and the 4th power alarms stage rank requires to take extra step (as the power shortage of having a mind to or the power failure of certain geographic area).The state diagram 1100 that Figure 11 changes between the stage according to such example, a plurality of power alarms of explanation.As shown in figure 11, state diagram 1100 comprises a plurality of states of 1105 to 1109, and they are corresponding to different power alarms stage ranks.When total custom power demand (be the first threshold level that total custom power desired level is lower than regulation, this level is designated as LEVEL1) in tolerable scope, electric power management system 100 remains on non-alarm state 1105.When total custom power surpasses the first threshold level (as LEVEL1), electric power management system 100 enters phase I alarm state 1106, so central station 102 broadcast radio message are to local wireless communication unit 115, and its indication phase I power alarms has been announced.In response, disconnect a plurality of partial electrical loads 120 selectively, therefore reduce total user's request to keep total energy usage in tolerable level at the control circuit power 112 of local sites 109.Electric industry 105 can be measured the degree that electricity needs reduces, and transmits this message to central station 102 (or other processing centers), for determining of later power alarms stage rank.For example central station 102 (or other processing centers) can be current total electricity needs level as comprising that sending the power alarms stage warns the amount of the total electricity needs level reduction that is caused to handle, owing to cancel the connection again that the warning of power alarms stage just is considered to cause the previous partial electrical load 120 that disconnects at any time, and therefore increase total electricity needs.Therefore, total custom power level and a plurality of threshold level are relatively the time in being shown in Figure 11, and electric power management system 100 is preferably taken into account the influence that disconnects partial electrical load 120.

As long as total custom power demand remains on the first demand threshold LEVEL1, but under the second demand threshold LEVEL2, electric power management system 100 remains on phase I alarm state 1106.Yet, if total custom power demand continues to increase, so that surpass the second demand threshold LEVEL2, electric power management system 100 just enters second stage alarm state 1107, and central station 102 is wirelessly broadcasted the wireless communication unit 115 of a piece of news to a plurality of local sites 109, indicates the warning of second stage power alarms and announces.Yet, on the other hand, if total custom power demand falls back to below the first demand threshold LEVEL1, electric power management system 100 turns back to non-alarm state 1105, so central station 102 is wirelessly broadcasted the wireless communication unit 115 of a piece of news to a plurality of local sites 109, it is no longer valid to indicate the phase I power alarms, and electric power management system 100 turns back to non-alarm state 1105.

As long as total custom power demand remains on the second demand threshold LEVEL2, but under the 3rd demand threshold LEVEL3, electric power management system 100 remains on second stage alarm state 1107.Yet, if total custom power demand continues to increase, so that surpass the 3rd demand threshold LEVEL3, electric power management system 100 is just imported phase III alarm state 1108, and central station 102 is wirelessly broadcasted the wireless communication unit 115 of a piece of news to a plurality of local sites 109, indicates phase III power alarms warning and announces.Yet, on the other hand, if total custom power slump in demand is below the second demand threshold LEVEL2, electric power management system 100 turns back to phase I alarm state 1106, so central station 102 is wirelessly broadcasted the wireless communication unit 115 of a piece of news to a plurality of local sites 109, it is no longer valid to indicate the second stage power alarms, and electric power management system 100 turns back to phase I alarm state 1106.

Similarly, as long as total custom power demand remains on the 3rd demand threshold LEVEL3, but under the 4th demand threshold LEVEL4, electric power management system 100 remains on second stage alarm state 1108.Yet, if total custom power demand continues to increase, so that surpassing the 4th demand threshold LEVEL4, electric power management system 100 is just imported quadravalence section alarm state 1109, so take extra step (having a power failure or power shortage as regionality).Wireless command is not essential in this case; Yet if desired, power failure or power shortage alert message can be by central station 102 transmission, so that the user of local sites 109 can obtain alarm before power failure or power shortage generation.Selectively, central station 102 can be transmitted in and have a power failure or power shortage time proximity amount before, and the time before upcoming power-off event can be shown by local power control circuit 112, so that the user can take following of this situation to want any measure of taking.Below total custom power slump in demand to the three demand threshold LEVEL3, electric power management system 100 turns back to second stage alarm state 1107, so central station 102 is wirelessly broadcasted the wireless communication unit 115 of a piece of news to a plurality of local sites 109, it is no longer valid to indicate the phase III power alarms, and electric power management system 100 turns back to second stage alarm state 1107.

As the interchangeable mode that can realize similar results, can use single electric power to utilize threshold value, because of responding the custom power demand that each power alarms stage rank descends, when calculating next power alarms stage rank, needn't consider.According to this interchangeable embodiment, along with each power alarms stage is announced, total custom power desired level is expected to owing to the entire effect at a plurality of energy control units 114 of a plurality of local sites 109 descends.Therefore identical electric power utilizes threshold value to can be used for each power alarms stage rank, allows electric power management system 100 have favourable operation simultaneously.For example, electric power utilizes threshold value can be set at 96% of total electricity capacity.Utilize threshold value when total custom power demand reaches electric power, phase I power alarms alert message is transferred to wireless energy control unit 114, and it disconnects some electrical load 120.As a result of, the total custom power demand certain amount (for example, 5%) that will descend.Electric power utilizes threshold value can remain on 96% of capacity.In the first power alarms stage rank, when total custom power demand reaches 96% again, central station 102 can be launched second stage power alarms alert message to wireless energy control unit 114, therefore causes another decline of total custom power demand.This circulation can repeat to enter the third and fourth power alarms stage rank.

Process 1100 can be carried out in the system of automation, and for example, this system uses one or more computer processors to carry out with centralized or distributed structure/architecture, and it can be positioned at central station 102 or other places.At the threshold level programmable of a plurality of power alarms between the stage.Can use the hysteresis technology, with convenient custom power demand near the threshold level time, system is quick oscillation back and forth between two different warning stage ranks not.In other words, when the custom power increase in demand, the threshold level is added a hysteresis, in case the custom power demand surpasses threshold level (adding hysteresis), just enter a new warning stage rank, the threshold level is deducted a hysteresis, so that when the user's request level reduces, in order to switch back lower power alarms stage rank, the custom power demand need drop to below the threshold level that deducts hysteresis.In addition, because expectation switches to and can cause that total custom power demand descends fast after next power alarms stage rank and (be used for total custom power desired level that the power alarms stage calculates and go to relax this effect although slippage is added to, as mentioned above), the hysteresis technology is preventing that local sites 109 from reducing their selected electrical loads 120 at the beginning, and it is useful that last power alarms stage other aspect of level is just switched go back to fast in system.

Use technology illustrated in fig. 11, electric industry 102 can dynamically be controlled total custom power demand, thereby reduces peak user power consumption when avoiding energy crisis necessary.By a plurality of warning stage ranks are provided, such electrical management technology has reduced the granularity of selecting user's electric weight, and burden for users is dropped to minimum degree.

The further specifying of mode that disconnects or connect gate-controlled switch about multiple local power control circuit for the effective local power consumption of control selectively will be provided.This explanation will concentrate on the embodiment of local energy control system 200 shown in Figure 2, but principle and notion also can be applied to other embodiment.Suppose the different power alarms stage that defined in the electric power management system, when receiving message, local energy management system 200 enters the next one the highest power alarms stage, wireless energy control unit 214 is checked switch or loader 238 is set and/or stored parameters 241, so that determine which gate-controlled switch 262 is disconnected.In this embodiment, switch or loader 238 is set is that (each position of the switch is corresponding to the power alarms stage for as previously described multiposition switches wherein, corresponding gate-controlled switch 262 responds by the electrical load that reduces separately on corresponding electric power warning stage) form, processor 230 can check simply that the position of each multiposition switches is provided with, and will be set at the position of disconnection so that disconnection electrical load separately to determine whether corresponding controllable switch 262.For example, when indicating wireless energy control unit 214 to enter first power alarms during stage from the message of central station 102, processor 230 is checked the switch setting of each multiposition switches, whether indicates the first power alarms stage of response to determine the position of the switch.When the message indication wireless energy control unit 214 from central station 102 enters second power alarms during stage, processor 230 is checked the switch setting of each multiposition switches, whether indicates the first power alarms stage of response or the second power alarms stage to determine the position of the switch.When the message indication wireless energy control unit 214 from central station 102 enters the 3rd power alarms during the stage, processor 230 is checked the switch setting of each multiposition switches, whether indicates the response first power alarms stage, the second power alarms stage or the 3rd power alarms stage to determine the position of the switch.Under every kind of situation, determine that when processor 230 gate-controlled switches 262 should respond current power warning stage rank, processor 230 sends the appropriate command in the control register 237, and it causes that successively corresponding gate-controlled switch 262 opens and disconnect its electrical load.

In alternative embodiment, switch or loader 238 is set indicates the relative priority level that disconnects gate-controlled switch 262 is with the remote command of response from central station 102.In such embodiments, can use the power alarms stage of indefinite number.When the message that received for the first power alarms stage (or electric power reduce order), the gate-controlled switch 262 with lowest priority disconnects, and therefore its electrical load also disconnects.By each power alarms phase messages (or electric power reduces order) subsequently, the gate-controlled switch 262 of next limit priority disconnects, and up to a maximum, all gate-controlled switches 262 disconnect.Yet, switch or loader 238 is set also can indicates some gate-controlled switch 262 to remain closed continuously and never disconnect, for example these switches 262 can be corresponding to key or important electric equipment.

Replacedly, if wireless energy control unit 214 is linked the output reading from the local power meter, so that dynamically monitoring how much electric power is used by local sites, wireless energy control unit 214 can be instructed to (directly or indirectly), perhaps pre-programmed reduces local power consumption to press specific percentage or specified quantitative.214 pairs of electrical loads that will reduce of wireless energy control unit and the gate-controlled switch 262 that will disconnect when initial are made one and are initially determined (for example according to above-mentioned technology).Wireless energy control unit 214 can be monitored local power and use to determine whether extra gate-controlled switch 262 needs to disconnect, to reach palpus the target energy usage level or the target level maintenance energy use of palpus.Wireless energy control unit 214 can or be provided with loader 238 indicated priority according to switch and disconnect extra gate-controlled switch 262.

Along with other reduction of level of power alarms stage, wireless energy control unit 214 can closed gate-controlled switch 262, thereby according to being connected electrical load again with order that gate-controlled switch 262 disconnects reversed in order.Wireless energy control unit 214 if desired, can postpone in a period of time that adds by force between the connection again of any two gate-controlled switches 262, to reduce electric power spike or similarly harmful effect.

Figure 12 and 13 is the process charts according to two different embodiment disclosed herein, and a plurality of steps of changing between different warning stages have been described.For simplicity, contrast electric power management system embodiment shown in Figure 1 is described the processing procedure in Figure 12 and 13 below, but it should be understood that this principle and notion also are applicable to other electric power management system embodiment.At first forward Figure 12 to, the processing procedure 1200 according to the electrical management of first embodiment has been described.In processing procedure shown in Figure 12 1200, suppose that central station 102 determined, can make such decision based on this condition, message is wirelessly transmitted to a plurality of local sites 109 so that adjust their power consumption (or, under certain conditions, be used for other purposes).Therefore, in the first step 1201, central station 102 is by the wireless communication unit 115 of its wireless communication unit 103 emission message (or a series of message) to a plurality of local sites 109.

Can adopt in the various ways any one from the wireless transmission of central station 103.For example, wireless transmission can comprise the broadcast transmission of wanting all local sites 109 all to receive.Replacedly, also can comprise the broadcast transmission of only wanting certain specific local sites 109 to receive.In this respect, if desired, can be according to any logical criteria, for example geographic area, resident/commerce (may have different residents and/or commercial subclass), average consumption etc. or their combination in any are arranged into different groups with local sites 109.Central station 102 can be indicated the local sites 109 of this group by the broadcast of passing to particular group.For example, can be unique group address of each set of dispense or group instruction code, each local sites its unique group address of 109 responses or the group instruction code of local sites 109.Replacedly, or extraly, can be unique frequency band of each set of dispense or subband or a unique encoding scheme of local sites 109, each local sites 109 allows its wireless communication unit 115 be tuned to its unique frequency band or subband or is configured to and receives message and according to its encoding scheme message is decoded.By this way, central station 102 has the electrical management flexibility of increase, allows the group of central station 102 orders all or any local sites, with restriction power consumption.An advantage as such arrangement, central station 102 can only be ordered some group response electricity needs situations of local sites 109 and be limited electric power, have only when the electric power reduction is not enough, the scope that just progressively enlarges electric power minimizing requirement is organized to other, the electric power reduction of palpus up to reaching.

Except the group address or code that are used for local sites 109 each group, also can be each local sites 109 and in group, distribute absolute address and code, therefore, if desired, but each local sites 109 of sepaerate order.In addition, group address or code (or frequency band or subband, and encoding scheme) one in can be system's overall situation broadcast address and code, and by indicating a plurality of orders or a series of order of system's overall situation broadcast address or code, central station 102 can arrive all local sites 109.

Now get back to Figure 12, in next procedure 1205, receive from the message of central station 102 emissions at the wireless communication unit 115 of a plurality of local sites 109.In step 1208 subsequently, the information in the message that each local sites 109 decoding, recovery or reconstruct are received, and if this message be what to pass to specific local sites 109, be each element with this message parse.If use group addressing or coding, for example, the control circuit power 112 of specific portion website 109 can obtain group address or coded message (for example in specific fields) from receive message, compare thereby will receive the group address of message or the group address or the coding of coding and local sites oneself, just can determine to receive message and whether be and pass to this specific portion website 109.Similarly, the group address or the coding that receive message are compared with system's overall situation broadcast address or coding, local sites 109 can determine whether this reception message is the system's global broadcast messages that passes all local sites 109 in electric power management system 100.

Suppose that message is what to pass to local sites 109, then local sites 109 is resolved these message, so that determine the character of the communication that receives from central station 102.As the example of the message that may receive, local sites 109 can receive message and indicate its acme that enters next power alarms, enters minimum stage, the adjustment parameter of next power alarms or take some action (as showing power alarms stage alert message).Also can adopt multiple other type of message.If the control circuit power 112 of the message that receives indication local sites 102 enters the acme of next power alarms, in step 1236, control circuit power 112 is determined disconnect which power switch control and a plurality of switch (as the switch among Fig. 2 262), thereby partial electrical load 120 is reduced.Example how to make such decision referring to figs. 2 and 3 with the explanation in other places.In step 1238, disconnect power switch control or a plurality of switch of institute's palpus, in step 1250, upgrade a plurality of positioning indicators (as LEDs).For example, can light the LED that is next to the power switch control that has disconnected.Also can use other state indicating device; For example, can send the sound that to hear, temporarily disconnect to point out one or more electrical loads 120 to the user by control circuit power 112.

On the other hand, if the message that receives indicates the minimum stage that control circuit power 112 enters next power alarms, in step 1240 (and supposing that control circuit power 112 is not at non-warning stage) so, control circuit power 112 determines which power switch control and a plurality of switch should be closed, thereby which partial electrical load 120 is connected to power line 108.Contrast Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and other places of this paper have illustrated how to make the example that this determines.In step 1243, power switch control or a plurality of switch of closed institute palpus in step 1250, upgrade a plurality of positioning indicators (as LEDs) once more.For example, can turn-off the LED that is next to each power switch control that connects once more.

Neither indicate the highest stage of the next one that enters power alarms if receive message, also do not indicate the next minimum stage that enters power alarms, so in step 1225, message is by control circuit power 112 parsings and abide by its operation.Concrete action depends on the character that receives message.For example, power alarms will be sent if this message is warning, control circuit power 112 can show that indicated message (if necessary and the time quantum before the power alarms of expection together) and/or sends the noise that can hear, indicates interested message to receive.

If control circuit power 112 is adjusted power switch control on one's own initiative, power consumption (for example by local meter) by monitoring local sites 109 disconnects and closed this switch, can revise processing procedure 1200 so to realize feedback control loop, wherein control circuit power 112 continues to determine the power switch control setting, the adjustment power switch control is provided with, and the update mode indicating device.The dynamic monitoring that consumes at local power and adjust the place that takes place, control circuit power 112 can disconnect and closed power switch controls constantly arbitrary given the different of power alarms stage.In such embodiments, control circuit power 112 can be configured so that limit the switching frequency of power switch control, thereby minimizes the inconvenience of local users.

Figure 13 illustrates another processing procedure that is used for electrical management 1300, and it is similar to the described processing procedure 1200 of Figure 12, but some change is arranged.In Figure 13, step 1301,1305 and 1308 generally is similar to the step 1201,1205 and 1208 among Figure 12.Equally, step 1336,1338,1340,1343 and 1350 generally is similar to the described corresponding steps of Figure 12.Yet, in Figure 13, on the described processing procedure 1200 of Figure 12, increased new step 1330,1332 and 1335.The step that is increased to the processing procedure 1300 of Figure 13 has illustrated a kind of situation, wherein enters the highest next power alarms stage will be delayed a certain amount of time, and this time is by central station 102 regulations.In this case, according to the described embodiment of Figure 13, when determine having received the message indication, control circuit power 112 enters the next one the highest power alarms stage, control circuit power 112 also obtains an indication from receive message, indicate whether to enter immediately the highest power alarms stage of the next one, still postpone to enter,, indicate power alarms stage time quantum before if postpone to enter.If enter into the highest power alarms stage of the next one immediately, processing procedure 1300 directly enters step 1336 so.If postpone to enter the highest power alarms stage of the next one, so in step 1332, control circuit power 112 gives a warning, and warning can be taked such as lighting emergency warning lamp, sending forms such as the sound that can hear or acoustic pattern.Subsequently, shown in step 1335, after delay period finishes, enter step 1336 before, the 112 latency delays cycles of control circuit power are overtime.Control circuit power 112 can use timer internal or clock to measure delay period, to realize aforesaid operations.

Figure 10 has illustrated a plurality of key elements relation to each other according to the local energy control system 1012 of an embodiment disclosed herein, has illustrated to be used to be determined to the potential application from the feedback of local meter 1092 that small part is determined gate-controlled switch 1062 operations.As shown in figure 10, one group of on-off controller 1037 is used to control the setting of a plurality of gate-controlled switches 1062, and this gate-controlled switch is similar to referring to figs. 2 and 3 described gate-controlled switch, allows selectively to connect and disconnect the partial electrical load.1092 monitoring of local power meter from input power cord 1008 (or replacedly, out-put supply line 1063) electric power that is obtained on, and output power consumption measuring-signal is provided to evaluator 1030 (it can show as the processor according to program stored is instructed and work is carried out in various input) with it.Evaluator 1030 compares power usage measured value and power usage desired value 1094, to determine whether extra gate-controlled switch 1062 should disconnect or closure.Power usage desired value 1094 preferably sets according to the power alarms stage rank 1093 of local energy control system 1012.If evaluator 1030 is based on the power usage measured value, determine local power consumption and surpass power usage desired value 1094, evaluator 1030 is provided with 1038 definite which gate-controlled switch 1062 disconnections or closed based on priority so, as previously described, this priority be provided with 1038 can be manually or program settings by interface 1029.When central station receives power command 1017, evaluator 1030 upgrades power alarms stage rank 1093 and power usage target 1094 on request.Therefore local energy control system 1012 provides the robustness control of certain level to the power consumption of local sites, and can advantageously be applied to electric power management system, as shown in Figure 1, reduces to realize total electricity needs when electric industry requires.

Fig. 9 is the block diagram of the embodiment of local energy control system 900, and it has illustrated the principle that is adopted, a plurality of electric power management system combinations that disclose for example and herein, and the mechanism that is used to provide electrical power to local energy control system 900 has been described, and other.As shown in Figure 9, local energy control system 900 comprises energy controller 910, and by it, a plurality of gate-controlled switches 962 can be used for disconnecting selectively the electric power from input power cord 908 to a plurality of partial loads, among Fig. 9, are expressed as sensing element 919 visually.Described as earlier in respect of figures 2 and Fig. 3, for example gate-controlled switch 962 can be connected with circuit breaker 951 (or other similar electric devices) and a plurality of partial load (as inserting therebetween).Decoupling device 911 is preferably used for allowing electric power to be fed to energy controller 910 from input power cord 908.In a preferred embodiment, decoupling device 911 comprises capacitor (may make up with other circuit elements), though in interchangeable embodiment, decoupling device 911 can comprise transformer, and if suitable, the support circuit element.

In alternative embodiment, can be indirectly to energy controller 910 supply electric power, for example from the output of a circuit-breaker 951 (circuit breaker that does not preferably have gate-controlled switch 962, thereby it can not be disconnected).

The character of the electric power signal on input power cord 908 (or more generally, the power line 108 among Fig. 1) depends in part on user type.It is 23 to 138kV electric power that big industrial consumer's (as railway) can directly accept voltage levvl, and general further reduction voltage.Little industry or business user accept usually voltage levvl 4.16 to the electric power of 34.5kV.Consumption of resident person or light business user be general, and to accept nominal voltage level from part dispensing transformer be 120 and/or 240 volts electric power.The electric power that consumption of resident person or light business user receive is at single phase alternating current (A.C.) (AC) electricity normally in nature, and nominal frequency is about 60 hertz.Above-mentioned exemplary value is a Unite States Standard, and other local possibilities of the world are different.

Now, will describe some preferred controllable electronic switch, especially various local energy control units, wherein said controllable electronic switch are used for the continuous local sites of the disclosed a plurality of electric power management systems in place therewith.Yet what at first will introduce is comparison between preferred controllable electronic switch and the conventional electrical components, and particularly, what at first will introduce is exactly preferred controllable electronic switch and based on the comparison between the bimetallic circuit-breaker.

Fig. 4 is the concept map based on bimetallic circuit-breaker 400 known in the field.As shown in Figure 4, circuit-breaker 400 comprises bimetallic arm 401, and it is formed by two metal levels 402,403.Bimetallic arm 401 is fixed on an end 406, and 406 links input electric power signal line 415 endways.At another end 407, bimetallic arm 401 rests on and electric conductor 420 position contacting.Electric conductor 420 can be linked on the load (not shown), and in normal running (being normal current), links in the load by bimetallic arm 401 and electric conductor 420 from the electric power of electric power signal line 415.

Select the metallics of the different metal layer 402,403 of bimetallic arm 401, make it have different thermal characteristicss, so that be heated with different speed.Particularly, the rate of heat addition of the metallics of metal level 402 is faster than the metallics of top metal level 403 below.When the magnitude of current that flows through bimetallic arm 401 was in " normally " boundary, the heat that electric current flows through bimetallic arm 401 (it has intrinsic resistance) generation was little, and bimetallic arm 401 is indeformable.Yet, when the magnitude of current that flows through bimetallic arm 401 exceeds overcurrent boundary (it is mainly determined by the relatively hot characteristic of the metallics that is used for metal level 402 and 403), following metal level 402 rates of heat addition are faster than the rate of heat addition of top metal level 403, cause 401 bendings of bimetallic arm, thereby disconnect the circuit paths of 420 of input electric power signal line 415 and electric conductors.

This operation can be by Fig. 5-1 and Fig. 5-2 explanation.Fig. 5-the 1st illustrates the figure of the example of the electric current when 400 closures of the circuit-breaker among Fig. 4 (normal running), Fig. 5-the 2nd, and the bimetallic arm 401 that circuit-breaker 400 is described is the figure of the example that open circuit connects when overcurrent condition occurs how.Shown in Fig. 5-1, electric power signal flows through input power cord 415 (being labeled as " IN "), flows through bimetallic arm 401 and strides across contactor 412, arrives electric conductor 420 (being labeled as " OUT ").As long as the magnitude of current in the electric power signal is below the overcurrent boundary, the heat that electric current flows through 401 generations of bimetallic arm is little, and bimetallic arm 401 is indeformable.Yet, shown in Fig. 5-2, when the magnitude of current that flows through bimetallic arm 401 surpasses the overcurrent boundary, current flow heats bimetallic arm 401, but below metal level 402 faster than top metal level 403 heating, thereby cause 401 bendings of bimetallic arm.The result is that contactor 412 separates gradually, the circuit paths disconnection between input electric power signal line 415 and the electric conductor 420.Must the magnitude of current that causes circuit-breaker 400 " tripping operation " depend on the relative thermal characteristics of double-metal layer 402,403 of bimetallic arm 401.

After tripping operation, the bimetallic arm 401 of circuit-breaker 400 will cool off gradually, up to final bimetallic arm 401 not redeformations.Along with the generation of this phenomenon, contactor 412 forms again and is electrically connected, and allows electric power signal to pass to electric conductor 420 from input power cord 415.

Fig. 6 is the figure of controllable electronic switch 600, and for example, it can be used among some embodiment of distributing electric power described herein and management system and method and local energy control unit.As shown in Figure 6, controllable electronic switch 600 comprises Crumple element 601, and general shape (being similar to shown in Fig. 4) formation that it can arm also can comprise two layers 602,603 with different thermal characteristicss.Though can use the durable materials of any heated bending, in fact two layers 602,603 are preferably metal.As further shown in Figure 6, Crumple element 601 an end 606 preferably be fixed to non-conductive surperficial 615.At another end, Crumple element 601 preferably rests on the position that is connected with electric conductor 620 by contactor 612.Input power cord 625 preferably links to each other with Crumple element 601 near the contact point of electric conductor 620, so that minimize the power consumption that causes by electric current by Crumple element 601, also avoid heating Crumple element 601 to any significant degree, no matter obtain great electric current.Electric conductor 620 can be connected to the load (not shown), in normal running (as following the explanation, just be not activated switch controlling signal), be conducting to load from the electric power of power controlling signal line 625 by Crumple element 601 and electric conductor 620.

The metallics of the different metal layer 602,603 of Crumple element 601 preferably has different thermal characteristicss, so that they are with different speed heating.Particularly, the metallics of preferred following metal level 602 is faster than the rate of heat addition of the metallics of top metal level 603.When heat is applied on the Crumple element 601, compare with top metal level 603, below metal level 602 heating faster, cause Crumple element 601 bendings, be similar to circuit-breaker 400, thereby disconnect the circuit paths between input electric power signal line 625 and electric conductor.

As among Fig. 6 further as described in, heating element 645 (as resistive coil) is coupled to (for example under the situation of resistive coil, around thereon) Crumple element 601.Heating element 645 is preferred by ON-OFF control circuit 640 controls, and ON-OFF control circuit 640 is linked on it by a pair of holding wire 641,642.When the switch controlling signal output from ON-OFF control circuit 640 is not activated, heating element 645 disconnects (so right and wrong activity) effectively, electric power by input power cord 625, stride across the end 607 of Crumple element 601 and be transported to electric conductor 620 through contactor 612, further be assigned to load at this.This operating instruction is in Fig. 7-1.Yet, when the switch controlling signal from ON-OFF control circuit 640 is activated, heating element 645 heating, this is owing to flow through the effect of the electric current of heating element 645.603 heating are faster because following metal level 602 adds above the ratio of specific heat metal level, and Crumple element 601 beginnings are crooked.Finally, as the result of bending, contactor 612 separates gradually, disconnects the circuit paths between input electric power signal line 625 and electric conductor 620, as described in Fig. 7-2.

As long as the switch controlling signal from ON-OFF control circuit 640 is activated, heating element 645 continues to keep Crumple element 601 bendings, and the circuit paths between input power cord 625 and electric conductor 620 disconnects.In case the switch controlling signal from ON-OFF control circuit 640 is not activated, Crumple element 601 is cooling gradually just, finally up to not redeformation of Crumple element.Along with the generation of this phenomenon, contactor 612 forms again and is electrically connected, and allows electric power signal to pass to electric conductor 620 then to load from entering circuitry lines 625.

On the one hand, that the controllable electronic switch 600 shown in Fig. 6 can be provided convenience, cheap mechanism is used to control the distributing electric power from the power supply to the load.And when Crumple element 601 during in make position, controllable electronic switch 600 needn't consume any electric power, and only requires that minimum electric power disconnects to cause Crumple element.

Input power cord 625 can be connected to Crumple element 601 in many ways.For example, input power cord 625 melting welding simply links or is welded to the active distal end 607 of Crumple element 601.As long as when Crumple element 601 is in switch closed position, electrically conducting between input power cord 625 and the electric conductor 620, input power cord 625 is all satisfied the demand to any type of fixing of Crumple element 601.

Fig. 8 illustrates the more generally block diagram of the embodiment of controllable electronic switch 800.As shown in Figure 8, controllable electronic switch 800 comprises Crumple element 801, and it controllably connects input power cord 825 to electric conductor 820.Heating element 845 is coupled on the Crumple element 801, and by ON-OFF control circuit 840 controls.Crumple element 801 can adopt any form, as bimetallic element or arm, when Crumple element 801 is not heated element 845 heating, it preferably allows input power cord 825 conducting electric power signals to electric conductor 820, but causes that preferably input power cord 825 being connected when Crumple element 801 is heated element 845 heating between electric conductor 820 physically disconnects.Heating element 845 can comprise that as resistive coil or other resistors, if resistive coil, when Crumple element 801 showed as bimetallic element or arm, it can be wound on the Crumple element 801 easily.

Among each embodiment in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8, it is evenly straight that Crumple element 601 or 801 needs not to be, in fact, can be Any shape, as long as when heating its crooked in a predetermined manner so that disconnect input power cord 625 or 825 and electric conductor 620 or 820 between be electrically connected.And though Crumple element 601 or 801 is in a preferred embodiment as having the formal specification of the bimetallic arm of two metal levels, it can use any other instead can expect that the material (metal or other) of mode bending makes.Because need not electric current flow to the other end (being different from circuit-breaker) from an end of Crumple element 601 or 801, if desired, Crumple element 601 or 801 can be separated from each other with the zones of different of part non-conductive or insulation with Crumple element 601 or 801.For example, non-conductive part (as plastics) can be positioned between the end (end 606 and/or 607 of the Crumple element 601 in Fig. 6 example) of the zone of the Crumple element 601 that is coupled to heating element 645 or 845 or 801 and Crumple element 601 or 801.Further, an end of Crumple element 601 (as the end among Fig. 6 607) needs not to be bimetallic, but can be the consistent material that conducts electricity (as monometallic), is switched on by this end electric power.Replacedly, Crumple element 601 or 801 can have extra layer (promptly surpassing two-layer).Crumple element 601 or 801 main feature are its crooked fully or distortion heated the time, so that disconnect being electrically connected of electric power signal path (as by the contactor 612 among Fig. 6 separately).

Export preferably direct current (DC) signal from ON-OFF control circuit 640 or 840 to the switch controlling signal of

heating element

645 or 845, but also can be to exchange (AC) signal or mixed signal.When switch controlling signal is not activated, ON-OFF control circuit 640 is short circuit heating element 645 or 845 (as by the lead among short circuit Fig. 6 641,642) simply, otherwise just isolates

heating element

645 or 845 simply by buffer or other buffer circuits.

Though the

heating element

645 and 845 among Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 has been described as resistive coil in a preferred embodiment,

heating element

645 or 845 can adopt other forms or configuration.For example, if be presented as resistive coil,

heating element

645 or 845 needn't twine Crumple element 601 or 801.

Heating element

645 or 845 can be the dissimilar resistor except that resistive coil.Yet, resistive coil is preferably

heating element

645 or 845, be because it provides relative uniform heating on whole given zone, and be easy to realization and relatively cheap relatively.

The Crumple element 601 or the 801 pairs of ON-OFF control circuit 640 or 840 the speed of response can be crucial, can not be crucial also, depend on certain embodiments.If the speed of response is not very crucial, switch controlling signal can be very low electric power signal so.Response time faster if desired can increase the electric power of switch controlling signal so, therefore causes that

heating element

645 or 845 heats faster.ON-OFF control circuit 640 or 840 can have its oneself power supply (as battery), otherwise its can from input power cord 625 825 or other obtainable power supplys obtain electric power.ON-OFF control circuit 640 or 840 can be by the excitation of hand switch (not shown), and it causes the startup of switch controlling signal, and therefore final disconnection controllable

electronic switch

600 or 800, otherwise can be by the electronic remote signal excitation.

Figure 14 is another embodiment of controllable electronic switch 1400, and it uses physically being electrically connected in the open circuit of wedge-shaped element.As shown in figure 14, controllable electronic switch 1400 generally comprises the Crumple element 1401 of prolongation, and it forms by two-

layer

1402,1403, is similar to the illustrated Crumple element 601 of earlier in respect of figures 6 in essence.In a preferred embodiment, Crumple element 1401 comprises the bimetallic arm, and two

layers

1402,1403 is metal in itself, though more generally, and two

layers

1402,1403 can be made up of suitable material, and this suitable material has enough different thermal characteristicss to carry out aforesaid function.Crumple element 1401 preferably is fixed on non-conductive surperficial 1415 at an end 1406.At its another end, Crumple element 1401 has wedge-shaped element 1451.

As Figure 14 was further described, the narrow end of wedge-shaped element 1451 was in close proximity to a pair of electrical contact 1452.This is positioned at and a pair of

electric conductor

1420,1425 position contacting electrical contact 1452, and first electric conductor 1425 is as input power cord, and second electric conductor 1420 is as transmitting electric power to the device of load (not shown).In normal running, from the electric power of electric conductor 1425 by

electrical contact

1452 and 1420 conductings of second electric conductor, thereby with the load conducting.Electrical contact 1452 is fixed on a pair of non-conductive arm 1457, and it is fixed on the fixed surface 1460.A pair of spring 1455 or such device apply force on the non-conductive arm 1457, thereby keep the connection status of electrical contact 1452 in normal running.

The electrical path of striding electrical contact 1452 formation can disconnect by applying to control signal on the Crumple element 1401.For reaching this purpose, heating element 1445 (as resistive coil) be coupled to Crumple element 1401 (as be wrapped in Crumple element 1401 around, it shows as resistive coil).Preferably by ON-OFF control circuit 1440 controls, this ON-OFF control circuit 1440 is connected thereto by a pair of holding wire 1441,1442 heating element 1445.When the switch controlling signal output from ON-OFF control circuit 1440 is not activated, the disconnection effectively of heating element 1445 quilts (so the right and wrong activity), electric power by input power cord 1425, stride across electrical contact 1452, be transported to electric conductor 1420, electric power can further be assigned to load from here.Yet when the switch controlling signal from ON-OFF control circuit 1440 was activated, heating element 1445 was owing to the effect that electric current flows through heating element 1445 is heated.Be similar to earlier in respect of figures 6 described Crumple elements 601, Crumple element 1401 beginnings of controllable electronic switch 1400 are crooked.Finally, as the result of bending,, cause that contactor 1452 separates (spring 1455 gradually reduces) gradually if wedge-shaped element 1451 applies power between electrical contact 1452, and disconnect at the circuit paths of importing between electric power signal line 1425 and the electric conductor 1420, as shown in figure 15.

As long as the switch controlling signal from ON-OFF control circuit 1440 is activated, heating element 1445 continues to keep Crumple element 1401 bendings, and the circuit paths between input power cord 1425 and the electric conductor 1420 disconnects.In case the switch controlling signal from ON-OFF control circuit 1440 is not activated, deformation element 1401 cools off gradually, finally up to Crumple element 1401 not redeformations.Along with this phenomenon takes place, wedge-shaped element 1451 withdraw gradually, causes that electrical contact 1452 is incorporated into together and form once more to be electrically connected, and its permission electric power signal passes to electric conductor 1420 from input power cord 1425 then, arrives load then.

In one aspect, mechanism similar with controllable electronic switch 600 shown in Figure 6, that controllable electronic switch 1400 shown in Figure 14 can be provided convenience, cheapness is used to control the distributing electric power from the source to the load.And controllable electronic switch 1400 does not need to consume any electric power when electrical contact 1452 is in the close position, and only needs minimum electric power to cause Crumple element 1401 bendings and electrical contact 1452 separately, disconnects the electric power signal circuit paths.

Figure 16 is another enforcement illustration of controllable electronic switch 1600, and this controllable electronic switch 1600 uses being electrically connected in wedge-shaped element open circuit paths.Many elements shown in Figure 16 are similar to these elements shown in Figure 14 in itself.Therefore, for example, the controllable electronic switch 1600 among Figure 16 generally comprises the Crumple element 1601 of prolongation, and it forms by two-

layer

1602,1603, is similar to the described

Crumple element

601,1401 of earlier in respect of figures 6 and Figure 14 in itself respectively.In a preferred embodiment, Crumple element 1601 comprises the bimetallic arm, though and these two

layers

1602,1603 be in itself metal more generally, this two-

layer

1602,1603 can be had enough the suitable material of different thermal characteristicss and formed by any, so that carry out function described herein.Crumple element 1601 preferably is fixed on non-conductive surperficial 1615 at an end 1606.At its another end, Crumple element 1601 has wedge-shaped element 1651, and it is as mechanical cam, as following detailed description.

As Figure 16 was further described, an end of wedge-shaped element 1651 was in close proximity to a pair of electrical contact 1652 places.This is positioned at and a pair of

electric conductor

1620,1625 position contacting electrical contact 1652, and first electric conductor 1625 is as input power cord, and second electric conductor 1620 is as transmitting electric power to the device of load (not shown).In normal running, from the electric power of electric conductor 1625 by

electrical contact

1652 and 1620 conductings of second electric conductor, thereby with the load conducting.Electrical contact 1652 is fixed on a pair of non-conductive arm 1657, and it is fixed on the fixed surface 1660.A pair of spring 1655 or such device apply force on the non-conductive arm 1657, thereby keep the connection status of electrical contact 1652 in normal running.

Be similar to the embodiment of Figure 14, the electrical path of striding electrical contact 1652 disconnects by application controls signal to Crumple element 1601.In order to reach this purpose, heating element 1645 (as resistive coil) be coupled to Crumple element 1601 (as be wrapped in Crumple element 1 601 around, it shows as resistive coil).Preferably by ON-OFF control circuit 1640 controls, this ON-OFF control circuit 1640 is connected thereto by a pair of holding wire 1641,1642 heating element 1645.When the switch controlling signal output from ON-OFF control circuit 1640 is not activated, the disconnection effectively of heating element 1645 quilts (so the right and wrong activity), and electric power by input power cord 1625, stride across electrical contact 1652, be transported to electric conductor 1620, electric power can further be assigned to load from here.Yet when the switch controlling signal from ON-OFF control circuit 1640 was activated, heating element 1645 was owing to the effect that electric current flows through heating element 1645 is heated, and as a result of, Crumple element 1601 beginnings are crooked.Finally, as the result of bending,, cause that connecting 1652 separates (spring 1655 gradually reduces) gradually if wedge-shaped element 1651 applies power between electrical contact 1652, and disconnect at the circuit paths of importing between electric power signal line 1 625 and the electric conductor 1620, be similar to shown in Figure 15.

Be different from the embodiment among Figure 14, the wedge-shaped element 1651 of the controllable electronic switch 1600 among Figure 16 is as mechanical cam, and it has a plurality of latched position, therefore alleviates the needs that the retentive control signal disconnects with holding circuit.Fashionable in first positional lock when wedge-shaped element 1651, it is removed from electrical contact 1652, and this contactor remains closed, and the electric power signal circuit paths does not interrupt.On the other hand, when wedge-shaped element 1651 was locked together in the second place, it ordered about electrical contact 1652 separately, therefore interrupted the electric power signal circuit paths.In each latched position, do not need electric power to keep controllable electronic switch 1600 its current state (disconnecting or closure).In this embodiment, wedge-shaped element 1651 realizes by latch members 1680 that in the sealed of a plurality of positions for example, wherein latch members is included in the arm 1682 that stops in the spheroid 1681, and this spheroid and wedge-shaped element 1651 offset.In this example, the arm 1682 of latch members 1680 is fixed on the surface 1660, but latch members 1680 can be fixed on any other available surface.Therefore, in this example, latch members 1680 closes on arm 1657, and this arm 1657 supports electrical contact 1652.

Figure 17-1,17-2 and 17-3 are the example different views of the wedge-shaped element 1651 of the controllable electronic switch 1600 among explanation Figure 16, and particularly, the wedge-shaped element 1651 among Figure 17-2 and the 17-3 key diagram 17-1 is sealed in primary importance.Wedge-shaped element 1651 in this example comprises front wedge part 1705 (it typically is wide surface, tilt), central recess 1701 and back side wedge part 1706 (its can be taper, tilt), back side wedge part 1706 has been determined shallow rearward recess 1708.Illustrate best that as Figure 17-2 and 17-3 when wedge-shaped element 1651 was locked together in primary importance, the spheroid 1681 of latch members 1680 was positioned on the front wedge part 1705 and (in order more to clearly illustrate other features, has omitted arm 1682 among Figure 17-2 and the 17-3).When it was locked together in primary importance, spheroid 1681 can keep wedge-shaped element 1651 in position effectively, though in certain embodiments, spheroid 1681 needn't contact with wedge-shaped element 1651, and general position in its vicinity.

Figure 18-1 is the figure how explanation wedge-shaped element 1651 is changed between different latched position to 18-8.Figure 18-2 and 18-3 are similar to Figure 17-2 and 17-3 respectively, are presented at the static wedge-shaped element 1651 of first latched position.Figure 18-3 explanation is applied to the control signal of heating element 1645 along with Crumple element 1601 responses and the situation (as shown in figure 16) that taken place when being heated.In this case, Crumple element 1601 beginnings are crooked, order about wedge-shaped element 1651 and advance.When this took place, spheroid 1681 slippage on the inclined surface of front wedge part 1705 in the central recess 1701 that is still in wedge-shaped element 1651, made wedge-shaped element be stabilized in second latched position.For purpose relatively, first latched position is to be represented by the strokes and dots outline line 1651 ' of wedge-shaped element, though actual mobile size is because of illustrative purposes and by exaggerative.In fact, only mobile a few percent inch of wedge-shaped element 1651 just enough changes latched position.Even after control signal is not activated, spheroid 1681 still keeps wedge-shaped element 1651 in second latched position, and this is because it firmly is still in the central recess 1701.Can keep in touch device 1652 when therefore, wedge-shaped element 1651 remains on second latched position separately.

The application of control signal subsequently causes that wedge-shaped element 1651 turns back to first latched position.When the control signal that applies subsequently, Crumple element 1601 is heated once more, causes its bending, and wedge-shaped element 1651 moves forward.Therefore spheroid 1681 is displaced central recess 1701, is driven on the second wedge part 1706, shown in Figure 18-5.Spheroid 1681 is in the conical surface slide down of the second wedge part 1706, and because the very narrow end (being preferably asymmetrical taper) of the second wedge part 1706, spheroid 1681 slips on the side of the more taperization of the second wedge part 1706, and the upper lip by shallow rearward recess 1708 is captured, shown in Figure 18-6.The upper lip of shallow rearward recess 1708 helps the outer surface 1710 guiding spheroids 1681 along wedge-shaped element 1651, shown in top view among end view and Figure 18 among Figure 18-7-8, in this process, the arm 1682 of latch members 1680 orders about (or vice versa) to the side of wedge-shaped element 1651.Along with Crumple element 1601 coolings, spheroid 1681 is along outer surface 1710 slippages of wedge-shaped element 1651, and finally arrive the narrow tip region of front wedge part 1705, wherein the arm 1682 of latch members 1680 is directly stretched and spheroid 1681 is driven on the surface of front wedge part 1705, wedge-shaped element 1651 returns first latched position, shown in Figure 18-1 and 18-2.

Above process can repeat on demand, with by allowing wedge-shaped element 1651 between first and second latched position, move, and allow controllable electronic switch 1680 to disconnect and close contactors 1652.The control signal that applies in order to cause wedge-shaped element 1651 to move can adopt the form as pulse signal.

Figure 19 is the view of another embodiment of controllable electronic switch 1900, and it uses being electrically connected in the wedge-shaped element open circuit path, also adopts the principle of the mechanical cam with a plurality of latched position.In Figure 19, controllable electronic switch 1900 generally comprises the Crumple element 1901 of prolongation, and it forms by two-

layer

1902,1903 as before, is similar to earlier in respect of figures 6 and 14 described

Crumple elements

601,1401 in essence respectively.In a preferred embodiment, Crumple element 1901 comprises the bimetallic arm, and two

layers

1902,1903 are metal in itself, though more generally, these two

layers

1902,1903 can be made up of any material with enough different thermal characteristicss, to carry out the function of explanation herein.Crumple element 1901 preferably is fixed to non-conductive surperficial 1960 at an end.At its another end, Crumple element 1901 has wedge-shaped element 1951, and it is used as mechanical cam, as following will more detailed description.

As Figure 19 further instruction, swing arm 1980 is positioned between first wedge-shaped element 1951 and a pair of electrical contact 1952.This is positioned at and a pair of

electric conductor

1920,1925 position contacting electrical contact 1952, and first electric conductor 1925 is as input power cord, and second electric conductor 1920 is as the device of the load (not shown) that transmits electric power.In normal running, from the electric power of first electric conductor 1925 by

electrical contact

1952 and 1920 conductings of second electric conductor, thereby with the load conducting.Electrical contact 1952 is fixed on a pair of non-conductive arm 1957, and it is fixed on (not shown) on the fixed surface.A pair of spring (not shown, but be similar to spring 1655 among Figure 16) or other such devices apply force on the non-conductive arm 1957, and therefore keep the link position of electrical contact 1952 in normal running.

As Figure 19 shown in further like that, swing arm 1980 has spheroid 1981 at an end, at the relative other end second wedge-shaped element 1961 is arranged.Run-on point 1984 places of swing arm 1980 in the position that centers usually can be fixed on the fixed structure 1985.

Striding the electrical paths that are electrically connected 1952 formation can disconnect by application controls signal to Crumple element 1901.In order to achieve this end, heating element 1945 (as resistive coil) is coupled to Crumple element 1901.Heating element 1945 preferably by ON-OFF control circuit 1940 controls, link on it by a pair of holding wire 1941,1942 by ON-OFF control circuit 1940.When the switch controlling signal output from ON-OFF control circuit 1940 is not activated, heating element 1945 is disconnected (and therefore right and wrong activity) effectively, electric power is by input power cord 1925, stride across electrical contact 1952, be transported to electric conductor 1920, from here, electric power further is assigned to load.Yet when the switch controlling signal from ON-OFF control circuit 1940 was activated, heating element 1945 was owing to the effect of the electric current that flows through heating element 1945 is heated, and as a result of, Crumple element 1901 beginnings are crooked.Finally, as the result of bending, the spheroid 1981 of wedge-shaped element 1951 extruding swing arms 1980, so that it is forced to rotate a little in the clockwise direction along with swing arm 1980 and is shifted.This motion makes another end of swing arm 1980 move in the clockwise direction, and it orders about second wedge-shaped element 1961 between electrical contact 1952 then.This action causes that connecting 1952 separates gradually, disconnects the circuit paths between input electric power signal line 1925 and electric conductor 1920, as shown in figure 20.

Be similar to the embodiment among Figure 16, therefore the wedge-shaped element 1951 of the controllable electronic switch 1900 among Figure 19 has alleviated and has kept the needs that control signal disconnects with holding circuit as the mechanical cam with a plurality of latched position.When first wedge-shaped element 1951 was locked together in primary importance, it made second wedge-shaped element 1961 remove from electrical contact 1952, and this electrical contact 1952 remains closed, and the electric power signal circuit paths does not interrupt.On the other hand, when first wedge-shaped element 1951 was locked together in the second place, it made second wedge-shaped element 1961 force electrical contact 1952 separately, therefore disconnects the electric power signal circuit paths.In each latched position, must not keep controllable electronic switch 1900 its current state (disconnecting or closure) by electric power.In this embodiment, wedge-shaped element 1951 is finished by swing arm 1980 in the sealed of a plurality of positions, is similar to latch members 1680, and this swing arm 1980 stops in spheroid 1981, and this spheroid is against wedge-shaped element 1951 and static.

The motion class of spheroid 1981 relative first wedge-shaped elements 1951 is similar to the description about the controllable electronic switch 1600 of Figure 16, and Figure 17-1 arrives the explanation of 18-8 to 17-3 and Figure 18-1.Yet, be not first wedge-shaped element 1951 self be inserted into connect 1952 between to disconnect them, first wedge-shaped element 195 1 causes swing arm 1980 swings, therefore makes second wedge-shaped element 1961 seesaw, and disconnects and close contactor 1952.

Should be noted that, be illustrated in Figure 16 and 19 and the embodiment in other places, only is example, both is not intended to limit and also is not intended to limit notion disclosed herein and principle.Though describe and some cam mechanism has been described, cam or other similar means also can be used to carry out similar function.For example, interchangeable embodiment can comprise and is used for and separates the relevant any element of electrical contact (or the circuit of other types connect), have at least one settling position and one or more unstable position, the conversion of settling position and unstable position realizes by applying control signal.Multiple different mechanical structure can be used to substitute wedge-shaped element described herein and explanation.

Figure 21,22 and 23 is simplification schematic diagrams of control circuit or its part, and it can be used for a plurality of controllable electronic switches disclosed herein.In Figure 21, control-signals generator 2100 comprises the power supply 2170 (as battery or other DC power supplys) that is connected to capacitor 2174 by first switch 2171.Capacitor 2174 is to be connected to heating element 2145 by second switch 2172, and as resistive coil, it is close in Crumple element 2101.Heating element 2145 and Crumple element 2101 can be represented the element that is similar to explanation in Figure 16 or 19, or any other controllable electronic switch embodiment that herein illustrates.

In operation, when switch 2171 closures and switch 2172 when disconnecting, power supply 2170 keeps capacitors 2174 in charged state.Because switch 2172 disconnects, heating element 2145 is disconnected, and Crumple element 2101 remains on the not heated state of its nature.Control signal to heating element 2145 in order to apply, control circuit (not shown) cut-off switch 2171 and closure 2172, as shown in Figure 22.As a result, power supply 2170 disconnects from

capacitor

2174,2145 discharges of 2174 pairs of heating elements of capacitor.The size of capacitor 2174 and permittivity can be selected enough to make heating element 2145 enough warm up with the electric charge that keeps appropriate amount greatly, to cause Crumple element 2101, especially, be driven to next locked state if show as sealed cam mechanism (for example, among Figure 16 and 19).In case capacitor 2174 fully discharges, Closing Switch 2171, cut-off switch 2172 charges once more to give capacitor 2174.Then,

switch

2171,2172 can be by switch once more so that capacitor 2174 secondary discharges, and cause that Crumple element 2101 is driven to another locked state (or getting back to its original locked state), Crumple element 2101 shows as sealed cam mechanism herein.

Figure 23 uses principle identical among Figure 21 and 22 to the controllable electronic switch system.Control circuit system 2300 among Figure 23 comprises power supply 2370 and capacitor 2374, and it is similar to corresponding part in Figure 21 and 22.First switch 2371 is similar to the switch 2171 in Figure 21 and 22, and is normally closed when capacitor 2374 charging.When needs excitations controllable electronic switch, control circuit 2376 cut-off switch 2371 and closed and the controllable electronic switch associated switch 2372a that will encourage, 2372b, 2372c ...According to the program of control circuit 2376,

switch

2372a, 2372b, 2372c ... in have only selecteed switch to be energized.According to aforesaid principle, for switch 2372a, the 2372b of closure, 2372c ..., each heating element (as resistive coil) 2345a, 2345b, 2345c ... heating causes the distortion of nearest deformation element and the excitation of controllable electronic switch.

Figure 24 is the enforcement illustration of ON-OFF control circuit 2401, its can with described herein or shown in a plurality of controllable electronic switch embodiment be used in combination, for example be shown in Fig. 6,8 or 14, or the may command electronic circuit among other figure.As shown in figure 24, ON-OFF control circuit 2401 comprises the input AC electric power signal 2405 that is coupled to capacitor 2408, and wherein this capacitor is connected to the heating element (not shown) again by electronics or electric mechanical switch 2423.Manual Transfer Switch or button 2420 are used for excited electrons or electric mechanical switch 2423, and it allows to import electric power signal 2405 selectively and is sent to heating element 2425.Input AC electric power signal 2405 can be, the Monophase electric power that obtains from power line for example, and therefore, shown in Figure 24 being designed to encourages controllable electronic switch that low-cost, high efficiency mechanism (having minimal current consumption) are provided.

Figure 25 is another embodiment view of ON-OFF control circuit 2501, its can with described herein or shown in a plurality of controllable electronic switch embodiment be used in combination, for example, be shown in Fig. 6,8 or 14, or other may command electronic circuit.As shown in figure 25, ON-OFF control circuit 2501 comprises the input AC electric power signal 2505 that is coupled to capacitor 2508, and wherein this capacitor is connected to the heating element (not shown) again by electronic switch 2523.Receiver 2520 is by antenna 2518 receiving remote command signals, and with its response, disconnect or Closing Switch 2523, it allows to import electric power signal 2505 selectively and is sent to heating element 2525.Receiver 2520 can be configured and use any wireless technical communication, for example can advantageously be configured to receive the signal that uses frequency shift keying (FSK) or the emission of FM sideband lift-off technology.More complicated order can transmit by receiver 2520, therefore allows the part of ON-OFF control circuit 2501 as circuit control system, this circuit control system control multimode controllable electronic switch, and allow to carry out more complicated processing procedure and decision.Input AC electric power signal 2505 can be, the Monophase electric power that obtains from power line for example, and therefore, shown in Figure 25 being designed to encourages controllable electronic switch that low-cost, high efficiency mechanism (having minimal current consumption) are provided.

A plurality of embodiment of electronic switch described herein have simply, effectively, may command, reliable and relatively inexpensive advantage, and under distributing electric power or management system environments, have help usually, so that the distribution of the input electric power signal (low pressure and/or low current or high pressure and/or high electric current) of control from the power supply to the load.In a plurality of embodiment, controllable electronic switch is a high electrical efficiency---for example, when switch closure, they do not need to consume any electric power, and only need minimum electric power disconnection and keep disconnection.But a plurality of controllable electronic switch remote operations disclosed herein for example by the electric power control command by the remote central station emission, therefore provide flexible mechanism controls distributing electric power.

In certain embodiments, control circuit power 112 two-way communications of central station 102 needs and a plurality of local sites 109.For example, central station 102 needs to obtain instant relatively feedback, and this feedback is made response by reducing 120 pairs of power alarms stages of electrical load about what and/or which control circuit power 112.In such embodiments, the wireless communication unit 115 of a plurality of local sites also comprises reflector except comprising receiver, and on the contrary, the wireless communication unit 103 of central station 102 also comprises receiver except comprising reflector.Can be from the message of a plurality of local sites 109 emissions by any technology described herein or the identification of any conventional art.For example, such transmission can be to discern by the combination of any address, frequency, coding or the like.

In certain embodiments, control circuit power 112 is that tabulation or other purposes can be stored about they history messages to other response of level of a plurality of power alarms stage, and wherein this power alarms stage rank is announced by central station 102.For example, wireless energy control unit 214 can be stored such history message among the embodiment in Fig. 2 in the non-volatile part of memory 239.History message can comprise as message, promptly respond other declaration of particular power warning stage level and disconnect gate-controlled switch 262, and/or reduced how many energy consumptions immediately be connected to the result of electrical load of gate-controlled switch of disconnection as minimizing before and after.Electric industry can use such message, together with user's motivation of utilizing wireless energy control unit described herein to reduce power consumption is provided.Suppose that electric power management system 100 has two-way communications capabilities, history message can answer the request of local power control circuit 112 to be transmitted into central station or electric industry 105.Replacedly, history message can be read in directly connecting, or by this message of emission on power line, or by interchangeable technology.

Though this is in the text and describes and/or some embodiment has been described in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the principle of utilizing described a plurality of embodiment and multiple variation, modification, increase or the replacement of notion can be made.Except a few, herein with accompanying drawing in the embodiment that illustrates can be not limited to message and power command form or the sequence or the specific circuit arrangement of specific wireless communication technology or agreement or particular type.Be not that all partial electrical loads all need by local energy control circuit unloading described herein, also without any restriction, these electric components can or be used in combination with a plurality of embodiment combinations of the present invention to the type of extra electric component (circuit-breaker, fuse, transformer, indicating device, capacitor, filter or the like).Further, do not use to be used to disconnect and the gate-controlled switch that is connected electrical load again, a plurality of embodiment can use can be at the electric component of variable basic adjusted electric current; Yet such electric component is more expensive usually, and power consumption is bigger than preferred gate-controlled switch disclosed herein, and requires more complicated control, the ability of even now to be considered in those skilled in the art's the limit of power.

Though the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described, the many variations that remain within notion of the present invention and the scope may exist, its.For those of ordinary skill in the art, after having checked specification and accompanying drawing, such variation will be clearly.Thereby, except spirit and scope the present invention of claim unrestricted.

Claims

1. controllable electronic switch comprises:

The Crumple element device, it is used for controllably input power cord being connected to electric conductor, and when the Crumple element device was connected with electric conductor, described power line was electrically connected to described electric conductor;

Be used to heat the device of described Crumple element device, to cause described Crumple element device distortion being connected up to its disconnection and described electric conductor; And

Signalling is different from described input power cord, is used to encourage and the described device that is used to heat of de-energisation.

2. controllable electronic switch comprises:

Have the bimetallic element of first end and second end, described bimetallic element is fixed on described first end, and contacts with electric conductor at described second end;

Input power cord, near its described second end described electric conductor is connected to described bimetallic element, and when described bimetallic element contacted with described electric conductor, described input power cord was electrically connected to described electric conductor;

Be coupled to the heating element on the bimetallic element; And

Be connected to the ON-OFF control circuit on the described heating element, cause that thus described heating element is heated to the temperature of the described bimetallic element of enough bendings, so that when described ON-OFF control circuit transmit button control signal, being connected between second end that disconnects described bimetallic element and electric conductor.

3. controllable electronic switch according to claim 2, wherein when described switch controlling signal is not activated, described second end of described bimetallic element still keeps and the contacting of described electric conductor.

4. controllable electronic switch according to claim 3, wherein when second end of described bimetallic element contacts with electric conductor, electric power is transported to remote load by electric conductor from incoming line, when second of described bimetallic element terminal disconnect and during being connected of electric conductor, do not have electric power to be transported to remote load.

5. controllable electronic switch according to claim 2, wherein said heating element comprises resistive coil.

6. controllable electronic switch according to claim 2, wherein manually the described ON-OFF control circuit of excitation causes that described switch controlling signal is activated.

7. controllable electronic switch according to claim 2, wherein said ON-OFF control circuit response starts described switch controlling signal from the tele command signal that remote source receives.

8. controllable electronic switch according to claim 2, wherein said input power cord are fusion welded to described second end of described bimetallic element.

9. controllable electronic switch according to claim 2, described second end of wherein said bimetallic element has limit of being made up of first metallics, top side and the bottom side of being made up of second metallics, wherein said input power cord is fusion welded to the limit, top side of described second end of described bimetallic element, and wherein when switch controlling signal was not activated, the bottom side of described second end of described bimetallic element contacted with electric conductor.

10. control the method that electric power is carried for one kind, comprise the following steps:

Fixing bimetallic arm first end;

Location bimetallic arm, so that second end on it contact with electric conductor when the bimetallic arm is in ambient condition, and bending is away from electric conductor when adding thermo bimetal's arm;

Near second end of the bimetallic arm of input power cord electric conductor is connected to the bimetallic arm, so that when the bimetallic arm contacted with electric conductor, the electric power signal on the described input power cord had the electrical path that arrives remote load by electric conductor;

Be coupled described heating element to described bimetallic arm;

Switch controlling signal is connected to described heating element; And

Apply and remove described switch controlling signal selectively, controlling the heating of described heating element, thereby control the disconnection and the closure of described bimetallic arm.

11. method according to claim 10, wherein apply the heating that described switch controlling signal causes described heating element, cause the heating of described bimetallic arm then, so that described bimetallic brachiocylloosis is away from electric conductor, and wherein remove described switch controlling signal and cause described heating element cooling, cause the cooling of described bimetallic arm then, so that recover and the contacting of electric conductor.

12. method according to claim 10, wherein said coupling heating element to the step of described bimetallic arm comprise resistive coil is wrapped in step around the described bimetallic arm.

13. method according to claim 10, wherein saidly apply and remove described switch controlling signal selectively and comprise the step of manual excitation and de-energisation ON-OFF control circuit with the step of controlling the heating of described heating element, this ON-OFF control circuit applies and removes described switch controlling signal.

14. method according to claim 10, wherein saidly apply and remove described switch controlling signal selectively and comprise the step that receives the tele command signal from remote source, and apply and remove the step of described switch controlling signal so that it is responded with the step of the heating of controlling described heating element.

15. method according to claim 10, the step that wherein said second end with near the bimetallic arm of input power cord electric conductor is connected to the bimetallic arm comprises the step that described input power cord is fusion welded to described second end of described bimetallic arm.

16. method according to claim 15, described second end of wherein said bimetallic arm has limit of being made up of first metallics, top side and the bottom side of being made up of second metallics, the wherein said step that described input power cord is fusion welded to described second end of described bimetallic arm further comprises, described input power cord is fusion welded to the step on limit, top side of described second end of described bimetallic arm, when not applying switch controlling signal, the bottom side of described second end of described bimetallic element is positioned at and the electric conductor position contacting.

17. a controllable electronic switch comprises:

Have the Crumple element of first end and second end, described Crumple element is fixed on described first end, and contacts with electric conductor at described second end;

Input power cord, near its described second end described electric conductor is connected to described Crumple element, and when described Crumple element contacted with described electric conductor, described input power cord was electrically connected to described electric conductor;

Near this Crumple element heating element; And

Be connected to the holding wire on the described heating element, described holding wire carries switch controlling signal to described heating element.

18. controllable electronic switch according to claim 17, the electric current that the startup of wherein said switch controlling signal is ordered about by described heating element causes described heating element heating, thereby crooked described Crumple element, so that disconnect second end of described Crumple element and the connection between the described electric conductor, and the not startup of wherein said switch controlling signal causes that described heating element keeps not heating, thereby make described Crumple element keep not crooked, and contact with electric conductor.

19. controllable electronic switch according to claim 17, wherein said heating element comprises resistive coil.

20. controllable electronic switch according to claim 18 further comprises the ON-OFF control circuit of exporting described switch controlling signal, wherein starts described switch controlling signal by the described ON-OFF control circuit of manual excitation.

21. controllable electronic switch according to claim 18 further comprises the ON-OFF control circuit of exporting described switch controlling signal, wherein responds the described switch controlling signal of tele command signal enabling that receives from remote source.

22. controllable electronic switch according to claim 18, wherein said input power cord are fusion welded to described second end of described Crumple element.

23. controllable electronic switch according to claim 18, wherein said Crumple element comprises bimetallic element.

24. controllable electronic switch according to claim 23, described second end of wherein said bimetallic element has limit of being made up of first metallics, top side and the bottom side of being made up of second metallics, wherein said input power cord is fusion welded to the limit, top side of described second end of described bimetallic element, and wherein when switch controlling signal was not activated, the bottom side of described second end of described bimetallic element contacted with electric conductor.