WO2016025998A1

WO2016025998A1 - Electrical outlet assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2016025998A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050471
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arnold QUINSEY; Tony PAULSEN
Original assignee: Bioline Global Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-18
Filing date: 2015-08-18
Publication date: 2016-02-25

Abstract

An electrical outlet assembly including: an outlet body configured to be mounted to a building infrastructure; a mains power connection; a socket in the outlet body for receiving a power plug of an external electrical device; a sensor for detecting at least one parameter associated with power usage of an external electrical device plugged into the socket; a controller for controlling power supplied to an external electrical device plugged into the socket; and a communication interface for data communication with an external processing system.

Description

ELECTRICAL OUTLET ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to electrical outlets and/or wall sockets, and in particular, to outlets/sockets capable of monitoring power usage of electrical devices.

Background

[002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[003] In view of surging electricity prices and a growing trend to reduce consumption of fossil fuels, consumers are seeking to become more judicious with their use of electricity. In some instances, consumers have looked to monitor power consumption to understand more about their power use. Consumers have also recently sought to set their electrical devices to operate during "off peak" periods, for example at night, when electricity may be cheaper. This has become more important with the introduction of electric vehicles, which may need to be charged on a regular basis.

[004] Power monitoring/controlling devices that currently exist are typically bulky and are connected in series between the electrical device/s to be monitored and the wall socket. This adds clutter/risk to a work or home environment and, if several devices are to be monitored simultaneously, the purchase of multiple power monitors may be required.

[005] Furthermore, it is often the case that existing power monitors are limited to monitoring/controlling power and/or other electrical characteristics. A separate 'base station' is also typically required to transmit data from the power monitoring devices to external systems for analysis. This leads to further expense and configuration time for the consumer. [006] The presently described invention seeks to address at least some of the above mentioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

[007] In one broad form, the present invention provides an electrical outlet assembly including: an outlet body configured to be mounted to a building infrastructure; a mains power connection; a socket in the outlet body for receiving a power plug of an external electrical device; a sensor for detecting at least one parameter associated with power usage of an external electrical device plugged into the socket; a controller for controlling power supplied to an external electrical device plugged into the socket; and a communication interface for data communication with an external processing system.

[008] In another form, the electrical outlet assembly further includes a switch between the mains power connection and the socket.

[009] In another form, the communication interface includes a communication network connector.

[0010] In one form, the communication interface includes a WiFi, or Ethernetconnector. [0011] In another form, the sensor is a current sensor.

[0012] In one form, the controller is configured to receive data from the sensor and transmit related data the external processing system via the communication interface.

[0013] In a further form, the controller includes a microcontroller.

[0014] In one form, the microcontroller is programmable via an input device and/or the external processing system. [0015] In another form, the input device is a touch screen, keyboard, keypad or the like.

[0016] In a further form, the electrical outlet assembly includes at least one display for information received from the sensor and/or the microcontroller.

[0017] In another form, the outlet body includes a front face and a rear face.

[0018] In one form, the electrical outlet assembly includes at least one visual status indicator.

[0019] In another form, the at least one visual status indicator includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) in the front face.

[0020] In a further form, the at least one visual status indicator is for network connectivity status, power availability status and/or standby mode.

[0021] In one form, the assembly further includes an environment sensor or a socket to receive output from an environment sensor.

[0022] In another form, the environment sensor is a temperature sensor and/or a humidity sensor.

[0023] In one form, the device includes a relay input and/or output.

[0024] In another form, the outlet body is shaped like a conventional electrical outlet such it may replace conventional outlets in building infrastructure.

[0025] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a power management system including: one or more electrical outlet assemblies as claimed in any one the preceding claims; and a server configured to communicate with the one or more electrical outlet assemblies via a communication network. [0026] In one form, the power management system further includes a user communication device configured to communicate with the server and/or the one or more electrical outlet assemblies via a communication network and/or directly.

[0027] It will be appreciated that the electrical outlet assembly may be considered an electrical outlet device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] This invention may be better understood with reference to the illustrations of embodiments of the invention in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic of data/signal flow of a broad form of the electrical outlet assembly;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic of data/signal flow an embodiment of the electrical outlet assembly within a wider power management system;

[0031] Figure 3 is front perspective view of a electrical outlet assembly according to one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 is rear perspective view of the electrical outlet assembly of figure 3;

[0033] Figure 5 is front perspective view of a electrical outlet assembly according to a further embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 is rear perspective view of the electrical outlet assembly of figure 5; [0035] Figure 7 shows a front view of one example of the assembly;

[0036] Figure 8 shows a front perspective view of another example of the assembly; [0037] Figure 9 shows some example user interfaces; and

[0038] Figure 10 shows an example schematic for how the assembly may communicate with a communication network and/or external device.

Detailed Description

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention provide an electrical outlet assembly/device that includes an outlet body configured to be mounted to a building infrastructure. Typically the outlet body is shaped such that it may replace conventional electrical outlets or wall sockets. The presently described electrical outlet assembly includes a mains power connection and a socket in the outlet body for a power plug of an external electrical device. A sensor is also included for detecting at least one parameter associated with power usage of an external electrical device plugged into the socket.

[0040] The outlet assembly also includes a controller for controlling power supply to an external electrical device plugged into the socket, as well as a communication/external interface for communication with an external processing system. The outlet assembly thus may allow remote monitoring and control of power usage of a device plugged into the socket.

[0041] Having the shape of the outlet body similar to that of conventional wall sockets/outlets means installation is simpler, as existing infrastructure and wiring can be used. Furthermore the integrated communication interface, power monitoring, and electrical control capabilities, of the outlet assembly remove the need for additional stand alone plug in (e.g. retrofitted) power monitoring or electrical control devices.

[0042] Typically, the controller can control power supply to the external electrical device by controlling a switch connected between the mains power connection and socket. The mains power connection is typically connected to a building's electrical wiring infrastructure/power grid. [0043] The communication/external interface typically allows connection to a communications network and includes, for example, a WiFi or Ethernet connector/adapter. The communication interface generally permits data to be transmitted from the sensors/controller to a external processing system via a communication network or alternatively directly to the external processing system. It will be appreciated that the communication interface may include any adaptor/connector that permits access/communication to a external processing system. For example, the communication interface may be any connecter for access to a Wide Area Network (WAN), Local Area Network (LAN), the Internet, and/or may include a connector/adaptor for direct connection to a external processing systems such as, for example, via Blue Tooth or Infrared. It will also be appreciated that a communication network may include a combination of interconnected networks, for example a LAN and WAN (e.g. internet) etc.

[0044] The external processing system typically includes an internet enabled user device, such as a mobile communication device (e.g. smart phone, laptop) or desktop computer. However, it will be appreciated that the external processing system may include any electrical processing device or suitably programmed computer such as for example a server, web server, personal computer, smart phone, tablet, laptop etc. The external processing system may also be a distributed system including a collection of processing systems/devices connected via a network or otherwise.

[0045] Via the communication interface, data from the sensor and/or controller can be transmitted to the external processing system for storage, analysis and/or display. It will also be appreciated that the external processing system may be used to communicate with and/or program the controller to adjust the mode of operation of the electrical outlet assembly.

[0046] The sensor is typically configured to detect parameters associated with the electrical characteristics and/or power consumption of the external electrical device plugged into the socket. For example, the sensor may be a current meter/sensor. It will be appreciated that the sensor may be configured to detect other parameters related to power consumption such as voltage, etc. It will also be appreciated that the outlet assembly may include a plurality of sensors.

[0047] Generally, the controller receives a signal /signals from the sensor and transmits data relating to the signal/signals to the external processing system (e.g. mobile communication device) via the communication interface. A consumer can then access the external processing system to view/analyze the data. The consumer may then reconfigure the controller via an input device or the external processing system to control power output from the outlet socket to the external electrical device.

[0048] It will also be appreciated that the controller may also regulate and/or control power supplied to the external electrical device based on input received directly from the sensor, for example the controller may shut off power to an electrical device plugged into the socket once a certain threshold of electricity has been used.

[0049] The controller would typically include a microcontroller or other processing module and may be configurable/programmable via an input device and/or instructions received from the external processing system. The input device may be, but is not limited to, a touch screen, key board or key pad. For example, a consumer may use the touch screen to select an operation setting for the outlet assembly such that power is only output by the socket at a certain time of day. This would permit a consumer to take advantage of "off peak" rates. For example, the outlet assembly may be configured to output power at night only.

[0050] Software on the external processing system (e.g. mobile communication device, cloud based server host, laptop etc.) would typically allow the consumer to manage power output, for example by scheduling on / off cycles. The software may also propose an appropriate schedule, for example, based on the type of appliance/device and off peak timing etc. Additional functionality may include child lock capability which allows a user to setup time and event based rules to disable power at an outlet. In some examples a user may set the default status of the power outlet to be "locked" with the outlet to be enabled via a user device (e.g. internet enabled smartphone, computer) or a time/button combination user interaction at the outlet itself.

[0051] The outlet body typically includes a front face and rear face. When the electrical outlet assembly is installed, the front face is exposed to the consumer while the rear face is internal to the building infrastructure and not typically visible. The rear face typically includes all the hardware (e.g. printed circuit board, WiFi adaptors, mains power connection) attached thereto. The front face may optionally include a display for data such as that received directly from the sensor and/or from the microcontroller.

[0052] Further to a display, the electrical outlet assembly may also include one or more visual status indicators. Typically these indicators include light emitting diodes (LEDs) in the front face of the outlet body. Such indicators could be used, for example, to indicate network connectivity status, power availability status and/or whether an electrical device plugged into the socket is in standby mode. The indicators may also have multiple colour settings to indicate different statuses.

[0053] In one example, the assembly/device may be configured to provide over-current protection by using maximum real-time current monitoring. For example should the total current exceed that of a set maximum current value, the controller would shut off power to the outlet. To alert the user, a message may be displayed on the inbuilt display and/or sent to user email to be retrieved using their internet enabled device. Over-current protection at the outlet can increase safety as well as make fault finding and power restoration quicker easier and safer.

[0054] In another example, the assembly/device may be configured to provide residual current protection. The assembly may monitor residual current, for example, via an onboard shunt and high speed CPU, and will shut down power to the outlet whenever it detects that the current is not balanced between the energized conductor and the return neutral conductor. Such an imbalance can indicate current leakage through the body of a person or animal who is grounded and accidentally touching an energized part of an - Si - appliance or cable. The assembly would typically be configured to shut off power quick enough to prevent a lethal shock.

[0055] It will be appreciated that conventional circuit breakers and residual current devices function at a circuit level which when activated may interrupt power to a significant part of, or an entire residence. In contrast, the assembly would only cut power at the outlet level and thus to the relevant device only.

[0056] The assembly/device may also include foreign object detection. This would include one or more light sensing components to confirm that any object inserted meets a predefined set of parameters before allowing the outlet assembly to be powered up (i.e. connection provided to the mains power supply). This means that if a conductive object is inserted into only one of the pin entry sockets then power will not be made available at the outlet. A significant risk at any power outlet is the potential for a child (or anyone) to accidentally insert a conductive object into one of the pin sockets on a power outlet.

[0057] In some embodiments the outlet assembly further includes an environment sensor or socket to receive output from an environment sensor. Typical environment sensors may include, but are not limited to, temperature or humidity sensors. The electrical outlet assembly may also include connections for relay outputs.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the outlet assembly may include other features such as a local/onboard data storage/memory for logging, a back up battery, and audible alarms (to advise of certain power thresholds for example).

[0059] As the electrical outlet assembly is typically shaped like a conventional electrical outlet a consumer may replace their existing conventional outlets in a building infrastructure. This has advantages in that the presently described electrical outlet assembly can be installed with minimal expense and time spent.

[0060] A basic/industrial version may have no soft switching capability or display whereas as more complex versions may have larger display with touch capability. The industrial version may have a 15A or greater capacity.

[0061] Figure 1 shows a schematic of data/signal flow according to one example of a broad form of the invention. Electrical outlet assembly (100) has a socket (101) for connection with the plug of an appliance or electrical device (102). A controller (103) controls a switch (104) to permit or restrict power received from mains power source (109) via mains power connection (105). A sensor (106) monitors a parameter associated with power consumption (or other electrical characteristic) of the appliance/device (102). The controller (103) receives signals from the sensor and transmits data related to the signal/parameter to a external processing system (108) via external interface (107).

[0062] Figure 2 shows a further schematic of data/signal flow of a further embodiment of an electrical outlet assembly as part of a larger power monitoring/control system. The electrical outlet assembly (200) includes a socket or outlet (201) to receive the plug of an appliance (202). A microcontroller (203) controls switch (204) such that power from AC main power (205) is permitted to flow to, or is restricted from being supplied to, the appliance/device (202).

[0063] An input device (206), such as a touch screen or a key pad, permits a consumer to configure the microcontroller (203). For example a consumer may configure the microcontroller such that power is only output from the socket at certain times. The microcontroller also receives signals from a sensor (207) which may be associated with an electrical parameter, or may be related to power consumption, temperature or humidity.

[0064] The microcontroller (203) is capable of connecting wirelessly (208 A) with a wireless access point (208). The wireless access point may be a router for example. Typically the access point (208) allows connection to Wider Area Network such as the internet (209). Software (210) on a cloud based server host is used to analyse/sort data received from the microcontroller. A consumer uses their smart phone (211) (or other internet capable device) to connect to the internet and review data by accessing the cloud based server.

[0065] As shown in figure 10, it will be appreciated that in addition to a user connecting with their external device (900) to the cloud based server (904), the user may also connect directly with the outlet assembly (901), such as, for example, via connecting directly to an access point (902) for the LAN or via a direct connection (903) (e.g. USB, Bluetooth).

[0066] Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of an electrical outlet assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. The outlet assembly (300) includes two sockets (301A) and (301B) for receiving the plugs of an appliance/device. It will be appreciated that these sockets may be variable depending on the country in which the outlet assembly is to be used. Conventional/soft switches (302A) and (302B) are shown which permit the consumer to restrict/allow power output from the sockets manually.

[0067] Visual status indicators (303A) and (303B) are shown adjacent to respective switches (302A) and (302B). In this example, indicators (303A) and (303B) may indicate whether a device plugged into the socket is in standby mode and/or whether there is an active connection to mains power. In some instances, the indicators (303A) and (303B) may also be included within the switches (302A) and (302B)

[0068] The outlet assembly (300) also includes a display (304) to display power consumption or other data. The display may include an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) type or other suitable type of display. For example, the display (304) may be set to show to the consumer live data from the sensor related power consumption or accumulative values received from memory of the microcontroller, local memory or the external processing system. It will be appreciated that the display may be customised to display all types of data, such as, for example, temperature and humidity.

[0069] Figure 4 shows a rear view of the assembly (300), which includes an Ethernet connection 306 and an AC power connection (307). Printed circuit board (308) includes a sensing circuit and Wi-Fi adapter. It would be appreciated that the printed circuit board would also typically include a microcontroller or other processing module. A battery for back up power and additional memory storage may also be included.

[0070] Figure 5 shows a front view of another embodiment of the electrical outlet assembly (500). Outlet assembly (500) includes a single socket (501) and corresponding switch (502) for manual control of power output from the socket (501). An Ethernet port (507) is positioned on the front face for easy connection to a laptop or other device. There are also three visual status indicators (504A, 504B, and 504C), typically Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which may light up to indicate, for example, any one of network connectivity status, standby mode and/or power status.

[0071] A display (505), typically an OLED, is also included to display information about power consumption of the electrical device plugged into the socket and/or other information such as readings of temperature or humidity. Temperature and humidity data/information can be received from external probes/devices plugged into sockets (506 or 507). Buttons (508, 509) may be used to set operating modes of the outlet assembly and/or to toggle the display.

[0072] Figure 6 shows a rear of the assembly (500) which includes an Ethernet connection (510) and a printed circuit board (511) including microcontroller, WiFi adapter and memory. The printed circuit board may also include Bluetooth adapter.

[0073] Figures 7 and 8 show further examples of different front faces of the assembly/device. Figure 7 shows a front face (700) that would typically be used in Australia, whilst that in figure 8, shows an example (800) for use in the United States. Each includes sockets (701, 801) and switches (702, 802) to control power to outlet. Figure 7 further shows examples of status indicators (703) which may provide information on network connectivity, power consumption etc.

[0074] It will be appreciated that the presently described outlet assembly provides energy monitoring and control in a single assembly device, soft switching functionality and wireless connectivity/control. There is no need for additional energy monitoring devices to be connected between the outlet and an electric device. The power monitoring/control functionality is integrated into the outlet assembly. Furthermore, the assembly is shaped in accordance with conventional non-intelligent outlets such that it may take advantage of existing infrastructure.

[0075] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0076] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0077] It will be appreciated that various forms of the invention may be used individually or in combination.

Claims

Example claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An electrical outlet assembly including:

an outlet body configured to be mounted to a building infrastructure;

a mains power connection;

a socket in the outlet body for receiving a power plug of an external electrical device;

a sensor for detecting at least one parameter associated with power usage of an external electrical device plugged into the socket;

a controller for controlling power supplied to an external electrical device plugged into the socket; and

a communication interface for data communication with an external processing system.

2. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed in claim 1, further including a switch between the mains power connection and the socket.

3. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface includes a communication network connector.

4. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface includes a Wi Fi or Ethernet connector.

5. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is a current sensor.

6. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to receive data from the sensor and transmit related data to the external processing system via the communication interface.

7. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller includes a microcontroller.

8. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the microcontroller is programmable via an input device and/or the external processing system.

9. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the input device is a touch screen, keyboard, keypad or the like.

10. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical outlet assembly includes at least one display for information received from the sensor and/or the microcontroller.

11. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet body includes a front face and a rear face.

12. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical outlet assembly includes at least one visual status indicator.

13. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one visual status indicator includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) in the front face.

14. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one visual status indicator is for network connectivity status, power availability status and/or standby mode.

15. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly further includes an environment sensor or a socket to receive output from an environment sensor.

16. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the environment sensor is a temperature sensor and/or a humidity sensor.

17. An electrical outlet assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device includes a relay input and/or output.

18. An electrical outlet assembly, as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims wherein the outlet body is shaped like a conventional electrical outlet such it may replace conventional outlets in building infrastructure.

19. A power management system including: one or more electrical outlet assemblies as claimed in any one the preceding claims; and

a server configured to communicate with the one or more electrical outlet assemblies via a communication network.

20. A power management system as claimed in claim 19, further including a user communication device configured to communicate with the server and/or the one or more electrical outlet assemblies via a communication network and/or directly.