GB2622046A

GB2622046A - Device and method for monitoring one or more electric circuits powered by an electrical distribution board

Info

Publication number: GB2622046A
Application number: GB2212629.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gabriel Sami
Original assignee: Vodafone Group Services Ltd
Current assignee: Vodafone Group Services Ltd
Priority date: 2022-08-31
Filing date: 2022-08-31
Publication date: 2024-03-06
Also published as: GB202212629D0

Abstract

A device (100, fig. 6) and method for monitoring one or more electric circuits powered by an electrical distribution board, consumer unit or domestic consumer unit (DCU), the method comprising receiving a rated current value for each of the one or more electric circuits and measuring the electric current flowing in each electric circuit, comparing each of the current measurements to the rated current value for the respective circuit and based on the comparison communicates the current measurements to a remote server (120, fig. 6) and may send notification messages to a mobile device of a resident or landlord. The method may measure a temperature of the one or more electric circuits and communicate the temperature measurements to the remote server. The device may comprise a transceiver (230, fig. 7), a processor (210, fig. 7), a current sensor (110a, fig. 6), a temperature sensor (110b, fig. 6), a memory, a battery and a power interface.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No GI32212629.6 RTM Date:23 December 2022 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Wi-H NB -IoT OMA Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo Device and method for monitoring one or more electric circuits powered by an electrical distribution board

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to safety and performance monitoring for electrical devices. The skilled person is familiar with equipment designed to test electrical performance and safety of domestic and commercial appliances and circuits.

Background

Electrical distribution boards, such as domestic consumer units (DCUs), in domestic buildings, perform a function of breaking an electrical circuit in the event of a short circuit or overload, for example. These DCUs use a variety of technologies that break the circuit based on a strict binary conditions which are often extremes, e.g. overloading a circuit significantly. The determination of the conditions is made at the time of installation, based on the anticipated usage and some standard guidelines. An example of a DCU is illustrated in Figure 1.

Modern homes depend on electrical power for a great range of appliances to perform many different tasks. As technology develops, the way in which electrical power is used in the home changes. For example, domestic supplies are being used to charge electric vehicles. Moreover, with improved communications technology, remote working is becoming more common and therefore the safety requirements placed on the DCU are also changing.

However, standard DCUs are not able to flexibly adapt to the needs of the user. Typically, DCUs are updated in residential properties every 20+ years and domestic wiring could be in use much longer. In view of this, improved methods for monitoring the safety of the electrical power distribution systems are required.

KR101917840 describes a monitoring device integrated into individual appliances ("electrical consumers") and configured to remotely switch off an appliance in case of a warning condition.

Summary

To address the problems in the background, a conventional electrical distribution board is supplemented with a device for monitoring the electrical circuits powered by the distribution board.

A method of monitoring one or more electric circuits powered by an electrical distribution board comprises: receiving a rated current value for each of the one or more electric circuits; for each of the one or more electric circuits, measuring electric current flowing in the circuit; comparing each of the current measurements to the rated current value for the respective circuit: and communicating the current measurements to a remote server and/or a mobile device, based on the comparison.

The electrical distribution board may also be referred to as a consumer unit or domestic consumer unit, DCU.

Measuring electric current flowing in the circuit may comprise measuring a root-mean-square (RMS) current delivered by the circuit.

The electrical distribution board may comprise a switch for each circuit for controlling power to the circuit. Measuring electric current may comprise measuring the current flowing at a switch that corresponds to the circuit.

The term "switch' may be used to refer to any device in the electrical distribution board that is used to control power to the electrical circuits, such as a fuse, circuit breaker, arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFC!), Earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB), residual-current device (RCD) or residual current breaker with overcurrent protection (RCBO), ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

The current measurements are communicated to a remote server and/or a mobile device based on a result of the comparison of the current measurement with the respective rated value. For example, if the current measurements are below a threshold proportion of the rated values then the measurements can be sent to the remote server for logging.

However, if one or more measurements are above the threshold proportion, a message may be sent to a mobile device to attract more immediate attention so that action may be taken to remedy the situation. Thus, dangerous conditions may be identified more quickly and the safety for the board and circuits may be improved.

The mobile device may be a mobile device associated with a user of the electrical distribution board. For example, the homeowner's mobile device. Messages and measurements may be sent to many different mobile devices to attract the attention of more than one party. For example, messages could be sent to residents of property which the distribution board is installed, a landlord of the property, property managers, building managers and/or local safety marshals.

Communicating the current measurements may comprise communicating the current measurements and the rated current values (and/or the current measurements as proportions of the rated current values).

The method may further comprise: for each of the one or more electric circuits, measuring a temperature of the circuit; and communicating the temperature measurements to the remote server.

The method may further comprise receiving rated temperature values for each circuit.

The method may further comprise measuring ambient temperature (preferably with an ambient temperature sensor). The method may further comprise sending a warning or alert message to a mobile device and/or the remote server if the temperature of a circuit is above the ambient temperature by a predetermined level.

The electric current in each circuit may be measured periodically with a first frequency.

The temperature of each circuit may be measured periodically with a second frequency.

The current and/or temperature measurements may be communicated periodically to the remote server with a third frequency. 4 -

The current and temperature may be measured at different frequencies. For example, the current may be measured every minute and the temperature maybe measured every hour. Alternatively, measurements may be taken at the same frequency (e.g. every minute). The measurements may be sent to the remote server immediately where the data connection between the circuit monitoring device and the remote server is not restricted and the device power is also not restricted (e.g. if the device is connected via a wired or WiFi connection and/or powered by the mains). This will ensure that the data on the remote server is kept up to date. Alternatively, the device may store the measurements locally and only connect to the remote server to communicate measurements infrequently (e.g. once per day or once per month). This can save power used by the device and reduce bandwidth consumption. This may be useful if the device is battery powered and/or is connected via a mobile data connection.

The method may further comprise communicating a message to a mobile device associated with a user of the electrical distribution board (and/or to the remote server) if a predetermined condition is met. The predetermined condition may comprise one or more of: a current measurement or a temperature measurement of an electric circuit of the one or more electric circuits exceeds a threshold value (this can be determined based on the comparison of the measurement with the rated value); and/or a current measurement or a temperature measurement of an electric circuit of the one or more electric circuits exceeds a threshold value for a predetermined period of time; and/or a total sum of the currents of the one or more circuits exceeds a threshold value (a total rated current for the electrical distribution board).

In other words, the measurements may be communicated at a scheduled time if everything is normal or may be communicated immediately if there is an issue.

The method may comprise receiving an address, such as a mobile number, to which messages may be sent.

Alternatively, the contact details for the mobile devices or other interested parties may be stored on the remote server or on-line in the cloud and may be mobile numbers, email addresses or other addresses capable of receiving push notifications.

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The total rated current for the electrical distribution board (typically 100A) may be less than the sum of the rated current for each individual circuit. Therefore, the sum of the currents may approach or exceed the total rated current for the electrical distribution board, even though each individual circuit is operating well within operational limits. Advantageously, the present invention can send a warning if the total current usage is approaching the total rated current and action may be taken to remedy the situation before the fuse for the supply blows (which can be difficult, time consuming and expensive to replace because typically only authorised operators from the electrical supplier are able to replace the fuse for the electrical supply).

The message may comprise a severity. The message may have a first severity if the current or temperature in the circuit exceeds a first proportion of the rated value for the circuit (or the sum of the currents exceeds a first proportion of the rated value for the electrical distribution board). The message may have a second severity higher than the first severity if the current or temperature in the circuit exceeds a second proportion of the rated value for the circuit (or the sum of the currents exceeds a first proportion of the rated value for the electrical distribution board).

The message may have a third severity if the current or temperature in the circuit exceeds a third proportion of the rated value for the circuit (or the sum of the currents exceeds a first proportion of the rated value for the electrical distribution board) for a first period of time. The message may have a fourth severity higher than the third severity if the current or temperature in the circuit exceeds a fourth proportion of the rated value for the circuit (or the sum of the currents exceeds a first proportion of the rated value for the electrical distribution board) for a second period of time.

In one example, an alert message may be sent if the current exceeds 50% of the rated value and a warning message may be sent if the current exceeds 75% of the rated value.

The proportion of the rated value may be 100%. Usually, the switches are configured to turn off the power if the current exceeds the rated value. Therefore, a warning may not normally be required at 100% of the rated value because the power would be turned off. However, in some cases, the rated value of the circuit may be lower than the current required to trip the switch (e.g. if switches are only available that trip at certain pre-set values and the current rating for the circuit is between the available values, the next available value higher than the rated value may be selected and installed, as long as the 6 -existing cabling is also able to support the higher values). In this case, the method can provide a useful warning that the operating conditions exceed the rated conditions, even though the switch has not tripped. Moreover, another scenario in which this is useful is for temperatures exceeding rated values. The switch may not be configured to trip at temperatures in excess of the rated temperature so the proposed method can provide a warning in this situation too.

In another example, an alert message may be sent if the current of a circuit of the one or more circuits continually exceeds 25% for 3 days or more. A warning message may be sent if the current of the circuit continually exceeds 25% for a week or more.

These thresholds, proportions and periods of time may be configurable and the method may further comprise receiving one or more of: the threshold value for current and/or the threshold value for temperature; the first, second, third and/or fourth proportion; and the first and/or second period of time.

The method may further comprise receiving a total rated current value for the electrical distribution board (e.g. 100A because there may be a 100A fuse associated with the electrical supply that may be blown if the current approaches or exceeds 100A).

The electrical distribution board may be a first electrical distribution board of a plurality of electrical distribution boards installed in a premises (e.g. a building, which may comprise multiple separate domiciles, such as apartments). The method may further comprise monitoring the one or more electric circuits powered by each electrical distribution board by: receiving rated current data for each of the one or more electric circuits for each electrical distribution board; for each electrical distribution board and for each of the one or more electric circuits powered by the electrical distribution board, periodically measuring the current in the circuit; comparing each of the current measurements to the rated current for the respective circuit; periodically communicating the current measurements to a remote server and/or a mobile device, based on the comparison; and 7 -communicating a message to a mobile device associated with a manager of the premesis (and/or to the remote server and/or to one or more mobile devices associated with users of the plurality of electrical distribution boards) if a total sum of the currents of the one or more circuits powered by all of the plurality of electrical distribution boards in the premises exceeds a threshold value (a total rated current for the premises).

Methods described above in relation to one electrical distribution board may be applied to each of the electrical distribution board in the building. For example, if the total sum of the currents for the whole premises exceeds a proportion of the total rated value for a period of time then an alert or warning message may be sent (the type of message may depend on the duration of the period for which the threshold has been exceeded). Moreover, an alert message may be sent if the sum of the currents exceeds a first proportion of a total rated current value for the premises (e.g. 50%), and/or a warning message may be sent if the sum of the currents exceeds a second proportion of the total rated value for the premises (e.g. 75%).

The method may further comprise receiving a total rated current value for the premises.

Computer software is also provided. The computer software comprises instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to carry out a method described above.

A device for monitoring one or more electric circuits powered by an electrical distribution board is also provided. The device comprises: a transceiver; and a processor configured to: receive a rated current value for each of the one or more electric circuits, receive current measurements from one or more current sensors, wherein each current sensor is associated with a respective one of the one or more electric circuits and is configured to measure the current in the respective circuit, compare each of the current measurements to the rated current value for the respective circuit, and communicate the current measurements to a remote server via the transceiver. 8 -

Advantageously, the device of the present invention is able to completely integrate with the circuits of the home and monitor all the circuits powered by the electrical distribution board. Moreover, the device can be retrofitted to any existing electrical distribution board.

The processor may be configured to receive temperature measurements from one or more temperature sensors, wherein each temperature sensor is associated with a respective one of the one or more electric circuits and is configured to measure the temperature in the respective circuit.

Predefined temperature thresholds may be stored in a memory of the device (and default values may be provided). The processor may be configured to receive predefined temperature thresholds (which may supersede default thresholds stored in the device memory).

In a specific example, the device may comprise a microcomputer, current and thermal sensors, to detect and respond to dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions. There may be a risk of fire if, for example with a consistently high usage, but still below the limits persists for a long time. Or when a new distribution board is installed into old circuits, with old and degraded wiring, and the electric current rises to a level that creates a risk of overheating the wiring, without being high enough to activate circuit breakers. In other words, the wiring may not be able to safely carry a current that is within safe limit of the distribution board or that it was rated for when new.

The device may further comprise a current sensor for each of the one or more electric circuits configured to measure the current in the respective circuit.

Each current sensor may be configured to measure a root-mean-square (RMS) current delivered by the respective circuit.

The device may further comprise a temperature sensor for each of the one or more electric circuits configured to measure the temperature of the wiring in the respective circuit.

The current and/or temperature sensor may be integrated with a switch for the respective circuit in the electrical distribution board. The sensor may communicate with the processor via a wired connection within the distribution board or via a wireless connection.

The device may further comprise a memory. The memory may be configured to store instructions that, when executed on the processor, cause the device to carry out a method described above. The memory may be configured to store: the threshold value for current and/or the threshold value for temperature; the first, second, third and/or fourth proportion; and/or the first and/or second period of time.

The memory may also store the thresholds for the electrical distribution board or the premises/system, as well as other parameters useful for the methods and devices described.

The processor may be configured to: receive current measurements from each current sensor periodically with a first frequency; receive temperature measurements from each temperature sensor periodically with a second frequency; and/or communicate the current and/or temperature measurements periodically to the remote server with a third frequency.

The current and/or temperature sensors may be configured to take measurements at a predetermined frequency and send the measurements to the processor. Alternatively, the processor may be configured to request readings from the sensors at the predetermined frequency.

The transceiver of the device may be configured to communicate with the remote server via a wired or wireless data connection, which may be connected to the Internet. The wireless data connection may be a WiFi connection or a mobile data connection.

The device may further comprise: a battery; and/or a power interface configured to receive power for the device.

The power interface may be connectable to a source of power such as the mains, possibly via a transformer.

-10 -The transceiver may be further configured to communicate via a cellular network (such as a circuit switched cellular network). The device may be configured to send messages (such as SMS messages) to preconfigured users via the cellular network in the event that certain conditions are met (e.g. error, alert or warning conditions).

The device may further comprise one or more switches corresponding to the one or more circuits. The processor may be configured to control the switches to automatically turn power to the one or more circuits on or off if certain conditions are met. For example, if the current in a circuit exceeds the rated current (but the physical switch does not shut off the power, perhaps because the physical switch is configured to trip at a current higher than the rated current) then the device may be configured to automatically switch off power to the circuit. In another example, the device may automatically shut off power to a circuit if the temperature exceeds a threshold value.

Moreover, the device may be configured to receive a message requesting that a circuit be turned on or off and control the corresponding switch to turn the power to the circuit on or off. This can be useful to remotely turn circuits on or off (e.g. when carrying out electrical works or to turn power back on after a surge condition has passed).

The processor may be configured to receive a total rated current value for the electrical distribution board (e.g. 100A to warn if there is a risk of blowing the 100A fuse for the electrical supply). The device may be configured to automatically turn off one or more of the circuits if the sum of the currents exceeds a total proportion of the rated value.

These thresholds, proportions and periods of time may be configurable. Messages providing these configurable values to the device may be received from the remote server via a data connection (a user or administrator may set the values on the remote server via a user interface) or may be received directly from a user (e.g. via an SMS message sent over a cellular network).

An electrical distribution board comprising a device according as described above is also provided.

A system comprising a plurality of electrical distribution boards is also provided. The device in one of the electrical distribution boards may be designated as a master device and may be configured to receive measurements from the devices in each of the other electrical distribution boards. Alternatively, the system may further comprise a master device comprising a processor configured to receive measurements from each device in each electrical distribution board. The processor of the master device may be configured to communicate a message to a mobile device associated with a manager of the system (and/or to the remote server and/or to one or more mobile devices associated with users of the plurality of electrical distribution boards) if a total sum of the currents of the one or more circuits powered by all of the plurality of electrical distribution boards in the system exceeds a threshold value (a total rated current for the premises).

A kit of parts is also provided. The kit comprises: one or more switches for controlling power to one or more respective electric circuits powered by an electrical distribution board, wherein each switch comprises a current sensor configured to measure the current in the respective circuit; and a device as describes above.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a domestic consumer unit.

Figure 2 illustrates a dashboard for energy consumption provided by an energy monitoring system.

The present invention will now be described with reference to specific non-limiting examples illustrated in the following drawings.

Figure 3 illustrates one example device for monitoring DCU circuits.

Figure 4 illustrates a report generated based on measurements from an example device.

Figure 5 illustrates configuration for an example device.

Detailed description

Existing energy monitoring systems monitor electric current being drawn for the purpose of identifying where power is consumed, for the purposes of making adjustments to reduce energy usage, financial planning and reporting. For example, some energy monitoring -12 -systems provide a dashboard for energy consumption such as the one illustrated in Figure 2, which illustrates the energy usage of each circuit as a percentage of total energy consumption.

In addition to monitoring energy usage, specific examples of the present invention combine additional data to determine a condition of the distribution board and the circuits and monitor safety criteria of the system, as well as performance. Based on the data and measurements, preventative measures and remedial work may be initiated or an unsafe condition may be identified and prevented.

While power consumption monitoring is available, without knowing the circuit capacity these systems are limited and are generally used as a budgeting tool only. In contrast, the present invention proposes additional features, such as capacity data, which allow the device to operate as a safety tool.

Some power generation/transmission/distribution companies have monitoring systems for improving the efficiency of power distribution sites. Such systems may also address safety. However, the elements, constraints and variability in such systems are significantly different to those in a domestic setting. For example, the voltages and currents in a domestic distribution board are considerably lower than in an electricity substation.

Moreover, workers in an industrial electrical power distribution setting are trained to work with high voltages safely and to understand the measurements provided by their monitoring systems. Conversely, in a domestic environment users are typically not familiar with safe operation of mains electricity, do not always monitor measurements, and may use electric circuits in unpredictable and potentially unsafe ways, without being aware of the safety issues. Monitoring systems for industrial site are therefore not suitable for use in an electrical distribution board in a domestic setting. Design and installation requirements exist that try to address safety in domestic settings. However, with the changing ways in which domestic electricity is used, it is a goal of the present invention to provide improved safety monitoring.

To address these problems a device is provided to monitor a distribution board or domestic consumer unit, DCU. The distribution board or DCU is configured to distribute power to one or more circuits. The device is configured to monitor the current being drawn by each circuit. The device may be further configured to monitor the temperature of each circuit.

The measurements are sent to a server, which may store the measurements and provide a -13 -user interface. If the current gets close to capacity and/or the temperature of wiring exceeds a threshold above ambient temperature, the system may send an alert to the homeowner (or someone else) to warn them of the increasing risk and to take appropriate action.

The device that implements the monitoring system may be independent of the DCU. Therefore, it may collect data without interfering with the normal operation of the DCU. Moreover, the device can be retrofitted to an existing DCU.

One example device for monitoring DCU circuits is illustrated in Figure 3. The system can supplement each circuit in a DCU with a current and temperature sensor and additionally will take an input of the circuit breaker's ratings in the DCU. This circuit breaker information is not usually accessible anywhere else, except by physically collecting this information from the DCU. With this information, the reporting of current measurements will be specific to the circuit e.g. reporting 60% of the capacity is reached.

Most domestic houses are supplied with a 100A fused supply from the electrical energy supplier. The DCU will distribute this capacity over 4-8 circuits in older properties or 8-24 circuits in newer properties.

The total capacity of the installed circuits can exceed the total supply, in that case the supply 100A fuse will break and the electricity supplier will need to replace it. Prior to this breaking, any number of internal circuits could be running at, or close to 100% of their individual capacity. Such conditions can be identified by the proposed device and notifications can be sent, so that breaking of the fuse or tripping of individual breakers can be avoided.

The device may use an algorithm to identify an increased risk or potential failure of a circuit of the DCU, based on the current flow in a specific circuit and the temperature impact on that circuit. As a result of this analysis, the system may push an alert to the designated responsible person(s) or a monitoring site to alert them to the situation.

A user may access the remote server via a user interface, to view the measurements. An example output is illustrated in Figure 4. As illustrated in Figure 4, the device may send the following data to the remote server: * Rated total current for the supply -14 - * Peak total current over past 24 hour period * Ambient temperature * For each circuit: o Rated current o Most recent current measurement o Most recent measurement as a proportion of the rated current o Most recent temperature measurement o Peak current measurement over past 24 hour period o Peak current measurement as a proportion of the rated current o Whether any safety conditions have been encountered in the circuit (e.g. warning or alert conditions) The peak current measurement may be reported over a configurable period. For example, instead of showing the peak 24h current, the peak current for the past 7 days may be reported.

The conditions that lead to alert and/or warning conditions may also be configurable. Alert conditions may also be referred to as "review" conditions. Figure 5 illustrates the settings for the configurable conditions for an example system. As can be seen in figure 5, each of the circuits is configured to encounter an alert/review condition if the current measurement exceeds 50% of the rated value for that circuit. Each of the circuits is configured to encounter a warning condition if the current measurement exceeds 75% of the rated value for that circuit.

In the example illustrated in Figure 5, the rated values for each circuit are different. The alert/warning conditions are the same for each circuit, in terms of the proportion of the rated value. However, these may be individually configured to take account of other considerations in relation to the circuits. For example, if some of the circuits comprises old wiring and some comprise new wiring then the threshold proportions may be lower for the older circuits.

This system can also be aggregated across properties, similar to the way that Smart Meters are used by utility companies to measure total consumption. The proposed system can provide safety monitoring across a block of flats or any number of properties that may be sharing a single electrical supply.

-15 -The proposed device may be suited for use in all domestic households. The device is particularly advantageous in households in which one or more occupants are working from home, which is becoming more prevalent. Moreover, the device is advantageous as demand for power increases. For example, heating and cooling demands are tending to increase with time, which are major electrical consumers. Moreover, as electric vehicles are becoming more widespread, more homes are equipped with vehicle chargers, which can consume a lot of power.

This problem may be heightened in rented property, houses of multiple occupancy, temporary accommodation, and the like. In such properties, the occupants may not be familiar with the limits and capabilities of the installed electrical power circuitry.

Implementation details of a specific example device are described below. The device is a remote sensing device that is intended to be low power, so that the battery of the device does not need replacing/recharging for long periods of time (perhaps 15 years, in which time the battery may naturally degrade in any case).

Figure 6 illustrates a system for collecting sensor data using device 100. A current sensor 110A and a temperature sensor 110B are connected to the device 100 and are in communication with the device 100 via an interface. The sensors may be connected in parallel via the interface.

The device 100 may exchange data with a remote server 120 via a network, such as a cellular data network. The device 100 may send sensor data to the remote server and receive configuration data from the remote server via a range of different protocols. The device and the server preferably exchange data via User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and using Narrowband Internet of things (NB-loT) radio technology. The remote server may be responsible for data storage and processing, as well as configuring the devices that are connected.

A user may access the remote server to configure the device and access the sensor data via a web portal 130 in communication with the remote server. The user may access the remote server programmatically via a representational state transfer application programming interface (REST API) 140. The REST API may be provided via HTTPS over TCP/IP.

-16 -Only one device is illustrated in Figure 6. However, in reality there may be a plurality of devices connected to the remote server and the remote server may be responsible for configuring and processing data from all of the devices.

Figure 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of a device for collecting sensor data. The device comprises a processor 210 and one or more interfaces 220A, 220B. The interfaces 220A, 220B may be used for receiving current and temperature measurements, respectively. The interfaces 220A, 2203 may be I2C busses. The device further comprises a transceiver 230 for communicating via a network, such as a mobile cellular network. The transceiver may be for communicating via a packet-switched network and/or a circuit switched network. For example, the transceiver may enable to device to communicate with the remote server via TCP/IP and with cellular mobile devices via SMS. The device may further comprise one or more power terminals 240A, 240B. The device may be supplied with mains power via one of the power terminals. The device may be powered by a battery connected to one of the terminals.

To provide a simple, flexible and low-power device, the device may comprise: A processor: and An interface for connecting one or more sensors.

The size of the device may be around 4cm by 5cm. The interface may be an I2C interface supporting analogue and digital sensors. The I2C interface may further support a range of actuators (e.g. digital actuators). To transmit the collected data to a remote server, the device may further comprise an antenna to enable the device to communicate via a cellular network. For example, the device may communicate with a remote server using a Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-loT) radio technology. The device may communicate using an Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) lightweight machine-to-machine (LwM2M) protocol.

The device may further comprise a battery (such as a LiPo battery) and/or a mains power supply. To further extend the operational lifespan of the device, a solar panel may further be provided. This may be suitable for some use cases but not others.

Large numbers of devices may be deployed and managed remotely using a device management platform. A web portal and/or application programming interface (API) may be provided to manage the devices. Via the web portal and/or API, a user may be able to -17 -manage device settings, collect and view data, group devices, and set custom actions based on sensor values.

In order to provide a simple device, the types of sensor that the device supports are advantageously highly flexible. Whilst current and temperature sensors are described above, devices may additionally include other sensors that may be useful for monitoring circuits powered by the distribution board. The device may include an interface to which any sensor can be connected, as long as the sensor supports the interface protocol. Preferably, the interface is an I2C interface but alternative/additional interfaces may be provided on the device (such as I3C, SRI, RS485 and UART).

Communication between the device and the remote server may be a NB-IoT connection over a mobile cellular network. However, devices may communicate with the remote server in a variety of different ways, such as other mobile data protocols, power-line communication protocols, low-frequency radio transmission protocols, optical transmission protocols, wireless over-the-air protocols, internet protocols, and many more.

Claims

-18 -CLAIMS: 1. A method of monitoring one or more electric circuits powered by an electrical distribution board, the method comprising: receiving a rated current value for each of the one or more electric circuits; for each of the one or more electric circuits, measuring electric current flowing in the circuit: comparing each of the current measurements to the rated current value for the respective circuit; and communicating the current measurements to a remote server and/or a mobile device, based on the comparison.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: for each of the one or more electric circuits, measuring a temperature of the circuit; and communicating the temperature measurements to the remote server.
3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: the electric current in each circuit is measured periodically with a first frequency; the temperature of each circuit is measured periodically with a second frequency; and/or the current and/or temperature measurements are communicated periodically to the remote server with a third frequency.
4. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising communicating a message to a mobile device associated with a user of the electrical distribution board if a predetermined condition is met, wherein the predetermined condition comprises one or more of: a current measurement or a temperature measurement of an electric circuit of the one or more electric circuits exceeds a threshold value; and/or a current measurement or a temperature measurement of an electric circuit of the one or more electric circuits exceeds a threshold value for a predetermined period of time: and/or a total sum of the currents of the one or more circuits exceeds a threshold value.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the message comprises a severity, wherein -19 -the message has a first severity if the current or temperature in the circuit exceeds a first proportion of the rated value for the circuit and has a second severity higher than the first severity if the current or temperature in the circuit exceeds a second proportion of the rated value for the circuit and/or the message has a third severity if the current or temperature in the circuit exceeds a third proportion of the rated value for the circuit for a first period of time and has a fourth severity higher than the third severity if the current or temperature in the circuit exceeds a fourth proportion of the rated value for the circuit for a second period of time.
6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical distribution board is a first electrical distribution board of a plurality of electrical distribution boards installed in a premises, wherein the method further comprises monitoring the one or more electric circuits powered by each electrical distribution board by: receiving rated current data for each of the one or more electric circuits for each electrical distribution board; for each electrical distribution board and for each of the one or more electric circuits powered by the electrical distribution board, periodically measuring the current in the circuit: comparing each of the current measurements to the rated current for the respective circuit; periodically communicating the current measurements to a remote server and/or a mobile device, based on the comparison; and communicating a message to a mobile device associated with a manager of the premises if a total sum of the currents of the one or more circuits powered by all of the plurality of electrical distribution boards in the premises exceeds a threshold value.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: receiving a total rated current value for the premises.
8. Computer software comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to carry out the method of any preceding claim.
9. A device for monitoring one or more electric circuits powered by an electrical distribution board, the device comprising: a transceiver; a processor configured to: -20 -receive a rated current value for each of the one or more electric circuits, receive current measurements from one or more current sensors, wherein each current sensor is associated with a respective one of the one or more electric circuits and is configured to measure the current in the respective circuit, compare each of the current measurements to the rated current value for the respective circuit; and communicate the current measurements to a remote server via the transceiver.
10. The device of claim 9, further comprising: a current sensor for each of the one or more electric circuits configured to measure the current in the respective circuit; and/or a temperature sensor for each of the one or more electric circuits configured to measure the temperature of the wiring in the respective circuit.
11. The device of claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising a memory, wherein the memory is configured to store: instructions that, when executed on the processor, cause the device to carry out the method of any of claims 1 to 7; the threshold value for current and/or the threshold value for temperature; the first, second, third and/or fourth proportion; and/or the first and/or second period of time.
12. The device of any of claims 9 to 11, further comprising: a battery; and/or a power interface configured to receive power for the device.
13. An electrical distribution board comprising a device according to any of claims 9 to 12. 30
14. A system comprising a plurality of electrical distribution boards according to claim 13 wherein either: the device in one of the electrical distribution boards is designated as a master device and is configured to receive measurements from the devices in each of the other electrical distribution boards; or -21 -the system further comprises a master device comprising a processor configured to receive measurements from each device in each electrical distribution board, and wherein the processor of the master device is configured to communicate a message to a mobile device associated with a manager of the system if a total sum of the currents of the one or more circuits powered by all of the plurality of electrical distribution boards in the system exceeds a threshold value.
15. A kit comprising: one or more switches for controlling power to one or more respective electric circuits powered by an electrical distribution board, wherein each switch comprises a current sensor configured to measure the current in the respective circuit; and a device according to any of claims 9 to 12.