KR102252533B1 - Socket typed power monitoring apparatus using lora communication network - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a socket type power monitoring device using a LoRa communication network. The socket type power monitoring device using a LoRa communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply part having one side of a body connected to an external power source and the other side connected to a refrigerator to supply or cut off the power to the refrigerator; a communication part for communicating with an external management server through a LoRa communication network; a power sensing part for sensing the current or voltage of the refrigerator to obtain power information; a temperature sensing part for obtaining temperature information from a temperature sensor installed in the refrigerator; and a control part transmitting the power information and the history information for the temperature information to the management server through the communication part in a preset time schedule, and switched to a power-on mode to transmit a fault signal to the management server when the history information is not detected while waiting in a sleep mode. The socket type power monitoring device can minimize power consumption.

Description

Socket type power monitoring device using Lora communication network {SOCKET TYPED POWER MONITORING APPARATUS USING LORA COMMUNICATION NETWORK}

The present invention relates to an outlet-type power monitoring device using a LoRa communication network, and more particularly, discloses a technology for constantly monitoring power such as a freezer using a LoRa communication network.

In general, in the case of products sold as aging refrigerators for aging and storing meat, temperature is the main control factor. Compared to the existing commercial refrigerators, the ventilation function is strengthened, but the wind speed condition required for dry aging is not met, so it is difficult to sell the meat to consumers if dry aging in the product is performed. In addition, refrigeration equipment and the like often have a problem that the stored food ingredients are damaged even in a short time due to power failure or power failure.

Among the conventional technologies, Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0102806 (published on September 4, 2019) relates to an IoT-based remote diagnosis device, a power supply for supplying or shutting off power to a refrigerator, an external management server, and A communication unit that communicates, a power sensing unit that detects the current or voltage of the refrigerator, and the power information of the refrigerator at a preset time schedule are acquired and transmitted to the management server through the communication unit, and the power information is within a preset range. And a control unit that receives a control signal from the management server and cuts off power to the refrigerator through the power supply unit.

However, the conventional technology has a limitation in that power consumption is large due to the constant transmission of power information.

The technical problem to be solved of the present invention is to provide an outlet type power monitoring device using a roller communication network that can minimize power consumption by transmitting history information only when a failure is determined by power information or temperature information.

In addition, it is to provide an outlet-type power monitoring device capable of checking more accurate power information abnormalities by changing the reference power information according to the installation location of the power monitoring device.

In addition, it is to provide an outlet-type power monitoring device using a roller communication network that can check whether or not there is a failure according to a vibration state of a refrigerator using an optical signal.

In an outlet-type power monitoring device using a roller communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention, one side of the body is connected to an external power source, and the other side is connected to a refrigerator to supply or cut off the power to the refrigerator, and an external A communication unit that communicates with the management server through a LoRa communication network, a power sensing unit that detects current or voltage of the refrigerator to obtain power information, a temperature sensing unit that obtains temperature information from a temperature sensor installed in the refrigerator, and a preset time The power information and the history information of the temperature information are transmitted to the management server through the communication unit in a schedule, and when the history information is not detected while waiting in the sleep mode, the system is switched to the on mode and a fault signal is sent to the management server. It includes a control unit that transmits.

In addition, it further comprises a display unit formed on one side of the body to output a preset identification code, the control unit for the user terminal to obtain the identification code and transmit it to the management server, to authenticate the unique number of the user terminal. In this case, even when the history information is blocked, it is possible to wait without generating the fault signal.

In addition, it further comprises a tilt detection unit for detecting the inclination of the body, the control unit determines the abnormality of the power information based on the first reference power information when the inclination of the body is detected in a first direction, which is a vertical direction, When the inclination of the body is detected in a second direction, which is a horizontal direction, an abnormality in the power information may be determined based on the second reference power information.

In addition, the refrigerator is connected to the optical cable to receive an optical signal, further comprises a vibration detection unit for obtaining vibration information about the vibration of the refrigerator by analyzing the frequency of the optical signal with a reference frequency, the control unit is the optical signal The fault signal may be generated and transmitted to the management server when it is out of a preset error range by comparing the frequency of and the reference frequency.

In addition, when the fault signal is generated, it may further include an alarm unit outputting a preset warning text or a warning sound.

Accordingly, it is possible to minimize power consumption by transmitting the history information only when a failure is determined by power information or temperature information.

In addition, it is possible to check more accurate power information abnormality by changing the reference power information according to the installation location of the power monitoring device.

In addition, it is possible to check whether there is a failure according to the vibration state of the refrigerator using the optical signal.

1 is a block diagram of a power monitoring system.
2 is a block diagram showing a schematic function of an outlet-type power monitoring apparatus using a LoRa communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an exemplary view for comparing response characteristics to a test current for a refrigerator in the power monitoring device according to FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram for explaining authentication with a user terminal by outputting an identification code from the power monitoring device according to FIG. 2.
5 is an exemplary view for explaining comparing the frequency of an optical cable with a reference frequency in the power monitoring device according to FIG. 2.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms used are terms selected in consideration of functions in the embodiments, and the meaning of the terms may vary according to the intentions or precedents of users or operators. Therefore, the meaning of the terms used in the embodiments to be described later follows the definition when it is specifically defined in the present specification, and when there is no specific definition, it should be interpreted as the meaning generally recognized by those skilled in the art.

1 is a block diagram of a power monitoring system.

Referring to FIG. 1, the power monitoring system includes a refrigerator 10, a management server 20, a user terminal 30, and a power monitoring device 100.

The refrigerator 10 is used as a concept encompassing a storage device that stores food therein. For example, the freezer 10 may include all of a refrigerator, a storage room, an aging room, and a freezer. The refrigerator 10 is connected to the power monitoring device 100 to receive power. The refrigerator 10 is generally provided with a condenser, a compressor, an evaporator, etc. using a refrigerant to maintain the internal temperature at a low temperature through heat exchange. The refrigerator 10 may have a temperature sensor or a gas sensor installed therein.

The management server 20 is a server that communicates with and monitors the power monitoring device 100. The management server 20 may obtain at least one of current power information, temperature information, and vibration information of the refrigerator 10 from the power monitoring device 100 in a preset time schedule. The management server 20 diagnoses the state of the refrigerator 10 using the obtained information of the refrigerator 10, and if there is an abnormality, the power monitoring device 100 is used to cut off the power of the refrigerator 10. It is also possible. In addition, the management server 20 may temporarily supply power by using the internal power of the power monitoring device 100 or output a fault signal in case of a power failure.

The user terminal 30 may receive failure information through communication with the management server 20 or the power monitoring device 100. In addition, it is possible to control the power monitoring apparatus 100 by inputting a control signal from the user terminal 30. The user can remotely monitor the state of the refrigerator 10 according to the monitoring situation provided from the management server 20 using his or her user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 may install and use an application managed by the management server 20, and may include both fixed or mobile terminals.

The power monitoring device 100 is connected to the refrigerator 10 to supply power. The power monitoring device 100 is connected to an outlet and transmits power supplied from the outside to the refrigerator 10. In this case, information about power consumed by the refrigerator 10, temperature information inside the refrigerator 10, vibration information generated through a condenser, a compressor, and an evaporator of the refrigerator 10 may be obtained. The power monitoring apparatus 100 may transmit information of the refrigerator 10 to the management server 20 in a preset time schedule. The power monitoring device 100 may cut off power when a failure of the refrigerator 10 occurs. In addition, the power monitoring device 100 may communicate with the management server 20 by using an internal power source during a power outage.

Hereinafter, the power monitoring apparatus 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

1 and 2 are block diagrams showing a schematic function of an outlet-type power monitoring apparatus using a LoRa communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2, the outlet-type power monitoring apparatus 100 using a LoRa communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply unit 110, a communication unit 120, a power sensing unit 130, and a temperature sensing unit 140. ) And a control unit 150.

In the power supply unit 110, one side of the body is connected to an external power source. The other side of the body is connected to the freezer to supply or cut off power to the freezer. For example, the body is formed with a plug-shaped first connecting portion on one side, and an outlet-shaped second connecting portion on the other side. The first connection part is connected to a wall outlet or the like with an external power source. The second connection unit is coupled to the power outlet of the refrigerator. In other words, the body is formed in the shape of a portable outlet and serves to mediate power between the refrigerator and an external power source. This is to determine the amount of power consumed by the refrigerator. In this case, the freezer is used to encompass not only refrigerators and freezers used in homes or businesses, but also aquariums and storage warehouses.

In addition, the power supply unit 110 may charge the internal battery when external power is supplied by using the internal battery. This is to temporarily communicate using the internal battery when external power is cut off. When the external power supply is interrupted, the power supply unit 110 may immediately transmit a fault signal to the management server with its own power through the internal battery. In this case, the power supply unit 110 may apply a test current to the refrigerator using an internal battery. This is to determine whether power is being supplied to the refrigerator. When external power is not supplied to the power supply unit 110 and power is supplied to the refrigerator, it may be determined that the power supply unit 110 itself is malfunctioning.

The communication unit 120 communicates with an external management server through a LoRa (Long Range) communication network. The communication unit 120 may transmit and receive data and signals to and from a management server and a user terminal through wireless communication such as CDMA, which is a low-power wireless communication technology in addition to LoRa. The communication unit 120 may transmit power information about the refrigerator and history information about temperature information to a management server and a user terminal. In addition to transmitting a signal, the communication unit 120 may charge wireless power through a magnetic induction method. The communication unit 120 may transmit the history information only to a certain time schedule in order to save communication power. In addition, the communication unit 120 operates in a sleep mode, and it is possible to communicate by operating in an on mode only when a fault signal occurs in the history information.

The power sensing unit 130 acquires power information by sensing the current or voltage of the refrigerator. The power sensing unit 130 detects current and voltage consumed by the refrigerator according to a preset time schedule. In this case, it is preferable that power information consumed by the refrigerator at a set temperature on average is preset. The power sensing unit 130 may output a fault signal when the power consumption of the refrigerator is less than or exceeds a preset value. The power detection unit 130 outputs the sensed power information to the control unit 150. In this case, the control unit 150 may determine whether or not there is a failure based on the power information, or transmit it to an external management server to determine whether there is a failure.

In addition, when the power supply unit 110 supplies the test current to the refrigerator, the power detection unit 130 detects a response signal to the test current from the refrigerator. When there is no response signal from the refrigerator, the power detection unit 130 determines that it is a failure and outputs the result to the control unit 150. The control unit 150 applies a first input signal and a second input signal to the refrigerator through the power supply unit 110, respectively, and superimposes the sum of the output signals obtained from the power sensing unit 130 and the first input signal and the second input signal. And compare the value of the output signal obtained by applying it. In this case, when the characteristic curve of the output signal according to each input signal maintains linearity, it is determined to be normal, and when the linearity is not maintained, it is determined to be a failure.

The temperature sensing unit 140 acquires temperature information from a temperature sensor installed in the refrigerator. The temperature sensing unit 140 may detect the temperature inside the refrigerator with a preset time schedule. In this case, the temperature sensing unit 140 may detect the temperature of the outside of the refrigerator, and more specifically, may detect the presence of a fire by sensing the temperature around the condenser, the compressor, and the evaporator. The temperature sensing unit 140 may output temperature information to the controller 150 when the temperature falls or rises above a preset temperature deviation. The temperature sensing unit 140 may sense the temperature by dividing into a plurality of regions when different temperatures are set in a plurality of zones in the refrigerator.

The control unit 150 transmits the history information on the power information and the temperature information to the management server through the communication unit 120 in a preset time schedule. The control unit 150 switches to the on mode when the history information is not detected while waiting in the sleep mode. This is to minimize power consumption by operating as a temperature draw only when a failure occurs. The controller 150 may output a fault signal when external power is cut off or history information is not detected. The control unit 150 transmits a fault signal to the management server, and when there is a control signal from the management server, it is also possible to control the refrigerator based on this.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 150 may supply a test current to the refrigerator through the power supply unit 110 and determine whether the refrigerator is malfunctioning by analyzing a response signal therefor. When there is no response signal from the refrigerator, the control unit 150 may determine that it is a failure. In addition, even when there is a response signal from the refrigerator, if the characteristic of the response signal is less than the reference value, it can be determined as a failure. For example, the control unit 150 applies a first input signal and a second input signal to the refrigerator through the power supply unit 110, respectively, and the sum of the output signals obtained from the power sensing unit 130 and the first input signal and the second input signal are applied. 2 Compare the value of the output signal obtained by overlapping the input signal and applying it. In this case, if the characteristic curve of the output signal according to each input signal maintains linearity as shown in FIG. 3 (a), it is determined as normal, and if the linearity is not maintained as shown in (b), it is determined as a failure.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram for explaining authentication with a user terminal by outputting an identification code from the power monitoring device according to FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the outlet type power monitoring apparatus 100 using a LoRa communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a display unit 160.

The display unit 160 is formed on one side of the body and outputs a preset identification code 400. For example, the display unit 160 may output an identification code 400 such as a symbol, character, or figure. The identification code 400 may also be formed in a form such as a barcode or QR code. The display unit 160 receives and outputs a unique identification code 400 for the power monitoring device 100. When such an identification code 400 is obtained using the user terminal 30, the information collected by the power monitoring apparatus 100 can be checked from the management server. The identification code 400 output from the display unit 160 may be randomly varied in a certain period of time. This is to prevent hacking of information by being exposed to third parties.

In this case, when the user terminal 30 obtains the identification code 400 and transmits it to the management server, and when authenticating the unique number of the user terminal 30, the control unit 150 transmits a fault signal even when the history information is blocked. You can make it wait without creating it. This is to cut off a fault signal generated by cutting off the power of the refrigerator when the user performs work such as repairing or replacing the refrigerator. In this case, it is preferable that the user terminal 30 is installed with an application capable of communicating with the management server.

In addition, the management server may transmit the encrypted identification code 400 to the power monitoring device 100 at a certain time period. In this case, the identification code 400 exposed at the time acquired by the user terminal 30 matches the identification code 400 transmitted from the management server, and the mobile communication number or the terminal identification number of the user terminal 30 is If it matches the registered information, authentication is completed. The authenticated user terminal 30 may check the history information of the power monitoring device 100. In addition, the user terminal 30 may generate a control signal to cut off the power of the refrigerator or remotely control the refrigerator to reboot. In this case, the authentication procedure may be requested at a preset time period.

On the other hand, the outlet-type power monitoring apparatus 100 using a LoRa communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a tilt detection unit 170. The tilt detection unit 170 detects the tilt of the body. For example, the body can be positioned vertically or horizontally. When it is connected to a wall outlet, it is located in a vertical direction, and when connected to an extension line such as a power strip on the floor, it is located in a horizontal direction. In addition, the tilt detection unit 170 may determine the moving state. In other words, whether or not the power monitoring apparatus 100 is deviated by a third party may be determined as a change in slope.

In this case, the controller 150 determines an abnormality in the power information based on the first reference power information when the inclination of the body is detected in the first direction, which is a vertical direction. When the inclination of the body is detected in the second direction, which is the horizontal direction, the controller 150 determines an abnormality in the power information based on the second reference power information. When the body is positioned in the first direction, it is determined that it is directly connected to the wall outlet, and accordingly, the abnormality of the power information of the refrigerator is determined based on the first reference power information. When the body is located in the second direction, it is determined that the power monitoring device 100 is connected using an extension line such as a power strip, and the power information abnormality of the refrigerator is determined based on the second reference power information in consideration of the resistance of the extension line. can do. Accordingly, it is possible to check more accurate power information abnormality by changing the reference power information according to the installation location.

5 is an exemplary view for explaining comparing the frequency of an optical cable with a reference frequency in the power monitoring device according to FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the outlet-type power monitoring apparatus 100 using a LoRa communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a vibration detection unit 180.

The vibration detection unit 180 is connected to the refrigerator through an optical cable to receive an optical signal. In this case, the optical cable is formed to contact the outer surface of the refrigerator. The refrigerator transmits power information, temperature information, etc. through an optical cable, and the vibration detection unit 180 receives it. The vibration detection unit 180 analyzes the frequency (b) of the optical signal with the reference frequency (a) to obtain vibration information about the vibration of the refrigerator. In this case, the reference frequency (a) is the frequency information of the optical signal received when the refrigerator operates normally. In addition to the power information or temperature information of the refrigerator through the optical signal, it is possible to determine whether or not to vibrate using the frequency.

In this case, the control unit 150 compares the frequency (b) of the optical signal and the reference frequency (a) to generate a fault signal when it is out of a preset error range and transmit it to the management server. The controller 150 may obtain power information and temperature information through an optical signal, and may also check vibrations generated by the refrigerator itself. If the vibration symptom is severe among the parts included in the refrigerator, the optical signal itself may also be affected. Even when it is determined to be normal by obtaining power information or temperature information primarily through an optical signal, the control unit 150 may generate and output a fault signal for the vibration frequency if it is abnormal. Accordingly, it is possible to check whether or not there is a failure according to the vibration state of the refrigerator using the optical signal.

Meanwhile, the outlet-type power monitoring apparatus 100 using a LoRa communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an alarm unit 190.

The alarm unit 190 outputs a preset warning text or a warning sound when a fault signal is generated. The alarm unit 190 may output an alarm signal when an urgent situation occurs. For example, when a fault signal is generated, the alarm unit 190 may output a warning phrase through the display unit 160 or may output a warning sound through a speaker. In addition to the fault signal, the alarm unit 190 may output a warning text or a warning sound even when a fire occurs. In this case, it is preferable that the alarm unit 190 is connected to the fire detection situation. The alarm unit 190 may transmit a warning text or a warning sound to a remote user as well as a person near the refrigerator. The control unit 150 may control a warning text or a warning sound generated by the alarm unit 190 and output it by varying it according to a situation. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize damage due to a breakdown of the refrigerator or a fire by promptly notifying the surroundings of a malfunction.

The present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, but is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the present invention should be interpreted by the description of the claims intended to cover obvious modifications that can be derived from the described embodiments.

100: power monitoring device
110: power supply
120: communication department
130: power detection unit
140: temperature sensing unit
150: control unit
160: display
170: tilt detection unit
180: vibration detection unit
190: alarm unit

Claims (5)

A power supply unit in which one side of the body is connected to an external power source and the other side is connected to a refrigerator to supply or cut off the power to the refrigerator;
A communication unit for communicating with an external management server through a LoRa communication network;
A power sensing unit that detects the current or voltage of the refrigerator to obtain power information;
A temperature sensing unit that acquires temperature information from a temperature sensor installed in the refrigerator;
A display unit formed on one side of the body to output a preset identification code; And
The power information and the history information of the temperature information are transmitted to the management server through the communication unit according to a preset time schedule, and when the history information is not detected while waiting in the sleep mode, it is switched to the on mode and a fault signal is displayed. When transmitting to the management server, and when the user terminal obtains the identification code and transmits it to the management server, and when authenticating the unique number of the user terminal, wait without generating the fault signal even when the history information is blocked. Outlet-type power monitoring device using a roller communication network including a control unit to. delete The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a tilt sensing unit for sensing the tilt of the body,
The control unit,
When the inclination of the body is detected in a first direction, which is a vertical direction, an abnormality of the power information is determined based on the first reference power information, and when the inclination of the body is detected in a second direction, which is a horizontal direction, second reference power information An outlet-type power monitoring device using a LoRa communication network that determines an abnormality in the power information based on. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a vibration sensing unit connected to the refrigerator through an optical cable to receive an optical signal, and to obtain vibration information on the vibration of the refrigerator by analyzing a frequency of the optical signal with a reference frequency,
The control unit,
A wall outlet-type power monitoring device using a roller communication network to generate the fault signal and transmit the fault signal to the management server when the frequency of the optical signal is compared with the reference frequency and is out of a preset error range. The method of claim 1,
An outlet-type power monitoring device using a roller communication network further comprising an alarm unit for outputting a preset warning text or a warning sound when the fault signal is generated.

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