NL2015762B1 - Heavy use power distributor and method for distributing electricity in public spaces. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a heavy use power distributor for distributing electric power in public spaces, including among others a housing for installation at public places, an intelligent control system including at least a user identification and authorisation interface and a plurality of power outlets contained by the housing, wherein the access to the power outlets is controlled by a removable blocking. The invention also relates to a method for distributing electricity in public spaces using such heavy use power distributor.

Description

Heavy use power distributor and method for distributing electricity in public spaces

The invention relates to a heavy use power distributor for distributing electric power in public spaces. The invention also relates to a method for distributing electricity in public spaces.

Heavy use electrical power distributors are commonly used at public places when there is a temporary demand for substantial amounts of electric power that may stem from public events such as sporting events, festivals, fairs or markets. To meet such temporary, high power demand, the power distributors are commonly capable of connecting large electrical loads to an electrical grid. Moreover, in order to guarantee reliable power distribution, common power distributors are designed for arduous, outdoor environments in the form of cabinets that comprises one or more power boards. However, these electrical power distributors fall short when it comes to managing the distribution of power to multiple users, as well as to settle the costs for the actual power consumption. Moreover, common power distributors are less suited to prevent unauthorised use of electricity.

It is an object of the present invention to take away at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages and/or to provide a useful alternative to the state of the art. More specifically, an object of the present invention may be to provide a heavy use power distributor and/or to provide a method for distributing electricity specifically suited for autonomous public use.

The invention provides hereto a heavy use power distributor for distributing electric power in public spaces, comprising: a housing for installation at public places; a main feed connection configured for connecting to an electrical grid; an intelligent control system including at least a user identification and authorisation interface; a plurality of power outlets contained by the housing and electrically coupled with the main feed connection, wherein each of the power outlets provided with a power metering device, for registration of power consumption, which power metering devices are connected to the intelligent control system; at least one switching unit, connected with the intelligent control system, for connecting and disconnecting individual power outlets linked with authorised users from the main feed connection; at least one communication interface, coupled with the intelligent control system, for connecting to an external network; wherein the individual power outlets are provided with light displays showing power consumption information, wherein the access to the power outlets is controlled by a removable blocking, and wherein the current carrying capacity of the individual power outlets is at least 16 A, preferably at least 32 A, more preferably at least 63 A or in another alternative at least 125 A. By making use of an intelligent control system that includes a user identification and authorisation interface and is electrically coupled (for communication) to the power metering devices, the switching unit and the communication interface, it becomes possible for the power distributor to autonomously manage the power to individual users without additional human intervention. To this end, upon verification of the user through the identification and authorisation interface, power may be supplied to this user and to this user only by controlling the switching unit. The removable blocking, which may also be linked to the intelligent control system, may at the same be removed to provide access for connectors to the power outlets. During power supply, power consumption data of each individual user may be registered through the power metering devices and may be sent through the communication interface over an external network to a back-office or other billing system. As an alternative for consumption related billing afterwards also pre-paid billing may be applied. Moreover, the authorisation interface lets the user electronically authorise himself before and after use of the power distributor while the light displays provide the user information and feedback on for example the availability of the power outlets or different use circumstances like regular use and critical use. These features make the power distributor a comprehensive, self-contained system that is self-explanatory and easy to interact with by users or other stake holders.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the removable blocking comprises at least one power outlet covering, such as for instance a door, for covering one or more of the power outlets. When locked, such covering could prevent unauthorised access of a plug to the corresponding power outlets which may also enhance the safety. Moreover, the covering can improve the resistance of the power distributor to the outside environment, such as making it more weather resistant. This is especially desirable in case the power distributors is used in outdoor settings. It is also possible that the removable blocking comprises multiple power outlet coverings, for example in the form of individual shutters, covering multiple corresponding power outlets. The power outlet coverings may hereby be configured to cover and thereby prevent access to the corresponding power outlets while corresponding power outlets are not in use, and the leave clear the corresponding power outlets once the corresponding power outlets are authorised for connecting to a load.

In a further embodiment the power outlets may have various maximum current carrying capacities. This enables the facilitation of different types of users with various demands of electrical power. As an alternative the power outlets have identical maximum current carrying capacities. This enables the facilitation of different users having electrical loads with approximately similar demands of electrical power.

It may be advantageous that the light displays are circumferentially arranged around or nearby the power outlets. Such placement of the light displays allows for signalling the availability or use circumstances of individual or certain groups of power outlets, wherein it is immediately apparent to a user to which individual or group of power outlets the signal relates to.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the light displays comprise LED light sources, which LED light sources are configured to constantly and intermittently emit various colours, like for instance at least the colours blue, green, orange and red. LED light sources have a high luminous efficacy and can be placed close together in patterns due to their small size. Moreover, LED light sources can emit light of an intended colour without using any colour filters and are ideal for frequent on-off cycling, which makes LED light sources suitable for constantly and intermittently emitting plural colours. The latter aspect of constantly and intermittently emitting multiple colours is beneficial when it comes to creating diverse signals in response to different power outlet status. For example, the LED light sources can be configured to emit a constant blue light to indicate that a certain power outlet or group of power outlets is available. A constant green light may be used to indicate, upon authorisation of a user, that a certain power outlet or group of power outlets is/are ready for use by said user. With an increase in requested power from the certain power outlet or group of power outlets, the LED light sources may gradually turn orange to enable power monitoring. In the case that overcurrent is imminent at a certain power outlet or group of power outlets, the corresponding LED light sources may as a warning gradually turn red. In case of overcurrent or short-circuit at a certain power outlet or group of power outlets, the corresponding LED light sources may, by means of flashing, intermittently emit a red light.

In an embodiment, the at least one user identification and authorisation interface is configured to receive authorisation information from an information carrier selected from the group consisting of a magnetic card, a chip, a radio-frequency identification (RFI) tag, a near field communication (NFC) tag or a physiological characteristic. The listed information carriers allow storage of user specific authorisation information that can be read electronically and often remotely by the identification and authorisation interface, without requiring the user to actively remember or input authorisation information.

In another embodiment, the heavy use power distributor comprises power outlets that are mounted exchangeably in the housing. This way, the number of power outlets contained by the housing can be changed and/or one or more of the power outlets can be exchanged with power outlets having a different power output. This modular design allows the power distributor to be used in various settings that require the power distributor to meet various electric power demands.

It may be possible that the at least one switching unit is provided with an automatic reset circuit breaker. The automatic reset circuit breaker functions to protect the electrical circuit form damage cause by overload or short circuit and is able to resume normal operation of the power distributor once the overload or short circuit condition is removed. It may hereby be possible that after the occurrence of overload or short circuit the circuit breaker remains tripped for a period of time set by, for example, an external timing capacitor and then is automatically reset. It is also possible that the trip current, trip delay time and auto-reset period are programmable over a wide range to accommodate a variety of load impedances.

In a further embodiment, the communication interface comprises an Internet of Ethernet connection for connecting the heavy use power distributor to a cloud or local network. Such connection enables the power distributor to send for example consumption data and payment information to a user, a back office a municipality or any other relevant parties. Moreover, the power distributor may be able to receive data via said Internet or Ethernet connection, enabling the power distributor to be managed remotely.

It may be advantageous if the heavy use power distributor is able to send or receive consumption data, payment information or other data to and from a user, a back office, a municipality or other parties over a cellular network, as this allows for wireless communication. The communication interface may for this purpose comprise a cellular interface that is able to connect to a cellular network such as a mobile phone network.

In an embodiment, the power outlets comprise a safety mechanism for preventing disconnection of any connectors plugged into the power outlets. The safety mechanism may hereto comprise a mechanical lock or catch that provides a mechanical or magnetic counterforce counteracting a force exerted on either the connector or power outlet that would otherwise lead to the uncoupling of the connector and power outlet. A release of the safety mechanism, that would allow for a successive release of the connector could for example be triggered by manipulating the safety mechanism or exceeding a certain threshold tension exerted on the safety mechanism as an effect of the force exerted on either the connector or power outlet.

In a further embodiment of the heavy use power distributor, the housing comprises a separate compartment, accessible to a network operator, wherein the separate compartment at least contains the main feed connection. The separate compartment may provide a network operator access to the main feed connection without needing to provide access to other components of the power distributor.

The invention also relates to a method for distributing electricity in public spaces, comprising the steps of: A) identifying and authorizing a user by means of authorisation information provided by the user; B) supplying power to at least one of a plurality of power outlets while at the same time registering power consumption data; C) signing out the user by means of authorisation information provided by the user; D) disconnecting power to the at least one of the plurality of power outlets; E) sending the in step B) registered consumption data over an external network to a back-office. In comparison with common methods of distributing power in a public area to meet a sizable temporary demand in electrical power, a great advantage of the above method is that users are provided with the required power in a fully self-serving and automated manner. Moreover, due to the individual identification and authorization of users, it becomes possible to charge individual users for only their actual consumed power.

In addition, the above-mentioned method may comprise step F), comprising of automatically charging the user based on the in step B) registered consumption data to further automate the power supply process. The charging process might involve automatically sending an invoice to a respective user, but may also comprise directly charging the user’s account, which account may either be a user account pertaining to the power supply service or a regular bank account.

It may be advantageous if the power to at least one of a plurality of power outlets is supplied only after receipt of a prepayment by the user. Such a prepayment enables direct settlement of power consumption costs after the end of a session or event. Moreover, a prepaid user account can be linked to an active bank account, which enables the verification of a user’s bank account information at the start of a session or event. The amount to be charged may also be deducted from a pre-paid balance like a payment chip or in future a NFC chip for wireless payment solutions.

It may furthermore be advantageous if the power consumption is monitored and related to a pre-set threshold value. Once the pre-set threshold value is exceeded, the user may receive a notification and/or may be cut-off from the power supply. Additionally, a notification may be sent to a back-office upon reaching the pre-set threshold value. In the case that power is only supplied after receipt of a prepayment, the re-set threshold may be based on the amount of credit that is available on a user’s account.

The invention will now be elucidated into more detail with reference to non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein: - figure 1 shows a front view of a heavy use electrical power distributor according to the invention; - figure 2 shows a side view of a heavy use electrical power distributor according to the invention; - figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the inside of a heavy use electrical power distributor according to the invention; and - figure 4 shows a flowcharts of a transaction method for use with a heavy use power distributor according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a front view of a heavy use electrical power distributor 100 according to the invention. The heavy use electrical power distributor 100 comprises a housing 101 that is suited for both indoor and outdoor installation. The housing 101 contains a plurality of power outlets 102 that may have similar or different maximum power outputs. The power outlets 102 are each provided with individual power outlet coverings 103 that may increase weather resistance or prevent unauthorised access to the power outlets 102. In addition, it is also possible that multiple or all of the power outlets 102 are covered by a single power outlet covering. The power outlets are provided with LED light displays 104, which are circumferentially arranged around the power outlets 102. Multiple user identification and authorisation interfaces 105 are provided next to the power outlets 102, which together are part of an intelligent control system. Alternatively, it is possible to provide an authorisation interface that serves all or multiple of the power outlets 102. Specifically, the authorisation interfaces 105 may comprise a reader for reading authorisation information from an information carrier such as a magnetic card, a chip, a radio-frequency identification (RFI) tag, a near field communication (NFC) tag or a physiological characteristic.

Figure 2 shows a side view of a heavy use electrical power distributor 200 according to the invention, wherein the housing 201 comprises power outlets accessible to power users via coverings 202, and a separate compartment 203, accessible to a network operator via a lockable door 204. The separate compartment 203 at least contains the main feed connection (not shown).

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the inside of a heavy use electrical power distributor 300 according to the invention. The heavy use electrical power distributor 300 is connected to the grid by means of a main feed connection 301, contained within a separate compartment 302. A main power meter 303 is provided at the main feed connection 302 to register the total power consumption of the loads, connected to the power distributor. A plurality of power outlets (not shown) are, via a switching unit 304 and individual power meters 305, electrically coupled with the main feed connection 302 by means of contacts 306. An intelligent control system 307 is electrically coupled to the switching unit 304 for controlling the switching unit 304 based on the electrical load coupled to the plurality of power outlets, power consumption information obtained from the individual power meters 305 and data received via a cellular communication interface 308, an Internet or Ethernet connection 309 or a user identification and authorisation interface 310.

Figure 4 shows a flowcharts of a transaction method 400 for use with a heavy use power distributor according to the invention. The method 400 comprises identifying and authorizing a user 401 by validating user specific data stored on an information carrier or by means of biometric information that is presented by the user (step 403) with data stored in a database 402. After validation, a power outlet is opened to receive a connector and deliver power to the connected load (step 404). During the session, power is consumed and corresponding power consumption data is registered (step 405). In the case of a power fail (step 406), the user can be required to repeat the step of identification and authorization (step 403). After the session (step 407), the user is required to again present the information carrier with user specific data or biometric information, after which the user is validated (step 408) and the power outlet is closed (step 409). Hereafter, the registered consumption data is sent over an external network to a back-office, after which the back office sends an invoice to the user (step 410). It is also possible that the user is charged without the intervention of a back-office by automatically sending an invoice to a respective user or directly charging the user’s account. After receiving payment from the users (step 411) or after ending the event, a credit invoice (step 412) and a corresponding payment (step 413) is sent to the network operator such as a municipality. When all payments are received and performed, the event is closed (step 414).

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and methods shown and described here, but that within the scope of the appended claims numerous variants are possible which will be self-evident to the skilled person in this field.

Claims (17)

A heavy duty energy distributor for distributing electrical energy in public spaces, comprising: - a housing for installation in public spaces; - a main supply connection designed for connection to an electricity grid; - an intelligent control system including at least one user identification and authorization interface; - a number of energy outputs enclosed by the housing and electrically coupled to the main supply connection, each of the energy outputs being provided with an energy measuring device for recording energy consumption, which energy measuring devices are connected to the intelligent control system; - at least one switching unit connected to the intelligent control system, for connecting and disconnecting the main supply connection of individual energy outputs coupled to authorized users; - at least one communication interface coupled to the intelligent control system, for connection to an external network; wherein the individual energy outputs are provided with light displays that show energy consumption information, the access to the energy outputs being controlled by a removable block, and wherein the current carrying capacity of the individual energy outputs is at least 16 A, at preferably at least 32 A, preferably at least 63 A and more preferably at least 125 A. The heavy-duty energy distributor according to claim 1, wherein the removable block comprises at least one energy output cover. 3. Heavy-duty energy distributor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy outputs have different maximum current-carrying capacities. Heavy duty energy distributor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy outputs have identical maximum current carrying capacities. Heavy duty energy distributor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light displays are arranged around the periphery around or near the energy outputs. A heavy-duty energy distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light displays comprise LED light sources, which LED light sources are adapted to constantly and intermittently emit at least the colors blue, green, orange and red. A heavy-duty energy distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one user identification and authorization interface is adapted to receive authorization information from an information carrier selected from the group consisting of a magnetic card, a chip, a radio frequency identification (RFI) tag, a near field communication (NFC) tag or a physiological feature. A heavy-duty energy distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy outputs are interchangeably mounted in the housing. A heavy-duty energy distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one switching unit is provided with an automatic reset circuit breaker. The heavy-duty energy distributor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface comprises an Internet or Ethemet connection. A heavy-duty energy distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface comprises a mobile telephony interface. A heavy-duty energy distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy outputs comprise a safety mechanism for preventing disconnection of all connectors inserted into the energy outputs. A heavy-duty energy distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a separate compartment accessible to a network operator, the separate compartment comprising at least the main supply connection. A method for distributing electricity in public places, comprising the steps of: A) Identifying and authorizing a user by means of authorization information provided by the user; B) supplying energy to at least one of a number of energy outputs while at the same time recording energy consumption data; C) Logging off the user by means of authorization information provided by the user; D) Decoupling energy to the at least one of the number of energy outputs; E) Sending the consumption data recorded in step B) over an external network to a back office. The method of claim 14, wherein the method comprises step F), consisting of automatically financial loading of the user based on the consumption data recorded in step B). A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the energy to at least one of a number of energy outputs is supplied only after receipt of a prepayment by the user. The method of claims 14 to 16, wherein the energy consumption is monitored and related to a preset threshold value.