WO2008131781A2

WO2008131781A2 - System for managing electrical power consumption

Info

Publication number: WO2008131781A2
Application number: PCT/DK2008/050096
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frans Merrild; Mikael Koch
Original assignee: Tell It Online Aps
Priority date: 2007-04-26
Filing date: 2008-04-28
Publication date: 2008-11-06
Also published as: WO2008131781A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and a method for managing electrical power consumption in buildings comprising at least one managing unit in communicative connection with at least one control unit, said control unit comprising means for measuring the power consumption of one or more attached devices. The measurement of power consumption is relative to at least one set level of power consumption, such as the power consumption with all connected devices in stand-by. Thereby may be provided information as to whether any of the devices attached to the control unit are in active use or all units are in stand-by. If all units are in stand-by, the system may allow the control unit to turn off the mains feed.

Description

System for managing electrical power consumption

All patent and non-patent references cited in the application, or in the present application, are also hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Field of invention

The present invention relates to system and method for managing electrical power consumption in the home, office or the like.

Background of invention

With the rising cost of electricity there is an increased focus on reducing electrical power consumption in the home. This is particularly the case for home entertainment devices such as TV, Surround sound amplifier, satellite receivers, cable receivers, terrestrial digital-TV receivers, game consoles and DVD-players which are typically in stand-by mode when not in use. Other devices typically in stand-by mode are PC- peripherals. In fact, it has been estimated that approximately 60-70 % of the electricity consumption in private households is depending on family habits and attitudes. It is commonly suggested by governmental institutions, at least in the country of the inventors, that a family turn off devices in stand-by mode by which the family will achieve significant savings and overall consumption of fossil fuels for the production of electricity will be reduced. The reduction of the overall consumption of fossil fuels has several advantages are there are limited resources on the planet and furthermore the use of fossil fuels and the resulting production of CO₂ is believed to increase the greenhouse effect and cause global warming of the planet with severe environmental results. One drawback of following this advice is that: Firstly, it is generally more convenient to operate such devices by using their remote control which requires the device to be in stand-by mode. Secondly, the device may not provide a switch for being turned off completely. Finally, the outlet providing the mains connection to the devices are often not easily accessible as it is considered aesthetically advantageous to hide the often extensive number of electrical cords, transformers and the like associated with for instance a setup of home entertainment devices as these are primarily placed in a central place of the living room. Examples of devices currently on the market which address the problem include a power strip or other multiple plug extensions primarily designed for use with a home entertainment setup. Here, one of the sockets acts as a master socket where the power consumption of devices connected to this socket controls whether power is on in the remaining sockets. Typically the TV is connected to the master socket and DVD players and receivers are connected to the other sockets. A typical minimum value power consumption of a TV is preset by the factory to turn the power on for the remaining devices when the TV goes from stand-by to on; this value is not adjustable. This device is cheap and easy to use, but has several drawbacks. Firstly, the TV is left in stand-by and should therefore be turned off manually if the stand-by consumption is to be optimized. Secondly, home entertainment components are commonly used without the TV. The DVD player may for example be used in conjunction with the surround receiver to listen to music or the satellite receiver may be used to listen to international radio.

A similar approach is found in relation with PC peripherals, where a USB connection is applied to control whether the sockets are switched on or off. The USB connection is connected to a PC which must receive power by separate means. When the PC is switched on, 5V is available in the USB port of the PC which then caused the sockets of the extension to be switched on. Typical devices connected to this power strip include monitor, printer, router, ADSL model, and PC-speakers. Similar to the previous device, the stand-by consumption of the PC is not addressed. In fact most PC power supplies consume power even when the PC is off. Furthermore, none of the devices are available when the PC is off. The may be disadvantageous in some cases, such as the device limits the use of a multi function printer, which may otherwise operate autonomously as a copier.

Furthermore, the tariff of electrical power is becoming dynamic in many countries. The tariff will hence change during the day following the demand for electrical power with prices being highest in the peak periods such as around dinner time and prices being at their lowest during night hours. There is hence an economical incitement to delaying the use of electrical appliances, such as the dish washer to for instance the night hours. Also changes over longer time spans are expected as the demand for electrical power for instance is different in the weekend compared to working days. The tariff can change according to both predetermined and dynamical schemes.

As a consequence of the increased attention on efforts to reduce the emission of gasses that increase the greenhouse effect, the electrical power providers are subjected to well-defined goals concerning their policy and efforts made to reduce the power consumption and the following emission of CO₂. If these goals are not meet, the electrical power provider will be presented with fines of substantial size.

Patent applications US2002/0013146 and WO2006096854 both disclose systems for optimizing power consumption in relation to changes in electricity rates by using a central base unit to control a series of distributed units. The central unit receives changes in electricity rates and the system corresponds by e.g. turning the water heater on at night.

In US 6,388,399, several electrical devices and installations are controlled by a central console through a network. Several sensors are included in the system to measure external factors such as temperature, humidity etc.

In US2006259745, a device for controlling the power to lamps is disclosed. To determine whether a lamp should be on, off or dimmed the device comprises means for measuring activity in the room, ambient light and a timer.

US2006273741 also describes a system for controlling lighting to provide the correct light depending on the activity in the room, time of day, external light as a well as compensating for changes in the light bulbs during their life time. The system may comprise a large variety of sensor, which may monitor external conditions in the room as well as the condition of the attached light bulbs.

US 6,713,975 disclose a system for automated management of the power consumption of electrical equipment in a network. The system may comprise sensors for detecting external conditions, such a light or motion suitable for controlling lighting. Summary of invention

In order to overcome the drawback of the devices available in the art, the present invention provides for a system for managing electrical power consumption in the home comprising at least one managing unit in communicative connection with at least one control unit, said control unit comprising means for measuring the power consumption of one or more attached devices as a well as a method of managing electrical power consumption in the home wherein at least one managing unit is in communicative connection with at least one control unit, said control unit comprising means for measuring the power consumption of one or more attached devices. In one embodi- ment, measuring the power consumption of the attached devices provides information as to whether any of the devices attached to the control unit are in active use or all units are in stand-by. If all units are in stand-by, the system may allow the control unit to turn off the mains feed. This may typically be allowed based on timer settings, such as at night, in the day time on working days and/or when the stand-by period exceeds a set limit. In this manner, the problems of the above described prior arts devices are solved as the reduction in stand-by consumption no longer depends on a main device, which must be left in stand-by. Accordingly, it may now be possible to use the DVD player independently of the TV while still reducing overall power consumption.

Several systems in the art describe systems for controlling the electrical power from a central base. These systems generally fall into two categories neither of which focuses on a reduction in power consumption as such. One type requires an extensive installation and is most suitable for installation as a part of the construction of a new house. The other type is based on wireless communication between a base station and distributed units.

By the invention there is provided a measurement of the power consumption by distributed devices and in particular not in relation to management of power consumption, such as a reduction in consumption by devices in stand-by. Furthermore, by a system according to the invention, there is provided means for turning off the stand-by consumption without interrupting daily power usage behavior. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a unit for controlling the available electrical power to one or more attached devices comprising a control unit integrated with a plug and a plug socket, said plug socket connected to said controller via a cord. This configuration is in contrast to the devices available in the art, wherein the plug socket is integrated into the controller. Compared to the present invention, these devices are more bulky particularly when the socket is occupied by a plug. The present invention is also more flexible in use, as the smaller controller allows for the controller to be installed in a power strip while minimizing interference with other sockets. Finally, the present invention is more visually appealing if applied in a visible wall socket because of the reduced size.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to a unit suitable for placement of the floor for controlling the available electrical power to one or more attached devices comprising at least one dimmer switch, said unit is attached to the mains via a cord and comprising at least one integrated plug socket and/or at least one plug socket connected to the unit via a cord. In this manner a floor based dimmer switch is easily connected to an existing lamp.

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to unit for managing electrical power consumption in the home comprising means for connecting to a mains feed, at least one plug socket, means for measuring the power consumption of one or more attached devices and a timer and/or means for detecting the presence of a person in the room. In this way the principle of the invention may be performed independently of a central base station. The unit preferable comprises a preset power level and/or means for setting a power level. In a preferred embodiment, said means is simply a button which should be activated once when all attached devices are in stand-by mode thus setting the stand-by level. The unit preferably also comprises a timer and means for setting said timer, so time periods may be set wherein the mains supply to the attached devices may be cut off.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, the system comprises means for a given energy provider to remotely access the system and the distributed control units through the managing unit. Thereby the energy provider can decide when certain electrical appliances are operated. The use of for instance a dishwasher can then be initiated during the night hours or for instance during a period in the day hours where the tariff unexpectedly is low. Information regarding when the tariff is low can either be communicated to the system through a wireless connection, the internet (LAN connection) or any other means suitable for communicating such. The delivery of electrical power to these specific appliances can be according to both predetermined and dynamical schemes.

Description of Figures

Figure 1 : A schematic presentation of the components in a system according to one embodiment of the method according to the invention.

Figure 2: A managing unit according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 3: A control according to one preferred embodiment.

Figure 4: A floor based dimmer switch according to one preferred embodiment.

Figure 5: A double sided socket plug extension covered by two lids and a top according to one preferred embodiment.

Figure 6: The socket plug extension shown with one lid removed and several plugs and DC adapters installed.

Detailed description

The objective of the present invention is to provide convenient and effective management of electrical power consumption of devices commonly found in a household, office or similar. This is particularly relevant for devices wherein the availability of a state of stand-by is desirable for easy operation but at the same time undesirable due to excessive power consumption at times where the likelihood of use is small. Accordingly, the power consumption of the devices connected to the at least one control unit is relative to at least one set level of power consumption, such as the power consumption with all connected devices in stand-by. In this way, the system may be programmed to turn the devices connected to the control unit off, preferably by cutting off the mains feed, at a set time such as after midnight, but not to turn off the devices is the power consumption is above the stand-by level which may indicate that for example the TV is in use. The stand-by level is preferably set by the user, but may also be pre-set by the factory or set externally for example by using the Internet connection preferably available to the managing unit.

It is preferable to have a net reduction in power consumption with the use of the system of the invention. One aspect is therefore to minimize the amount of communication between the managing unit and the at least one control unit. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment the frequency of communication between the managing unit and a control unit is less than once a year, such as once a month, such as once a week, such as once a day, such as hourly, such as every half hour, such every 10 minutes, such as every minute, such as every 30 seconds, such as every 10 seconds, such as every second, such as continuously.

In this context, it may be important whether communication between the managing unit and the at least one control unit may be initiated by the managing unit, the control unit or both. In one embodiment the managing unit initiates all communication preferably at set time intervals. In this way the managing unit may only need to be on at set time intervals.

In another embodiment communication between the managing unit and at least one control unit is initiated by the control unit. Preferably, said initiation occurs based on one or more possible predefined events and/or based on predefined time intervals. In this way long time intervals may be defined and most communication between the units will occur only when said communication is necessary due to an event occurring at the control unit.

In another embodiment, communication may be initiated may by either the managing unit or the at least one control unit providing a more flexible system. However, the system may also be set up to communicate at predefined at preset time intervals known to both units, which has the advantage of saving power consumption in reception circuits and reducing the power consumption related communication circuits being off-line to a mere timer. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment the communication between a management unit and a control unit occurs at predefined time intervals known to both managing unit and control unit.

Remote access

The system according to the invention preferably comprises means for remote access. In one embodiment the means for remote access comprises means for external access so that the system and/or the attached devices may be controlled from a remote location such as when the user is on holiday. Furthermore, the system may comprise means for energy providers to remotely access the system and manage the distributed control units through the managing unit thereby giving the energy provider the control over the power supply to the connected electrical appliances. Said mains for remote access preferably comprise at least one of the following Internet connection, cellular connection, PSTN, and ISDN. One likely application of external access is the installation of the invention in a summer house, wherein the user may control power consumption of devices such as heaters or the like and/or may switch light on/off remotely to give the appearance of occupancy. However, said external access may also be performed from inside the house if for example it is preferred to operate the managing unit via a separate computer.

The preferred embodiment preferably comprise means for remote access, wherein the remote access is carried out by a remote control operating by means of Bluetooth, infrared, WiFi, Z-wave™ and/or RF. In this manner, the attached devices may be managed from a convenient position e.g. from the living room couch or the bed.

In any instance, the system preferable comprises means for limiting remote access and/or means for verifying the identity of the user, so that unauthorized access to the system is prevented. Such means may be any means available within the technologies chosen, such as firewalls and/or encryption.

Wireless

To allow for easy installation the communicative connection of the preferred embodiment is wireless. At the same time the control devices preferably comprises means for connecting to a wall socket and means for receiving plugs from the devices to be attached, accordingly installation of the system may be simplified to connecting the control devices and turning the system on.

To allow wireless communication while maintaining low power consumption the wireless connection of the preferred embodiment comprises a Z-Wave™ connection. Z- Wave™ was developed by Zensys, California. Z-Wave™ technology is an RF based, two-way; mesh network, communications protocol that enables devices to be controlled and monitored wirelessly. The implementation of Z-Wave™ is preferable through the family of low-cost, low-power, integrated MCU/Transceiver chips embedded with Z- Wave offered by Zensys or any other party participating in the Z-Wave Alliance.

Alternatively or as a supplement, the wireless connection of the preferred embodiment may be performed according to at least one of the following standards Bluetooth, infrared, WiFi, and RF.

In another embodiment, some or all of the communicative connection(s) between the managing unit and the at least one control unit may be through wires. This may be particularly useful if invention is incorporated into the construction of a new home or if wireless connection is inhibited such as by building materials impenetrable by RF- waves. The managing unit and/or the control unit may also be connected by wire to a remote antenna positioned in a favorable position for sending and receiving.

User interface

Preferably the managing unit comprises means for receiving user input. However, the managing unit may also be controlled solely via remote access e.g. by a computer or the managing unit may simply be a personal computer modified to communicate with control units and/or the control units may be designed to enable communication with a common personal computer i.e. by adapting one or more of the communicative technology available in such a computer.

In a preferred embodiment said means for receiving user input comprises a touch screen. The means for receiving user input may also comprise one or more of the following voice, keyboard, and pointing devices such as mouse and pen. Multimedia

To give the managing unit a natural presence in a room such as the kitchen and/or living room, it is preferred that the unit comprises means for performing other tasks than managing control units. In one embodiment, the managing unit therefore com- prises means for presenting multimedia. Such multimedia preferably comprises one or more of access to the Internet, playback of audio/visual contents, streaming radio, radio, streaming TV, TV, news, telephone, IP-telephone, peer-to-peer services such as chat and web-cam, recipes, interactive recipes, e-mail, sms service, and the like.

To increase the versatility of the managing unit, the managing unit preferably comprises means for connecting to peripheral device, such as an external computer, storage devices, screens and projectors. Storage devices may be used to contain content for presentation such as music or video and external screen and projectors may be applied to present such content. The storage device may also provide alternative means for saving log data from one or more of the control units and/or for the entire system. In a preferred embodiment the means for connecting to peripheral device comprises one or more of the following USB, WiFi and Bluetooth.

Variable electricity prices

To take advantage of variations in electricity prices, the system preferably comprises means for receiving updated electricity prices from the provider and means for responding to variations in said prices. Included herein is means to minimize the power consumption and/or the total cost of electricity used by the devices controlled by the system. In the case where the electricity prices are lower during the night hours, a substantial amount of money can be saved if the system is used to control for example the electrical heating of the bathroom. This room does not necessarily need to be warm during the night but should preferably be warm in the morning when the residents wishes to shower.

Control unit

The control unit preferably comprises means for functioning autonomously, so the need to communicate with the managing unit is minimized. To allow the control units to act autonomously said at least one control unit is preferably programmable and comprises means for setting one or more levels of power consumption. The setting of said level(s) is preferably performed by setting all connected devices in a know mode, e.g. stand-by, and recording the level of power consumption. In one preferred embodiment a control may be taken out the system, e.g. to a summer house, wherein it performs according to its programming without contact to the managing unit.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one control unit comprises means for logging measurements and/or events such as total power consumption, time spent at one or more specified levels of power consumption, temperature, and times for on/off/dim etc. This allows for effective monitoring of the system while minimizing the need to communicate with the managing unit.

To allow for easy installation, the at least one control unit preferably comprises means for connection to mains source, such as a wall socket, and the at least one control unit comprises at least one plug socket for one or more connecting devices. Installation is then the simply a matter of connecting to a wall socket and connect on or more devices to the plug socket(s) of the control unit.

In another embodiment, the connection to the mains source and/or the device is performed without plugs and sockets, such as via direct connection to raw cord. This would typically be the case when installation by electrician is required. In yet an alternative embodiment, the control unit is integrated into the device. Finally, the control device may also be integrated into the wall socket. Obviously different types of installation of control units may be applied within a single system according to the invention.

The function of the control unit is to turn the connected device(s) on/off and/or to reduce their power consumption i.e. dim the device(s). In the preferred embodiment, the control device is limited to controlling the fraction of the mains supply available to the connected devices from 100% to 0%. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment at least one control unit comprises means for regulating the power supply to the connected devices such as dimming and/or on/off. In one instance, said means are a simple on/off switch in another it may comprise means for adjusting the level. Other methods of controlling the attached device(s) may be employed. In one embodiment, the control unit comprises means for acting as a remote control thereby enabling the utilization of at least some of the features available from the device(s) by remote control, such as changing channel on a TV. Such features may for example be applied to allow the managing unit to be programmed to record a specific TV-program by means of e.g. a satellite receiver and video-recorder.

The control unit may also comprise means for shutting off a device, particularly if the control unit is integrated into the device in which case mains supply may be left available even though said device is turned off.

In one embodiment, the at least one control unit comprises means for recording the room temperature which enables the use of the system as a guard against unwanted temperatures, such as freezing temperatures which may endanger the plumbing of a summer house or a nursery getting too hot or cold. Preferably the system also comprises means for adjusting the temperature such as one or more control devices attached to means for heating and or cooling.

While it may be advantageous to allow the managing unit to be remote controlled, as discussed above, in one embodiment it is found advantageous to have at least one control unit controllable from a remote control preferably operating by means of Bluetooth, infrared, WiFi, Z-wave™ and/or RF. In one such embodiment the control unit may be a remote controllable dimmer switch, which in its implementation may be simpler than a remote control system for the managing unit.

In one embodiment, the at least one control unit comprises means for determining whether one or more persons are present in the room. In this manner programming may be implemented, which use the presence of one or more persons as a parameter. In one example the system will determine if the Iron has been left on and unattended and then turn it off. It may also determine if lights are left on, or it may maintain devices in stand-by only when a person is present. In one embodiment of such a system, the means for determining whether one or more persons are present in the room comprises a motion detector. In one embodiment, the at least one control unit comprises means for determining the intensity of the light in the room originating from light sources inside or outside the room, such as sun light. In this manner programming may be implemented, which use said measured light intensity and compare it to a predetermined level, in order to control the use of light providing devices.

With reference to Figure 1 , an embodiment of a system according to the method of the invention is illustrated schematically. The central unit in the system is the managing unit 1 which comprises means for communicating with the connected control units 2 and means for controlling and programming these. It also provides means for communicating with external sources of information such as a central server 7, and can thereby establish a link between the control units 2 and the central server 7. The means for communicating with the control units comprises preferably wireless techniques but also wire based techniques can be contemplated. The means for communicating with external sources, such as a central server 7 comprise wireless and/or wire based techniques such as over the internet. Furthermore, the managing unit 1 provides means for displaying informative and normative information concerning the electrical power consumption and the use of electrical appliances in the building. Also, the managing unit 1 comprises means for presenting multimedia to the user. The control units 2 can be remotely controlled from the managing unit 1 , and are furthermore able to store readings and information received from the managing unit 1 . The control units 2 comprise means for controlling the supply of electrical power from the mains power 3, to the electrical appliances 4-6 connected to the control unit. The central server 7 interacts with third party information providers 8 over for example the internet and provides information and interaction with power providers 9. In the method according to the invention, the power providers 9 can be allowed to control the power consumption at end users through the communication between the central server and the managing unit 1. In Figure 2 an embodiment of said managing unit 2 according to the invention is shown with a touch screen 12 for user input and speakers 13 for audio output, such as radio. With reference to Figures 3 to 6, different embodiments of the control unit are shown. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 22 according to the invention may comprise a plug 23 integrated into the housing of the control unit, so that the control unit itself constitutes a plug 21 and devices may be connected via a cord with a plug socket (not shown). An alternative embodiment of said control unit 22 according to the invention is shown in Figure 4, wherein the control unit is a dimmer unit 31 suitable for placement of the floor comprising one dimmer switch 32 suitable for actuation by foot pressure. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 5, said control unit 22 according to the invention comprises a multiple plug socket 41. The cord 42 connecting the controller to the mains supply runs through a layered base 45 which comprises a slid 46 for managing cords. The part of the control unit accepting the connection from devices is covered by two covers 43 and a top 44. In Figure 6, the control unit 51 , 22 of Figure 5 is shown without one of the covers 43 revealing a number of connected plugs 52, with and without AC/DC adapters, attached to the multiple plug socket comprised by the control unit. Excess cord from the connected devices and the control unit is curled around the hook like wire holding means and runs through the slit in the top of the base and out 53 in parallel with the cord to the mains supply.

Examples of control units

The invention will now be further described by way of example. These examples are not to be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the included set of claims. It should further be noted that one system may comprise several embodiments of control units and/or managing units and that any of the exemplified may comprise one or more of the features of the control unit(s) discussed above.

Controller plug

In one embodiment, the housing of the control unit is integrated with the means for connecting to a mains source, preferably a plug (see Figure 3). The control unit may further be integrated with one or more plug socket for connecting devices; however, it is preferable that a plug socket for connecting devices is connected to the control unit via a cord (not shown in Figure 3). This provides for a more compact device taking up less space at the plug socket (or other mains supply) to which it is connected. Power strip/extension cord/multiple plug socket

In one preferred embodiment at least one control unit comprises means for connecting to a wall socket via a cord. This has the advantage that the control unit may be brought closer to the connected devices reducing the need for cords running forth and back.

In one such embodiment, the control unit further comprises means for connecting a device via a cord, such as a socket or multiple socket outlet or extension (also known as a power strip). As a cord runs to the wall socket and a cord runs to a socket for connecting one or more devices great flexibility in placement of the control unit is obtained.

In a different preferred embodiment, the control unit performs as an extension cord by being connected to the mains supply via a cord and further comprising at least one plug socket integrated into the housing of the said control unit. In this way, the control unit may be integrated into the socket portion of an extension cord. Preferably, the socket portion has multiple outlets or plug sockets similar to a power strip. Accordingly, it is preferable that control unit comprises a multiple plug socket. It is further preferred that the said multiple plug socket is double sided as this allow an extended number of devices, which often required to e.g. with an entire AV-setup, connected without extended the multiple plug socket in length. For such a dual sided socket it is preferred that the sockets on one side are shifted half a module along the longitudinal axis of the multiple plug socket with respect to the socket(s) on the other side. In this way the two sides may be brought closer to one another without the pins of two opposing plugs interfering.

A control unit with a dual sided multiple plug socket is shown in Figures 5 and 6. In figure 6 several plugs including common bulky AC/DC adapters are shown connected to the multiple plug socket. To obtain a compact design while accommodating AC/DC adapter plugs some of which have different orientation of the plugs it is preferred that one or more of the sockets are rotatable or fixed but rotated relative the other socket(s). In one embodiment, the two sides of the multiple plug socket is expanded to comprise more than three sides of plug sockets, such as four sides, such as five sides, such as six sides allowing an increasing number of devices to be attached.

To allow easy placement of the multiple plug socket, the multiple plug socket of the preferred embodiment preferably comprises at least one base and said base is preferably mounted on the end of the multiple plug socket. Said base preferably further comprises means for managing one or more cord(s) connecting the device(s) and/or the cord connecting the multiple plug socket to mains power. The base (45) shown in Figures 5 and 6 has two layers and a slit for allowing the cord access the multiple plug socket and the center between the two layers holding these layers together may serve as an anchoring point for the cord coming in horizontally. In this way, the cord(s) is only visible entering the control unit at the base, as the distribution to the socket, the sockets and plugs including any AC/DC adapters as well as any excess cord may be hidden by the preferred at least one cover 43. Preferably two covers are applied as shown in Figure 5 for easy access to the sockets. According to the preferred embodiment the control unit of Figures 5 and 6 further comprises a top 44.

Floor dimmer

In preferred embodiment, at least one control unit is a dimmer unit suitable for placement of the floor comprising at least one dimmer switch. Preferably, at least one of the dimmer switch(s) is suitable for operation by foot pressure. Such dimmer switches (without a control unit of the invention) are well-known in the art from lamp dimmers. These however suffer drawback they require installation onto the lamp cord. While such installation is an approach of the present invention, is preferable that the control unit comprises means for connecting to a mains supply for said dimmer unit is via a cord, so that the unit may be placed on the floor. In one embodiment the devices to be connected are connected to one or more integrated plug sockets. In another preferred embodiment the devices to be connected are connected via socket connected to the control unit via a cord. In a third embodiment the dimmer unit comprises integrated sockets as well as sockets attached via cords. A dimmer unit including control unit 31 , 22 according to the invention is shown in Figure 4 with a single dimmer switch 32. The sockets for attachment of devices are not shown.

Claims

1. A system for managing electrical power consumption in the home comprising at least one managing unit in communicative connection with at least one control unit, said control unit comprising means for measuring the power consumption of one or more attached devices.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the said measurement of power consumption is relative to at least one set level of power consumption, such as the power consumption with all connected devices in stand-by.

3. The system of clam 1 or 2, wherein frequency of communication between the managing unit and a control unit is less than once a year, such as once a month, such as once a week, such as once a day, such as hourly, such as every half hour, such every 10 minutes, such as every minute, such as every 30 seconds, such as every 10 seconds, such as every second, such as continuously.

4. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein communication between the managing unit and at least one control unit is initiated by the managing unit.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the said initiation occurs at set time intervals.

6. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein communication between the managing unit and at least one control unit is initiated by the control unit.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the said initiation occurs based on one or more possible predefined events and/or based on predefined time intervals.

8. The system of claims to 1 to 3, wherein the communication between a management unit and a control unit occurs at predefined time intervals known to both managing unit and control unit.

9. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises means for remote access.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the remote access is carried out by a remote control operating by means of Bluetooth, infrared, WiFi, Z-wave™ and/or RF.

1 1 . The system of claims 9 or 10, wherein said mains for remote access comprise at least one of the following means for external access: Internet connection, cellular connection, PSTN, and ISDN.

12. The system of claims 9 to 1 1 , wherein the system comprises means for limiting remote access and/or means for verifying the identity of the user.

13. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein said communicative connection is wireless.

14. The system of the claim 12, wherein the wireless connection comprises a Z-

Wave™ connection.

15. The system of claims 13 or 14, wherein the wireless connection is performed according to at least one of the following standards Bluetooth, infrared, WiFi, and RF.

16. The system of the any of the preceding claims, wherein the managing unit comprises means for receiving user input.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the said means for receiving user input comprises a touch screen.

18. The system of claims 16 or 17, wherein said means for receiving user input comprises one or more of the following voice, keyboard, and pointing devices such as mouse and pen.

19. The system according to any of claims 16-18, wherein said at least one managing unit comprises means for remotely controlling the operation of electronic appliances.

20. The system of the any of the preceding claims, wherein the managing unit comprises means for presenting multimedia.

21 . The system of claim 20, wherein multimedia comprises one or more of access to the Internet, playback of audio/visual contents, streaming radio, radio, streaming TV, TV, news, telephone, IP-telephone, peer-to-peer services such as chat and web-cam, recipes, interactive recipes, e-mail, sms service, and the like.

22. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the managing unit comprises means for connecting to peripheral device, such as an external computer, storage devices, screens and projectors.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the means for connecting to peripheral device comprises one or more of the following USB, WiFI and Bluetooth.

24. The system of the any of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises means for responding to variation in electricity prices.

25. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises means for receiving updated electricity prices.

26. The system of claims 24 or 25, wherein the system comprises means for minimizing the power consumption and/or the total cost of electricity.

27. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit is programmable.

28. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit comprises means for setting one or more levels of power consumption to control the behavior of the said control unit(s).

29. The system of claim 28, wherein at least one of the set levels are determined by measuring the power consumption at a known state of the one or more devices connected to the said control unit.

30. The system of claims 28 or 29, wherein at least one of the set levels are determined by measuring the power consumption corresponding to all attached devices in stand-by state.

31 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit comprises means for logging measurements and/or events such as total power consumption, time spent at one or more specified levels of power consumption, temperature, and times for on/off/dim etc.

32. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit comprises means for functioning autonomously.

33. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit comprises means for connection to mains source, such as a wall socket.

34. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit comprises at least one plug socket for one or more connecting devices.

35. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit comprises means for regulating the power supplied to the connected devices such as dimming and/or on/off.

36. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one control unit is integrated in the device it controls and comprises means for shutting said device off while keeping the mains on.

37. The system according to any of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising means for detecting the intensity of the light in the room originating from light sources inside or outside the room and comparing the measured intensity to a predetermined level.

38. The system according to claim 37, further comprising means for controlling light providing devices on the basis of said measured intensity of light in the room.

39. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit comprises means for recording the room temperature.

40. The system according to any of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising means for controlling said temperature in the room.

41 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit is controllable from a remote control operating by means of Bluetooth, infrared, WiFi, Z-wave™ and/or RF.

42. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one control unit comprises means for determining whether one or more persons are present in the room.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein said means comprises a motion detector.

44. The system of any of claims 33 to 42, wherein the means for connecting to a mains source is integrated with the housing for at least one control unit.

45. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plug socket for connecting devices is connected to the control unit via a cord.

46. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit comprises means for connecting to a wall socket via a cord.

47. The system of claim 46 wherein the control unit further comprises means for connecting a device via a cord.

48. The system of claim 46, wherein the control unit is an extension cord further comprising at least one plug socket integrated into the housing of the said control unit.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein the control unit comprises a multiple plug socket.

50. The system of claim 49, wherein said multiple plug socket is double sided.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein the sockets on one side are shifted half a module along the longitudinal axis of the multiple plug socket with respect to the socket(s) on the other side.

52. The system of claim 44 to 51 , wherein one or more sockets in said multiple plug socket are rotatable.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein said rotation is in the plane of the socket.

54. The system of claim 46 to 53, wherein one or more sockets in said multiple plug socket are fixed

55. The system of claim 54, wherein one or more of said fixed sockets are rotated with respect to other fixed sockets.

56. The system of claims 54 or 55, wherein said rotation is in the plane of the socket.

57. The system of claim 46 to 56, wherein plug sockets are placed on more than two sides, such a three side, such as four sides, such as five sides, such as six sides.

58. The system of claim 46 to 57, wherein said multiple plug socket comprises at least one base.

59. The system of claim 58, wherein said base is mounted on the end of the multiple plug socket.

60. The system of claims 58 or 59, wherein said base comprises means for managing one or more cord(s) connecting the device(s) and/or the cord connecting the multiple plug socket to mains power.

61 . The system of claims 58 to 60, wherein the multiple plug socket is covered by at least one cover.

62. The system of claims 58 to 61 , wherein the multiple plug socket is covered by two covers.

63. The system of claims 46 to 62, wherein the multiple plug socket comprises a top.

64. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit is a dimmer unit suitable for placement of the floor comprising at least one dimmer switch.

65. The system of claim 64, wherein at least one of said dimmer switch(s) is suitable for operation by foot pressure.

66. The system of claims 64 or 65, wherein said means for connecting to a mains supply for said dimmer switch is via a cord.

67. The system of claim 64 to 66, wherein said dimmer unit comprises at least one integrated plug socket.

68. The system of claim 64 to 67, wherein said dimmer unit comprises at least one plug socket connected to the dimmer switch via a cord.

69. A method of managing electrical power consumption in the home wherein at least one managing unit is in communicative connection with at least one control unit, said control unit comprising means for measuring the power consumption of one or more attached devices.

70. The method of claim 69 comprising any the features of the system of claim 1 to 68.

71. A unit for controlling the available electrical power to one or more attached devices comprising a control unit integrated with a plug and a plug socket, said plug socket connected to said controller via a cord.

72. The unit of claim 67, wherein the said cord is longer than 2.5 cm, such longer than 5 cm, such as longer than 10 cm, such as longer than 20 cm, such as longer than 30 cm, such as longer than 40 cm, such as longer than 50 cm, such as longer than 100. cm.

73. The unit of claim 71 or 72 further comprising any of the features of claims 1 to 68.

74. A unit suitable for placement of the floor for controlling the available electrical power to one or more attached devices comprising at least one dimmer switch, said unit is attached to the mains via a cord and comprising at least one integrated plug socket and/or at least one plug socket connected to the unit via a cord.

75. The unit of claim 74 further comprising any of features of claims 1 to 68.

76. A unit for managing electrical power consumption in the home comprising means for connecting to a mains feed, at least one plug socket, means for measuring the power consumption of one or more attached devices and a timer and/or means for detecting the presence of a person in the room.

77. The unit of claim 76 further comprising means for setting at least one level of power consumption.

78. The unit of claim 76 or 77 further comprising means for setting said timer.

79. The unit of any of the claims 76 to 77 further comprising any of the features of claims 1 -68 and 71 -75.

80. A system for managing electrical power consumption in the home comprising at least one managing unit in communicative connection with at least one control unit, said control unit comprising means for measuring the power consumption of one or more attached devices, wherein at least a part of the communication between said managing unit and said at least one control unit is through wires.

81. The system according to claim 80, furthermore comprising a remote antenna which may be connected through a wire.

82. The system according to claim 81 further comprising any of the features of claims 1 -12, 16-68 and 71 -80.

83. The system according to any of the previous claims further comprising means for energy providers to remotely manage the distributed control units through the managing unit thereby giving the energy provider the control over the power supply to the connected electrical appliances.