WO2011136712A1

WO2011136712A1 - A method, an apparatus and system for temporary energy supply

Info

Publication number: WO2011136712A1
Application number: PCT/SE2011/000072
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mattias Svensson
Original assignee: El-Björn Ab
Priority date: 2010-04-27
Filing date: 2011-04-20
Publication date: 2011-11-03
Also published as: SE1000427A1; SE535943C2

Abstract

A central unit (4, 6) for temporary energy supply comprises connections for incoming and outgoing energy. The central unit (4, 6) also displays an energy meter, a logger for registering interrelated values of energy consumption and point in time and a transmitter for local transmission of the registered values. A system for temporary energy supply comprises at least one central unit (4, 6) and an internet-connected computer (13). A method for reading-off and registering energy consumption in temporary energy supply comprises the steps that at least one central unit (4) is connected to an energy source, the consumed energy is sensed in each respective central unit at a number of points in time, interrelated values of energy consumption and points in time are registered and the interrelated values are transmitted to other central units (4, 6).

Description

A METHOD, AN APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR TEMPORARY ENERGY SUPPLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a central unit for temporary energy supply, comprising a connection for incoming energy and a connection for outgoing energy.

The present invention relates to a system comprising a central unit for temporary supply in accordance with the foregoing.

Finally, the present invention relates to a method for reading and registering of energy consumption in temporary energy supply, comprising the step of connecting at least one central unit according to the present invention to an energy source.

BACKGROUND ART

In work on construction sites, either in new construction or in renovation work, use is made of central electric stations of different sizes and with different capacities in order to ensure the supply of electric power. Electricity is utilised for providing illumination, heating, drying, dehumidifying, operation of machines and tools, such as for example cement mixers, grinding machines, drills etc. The electricity is employed not only for the building which is in the process of being erected or renovated, but a part thereof is also used for heating and lighting in the work sheds where the construction workers spend time.

One of the central units or stations which is employed at a building site is a so-called input central unit which is connected directly to an incoming power cable from the power supplier. Depending upon where the building site is located, such a cable may be drawn from a mains beneath ground, from an electric substation or from a power pylon. In certain cases, a single central unit is sufficient, i.e. the infeed central unit, in order to satisfy the electricity requirements of the building site, but this is uncommon in medium-sized and large-sized building sites. Additional central electric units, so-called distributor substations, final distributor substations and take-off units are connected in a hierarchy to the infeed central unit. The choice of size and capacity of the different stations is put into effect on the basis of an estimation of the power take-off at different places in the system. Even if the capacity of the system is not put to maximum utilisation at every point in time, it must nevertheless be possible periodically to take out a high level of power, for example when energy- demanding machines are used for limited periods.

The total amount of energy which is consumed is measured at the infeed central unit where the incoming cable is connected. The measurement result forms the basis of the invoicing by the power supplier.

Experience has shown that it is possible to ascertain that energy consumption during the construction time proper is high. This is particularly applicable if consumption is put in relation to consumption during the future maintenance of the building. Given today's striving to build energy-miser buildings for both environmental and purely economic reasons, it is thus desirable to reduce the energy consumption during construction time as well.

One problem has hitherto been that it has been unclear where and how savings may be made during the construction time. Many people are involved in the project and it is difficult to gain an overview of where energy is consumed. It is often the spontaneous belief that all energy-consuming action which is taken is completely necessary. PROBLEM STRUCTURE

The object of the present invention is thus to realise a situation where consumption is simply and transparently traceable, so that it is clear where savings measures may best be put into effect.

SOLUTION

The object forming the basis of the present invention will be attained if the central unit disclosed by way of introduction is characterised in that it includes an energy meter for sensing the consumed energy, a logger for registering the interrelated values of energy consumption and point in time and a transmitter for local transmission of the registered values. Regarding the system, the object of the present invention will be attained if this is characterised in that it includes an internet-connected computer.

Regarding the method, the object of the present invention will be attained if this is characterised by sensing of consumed energy at each respective station at a selectable number of points in time, registration of interrelated values of the energy consumption and the points in time, and transmission to other stations of the registered, interrelated values.

Further advantages will be attained if the central unit, the system and the method, respectively, are moreover given one or more of the characterising features as set forth in the appended subclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described in greater detail hereinbelow, with reference to the accompanying Drawings. In the accompanying Drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic sketch of a building during construction time, a network of substations being provided:

Figs. 2a and b show one example of an individual station which is included in the system, seen straight from the front and straight from the side, respectively; is a schematic view of the system according to the present invention; and is a diagram which exemplifies the use of the system.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the Drawings, Fig. 1 shows a building 1 under construction in section, as one example of a building site where the present invention is applicable.

From an electric cabinet 2, an incoming cable 3 is laid for the infeed of electric power from an electric power supplier. The cable 3 is connected to an infeed central unit 4 from which further cables 5 are drawn for the supply of additional substations 6 at the building site. Machines 7 may also be connected direct to the infeed central unit 4.

The other substations 6 which are connected to the infeed central unit 4 are of varying size and capacity. In general, these are designated distribution substations, final distribution substations and take-off substations. They are selected and coupled in with reference to the need for power which conceivably may occur at any point in time in the subordinated substations.

The energy consumed is used, for example, for lighting, heating, dehumidifying in buildings and for the operation of different machines 7 and tools 16 on the building site. Examples of such machines 7 and tools 16 are cement mixers, grinding machines, drills and the like. In the construction of the system for temporary energy supply, the system according to the present invention functions substantially in the same manner as the prior art technology.

The crucial difference in relation to the prior art technology is that, according to the present invention, the energy consumption may be monitored and derived to each respective central unit 4, 6 where it is consumed. As a result, it becomes possible to see where and for what the energy is consumed. In the system according to the present invention, it is also possible to see when the energy is consumed, in that interrelated data for energy consumption and time are registered.

When these data are displayed in a transparent manner, as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, it is possible to discern whether a certain type of consumption at a given place is unnecessarily high and it is thereby possible to consider implementing measures to achieve savings.

Figs. 2a and 2b show one example of a central unit 4, 6 which is included in the system according to the present invention. To the central unit 4, 6 are connected a cable 3, 5 with incoming electric power, and to the central unit 4, 6, a number of machines 7, 16, cables for lighting or subordinated substations be connected into one or more of the terminals 8 which are provided in the central unit 4, 6. The terminals 8 may be of different types with different voltages, different phases and designed for a certain maximum current strength. On the basis of the maximum current strength and voltage, it is also possible to calculate the maximum power which can be connected to each respective terminal 8.

In each central unit 4, 6, there is, as shown in Fig. 2a, an energy meter 9 which senses the current consumption in each respective central unit 4, 6. This implies that not only the consumption by such machines 7 and tools 16 as are connected directly to the central unit 4, 6 is registered, but also the consumption in subordinated substations 6. The consumption in these subordinated substations 6 is however registered in the same manner, which implies that the consumption which refers directly to the units connected to the central unit 4, 6 can be distinguished from the consumption in the subordinated substations 6.

In the central unit 6, there is also disposed a logger 10 in the same manner as is the case in all central units 4, 6. The logger 10 registers pulses from the energy meter 9 and aggregates them. At the same time, the logger 10 registers points in time so that time- marked data for the energy consumption is obtained. The frequency of the time registration, i.e. how often time marking takes place, is adjustable so that there will be obtained a volume of data which is capable of being processed and which gives the desired resolution in respect of time. For a certain application, it is interesting to register time-marked values once per hour, while other applications require registration of the values considerably more often, e.g. every fifth minute, or with larger intervals, for example once every 24 hours. The central unit 4, 6 further includes a transmitter 15 for local transmission of the registered, time-marked values of the energy consumption. In the preferred embodiment, the transmission takes place as a superimposed electric signal on the cables in the system on the building site. The signal discloses, apart from the relevant setting of the energy meter 9 and the associated point in time, also the identity of the central unit 4, 6 so that it is possible to establish from whence the time-marked values of the energy consumption derive. The signal, which in the preferred embodiment is electric, is disseminated throughout the entire system so that it may be perceived everywhere, in all cables 5. In the preferred embodiment, the logger 10 and the transmitter 15 are integrated into a single unit, but the two functions may also be separate.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic model of the system of central units. In one of the central units 4, 6, there is disposed a computer gathering unit 11 for gathering the time-marked data which is transmitted by all central units 4, 6 included in the system. Further, the same central unit 4, 6 is provided with a communication unit, for communication with the wider world outside the system. This central unit 4, 6 may be positioned anywhere whatever in the system, since it is possible to receive the time and identity-marked values anywhere whatever in the system.

In the preferred embodiment, the data gathering unit 11 transmits a prompt or a request for information to all central units 4, 6 in the system at regular intervals, in the preferred embodiment once per hour. The above-mentioned superimposed signals from the transmitters 15 in each respective central unit 4, 6 are emitted as responses to this prompt or request. The transmitted values are registered in the gathering unit 11. From the gathering unit 1 1, the gathered values are transferred to the communication unit 12 which, in the preferred embodiment, transmits the registered values to an internet-connected computer 13. Since the communication with the internet-connected computer 13, which may be located at a great distance away from the building site, does not take place in real time, i.e. as soon as the time and identity-marked values of the consumption have been gathered, no constant hook-up to Internet is required, which in many cases is cost effective.

The gathered and transmitted values are processed and compiled so that they may be presented in a transparent manner on a website which is accessible via the Internet. As was mentioned above, each central unit 4, 6 has its own identity and with the knowledge of which central units 4, 6 are included in the relevant system and how they are connected in relation to one another, it is also possible to understand where in the system the energy is being consumed and at what point in time this takes place. In Fig. 3, the system is shown schematically, as was mentioned above, and the infeed central unit 4 is shown uppermost in a hierarchy of subordinated substations 6. The central units 4, 6 are interconnected by cables 5. The data gathering unit 11 and the communication unit 12 may be placed anywhere whatever in the system, since the information about the consumption of the different central units 4, 6 is accessible throughout the entire system. It is conceivable that all (or most) central units are per se provided with data gathering units 11 and communication units 12, but only data gathering unit 11 and one communication unit 12 is employed in a given system. Thus, the entire system is plotted using a single denominated data gathering unit 11 and communication unit 12, respectively. The advantage inherent in the central unit 4, 6 with these units 11, 12 being placed anywhere whatever in the system is that a position with good potential for communication with the outside world, such a good mobile telephone coverage, may be selected. The information is transmitted, preferably via the mobile network, to a computer 13 with internet connection, via en external or internal modem 14.

In the computer 13, the transferred information is processed and compiled so that it may be presented in a transparent manner on a website which is accessible via the Internet. On the website, the information is displayed after logging in by authorised users, for example in diagram form for one or more central units at a time.

One example of a diagram is shown in Fig. 4. In the diagram, it may be ascertained that the energy consumption in central unit 1 is constant during the period under study. Such an energy consumption may be typical for illumination or heating units which are constantly activated. In order to reduce consumption and thereby make savings, both cost and environmental savings, for example movement guards may be installed so that the illumination is only activated where people are in movement, or alternatively that a time clock is installed, so that the illumination is deactivated during those periods when no work is being carried out on the building site. If the consumption relates to a heating element, thermostats may be provided which deactivate the element when the temperature is sufficient. The result of such actions may be directly visible on the same website as soon as the actions have been implemented, which may act as a stimulant for further savings.

In the central unit 2, the energy consumption varies. In that there is a clear link to time, it is possible to realise why the energy consumption is periodically high and when this conclusion has been drawn, suitable remedial measures may also be implemented. The diagram in Fig. 4 shows the consumption hour by hour, but it is possible to select the scope of the diagram in such a manner as to obtain a holistic view of consumption, for example during a week, a month, part of a year or the whole year. DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the preferred embodiment, which was described above, the logger 10 or each central unit 4, 6 transmits signals with information on energy consumption on the existing cables 5 between the central units 4, 6. This operates well when it is a matter of electric energy which is to be measured. An alternative method of approach is that the local transmission of signals from each respective central unit 6 takes place by radio of limited range, instead of via cable. In such instance, the data gathering unit 11 and the logger 10 are adapted for such transfer of time-marked data. This type of local transmission and gathering of time-marked consumption data is suitable for use also in other sources of energy than electric power, for example in such cases where district heating is temporarily utilised at several points, for example for heating and drying of a recently constructed building.

The system according to the preferred embodiment, or some alternative embodiment may be modified so that indicators, such as temperature indicators or gauges are provided in the system and are disposed to transmit measurement values in the same manner as takes place for the registered values for the energy consumption. By such means, monitoring takes place of the conditions at one or more places in the system and an alarm may be activated if the values exceed or fall below predetermined threshold levels. Possibly, certain measures may be implemented automatically, e.g. an adjustment of the heating.

The present invention may be modified further without departing from the scope of the appended Claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A central unit for temporary energy supply, comprising: - a connection for incoming energy; and

a connection (8) for outgoing energy, characterised in that the central unit (4, 6) comprises: - an energy meter (9) for sensing consumed energy;

a logger (10) for registering interrelated values of energy consumption and point in time; and

a transmitter (15) for local transmission of the registered values.

2. The central unit as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the central unit (4, 6) further includes:

- a data gathering unit (1 1) for gathering registered values from at least one central unit (4, 6); and

- a communication unit (12) for connection and forwarding of the gathered values to an internet-connected computer (13).

3. The central unit as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the transmitter (15) is rehearsed for transmitting the values in the form of an electric signal for a conductive device (5).

4. The central unit as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the transmitter (15) is rehearsed for transmitting the values in the form of a radio signal.

5. The central unit as claimed in Claim 2, characterised in that the data gathering unit (11) is disposed to request and sense values from at least one transmitter (15).

6. The central unit as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it has an individual identity which is traceable.

7. The central unit as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the logger (10) and the transmitter (15) are integrated into one and the same unit.

8. A system comprising at least one central unit (4, 6) as claimed in Claim 2, characterised in that the system further includes an internet-connected computer (13).

9. The system as claimed in Claim 8, characterised in that the internet-connected computer (13) is rehearsed to present gathered and forwarded data on an internet website.

10. The system as claimed in Claim 9, characterised in that each central unit (4, 6) in the system is identifiable on the internet website.

1 1. The system as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the system comprises a further at least one central unit (4, 6) according to Claim 1.

12. The system as claimed in Claim 1 1 , characterised in that the central units (4, 6) are interconnected by electric cables (5).

13. The system as claimed in Claim 1 1, characterised in that the central units (4, 6) are interconnected by radio communications.

14. A method of reading and registering energy consumption in temporary energy supply, comprising the steps of: - connecting at least one central unit (4, 6) as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7, to an energy source (2), characterised by:

- sensing consumed energy in each respective central unit (4, 6) at an optional number of points in time;

- registering interrelated values of the energy consumption and the points in time; and

- transmitting to other central units (4, 6) the registered, interrelated values.

15. The method as claimed in Claim 14, characterised in that it further includes the steps of:

- connecting at least one central unit (4, 6) as claimed in at least Claim 2;

gathering registered values from at least one central unit; and

connecting and forwarding the gathered values to an internet-connected computer (13).

16. The method as claimed in Claim 15, characterised in that the gathering of registered values includes transmission of a request for the values prior to transmission of the values to all central units (4, 6).

17. The method as claimed in Claim 15, characterised in that it further include the step of:

- processing and displaying the forwarded values on a website which is accessible via the Internet.