WO2017077346A1

WO2017077346A1 - Utilities supply apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2017077346A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/053480
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harrison LEAF; Samuel DUBY
Original assignee: Steama Company Limited
Priority date: 2015-11-06
Filing date: 2016-11-07
Publication date: 2017-05-11
Also published as: GB201806314D0; GB201519679D0; GB2558127A

Abstract

A utility supply apparatus (1) for controlling supply of a utility to multiple consumer supply lines or loads, a head unit (3) communicable with a control centre (50) via a communications network (40), and capable of sending and receiving customer credit data and commands to or from one or more hubs or peripheral devices, a hub unit (2) comprising a data processor (24), memory (20) and a switch assembly (29); arranged to selectively control provision of a utility service for each of a plurality of customer supply lines, wherein the memory arranged to store data including but not limited to a value of remaining credit for each customer, which is calculated by the processor comprising customer credit data received from the head unit, and comprising use of an input indicative of customer utility usage; the processor arranged to determine when the remaining credit meets disconnect criteria stored in the memory, and if met, to operate the switch assembly to stop supply of utility to the or each customer for whom said criteria is met.

Description

UTILITIES SUPPLY APPARATUS

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to the metering and control of utilities.

Background

In locations with inadequate utility supply, distributed generation and distribution infrastructure - what is termed a microgrid - is used to supply electricity (or other utility such as water or natural gas) to a number of consumers within a relatively localised area.

We have appreciated the need for a utility management apparatus for controlling the supply of a utility for such applications, and in particular we have sought to provide an apparatus which is able to do so reliably in remote and poor infrastructure conditions, and one which is conveniently mobile communications device enabled.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for controlling supply of a utility to multiple customer supply lines,

the apparatus may include a head unit-communicable with a control centre via a communications network, and capable of sending and receiving customer credit data and commands to or from one or more hubs or peripheral devices

the apparatus may include a hub unit comprising a data processor, measurement, memory and a switch assembly; arranged to selectively control provision of a utility service for each of a plurality of customer supply lines,

wherein the memory arranged to store and calculate data including but not limited to a value of remaining credit for each customer, which is calculated by the processor comprising customer credit data received from the head unit, and the calculation comprising use of an input indicative of customer utility usage; the processor arranged to determine when the remaining credit or other parameter meets disconnect criteria stored in the memory, and if met, to operate the switch assembly to stop supply of utility to the or each customer for whom said criteria is met.

The head unit may comprise a mobile-device or remotely-enabled head unit which is capable of sending data and/or signalling commands to one or more of the hub units, and reporting data from localised units to a control centre via a communications network. By mobile-device enabled, we include being capable of being controlled from a user's telecommunications device, such as a mobile telephone handset, or a suitable personal communications device, or (portable or desktop) network connected computer device.

The customer supply lines may be arranged to service one or more loads (to be supplied by a supply of a utility) . It will be appreciated that customer supply lines may relate to multiple customers, with each customer having one supply line, but also encompasses the possibility of one or more customers having more than one supply line (for example as may be case in an industrial installation of a customer, such as farms, manufacturing facilities, which require multiple supplies of the same utility and/or multiple different utilities) .

The apparatus may be termed a utility supply management apparatus. The apparatus may also be considered as a utility supply metering apparatus.

It will be appreciated that the head unit and the hub unit are preferably physically separate and distinct entities. However, in some embodiments, the functional elements of the hub unit may also be located on the head unit. In some embodiments the head unit may be interconnected with a plurality of other peripheral devices (such as sensors and/or meters) - including but not limited to analogue output, digital/pulse signal devices, Modbus devices and Controller Area Network (CAN) based devices - to achieve substantially the same outcome as described above, in relation to those peripheral devices.

The memory of one or each of the units may be arranged to store data for each customer including but not limited to tariff rate and priority data for each customer or load. Different data may be stored for different customers and loads.

The hub unit may also store other customer/load specific information including, but not limited to, 'priority' and 'tariff which can be used to determine the disconnect criteria. The disconnect criteria may include the remaining credit value of a customer being beyond a threshold value. The switch assembly may comprise multiple switches, each arranged to control a respective utility supply. Each switch may be termed a dedicated switch subassembly, in respect of controlling each supply line independently of other lines. Each switch may be provided with an associated respective fuse.

The processor of both units may be arranged to cause the switch assembly to re-establish utility supply for a customer supply line if one or more reconnection criteria is met such as a customer credit data command is received which increases the customer's available credit. Commands may be received manually through a user interface (for example a mobile communications device) or (directly) from a control centre to turn a supply line on or turn off, regardless of (and possibly overriding) an instantaneous consumer credit value.

The memory may store pre-emptive alert criteria, which if met, causes the processor to issue a signal which for example is arranged to alert the customer and/or the utility service operator of a depleted credit status and/or other information relating to the supply or usage of a utility.

The processors of the units may be arranged to determine factors including but not limited to cumulative power consumption and/or peak power use over a given period for each customer supply line .

The hub unit may be arranged to send data including, but not limited to, cumulative power usage or remaining customer credit data to the head unit, and the head unit may be arranged to send via the communications network to the utility supply operator. The head unit may be configurable to send other data including that from onboard sensors or external sensors/meters. This type of operation may be effected periodically. The hub unit may comprise an input interface for connection to other hub units, a head unit, an electricity supply, and a plurality of output interfaces for connection to customer supply lines.

The hub unit may be arranged to be capable of receiving a control signal, which may have been received from the control centre over the communications network, which the head unit is arranged to communicate to the hub unit, which brings about an action effected by the processor of the hub unit. The action may include controlling the switch, for example to recommence or establish for the first time (for a particular customer) utility supply to a customer, or to stop utility provision to a customer. Other options include :

The apparatus may comprise modifying or updating data stored by the hub unit about a particular customer's supply service/account, such as providing an altered/updated disconnect threshold or usage threshold.

The hub unit may comprise a utility usage meter arranged to provide the input signal indicative of prevailing/instantaneous utility usage for a customer supply line.

The head unit and the hub unit may each comprise its own power supply, which may be operationally independent of the other. Each of the hub unit and the head unit may comprise a back-up power supply, which may comprise a respective DC battery.

The processor of the hub unit may be configured to identify fault conditions relating to the operation of the hub unit. The processor may be arranged to cause a signal to be sent to the head unit indicative of diagnosis of a fault condition. The head unit may be arranged to transmit a signal indicative of the fault condition over the communications network to the control centre . The processor may be arranged to self- diagnose a fault relating to hardware and/or firmware of the hub unit. The memory of the hub may comprise fault criteria used to determine a fault condition.

The head unit may comprise a data processor and a memory.

A plurality of hub units may be provided. The hub units may be configured to be capable of being connected in daisy-chain or wirelessly with each other, thereby avoiding the need to connect each hub unit directly to the head unit.

The hub unit processor may be arranged to determine changes in magnitudes of utility demand for a customer, such as an increase or decrease, or a rate of change of utility usage . The head unit may comprise a transceiver arranged to communicate with the communications network. The transceiver may be arranged to communicate over an air interface . The transceiver may be a radio frequency transceiver. The communications network may comprise a cellular network and/or a satellite communications network. The head unit may comprise a modem.

The hub unit may be arranged to communicate with the head unit by a wireless or wired connection, such as a physical cabling connecting the units or low power wide area wireless network.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a utility supply network, comprising the supply apparatus of the first aspect of the invention.

A (supply operator) control centre of the network may include one or more servers.

The network may include the capability for customers and/or system administrators to send data and/or signalling commands included in text message format, such as SMS, which can be acted on to effect updates, request data bring about operations and/or change settings of the supply apparatus.

The invention may include one or more features as disclosed in the detailed description and/or as shown in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a utility supply apparatus, Figure 2 is a schematic view of a hub unit of the utility supply apparatus of

Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a head unit of the utility supply apparatus of Figure 1 , Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a further utility supply apparatus, and

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a network comprising the utility supply apparatus of Figure 1.

Detailed Description

In the description which follows, and as shown in the drawings, there is disclosed a mobile-device enabled utility management apparatus for controlling the supply of one or more utilities to one or more end consumers. Thanks to certain hardware and firmware features and its interconnection with cloud software via a telecommunications network, the apparatus is able to do so reliably even in conditions where telecommunications infrastructure may be unreliable. As will be described below, the apparatus, working in conjunction with the cloud software, advantageously allows for enhanced control, remote monitoring, metering functionality and operational robustness of a variety of utilities (such as electricity, water or fuel).

In overview, the apparatus comprises a head unit 3 and a hub unit 2, arranged to be connected together and communicate with each other. Independent processing capacity and non-volatile memory on both units means that there is no mutual reliance or inter-dependence for basic functionality. Advanced functionalities are achieved from the inter-connectivity between the units, as well as the cloud software via a transceiver 35.

The head unit 3, through the transceiver interface 35, is arranged to communicate, via a telecommunications network 40, with one or more servers 50 which run cloud software resource. The or each server 50 may be termed system operator servers, collectively as a control centre, and as is described below, allow customers, users and system administrators to interact conveniently with the hub unit and/or the head unit, as well as performing autonomous functionality with the head unit (and indirectly the hub unit(s)) based on the software run by the servers, without the need for manual intervention or input.

The head unit 3 is operative to serve as an intermediary between the hub units, any connected peripheral devices, the utility supply equipment, and the cloud software, passing data and signalling to and from interconnected equipment and the cloud software. The hub and head units are also enabled for manual control or to be manually interrogated to obtain data to and from any interconnected equipment. These manual controls and data queries can be effected via a manual user input 3 1 on the head unit 3 or remotely from the cloud via the transceiver 35.

The head unit 3 comprises a data processor 36, a memory 37, a transceiver 35, a manual user input 3 1 and display 30, and a unit power source 38. The head unit further comprises an external power supply input 39 at a port 32. The hub unit 2 comprises a data processor 24, a memory 20, a transceiver/interface 26, a switch assembly comprising a plurality of switches 29, a plurality of protection fuses 28, one associated with each of the switches 29 and power measuring hardware capable of monitoring each line individually. The hub unit 2 also comprises a power source interface 22, which is arranged to receive a power supply 23, which is then metered for onward transmission to each of the customer supply lines 10. The hub unit 2 further comprises a dedicated power source 21.

The hub unit 2 relies on the head unit 3 for initial set-up, during an initial set-up routine. The display 30 of the head unit 3 serves as the point of interface between the utility supply operator and the overall system. All features can similarly be configured from the cloud software via the transceiver 35. The units are configured to operate automatically via pre-set variables. These variables can be set via the manual user input 3 1 on the head unit 3 or remotely from the cloud via the transceiver 35. Once the set-up procedure is complete, and the hub units have been registered by the head unit (like a supervisor signing up independent agents), each of the hub units (agents) can then operate independently of each of the other hub units 2. New settings are automatically sent to the hub units by the head unit when key events occur - such as when an end consumer pays for a utility (balance update), or when a pricing change is set by the utility operator (tariff update). These settings can be set via the manual input 3 1 or via the transceiver 35. The hardware may be configured to operate line switches based on a variety of customisable inputs from peripheral devices or threshold criteria. Likewise, manual switching is enabled through communication of a mobile device with the cloud software which allows the units to be used as a remote switch triggered by events either computed by the cloud software or based on an output from a mobile-enabled device.

As can be seen in Figure 1 , each hub unit 2 provides for supplying a plurality of customer supply lines or loads 10. Each hub unit can accommodate up to fifteen customer supply lines (although more or fewer may be provided in different embodiments). In Figure 1 , a solar power source is used as the power source to be provided as the utility to customers. The head unit 3 serves multiple hub units 2. The head unit 3 can support multiple cabling arrangements - hub and spoke, trunk and branch - each branch line comprising one or more hub units (connected in series). In the figure different sub-groups of hub units are depicted by way of broken line, and each is indicative of what may be termed a neighbourhood. The head unit 3 and the hub units 2 are hard-wire connected by physical cabling, but could alternatively be connected wirelessly. With reference to Figure 3, the head unit 3 communicates with the hub units 2 by way of connection shown at 34, through the interface 35.

The memory 21 of the hub unit 3 stores data for each of its fifteen customer supply lines on-board. This data includes but is not limited to cumulative power use as well as customer power credit, for example stored as chargeable watt hours. The unit also stores the tariff data associated with each line and reduces the power credit via measured power use factored using this tariff. If the credit on a customer supply line is reduced to zero, the hub unit 2 physically switches this specific line off with the respective dedicated on-board relay switch 29 for that line . This localised credit- based control advantageously enables near-instant switching, turning off a customer line at the same time that their credit is exhausted, avoiding the risk of any time lag if the control were effected remotely and power consumed in the lag period by a customer.

Utility usage data for each customer is recorded by the hub unit 2, is relayed to the head unit 3, for onward transmission to cloud software over a communications network to which the head unit is connected by the transceiver/interface 35, by way of radio frequency signal 33. This data is received by cloud software, which may perform analytics, auditing or other processing on raw or semi-processed data received, and displayed for access by the utility supply operator. Signalling commands may likewise be sent by the cloud software and received by the head unit via the transceiver 35, and effected through the hub unit 2 or other peripheral devices. Reference is made to Figure 5 which shows a network 100 and illustrates how this conveniently allows the supply operator to remotely monitor and control supply to or usage from each end consumer or other interconnected equipment, either individually or collectively, from a web-enabled device, such as a computer 60a, tablet 60c or mobile telephone handset 60b, through an online portal to the server(s) 50. The hub and/or head units may process, aggregate and encode data onboard before transmission to improve data density and security. All loads being monitored can be remotely switched (ON or OFF), according to criteria or alerts set by the utility supply operator (which may conveniently be set remotely via the cloud software). The supply operator may use this online platform to effect remote control of any of the hub units, peripheral devices or head unit, and/or to change pre-sets such as to add new customers, update customer details, add or deduct customer credit, alter tariff rates, include dynamic tariffs, time-limited tariffs, etc.

Further in this manner, the operator can be informed of any suspicious or actionable events, which may require follow-up action, such as possible unauthorised tampering of the hub unit, the head unit or the utility supply source itself. The operator is able to remotely interrogate the hub unit and/or any enabled peripheral devices and/or the head unit for the purpose of diagnostic analysis, and may conveniently be able to implement control signals remotely to alleviate or rectify an issue.

The data received at the server(s) 50 from the head unit can also be beneficially exploited to inform customers (pre-emptively) of paucity of credit, and to do this by the server sending a message, through a gateway, for example, to one or more telephone numbers or email addresses previously registered by the user, so that the customer can then take the necessary action to replenish its available credit.

Customers may also have access to the server 50 which they can initiate to enable them to view their usage data, and provide suitable analytics. Referring again to

Figure 5, a customer would be able to access its data stored on the server 50 by way of any of the devices 60a, 60b or 60c, through an online portal.

In relation to the use of the (mobile) telephone device 60b, as mentioned above this can beneficially be used either by a system administrator or a customer. More particularly, text messaging, such as the Short Messaging Service (SMS), can be used for the purpose of sending command signals and/or data to interact with the system and/or a customer's account, as well as conveniently serving to receive data. To this end the network is provided with a gateway which is arranged to communicate with the server, wherein signalling commands and data sent in a text message from the device 60b is received and processed by the gateway, and then onward to the server. On receipt, the server is configured to act on the same and perform one or more functions by generating an internal signal and/or by generating an output to be received by the head unit, for example . From a customer's perspective such functionalities may include: automated or on request balance/remaining credit updates by text message, as well as a text message commands for example to increase a customer's credit balance. From a system administrator's perspective this functionality could include receipt system status updates by email as well as enabling remote control of settings and/or operations of the head unit and/or the hub unit by way of sending a command text message. Clearly, many other types of functionality can also be envisaged. Advantageously, the use of text messaging requires only moderate bandwidth resource in a telecommunications network, which is more likely to be available in geographically remotes areas as compared to internet connectivity. It will be appreciated that the data which is available from the server, to either the operator or the customer, and indeed the manner and style of presentation may be customisable .

The hub unit 2 is powered locally via an AC input (derived from the metered power source). Advantageously, it does not rely on the same 10-56V DC input of the head unit. This power independence also means that it is not necessary to run separate power lines between the units and so it becomes easier and cheaper to position them some distance away from each other as the local distribution context dictates. This also means that even if the head unit power supply is interrupted, the hub unit will still have power. Likewise, the 10-56V DC (not AC) power input of the head unit means that it can be run from a range of battery back-up systems so even if the whole system is down with AC from the grid or from an inverter interrupted, the operator does not lose communications from the hub or head because of that. In use, the two primary communications between the head unit and the hub unit during normal operation are:

Head unit to Hub unit:

Updating user credit after payment is made

Updates to line tariffs

Hub unit to Head unit:

Scheduled reports

Conveniently, customers may increase their credit balance by paying via mobile money or any other online payment service (such as Paypal ®) . Once a payment is recognised, the cloud software directs a control signal to the transceiver 35 of the head unit 3, which would then be relayed to the relevant hub unit(s) to switch the utility supply back on. It will be appreciated that although mention above is made particularly to electricity supply, the hub unit and head unit may also be configured to control supply of other utilities, such as a gas supply or a water supply, or a fuel supply. For example, in the case of controlling a gas supply, the hub unit may be arranged to output a control signal to control operation of a relay for a valve for each gas supply line .

It will also be appreciated that although a domestic supply grid has been alluded to above, the supply apparatus is also applicable to industrial and commercial operations and facilities. Reference is made to Figure 4, which shows the head unit 3 and the hub unit 2, implemented in a commercial/industrial context. For example these may include such things as:

3 -phase heavy load

1 -phase heavy load

Energy auditing (power factor, frequency, reactive and apparent power etc .. ) Generator diagnostics

Smart grid control

Water consumed

Diesel dispensed

Performance of solar panel array

AC circuits for lighting, air conditioning and refrigeration. In further embodiments, the input/output interface 35 of the head unit 3 can, additionally to connecting the hub units, be used to interconnect with a plurality of other peripheral sensors and/or meters such as kWh meters (inputs) and electrical switches (outputs) - including but not limited to analogue output, digital/pulse signal devices, Modbus devices and CAN based devices. Through this interface, connected devices behave as 'slaves' and can be interrogated periodically and controlled by the head unit.

In yet further embodiments, the head unit and one or peripheral devices may be provided, without the presence of a hub unit.

Claims

1. A utility supply apparatus for controlling supply of a utility to multiple consumer supply lines or loads,

a head unit communicable with a control centre via a communications network, and capable of sending and receiving customer credit data and commands to or from one or more hubs or peripheral devices,

a hub unit comprising a data processor, memory and a switch assembly; arranged to selectively control provision of a utility service for each of a plurality of customer supply lines,

wherein the memory arranged to store data including but not limited to a value of remaining credit for each customer, which is calculated by the processor comprising customer credit data received from the head unit, and comprising use of an input indicative of customer utility usage; the processor arranged to determine when the remaining credit meets disconnect criteria stored in the memory, and if met, to operate the switch assembly to stop supply of utility to the or each customer for whom said criteria is met.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the threshold criteria include but are not limited to the remaining credit value of a customer being beyond a threshold value .

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the memory of the hub unit is arranged to store data such as tariff rate for each end consumer.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the switch assembly comprises multiple switches, each arranged to control a respective utility supply.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which each switch is provided with an associated respective fuse .

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the processor of the hub unit is arranged to cause the switch assembly to re-establish utility supply for a customer supply line if certain criteria are met.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the switch assembly arranged to reestablish utility supply for a customer supply line if a customer credit data command is received from the head unit which sufficiently increases the customer's balance.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the memory is configured to store pre-emptive alert criteria, which if met, causes the processor to issue a signal which is arranged to alert the customer and/or the utility operator of a depleted credit status, or an operational alert.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the processor of the hub is arranged to determine power consumption data comprising at least one of peak power use and cumulative power consumption for each customer supply line.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the hub is arranged to send data including at least one of remaining available customer credit, harvested utility usage and peak power use data to the head unit, and the head arranged to send the data via the communications network to the utility supply operator.

1 1. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the hub unit comprises an input interface for connection to an electricity supply, and a plurality of output interfaces for connection to end consumer supply lines.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the hub is arranged to be capable of receiving a control signal, issued from the utility supply operator, which the head unit is arranged to communicate to the hub, which is operative to bring about an action effected by the processor of the hub.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which the action includes controlling the switch assembly.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the hub unit comprises a utility usage monitor arranged to provide the input signal indicative of prevailing utility usage for a customer supply line.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the processor of the hub unit is configured to identify fault conditions relating to the operation of the hub unit.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the processor arranged to cause a signal to be sent to the head unit indicative of diagnosis of a fault condition, and the head unit may be arranged to transmit a signal indicative of the fault condition over the communications network to the control centre .

17. A network comprising the utility supply apparatus of any of claims 1 to 16 and a server, the server configured with machine-readable instructions to allow signalling and/or data communication between the server and the head unit.

18. A network as claimed in claim 17 in which the server comprises an interface arranged to receive signalling and/or data from one or more user communication devices over a communications network infrastructure, such as the internet or a telecommunications network.

19. A network as claimed in claim 18 in which the server arranged to allow access to data received from the utility supply apparatus to be output via the interface responsive to a request received from a user communications device .

20. A network as claimed in claim 18 or 19 in which the server is configured to receive a control signal and/or data, and to generate an output to be sent to the head unit of the utility supply apparatus which comprises a control signal and/or data.

21. A network as claimed in claim 20 in which the control signal received by the head unit is arranged to bring about control of the head unit and/or the hub unit.

22. A network as claimed in any of claims 17 to 21 which comprises a messaging gateway arranged to communicate with the server, and the gateway arranged to process command signals and/or data contained in a text message generated by a personal telecommunications device.

23. A network as claimed in claim 22 in which server arranged to act on signalling and/or data received from the gateway.

24. A network as claimed in claim 23 in which the server arranged to generate an output, responsive to data and/or signalling received from the gateway, wherein the output sent to the head unit and to effect an data update and/or an operation of the head unit or the hub unit.

25. Apparatus or network substantially as described herein, with reference to the drawings.