Smart nema outlets and associated networks

Abstract

A control system (300) allows standard NEMA receptacles to be remotely monitored and / or controlled, for example, to intelligently execute blackouts or brownouts or to otherwise remotely control electrical appliances. The system (300) includes a number of smart receptacles (302) that communicate with a local controller (304), e.g., via power lines using the TCP / IP protocol. The local controller (304), in turn, communicates with a remote controller (308) via the internet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 894,846, entitled, “SMART NEMA OUTLETS AND ASSOCIATED NETWORKS,” filed on Mar. 14, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein as if set forth in full.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to electrical power distribution and management and, in particular, to an electrical outlet, or other device associated with a local (e.g., single or multiple residential or business premises) circuit, to intelligently monitor at least a portion of the circuit and control delivery of electricity over the circuit.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Power distribution and electrical distribution are monitored and controlled for a variety of purposes. In this regard, power distribution generally refers to transmission between a power plant and substations whereas electrical distribution refers to delivery from a substation to consumers....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention relates to intelligent circuit devices such as electrical outlets, e.g., standard NEMA outlets, and to customer premises electrical systems, appliances, power distribution systems and associated processes that may utilize such smart circuit devices. The smart circuit devices of the present invention can monitor a load connected to a circuit and control distribution of power via the circuit. The circuit devices can also be controlled via a communications interface so as to implement a local or grid policy concerning electrical delivery or usage. In this manner, power can be distributed more efficiently, outlet and building wiring safety can be enhanced and electrical grid capacity problems can be addressed more effectively. Also, the invention delivers security and convenience features.

[0008]In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a utility (including a system and associated functionality) is provided for enabling Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) communication to an outlet receptacle, e.g., a standard NEMA outlet receptacle. In this manner, the receptacle effectively becomes a client or data network node. This enables a wide variety of functionality. For example, the outlet receptacles can operate as intelligent control points for electrical distribution, providing feedback concerning the types of devices that are currently plugged into the receptacles and selectively controlling the delivery of electricity via the receptacles (including reducing power consumption by eliminating individual power waveform cycles delivered via the receptacles via fast on / off switching). In addition, the receptacles can be controlled via a wide area network using TCP / IP communications so as to enable remote or intelligent operation of devices that are not otherwise adapted for data network control. The TCP / IP outlet technology also provides a convenient mechanism for intelligent devices to communicate via power lines to a wide area network and facilitates standardization of such devices.

Problems solved by technology

Such conditions have become increasingly common in the United States and elsewhere due to increasing industrial and residential power needs coupled with aging power infrastructure and practical limitations on new power generation.

However, for many standard customers, power interruptions; and the consequences thereof to data systems and other vulnerable products, is simply endured.

For these consumers, the interruptions are indiscriminate and, in many cases, total.

However, these elements are generally unintelligent and limited to hazard avoidance.

They typically do not recognize devices or device types when connected to a circuit, do not allow for addressing larger grid needs and are not sufficiently responsive for addressing certain safety issues such as potential electrocutions.

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