Electrical load grouping

Abstract

The invention is directed to electrical load grouping based on measurements of electrical parameters at electrical load sensors (120A, 120B). An electrical load grouping device (110) is configured to receive, in reaction to a changing power consumption of a respective electrical load (132A,..., 134C), a changing value of an electrical parameter from one or more electrical load sensors (120A, 120B). The electrical load grouping device (110) is further configured to assign the respective electrical load (132A,..., 134C) to a group (130A, 130B) of electrical loads associated with an electrical load sensor (120A, 120B) or to a plurality of groups of electrical loads associated with electrical load sensors based on which electrical load sensor (120A, 120B) or which electrical load sensors react to the changing power consumption of the respective electrical load (132A,..., 134C) based on the changing value of the received electrical parameter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical load grouping device, an electrical load system, a method for operating the electrical load grouping device, a method for grouping electrical loads of an electrical load system, a computer program product for grouping electrical loads, and a computer-readable medium storing the computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] US2016 / 0043873 A1 discloses a DC power distribution system. This system is adapted to allow power conductors electrically connected to different port groups to belong to separate power line communication (PLC) channels, wherein several electrical loads communicate with a set of ports on the same PLC channel via power line communication. The separation of different PLC channels allows for the determination of which electrical loads are electrically connected to which set of ports.

[0003] US2008 / 208491A1 discloses a classification of electrical equipment in which each electrical device receives power from the output port of a corresponding power control circuit coupled to a battery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It can be seen that the purpose of this invention is to provide an electrical load grouping device, an electrical load system, a method for operating the electrical load grouping device, a method for grouping electrical loads in the electrical load system, a computer program product for grouping electrical loads, and a computer-readable medium storing the computer program product, which allows electrical loads to be grouped in a reduced time period.

[0005] In a first aspect of the invention, an electrical load grouping device is provided for grouping electrical loads. The electrical loads are arranged at different locations in an electrical load system. The grouping of electrical loads is based on the measurement of electrical parameters at electrical load sensors. The electrical load sensors are arranged such that each of them can measure the electrical parameters of one or more electrical loads. The electrical load grouping device is configured to receive changes in the electrical parameters from one or more electrical load sensors in response to changes in the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load. The electrical load grouping device is further configured to assign the corresponding electrical load to a group of electrical loads associated with the electrical load sensor or multiple groups of electrical loads associated with the electrical load sensor based on which electrical load sensor or electrical load sensors measured the received changes in the electrical parameters in response to changes in the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load.

[0006] Because the electrical load grouping device is configured to assign corresponding electrical loads to one or more groups of electrical loads based on which electrical load sensors or electrical load sensors measure changes in electrical parameters, automatic grouping can be provided. Automatic grouping of electrical loads requires less time than manual grouping. Furthermore, more accurate grouping can be achieved compared to manual grouping, and compared to grouping performed based on near-field communication—such as Bluetooth communication between the electrical load and the electrical load grouping device. Grouping can be triggered by the electrical load grouping device. The electrical load grouping device allows automatic grouping to be performed without requiring identifier information from the electrical load to the electrical load grouping device. Therefore, the electrical load grouping device does not need to receive any identifier information of the corresponding electrical load, such as the electrical load identifier or electrical load location, for grouping the corresponding electrical load. This allows for reduced data traffic between the electrical load and the electrical load grouping device. In particular, when the electrical load and the electrical load grouping device are connected via power lines and power line communication is used for data communication, crosstalk between power lines can be reduced by reducing data traffic.

[0007] Electrical parameters may include power, voltage, current, or any other electrical parameters.

[0008] If the electrical load sensor measures more than one electrical parameter, the electrical load grouping device can also be configured to receive changes in the electrical parameters. The electrical load grouping device can be configured to distribute the corresponding electrical loads to one or more groups of electrical loads based on the changes in the electrical parameters.

[0009] The electrical load grouping device can be configured to assign a corresponding electrical load to a group of electrical loads associated with an electrical load sensor (which measures changes in received electrical parameters in response to changes in the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load), or to multiple groups of electrical loads associated with an electrical load sensor (which measures changes in received electrical parameters in response to changes in the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load).

[0010] A group of electrical loads may include, for example, function-dependent, space-dependent, or function-and-space-dependent electrical loads. Function-dependent electrical loads may include, for example, electrical loads connected to perform a function. Space-dependent electrical loads may include loads arranged in a specific area—such as within a specific room or a diameter of a specific location.

[0011] Electrical loads can be distributed among multiple groups of electrical loads, for example, arranged in a room, building, or city. For instance, electrical loads arranged in an office can form one group, and / or electrical loads in an office area can form another group. Electrical load sensors can be arranged such that meaningful groups can be formed, for example, electrical loads in one room forming one group, and electrical loads in another room forming another group. This allows for the automatic grouping of electrical loads in a way that makes them easily controllable based on which group they belong to. For example, if all electrical loads in a room are assigned to one group, they can be easily activated or deactivated. Furthermore, electrical loads in one or more groups can be controlled simultaneously, for example, by activating the electrical loads in one group while deactivating the electrical loads in another group.

[0012] An electrical load grouping device can be configured to trigger changes in the power consumption of a corresponding electrical load. This allows the electrical load grouping device to trigger changes in the power consumption of each electrical load individually and to receive responses to these changes via changes in electrical parameters from the corresponding electrical load's sensors. Because the changes in power consumption are triggered by the electrical load grouping device, information about which electrical load is changing its power consumption is known within the device. Therefore, the electrical loads do not need to provide this information to the electrical load grouping device. The electrical load grouping device can be configured to assign a corresponding electrical load to one or more groups of electrical loads, triggered by the device to change its power consumption, based on which electrical load sensor is responding to the changes in the power consumption of that corresponding electrical load by measuring the received changes in electrical parameters.

[0013] Electrical load grouping devices can be configured to trigger changes in the power consumption of a corresponding electrical load using various methods. For example, an electrical load grouping device can be configured to transmit a signal to the corresponding electrical load to change its power consumption. The electrical load grouping device may include a transceiver for transmitting this signal to the corresponding electrical load to change its power consumption, and, in response to the changes in the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load, receive changes in electrical parameters from one or more electrical load sensors. The transceiver may be a wireless transceiver. Alternatively, wire-based communication may be used, such as the wires connecting the electrical load, the electrical load sensors, and the electrical load grouping device.

[0014] Electrical load grouping devices may include load switches and / or circuit breakers for connecting and disconnecting one or more groups of electrical loads to and from the electrical load grouping device. An electrical load grouping device may include one or more load switches. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical load grouping device may include one or more circuit breakers. Providing a load switch to an electrical load grouping device allows for improved controllability of the electrical loads. Providing a circuit breaker to an electrical load grouping device allows for improved operational safety. A circuit breaker is configured to disconnect an electrical load or group of electrical loads connected to the electrical load grouping device via the circuit breaker when the current exceeds a threshold amount. This allows for current interruption to protect the electrical loads or groups of electrical loads connected to the electrical load grouping device from damage caused by overcurrent from overload or short circuit. A load switch is configured to establish a connection between the electrical load grouping device and one or more electrical loads when the load switch is in the closed state. If the load switch is in the open state, the electrical load grouping device is disconnected from one or more electrical loads. The load switch may be configured to be manually operated, for example, via a wall-mounted manual control switch, or automatically operated, for example, based on a trigger signal used to switch the load switch between open and closed states. Electrical load grouping devices can be connected to the mains line and can be configured to supply power to the electrical loads when a load switch connects the electrical load grouping device to the electrical load. This allows for the connection and disconnection of electrical loads to perform peak shaving. Peak shaving corresponds to the process of reducing the amount of electricity received from the mains line when prices are high (e.g., during peak demand periods). Electrical loads may include energy storage devices for storing energy, and this energy is stored during periods of low electricity prices. During periods of high prices, the electrical loads can use the stored energy to power themselves. This allows for cost reduction and alleviates the burden on the mains line.

[0015] Electrical load grouping devices may include a database for storing assignments of electrical loads to electrical load groups. Assignments include information about which electrical load is assigned to which or which electrical load groups. The database may include lookup tables (LUTs). Assigning electrical loads to one or more groups of electrical loads may, for example, be stored in the LUT. The LUT may include a list of electrical load identifiers and group identifiers for the electrical loads, such that one or more group identifiers are associated with each electrical load. For example, if a given electrical load is located in an overlapping area of ​​at least two groups associated with two different electrical load sensors, the given electrical load may be assigned to two separate groups associated with the two different electrical load sensors. An overlapping area is defined as an area where one electrical load is assigned to more than one group of electrical loads. For example, electrical loads located in a room on a particular floor may be assigned to an electrical load group on that floor and an electrical load group in the room. Using a database allows for the automatic identification of electrical loads. For example, each time an electrical load is removed from its location and reinstalled (e.g., after renovation), the database may be used to identify the electrical loads to check whether they have been correctly reinstalled, i.e., in their correct locations. For example, one or more electrical loads may be reinstalled in the wrong location. In this scenario, the database allows for the identification of electrical loads at incorrect locations. Once one or more electrical loads that have been reinstalled at the incorrect location are identified, they can only be regrouped. This allows for a reduction in the amount of processing involved in grouping electrical loads.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, each electrical load may store its electrical load identifier and one or more group identifiers itself. This allows for individual control of a single electrical load or a group of electrical loads without needing to store assignments at the electrical load grouping device. Therefore, for example, if the electrical load grouping device is damaged without losing a group of electrical loads, that electrical load grouping device can be used instead. This allows for a more robust system. Electrical loads may include computer-readable media for storing their electrical load identifiers and / or group identifiers. The computer-readable media may also include a database for storing electrical load assignments to groups.

[0017] Electrical loads can be configured to transmit their distribution to one or more groups of electrical loads to an electrical load grouping device. Electrical loads can be controlled based on control signals for their respective groups (based on group identifiers). This allows control of electrical load groups based on group identifiers without requiring individual addressing of the individual electrical loads within the group. For example, when a control signal including a command about the corresponding group identifier is received at an electrical load with that identifier, the command will be processed. If an electrical load with a different group identifier receives the control signal, the command will be ignored.

[0018] Electrical load grouping devices may include computer-readable media containing a database.

[0019] In another aspect of the invention, an electrical load system is proposed. The electrical load system includes electrical loads, electrical load sensors, and an electrical load grouping device according to any embodiment of the above-described embodiments or any embodiment of the electrical load grouping device. The electrical loads are arranged at different locations. The electrical load sensors are arranged such that each of them can measure electrical parameters of one or more electrical loads, and a group of electrical loads is associated with the electrical load sensors. The electrical load system may, for example, be a connected lighting (CL) system, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, a home automation system, a direct light control system, or a combination thereof. An electrical load system including an electrical load grouping device according to the above-described embodiments, or any embodiment of the electrical load grouping device, allows for automatic grouping of the electrical loads in the electrical load system. Grouping can be performed in a shorter time period with higher accuracy and / or reduced data traffic.

[0020] Electrical load grouping devices may include, for example, smart meters or electricity meters, be smart meters or electricity meters, or be included in smart meters or electricity meters. Smart meters can be configured to measure and store information about electricity consumption and transmit that information to a server.

[0021] An electrical load system may have a wired or wireless connection between electrical load grouping devices and electrical loads, allowing the power consumption of the respective electrical loads to be adjusted via this connection. This connection may, for example, include a power conductor, such as a power cable. Alternatively, the power conductor may be, for example, an optical fiber. The electrical load system may include an electrical installation. The electrical installation may be the installation of cables and equipment for the electrical load system, which includes electrical load grouping devices, electrical loads, and electrical load sensors.

[0022] Electrical load sensors can be connected to or included in load switches and / or circuit breakers. Electrical load sensors can be configured to measure electrical parameters, such as power, current, voltage, or any other electrical parameter. The electrical parameters of all electrical loads connected to a corresponding electrical load sensor can be measured by that respective electrical load sensor. Therefore, changes in electrical parameters can be measured by the electrical load sensor in response to changes in power consumption of any electrical load connected to the electrical load sensor.

[0023] An electrical load system may include a power source for supplying power to the electrical loads. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical load system may be connected to a power source, such as a mains line. The electrical load system may be configured to supply power to the electrical loads via an electrical load grouping device. The electrical load system may be connected to a mains line, for example, via an electrical load grouping device. The electrical load grouping device may be connected to the electrical loads via one or more power conductors. The electrical loads may be connected to the power source via power conductors and the electrical load grouping device. The power conductors may be configured to transmit power optically, electrically, via induction, or in any other way that alters the electrical parameters of the respective electrical load.

[0024] In an electrical load system, an electrical load sensor can be arranged in series with another electrical load sensor, such that the electrical load sensor arranged in series with the other electrical load sensor can measure the electrical parameters of one or more electrical loads in a group of electrical loads associated with the other electrical load sensor. One or more electrical loads form a subgroup of an electrical load group associated with another electrical load sensor, which is connected in series with the other electrical load sensor. An electrical load system with an electrical load sensor arranged in series with another electrical load sensor allows electrical loads to be distributed among two or more groups of electrical loads, where one group is a subgroup of another group of electrical loads. For example, all electrical loads in a room can be distributed among one group of electrical loads, and additionally, some of the electrical loads are distributed among a first subgroup, while others are distributed among a second subgroup. For example, electrical loads in a room area (e.g., an area near a room window) can be distributed among the first subgroup, while electrical loads on the opposite side of the room near the door can be distributed among the second subgroup. Distributing electrical loads among groups and subgroups allows for improved control of the electrical loads, as commands can be used to control the entire group of electrical loads or only a subgroup of electrical loads.

[0025] An electrical load system may include more than two electrical load sensors connected in series, such as three or more electrical load sensors connected in series. This allows electrical loads to be distributed to more than two groups of electrical loads, such as three groups of electrical loads, so that a given electrical load can be distributed to a group of electrical loads, a subgroup of that group of electrical loads, and a subgroup of that subgroup (i.e., a subsubgroup of that group of electrical loads).

[0026] Electrical load grouping devices in an electrical load system can be configured to assign corresponding electrical loads to more than one group. A corresponding electrical load can, for example, be assigned to one or more groups of electrical loads and one or more subgroups of electrical loads. An electrical load can, for example, be assigned to one group of electrical loads and subgroups of that group of electrical loads. In another embodiment, electrical loads can be arranged in an overlapping area between two groups of electrical loads and / or subgroups of that group of electrical loads. The overlapping area between two groups of electrical loads is the area where an electrical load can be assigned to more than one group of electrical loads.

[0027] An electrical load system may include sub-grouping devices connected to an electrical load grouping device. A sub-grouping device may include an electrical load sensor arranged in series with another electrical load sensor. A sub-grouping device may allow the allocation of a given electrical load to a group of electrical loads and subgroups of that group of electrical loads. A sub-grouping device may include one or more electrical load sensors arranged in series with another electrical load sensor. An electrical load system may include one or more sub-grouping devices.

[0028] An electrical load system may include one or more load switches and / or one or more circuit breakers. One or more load switches and / or one or more circuit breakers may be included in an electrical load grouping device. Load switches and / or circuit breakers may be configured to connect or disconnect the electrical load grouping device to one or more groups of electrical loads. Load switches may allow for peak shaving and may improve control over groups of electrical loads. Circuit breakers may improve operational safety.

[0029] Subgrouping devices may include load switches and / or circuit breakers for connecting and disconnecting electrical load subgroups. An electrical load subgroup is a subgroup of electrical loads associated with an electrical load sensor, which is arranged in series with another electrical load sensor. Subgrouping devices may be, for example, fuse boxes. Subgrouping devices may also include one or more load switches and / or one or more circuit breakers. This can improve control and / or operational safety.

[0030] Electrical load sensors may be connected to or included in the load switches and / or circuit breakers of the subgroup equipment.

[0031] Load switches may be included in electrical load grouping devices and subgrouping devices. Alternatively, load switches may be included in electrical load grouping devices, and remote load switches may be included in subgrouping devices. Alternatively, remote load switches may be included in electrical load grouping devices and subgrouping devices. Remote load switches may be configured to be remotely controlled, for example, from a remote control unit, electrical load grouping device, or any other device configured to remotely control remote load switches. Remote control of remote load switches may be performed, for example, using a connection (e.g., wired or wireless connection) between the remote control unit and the remote load switch. Remote control may be performed, for example, via power line communication.

[0032] Electrical load systems may include event sensors for detecting events. Subgrouping devices may be configured to connect and disconnect electrical load subgroups from the subgrouping devices based on detected events. Alternatively or additionally, electrical load grouping devices may be configured to connect and disconnect electrical load groups from the electrical load grouping devices based on detected events. This can allow for improved control of the electrical load system based on detected events. Event sensors may include motion sensors, presence sensors, or any other type of sensor configured to detect events. Motion sensors may be configured to sense motion events. Presence sensors may be configured to detect the presence of objects or entities.

[0033] Event sensors can be configured to provide detection signals when they detect an event. Electrical load systems can be configured to provide detection signals to electrical load grouping devices to enable the grouping devices to connect or disconnect electrical load groups based on the detected event, and / or to sub-grouping devices to enable the sub-grouping devices to connect or disconnect electrical load sub-groups based on the detected event. For example, an event sensor could be a motion sensor for detecting motion. The motion sensor can be positioned near a group of electrical loads connected to a power source via an electrical load grouping device. The electrical load grouping device can be configured to connect the group of electrical loads to the device to provide power to them when the motion sensor detects motion. A load switch in the electrical load grouping device can be switched to the off state to connect the electrical load grouping device to the electrical loads of the electrical load group. This allows for control of power supply to the electrical loads based on detected events.

[0034] At least one electrical load may include an event sensor for detecting events. The event sensor may be configured to activate or deactivate its electrical load when it detects an event. The event sensor may also be configured to activate or deactivate electrical loads in a group or subgroup associated with its electrical load.

[0035] An electrical load system may include a control unit configured to control the electrical loads. The control unit may be configured to activate or deactivate the electrical loads, such as one or more groups of electrical loads. The control unit may also be configured to control load switches for connecting and disconnecting electrical load grouping devices and / or sub-grouping devices from the electrical loads. This allows control of the electrical loads and / or the electrical load system via the control unit.

[0036] The control unit may be included in the electrical load grouping device.

[0037] The electrical load system can be configured to provide detected events to the control unit. The control unit can be configured to control the electrical load based on the detected events.

[0038] In one embodiment, the electrical load system may be a CL system, wherein the electrical load grouping device includes a control unit for wirelessly controlling the electrical loads and at least one electrical load is a luminaire. In other examples, the electrical load system may be an HVAC system, and the electrical loads may include, for example, air conditioning equipment, ventilation equipment, heating equipment, cooling equipment, or any other HVAC equipment.

[0039] The control unit can be configured to change the power consumption of one or more electrical loads or groups of electrical loads.

[0040] The control unit can be configured to wirelessly control electrical loads. The control unit may include or be connected to a user interface. The user interface may be, for example, a wall-mounted manual control switch or a wall-mounted touchscreen for manual control. Because the control unit can be configured to wirelessly control electrical loads, groups of electrical loads not electrically connected to the user interface can be activated using the user interface. For example, if a wall-mounted manual control switch is initially configured to activate electrical loads in a room, and another electrical load nearby is grouped with these electrical loads, switching the wall-mounted manual control switch can activate the electrical load nearby. Therefore, the control unit can receive activation commands from wall-mounted manual control switches for a specific group of electrical loads, and the control unit can activate the electrical loads of that specific group. For example, the front door light fixture can be activated every time a hallway light fixture is activated by a wall-mounted manual control hallway switch. This allows for adjustment of the user interface control within the electrical load system. The control unit can activate more electrical loads than are electrically connected to the user interface. The electrical load system can also be configured to detect user interfaces not connected to one or more electrical loads.

[0041] In another aspect of the invention, a method for operating an electrical load grouping device according to the above embodiments or any embodiment of the electrical load grouping device is provided. The method includes the following steps:

[0042] - Power consumption in response to changes in the corresponding electrical load, receiving changes in electrical parameters from one or more electrical load sensors.

[0043] -Based on which electrical load sensor or electrical load sensors react to the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load, the received electrical parameter changes are measured, and the corresponding electrical load is assigned to a group of electrical loads or multiple groups of electrical loads associated with the electrical load sensor.

[0044] The values ​​of electrical parameters measured by one or more electrical load sensors can change in response to variations in the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load. Assigning a corresponding electrical load to one or more sets of electrical loads can be performed by assigning the corresponding electrical load to one set of electrical loads associated with an electrical load sensor (which measures the changes in received electrical parameters in response to variations in the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load), or by assigning the corresponding electrical load to multiple sets of electrical loads associated with an electrical load sensor (which measures the changes in received electrical parameters in response to variations in the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load).

[0045] This method may include the step of triggering a change in the power consumption of a corresponding electrical load. The method may include the step of transmitting a signal to the corresponding electrical load to change its power consumption. An electrical load grouping device may transmit the signal to the corresponding electrical load to change its power consumption. The change in electrical parameters may be received by the electrical load grouping device from one or more electrical load sensors. This method may allow for individual triggering of power consumption changes for each electrical load and automatic grouping of electrical loads based on which electrical load sensor measured the change in electrical parameters.

[0046] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for grouping electrical loads in an electrical load system according to the above embodiments, or any embodiment of an electrical load system, wherein one electrical load sensor is arranged in series with another electrical load sensor. The method includes the following steps:

[0047] - Power consumption in response to changes in the corresponding electrical load, by receiving changes in electrical parameters from one or more electrical load sensors at the electrical load grouping equipment.

[0048] -Based on which electrical load sensor(s) or a subset of electrical load sensors respond to changes in power consumption of the corresponding electrical load, the received electrical parameter changes are measured, and the corresponding electrical load is allocated by the electrical load grouping device to a group of electrical loads or multiple groups of electrical loads associated with the electrical load sensor.

[0049] If an electrical load sensor that measures the change in received electrical parameters in response to changes in power consumption of the corresponding electrical load is arranged in series with another electrical load sensor that measures the change in received electrical parameters in response to changes in power consumption of the corresponding electrical load, then the corresponding electrical load is assigned to a group of electrical loads and a subgroup of electrical loads.

[0050] This method may include the step of triggering a change in the power consumption of a corresponding electrical load. The change in power consumption may be triggered by an electrical load grouping device. The method may also include the step of transmitting a signal to the corresponding electrical load to change its power consumption. The signal to change the power consumption may be provided from the electrical load grouping device. Assigning a corresponding electrical load to a group of electrical loads and a subgroup of electrical loads can improve the control of the electrical loads. For example, the electrical load grouping device may transmit a signal to the electrical load to change its power consumption and trigger a change in the power consumption of the electrical load. The change in the power consumption of the electrical load may, for example, change the electrical parameter values ​​of two electrical load sensors. In response, the electrical load grouping device assigns the corresponding electrical load to a subgroup of the group of electrical loads and that group of electrical loads. The corresponding electrical load may be controlled by commands targeting the electrical load group or the electrical load subgroup.

[0051] In another aspect of the invention, a computer program product for grouping electrical loads is provided. The computer program product includes program code means for causing the electrical load grouping device according to the above embodiments, or any embodiment of the electrical load grouping device, to perform the methods defined in the above embodiments when the computer program product is run on an electrical load grouping device. Alternatively or additionally, the computer program product may include program code means for causing the electrical load grouping device according to the above embodiments, or any embodiment of the electrical load grouping device, to perform the methods defined in any embodiment of the method for operating the electrical load grouping device when the computer program product is run on an electrical load grouping device. Alternatively or additionally, the computer program product may include program code means for causing the electrical load grouping device according to the above embodiments, or any embodiment of the method for grouping electrical loads, to perform the methods defined in the above embodiments or any embodiment of the method for grouping electrical loads when the computer program product is run on an electrical load grouping device in an electrical load system, wherein one electrical load sensor is arranged in series with another electrical load sensor.

[0052] In another aspect, a computer-readable medium is proposed that has stored the computer program product described in the above embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, the computer-readable medium may have already stored the computer program product according to any embodiment of the computer program product.

[0053] It should be understood that the electrical load grouping device, electrical load system, method, computer program product, and computer-readable medium described above have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments.

[0054] It should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention may also be any combination of the above embodiments.

[0055] These and other aspects of the invention will become clear and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0056] In the following figures:

[0057] Figure 1 A first embodiment of an electrical load system, including electrical load grouping devices and electrical loads, is illustrated schematically and exemplary.

[0058] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the electrical load system is illustrated schematically and demonstratively;

[0059] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the electrical load system is illustrated schematically and demonstratively.

[0060] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of the electrical load system is illustrated schematically and demonstratively.

[0061] Figure 5 An embodiment of a method for operating an electrical load grouping device is shown;

[0062] Figure 6 An embodiment of a method for grouping electrical loads in an electrical load system is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figure 1 A first embodiment of an electrical load system in the form of a CL system 100 is illustrated schematically and exemplary. The CL system 100 can be used to group electrical loads (such as luminaires arranged in different locations within the CL system 100) and control lighting in a building (such as a house or factory). In other embodiments, the electrical load system may also be an HVAC system, a building management system (BMS), a direct light control system, or a home automation system. In this embodiment, the CL system 100 is part of an electrical installation.

[0064] The CL system 100 includes an electrical load grouping device in the form of a smart meter 110, electrical load sensors in the form of power sensors 120A and 120B, and electrical loads in the form of luminaires 132A, 132B, 132C, 134A, 134B, and 134C. In this embodiment, luminaires 132A, 132B, 132C, 134A, 134B, and 134C are arranged at different locations in two different rooms 140A and 140B. In other embodiments, the electrical loads may also be arranged in different areas, floors, or buildings (e.g., houses or factories). Power sensor 120A is arranged such that it can measure the power of luminaires 132A, 132B, and 132C. Luminaires 132A, 132B, and 132C are connected to power sensor 120A via power conductors in the form of power cables 152A, 152B, and 152C. A power sensor 120B is arranged such that it can measure the power of luminaires 134A, 134B, and 134C. Luminaires 134A, 134B, and 134C are connected to the power sensor 120B via power conductors in the form of power cables 154A, 154B, and 154C. A smart meter 110 is connected to a trunk line 160, which supplies power to the CL system 100, and specifically to luminaires 132A, 132B, 132C, 134A, 134B, and 134C, via the smart meter 110.

[0065] In other embodiments, the electrical load sensor can measure other electrical parameters of one or more luminaires, such as current or voltage. In other embodiments, the power conductor can also be, for example, an optical fiber or any other type of power conductor.

[0066] The smart meter 110 can group the lamps 132A, 132B, 132C, 134A, 134B, and 134C based on power measurements at power sensors 120A and 120B. In other embodiments, the electrical load grouping device can group electrical loads located at different locations in the electrical load system based on measurements of any other electrical parameters (e.g., current or voltage) at the electrical load sensors.

[0067] The smart meter 110 includes a transceiver 112, a computer-readable medium in the form of a memory 114, and a control unit in the form of a processor 116. The memory 114 includes a database 118.

[0068] Transceiver 112 triggers a change in the power consumption of one of the lamps 132A, 132B, 134C, or 134C by transmitting a signal indicating a change in power consumption to that lamp. In this embodiment, the signal indicating a change in power consumption is transmitted to the respective lamp via power cables 150A to 154C. In other embodiments, the signal indicating a change in power consumption may also be transmitted wirelessly to the respective electrical load. In other embodiments, the electrical load grouping device may also be configured to trigger a change in the power consumption of the respective electrical load based on an alternative method for triggering a change in the power consumption of the respective electrical load.

[0069] The corresponding luminaires 132A, 132B, 132C, 134A, 134B, or 134C respond to the signal indicating a change in power consumption and change their power consumption accordingly. In this embodiment, the signal indicating a change in power consumption corresponds to a change in the dimming level of the corresponding luminaire 132A, 132B, 132C, 134A, 134B, or 134C. In other embodiments, the signal indicating a change in power consumption may also be any other command that changes the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load, such as activating or deactivating one or more functions of the electrical load.

[0070] Power sensors 120A or 120B measure changing power values ​​in response to varying power consumption of corresponding luminaires 132A, 132B, 132C, 134A, 134B, or 134C, and transmit these values ​​to transceiver 112 via power cables 150A or 150B. Transceiver 112 receives the changing power values ​​and provides them to processor 116. In other embodiments, electrical load sensors may communicate wirelessly with electrical load grouping devices. In yet another embodiment, electrical load sensors may be included within electrical load grouping devices. In still another embodiment, electrical load grouping devices may receive changes in any other electrical parameters from one or more electrical load sensors in response to varying power consumption of corresponding electrical loads.

[0071] Processor 116 assigns corresponding luminaires 132A, 132B, 132C, 134A, 134B, or 134C to luminaire groups 130A or 130B associated with power sensors 120A or 120B, which measure received changes in power consumption in response to changes in power consumption of the corresponding luminaires 132A, 132B, 132C, 134A, 134B, or 134C. In this embodiment, luminaires 132A, 132B, and 132C are assigned to luminaire group 130A, and luminaires 134A, 134B, and 134C are assigned to luminaire group 130B. In other embodiments, the electrical load grouping device may assign corresponding electrical loads to a group of electrical loads or multiple groups of electrical loads associated with electrical load sensors based on which electrical load sensors or electrical load sensors measure changes in received electrical parameters in response to changes in power consumption of the corresponding electrical loads. For example, variations in other electrical parameters can be considered to distribute electrical loads to one or more groups.

[0072] The allocation of luminaires 132A, 132B, 132C, 134A, 134B, and 134C is stored in database 118. In this embodiment, database 118 stores the allocations in a lookup table (LUT). Therefore, the allocation of luminaires 132A, 132B, 132C, 134A, 134B, and 134C to luminaire groups 130A and 130B is stored in the form of a LUT. The LUT includes a list of luminaire identifiers for luminaires 132A, 132B, 132C, 134A, 134B, and 134C, and group identifiers for groups 130A and 130B, such that luminaires 132A, 132B, and 132C are assigned to group 130A, and luminaires 134A, 134B, and 134C are assigned to group 130B. For example, the luminaire identifier for luminaire 132A is assigned to the group identifier for group 130A, and the luminaire identifier for luminaire 134C is assigned to the group identifier for group 130B.

[0073] Furthermore, memory 114 stores a computer program product for operating the smart meter 110. The computer program product includes program code means for causing the smart meter 110 to perform methods for operating the smart meter 110 when the computer program product is run on the smart meter 110, such as... Figure 5 The method presented in the memory 114 additionally stores a computer program product for grouping the electrical loads of the CL system 100. The computer program product includes program code means for causing the smart meter 110 to implement the method for grouping the electrical loads of the CL system 100 when the computer program product is run on the smart meter 110, for example... Figure 6The method presented in the memory 114 also includes a computer program product for operating the lighting system 100, namely, for controlling the luminaires of the lighting system 100 to provide illumination.

[0074] Figure 2 A second embodiment of an electrical load system in the form of a CL system 200 is illustrated schematically and demonstratively. The second embodiment of the CL system 200 includes electrical loads in the form of luminaires 205, electrical load grouping devices in the form of smart meters 210, and sub-grouping devices in the form of fuse boxes 220A, 220B, and 220C.

[0075] The smart meter 210 includes a control unit 216, load switches ls1, ls2, and ls3, and electrical load sensors in the form of power sensors S1, S2, and S3. The smart meter 210 is connected to the main line 260 to provide power to the CL system 200. Fuse boxes 220A, 220B, and 220C respectively include circuit breakers cb11 to cb16, cb21 to cb26, and cb31 to cb36, and electrical load sensors in the form of power sensors S11 to S16, S21 to S26, and S31 to S36.

[0076] In other embodiments, a circuit breaker may be replaced by a load switch, or vice versa. The load switch located at the sub-grouping device may be remotely controlled, for example, by the control unit of the electrical load grouping device, via power line communication. The load switch may switch between open and closed states to open or close a connection. When a threshold value for an electrical parameter (e.g., a threshold current value) is exceeded, the circuit breaker automatically switches to the open state to open the connection, thereby protecting the electrical load from damage. The circuit breaker may additionally switch between open and closed states to open or close a connection. In other embodiments, the electrical load grouping device may be any other type of electrical load grouping device used for grouping electrical loads. The power sensor may also be any other type of electrical load sensor used to measure changes in one or more electrical parameters. The electrical load may also include switches, sensors, HVAC equipment, or other types of electrical loads.

[0077] The smart meter 210 of the CL system 200 has similar functionality to the smart meter 110 of the first embodiment of the CL system 100. In contrast to the first embodiment of the CL system 100, in this embodiment, some power sensors are arranged in series with another power sensor. Specifically, power sensors S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, and S16 are arranged in series with power sensor S1; power sensors S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, and S26 are arranged in series with power sensor S2; and power sensors S31, S32, S33, S34, S35, and S36 are arranged in series with power sensor S3. Power sensors S1, S2, and S3 are arranged in parallel. Furthermore, power sensors S12, S13, S14, S15, and S16, as well as S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, and S26, and S31, S32, S33, S34, S35, and S36 are arranged in parallel. A series arrangement of power sensors allows for the distribution of corresponding electrical loads to subgroups of a set of electrical loads, as described in more detail below.

[0078] Power sensors S1 through S36 measure electrical power as an electrical parameter. In other embodiments, the electrical load sensors may measure any other electrical parameter, such as voltage or current. Power sensor S1 is connected to load switch ls1, power sensor S2 is connected to load switch ls2, and power sensor S3 is connected to load switch ls3. Sensor S11 is connected to its corresponding circuit breaker cb11. Sensors S12 through S36 are connected to their respective circuit breakers cb12 through cb36. In other embodiments, the electrical load sensors may be included in the load switch or circuit breaker.

[0079] The control unit 216 includes a memory, a processor, and a transceiver (not shown). The memory includes a database with LUTs for storing the assignments of the luminaires 205 to multiple groups. The memory also includes computer program products for operating the smart meter 210, grouping the luminaires 205, and operating the CL system 200. The transceiver triggers a change in the power consumption of a luminaire 205 by providing a signal to the luminaire 205 indicating a change in power consumption. In this embodiment, the dimming level of the luminaire 205 is changed. Power sensors S11 and S1 can measure the changed power value in response to the changed power consumption of the luminaire 205. The processor processes the data. Specifically, the processor assigns the luminaires 205 to multiple groups, based on which the power sensors measure the changed power value in response to the changed power consumption of the corresponding luminaire 205.

[0080] For example, if a change in power consumption is triggered for a luminaire 205 connected to fuse box 220A via power sensor S11, power sensors S11 and S1 measure the changed power value. Because power sensor S1 measures the changed power value, luminaire 205 is assigned to group 230A, and because power sensor S11 measures the changed power value, luminaire 205 is additionally assigned to group 231A. Group 231A is a subgroup of group 230A. In this embodiment, subgroup 231A includes only one luminaire. In other embodiments, a subgroup may include additional luminaires or other electrical loads. Because power sensors S11 and S1 are arranged in series, luminaire 205 can be assigned to two different groups, one of which is a subgroup of the other. This allows for better control of luminaire 205, as luminaire 205 can be activated by commands addressing group 230A or 231A. When group 230A is addressed, all lamps 205 connected to fuse box 220A and smart meter 210 via power sensor S1 are also addressed. When group 231A is addressed, only lamps 205 connected to fuse box 220A via power sensor S11 are addressed.

[0081] In this embodiment, the smart meter 210 can assign lamps 205 to three different groups 230A, 230B, and 230C, and to multiple subgroups 231A to 236C, based on which of the power sensors S1 to S36 measures the changing power value in response to the changing power consumption of the corresponding lamp 205. In this embodiment, all lamps 205 connected to the smart meter 210 via power sensor S1 are assigned to group 230A, because power sensor S1 measures the changing voltage value in response to the changing power consumption of any lamp 205 connected to the smart meter 210 via power sensor S1. Lamps 205 connected to the smart meter 210 via power sensor S2 are assigned to group 230B, and lamps 205 connected to the smart meter 210 via power sensor S3 are assigned to group 230C. In this embodiment, the lamps 205 are additionally assigned to subgroups, that is, each lamp 205 is assigned to a subgroup associated with power sensors S11 to S36, and the corresponding lamp 205 is connected to the power sensors S11 to S36.

[0082] Load switches ls1, ls2 and ls3 allow groups 230A, 230B and 230C to be connected to or disconnected from main line 260.

[0083] Circuit breakers CB11 to CB16, CB21 to CB26, and CB31 to CB36 allow for the automatic disconnection of luminaires in subgroups 231A to 236C to protect them from damage. Furthermore, circuit breakers CB11 to CB16, CB21 to CB26, and CB31 to CB36 allow for the connection of the respective subgroups 231A to 236C to supply power from mainline 260 to luminaires 205 via smart meter 210.

[0084] In addition, the electrical load system 200 includes an event sensor in the form of a motion sensor 271A for detecting events such as human movement. In other embodiments, the event sensor can be any other type of event sensor configured to detect events. The motion sensor 271A is included in the luminaire 205. In other embodiments, one or more event sensors may also be arranged at different locations in the electrical load system, for example, included in one of the subgroup devices or included in other electrical loads. In this embodiment, the fuse box 220A connects and disconnects the subgroup 231A of the luminaire 205 based on the detected motion event. The motion sensor 271A sends a control signal to the circuit breaker CB11 to connect or disconnect the subgroup 231A of the luminaire 205 based on the detected motion event. The motion sensor 271A is optional.

[0085] In other embodiments, each electrical load or groups of electrical loads may also include an event sensor for detecting events. The subgrouping device may be configured to connect and disconnect one or more subgroups of electrical loads from the subgrouping device based on detected events.

[0086] In other embodiments, luminaires, load switches, and / or circuit breakers may be controlled by a remote control unit. The remote control unit may, for example, include a user interface for manually controlling the electrical load system. The control unit (e.g., the remote control unit) may be configured to control the electrical load system based on detected events. For example, the control unit may cause electrical load grouping devices and / or sub-grouping devices to connect or disconnect the electrical loads of the group and / or sub-groups based on detected events. For example, in one case, the luminaires of a sub-group may be activated when a motion sensor detects motion near or within the luminaires of the sub-group (e.g., in an area or room).

[0087] Figure 3 A third embodiment of an electrical load system in the form of a CL system 300 is illustrated schematically and exemplary, comprising four groups 310A, 310B, 310C, and 310D of electrical loads in the form of luminaires (not shown).

[0088] In this embodiment, the CL system 300 is arranged in room 305 of the warehouse. In other embodiments, the CL system 300 may also be arranged on a floor of a building. Room 305 of the warehouse includes a main passageway 312 and overhead access routes 314A, 314B, 316A, 316B, 318A, and 318B, which are accessible via side passageways 320A, 320B, and 320C. Each of the side passageways 320A, 320B, and 320C is accessible via the main passageway 312. The lighting fixtures in each of the side passageways 320A, 320B, and 320C can be grouped using electrical load grouping devices, as per [reference to...]. Figure 1 or Figure 2 As illustrated in the embodiments presented herein, in this embodiment, an electrical load grouping device in the form of a smart meter 310 is used to group lighting fixtures. Each group 310A, 310B, 310C, and 310D can be turned on and off via a load switch included in the smart meter 310. The load switch is connected to a wall-mounted manual control switch via a wire (not shown here). In other embodiments, the load switch may be wirelessly connected to a control unit, which may include a user interface.

[0089] In this embodiment, each luminaire includes an event sensor in the form of a motion sensor. In other embodiments, the electrical load system may also include any other type of event sensor, such as a presence sensor. Event sensors may also be distributed throughout the electrical load system and do not need to be included within the electrical load itself.

[0090] Motion sensors detect, for example, human movement. When movement is detected, or when movement is no longer detected, the motion sensors provide a motion detection signal to the smart meter 310. This allows the smart meter 310 to connect or disconnect light groups 310A, 310B, 310C, and 310D based on the detected event (i.e., no movement or movement). This allows power to be supplied to the lights in one or more groups of lights that have detected movement, so that illumination is provided only in the passageway where illumination is required. Specifically, when no one is in the corresponding passageway where the corresponding group of lights is located, one or more groups of lights 310A, 310B, 310C, and 310D will be turned off. When a person approaches the corresponding passageway and one of the motion sensors detects movement, one or more groups of lights 310A, 310B, 310C, and 310D will be turned on.

[0091] In other embodiments, the event sensors may also be arranged such that when someone approaches the entrance to their respective passageway 320A, 320B, and 320C, the lights in groups 310B, 310C, and 310D are turned on. In other embodiments, when an event is detected, the event sensors arranged in the respective electrical loads may activate only the respective electrical load.

[0092] Figure 4A fourth embodiment of an electrical load system in the form of a CL system 400 is illustrated schematically and exemplary. Similar to the previous embodiments, the CL system 400 can be used to group electrical loads, including luminaires, and to provide lighting.

[0093] The CL system 400 includes a wall-mounted manual-operated switch 402, an electrical load grouping device in the form of a smart meter 410, a luminaire 430 arranged in room 420, and a luminaire 440 arranged near room 420.

[0094] All light fixtures 430 and 440 are connected to the smart meter 410 and are powered from the main line 460 via the smart meter 410. Light fixture 430 is connected to and can be controlled by a wall-mounted manual switch 402. The wall-mounted manual switch 402 is located in room 420. Light fixture 440 is not connected to the wall-mounted manual switch 402.

[0095] In this embodiment, an electrical load sensor (not shown) is arranged such that the smart meter 410 assigns lamps 430 and 440 to lamp group 450. Therefore, when the wall-mounted manual operation switch 402 is switched, lamp 430 is activated, and a corresponding group activation signal is provided to the smart meter 410 to supply power to group 450. In response to the group activation signal, the smart meter 410 supplies power to lamps 430 and 440 in group 450, and additionally activates lamp 440. Thus, switching the manual operation switch 402 allows control of more lamps than are connected to it. For example, lamp 440 could be a front door light, lamp 430 could be a hallway light, and the wall-mounted manual operation switch 402 could be a hallway light switch. When the hallway light switch 402 is switched, the front door light 440 and the hallway light 430 are activated or deactivated.

[0096] Figure 5 A device for operating electrical load grouping is shown—for example Figures 1 to 4 One embodiment of the method 500 for a smart meter in a CL system described herein. In other embodiments, the method can be used to operate another electrical load grouping device in another electrical load system.

[0097] In step 510, the smart meter transmits a signal to the corresponding luminaire to change its power consumption. In this embodiment, the signal to change power consumption causes the luminaire to change its dimming level, and thus also changes its power consumption. Step 510 is optional. Alternatively, another method for triggering a change in power consumption of the corresponding electrical load can be used.

[0098] In step 520, the smart meter, responding to changes in the power consumption of the corresponding lighting fixture, receives the changed power value from one or more power sensors. In other embodiments, it may respond to changes in the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load by receiving changes in any other electrical parameter from one or more electrical load sensors.

[0099] In step 530, the smart meter assigns the corresponding light fixture to a group of light fixtures or multiple groups of light fixtures associated with a power sensor, which measures the received change in power consumption in response to the change in power consumption of the corresponding light fixture. In other embodiments, the corresponding electrical load may also be assigned to a group based on which electrical load sensor or which electrical load sensors measure the received change in electrical parameter value in response to the change in power consumption of the corresponding electrical load.

[0100] This method can be applied to all luminaires in the CL system to assign all luminaires to one or more groups of luminaires.

[0101] The assignment of luminaires to groups can be stored in a database, for example, in a LUT that includes luminaire identifiers and group identifiers. A LUT can be used to address one or more groups of luminaires simultaneously.

[0102] Figure 6 An embodiment of a method 600 for grouping electrical loads in an electrical load system is shown, wherein at least one electrical load sensor is grouped with another electrical load sensor (e.g., Figure 2 The CL system described in the text is arranged in series. Step 510 is similar to step 610, and step 520 is similar to step 620.

[0103] In step 610, the smart meter transmits a signal to the corresponding light fixture to change its power consumption. Step 610 is optional.

[0104] In step 620, the smart meter responds to the changing power consumption of the corresponding lighting fixture by receiving the changing power value from one or more power sensors.

[0105] In step 630, the smart meter assigns a corresponding light fixture to a group of light fixtures and a subgroup of that group, measuring the received changing power value in response to the changing power consumption of the corresponding light fixture. This group of electrical loads is associated with a power sensor, and the subgroup is associated with another power sensor, which is arranged in series with the power sensor. This allows electrical loads to be assigned to more than one group, and thus improves control over the electrical loads by addressing either the group or the subgroup.

[0106] This method can be performed on all luminaires in the CL system to assign all luminaires to luminaire groups and luminaire subgroups.

[0107] The assignment of luminaires to groups and subgroups can be stored in a database, for example, in a LUT that includes luminaire identifiers and group identifiers. Individual group identifiers can be assigned to each group and each subgroup. A LUT can be used to address luminaires in one or more groups and subgroups simultaneously.

[0108] While the invention has been detailed and described in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description is to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not limiting; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. For example, it is possible to operate the invention in embodiments where the electrical load system is an HVAC system comprising one or more HVAC devices, which include one or more of the following devices: air conditioning equipment, heating equipment, ventilation equipment, humidity equipment, and / or cooling equipment.

[0109] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention.

[0110] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0111] A single unit, processor, or device can perform the functions of several items listed in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0112] Similar to the operation of grouping electrical loads located at different locations in an electrical load system based on measurements of electrical parameters at electrical load sensors—where each of these electrical load sensors is arranged such that it can measure the electrical parameters of one or more electrical loads—this operation, performed by one or more units of an electrical load grouping device, involves receiving changes in electrical parameters from one or more electrical load sensors in response to varying power consumption of the corresponding electrical loads, allocating the corresponding electrical loads to a group of electrical loads or multiple groups of electrical loads associated with the electrical load sensors based on which electrical load sensors or which electrical load sensors measure the received changes in electrical parameters in response to varying power consumption of the corresponding electrical loads, etc., and can be performed by any other number of units of the electrical load grouping device. These operations and / or methods can be implemented as program code devices for computer programs and / or as dedicated hardware.

[0113] Computer programs can be stored / distributed on suitable media (such as optical storage media or solid-state media), provided together with other hardware or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0114] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0115] This invention relates to electrical load grouping based on measurements of electrical parameters at electrical load sensors. The electrical load grouping device is configured to receive changes in electrical parameters from one or more electrical load sensors in response to varying power consumption of the corresponding electrical load. The device is further configured to assign the corresponding electrical load to a group of electrical loads or multiple groups of electrical loads associated with the electrical load sensor, based on which electrical load sensor(s) or groups of electrical loads measure the received changes in electrical parameters in response to varying power consumption of the corresponding electrical load. This allows for automatic grouping of electrical loads in an electrical load system.

Claims

1. An electrical load grouping device (110; 210; 310; 410) for grouping electrical loads (132A, ..., 134C; 205; 430, 440) located at different positions in an electrical load system (100; 200; 300; 400) based on measurements of electrical parameters at electrical load sensors (120A, 120B; S1, S2, S3, S11, ..., S36), wherein the electrical load sensors are arranged such that each of them can measure electrical parameters of one or more of the electrical loads (132A, ..., 134C; 205; 430, 440), The electrical load grouping device (210) includes load switches (ls1, ls2, ls3) and / or circuit breakers for connecting and disconnecting one or more groups (230A, ..., 236C) of the electrical loads (205) from the electrical load grouping device (210). The electrical load grouping devices (110; 210; 310; 410) are configured to respond to changes in power consumption of the corresponding electrical loads (132A, ..., 134C; 205; 430, 440) by receiving changes in the electrical parameters from one or more of the electrical load sensors (120A, 120B; S1, S2, S3, S11, ..., S36). The electrical load grouping device (110; 210; 310; 410) is configured to measure changes in received electrical parameters based on which electrical load sensor (120A, 120B; S1, S2, S3, S11, ..., S36) or which electrical load sensors (120A, 120B; S1, S2, S3, S11, ..., S36) respond to changes in power consumption of the corresponding electrical load (132A, ..., 134C; 205; 430, 440), and to assign the corresponding electrical load (132A, ..., 134C; 205; 430, 440) to a group with the electrical load sensor (110; 210; 310; 410). A group of electrical loads (130A, 130B; 230A, ..., 236C; 310A, ..., 310D; 450) associated with 120A, 120B; S1, S2, S3, S11, ..., S36) or multiple groups of electrical loads (132A, ..., 134C; 205; 430, 440) associated with electrical load sensors (120A, 120B; S1, S2, S3, S11, ..., S36) and, and The electrical load grouping devices (110; 210; 310; 410) are also configured to trigger changes in the power consumption of the corresponding electrical loads (132A, ..., 134C; 205; 430, 440).

2. The electrical load grouping device (110) according to claim 1 further includes a database (118) for storing the allocation of the electrical loads (132A, ..., 134C) to electrical load (132A, ..., 134C) groups (130A, 130B).

3. An electrical load system (100; 200; 300; 400), comprising: - The electrical load grouping device (110; 210; 310; 410) according to claim 1, - Electrical loads (132A, ..., 134C; 205; 430, 440) arranged in different locations, and - Electrical load sensors (120A, 120B; S1, S2, S3, S11, ..., S36) are arranged such that each of them can measure electrical parameters of one or more of the electrical loads (132A, ..., 134C; 205; 430, 440) and a set of electrical loads (132A, ..., 134C; 205; 430, 440) (130A, 130B; 230A, ..., 236C; 310A, ..., 310D; 450) are associated with electrical load sensors (120A, 120B; S1, S2, S3, S11, ..., S36).

4. The electrical load system (200) according to claim 3, wherein one electrical load sensor (S11, ..., S36) is arranged in series with another electrical load sensor (S1, S2, S3), such that the electrical load sensor (S11, ..., S36) arranged in series with the other electrical load sensor (S1, S2, S3) can measure electrical parameters of one or more of a set (230A, 230B, 230C) electrical loads (205) associated with the other electrical load sensor (S1, S2, S3), and wherein One or more of the electrical loads (205) form a subgroup (231A, ..., 236B, ..., 236C) of the electrical load (205) group (230A, 230B, 230C) associated with the other electrical load sensor (S1, S2, S3). The subgroup (231A, ..., 236A, 231B, ..., 236B, 231C, ..., 236C) of the electrical loads (205) is associated with the electrical load sensor (S11, ..., S36), and the electrical load sensor is arranged in series with the other electrical load sensor (S1, S2, S3).

5. The electrical load system (200) according to claim 4, comprising sub-grouping devices (220A, 220B, 220C) connected to the electrical load grouping device (210), wherein the sub-grouping devices (220A, 220B, 220C) comprise the electrical load sensors (S11, ..., S36) arranged in series with the other electrical load sensor (S1, S2, S3).

6. The electrical load system (200) according to claim 5, wherein the subgrouping device (220A) includes load switches and / or circuit breakers (cb11, ..., cb16, cb21, ..., cb26, cb31, ..., cb36) for connecting and disconnecting subgroups (231A, ..., 236A, 231B, ..., 236B, 231C, ..., 236C) of the electrical load (205) from the subgrouping device (220A).

7. The electrical load system (200) of claim 6, comprising an event sensor (271A) for detecting events, wherein the subgrouping device (220A) is configured to connect and disconnect a subgroup (231A) of the electrical load (205) from the subgrouping device (220A) based on the detected event.

8. The electrical load system (200) according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the electrical loads (205) includes an event sensor (271A) for detecting events.

9. The electrical load system (200) according to claim 3 further includes a control unit (216) configured to control the electrical load (205).

10. A method for operating the electrical load grouping device (110; 210; 310; 410) according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: - Power consumption in response to changes in the corresponding electrical load, receiving (520) changes in electrical parameters from one or more electrical load sensors. -Based on which electrical load sensor or electrical load sensors react to the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load, the received electrical parameter change value is measured, and the corresponding electrical load is assigned (530) to a group of electrical loads or multiple groups of electrical loads associated with the electrical load sensor.

11. A method (600) for grouping electrical loads (205) of an electrical load system (200) according to claim 4, comprising the steps of: - Power consumption in response to changes in the corresponding electrical load, receiving (620) changes in electrical parameters from one or more electrical load sensors at the electrical load grouping equipment. -Based on which electrical load sensor or electrical load sensors react to the power consumption of the corresponding electrical load, the received electrical parameter change value is measured, and the corresponding electrical load is assigned (630) by the electrical load grouping device to a group of electrical loads or multiple groups of electrical loads associated with the electrical load sensor. If an electrical load sensor that measures the change in the electrical parameter in response to the change in power consumption of the corresponding electrical load is arranged in series with another electrical load sensor that measures the change in the electrical parameter in response to the change in power consumption of the corresponding electrical load, then the corresponding electrical load is assigned to a group of electrical loads and a subgroup of electrical loads.

12. A computer program product for grouping electrical loads (132A, ..., 134C; 205; 430, 440), wherein the computer program product includes program code means for causing the electrical load grouping device (110; 210; 310; 410) according to claim 1 to perform the method (500) as defined in claim 10 when the computer program product is operated on the electrical load grouping device (110; 210; 310; 410).

13. A computer-readable medium (114) that has stored the computer program product according to claim 12.

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