A controller for controlling electricity supplied to a load

Abstract

A controller 300 controls the supply of electricity to an electrical load 302 from a power supply 304 via a tariff control device 306 operable in one of a plurality of tariff configurations e.g. low-r

Description

The present disclosure relates to a controller for controlling the supply of electricity provided to an electrical load. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a controller for actively managing the supply of electricity from the main power supply to the load via a tariff control device. BACKGROUND Electrical energy is charged at different costs at different times of the day. Electricity costs can vary throughout the day, and utility companies often employ different tariffs to reflect these variations. To accurately measure and charge for electricity consumption based on the applicable tariff, energy utility companies utilize upstream meters and time switches. These devices play a crucial role in determining the cost of electricity consumption at different times of the day. For instance, some systems employ Radio Tele switches, time switches, or electricity meters that include a built-in time switch. These devices enable the utility company to track the timing and duration of electricity usage accurately. By incorporating a time switch, the associated meter(s) can record consumption during specific time periods, which align with the varying tariffs in effect. The combination of metering and a time switch allows utility companies to charge consumers, accordingly, based on the specific tariff rates applicable during the time of consumption. A tariff describes a rate of charge for each unit of electrical energy consumed. A tariff may include multiple different rates that are divided into rate periods. There may, for example, be a low rate period where electricity is cheaper, and a high rate period where electricity is more expensive. Meters or time switches may include a relay or switch that energizes the downstream loads during low-rate periods, when energy is less expensive. Time-of-use tariffs are electricity pricing plans that vary rates for electricity consumption based on the time of day or season, or in response to conditions on the power grid. These tariffs aim to incentivize energy usage during off-peak hours when demand is lower, and a surplus of energy is accessible. Conversely, they discourage consumption during peak hours when demand is at its highest. Tariffs can help to reduce overall demand for energy during peak hours, which can help to ease strain on the power grid and reduce the need for additional and expensive power generation capacity. In summary, the implementation of time-based tariffs serves as a mechanism to effectively manage energy demand and promote energy efficiency. These tariffs establish distinct cost rates based on the time of day, and once established, the time patterns associated with these periods typically remain consistent in the near term. Nevertheless, with the passage of time, the switches responsible for rate selection may deviate from their intended switching times compared to absolute time, or consumers may switch to a different energy supplier and transition to an alternative tariff, resulting in a change of time. In some cases, the energy utility companies might also modify the occurrence of tariff periods. Time clocks drift, and the drift refers to the gradual discrepancy between the time displayed on a clock or timer and the actual time. This can occur in any type of clock or timer. Time clock drift can be caused by a number of factors. One of the main causes is the slight instability of the oscillator that is used to generate the clock signal or spring in a mechanical timer. Electronic devices can be affected by temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors, which can cause them to drift over time. Additionally, the aging of electronic components can also contribute to time clock drift. Storage heaters are heating systems that use off-peak electricity provided to an electrical load to heat a thermal mass, with the heat being released at a later time. These heaters are typically used in homes and businesses where natural gas or other heating fuels are not available, or where electricity is the preferred energy source. One of the key features of these heaters is their ability to take advantage of time-of-use tariffs i.e., off-peak electricity. Electric storage heaters are well-suited for time-of-use tariffs because they can store heat during off-peak hours and release it during peak hours, thereby maximizing energy efficiency and cost savings. Electric storage heaters typically come with built-in controls that allow users to adjust the amount of heat stored and released based on their heating needs and the time-of-use tariff. This allows users to take advantage of lower off-peak rates by charging the heaters during off-peak hours and releasing heat during more expensive peak hours. By using electricity during off-peak hours when rates are lower, electric storage heaters can help users save on their energy bills. The time-of-use tariffs and their associated rates can vary depending on the utility company, location, and season. Often additional downstream devices are fitted after the meter and the time switch to implement active management of the load, for example management of storge heaters and optimization of local temperature in response to weather, or respond to grid conditions. However, such downstream systems can be susceptible to non-optimal performance due to the unexpected operation of the time switch, for example due to drift in time or a change in energy supplier resulting in a different tariff. SUMMARY It is desirable to provide a controller for management of electricity supplied to an electrical load that is optimised for operation with systems using time-of-use tariffs. 31 03 25 In particular, it is desirable to provide a controller that can function correctly with tariff systems that may have variable operation, for example due to drift of a time switch or changes to an energy supplier. 5 According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a controller for controlling the supply of electricity provided to an electrical load from a power supply via a tariff control device configured to be operable in one of a plurality of tariff configurations, the controller comprising: a voltage sensor configured to monitor a first voltage at a first node, the first 10 voltage at the first node being dependent on the tariff configuration, wherein the controller is configured to monitor a tariff configuration using the voltage sensor, an internal clock comprising a real time clock; and a memory element, wherein the memory element is configured to store first voltage data comprising the first voltage as detected by the voltage sensor over a 15 time period as determined by the internal clock; wherein the controller is configured to: monitor the tariff configuration of the tariff control device; and control the supply of electricity based on the tariff configuration. Optionally, where the power supply is a mains voltage. Optionally, wherein the 20 electrical load is part of a heater or a water tank. Optionally, wherein the heater is a storage heater. Optionally, wherein the plurality of tariff configurations comprises a low rate configuration and a high rate configuration. 25 Optionally, the controller is configured to synchronize the control of the supply of electricity to the tariff configuration. Optionally, wherein the controller is configured to supply electricity to the electrical 30 load when the tariff control device is in the low rate configuration. 31 03 25 Optionally, wherein the controller is configured to prevent the supply of electricity to the electrical load when the tariff control device is in the high rate configuration. Optionally, the controller comprising a processor configured to process and analyse 5 the first voltage data to determine the tariff configuration over the time period. Optionally, the controller configured to synchronize the control of the supply of electricity to the electrical load using the tariff configuration over the time period as determined by the processor. 10 Optionally, wherein the controller is configured to supply electricity to the electrical load when the tariff control device is in the low rate configuration. Optionally, wherein the controller is configured to prevent the supply of electricity 15 to the electrical load when the tariff control device is in the high rate configuration. Optionally, wherein the tariff control device comprises an electricity meter and / or a time switch and / or a radio tele switch. 20 Optionally, wherein the electricity meter and / or the time switch are upstream components and the heater and the controller are downstream components. Optionally, wherein the electricity meter is configured to be in one of the plurality of tariff configurations; and a switching state of the time switch is dependent on the 25 tariff configuration of the electricity meter; and the controller is configured to monitor the tariff configuration by detecting a switching state of the time switch and control the supply of electricity based on the detected switching state of the time switch. 30 Optionally, the controller comprising a voltage sensor configured to monitor a first voltage at a first node, the first voltage at the first node being dependent on the 31 03 25 switching state of the time switch, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the tariff configuration using the voltage sensor. Optionally, the comprising: an internal clock; and a memory element; wherein: the 5 memory element is configured to store first voltage data comprising the first voltage as detected by the voltage sensor over a time period as determined by the internal clock. Optionally, wherein the internal clock comprises a real time clock. Optionally, the 10 controller comprising a processor configured to process and analyse the first voltage data to determine the tariff configuration over the time period. Optionally, the controller configured to synchronize the control of the supply of electricity to the tariff configuration using the tariff configuration over the time 15 period as determined by the processor. Optionally, wherein the controller is configured to supply electricity to the electrical load when the tariff control device is in the low rate configuration. 20 Optionally, wherein the controller is configured to prevent the supply of electricity to the electrical load when the tariff control device is in the high rate configuration. Optionally, wherein the processor is configured to do one or more of: predict future tariffs based on historic first voltage data; schedule electricity usage; or monitor 25 usage of the heater. Optionally, the controller comprising a communication module configured to enable a user to access data stored within the controller and / or to operate the controller. Optionally, the controller comprising a control switch configured to provide 30 electricity to the electrical load when in an on state. 31 03 25 Optionally, the controller of any preceding claim configured to receive external data and to optimize the control of the supply of electricity to the heater based on the received external data. Optionally, wherein the external data comprises weather data and / or ambient temperature data. 5 According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling the supply of electricity provided to an electrical load from a power supply via a tariff control device configured to be operable in one of a plurality of tariff configurations, the controller comprising: 10 a voltage sensor configured to monitor a first voltage at a first node, the first voltage at the first node being dependent on the tariff configuration, wherein the controller is configured to monitor a tariff configuration using the voltage sensor, an internal clock comprising a real time clock; and a memory element, wherein the memory element is configured to store first 15 voltage data comprising the first voltage as detected by the voltage sensor over a time period as determined by the internal clock; comprising: monitoring the tariff configuration of the tariff control device using a controller; and controlling the supply of electricity based on the tariff configuration using the controller. 20 It will be appreciated that the method of the second aspect may include features set out in the first aspect and can incorporate other features as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 25 The present disclosure will be described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1(a) is a graph of a tariff schedule, Figure 1(b) is a graph of a time 30 drifted tariff schedule; Figure 2 is a schematic of a known a heating system; Figure 3(a) is a schematic of a controller for controlling the supply of electricity provided to an electrical load. Figure 3(b) is a series of graphs illustrating two example modes of operation of the controller of Figure 3(a); Figure 4(a) is a schematic of the apparatus as shown in Figure 3(a), with a specific embodiment of the controller, Figure 4(b) is a schematic of the apparatus shown in Figure 4(a) and showing a specific embodiment of the tariff control device, Figure 4(c) is a schematic of the apparatus as shown in Figure 4(b), with a specific embodiment of the controller, Figure 4(d) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of the electricity meter as may be used in the embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 5 is a schematic of a specific embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure with heater. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1(a) is a graph of a tariff schedule 100. In this example the tariff schedule 100 comprises two tariff rate periods: a high tariff rate period 102 and a low tariff rate period 104. Different tariff rates may be recorded on different registers in an electricity meter and managed by a clock within the meter. Alternatively, the tariff rates may be managed by an external device that controls the meter. Tariffs are normally switched between charge rates at different times of the day. The tariff schedule 100 switches between a low tariff rate at night to a high tariff rate during the day. The time in which the tariff rate changes can be fixed over a period of time. The tariff schedule 100 is not limited to two tariff rates and may comprise any number of tariff rates. The tariff schedule 100 is an example of a simple Economy 7 tariff. The low tariff rate period 104 is a time period where the price of electricity is lower than the high tariff rate period 102. Figure 1(b) is a graph of a time drifted tariff schedule 106, where the rate periods 102, 104 have drifted with respect to their intended time periods, as presented in Figure 1(a). There are several reasons why the time of a tariff rate can drift. The first reason is that there is a natural time drift that occurs between two clocks. This natural time drift can result in increasingly large discrepancies over time. A second reason why the time drift may occur is the energy utility company may be able to change the tariff rates dynamically to the rate meter and then adopt a strategy of track daily market rates. A third reason why time drift may occur is the consumer may move to a different provider with different rates or the energy company changes the tariff periods, but the meter remains unchanged. Figure 2 is a schematic of a known a heating system 200. The heating system 200 comprises a rate meter 202 coupled to a mains electricity supply 204. The system 200 further comprises a time switch 206, that is configured to close, thereby permitting passage of electricity, during a low rate period. The system 200 further comprises a control system 208 for managing heating loads for weather compensation and optimisation. Additional neutrals and power wires are not shown. In operation, and during a low rate period, the time switch 206 is closed, and the control system 208 provides electricity from the supply to an electrical load 210 for heating. The control system 208 typically schedules electricity based on the available information of the schedule from the energy utility company, for example during the low rate period. Therefore, the drift in time relating to the operation of the time switch 206 may result in a lack of synchronisation between the control system 208 and the tariff management devices formed by the meter 202 and the time switch 206. Similarly for cases where the energy supplier is changed, or the existing supplier alters the tariff, this information is not provided to the control system 206, thereby providing a further possible source of desynchronisation. In extreme cases, there may be no overlap between the time period when the switch 206 is closed and the operation of the control system 208, such that no power would be applied to the heating load. Figure 3(a) is a schematic of a controller 300 for controlling the supply of electricity provided to an electrical load 302 from a power supply 304 via a tariff control device 306 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The power supply 304 may be a mains voltage. The electrical load 302 may be part of a heater, such as a storage heater, or a water tank. For example, for a storage heater, providing electricity to the electrical load 302 may result in heating of a heating element. The heating element may be coupled to a thermal mass such that heat is transferred to the thermal mass and stored by the thermal mass to be released at a later time. An electrical storage heater refers to a type of heating system that stores heat energy during off-peak hours when electricity is less expensive and releases it during peak hours when electricity is more expensive. These heaters are designed to be used in conjunction with time-of-use tariffs, which offer lower electricity rates during off-peak hours. Electrical storage heaters typically use ceramic bricks or other materials to store heat energy, which is then released slowly over time to provide a steady source of heat. They are often used in rooms that require constant heating, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. A water heater is a device that is used to heat water. Water heaters can be powered by different sources, including electricity, gas, or oil, but electrical water heaters are common in homes and buildings that use electricity as their primary energy source. They typically use a heating element that heats the water in a tank or a tankless system, depending on the design. The hot water is then stored and distributed throughout the property as needed. The tariff control device is configured to be operable in one of a plurality of tariff configurations, as illustrated by two charge rates 308, 310 in the present example. For example, “Rate 1” may denote a high charge rate period and “Rate 2” may denote a low rate period, such that when the tariff control device is operating in the “Rate 2” tariff configuration, the cost of electricity is cheaper to the consumer than when in the “Rate 1” configuration. In operation, the controller 300 monitors the present tariff configuration of the tariff control device 306 and controls the supply of electricity provided to the load 302 based on the present tariff configuration. Figure 3(b) is a series of graphs illustrating two example modes of operation of the controller 300 of Figure 3(a). There is shown a graph 312 illustrating the electricity tariff comprises a low rate period 314 and a high rate period 316. In the present example, the control of the supply of electricity is synchronised to the tariff configuration. A graph 318 shows a first example, where a high state denotes that electricity is supplied to the load 302 by the controller 300 and a low state denotes that no electricity is supplied by the controller. As the controller 300 monitors the configuration of the tariff control device 306, it can schedule the supply of electricity to the load 302 accordingly, and, in the present example, take advantage of the low rate period. This is in contrast with known systems that are susceptible to drift, or tariff changes by an energy supplier. In these known systems, as the controller 300 is not actively monitoring the tariff configuration it will function in a non-optimal way. For example, for a known system that incorrectly permits electricity consumption during a high rate period, this may result in operation during a time period that is more costly for a consumer. In an example of a known system where electricity consumption is prevented during a high rate period, the system may function intermittently, or not at all. In both cases the known system provides non-optimal control. As the controller 300 of the present disclosure actively monitors the tariff configuration, its operation can be synchronised with the tariff schedule, thereby providing optimised control that is not based on an incorrect assumption of the present tariff configuration. A graph 320 shows a second example, where the controller 300 acts to supply electricity to the load 302 within the low rate period, but not over the whole duration of the low rate period. This may, for example, be provided as an optimal control method that takes into account external factors, such as weather information, and other environmental parameters. The controller 300 may implement an active management algorithm to synchronize heating control when the low-rate period occurs. In effect, the controller 300 enables synchronisation of the supply of electricity to a heater based on the tariff configuration, without the requirement of external information from an energy supplier. The controller 300 can provide a user with real-time information about tariffs and consumption, allowing them to monitor their electricity usage and make informed decisions about their energy consumption. Figure 4(a) is a schematic of the apparatus as shown in Figure 3(a), with a specific embodiment of the controller 300, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The controller 300 comprises a voltage sensor 400 that is configured to monitor a voltage VI at a node N1. The voltage VI is dependent on the tariff configuration, such that measurement of VI means it is possible to determine the present tariff configuration. Therefore, during operation the controller 300 monitors the tariff configuration by measuring the voltage VI using the voltage sensor 400. In a specific embodiment, during operation the voltage sensor 400 senses a voltage level of the upstream meter or 406 or time switch 408 that is indicative of the present tariff rate, thereby providing functionality to distinguish between high and low tariff periods. The controller may further comprise an internal clock 402 and a memory element 404. During operation the memory element 404 may store voltage data, comprising the voltage VI as it varies with time, with the time parameter being managed by the internal clock 402; for example, the internal clock 402 can track the time the voltage level change is detected. In one embodiment, the memory element 404 may only record changes in the voltage level, and the time when the voltage changed occurred. In a further embodiment, the voltage level may be periodically monitor and logged in a series of successive time increments. The memory element 404 may store historical tariff data for future use and management of connected loads. Using the voltage data it is possible to generate a profile of the tariff configuration as it varies with time, for example as shown in the graph 312 of Figure 2(b). The controller 300 can then manage its supply of electricity to the load 302 based on this timing profile. In a specific embodiment, the internal clock 402 may, for example, be a real time clock (RTC). In a specific embodiment, the controller 300 may further comprise a processor 407, such as a microprocessor, that is configured to process and analyse the voltage data. For example, the processor 407 may function as “a learning module” configured to analyze the input data to identify patterns and trends in electricity tariffs. Furthermore, the processor 407 may function as “a prediction module” configured to use the patterns and trends identified by the learning module to predict future tariffs. Furthermore, the processor 407 may function as “a scheduling module” configured to use the predicted tariffs to schedule consumption of electricity by the unit. Furthermore, the processor 407 may function as “a power control module” configured to regulate the consumption of electricity by the unit in accordance with the schedule generated by the scheduling module. The learning module may, for example, use machine learning, deep learning and / or a neural network. Analysing the data may comprise using regression analysis and artificial intelligence techniques and systems may be used for analysis of data. The analysed data may be used to identify tariff periods and provide recommendations for adapting the supply of electricity. During operation the controller 300 may synchronise the control of the supply of electricity to the load 302 using the voltage data as processed by the processor 407. The processor 407 may use the voltage data comprising the voltage VI as it varies with time to determine the specific tariff period. The processor 407 may be configured to do one or more of predict future tariffs based on historic first voltage data, schedule electricity usage, or monitor usage of the heater. The controller 300 may comprise a communication module 409 configured to enable a user to access data stored within the controller 300 and / or to operate the controller 300. The communication module 409 may send logged data stored within the memory element 404 to a remote device or server. The controller 300 may use the communication module 409 to communicate with a remote device such as a smartphone, computer, or other device, to present the logged data to the user. The controller 300 may configured to receive external data (for example via the communication module 409) and to optimize the control of the supply of electricity to the heater based on the received external data. The external data may comprise weather data and / or ambient temperature data. In a specific embodiment, the communication module 409 may function as an input module to receive user-specified consumption profile, to optimize and schedule the consumption of electricity based on tariffs. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication module 409 may function as an input module to receive data relating to current electricity tariffs. The communication module 409 may receive data via a wireless signal, such a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LoRaWAN and cellular networks. The signal may come from a user’s phone that may transmit instructions to the controller 300 through an API. Figure 4(b) is a schematic of the apparatus shown in Figure 4(a) and showing a specific embodiment of the tariff control device 306. The tariff control device 306 comprises an electricity meter 406 and a time switch 408. The electricity meter 406 is configured to be in one of the plurality of tariff configurations. The electricity meter 406 records the usage of electricity within each of the two rate periods relating to “Rate 1” and “Rate 2” based on the current configuration. A switching state of the time switch 408 is dependent on the tariff configuration of the electricity meter 406. In a specific embodiment, during operation, the time switch 408 may switch between a circuit path relating to Rate 1 and a circuit path relating to Rate 2. When coupled to the Rate 1 path, the electricity meter 406 will record electricity consumption at the Rate 1 rate. When coupled to the Rate 2 path, the electricity meter 406 will record electricity consumption at the Rate 2 rate. In a further embodiment, the switch 408 may only be “on” when one of the rates is active (for example, the rate relating to a low rate period). In a specific embodiment, the time switch 408 may be within the electricity meter 406. In a further embodiment, the tariff control device may comprise an electricity meter, a time switch or a radio tele switch. The controller 300 is configured to monitor the tariff configuration by detecting a switching state of the time switch 408 and control the supply of electricity based on the detected switching state of the time switch 408. In the present example, the voltage VI is dependent on the switching state, such that the controller 300 measures the voltage VI to determine the present switching state. The electricity meter 406 and / or the time switch 408 may be “upstream” components and the heater and the controller 300 may be “downstream” components. “Upstream” and “downstream” are relative terms. For example, the heater (or the electrical load itself) are downstream components as they are the endpoint of the electricity supplied. Upstream components are closer to the energy source when compared to downstream components. Therefore, the meter 406 and the switch 408 are “upstream” when compared to the “downstream” heater and controller 300. Figure 4(c) is a schematic of the apparatus as shown in Figure 4(b), with a specific embodiment of the controller 300, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the controller 300 comprises a control switch 410 configured to provide electricity to the electrical load when in an on state. Figure 4(d) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of the electricity meter 406 as may be used in the embodiments of the present disclosure, in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person. The electricity meter 406 comprises a timer module 412 to control the switching between tariff rates based on a timing schedule. In the present example, two rates are shown (high and low rates), and it will be appreciated in further embodiments there may be more than two rates. The timer module 412 acts as the local time reference point for the scheduling of electricity of the meter 406. It will be appreciated that timer module 412 may be a real time clock and / or may be mechanical or electronic. Figure 5 is a schematic of a specific embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present example, there is shown a heater 500, for example a storage heater, comprising the electrical load 304. In the present embodiment the voltage sensor 400, the microprocessor 407 and the internal clock 402 are used to detect and log when the upstream meter 406 and / or time switch 408 are in the low tariff period. The microprocessor 406 may be configured to function as “a self-adaptive unit” for managing electricity consumption. The self-adaptive unit may have an ability to learn patterns and trends in tariffs, predict future tariffs, schedule consumption, and monitor usage. The self-adaptive unit may learn and record when a low tariff period occurs. The self-adaptive unit may learn the tariffs over time and adjust the electricity consumption to optimize cost and energy efficiency for the user. The sensor 400 and microprocessor 407 are used to learn and adapt in real time to the actual upstream meter switching pattern. Time can be referenced against a real time clock (RTC) 402. Further embodiments may use another type of clock that is not an RTC, in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person. There are no known devices that will actively determine when low-rate electricity is available and use the determined condition to further optimize heating loads. Control devices fail to operate correctly when the tariff or time is different to that expected. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, such as heating systems, that can operate with time of use tariffs without being susceptible to clock drift issues. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure do not need to communicate with an external source such as the energy supplier to determine the tariff configuration, which is acquired from monitoring the tariff control device itself. In summary, any downstream devices intended to manage electrical loads such as for a heater and hot water tanks, to be effective, must know and synchronize with the upstream devices to match when the low-cost period is active. For example, if the low-cost period is active during the night, but the downstream devices are not aware of this, they may continue to operate during the day when energy rates are higher, resulting in higher energy costs for the consumer or provide no energy as they are completely out of sync, as is the case in known systems. By synchronizing with the upstream devices, the downstream devices can be programmed to operate only during the low-cost periods. Synchronization between upstream and downstream devices is required to effectively manage energy consumption and take advantage of lower energy rates. Such functionality is enabled by embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that devices such as smart thermostats do not have the ability to learn and adapt to changing tariff time by monitoring the electrical circuit that the electrical load is coupled to. Specific embodiments of the present disclosure may include auto learning functionality to predict when the low-rate period will be active, such that the downstream control device can calculate when it can provide energy to the attached loads. The auto learning functionality may be supported by machine learning techniques using historic data as measured by the system. Specific embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for energy management of electrical storage and water heaters, for the purpose of optimization of ambient temperature and weather compensation. Specific embodiments of the present disclosure can maintain effective load control, reduce energy consumption, enable weather compensation and reduce costs associated with heating storage and water. Embodiments of the present disclosure may implement sensing, logging, and learning of electricity tariffs using a self-adaptive unit for managing electricity consumption. Such systems offer several benefits including, but not limited to: • Cost savings: Specific embodiments are able to detect and log when the upstream meter or time switch is in the low tariff period, allowing the device to schedule load control when the electricity consumption cost during those periods is low, thereby resulting in cost and carbon savings. • Adaptability: The self-adaptive unit learns patterns and trends in electricity tariffs over time, allowing it to predict future tariffs and adjust the consumption schedule, accordingly, thereby providing a high level of adaptability to changing tariffs. • Automation: Specific embodiment can automatically schedule electricity consumption based on tariffs, reducing the need for manual intervention, and making it easy for the device to optimize electricity consumption. • Monitoring: Specific embodiments can provide the user with real-time information about tariffs and consumption, allowing them to monitor their usage and make informed decisions about their energy consumption. • Energy efficiency: By scheduling the consumption of electricity during low-tariff periods, embodiments of the present disclosure are able to optimize energy efficiency, reducing overall energy consumption and thereby contributing to a reduction in carbon footprint. • Easy to use: With the use of a communication module, embodiments of the present disclosure allow the user to access the logged data remotely and schedule the consumption via a mobile device such as smartphone, computer or other device. Various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A controller for controlling the supply of electricity provided to an electrical load from a power supply via a tariff control device configured to be operable in one of a plurality of tariff configurations, the controller comprising:a voltage sensor configured to monitor a first voltage at a first node, the first voltage at the first node being dependent on the tariff configuration, wherein the controller is configured to monitor a tariff configuration using the voltage sensor, an internal clock comprising a real time clock; anda memory element, wherein the memory element is configured to store first voltage data comprising the first voltage as detected by the voltage sensor over a time period as determined by the internal clock;wherein the controller is configured to:monitor the tariff configuration of the tariff control device; and control the supply of electricity based on the tariff configuration.

2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the electrical load is part of a heater or a water tank.

3. The controller of claim 2, wherein the heater is a storage heater.

4. The controller of any preceding claim wherein the plurality of tariff configurations comprises a low rate configuration and a high rate configuration.

5. The controller of any preceding claim configured to synchronize the control of the supply of electricity to the tariff configuration.

6. The controller of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to supply electricity to the electrical load when the tariff control device is in the low rate configuration and wherein the controller is configured to prevent the supply of electricity to the electrical load when the tariff control device is in the high rate configuration.

7. The controller of any of claims 1 to 3 comprising a processor configured to process and analyse the first voltage data to determine the tariff configuration over the time period.

8. The controller of claim 7, configured to synchronize the control of the supply of electricity to the electrical load using the tariff configuration over the time period as determined by the processor.

9. The controller of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to supply electricity to the electrical load when the tariff control device is in the low rate configuration and wherein the controller is configured to prevent the supply of electricity to the electrical load when the tariff control device is in the high rate configuration.

10. The controller of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tariff control device comprises an electricity meter and / or a time switch and / or a radio tele switch.

11. The controller of claim 10, wherein the electricity meter and / or the time switch are upstream components and the heater and the controller are downstream components.

12. The controller of claim 10 or 11, wherein:the electricity meter is configured to be in one of the plurality of tariff configurations; anda switching state of the time switch is dependent on the tariff configuration of the electricity meter; andthe controller is configured to monitor the tariff configuration by detecting a switching state of the time switch and control the supply of electricity based on the detected switching state of the time switch.

13. The controller of claim 12 comprising a voltage sensor configured to monitor a first voltage at a first node, the first voltage at the first node being dependent on theswitching state of the time switch, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the tariff configuration using the voltage sensor.

14. The controller of claim 13 comprising:an internal clock; anda memory element; wherein:the memory element is configured to store first voltage data comprising the first voltage as detected by the voltage sensor over a time period as determined by the internal clock.

15. The controller of claim 14, wherein the internal clock comprises a real time clock.

16. The controller of claim 14 or 15 comprising a processor configured to process and analyse the first voltage data to determine the tariff configuration over the time period.

17. The controller of claim 16, configured to synchronize the control of the supply of electricity to the tariff configuration using the tariff configuration over the time period as determined by the processor.

18. The controller of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to supply electricity to the electrical load when the tariff control device is in the low rate configuration and wherein the controller is configured to prevent the supply of electricity to the electrical load when the tariff control device is in the high rate configuration.

19. The controller of any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the processor is configured to do one or more of:predict future tariffs based on historic first voltage data;schedule electricity usage; ormonitor usage of the heater.

20. The controller of any preceding claim comprising a communication module configured to enable a user to access data stored within the controller and / or to operate the controller.

21. The controller of any preceding claim configured to receive external data and to optimize the control of the supply of electricity to the heater based on the received external data.

22. A method of controlling the supply of electricity provided to an electrical load from a power supply via a tariff control device configured to be operable in one of a plurality of tariff configurations, comprising:monitoring the tariff configuration of the tariff control device using a controller, wherein the controller comprises:a voltage sensor configured to monitor a first voltage at a first node, the first voltage at the first node being dependant on the tariff configuration, wherein the controller is configured to monitor a tariff configuration using the voltage sensor;an internal clock comprising a real time clock; anda memory element configured to store first voltage data comprising the first voltage a detected by the voltage sensor over a time period as determined by the internal clock; andcontrolling the supply of electricity based on the tariff configuration using the controller.

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