Companion module graphical display for guidance configuration

Abstract

The menu selection technique is based on the orientation of a companion module used in a flexible load management (FLM) system. The FLM system includes load centers utilizing breakers in conjunction with companion modules (i.e., intelligent controllers). Each companion module has a graphical display and a push button included on a front side of the module as an input device used to display and input information including icons, buttons, controls, messages, status, menus, or other desired text on a user interface (UI) to enable a user to configure and operate the companion module. The companion modules also include an accelerometer configured to detect the orientation of gravity (i.e., first orientation and reverse or upside down orientation) and movement of the module and responsively generate a signal that is translated into a corresponding change in the orientation of information displayed on the UI, particularly when the companion module is inserted into the load center.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to graphical displays, and more particularly to graphical displays of intelligent controllers used to display information used to configure and operate the intelligent controller. [Background technology]

[0002] Background information Breakers may be arranged in many slots in a load center and may generally have different orientations on the left or right side of the load center (i.e., the breaker may be flipped from one side to the other). Therefore, intelligent breakers that include a display screen require a means to obtain the proper screen image orientation and slot identification when placed in a load center.

[0003] The above and further advantages of the embodiments herein may be better understood by reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary deployment of a Flexible Load Management (FLM) system within a facility. [Figure 2] Block diagram of the companion module of the FLM system. [Figure 3A] 10 is a screenshot of a user interface (UI) embodiment showing loads on a graphical display whose position depends on the orientation of the companion module within the FLM system's virtual critical load panel. [Figure 3B]A screenshot of the user interface (UI) showing loads on a graphical display whose position depends on the orientation of the companion module within the FLM system's virtual critical load panel. [Figure 4A] 10 is a screen shot of a UI embodiment showing a menu of companion module slot numbers on a graphical display according to a menu selection technique. [Figure 4B] 10 is a screen shot of a UI embodiment showing a menu of companion module slot numbers on a graphical display according to a menu selection technique. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Overview Embodiments described herein are directed to a menu selection technique based on the orientation of a companion module used in a flexible load management (FLM) system. The FLM system includes a load center that embodies a virtual critical load panel (vCLP) that utilizes breakers in conjunction with companion modules (i.e., intelligent controllers). Each companion module has a graphical display and a pushbutton included on the front of the module as an input device used to display and input information, including icons, buttons, controls, messages, status, menus, or other desired text, on a user interface (UI) to enable a user to configure and operate the companion module. The companion module also includes an accelerometer configured to detect the orientation of gravity (i.e., first orientation and reverse or upside-down orientation) and movement of the module and, in response, generate a signal that is translated into a corresponding change in the orientation of information displayed on the UI, particularly when the companion module is inserted into the load center.

[0006] In one embodiment, the menu of the UI displays a list of enumerated "slot numbers," where the slot numbers identify the physical locations where the companion modules are inserted (attached) to the load center. To limit the information presented on the UI, for example, through the practices and / or regulations of the jurisdiction in which the load center is installed, the technique utilizes different menu displays depending on the detected orientation. For example, the different menu displays may include odd numbers for slots on the left side of the load center (i.e., companion modules in a first orientation) and even numbers for slots on the right side of the load center (i.e., companion modules in a second orientation that is reversed or upside down relative to the first orientation). Note that the slot numbering convention may change depending on the slot location.

[0007] explanation 1 illustrates an exemplary deployment of a flexible load management (FLM) system 100 within a facility, such as an office or residence. The FLM system 100 utilizes one or more virtual critical load panels (vCLPs) at a load center 120, each of which prioritizes loads deemed important enough to warrant protection by the facility's local power source 102 as a failover and / or supplement power availability. As described herein, the FLM system 100 utilizes circuit breakers or breakers 122 in conjunction with a companion module 200 (i.e., an intelligent controller) to change the prioritization of loads within the facility by time of day, season, or even dynamically.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the local power source 102 for the facility may be a generator or a battery inverter that converts direct current (DC) from a battery into high-voltage alternating current (AC). However, in an exemplary embodiment, the local power source 102 may be a small-scale power grid (microgrid) configured to generate enough power, for example, in the range of 5 kilowatts (kW) to 30 kW, which is sufficient to power numerous different types of loads.

[0009] The microgrid controller 106 is configured to manage power consumption and / or other high-level control functions (e.g., determining which loads to activate) in the FLM 100. To that end, the microgrid controller 106 may include a processor configured to execute software and manipulate data structures maintained in memory (e.g., persistent or volatile memory) having storage locations for storing the software and data structures. The data structures may include a state center that may utilize the state of components / devices in the FLM system 100 to describe their configuration and to maintain other types of information. The microgrid controller 106 may also include interfaces that incorporate the mechanical, electrical, and signaling circuitry necessary to connect to and communicate with these components / devices. In one embodiment, the microgrid controller 106 may be implemented based on a commercial host from Savant Systems, LLC.

[0010] A panel bridge controller (PBC) 108 connects to the small-grid controller 106 via a local area network (LAN) 110, such as Ethernet. The PBC 108 is configured to convert commands received from the small-grid controller 106 via the LAN 110 into messages, which are provided to the load center 120 via a wireless LAN (WLAN) 112 according to a wireless messaging protocol, such as Bluetooth. The commands received from the small-grid controller 106 via the LAN 110 and WLAN 112 are configured to control a companion module 200 in the load center 120. As described further herein, the companion module 200 monitors (senses) the voltage and current (power) of the load and wirelessly communicates (via Bluetooth) with the PBC 108 to enable remote control of the companion module from a mobile application (e.g., running on a user's mobile device). In particular, the normally open (NO) relays in each companion module act as an inhibit device to prevent the local power supply 102 from turning on unless and until the FLM system 100 is in a safe state (i.e., the number of connected companion modules is small enough to ensure that the power supply is not overloaded when started).

[0011] The load center 120 may include one or more electrical panels that, during normal operation, receive, for example, 200 amperes (A) of service from a public power grid 140. In one embodiment, the load center 120 is configured to receive power from the power grid 140 via a main feeder 132 and an automatic transfer switch (ATS) 130 (which has a switching time for switching power to a local power source) via a feeder 136 and distribute the power (i.e., current) to the facility's branch circuits via breakers 122 housed within the electrical panel. Illustratively, the electrical panel is embodied as a vCLP 125 by including a companion module 200 hardwired (e.g., in series) with the breakers 122 to control activation / deactivation of the individual breakers. The companion module 200 and associated breakers 122 may be located in separate electrical boxes (e.g., a main electrical panel and a companion module panel) within the load center 120.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ATS 130 is an intelligent power switching device having a microprocessor-based controller configured to automatically disconnect from the main feeder 132 of the public power grid 140 and connect to the local feeder 134 of the local power source 102 when power from the public power grid 140 goes down (i.e., is lost or unavailable). Illustratively, the ATS 130 includes a low-voltage control 135 in communication with a microgrid controller configured to trigger the start of the local power source 102 in the absence of power from the public power grid 140. When power from the public power grid 140 goes down (terminates), the microgrid controller signals the ATS via the control 135 to start the local power source 102 during a transfer period (not shown). Power is then supplied to the load center 120 via the local feeder 134, through the ATS 130, and via the feeder 136.

[0013] The power grid voltage transformer (VT) 142 is configured to monitor the public power grid voltage (e.g., via a voltage monitoring branch circuit) to determine when the voltage drops sufficiently (e.g., near a zero crossing) to safely turn on (activate) the local power source 102. In one embodiment, the power grid VT 142 converts and isolates the utility line voltage (e.g., 240V) to a low voltage suitable for digital sampling. The panel VT 146 is a transformer configured to monitor the voltage supplied to the load center 120. In one embodiment, the FLM system 100 may also include one or more current transformers (CTs) configured to monitor the current from the public power grid 140 supplied to the load center 120.

[0014] A smart energy monitor (SEM) 144 is configured to monitor (measure) voltage and current from the transformer and from other loads (e.g., air conditioners) within the facility. Illustratively, the SEM 144 is embodied as an analog-to-digital (AD) converter that receives and samples the voltage / current from the VT / CT. The voltage and current are preferably sampled at a high data rate (e.g., 1 kHz) by the SEM 144, which performs operations (i.e., calculations) directed to, for example, power factor, apparent power / real power, etc., for power management calculations. According to embodiments described herein, the sampled data is then provided to the microgrid controller 106 via control and data lines 148 to determine the power capacity level of the FLM system.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram of companion module 200. In one embodiment, companion module 200 operates to support (e.g., turn on (and off)) one or more relays (e.g., one 30A / 240VAC circuit or, illustratively, two 15A / 120VAC circuits). A power measurement digital signal processor (DSP) 202 is coupled to breaker controller 204, which has a processor with an on-board wireless (Bluetooth®) transceiver. Power measurement DSP 202 is also coupled to voltage sense line 206 and current sense line 208. As described further herein, breaker controller 204 also includes memory 225 (e.g., RAM and / or flash) adapted to store software programs or instructions embodied as firmware 230 configured to enable control of components (e.g., hardware) of companion module 200.

[0016] A pair of relays 210 are coupled between a pair of screw terminals 212 and a pair of current (e.g., Hall effect) sensors 214. The relays are normally open (NO) to conduct power to the branch circuit and are coupled to a pair of screw terminals 212, which serve as connection points for conventional 15A / 120VAC breakers 122 (e.g., arc fault breakers) that can be manually activated. Alternatively, each relay 210 may be embodied as a mechanically actuated switch, which provides adequate safety while eliminating the need for a conventional breaker. A pair of screw terminals 216 serve as connection points for a desired load (not shown). An AC-DC power supply 218 outputs +12VDC and +3.3VDC to power the companion module 200. As an alternative to using the power measurement DSP 202 to output a pulse when the detected voltage and current reach approximately zero, a zero-crossing detection circuit 220 can be used to generate a square wave output signal that is coupled to the breaker controller 204 via line 222.

[0017] In one embodiment, power measurement DSP 202 can calculate, among other values, a separate instantaneous power consumption for each load connected to screw terminals 216, as well as average and peak power consumption over a predetermined period of time. Power measurement DSP 202 can also be configured to output a pulse via line 205 to breaker controller 204 when the current and voltage reach approximately zero. By knowing when the current and voltage zero crossings are occurring, breaker controller 204 ensures that relay 210 is switched (i.e., opened or closed) only coincident with the occurrence of one or more zero crossings. This benefit tends to reduce arcing and increase the useful life of relay 210.

[0018] Companion module 200 also includes a graphical display 250 and a push button 245 included on the front of the companion module as an input device used to display and input information, including icons, buttons, controls, messages, status, menus, or other desired text, on a user interface (UI) 260 to enable a user to configure and operate the companion module. An accelerometer 240 of companion module 200 is configured to detect the orientation of gravity (i.e., first orientation and reverse or upside-down orientation) and movement of the module and, in response, generate a signal that is translated, for example, by breaker controller 204, into a corresponding change in the orientation of information displayed on the UI 260 of graphical display 250, particularly when the companion module is inserted into a load center 120 used to form vCLP 125. However, depending on the physical location or position of the companion module within the load center, the presentation of information (e.g., menus and / or text) on the UI 260 may be inverted (“upside down”), thereby resulting in an undesirable user experience.

[0019] The embodiments described herein are directed to a menu selection technique based on the orientation of a companion module used in an FLM system. The accelerometer 240 of the companion module 200 detects movement of the module and, in response, generates a signal that is translated (e.g., mapped) by the breaker controller 204 into a corresponding change in the companion module's orientation (e.g., left or right orientation) upon insertion into the load center 120. That is, the physical location or position of the companion module within the load center may depend on the orientation of the module, as determined by the accelerometer 240. The determination of such physical location is processed by the controller 204 to prevent an inverted (“upside-down”) presentation of menu displays (text) displayed on the UI 260 of the graphical display 250.

[0020] 3A and 3B are screenshots of a UI embodiment that displays loads (e.g., kitchen outlets and kitchen lights) on a graphical display 250, the position of which (e.g., right and left) is determined by the orientation of the companion module 200 within the load center 120 of the FLM system 100. The rectangular rocker switches 310a, 310b (e.g., channel A / B circuit power switches) on one side of the companion module 200 are static (fixed) but are oriented differently (e.g., left or right) depending on the physical location or position of the companion module 200 within the load center 120. The UI 260 of the graphical display 250 indicates a left / right orientation so that the user knows which side of the panel 125 the companion module 200 is inserted into, depending, for example, on whether the graphical display 250 is on the left or right side, or whether channel A is in a top or bottom vertical orientation.

[0021] Features of the companion module 200 include the ability to name loads (e.g., outlets, lights, etc.) within individual locations within the facility (e.g., kitchen, dining room, bedroom, etc.), where, for example, a software application in the microgrid controller 106 communicates via low-power wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) to set the names in the companion module's firmware 230. To ensure the information displayed on the UI 260 fits within the relatively small size (i.e., display "footprint") of the graphical display 250, the technique utilizes buttons 245 on the companion module 200 to cycle through various menus and listed names of loads and their locations. Alternatively, the graphical display 250 includes a touchscreen, in which case the processor is configured to accept input from the touchscreen to select menu items. In another embodiment, messages via a mobile application may communicate with the companion module as a user interface device to provide selection capabilities (i.e., interactively similar to buttons 245) according to an interface on the mobile device running the mobile application.

[0022] In one embodiment, another feature of the companion module 200 includes configuring predetermined names of loads and their locations in the firmware 230 directly from the UI 260 of the graphical display 250. Illustratively, a user may scroll through predetermined names by manipulating (e.g., pressing) buttons 245 on the display screen. For example, a first menu may present a list of listed “rooms” on the UI 260. The user may scroll through the list of room names to select a particular room (e.g., via buttons 245). A second menu may present a list of listed “loads” sensitive to the selected room (e.g., lights and outlets in a selected bedroom). The user may scroll through the list of load names to select a load for each of two channels (channels A / B) associated with the relay 210 of the companion module 200 (e.g., via buttons 245).

[0023] 4A and 4B are screenshots of a UI embodiment displaying a companion module slot number and load menu according to a menu selection technique. A third menu may show a list of enumerated "slot numbers," where the slot number identifies the physical location where the companion module 200 is inserted (installed) in the load center 120. The physical location or location (slot number) of the installed companion module may also be used to construct a vCLP / load center graphical representation (e.g., as displayed on the UI 260 of the graphical display 250) for use by an installer (electrician) in configuring and / or maintaining (e.g., repairing) the load center companion module 200. For example, the technique utilizes different menu displays depending on the detected orientation to limit the information presented on the display screen, for example, through the practices and / or regulations of the jurisdiction in which the load center is installed. For example, different menu displays may include odd numbers for slots to the left of the load center (i.e., companion modules in a first orientation) and even numbers for slots to the right of the load center (i.e., companion modules in a second orientation that is reversed or upside down relative to the first orientation). Note that the slot numbering convention may change depending on the slot position. Also, note that the UI 260 of the graphical display 250 is positioned either (i) on the left side of the module (e.g., when the channel A rocker switches 310a, 310b are presented on the right side of the module in the bottom position orientation) or (ii) on the right side of the module (e.g., when the channel A rocker switches 310a, 310b are presented on the left side of the module in the top position orientation). In either case, the title "Slot Number" is presented at the top of the display screen in a vertical orientation that allows the user to properly read the menu / slot number selections within a slot group.

[0024] The above description is directed to particular embodiments of the present invention. However, as will become apparent, other variations and modifications can be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages. For example, it is specifically contemplated that the teachings of the present invention may be embodied in software, hardware, firmware, or combinations thereof, including a computer-readable medium having program instructions executing on a computer. Accordingly, this description should be construed as merely exemplary, and not otherwise limiting the scope of the invention. Thus, it is the object of the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. a companion module having a form factor adapted to match the compatibility of conductors within an electrical load center, a first switch coupled to the processor, the display, the first load terminal, and the first power connector and adapted to conduct power from the conductor to the first load terminal via the first power connector; an accelerometer coupled to the processor; a display coupled to the processor, wherein the electrical load center has a first slot and a second slot, the companion module is to be inserted into the first slot in a first orientation or into the second slot in a second orientation opposite the first orientation, the display being viewable when the companion module is inserted into the first slot or the second slot, and the processor: A companion module configured to use the accelerometer to determine whether the inserted companion module is in the first orientation or the second orientation, and to present a menu on the display in an orientation set according to the determined orientation of the inserted companion module, the menu displaying a slot number according to a slot numbering convention for the electrical load center that identifies the physical location of the companion module within the electrical load center.

2. 2. The companion module of claim 1, wherein the slot number includes one or more odd numbers that identify a physical location of the companion module within the electrical load center when the companion module is inserted into the first slot.

3. 2. The companion module of claim 1, wherein the slot number includes one or more even numbers that identify the physical location of the companion module within the electrical load center when the companion module is inserted into the second slot.

4. 10. The companion module of claim 1, further comprising a button visible when the companion module is attached to the electrical load center, the processor further configured to accept input from the button to select a menu item.

5. The companion module of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to show on the display the name of a load connected to the first load terminal.

6. 10. The companion module of claim 1, further comprising: a second switch coupled to the processor and a second power connector, the second switch adapted to conduct power from the second power connector to a second load terminal.

7. 7. The companion module of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to show on the display the names of loads connected to the first and second load terminals.

8. The companion module of claim 1 , wherein the display is a touchscreen, and the processor is further configured to accept input from the touchscreen to select menu items.

9. 10. The companion module of claim 1, wherein the physical location of the companion module is used to construct a graphical representation of the electrical load center on the display.

10. 10. The companion module of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor for wireless communication with a mobile device running a mobile application, the processor further configured to accept input from the mobile application via wireless communication.

11. 11. The companion module of claim 10, wherein the wireless transceiver is a Bluetooth transceiver.

12. 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having program instructions executable by a processor of a companion module attached to a load center, the load center having a first slot and a second slot, the companion module being inserted into the first slot in a first orientation or into the second slot in a second orientation opposite the first orientation, the companion module including: (i) a switch and an accelerometer coupled to the processor; (ii) a display viewable when the companion module is inserted into the first slot or the second slot; (iii) load terminals coupled to conductors of the load center; and (iv) a power connector, the switch adapted to conduct power from the conductors to the load terminals through the power connector, the program instructions comprising: using the accelerometer to determine whether the inserted companion module is in the first orientation or the second orientation; A non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to present a menu on the display at an orientation set according to the determined orientation of the inserted companion module, the menu displaying a slot number according to a slot numbering convention for the load center that identifies the physical location of the companion module within the load center.

13. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the slot number includes one or more odd numbers that identify a physical location of the companion module within the load center when the companion module is inserted into the first slot.

14. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the slot number includes one or more even numbers that identify a physical location of the companion module within the load center when the companion module is inserted into the second slot.

15. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to accept input from buttons visible when the companion module is attached to the load center to select a menu item.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the processor is further configured to show on the display the name of a load connected to the load terminal.

17. 1. A method for showing information on a display of a companion module that is viewable when the companion module is inserted into a first slot or a second slot in a load center, wherein the companion module is to be inserted into the first slot in a first orientation or into the second slot in a second orientation opposite the first orientation, the companion module including a switch and an accelerometer, a power connector coupled to a load terminal and a conductor of the load center, the switch adapted to conduct power from the conductor to the load terminal through the power connector, the method comprising: using the accelerometer to determine whether the inserted companion module is in the first orientation or the second orientation; presenting a menu on the display in an orientation set according to the determined orientation of the inserted companion module; The method, wherein the menu displays a slot number according to a slot numbering convention for the load center that identifies the location of the companion module within the load center.

18. The method described in claim 17, wherein when the companion module is inserted into the first slot, the slot number includes one or more odd numbers that identify the physical location of the companion module within the load center, and when the companion module is inserted into the second slot, the slot number includes one or more even numbers that identify the physical location of the companion module within the electrical load center.

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