Guide setup for companion module graphic display

Abstract

The menu selection technique is based on the orientation of companion modules used in a Flexible Load Management (FLM) system. The FLM system includes a load center utilizing circuit breakers in combination with companion modules (i.e., intelligent controllers). Each companion module has a graphic display as well as a push button included on the front of the companion module as an input device used to display and input information, including icons, buttons, controls, messages, statuses, 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 module's gravity orientation (i.e., first orientation and opposite or inverted orientation) and movement, particularly when the companion module is inserted into the load center, and to generate a signal in response that is converted into a corresponding change in orientation of the information displayed on the UI.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to graphic displays, and more specifically, to a graphic display of an intelligent controller used to display information used to configure and operate the controller. Background Technology

[0002] Circuit breakers can be arranged in multiple slots of a load center and, typically, may have different orientations on the left or right side of the load center; that is, the breakers can be reversed from one side to the other ("can be flipped"). Accordingly, intelligent breakers including a display screen require means for accurate screen image orientation and slot identification when placed in the load center. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0003] The above and additional advantages of the embodiments of the present invention may be better understood by referring to the following description together with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary layout of a flexible load management (FLM) system within a premises. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the companion module of the FLM system. FIGS. 3a and 3b are screenshots of an embodiment of a user interface (UI) that displays loads on a graphic display in which the position depends on the orientation of a companion module within a virtual critical load panel of the FLM system. FIGS. 4a and 4b are screenshots of a UI embodiment that displays menus of slot numbers of companion modules on a graphic display according to a menu selection technique. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0004] outline

[0005] The embodiments described herein relate to a menu selection technique based on the orientation of companion modules used in a flexible load management (FLM) system. The FLM system includes a load center that implements a virtual critical load panel (vCLP) utilizing circuit breakers in combination with companion modules (i.e., intelligent controllers). Each companion module has a graphic display as well as a push button included on the front of the companion module as an input device used to display and input information including icons, buttons, controls, messages, statuses, 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 gravity orientation (i.e., first orientation and opposite or inverted orientation) and movement of the module, particularly when the companion module is inserted into the load center, and to generate a signal in response that is converted into a corresponding change in orientation of the information displayed on the UI.

[0006] In an embodiment, the menu of the UI displays a list of enumerated "slot numbers," wherein the slot number identifies the physical location where the companion module is inserted (mounted) in the load center. For example, to limit the information presented on the UI according to the protocols and / or regulations of the jurisdiction where the load center is installed, the technique uses different menu displays based 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 the first orientation) and even numbers for slots on the right side of the load center (i.e., companion modules in the second orientation opposite or inverted to the first orientation). Note that the slot numbering protocol may change depending on the slot position.

[0007] explanation

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a flexible load management (FLM) system (100) within a premises, such as a workplace or a home. The FLM system (100) utilizes one or more virtual critical load panels (vCLP) within a load center (120), wherein each vCLP provides the prioritization of loads considered sufficiently critical to ensure protection by a local power source (102) within the premises as failover and / or to supplement power availability. As described herein, the FLM system (100) utilizes circuit interrupts or breakers (122) in combination with companion modules (200) (i.e., intelligent controllers) to change the prioritization of loads within the premises by time of day, season, or even dynamically.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the local power source (102) for the premises may be a generator or a battery inverter, the latter of which 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 microgrid configured to generate substantial power, for example, in the range of 5 kilowatts (kW) to 30 kW, sufficient to power a number of different types of loads.

[0010] The microgrid (106) is configured to manage power consumption and / or other high-level control functions within the FLM (100), such as determining which loads should be activated (powered). To this end, the microgrid controller (106) may include a processor, which is configured to execute software and manipulate data structures maintained in memory (e.g., permanent or volatile memory) having locations for storing software and data structures. The data structures may include a state center, which can utilize the states of components / devices within the FLM system (100) to describe the configuration of the components / devices as well as maintain other types of information. The microgrid controller (106) may also include interfaces including mechanical, electrical, and signaling circuits necessary for connecting and communicating with such components / devices. In an embodiment, the microgrid controller (106) may be implemented based on a host commercially available from Savant Systems, LLC.

[0011] A panel bridge controller (PBC) (108) is connected to a microgrid controller (106) via a local area network (LAN) (110), such as Ethernet. The PBC (108) is configured to convert commands received from the microgrid controller (106) via the LAN (110) into messages provided to a load center (120) via a wireless LAN (WLAN) (112) according to a wireless messaging protocol such as Bluetooth. Commands received from the microgrid controller (106) via the LAN (110) and WLAN (112) are configured to control companion modules (200) of the load center (120). As further described herein, the companion module (200) monitors (detects) the voltage and current (power) of the load and communicates wirelessly with the PBC (108) (via Bluetooth) to enable remote control of the companion module from a mobile application (e.g., running on a user's mobile device). In particular, normally-open (NO) relays within each companion module function as inhibitors to prevent the local power source (102) from turning on unless the FLM system (100) is in a safe state and until it is, that is, until the number of connected companion modules is sufficiently small to ensure that the power source is not overloaded when started or until it is.

[0012] The load center (120) may include one or more electrical panels, which receive, for example, 200 amp service from the public utility grid (140) during normal operation. In an embodiment, the load center (120) is configured to receive power from the grid (140) via a power feed (136) through a main power feed (132) and an automatic transfer switch (ATS) (130) (which has a switching time for switching power to a local power source), and to distribute power (i.e., current) to branch circuits within the premises through circuit breakers (122) enclosed in the electrical panels. For example, the electrical panels are implemented as vCLP (125) by including circuit breakers (122) and companion modules (200) hardwired (e.g., in series) to control the activation / deactivation of individual circuit breakers. The companion modules (200) and associated circuit breakers (122) may be located in separate electrical boxes (e.g., main electrical panel and companion module panel) within the load center (120).

[0013] In an embodiment, the ATS (130) is an intelligent power switching device having a microprocessor-based controller, which is configured to automatically disconnect from the main power feed (132) of the public utility grid (140) and connect to the local power feed (134) of the local power source (102) when power from the public utility grid (140) is down (i.e., when power is cut off or becomes unavailable). For example, the ATS (130) includes a low-voltage control (135) that communicates with a microgrid controller configured to initiate (trigger) the start of the local power source (102) in the absence of power from the public utility grid (140). When power from the public utility grid (140) is degraded (ended), the microgrid controller signals the ATS via the control (135) to start the local power source (102) for a switching time (not shown). Next, power is supplied to the load center (120) via the local power feed (134), via the ATS (130), and via the power feed (136).

[0014] A grid voltage converter (VT) (142) is configured to monitor the public utility grid voltage (e.g., via a voltage monitoring branch circuit) to determine when the voltage has dropped sufficiently (e.g., near zero crossing) so that it is safe to turn on (activate) the local power source (102). In an embodiment, the grid VT (142) converts and isolates the utility line voltage, e.g. 240 V, to a low voltage suitable for digital sampling. A panel VT (146) is a voltage converter configured to monitor the voltage supplied to the load center (120). In an embodiment, the FLM system (100) may also include one or more current converters (CT) configured to monitor the current from the public utility grid (140) supplied to the load center (120).

[0015] The smart energy monitor (SEM) (144) is configured to monitor (measure) voltages and currents from converters as well as other loads within the premises (e.g., air conditioners). For example, the SEM (144) is implemented as an analog-to-digital (AD) converter that collects and samples voltages / currents from VTs / CTs. The voltages and currents are preferably sampled by the SEM (144) at a high data rate (e.g., 1 kHz), and the SEM (144) performs operations (i.e., computations) related to power management calculations, such as power factor, apparent / actual power, etc. The sampled data is then provided to a microgrid controller (106) via control and data signal lines (148) to determine the power capacity level of the FLM system according to the embodiments described herein.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a companion module (200). In an embodiment, the companion module operates to support one or more relays, e.g., one 30 A / 240 VAC circuit or, exemplary, two 15 A / 120 VAC circuits, e.g., to turn on (and off). A power measurement digital signal processor (DSP) (202) is coupled to a circuit breaker controller (204) having a processor having an onboard wireless (Bluetooth®) transceiver. The power measurement DSP (202) is also coupled to voltage sensing lines (206) and current sensing lines (208). As further described herein, the circuit breaker controller (204) also includes a memory (225) (e.g., RAM and / or flash) adapted to store software programs or instructions implemented as firmware (230) configured to enable control of components (e.g., hardware) of the companion module (200).

[0017] A pair of relays (210) are each 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 each of the pair of screw terminals (212) which serve as connection points for a conventional 15 A / 120 VAC circuit breaker (122), such as an arc fault breaker that can be operated manually, for example. Alternatively, each relay (210) can be implemented as a mechanical switch that operates to eliminate the need for a conventional circuit breaker while providing adequate safety. Each of the pair of screw terminals (216) serves as a connection point for a desired load (not shown). An AC-DC power supply (218) outputs +12 VDC and +3.3 VDC to supply power to the companion module (200). As an alternative to using a power measurement DSP (202) to output pulses when the detected voltage and current are near zero, a zero-cross detector circuit (220) can be used to generate a square wave output signal coupled to a circuit breaker controller (204) via line (222).

[0018] In an embodiment, the power measurement DSP (202) is capable of calculating, among other values, the instantaneous power consumption individually for each load connected to the screw terminals (216), as well as the average power consumption and peak power consumption over a specified time period. The power measurement DSP (202) may also be configured to output pulses to the circuit breaker controller (204) via the lines (205) when the current and voltage are near zero. By knowing when zero crossings of current and voltage are occurring, the circuit breaker controller (204) ensures that the relays (210) are switched (i.e., opened or closed) only at the occurrence of one or more zero crossings. This tends to advantageously reduce arcing and extend the service life of the relays (210).

[0019] The companion module (200) includes a graphic display (250) as well as 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, statuses, menus, or other desired text on a user interface (UI) (260) to enable a user to configure and operate the companion module. The accelerometer (240) of the companion module (200) is configured to detect the gravity orientation (i.e., first orientation and opposite or inverted orientation) and movement of the module, particularly when the companion module is inserted into a load center (120) used to form a vCLP (125), and in response, to generate a signal that is converted into a corresponding orientation change of information displayed on the UI (260) of the graphic display (250), for example, by a circuit breaker controller (204). However, depending on the physical position or location of the companion module within the load center, the presentation of information (such as menus and / or text) on the UI (260) may be reversed ("flipped"), creating an undesirable user experience.

[0020] The embodiments described herein relate to a menu selection technique based on the orientation of a companion module used in an FLM system. An accelerometer (240) of a companion module (200) detects the movement of the module and, in response, generates a signal that is converted (e.g., mapped) by a circuit breaker controller (204) into a corresponding change in the orientation of the companion module (e.g., left or right orientation) when inserted into a load center (120). That is, the physical position or location of the companion module within the load center may depend on the orientation of the module as determined by the accelerometer (240). This determination of the physical position is processed by the controller (204) to eliminate the inverted ("flipped") presentation of menu information (text) displayed on the UI (260) of the graphic display (250).

[0021] FIGS. 3a and 3b are screenshots of a UI embodiment displaying loads (e.g., kitchen plugs and kitchen lights) on a graphic display (250), and their positions (e.g., right and left) depend on the orientation of the companion module (200) within the load center (120) of the FLM system (100). Rectangular rocker switches (310a,b) (e.g., channel A / B circuit power switches) on one side of the companion module (200) are fixed, but are oriented differently (e.g., left or right) depending on the physical position or location of the companion module (200) within the load center (120). The UI (260) of the graphic display (250) exemplifies left / right orientation, and accordingly, the user knows which side of the panel (125) the companion module (200) is inserted on, for example, depending on whether the graphic display (250) is on the left or right, or whether channel A takes the top or bottom vertical orientation.

[0022] Features of the companion module (200) include the ability to name loads (e.g., plugs, lights, etc.) within individual locations within the premises (e.g., kitchen, dining room, bedroom, etc.), where, for example, a software application of a microgrid controller (106) communicates via low-power wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) to set names in the firmware (230) of the companion module. To ensure that the information displayed on the UI (260) fits within the relatively small size (i.e., display "footprint") of the graphic display (250), the technique utilizes a button (245) on the companion module (200) to cycle through various menus and the listed names of loads and their locations. Alternatively, the graphic display (250) includes a touchscreen, where the processor is configured to receive input from the touchscreen to select a menu item. In another embodiment, messages through a mobile application may communicate with a companion module as a user interface device to provide a selection ability (i.e., interactively similar to a button (245)) according to an interface on a mobile device running the mobile application.

[0023] In an embodiment, another feature of the companion module (200) includes setting predetermined names for loads and their locations directly in the firmware (230) from the UI (260) of the graphic display (250). For example, the user can scroll through the predetermined names by operating (e.g., by pressing) the display screen button (245). For example, a first menu may present a list of enumerated "rooms" on the UI (260). The user can scroll through the list of room names and select a specific room (e.g., via the button (245)). A second menu may present a list of enumerated "loads" sensitive to the selected room (e.g., lights and outlets for the selected bedroom). The user can scroll through the list of load names and select a load for each of the two channels (channel A / B) associated with the relays (210) of the companion module (200) (e.g., via the button (245)).

[0024] FIGS. 4a and 4b are screenshots of a UI embodiment displaying menus of slot numbers of companion modules and loads according to a menu selection technique. A third menu may exemplify a list of enumerated "slot numbers," wherein the slot number identifies the physical location where the companion module (200) is inserted (mounted) in the load center (120). The physical position or location (slot number) of the mounted companion module may also be used to construct a graphic representation of the vCLP / load center for use by an installer (electrical technician) when configuring and / or maintaining (e.g., repairing) the companion modules (200) of the load center (e.g., as displayed on the UI (260) of the graphic display (250). For example, to limit the information presented on the display screen according to the protocols and / or regulations of the jurisdiction where the load center is installed, the technique utilizes different menu displays according to the detected orientation. For example, different menu displays may include odd numbers for slots on the left side of the load center (i.e., companion modules in the first orientation) and even numbers for slots on the right side of the load center (i.e., companion modules in the second orientation opposite or inverted 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 graphic display (250) is positioned on the left side of the module, for example, when the Channel A rocker switch (310a,b) is presented on the right side of the module in the lowest position orientation, or (ii) is positioned on the right side of the module, for example, when the Channel A rocker switch (210) is presented on the left side of the module in the highest position orientation. In either case, the title "Slot Number" is presented at the top of the display screen in a vertical orientation to allow the user to properly read the slot number selections / menus within the slot group.

[0025] The foregoing description was intended to relate to specific embodiments of the present invention. However, other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, and it will be apparent that some or all of their advantages may be achieved. For example, it is clearly considered that the teachings of the present invention may be implemented as software comprising a computer-readable medium having program instructions executed on a computer, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, this description should be taken merely as an example and does not otherwise limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the purpose of the appended claims is to cover all such variations and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claim 1 A device having a form factor adapted to fit a compatible power conductor within an electrical load center, comprising: a processor, a display, a first load terminal, and a first switch coupled to a first power connector — said first switch adapted to conduct power from said power conductor to said first load terminal through said first power connector —; an accelerometer coupled to said processor; A device comprising a display coupled to the processor, wherein the display is visible when the device is mounted on the electrical load center, and the processor is configured to display on the display a menu oriented according to the orientation of the device detected by the accelerometer, which is either upside-down or right-side-up, based on the position of the device at the left position of the electrical load center being upside-down from the position of the device at the right position of the electrical load center, and the menu displays a slot number according to a slot number convention for the electrical load center that identifies the physical position of the device within the electrical load center. Claim 2 In claim 1, the slot number comprises one or more odd numbers identifying the physical location of the device in the electrical load center when the position of the device is in the left position of the electrical load center. Claim 3 A device according to claim 1, wherein the slot number comprises one or more even numbers identifying the physical location of the device in the electrical load center when the position of the device is in the right position of the electrical load center. Claim 4 A device according to claim 1, wherein the device further includes a visible button when mounted on the electrical load center, and the processor is further configured to receive input from the button for selecting a menu item. Claim 5 A device according to claim 1, wherein the processor is additionally configured to display the name of a load connected to the first load terminal on the display. Claim 6 A device according to claim 1, further comprising a second switch coupled to the processor and the second power connector, wherein the second switch is adapted to conduct power from the second power connector to a second load terminal. Claim 7 In claim 6, the device is further configured such that the processor displays the names of loads connected to the first load terminal and the second load terminal on the display. Claim 8 A device according to claim 1, wherein the display is a touchscreen, and the processor is additionally configured to receive input from the touchscreen for selecting a menu item. Claim 9 In claim 1, the position of the device is a device used to construct a graphic representation of the electrical load center on the display. Claim 10 In paragraph 1, the device is a companion module. Claim 11 A device according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor that wirelessly communicates with a mobile device running a mobile application, wherein the processor is further configured to receive input from the mobile application via wireless communication. Claim 12 In paragraph 11, the above wireless transceiver is a device that is a Bluetooth transceiver. Claim 13 As a non-transient computer-readable medium, the accompanying module has program instructions executable on a processor of the accompanying module installed in a load center, said accompanying module comprises (i) an accelerometer and a switch coupled to said processor, (ii) a visible display when said accompanying module is mounted in said load center, (iii) a load terminal coupled to a power conductor of said load center, and (iv) a power connector, said switch is adapted to conduct power from said power conductor to said load terminal through said power connector, said program instructions detect the orientation of said accompanying module, which is either upside-down or right-side-up, based on the position of said accompanying module at a left position of said load center being upside-down from the position of said accompanying module at a right position of said load center using said accelerometer; A non-transient computer-readable medium configured to display a menu oriented according to the detected orientation on the display, wherein the menu displays a slot number according to a slot number convention for the load center that identifies the physical location of the companion module within the load center. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, the slot number comprises one or more odd numbers identifying the physical location of the companion module in the load center when the position of the companion module is in the left position of the load center, a non-transient computer-readable medium. Claim 15 In paragraph 13, the slot number comprises one or more even numbers identifying the physical location of the companion module in the load center when the position of the companion module is in the right position of the load center, a non-transient computer-readable medium. Claim 16 In paragraph 13, the processor is further configured to receive input from a visible button when the companion module for selecting a menu item is mounted on the load center, a non-transient computer-readable medium. Claim 17 In paragraph 13, the above processor is further configured to display the name of a load connected to the load terminal on the display, a non-transient computer-readable medium. Claim 18 A method for displaying information on a visible display of said companion module when the companion module is installed in a load center, wherein the companion module comprises a switch and an accelerometer, a load terminal and a power connector coupled to a power conductor of said load center, and the switch is adapted to conduct power from said power conductor to said load terminal through said power connector, and the method comprises: a step of using said accelerometer to detect an orientation of said companion module that is either upside-down or right-side-up, based on the position of said companion module at a left position of said load center being upside-down from the position of said companion module at a right position of said load center; and a step of displaying an oriented menu on said display according to said orientation, said menu displays a slot number according to a slot number convention for said load center that identifies the position of said companion module within said load center. Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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