System and method for managing distribution of electrical energy to electrical loads

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system and a method for managing distribution of electrical energy across multiple electrical loads. The system (100) includes a plurality of electrical switching elements (102), each connected to at least one of the electrical loads (104) and configured to switch power supplied to the at least one electrical load (104), and a plurality of 5 physical switches (106), each configured as physical user interface to receive a user input for actuation of at least one electrical switching element (102). The system (100) also includes one or more microcontrollers (108), each connected to at least one physical switch (106) to detect the user input for actuation of at least one electrical switching element (102), and connected to at least one electrical switching element (102) to control actuation of the at least 0 one electrical switching element (102) for switching power supplied to the at least one electrical load (104). The microcontrollers (108) are configured to update default operational relationships between the electrical switching elements (102) and the physical switches (106) based on a reassignment instruction received from a user device (110).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICALENERGY TO ELECTRICAL LOADSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of power distribution systems. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to a smart energy management system configured to efficiently manage distribution of electrical energy from at least one power source to a multitude of electrical loads, and a method thereof.BACKGROUND

[0002] Energy management systems are known for controlling electrical power distribution to various electrical loads. Conventionally, the energy management systems include a plurality of loads and a plurality of switches, where each switch is connected to a respective load for controlling the load i.e. to operate the load. In such systems, each physical switch is hardwired to control specific electrical load.

[0003] In recent years, smart energy management systems are used for energy management requirement. Such smart systems comprise a control unit to control the operation of the switch which in turn operate the load. In such systems, the user has the flexibility to remotely operate (using a user interface) the electrical loads due to the control unit, however, the operational relationship between the switch and the load is determined by the electrical wiring between them. When a switch fails, the electrical loads connected to that switch cannot be controlled until the failed component is repaired or replaced. Further, the user does not have the flexibility to operate any load using any switch as it is not possible without reconfiguration of the control relationships between physical switches and electrical loads. Such reconfiguration requires modification of the physical wiring infrastructure.

[0004] Therefore, there exists a need for an improved system that overcomes the one or more problems as set forth above.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an energy management system and method that enable dynamic assignment and reassignment of switches or relays between multiple electrical loads, thereby enhancing flexibility in load management without requiring physical rewiring between the loads and the switches.

[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to reduce dependency on rigid, hardwired connections between the loads and the switches by incorporating wireless or alternative communication methods, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for both residential and industrial applications.

[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to allow reassignment of control responsibilities to operational switches in the event of switch failure or malfunction, preventing power disruptions to connected loads and ensuring continuous operation.

[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to enhance resilience of energy management systems by enabling allocation of switches to new or additional electrical loads without requiring a reconfiguration of the wiring infrastructure, thereby facilitating easier system expansion and maintenance.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to improve overall system scalability by allowing easy addition of new loads or switches without complex rewiring or major system overhauls, thereby accommodating future upgrades or changes in the electrical network.

[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to reduce cost of electrical installations by eliminating the need of wiring between the loads and the switches.SUMMARY

[0011] The present disclosure provides a smart energy management system and method that enhance flexibility by enabling dynamic assignment and reassignment of physical switches between multiple electrical loads, without the need for physical rewiring. The system reduces reliance on rigid, hardwired connections by incorporating wireless or alternative communication methods, making the system scalable and cost-effective for both residential and industrial use. The system also ensures continuous operation by allowing the reassignment of control responsibilities in case of switch failure, while improving resilience and simplifying maintenance. The system facilitates expansion and upgrades by allowing switches to be allocated to new or additional loads without reconfiguring existing wiring infrastructure, and reduces installation costs by eliminating the need for wiring between the loads and the physical switches.

[0012] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for managing distribution of electrical energy from at least one power source to a plurality of electrical loads. The system includes a plurality of electrical switching elements, each electrical switching element being connected to at least one of the plurality of electrical loads, and configured to switch powersupplied to the at least one of the plurality of electrical loads. The system includes a plurality of physical switches, each physical switch configured as physical user interface to receive a user input for actuation of at least one electrical switching element of the plurality of electrical switching elements. The system also includes one or more microcontrollers. Each microcontroller is connected to at least one physical switch of the plurality of switches to detect the user input for actuation of at least one electrical switching element of the plurality of electrical switching elements. Each microcontroller is connected to at least one electrical switching element of the plurality of electrical switching elements to control the actuation of at least one electrical switching element of the plurality of electrical switching elements for switching power supplied to the at least one of the plurality of electrical loads.

[0013] The one or more microcontrollers are configured to update default operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements and the plurality of physical switches based on a reassignment instruction received from a user device. The one or more microcontrollers communicate with each other in a network to control actuation of the plurality of electrical switching elements according to the updated operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements and the plurality of physical switches.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for managing distribution of electrical energy from at least one power source to a plurality of electrical loads. The method includes detecting, by one or more microcontrollers, a user input at a physical switch of a plurality of physical switches. Each microcontroller is connected to at least one physical switch of the plurality of physical switches and to at least one electrical switching element of a plurality of electrical switching elements. The method includes receiving, by the one or more microcontrollers, a reassignment instruction from a user device, and updating, by the one or more microcontrollers, default operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements and the plurality of physical switches based on the reassignment instruction. The method also includes communicating between the one or more microcontrollers in a network to coordinate control of the plurality of electrical switching elements according to the updated operational relationships. The method further includes controlling actuation of at least one electrical switching element of the plurality of electrical switching elements to switch power supplied to at least one of the plurality of electrical loads based on the detected user input and the updated operational relationships.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed, cause one or moreprocessors to detect, by one or more microcontrollers, a user input at a physical switch of a plurality of physical switches. Each microcontroller is connected to at least one physical switch of the plurality of physical switches and to at least one electrical switching element of a plurality of electrical switching elements. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprises instructions which, when executed, cause the one or more processors to receive, by the one or more microcontrollers, a reassignment instruction from a user device, and update, by the one or more microcontrollers, default operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements and the plurality of physical switches based on the reassignment instruction. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprises instructions which, when executed, cause the one or more processors to communicate between the one or more microcontrollers in a network to coordinate control of the plurality of electrical switching elements according to the updated operational relationships. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprises instructions which, when executed, cause the one or more processors to control actuation of at least one electrical switching element of the plurality of electrical switching elements to switch power supplied to at least one of the plurality of electrical loads based on the detected user input and the updated operational relationships.

[0016] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic representation of an energy management system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIGs. 2A to 2D illustrate exemplary schematic representations of the energy management system for managing distribution of electric energy from at least one power source between multiple electrical loads, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow chart depicting a method for managing supply of electric energy from at least one power source to a plurality of electrical loads, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow chart showing various processes involved in the method for managing supply of electric energy from the at least one power source to the plurality of electrical loads, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0023] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention.

[0024] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in this disclosure is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0025] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] The description of terms and features related to the present disclosure shall be clear from the embodiments that are illustrated and described; however, the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the invention can include other embodiments that are within the scope of the claims but are not described in detail with respect to the following description.

[0027] Embodiments described herein relate to an intelligent and user-friendly energy management system, and a method thereof, that introduces a new level of flexibility,reliability, and efficiency in how electrical power is distributed across homes, buildings, and industrial facilities. The disclosed system and method enable easy assignment and reassignment of switches among various electrical loads without altering the existing wiring infrastructure. Designed to grow with the user’s needs, the system allows for straightforward expansion and upgrades, making it suitable not only for new installations but also as a modem enhancement for existing infrastructure. Ultimately, the system and method described herein simplify energy management, increase resilience, reduce costs, and align with the growing demand for smarter, more sustainable power solutions.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic representation of a smart energy management system (also referred to as “system” herein) 100 for managing distribution of electrical energy among multiple electrical loads. The system 100 is designed to enable both local and remote management of power distribution from at least one power source PS across multiple electrical loads, and is suitable for deployment in domestic, commercial, and industrial environments. The system 100 includes a plurality of electrical switching elements 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 ... 102-N (collectively referred to as “electrical switching elements 102” herein), where each electrical switching element 102 is connected to at least one of a plurality of electrical loads 104-1, 104-2, 104-3 ... 104-N (collectively referred to as “electrical loads 104” herein), and configured to switch power supplied to the at least one of the plurality of electrical loads 104. These electrical loads 104 may include, but are not limited to, lighting fixtures, heating elements, cooling systems, home appliances, industrial machinery, and other electrical equipment requiring regulated power delivery. In some embodiments, each electrical switching element 102 is configured to control supply of electrical power to its respective load 104, and may include one or more of electromechanical relays, contactors, Triodes for Alternating Current (TRIACs), solid-state switches, or digital logic-based control circuits. These electrical switching elements 102 may be selected based on the current and voltage requirements of the associated loads 104, and may support either Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC) power switching.

[0029] The system 100 includes a plurality of physical switches 106-1, 106-2, 106-3 ... 106-N (collectively referred to as “physical switches 106” herein), each of the physical switches 106 being configured as physical user interface to receive a user input for actuation of at least one of the electrical switching elements 102. In some embodiments, each physical switch 106 is configured to receive user input for actuation, regulation or deactivation of one or more of the associated electrical switching elements 102. This allows users to exercisedirect, local control over the electrical loads 104, providing a fallback or complementary control mechanism alongside remote or automated control options.

[0030] In some embodiments, the physical switches 106 may include any suitable type of input device such as rocker switches, toggle switches, rotary switches, regulators, knobs or capacitive / touch-sensitive switches. These may be designed in accordance with standard electrical safety norms and may optionally include features such as status indicators (e.g., LEDs) to visually represent the ON / OFF state of the connected loads 104. The flexibility in type of the physical switches 106 allows the system 100 to be customized for specific use cases, user preferences, or ergonomic considerations.

[0031] The system 100 further includes one or more microcontrollers 108-1, 108-2, 108-3 ... 108-N (collectively referred to as “microcontrollers 108” herein). Each of the microcontrollers 108 is connected to at least one of the physical switches 106 to detect the user input for actuation (i.e., ON / OFF switching or regulation) of at least one of the electrical switching elements 102. Each of the microcontrollers 108 is connected to at least one of the electrical switching elements 102 to control the actuation of the at least one electrical switching element 102 for switching power supplied to the at least one of the electrical loads 104.

[0032] The microcontrollers 108 are configured to update default operational relationships between the electrical switching elements 102 and the physical switches 106 based on a reassignment instruction received from a user device 110. The microcontrollers 108 communicate with each other in a network to control actuation of the electrical switching elements 102 according to the updated operational relationships between the electrical switching elements 102 and the physical switches 106.

[0033] In some embodiments, the microcontrollers 108 may communicate with each other via at least one of a wireless local area network, a wired local network area, or a hybrid local area network. For example, the microcontrollers 108 may communicate with each other via a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, a Bluetooth network, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, LoRa, Matter, Radio Frequency or a combination thereof such that at least one of the microcontrollers 108 is connected to the user device 110 or an associated server through a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network to receive the reassignment instruction. In another example, the microcontrollers 108 may communicate with each other via Universal Asynchronous Receiver-transmitter (UART), Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus, Serial communication networks including RS485, Ethernet or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the wireless local area network, a wired local network area, or a hybrid local area networkmay be implemented based on various topologies including mesh topology, star topology, bus topology, ring topology, tree topology or a combination thereof. In an example, the hybrid local area network comprises a combination of the wireless local area network and the wired local area network.

[0034] The operational relationships between the electrical switching elements 102 and the physical switches 106 refer to the connection or mapping that defines how each physical switch 106 is associated with one or more electrical switching elements 102, which in turn control the power supplied to different electrical loads 104. Each operational relationship specifies which physical switch 106 is assigned to control a particular electrical switching element 102. This relationship governs how user inputs, either through manual interaction with the physical switches 106 or via reassignment instructions received from the user device 110, are translated into control signals for managing power to the electrical loads 104. The microcontrollers 108 are configured to update or reassign these operational relationships dynamically, based on the reassignment instructions, enabling flexible configuration of power distribution without the need for physical rewiring. For example, if a physical switch in a living room is reassigned via a mobile app to control a kitchen light, the microcontrollers 108 update the mapping (operational relationship) so that the living room switch now activates the kitchen light instead of its previous assigned load via the respective electrical switching element.

[0035] The reassignment instruction is a digital command or message sent from the user device 110, such as a smartphone, control panel, tablet, or computer, to the microcontrollers 108. This instruction typically includes mapping information that defines a new or updated operational relationship between one or more physical switches 106 and corresponding electrical switching elements 102. The reassignment instruction allows the microcontrollers 108 to dynamically reconfigure control pathways between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching elements 102 without requiring any physical rewiring. The user device 110 may transmit the reassignment instruction using standard Intemet-of-Things (loT) communication protocols, such as Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), WebSocket, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Z-wave, Thread, Matter or a combination thereof.

[0036] For example, if a user wants to reassign a wall switch located in Bedroom A to control a ceiling fan in Bedroom B, the user can utilize a mobile or web-based application installed on the user device 110 to generate and send a reassignment instruction in JavaScriptObject Notation (JSON) format over HTTPS. Upon receiving the reassignment instruction, the microcontroller 108 verifies its validity and authentication credentials, then updates internal mapping between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching elements 102 to reflect the new operational relationship associated with the reassignment instruction. As a result, the switch in Bedroom A now controls the ceiling fan in Bedroom B.

[0037] In some embodiments, the user device 110 may include, but is not limited to, a laptop, mobile phone, computer, smartwatch, central control panel, or portable communication device, and may interface with the microcontrollers 108 via the network that may be implemented using wired (e.g., Ethernet, serial communication) or wireless (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, Near-Field Communication (NFC), ZigBee, cellular) communication technologies, or any combination thereof. Through this network connection, the user device 110 can issue reassignment instructions, receive status updates, monitor system performance, and reconfigure the operational relationships between the electrical switching elements 102 and the physical switches 106, as managed by the microcontrollers 108.

[0038] In some embodiments, the user device 110 may be connected to the microcontrollers 108 through a Bluetooth network. The user device 110 may also be operatively connected to a central server via either a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network, thereby enabling continuous synchronization of system data. This connection facilitates realtime updates and consistent communication between the user device 110 and the server, ensuring that all changes to configuration, control logic, and operational states of the system 100 are accurately maintained and reflected across all connected devices and control nodes.

[0039] In addition to basic switching control, the microcontrollers 108 are configured to dynamically update the operational relationships between the electrical switching elements 102 and the physical switches 106. This functionality allows for flexible reconfiguration of control logic for mapping between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching element 102, enabling users to change the mapping as needed, for instance, in response to user preferences, changes in room layout, load balancing requirements, or energy-saving strategies. Furthermore, the microcontrollers 108 are capable of communicating with one another to coordinate the control of the electrical switching elements 102 and the associated electrical loads 104. This distributed control mechanism enhances resilience, scalability, and robustness, making the system 100 suitable for a wide range of applications and deployment sizes, from small residential units to large-scale industrial facilities.

[0040] In some embodiments, the microcontrollers 108 may be configured to enable at least one of the electrical switching elements 102 to control one or more of the electricalloads 104 based on a reassignment instruction received from the user device 110. Upon receiving the reassignment instruction, transmitted via the network, the microcontrollers 108 interpret the mapping information contained in the instruction and update the operational relationship between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching elements 102 to manage the distribution of power to the electrical loads 104 accordingly. This configuration allows for remote, real-time control of specific loads, either individually or in grouped configurations, depending on user-defined preferences or automation routines. Furthermore, the microcontrollers 108 may include programmable logic or firmware that supports conditional control, enabling switching actions to be triggered not only by direct user input but also by predefined conditions, such as time schedules, energy consumption thresholds, or sensor inputs (e.g., occupancy, temperature, or lighting levels). By enabling flexible and remotely triggered control over the electrical switching elements 102, the system 100 enhances energy efficiency, operational adaptability, and user convenience across a wide range of applications.

[0041] In some embodiments, each of the microcontrollers 108 can be implemented using various hardware configurations or a combination of software and hardware features. For example, the microcontroller 108 may incorporate controllers, switches, relays, gates, and specialized hardware components such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to control the functions of the electrical switching elements 102. Additionally, memory components like non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) or read-only memory (ROM) may also be part of the microcontroller 108.

[0042] The microcontrollers 108 may be configured to synchronize operating state of each physical switch 106 with the corresponding electrical load 104 in response to a user input transmitted as a reassignment instruction from the user device 110, which is in communication with a server. Specifically, when a user interacts with the user device 110, such as through a mobile app, web interface, or control dashboard, a corresponding reassignment instruction is generated and transmitted to the appropriate microcontroller 108. Upon receiving this reassignment instruction, the microcontroller 108 updates operational relationship between the corresponding electrical switching element 102 and the physical switch 106, and switches the operating state of the physical switch 106 to ensure that correct operating status of the electrical load 104 (e.g., ON or OFF) is reflected as the state of the physical switch 106. This synchronization allows for real-time control and feedback, ensuring that manual inputs via the physical switches 106 remain consistent with remote commandsissued from the user device 110. Additionally, the system 100 may incorporate logic to handle conflict resolution between local and remote inputs, ensuring that user-defined priorities or safety constraints are maintained. By enabling this seamless coordination between the physical switches, the microcontrollers 108, and the user device 110, the system 100 provides a cohesive user experience, supports synchronous local and remote control, and enhances the overall reliability and responsiveness of the energy management process.

[0043] In some embodiments, each microcontroller 108 may be associated with a unique microcontroller identifier, each electrical switching element 102 may be associated with a switching element identifier, and each physical switch 106 may be associated with a physical switch identifier. These identifiers may be managed centrally via the user device 110 or an associated server.

[0044] In some embodiments, the default operational relationships between the electrical switching elements 102 and the physical switches 106 may be predefined by the microcontrollers 108. Upon receiving a reassignment instruction from the user device 110, the microcontrollers 108 are configured to update these operational relationships. The reassignment instruction represents a change in control mapping among the microcontroller identifiers, switching element identifiers, and physical switch identifiers, effectively redefining which physical switch 106 controls which electrical switching element 102 under the authority of a specific microcontroller 108. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables logical reassignment of electrical switching elements 102 without requiring any physical modifications to the system's wiring infrastructure. The system 100 ensures that the updated identifier associations or mappings defined by the reassignment instruction are recognized and stored on the server, allowing future inputs from physical switches 106 or subsequent reassignment instructions to be accurately routed to the appropriate microcontrollers 108. This architecture significantly enhances the flexibility, customizability, and scalability of the energy management system 100, allowing it to adapt to evolving user needs and environmental changes with minimal disruption.

[0045] In some embodiments, the user device 110, or an associated server, may be configured to facilitate the creation and management of a plurality of virtual groups, each associated with a unique group identifier, to update the operational relationships between the electrical switching elements 102 and the physical switches 106. Each virtual group represents at least one logical mapping or operational relationship between selected electrical switching elements 102 and physical switches 106. In certain configurations, each virtual group may include one or more microcontroller identifiers, along with correspondingswitching element identifiers and physical switch identifiers. These virtual groups serve as logical configurations that define the control structure within the energy management system 100, allowing grouped or coordinated control of electrical loads 104 without altering the physical wiring.

[0046] In some embodiments, the user device 110 may be configured to create hierarchical virtual groups, in which a parent group may include one or more existing virtual groups as sub-groups. This enables complex and scalable control architectures, such as areabased or function -based zoning. The user device 110 may further be configured to communicate the created virtual groups to the microcontrollers 108 in the network as part of the reassignment instruction. For instance, through an interface of the user device 110 such as a mobile application, web portal, or dedicated software, a user may create, modify, or select one or more virtual groups or hierarchical virtual groups to define or alter how physical switches 106 are linked to specific electrical switching elements 102, all under the control of one or more designated microcontrollers 108. Each virtual group acts as a control schema, enabling flexible reconfiguration of system behavior without requiring manual intervention or physical rewiring. The microcontrollers 108 are configured to receive and interpret these virtual group configurations based on the reassignment instruction transmitted from the user device 110, and to update the operational relationships accordingly. By enabling group-based configuration and control, the system 100 supports advanced features such as scene control, zone-based switching, grouped automation routines, and context-specific behaviors (e.g., day / night modes, occupancy-based adjustments, or energy-saving configurations), thereby offering enhanced user convenience, scalability, and adaptability across diverse residential and commercial applications.

[0047] In some embodiments, upon receiving the reassignment instruction from the user device 110, each microcontroller 108 is configured to perform a series of operations to ensure accurate and dynamic reconfiguration of the control mappings within the system 100. Specifically, each microcontroller 108 may be configured to parse the contents of the reassignment instruction to determine whether the included virtual group data contains a reference to its own unique microcontroller identifier. This parsing step is essential for filtering relevant instructions in a distributed network where multiple microcontrollers may be present, ensuring that each microcontroller 108 processes only the virtual group data specifically intended for it. If the virtual group data includes the associated microcontroller identifier, the microcontroller 108 proceeds to extract the corresponding physical switch identifiers and electrical switching element identifiers defined within the virtual group. Basedon this information, the microcontroller 108 updates its internal data structures that define the operational relationships between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching elements 102. This update reflects any new or modified control mappings defined by the user, effectively reconfiguring which physical switches 106 control which electrical loads 104, without requiring any changes to the physical wiring infrastructure.

[0048] Following the update of the operational relationships, the microcontroller 108 is further configured to monitor for user inputs received from the associated physical switches 106. Upon detecting a valid input, the microcontroller references the updated operational relationship to determine which electrical switching element(s) 102 should be actuated. The microcontroller then executes the corresponding switching action, such as turning a load 104 on or off thereby ensuring that the user input, in accordance with the reassignment instruction, results in the intended control outcome based on the newly assigned operational relationship between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching elements 102. This structured approach enables the system 100 to dynamically adapt to user-defined changes in control logic, supporting flexible, scalable, and remotely configurable energy management across a wide range of application scenarios.

[0049] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a server arrangement configured to communicate with at least one of the user devices 110 and the network of the microcontrollers 108. This server arrangement may include a cloud-based server, a local edge server, or a hybrid combination thereof, depending on the deployment environment, e.g., residential, commercial, or industrial settings. The primary function of the server arrangement is to store and manage virtual groups and hierarchical virtual groups that define operational relationships between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching elements 102. The server arrangement acts as a centralized configuration repository, allowing for consistent synchronization of control mappings and group settings across multiple user devices. For example, when a user creates or modifies a virtual group using one user device 110, such as a mobile app or web-based interface, the updated configuration is uploaded to the server. The server then ensures that the same configuration data is made available to other authorized user devices connected to the system 100. This enables seamless access and control across platforms, allowing different users or administrators to view, edit, or activate the same virtual groups from different devices in real-time. Additionally, the server may be configured to manage user authentication, access control, and versioning of virtual group configurations, ensuring secure and traceable updates. In more advanced embodiments, the server arrangement may also perform functions such as backup and recovery of configurations,analytics and logging, or integration with third-party systems, e.g., smart home platforms, building management systems, or energy monitoring tools. By maintaining a consistent, centralized record of virtual group data and facilitating synchronization across multiple user devices and microcontrollers, the server arrangement enhances the scalability, reliability, and user experience of the energy management system 100.

[0050] The server arrangement may be further configured to facilitate communication between the user device 110 and the network of microcontrollers 108 when the user device 110 is located remotely from a physical site of the network of the microcontrollers 108. In such scenarios, where the user device 110 is not directly connected to the same local network as the microcontrollers 108, such as when the user is offsite or accessing the system 100 via a cellular or external internet connection, the server acts as a secure intermediary to bridge the communication. This remote communication capability allows users to send reassignment instructions, retrieve system status, access virtual group configurations, and perform control operations, e.g., turning loads on or off, from virtually any location via the server. The server may utilize secure protocols such as HTTPS, MQTT over TLS, or WebSocket connections to ensure encrypted, authenticated, and reliable communication between the remote user device 110 and the microcontrollers 108. By enabling this functionality, the server arrangement significantly enhances accessibility and convenience of the energy management system 100, allowing for real-time remote monitoring, configuration, and control of electrical loads, even when the user is not physically present at the physical site.

[0051] In an exemplary implementation, the smart energy management system 100 may be installed in a residential environment to control various electrical loads 104 throughout a multi-room residential building, such as lighting, air conditioners, water heaters, and kitchen appliances. Each room is equipped with physical switches 106, electrical switching elements 102, and microcontrollers 108. A user may use a mobile application installed on the user device 110 to configure virtual groups for different rooms. The user configures these virtual groups via the mobile application and associates them with unique control profiles. For instance, when activating “Night Mode”, the system 100 sends a reassignment instruction to disable all lighting loads 108 except those in a bedroom. The microcontrollers 108 update the operational relationships between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching elements 102 accordingly, without requiring any physical rewiring. This setup allows the user to remotely modify which physical switch 106 control which loads 108. For example, a kitchen light relay can be reassigned to control outdoor lighting during a party, simply byreconfiguring the virtual group from the mobile application. This provides enhanced flexibility, customization, and energy-saving capabilities within the home.

[0052] In another example, in a commercial office building consisting of three floors, each floor may have multiple rooms, and each room may include lighting, air conditioners, and plug loads. The energy management system 100 is deployed with microcontrollers 108 installed in each room, connected to their respective electrical switching elements 102 and physical switches 106. A building manager may configure the following virtual groups using the user device 110:Virtual Group A (Conference Room 1): Microcontroller 108-Al,Switching Elements 102-Al: Lights, Projector Power, and Physical Switches 106-Al: Wall-mounted touch panel,Virtual Group B (Open Workspace - Floor 1): Microcontroller 108-B1,Switching Elements 102 -Bl: Overhead lights, ceiling fans, Physical Switches 106-B1: Individual desk switches,Virtual Group C (Manager’s Cabin - Floor 1): Microcontroller 108-C1,Switching Elements 102-B1: Lights, Air Conditioner, Physical Switches 106-B1: Rotary switches.

[0053] The building manager then creates a hierarchical virtual group, which includes the Virtual Groups A, B and C. When the hierarchical virtual group is selected by the building manager using the mobile or desktop interface, the system 100 allows the building manager to execute a command (e.g., “Power down after Hours”) that simultaneously switches off all loads on the entire floor. The microcontrollers 108 receive the reassignment instruction, interpret the hierarchical group data, and update the switching behaviours accordingly. Furthermore, the system 100 supports scheduling. For example, a “Start of Day Routine” schedule may be configured to activate the hierarchical virtual group at 8:00 AM daily, powering up essential systems before employees arrive. This example demonstrates the system’s capability for centralized control, time-based automation, and scalable deployment across large facilities.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2A, schematic representation illustrates an energy management system (EMS) 100 configured to manage supply of electrical energy from a power source PS- 1 to a plurality of electrical loads 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3. Each load 104 is operatively coupled to a corresponding electrical switching element 102 and is controlled by a respective microcontroller 108-1, 108-2, or 108-3. The microcontrollers 108 are configured to communicate via a Wi-Fi mesh network, thereby enabling decentralized, peer-to-peer coordination among control nodes. Furthermore, microcontroller 108-1 is further configured to communicate with a user device 110 via a Wi-Fi network and to operate as a gateway for remote management of the EMS 100. The user device 110 is configured to transmit a reassignment instruction for selectively controlling supply of electrical energy from the power source PS-1 to one or more of the loads 104. Microcontroller 108-1 receives the reassignment instruction and relays corresponding control signals over the Wi-Fi mesh network to microcontrollers 108-2 and 108-3. Each microcontroller 108, in response to its respective control signal, actuates its associated switching element 102-1, 102-2, or 102-3 to control power flow to the corresponding load 104. Furthermore, the microcontrollers 108 are configured to synchronize operational states of associated physical switches 106-1, 106-2, and 106-3 with the current power state of their respective loads 104, thereby ensuring consistency among remote commands, physical switch inputs, and actual load conditions. Such synchronization enhances system reliability, transparency, and user control.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the microcontrollers 108-1, 108-2, and 108-3 may also be configured to enable any one of the electrical switching elements 102 to control multiple electrical loads 104, thereby supporting grouped control scenarios and improving system flexibility. For instance, when the reassignment instruction received from the user device 110 indicates that only electrical load 104-1 is to be switched ON, the microcontroller 108-1 directly actuates the corresponding electrical switching element 102-1. In another scenario, if the reassignment instruction indicates that both electrical loads 104-1 and 104-2 are to be simultaneously activated, the microcontroller 108-1 not only actuates its own switching element 102-1 but also transmits a control signal via the Wi-Fi mesh network to the microcontroller 108-2. In response, the microcontroller 108-2 actuates its corresponding electrical switching element 102-2, thereby powering electrical load 104-2. This cooperative actuation model, facilitated by inter-microcontroller communication, enables coordinated multi -load switching based on user-defined commands or automated routines. The architecture supports both individual load control and simultaneous group control, enablingthe system 100 to adapt to varying user needs such as scene-based automation, energy optimization, or emergency shutdown protocols.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 2B, another schematic representation illustrates energy management system (EMS) 100 configured to control and distribute electrical energy from a power source PS-2 to electrical loads 104-2 and 104-3. In this embodiment, the system architecture is configured such that any of the microcontrollers 108-1, 108-2, or 108-3 may control multiple switching elements 102 and thereby manage corresponding loads 104. This arrangement provides control flexibility and redundancy, enabling a microcontroller to assume management of loads beyond its default assignment. In the depicted configuration, load 104-2 is operatively coupled to switching element 102-1 and is primarily controlled by microcontroller 108-2, while load 104-3 is coupled to switching element 102-2 and managed by microcontroller 108-3. Notwithstanding these primary control relationships, microcontroller 108-1 is further configured to assume control of one or both loads 104-2 and 104-3 as required, thereby supporting failover operation or centralized control. Communication among microcontrollers 108-1, 108-2, and 108-3 is established via a Bluetooth mesh network, enabling decentralized, peer-to-peer data exchange and routing of control signals along multiple paths to enhance system resilience and scalability. In this embodiment, microcontroller 108-1 additionally serves as a gateway, being connected to user device 110 over a cellular network, thereby enabling remote access to the EMS 100 from virtually any location. For remote operation, a user transmits a reassignment instruction from user device 110 over the cellular network to microcontroller 108-1. Microcontroller 108-1 interprets the instruction and forwards appropriate control commands to microcontrollers 108-2 and / or 108-3 via the Bluetooth mesh network. Upon receipt, each microcontroller actuates its corresponding switching element 102-1 or 102-2 to regulate power delivery to its associated load 104. Furthermore, microcontrollers 108 are configured to synchronize operating states of physical switches 106-1 and 106-2 with the real-time status of the respective loads 104. Such synchronization ensures alignment between manual switch inputs, remote commands, and actual power states, thereby improving operational transparency, user confidence, and overall system reliability.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2C, an illustrative embodiment of the energy management system 100 is shown, wherein the system 100 manages the supply of electrical energy from a power source PS-3 to a total of nine electrical loads, designated 104-1 through 104-9. In this example, the system 100 includes three microcontrollers, namely 108-1, 108-2, and 108-3, each associated with the power source PS-3. These microcontrollers 108-1, 108-2, and 108-3are configured to communicate with one another, via a Wi-Fi mesh network, to enable coordinated management of electrical switching and load control across multiple zones or sectors of the system 100. Each microcontroller controls a set of electrical switching elements 102, where the microcontroller 108-1 governs switching elements 102-1 through 102-3, the microcontroller 108-2 governs switching elements 102-4 through 102-6, and the microcontroller 108-3 governs switching elements 102-7 through 102-9. These switching elements are, in turn, connected to the nine electrical loads 104-1 through 104-9, allowing the system 100 to manage power distribution from the power source PS-3 to these electrical loads in a modular and distributed manner. This configuration ensures that electrical energy is reliably and safely distributed across the system 100, while also allowing for load balancing, redundancy, and customized control strategies. The system 100 supports dynamic reassignment of switching responsibilities across different microcontrollers and loads. For example, a user operating the user device 110 can issue a reassignment instruction to instruct electrical switching element 102-1 to control multiple, non-sequential electrical loads, specifically 104-1, 104-4, and 104-7. Although these loads may be associated with different microcontrollers or located in separate physical zones, the system 100 is capable of executing this grouped control through coordinated communication between microcontrollers 108-1, 108-2, and 108-3. Upon receiving the reassignment instruction, the microcontroller 108-1 triggers the electrical switching element 102-1, and simultaneously coordinates with microcontrollers 108-2 and 108-3 to ensure that loads 104-4 and 104-7 also respond appropriately. As a result, a single switching action can toggle the operational states (e.g., ON / OFF) of all three electrical loads 104-1, 104-4, and 104-7, even though they are distributed across different power domains and control units. This example highlights the flexibility, scalability, and intelligent coordination enabled by the system architecture, allowing users to implement advanced control schemes such as group-based actuation, hierarchical load control, and custom energy distribution profiles across complex electrical infrastructures.

[0058] FIG. 2D illustrates a schematic representation depicting the system 100 managing supply of electrical energy from a power source PS-4 to six electrical loads, 108-4 through 108-9. In this configuration, the electrical loads 104-4 to 104-6 are operatively connected to microcontroller 108-2 through a corresponding set of electrical switching elements 102-4 to 102-4. Similarly, electrical loads 104-7 to 104-9 are connected to microcontroller 108-3 via electrical switching elements 102-7 to 102-9, respectively. This arrangement allows each microcontroller 108-2 and 108-3 to independently manage the switching and control of aspecific group of loads, enabling distributed load management across the system 100. Additionally, the electrical switching elements 106-4 through 106-6 and 106-7 through 106-9 are connected to the power source PS-4. These switching elements 102-4 to 102-9 serve as power routing mechanisms, enabling selective distribution of electrical energy from the power source PS-4 to relevant electrical loads 104-4 to 104-9, based on control logic managed by the microcontrollers 108-1, 108-2 and 108-3. The electrical switching elements 102-4 through 102-6 and 102-7 through 102-9 are operatively linked to the microcontrollers 108-2 and 108-3, respectively, allowing coordinated control and switching operations. Through this setup, the system 100 can dynamically route electrical energy from the power source PS-4 to any of the desired electrical loads 104-4 through 104-9, based on predefined configurations, real-time reassignment instructions, or load balancing logic. This configuration enhances the system’s ability to allocate power flexibly, ensures redundant power sourcing, and supports failover scenarios, where one power source may temporarily supply loads typically serviced by another, in the event of a fault or scheduled maintenance. Additionally, the system 100 facilitates energy optimization strategies, such as prioritizing renewable or low-cost energy sources when available, while maintaining seamless load operation.

[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flowchart depicting a method 300 for managing supply of electrical energy from at least one power source PS to a plurality of electrical loads 104. The method 300 may be performed by the energy management system 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and is primarily executed by one or more microcontrollers 108 in communication with physical switches 106 and electrical switching elements 102. The method 300 begins at step S302, which involves detecting, by the microcontrollers 108, a user input at a physical switch selected from the physical switches 106. Each microcontroller 108 is operatively connected to at least one physical switch 106 and to at least one electrical switching element 102, allowing it to interpret user commands and control the corresponding electrical loads 104. Following the detection of user input, the method 300 proceeds to step S304, where the microcontrollers 108 receive a reassignment instruction transmitted from a user device 110, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, via a local or remote network. This instruction may include updated control mappings or virtual group data that reflect user-defined changes to how physical switches 106 and electrical switching elements 102 are associated to one another. Upon receipt of the reassignment instruction, the method 300 advances to step S306, in which the microcontrollers 108 parse the reassignment instruction and update the default operational relationships between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switchingelements 102. This update redefines which physical switches 106 control which loads 104, based on the newly specified configuration within the reassignment instruction, thereby enabling logical reconfiguration of the operational relationships between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching elements 102 without requiring physical rewiring.

[0060] The method 300 further includes additional steps to ensure coordinated and accurate execution of user-defined control mappings across the system 100. At step S308, the method 300 involves communication between the microcontrollers 108 over a network to coordinate control of the electrical switching elements 102 in accordance with the updated operational relationships. This inter-microcontroller communication ensures that all relevant microcontrollers 108 are synchronized and aware of the latest reassignment data, particularly in distributed systems where multiple microcontrollers 108 may be managing different sets of physical switches 106 and electrical switching elements 102. Subsequently, at step S310, the method 300 includes controlling actuation of at least one of the electrical switching elements 102. This actuation is carried out based on the detected user input as identified in step S302, and the updated operational relationships as modified in step S306. The actuation process involves switching the power supply to one or more electrical loads 104, thereby executing the intended user command under the newly defined operational relationship between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching elements 102. Together, these steps ensure that the electrical switching elements 102 operate in a dynamic, flexible, and intelligent manner, enabling distributed control logic, remote configuration, and seamless coordination between multiple control elements.

[0061] In some embodiments, the step S302 of detecting the user input may include detecting actuation of any one or a combination of various types of physical switches 106, including rocker switches, toggle switches, touch-sensitive switches, and rotary switches. These physical switches 106 serve as user interfaces through which control commands are issued to the corresponding electrical switching elements 102. Each switch type may generate a distinct electrical signal or input pattern, which is monitored and interpreted by the corresponding microcontroller 108 to determine the intended action, such as turning an electrical load 104 on or off, or initiating a scene or automation routine. The inclusion of multiple switch types allows for compatibility with a wide range of hardware designs and user preferences, enhancing flexibility and applicability across different installation environments.

[0062] In some embodiments, the step S304 of receiving the reassignment instruction may include obtaining the reassignment instruction from the user device 110, which includesat least one of a laptop, mobile phone, desktop computer, smartwatch, central control panel, or any other portable communication device. These devices serve as interfaces through which users can remotely or locally send configuration commands to the energy management system 100, enabling flexible and convenient updates to the operational relationships between physical switches 106 and electrical switching elements 102. This broad range of supported devices ensures accessibility and ease of control across different user preferences and contexts, whether via dedicated applications, web portals, or custom control software.

[0063] In some embodiments, the step S308 of communicating between the microcontrollers 108 may include exchanging data between multiple microcontrollers 108 via at least one of a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wired local area network (LAN), or a hybrid local area network that integrates both wired and wireless communication technologies. This communication enables synchronization and coordination among the microcontrollers 108 to ensure consistent control of the electrical switching elements 102 based on the updated operational relationships. The choice of network type depends on system requirements, installation environment, and desired flexibility. For example, a wireless LAN may utilize Wi-Fi or Zigbee protocols for ease of installation and scalability, while a wired LAN could rely on Ethernet or Controlled Area Network (CAN) bus for enhanced reliability and lower latency. Hybrid networks combine the advantages of both, optimizing performance and resilience in diverse deployment scenarios.

[0064] In some embodiments, the step S310 of controlling actuation may include controlling any one or a combination of electrical switching elements 102, including relays, electrical contacts, TRIACs, and digital logic control devices, to regulate the supply of electrical energy to the electrical loads 104. These components serve as the primary switching mechanisms within the energy management system 100, enabling precise control over the connection and disconnection of power to individual or grouped loads 104. For example, relays and electrical contacts may be used in traditional electromechanical switching applications, while TRIACs are suitable for controlling AC loads with variable intensity, such as dimmable lighting. Digital logic control devices, such as solid-state switches or transistorbased drivers, may be employed in low-power or high-speed switching scenarios. By incorporating various actuation technologies, the method 300 ensures compatibility with a broad spectrum of electrical load types and supports diverse control requirements across residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

[0065] The method 300 may further include associating each microcontroller 108 with a unique microcontroller identifier, associating each electrical switching element 102 with adistinct switching element identifier, and associating each physical switch 106 with a corresponding physical switch identifier. These identifiers serve as unique references within the system 100, enabling precise tracking, configuration, and communication of control relationships between components. By maintaining these associations or control mappings, the method 300 can efficiently manage reassignment instructions, update operational relationships, and coordinate control actions across the network of microcontrollers 108, physical switches 106, and the electrical switching elements 102.

[0066] The method 300 may include defining, by the microcontrollers 108, default operational relationships between the electrical switching elements 102 and the physical switches 106 prior to receiving any reassignment instruction. These default relationships establish initial control mappings that dictate which physical switches 106 control which electrical switching elements 102, thereby determining a baseline configuration for power distribution to the electrical loads 104. This initial setup provides a reference framework that can later be dynamically updated or overridden upon receipt of reassignment instructions from the user device 110, enabling flexible and adaptive energy management.

[0067] In some embodiments, the method may further include creating, at the user device 110, a plurality of virtual groups each assigned a unique group identifier, to update the operational relationships between the electrical switching elements 102 and the physical switches 106. Each virtual group represents one or more operational relationships, effectively defining specific control mappings between selected electrical switching elements 102 and physical switches 106.

[0068] The process of creating the virtual groups may include assigning at least one microcontroller identifier, at least one switching element identifier, and at least one physical switch identifier to each virtual group. This assignment process defines the logical control relationships within each virtual group, effectively mapping specific microcontrollers 108 to designated physical switches 106 and electrical switching elements 102. Each virtual group serves as a self-contained configuration schema, which can be used to dictate how user inputs from selected physical switches 106 should influence actuation of corresponding electrical switching elements 102 to control the electrical loads 104. For example, a virtual group may include a microcontroller identifier associated with a specific floor of a building, along with identifiers for two physical switches and three lighting circuits (electrical switching elements). By grouping these identifiers together, the virtual group defines a coherent control logic, such as a scene, zone, or function, which can be activated or reassigned dynamically. This structure enables the method 300 to support a wide range of use cases, including group-based automation routines, context-aware control (e.g., day / night modes), and rapid reconfiguration without physical intervention. Each virtual group’s configuration can be stored, retrieved, and updated as needed, either locally on the user device 110 or centrally via a server arrangement, ensuring synchronization and consistent behaviour across multiple user interfaces or control points. By organizing these mappings into virtual groups, the method 300 enables flexible, scalable, and user-friendly configuration of complex control scenarios, allowing users to easily manage, modify, or switch between different control setups without physically altering the wiring infrastructure.

[0069] The method 300 may further include creating, at the user device 110, hierarchical virtual groups that include existing virtual groups as members. Each hierarchical virtual group may be a higher-level logical structure that encapsulates two or more previously defined virtual groups, allowing for layered or nested control configurations. This hierarchy enables the user to manage complex control scenarios by organizing and reusing existing virtual group definitions under broader operational schemes. For example, a user may define individual virtual groups for different rooms, each containing specific physical switches 106 and electrical switching elements 102, and then create a hierarchical virtual group that combines all room-level groups into a single “floor” or “zone” group. This hierarchical structure allows unified control of all included components (e.g., turning off all lights on a floor with a single command) while preserving the integrity and individuality of the underlying groups. Such hierarchical grouping enhances scalability, simplifies management of large-scale deployments, and supports advanced automation features like scene control, scheduled operations, or context-based responses.

[0070] In some embodiments, the step S304 of the method 300 may include communicating the created virtual groups from the user device 110 to the microcontrollers 108 in the network as the reassignment instruction. This involves transmitting the virtual group configuration data, each comprising associated microcontroller identifiers, switching element identifiers, and physical switch identifiers, from an interface (e.g., a mobile app or web portal) of the user device 110 to the microcontrollers 108 over a local or remote communication network. The communicated reassignment instruction serves as a structured command that informs each microcontroller 108 of its updated control responsibilities based on the virtual group definitions. This allows the microcontrollers 108 to dynamically update the operational relationships between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching elements 102 without requiring any manual intervention or physical rewiring. By leveraging this communication process, the method 300 enables real-time, remote reconfiguration ofcontrol logic, supporting scalable and flexible energy management across varied applications and environments.

[0071] The step S306 of updating the operational relationships between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching elements 102 may include a series of operations performed by each microcontroller 108 upon receiving the reassignment instruction. These operations may include parsing, by each microcontroller 108, the reassignment instruction to determine whether the included virtual group data contains the associated microcontroller identifier. This ensures that each microcontroller 108 processes only the portion of the reassignment instruction relevant to its own configuration and responsibilities. Thereafter, the microcontroller 108 updates the operational relationships between the electrical switching elements 102 and the physical switches 106 based on the virtual group data. This step involves modifying the internal mapping tables or data structures associated with the microcontroller 108 to reflect the new or redefined control associations as specified by the user through the reassignment instruction. The microcontroller 108 then controls the actuation of the assigned electrical switching elements 102 in response to user input, according to the updated operational relationships. Once the new mappings are established, each microcontroller 108 continues to monitor its connected physical switches 106 and executes the appropriate switching actions, such as energizing or de-energizing a load 104, based on the revised control logic. This dynamic update mechanism enables method 300 to adapt to evolving user preferences or operational scenarios without requiring any modifications to the underlying physical infrastructure.

[0072] The method 300 may further include storing, by a server arrangement in communication with at least one of the user device 110 and the network of the one or more microcontrollers 108, the virtual groups, and synchronizing the virtual groups across multiple user devices. The server arrangement may include a cloud-based or locally hosted server configured to maintain a centralized database of virtual groups. Each virtual group includes assigned microcontroller identifiers, switching element identifiers, and physical switch identifiers, representing specific operational relationships between the physical switches 106 and the electrical switching elements 102. By storing these configurations centrally, the server enables consistent access to up-to-date control mappings regardless of which user device is used for configuration or monitoring. The synchronization process ensures that any changes made to the virtual groups, such as creation, deletion, or modification, on one user device (e.g., a mobile phone or tablet) are automatically reflected across other authorized devices. This promotes data consistency, supports multi-user environments, and enhancessystem reliability and usability, especially in larger or more complex installations where multiple users may need to interact concurrently.

[0073] In some embodiments, the method 300 may also include enabling, by the server arrangement, communication between the user device 110 and the network of the one or more microcontrollers 108 when the user device 110 is located remotely from the network of microcontrollers 108. In such embodiments, the server arrangement functions as an intermediary or gateway that facilitates secure, real-time data exchange between the remotely located user device and the localized microcontroller network. This allows users to access, monitor, and configure the operational relationships from virtually any location. For instance, when a user attempts to send a reassignment instruction or query system status through a mobile app or web interface from a different geographical location, the request is first routed to the server arrangement. The server authenticates the request, validates user permissions, and then forwards the appropriate data or command to the corresponding microcontroller(s) 108 within the network. Responses or acknowledgments from the microcontrollers 108 are similarly routed back to the user device 110 through the server. This architecture ensures remote accessibility, secure communication, and scalable deployment, supporting use cases such as building-wide energy management across multiple sites, off-site maintenance, or smart home control via mobile applications.

[0074] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart representing an exemplary sequence of steps involved in method 300 for managing the distribution of electrical energy from at least one power source (PS) to a plurality of electrical loads 104 using the smart energy management system 100. The process initiates when a user accesses the user device 110 to configure or modify the operational relationship between the electrical switching elements 102 and the physical switches 106, as shown in block 402. This configuration step allows the user to define which physical switches and switching elements are logically mapped to which electrical loads, using an intuitive interface on the remote computing device. Subsequently, in block 404, the user selects a desired control configuration from among a plurality of predefined virtual groups or nested virtual groups, each representing specific combinations of identifier values associated with microcontrollers, switching elements, and switches. This selection is made via an interface unit on the user device 110. Following the user’s selection, as depicted in block 406, the user device 110 transmits a reassignment instruction to the relevant microcontrollers 108. This signal instructs the microcontrollers to update the operational relationships among the electrical switching elements 102 and the physical switches 106 in accordance with the selected group or layout. After the configuration hasbeen updated, in block 408, the remote computing device may generate and transmit a confirmation notification to the user. This allows the user to verify that the new configuration (i.e., the reassigned layout) accurately reflects the intended operational setup. This process enables dynamic, user-driven configuration of load control assignments without requiring manual rewiring, thereby enhancing flexibility, user control, and system adaptability in both residential and industrial environments.

[0075] The present disclosure provides a system and method for managing distribution of electrical energy from a power source to multiple loads, enabling dynamic assignment and reassignment of switches without physical rewiring. By incorporating wireless or alternative communication between a control unit and switches, the system reduces reliance on fixed connections, simplifies installation, and improves adaptability. The system enhances reliability and fault tolerance by allowing reassignment of switches in case of malfunctions, ensuring uninterrupted power supply, and supports seamless control transfer without altering wiring infrastructure. The architecture minimizes installation and maintenance costs, supports scalable expansion with minimal reconfiguration, and integrates with existing energy management systems. Additionally, the system intelligently prioritizes loads based on predefined criteria for optimal power distribution under peak or limited conditions, provides a user-friendly and adaptable solution for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, and aligns with modem energy efficiency standards by reducing energy waste and improving overall performance.

[0076] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be constmed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and described individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability.

[0077] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A system (100) for managing distribution of electrical energy from at least one power source (PS) to a plurality of electrical loads (104), the system (100) comprising: a plurality of electrical switching elements (102), wherein each electrical switching element being connected to at least one of the plurality of electrical loads (104) and configured to switch power supplied to the at least one of the plurality of electrical loads (104); a plurality of physical switches (106), wherein each physical switch is configured as physical user interface to receive a user input for actuation of at least one electrical switching element of the plurality of electrical switching elements (102); and one or more microcontrollers (108), each microcontroller (108) being: connected to at least one physical switch of the plurality of switches (106) to detect the user input for actuation of at least one electrical switching element of the plurality of electrical switching elements (102); connected to at least one electrical switching element of the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) to control the actuation of the at least one electrical switching element of the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) for switching power supplied to the at least one of the plurality of electrical loads (104); wherein the one or more microcontrollers (108): are configured to update default operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) and the plurality of physical switches (106) based on a reassignment instruction received from a user device (110); and communicate with each other in a network to control actuation of the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) according to the updated operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) and the plurality of physical switches (106).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of physical switches (106) comprise any or a combination of rocker physical switches (106), toggle physical switches (106), touch physical switches (106), and rotary physical switches (106).

3. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) comprise any or a combination of relays, contacts,Triodes for Alternating Current (TRIACs), and digital logic control devices to regulate the supply of electrical energy to the plurality of electrical loads (104).

4. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more microcontrollers (108) communicate with each other via at least one of: a wireless local area network, a wired local network area, or a hybrid local area network.

5. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the user device (110) comprises at least one of: a laptop, a mobile phone, a computer, a smartwatch, a central control panel, or portable communication device.

6. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein each microcontroller is associated with a microcontroller identifier, each electrical switching element is associated with a switching element identifier, and each physical switch is associated with a physical switch identifier.

7. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the default operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) and the plurality of physical switches (106) are defined by the one or more microcontrollers (108).

8. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the user device (110) is configured to create a plurality of virtual groups having unique group identifiers to update the operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) and the plurality of physical switches (106), wherein each virtual group represents at least one operational relationship between the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) and the plurality of physical switches (106).

9. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein each virtual group comprises at least one of the microcontroller identifiers, at least one of the switching element identifiers and at least one of the physical switch identifiers.

10. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the user device (110) is configured to create hierarchical virtual groups comprising existing virtual groups as members.

11. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the user device (110) is configured to communicate the created plurality of virtual groups to the one or more microcontrollers (108) in the network as the reassignment instruction.

12. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein upon receiving the reassignment instruction, each of the microcontroller is configured to: parse the reassignment instruction to identify if virtual group data comprises the associated microcontroller identifier; update the operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) and the plurality of physical switches (106) based on the virtual group data; and control actuation of the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) in response to the user input according to the updated the operational relationships.

13. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the system (100) comprises a server arrangement in communication with at least one of: the user device (110) and the network of the one or more microcontrollers (108), wherein the server arrangement is configured to store the plurality of virtual groups to synchronize the plurality of virtual groups between multiple user devices.

14. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the server arrangement is configured to enable communication between the user device (110) and the network of the one or more microcontrollers (108), when the user device (110) is present at a remote location from the network of the one or more microcontrollers (108).

15. A method (300) for managing distribution of electrical energy from at least one power source (PS) to a plurality of electrical loads (104), the method (300) comprising the steps of: detecting, by one or more microcontrollers (108), a user input at a physical switch of a plurality of physical switches (106), wherein each microcontroller (108) is connected toat least one physical switch of the plurality of physical switches (106) and to at least one electrical switching element of a plurality of electrical switching elements (102); receiving, by the one or more microcontrollers (108), a reassignment instruction from a user device (110); updating, by the one or more microcontrollers (108), default operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) and the plurality of physical switches (106) based on the reassignment instruction; communicating between the one or more microcontrollers (108) in a network to coordinate control of the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) according to the updated operational relationships; and controlling actuation of at least one electrical switching element of the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) to switch power supplied to at least one of the plurality of electrical loads (104) based on the detected user input and the updated operational relationships.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein detecting the user input comprises detecting actuation of any or a combination of rocker physical switches, toggle physical switches, touch physical switches, and rotary physical switches.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein controlling actuation comprises controlling any or a combination of relays, contacts, Triodes for Alternating Current (TRIACs), and digital logic control devices to regulate the supply of electrical energy to the plurality of electrical loads (104).

18. The method as claimed in any of claims 15 to 17, wherein communicating between the one or more microcontrollers (108) comprises communicating via at least one of: a wireless local area network, a wired network local area, or a hybrid local area network.

19. The method as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18, wherein receiving the reassignment instruction comprises receiving the reassignment instruction from at least one of: a laptop, a mobile phone, a computer, a smartwatch, a central control panel, or portable communication device.

20. The method (300) as claimed in any of claims 15 to 19, further comprising: associating each microcontroller with a microcontroller identifier; associating each electrical switching element with a switching element identifier; and associating each physical switch with a physical switch identifier.

21. The method as claimed in any of claims 15 to 20, further comprising: defining, by the one or more microcontrollers (108), default operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) and the plurality of physical switches (106) prior to receiving the reassignment instruction.

22. The method as claimed in any of claims 15 to 21, further comprising: creating, at the user device (110), a plurality of virtual groups having unique group identifiers to update the operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) and the plurality of physical switches (106), wherein each virtual group represents at least one operational relationship between the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) and the plurality of physical switches (106).

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein creating the plurality of virtual groups comprises: assigning to each virtual group at least one of the microcontroller identifiers, at least one of the switching element identifiers and at least one of the physical switch identifiers.

24. The method as claimed in claim 22 or 23, further comprising: creating, at the user device (110), hierarchical virtual groups comprising existing virtual groups as members.

25. The method as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24, wherein receiving the reassignment instruction comprises: communicating the created plurality of virtual groups from the user device (110) to the one or more microcontrollers (108) in the network as the reassignment instruction.

26. The method as claimed in any of claims 22 to 25, wherein updating the operational relationships comprises: parsing, by each microcontroller, the reassignment instruction to identify if virtual group data comprises the associated microcontroller identifier; updating the operational relationships between the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) and the plurality of physical switches (106) based on the virtual group data; and controlling actuation of the plurality of electrical switching elements (102) in response to the user input according to the updated operational relationships.

27. The method as claimed in any of claims 22 to 26, further comprising: storing, by a server arrangement in communication with at least one of the user device (110) and the network of the one or more microcontrollers (108), the plurality of virtual groups; and synchronizing the plurality of virtual groups between multiple user devices.

28. The method as claimed in claim 27, further comprising: enabling, by the server arrangement, communication between the user device (110) and the network of the one or more microcontrollers (108) when the user device (110) is present at a remote location from the network of the one or more microcontrollers (108).

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