Circuit Breaker Sub-Metering via Integrated MEMS Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sub-metering methods in electrical power distribution are space-consuming, cumbersome to install, and lack accuracy and communication capabilities, making them inefficient for accurately measuring and billing power consumption in multi-tenant buildings.
Innovation Solution
An electrical sub-metering system that includes a compact panel board with MEMS-based current sensors integrated into circuit breakers, a hub for data collection, and a data collector to accurately measure and communicate power consumption data, using either wired or wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional current transformers (CTs) are installed on conductors for sub-metering, then power consumption can be measured, but the installation becomes space-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the current measuring device directly into the circuit breaker assembly, merging two separate components (CT and circuit breaker) into one unified unit. This eliminates the need for separate CT installation on conductors and reduces the number of wiring connections required, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breaker assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides circuit protection through the circuit breaker and simultaneously performs sub-metering through the integrated current measuring device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sub-metering hardware, reducing overall device complexity and installation burden.
2Measurement precision
If traditional current transformers (CTs) are installed for sub-metering, then power consumption can be measured, but wire bend space within electrical distribution enclosure is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the current measuring device into the circuit breaker assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate CT mounting on conductors within the enclosure. The measuring device utilizes the existing circuit breaker structure and conductor routing, thereby preserving valuable wire bend space in the electrical distribution enclosure while maintaining measurement capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If present CTs incorporated within circuit breakers are used, then circuit breaker trip units can be powered, but accuracy and external communication capability suitable for sub-metering are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a Hall effect sensor-based current measuring device that provides higher measurement accuracy compared to traditional CTs. The Hall effect technology enables precise current measurement with better linearity and lower error margins, meeting the accuracy requirements for sub-metering applications while maintaining circuit breaker functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a communication interface that acts as an intermediary between the current measuring device and external sub-metering systems. This interface enables digital communication of measurement data, allowing accurate power consumption information to be transmitted to billing or monitoring systems, thereby providing both accuracy and external communication capability.
4Measurement precision
If modular metering is used for sub-metering, then each suite can be individually measured, but the system becomes space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the current measuring device directly into the circuit breaker assembly, which is already a standard component in electrical distribution panels. By utilizing the existing circuit breaker footprint and structure, the patent provides individual suite measurement capabilities without requiring additional dedicated meter space in the panel, thereby eliminating the space-consuming issue of modular metering.
5Ease of manufacture
If master metering is used, then billing can be simplified, but accuracy of power consumption measurement is highly inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a communication interface that enables digital transmission of accurate measurement data from the current measuring device to external billing or monitoring systems. This intermediary communication capability allows for automated, accurate billing based on actual measured consumption, combining the simplicity of centralized billing with the accuracy of individual measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides accurate and efficient tracking of power consumption, reduces installation complexity, and minimizes panel size, enhancing accuracy and ease of installation while reducing ventilation requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a circuit breaker including a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based current sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical sub-metering system for making available information associated with power consumption of at least one circuit of a plurality of circuits is disclosed. The system includes an electrical panel board configured to distribute power to the plurality of circuits, a circuit breaker in power connection with a conductor of the at least one circuit, a voltage sensor, a hub to collect the information associated with power consumption from the voltage sensor and the circuit breaker, and a data collector to collect and make available to a user the information associated with power consumption. The circuit breaker includes a current measuring device to measure current through the at least one circuit and is in signal communication with the hub via a single communication interface that has a plurality of communication paths.