Outlet-Based Energy Monitoring via Voltage Fluctuation Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively monitor and analyze electrical energy usage at structures, lacking the ability to distinguish between energy usage by different loads and times within a billing cycle, and often require invasive installation methods.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for monitoring and analyzing electrical energy use by plugging an electricity monitoring device into an electrical outlet, which measures real-time electricity characteristics such as voltage fluctuations to determine energy usage levels and generate an energy use profile without requiring disconnection of the circuit or rewiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If utility meters are used to measure electricity use for the entire structure, then overall energy use data is provided, but the system cannot distinguish between energy usage by different loads or at different times within a billing cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall energy consumption into distinct components by analyzing voltage fluctuations caused by individual appliances. The system divides the total load into separate appliance-level measurements, enabling precise tracking of energy usage by different loads and at different times without requiring physical segmentation of the electrical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voltage fluctuation analysis as an intermediary mechanism to infer appliance-level energy consumption from aggregate measurements. By monitoring voltage changes as a mediator, the system can distinguish between different loads and time periods without directly measuring each appliance, thus preserving information that would otherwise be lost in total structure measurements.
2Reliability
If plug-in devices are used to detect electrical faults, then safety information is provided, but actionable information regarding inefficient energy use is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the voltage monitoring system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both safety detection and energy efficiency analysis. The same voltage fluctuation data used to detect electrical faults also provides actionable information about inefficient energy use, appliance identification, and consumption patterns, eliminating the need for separate monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide users with actionable information about their energy consumption patterns. By analyzing voltage fluctuations and comparing them against known appliance signatures, the system feedbacks specific information about which appliances are consuming excessive energy, enabling users to take corrective actions for energy efficiency while maintaining safety monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If monitoring devices are connected to electrical distribution boards, then comprehensive energy data is obtained, but disconnection and rewiring are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the monitoring device to perform self-service installation by plugging directly into standard outlets. The device automatically begins monitoring voltage fluctuations and infers energy consumption patterns without requiring professional installation, circuit disconnection, or rewiring. This self-service approach maintains comprehensive measurement capabilities while dramatically simplifying deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the outlet connection as an intermediary that provides access to circuit-level energy data without requiring direct connection to the distribution board. By monitoring voltage fluctuations at the outlet level, the system obtains comprehensive energy usage information while avoiding the installation complexity of distributing board access, thus maintaining measurement precision while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for monitoring and analyzing electrical energy use at a site are disclosed herein. An electricity monitoring device configured to measure real-time electricity characteristics (e.g., instantaneous voltage levels) may be plugged into an outlet of an electrical circuit of a structure. The data obtained by such device may then be analyzed to determine electricity usage levels for the site and/or for individual electrical devices in the structure (e.g., based upon unique electrical signatures indicated by variations in voltage levels). The electricity usage levels may further be used to generate an energy use profile for the structure.