Portable Panel Load Visualization via Image Recognition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy metering systems are insufficient for detailed analysis of energy consumption at a site, as they typically measure total energy use at a central point, failing to provide a detailed breakdown of consumption across individual circuits, making it difficult for users to identify energy-intensive areas within a building.
Innovation Solution
A visualization system comprising sensor devices attached to circuit breakers, a data processing system, and a portable device that captures images of the distribution panel, identifies circuit breakers, senses electrical loads, and displays load information in a structured format, enabling a more detailed analysis of energy usage on a per-circuit basis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional energy metering systems measure total energy use at a central point, then the measurement is simple and covers the entire site, but detailed analysis of energy consumption at individual circuits or areas is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy measurement function into multiple independent sensor devices, each attached to individual circuit breakers. Each sensor device independently measures electrical parameters (current, voltage, power) for its specific circuit, enabling detailed per-circuit energy consumption analysis while maintaining system simplicity through modular, standalone units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces portable devices (smartphones, tablets) as intermediary tools that capture images of the distribution panel and overlay circuit-specific energy consumption data onto the visual image. This intermediary approach provides detailed measurement capabilities without requiring permanent installation of complex monitoring infrastructure
2Loss of information
If sensor devices are attached to each circuit breaker for detailed monitoring, then per-circuit energy analysis is enabled, but installation and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor devices are designed as self-contained units with integrated power supply (drawing power from the monitored circuit), processing capabilities, and wireless communication functions. They autonomously measure electrical parameters, calculate energy consumption, and transmit data without requiring external power sources or complex installation procedures, enabling easy deployment by end-users
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device serves as an intermediary that simplifies operation by capturing images of the distribution panel and automatically overlaying energy consumption data from multiple sensor devices onto the visual representation. This eliminates the need for users to manually interpret separate data streams from each sensor, providing an intuitive, easy-to-operate interface
3Productivity
If fixed measurement devices are installed at distribution points, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, portable sensor devices that can be temporarily attached to circuit breakers using adhesive or magnetic mounts. These devices require no permanent installation, can be easily removed and relocated, and provide sufficient functionality for energy analysis without the high cost and complexity of fixed installation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The portable imaging device acts as an intermediary that consolidates data from multiple sensor devices into a single visual overview. By capturing an image of the entire distribution panel and overlaying data from individual sensors, it provides comprehensive energy analysis efficiency without requiring permanent fixed installation infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A visualization system for visualizing electrical loads of an electrical distribution panel is disclosed in one embodiment. The system includes a sensor arrangement for sensing an electrical load of a plurality of electrical circuits protected by corresponding circuit breakers of the distribution panel and for providing corresponding sensor data, a data processing system for aggregating and storing the sensor data of the sensor arrangement, and a portable device. The portable device includes an image capturing unit and a display screen. It is configured to obtain a live image of at least a part of the electrical distribution panel from the image capturing unit, to identify individual circuit breakers within the live image, to obtain load information at least for the identified circuit breakers from the data processing system and to display the obtained load information in a structured way on the display screen of the portable device.