Portable Electrical Diagnostic Device for Real-Time Energy Audits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and reporting electrical energy consumption in buildings are inadequate as they lack real-time data acquisition and analysis, are disruptive to operations, and fail to identify excessive consumption at the equipment level, making it difficult to optimize energy usage and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A portable electrical data diagnostic device with multiple current transformer connectors, on-board data processing, and remote data transmission capabilities that allows for real-time monitoring and reporting of electrical energy consumption, providing detailed reports on equipment-level usage and enabling informed decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed core current transformers are used to measure electricity consumption, then measurement capability is improved, but device size and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into multiple portable monitoring devices that can be independently connected to different circuits, rather than using a single fixed installation. Each device can be separately deployed and removed without affecting other measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporary connectors as intermediary components that bridge the portable monitoring device and the electrical circuits. These connectors enable easy attachment and detachment without requiring permanent modification to the electrical system or specialized contractor intervention.
2Loss of information
If energy audits are conducted to assess electrical consumption, then consumption analysis is improved, but operational disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary connection of monitoring devices before significant energy consumption patterns occur, allowing continuous data collection without interrupting operations. The portable devices can be installed and configured while the building remains fully operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to operate autonomously once connected, automatically collecting, processing, and analyzing energy consumption data without requiring continuous human intervention or disruption to normal building operations. The system serves itself by maintaining continuous monitoring in the background.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple electricity meters are used to measure energy consumption, then cost is reduced, but real-time monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static periodic meter readings to dynamic real-time monitoring by continuously sampling electrical parameters and immediately processing the data. The portable devices provide real-time feedback on consumption patterns, enabling immediate detection of anomalies and rapid response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates immediate feedback loops where consumption data is continuously collected, analyzed, and presented to users in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables proactive energy management by alerting users to excessive consumption patterns as they occur, rather than providing delayed periodic reports.
4Ease of operation
If portable test meters are used for onsite testing, then portability is improved, but automated real-time analysis capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the portability of handheld test meters with the automated analysis capabilities of fixed monitoring systems. The portable devices incorporate onboard processors and communication modules that enable automatic data collection, real-time analysis, and wireless transmission of results, combining the mobility advantage with sophisticated automated functionality.
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
Enables non-disruptive, real-time energy audits and reporting, allowing for efficient energy management by identifying excessive consumption and optimizing maintenance schedules, reducing energy wastage and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
multiple current transformer electrical connectors, at least one said current transformer electrical connector temporarily connects the device to a mains electrical supply (36, 38)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A portable electrical energy consumption diagnostic device (10) connects to electrical systems to acquire and analyse electrical data. The device has an onboard power supply (12), an energy monitoring means (14), a mini PC (16), a modem/router (18), CT adaptors (20) and an interface (22), all housed in a portable container (24), such as a hard case. The device (10) is connected to external electrical connector(s) (CT inputs) (26, 32) to temporarily connect the device to an electrical supply of electrical equipment. Electrical data acquisition means and an onboard electrical data processing means determine electrical consumption characteristics of monitored equipment over a period of time, such as lighting, air conditioning, elevators, pumps, motors etc. Optional transmission means transmits the acquired electrical data to a remote electrical data processor for remote electrical data processing. The onboard or remote data processor generating report data relating to the electrical energy consumption.