Power Strip Current Measurement Using Hall Effect Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to accurately measure the power consumption of individual electronic devices when connected to a power strip or downstream of a distribution board, as they either cannot differentiate between devices or lack the necessary measurement capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A power strip with a busbar and distribution bars, integrated with electric current measurement units and hall elements, allows for precise measurement of electric current flowing through each distribution bar, enabling calculation of power consumption for each connected device by multiplying voltage and current measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a terminal for measuring power consumption is provided to an outlet, then the total power consumption of multiple electronic devices can be measured, but the power consumption of each individual electronic device cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The power strip is divided into multiple independent measurement circuits, each associated with a specific outlet and distribution bar. Each measurement circuit includes a current measurement unit that independently measures the current flowing through its corresponding distribution bar, enabling individual device power consumption measurement while maintaining the ability to measure total power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If an electric current sensor is provided to a power supply line upstream of power division, then power consumption measurement is possible, but there is no way to figure out how much electric power is consumed in each downstream power supply line
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent current measurement units, each positioned at a distribution bar that supplies a specific outlet. This segmentation allows each measurement unit to independently measure the current for its associated outlet, providing detailed power consumption data for each downstream power supply line while maintaining overall measurement capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distribution bars are provided to supply multiple outlets, then individual outlet power supply is enabled, but measurement of individual power consumption becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system uses multiple independent current measurement units, with each unit associated with a specific distribution bar and outlet. This modular segmentation allows the system to handle multiple outlets independently without increasing overall complexity, as each measurement unit operates autonomously and can be implemented using the same standardized design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each current measurement unit is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of measuring current for its associated distribution bar while contributing to both individual device power consumption measurement and total power consumption measurement. This universality simplifies the overall system design by using identical measurement units throughout.
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 accurate and individual monitoring of power consumption for each electronic device connected to the power strip, enhancing measurement reliability and user awareness of energy usage for saving purposes.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electric current measurement units respectively measuring the electric current flowing through the plurality of distribution bars
Data Source
AI summary
The following disclosure provides a power strip including: a busbar electrically connected to a power source; multiple electrical outlets allowing multiple power plugs to be inserted thereinto, respectively; distribution bars which are branched out from the busbar and respectively supply the electrical outlets with electric currents of the power source; and a plurality of electric current measurement units each configured to measure the electric current flowing through a corresponding one of the distribution bars.