Smart Grid Receptacle with Distributed Power Status Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Smart Grid consumer devices are cumbersome, centrally located, complex, and difficult for consumers to interpret, limiting effective communication and electricity consumption management.
Innovation Solution
Power status-indicating electrical receptacles and pass-through devices with integrated communication modules, such as PLC receivers, that continuously retrieve and interpret grid data, using indicators like LEDs, audio, and display screens to inform consumers of grid loading and billing status, and adjust power output based on sensed thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If consumer devices are centrally located to interface with Smart Grid data, then device management is simplified, but accessibility and effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized monitoring function into distributed receptacle-level indicators. Each receptacle independently displays power status information, eliminating the need for consumers to navigate to a central location or device. This segmentation allows consumers to obtain information directly at the point of use, improving accessibility while maintaining simplified overall system management.
2Loss of information
If consumer devices provide detailed Smart Grid information, then information completeness is improved, but interpretability and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded LED indicators (e.g., green, yellow, red) to represent different power status conditions such as low, medium, and high power availability. This visual encoding transforms complex grid data into instantly interpretable color signals, maintaining complete information transmission while dramatically improving consumer understandability and ease of interpretation.
3Loss of information
If traditional Smart Grid interfaces are used, then data communication capability is maintained, but consumer engagement and effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle indicators automatically receive and process Smart Grid data through integrated communication modules, eliminating the need for consumers to actively query or navigate complex interfaces. The system serves itself by autonomously displaying relevant power status information at the receptacle, significantly improving consumer engagement effectiveness while maintaining full data communication capabilities.
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
Provides consumers with intuitive, distributed, and effective means to monitor and adjust electricity consumption, enhancing energy management and reducing bills through informed decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
a communication module (which can include, without limitation, a power line communication ('PLC') receiver module and/or other communication module) that continuously retrieves and interprets power status data from a centralized control module
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power status-indicating device for integration with a Smart Grid network. The device comprises an electrical receptacle installed within a wall of a consumer premises, a communication module for retrieving and interpreting power status data from a centralized control module, and at least one indicator activated by the communication module, with activation based at least in part on the status data. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a power pass-through device for receiving at least one in-premise electronic device, and/or a light switch in communication with a lighting unit.