Temperature-Compensated Power Measurement in Electrical Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical measurement devices in buildings lack accuracy due to temperature variations and are bulky and expensive, failing to distinguish and control energy consumption of individual devices with similar energy signatures, and are difficult to install in residential settings.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a shunt resistor and temperature sensor for accurate current and voltage measurements, connected to an electronic module for data processing and transmission via wireless Internet, allowing for temperature compensation and installation in electrical panels, enabling precise monitoring and control of energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network analyzers are used to measure and control electrical variables, then measurement capability is improved, but device volume and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from bulky network analyzers and implements it in a compact device integrated into the electrical panel. The measurement unit is separated as an independent module that can be installed within the panel structure, eliminating the need for external voluminous equipment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature measurement as a proxy indicator to infer power consumption. Instead of directly measuring complex electrical variables with expensive analyzers, the system copies the information through thermal effects, using temperature sensors to detect power levels indirectly, thus achieving measurement capability with simpler, smaller components.
2Measurement precision
If network analyzers are used to measure and control electrical variables, then measurement capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement device with the electrical panel structure itself. The measurement unit is integrated into the panel's existing framework, utilizing available space and mounting points. This combination eliminates the need for separate external analyzer installations and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to be self-contained and self-configuring within the electrical panel. It automatically interfaces with the panel's existing electrical connections and provides measurements without requiring complex external setup or calibration, thereby simplifying installation and reducing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If power meters are placed high on building's wiring hierarchy, then total energy consumption monitoring is improved, but ability to distinguish individual device consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function to operate at multiple levels: the electrical panel level for individual device monitoring and the building level for total consumption. By distributing measurement units across multiple panels throughout the building, the system simultaneously captures detailed device-level data and aggregates it for overall building consumption, preventing information loss at any hierarchical level.
4Measurement precision
If temperature measurement is used for power measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical measurement mechanisms with thermal measurement. Instead of using complex electrical sensors and signal processing circuits to measure power directly, the system uses temperature sensors to detect thermal effects of power consumption, substituting a simpler thermal measurement approach for complex electrical measurement systems.
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
The device provides high-accuracy power measurements, detects potential issues like hotspots, and facilitates smart energy management by distinguishing energy consumption patterns of different devices, enhancing safety and efficiency in residential energy use.
Implementation Method 1
Device for measuring power in electrical protection panels in buildings by means of temperature measurement
Implementation Method 2
A preferred embodiment of the device features a shunt resistor to obtain the measurement of the input current
Implementation Method 3
The device features a small measuring design, which is suitable to be installed in electrical protections... since, as it is known, temperature variations lead to false estimations of the electrical variables to be measured. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the temperature under control all the time to avoid great variations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a design for a measurement device with improved power measurement accuracy, involving the measurement of the temperature using a highly accurate device that can be installed coupled to the protectors, the device comprising: an essentially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped casing with a plurality of slots in the lateral surfaces, one or more openings, and at least one electrical connection rod; a motherboard (PCB) on the inside of the casing, comprising a first face having at least one Shunt resistor and its own power supply, and a second face, opposite the first face, having—a communication module consisting of a microcontroller that is connected to the measurement module, —a temperature sensor disposed on the second face (PCB) and on the side opposite the Shunt resistor, and—electrically isolated communication ports; and an analogue-to-digital converter.