U.S. patent application number 17/372674 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-13 for electrical power sharing system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Richard Bailey, David A. Graves. Invention is credited to Richard Bailey, David A. Graves.
Application Number | 20220014022 17/372674 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220014022 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bailey; Richard ; et
al. |
January 13, 2022 |
ELECTRICAL POWER SHARING SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A system and method for delivering shared electrical power
between two or more electronic devices is provided. The system
connects directly to an electrical power source and provides a
continual power connection between the power source and one or more
primary electronic device(s), and simultaneously, provides a
switched power connection between the power source and one or more
secondary electronic device(s). The system includes a power sensing
system for sensing power drawn by a primary electronic device, and
upon sensing that the primary device is drawing a power level below
a predetermined threshold (e.g., 200 watts), the system connects a
secondary electronic device to the power source (while leaving the
primary electronic device still connected) so that it also may draw
power. Example primary electronic devices include an electric
clothes dryer, and example secondary electronic devices include a
Type 2 electric vehicle charger.
Inventors: |
Bailey; Richard; (Kirkland,
WA) ; Graves; David A.; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bailey; Richard
Graves; David A. |
Kirkland
Seattle |
WA
WA |
US
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/372674 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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63050398 |
Jul 10, 2020 |
|
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International
Class: |
H02J 3/14 20060101
H02J003/14; G05F 1/12 20060101 G05F001/12 |
Claims
1. An electrical power sharing system comprising: a first port
adapted to receive electrical power from a power supply; a second
port in electrical communication with the first port and adapted to
deliver to a first load a first amount of the electrical power
received at the first port; a power sensing device configured to
sense a first value representative of the first amount of
electrical power delivered by the second port to the first load and
to output a first signal based on the sensed first value; a power
switch including a switch input and a switch output, and adapted to
provide an electrical connection or an electrical disconnection
between the switch input and the switch output, the switch input in
electrical communication with the first port; a third port in
electrical communication with the switch output; and a controller
in communication with the power sensing device and the power
switch, and including memory storing at least one power level
threshold; wherein the controller is adapted to receive the first
signal from the power sensing device, to process the first signal
in relation to the at least one power level threshold, and, based
at least in part on an outcome of the processing, to cause the
power switch to provide either an electrical connection or an
electrical disconnection between the switch input and the switch
output.
2. The electrical power sharing system of claim 1, wherein when the
power switch provides an electrical connection between the switch
input and the switch output, the third port is adapted to deliver
to a second load a second amount of electrical power received at
the first port.
3. The electrical power sharing system of claim 1, wherein the
power sensing device includes a current sensing device.
4. The electrical power sharing system of claim 3, wherein the
first value includes a value of electrical current.
5. The electrical power sharing system of claim 1, wherein the
controller is adapted to transform the first value into a first
power value.
6. The electrical power sharing system of claim 5, wherein the
controller is adapted to process the first signal in relation to
the at least one power level threshold by comparing the first power
level to the at least one power level threshold.
7. The electrical power sharing system of claim 6, wherein the
controller is adapted to cause the power switch to provide an
electrical connection between the switch input and the switch
output when the comparison determines that the first power level is
less than the at least one power level threshold.
8. The electrical power sharing system of claim 6, wherein the
controller is adapted to cause the power switch to provide an
electrical disconnection between the switch input and the switch
output when the comparison determines that the first power level is
greater than the at least one power level threshold.
9. The electrical power sharing system of claim 1, further
comprising a housing configured to contain the power sensing
device, the power switch, and the controller.
10. The electrical power sharing system of claim 1, further
comprising an electric vehicle charger electrically coupled to the
third port.
11. The electrical power sharing system of claim 10, wherein the
electric vehicle charger includes a Type 2 electric vehicle
charger.
12. The electrical power sharing system of claim 11, wherein the at
least one power level threshold equals 200 watts.
13. A method for sharing electrical power comprising: (A) providing
a first port in electrical communication with a second port, the
first port configured to receive first electrical power and the
second port adapted to deliver second electrical power; (B)
electrically coupling a primary appliance to the second port, the
primary appliance configured to draw at least a portion of the
second electrical power; (C) providing a power sensing device
between the first port and the second port and adapted to sense a
first value representative of the at least a portion of the second
electrical power drawn by the primary appliance; (D) providing a
power switch including a switch input and a switch output, and
adapted to provide an electrical connection or an electrical
disconnection between the switch input and the switch output, the
switch input in electrical communication with the first port; (E)
providing a third port in electrical communication with the switch
output, the third port adapted to deliver third electrical power;
(F) electrically coupling a secondary appliance to the third port,
the secondary appliance configured to draw at least a portion of
the third electrical power; (G) providing a controller in
communication with the power sensing device and the power switch,
and including memory storing at least one power level threshold;
(H) using the power sensing device to sense a first value
representative of the at least a portion of the second electrical
power drawn by the primary appliance; (I) using the controller to
process the first signal in relation to the at least one power
level threshold to determine if the at least a portion of the
second electrical power drawn by the primary appliance is less than
the at least one power level threshold; and (J) in response to a
determination in (I) that the at least a portion of the second
electrical power drawn by the primary appliance is less than the at
least one power level threshold, then: (K) using the controller to
cause the power switch to provide an electrical connection between
the switch input and the switch output.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: (L) in response to a
determination in (I) that the at least a portion of the second
electrical power drawn by the primary appliance is greater than the
at least one power level threshold, then: (M) using the controller
to cause the power switch to provide an electrical disconnection
between the switch input and the switch output.
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising: (G)(1) using the
controller to cause the power switch to provide an electrical
disconnection between the switch input and the switch output.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the power sensing device
includes a current sensing device.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein the first value includes a value
of electrical current.
18. The method of claim 13 further comprising: (E)(1) electrically
coupling an electric vehicle charger between the switch output and
the third port.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the electric vehicle charger
includes a Type 2 electric vehicle charger.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the at least one power level
threshold equals 200 watts.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 63/050,398 filed Jul. 10, 2020, the entire contents
of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to electrical power sharing, and more
particularly to power sharing between a primary appliance and a
secondary appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In most residential and/or commercial buildings, electrical
power is provided via one or more circuit breakers connected to an
electrical power grid. The various electrical outlets and/or
dedicated electrical power lines within the buildings are
electrically connected to the circuit breakers to receive
power.
[0004] The power provided by the electrical grid to the circuit
breakers is typically regulated, and the various electrical outlets
and dedicated electrical power lines are each connected to specific
circuit breakers with known power providing capacities. In this
way, the power consumption within the building may be generally
balanced and accounted for.
[0005] However, buildings may oftentimes include limited available
power circuits, and a home or business owner within the buildings
may require additional power.
[0006] In addition, high-power electronic devices (e.g., appliances
such as an electric clothes dryers, electric stoves, etc.) may draw
high power when in full operation and lower power during other
operating modes. However, when a high-power appliance is not in
full operation, and therefore not drawing high power from a circuit
breaker, any surplus power is typically not available for use by
other appliances, including appliances that may benefit from having
additional charging time, such as electric vehicles, smartphones,
smartwatches, or any other type of device/appliance that the user
may want to have charged.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method that
enables the sharing of a single circuit breaker between two or more
electrical appliances. There also is a need for a system and method
that enables the sharing of a single circuit breaker between two or
more electrical appliances while prioritizing a first electrical
appliance's power needs over a second electrical appliance's power
needs.
SUMMARY
[0008] According to one aspect, one or more embodiments are
provided below for an electrical power sharing system comprising a
first port adapted to receive electrical power from a power supply,
a second port in electrical communication with the first port and
adapted to deliver to a first load a first amount of the electrical
power received at the first port, a power sensing device configured
to sense a first value representative of the first amount of
electrical power delivered by the second port to the first load and
to output a first signal based on the sensed first value, a power
switch including a switch input and a switch output, and adapted to
provide an electrical connection or an electrical disconnection
between the switch input and the switch output, the switch input in
electrical communication with the first port, a third port in
electrical communication with the switch output, and a controller
in communication with the power sensing device and the power
switch, and including memory storing at least one power level
threshold, wherein the controller is adapted to receive the first
signal from the power sensing device, to process the first signal
in relation to the at least one power level threshold, and, based
at least in part on an outcome of the processing, to cause the
power switch to provide either an electrical connection or an
electrical disconnection between the switch input and the switch
output.
[0009] In another embodiment, the electrical power sharing system
of claim 1, wherein when the power switch provides an electrical
connection between the switch input and the switch output, the
third port is adapted to deliver to a second load a second amount
of electrical power received at the first port.
[0010] In another embodiment, the electrical power sharing system
of claim 1, wherein the power sensing device includes a current
sensing device.
[0011] In another embodiment, the electrical power sharing system
of claim 3, wherein the first value includes a value of electrical
current.
[0012] In another embodiment, the electrical power sharing system
of claim 1, wherein the controller is adapted to transform the
first value into a first power value.
[0013] In another embodiment, the electrical power sharing system
of claim 5, wherein the controller is adapted to process the first
signal in relation to the at least one power level threshold by
comparing the first power level to the at least one power level
threshold.
[0014] In another embodiment, the electrical power sharing system
of claim 6, wherein the controller is adapted to cause the power
switch to provide an electrical connection between the switch input
and the switch output when the comparison determines that the first
power level is less than the at least one power level
threshold.
[0015] In another embodiment, the electrical power sharing system
of claim 6, wherein the controller is adapted to cause the power
switch to provide an electrical disconnection between the switch
input and the switch output when the comparison determines that the
first power level is greater than the at least one power level
threshold.
[0016] In another embodiment, the electrical power sharing system
of claim 1, further comprising a housing configured to contain the
power sensing device, the power switch, and the controller.
[0017] In another embodiment, the electrical power sharing system
of claim 1, further comprising an electric vehicle charger
electrically coupled to the third port.
[0018] In another embodiment, the electrical power sharing system
of claim 10, wherein the electric vehicle charger includes a Type 2
electric vehicle charger.
[0019] In another embodiment, the electrical power sharing system
of claim 11, wherein the at least one power level threshold equals
200 watts.
[0020] According to another aspect, one or more embodiments are
provided below for a method for sharing electrical power
comprising: providing a first port in electrical communication with
a second port, the first port configured to receive first
electrical power and the second port adapted to deliver second
electrical power, electrically coupling a primary appliance to the
second port, the primary appliance configured to draw at least a
portion of the second electrical power, providing a power sensing
device between the first port and the second port and adapted to
sense a first value representative of the at least a portion of the
second electrical power drawn by the primary appliance, providing a
power switch including a switch input and a switch output, and
adapted to provide an electrical connection or an electrical
disconnection between the switch input and the switch output, the
switch input in electrical communication with the first port,
providing a third port in electrical communication with the switch
output, the third port adapted to deliver third electrical power,
electrically coupling a secondary appliance to the third port, the
secondary appliance configured to draw at least a portion of the
third electrical power, providing a controller in communication
with the power sensing device and the power switch, and including
memory storing at least one power level threshold, using the power
sensing device to sense a first value representative of the at
least a portion of the second electrical power drawn by the primary
appliance, using the controller to process the first signal in
relation to the at least one power level threshold to determine if
the at least a portion of the second electrical power drawn by the
primary appliance is less than the at least one power level
threshold, and in response to a determination that the at least a
portion of the second electrical power drawn by the primary
appliance is less than the at least one power level threshold, then
using the controller to cause the power switch to provide an
electrical connection between the switch input and the switch
output.
[0021] In another embodiment, the method further comprises in
response to a determination in that the at least a portion of the
second electrical power drawn by the primary appliance is greater
than the at least one power level threshold, then using the
controller to cause the power switch to provide an electrical
disconnection between the switch input and the switch output.
[0022] In another embodiment, the method further comprises using
the controller to cause the power switch to provide an electrical
disconnection between the switch input and the switch output.
[0023] In another embodiment, the power sensing device includes a
current sensing device.
[0024] In another embodiment, the first value includes a value of
electrical current.
[0025] In another embodiment, the method further comprises
electrically coupling an electric vehicle charger between the
switch output and the third port.
[0026] In another embodiment, the electric vehicle charger includes
a Type 2 electric vehicle charger.
[0027] In another embodiment, the at least one power level
threshold equals 200 watts.
[0028] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to
scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding
of these various elements and embodiments of the invention.
Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well
understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to
provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention,
thus the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of
clarity and conciseness.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an electrical power sharing
system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of an electrical power sharing
system in an in-use example in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] In general, the system and method according to exemplary
embodiments hereof provides for the sharing of electrical power
between two or more electronic devices (also referred to herein as
appliances). In some embodiments, the system connects directly to
an electrical power source (e.g., via a 240VAC circuit breaker) and
provides a continual power connection between the power source and
one or more primary electronic device(s). Simultaneously, the
system provides a switched power connection between the power
source and one or more secondary electronic device(s). The system
may be used with residential and/or commercial electrical power
distribution networks where shared power connections to individual
power sources is desired.
[0033] In some embodiments, the system includes a power sensing
system for sensing power drawn by a primary electronic device, and
upon sensing that the primary device is drawing a power level below
a predetermined threshold (e.g., 200 watts), the system connects a
secondary electronic device to the power source (while leaving the
primary electronic device still connected) so that it also may draw
power. In this configuration, both the primary device and the
secondary device may draw power from the circuit breaker. In this
way, the system effectively enables the sharing of a single power
source (e.g., a single 240VAC circuit breaker) between the primary
and secondary appliances, with the primary appliance having
priority over the secondary appliance.
[0034] In some embodiments, upon sensing that the primary device is
drawing a power level equal to or greater than a predetermined
threshold power level, the system disconnects the secondary
device(s) from the circuit breaker leaving only the primary device
connected to draw power. Operation may continue until it is
determined that the primary device may once again draw a power
level less than the threshold level at which time the system may
connect the secondary device to the power source such that both the
primary and secondary devices may again draw power.
[0035] Example primary electronic devices may include electric
clothes dryers, electric ovens or stoves, electric water heaters,
other types of electronic devices, and any combination thereof.
Example secondary electronic devices may include an electric
vehicle charger, a jacuzzi, other types of electronic devices, and
any combination thereof. It is understood that these examples are
for demonstration and that the primary and/or secondary electronic
devices may include any types of electronic devices. It also is
understood that in some embodiments, a primary device may be of the
same type as a secondary device, and vice versa.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, the invention according to
exemplary embodiments hereof will be described in further
detail.
[0037] In one exemplary embodiment hereof as shown in FIG. 1, the
system 10 includes a power sensing system 100, a power switch
assembly 200, a controller 300, and a housing assembly 400. The
system 10 also may include other elements and components as
necessary for it to fulfill its functionalities.
[0038] FIG. 1 depicts a general schematic of the system 10
configured with a power source PS (e.g., a circuit breaker
connected to an electrical grid), one or more primary appliances
PA-n (collectively and individually PA), and one or more secondary
appliance SA-n (collectively and individually SA). In some
embodiments, the system 10 includes three or more ports P1, P2, P3,
with the power source PS electrically coupled to the first port P1,
the primary appliance PA electrically coupled to the second port
P2, and the secondary appliance SA-n (collectively and individually
SA) electrically coupled to the third port P3.
[0039] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1, the primary
appliance PA is electrically connected to the power source PS via a
dedicated connection, and the secondary appliance SA is connected
to the power source PS via a switched connection. In general, the
primary appliance PA draws power from the power source PS, and the
power sensing system 100 monitors this power and communicates the
monitored power levels to the controller 300. The controller 300
processes the data received from the power sensing system 100, and
depending on the level of power drawn by the primary appliance PA,
connects or disconnects (via the power switch assembly 200) the
secondary appliance SA to or from the power source PS. In this way,
when it is deemed that there is surplus power available from the
power source PS, the surplus power is made available to the
secondary appliance SA.
[0040] For the purposes of this specification, the system and
method will be primarily described in relation to a single primary
appliance PA and a single secondary appliance SA. However, it is
understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the system
and method may be used to provide continual power to more than one
primary appliance PA and switched power to more than one secondary
appliance SA. In this case, the secondary appliances SA may be
prioritized in relation to one another and switched power may be
provided to the secondary appliances SA according to each secondary
appliance's SA's priority.
[0041] Power Sensing System 100
[0042] In one exemplary embodiment hereof, the power sensing system
100 measures the power drawn P.sub.PA from the power source PS by
the primary appliance PA. In some embodiments, the power sensing
system 100 measures the actual power drawn P.sub.PA, and in other
embodiments, the power sensing system 100 may measure other
quantities that may be proportional to, that may represent, and/or
that may otherwise be used to determine the power drawn P.sub.PA.
The power sensing may occur in real time, near real time, pseudo
real time, at time intervals, according to trigger events,
randomly, at other times, and at any combination thereof. The power
sensing system 100 may include any type of adequate power sensing
device or elements, and it is understood by a person of ordinary
skill in the art that the system 10 is not limited in any way by
the type or types of power sensing devices or elements that the
power sensing system 100 utilizes.
[0043] For example, in some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1, the
power sensing system 100 includes a current sensing system 102 that
senses the electrical current IPA drawn from the power source PS by
the primary appliance PA (i.e., the current IPA flowing through the
system 10 and into the primary appliance PA). The current sensing
system 102 may sense AC and/or DC and may include direct current
sensing elements and/or indirect current sensing elements.
[0044] In a first example, direct current sensing elements may
include a shunt resistor in series with the input to the primary
appliance PA to generate a voltage across the resistor proportional
to the primary appliance PA load current I.sub.PA. The voltage
across the shunt may be measured using differential amplifiers such
as current shunt monitors (CSMs), operational amplifiers (op-amps),
difference amplifiers (DAs), instrumentation amplifiers (IAs),
other types of direct current sensing devices, and any combination
thereof.
[0045] In another example, indirect current sensing elements may
include coils (e.g., Rogowski coils), Hall effect sensors, flux
gate sensors, magneto-resistor current sensors, other types of
indirect sensing devices, and any combination thereof. For
instance, a Hall effect sensor may be used to measure an induced
magnetic field across a coil created by the primary current
I.sub.PA with the measured magnetic field proportional to the
primary appliance PA load current I.sub.PA.
[0046] Other types of current sensing technologies such as, but not
limited to, transformer(s) and other types of elements also may be
used, and it is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art
that the scope of the system 10 is not limited in any way by the
type of current sensing system 102 that may be employed. It also is
understood that other types of power measuring systems 100 also may
be used instead of or in addition to the current sensing system
102.
[0047] Upon sensing the power, the power sensing system 100 may
output a signal representative of the amount of power being drawn
P.sub.PA by the primary appliance PA, and the signal may be
communicated to the controller 300. For example, in some
embodiments, the current sensing system 102 may output a signal
proportional to the sensed current I.sub.PA. The output signal may
include an analog voltage, an analog current, a digital output,
other types of output signals, and any combination thereof. As will
be described in other sections, the controller 300 may receive the
output signal from the power sensing system 100 and interpret the
signal to determine the actual amount of power being drawn by the
primary appliance PA at any given time. The controller 300 may then
provide operational instructions to other elements of the system 10
(e.g., to the power switch assembly 200) based on this
determination.
[0048] Power Switch Assembly 200
[0049] In one exemplary embodiment hereof as shown in FIG. 1, the
power switch assembly 200 includes a power switch 202 that controls
the flow of electricity between the power supply PS and the
secondary appliance SA.
[0050] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1, the power switch 202
includes a switch input port S1 and a switch output port S2 and is
configured to open and/or close an electrical connection between
the switch input S1 and the switch output S2, as required. In some
embodiments, the power switch 202 includes a
single-pole-single-throw (SPST) switch, however, other types of
power switches 202 also may be used.
[0051] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1, the power source PS
is electrically coupled to the switch input port S1 (e.g., via the
first port P1 of the system 10) and the secondary appliance SA is
electrically coupled to the switch output port S2 (e.g., via the
third port P3 of the system 10). In this configuration, the power
switch 202 is configured to either (i) connect the secondary
appliance SA to the power source PS so that the secondary appliance
SA may draw power from the power source PS, or (ii) disconnect the
secondary appliance SA from the power source PS so that the
secondary appliance SA may not draw power from the power source PS.
It is understood that other types of power switches 202 and/or
power switching devices may be utilized to perform this
functionality, and that the scope of the system 10 is not limited
in any way by the type(s) of power switching assembly 200 used.
[0052] The power switch 202 is preferably designed and rated to
conduct and switch the electrical levels required by the secondary
appliance SA (e.g., current, voltage, power, etc.). For example, in
some embodiments, the power switch 202 may switch 240VAC @ up to 40
amps to the secondary appliance SA, as required. It is understood
that other electrical levels also may be required and that the
power switch 202 is preferably rated to provide switching
capabilities at any required electrical level(s) and/or speeds.
[0053] Controller 300
[0054] In one exemplary embodiment hereof as shown in FIG. 1, the
controller 300 is configured to interface with the power sensing
system 100 and the power switch assembly 200. In some embodiments,
the controller 300 receives data from the power sensing system 100
and uses the data to determine (preferably in real time) the power
level P.sub.PA being drawn by the primary appliance PA at any given
moment. Then, based on this determination, the controller 300 may
cause the power switch assembly 200 to connect or disconnect the
secondary appliance SA to or from the power source PS.
[0055] In some embodiments, the controller 300 includes a
microcontroller, a microprocessor, a system on a chip (SoC), a
computer, other types of controllers, and any combination thereof.
The controller 300 also may include memory and other elements, as
necessary. The controller 300 preferably includes one or more
software program(s), applications, and/or code that may instruct
the controller 300 to perform its required functionalities. For
example, the controller's 300's software may include drivers that
enable the controller 300 to interface with (and control) the
various elements of the system 10 (e.g., the power sensing system
100 and the power switch assembly 200). The software also may be
used to perform transformations on the data it may receive, to
output data in different formats to the user, and to perform other
functions. The software program(s) or code may be provided with the
controller 300 as a preloaded library of functions, may be
programmed as high-level languages (e.g., Java, C++, etc.) and then
compiled into assembly language and/or machine code for use on the
controller 300, may be provided using other techniques, or by any
combination thereof.
[0056] In one exemplary embodiment hereof, the controller 300
receives the output signal(s) from the power sensing system 100,
and operates on the output signal(s) using programmed logic,
functions, and/or mathematical equations (e.g., Joule's Law, etc.)
to determine the amount of power P.sub.PA being drawn by the
primary appliance PA.
[0057] As described in other sections, this process of receiving
signals from the power sensing system 100 and utilizing the signals
to determine the power P.sub.PA may preferably happen continually
and in real time (at least while the primary appliance PA and the
secondary appliance SA are both connected to the system 10).
[0058] In some embodiments, the controller 300 compares the
determined power draw P.sub.PA of the primary appliance PA to a
predetermined threshold power level P.sub.TH (e.g., stored in
memory), and based on the results of the comparison, sends specific
control signals to the power switch assembly 200. This comparison
procedure may be continual and may occur at a predefined frequency
(e.g., once a millisecond). In some embodiments, the threshold
power level P.sub.TH may be set to any desired value (e.g., 200
watts). In other embodiments, the system 10 may store a plurality
of threshold power levels P.sub.TH (e.g., in controller memory)
with each threshold power level P.sub.TH corresponding to one or
more time segments. In some embodiments, the one or more time
segments may include any desired time segment(s) of any particular
day, week, month, year, etc. In this way, the system 10 may compare
the power draw P.sub.PA of the primary appliance PA to a specific
threshold power lever P.sub.TH depending on the time of day, the
day of the week, the month, the year, etc.
[0059] In some embodiments, if the controller 300 determines that
the power draw P.sub.PA of the primary appliance PA is less than
the threshold power level P.sub.TH, the controller 300 sends a
command (e.g., a voltage signal) to the power switch assembly 200
to close the switch 202. In this case, upon closing the power
switch 202, the power source PS is electrically connected to the
secondary appliance SA so that the secondary appliance SA may draw
power from the power source PS. This also may occur if and when the
primary appliance PA may be turned off or otherwise removed from
the system 10 and the power sensing system 100 measures zero power
drawn P.sub.PA.
[0060] In one embodiment, if the controller 300 determines that the
power draw P.sub.PA of the primary appliance PA is greater than the
threshold power level P.sub.TH, the controller 300 sends a command
(e.g., a voltage signal) to the power switch assembly 200 to open
the switch 202. In this case, upon opening the power switch 202,
the secondary appliance SA is electrically disconnected from the
power source PS so that the secondary appliance SA may not draw
power from the power source PS. This scenario leaves the primary
appliance PA connected to the power source PS and able to draw
power therefrom.
[0061] Note that if the controller 300 determines that the power
draw P.sub.PA of the primary appliance PA is substantially equal to
the threshold power level P.sub.TH (that is, not significantly
greater than or less than P.sub.TH, e.g., P.sub.TH.+-.3 watts), the
controller 300 may be programmed to either open or close the power
switch 202 depending on the preference of the user of the system
10, the system settings, the types of appliances (PA or SA), or on
other factors.
[0062] In some embodiments, the various settings of the system 10
(e.g., the threshold power level(s) P.sub.TH) may be pre-set at the
factory level and not editable or otherwise programmable by the
user of the system 10. In other embodiments, the system 10 may
provide access to the controller settings via an integrated
development environment (IDE) or other type of administrative tool
or interface. In this case, the user of the system 10 may program
or otherwise manage the settings (e.g., the threshold power
level(s) P.sub.TH) used by the system 10 during operation.
[0063] Housing Assembly 400
[0064] In one exemplary embodiment hereof as shown in FIG. 1, the
power sensing system 100, the power switch assembly 200, and/or the
controller 300 are each housed within the housing assembly 400. In
some embodiments, the housing assembly 400 includes an electrical
junction box such as a mounting box, a fixture box, a handy box, a
remodeling box, a receptacle box, an outlet box, other types of
junction boxes, and any combination thereof. The housing assembly
400 may comprise acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), aluminum,
fiberglass, stainless steel, steel, polycarbonate, polystyrene,
other types of materials, and any combination thereof. The housing
assembly 400 may include any size or shape defining any adequate
inner volume to house the system 10. In some embodiments, the
system 10 is electrically connected to the power supply PS, the
primary appliance PA, and the secondary appliance SA using properly
rated electrical wiring and associated components as is well known
in the art.
[0065] In some embodiments, it is preferable that the housing
assembly 400 adhere to an appropriate rating from the National
Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) such as NEMA 1, NEMA
2, NEMA 3, NEMA 3R, NEMA 3S, NEMA 3X, NEMA 3RX, NEMA 3SX, NEMA 4,
NEMA 4X, NEMA 6, NEMA 6P, NEMA 7, NEMA 8, NEMA 9, NEMA 10, NEMA 12,
NEMA 12K, NEMA 13 and/or other ratings.
[0066] In some embodiments, it is preferable that the system 10 be
UL rated and approved for its appropriate usage as is known in the
art.
EXAMPLES
[0067] Additional embodiments and details of the system 10 will be
described by way of several detailed examples. The examples
provided below are chosen to illustrate various embodiments and
implementations of the system 10, and those of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate and understand, upon reading this
description, that the examples are not limiting and that the system
10 may be used in different ways.
[0068] In a first example as shown in FIG. 2, the primary appliance
PA includes an electric clothes dryer, and the secondary appliance
SA includes a Type 2 (240VAC @ up to 32 Amps) electric vehicle (EV)
charger. Both the electric clothes dryer and the EV charger are
connected to the same 240VAC circuit breaker (e.g., PS) via the
system 10. In use, when the electric dryer is operating and drawing
200 watts of power or more, the EV charger is switched offline (not
electrically connected to the circuit breaker). However, if the
electric dryer is not operating or otherwise drawing less than 200
watts of power, the system 10 switches the EV charger in-line with
the circuit breaker so that it too may draw power and charge an
EV.
[0069] In this example, the system 10 effectively enables the
sharing of a single 240VAC circuit breaker between the electric
clothes dryer and the EV charger, with the electric dryer having
priority over the EV charger.
[0070] In some embodiments, an EV charger (e.g., the Type 2 EV
charger described above and/or any other type of EV charger) is
integrated into the system 10 so that an electric vehicle may
interface directly with the system 10. For example, the system 10
may include a standard J1772 connector and a sufficient length of
electrical cable (e.g., 25-foot and preferably UL rated and
approved) that may be used to electrically connect the electrical
vehicle, shown in FIG. 2 in an exemplary format, to the power
switch assembly 200. In this way, the electric vehicle (acting as
the secondary appliance in this example) may be conveniently
plugged into the system 10 using standard procedures to receive a
switched power connection to the power source PS. In some
embodiments of this type, the system 10 may provide up to 7KW of
power to the EV. In this way, the system 10 acts as electric
vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to supply electrical energy to
recharge electric vehicles. In this case, the system 10 also may be
referred to as an EV charging station.
[0071] In some embodiments, the system 10 includes a ground-fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) designed to shut off electric power to
the EV in the event of a ground-fault on the 240VAC charge
power.
[0072] It is understood that any aspect or element of any
embodiment described herein or otherwise may be combined with any
other aspect or element of any other embodiment to form additional
embodiments all of which are within the scope of the system 10.
[0073] As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase "at
least some" means "one or more," and includes the case of only one.
Thus, e.g., the phrase "at least some ABCs" means "one or more
ABCs," and includes the case of only one ABC.
[0074] As used in this description, the term "portion" means some
or all. So, for example, "A portion of X" may include some of "X"
or all of "X". In the context of a conversation, the term "portion"
means some or all of the conversation.
[0075] As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase "based
on" means "based in part on" or "based, at least in part, on," and
is not exclusive. Thus, e.g., the phrase "based on factor X" means
"based in part on factor X" or "based, at least in part, on factor
X." Unless specifically stated by use of the word "only", the
phrase "based on X" does not mean "based only on X."
[0076] As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase "using"
means "using at least," and is not exclusive. Thus, e.g., the
phrase "using X" means "using at least X." Unless specifically
stated by use of the word "only", the phrase "using X" does not
mean "using only X."
[0077] In general, as used herein, including in the claims, unless
the word "only" is specifically used in a phrase, it should not be
read into that phrase.
[0078] As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase
"distinct" means "at least partially distinct." Unless specifically
stated, distinct does not mean fully distinct. Thus, e.g., the
phrase, "X is distinct from Y" means that "X is at least partially
distinct from Y," and does not mean that "X is fully distinct from
Y." Thus, as used herein, including in the claims, the phrase "X is
distinct from Y" means that X differs from Y in at least some
way.
[0079] It should be appreciated that the words "first" and "second"
in the description and claims are used to distinguish or identify,
and not to show a serial or numerical limitation. Similarly, the
use of letter or numerical labels (such as "(a)", "(b)", and the
like) are used to help distinguish and/or identify, and not to show
any serial or numerical limitation or ordering.
[0080] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0081] Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the
invention have been described herein, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations
and modifications of the described embodiments may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0082] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention has been presented for the purpose of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teachings. It is intended that the scope of the present invention
is not limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and
the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *