Diagnostics using sub-metering device

Abstract

A system and method for performing diagnostics on a device, such as an appliance, using a sub-meter device that measures power characteristics related to usage of the appliance within a HEM network and provides such data to a home energy controller or the like. The sub-meter device can include one or more sensors, such as a current transformer, Rogowski coil, shunt resistor, or hall effect sensor, for collecting data relating to at least one of real power consumption, reactive power consumption, line frequency, line voltage, power factor, leading / lagging voltage-current comparison, and apparent power, etc.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 304,712, filed on, Feb. 15, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The following disclosure relates to energy management, and more particularly to energy management of household consumer appliances, as well as other energy consuming devices and / or systems found in the home. The present disclosure finds particular application to a device which controls operation of consumer appliances, as well as other energy consuming devices and / or systems, and acts as a gateway between a Utility company network and the consumer appliances, as well as other energy consuming devices and / or systems. The controller / gateway device to be discussed below is at times called herein a Home Energy Gateway (HEG).[0003]Currently Utility companies commonly charge a flat rate for energy, but with the increasing cost of fuel prices and high energy usage ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a home energy gateway (HEG) that allows for the efficient management of energy in a home or building. The HEG is a single board computer with various communication interfaces and memory resources. It can communicate with different networks and devices in the home, providing flexibility and a low cost solution for energy management. The HEG acts as a single point gateway for the utility company, simplifying the registration and communication process for energy consuming devices. The technical effects of this patent are improved efficiency and flexibility in energy management, reduced costs, and improved user experience.

Problems solved by technology

Currently Utility companies commonly charge a flat rate for energy, but with the increasing cost of fuel prices and high energy usage during certain parts of the day, Utility companies have to buy more energy to supply customers during peak demand.

However, there is no active control beyond the mere on / off switching.

Similarly, known systems do not communicate directly with the appliance using a variety of communication methods and protocols, nor is a modular and standard method created for communication devices to interface and to communicate operational modes to the main controller of the appliance.

Both of the current existing types have significant disadvantages due to higher consumer cost, low flexibility and increased system complexity.

The first category requires a large upfront cost to the consumer, because the cost of providing an integrated display on the HEM very expensive.

In addition, the electronics required to drive the display is complex and expensive.

The second category of HEM involves a substantial cost to provide the server infrastructure and data transfer.

In addition, this type of HEM must be connected continuously with a remote server otherwise energy data logging and energy saving commands for the devices in the home will be lost during service disruptions.

Therefore this second configuration is very limiting in areas where Internet penetration is very low

Current HEM systems result in payback of about 3-5 years at best.

Therefore, since the standard life of an electronic device is about 5 years, the consumer is never paid back for their investment; as they will need to procure a new device before the investment payback period is reached.

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