Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to increasing protection against electric shocks when a person is working on an electrical system. In some embodiments, the electrical system includes at least two different circuits and a safety module. An emergency signal input is provided on the safety module, and when an external emergency signal is received via the emergency signal input, the safety module shuts off a configured first circuit the associated switch and at least one further circuit via the associated switch if the safety module still receives the emergency signal at the emergency signal input after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A line module for use in a network device a plurality of circuits; and a power module comprising at least one circuit, wherein the power module is connected to the plurality of circuits and a Power Distribution Unit (PDU), and the at least one circuit of the power module is configured to shut down one or more of the plurality of circuits until a current threshold is no longer exceeded by a current drawn from a power feed connected to the first PDU.

Abstract: A method of providing power via a plurality of power control systems forming a power network is provided. Each power control system includes a power controller and a power switch operable by the power controller. The method includes defining, by each power controller of the power network, a power allocation schedule for a power cycle using a dynamic load scheduling model based on a members list of the power network. The power cycle is divided into a plurality of power units, and the power allocation schedule identifies one or more designated power control systems from among the plurality of power control systems to provide power to a load during each of the power units. For the power cycle, the method includes providing power to the load by the one or more designated power control systems during a respective power unit based on the power allocation schedule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for releasing a requested amount of power from a power facility to an associated power grid, the method comprising the steps of providing a release signal as to when the requested amount of power is to be released from the power facility to the associated power grid, ramping up the power generation of the power facility, and releasing the requested amount of power to the associated power grid in accordance with the release signal, wherein at least part of an excess power generated during ramping up is dissipated and/or stored in suitable power handling modules. The present invention also relates to a power facility controller being capable for performing this method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chip comprising a circuit module, a power switch and a detection and control circuit. The power switch is coupled between a supply voltage and the circuit module, and is used to selectively connect the supply voltage to the circuit module, and control a current amount flowing into the circuit module according to at least a control signal. The detection and control circuit is coupled to the power switch, and is used to detect a first signal generated by a first circuit positioned surrounding the circuit module, and compare the first signal with a second signal in a real-time manner to generate the control signal to adjust the current amount flowing into the circuit module.

Abstract: A washing machine including a tub configured to store water; a drum configured to be rotatable in the tub; a motor configured to rotate the drum; heaters configured to heat the water stored in the tub and including a main heater and the sub heater; and a controller configured to control the heaters to stop driving of the sub heater when the current value of the motor exceeds a predetermined reference current value during driving of the motor and the heaters.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for smart sockets in a communication network. A smart socket can be implemented to monitor one or more power quality characteristics of a power supply providing energy to the smart home environment. Smart sockets implemented to monitor power quality characteristics can sense when power fluctuations are present in the power supply, and shut down connected devices to prevent damage. A plurality of coordinating smart sockets can be implemented to optimize power utilization when the smart home environment is operating on backup power, during low electricity tariff periods, or when operating on a renewable energy source. The plurality of coordinating smart sockets can be implemented to autonomously schedule tasks based on a context of operation of other devices in the smart home environment. The plurality of coordinating smart sockets can be implemented to achieve configurable energy targets for the smart home environment.

Abstract: A module receiving cradle (12) includes a frame (16), a power source (34) disposed within the frame (16), at least one external port (26), a backbone (18) disposed at the frame (16), in which the backbone (18) provides a plurality of module connectors (24) configured to connect to at least one module (14). The battery pack also includes a plurality of docking spaces (22) disposed adjacent to the backbone (18) and the module connectors (24). A control unit (32) with a memory is disposed within the frame (16) and configured to process data between the memory and the module (14). The module receiving cradle (12) is configured to route the power from the power source (34) and optionally from any connected predetermined module (14) to the external electronic product through at least one external port (26).

Abstract: A circuit for controlling current in an inductive load is provided. The circuit includes a driver circuit for driving a load current in the inductive load. The driver circuit includes a switch, which is switched on to increase the load current and a recirculation diode, which re-circulates the load current when the switch is off. The circuit includes a control module that generates a control signal to switch on and off the switch. The control module includes a PWM current controller comprising a negative feedback closed loop implementing at least a proportional control and an integral control. The PWM current controller receives a target current value and an estimated current flowing in the load during a measurement PWM cycle. The PWM current controller generates the control signal for a control input of the switch based on an error between the target current and the estimated current.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling lab equipment such as transmitters are provided that includes a mini automation controller (MAC). The system provides a control system, user interface, and interfaces, including network interfaces usable for interfacing equipment, MAC, and user interfaces over a network, which provide a variety of functions including automation and monitoring of transmission sequences and receiver events. An exemplary MAC may include an Ethernet controller capable of converting an Ethernet signal to a serial signal. The MAC may also include a receiver monitor section comprising a fiber optic receiver input, a copper cable receiver input, and a monostable multivibrator. In addition to the receiver monitor section, the MAC may have a transmitter control section including a transmitter control pulse and a power output. An exemplary MAC may have a microcontroller coupled to the Ethernet controller, the receiver monitor section, and the transmitter control section.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance and method of operation during Jewish holidays is provided herein. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet defining a refrigerated chamber, a sealed cooling system, and a controller. The sealed cooling system may be in operable communication with the refrigerated chamber and include a compressor. The controller may be operatively coupled to the sealed cooling system. The controller may be configured to selectively control the refrigerator appliance according to an operation routine for a Jewish holiday.

Abstract: A method and system for use in creating a profile of, managing and understanding power consumption in a premise of a user, wherein said premise comprises two or more power consuming devices comprises measuring, via at least one sensor, aggregate energy consumption at the premise, receiving at a mobile computing device comprising a data processor, said aggregated signal from the sensor, collecting and recording the aggregate signal over a plurality of time resolutions and frequencies, therein to create a predicted aggregate signal for each time x and frequency y, detecting changes in the predicted aggregate signal at time x an frequency y (detected consumption pattern changes) and conveying to at least one of the user, a utility company, and other third party a notification of detected consumption pattern changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of stabilization between a high frequency and a low frequency, of an electrical network supplying several sub-networks (22), each sub-network comprising a sub-network manager (24) and supplying N consumer sites (28), each site, j, comprising sheddable loads (34), the method comprising for each sub-network the following steps: ensuring a communication between each site and the sub-network manager thereof; periodically measuring the value of the sheddable power in consumed at each site; deducing for each site an estimated sheddable power; and dispatching to each site j (28) a threshold frequency, such that sheddable loads (34) of this site are unplugged when the frequency of the network drops below the threshold frequency, in which the sub-network manager (24) calculates the threshold frequencies in such a way that the variation of the sheddable powers as a function of frequency is substantially linear.

Abstract: A receptacle includes an outlet, an interruption mechanism structured to activate to de-energize the outlet, a temperature sensing circuit including a resistor and a thermistor arranged as a voltage divider, wherein the thermistor has a resistance proportional to temperature, a comparator circuit structured to compare an output of the temperature sensing circuit to a predetermined reference voltage and to selectively output a signal based on the comparison of the output of the temperature sensing circuit and the predetermined reference voltage. The interruption mechanism is structured to activate to de-energize the outlet in response to the comparator circuit outputting the signal.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) energy and data providing system to various modules associated with loads, wherein the modules are hot swappable in that the modules may be both installed and removed via a standard interface, without powering down the system to provide a simplified network for the management of a DC energy and data for facilitating both upgrade of the system and integration of the system with external systems associated with control, automation and/or security.

Abstract: An electric power demand adjustment program management apparatus, comprises a server which includes: a communication unit that communicates with a plurality of customer terminals that manage customer devices through a communication network; a program unit that creates an electric power demand adjustment program showing a demand adjustment amount allocated to at least one first customer terminal selected from the plurality of customer terminals in each predetermined time segment, based on predetermined constraint conditions and predetermined information received from the plurality of customer terminals; a program executing unit that transmits the electric power demand adjustment program, and instructs the first customer terminal to execute the electric power demand adjustment program; and a providing unit that provides, when the program unit fails to create the electric power demand adjustment program, investigation result information including an investigation result for a cause of the failure.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a power router, a power transmitting and receiving system, a power transmitting and receiving method, and a storage medium storing a power transmitting and receiving program capable of automatically selecting a power supply destination in accordance with a power supply amount. [Solution] Based on power consumption information indicating the power consumed by loads and priority information indicating the priority of the loads, a power supply destination selection means (61) selects, from among the loads, a supply destination of the power supplied from a power supply source, said power consumption information and said priority information being stored in an information storage means (70). A power transmitting and receiving means (62) supplies the power received from the power supply source to a load selected by the power supply destination selection means (61).

Abstract: A method and system of power factor optimization and total harmonic distortion are provided under the premise of efficient power management and distribution on an electrical grid. The method and system include a novel optimization technique based on a novel current profiling methodology enabling real-time power management with power factor correction as a function of the optimization. The optimization can be performed under dynamic current constraints. When deployed on an electrical grid, the method and system can provide a new technique for power management targeting an efficiency of the electrical grid. The method and system can thus provide for reduced costs of energy production and reduced carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to power supply control and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for simultaneously or individually supplying power to multiple connected devices. A method for managing power supply to a device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: measuring power consumption of at least one connected device; when the measured power consumption exceeds an allowed power supply level, determining the priority of each of the at least one connected device; and controlling power supply to each of the at least one connected device on the basis of the determined priority, wherein the priority of each of the at least one connected device is determined on the basis of the power consumption pattern and connected time of the corresponding connected device. The present invention relates to a technology for a sensor network, machine-to-machine (M2M), machine type communication (MTC), and the Internet of things (IoT).

Abstract: The technology described herein is generally directed towards a distributed optimization technology for the control of aggregation of distributed flexibility resource nodes that operates iteratively until a commanded power profile is produced by aggregated loads. The technology uses a distributed iterative solution in which each node solves a local optimization problem with local constraints and states, while using a global Lagrange multiplier that is based upon information from each other node. The global Lagrange multiplier is determined at an aggregation level using load-specific information that is obtained in a condensed form (e.g., a scalar) from each node at each iteration. The global Lagrange multiplier is broadcasted to the nodes for each new iteration. The technology provides an iterative, distributed solution to the network optimization problem of power tracking of aggregated loads.

Abstract: Method for controlling an electric power distribution micro-grid, the micro-grid comprising: an electric coupling node that said micro-grid is electrically disconnectable from an electric power distribution main grid; one or more electric loads, each consuming a corresponding amount of electric power provided by the micro-grid, the electric loads including one or more disconnectable loads electrically disconnectable from the micro-grid; and at least an electric power source including one or more electric power generators.

Abstract: A single phase grid correction system for correcting the power factor of an electrical power grid. The grid has a generator, transmission lines connecting the generator to distribution nodes, feeder lines radiating from each node, and groups of consumers connected to each feeder line. A capacitor bank is located at a number of consumer's premises, indoors, either beside or forming part of the consumer's normal single phase electric panel. A set of remotely controlled switches at the consumer's premises permits the capacitor banks to be switched in and out of grid connection and also allows non-essential high energy consuming loads, not necessarily inductive, to be switched on and off the grid. The grid correction systemic are widely distributed at consumer's premises throughout the grid.

Abstract: Systems and methods corresponding to a network monitoring and capacity service for a set of computing devices are provided. The network monitoring and capacity planning service collects individual operation information to determine one or more usage patterns for a set of operations information. Additionally, the network monitoring and capacity service can generate information related to compliance or deviation from the determined usage patterns.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling lab equipment such as transmitters are provided that includes a mini automation controller (MAC). The system provides a control system, user interface, and interfaces, including network interfaces usable for interfacing equipment, MAC, and user interfaces over a network, which provide a variety of functions including automation and monitoring of transmission sequences and receiver events. An exemplary MAC may include an Ethernet controller capable of converting an Ethernet signal to a serial signal. The MAC may also include a receiver monitor section comprising a fiber optic receiver input, a copper cable receiver input, and a monostable multivibrator. In addition to the receiver monitor section, the MAC may have a transmitter control section including a transmitter control pulse and a power output. An exemplary MAC may have a microcontroller coupled to the Ethernet controller, the receiver monitor section, and the transmitter control section.

Abstract: A water heater has a tank and at least one heating element. A switch is disposed in an electric circuit between the heating element and a power source so that, if the switch is in a first state, the circuit is in an electrically conductive state and, if the switch is in a second state, the electric circuit is in an electrically non-conductive state. A controller is in operative communication with the switch and is responsive to a key so that actuation of the controller by the key transitions the switch between the first state and the second state.

Abstract: A method and a regulating unit for avoiding overloads for link sections within a power supply system use requirements for loads to determine which link sections can be enabled for loads.

Abstract: A retrofit auxiliary laundry device for supporting laundry operations in various makes and models of laundry treating appliances is described wherein the device can monitor appliance health, regulate appliance function, and send the user useful data.

Abstract: An EMI-radiation suppression circuit is applied to a power converter having a main power switch. The EMI-radiation suppression circuit includes a control unit, a drive selection unit, and a switch unit. The drive selection unit is coupled between the control unit and the main power switch, and which provides at least two drive terminals. One drive terminal is coupled to the control unit and another drive terminal is coupled to the main power switch. The switch unit is coupled between one of the at least two drive terminals and a ground to receive a feedback control signal. When the feedback control signal activates the switch unit, the ground is coupled to the drive terminal to which the switch unit is coupled. Grounding the gate terminal suppresses the EMI and maintains operational efficiency of the power converter.

Abstract: The self-powered device is configured to be powered by energy collected from a surrounding environment. The self-powered device includes an energy collector, and a memory having instructions for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation. The energy collector is configured to collect energy to power the self-powered device from a surrounding environment in which the self-powered device is located. The plurality of modes of operation include: (i) a low-power mode of operation in which the self-powered device consumes less than a pre-determined or adaptively-determined amount of power and the self-powered device uses less than its full capabilities, and (ii) and a high-power mode of operation in which self-powered device consumes more than the pre-determined or adaptively-determined amount of power and the self-powered device uses its full capabilities.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a power module comprising at least one fuel cell generator for powering a load, and a bypass mechanism having a first, normally-open fast-acting switch that closes in 1-250 msec, and a second, normally-open switch in parallel with the first switch, the bypass mechanism being electrically connected between the load and a second power source, such as a grid source, where the first switch is configured to close in response to a fault event such that when the first switch is closed power to the load is provided from the second power source through the first switch, and the second switch closes after a predetermined time such that power to the load from the second source is provided through the second switch. Additional methods and systems include providing power to a plurality of loads using fuel cell power generators.

Abstract: A method and system of power factor optimization and total harmonic distortion are provided under the premise of efficient power management and distribution on an electrical grid. The method and system include a novel optimization technique based on a novel current profiling methodology enabling real-time power management with power factor correction as a function of the optimization. The optimization can be performed under dynamic current constraints. When deployed on an electrical grid, the method and system can provide a new technique for power management targeting an efficiency of the electrical grid. The method and system can thus provide for reduced costs of energy production and reduced carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Abstract: In an example, a method of controlling power distribution in a powered furniture system including a first article of powered furniture having a first controller and a first number of power outlets and a second article of powered furniture having a second number of power outlets and a second controller can include determining a first total number of power outlets in the system, wherein the first total number of power outlets includes at least the first number of power outlets of the first article of powered furniture. The method can include controlling application of power to the first number of power outlets associated with the first article of powered furniture using the determined first total number of power outlets in the system, and transmitting the first total number of power outlets to a second controller of a second article of powered furniture having a second number of power outlets.

Abstract: Provided are a power consumption control system and method that clarify the timing for carrying out each of a plurality of processes and thereby facilitate standby power control and the leveling of power consumption. To this end, PERT analysis is performed on the basis of process information that relates to a production line, process flexibility analysis is performed on the basis of the PERT analysis, process arrangement combinations and the total number of process arrangement combinations are determined on the basis of the process flexibility analysis, distributions of the total number of process arrangement combinations are determined for the process arrangement combinations, the process arrangement combination having the smallest distribution is selected from among the distributions, the processes are rearranged, and the progression of the processes is controlled on the basis of the rearranged processes.

Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. A power regulation module is disposed between the interconnection meter socket adapter, and configured to selectively connect one or more energy sources or energy sinks.

Abstract: A load control apparatus receives information regarding the consumed electric power in load devices and the generated electric power by a power generator. The apparatus includes a control unit, which controls a device based on the received information. A determination unit determines whether the device can execute a predetermined process with surplus electric power in target period from the present until a predetermined period of time elapses. An execution unit controls the device such that when it is determined that the abovementioned process can be executed, a control signal is provided to cause the process to start.

Abstract: On receiving a request to reduce power consumption such as a request for power conservation, a power control device controls power used in a power consumption system including a plurality of devices so that a user can use enough consumable power while saving power in the most comfortable manner possible. The plurality of devices is classified into controllable devices and control-difficult devices. An information acquisition unit acquires amounts of power used by the controllable devices and an amount of most recently measured power of the entire power consumption system. When an amount of an upper limit power is set for the entire power consumption system, a demand control unit controls the amounts of power used by the controllable devices based on evaluation functions set for the respective controllable devices and differential equations set for the respective controllable devices.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided capable of minimizing inconvenience due to power limitation. The vehicle includes a generator that generates power, a plurality of electric components that receive the power from the generator, and a battery that stores part of the power generated by the generator. A body control module calculates power availability from an amount of power generation of the generator, an amount of charge of the battery, and an amount of power consumption of the plurality of electric components, and limits the operations of the plurality of electric components in a first order when the power availability is less than predetermined reference availability.

Abstract: A method of optimizing electricity use from an electric grid is disclosed. The method includes formulating a target load using a cost function for the electric grid, broadcasting a cost signal to the electric device based on the target load, receiving a charging profile from the electric device based on the cost signal, aggregating a demand profile for the electricity use based on the charging profile, determining an updated cost signal based on the demand profile, and broadcasting the updated cost signal to another electric device. The electric device is chargeable electric device, such as a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV). The electric device determines the charging profile only once based on the cost signal, and is charged at maximum power.

Abstract: A load shed module configured to be connected in series between a power supply and a load is disclosed. A separate load shed module is connected in series between each load and the power supply. The load shed module determines the frequency of the voltage supplied from the power supply. Based on the frequency, the load shed module determines if utility power is connected or if a generator is connected. If the generator is connected and the frequency of the voltage goes outside of a desired operating range for a preset time, the load shed module disconnects the load from the power supply. Each load shed module includes a priority setting and reconnects its corresponding load after a predetermined time corresponding to the priority setting.

Abstract: A ventilation or air-conditioning device includes a first component for generating heat or cold, a programmer second component, a power supply circuit shared by the first and second components, and a controller for the power supply circuit. The first and the second components cooperate to output air at a selected temperature. The device includes a relay for cutting off the supply of power to the first component. The relay is activated separately from the controller, and is arranged in the circuit such that the supply of power to the second component is independent of the state of activation of the relay.

Abstract: The invention relates to controlling power consumption of a group of plurality of groups of power consuming devices by determining power consumption control value for controlling power consumption of devices of the group by use of at least one of the following: load shedding flexibility value of at least one group of plurality of groups, wherein the load shedding flexibility value of the corresponding group indicates maximum amount of power, by which power consumption of devices of the corresponding group can be reduced such that minimum power consumption permissible in the corresponding group is maintained; load restoration flexibility value of the at least one group of plurality of groups, wherein the load restoration flexibility value of the corresponding group indicates maximum amount of power, by which the power consumption of devices of the corresponding group can be increased such that maximum power consumption permissible in the corresponding group is maintained.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for synchronizing switching times of relays to a zero-crossing are described herein. One device includes a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive phase information of an alternating-current (AC) electric mains, determine, from the phase information, a zero-crossing of the phase of the AC electric mains, determine a reference time based on the zero-crossing for a number of relays corresponding to a number of relay controllers, and transmit the reference time to the number of relay controllers.

Abstract: An approach where a utility/ISO may dispatch demand response (DR) resources in real time without notification of a DR event. DR dispatches may involve sending specific load level commands to power generators that can respond to such commands in a predictable fashion. DR resources do not necessarily have the same level of control or predictability in their load responses. Accuracy of predicting a DR resource's response to a DR signal may be improved by restricting the DR signal to predefined finite values and, for each predefined finite value, have the DR resource continuously report back what its load response will be if one of those signal values is sent as a DR signal. A DR performed against a home may result in discomfort. But there may be a sufficient recovery rate for regaining the setpoint of a thermostat to attain comfort of the home within a reasonable period of time.

Abstract: A system for controlling electrical loads in a house, apartment, office or any other living environment, comprising the following units: Smart load control unit (LCU), Remote control unit (RCU), Sensors unit (SU), Computer interface unit (CIU), Infrared control unit (IRU) and Keypad unit (KU). Each LCU is so devised as to replace a wall switch or other electrical load power control device and comprises means for controlling an electric power delivered to the load responsive to a user's commands. Each RCU comprises means for activating LCU units, and each SU comprises sensor means. Each unit further includes means for connecting by wireless to the other units to exchange data or commands therebetween.

Abstract: A method for use in deploying computers into a data center includes calculating in a computer an expected peak power draw for a plurality of computers. The expected peak power draw for the plurality of computers is less than a sum of individual expected peak power draws for each computer from the plurality of computers.

Abstract: A controller includes a request acquisition unit that receives an operation permission request from a device, a calculation unit that calculates margin electric power derived from measurement by a measurement unit and an upper limit electric power, and a suppression unit that instructs the device to lower electric power consumption. When the margin electric power is less than the required electric power, the controller suppresses electric power consumption in devices in lower priority order stored in a priority storage unit within the suppression unit, such that electric power consumption increase in the management area may remain within the margin electric power. Then the controller issues the requesting device permission-or-denial for the operation, from the calculation unit.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling an energy storage device to reduce peak power demand at a site are provided. In one embodiment, instantaneous power usage at the site can be monitored, where the instantaneous power usage corresponds to power that is instantaneously imported or exported at a point of common coupling (PCC) between the site and a utility-managed energy grid. A historical power usage value for the site can then be calculated based on the monitored instantaneous power usage, and the historical power usage value can be compared with a target peak value plus a buffer value. If the historical power usage value exceeds the target peak value plus the buffer value, the target peak value can be set to the historical power usage value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for reducing network feedback during operation of an electric-arc furnace (10). The electric-arc furnace (10) has three lines (7) with one electrode (4) each. A sensor (15) for measuring the currently flowing current and a sensor (16) for measuring the currently applied voltage are provided in each line. A control and regulating unit (30) calculates an electrical actual value (Eist1, Eist2, Eist3). A semiconductor tap changer (20) is assigned to the furnace transformer (6) such that, by suitably selecting three target winding taps (TSOLL1, TSOLL2, TSOLL3) of a primary side (P) of the furnace transformer (6), a target current (IS1, IS2, IS3) is adjustable in each line (7).

Abstract: A measuring system for a road construction machine includes a control unit which is operationally connected using a field bus to at least one field device, wherein an exclusive bus address is respectively assignable in the measuring system for each field device connected in the field bus. Furthermore, a method for addressing at least one field device is also provided.

Abstract: A power management apparatus (EMS 200) activates an acquisition function when it is determined at each time point in a predetermined period that an integral power consumption exceeds a predetermined power consumption.