Communications protocol for intelligent outlets
A control system ( 300 ) allows recognized standard premise electrical outlets, for example NEMA, CEE and BS, among others to be remotely monitored and/or controlled, for example, to intelligently execute blackouts or brownouts or to otherwise remotely control electrical devices. The system ( 300 ) includes a number of smart receptacles ( 302 ) that communicate with a local controller ( 304 ), e.g., via power lines using the TCP/IP protocol. The local controller ( 304 ), in turn, communicates with a remote controller ( 308 ) via the internet.
1. A method for use in power distribution, comprising the steps of:
monitoring an electrical receptacle to determine load information regarding a loading of said electrical receptacle based on a digital analysis of an electrical power signal transmitted via said electrical receptacle to determine said load information based on a fingerprint applied to said power signal due to said loading; and
controlling delivery of power via said electrical receptacle based on said digital load information.
2. A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said step of monitoring comprises sampling said signal and comparing said sampled signal to electrical signature information corresponding to device classifications.
3. A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said step of monitoring comprises processing a device identification code received at said receptacle.
4. A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said step of controlling comprises interrupting said delivery of power.
5. A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said step of controlling comprises reducing said delivery of power.
6. A method as set forth in claim 5 , wherein said reducing comprises eliminating individual half cycles, or integer multiples thereof, of a power signal waveform delivered via said electrical receptacle.
7. A method as set forth in claim 6 , wherein said half cycles are eliminated on a periodic basis to reduce power consumption.
8. A method as set forth in claim 6 , wherein said electrical receptacle is associated with a switch and logic for controlling said switch, and said eliminating comprises cycling said switch substantially in synchronization with zero potential crossings of said power signal.
9. A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said step of controlling is executed in response to instructions transmitted to said electrical receptacle.
10. A method as set forth in claim 9 , wherein said instructions are transmitted via a power line.
11. A method as set forth in claim 9 , wherein said instructions are communicated according to the TCP/IP protocol.
12. A method as set forth in claim 9 , wherein said instructions are transmitted via a WAN.