Title of Invention

AN AUTOMATIC ENERGY MONITORING SYSTEM

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of the invention is to modernize the management of electricity supply system. The meter under invention is a pre-paid type, where : the payment for using electricity is made in advance. the meter is designed to display the consumption of electricity in terms of it's use value (e.g. rupees in India). Any medium such as Power line carrier communication, Hot wire technology, Telephone lines or, Radio Frequency Signals can be used for communicating with meters. The advance payment made by the consumer is fed in the respective meters, as balance. This balance is then decremented according to the consumption. Supply of power is cut automatically, as the balance reaches to zero. For the convenience of the consumer and saving them from unwanted power cut, there is a provision in the meter, for setting a reserve amount. As the balance goes below this amount, meter reminds the consumer (by giving alarm) for making payment. The time of alarm can be set by the consumer. Time to time changes in the tariff plan are communicated to respective meters for resetting the previous values. Depending upon the month's consumption, the appropriate current rate is selected automatically. The month's consumption (in KW-Hrs) reads zero at beginning and is incremented as per the consumption of electricity. This is reset to zero at the end of each month. The month's consumption supports two functions in the meter. 1. Helps the meter to select the appropriate rate as defined in the tariff plan. The rate varies, as the month's consumption touches a new slab. 2. Helps deduct the amount for un-used portion of electricity, if there is any system for minimum monthly consumption. Other charges/taxes (as applicable) are deducted at the end of each month along with the minimum monthly consumption. Level indicators for showing the "power factor" and "amperage" are fitted in the meter. In case of three phase connection, a seven segment LED indicates the "correctness of sequence of phases". The system enables the Electricity companies with automatic detection of theft cases. For preventing complete back-outs, during shortage of electricity, alternate meters can be kept off. This is done by setting different power cut periods in different meters. The system is fully automatic. There is no need of accounting staff and meter readers. No chance of human errors, which otherwise causes a long queue of consumers seeking correction in their bills, at the account section's window. 1 6 MAY 2005

Full Text

FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [See section 10 and rule 13] Title: "An automatic energy monitoring system" Applicant: Gupta, Bharat Kishore Nationality: Indian Address: F4-106, "Mohini Kirti' Indrapuri - C, Bhopal (MP) 462021, India The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in 17 OCT 2007 17/10/2007 which it is to be performed. GRANTED ORIGINAL 565/MUM/2004 Field of the invention The invention pertains to a new approach for electricity management system, wherein the distribution of electricity is totally software controlled. The meter used in the system is a pre-paid meter, where the payment for using electricity will be made in advance. The advance payment made by the consumer is fed in the respective meters, as balance. This balance is then decremented according to the consumption. Supply of power is cut automatically as the balance reaches to zero. An alarm level can be set by the consumer for reminding him to make payment before the balance reaches to zero. As soon as the payment is made, the same is communicated automatically to the respective meter for resetting the balance. The meter is designed in such a way as to display the consumption in terms of it's use value (e.g. Rupees in India). Any medium such as, > Power .line carrier communication, > Hot wire technology, > Telephone lines, or > Radio Frequency Signals can be used for communicating with meters. Any kind of pilferage or tempering in the meter is detected and the same will be communicated to the concerned executive. The system is capable of managing the power distribution during shortage of electricity according to the priority set by the electricity companies. The system is capable of avoiding any kind of accidents arising due to short circuit, falling of live wire during stormy weather etc. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention is aimed at modifications over the existing system where: > The energy meter displays the consumption in terms of units (i.e. KW-Hrs.). Displaying the consumption in terms of units does not attract the consumer to view the meter (This is a more particular in case of multi-storied buildings, where the meters are installed at the ground floor) and realize the importance of saving electrical energy by avoiding waste. > For generating the bill it is a mandatory requirement to send the meter reader for taking down the readings and submitting it to the account section. > No system exists to detect and avoid the pilferage of electricity. > In case of fire accidents, especially due to short circuit or accidental falling of live wire especially caused by strong winds, immediate switching off the power supply is not possible. > During the shortage of electricity, the power supply is cut-off for the whole area, resulting in complete black-out. This occasionally leads to criminal acts in that area. > Recovery of payment is a problem for electricity companies. Sometimes it becomes unavoidable, not to stop the power supply even after heavy dues. > Human error involved in taking the reading or generating the bills, creates a long queue of consumers seeking correction in their bill, at account section's window. This causes wastage of huge man-hours for electricity companies as well as for consumers. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION An awareness program to consumers, for consciously using the electrical energy and avoiding it's waste, was always a requirement for the nation. The shortcomings as stated in the background of the invention above, are solved in the new system, as : > Money is a concern for every body. Displaying the meter reading, as the balance amount left, puts a psychological pressure to the consumer to consciously use the electricity and switch off the lights and other electrical appliances when not in use, thereby contributing to the saving of electrical energy. In case of multi storied buildings, where the meters are installed at ground floor, it becomes further inconvenient for a consumer to view his meter. In the new system there is no requirement of any meter reader, and thus, the meter can be installed at the consumer's flat itself. This helps the consumer to view the meter and monitor the consumption. > Since the system under invention is based on telemetry, there is no requirement of detailing any person for taking down the meter reading. The meters can be installed at the consumer's flat itself. > Enables spot detection of the pilferage or any kind of tempering in the meter. > Power supply cut off automatically, in case of fire accidents especially due to short circuit or accidental falling of live wire especially caused by strong winds. > Minimum required amount of power supply is allowed to continue during scheduled power cut periods. > Advance payment to Electricity companies. Now recovery of payment is not a problem. This is purely a pre-paid system. A consumer will be able to use the electricity, only for the money he deposited in advance. He is bound to make payment, before the meter goes down to zero. Zero reading in the balance section, causes automatic discontinuation of electricity supply. Restarting the supply is possible only after the payment is done. > The system is fully automatic. There is no need of accounting staff and meter readers. No chance of human errors, which otherwise creats a long queue of consumers seeking correction in their bills, at the account section's window. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The Energy meter (more precisely Energy Monitor) under invention, operates in a network of: 1. Apex (Central Control Unit) 2. Hubs 3. Nodal centers 4. Energy monitors Apex is the central controlling unit, connecting various hubs. All policy decisions like: tariff plan (domestic, commercial, industrial etc.), )ower rationing schedule, priority list of consumers, STATEMENT OF INVENTION Accordingly the present invention provides an automatic energy monitoring system comprising: a central control unit configured to monitor and manage a predetermined set of parameters; at least one hub communicably coupled to the central control unit via a communication channel, the at least one hub being installed between the central control unit and at least one nodal center; at least one pre-paid energy meter communicably coupled to the at least one nodal center via the communication channel, the at least one pre-paid energy meter comprising a tripping unit, the tripping unit being configured to disconnect a power supply for a consumer when an available balance amount of the consumer reaches below a predefined minimum amount; and at least one display unit to indicate a predetermined set of data, the predetermined set of data comprising one or more of the available balance amount, an amount of power consumed, a rate corresponding to the consumed power and the respective tariff plan, instantaneous value of power factor, an abnormality of phase sequence and phase corrector; wherein the communication channel is selected from one or more of a telephone line, power line carrier communication (PLCC), hot wire technology and radio frequency signals. The central control unit is configured to monitor and manage a predetermined set of parameters. The predetermined set of parameters comprising one or more of the pre-selected tariff plan, at least one power rationing schedule, a priority list of consumers, a minimum monthly charges, an allowable wattage under a predefined power distribution scheme, one or more contact number(s) for communicating a notification to a concerned authority in response to one or more of a signaling for pilferage, a signaling for tempering of the pre-paid energy meter and a notification of automatic discontinuation of power supply in case of an accident. The nodal center(s) is configured to compare a summation of wattages of the plurality of pre-paid meters to a wattage of the at least one nodal center, the at least one nodal center belonging to the plurality of meters; and notify, automatically, a difference between the summation of wattages of the plurality of pre-paid meters to the wattage of the at least one nodal center to the concerned authority. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The energy monitoring system of the present invention operates in a network of: 1. Central control unit (Apex) 2. Hubs 3. Nodal centers 4. Pre-paid energy meters According to an embodiment of the present invention, the nodal center belongs to the plurality of pre-paid energy meters. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides an automatic energy monitoring system wherein the nodal center is configured to compare a summation of wattages of a plurality of pre-paid meters to a wattage of the at least one nodal center, and notify, automatically, a difference between the summation of wattages of the plurality of pre-paid meters to the wattage of the at least one nodal center to the concerned authority. The central control unit is communicably coupled to the hub(s) and all policy decisions like: > tariff plan (domestic, commercial, industrial etc.) > Power rationing schedule > priority list of consumers > minimum monthly charges, > allowable wattage under Ek Batti connection, > important contact nos. of the executives, who are required to be intimated for 1. Pilferage at any stage, 2. any kind of tempering with the meter, 3. information regarding automatic discontinuation of power supply in case of accidental falling of live wires, will be taken care of at this center. Hubs (Second level control unit) are installed between the Apex and Nodal Centers. Nodal Centers (Third level control units) are supervisory unit to have better control and monitoring over the entire power distribution system. Energy monitors in this system are especially designed to measure, monitor and indicate: ■ the balance amount (in terms of money), ■ Consumed energy (Cumulative) in KW-Hrs. ■ Rate, of electricity. ■ Power factor (Cos ) ■ Wattage ■ Phase correctness ■ Abnormality of Phase sequence (in case of 3-phase connections) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Figure No. -1: Block diagram showing network components. Figure No. -2: Block diagram of the energy monitor. Figure No. -3: Block diagram of the Central Control Unit. Figure No. -4: Pictorial view of the monitor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Various embodiments of the present invention provide an energy monitoring system that operates in a network of: 1. Central control unit (or Apex) 2. Hubs 3. Nodal centers 4. pre-paid energy meters (or energy monitors) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an energy monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises a central control unit, one or more hub(s), and one or more nodal centers communicably coupled via a communication channel. In an embodiment the communication channel is power line carrier communication (PLCC) channel. A plurality of meters is connected to a nodal center and the nodal center(s) is connected to the hub. The network arrangement and communication channel of the present invention facilitates a multi-level measurement and monitoring to detect, monitor and report any pilferage at any stage of the power supply distribution. For example differences in wattage can be measured at nodal center-1 or nodal center-2 and also at hub-1 or hub-2 (Fig 1). Unauthorized opening of the meter can be sensed and reported accordingly. At each level the energy supplied is measured and compared taking into account the losses (e.g. technical losses such as transmission, substation and distribution losses) at various stages. For example, a nodal center compares the summation of wattage of all the connected pre-paid meters to its own wattage (wattage available) to determine the difference. It is reported to the concerned authority if this difference is more than a predefined limit. In addition, the energy monitoring system of the present invention comprises one or more pre-paid energy meter(s) with features such as alarming in case of incorrect sequence of phases, measuring the power factor and accordingly modifying the billing amount, reminding the consumer if the balance amount is less than a preset amount (reserve amount) by way of an alarm and discontinuing the power supply in case the balance amount reaches to zero and automatically updating the pre-paid energy meter by central control unit via the communication channel. The alarm may be set by the consumer to remind him to make payments before the balance reaches the predefined minimum amount. As soon as the payment is made, the same is communicated to the respective meter for resetting the balance via the communication channel. The energy monitoring system of the present invention facilitates detection of the pilferage (theft, illegal connection and operation, metered and un-metered customers) of electricity at multiple levels. Referring to Fig 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention the pre-paid energy meter of the present invention comprises a microcontroller (e.g. controller 89C51) to control all the connected devices/blocks, an analog to digital converter (e.g.ADC0804), a BCD to LCD decoder to support the LCD display unit by converting binary data into suitable form to be used by LCD display and a tripping unit configured to disconnect a power supply for a consumer when an available balance amount of the consumer reaches below a predefined minimum amount. A relay may be used to support this function. This predefined minimum reserve amount may be a zero balance amount or a non-zero balance amount. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an alarm unit is provided that is configured to activate in response to one or more of the available balance amount being less than the predefined minimum reserve amount, an unauthorized opening of the pre-paid energy meter and an incorrect sequence of phases and an over-consumption of power during a power rationing schedule etc. The advanced payment made by a consumer is communicated to the respective pre-paid energy meter via the communication channel such as PLCC. At nodal centers and hubs, the energy monitoring system works in conjunction with dedicated microcontrollers. According to an embodiment of the present invention the system of the present invention comprises: LED's to show various warnings and conditions, LCD display to display various readings and messages, speaker(s), Ext l/P to reduce the overall cost of the system by way of utilizing existing meter(s) for taking the analog signals, FSK modulator to modulate the data/information required to be used in power line carrier communication, amplifier to boost the power capacity of the signals coming from the microcontroller up to the required level necessary to operate the FSK modulator, coupler(s) to block the mains and couple the FSK signals in power line, Current transformer (CT) connected in series with power cable to measure the line current. CT section is useful for power consumption measurement and overloading detection. Referring to Fig 3, According to an exemplary embodiment the system of the present invention comprises TTL to RS232 converter(s) (first level converter), a second level converter to convert back the RS232 signals to TTL signals and BPF to attenuate the unwanted signals and passes only required FSK signals to FSK demodulator. A LC circuit for band pass filtration may be used for this purpose. The central control unit enables managing various parameters including but not limited to communicating predetermined policy decisions to respective pre-paid energy meter and monitoring at this stage. The policy decisions may be decisions related to one or more of a priority list of consumers, tariff plan, allowable wattage under various power distribution schemes (e.g. Ek-batti connection), amount of power to be distributed during power rationing, power rationing schedule, acceptable limit of power factor etc. Fig 4 shows a pictorial view of the pre-paid energy meter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The dimensions and shape and/or design are shown only by way of representation. According to an embodiment, one or more method(s) utilized in the present invention enable incorporating flexibilities to accommodate and fine tune the system as per the requirements of the consumers and power suppliers. According to an embodiment the methods utilized are computer implemented methods in the particular environment of the system (hardware) of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention the pre-paid energy meter comprises a display unit to indicate a predetermined set of data. The predetermined set of data comprises one or more of the available balance amount, an amount of power consumed, a rate corresponding to the consumed power and the respective tariff plan, instantaneous value of power factor and an abnormality of phase sequence and phase corrector. According an embodiment, the present invention provides an automatic energy monitoring system wherein the predetermined set of parameters monitored and/or managed by the central control unit (Apex) comprises one or more of the pre-selected tariff plan, at least one power rationing schedule, a priority list of consumers, a minimum monthly charges, an allowable wattage under a predefined power distribution scheme (e.g. predefined allowable power to connection holders under Ek-Batti scheme) , one or more contact number(s) for communicating a notification to a concerned authority, in response to one or more of a signaling for pilferage, a signaling for tempering of the pre-paid energy meter and a notification of automatic discontinuation of power supply in case of an accident In an embodiment of the present invention the available balance amount is calculated on the basis of power factor. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the automatic energy monitoring system enables cutting-off the power in selective areas by way of multi-level control available in the network of energy monitoring system of the present invention. In an embodiment, the pre-paid energy meter is designated in such a way as to display the consumption in terms of the value of the energy consumes. In an embodiment of the present invention the value is indicated as units of currency e.g. INR or USD. In an embodiment of the present invention the pre-paid energy meter is a low cost pre-paid energy meter, the low cost pre-paid energy meter comprises a microcontroller; FSK modulator to modulate the data required to be used in power line carrier communication , FSK demodulator, at least one amplifier to boost power of signals coming from microcontroller to a predetermined level to operate the FSK modulator, one or more coupler(s), at least one LCD display, BCD to LCD decoder, an analog to digital converter; wherein input to the energy meter is received from at least one existing energy meter. In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued. Block Diagram Explanation: 1. CT (Current Transformer): This is connected in series with power cable to measure the line current. This section is useful for power consumption measurement & overloading detection. 2. A/D Converter: It converts the analog signals sensed by CT into digital form. ADC0804 is used as A/D converter. Micro controller reads this data & processes it for power measurement & overload detection. 3. Micro-Controller: This is the heart of the circuit, which controls all the devices (Blocks) connected to it. Controller 89C51 is used for this purpose. 4. BCD to LCD Decoder: It supports the LCD Display unit by converting the binary data into a suitable form to be used by LCD Display. 5. LCD Display: This is the basic Numeric display used to Display various readings and messages. 5. LED's: To show various conditions & warnings. Every LED is predefined to show the particular condition. 6. Speaker: A common speaker is shared for multiple use like unauthorized opening, meter running under reserve amount, over consumption of power during power rationing schedule etc. 7. Tripping Unit: - It is used to disconnect the supply subject to the pre-defined conditions. A relay is used to support this function. 8. Ext I/P: In order to reduce the over all cost the system has been designed to accommodate the existing meter for taking the analog signals. 9. Amplifier: - It boosts the power capacity of the signals coming from micro- controller up to required level necessary to operate the FSK modulator. This stage uses the simple transistorized Amp. 10. FSK Modulator: to modulate the information, required to be used in power line carrier communication. 11. Power Amplifier: The O/P of VCO have very low power capacity hence it can • not travel for a longer distance over power line. A power Amplifier is used to boost the power of the signal. 12. Coupler: - On power line there is already a 50Hz 230V AC signal available, so it is not possible to connect the power Amplifier directly to power line, because this much high voltage will damage compete circuit. Hence a coupler section is used to block the mains and couple the FSK signals in power line. 13. BPF: - After coupler (at receiver side) a BPF is used, which attenuates the unwanted signals & passes only required FSK signals to FSK demodulator. A LC circuit for band pass filtration is use for this purpose. 14. FSK Demodulator: - To retrieve the information from FSK signals a PLL is used, which converts back the modulated signal into binary signals, required to be processed by the micro-controller. 15. TTL to RS232: - As the serial port of PC follows RS232 standard, Level converters are required to make it compatible. The first level converter converts the TTL signals into RS232 signals, and second level converter converts back the RS232 signals to TTL signals. CLAIM: 1. An automatic energy monitoring system comprising: a central control unit configured to monitor and manage a predetermined set of parameters, the predetermined set of parameters comprising one or more of the pre-selected tariff plan, at least one power rationing schedule, a priority list of consumers, a minimum monthly charges, an allowable wattage under a predefined power distribution scheme, one or more contact number(s) for communicating a notification to a concerned authority in response to one or more of a signaling for pilferage, a signaling for tempering of the pre-paid energy meter and a notification of automatic discontinuation of power supply in case of an accident; at least one hub communicably coupled to the central control unit via a communication channel, the at least one hub being installed between the central control unit and at least one nodal center, the at least one nodal center being configured to: compare a summation of wattages of the plurality of pre-paid meters to a wattage of the at least one nodal center, the at least one nodal center belonging to the plurality of meters; and notify, automatically, a difference between the summation of wattages of the plurality of pre-paid meters to the wattage of the at least one nodal center to the concerned authority; at least one pre-paid energy meter communicably coupled to the at least one nodal center via the communication channel, the at least one pre-paid energy meter comprising a tripping unit, the tripping unit being configured to disconnect a power supply for a consumer when an available balance amount of the consumer reaches below a predefined minimum amount; and at least one display unit to indicate a predetermined set of data, the predetermined set of data comprising one or more of the available balance amount, an amount of power consumed, a rate corresponding to the consumed power and the respective tariff plan, instantaneous value of power factor, an abnormality of phase sequence and phase corrector; Wherein, the communication channel is selected from one or more of a telephone line, power line carrier communication (PLCC), hot wire technology and radio frequency signals. 2. The automatic energy monitoring system of claim 1, wherein an advanced payment made by a consumer is communicated to the at least one pre-paid energy meter via the communication channel. 3. The automatic energy monitoring system of claim 1 comprises an alarm unit, wherein the alarm unit is configured to activate, in response to one or more of the available balance amount being less than a predefined reserve amount, an unauthorized opening of the at least one pre-paid energy meter and an incorrect sequence of phases and an over-consumption of power during a power rationing schedule. 4. The automatic energy monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the at least one pre-paid energy meter is configured to display a consumption of energy in terms of a value of the energy consumed, wherein the value is indicated as units of a currency. 5. The automatic energy monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the available balance amount is calculated on the basis of the power factor. Dated this 18th day of May 2004 Yours faithfully, VAIBHAV PARIKH OF NISHITH DESAI ASSOCIATES AGENT FOR THE APPLICANTS

Documents:

565-mum-2004-abstract(17-10-2007).doc

565-mum-2004-abstract(17-10-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-cancelled pages(17-10-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-claims(granted)-(17-10-2007).doc

565-mum-2004-claims(granted)-(17-10-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-correspondence(17-10-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-correspondence(ipo)-(6-11-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-drawing(17-10-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-form 1(17-10-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-form 1(24-9-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-form 13(3-10-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-form 13(4-10-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-form 19(13-7-2004).pdf

565-mum-2004-form 2(granted)-(17-10-2007).doc

565-mum-2004-form 2(granted)-(17-10-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-form 26(17-10-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-form 26(24-9-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-form 3(18-5-2004).pdf

565-mum-2004-form 3(24-9-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-form 4(18-5-2004).pdf

565-mum-2004-form 5(24-9-2007).pdf

565-mum-2004-petition under rule 137(24-9-2007).pdf

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