Patent Application
20110101783
The present invention generally relates to an electrical power distribution system and method thereof, and more particularly, to an electrical power distribution system and method that controls at least one distribution characteristic of supplied electrical power.
Generally, the distribution of electrical power requires an electrical contact between a power source and a load, wherein the electrical connection is formed by one or more electrical conductors. For example, standard wall outlets in the United Sates are adapted to receive two or three metal conductors from a standard plug, such that the plug's metal conductors are received by the outlet and come in contact with “live” corresponding electrical conductors. The outlet is “live” in that the conductors behind the face plate having the receptacles are supplied with electrical power, and any electrical conducting element that is inserted into the receptacle of the outlet can draw the electrical power. Thus, there are limitations as to the environment where the plug can be received by the outlet due to the requirement to have such an electrical connection.
Further, fuses or circuit breakers can be used to break the circuit that is supplying electrical power under certain circumstances. Thus, any break in the circuit results in the electrical power not being supplied to a load. The fuse or circuit breaker can be used to prevent the wiring from overheating due to a fault condition by completely breaking the circuit and stopping the supply of electrical power, but are typically not configured to limit the flow of electrical power in other ways.
Typically, electrical power is supplied to a building structure from the power company having a predetermined set of distribution characteristics (e.g., one hundred twenty volts/two hundred forty volts (120V/240V)) and 60 hertz (60 Hz)). Generally, the electrical power is continued to be distributed throughout the building structure having the same electrical power characteristics and until the electrical power is supplied to the load, at which time the load can either consume the supplied power as delivered (e.g., an alternating current (AC) incandescent light bulb), or alter the electrical power to a desired form for use by the load (e.g., a load that has an adaptive wall plug). Additionally, the load may have subsystems that require both one hundred twenty volts (120V) and some other form of electrical power. Since the electrical power is being distributed throughout the building structure having the same electrical power characteristics, there are typically, limited points of monitoring the electrical power distribution, such as circuit breakers and ground fault interrupts (GFI).
According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrical power distribution system includes a primary generator and a secondary harvester. The primary generator includes a primary coil configured to emit an electromagnetic field when an electrical power is supplied to the primary coil, and a first communication device configured to communicate a signal. A secondary harvester includes a secondary coil configured to supply an electrical power when receiving the emitted electromagnetic field, and a second communication device configured to communicate the signal, such that the first and second communication devices communicate the signal independent from the emitted electromagnetic field.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical power distribution system includes a primary generator and a secondary harvester. A primary generator includes a primary coil configured to emit an electromagnetic field when an electrical power is supplied to the primary coil, and a first communication device configured to communicate a signal. The secondary harvester includes a secondary coil configured to supply an electrical power when receiving the emitted electromagnetic field, and a second communication device configured to transmit the signal such that the first and second communication devices wirelessly communicate the signal as to power requirements of a load independent of the emitted electromagnetic field.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an electrical power distribution system includes an attachment device and a controller. The attachment device is configured to receive a first electrical power and supply a second electrical power, wherein the supplied second electrical power is based upon load requirements communicated from at least one load to the attachment device. The controller is in communication with the attachment device and is configured to command the attachment device to supply the second electrical power.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical power distribution system includes a plurality of attachment devices and a system controller. At least a portion of the plurality of attachment devices are configured to receive a first electrical power and supply a second electrical power that is based upon load requirements communicated from a first load to the at least a portion of the plurality of attachment devices. The system controller is in communication with at least a portion of the plurality of attachment devices, and is configured to control the supply of the second electrical power.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an electrical power distribution system includes a primary generator, a secondary harvester, and a controller. A primary generator is configured to emit an electromagnetic field when a first electrical power is supplied to the primary generator. The secondary harvester is configured to supply a second electrical power when proximate the primary generator and the electromagnetic field emitted from the primary generator is received. The controller is in communication with one of the primary generator and the secondary harvester, and configured to control the supply of the second electrical power by the secondary harvester.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of distributing electrical power includes the steps of receiving a first electrical power having a first distribution characteristic by a converter, and altering the first distribution characteristic of the first electrical power by the converter. The method further includes the steps of supplying a second electrical power having a second distribution characteristic different than the first distribution characteristic from the converter, and supplying a third electrical power having a third distribution characteristic different than the first and second distribution characteristic from the converter.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of distributing electrical power includes the steps of receiving a first electrical power supplied at a first frequency by a converter and altering the first frequency to a second frequency and a third frequency by the converter. The method further includes the steps of supplying a second electrical power having the second frequency from the converter, and supplying a third electrical power having the third frequency from the converter.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an extension cord includes a secondary harvester, and at least one primary generator in electrical communication with the secondary harvester by at least one electrical conductor. The secondary harvester includes a secondary coil configured to supply an electrical power when a first electromagnetic field is received, and a secondary communication device configured to communicate a signal. The at least one primary generator includes a primary coil configured to emit a second electromagnetic field based upon the electrical power supplied the by secondary harvester, and a primary communication device configured to communicate the signal as to the electrical power requirements of at least one load.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of distributing electrical power includes the steps of emitting an electromagnetic field by a primary generator when a primary generator receives an electrical power, receiving the emitted electromagnetic field by a secondary harvester, receiving electrical power requirements of at least one load by the secondary harvester, and selectively supplying the electrical power by the secondary harvester to the at least one load.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an adaptor includes a secondary harvester configured to supply an electrical power when an electromagnetic field is received, and a plug interface adapted to receive at least two electrical conductors, such that the electrical power supplied by the secondary harvester is propagated over the at least two electrical conductors.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an adaptor includes a plug interface adapted to receive at least two electrical conductors that propagate electrical power, and a primary generator configured to emit an electromagnetic field when the primary generator receives the electrical power that is propagated over the at least two electrical conductors.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments include combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an electrical power distribution system and method thereof. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like reference characters in the description and drawings represent like elements.
In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
In regards to
Typically, the electrical power distribution system 100 can transmit or communicate electrical power through the system 100 having various distribution characteristics, wherein the electrical power can be transmitted between the power source 102 and a load 118 over a hard-wire connection (e.g., copper wire) or wirelessly (i.e., inductive connection including the primary generator 104 and the secondary harvester 108). Additionally, at points of distribution, wherein the distribution characteristics of the electrical power can be altered, the electrical power distribution system 100 can include intelligence (e.g., a controller or a processor) for monitoring the electrical power distribution, altering at least one distribution characteristic of the supplied electrical power, communicating with other components or devices in the electrical power distribution system 100, the like, or a combination thereof. According to one embodiment, the distribution characteristics of the electrical power include any characteristic or form of the electrical power during distribution, such as, but not limited to, alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), voltage potential, electrical current, frequency, being distributed at a substantially constant voltage potential, being distributed at a substantially constant voltage potential, being distributed to a substantially constant electrical current, pulse width modulated (PWM), pulse frequency modulated (PFM), the like, or a combination thereof. Thus, the electrical power distribution system 100 can be configured to distribute or supply electrical power having different distribution characteristics at different points in the system 100, while intelligently monitoring the distribution of the electrical power and communicating information between components of the system 100 as to the distribution of the electrical power.
According to one embodiment, the primary generator 104 includes a primary circuit 110 and a primary coil 112, and the secondary harvester 108 includes a secondary coil 114 and a secondary circuit 116. Typically, the secondary harvester 108 supplies the electrical power to the load 118 that is generated from the reception of the electromagnetic field 106 emitted from the primary generator 104. In such an embodiment, the electrical power distribution system 100 includes a contactless, inductive point of distribution, which enables the load 118 to receive electrical power from the power source 102 without forming a physical, electrical contact between two electrically conductive devices (e.g., without utilizing a standard outlet and plug apparatus).
By way of explanation and not limitation, the load 118 can be, but is not limited to, a device that utilizes the received electrical power to operate, charge a rechargeable power source that is internal to the load 118, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the load 118 can also be, but not limited to, an enhanced outlet 120, an extension cord generally indicated at 122, a power distributor 124, an induction device generally indicated at 126 having a primary coil 112 and a primary circuit 110 that emits the electromagnetic field 106, the like, or a combination thereof. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the description of one or more exemplary embodiments contained herein as to the load 118 are not limited to utilizing only the load 118, but are instead described utilizing load 118 for purposes of explanation.
According to one embodiment, the power source 102 is a point-of-entry for electrical power into a building structure, which in the United States, the electrical power at such a point-of-entry typically has distribution characteristics including a voltage potential of one hundred twenty volts/two hundred forty volts (120V/240V) and a frequency of sixty Hertz (60 Hz). In such an embodiment, the electrical power distribution system 100 is a power distribution system within a building structure or dwelling, wherein electrical power can be supplied having a desired distribution characteristic, such as, but not limited to, a desired voltage potential or form (i.e., AC or DC). Thus, the electrical power can be transmitted or propagated throughout the building structure (i.e., the system 100) having various different distribution characteristics, without regard as to how the electrical power was supplied to the building structure from the power company.
According to one embodiment, the secondary harvester 108 communicates with the primary generator 104 to form a local control network. Thus, data can be communicated between the secondary harvester 108 and the primary generator 104, such as, but not limited to, the type of load 118,120,122,124,126 that is electrically connected to the secondary harvester 108, the power requirements of the load 118, the like or a combination thereof. The primary generator 104 can communicate with the secondary harvester 108 utilizing a hard-wire connection or a wireless connection. The local control network can be the communication between a source of electrical power (e.g., the primary generator, 104) and one or more loads 118 at a point of distribution, which typically includes utilizing the secondary harvester 108, according to one embodiment. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the secondary harvester 108 can communicate with the primary generator 104 utilizing a wireless connection that includes an inductive channel using amplitude modulation (AM) to encode a signal included in the electromagnetic field 106, a signal independent of the electromagnetic filed 106, such as, but not limited to, a wireless radio frequency (RF) communication signal, including near field and/or far field, RFID, a ZIGBEE™ connection, a BLUETOOTH™ connection, a local area network (LAN) connection, a Wi-Fi connection, optical communication with light having a visible and/or non-visible wavelength, the like, or a combination thereof.
Alternatively, the primary generator 104 and the secondary harvester 108 can communicate utilizing a hard-wire connection, such that the signal is transmitted over the hard-wire connection independent at the electromagnetic field 106. According to yet another embodiment, the primary generator 104 can communicate with the secondary harvester 108 utilizing a mechanical or physical connection. By way of explanation and not limitation the mechanical connection can be a key and an interpretation of the key, such as a brail dot pattern integrated on a surface of the secondary harvester 108 that is recognized (e.g., physically contract, obstruct an illumination path, etc.) by the primary generator 104.
With respect to
The communication between the secondary harvester 108 and the load 118 can utilize a wireless signal or a signal that is transmitted over an electrical conductive wire, such as the electrical conductive wire that is utilized for propagating the electrical power from the secondary harvester 108 to the load 118 or a different electrical conductive wire that electrically connects the secondary harvester 108 to the load 118. According to one embodiment, when components or devices of the electrical power distribution system 100 are in communication with one another, the component or device can be configured to transmit a signal, receive a signal, or a combination thereof.
According to one embodiment, the primary generator 104 and the secondary harvester 108 can communicate, such that the primary generator 104 can emit the electromagnetic field 106 based upon the electrical power that the secondary harvester 108 is scheduled to supply to the load 118 (e.g., the amount of electrical power requested by the load 118 via the communication connection between the secondary harvester 108 and the load 118). In such an embodiment, the primary generator 104 emits the electromagnetic field 106 having a sufficient strength or magnetic flux for the secondary harvester 108 to convert the received electromagnetic field 106 to the desired electrical power that is supplied to the load 118. The information communicated in the signal as to the electrical power requirements of the load 118 can additionally or alternatively include information as to the distribution characteristics of the electrical power supplied from the secondary harvester 108 to the load 118 (e.g., voltage potential, electrical current, frequency, etc.), planned load requirements, the like or a combination thereof.
For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the planned load requirement can be where the load 118 is a rechargeable device (e.g., a cellular telephone having rechargeable power source), and it is known at the time the primary generator 104 and secondary harvester 108 are located proximate to one another that the electrical power desired by the load 118 will vary over a time period, such as based upon the recharging routine of the load 118. In such an embodiment, it is known that the load 118 is to be supplied with a greater amount of electrical power during a first period of time (e.g., a first charging period of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery), when compared to the amount of electrical power supplied during a second period of time (e.g., a parasitic amount of electrical power). Thus, the information as to the charging routine of the load 118 can be communicated to the primary generator 104 or the secondary harvester 108, wherein the local controller 128 or 128A, respectively, can determine if an adequate amount of electrical power is available from the power source 102 for the entire charging routine of the load 118. Additionally, or alternatively, the information as to the recharging routine of the load 118 can be communicated to a system controller 139 via the primary generator 104, the secondary harvester 108, or combination thereof, such that the system controller 139 can determine if the power source 102 can supply an adequate amount of electrical power to the load 118.
Without regard to whether the electrical power supplied to the load 118 is constant or varies, the secondary harvester 108 can communicate the information as to the electrical power requirements of the load 118 to the primary generator 104, the secondary harvester 108, the system controller 139, or a combination thereof, prior to the electrical power being supplied to ensure an adequate amount of electrical power can be supplied by the power source 102. Thus, the primary generator 104, the secondary harvester 108, or a combination thereof, can determine if the primary generator 104 can adequately emit the electromagnetic field 106 to supply the requested electrical power to the load 118 (e.g., local control), wherein the system controller 139 can determine if the electrical power distribution system 100 can adequately supply the requested electrical power to the one more loads 118.
The primary generator 104 and secondary harvester 108 can communicate other data, such as, but not limited to, a request to disconnect the power, according to one embodiment. Thus, the local controllers 128,128A, the system controller 139, or a combination thereof, can determine that the amount of electrical power requested or drawn by the load exceeds an amount that can be supplied by the power source 102 or a predetermined electrical power threshold, as described in greater detail below. In such an embodiment, the local controllers 128,128A, the system controller 139, or a combination thereof, can replicate a fuse or a circuit breaker to disconnect or discontinue the supply of electrical power to the load 118. Additionally or alternatively, the local controllers 128,128A, the system controller 139, or a combination thereof, can selectively control the supply of the electrical power.
According to one embodiment, the communication device 138 of the primary generator 104 can be used to detect when the secondary harvester 108 is proximate to the primary generator 104, such that the primary generator 104 only emits the electromagnetic field 106 when the secondary harvester 108 is detected. The communication devices 138,138A can be used to communicate with one another in order for the primary generator 104 to detect the secondary harvester 108, such as, but not limited to, using a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal. In such an embodiment, the power source 102 continuously supplies electrical power to the primary generator 104, and the primary generator 104 periodically transmits a signal to the secondary harvester 108, such that if the secondary harvester 108 is proximate to the primary generator 104, then the secondary harvester 108 receives the transmitted signal and responds by transmitting a signal to primary generator 104. When the primary generator 104 receives the response signal, the primary generator 104 emits the electromagnetic filed 106. However, if the primary generator 104 does not receive the responsive signal, the primary generator 104 continues to not emit the electromagnetic field 106. Typically the periodic signal transmitted by the primary harvester 104 is configured to supply an electrical power to the secondary harvester 108, such that the secondary harvester 108 receives an adequate amount of electrical power to power to secondary harvester 108 in order to transmit the response signal to the primary generator 104.
Additionally, the first and second communication devices 138,138A can communicate with the system controller 139, such that the system controller 139 can control the electrical power distribution over the entire electrical power distribution system 100 based upon the information communicated at the point of distribution between the first and second communication devices 138,138A, as described in greater detail below. The system controller 139 can be in communication with the first and second communication devices 138,138A utilizing a hard-wire connection, a wireless connection, or a combination thereof.
In regards to
For purposes of explanation and not limitation, when the power source 102 is the point-of-entry of the building structure for receiving electrical power at a first voltage potential from the power company (e.g., one hundred twenty volts (120V)), the converter 140 can increase the voltage potential, so that the electrical power can be distributed at a second voltage potential by at least one high voltage distribution bus 142, wherein the second voltage potential is greater than the first voltage potential. According to one exemplary embodiment, the second voltage potential of the electrical power is approximately four hundred eighty volts (480V), i.e. high voltage. By distributing electrical power at a voltage potential greater than one hundred twenty volts (120V), the gauge of the wire used to transmit the electrical power can be increased, which results in less electrically conductive material (e.g., copper wire) being used to transmit the electrical power, when compared to the amount of electrically conductive material typically used in a building structure to distribute electrical power having a voltage potential of one hundred twenty volts (120V).
For example a common size branch circuit used in the US for residential electrical receptacles (outlets) and lighting is 20 A, 120VAC. This branch circuit is capable of nominally supplying a maximum of 2400 W of AC power. Per the National Electric Code the wiring for said branch circuit is typically 12 gauge wire having a cross section of 3.31 mm2. If the voltage of this branch circuit was increased to 240VAC the same nominal maximum power of 2400 W would only require a 10 A service that would typically use a 16 gauge wire having a cross section of 1.31 mm2. Thus raising the voltage by a factor of 2 times resulted in a reduction in the amount of copper conductor usage to approximately 40% (1.31/3.31) of the original while delivering the same total electrical power. Raising the voltage by a factor of 4 (from 120VAC to 480VAC) would yield even greater copper savings for delivering the same electrical energy.
At least one attachment device 144 can be in electrical communication with the power source 102, such as through the high voltage distribution bus 142, wherein the attachment device 144 is configured to receive or draw a first electrical power (e.g., the electrical power being distributed across the high voltage distribution bus 142), and supply a second electrical power based upon local requirements communicated from at least one load 118 to the attachment device 144. Typically, the attachment device 144 includes a communication device 138C that communicates with the communication device 138B of the load 118, according to one embodiment. Further, the communication device 138C of the attachment device 144 can be in communication with the system controller 139.
According to one embodiment, as shown in
Alternatively, the secondary harvester 108 can communicate the information received from the load 118 to primary generator 104, such that the primary generator 104 can emit the electromagnetic field 106 having an adequate magnetic flux based upon the information received in regards to the amount of electrical power to be supplied to the load 118. Yet another alternative embodiment, is that the primary generator 104 communicates the information received from the load 118 to the attachment device 144, such that the attachment device 144 can supply an adequate amount of electrical power to the primary generator 104. Typically, the communication device 138C receives the information regarding the amount of electrical power to be supplied to the load 118, and a controller 128B of the attachment device 144 can control the amount of electrical power supplied by the attachment device 144. Additionally or alternatively, the information as to the electrical power requirements of the load 118 can be communicated to the system controller 139, wherein the system controller 139 commands the attachment device 144, the primary generator 104, the secondary harvester 108, another point of distribution having intelligence, or a combination thereof, to control the electrical power supplied to the load 118.
In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in both
Additionally or alternatively, the attachment device 144 can be configured to receive the first electrical power and supply the second electrical power and a third electrical power, wherein the third electrical power has at least one distribution characteristic that is different than the second electrical power. Thus, the attachment device 144 can be configured to supply electrical power to one or more loads 118, wherein at least a portion of the loads 118 have different electrical power requirements.
According to one embodiment, as shown in
According to an alternate embodiment, the control interface 148, or a second remote control interface 148A, is in communication with the attachment devices 144,144A wherein the control interface 148 is configured to command the attachment devices 144,144A to supply electrical power to the load 118. The control unit 150 is typically in communication with the control interface 148, such that the user of the control unit 150 can communicate a command to the attachment devices 144,144A, via the control interface 148, to supply electrical power to the load 118.
According to yet another alternate embodiment, the control interface 148, or an additional control interface 148, can be in communication with the system controller 139. In such an embodiment, the user of the control unit 150 can communicate a signal to the control interface 148 in order for the control interface 148 to command the system controller 139 to control the supply of electrical power to one or more loads 118 of the electrical power distribution system 100.
At least a portion of the control units 150 included in the electrical power distribution system 100 can be in wireless communication with the control interface 148, according to one embodiment. The control unit 150 can wirelessly communicate with the control interface 148 utilizing an RF signal, an IR signal, a cellular signal, the like, or a combination thereof, so long as the signal transmitted by the control unit 150 is adequately configured to be received by the control interface 148 with respect to locational relationship between the control interface 148 and the control unit 150.
According to an alternate embodiment, the control interface 148 and the control unit 150 are in communication with one another by utilizing a data wire connection, such as, but not limited to, category 5 (CAT5) wire, category six (CAT6) wire, the like, or a combination thereof. Thus, the user can activate the control unit 150, which communicates a data signal to the control interface 148 which commands the attachment device 144,144A to alter the electrical power supplied to the load 118. By utilizing the control unit 150 and the control interface 148 that are connected by the data wire connection, the amount of electrical conductive material (e.g., copper wire) is still minimized, when compared to how a standard light switch is electrically connected to a load, since the amount of electrically conductive material in the data wire connection is minimal when compared to a twelve (12) gauge wire.
According to another exemplary embodiment, wherein the control unit 150 is in wireless communication with the control interface 148, which is in communication with the system controller 139, the wireless signal can be a cellular single. In such an embodiment, the control unit 150 can be a cellular telephone, so that a user of the control unit 150 can remotely control the supply of electrical power to one or more loads 118 utilizing the system controller 139 via a cellular network. Thus, a user of the control unit 150 (e.g., cellular telephone) can command the system controller 139 to supply power (e.g., turn-on) loads 118, such as lights of the building structure that contains the electrical power distribution system 100 prior to the user being in the building structure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the loads 118 being controlled by the system controller 139 in such an embodiment can be other types of loads in addition to or alternatively than lights of the building structure.
By way of explanation and not limitation, as illustrated in
With respect to
The load 118 can be in electrical communication with the secondary harvester 108, such that the secondary harvester 108 supplies the electrical power to the load 118 based upon the electromagnetic field 106A emitted by the primary generator 104A of the extension cord 154. Thus, the load 118 receives electrical power from the power source 102 (
According to one embodiment, the extension cord 154 can include a single primary generator 104A in electrical communication with the secondary harvester 108A, such that single load 118 is powered based upon the electromagnetic field 106A emitted from the primary generator 104A. According to an alternate embodiment, the extension cord 154 can include a plurality of primary generators 104A,104B,104C in electrical communication with the secondary harvester 108A, such that each of the plurality of primary generators 104A,104B,104C emit the electromagnetic field 106A based upon the electrical power supplied from the secondary harvester 108A. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the extension cord 154 can include any number of primary generators 104A . . . 104N, and is described as having three (3) primary generators 104A,104B,104C for purposes of explanation and not limitation.
Additionally, the secondary harvester 108A of the extension cord 154 includes the secondary communication device 138A, and the primary generator 104A of the extension cord 154 includes the primary communication device 138, such that the communication devices 138,138A can communicate a signal as to the electrical power requirements of the load, or addition or alternative information as described herein, through the extension cord 154. Thus, the secondary harvester 108A can communicate the information to the primary generator 104, such that any, or a combination thereof, of the primary generator 104,104A and the secondary harvesters 108,108A can control the supply of electrical power to the load 118, utilizing the respective controllers 128,128A. Additionally or alternatively, the information as to the load 118, such as the amount of electrical power requested by the load 118, can be communicated through the extension cord 154 to the system controller 139 (
As to
Typically, the selective control of electrical power is based upon whether the power source 102 can supply the requested amount of electrical power, whether the primary generator 104,104A can adequately emit the electromagnetic field 106,106A, respectively, planned local requirements, the type of load, the like, or a combination thereof. Thus, selective control of electrical power can replace a standard fuse or circuit breaker, which is generally configured to prevent or stop the supply of electrical power if the circuit is shorted or the one or more loads 118 requests more power than can be supplied. Additionally, the selective control of electrical power can intelligently control the supply of electrical power, such that one or more loads 118 can continue to receive electrical power in circumstances that would otherwise cause a standard fuse or circuit breaker to break the circuit.
Additionally or alternatively, at least one attachment device 144,144A can selectively control the supply of electrical power utilizing the controller 128B, according to one embodiment. Thus, when the attachment device 144,144A selectively controls the supply of electrical power, the attachment device 144,144A typically selectively controls the supply of electrical power based upon more portions of the electrical power distribution system 100, when compared to when the primary generator 104,104A or the secondary harvester 108,108A selectively control the distribution power. Further, the system controller 139 can selectively control the supply of electrical power alone or in any combination with the attachment device 144,144A, the primary generator 104,104A, and the secondary harvester 108,108A.
In regards to
The method 600 then proceeds to step 612, wherein the electrical power is supplied to the load 118 by the secondary harvester 108. At decision step 614, it is determined if the amount of electrical power required by the load 118 has been altered. If it is determined at decision step 614 that the amount of electrical power required by the load 118 has not been altered, then the method 600 continues to supply electrical power to the load 118, and the method 600, then ends at step 616. However, if it is determined at decision step 614 that the amount of electrical power required by the load 118 has been altered, then the method returns to step 607.
With respect to
When it is determined at decision step 622 that multiple loads 118 are present, then step 607 proceeds to decision step 628, wherein it is determined if the primary generator 104 can emit an adequate electromagnetic field 106 to power the multiple loads 118. If it is determined at decision step 628 that the primary generator 104 can emit the electromagnetic field 106 having an adequate magnetic flux to power the multiple loads 118, then the method 600 proceeds to step 608 (
In regards to
At decision step 646 it is determined if any of the loads 118 can function with a diminished electrical power supply. If it is determined at decision step 646 that none of the loads 118 can function with a diminished electrical power supply, then the step 630 proceeds to step 648, wherein the loads 118 are prioritized, and the method 600 proceeds to step 608 (
When it is determined at decision step 646 that any of the loads 118 can function with a diminished electrical power supply, then the step 630 proceeds to step 650, wherein the electrical power supplied to all the loads 118 is controlled by diminishing or reducing the amount of electrical power supplied to the loads 118. According to one embodiment, by diminishing the amount of electrical power supplied to the loads 118 results in the load 118 operating differently, such as when the load 118 are light sources, the light sources emit a diminished or reduced amount of illumination. Typically, if it is determined that any of the loads 118 can function at a diminished electrical power at decision step 646, then only those loads 118 that have such capability are supplied with the diminished amount of electrical power at step 650, while other loads 118 that do not have such capability continue to be supplied with requested amount of electrical power. The method 600 then proceeds to step 608 (
However, if it is determined at decision step 644 that none of the loads 118 can be turned off, then the step 630 proceeds to decision step 652, wherein it is determined if any of the loads 118 can function with a diminished electrical power supply. If it is determined at decision step 652 that any of the loads 118 can function with a diminished electrical power supply, then step 630 proceeds to step 650. When it is determined at decision step 652 that none of the loads 118 can function with a diminished electrical power supply, then the step 630 proceeds to step 654, wherein the loads 118 that are not supplied with the electrical power are alternated, and the method 600 proceeds to step 608 (
As to
If it is determined at decision step 660 that the required electrical power to the loads 118 has increased, then the step 614 proceeds to decision step 662, wherein it is determined if the increase in required electrical power is due to a short. If it is determined at decision step 662, that the increase in electrical power required is not due to a short, than the method 600 proceeds to step 607 (
When it is determined at decision step 660 that the amount of electrical power required has not increased, then the step 614 proceeds to decision step 666, wherein it is determined if the amount of electrical power to be supplied is a parasitic amount of electrical power. If it is determined at decision step 666 that the amount of electrical power being supplied is not a parasitic amount, then the method 600 proceeds to step 607. However, if it is determined at decision step 666 that the amount of electrical power being supplied is a parasitic amount, then the step 614 proceeds to decision step 668, wherein it is determined if the parasitic amount of electrical power is supplied for greater than a predetermined period of time.
If it is determined at decision step 668 that the parasitic amount of electrical power has been supplied for greater than a predetermined period of time, then the step 614 proceeds to step 664, wherein the primary generator does not emit the electromagnetic field 106. When it is determined at decision step 668, that the parasitic amount of electrical power being supplied has not been supplied for greater than the predetermined period of time, then the method 600 proceeds to step 612 (
In regards to
According to an alternate embodiment, as shown in
According to one embodiment, the secondary harvester 108 is removable, such that the locational relationship between the primary generator 104 and the secondary harvester 108 can be altered, so that the secondary harvester 108 can be located to receive the emitted electromagnetic field 106 (i.e., proximate to the primary generator 104) or located to not receive the emitted electromagnetic field 106 (i.e., not proximate the primary generator 104). According to one embodiment, as illustrated in
As shown in
According to an alternate embodiment, as shown in
Additionally, as shown in
The following paragraphs are part of the description of the invention.
1. An electrical power distribution system comprising:
a primary coil configured to emit an electromagnetic field when an electrical power is supplied to said primary coil; and
a first communication device configured to communicate a signal; and
a secondary coil configured to supply an electrical power when receiving said emitted electromagnetic field; and
a second communication device configured to communicate said signal, such that said first and second communication devices communicate said signal independent from said emitted electromagnetic field.
2. An electrical power distribution system comprising:
a primary coil configured to emit an electromagnetic field when an electrical power is supplied to said primary coil; and
a first communication device configured to communicate a signal; and
a secondary coil configured to supply an electrical power when receiving said emitted electromagnetic field; and
a second communication device configured to transmit said signal, such that said first and second communication devices wirelessly communicate said signal as to power requirements of a load independent of said emitted electromagnetic field.
3. An electrical power distribution system comprising:
a controller in communication with said attachment device, and configured to command said attachment device to supply said second electrical power.
4. An electrical power distribution system comprising:
5. An electrical power distribution system comprising:
6. A method of distributing electrical power, said method comprising the steps of:
7. A method of distributing electrical power, said method comprising the steps of:
8. An extension cord comprising:
9. A method of distributing electrical power, said method comprising the steps of:
10. An adaptor comprising:
11. An adaptor comprising:
The above paragraphs are part of the description of the invention.
Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.
This application is a continuation of International Application PCT/US2009/004341, filed Jul. 27, 2009, which claimed the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/084,059, filed Jul. 28, 2008.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61084059 | Jul 2008 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US2009/004341 | Jul 2009 | US |
| Child | 12987476 | US |
