Patent Grant
8341837
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
A majority of hi-power AC electrical wiring of residential and commercial structures, as one of important steps in providing completed structure with required power, has fallen drastically behind the progress attained in other areas of construction, such as: wiring for communications, including phone lines, LAN, internet, etc. Based on existing methods of wiring AC electrical power, the installation time, installation quality, reliability, repeatability and end-result safety of installations—depends heavily on hi-skill manual labor. As result, overall quality of each practical installation is at a mercy of an installation crew, which must maintain required: workmanship skills; detailed attention to specifications, including wiring diagrams, which are more complex these days due to demands for larger and sophisticated structures; installation quality at a rather intensive schedule of completion; etc. In addition to problems stated above, the associated costs of electrical power wiring of a structure—is constantly going up, not so much due to better quality of materials, but rather due to increases in labor costs.
While demand for new construction varies, and respective builders could complete them at rather comfortable time schedules, there is a high demand currently in the areas within the U.S.A. affected by devastating flooding and fires. These re-building projects, which should be completed as soon as possible, could not afford, for example, extra expenses associated with paying high rates for expediting installations of electrical power.
While the costs of building materials in general went up significantly, and while the buildings themselves have appreciated substantially, the existing electrical components and technology used for wiring electrical power has remained disproportionably behind. The existing technology is utilizing primarily individual wires, not cables, and as result, it would be rather challenging to reduce electromagnetic interferences produced by power devices and propagated along these wires, which could: present health risks to individuals near by; and impact operating environment for other devices.
The existing technology places a burden on an installer to implement a required load switching scheme. Some of the switching schemes could be rather complicated, and as result, have a higher risk of mistake made by installer, which may not be discovered by installation inspector, and those impacting the quality and safety of an installation.
In addition, a majority of electrical and electro-mechanical equipment, including machinery and stand alone devices, require adequate means for connecting to required electrical power sources. For simplicity, the applicable equipment in this application will be referred as device.
There are a number of applications, where electrical power to devices is provided via interface modules, including ones that resemble a standard power strip. There is a range of equipment, such as ATM machines, Vending machines, and Process machines in general, etc., that could be considered a main device, which could incorporate other secondary devices within them, such as: display monitor, printer, etc., which also require electrical power applied to them.
The existing power entry methods, although being adequate in electrical power ratings, are not conveniently packaged to provide cost-efficient power entry from outside power source to the main device and then power distribution within the main device to secondary devices. Simply put, there is no off-the-shelf solution, which would conveniently interface a main device to a power source, and then provide convenient power distribution within the main device to other secondary devices.
As a result, designers of main devices have little choice, but to employ a number of off-the-shelf individual components, such as: power inlet, power protection, etc. interfaced via custom wiring, packaged in custom housings, etc., which potentially could create unnecessary challenges in meeting respective safety agency requirements, such as UL, and others. In addition, any “in-house” custom wiring of power components within or outside a device, due to possible lack of solid quality control procedures, which, in contrast, are enforced on off-the-shelf components, could represent a potential safety hazard for individuals responsible for device operation and maintenance.
The existing power entry and distribution methods for a number of devices do not provide convenient power monitoring and diagnostics to ensure the respective device(s) performance has not degraded below projected levels, which if not noticed and then timely attended to by conducting required maintenance, etc., could costs the user of the device in terms of: higher energy costs, potential loss of a device, etc.
The existing power entry and distribution methods do not provide a cost efficient solution to the growing demands for devices aimed at automating a number of businesses, such as: grocery, retails, etc.
This application covers a “Modular Power Distribution and Control System” (MPD&CS), which provides a comprehensive system level solution to current and future requirements in regard to:
For power distribution designs for industrial, commercial and residential applications—the new technology represents a giant step forward in terms of:
a) Superior level of quality and safety.
b) Exceptional efficiency and effectiveness.
The bottom line—the proposed new technology could advance the electrical power wiring of structures to a required level, so that support of new construction, as well as re-build of structures damaged, could be accomplished in a most effective and efficient way.
For designs of: electrical power entry, power distribution, monitoring and control—for a variety of systems, devices, apparatuses, MPD&CS, which could consist of existing and unique components, which could be packaged as a module, or a number of modules, could:
In summary, the MPD&CS could become an industry leading equipment power-entry and distribution method, which could accomplish, among others, three very important objectives:
In addition, MPD&CS could employ respective technologies in conducting required Power Monitoring and self-diagnostics of respective components with an objective to alarm the users of possible degradation of: device, component, connection, etc. which could negatively impact the operating electrical costs due to: excessive energy consumption, process costs due to device mal-function, etc. These intelligent components or Modules could be set or programmed to disconnect a device or number of devices, which have exceeded one or more of monitored power parameters, such as: power consumption, power factor, power quality, etc., to avoid the negative impact of a potentially faulty device on business performance.
Our application contains drawings listed in Table 1, below.
Drawings with this application, in addition to USPTO requirements, are:
a) Not to scale.
b) Referenced to “X-Y-Z” coordinate system, which is consistent throughout all Drawings.
Our application contains definitions of specific components or processes, which are scripted in “bold italic”, and listed below in alphabetical order.
Notes:
Notes:
1) For simplicity, the examples of Systems, Devices, Modules and components within them, presented in document “Drawings”, are for illustration purposes of respective principals. The actual design, layout and arrangement—could be changed to meet requirements of a specific application. Although the main intent of this application is to standardize respective principals of AC power entry, distribution and control within Structures and machines, and as a result, provide off-the-shelf cost effective solutions, still—customization of various elements could be accomplished within outlined principals, to further optimize the results for any given application, while retaining the essence of Plug-n-Play, Plug-n-Power and Power-n-Safety features.
2) For simplicity, optional features, such as: component shielding, grounding, strain-relief, environmental seals, etc. are not shown on all drawings
FIG. 1—3-D view of PEM (1) with Local Switch (2), Local Protection component—fuse holder with fuse inside (4)
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
1—Power Entry Module (PEM), basic configuration
2—Incoming power Local Switch
3—Incoming power Inlet plug, which as an option, could be incorporated with power conditioning component—EMC filter (not shown)
4—Fuse holder with a fuse inside, which could be properly rated per given application
6—Earth ground wire, which is internally connected to incoming plug Earth ground terminal, and could serve as a convenient Earth ground termination for the Main Device
FIG. 2—Top view of PEM illustrated on
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
7—Power distribution Outlets (4 shown), which could be controlled by main disconnect switch component of PEM (1)
8—Round terminal ring, part of Earth ground wire (6), which could be used for attaching the Earth ground wire to dedicated Earth ground stud of the Main Device
Remaining elements are labeled same as on
FIG. 3—View from the power entry side view of PEM illustrated on
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
5—Mounting holes for PEM
9—Section of PEM, which could be added to packaging, as needed, and which could be used for convenient housing of other interfaces (LAN, etc.) of the Main Device to/from outside devices, etc. Remaining elements are labeled same as on previous FIG.s.
FIG. 4—View from power distribution side of PEM. Elements are labeled same as on previous FIG.s.
FIG. 5—3-D view of PEM with local power disconnect component—switch (2), over-current protection component—fuse holder with fuse inside (4), interface to Remote Module, LAN connection FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
13—Section of Power Entry Module, designed to house LAN interface related components
14—Interface connection for LAN network
Remaining elements are labeled same as on previous FIG.s.
FIG. 6—View from power entry side of PEM shown of
FIG. 7—Top view of PEM shown of
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
10—Power Outlet for Remote Module, which could have a disconnect switch (toggle, push-button, etc.), which could be used to disconnect the incoming power to the Main Device.
Remaining elements are labeled same as on previous FIG.s.
FIG. 8—View from power distribution side of PEM shown of
FIG. 9—View from power distribution side of PEM with: local power disconnect component—switch (2); optional power conditioning component—EMC filter, part of (3); over-current protection component—fuse (4); dual power Outlet section switched ON/OFF locally (not visible here); section consisting of power Outlet and Inlet—for interface to a Remote Module (not visible here); dual power distribution Outlet section switched ON/OFF locally or remotely (not visible here); interface for wired LAN (14).
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
38—Local Controller, which could perform power monitoring, diagnostics and control within the Main Device, communicate, via Module Interface and/or Networking, and exchange data and controls with other Controllers within or outside the Main Device.
Remaining elements are labeled same as on previous FIG.s.
FIG. 10—Wiring diagram of PEM illustrated on
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
103—Earth ground wire
104—Power Entry Module
105—Dual-pole incoming power Local Switch
106—Fuse holder with fuse as Local Protection
107—Power distribution Outlets
121—Earth ground electrical connection
122—Local Conditioning component with integrated Entry Plug
FIG. 11—3-D view of a Remote Module (15) with Remote Switch (16), and an Earth ground wire (37)
FIG. 12—front view of a Remote Module shown on
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
17—Mounting holes for Remote Module
18—Remote Conditioning component with integrated Remote Plug (19)
20—Remote Outlet, which could be controller by Remote Switch (16)
37—Remote Module Earth ground wire
FIG. 13—bottom view of a Remote Module shown on
FIG. 14—3-D view of a Remote Module (15) with Remote Switch (16) selected as an emergency push-pull button type. Remaining elements are labeled same as on previous FIG.s.
FIG. 15—top view of a Remote Module (15) shown on
FIG. 16—operator view of a Remote Module (15) shown on
FIG. 17—operator view of a Remote Module (15) shown with Remote Switch (16), Remote Conditioning (18) with integrated Power Entry (19).
Remaining elements are labeled as follows:
17—Mounting holes for Remote Module (15)
20—Power Outlet of the Remote Module (15)
37—Earth ground wire of the Remote Module (15)
FIG. 18—Wiring diagram of the Remote Module illustrated on
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
115—Outlet of Remote Module (120)
117—Remote Switch (dual-pole) and Remote Protection components of the Remote Module
119—Remote Controller, which could perform:
121—Earth ground connection within the Remote Module
131—Remote Earth ground wire with round ring terminal
FIG. 19—3-D view of MPD&CS for Main Device (22) with: Secondary Devices:
Computer (23), Touch-screen LCD (24), Printer (31) which could have a dedicated power conversion component (32); Remote Module (15), which could house Switch and Protection components; Standard power strip (30), which could be used for convenient power distribution in between PEM (1)-Remote Module (15) and Secondary Devices (21, 31). In this configuration, the main power disconnect to the Devices could be accomplished: by pulling the incoming power cord (51) out of PEM (1), or by turning OFF power to all power outlets via Remote Switch component of Remote Module (15)
Remaining FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
6—Earth ground wire from PEM (1), which could be connected to the chassis of the Main Device via dedicated Earth ground stud (50), which could be labeled per respective agency regulations
14—PEM (1) housing of LAN interface, which could include LAN conditioning component
25—Power cable connecting Remote Module (15) Inlet to dedicated PEM (1) non-switched Remote Outlet
29—Cable connecting Computer (23) to LAN
27—Power cable connecting Computer (23) to one of PEM (1) Remotely Switched and Protected Outlet
28—Power cable connecting Standard power strip (30) to one of PEM (1) Remotely Switched and Protected Outlet
33—Power cable connecting Touch-screen LCD (24) to one of Remotely Switched and Protected Outlet of the Standard power strip (30)
49—Cable providing incoming power to the Main Device via PEM (1)
50—Earth ground connection from PEM (1), which could be connected to chassis of the Main Device
FIG. 20—3-D view of MPD&CS with centralized and remote power monitoring, diagnostics and control for a Main Device (22) with Secondary Devices: Computer (23), Touch-screen LCD (24), Printer (31), two Conveyors with respective controllers (45). In this configuration, the main power disconnect to the Devices could be accomplished: by pulling the incoming power cord (51) out of PEM (1), or by turning OFF power to all power outlets via Remote Switch component of Remote Module (15A). In addition, power to conveyor motor controllers (45) and Printer (31) could be disconnected via push-pull disconnect switch component of Remote Module (15B), which could be used as a local convenient power disconnect in events of emergency, etc. The illustrated example of an MPD&CS is fairly sophisticated, and includes a number of powerful features, yet all power distribution components within the system could be all off-the-shelf standard cost effective components, and the assembly of the entire system could be accomplished in record time, significantly lower compared to what could be required using existing methods.
Remaining FIG. elements are labeled as on
38—Local Controller, which could perform power monitoring, diagnostics and control within the Main Device (22), communicate, via Module Interface and/or Networking, and exchange data and controls with other Controllers within the Main Device (22), which could include Remote Controller (42) located inside Remote Module (15A), or outside the Main Device.
41—LAN conditioning component of the PEM (1)
42—Remote Controller component located inside the Remote Module (15A), which could perform power monitoring, diagnostics and control of Secondary Devices connected to Remote Module (15B), and could communicate, via Module Interface and/or Networking, and exchange data and controls with other Controllers within or outside the Main Device (22).
43—Power cable between the PEM (1) and Remote Module (15A), which could be used as a communication link component of Module Interfacing and/or Networking.
44—Power cable between the PEM (1) and Computer (23), which could be used as a communication link component of Module Interfacing and/or Networking
45—Conveyor motor controller/driver, one for each conveyor
46—Power cable between the PEM (1) and motor controller/drivers (45), which could be used as a communication link component of Module Interfacing and/or Networking
47—Power cable between the Remote Module (15A) and the Remote Module (15B), which could be used as a communication link component of Module Interfacing and/or Networking
48—Power cable between the Remote Module (15B) and the PEM (1), which could be used as a communication link component of Module Interfacing and/or Networking
FIG. 21—Illustrates an example of a wiring diagram of MPD&CS for a relatively simple application: there are 3 Secondary Devices (125, 126, 127), which are connected to one PEM (100) of a Main Device via power cables (111). As needed, shown Secondary Devices could also communicate with each other via power cables (111), as Module Networking or Device Networking via available power lines, and as needed, any of them, could also communicate with computers or Modules outside the Main Device, that could be connected to PEM (100) via incoming power cable (not shown) connected to (122)
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
103—Earth ground wire of PEM, which could be connected to Main Device enclosure's dedicated Earth ground stud
105—Local Switch, shown as single throw, dual-pole type, which could serve as power disconnect for the Main Device and Secondary Devices within it
106—Local Protection, shown as a fuse
107—Local Outlets, 3 shown for simplicity
100—PEM, shown with: Local Protection and integrated Power Inlet (122), dual pole Local Switch (105), single phase Local Protection (106), and 3 Outlets (107)
111—Power cables, each consisting of 3 conductors properly rated and approved for this application. As needed, these cables could be shielded, and could serve for Module Networking
121—Earth ground connection within PEM
122—Local Conditioning component with integrated Entry Plug
125—Touch screen LCD, which could be connected to one of the Outlets of PEM
126—Computer, which could be connected to one of the Outlets of PEM
127—Printer, which could be connected to one of the Outlets of PEM
FIG. 22—Wiring diagram of MPD&CS, shown of
The remaining FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
103—Earth ground wire of PEM, which could be connected to Main Device enclosure's dedicated Earth ground stud
133—PEM Local Outlet, which could be connected to Remote Inlet (114) of Remote Module (120)
134—PEM Local Inlet, which could be connected to Remote Outlet (115) of Remote Module (120), and which could have Remote Switching and Remote Protection
135—PEM Local Outlets, which could be controlled and protected by Remote Module (120)
FIG. 23—Wiring diagram of MPD&CS, shown of
All connected Modules and/or Devices could communicate with each other, and/or with remote computer via Module and/or Device Networking over installed power lines.
The layout shown, could be used for implementing the following features:
With all the powerful features, the illustrated MPD&CS could be assembled and running in a matter of minutes, utilizing industry standard Modules and components, which could be designed and produced based on methods described in this application.
Remaining elements are labeled as follows:
109—Locally switched Outlet, which could be designated for connecting Remote Module (120). For simplicity of identification, this Outlet could be mounted differently from other Outlets (offset vertically, rotated 90°, etc.)—an example shown on
110—Remotely switched Inlet, which could be designated to be controlled locally and via Remote Module (120). For simplicity of identification, this Inlet could be mounted together with the respective Outlet (109)—an example shown on
116—PEM Outlets, which could be switched locally via Switch (105), or remotely, via Remote Modules (120) or (112). These PEM Outlets, could have Local Protection via (106) and Remote Protection via (117)
FIG. 24—Illustrates wiring diagram of a 115 VAC Switch Module (204) to a 115 VAC lamp fixture (200) FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
200—115 VAC lamp fixture, which could have 115 VAC power inlet plug NEMA 5-15P (202)
201—Lamp bulb inside the lamp fixture (200)
203—Earth ground wire for grounding the enclosure of the lamp fixture (200)
204—115 VAC fully enclosed Switch Module, which as shown, includes following components: power inlet NEMA 5-15P (207); switch (206); power outlet NEMA 5-15R (208); Earth ground wire (205), which could be used for connecting metal enclosure (when used) to Earth grounding at the installation site, as required by national and/or local safety code.
206—115 VAC switch, which could be wired inside enclosure of (204), as shown
209—section of the 115 VAC power incoming cable, with mating connector NEMA 5-15R to be connected to (207)
210—115 VAC power cable for providing 115 VAC switched power from outlet (208) of Switch Module (204) to power inlet (202) of the 115 VAC lamp fixture (200)
FIG. 25—Illustrates wiring diagram of a 115 VAC 2-way Switching of a 115 VAC lamp fixture (200) FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
211—115 VAC Switch Module #2, which as shown, includes following components: power inlet NEMA 14-15P (212) for connecting to power cable (215) to receive incoming switched 115 VAC power from Switch Module #1 (216); switch (214); power outlet NEMA 5-15R (213); Earth ground wire (223), which could be used for connecting metal enclosure (when used) to Earth grounding at the installation site, as required by national and/or local safety code.
216—115 VAC Switch Module #1, which as shown, includes following components: power inlet NEMA 5-15P (218) for connecting to power cable (209) to receive incoming 115 VAC power, which could come directly from a Panel Module (not shown), switch (219); power outlet NEMA 14-15R (217); Earth ground wire (224), which could be used for connecting metal enclosure (when used) to Earth grounding at the installation site, as required by national and/or local safety code.
Remaining elements are labeled same as on
FIG. 26—Illustrates wiring schematic of 115 VAC 2-way Switching shown on
These type of wiring schematics could be useful in designing of custom switching schemes, to verify the proper logic, and most convenient interface, with an objective to use standardized cabling in-between various control Modules and the respective load.
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
220—schematic representation of 115 VAC Switch Module #1, shown on
221—schematic representation of 115 VAC Switch Module #2, shown on
220—schematic representation of 115 VAC lamp fixture, shown on
FIG. 27—Illustrates graphical symbols of a variety of Modules, which could be used in designing required MPD&CS. These graphical symbols, as illustrated in this example, could be used for creating wiring diagrams and other documentation, which could assist in designing and installation.
For simplicity, these graphical representations do not show:
a) The Earth ground wire, which could be part of each Module, as required by national and/or local safety code
b) Devices and components shielding options
c) Devices and components environmentally sealed packaging options.
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
304—115 VAC 15 A power Distribution Module. The incoming power connection could be via NEMA 5-15P (307), and power connection for each load (three shown) could be via NEMA 5-15R (326).
306—dual 115 VAC/15 A power Outlet Module with power plug NEMA 5-15P (307) for connecting to incoming 115 VAC power supply cable
308—dual 115 VAC/15 A Feed-through power Outlet Module with power plug NEMA 5-15P (307) for connecting to incoming 115 VAC/15 A power supply cable, and power outlet NEMA 5-15R (309), which could be used for passing 115 VAC power to the next Module, as needed.
310—dual 115 VAC/20 A power Outlet Module with power plug NEMA 5-20P (312) for connecting to incoming 115 VAC/20 A power supply cable
311—dual 115 VAC/20 A Feed-through power Outlet Module with power plug NEMA 5-20P (312) for connecting to incoming 115 VAC/20 A power supply cable, and power outlet NEMA 5-20R (313), which could be used for passing 115 VAC power to the next Module, as needed.
314—115 VAC/15 A power Switch Module with following components: power plug NEMA 5-15P (307) for connecting to incoming 115 VAC/15 A power supply cable; 115 VAC/15 A switch; power outlet NEMA 5-15R (315) for providing switched 115 VAC/15 A power to connected load.
316—115 VAC/15 A power Switch Module, which could be used for 2-way switching installation, and which could contain the following components: power plug NEMA 5-15P (307) for connecting to incoming 115 VAC/15 A power supply cable; 115 VAC/15 A 2-way switch; power outlet NEMA 14-15R (317) for providing switched 115 VAC/15 A power to the other Switch Module (not shown) for implementation of 2-way switching.
318—115 VAC/20 A power Switch Module with following components: power plug NEMA 5-20P (320) for connecting to incoming 115 VAC/20 A power supply cable; 115 VAC/20 A switch; power outlet NEMA 5-20R (319) for providing switched 115 VAC/20 A power to connected load.
321—dual 230 VAC/20 A power Outlet Module with power plug NEMA 6-20P (322) for connecting to incoming 230 VAC/20 A power supply cable. 230 VAC/20 A outlets could be NEMA 6-20R, or other standard configuration, as required.
323—Interface Module, which could be based on providing a standard function, or custom function as needed. The number and type of inlet power plugs, as well as number and type of outlet power receptacles could be selected per respective specifications. The symbol shown, is a general symbol. For any specific application, Interface Module could be represented by a more specific symbol, which could better reflect interface capabilities of an Interface Module.
324—Power Monitoring Module, which could be designed to perform specific functions, as needed
325—3-load 115 VAC 15 A total Power Distribution Module with Power Monitoring Module. The incoming power connection could be via NEMA 5-15P (307), and power connection for each load could be via NEMA 5-15R (326). As needed, Power Monitoring Module could be designed to monitor power for each individual load, and/or total power consumed by all three loads. Power Monitor user interface could allow entry of desired limits in regard to: power consumption; power availability to each or all loads as function of real time; remote control access by other Controller within the System; etc.
327—2-load 115 VAC 15 A total Power distribution Module with Power Monitoring Module. The incoming power connection could be via NEMA 5-15P (307), and power connection for each load could be via NEMA 5-15R (326). As needed, Power Monitoring Module could be designed to monitor power for each individual load, and/or total power consumed by both loads. Power Monitor user interface could allow entry of desired limits in regard to: power consumption; power availability to each or all loads as function of real time; remote control access by other Controller within the System; etc.
344—Electrical Panel, which could have four functional sections: Power Distribution section of 115 VAC 15 A (348)—four outlets, which could be NEMA 5-15R, each protected by 115 VAC 15 A circuit-breaker switch (353); Power Distribution section of 115 VAC 20 A (349)—two outlets, which could be NEMA 5-20R, each protected by 115 VAC 20 A circuit-breaker switch (354); Power Distribution section of 230 VAC 15 A (350)—one outlet, which could be NEMA 6-15R, protected by dual 230 VAC 15 A circuit-breaker switch (355);
345—Power Monitoring and Control Module for Electrical Panel (344), which could be designed to support any combination of the following functions: monitor incoming power to Electrical Panel (344); monitor and/or control power consumption by each or all power distribution sections of (344); interface to local or remote Controller via hi-speed serial interface wired or wireless—connection (346); interface to Utility company LAN, as needed, connection (347); Power Monitor user interface could allow entry of desired limits in regard to: power consumption; power availability to each or all sections as function of real time; remote control access by other Controller within the System; etc.
351—opening in the Electrical Panel (344) enclosure for incoming power interface
352—openings in the Electrical Panel (344) enclosure for power distribution cables to exit the Electrical Panel (344) to provide power to respective Modules.
300—section of the System, which could be dedicated to real-time Power Monitoring and control of selected power outlet Modules, as shown 3 dual 115 VAC 15 A Power Outlets (357)
302—section of the System, which could be dedicated to 2-way Switching
303—115 VAC Lamp Fixture, which could be controlled via 2-way Switching Modules (316) and (318)
359—Interface cable between 2-way Switching Modules (316) and (318)
356—115 VAC Lamp Fixture, which could be controlled via single Switch Module (314)
344—main Electrical Power Distribution Panel, which could be used for this application. For simplicity, shown Panel could consist of: 115 VAC 15 A Power Distribution section—4 outlets; 115 VAC 20 A Power Distribution section—2 outlets; 230 VAC 15 A Power Distribution section—1 outlet. All Power Outlet Modules could have over-current protection devices, such as circuit-breaker switch. As needed, a GFIC circuit-breaker, and any other devices required by national and/or local safety agency, could be added. Other components are labeled as on
For simplicity, some of the FIG.s may not show:
As shown, all Modules could be fully enclosed inside a metal or plastic enclosure, which is one of important options of the new technology, in providing additional safety, even “behind the wall”. For simplicity, power interface connectors for each Module are shown per respective IEC standards, which could be more convenient than NEMA, since IEC connector are rated 230 VAC. As required, all enclosures, packaging components, etc. could be designed based on Plug-n-Power, Plug-n-Safety, Power-Proof principals, which are defined and described in this application.
FIG. 29—Illustrates 3-D view of dual 115 VAC/15 A Feed-through power Outlet Module (400) with power plug IEC320 C14 (401) for connecting to incoming 115 VAC/15 A power supply cable, and power outlet IEC320 C13 (406), which could be used for passing 115 VAC power to the next Module, as needed. Both power Outlets (404), as shown, could be NEMA 5-15R.
FIG. 30—Illustrates 3-D view of dual 115 VAC/20 A power Outlet Module (402) with power plug IEC C20 (403) for connecting to incoming 115 VAC/20 A power supply cable. Both power Outlets (405), as shown, could be NEMA 5-20R.
FIG. 31—Illustrates top view of dual 115 VAC/15 A Feed-through power Outlet Module (400) shown on
FIG. 32—Illustrates bottom view of dual 115 VAC/15 A Feed-through power Outlet Module (400) shown on
FIG. 33—Illustrates front view of dual 115 VAC/15 A Feed-through power Outlet Module (400) shown on
FIG. 34—Illustrates side view of dual 115 VAC/15 A Feed-through power Outlet Module (400) shown on
FIG. 35—Illustrates front view of dual 115 VAC/20 A power Outlet Module (402) with power plug IEC C20 (403) for connecting to incoming 115 VAC/20 A power supply cable. Both power Outlets (405), as shown, could be NEMA 5-20R.
FIG. 36—Illustrates side view of dual 115 VAC/20 A power Outlet Module (402) shown on
FIG. 37—Illustrates top view of dual 115 VAC/20 A power Outlet Module (402) shown on
FIG. 38—Illustrates 3-D view of 115 VAC/15 A power Switch Module (407) with power plug IEC320 C14 (401) for connecting to incoming 115 VAC/15 A power supply cable and power outlet IEC320 C13 (406), which could be used for connecting switched 115 VAC/15 A power to the next Module or device, as needed.
FIG. 39—Illustrates front view of 115 VAC/15 A power Switch Module (407) shown on
FIG. 40—Illustrates side view of 115 VAC/15 A power Switch Module (407) shown on
FIG. 41—Illustrates top view of 115 VAC/15 A power Switch Module (407) shown on
FIG. 42—Illustrates bottom view of 115 VAC/15 A power Switch Module (407) shown on
FIG. 43—Illustrates 3-D view of 115-230 VAC/15 A power Distribution Module (408) with power plug IEC320 C14 (401) for connecting to incoming 115-230 VAC/15 A power supply cable and six power outlets IEC320 C13 (406), which could be used for connecting 115-230 VAC/15 A power to Modules and/or devices, as needed. The illustrated design could differ from the existing designs by offering optional shielding, conditioning, environmental seal, etc.
For simplicity:
As required, the entire design of an Electrical Panel could be designed based on Plug-n-Power, Plug-n-Safety, Power-Proof principals, which are defined and described in this application.
FIG. 44—Illustrates 3-D view of an Electrical Panel (409), which could have three functional sections: Power Distribution section of 115 VAC 15 A—ten outlets, which could be NEMA 5-15R, each protected by 115 VAC 15 A circuit-breaker switch; Power Distribution section of 115 VAC 20 A—four outlets, which could be NEMA 5-20R, each protected by 115 VAC 20 A circuit-breaker switch; Power Monitoring and Control Module for Electrical Panel (413), which could be designed to support any combination of the following functions: monitor incoming power to Electrical Panel (409); monitor and/or control power consumption by each or all power distribution sections of (409); interface to local or remote Controller via hi-speed serial interface wired or wireless—connection (414); interface to Utility company LAN, as needed, connection (415); Power Monitor user interface could allow entry of desired limits in regard to: power consumption; power availability to each or all sections as function of real time; remote control access by other Controller within the System; etc.
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
411—opening in the Electrical Panel (409) enclosure for incoming power interface
412—openings in the Electrical Panel (344) enclosure for power distribution cables to exit the Electrical Panel (409) to provide power to respective Modules.
410—Front Cover of Electrical Panel (409) with a see-through window (416), which could be used for viewing status of the Power Monitor (413), when Front Cover (410) is installed
FIG. 45—Illustrates 3-D view of an Electrical Panel (409) without the front cover
FIG. 46—Illustrates front view of an Electrical Panel (409) without front cover.
FIG. elements are labeled as follows:
417—115 VAC/15 A Power Module, which could include: 115 VAC/15 A disconnect breaker (418), NEMA 5-15R outlet (404), etc.
421—115 VAC/20 A Power Module, which could include: 115 VAC/20 A disconnect breaker (422), NEMA 5-20R outlet (405), etc.
420—one of the sections, which could be used for routing power cables connected to the Panel (409) to various loads, such as: Power Modules, etc.
Remaining elements are labeled same as on
FIG. 47—Illustrates top view of an Electrical Panel (409)
FIG. 48—Illustrates front view of an Electrical Panel (409)
We claim the benefits of Provisional Application No. 60/931,792 filed on May 25, 2007, title “Modular power distribution and interface system”, and Provisional Application No. 61/002,964 filed on Nov. 14, 2007, title “Modular power distribution and control system”.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6380862 | Karim et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6538421 | Carpenter | Mar 2003 | B1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20080291607 A1 | Nov 2008 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60931792 | May 2007 | US | |
| 61002964 | Nov 2007 | US |
