An intelligent electrical switch comprising a conventional mechanical switch connected to a computer system in communication with an external device and receiving instructions therefrom. The switch may be installed in an existing circuit to replace one switch in a multi-way wiring geometry, and includes a sensor detecting current on the neutral line. By determining the circuit state, the switch can determine whether, when instructions are received wirelessly to power the circuit on or off, the mechanical switch element should be toggled.

Systems and methods for the creation of a centrally controlled DC and AC power rail system within a structure. The rails utilize a centralized controller along with a plurality of distributed controllers to allow for power in the rails to be selectively distributed or not distributed to outlets attached to the rails. This allows for power to be distributed without the need for users to utilize hardwired switches, but to instead utilize generally wireless switch modules, which may be implemented in hardware and/or software to control the outlets. It also allows for devices designed to utilize DC power to be directly supplied with such power from the DC power rail without the need to include onboard AC-DC converters with each device.

Energy allocation system comprises a solar panel system and a local energy storage system, each capable of being plugged into a power socket of a home grid and each having a communication unit. The system further comprises a control unit, comprising a third communication unit, configured to receive the information relating to the solar panel system, and the information relating to the energy storage system via said communication units, and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine, based on the received information, an allocation of energy in the home grid to the energy storage system, and to accordingly generate a control signal for the energy storage system. The third communication unit is further configured to transmit the generated control signal to the energy storage system.

Energy allocation system comprises a solar panel system and a local energy storage system, each capable of being plugged into a power socket of a home grid and each having a communication unit. The system further comprises a control unit, comprising a third communication unit, configured to receive the information relating to the solar panel system, and the information relating to the energy storage system via said communication units, and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine, based on the received information, an allocation of energy in the home grid to the energy storage system, and to accordingly generate a control signal for the energy storage system. The third communication unit is further configured to transmit the generated control signal to the energy storage system.

A system for controlling an electricity supply to a load comprises at least one battery for storing energy. The system also comprises a controller for determining when to switch between a first mode wherein electricity is supplied to the load from a mains electricity circuit; and a discharging mode wherein electricity is supplied from the battery to the load via the mains electricity circuit. The determining is based on information associated with the electricity supply.

A tethered aircraft or balloon carrying a communications base station for rapid deployment in emergency situations. Electrical power is delivered from a generator on the ground using a pulsed electrical supply system in which each power pulse is delivered over a cable and acknowledged, and pulses only continue to be delivered whilst such acknowledgements are received by the ground station. This reduces the risks associated with delivering electrical power over an aerial tether, and avoids the need for an earth (ground) connection, reducing the risk from lightning.

A plurality of power adapters configured to apply power to loads is described. The plurality of power adapters may comprise a first power adapter configured to apply power to a first load, the first power adapter having a first recess for receiving a first module that is removably attached to the first recess; a second power adapter configured to apply power to a second load, the second power adapter having a second recess for receiving a second module that is removably attached to the second recess; and a control device adapted to identify the first power adapter and the second power adapter; wherein the control device is adapted to map the first power adapter and the second power adapter based upon locations of the first power adapter and the second power adapter.

The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for recommending one or more control schemes for controlling peak loading conditions and abrupt changes in energy pricing of one or more built environments associated with renewable energy sources. The computer-implemented method includes collection of a first set of statistical data, fetching of a second set of statistical data, accumulation of a third set of statistical data, reception of a fourth set of statistical data and gathering of fifth set of statistical data. Further, the computer-implemented method includes analysis of the first set of statistical data, the second set of statistical data, the third set of statistical data, the fourth set of statistical data and the fifth set of statistical data. In addition, the computer-implemented method includes recommendation of one or more control schemes to a plurality of energy consuming devices and a plurality of energy storage and supply means.

A power control device is contained within a housing and has an electric current sensor configured to measure current passing through an electric outlet during a time period, a proximity sensor configured to detect a distance of an object relative to the electric outlet during the time period, a relay switch that can open or close to stop or conduct current through a circuit in the electric outlet in response to a command, and a wireless network interface in communication with the electric current sensor and the proximity sensor, the wireless network interface configured to transmit and receive data from the current sensor and the proximity sensor, to transmit commands to the relay switch, transmit the data to a computing device, and receive commands from the computing device.

A system of electrical distribution within a building, which selectively energizes power sockets only when an appliance is connected to the socket and in need of power.