Power-Outage Sensing Apparatus

Abstract

The apparatus is for use with a grid-linked facility and an alarm functionality. The grid-linked facility is of the type having a building containing an electrical load; and a breaker connected to the load and to the grid. The alarm functionality includes electronics adapted to produce information, the information being responsive to the availability of grid power downstream of the breaker; and transmission functionality adapted to receive information and to send received information beyond the building, the transmission functionality being coupled in use to the electronics for the receipt of information therefrom. The apparatus comprises a sensing functionality disposed in use upstream of the breaker; and circuitry coupled in use to the sensing functionality and the transmission functionality to deliver information associated with the availability of grid power upstream of the breaker to the transmission functionality.

Claims

1. Apparatus for use with a grid-linked facility and an alarm functionality, the grid-linked facility being of the type having: a building containing an electrical load; and a breaker connected to the load and to the grid, the alarm functionality including: electronics adapted to produce information, the information being responsive to the availability of grid power downstream of the breaker; and transmission functionality adapted to receive information from the electronics and to send received information beyond the building, the transmission functionality being coupled in use to the electronics for the receipt of information therefrom, the apparatus comprising: a sensing functionality disposed in use upstream of the breaker; and circuitry coupled in use to the sensing functionality and the transmission functionality to deliver information associated with the availability of grid power upstream of the breaker to the transmission functionality.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circuitry is coupled in use to the sensing functionality, the electronics and the transmission functionality and is adapted to deliver information to the transmission functionality responsive to the loss of grid power upstream of the breaker before loss of power downstream of the breaker.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the circuitry is coupled in use to the sensing functionality, the electronics and the transmission functionality and is adapted to deliver information to the transmission functionality responsive to the loss of grid power before the main power disconnect of the building.

4. A consumer package comprising: apparatus according to claim 3; and battery storage that is coupled in use to the grid downstream of the breaker to be charged when the grid is active.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sensing functionality comprises a non-contact voltage sensor adapted to sense EMI associated with the availability of grid power upstream of the breaker.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the power outage sensing apparatus;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the power outage sensing apparatus;

[0016] FIG. 3 is circuit diagram showing certain aspects of the first embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing additional aspects of the first embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing yet additional aspects of the first embodiment of FIG. 1; and

[0019] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing even additional aspects of the first embodiment of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Two exemplary embodiments of the invention are hereinafter described, as illustrated schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0021] Each embodiment is defined by a commercial package and is utilized with a grid-linked facility having: a building containing an electrical load; and a breaker connected to the load and to the grid.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the first embodiment is used with an alarm functionality that includes: electronics adapted to produce information, the information being responsive to the availability of grid power downstream of the breaker; and transmission functionality adapted to receive information and to send received information beyond the building, the transmission functionality being coupled in use to the electronics for the receipt of information therefrom.

[0023] This consumer package comprises:

[0024] a sensing functionality disposed in use upstream of the breaker and defined at least in part by a non-contact voltage sensor;

[0025] circuitry coupled in use to the sensing functionality, the transmission functionality and the electronics and adapted to deliver information to the transmission functionality responsive to the loss of grid power upstream of the breaker before loss of power downstream of the breaker, specifically, before the main power disconnect of the building; and

[0026] battery storage that is coupled in use to the grid downstream of the breaker to be charged when the grid is active.

[0027] FIGS. 3-6 show more detailed aspects of the first embodiment, which are known to be useful in association with unmanned facilities having a wide variety of alarm management systems and a wide variety of power feeds.

[0028] With reference go FIG. 2, the second embodiment comprises:

[0029] a sensing functionality disposed in use upstream of the breaker;

[0030] transmission functionality adapted to receive information and to send received information using a cellular network beyond the facility;

[0031] circuitry coupled in use to the sensing functionality and the transmission functionality and is adapted to deliver information to the transmission functionality responsive to the loss of grid power upstream of the breaker; and

[0032] battery storage that is coupled in use to the grid downstream of the breaker to be charged when the grid is active.

[0033] In both embodiments, the operator of the unmanned facility is provided with information indicative of the loss of grid, rather than facility, power, and can therefore arrange for the power provider to troubleshoot the grid power loss.

[0034] The second embodiment, by virtue of the inclusion of a cellular transceiver and the reliance upon the non-contact voltage sensor, only, is more costly and less reliable than the former, but can be useful in situations wherein the unmanned facility is not already protected by an alarm service.

[0035] Whereas two specific embodiments are described, variations are possible. Accordingly, the invention should be understood to be limited only by the accompanying claims, purposively construed.

[0036] Whereas a single embodiment is herein shown and described, variations are possible. Accordingly, the invention should be understood to be limited only by the accompanying claims, purposively construed.

[0037] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that which is specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.