Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Plural load circuit systems – Selectively connected or controlled load circuits
Patent
1997-01-28
1999-05-11
Elms, Richard T.
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Plural load circuit systems
Selectively connected or controlled load circuits
235382, 307 91, 34031006, H02J1/00
Patent
active
059030640
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a distribution network comprising electric wires for distributing electric current, a plurality of tap-off facilities with at least one socket means for tapping off electric current to optional power-consuming units, and a central computer unit communicating with the individual tap-off facilities.
The invention also relates to a device and a method for permitting and preventing the supply of current from the network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For self-evident reasons, distribution networks are stationary installations and this is reflected by the manner in which electric energy has been charged. Thus, groups of tap-off facilities in the form of socket means and/or stationary installations, for instance in a house property or a flat, have been connected to the distribution network via an electricity meter, and for each electricity meter a physical or juristical person has been liable for payment. Concurrently with an increased use of electric appliances and machinery and the continued development of electrically driven vehicles, the individual users will in future have an increased need of using electric energy also outside the place where they live and their place of work. For instance, there will be a great demand for "filling stations" for electric cars.
By using a differentiated charging system, in which an individual user pays for the electric energy consumed, independently of the geographic point at which the consumption takes place, it would, for example, be possible to arrange tap-off facilities in conjunction with parking places and the like, such that the person at the time using a parking place can use the time of stoppage to recharge the batteries of the car and/or heat the passenger compartment before starting in a cold climate or in cold weather, or cooling the compartment in a warm climate. Customers in such a power-charging system would probably be prepared to pay a higher price of energy for increased accessibility of electric energy.
It is known to communicate from a central computer with individual electricity meters via signals superimposed on the distribution network, thereby obtaining additional functions and supplying the customers with additional services. For instance, it is possible to accomplish, by such a system, the reading of individual electricity meters directly from the central computer, or to provide electricity meters with card readers, as disclosed in e.g. GB 2,107,093, thereby facilitating the charging of consumed electric energy. By means of push buttons in the electricity meter cupboard it is also possible for the user to communicate with the central computer and, for instance, request activation of an external current circuit, such as request from the house or flat switching-on of electric heating in a weekend cottage or the like. Such a system implies, however, merely that an individual electricity meter is identifiable and that the person liable for payment of the electricity meter is charged with the consumed electric energy. Thus, charging is still effected in respect of a fixed geographic point.
SE 9202514-7 discloses the controlling of a group of tap-off facilities, which are arranged e.g. at a parking place or a caravan site, from a control board. In such an establishment, the user is obliged to walk to the control board, identify himself by means of a charge card or the like and, via a set of buttons, select which tap-off facility/facilities he wishes to use and pay the electricity charges therefor. Communication between the control board and the respective tap-off facilities is intended to occur via radio signals or data circuits especially arranged for the purpose. By the user being obliged to be present at the control board for identification and selection of tap-off facilities, such establishments must, of course, be restricted to a small area. Moreover, the user will obtain but little safety, since his plug can easily be removed by an unauthorised person who may then put his own plug into the socket and so "steal" ele
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Elms Richard T.
Vattenfall AB (Public)
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